WP
By Sally Jenkins
Wednesday, June 29, 2005; Page E01
Some Republican lawmakers don't think George Soros should be permitted to purchase a Major League Baseball team because he's too liberal and he has some wacky notions. I must have been napping, and that's why I missed the part where we became a country in which Democrats are no longer allowed to buy things.
If lawmakers start banning people from owning ballclubs just because of their politics or because they have a few woo-woo ideas, there are going to be a lot of shuttered ballparks. Anybody who tries to say that MLB owners should meet a certain standard of political correctness will get knocked back on their butts every time by two simple words: Marge Schott.
It was all right for Schott, the racist collector of Nazi memorabilia, to own a baseball team for years, but it's not for Soros, the billion-dollar philanthropist and Nobel Prize nominee?
Thursday, June 30, 2005
ACLU Calls on California Governor to End Surveillance of Peaceful Protesters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN FRANCISCO -- Following revelations that an intelligence unit recently spied on a peace rally organized by families of slain American soldiers, the American Civil Liberties Union today called on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to take immediate steps to stop the California National Guard from spying on people who engage in peaceful protest. The ACLU also filed a California Public Records Act request with both the governor and the California National Guard seeking documents relating to the peace rally and the Intelligence Unit.
"We were shocked to read that a small group of mothers, grandmothers and their supporters were the target of a National Guard terrorist unit," said Mark Schlosberg, Police Practices Policy Director of the ACLU of Northern California. "We fear that the surveillance of the Mother’s Day peace rally is just the tip of the iceberg and urge the governor to take immediate action to prevent this from happening again."
The Mother’s Day incident was revealed in the San Jose Mercury News, which disclosed that a handful of peaceful, anti-war protesters at the Sacramento Capitol were spied on by a special intelligence unit of the National Guard. The May 8 rally was organized by Gold Star Families for Peace, Raging Grannies, and Code Pink.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Following revelations that an intelligence unit recently spied on a peace rally organized by families of slain American soldiers, the American Civil Liberties Union today called on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to take immediate steps to stop the California National Guard from spying on people who engage in peaceful protest. The ACLU also filed a California Public Records Act request with both the governor and the California National Guard seeking documents relating to the peace rally and the Intelligence Unit.
"We were shocked to read that a small group of mothers, grandmothers and their supporters were the target of a National Guard terrorist unit," said Mark Schlosberg, Police Practices Policy Director of the ACLU of Northern California. "We fear that the surveillance of the Mother’s Day peace rally is just the tip of the iceberg and urge the governor to take immediate action to prevent this from happening again."
The Mother’s Day incident was revealed in the San Jose Mercury News, which disclosed that a handful of peaceful, anti-war protesters at the Sacramento Capitol were spied on by a special intelligence unit of the National Guard. The May 8 rally was organized by Gold Star Families for Peace, Raging Grannies, and Code Pink.
Harness Racing Results for 06-30-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (71)
Place (29)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (22)
****************************
Maywood Park
Race # 1
Horse: CASH IS TERRIFIC (Won)
Post Position: # 1
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 3
Horse: WESTERN ACE (Won)
Post Position: # 1
Race # 10
Horse: CRAZY CHARACTER (Place)
Post Position: # 3
Win (71)
Place (29)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (22)
****************************
Maywood Park
Race # 1
Horse: CASH IS TERRIFIC (Won)
Post Position: # 1
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 3
Horse: WESTERN ACE (Won)
Post Position: # 1
Race # 10
Horse: CRAZY CHARACTER (Place)
Post Position: # 3
52 House members file FOIA request seeking documents related to Downing Street minutes
RAW STORY
Conyers and 51 Members File FOIA Request on Downing Street Minutes; Members Formally Seek Hearings in House
Representative John Conyers, Jr., (D-MI) House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, along with 51 other Members today submitted a broad and comprehensive FOIA request to the White House, the Department of Defense, and the Department of State seeking any and all documents and materials concerning the Downing Street Minutes and the lead up to the Iraq war, RAW STORY has learned.
In addition, the Members also formally requested that the House Committees on Judiciary, Armed Services, International Relations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence commence hearings on the Downing Street Minutes
Conyers and 51 Members File FOIA Request on Downing Street Minutes; Members Formally Seek Hearings in House
Representative John Conyers, Jr., (D-MI) House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, along with 51 other Members today submitted a broad and comprehensive FOIA request to the White House, the Department of Defense, and the Department of State seeking any and all documents and materials concerning the Downing Street Minutes and the lead up to the Iraq war, RAW STORY has learned.
In addition, the Members also formally requested that the House Committees on Judiciary, Armed Services, International Relations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence commence hearings on the Downing Street Minutes
Right-Wing Christians Meeting Up in Florida for July 4th Celebration.
Baynews 9
SNIP
The Rev. Phelps, pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, does not attend the funerals to comfort family members, however.
He is there to express thanks for the soldiers' deaths.
Phelps and his followers believe that the deaths of American soldiers is God's retribution for society's acceptance of gay Americans.
Although Phelps says he's targeting servicemen and women of all sexual orientations, he's perhaps best known for showing up with vicious signs at the funerals of AIDS victims, as well as gay victims of a hate crimes.
SNIP
The Rev. Phelps, pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, does not attend the funerals to comfort family members, however.
He is there to express thanks for the soldiers' deaths.
Phelps and his followers believe that the deaths of American soldiers is God's retribution for society's acceptance of gay Americans.
Although Phelps says he's targeting servicemen and women of all sexual orientations, he's perhaps best known for showing up with vicious signs at the funerals of AIDS victims, as well as gay victims of a hate crimes.
Chinese president visits Russia for talks on strategic partnership
MOSCOW (AP) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Russia on Thursday and is expected to bolster ties with Beijing's former rival in hopes of quadrupling their trade turnover to up to $80 billion a year by 2010.
...
Hu's trip reflects the strategic importance Beijing places on ties with its giant neighbor. He said his talks with President Vladimir Putin would likely "push our relations of strategic partnership forward,'' according to an interview carried by the ITAR-Tass news agency.
Hu and Putin were to sign a declaration reaffirming their nations' call for respecting international law and establishing a stronger U.N. role internationally, a Kremlin official said on condition of anonymity.
After decades of rivalry, Moscow and Beijing have developed what they call a strategic partnership since the 1991 Soviet collapse. They have pledged their adherence to a "multipolar world,'' a term referring to their opposition to the perceived domination of the United States in global affairs.
The two leaders were also expected to speak out against attempts to monopolize decision-making in international affairs and "impose models of social development from outside,'' the Kremlin official said Thursday.
...
Hu's trip reflects the strategic importance Beijing places on ties with its giant neighbor. He said his talks with President Vladimir Putin would likely "push our relations of strategic partnership forward,'' according to an interview carried by the ITAR-Tass news agency.
Hu and Putin were to sign a declaration reaffirming their nations' call for respecting international law and establishing a stronger U.N. role internationally, a Kremlin official said on condition of anonymity.
After decades of rivalry, Moscow and Beijing have developed what they call a strategic partnership since the 1991 Soviet collapse. They have pledged their adherence to a "multipolar world,'' a term referring to their opposition to the perceived domination of the United States in global affairs.
The two leaders were also expected to speak out against attempts to monopolize decision-making in international affairs and "impose models of social development from outside,'' the Kremlin official said Thursday.
Harness Racing Picks for 06-30-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (69)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (22)
****************************
Maywood Park
Race # 1
Horse: CASH IS TERRIFIC
Post Position: # 1
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 3
Horse: WESTERN ACE
Post Position: # 1
Race # 10
Horse: CRAZY CHARACTER
Post Position: # 3
Win (69)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (22)
****************************
Maywood Park
Race # 1
Horse: CASH IS TERRIFIC
Post Position: # 1
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 3
Horse: WESTERN ACE
Post Position: # 1
Race # 10
Horse: CRAZY CHARACTER
Post Position: # 3
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
China's two-pronged offensive
Asia Times
Last week, China flexed its muscles in the economic and military spheres, setting off a flurry of reactions in Washington that threaten to complicate Sino-American relations and reveal long-term risks for the globalization process.
China's stepped-up assertiveness on the world stage came in the form of bids by Chinese businesses to acquire US appliance manufacturer Maytag and oil company Unocal, as well as Beijing's test firing of its most advanced and longest-range intercontinental missile, the JL-2. Those moves spurred protests in the US Congress that, in turn, were met by ambivalent responses from the George W Bush administration, which is cross-pressured by conflicting interests.
Following the acquisition in May of IBM's personal computer business by China's Lenovo Group, the bid for Maytag by Haier America Trading - the US arm of appliance giant Haier - and the move to acquire Unocal by China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) mark a new stage in Beijing's export-driven strategy of economic development that is geared to make China an "all-round" great power with state-of-the-art industries in all strategic sectors over the next 20 years.
The test of the JL-2 missile, which has a 6,000 mile (9,656 kilometer) range, advances toward Beijing's aim of enhancing China's military capabilities in order to make the country the dominant power in East and Southeast Asia, gradually eroding US influence.
Both the economic and military moves show that Beijing's geostrategy is firmly in place and that the Chinese political class is confident the strategy is working.
Last week, China flexed its muscles in the economic and military spheres, setting off a flurry of reactions in Washington that threaten to complicate Sino-American relations and reveal long-term risks for the globalization process.
China's stepped-up assertiveness on the world stage came in the form of bids by Chinese businesses to acquire US appliance manufacturer Maytag and oil company Unocal, as well as Beijing's test firing of its most advanced and longest-range intercontinental missile, the JL-2. Those moves spurred protests in the US Congress that, in turn, were met by ambivalent responses from the George W Bush administration, which is cross-pressured by conflicting interests.
Following the acquisition in May of IBM's personal computer business by China's Lenovo Group, the bid for Maytag by Haier America Trading - the US arm of appliance giant Haier - and the move to acquire Unocal by China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) mark a new stage in Beijing's export-driven strategy of economic development that is geared to make China an "all-round" great power with state-of-the-art industries in all strategic sectors over the next 20 years.
The test of the JL-2 missile, which has a 6,000 mile (9,656 kilometer) range, advances toward Beijing's aim of enhancing China's military capabilities in order to make the country the dominant power in East and Southeast Asia, gradually eroding US influence.
Both the economic and military moves show that Beijing's geostrategy is firmly in place and that the Chinese political class is confident the strategy is working.
Harness Racing Results for 06-29-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (69)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (22)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 1
Horse: CHAI SIGN (Won)
Post Position: # 4
Race # 10
Horse: SIMPLY HONEY (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 6
Win (69)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (22)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 1
Horse: CHAI SIGN (Won)
Post Position: # 4
Race # 10
Horse: SIMPLY HONEY (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 6
Generation Chickenhawk: The College Republican National Convention
The Nation
As I settled in my seat for an afternoon of speeches at the College Republican National Convention, I felt something crunch. It was an empty can of Busch Light, one of many strewn across the paisley-carpeted floor of the banquet hall in northern Virginia's Crystal City Gateway Marriott. All around me sat the Republican Party's future leaders: fresh-faced, nondescript white guys in blue suits, and slender blond girls in miniskirts and snug-fitting blazers, some with halter tops underneath. Later, these conservative cadres would vote for the next chairman of the College Republican National Committee (CRNC). It was the closest race since 1973, when a bespectacled boy genius named Karl Rove was elected.
On June 24 conventiongoers were treated to speeches from conservative stars like House majority leader Tom DeLay; antitax zealot Grover Norquist, who called Senator John McCain a "nut job" for compromising on Bush's judge picks; and black right-winger Jesse Lee Peterson, who announced that "most black people--not all, but most--can't think for themselves." The high point of the day, however, belonged to the movement's favorite red-diaper baby, David Horowitz. Horowitz reminded his fawning audience that he could "be sitting at home in the coastal mountains of California, watching horses and rabbits run across my neighbor's yard." Instead he chose to appear for free before a bunch of College Republicans because, as he told them, "The future of the free peoples of the world depends on the Republican Party--and ultimately it depends on you."
In the past year, Horowitz has barnstormed universities across the country, organizing smear campaigns against leftist professors, advising conservative students on tactics to harass their perceived opponents and all the while raking in massive lecture fees. At the College Republicans' convention, Horowitz harped on his time-tested theme: "Universities are a base of the left. Universities are a base for terrorism."
To prove his point, Horowitz singled out Sami Al-Arian, a former University of South Florida professor on trial for allegedly funneling money to Palestinian terror groups through his now-defunct think tank. Horowitz neglected to mention that Norquist, the College Republicans' former executive director and a speaker earlier that morning, funded Al-Arian's think tank through his own Islamic Institute, which he founded with seed money from Qatar, Kuwait and other Middle Eastern sources, including a self-described supporter of Hezbollah, Abdurahman Almoudi. Horowitz was also mum about Al-Arian's private June 2001 briefing with Karl Rove, who last week accused liberals of wanting "to offer therapy and understanding" for the 9/11 attackers. Nor did Horowitz mention the photo-op that candidate George W. Bush posed for with Al-Arian during the 2000 campaign. Nor did he note that Al-Arian boasted that he helped win the state of Florida for Bush by pulling its 90,000 Muslim votes into the Republican column.
As I settled in my seat for an afternoon of speeches at the College Republican National Convention, I felt something crunch. It was an empty can of Busch Light, one of many strewn across the paisley-carpeted floor of the banquet hall in northern Virginia's Crystal City Gateway Marriott. All around me sat the Republican Party's future leaders: fresh-faced, nondescript white guys in blue suits, and slender blond girls in miniskirts and snug-fitting blazers, some with halter tops underneath. Later, these conservative cadres would vote for the next chairman of the College Republican National Committee (CRNC). It was the closest race since 1973, when a bespectacled boy genius named Karl Rove was elected.
On June 24 conventiongoers were treated to speeches from conservative stars like House majority leader Tom DeLay; antitax zealot Grover Norquist, who called Senator John McCain a "nut job" for compromising on Bush's judge picks; and black right-winger Jesse Lee Peterson, who announced that "most black people--not all, but most--can't think for themselves." The high point of the day, however, belonged to the movement's favorite red-diaper baby, David Horowitz. Horowitz reminded his fawning audience that he could "be sitting at home in the coastal mountains of California, watching horses and rabbits run across my neighbor's yard." Instead he chose to appear for free before a bunch of College Republicans because, as he told them, "The future of the free peoples of the world depends on the Republican Party--and ultimately it depends on you."
In the past year, Horowitz has barnstormed universities across the country, organizing smear campaigns against leftist professors, advising conservative students on tactics to harass their perceived opponents and all the while raking in massive lecture fees. At the College Republicans' convention, Horowitz harped on his time-tested theme: "Universities are a base of the left. Universities are a base for terrorism."
