Cindy Sheehan Arrested At Capitol

ABC News is reporting that Cindy Sheehan was arrested shortly after entering the gallery of the House prior to the dim-wits' speech. WASHINGTON Jan 31, 2006 — Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a fallen soldier in Iraq who reinvigorated the anti-war movement, was taken into custody by police in the House gallery Tuesday night just before President Bush's State of the Union address. Police escorted Sheehan from the visitors' gallery above the House chamber after causing a disruption, said a Capitol Police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the incident were sketchy. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., had invited Sheehan to the address as her guest. I sincerely doubt that Cindy caused any kind of disruption since a spokesman for her stated earlier that she would be respectful since she was a guest of a member of Congress, and Cindy, unlike the guest speaker on the dias tonight keeps her word. In fact the rumour is that when she took off her coat she was wearing a t-shirt with the death count of the soldiers killed in Iraq. This is a disruption? Cindy Sheehan was removed because dim-wit and his cohorts were to damn cowerdly to face her while he spouted his crap about how much everyone should support the troops. Everyone except him that is. The only disruption I can see while watching the dim-wit, is him trying to force feed a pile of bullshit down America's throat. There were two parts of this excercise in the spread of pure crap I found particularly disgusting. First his false and gratuitous remarks about the death of Corretta Scott King and the civil rights movement, and the nerve to even mention the names of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and President Bill Clinton in his address. Looking at the reaction of Sen. Hillary Clinton, she wasn't any more impressed by this stunt than I was.

Allito Coronation A Tragic Irony

This afternoon Sam Allito was sworn in as a Supreme Court Judge in a private ceremony in the White House. I find it more than a little tragic that this man who so totally seems to despise the privacy and civil rights of the citizens of the U.S. was sworn in shortly after the death of Corretta Scott King. The woman many referred to as the First Lady of the civil rights movement passed away in her sleep at the age of 78. Since the assassination of the leader of the civil rights movement Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968, Mrs. King carried the torch for true freedom high and proud no matter how obstructionist the future seemed. I find it more than a little appalling that the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King and Mrs. Corretta Scott King and all that they stood for would be now be seriously at risk now that the dim-wit in the White House has sworn in a man that will now make it possible for another assassination to take place. This time it may very well be the assassination of the civil rights and liberties so much admired around the world, of every citizen in the United States.

Allito Confirmed

CNN WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate confirmed Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court on Tuesday by a vote of 58-42, a day after an attempt by some Democratic senators to block his nomination fizzled.

It's Official - Kerry Intends To Fillibuster

CNN is announcing that Senator John Kerry joined by Senator Edward Kennedy will attempt to lead a fillibuster of the nomination of Sam Alito to the Supreme Court. WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. John Kerry will attempt a filibuster to block the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court, CNN has learned. Kerry, in Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum, was marshaling support in phone calls during the day, he told CNN. Kerry said he told a group of Democratic senators Wednesday, and urged that they join him. Kerry said he has the support of fellow Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy. The Republicans will need 60 votes to overcome any Democtratic attempt at a veto. There are 3 Democrats who have stated they intend to support the Alito nomination. Who are these turncoats? Nelson, Johnson and Byrd I would hope all Democrats will take note of these three and treat them harshly. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has called for a cloture vote, which has been tentatively scheduled for Monday. Sixty (60) votes are needed for cloture which would effectively stop any momentum for a fillibuster.

Is Fillibuster In The Works?

