The True Meaning Of Memorial Day

I ask you to view the video below, and remember those who have died as a result of Bush's War including those who, like Jessica Rich, died in a "non-combat" situation. This was filmed at Camp Casey/Colorado Springs as Jessica was preparing to enter a treatment facility for PTSD . She was killed in a head-on collision and had a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit. Friends say she turned to alcohol to forget her memories of the time she spent in Iraq. Many will say doesn't deserve our sympathy or our attention, and that she brought it on herself. I can't agree with that logic. There are so many like Jessica who after giving their all in Iraq, returned home to an uncaring neglectful Government and a disinterested population. The Last Time I Saw Jessica Rich Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). For more history of Memorial Day visit Memorial Day History.

A Shout Out To Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wa.

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wa), called out the Dictator and his puppet-master Dick Cheney by placing on the record some well needed truth regarding the history of US involvement in Iran, and the real reason for the invasion of Iraq. From AlterNet: Mr. Speaker: This president and vice president have vowed to repeat the mistakes of history, and they have put into motion a plan to do just that in Iran, even as the House is about to send the president a box of blank checks for Iraq, against the will of the American people. The history is worth knowing. In 1953, the United States and United Kingdom launched Operation Ajax, a covert CIA operation to destabilize and remove the democratically elected government of Iran, including then Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh. Why? Oil. Under Mossadegh, the Iranian government decided to reclaim Iran's rightful ownership of its national oil treasure, which had been exclusively controlled by the British who were taking 85 percent of the profits. Oh, and by the way, the U.K. also kept the books secret, merely telling Iran what its 15 percent take was. As soon as Mossadegh began to reclaim Iran's oil treasure, it was all over. Operation Ajax was set into motion. Read on.... McDermott deserves great credit for standing up to Bush and his dictatorial ways put in place by an out-of-control VP. Keep in mind, that while McDermott was showing what it means to have integrity, many of his fellow Democrats caved in to pressure from the White House crying all along about how those big bad Republicans would call them names. Grow up!!!

Ratcheting Up The Case For Iran War

Does anyone besides me make a connection between George's tough talk in a speech today at the Coast Guard Academy where he argued that a withdrawal from Iraq would allow Al Qaeda to flourish and the release of a report from the IAEA saying that despite earlier sanctions, Iran continues to enrich uranium -- which can provide fuel for civilian reactors but also make nuclear bombs. Throw in the build-up of the forces in the Gulf by two aircraft carriers, and I guess we had better be on the look out for renewed terror alerts any time now. This is the Bush MO -- create an alleged security problem, issue a terror alert, build up the forces, and invade. The only thing difference this time, is it will be possible nuclear bombs (they like to tell us it would be a "limited" nuclear strike) rather than an invasion and occupation. Of course there is the usual criticism like this from former national security adviser Richard Clark as reported in the NYT “One day Bush tells us we are fighting in Iraq so that terrorists won’t come here, then he releases intelligence that says terrorists trained in Iraq are coming here. Which is it?” And then of course Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid weighed in saying: “The president today made the best case yet for why Congress must insist on a change of strategy in Iraq.....Intelligence analysts concluded long ago that Iraq has indeed become a training ground and recruiting poster for a new generation of terrorists.” But you see that's the problem. All these leaders talk tough, but do very little to reign in this out of control little dictator. It is more than time to to put a stop to this madness and contact your congressional delegation. Contact your Senator here. Contact your Representative here .

Support Our Troops - Bring Them Home

We all know that the best way to protect and show support for our troops is to bring them home. Be they American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, or Canadian forces in Afghanistan - damn it! - bring them home. Has not enough blood been shed because of this CONservative President, and our CONservative Prime Minister to quench their miserable thirst? Before everyone starts hitting me with email saying it was the Liberal P.M. that authorized our entry in Afghanistan it was not until Stephen Harper became the latest leader who can have as their claim to fame being Bush's Poodle that things have escalated. From what I have seen the only candidate in the U.S. Presidential contest from either party with a sense of decency about this war is John Edwards, the former Senator from North Carolina. And here in Canada (as in the U.S), the majority of the people want our troops home but those in power refuse to listen. It seems that the New Democratic Party if they ever formed the Government (which is highly unlikely), would end the war and bring our men and women home. SupportTheTroopsEndTheWar.com., is John Edwards new website which blends perfectly with his consistency on the war issue since openly admitted he made a mistake with his vote on the war. Mr. Edwards is calling for all Americans to reclaim their country and its' honor and respect while supporting the troops this Memorial Day weekend: As patriots, we call on our government to support our troops in the most important way it can - by ending this war and bringing them home. I suggest Canada follow suit on Canada Day this July 1st. View a message from John Edwards below.

