I'm a Redskin fan, have been my whole life. But this Sunday, when they take on the Packers, I'll be rooting for Green Bay. Why? Because whenever Washington loses the last home game before an election, the challenger wins. The entire story can be read at CNNSI.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
My morning
This morning, while the wife and I were getting ready for work, we turned on the Today show, as usual. Katie had just finished interviewing John Edwards about the missing ammo, and Matt was on the screen interviewing Rudy Giuliani. He blamed the troops!!! It wasn't Bush's fault! What a complete and utter asshole!!
We also voted this morning. We're going to be in Athens, GA working on the Congressional race down there (Vote for Barrow!!), so we went to the early voting site in Alexandria. Very fast and efficient. They told us that they're expecting record numbers tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. Over 2000 people have already voted early in Alexandria. Can you guess who we voted for?
We also voted this morning. We're going to be in Athens, GA working on the Congressional race down there (Vote for Barrow!!), so we went to the early voting site in Alexandria. Very fast and efficient. They told us that they're expecting record numbers tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. Over 2000 people have already voted early in Alexandria. Can you guess who we voted for?
Young'ns
This letter was on the salon.com website. Pretty good!!
Oct. 27, 2004 I am a 21-year-old African-American/loyal Salon reader/ frequent writer to you. Although I love you all a lot and, like you (assuming so), I am a liberal, I just feel I have to scream at you for a bit. Almost two weeks ago, I sent a letter to you guys telling you how the new Eminem song "Mosh" has many young'ns riled up, angry, motivated and against Bush. Now 10 days or so later, not only you guys but many publications are up on it. My point? Maybe you guys should listen more to us young'ns, maybe have a young person consultant of sorts. After all, we will decide this election, as I will point out later in this letter.
First, let me just say prepare for the death of polls, as that will be the dominant story coming out of election night. First blacks. I saw Ann Coulter on some show where she was literally speaking for black America. Being that she is an aging white chick with poorly dyed roots, she obviously got it wrong. Those polls saying how Bush will get 16 to 18 percent of the black vote are just wrong. To quote ODB, "Nigga please." Since black people aren't really polled, here is a bit of insight. Although we aren't that excited about Kerry, he has nothing to worry about with the African-American community. We as a whole don't like Bush, period. Yes, Democrats take us for granted and regardless of which party, we are at the bottom of the totem poll, but we realize that Democrats talk to us, try with us, are down with us, and give us a seat at the table. We are gamed to what the GOP do, or rather don't do for us.
Locally, as all politics are, as a person living in Louisiana, I can tell you that the more racist persons here are a part of the Republican Party and to us the GOP chooses them over us. Plus, we are highly motivated. You just don't realize how pissed we are from Florida last time. Bringing out Clinton won't hurt, but Kerry shouldn't worry about us African-Americans.
Next, us young'ns. We aren't as stupid as people think. Simply put, we are in Iraq fighting or we know someone there, we have no health insurance, no jobs, and are generally pro-human rights (not for the gay marriage amendment, PATRIOT Act, etc.). We aren't going to vote for Bush, period. Kerry will take about 70 percent of the young vote. I am predicting, collectively there will at least 20 million more voters from these two groups, young'ns and blacks. You maybe think "yeah the fuck right" -- but trust me. On average 30 percent of African-Americans vote. Expect a minimum of 50 percent this time, maybe close to double. That is anywhere between 7 to 9 million more blacks voting. Young'ns will have a similar margin. Again, we at most vote at a 40 percent rate. Young'ns will easily double their numbers, going from 18 million to about 36 million.
Here are things to ponder.
Kerry wins Arizona: This state has the most college students per capita. Kerry will win Flagstaff, Tucson and Tempe. Throw in Native Americans, Latins, and even moderate Republicans who will vote Democratic (they got the Democratic governor elected), and oh I forgot all the Independents, Kerry will win this state.
Kerry wins Nevada: This state simply comes down to Vegas. Kerry will win Vegas by a big enough margin to cancel out the rest of the state.
Kerry win Missouri: What people either don't realize or just don't give a fuck to report is that the black mobilization efforts in St. Louis and Kansas City are second to none, literally. Florida got the attention last time, but people seem to have forgotten that blacks there were denied the right to vote at many polling places that were closed on them. Throw in college towns, Kerry wins.