To prove his point, Horowitz singled out Sami Al-Arian, a former University of South Florida professor on trial for allegedly funneling money to Palestinian terror groups through his now-defunct think tank. Horowitz neglected to mention that Norquist, the College Republicans' former executive director and a speaker earlier that morning, funded Al-Arian's think tank through his own Islamic Institute, which he founded with seed money from Qatar, Kuwait and other Middle Eastern sources, including a self-described supporter of Hezbollah, Abdurahman Almoudi. Horowitz was also mum about Al-Arian's private June 2001 briefing with Karl Rove, who last week accused liberals of wanting "to offer therapy and understanding" for the 9/11 attackers. Nor did Horowitz mention the photo-op that candidate George W. Bush posed for with Al-Arian during the 2000 campaign. Nor did he note that Al-Arian boasted that he helped win the state of Florida for Bush by pulling its 90,000 Muslim votes into the Republican column.
Iraqi Forms Political Front for Insurgents
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A Sunni Arab politician who brokered secret talks between American officials and insurgents said Wednesday he has formed a group to give political voice to Iraqi fighters, and demanded a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal.
The announcement marked the most serious effort to date to draw disenfranchised Sunnis into the political process. Former Cabinet member Ayham al-Samarie, a dual Iraq-U.S. citizen, is thought to have strong tribal links throughout the Sunni triangle, where the Sunni branch of the insurgency is concentrated.
Al-Samarie's announcement follows confirmation from American officials including Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld that the U.S. has negotiated with insurgents.
Sunnis are thought to make up the backbone of an insurgency that has killed about 1,370 people — mostly civilians and Iraqi forces — since Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari announced his Shiite-led government April 28.
Ayham al-Samarie speaks at a press conference, in Baghdad, Iraq Wednesday June 29, 2005. Al-Samarie, a dual Iraq-U.S. citizen and former electricity minister of Iraq, announced the creation of the National Council for Unity and Construction of Iraq, a political front to represent the demands of an umbrella group of insurgents demanding a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal and an end to all military offensives in Iraqi cities.
The announcement marked the most serious effort to date to draw disenfranchised Sunnis into the political process. Former Cabinet member Ayham al-Samarie, a dual Iraq-U.S. citizen, is thought to have strong tribal links throughout the Sunni triangle, where the Sunni branch of the insurgency is concentrated.
Al-Samarie's announcement follows confirmation from American officials including Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld that the U.S. has negotiated with insurgents.
Sunnis are thought to make up the backbone of an insurgency that has killed about 1,370 people — mostly civilians and Iraqi forces — since Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari announced his Shiite-led government April 28.
Ayham al-Samarie speaks at a press conference, in Baghdad, Iraq Wednesday June 29, 2005. Al-Samarie, a dual Iraq-U.S. citizen and former electricity minister of Iraq, announced the creation of the National Council for Unity and Construction of Iraq, a political front to represent the demands of an umbrella group of insurgents demanding a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal and an end to all military offensives in Iraqi cities.
Second Case of Mad Cow Traced to Texas
WASHINGTON - The second U.S. case of mad cow disease was a cow from Texas killed last November, two government officials said Wednesday.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Agriculture Department planned an announcement later, said USDA officials traced the infected cow to a rendering plant for animals unfit for human consumption.
The Agriculture Department confirmed the case on Friday but had to wait for DNA analysis to confirm the cow's origin. Tracing the cow proved difficult the animal's breed was mislabeled and its tissues got mixed with parts from other cows. It was killed at a pet food plant.
Officials suspected last November that the cow was infected because initial screening had indicated the presence of the disease. But more sophisticated tests came back negative, and officials announced then that the suspect cow was free of the ailment.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Agriculture Department planned an announcement later, said USDA officials traced the infected cow to a rendering plant for animals unfit for human consumption.
The Agriculture Department confirmed the case on Friday but had to wait for DNA analysis to confirm the cow's origin. Tracing the cow proved difficult the animal's breed was mislabeled and its tissues got mixed with parts from other cows. It was killed at a pet food plant.
Officials suspected last November that the cow was infected because initial screening had indicated the presence of the disease. But more sophisticated tests came back negative, and officials announced then that the suspect cow was free of the ailment.
DeLay inquiry set to move; GOP ethics chairman backs down
The Republican Chairman of the House Ethics Committee has retreated on a bid to have his chief of staff become co-director for the Committee, paving the way for ethics investigations of House members, including House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX), RAW STORY has learned.
In a letter to members of Congress today, Ethics Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA)indicated he will retreat from a plan to have his personal chief of staff Ed Cassidy serve as co-director of the committee.
The move is a breakthrough for Democrats, who have demanded all aspects of the committee remain bipartisan. Once a chief counsel is selected, the committee can organize and begin investigations into House members, including Republican leader DeLay
In a letter to members of Congress today, Ethics Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA)indicated he will retreat from a plan to have his personal chief of staff Ed Cassidy serve as co-director of the committee.
The move is a breakthrough for Democrats, who have demanded all aspects of the committee remain bipartisan. Once a chief counsel is selected, the committee can organize and begin investigations into House members, including Republican leader DeLay
Harness Racing Picks for 06-29-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (68)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (21)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 1
Horse: CHAI SIGN
Post Position: # 4
Race # 10
Horse: SIMPLY HONEY
Post Position: # 6
Win (68)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (21)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 1
Horse: CHAI SIGN
Post Position: # 4
Race # 10
Horse: SIMPLY HONEY
Post Position: # 6
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Harness Racing Results for 06-28-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (68)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (21)
****************************
Balmoral Park
Race # 9
Horse: LOYAL OPPOSITION (Won)
Post Position: # 5
Win (68)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (21)
****************************
Balmoral Park
Race # 9
Horse: LOYAL OPPOSITION (Won)
Post Position: # 5
Iraqi leader denies rebel talks
BBC
Iraq's president has denied his government has talked to insurgents, contradicting an earlier claim by US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
"The Iraqi government has nothing to do with the negotiations with insurgents," Jalal Talabani said on Tuesday.
He spoke to reporters to mark the first anniversary of the US handover of power to an Iraqi government.
There was no let-up in violence on the anniversary, which saw Iraq's oldest lawmaker killed by a suicide bomber.
Dhari al-Fayadh, 87, died with his son and three bodyguards when the car bomb hit their convoy in northern Baghdad.
He is the second MP to die in renewed violence following the installation of an elected government in April.
More than 1,000 people - mostly Iraqis - have been killed since the government was formed.
Negotiations denied
Mr Rumsfeld said at the weekend the US regularly "facilitates" meetings between Iraqi officials and insurgents.
But he downplayed their significance, saying "I wouldn't make a big deal of it."
Mr Talabani flatly denied the claim, saying if the Americans were negotiating with the insurgents, "it's up to them".
The controversy is unwelcome news for US President George Bush, who is delivering a major speech to mark the anniversary, the BBC's world affairs correspondent Nick Childs says.
Opinion polls in the US suggest support for the presence of American troops in Iraq is dwindling, with 56% of respondents disapproving of the administration's Iraq policy.
Iraq's president has denied his government has talked to insurgents, contradicting an earlier claim by US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
"The Iraqi government has nothing to do with the negotiations with insurgents," Jalal Talabani said on Tuesday.
He spoke to reporters to mark the first anniversary of the US handover of power to an Iraqi government.
There was no let-up in violence on the anniversary, which saw Iraq's oldest lawmaker killed by a suicide bomber.
Dhari al-Fayadh, 87, died with his son and three bodyguards when the car bomb hit their convoy in northern Baghdad.
He is the second MP to die in renewed violence following the installation of an elected government in April.
More than 1,000 people - mostly Iraqis - have been killed since the government was formed.
Negotiations denied
Mr Rumsfeld said at the weekend the US regularly "facilitates" meetings between Iraqi officials and insurgents.
But he downplayed their significance, saying "I wouldn't make a big deal of it."
Mr Talabani flatly denied the claim, saying if the Americans were negotiating with the insurgents, "it's up to them".
The controversy is unwelcome news for US President George Bush, who is delivering a major speech to mark the anniversary, the BBC's world affairs correspondent Nick Childs says.
Opinion polls in the US suggest support for the presence of American troops in Iraq is dwindling, with 56% of respondents disapproving of the administration's Iraq policy.
Head GOP Nutcase Calls GOP Senator McCain Nutjob
LINK
Speaking before a group of college-aged Republicans, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay decried recent attacks by prominent Democrats as "jaw-dropping and unprecedented in my lifetime."
Speaking to the same group a few hours later, party strategist Grover Norquist lambasted three Republicans who broke party ranks over the issue of judicial filibusters. He referred to them as "the two girls from Maine and the nut-job from Arizona" - Sens. Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe and John McCain.
The Democratic National Committee responded Friday by accusing older Republicans of "passing the torch of corruption" to their college recruits. "It is a bad sign that these young political activists are looking up to these disgraced leaders," Grant Woodward, president of College Democrats, said in a written statement.
Speaking before a group of college-aged Republicans, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay decried recent attacks by prominent Democrats as "jaw-dropping and unprecedented in my lifetime."
Speaking to the same group a few hours later, party strategist Grover Norquist lambasted three Republicans who broke party ranks over the issue of judicial filibusters. He referred to them as "the two girls from Maine and the nut-job from Arizona" - Sens. Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe and John McCain.
The Democratic National Committee responded Friday by accusing older Republicans of "passing the torch of corruption" to their college recruits. "It is a bad sign that these young political activists are looking up to these disgraced leaders," Grant Woodward, president of College Democrats, said in a written statement.
Speaking before a group of college-aged Republicans, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay decried recent attacks by prominent Democrats as "jaw-dropping and unprecedented in my lifetime."
Speaking to the same group a few hours later, party strategist Grover Norquist lambasted three Republicans who broke party ranks over the issue of judicial filibusters. He referred to them as "the two girls from Maine and the nut-job from Arizona" - Sens. Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe and John McCain.
The Democratic National Committee responded Friday by accusing older Republicans of "passing the torch of corruption" to their college recruits. "It is a bad sign that these young political activists are looking up to these disgraced leaders," Grant Woodward, president of College Democrats, said in a written statement.
Speaking before a group of college-aged Republicans, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay decried recent attacks by prominent Democrats as "jaw-dropping and unprecedented in my lifetime."
Speaking to the same group a few hours later, party strategist Grover Norquist lambasted three Republicans who broke party ranks over the issue of judicial filibusters. He referred to them as "the two girls from Maine and the nut-job from Arizona" - Sens. Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe and John McCain.
The Democratic National Committee responded Friday by accusing older Republicans of "passing the torch of corruption" to their college recruits. "It is a bad sign that these young political activists are looking up to these disgraced leaders," Grant Woodward, president of College Democrats, said in a written statement.
Harness Racing Picks for 06-28-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (67)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (21)
****************************
Balmoral Park
Race # 9
Horse: LOYAL OPPOSITION
Post Position: # 5
Win (67)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (21)
****************************
Balmoral Park
Race # 9
Horse: LOYAL OPPOSITION
Post Position: # 5
Monday, June 27, 2005
'Democracy Bonds': A Community of Democrats Committed to Our Future
Governor Dean kicked off the 'Democracy Bonds' initiative this morning, logging on to the web site from his home in Burlington, Vermont.
Your 'Democracy Bond' is a commitment to make a monthly donation to the Democratic Party in order to:
* Reform the political process by building a political party beholden only to the people, not the special interests
* Build the Democratic Party from the ground up in every precinct so that we can compete everywhere
* Win elections in every state and territory of the United States, at every level of office
'Democracy Bonds' are about building a community of Americans with a stake in our common future -- locally, nationally, and globally. They will bond together a person in Alaska and a person in Missouri in common cause for a political process where parties are accountable to ordinary people and their concerns.
With a 'Democracy Bond' you don't get any money back -- but you do get your country back.
Your 'Democracy Bond' is a commitment to make a monthly donation to the Democratic Party in order to:
* Reform the political process by building a political party beholden only to the people, not the special interests
* Build the Democratic Party from the ground up in every precinct so that we can compete everywhere
* Win elections in every state and territory of the United States, at every level of office
'Democracy Bonds' are about building a community of Americans with a stake in our common future -- locally, nationally, and globally. They will bond together a person in Alaska and a person in Missouri in common cause for a political process where parties are accountable to ordinary people and their concerns.
With a 'Democracy Bond' you don't get any money back -- but you do get your country back.
IBM Hits The Trifecta
They sold part of the business to China, outsource 14,000 jobs to India, and are being investigated for this:
Regulator probes IBM stock issue
Financial regulators are investigating how computer giant IBM awarded share options to its staff earlier this year.
IBM revealed on Monday that it was the subject of an informal probe by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and was co-operating fully.
The inquiry is thought to be linked to IBM's announcement of disappointing quarterly trading results in April.
IBM shares dropped by more than 1% in after-hours trading on Monday after news of the investigation emerged.
Analyst concern
The inquiry is believed to be tied to how IBM disclosed the cost of employee share options given in the first quarter of the financial year.
At the time, some analysts claimed that IBM indicated that the cost of awarding share options would be higher than it actually turned out to be in order to reduce expectations of its overall trading performance.
IBM's net profit of $1.4bn for the three months to March 31 was well below analysts forecasts, prompting an 8% fall in its shares on April 15.
"The SEC has informed IBM that the informal investigation is not an indication that any violations of law have occurred," the New York based company said in a prepared statement.
The SEC declined to comment publicly on the matter on Monday.
Regulator probes IBM stock issue
Financial regulators are investigating how computer giant IBM awarded share options to its staff earlier this year.
IBM revealed on Monday that it was the subject of an informal probe by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and was co-operating fully.
The inquiry is thought to be linked to IBM's announcement of disappointing quarterly trading results in April.
IBM shares dropped by more than 1% in after-hours trading on Monday after news of the investigation emerged.
Analyst concern
The inquiry is believed to be tied to how IBM disclosed the cost of employee share options given in the first quarter of the financial year.
At the time, some analysts claimed that IBM indicated that the cost of awarding share options would be higher than it actually turned out to be in order to reduce expectations of its overall trading performance.
IBM's net profit of $1.4bn for the three months to March 31 was well below analysts forecasts, prompting an 8% fall in its shares on April 15.
"The SEC has informed IBM that the informal investigation is not an indication that any violations of law have occurred," the New York based company said in a prepared statement.
The SEC declined to comment publicly on the matter on Monday.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
US accused Over Muslim Detentions
BBC
The US indefinitely detained some 70 Muslim men after the 11 September attacks on baseless accusations of terrorist links, US rights bodies say.
The US Justice Department held the men under a federal law as witnesses likely to flee, Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union say.
In a new report, the US is criticised for not arresting the men as criminal suspects, and later releasing many.
The Justice Department says the witness ruling is crucial to crime-fighting.
The material witness law was designed to allow the detention of witnesses thought to have information relating to a crime but who might flee.