Just a few moments ago, on the Randi Rhodes Air America show, it was stated that it is possible that a fillibuster may be in the works headed by none other than Senator John Kerry. When Ralph Nease, the President of PFAW was asked about it, he stated that Kerry's office is saying an announcement may be made later today. Hopefully, this is not just a rumour but a fact. If the Democrats knuckle under to this nomination, what the hell are they in office as a Demoratic member for? This is a pivotal time in the United States. If Alito get's on the SCOTU you can kiss your rights goodbye, and welcome an imperial Presidency unseen since the Richard Nixon era. Actually George Bush makes the Nixon era look like nothing more than a mild mannered blip in history by comparison. This is no longer just a matter of repodutive choice for women. This goes far beyond that! This goes right to the the workings of the Presidency itself, and whether or not he (or any President) has the right to total unchecked power. This is about all privacy rights and the very Constitution itself. Don't forget it is Alito himself who first put forth the theory of a Unitary Executive. Even if you're a real Republican, how in the world can you possibly stay silent for this outrageous appointment? Think for one moment, and answer this. If '08 brings another President Clinton, do you want her to have outright power to do anything she pleases? I think not. For heavens sake, even the New York Times, no friend to Democrats, has called for a fillibuster of Alito. Judge Samuel Alito Jr., whose entire history suggests that he holds extreme views about the expansive powers of the presidency and the limited role of Congress, will almost certainly be a Supreme Court justice soon. His elevation will come courtesy of a president whose grandiose vision of his own powers threatens to undermine the nation's basic philosophy of government — and a Senate that seems eager to cooperate by rolling over and playing dead. It is hard to imagine a moment when it would be more appropriate for senators to fight for a principle. Even a losing battle would draw the public's attention to the import of this nomination. ***** But portraying the Alito nomination as just another volley in the culture wars vastly underestimates its significance. The judge's record strongly suggests that he is an eager lieutenant in the ranks of the conservative theorists who ignore our system of checks and balances, elevating the presidency over everything else. He has expressed little enthusiasm for restrictions on presidential power and has espoused the peculiar argument that a president's intent in signing a bill is just as important as the intent of Congress in writing it. This would be worrisome at any time, but it takes on far more significance now, when the Bush administration seems determined to use the cover of the "war on terror" and presidential privilege to ignore every restraint, from the Constitution to Congressional demands for information. ***** A filibuster is a radical tool. It's easy to see why Democrats are frightened of it. But from our perspective, there are some things far more frightening. One of them is Samuel Alito on the Supreme Court. If any citizen of the Unites States stays silent on this outright attack on their rights, then you are contributing to a true constitutional crises the likes of which will be chilling. This vote will show just which members of the United States Congress stands for true oversight. It would be wise to contact your congressional representatives and remind them that they work for you and to conduct themselves accordingly.

Ok What's Next Canada?

It's all over but the wailing and knashing of teeth now that the Canadian electorate has spoken. The people were ready for change and accountability, and let their feelings be known. The Liberals were given a slap on the wrist for their corruption yet Stephen Harper and his Conservatives certainly didn't get a ringing endorsement either. Here are the official results barring any changes after a couple of mandatory recounts that will take place: CON 124 LIB 103 BQ 51 NDP 29 IND 1 0 There is the possibility of the right leaning Liberals (and there are some) combining with like-minded Conservatives to force their narrow-minded view of morality on the rest of us. The future of a "free vote" on the introduction of a Private Members bill on such issues as a woman's right to choose or same-sex marriage is real but hopefully the combination of the NDP (the big winner of the night IMO) and progressive Libs and BQ's will put a stop to that fast. Listening to Canadian talk radio this morning, the "bible thumpers" are already gloating about how they can shove their morality on the rest of us. But a word of caution to them and Mr. Harper. If he doesn't keep that part of his caucus at bay and govern from the middle his stay in the residence at 24 Sussex Drive will be short-lived, even though Canada will not look kindly on another eletion any time soon. Instead of pushing any kind of agenda, the first order of business should be the introduction of a new (and definite enforcement of) ethics legislation and election reform. An elected Senate would be a good place to start instead of using it as a patronage appointment. As for my beloved New Democrats, Jack Layton being the man of honour that he is, I am confident will do his all out best to work with Harper without turning his back on the progressive values he and our Party hold dear. Although they did not officially win enough seats to hold the so-called balance of power they have enough power to hold Harper's feet to the fire and be a major influence on future legislation. The biggest surprise of the night was the announcement by soon to be FORMER Prime Minister Paul Martin, that he will resign as the Liberal leader. To that I say good-bye and good riddance. Twelve years of Liberal Party rule has done nothing except rape and pillage the treasury and line their own pockets and that of their friends. Just take a look at the sponsorship scandal, two RCMP probes, focusing on a possible government leak on income trusts and the alleged illegal spending through the now-defunct unity lobby Option Canada. For Martin to claim outright innocence, is to spit in the face of Canadians since he was the Finance Minister during that entire time other than his stint as PM since 2004. Don't let anyone tell you that absolute and lengthly power doesn't corrupt my friends. Just take a look at the Liberal party and the Bush administration and you will see that. So hold on Canada this could be a bumpy ride!