Don't Believe Your Lying Eyes

Apparently the Bush administration has taken the Winston Churchill quote "History is written by the victors" into the video age. The official White House website is now sporting a very different version of President Bush's "Mission Accomplished" speech. In this exclusive video, Inside Minnesota Politics' Mike McIntee shows how the "Mission Accomplished" banner on the USS Abraham Lincoln has apparently been crudely cropped out of the video.

"Mission (UN)Accomplished"

In this new Robert Greenwald production, spoken-word artist Steven Connell asks what we've accomplished in the war on Iraq. On the fourth anniversary of the unfurling of Bush's infamous "Mission Accomplished" banner, it's time to propose your own banner. The winning phrase will be made into a bumper sticker.Contact Tell Us The Mission HERE, if you have a banner to suggest.

Look At The Families Laura And See What Real Pain Is

All I can say about Laura Bush's performance on NBC's Today show this morning is that she is a selfish, self-centered bitch. Of course this is typical of anyone from the Bush family whether of their bloodline or married to it. Hell - it's a requirement to have a cold, selfish and self-centered heart to belong to that family. What's got my dander up? I quote: "You know the American people are suffering watching --," Curry said to the first lady. "Oh, I know that very much," Laura Bush responded. "And believe me, no one suffers more than their president and I do when we watch this, and certainly the commander in chief, who has asked our military to go into harm's way." Oh really Laura? Think about the wives, husbands, babies, and other family members left behind by those murdered in your husband's war. If you grieve at all (and I doubt you know how), grieve for men and women whose blood is on your husband's hands. Think about the blood of the innocent Iraqi people dead because of your husband's invasion and occupation. No Laura, just as you didn't grieve for the ex-boyfriend you killed when you blew a stop sign back in 1963, I can't for a minute think you or that imbecile you married even give a rat's ass about anyone but yourselves. If you care to see "Loony" Laura in action, head on over to Americablog, and watch the video.

The Three Faces Of Death

PNAC planning that has been in effect for years could be closer to reality than many non-conspiracy die-hards believe is possible. So now, when the perfect storm moved into place that gave King George (who likes to play dress up as a warrior), along with (Darth Vader himself) Dick Cheney and then mix in a good helping of Donald Rumsfeld (the apparent S&M expert at the Pentagon) who found a sure-fire way to add even more blood to his own hands than Saddam Hussein - the very person he embraced with enthusiastic friendship when their common enemy was then and appears to be once again, Iran. He along with Alberto the impaler who vigorously defended the Bush administration's decision to detain alleged illegal enemy combatants without protection under the Third Geneva Convention. . The non-applicability of the Geneva Conventionsto cover illegal combatants is disputed by international jurists. Critics feel that Rumsfeld should have been held personally responsible for the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal. Rumsfeld himself said, "These events occurred on my watch as secretary of defense. I am accountable for them." Let's not forget however, this was probably preceded by a few well-placed questions to himself such as 1) Did these incidents occur on my watch? Well golly-be ha-ha-ha they sure did. 2) Does that make me a poor Secretary of Defence? Well heck by golly no under my watch we actually managed to shrink the Pentagons' budget.....that is of course if you don't count the money wasted on faulty equipment obtained from Dicks' and Yours' favorite military contractors. Or the billions upon billions of money that will be needed to assist the traumatized and badly amputated areas of the anatomy that were never even a thought before. This also caused by the Rumsfeld/Cheney Military Outfitters Association. Boy it sure is awfully convenient for the criminals that make up this administration from top to bottom that military investigations into the matters did not find ANY responsible for any wrongdoing.