Judges were willing to co-operate with FBI calls for detentions in the weeks and months after 11 September 2001 as authorities attempted both to investigate the attacks and to prevent fresh strikes.
The US indefinitely detained some 70 Muslim men after the 11 September attacks on baseless accusations of terrorist links, US rights bodies say.
The US Justice Department held the men under a federal law as witnesses likely to flee, Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union say.
In a new report, the US is criticised for not arresting the men as criminal suspects, and later releasing many.
The Justice Department says the witness ruling is crucial to crime-fighting.
The material witness law was designed to allow the detention of witnesses thought to have information relating to a crime but who might flee.
Judges were willing to co-operate with FBI calls for detentions in the weeks and months after 11 September 2001 as authorities attempted both to investigate the attacks and to prevent fresh strikes.
In 2001, an Iraq Reconstruction Contract Was Announced
Someone in the Pentagon noted the US Army posted this contract announcement on the Internet. No one in the media except Chuck Spinney's website took note. Here are three parts:
The U.S. had grounds to believe Saddam was planning to destroy Iraq's own oil infrastructure in the event of hostilities.
The planning effort was done by Brown & Root Services (BRS)* under a task order issued under the Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) contract. The Commander, CENTCOM, identified a requirement for contingency planning for repairing and providing for continuity of operations of the Iraqi oil infrastructure. This included planning for extinguishing oil well fires and assessing damage to oil facilities in the immediate aftermath of hostilities.
*The government contracted with BRS to perform the planning effort because BRS is the Army's contractor for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP). The LOGCAP contract is used to develop plans to address such requirements of Combatant Commanders. When a specific plan is needed, a task order is issued under the contract. The current LOGCAP contract was awarded to BRS on December 14, 2001, after a competitive source selection process.
Note the date, December 14, 2001, almost a year before the Bush administration began to alert Americans that urgent action was required to eliminate Saddam Hussein, which later included all "Baathists" in Iraq, and then the entire Iraqi Army. Brown & Root Services is part of the Halliburton Corporation which has won dozens of lucrative Iraqi reconstruction projects awarded without competitive bidding. Vice President Dick Cheney was CEO of Halliburton for five years before quitting to join President Bush's campaign in 2000. He left Halliburton nearly bankrupt after a disastrous oil deal in Brazil and a merger with dying Dresser Industries. Nevertheless, Cheney received $20 million in severance pay from Halliburton, and continues to receive deferred compensation of around $150,000 a year.
The U.S. had grounds to believe Saddam was planning to destroy Iraq's own oil infrastructure in the event of hostilities.
The planning effort was done by Brown & Root Services (BRS)* under a task order issued under the Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) contract. The Commander, CENTCOM, identified a requirement for contingency planning for repairing and providing for continuity of operations of the Iraqi oil infrastructure. This included planning for extinguishing oil well fires and assessing damage to oil facilities in the immediate aftermath of hostilities.
*The government contracted with BRS to perform the planning effort because BRS is the Army's contractor for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP). The LOGCAP contract is used to develop plans to address such requirements of Combatant Commanders. When a specific plan is needed, a task order is issued under the contract. The current LOGCAP contract was awarded to BRS on December 14, 2001, after a competitive source selection process.
Note the date, December 14, 2001, almost a year before the Bush administration began to alert Americans that urgent action was required to eliminate Saddam Hussein, which later included all "Baathists" in Iraq, and then the entire Iraqi Army. Brown & Root Services is part of the Halliburton Corporation which has won dozens of lucrative Iraqi reconstruction projects awarded without competitive bidding. Vice President Dick Cheney was CEO of Halliburton for five years before quitting to join President Bush's campaign in 2000. He left Halliburton nearly bankrupt after a disastrous oil deal in Brazil and a merger with dying Dresser Industries. Nevertheless, Cheney received $20 million in severance pay from Halliburton, and continues to receive deferred compensation of around $150,000 a year.
GOP Ba'athist, Saddam did the same thing.
FRANKFORT - Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration investigated some applicants for merit jobs to determine their political loyalty, then acted against Democrats, according to internal rec-ords filed in court Friday.
In one case, an applicant had Democratic bumper stickers, which was noted next to his name on a list of job seekers. In another, Fletcher aides dropped the recommended candidate for a job when they uncovered his donations to the campaigns of Democratic Gov. Paul Patton and Ben Chandler, the Democrat who lost to Fletcher in 2003.
"From the very beginning of this administration, they have used party loyalty and campaign donations as criteria for state employment, and unfortunately, this is simply more evidence," said Charles Wells, executive director of the Kentucky Association of State Employees.
Attorney General Greg Stumbo is investigating reports that the Fletcher administration makes decisions about whom to hire for merit jobs based on politics rather than qualifications, which would be illegal.
In one case, an applicant had Democratic bumper stickers, which was noted next to his name on a list of job seekers. In another, Fletcher aides dropped the recommended candidate for a job when they uncovered his donations to the campaigns of Democratic Gov. Paul Patton and Ben Chandler, the Democrat who lost to Fletcher in 2003.
"From the very beginning of this administration, they have used party loyalty and campaign donations as criteria for state employment, and unfortunately, this is simply more evidence," said Charles Wells, executive director of the Kentucky Association of State Employees.
Attorney General Greg Stumbo is investigating reports that the Fletcher administration makes decisions about whom to hire for merit jobs based on politics rather than qualifications, which would be illegal.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Brazil may break Aids drug patent
BBC
Brazil has threatened to break the patent on an anti-Aids drug in order to make a cheaper generic version.
Health Minister Humberto Costa said the price of the Kaletra drug was so high it represented a risk to public health.
The government has given US company Abbott Laboratories 10 days to either agree to lower its prices or allow generic copies.
Abbott said patients would lose out in the long run if Brazil went ahead with its threat.
If Abbott does not make an adequate offer, Brazil will start producing a generic drug at a state-run laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, Mr Costa said.
Brazil has threatened to break the patent on an anti-Aids drug in order to make a cheaper generic version.
Health Minister Humberto Costa said the price of the Kaletra drug was so high it represented a risk to public health.
The government has given US company Abbott Laboratories 10 days to either agree to lower its prices or allow generic copies.
Abbott said patients would lose out in the long run if Brazil went ahead with its threat.
If Abbott does not make an adequate offer, Brazil will start producing a generic drug at a state-run laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, Mr Costa said.
Harness Racing Results for 06-25-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (67)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (21)
***************************
Balmoral Park
Race # 1
Horse: ODDS ON BOB (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 3
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 8
Horse: SILVER FLASH (Place)
Post Position: # 3
****************************
Raceway Park
Race # 1
Horse: CAMN YANKEE (Won)
Post Position: # 5
Win (67)
Place (28)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (21)
***************************
Balmoral Park
Race # 1
Horse: ODDS ON BOB (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 3
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 8
Horse: SILVER FLASH (Place)
Post Position: # 3
****************************
Raceway Park
Race # 1
Horse: CAMN YANKEE (Won)
Post Position: # 5
Lobbyists, Clients Undeterred by Scandal
Alumni of Abramoff's 'Team' Still Collecting Fees, Trying to Influence Government
WP
Sunday, June 26, 2005;
Lobbyist Kevin A. Ring sat silently as Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) displayed e-mails and canceled checks to support allegations that Ring and lobbyist Jack Abramoff inflated fees and concocted invoices to defraud their client, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Testifying before the committee Wednesday morning, Ring asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, but he also offered an apology. "I'm sorry the clients for whom I worked have had to endure the enormous emotional and financial burden," he said.
The terse statement omitted an intriguing fact: Ring is still working for the Choctaws as their paid Washington lobbyist. Indeed, he was actively lobbying members of Congress to pass a Choctaw-backed amendment that came up for a vote in the House on Friday afternoon.
Ring is one of more than a dozen lobbyists who were members of "Team Abramoff," the tight-knit group who worked under Abramoff when he was at the lobbying helm of the Washington office of Greenberg Traurig LLP and, before that, Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP.
Members of that influence dream-team continue to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars as registered lobbyists, often lobbying for former Abramoff clients -- unimpeded by the taint of scandal and revelations of suspicious deal-making in the brash and sometimes salty e-mails exchanged with Abramoff....
WP
Sunday, June 26, 2005;
Lobbyist Kevin A. Ring sat silently as Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) displayed e-mails and canceled checks to support allegations that Ring and lobbyist Jack Abramoff inflated fees and concocted invoices to defraud their client, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Testifying before the committee Wednesday morning, Ring asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, but he also offered an apology. "I'm sorry the clients for whom I worked have had to endure the enormous emotional and financial burden," he said.
The terse statement omitted an intriguing fact: Ring is still working for the Choctaws as their paid Washington lobbyist. Indeed, he was actively lobbying members of Congress to pass a Choctaw-backed amendment that came up for a vote in the House on Friday afternoon.
Ring is one of more than a dozen lobbyists who were members of "Team Abramoff," the tight-knit group who worked under Abramoff when he was at the lobbying helm of the Washington office of Greenberg Traurig LLP and, before that, Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP.
Members of that influence dream-team continue to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars as registered lobbyists, often lobbying for former Abramoff clients -- unimpeded by the taint of scandal and revelations of suspicious deal-making in the brash and sometimes salty e-mails exchanged with Abramoff....
Iran loser blasts 'illegal' poll
BBC
Defeated Iranian presidential candidate Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has reacted angrily to his surprise loss to hardline opponent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
In his first public statement following the election result, the moderate cleric alleged that an illegal dirty tricks campaign had been mounted.
However, Mr Rafsanjani said he would not be appealing against the result.
Mr Ahmadinejad won 62% of the vote in Friday's presidential run-off poll - nearly twice Mr Rafsanjani's backing.
The conservative president-elect said his win was a blow to the country's enemies - an apparent reference to the US, which had criticised the election as flawed.
Mr Rafsanjani, who was president between 1989 and 1997, was the favourite going into the election and had re-cast himself as a liberal who was more willing to engage with the West.
Conservatives are now in control of every elected and unelected institution of government in Iran.
Defeated Iranian presidential candidate Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has reacted angrily to his surprise loss to hardline opponent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
In his first public statement following the election result, the moderate cleric alleged that an illegal dirty tricks campaign had been mounted.
However, Mr Rafsanjani said he would not be appealing against the result.
Mr Ahmadinejad won 62% of the vote in Friday's presidential run-off poll - nearly twice Mr Rafsanjani's backing.
The conservative president-elect said his win was a blow to the country's enemies - an apparent reference to the US, which had criticised the election as flawed.
Mr Rafsanjani, who was president between 1989 and 1997, was the favourite going into the election and had re-cast himself as a liberal who was more willing to engage with the West.
Conservatives are now in control of every elected and unelected institution of government in Iran.
Harness Racing Picks for 06-25-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (66)
Place (27)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Balmoral Park
Race # 1
Horse: ODDS ON BOB
Post Position: # 3
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 8
Horse: SILVER FLASH
Post Position: # 3
****************************
Raceway Park
Race # 1
Horse: CAMN YANKEE
Post Position: # 5
Win (66)
Place (27)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Balmoral Park
Race # 1
Horse: ODDS ON BOB
Post Position: # 3
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 8
Horse: SILVER FLASH
Post Position: # 3
****************************
Raceway Park
Race # 1
Horse: CAMN YANKEE
Post Position: # 5
Friday, June 24, 2005
Simulated oil meltdown shows U.S. economy's vulnerability
Washington -- Former CIA Director Robert Gates sighs deeply as he pores over reports of growing unrest in Nigeria. Many Americans can't find the African nation on a map, but Gates knows that it's America's fifth-largest oil supplier and one that provides the light, sweet crude that U.S. refiners prefer.
It's 11 days before Christmas 2005, and the turmoil is preventing about 600,000 barrels of oil per day from reaching the world oil market, which was already drum-tight. Gates, functioning as the top national security adviser to the president, convenes the Cabinet to discuss the implications of Nigeria's spreading religious and ethnic unrest for America's economy.
Should U.S. troops be sent to restore order? Should America draw down its strategic oil reserves to stabilize soaring gasoline prices? Cabinet officials agree that drawing down the reserves might signal weakness. They recommend that the president simply announce his willingness to do so if necessary.
The economic effects of unrest in faraway Nigeria are immediate. Crude oil prices soar above $80 a barrel. June's then-record $60 a barrel is a distant memory. A gallon of unleaded gas now costs $3.31. Americans shell out $75 to fill a midsized SUV.
If all this sounds like a Hollywood drama, it's not. These scenarios unfolded in a simulated oil shock wave held Thursday in Washington. Two former CIA directors and several other former top policy-makers participated to draw attention to America's need to reduce its dependence on oil, especially foreign oil.
It's 11 days before Christmas 2005, and the turmoil is preventing about 600,000 barrels of oil per day from reaching the world oil market, which was already drum-tight. Gates, functioning as the top national security adviser to the president, convenes the Cabinet to discuss the implications of Nigeria's spreading religious and ethnic unrest for America's economy.
Should U.S. troops be sent to restore order? Should America draw down its strategic oil reserves to stabilize soaring gasoline prices? Cabinet officials agree that drawing down the reserves might signal weakness. They recommend that the president simply announce his willingness to do so if necessary.
The economic effects of unrest in faraway Nigeria are immediate. Crude oil prices soar above $80 a barrel. June's then-record $60 a barrel is a distant memory. A gallon of unleaded gas now costs $3.31. Americans shell out $75 to fill a midsized SUV.
If all this sounds like a Hollywood drama, it's not. These scenarios unfolded in a simulated oil shock wave held Thursday in Washington. Two former CIA directors and several other former top policy-makers participated to draw attention to America's need to reduce its dependence on oil, especially foreign oil.
Harness Racing Results for 06-24-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (66)
Place (27)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
The Meadowlands
Race # 3
Horse: MR MUSCLEMAN (Won)
Post Position: # 2
********************
Scioto Downs
Race # 7
Horse: ONE WILD WOMAN (Place)
Post Position: # 2
Win (66)
Place (27)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
The Meadowlands
Race # 3
Horse: MR MUSCLEMAN (Won)
Post Position: # 2
********************
Scioto Downs
Race # 7
Horse: ONE WILD WOMAN (Place)
Post Position: # 2
How secure are India's call centres?
BBC
Is information security becoming a casualty in India's booming call centres as they drive down costs to keep themselves competitive for foreign clients?
This concern is being raised again following reports that bank details of 1,000 UK customers held by call centres in India have been sold to an undercover reporter of a British newspaper.
The Sun newspaper claimed that one of its journalists bought personal details including passwords, addresses and passport data from a Delhi IT worker for £4.25 each.
"BPO [outsourcing] blot in British backlash", headlined Calcutta's The Telegraph newspaper. "Indian BPOs stung where it hurts most," chimed the Hindustan Times.
Is information security becoming a casualty in India's booming call centres as they drive down costs to keep themselves competitive for foreign clients?