Is Canada Really Ready For Bush Lite?

Well folks one of my worst fears (if recent polls here are correct) is about to become a reality. It looks like we may end up with a Conservative minority government (with the help of the BQ means a Majority IMO) come the end of the day tomorrow. The latest CPAC-SES tracking poll shows the Conservatives lead by seven points. Nationally, support for the Conservatives stands at 36.2%, followed by the Liberals at 29.4%, the NDP at 17.3%, the BQ at 11.0%, and the Green Party at 6.1%. What this will mean if accurate, is that Stephen Harper will become Prime Minister of Canada and even with minority status, all he will have to do is hook up with the Bloc Quebecois and we can kiss our asses good-bye. And there is no doubt whatsoever the BQ would support Harper since all they're really interested in is an independent Quebec which is something Harper will willingly grant in order to seize power. How does this make Harper and his Conservative Party "Bush lite"? Here is a taste of what he plans, courtesy of one of my favorite Canadian blogs the woodshed They will stack the Supreme Court with conservative ideologues from among their own ranks. They will run up a a deficit again. They will use the notwithstanding clause early and often to ban homosexual marriage and get rid of any kind of legislation banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. They will tear up all the government's previous hard-won agreements with the First Nations' peoples. They will bring back capital punishment. They will repeal the decriminalization of marijuana and bring in more draconian punishments. They will split up the country by encouraging Quebecois to separate and by encouraging Western seperatism through decentralization. They will bring religion and especially fundementalist Christianity to the forefront of governing philosophy. (Just what we need, more scum like Ralph Reed). They will end multiculturalism and divide and rule by playing on our fears, by playing to their base and pitting native born white Canadians against immigrants and minorities and natives. They will ban abortion. They will destroy public education by encouraging US style voucher systems and standard tests . They will revive Canadian participation in the U.S.'s completely useless, never-going-to-work missle defense shield. And let me add one other strong possibility. Canadian participation in the illegal ocupation of Iraq. A new and final poll is due to be released sometime later this evening. I can only hope the our polls are as accurate as all the polls in the U.S. in November of '04. Then again we don't use Diebold machines here. So all I can say to my fellow Canadians, is please, for the sake of saving our beloved Canada from the clutches of King George and his far right wingnuts, vote NDP or hold your nose and put the X next to your Liberal candidate. Since a majority is in reality only a dream for the NDP (damn it!!), we have to hope and pray for another Liberal minority.

Bin Laden, Moore and Matthews - OH MY!!

As we all know, the talking head that speaks out of both sides of his mouth Chris Matthews did his best to become a member of the chattering right wing by comparing Osama to Michael Moore. That's kind of a backhanded slap don't you think? After all, Osama murdered millions of people and all Michael Moore did was make a damn movie that sits like a bad seed in every right wingers' craw. You can view Matthews unconsionable comparison at Crooks and Liars. Unfortunately MSNBC doesn't have a comments section to voice your opinion to Matthews, but the website To Chris Matthews does. Head on over their and let him know just how outrageous you feel good old Chris is becoming as he tries to appeal to the right wing hoping they will forget that before joining MSNBC he was employed as an aid to Jimmy Carter, Tip O'Neill and Ed Muskie all liberal democrats. Unfortunately the cable media are all doing their best to fashion themselves after that purveyor of crap they call "fair and balanced" news over at Fox. Take for example CNN management, who in their quest to overcome the ratings battle with Fox, hired the likes of Glenn Beck (who back on May 17, 2005 openly pondered the murder of Michael Moore) in order to appeal to the scum that makes up the viewership of the far right. If you wish to let CNN know what you think of this type of crap that appears to be taking on a greater role in their broadcast offerings. The CNN contact page is available HERE..... Hat tip to AMERICAblog for bringing this to the public.