Yup I'm Back And Will Be Blogging My "Brilliant Thoughts" Soon - Lucky You

Well, for better or worse I am back to simply stun you with my "Oh So Brilliant" words of wisdom. However, since I have nothing prepared to post at this time, and since you all know I never dismiss theories or explanations of any happenstance out there - no matter how "conspiratorial"it may appear. You see I have found in all these years, it pays to always keep an open mind and use the "K.I.S.S." principle - (Keep It Simple Stupid). With that in mind, I invite you to watch this Video from YouTube entitled 9/11: A Closer Look. I know many of you view Alex Jones and his supporters as just so many crackpots but do me a favor and keep an open mind while viewing this. An open mind can't hurt, but it sure can shed some much needed light on the subject. If that can do so even a bit then we have accomplished our goals. 1) Opened your mind, and 2)Made you demand answers that make some sense not just slogans to advance the Administrations' cause. And 3rd) Hopefully the country will awaken from the common coma it has been in since 9-11-01. At the very least, let's all wake up BEFORE the next target for George's amusement which may just be the word oblivion. A word that may very well describe his plans for.........IRANYou don't have to just take Alex Jones' words and pictures, or my own sometimes twisted logic. Instead,listen to and answer the questions about the 911 Report especially the honest and legitimate questions from Senator Mark Dayton (MN). I would urge you to read the transcript of his remarks and statements regarding the omissions and outright lies contained in the official 911 Report available here. These words of his should be written in granite and placed at the monument built to honour the thousands murdered on that day (possibly by it's own government).Now that the Kean Commission has published the new time line in its final report, these contradictions cannot be swept under the rug. Either the Kean Commission is wrong, or else NORAD was pushing a flawed time line for more than two years. Either way, the FAA story still differs from both. There can be no excuses. Those responsible for dispensing false information must be held accountable, or else nothing in the behavior of government is likely ever to improve. Instead of accountability, several of the key figures - Gens. Myers and Eberhard, FAA official Ben Sliney - have been promoted since Sept. 11! Yet one or more of them must be wrong about what happened on 9/11.This is the simple point that Sen. Mark Dayton made at the Senate hearings on the 9/11 Commission Report: now that it has accepted the Kean Commission findings, NORAD must explain its old time line, and anyone responsible for pushing a false account, whether intentionally or not, must be held accountable. Read on.... As I said earlier in this post, please pay attention to the facts, accept them with an open mind, and do your best to deny that maniac in the White House another chance to commit mass murder while claiming his "GOD SPOKE TO HIM AND TOLD HIM TO DO IT". Remember, it is not the United States of America that stands on the brink of annihilation here (don't forget it is George that is using the use of the nuclear option here), but the entire universe. We might also keep our eyes wide open to the fact that this is a largely celebrated religious holy day to many. What a perfect day for Georgie, Dickie an the rest of his nut squad to use as a false-flag attack.

Support The Troops - View This Iraq Veterans Memorial

Get The Hell Off Hillary's Back

I am not a big supporter of the Hillary for President mantra, although I think she would make a very good candidate and an awesome President - BUT - how will we ever find out if some of the progressives in the Democratic Party continue to harp on her about her vote over the Iraq war. All we ever here over and over and over again is that whining voice saying "she didn't say her vote was a mistake". Well give me a damn break. I would like to know how many of these whiners (if they're honest with themselves) can admit they also believed what was being shoved down their throat by the media. Think back, and remember the headlines and editorials that did absolutely nothing to question the evidence being given to us from the White House - not to mention the sincerity and honesty projected by Colin Powell when addressing the United Nations. After all a media darling like Powell would never, ever lie to us would he? Read entire post....

Republican Party Going Over The Cliff

If there was any doubt anywhere about the condition of the Republican Party, there certainly isn't anymore. According to former Congressman Joe Scarborough, "The president is prepared to take his administration and his party over the cliff to prove that he right about Iraq". I never thought I would ever agree with Scarborough on anything since his conservative views are more than I, or any liberal progressive could tolerate. But low and behold he is absolutely correct with his analysis of the Iraq occupation and its' continuation. In his column for MSNBC's political page he even lists all the terrible and deadly decisions made concerning Bush's war in Iraq. ...."the Bush administration was wrong about those weapons, wrong about the nuclear program, wrong about their refusal to quell rioting early, wrong about Bremer’s gutting of the Iraqi army and police force, wrong about refusing to kill or capture al Sadr in 2003, wrong to tell the generals not speak of the coming insurgency, wrong to stubbornly refuse to give generals the troops they needed to win this war, wrong to make the “Mission Accomplished” declaration, wrong for the VP to claim that the insurgency was in its death throes and wrong to push a surge plan that the president’s top generals opposed. The list could continue for pages but I will be generous to the White House and leave it at that." What more can be said? The only thing I would add is wrong to lie to the American people to illegally invade and occupy of a sovereign country. The Republican party is no longer the party it used to be. It has been hijacked by neocons, and far-right christian zealots like Robertson and Donald Wildman. As long as it remains this way, and it doesn't look as if it will change anytime soon, they will be relegated to has-been status in the world of politics that they so richly deserve and those in the Republican party whose conservative ideology matches people like Scarborough will continue to jump the sinking ship. Scarborough's last comment in his article sums it up nicely. Regarding the "protectors" and supporters of Bush and his "bungling war strategy" he says: That may not be so bad for George W. Bush in the short run, but it is a disaster for Republicans in 2008 and beyond. Thank you Joe, may that thought become fact and the Dems continue to make gains in '08 and bring America back to being the moral leader is once was.