This concern is being raised again following reports that bank details of 1,000 UK customers held by call centres in India have been sold to an undercover reporter of a British newspaper.
The Sun newspaper claimed that one of its journalists bought personal details including passwords, addresses and passport data from a Delhi IT worker for £4.25 each.
"BPO [outsourcing] blot in British backlash", headlined Calcutta's The Telegraph newspaper. "Indian BPOs stung where it hurts most," chimed the Hindustan Times.
Mad cow in the USA!!! Bush's Ag Sec'y Upset That Test Was Done!
JUN. 24 3:07 P.M. ET Amid uproar from cattlemen, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns questioned why his department's inspector general ordered new tests for mad cow disease two weeks ago without his knowledge or approval.
"It caught me by surprise, to be very honest with you," Johanns told reporters Friday. "I believe the secretary should be involved in all decisions of this significance."
The department said it would announce results of the tests Friday afternoon.
"It caught me by surprise, to be very honest with you," Johanns told reporters Friday. "I believe the secretary should be involved in all decisions of this significance."
The department said it would announce results of the tests Friday afternoon.
Iraq's power struggle as supplies falter
BBC
Speak to any Iraqi and they will tell you their standard of living has not improved since the toppling of Saddam Hussein two years ago.
Many will tell you it has got worse.
The power supply is still off more than it is on. Water is intermittent. The queues for petrol stretch round the block. Jobs are hard to find.
And all despite the billions of dollars budgeted for reconstruction.
So where has all the money gone?
At a briefing in Baghdad, the American general in charge of reconstruction, Brig Gen Thomas Bostick, insisted progress was being made.
He presented an impressive list of statistics:
2,500 projects started
More than 13,700km (8,600 miles) of electricity transmission lines constructed
700km (437 miles) of dirt roads being laid with asphalt
But on the areas most crucial to Iraqis, Gen Bostick conceded: "It will take some time, I can't estimate how long, to make substantial improvements in electricity and water.
"The amount of resources necessary are just not available."
The United States has committed more than $18bn (£10bn) to the reconstruction effort.
Other countries are pitching in as well; Japan has just pledged $100m for the building of a new power plant.
But in a country of 25m people that has been through 25 years of war and sanctions, that does not go very far.
'Unscheduled maintenance'
Of the American contribution, for example, only $11bn goes directly to reconstruction. The rest is paying for things like the Iraqi security forces or justice system.
The funds allocated to improving the water supply total $2bn. Yet according to Gen Bostick, Iraq's water minister recently estimated his country needed to spend $2bn every year for 12 years in order to be able to supply clean water across Iraq.
So the problems are there even without the sort of bomb attack that took out most of Baghdad's water supply for most of this week.
Or take the electricity supply network. Gen Bostick proudly proclaims that his men have increased Iraq's power supply to more than 5 megawatts - a big increase on the 4.4 megawatts available under Saddam Hussein.
But he also admits that at any one time 2 megawatts of that capacity is down for "unscheduled maintenance" - in other words, breakdowns.
At the same time, demand has increased by 60% as Iraqis have rushed out to buy televisions, fridges, freezers and air conditioning.
So according to official American figures, there is less than eight hours power available every day across Iraq. If anything, the gap between supply and demand is continuing to widen.
And despite all the achievements they claim, so far the Americans have only completed reconstruction projects worth less than $1.5bn.
By contrast, according to the analysts at globalsecurity.org, the invasion and occupation of Iraq have so far cost the United States more than $178bn.
So perhaps it is not a surprise that most Iraqis have not noticed the difference yet.
Speak to any Iraqi and they will tell you their standard of living has not improved since the toppling of Saddam Hussein two years ago.
Many will tell you it has got worse.
The power supply is still off more than it is on. Water is intermittent. The queues for petrol stretch round the block. Jobs are hard to find.
And all despite the billions of dollars budgeted for reconstruction.
So where has all the money gone?
At a briefing in Baghdad, the American general in charge of reconstruction, Brig Gen Thomas Bostick, insisted progress was being made.
He presented an impressive list of statistics:
2,500 projects started
More than 13,700km (8,600 miles) of electricity transmission lines constructed
700km (437 miles) of dirt roads being laid with asphalt
But on the areas most crucial to Iraqis, Gen Bostick conceded: "It will take some time, I can't estimate how long, to make substantial improvements in electricity and water.
"The amount of resources necessary are just not available."
The United States has committed more than $18bn (£10bn) to the reconstruction effort.
Other countries are pitching in as well; Japan has just pledged $100m for the building of a new power plant.
But in a country of 25m people that has been through 25 years of war and sanctions, that does not go very far.
'Unscheduled maintenance'
Of the American contribution, for example, only $11bn goes directly to reconstruction. The rest is paying for things like the Iraqi security forces or justice system.
The funds allocated to improving the water supply total $2bn. Yet according to Gen Bostick, Iraq's water minister recently estimated his country needed to spend $2bn every year for 12 years in order to be able to supply clean water across Iraq.
So the problems are there even without the sort of bomb attack that took out most of Baghdad's water supply for most of this week.
Or take the electricity supply network. Gen Bostick proudly proclaims that his men have increased Iraq's power supply to more than 5 megawatts - a big increase on the 4.4 megawatts available under Saddam Hussein.
But he also admits that at any one time 2 megawatts of that capacity is down for "unscheduled maintenance" - in other words, breakdowns.
At the same time, demand has increased by 60% as Iraqis have rushed out to buy televisions, fridges, freezers and air conditioning.
So according to official American figures, there is less than eight hours power available every day across Iraq. If anything, the gap between supply and demand is continuing to widen.
And despite all the achievements they claim, so far the Americans have only completed reconstruction projects worth less than $1.5bn.
By contrast, according to the analysts at globalsecurity.org, the invasion and occupation of Iraq have so far cost the United States more than $178bn.
So perhaps it is not a surprise that most Iraqis have not noticed the difference yet.
Iraq: The Carve-Up Begins
The London Line
The Iraq war has so far cost America and Britain £105billion. But the financial clawback is gathering pace as British and American oil giants work out how to get their hands on the estimated £3trillion worth of oil.
Executives from BP, Shell, Exxon Mobil and Halliburton, Dick Cheney's old firm, are expected to congregate at the Paddington Hilton for a two-day chinwag with top-level officials from Iraq's oil ministry. The gathering, sponsored by the British Government, is being described as the "premier event" for those with designs on Iraqi oil, and will go ahead despite opposition from Iraqi oil workers, who fear their livelihoods are being flogged to foreigners. The Met will be on hand to secure the venue ahead of the conference.
"This is a networking opportunity for UK businesses involved in Iraqi oil," explained Dr Hussain Rabia, managing director of the consultancy Entrac Petroleum Ltd. "We have the moral support of the UK government. They're bringing the guys over from Iraq, offering them visas. We expect all the big oil companies to be there," he said.
. . .
But Iraqi oil workers are furious about the conference. "The second phase of the war will be started by this conference carving up the industry," said an outraged Hasan Juma'a, head of the Iraqi General Union of Oil Employees. "It is about giving shares of Iraq to the countries who invaded it - they get a piece of the action as a reward. The British government will back this action in order to pay its debt in Iraq."
The Iraq war has so far cost America and Britain £105billion. But the financial clawback is gathering pace as British and American oil giants work out how to get their hands on the estimated £3trillion worth of oil.
Executives from BP, Shell, Exxon Mobil and Halliburton, Dick Cheney's old firm, are expected to congregate at the Paddington Hilton for a two-day chinwag with top-level officials from Iraq's oil ministry. The gathering, sponsored by the British Government, is being described as the "premier event" for those with designs on Iraqi oil, and will go ahead despite opposition from Iraqi oil workers, who fear their livelihoods are being flogged to foreigners. The Met will be on hand to secure the venue ahead of the conference.
"This is a networking opportunity for UK businesses involved in Iraqi oil," explained Dr Hussain Rabia, managing director of the consultancy Entrac Petroleum Ltd. "We have the moral support of the UK government. They're bringing the guys over from Iraq, offering them visas. We expect all the big oil companies to be there," he said.
. . .
But Iraqi oil workers are furious about the conference. "The second phase of the war will be started by this conference carving up the industry," said an outraged Hasan Juma'a, head of the Iraqi General Union of Oil Employees. "It is about giving shares of Iraq to the countries who invaded it - they get a piece of the action as a reward. The British government will back this action in order to pay its debt in Iraq."
Italy seeks 'CIA kidnap agents'
BBC
Italian authorities have issued arrest warrants for 13 people they claim are agents "linked to the CIA".
The suspects are accused of abducting an Islamic cleric in Milan in 2003 and flying him to Egypt for interrogation.
Osama Mustafa Hassan, also known as Abu Omar, was already being investigated in Italy as part of a terrorism inquiry.
Italian prosecutors believe the operation was part of a controversial US anti-terror policy known as "extraordinary rendition".
The policy involves seizing suspects and taking them to third countries without court approval.
Human rights organisations say some of the countries to which terror suspects have been deported are known to use torture, and critics have branded it "torture by proxy".
Italian authorities have issued arrest warrants for 13 people they claim are agents "linked to the CIA".
The suspects are accused of abducting an Islamic cleric in Milan in 2003 and flying him to Egypt for interrogation.
Osama Mustafa Hassan, also known as Abu Omar, was already being investigated in Italy as part of a terrorism inquiry.
Italian prosecutors believe the operation was part of a controversial US anti-terror policy known as "extraordinary rendition".
The policy involves seizing suspects and taking them to third countries without court approval.
Human rights organisations say some of the countries to which terror suspects have been deported are known to use torture, and critics have branded it "torture by proxy".
Is Dick Cheney the New 'Baghdad Bob'?
Yesterday, after a week of serious criticism, and mockery, for claiming that the insurgency in Iraq was in its “last throes,” Cheney refused to back down, even after Gen. John Abizaid, our top military commander for the Middle East, proclaimed that the insurgency, in fact, was as strong as ever, and “a lot of work” remained to be done to defeat it. Earlier this week, GOP Senator Chuck Hagel had said he was sick of sunny assertions about the war from the White House, and declared that the U.S. indeed might be losing, not on the edge of victory.
Yet Cheney said on Thursday, “If you look at what the dictionary says about 'throes,' it can still be a violent period.” He compared this time to the end of World War II when tough battles “occurred just a few months before the end. I see this as a similar situation.” Give this man a beret!
Yet Cheney said on Thursday, “If you look at what the dictionary says about 'throes,' it can still be a violent period.” He compared this time to the end of World War II when tough battles “occurred just a few months before the end. I see this as a similar situation.” Give this man a beret!
Harness Racing Picks for 06-24-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (65)
Place (26)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
The Meadowlands
Race # 3
Horse: MR MUSCLEMAN
Post Position: # 2
********************
Scioto Downs
Race # 7
Horse: ONE WILD WOMAN
Post Position: # 2
Win (65)
Place (26)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
The Meadowlands
Race # 3
Horse: MR MUSCLEMAN
Post Position: # 2
********************
Scioto Downs
Race # 7
Horse: ONE WILD WOMAN
Post Position: # 2
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Is it an unwinnable 'Republican war'?
© 2005 Creators Syndicate Inc.
From President Bush's Axis of Evil speech in January 2002 to the invasion in March 2003, some of us argued vehemently and ceaselessly against going to war.
We saw no connection between Saddam Hussein and 9-11. We saw no threat from a nation unable even to shoot down a single U.S. plane during 40,000 sorties in the previous decade. We warned that an occupation of Iraq would create our own Lebanon. And so it has.
But we lost the debate of 2003. The warnings of opponents were brushed aside, and, with the Senate Democratic leadership behind him, Bush took us to war. Two years have now elapsed, and our leaders cannot even agree on whether we are winning or losing the war.
Vice President Cheney dismisses the insurgency as in its "last throes." CIA Director Porter Goss says, "They're not quite in their last throes, but ... they're very close to it." Sen. Joe Biden says Goss should talk to "his intelligence people on the ground." Biden told CBS: "They didn't suggest at all that it was near its last throes. Matter of fact, it's getting worse, not better."
John McCain says we face "a long hard slog ... It's going to be at least a couple of more years." Sen. Chuck Hagel, a McCain backer in 2000, says: "Things aren't getting better. They're getting worse ... The reality is that we're losing in Iraq."
From these conflicting assessments, reports from Iraq and polls showing three in five Americans consider the war a mistake and want to begin bringing the troops home, some somber conclusions can be reached.
We may not be losing the war, but U.S. policy is failing either to end the insurgency or to eradicate the insurgents. Yet, Bush appears unable or unwilling to escalate to win it, if that means adding troops to the 140,000 already there. But if escalation is not an option, and the present policy is not working, and U.S. support is weakening, we are in a hellish situation.
From President Bush's Axis of Evil speech in January 2002 to the invasion in March 2003, some of us argued vehemently and ceaselessly against going to war.
We saw no connection between Saddam Hussein and 9-11. We saw no threat from a nation unable even to shoot down a single U.S. plane during 40,000 sorties in the previous decade. We warned that an occupation of Iraq would create our own Lebanon. And so it has.
But we lost the debate of 2003. The warnings of opponents were brushed aside, and, with the Senate Democratic leadership behind him, Bush took us to war. Two years have now elapsed, and our leaders cannot even agree on whether we are winning or losing the war.
Vice President Cheney dismisses the insurgency as in its "last throes." CIA Director Porter Goss says, "They're not quite in their last throes, but ... they're very close to it." Sen. Joe Biden says Goss should talk to "his intelligence people on the ground." Biden told CBS: "They didn't suggest at all that it was near its last throes. Matter of fact, it's getting worse, not better."
John McCain says we face "a long hard slog ... It's going to be at least a couple of more years." Sen. Chuck Hagel, a McCain backer in 2000, says: "Things aren't getting better. They're getting worse ... The reality is that we're losing in Iraq."
From these conflicting assessments, reports from Iraq and polls showing three in five Americans consider the war a mistake and want to begin bringing the troops home, some somber conclusions can be reached.
We may not be losing the war, but U.S. policy is failing either to end the insurgency or to eradicate the insurgents. Yet, Bush appears unable or unwilling to escalate to win it, if that means adding troops to the 140,000 already there. But if escalation is not an option, and the present policy is not working, and U.S. support is weakening, we are in a hellish situation.
China 'is more popular' than US
America's image is still so tattered abroad after the Iraq war that China is viewed more favourably than the US in many countries, a global poll finds.
Thursday, 23 June, 2005, 18:03 GMT 19:03 UK
It's image has not recovered in Western European countries, the US-based Pew Research Center found. In none of the 16 countries surveyed, the US included, does a majority of the public think the war leading to Saddam Hussein's removal made the world safer.
But hostility towards the US has eased in some parts of the Muslim world. "It's amazing when you see the European public rating the United States so poorly, especially in comparison with China," said Andrew Kohut, director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, which carried out the survey.