MSN And Yahoo Give In To Government Pressure

As I posted here yesterday, Google was served and is fighting a subpoena demanding the search database, and a random 1 million Website (URL) addresses. Now it appears there are two search engines that have complied with the request from the Justice Department. eWeek.com is reporting Yahoo Inc. said that it recently turned over information about its users searching habits to federal investigators, a startling admission that has touched off a new round of privacy concerns. Aside from Yahoo, a source familiar with the matter said that Microsoft Corp.'s MSN unit has also cooperated. Well it sure looks like the U.S. DOJ is hellbent on knowing each and everything internet users do on their computers in the privacy of their own homes. Now they are still claiming this is being done for the protection of children from pornography and/or predators. If we could really trust their motives I am sure most of us would have no problem with that but given their recent and past history of domestic espionage I wouldn't count on that being the reason. The eWeek article goes on to give us official responses from MSN and Yahoo. As was pointed out in yesterday's post, the DOJ wants the information in an appeal of the Supreme Court's decision to strike down a 1998 Internet law to protect children from stumbling onto inappropriate material on the Web. Aside from test results, the government also plans a review of how often Yahoo search users encounter pornography. In other words they want to look at the data base where ANYONE'S identity could appear not just limited to suspected internet child predators. This sure looks like an overreach by the government to me. Also according to eWeek, Yahoo stated We complied on a limited basis and did not provide any personally identifiable information". In an email sent to eWeek, an MSN spokeperson stated "We can't comment on specific government inquiries," she wrote in an email. "It is our policy to respond to legal requests in a very responsive and timely manner in full compliance with applicable law," her e-mail continued. "MSN takes the safety of its customers very seriously and is committed to providing a safe experience for consumers." This sure doesn't seem to give much support to Google's resistance to comply. As for Microsofts' MSN division, it is not surprising, since they went along with the Chinese Government and became actively complicit in the censoring of Chinese Blogs. The BBC report on this is available here. As for Yahoo, weren't they the one's last summer who refused to give a grieving family of a soldier killed in Iraq his emails to remember him by? They used "privacy" concerns for their refusal. I guess privacy is insignificant if it involves big corporation and big intrusive Government crawling into bed with each other. More available at eWeek.

Kerry Issues Smackdown To Matthews

Yesterday on his program MSNBC's Hardball, Chris Matthews, as only he can do, compared Bin Laden to Michael Moore. Rather than discuss , investigate and report on Bin Laden's statement he takes the time to besmerch a Democrat. Rather than question why a dangerous megalomaniac is still out there and able to inspire fear into the American people and possibly cause more damage and death, he instead lowers himself to use the Fox News style of broadcasting and claim Osama sounds like Michael Moore. .... What an ass. That most certainly was the epitome of in-depth reporting there Chris. As George would say, "You're doin' a heck of a job there Chrissy". Don't forget, it was George Bush who stated he wanted Bin Laden "Dead or Alive" then a year later was quoted as saying "on March 13, 2002, "I don't know where he is. You know, I just don’t spend that much time on him ... I truly am not that concerned about him." May I ask you, is this an appropriate response? Give off a flippy remark on an important matter? Pesonnally I prefer the adult and sensible reply. For example let's say of Senator John Kerry "You'd think the only focus tonight would be on destroying Osama Bin Laden, not comparing him to an American who opposes the war whether you like him or not. You want a real debate that America needs? Here goes: If the administration had done the job right in Tora Bora we might not be having discussions on Hardball about a new Bin Laden tape. How dare Scott McClellan tell America that this Administration puts terrorists out of business when had they put Osama Bin Laden out of business in Afghanistan when our troops wanted to, we wouldn't have to hear this barbarian's voice on tape. That's what we should be talking about in America." On can only imagine what the conditions would be like both here and in Iraq if John Kerry had been sworn in as Commander In Chief instead of a mindless little twit who seams to get his jollies off by strutting around in a flight jacket and playacting.