Kerry wins Minnesota: I can't believe people actually think this state is close. What people tend to forget is that voters here can register as you vote. Throw in Ventura's endorsement and the young'ns.
Kerry wins Colorado: Sometimes people just got to listen to the streets. I have family and friends in Colorado, and what they tell me is that "Fahrenheit 9/11" has had a huge impact there, so much so they are still talking about it, and as people watched it they were changed by it. How can a tradtional red state have a rich ass Senate candidate getting his ass kicked and polls showing Bush/Kerry within the margin. Kerry wins.
Kerry wins Texas: PSYCH! But just as people are saying Kerry wins CA, NY, and NJ by closer margins, so does Bush take his own state. I'll go out on a margin and say Bush gets no more than 60 percent in his own state. Holla.
Just to save space and time: Kerry wins Arkansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Florida, N. Hampshire, and Penn. He may lose Iowa, as I really don't know much about that state. Kerry wins nationally in a blowout. Election night is over as central time zone states finish reporting. Why? Because of blacks and young'ns. Bush's people know this, as their strategy is to turn out their base while suppressing our base ... fuckers.
I ask that in the future that you at least take in more opinions from us young'ns and Afro Americans.
Oct. 27, 2004 I am a 21-year-old African-American/loyal Salon reader/ frequent writer to you. Although I love you all a lot and, like you (assuming so), I am a liberal, I just feel I have to scream at you for a bit. Almost two weeks ago, I sent a letter to you guys telling you how the new Eminem song "Mosh" has many young'ns riled up, angry, motivated and against Bush. Now 10 days or so later, not only you guys but many publications are up on it. My point? Maybe you guys should listen more to us young'ns, maybe have a young person consultant of sorts. After all, we will decide this election, as I will point out later in this letter.
First, let me just say prepare for the death of polls, as that will be the dominant story coming out of election night. First blacks. I saw Ann Coulter on some show where she was literally speaking for black America. Being that she is an aging white chick with poorly dyed roots, she obviously got it wrong. Those polls saying how Bush will get 16 to 18 percent of the black vote are just wrong. To quote ODB, "Nigga please." Since black people aren't really polled, here is a bit of insight. Although we aren't that excited about Kerry, he has nothing to worry about with the African-American community. We as a whole don't like Bush, period. Yes, Democrats take us for granted and regardless of which party, we are at the bottom of the totem poll, but we realize that Democrats talk to us, try with us, are down with us, and give us a seat at the table. We are gamed to what the GOP do, or rather don't do for us.
Locally, as all politics are, as a person living in Louisiana, I can tell you that the more racist persons here are a part of the Republican Party and to us the GOP chooses them over us. Plus, we are highly motivated. You just don't realize how pissed we are from Florida last time. Bringing out Clinton won't hurt, but Kerry shouldn't worry about us African-Americans.
Next, us young'ns. We aren't as stupid as people think. Simply put, we are in Iraq fighting or we know someone there, we have no health insurance, no jobs, and are generally pro-human rights (not for the gay marriage amendment, PATRIOT Act, etc.). We aren't going to vote for Bush, period. Kerry will take about 70 percent of the young vote. I am predicting, collectively there will at least 20 million more voters from these two groups, young'ns and blacks. You maybe think "yeah the fuck right" -- but trust me. On average 30 percent of African-Americans vote. Expect a minimum of 50 percent this time, maybe close to double. That is anywhere between 7 to 9 million more blacks voting. Young'ns will have a similar margin. Again, we at most vote at a 40 percent rate. Young'ns will easily double their numbers, going from 18 million to about 36 million.
Here are things to ponder.
Kerry wins Arizona: This state has the most college students per capita. Kerry will win Flagstaff, Tucson and Tempe. Throw in Native Americans, Latins, and even moderate Republicans who will vote Democratic (they got the Democratic governor elected), and oh I forgot all the Independents, Kerry will win this state.
Kerry wins Nevada: This state simply comes down to Vegas. Kerry will win Vegas by a big enough margin to cancel out the rest of the state.
Kerry win Missouri: What people either don't realize or just don't give a fuck to report is that the black mobilization efforts in St. Louis and Kansas City are second to none, literally. Florida got the attention last time, but people seem to have forgotten that blacks there were denied the right to vote at many polling places that were closed on them. Throw in college towns, Kerry wins.
Kerry wins Minnesota: I can't believe people actually think this state is close. What people tend to forget is that voters here can register as you vote. Throw in Ventura's endorsement and the young'ns.