China is well considered in Europe and Asia, although there is considerable wariness about its growing economic and military power. Solid majorities in every European nation except Turkey would not like to see China rival the US as a military superpower, the survey said.
'Hardworking'
A majority of the public in 10 of the 15 countries surveyed holds unfavourable opinions of the US. President George W Bush's calls for greater democracy in the Middle East and US aid to tsunami victims in Asia have been welcomed in many countries.
Thursday, 23 June, 2005, 18:03 GMT 19:03 UK
It's image has not recovered in Western European countries, the US-based Pew Research Center found. In none of the 16 countries surveyed, the US included, does a majority of the public think the war leading to Saddam Hussein's removal made the world safer.
But hostility towards the US has eased in some parts of the Muslim world. "It's amazing when you see the European public rating the United States so poorly, especially in comparison with China," said Andrew Kohut, director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, which carried out the survey.
China is well considered in Europe and Asia, although there is considerable wariness about its growing economic and military power. Solid majorities in every European nation except Turkey would not like to see China rival the US as a military superpower, the survey said.
'Hardworking'
A majority of the public in 10 of the 15 countries surveyed holds unfavourable opinions of the US. President George W Bush's calls for greater democracy in the Middle East and US aid to tsunami victims in Asia have been welcomed in many countries.
More Republican Family Values
WASHINGTON – Now that the presidential fund-raiser is over, hard-core porn star Mary Carey doesn't mind the public knowing about one of her secret desires – having sex with the twin daughters of the president.
"Oh my God, his daughters!" she said. "I'd love to party with his daughters. I'd love to meet them. I totally want to have sex with them. You can write it the day after I leave here."
Despite criticism of the White House and the NRCC for including a hard-core pornographer and one of his porn stars at the event, neither Bush nor the Republicans showed any signs of hesitation at taking $5,000 from Kulkis and including the pair among the 6,000 guests – this despite Carey's appearance in such movies as "Lesbian Big Boob Bangeroo" and "Everybody Loves Big Boobies."
"Oh my God, his daughters!" she said. "I'd love to party with his daughters. I'd love to meet them. I totally want to have sex with them. You can write it the day after I leave here."
Despite criticism of the White House and the NRCC for including a hard-core pornographer and one of his porn stars at the event, neither Bush nor the Republicans showed any signs of hesitation at taking $5,000 from Kulkis and including the pair among the 6,000 guests – this despite Carey's appearance in such movies as "Lesbian Big Boob Bangeroo" and "Everybody Loves Big Boobies."
General disputes Lying Fat-ass Cheney claim that Iraq insurgency fading
10:28 AM CDT on Thursday, June 23, 2005
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - The top American military commander in the Persian Gulf disputed a contention by Vice President Dick Cheney that the Iraqi insurgency was in its "last thoes" and told Congress on Thursday its strength was basically undiminished from six months ago.
Furthermore, Gen. John Abizaid told the Senate Armed Services Committee, "I believe there are more foreign fighters coming into Iraq than there were six months ago."
His testimony came as the nation's top defense leaders rejected calls by some lawmakers for the Bush administration to set a timetable for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. "That would be a mistake," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told the committtee.
In a CNN interview last month, Cheney said: "The level of activity that we see today from a military standpoint, I think, will clearly decline. I think they're in the last throes, if you will, of the insurgency."
Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the committee's senior Democrat, asked Abizaid if he realized he was contradicting Cheney.
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - The top American military commander in the Persian Gulf disputed a contention by Vice President Dick Cheney that the Iraqi insurgency was in its "last thoes" and told Congress on Thursday its strength was basically undiminished from six months ago.
Furthermore, Gen. John Abizaid told the Senate Armed Services Committee, "I believe there are more foreign fighters coming into Iraq than there were six months ago."
His testimony came as the nation's top defense leaders rejected calls by some lawmakers for the Bush administration to set a timetable for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. "That would be a mistake," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told the committtee.
In a CNN interview last month, Cheney said: "The level of activity that we see today from a military standpoint, I think, will clearly decline. I think they're in the last throes, if you will, of the insurgency."
Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the committee's senior Democrat, asked Abizaid if he realized he was contradicting Cheney.
House Ethics Chairman May Quit, Officials Report
NYT
WASHINGTON, June 22 - The chairman of the House ethics committee, Representative Doc Hastings, Republican of Washington, is warning that he may resign from the post this summer because of a stalemate of months with Democrats over whether and how to conduct investigations of Representative Tom DeLay and other lawmakers, Republican Congressional officials said.
SNIP
Mr. Hastings has also faced criticism in recent weeks over newly disclosed documents that show he has worked closely for years with lobbyists at a Seattle-based law firm that is under scrutiny because of its ties to Mr. DeLay. The firm's former star lobbyist arranged lavish overseas trips for Mr. DeLay, a Texas Republican.
Last week, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean, cited the lobbying ties in calling for Mr. Hastings to recuse himself from any investigation of the majority leader. Newspaper editorials in Mr. Hastings's home state have joined in urging him to step aside to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
WASHINGTON, June 22 - The chairman of the House ethics committee, Representative Doc Hastings, Republican of Washington, is warning that he may resign from the post this summer because of a stalemate of months with Democrats over whether and how to conduct investigations of Representative Tom DeLay and other lawmakers, Republican Congressional officials said.
SNIP
Mr. Hastings has also faced criticism in recent weeks over newly disclosed documents that show he has worked closely for years with lobbyists at a Seattle-based law firm that is under scrutiny because of its ties to Mr. DeLay. The firm's former star lobbyist arranged lavish overseas trips for Mr. DeLay, a Texas Republican.
Last week, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean, cited the lobbying ties in calling for Mr. Hastings to recuse himself from any investigation of the majority leader. Newspaper editorials in Mr. Hastings's home state have joined in urging him to step aside to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
Indian call centre 'fraud' probe
BBC
Police are investigating reports an Indian call centre worker sold the bank account details of 1,000 UK customers to an undercover reporter.
The Sun claims one of its journalists bought personal details including passwords, addresses and passport data from a Delhi IT worker for £4.25 each.
City of London Police is investigating after receiving files from the paper.
Police are investigating reports an Indian call centre worker sold the bank account details of 1,000 UK customers to an undercover reporter.
The Sun claims one of its journalists bought personal details including passwords, addresses and passport data from a Delhi IT worker for £4.25 each.
City of London Police is investigating after receiving files from the paper.
US 'stalling UN Guantanamo visit'
BBC
Investigators from the United Nations have accused the US of stalling over their repeated requests to visit detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
The US is holding hundreds of suspected members of the Taleban and al-Qaeda at the detention facility in Cuba.
The UN said for over a year there had been no response to its requests to check on the condition of detainees.
This suggested the US was "not willing to co-operate with the United Nations human rights machinery," the team said.
Investigators from the United Nations have accused the US of stalling over their repeated requests to visit detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
The US is holding hundreds of suspected members of the Taleban and al-Qaeda at the detention facility in Cuba.
The UN said for over a year there had been no response to its requests to check on the condition of detainees.
This suggested the US was "not willing to co-operate with the United Nations human rights machinery," the team said.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Harness Racing Results for 06-22-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (65)
Place (26)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Pompano Park
Race # 9
Horse: TICKLE MY ELMO (Place)
Post Position: # 7
Win (65)
Place (26)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Pompano Park
Race # 9
Horse: TICKLE MY ELMO (Place)
Post Position: # 7
THE BUSH SPENDING SPREE:
That's not hyperbole. It's reality. Veronique de Rugy, that flaming leftist from AEI, spells out the appalling Bush record here. Money quote:
Today, we know that compassionate conservatism is really just big government and changing the tone means his veto pen is buried under the ground. The last four years, total spending has risen 33 percent - a figure larger than Clinton's two terms combined. Adjusted for inflation, one would have to go back to Lyndon Johnson to find a larger increase. Moreover, real discretionary spending increases in FY2002, FY2003, FY2004 and FY2005 are 4 of the 10 biggest annual increases in the last 40 years.
But, as the president constantly tells us, he believes in "spending restraint." And he doesn't condone torture. And the Iraq insurgency is in its "last throes."
Today, we know that compassionate conservatism is really just big government and changing the tone means his veto pen is buried under the ground. The last four years, total spending has risen 33 percent - a figure larger than Clinton's two terms combined. Adjusted for inflation, one would have to go back to Lyndon Johnson to find a larger increase. Moreover, real discretionary spending increases in FY2002, FY2003, FY2004 and FY2005 are 4 of the 10 biggest annual increases in the last 40 years.
But, as the president constantly tells us, he believes in "spending restraint." And he doesn't condone torture. And the Iraq insurgency is in its "last throes."
Demand a Strategy for Success in Iraq
It will take a clear, transparent process and input from both parties in Congress to win in Iraq, something that is impossible as long as we do not have a plan to work from. This amendment, along with a parallel one in the Senate, says that Democrats will no longer allow Congress and the American people to be marginalized from this process. It is critical to our chances of success in Iraq.
Mr. President:
"Within 30 days of the enactment of this legislation, Congress expects an accounting from you as to what the strategy for success is. What are the security and political measures that you are putting forth that can lead us to bring our troops home?"
We, the undersigned, stand as citizen co-sponsors to the "Strategy for Success in Iraq" amendment: SIgn here
Mr. President:
"Within 30 days of the enactment of this legislation, Congress expects an accounting from you as to what the strategy for success is. What are the security and political measures that you are putting forth that can lead us to bring our troops home?"
We, the undersigned, stand as citizen co-sponsors to the "Strategy for Success in Iraq" amendment: SIgn here
Harness Racing Picks for 06-22-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (65)
Place (25)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Pompano Park
Race # 9
Horse: TICKLE MY ELMO
Post Position: # 7
Win (65)
Place (25)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Pompano Park
Race # 9
Horse: TICKLE MY ELMO
Post Position: # 7
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Harness Racing Results for 06-21-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (65)
Place (25)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Yonkers Raceway
Race # 12
Horse: BLUEBALLAD (Place)
Post Position: # 7
Win (65)
Place (25)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Yonkers Raceway
Race # 12
Horse: BLUEBALLAD (Place)
Post Position: # 7
Iraqi minister accuses US of delaying Saddam's trial "hide secrets"
Iraq's justice minister has accuses the US of trying to delay the trial of Saddam Hussein.
Arriving in Brussels for an international conference on Iraq, Justice Minister Abdel Hussein Shandal told journalists that Washington was concealing information about the ousted Iraqi leader.
“It seems there are lots of secrets they want to hide,” he told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview.
Arriving in Brussels for an international conference on Iraq, Justice Minister Abdel Hussein Shandal told journalists that Washington was concealing information about the ousted Iraqi leader.
“It seems there are lots of secrets they want to hide,” he told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview.
GOP Misery Index
Americans Uninsured
44,961,000
(US Census Bureau 2005)
National Debt:
$7,782,632,712,084.36
(06/07/2005)
(your share: $26,264.87)
44,961,000
(US Census Bureau 2005)
National Debt:
$7,782,632,712,084.36
(06/07/2005)
(your share: $26,264.87)
Halliburton bribes:'most significant file of corruption' says US official
WASHINGTON, June 20 (HalliburtonWatch.org) --
A U.S. Justice Department official held "lengthy" meetings with French authorities in Paris last week to discuss a potentially explosive bribery investigation involving Halliburton, the French newspaper Le Figaro reported today.
The alleged bribes were paid by a consortium of four companies, which includes Halliburton's KBR subsidiary, to officials of the Nigerian government for the purpose of winning a multibillion dollar construction contract. The consortium, known as "TSKJ," ultimately won the contract.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney was Halliburton's CEO when many of the alleged bribes were paid. He currently has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Bribing foreign officials is a criminal offense under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
A U.S. Justice Department official held "lengthy" meetings with French authorities in Paris last week to discuss a potentially explosive bribery investigation involving Halliburton, the French newspaper Le Figaro reported today.
The alleged bribes were paid by a consortium of four companies, which includes Halliburton's KBR subsidiary, to officials of the Nigerian government for the purpose of winning a multibillion dollar construction contract. The consortium, known as "TSKJ," ultimately won the contract.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney was Halliburton's CEO when many of the alleged bribes were paid. He currently has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Bribing foreign officials is a criminal offense under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Harness Racing Picks for 06-21-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (65)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Yonkers Raceway
Race # 12
Horse: BLUEBALLAD
Post Position: # 7
Win (65)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Yonkers Raceway
Race # 12
Horse: BLUEBALLAD
Post Position: # 7
Schwarzenegger's Approval Rating Falls to New Low
(Bloomberg) -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's approval rating fell to a new low, a poll found, after he called a special election to vote on his plans to redraw political districts and curb state spending growth.
Fifty-three percent of registered voters said they disapproved of Schwarzenegger's performance as governor while 37 percent approved, according to a Field Research Corp. poll that began on the night of June 13, after the governor ordered an election for November. That is the reverse of four months ago, when 55 percent approved and 35 percent disapproved.
``Schwarzenegger really has lost a lot of the political leverage he once had,'' Mark DiCamillo, who conducts polls for the San Francisco-based Field, said in a telephone interview. ``The well is not there as it was last year.''
The Republican governor during his first year in office used his popularity with voters to press the legislature to make it more difficult to claim workers compensation benefits, threatening to seek to have his plan approved by voters at the ballot box should lawmakers refuse. His declining popularity may make it harder for him to win support for proposals that voters will decide in November.
Fifty-three percent of registered voters said they disapproved of Schwarzenegger's performance as governor while 37 percent approved, according to a Field Research Corp. poll that began on the night of June 13, after the governor ordered an election for November. That is the reverse of four months ago, when 55 percent approved and 35 percent disapproved.
``Schwarzenegger really has lost a lot of the political leverage he once had,'' Mark DiCamillo, who conducts polls for the San Francisco-based Field, said in a telephone interview. ``The well is not there as it was last year.''
The Republican governor during his first year in office used his popularity with voters to press the legislature to make it more difficult to claim workers compensation benefits, threatening to seek to have his plan approved by voters at the ballot box should lawmakers refuse. His declining popularity may make it harder for him to win support for proposals that voters will decide in November.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Gov. Cyborg Donor Under Fire
LAT
A week after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger returned $10,000 to an Ohio contributor under federal fraud investigation, campaign finance reports show that the governor has accepted $67,300 from a La Cañada Flintridge nursing home operator whose company faces criminal elder-neglect charges.
Emmanuel I. Bernabe, who owns or has interests in 35 California nursing homes, was listed as one of 14 dinner chairmen at a Schwarzenegger fundraiser at the Century Plaza Hotel on March 16.
One day later, Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer filed a 13-count complaint against Bernabe's Pleasant Care Corp., alleging that the company and its Napa facility neglected residents, imperiling their health. The company has pleaded not guilty; the facility has been closed.