September 11th Advocates Respond To Bin Laden Tape

If we are attacked again, President Bush's shameless disregard of our constitutional rights and his poor judgment in defending our nation against terrorists should be borne out in his resignation from office or a Congressional demand for impeachment. MORE....

Hey Google User - Uncle Sam Want's You!!!!

Have you googled information on Al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden lately? How about innocently doing a google search for information about Aids or you look for a porn site, or heaven forbid a Democratic web site? Well then Uncle Sam wants to know about you. According to a report from Reuters, Google Inc. has been subpoenaed by the U.S. Justice Department to turn over a database of search terms as part of a government probe of online pornography but Google rejected the demand as overreaching by the government. In a Wednesday filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the Justice Department demanded that Google provide all queries entered on the company's Web search system between June 1 and July 31 of last year. The Justice Department includes a request for Google to produce a random sample of one million Web addresses, known as URLs. This is supposedly being done in a lead-up to an appeal of a 2004 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Ashcroft vs ACLU, which upheld an injunction that blocked the government from enforcing the 1998 COPA (Child Online Protection Act) law. The subpoena and Google's reply are availab;e for viewing HERE. Well I suppose we should be thankful the even bothered with a subpoena this time. It seems to me that is counter to their usual way of spying on us. WTF!!! is nothing allowed to be personal any more? I am a 1 year cancer survivor. I often look up information on the many medications I have been given. So now is Uncle Sam going to say uh oh there's a druggie? And don't all you Canadians out their like myself think you're off the hook because it is the U.S. Government doing this. They are asking for the Google database. It seems to me then it won't matter what country you're from if you've used Google - then you're in the database. Just how much information does this corrupt bunch of fascists need? Let's see now. They're data mining personal information, listening into phone calls, getting your ISP address from your internet provider, just to name a few of the things we KNOW about and now they also want to know what you searched for on your PC in the privacy of your own home. 1 million web addies? Gee I wonder if that will "just happen" to include the many progressive or anti George Bush blogs out there? I guess they didn't get enough information about their political enemies during their illegal spying escapade they went on. This bunch makes the Nixon Administration look like a bunch of choir boys in comparison. Disgusting to the extreme!!! And to think this immoral regime still has another 3 years in office? At the rate they're going, there won't be a U.S. Constitution for the rest of the world to admire or it's citizens have for protecting their rights.

Martin Luther King Jr. Remembered

"I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their tired bodies, education and culture for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, men other-centered can build up. I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and non-violent redemptive goodwill will proclaim the rule of the land 'and the lion and the lamb shall lie down together and every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid.' I still believe that we shall overcome." - Martin Luther King Jr. I invite you to visit A Tribute To Martin Luther King Jr. for more information and view more of Dr. Kings' writings.