Kerry wins Colorado: Sometimes people just got to listen to the streets. I have family and friends in Colorado, and what they tell me is that "Fahrenheit 9/11" has had a huge impact there, so much so they are still talking about it, and as people watched it they were changed by it. How can a tradtional red state have a rich ass Senate candidate getting his ass kicked and polls showing Bush/Kerry within the margin. Kerry wins.
Kerry wins Texas: PSYCH! But just as people are saying Kerry wins CA, NY, and NJ by closer margins, so does Bush take his own state. I'll go out on a margin and say Bush gets no more than 60 percent in his own state. Holla.
Just to save space and time: Kerry wins Arkansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Florida, N. Hampshire, and Penn. He may lose Iowa, as I really don't know much about that state. Kerry wins nationally in a blowout. Election night is over as central time zone states finish reporting. Why? Because of blacks and young'ns. Bush's people know this, as their strategy is to turn out their base while suppressing our base ... fuckers.
I ask that in the future that you at least take in more opinions from us young'ns and Afro Americans.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
New Florida vote scandal feared
From the BBC:
A secret document obtained from inside Bush campaign headquarters in Florida suggests a plan - possibly in violation of US law - to disrupt voting in the state's African-American voting districts, a BBC Newsnight investigation reveals.
The entire article is here.
A secret document obtained from inside Bush campaign headquarters in Florida suggests a plan - possibly in violation of US law - to disrupt voting in the state's African-American voting districts, a BBC Newsnight investigation reveals.
The entire article is here.
Fantastic Indictment of Bush
Here's Eminem's latest video. He speaks to a huge, untapped group - young, white males. Let's see what happens. By the way, MTV refuses to air it, but you can't stop the the flow of ideas!
Allawi blames US 'negligence' for massacre
W's buddy Allawis says it's fault of the US for the death of the Iraqi soldiers massacred over the weekend. Read it here.
Monday, October 25, 2004
What they really think
Before I begin, I'm not saying that all Republicans or Conservatives hold these views. But the folks who currently hold power on the Right do, and it's scary.
Have you ever heard of Christian Reconstructionism? Read about it here. These folks really want a world like the one created by Margaret Atwood in "A Handmaid's Tale". I've brought this up to people before, and everyone just tells me I'm crazy. Tell people in Iran or Afghanistan I'm crazy. What right-minded person in Tehran or Kabul in the 70's could have thought that there cosmopolitan societies would very soon be taken over by religious fanatics? Not to say that Iran or Afghanistan were pillars of democracy, but they were fairly open societies.
Just read the piece on Christian Reconstructionists and be very, very nervous.
Have you ever heard of Christian Reconstructionism? Read about it here. These folks really want a world like the one created by Margaret Atwood in "A Handmaid's Tale". I've brought this up to people before, and everyone just tells me I'm crazy. Tell people in Iran or Afghanistan I'm crazy. What right-minded person in Tehran or Kabul in the 70's could have thought that there cosmopolitan societies would very soon be taken over by religious fanatics? Not to say that Iran or Afghanistan were pillars of democracy, but they were fairly open societies.
Just read the piece on Christian Reconstructionists and be very, very nervous.
8 days to go
We're down to the wire folks. One week and one day. And all I care about this morning is how Arsenal finally lost. 49 games unbeaten in the league. Had to end sometime, but to ManUre? On a penalty kick? I'm so angry, I can't think about anything else, even the election. I'll be back later.
Friday, October 22, 2004
More on Iraq from the source
The following is from a friend who's recently returned from duty in Iraq. We'll call him "Agent X":
I just have a few points on the war in Iraq & the war on tourism/terrorism, since I was inIraq...
One man knew what it would take to win that war and manage its aftermath. His name was GENShinseki and, because he contradicted the administration's pie-eyed view of the wargame, he wasfired and replaced. He was proved right (as any professional soldier could have told you hewould be). Nobody was held accountable.
The privatization of key elements of ground warfare (most notably logistics, transport andmaintenance support), which is a part of the 'transformation' of the military, led to me andthousands of others being poorly supported. Nobody was held accountable for that failure.
They gave the body armor and weapons I needed to foreign soldiers ("coalition partners") who saton their asses on post while my soldiers and I had to do the job. We bought our own body armor($1000). Nobody held responsible.