GOP In A Civil War - Scarborough

Joe Scarborough, host of Scarborough Country on MSNBC and former Congressman for Florida's 1st congressional district, from 1995 to 2001 warned the Republican Party it is "headed for civil war" over the congressional response to Iraq. For a change, it looks as though it is the Republicans who are "eating their own" instead of the Democrats. Check out the video below.

Forces In Iraq & Afghanistan Still Lack Protective Equipment

Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY-28) Chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, issued a press statement today after learning from an Inspector General audit that details equipment shortages for the American troops sent into Iraq and Afghanistan that forced many to fight without the benefit of adequate body armor or armored vehicles. It should come as no surprise to anyone that yet again this administration only shows any concern about the troops when they can be used as a photo-op while George Bush prances around playing make-believe while chortling away as to how he is the "Commander-in- Chief". "The recently released findings of the Inspector General confirm our greatest fears: that brave young men and women were routinely sent into battle without the equipment they needed to protect themselves, and yet, despite the equipment shortages that already exist, the President is increasing the number of troops in Iraq. Why should we expect that they will be given what they need for success?" Billions of dollars have been squandered by questionable contracts and perpetual fraud, waste, and abuse that have plagued this war effort from day one. Rep. Slaughter continued: "Stuart Bowen has revealed billions of dollars that have been misspent or lost during the past four years. Money was disappearing at the same time that our troops were in harms way, struggling to protect themselves from bullets and bombs without proper vehicles and equipment. It is simply unconscionable." The report states in part "…. Based on responses from approximately 1,100 Service members, they experienced shortages of force-protection equipment, such as up-armored vehicles, electronic countermeasure devices, crew-served weapons, and communications equipment. As a result, Service members were not always equipped to effectively complete their missions. Read on.... So there you have it my friends, just another example of how this administration ignores the needs of the military and is directly responsible for the numerous deaths and crippling injuries from which none of these loyal men and women will ever recover. The entire report is available in pdf fromat here.

Discord In Bush's Fairyland

Not only is Bush losing support at home, over his Iraq policy, he is also being criticized by the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. It seems that Condi Liesalot Rice ruffled his feathers by making the comment that the Iraqi government was living on "borrowed time". Nice work Condi. Perhaps you should go back to what you do best - shopping for shoes at Ferragamos. On second thought, make that ruby slippers so you can transport yourself and your "husband" George to his Fairyland that is Iraq. Of course once again we must turn to the foreign media for the story as we did here. This time, it is The Guardian. that reports al-Maliki is hitting back at the administration for their criticism for not stopping the sectarian vioence. "I wish that we could receive strong messages of support from the US so we don't give some boost to the terrorists and make them feel that they might have achieved success." In response directly to Condi's remarks, he is quoted as saying.. "Secretary Rice is expressing her own point of view if she thinks that the government is on borrowed time, whether it is borrowed time for the Iraqi government or American administration....I believe that such statements give moral boosts to the terrorists and push them towards making an extra effort and making them believe that they have defeated the American administration, but I can tell you that they haven't defeated the Iraqi government." This administration needs to get their heads out of their collective asses. Everytime they turn around, they anger some foreign government, show their incompetence, and make the U.S. look like a country of bumbling fools for putting them in office in the first place. Read on...