Things Heat Up For Alito - Must Be A Time For Tears

This should have been foreseen as part of the strategy for alito's handlers. When the questions get too rough or center in an aspect or deed that is totally outlandish you have 2 choices, (1) - you get into a word battle with the questioner and if you decide to answer, it is so convoluted no one can decipher what the hell you said, or (2) - the well-coached wife springs open the faucets on each side of her eyes and goes for the sympathy vote from those present or viewing on TV (much like Duke Cunningham who has suddenly found Religion). Then to add more salt into the wound, Lindsay Graham (who was in on the preparation of for the hearing) spouts off with a bunch of inane comments including the old "cliche/question" of "When did you stop beating your wife?" or "Are you really a closet bigot?? Now just what the hell is this supposed to do except give a delay to the hearings so he can meet with his handlers (Graham included) to decide what answer should be given to these uncomfortable actions and decisions he made. Then to make the photo-op even MORE intense, he will also hold his wife's hand and parade her by all the media cameras so only her (IMO STAGED TEARS) will be shown over and over and over, as long as this staged affair comes to a close, thereby showing that those evil Democrats on the committee are a group of cold-hearted neanderthals out to damage Alito and his family at any cost. Well let me suggest that the Republicans think back and remember the impact their questions (based in XXX smut and how did it affect the family of Bill Clinton. Of course you didn't give two shits about the effect on Bill, Hillary, or Chelsea. Or think of all children who are suffering and crying out of hunger because of those "compassionate conservatives" who cut funding to the needy to may their friends and corporations richer. So you get NO sympathy from this individual. If your wife can't stand the heat in the hearing room then let her stay in that high-price hotel suite being paid for by the US taxpayers. I only have one other comment about alto and what he calls his "non-agenda" - yah right - and I am going to be the next Prime Minister of Canada. This nominee is being put up for two reasons only. 1 - George wants another supporter on the Supreme Court where it is almost certain that the illegal surveillance program will end up. Secondly, Alito (and the new Chief Justice John Roberts) both never met a corporate case they didn't love, especially if it is at the expense of the little guy and favors the top who are members in the Bush elite section of the populace. Everyone is focusing in on the abortion issue and rightly so. I however believe the main issues that should be addressed in this vetting process are simple and basic. Personal Privacy, and less intrusion of the Government into the personal lives of the Citizens of the United States. Protect those two principles and the rest will take care of itself. Unless these basic freedoms are protected, I shudder to think of the fascist state that awaits the United States People. I have one further question for all you alto supporters. This one concerns the outright support by alto that the Presidents Powers are all encompassing that he can change, ignore, or use this new-found tactic suggested by alto himself. That the President can attach a signing statement to the legislation he signs saying he has no intention of following this legislation if HE and ONLY HE feels it is two confining for his current agenda. How very interesting, that one of the pieces of legislation he chose to use this for was the recent bill regarding the user of torture. And don't forget his comment regarding the current NSA spying controversy. His attitude is I and ordered it, and will continue using it. It is time to show the legislative, administrative, and the judicial are not above any law as the Imperial President and "self-proclaimed" dictator believes. Do you realize your members of Congress that by allowing this to go on there will have absolutely NO reason to have a Congress or Senate? Therefore you are no longer needed in Washington to represent your constituents? Instead the people will be ruled over by a new Neocon King who ironically will be called George. The same name as the King the country broke from. Think carefully my friends. If this doesn't worry you then go ahead a do nothing, and while your at it, kiss your freedoms and your beloved Country go down. If you truly care, contact all your members of Congress, no matter what party affiliation, and let them know your feelings about the appointment of Strip Search Sammy to a lifetime term who along with the likes of Thomas and Scalia will change the United States as we know it.

My Lai Massacre Hero Dies - Rest In Peace Hugh Thompson

It was early morning of March 16, 1968 and the infamous massacre in the little village of My Lai, Viet Nam was well underway. It was then that Hugh Thompson did the inconceivable which led to the cease-fire order at My Lai. In order to save even more Vietnamese from being massacred by his fellow U.S. troops, Hugh Thompson, door-gunner Lawrence Colburn and crew chief Glenn Andreotta landed their helicopter in the line of fire between American troops and fleeing Vietnamese civilians and pointed their own guns at the US soldiers to prevent more killings. Then while Colburn and Andreotta (who was killed in a battle three weeks later), provided cover for Thompson he went to confront the leader of the US forces. Thompson later coaxed civilians out of a bunker so they could be evacuated, and then landed his helicopter again to pick up a wounded child they transported to a hospital. IOL reports that 30 years later, in an interview with his biographer and family friend Trent Angers, Thompson humbly stated "These people were looking at me for help and there was no way I could turn my back on them." And much like today's atmosphere regarding Iraq, because of his actions he was chastised by many. Not only was his patriotism questioned, but a U.S. Congressman even went so far as to state that that Thompson himself was the only serviceman who should be punished because of My Lai. Despite what the Congressman (must have been a Republican) and others had to say, the U.S. Army honoured him and his fellow helicopter troops with the Soldier’s Medal, the highest award for bravery not involving conflict with an enemy. At the medal ceremony, Army Maj. Gen. Michael Ackerman said "It was the ability to do the right thing even at the risk of their personal safety that guided these soldiers to do what they did, [they] set the standard for all soldiers to follow”. Hugh Thompson passed away at the age of 62 in the VA Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia. Col. Tom Kolditz, head of the Army academy’s behavioural sciences and leadership department said of Thompson, "There are so many people today walking around alive because of him, not only in Vietnam, but people who kept their units under control under other circumstances because they had heard his story. We may never know just how many lives he saved.” Rest in peace Hugh Thompson, knowing that your actions may influence the young men and women of the armed forces currently serving around the world. We can only hope that they can be the hero you were.