Since the start of Schwarzenegger's administration, state regulators have cited 11 of Bernabe's homes at least 51 times and levied $285,000 in fines against his nursing homes, according to records provided by the Department of Health Services and a watchdog group, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.
A week after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger returned $10,000 to an Ohio contributor under federal fraud investigation, campaign finance reports show that the governor has accepted $67,300 from a La Cañada Flintridge nursing home operator whose company faces criminal elder-neglect charges.
Emmanuel I. Bernabe, who owns or has interests in 35 California nursing homes, was listed as one of 14 dinner chairmen at a Schwarzenegger fundraiser at the Century Plaza Hotel on March 16.
One day later, Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer filed a 13-count complaint against Bernabe's Pleasant Care Corp., alleging that the company and its Napa facility neglected residents, imperiling their health. The company has pleaded not guilty; the facility has been closed.
Since the start of Schwarzenegger's administration, state regulators have cited 11 of Bernabe's homes at least 51 times and levied $285,000 in fines against his nursing homes, according to records provided by the Department of Health Services and a watchdog group, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.
CIA loses out on bill after Pentagon ally protests
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A key Pentagon ally in the U.S. Congress defeated a legislative attempt to guarantee the CIA control of all U.S. secret agents overseas, congressional aides said on Monday.
In the latest turf battle involving post-Sept. 11 reforms, the top Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives intelligence committee agreed to drop language from a proposed bill that would have put CIA Director Porter Goss in charge of human intelligence, aides said.
The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject matter.
The panel's Republican chairman, Rep. Peter Hoekstra of Michigan, and ranking Democrat, Rep. Jane Harman of California, agreed to change their 2006 intelligence authorization bill after objections from the powerful chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California.
In the latest turf battle involving post-Sept. 11 reforms, the top Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives intelligence committee agreed to drop language from a proposed bill that would have put CIA Director Porter Goss in charge of human intelligence, aides said.
The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject matter.
The panel's Republican chairman, Rep. Peter Hoekstra of Michigan, and ranking Democrat, Rep. Jane Harman of California, agreed to change their 2006 intelligence authorization bill after objections from the powerful chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California.
FBI Says Counterterror Experts Not Crucial
WASHINGTON -- The FBI vowed to build national expertise for fighting terrorists after the Sept. 11 attacks, but the supervisors who crafted that war plan now say Middle East and terrorism experience haven't been important for choosing their agents.
"You need leadership. You don't need subject matter expertise," Executive Assistant Director Gary Bald recently testified in a little noticed employment case now catching the eye of Congress. "It is certainly not what I look for in selecting an official for a position in a counterterrorism position."
In this undated family handout photo, FBI Counterterrorism agent Bassem Youssef, right, stands with the FBI Director Louis Freeh. In a development that has escaped public attention, FBI agent Bassem Youssef has questioned under oath many of the FBI's top leaders, including Director Robert Mueller and his predecessor, Louis Freeh, in an effort to show he was passed over for top terrorism jobs despite his expertise.
The lawsuit, brought against the FBI by one of its most accomplished pre-Sept. 11 terror-fighting agents, provides sharp contrasts between the bureau's public promises and the reality of how it has chosen the agents who run its war on terrorism.
In hundreds of pages of sworn testimony obtained by The Associated Press, senior FBI managers argued repeatedly that Middle East and anti-terrorism experience aren't required for promotion and that they see little difference between solving a traditional crime and a terror attack."
"You need leadership. You don't need subject matter expertise," Executive Assistant Director Gary Bald recently testified in a little noticed employment case now catching the eye of Congress. "It is certainly not what I look for in selecting an official for a position in a counterterrorism position."
In this undated family handout photo, FBI Counterterrorism agent Bassem Youssef, right, stands with the FBI Director Louis Freeh. In a development that has escaped public attention, FBI agent Bassem Youssef has questioned under oath many of the FBI's top leaders, including Director Robert Mueller and his predecessor, Louis Freeh, in an effort to show he was passed over for top terrorism jobs despite his expertise.
The lawsuit, brought against the FBI by one of its most accomplished pre-Sept. 11 terror-fighting agents, provides sharp contrasts between the bureau's public promises and the reality of how it has chosen the agents who run its war on terrorism.
In hundreds of pages of sworn testimony obtained by The Associated Press, senior FBI managers argued repeatedly that Middle East and anti-terrorism experience aren't required for promotion and that they see little difference between solving a traditional crime and a terror attack."
Quote From Nancy Pelosi, Not Covered By The MSM
"Each passing day confirms the Iraq War has been a grotesque mistake. We are here today considering a rule for a defense appropriation bill that will provide another 45 billion dollars for that war. In addition to the hundreds of billions already appropriated and the end is not in sight. This money has been spent in Iraq without question by Congress, without accountability from the administration and without success."
Venezuela Begins Exporting Fuel to Energy-Hungry China
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuela has begun exporting fuel to China under a trade agreement aimed at boosting trade between the oil-rich South American nation and Asia's energy-hungry, economic powerhouse.
China is eager to secure new sources of energy for its booming economy, which is struggling with power shortages. Venezuela wants to find new customers to reduce reliance on the United States.
China is eager to secure new sources of energy for its booming economy, which is struggling with power shortages. Venezuela wants to find new customers to reduce reliance on the United States.
The Top 10 Conservative Idiots (No. 202)
June 20, 2005 · Cracks In The Facade Edition
It's been a rough time for George W. Bush and his Republican cohorts lately. Our Great Leader's approval ratings are in freefall, he's lashing out at the Democrats, and he's actively courting, um, porn stars.
It's been a rough time for George W. Bush and his Republican cohorts lately. Our Great Leader's approval ratings are in freefall, he's lashing out at the Democrats, and he's actively courting, um, porn stars.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
War and Weakness
By RICHARD A. CLARKE
In Washington, people in government often communicate with one another and with the public in guarded, even coded statements. The mass media seldom detect, note or explain these messages. Lately one of those messages has been coming from senior American military officials, both on and off the record. Their message, decrypted, is that things in Iraq are not going well and may not do so for a while. Their corollary charge is that the American military has been seriously damaged.
The top man in the military is about to retire. Perhaps sensing the freedom of speech that comes with retirement, Gen. Richard B. Myers has let slip two interesting observations. First, he noted that the insurgency is about as strong now as it was a year ago. At a second appearance, he noted that insurgencies like the one in Iraq have lasted 7 to 12 years. It's not hard to see the message that we may well be fighting in Iraq in 2012, at the end of the next president's first term.
In addition to the thousands of American and Iraqi casualties, one victim of this slow bleeding in Iraq is the American military as an institution.
The Army is already the smallest it has been since the Second World War. If the current trend in volunteering for the Army continues for long, the Pentagon may have to consider disbanding units or requesting the reinstatement of the draft.
In Washington, people in government often communicate with one another and with the public in guarded, even coded statements. The mass media seldom detect, note or explain these messages. Lately one of those messages has been coming from senior American military officials, both on and off the record. Their message, decrypted, is that things in Iraq are not going well and may not do so for a while. Their corollary charge is that the American military has been seriously damaged.
The top man in the military is about to retire. Perhaps sensing the freedom of speech that comes with retirement, Gen. Richard B. Myers has let slip two interesting observations. First, he noted that the insurgency is about as strong now as it was a year ago. At a second appearance, he noted that insurgencies like the one in Iraq have lasted 7 to 12 years. It's not hard to see the message that we may well be fighting in Iraq in 2012, at the end of the next president's first term.
In addition to the thousands of American and Iraqi casualties, one victim of this slow bleeding in Iraq is the American military as an institution.
The Army is already the smallest it has been since the Second World War. If the current trend in volunteering for the Army continues for long, the Pentagon may have to consider disbanding units or requesting the reinstatement of the draft.
Harness Racing Results for 06-19-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (65)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 7
Horse: SCORE (Won)
Post Position: # 2
Win (65)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 7
Horse: SCORE (Won)
Post Position: # 2
Brits and Yanks Unite to Demand Answers to Downing Street Minutes
Military Families Against the War in Britain, and AfterDowningStreet.org, in the United States, are working together to demand answers to the questions raised by the Downing Street Minutes and related evidence suggesting that the rulers of both nations conspired to deceive the public, Congress, and Parliament with regard to justification for the Iraq War.
Harness Racing Picks for 06-19-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (64)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 7
Horse: SCORE
Post Position: # 2
Win (64)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 7
Horse: SCORE
Post Position: # 2
Christian Conservatives ask: Is President Bush a Girly Man?
We at Baptists Are Saving Homosexuals have BASHed enough so-called "gays" with the blunt love of Jesus to know how to spot deviants across a crowded sale at Saks. Outside of Italian shoes, nothing sends up a rainbow-colored flare that you are dealing with a flaming homosexual more reliably than when a man breathlessly gushes the word "faaabulous!" When a Christian lady hears this word outside of her hair salon or florist, she instinctively reaches for the Bible tracts in her purse because she knows a nancy boy is within throwing range.
Therefore, conservative Christians throughout the land have become increasingly uncomfortable as they dutifully mask each awkward pause with a flurry of polite applause and yells of "more wars!" during President Bush's somewhat laborious attempts at speaking. While Tony Blair may have mastered the Queen's English, our President's vocabulary calls to mind any number of queens' English. Even our least vigilant Republican social commandos have noticed that Mr. Bush has been peppering his otherwise delightful litany of patriotic jingoism and pleasantly embroidered CIA-intelligence recaps with the effeminate mating call "fabulous" -- three giddy syllables that are tantamount to coyly cooing, "Hello, sailor!"
America's Favorite Christian Betty Bowers
Therefore, conservative Christians throughout the land have become increasingly uncomfortable as they dutifully mask each awkward pause with a flurry of polite applause and yells of "more wars!" during President Bush's somewhat laborious attempts at speaking. While Tony Blair may have mastered the Queen's English, our President's vocabulary calls to mind any number of queens' English. Even our least vigilant Republican social commandos have noticed that Mr. Bush has been peppering his otherwise delightful litany of patriotic jingoism and pleasantly embroidered CIA-intelligence recaps with the effeminate mating call "fabulous" -- three giddy syllables that are tantamount to coyly cooing, "Hello, sailor!"
America's Favorite Christian Betty Bowers
Harness Racing Results for 06-18-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (64)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Woodbine
Race # 8
Horse: GREAT GEORGE TWO (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 4
Win (64)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (20)
****************************
Woodbine
Race # 8
Horse: GREAT GEORGE TWO (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 4
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Two Top Guns Shoot Blanks
By FRANK RICH
TO understand how the Bush administration has lost the public opinion war on Iraq it may be helpful to travel in H. G. Wells's time machine back to Oct. 30, 1938.
That was the Sunday night that Orson Welles staged the mother of all fake news events: his legendary radio adaptation of another Wells fantasy, "The War of the Worlds." The audience was told four times during the hourlong show that it was fiction, but to no avail.
A month after Munich, Americans afflicted with war jitters were determined to believe the broadcast's phony news flashes that Martians had invaded New Jersey. Mobs fled their homes in a "wave of mass hysteria," as The New York Times described it on Page 1, clogging roads and communications systems.
Two days later, in an editorial titled "Terror by Radio," The Times darkly observed that "what began as 'entertainment' might readily have ended in disaster" and warned radio officials to mind their "adult responsibilities" and think twice before again mingling "news technique with fiction so terrifying."
TO understand how the Bush administration has lost the public opinion war on Iraq it may be helpful to travel in H. G. Wells's time machine back to Oct. 30, 1938.
That was the Sunday night that Orson Welles staged the mother of all fake news events: his legendary radio adaptation of another Wells fantasy, "The War of the Worlds." The audience was told four times during the hourlong show that it was fiction, but to no avail.
A month after Munich, Americans afflicted with war jitters were determined to believe the broadcast's phony news flashes that Martians had invaded New Jersey. Mobs fled their homes in a "wave of mass hysteria," as The New York Times described it on Page 1, clogging roads and communications systems.
Two days later, in an editorial titled "Terror by Radio," The Times darkly observed that "what began as 'entertainment' might readily have ended in disaster" and warned radio officials to mind their "adult responsibilities" and think twice before again mingling "news technique with fiction so terrifying."
Bush's Missing WMD 'Joke': Is the Media Still Laughing?
Bush's Missing WMD 'Joke': Is the Media Still Laughing? A brief comment at a forum in Washington this week resurrects one of the most shameful episodes in recent media history: The night a roomful of journalists laughed along with a president making fun of the bogus threat that led to a costly war.
By Greg Mitchell
(June 18, 2005) -- Dana Milbank of The Washington Post, in an article Friday, suggested that the congressional forum the previous day on the Downing Street memos was something of a joke. In his opening sentence he declared that House Democrats “took a trip to the land of make-believe” in pretending that the basement conference room was actually a real hearing room, even importing a few American flags to make it look more official.
Oddly, he seem less interested in the far more serious “make-believe” that inspired the basement session: the administration’s fake case for WMDs in Iraq that has already led to the deaths of over 1,700 Americans and tens of thousands of Iraqis. No, Milbank used the valuable real estate of the Post to mock Rep. John Conyers, who arranged the meeting, and his “hearty band of playmates.”
This fun-loving “band” included a mother who had lost her son in Iraq.
The debate over the Downing Street memos has been covered elsewhere at E&P Online, going back to our first story on May 5, and including a new column on this site by William E. Jackson. So allow me to focus, instead, on one brief moment in the Thursday forum, which took me back to a connected, equally brief, Washington moment last year. It represents one of the most shameful episodes in the recent history of the American media, and presidency, yet is rarely mentioned today.
It occurred on March 24, 2004. The setting: The 60th annual black-tie dinner of the Radio and Television Correspondents Association (with many print journalists there as guests) at the Hilton. On the menu: surf and turf. Attendance: 1500. The main speaker: President George W. Bush, one year into the Iraq war, with 500 Americans already dead......
By Greg Mitchell
(June 18, 2005) -- Dana Milbank of The Washington Post, in an article Friday, suggested that the congressional forum the previous day on the Downing Street memos was something of a joke. In his opening sentence he declared that House Democrats “took a trip to the land of make-believe” in pretending that the basement conference room was actually a real hearing room, even importing a few American flags to make it look more official.
Oddly, he seem less interested in the far more serious “make-believe” that inspired the basement session: the administration’s fake case for WMDs in Iraq that has already led to the deaths of over 1,700 Americans and tens of thousands of Iraqis. No, Milbank used the valuable real estate of the Post to mock Rep. John Conyers, who arranged the meeting, and his “hearty band of playmates.”
This fun-loving “band” included a mother who had lost her son in Iraq.