War-Monger Cheney Rejected Iranian Help In Iraq

This is total madness. While reading the BBC Online This story jumped out at me.Washington Washington 'snubbed Iran offer' Iran offered the US a package of concessions in 2003, but it was rejected, a senior former US official has told the BBC's Newsnight programme. Tehran proposed ending support for Lebanese and Palestinian militant groups and helping to stabilise Iraq following the US-led invasion. Offers, including making its nuclear programme more transparent, were conditional on the US ending hostility. But Vice-President Dick Cheney's office rejected the plan, the official said.Lawrence Wilkerson, a top aide to then Sec. of State Colin Powell is quoted as saying... "We thought it was a very propitious moment to do that.....But as soon as it got to the White House, and as soon as it got to the Vice-President's office, the old mantra of 'We don't talk to evil'... reasserted itself." If you're not as angry as I am over this, perhaps you should remember that - Hezbollah may not have been in a position to do the kind of damage to Israel during the past 2006 conflict. In fact, they more than likely would not have obtained the political they now enjoy in Lebanon. Hamas probably would not have gained the power they now enjoy when they won a considerable number of seats in the Palestinian parliamentary elections. These revelations can only mean one thing.....Darth Vader Dick does not want peace in the middle-east. This very dangerous psychopath wants a constant state of fear to permeate the country. The more the citizens vote out of fear and turmoil, the more Cheney's view of having a "Unitary Presidential" administration the more power they get. Just remember one thing - a "Unitary President" is in reality just another name for a "dictator". And by the way. Why isn't this the top story in the U.S. mainstream media? Why do we have to get our news from the foreign media?

Message To Congress - 3000 Is Too Many

Once again Ava proves to us she is wise beyond her years. If only the powers-that-be in Washington would show such courage and wisdom as this 16 year old. We must demand of Congress (Dems and Repubs) that they stand up and stop the unnecessary deaths in Iraq, all for the stroking of George's ego while he plays dress-up as the "war President", and lining the pockets of the war profiteers. Every member of the Senate and the House should be forced to watch this video.

LIEberman Get's A Smackdown

I guess Senator Chuck Hagel was just as nauseated as the rest of us watching Holy Joe on Meet The Press today. It was not enough that he has proven to be nothing more than King George's chief boot-licker, now he has decided to not only try to connect the "surge" to 9-11, but he also brings his children and grand-children into the fray to somehow enhance his support of the "surge" in Iraq. This asshole is just as delusional as George. Here's a rough transcript from C & L Hagel: I am not nor any member of Congress that I'm aware of Tim, is advocating defeat, that's ridiculous and I'm offended that any responsible member of Congress or anyone else would even suggest such a thing…Sen. Lieberman talks about his children and grandchildren, we all have children and grandchildren—he doesn't have a market on that nor do any of my colleagues. We're all concerned about the future of this country… Watch it if you can fight the urge to vomit.

" We haven't seen a lot of action." - Hillary

It looks as though Senator Clinton will not endorse any troop "surge" in Iraq. ABC news reports in an exclusive interview with the Senator (and perceived Presidential candidate) offers us this quote: "I'm skeptical that the Iraqi government will do what they have promised to do, and that I think is the concern of all of us who have heard this before," she said. "All the promises, and intentions in the world don't substitute for action and we haven't seen a lot of action." Finally it looks as though she is coming around to the progressive way of thinking that this latest plan by the Pretend President is nothing more than more of the same. This is not a "new way forward", this is just a new version of "stay the course". Although I welcome Hillary's perceived voice of support for withdrawal of troops, I believe she is doing this only because she stuck her finger in the air, found out which way the winds are blowing, and decided this only to boost her support for her presidential bid. IMO this awakening is too late and she will not be, and should not be the Democratic presidential nominee come 2008. I can't help but wonder if this sudden outspokeness is due to this comment by her rival in the field John Edwards which he intends to state at a speech today in her home state of (Harlem) New York. "If you’re in Congress and you know this war is going in the wrong direction, it is no longer enough to study your options and keep your own counsel."

More Terror

This time from Tony Snow at today's press gaggle: Q: Does the President have concerns that Americans don't share his concerns or visions of what might happen? MR. SNOW: No, I don't think so, but I think it's always important -- it is, I think, important from time to time for the President to share a little bit of what he sees and how he thinks about it, because, fortunately, Americans have not been confronted since September 11, 2001, with direct evidence that terrorists are trying to kill us. It'll be interesting to see how often George cites "terror" and "9-11" in his "new way forward" speech scheduled for prime-time Wednesday night. This will be two full days after the American public was bombarded with terrorism scares, and of course they will connect this to his speech (which is just what they want) not knowing they were false unless they seriously follow the news like most political bloggers who are usually "news-junkies". Will someone PLEASE remind these fools that there was NO CONNECTION between Iraq and 9-11. Today's press gaggle transcript is available here.