DeLay Surrenders Leadership

MSNBC is reporting that Tom DeLay (R-TX) has given up his House Leadership post. WASHINGTON - Rep. Tom DeLay, under indictment on criminal charges in Texas, announced Saturday that he will not try to reclaim his job as majority leader of the House of Representatives. In a letter to rank-and-file Republicans, DeLay says he has “always acted in an ethical manner.’ At the same time, “I cannot allow our adversaries to divide and distract our attention,” the Texas Republican wrote. Of course he continues to spread the BS that he will clear his "good" name. Right Tommy you just do that!! Between the investigation and indictment by Ronnie Earle in Texas for money laundering, you are also linked hook, line and sinker in the Justice Department investigation into the lobbying scandal. Just how much did you get from your "best friend" Jack Abramoff in return for favors. Not only does he intend to "clear his good name", he also intends to run to retain his seat in Congress, but intends to run for the leadership again. Ok Tommy you keep deluding yourself into believing you hold power over everyone. Ummmm earth to Tom - do you think the fact that other Republican members in Congress wrote a letter calling for a new election of a new leader means you still hold that "hammer" over them? Well Tommy, the rest of us in the reality based community will love watching your inevitable downfall while you bask in your self-delusion of power.

Abramoff Speaks - DeLay Hears Footsteps

You gotta just love it. Not only is the Prosecutor in Texas, District Attorney Ronnie Earle investigating Tom DeLay for money laundering, but he has now issued subpoenas looking for any links between DeLay' fundraising practices and Abramoff. Chron.com is reporting: In his subpoenas, Earle asks for correspondence between the subpoenaed parties and TRMPAC; Americans for a Republican Majority, DeLay's national fundraising committee; David Safavian, the Bush administration's former chief procurement official indicted in the Abramoff case; Abramoff, former Christian Coalition director Ralph Reed and DeLay's co-defendants. Of course Delay and his attorneys still maintain that Earle is engaged in a partisan witch hunt but let's face it DeLay and every other corrupt politician in the Republican party and their aides look on politics as a means to an end not public service. And in end in their view is the almighty dollar. You may have noticed, that I singled out the Republican party. Well there is very good reason for that. Despite what you may hear about "well they all do it" and "the Democrats are involved too" championed by the MSM and their Conservative talking heads. Take a look at this article over at Media Matters, where they state [A]Media Matters for America search of the Center for Responsive Politics database of campaign contributions did not find any contributions from Abramoff to Democrats or Democratic leadership political action committees. In fact, while Democrats have received contributions from Abramoff's lobbying groups and his clients, Kornblut's statement ignores the difference between accepting contributions from groups linked to Abramoff, which is legal and proper, and taking contributions in exchange for official actions, which is illegal, and which is at the heart of the ongoing investigations. So there you go boys and girls. If Media Matters is willing to go "on record" and print that no Dems were involved, you can pretty well take it to the bank. Media Matters track record is excellent with their sources checked, checked again, and yet again.