The debate over the Downing Street memos has been covered elsewhere at E&P Online, going back to our first story on May 5, and including a new column on this site by William E. Jackson. So allow me to focus, instead, on one brief moment in the Thursday forum, which took me back to a connected, equally brief, Washington moment last year. It represents one of the most shameful episodes in the recent history of the American media, and presidency, yet is rarely mentioned today.
It occurred on March 24, 2004. The setting: The 60th annual black-tie dinner of the Radio and Television Correspondents Association (with many print journalists there as guests) at the Hilton. On the menu: surf and turf. Attendance: 1500. The main speaker: President George W. Bush, one year into the Iraq war, with 500 Americans already dead......
'Teleporting' over the internet
BBC
Computer scientists in the US are developing a system which would allow people to "teleport" a solid 3D recreation of themselves over the internet.
Professors Todd Mowry and Seth Goldstein of Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania think that, within a human generation, we might be able to replicate three-dimensional objects out of a mass of material made up of small synthetic "atoms".
Cameras would capture the movement of an object or person and then this data would be fed to the atoms, which would then assemble themselves to make up an exact likeness of the object.
They came up with the idea based on "claytronics," the animation technique which involves slightly moving a model per frame to animate it.
"We thought that a good analogy for what we were going to do was claymation - something like the Wallace and Gromit shows," Dr Mowry told BBC World Service's Outlook programme.
Computer scientists in the US are developing a system which would allow people to "teleport" a solid 3D recreation of themselves over the internet.
Professors Todd Mowry and Seth Goldstein of Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania think that, within a human generation, we might be able to replicate three-dimensional objects out of a mass of material made up of small synthetic "atoms".
Cameras would capture the movement of an object or person and then this data would be fed to the atoms, which would then assemble themselves to make up an exact likeness of the object.
They came up with the idea based on "claytronics," the animation technique which involves slightly moving a model per frame to animate it.
"We thought that a good analogy for what we were going to do was claymation - something like the Wallace and Gromit shows," Dr Mowry told BBC World Service's Outlook programme.
Googling The Truth
Guardian
What does the truth look like? Google, the company last week confirmed as the biggest media firm on the planet, rather hopes that it reads something like this: WO 2005/029368.
That's the number of one of several patents filed in the US recently by the Californian internet giant. According to that patent, Google is for the first time planning to rank news stories according to their accuracy and reliability as well as their topicality.
Google, and its heavyweight competitors, are pouring billions of dollars and thousands of staff hours into trying to ensure that when you search on the internet, you receive not only exactly the information you want, but also information that is true.
During the early days of the internet boom, it was predicted that search engines would gradually lessen in importance as users latched on to their favourite sites. But the opposite has proved true, with Google and its competitors becoming the way into the web for eight in 10 web users, according to Ask Jeeves.
What does the truth look like? Google, the company last week confirmed as the biggest media firm on the planet, rather hopes that it reads something like this: WO 2005/029368.
That's the number of one of several patents filed in the US recently by the Californian internet giant. According to that patent, Google is for the first time planning to rank news stories according to their accuracy and reliability as well as their topicality.
Google, and its heavyweight competitors, are pouring billions of dollars and thousands of staff hours into trying to ensure that when you search on the internet, you receive not only exactly the information you want, but also information that is true.
During the early days of the internet boom, it was predicted that search engines would gradually lessen in importance as users latched on to their favourite sites. But the opposite has proved true, with Google and its competitors becoming the way into the web for eight in 10 web users, according to Ask Jeeves.
Harness Racing Picks for 06-18-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (64)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (19)
****************************
Woodbine
Race # 8
Horse: GREAT GEORGE TWO
Post Position: # 4
Win (64)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (19)
****************************
Woodbine
Race # 8
Horse: GREAT GEORGE TWO
Post Position: # 4
Friday, June 17, 2005
Harness Racing Results for 06-17-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (64)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (19)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 2
Horse: VERBAL ABUSE (Place)
Post Position: # 2
Win (64)
Place (24)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (19)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 2
Horse: VERBAL ABUSE (Place)
Post Position: # 2
Noonan claimed "everyone knows" PBS has liberal bias; polls show otherwise
Media Matters
In a June 16 OpinionJournal.com online column, Wall Street Journal contributing editor Peggy Noonan wrote that "arguing over whether PBS [the Public Broadcasting Service] is and has long been politically liberal is like arguing over whether the ocean is and has long been wet. Of course it is, and everyone knows it." In fact, as Media Matters for America has previously noted, a survey commissioned by the Center for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in 2003 found that a plurality of Americans find no political bias in PBS or National Public Radio (NPR).
In a June 16 OpinionJournal.com online column, Wall Street Journal contributing editor Peggy Noonan wrote that "arguing over whether PBS [the Public Broadcasting Service] is and has long been politically liberal is like arguing over whether the ocean is and has long been wet. Of course it is, and everyone knows it." In fact, as Media Matters for America has previously noted, a survey commissioned by the Center for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in 2003 found that a plurality of Americans find no political bias in PBS or National Public Radio (NPR).
Dean fund-raising lie persists among conservatives
Media Matters
The conservative media continues to falsely assert that Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman Howard Dean is an ineffective fund-raiser. In the past week, Weekly Standard executive editor Fred Barnes, New York Post columnist John Podhoretz, and Washington Times chief political correspondent Donald Lambro all cast Dean as a fund-raising failure. In fact, when compared with fund-raising in the most recent non-election year, Dean has raised more money in raw dollars, and more in comparison to the Republican National Committee (RNC), than did his predecessor.
As Media Matters for America has documented (here, here, and here), Dean raised $14.8 million between February and April 2005, versus $8.5 million raised by former DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe during the same time period in 2003. Dean has also raised more money than McAuliffe relative to RNC fund-raising. The RNC raised $32.4 million between February and April 2005, about 2.2 times the rate of the DNC; over the same period in 2003, the RNC's $25.7 million was more than three times what the Democrats raised. An article in the June 20 edition of Newsweek by chief political correspondent Howard Fineman and national correspondent Tamara Lipper noted how Dean has been effective at soliciting smaller donations:
Officials estimate that $12 million of the $14 million the Dean regime has collected so far this year has come from those who gave less than $250. "For people who really look hard at the numbers, he's wowing people," says Elaine Kamarck, a respected DNC member.
The conservative media continues to falsely assert that Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman Howard Dean is an ineffective fund-raiser. In the past week, Weekly Standard executive editor Fred Barnes, New York Post columnist John Podhoretz, and Washington Times chief political correspondent Donald Lambro all cast Dean as a fund-raising failure. In fact, when compared with fund-raising in the most recent non-election year, Dean has raised more money in raw dollars, and more in comparison to the Republican National Committee (RNC), than did his predecessor.
As Media Matters for America has documented (here, here, and here), Dean raised $14.8 million between February and April 2005, versus $8.5 million raised by former DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe during the same time period in 2003. Dean has also raised more money than McAuliffe relative to RNC fund-raising. The RNC raised $32.4 million between February and April 2005, about 2.2 times the rate of the DNC; over the same period in 2003, the RNC's $25.7 million was more than three times what the Democrats raised. An article in the June 20 edition of Newsweek by chief political correspondent Howard Fineman and national correspondent Tamara Lipper noted how Dean has been effective at soliciting smaller donations:
Officials estimate that $12 million of the $14 million the Dean regime has collected so far this year has come from those who gave less than $250. "For people who really look hard at the numbers, he's wowing people," says Elaine Kamarck, a respected DNC member.
British sources confirm that meaning of "fixed" -- as in "manipulated" or "cooked" -- is the same in Britain and America
Media Matters
Conservatives have attempted to dismiss the Downing Street memo, a secret British intelligence document indicating that intelligence officials there believed that the Bush administration was manipulating intelligence to support its case for war in Iraq by insisting that the term "fixed" has a different meaning in British English than in the United States. The memo describes Sir Richard Dearlove, head of the British foreign intelligence agency MI6, stating that in Washington, "the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy." In fact, British reports -- including one that quoted the memo itself six weeks before the British Sunday Times published its full text on May 1 -- refute the notion that "fixed" means anything different in British parlance.
Robin Niblett, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, claimed that "'Fixed around' in British English means 'bolted on' rather than altered to fit the policy." In an exclusive interview with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the June 15 edition of MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews, Rice eagerly agreed with Matthews's suggestion that in Britain the word "fixed" really "means just put things together." In the June 20 issue of the conservative Weekly Standard, contributing editor Tod Lindberg wrote of the memo: "'Fix' here is clearly meant in its traditional sense, in the sort of English spoken by Oxbridge dons and MI6 directors -- to make fast, to set in order, to arrange."
Conservatives have attempted to dismiss the Downing Street memo, a secret British intelligence document indicating that intelligence officials there believed that the Bush administration was manipulating intelligence to support its case for war in Iraq by insisting that the term "fixed" has a different meaning in British English than in the United States. The memo describes Sir Richard Dearlove, head of the British foreign intelligence agency MI6, stating that in Washington, "the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy." In fact, British reports -- including one that quoted the memo itself six weeks before the British Sunday Times published its full text on May 1 -- refute the notion that "fixed" means anything different in British parlance.
Robin Niblett, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, claimed that "'Fixed around' in British English means 'bolted on' rather than altered to fit the policy." In an exclusive interview with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the June 15 edition of MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews, Rice eagerly agreed with Matthews's suggestion that in Britain the word "fixed" really "means just put things together." In the June 20 issue of the conservative Weekly Standard, contributing editor Tod Lindberg wrote of the memo: "'Fix' here is clearly meant in its traditional sense, in the sort of English spoken by Oxbridge dons and MI6 directors -- to make fast, to set in order, to arrange."
Harness Racing Picks for 06-17-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (64)
Place (23)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (19)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 2
Horse: VERBAL ABUSE
Post Position: # 2
Win (64)
Place (23)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (19)
****************************
Pocono Downs
Race # 2
Horse: VERBAL ABUSE
Post Position: # 2
This Guy Needs a New Place to Stay.......JAIL
SAN DIEGO — Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-San Diego) promised Thursday to produce financial records to prove that he has done nothing inappropriate by living aboard a yacht owned by the executive of a defense firm that he has supported in its bid to win government contracts.
Though declining to be interviewed, Cunningham issued a statement from his Washington office: "I am putting information and records together so that you will know how much I pay to stay there and you will see that everything we've done is appropriate."
The statement was issued in response to a story in the North County Times, a newspaper in Cunningham's district, reporting that Cunningham lives aboard a yacht owned by Mitchell J. Wade, president and chief executive of MZM Inc., while in Washington.
The 42-foot yacht is docked at a yacht club on the Potomac River at a boat slip rented by Cunningham. His own boat is being repaired.
Cunningham's real estate dealings with Wade have become a matter of contention along partisan lines. Wade bought Cunningham's home in the upscale Del Mar Heights section of San Diego in November 2003 for $1,675,000.
Though declining to be interviewed, Cunningham issued a statement from his Washington office: "I am putting information and records together so that you will know how much I pay to stay there and you will see that everything we've done is appropriate."
The statement was issued in response to a story in the North County Times, a newspaper in Cunningham's district, reporting that Cunningham lives aboard a yacht owned by Mitchell J. Wade, president and chief executive of MZM Inc., while in Washington.
The 42-foot yacht is docked at a yacht club on the Potomac River at a boat slip rented by Cunningham. His own boat is being repaired.
Cunningham's real estate dealings with Wade have become a matter of contention along partisan lines. Wade bought Cunningham's home in the upscale Del Mar Heights section of San Diego in November 2003 for $1,675,000.
Must Be a Franchise of "The Bush" Cult
At Cult's Enclave in Chile, Guns and Intelligence Files
RIO DE JANEIRO, June 16 - The authorities in Chile searching for victims of Gen. Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship who are said to be buried at the enclave of a secretive, apocalyptic religious cult of German émigrés have unearthed a large cache of weapons and intelligence files.
"This arsenal is going to end up being the biggest ever found in private hands since the restoration of democracy in 1990 and in the history of Chile," the deputy interior minister, Jorge Correa Sutil, told reporters on Wednesday. "Believe me, what has been discovered so far is of a dimension that can only be explained in a military context."
RIO DE JANEIRO, June 16 - The authorities in Chile searching for victims of Gen. Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship who are said to be buried at the enclave of a secretive, apocalyptic religious cult of German émigrés have unearthed a large cache of weapons and intelligence files.
"This arsenal is going to end up being the biggest ever found in private hands since the restoration of democracy in 1990 and in the history of Chile," the deputy interior minister, Jorge Correa Sutil, told reporters on Wednesday. "Believe me, what has been discovered so far is of a dimension that can only be explained in a military context."
Group Says Leaked British Memo Shows Bush Misled Public on His War Plans
WASHINGTON, June 16 - Opponents of the war in Iraq held an unofficial hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday to draw attention to a leaked British government document that they say proves their case that President Bush misled the public about his war plans in 2002 and distorted intelligence to support his policy.
In a jammed room in the basement of the Capitol, Representative John Conyers Jr. of Michigan, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, presided as witnesses asserted that the "Downing Street memo" - minutes of a July 23, 2002, meeting of Prime Minister Tony Blair and his top security officials - vindicated their view that Mr. Bush made the decision to topple Saddam Hussein long before he has admitted.
"Thanks to the Downing Street minutes, we now know the truth," said Ray McGovern, a C.I.A. analyst for 27 years who helped organize a group of other retired intelligence officers to oppose the war.
The memo said Sir Richard Dearlove, the head of British intelligence, had said in the meeting that Mr. Bush had already decided on war, "but the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."
Cindy Sheehan, mother of a 24-year-old soldier killed in Iraq last year, said the memo "confirms what I already suspected: the leadership of this country rushed us into an illegal invasion of another sovereign country on prefabricated and cherry-picked intelligence."
The White House has maintained that Mr. Bush decided to invade Iraq only after Secretary of State Colin L. Powell made the administration's case in a lengthy presentation to the United Nations Security Council on Feb. 5, 2003. His argument focused on intelligence demonstrating that Iraq had illicit weapons. No weapons, however, have been found.
Asked about the memo last week, President Bush said: "Nobody wants to commit military into combat. It's the last option." He added, "We worked hard to see if we could figure out how to do this peacefully."
In a jammed room in the basement of the Capitol, Representative John Conyers Jr. of Michigan, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, presided as witnesses asserted that the "Downing Street memo" - minutes of a July 23, 2002, meeting of Prime Minister Tony Blair and his top security officials - vindicated their view that Mr. Bush made the decision to topple Saddam Hussein long before he has admitted.
"Thanks to the Downing Street minutes, we now know the truth," said Ray McGovern, a C.I.A. analyst for 27 years who helped organize a group of other retired intelligence officers to oppose the war.
The memo said Sir Richard Dearlove, the head of British intelligence, had said in the meeting that Mr. Bush had already decided on war, "but the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."