Abramoff To Plead Guilty - Will Sing

The NYT is reporting that GOP Lobbyist Jack Abramoff will plead guilty to fraud, public corruption and tax evasion charges today. In return, he will cooperate with Federal Prosecutors in Washington that are investigating members of Congress. The startling news from the announcement is that little Jackie has been cooperating with prosecutors all along without a deal in order to show them exactly what he has to offer: Mr. Abramoff has been talking to investigators in the corruption case for many months, participants in the case said, giving them a full picture of what evidence he could offer against other suspects. His participation in Washington has taken place mostly below the radar, as prosecutors made the Miami case the focus of their public work and as Mr. Abramoff and his associates claimed they were preparing to stand trial, facing up to as many as 30 years in prison. Mr. Abramoff will enter separate pleas in both locations. But the deal reached with the Justice Department is all-encompassing, reducing the severe penalties Mr. Abramoff could have faced in either investigation, in exchange for his inside knowledge of certain lobbying work and legislative actions. One element of the deal is that any he can serve prison time in the two cases concurrently, although the sentencing will not take place until much further along in the investigation. In other words, it will only be after he gives the information will he then be sentenced. I would hazard a guess there are more that a few pols in Washington that are now shaking in their collective boots. Get ready for the "both parties do it" talking point that will be emphasized by the MSM. I am sure some Democrats will be pulled in to this investigation (and they damn well should be), but you can bet your last dollar that this was a GOP dominated operation that reaches directly to the leadership. I would guess that all the buddies Tom DeLay is counting on will start jumping ship soon. Add in the belated Fitzmas gifts that are coming and you better grab the popcorn kids, 2006 looks like it will be a bumpy ride over in Repugland!!

A Happy And Healthy New Year From CP

I truly wish all readers of this blog a Very Happy and Healthy New Year. Hopefully in the new year my American readers will all receive our (now belated) Fitzmas Gifts, an Official Censure (OR do I dare say it IMPEACHMENT) of King George and the rest of his neocon cabal, and re-gain control of one or both Houses of Congress. To my fellow Canadians who peruse these rantings of mine, I wish as always that the coming election will bring us an NDP Government. Of course, I know this is about as realistic as, well, the Impeachment I hope for in the U.S. So if the NDP can't form the Government, I hope and pray for another minority Liberal Parliament with increased NDP seats holding the balance of power. Although the Federal Liberal Party is badly tainted by corruption,just the thought of an incompetent minority (or heaven forbid majority) Conservative Government absolutely sickens me. Therefore, I will hold my nose and go with the Libs. In the meantime while were all waiting with baited breath for these things, perhaps you can follow some of these traditions to bring you a special new year: At the stroke of midnight hour, kiss your spouse or life partner to ensure that romance will favor your relations for next twelve months. The failure to observe this practice means the year may be full of icy stares and cold feelings. George Washington started the custom of 'open house', a party where anybody could come in and enjoy on New Year's Day. Good Luck foods on New Year include anything in shape of a ring or full circle as a symbol of complete life cycle. Dutch ate doughnuts and pretzels for the purpose. Legumes with ham is said to bring in luck and prosperity in many parts of US. Cabbage leaves are said to bring in paper currency while rice is also considered to be a lucky food on New Year's Day. First footing is a very popular tradition. It is said that Lady Luck likes a handsome, tall, dark-haired man for escort to step inside the home or the macho man who rides his way to your doorstep in horseback. So, the first person to step inside your home after midnight should be either of the two mentioned above. Others including blondes, redheads and women have to wait until such a person crosses the threshold of your home. To make it easier, people often make such a person stand just outside the home for an hour before midnight (known as the witching hour) and just as the clock strikes twelve, the person puts his steps inside the home and be the first visitor. The visitor should have a present in hand too, preferably a silver or gold coin to denote wealth coming inside the home throughout the year. Lonely people can ensure that something comes in their home at stroke of midnight by placing something in the basket just outside their door and attach a long string to it. Open the door at midnight and pull the thing over with the help of the string, without crossing the threshold. Open all doors and windows before midnight so Old Year can steal away from your home easily before the New Year steps in. People prepare dishes and put beans and black-eyed peas in it. In the New Year Feast, the person who gets them while dining is supposed to be the luckiest person at the table who will be the ward of Lady Luck and Lady Fortune throughout the year. The tradition originated in southern US. Seriously my friends, have a Safe and Happy New Year, live well and as always, watch your back.