Cindy Sheehan, mother of a 24-year-old soldier killed in Iraq last year, said the memo "confirms what I already suspected: the leadership of this country rushed us into an illegal invasion of another sovereign country on prefabricated and cherry-picked intelligence."
The White House has maintained that Mr. Bush decided to invade Iraq only after Secretary of State Colin L. Powell made the administration's case in a lengthy presentation to the United Nations Security Council on Feb. 5, 2003. His argument focused on intelligence demonstrating that Iraq had illicit weapons. No weapons, however, have been found.
Asked about the memo last week, President Bush said: "Nobody wants to commit military into combat. It's the last option." He added, "We worked hard to see if we could figure out how to do this peacefully."
Contractors evade taxes to the tune of $3 billion, GAO reports
The Hill
Federal civilian contractors owe more than $3 billion in unpaid taxes, according to an unreleased Government Accountability Office (GAO) report provided to The Hill.
The report, requested by Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), ranking member Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and other committee members, will be made public during a committee hearing today.
In its findings, the GAO uncovered 33,000 examples of tax evasion among federal civilian contractors. Together, the contractors owe $3.3 billion in unpaid taxes — mostly in payroll taxes — and continue to receive lucrative contracts from agencies such as the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs.
“The widespread tax cheating by federal contractors will end,” Coleman said in a statement. “Step by step we are identifying and closing the loopholes that have allowed federal contractors to cheat on their taxes.”
The hearing is the second in what is likely to be a series of hearings on the subject. The first, in February 2004, focused on defense contractors.
Federal civilian contractors owe more than $3 billion in unpaid taxes, according to an unreleased Government Accountability Office (GAO) report provided to The Hill.
The report, requested by Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), ranking member Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and other committee members, will be made public during a committee hearing today.
In its findings, the GAO uncovered 33,000 examples of tax evasion among federal civilian contractors. Together, the contractors owe $3.3 billion in unpaid taxes — mostly in payroll taxes — and continue to receive lucrative contracts from agencies such as the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs.
“The widespread tax cheating by federal contractors will end,” Coleman said in a statement. “Step by step we are identifying and closing the loopholes that have allowed federal contractors to cheat on their taxes.”
The hearing is the second in what is likely to be a series of hearings on the subject. The first, in February 2004, focused on defense contractors.
Dems Cheer House Poll
The Hill
Recent Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) polling shows that seven Republican members would be easily defeated if their reelection took place today, the committee’s chairman told House Democrats yesterday at a closed-door meeting.
While Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) did not name the members, who are from districts “around the country,” he said all polled at 43 percent or less when voters were asked if they would vote today to reelect their congressional representative, sources at the meeting told The Hill.
Emanuel said three of the Republicans polled below 40 percent, including one, from a Western state, at 32 percent and another, a Californian, at 34 percent. The DCCC has targeted three California members: Reps. David Dreier, Richard Pombo and Randy “Duke” Cunningham.
Recent Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) polling shows that seven Republican members would be easily defeated if their reelection took place today, the committee’s chairman told House Democrats yesterday at a closed-door meeting.
While Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) did not name the members, who are from districts “around the country,” he said all polled at 43 percent or less when voters were asked if they would vote today to reelect their congressional representative, sources at the meeting told The Hill.
Emanuel said three of the Republicans polled below 40 percent, including one, from a Western state, at 32 percent and another, a Californian, at 34 percent. The DCCC has targeted three California members: Reps. David Dreier, Richard Pombo and Randy “Duke” Cunningham.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Harness Racing Results for 06-16-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (64)
Place (23)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (19)
****************************
The Meadows
Race # 8
Horse: COULANTINE (Won)
Post Position: # 6
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 8
Horse: NORTHERN KID (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 2
*******************
Scioto Downs
Race # 6
Horse: ONEFORTHEMASTER (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 7
****************************
Woodbine
Race # 8
Horse: BRONTES IMAGE (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 3
Win (64)
Place (23)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (19)
****************************
The Meadows
Race # 8
Horse: COULANTINE (Won)
Post Position: # 6
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 8
Horse: NORTHERN KID (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 2
*******************
Scioto Downs
Race # 6
Horse: ONEFORTHEMASTER (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 7
****************************
Woodbine
Race # 8
Horse: BRONTES IMAGE (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 3
"Hot Tub Tom" Delay Aide Jumps Sinking Ship
The Hill
The communications director for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) abruptly announced his resignation yesterday after months of defending his boss amid intense media scrutiny of the outspoken lawmaker.
Dan Allen’s resignation immediately sparked speculation that he was shut out by DeLay’s closest advisers.
Allen sent an e-mail to Capitol Hill reporters yesterday confirming a brief news report that he would be leaving DeLay’s office at the end of the month to take a job with Scott Howell and Co., a Republican media firm.
His departure comes at a lull for the DeLay office, which endured a four-month barrage of negative news reports regarding the majority leader’s perceived ties to embattled Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff. During a few tense weeks in the middle of the stretch, DeLay’s closest advisers held daily meetings to discuss message strategy and to coordinate outreach among members.
Workdays were long, sometimes around the clock, and the strain was evident on the face of many of DeLay’s staffers. Allen fielded many of the press queries about DeLay’s controversial trips abroad.
The communications director for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) abruptly announced his resignation yesterday after months of defending his boss amid intense media scrutiny of the outspoken lawmaker.
Dan Allen’s resignation immediately sparked speculation that he was shut out by DeLay’s closest advisers.
Allen sent an e-mail to Capitol Hill reporters yesterday confirming a brief news report that he would be leaving DeLay’s office at the end of the month to take a job with Scott Howell and Co., a Republican media firm.
His departure comes at a lull for the DeLay office, which endured a four-month barrage of negative news reports regarding the majority leader’s perceived ties to embattled Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff. During a few tense weeks in the middle of the stretch, DeLay’s closest advisers held daily meetings to discuss message strategy and to coordinate outreach among members.
Workdays were long, sometimes around the clock, and the strain was evident on the face of many of DeLay’s staffers. Allen fielded many of the press queries about DeLay’s controversial trips abroad.
News from Wal-Mart's Partner
BEIJING (Reuters) - Armed with pipes and shovels and wearing hard hats, the Chinese toughs shouted "charge" and waded into a throng of squatting farmers fighting to retain their land.
The skirmish lasts a few minutes and leaves at least one man down, an attacker flailing at his limp body with a pole, according to video footage obtained by the Washington Post of the clash in China's northern province of Hebei surrounding the capital, Beijing.
Moments later a bright explosion and what appear to be gunshots mark the start of a second charge. Screams and shouts of "Run!" and the villagers' stand crumbles.
The last shot ends frozen, the camera tilted to one side.
The skirmish lasts a few minutes and leaves at least one man down, an attacker flailing at his limp body with a pole, according to video footage obtained by the Washington Post of the clash in China's northern province of Hebei surrounding the capital, Beijing.
Moments later a bright explosion and what appear to be gunshots mark the start of a second charge. Screams and shouts of "Run!" and the villagers' stand crumbles.
The last shot ends frozen, the camera tilted to one side.
The GOP and Their Sexual Assults: Another one Goes to Court
Suit accuses congressman of abuse
A Maryland woman says Don Sherwood (R., Pa.) punched and choked her during a 5-year affair.
By Kevin Amerman
WILKES-BARRE TIMES LEADER
U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood of Northeastern Pennsylvania repeatedly punched and choked a Maryland woman during a "five-year intimate relationship" with her, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday.
Cynthia Ore, 29, of Rockville, Md., says that after each "unprovoked and vicious attack," Sherwood, 64, promised he wouldn't do it again and begged her not to leave him, according to the four-count lawsuit filed by Patrick M. Regan, a Washington lawyer.
The lawsuit, filed in Superior Court of the District of Columbia, asks for $5.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages and accuses the congressman of assault and battery, gross negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It also says Ore plans to pursue a restraining order against Sherwood, a Republican from Tunkhannock.
In the complaint, Ore states that she lived with Sherwood in Washington for much of the relationship and that he repeatedly promised to marry her and start a family.
A Maryland woman says Don Sherwood (R., Pa.) punched and choked her during a 5-year affair.
By Kevin Amerman
WILKES-BARRE TIMES LEADER
U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood of Northeastern Pennsylvania repeatedly punched and choked a Maryland woman during a "five-year intimate relationship" with her, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday.
Cynthia Ore, 29, of Rockville, Md., says that after each "unprovoked and vicious attack," Sherwood, 64, promised he wouldn't do it again and begged her not to leave him, according to the four-count lawsuit filed by Patrick M. Regan, a Washington lawyer.
The lawsuit, filed in Superior Court of the District of Columbia, asks for $5.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages and accuses the congressman of assault and battery, gross negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It also says Ore plans to pursue a restraining order against Sherwood, a Republican from Tunkhannock.
In the complaint, Ore states that she lived with Sherwood in Washington for much of the relationship and that he repeatedly promised to marry her and start a family.
Senator Frist Lying for the Fristians
Frist on the Senate floor:
" Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), a renowned heart surgeon before becoming Senate majority leader, went to the floor late Thursday night for the second time in 12 hours to argue that Florida doctors had erred in saying Terri Schiavo is in a "persistent vegetative state."
"I question it based on a review of the video footage which I spent an hour or so looking at last night in my office," he said in a lengthy speech in which he quoted medical texts and standards. "She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli." "
************************************
Frist Today:
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a surgeon who had questioned Terri Schiavo's diagnosis during the intense national debate on whether to remove her feeding tube, said the autopsy documenting her severe brain damage brings "a very sad chapter to a close."
"She had devastating brain damage, and with that the chapter is closed," Frist said Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Frist, R-Tenn., said he never made his own diagnosis but did argue there wasn't enough information about Schiavo's condition to justify allowing her husband to remove her feeding tube against her parents' wishes.
"I raised the question, 'Is she in a persistent vegetative state or not?' I never made the diagnosis, never said that she was not. I did say that certain tests should be performed to determine that before starving her to death," Frist said in the interview.
" Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), a renowned heart surgeon before becoming Senate majority leader, went to the floor late Thursday night for the second time in 12 hours to argue that Florida doctors had erred in saying Terri Schiavo is in a "persistent vegetative state."
"I question it based on a review of the video footage which I spent an hour or so looking at last night in my office," he said in a lengthy speech in which he quoted medical texts and standards. "She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli." "
************************************
Frist Today:
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a surgeon who had questioned Terri Schiavo's diagnosis during the intense national debate on whether to remove her feeding tube, said the autopsy documenting her severe brain damage brings "a very sad chapter to a close."
"She had devastating brain damage, and with that the chapter is closed," Frist said Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Frist, R-Tenn., said he never made his own diagnosis but did argue there wasn't enough information about Schiavo's condition to justify allowing her husband to remove her feeding tube against her parents' wishes.
"I raised the question, 'Is she in a persistent vegetative state or not?' I never made the diagnosis, never said that she was not. I did say that certain tests should be performed to determine that before starving her to death," Frist said in the interview.
Harness Racing Picks for 06-16-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (63)
Place (23)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (16)
****************************
The Meadows
Race # 8
Horse: COULANTINE
Post Position: # 6
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 8
Horse: NORTHERN KID
Post Position: # 2
*******************
Scioto Downs
Race # 6
Horse: ONEFORTHEMASTER
Post Position: # 7
****************************
Woodbine
Race # 8
Horse: BRONTES IMAGE
Post Position: # 3
Win (63)
Place (23)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (16)
****************************
The Meadows
Race # 8
Horse: COULANTINE
Post Position: # 6
********************
The Meadowlands
Race # 8
Horse: NORTHERN KID
Post Position: # 2
*******************
Scioto Downs
Race # 6
Horse: ONEFORTHEMASTER
Post Position: # 7
****************************
Woodbine
Race # 8
Horse: BRONTES IMAGE
Post Position: # 3
Harness Racing Results for 06-15-05
Record since 04-26-05
Win (63)
Place (23)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (16)
****************************
Cal-Expo
Race # 2
Horse: BEACH PARTNER (Place)
Post Position: # 3
********************
Windsor Raceway
Race # 9
Horse: RAMBLIN TINA (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 7
Win (63)
Place (23)
Show (4)
Out of the Money (16)
****************************
Cal-Expo
Race # 2
Horse: BEACH PARTNER (Place)
Post Position: # 3
********************
Windsor Raceway
Race # 9
Horse: RAMBLIN TINA (Out of the Money)
Post Position: # 7
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Video - Olbermann: Mary does DC; "Republicans party like Porn Stars"
Keith Olbermann interviews porn star Mary Carey who attended Bush's latest fund raising event.
"Republicans can party almost as much as porn stars. I think they can drink pretty much. There were some really drunk guys by the end of the night. I was getting propositions to have threesomes with wifes or mistresses. I was offered money from oil tycoons... I want to keep going to Republican events."
Video in Real Media format (5 minutes)
Video in Windows Media format (5 minutes)
"Republicans can party almost as much as porn stars. I think they can drink pretty much. There were some really drunk guys by the end of the night. I was getting propositions to have threesomes with wifes or mistresses. I was offered money from oil tycoons... I want to keep going to Republican events."
Video in Real Media format (5 minutes)
Video in Windows Media format (5 minutes)
Tax Cuts Aid Senators
The Hill
Several senators — millionaires, many of them — have reported earning substantial dividend income in 2004, benefiting greatly from President Bush’s tax cuts in 2001 and 2003, according to financial disclosure reports made available yesterday.
Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) reported earning $1 million to $5 million in income from the W.H. Frist 2000 Qualified Blind Trust, which has a capital value of between $5 million and $25 million. Another of Frist’s trusts, the William H. Frist GST Exempt 2000 Qualified Blind Trust, was valued between $1 million to $5 million.
Frist, well-known as a former heart-transplant surgeon, reported holdings of less than $15,000 in Lifepoint Hospitals Inc. and Triad Hospitals Inc. The majority leader also reported buying less than $15,000 of stock in Krispy Kreme, the Southern doughnut chain. The stock yielded a small amount of dividend income. The figures were obtained from disclosure reports put up on the website of PoliticalMoneyLine.
Several senators — millionaires, many of them — have reported earning substantial dividend income in 2004, benefiting greatly from President Bush’s tax cuts in 2001 and 2003, according to financial disclosure reports made available yesterday.
Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) reported earning $1 million to $5 million in income from the W.H. Frist 2000 Qualified Blind Trust, which has a capital value of between $5 million and $25 million. Another of Frist’s trusts, the William H. Frist GST Exempt 2000 Qualified Blind Trust, was valued between $1 million to $5 million.
Frist, well-known as a former heart-transplant surgeon, reported holdings of less than $15,000 in Lifepoint Hospitals Inc. and Triad Hospitals Inc. The majority leader also reported buying less than $15,000 of stock in Krispy Kreme, the Southern doughnut chain. The stock yielded a small amount of dividend income. The figures were obtained from disclosure reports put up on the website of PoliticalMoneyLine.
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