You can't get me to buy into the slogan "four more years" when no one had their feet held to thefire for the first four! Somebody has to take responsibility for the failures as well as thesuccesses.
All that being said, it is important to remember:
Al Qaeda declared war on the US years before Dubya came to town. (I'm not tying Iraq to the waron terror, because it ain't...but I'm segueing into the war on terror). Our presence in Iraqexacerbated an existing campaign of terror.
Primary causes for AQ's hatred of America (support for Israel; presence of American soldiers inthe holy lands in Saudi; the 'oppression of Muslims worldwide' by the USA; and our position asthe primary obstacle to the achievement of radical Jihadist/Islamist desire for a worlwidecaliphate), all existed loooong before Dubya.
President Clinton's weak response to the '93 WTC bombing was perhaps his only flacid moment inoffice, and did nothing to dissuade our enemies from further attacks.
Iraq was of our doing, and was a poor choice of time, but Saddam was pure evil and needed to beknocked off (I mean, you wouldn't have believed the mass graves).
We should have focused on the countries that really do support terrorism, like Iran, Pakistan,Syria, Saudi before Iraq. We chose "the easy one".
But we're there now, and we have to fight. That means we have to seal the borders, kill badguys, secure streets, pump oil profits into the economy at the lowest (read: household) level,and provide an environment for elections. But if we plan to stay til their society resemblesours, your grandkids will be deploying there, 'cause it ain't gonna happen soon.
The President's either going to have to admit the absence of victory in Iraq and leave; stay along time and suffer for marginal gain; or institute a draft. Our allies won't be ponying uptroops anytime soon (would you?) Not palatable choices, are they?
Nothing is going to really stop the terrorists from targeting us. They'll target us whetherwe're in Iraq or not. We shouldn't be fooled into thinking that getting out of Iraq will get usout of the terrorists' target sights.
Keep up this political chatter, because while you guys war it out, you're giving all of usentertainment and lots of educational and thought provoking information, and that's probably allanyone could hope for out of the internet, other than great porn.
Disclaimer: I'm not a supporter of either party, because I am not rich enough to sway their paiddecision-making. I have voted for Republicans, Democrats, and Mickey Mouse, depending on theirplatforms and what I believe they have to offer.
I do believe that in the final analysis, a nation will be judged on how it performed for 100% ofits population, not just how super-rich the super-minority got. So I'm an advocate of there-distribution of wealth (within reasonable limits). I'm voting for myself!
Thanks, Agent X! Hope to get some more thoughts from the front soon.
I just have a few points on the war in Iraq & the war on tourism/terrorism, since I was inIraq...
One man knew what it would take to win that war and manage its aftermath. His name was GENShinseki and, because he contradicted the administration's pie-eyed view of the wargame, he wasfired and replaced. He was proved right (as any professional soldier could have told you hewould be). Nobody was held accountable.
The privatization of key elements of ground warfare (most notably logistics, transport andmaintenance support), which is a part of the 'transformation' of the military, led to me andthousands of others being poorly supported. Nobody was held accountable for that failure.
They gave the body armor and weapons I needed to foreign soldiers ("coalition partners") who saton their asses on post while my soldiers and I had to do the job. We bought our own body armor($1000). Nobody held responsible.
You can't get me to buy into the slogan "four more years" when no one had their feet held to thefire for the first four! Somebody has to take responsibility for the failures as well as thesuccesses.
All that being said, it is important to remember:
Al Qaeda declared war on the US years before Dubya came to town. (I'm not tying Iraq to the waron terror, because it ain't...but I'm segueing into the war on terror). Our presence in Iraqexacerbated an existing campaign of terror.
Primary causes for AQ's hatred of America (support for Israel; presence of American soldiers inthe holy lands in Saudi; the 'oppression of Muslims worldwide' by the USA; and our position asthe primary obstacle to the achievement of radical Jihadist/Islamist desire for a worlwidecaliphate), all existed loooong before Dubya.
President Clinton's weak response to the '93 WTC bombing was perhaps his only flacid moment inoffice, and did nothing to dissuade our enemies from further attacks.
Iraq was of our doing, and was a poor choice of time, but Saddam was pure evil and needed to beknocked off (I mean, you wouldn't have believed the mass graves).
We should have focused on the countries that really do support terrorism, like Iran, Pakistan,Syria, Saudi before Iraq. We chose "the easy one".
But we're there now, and we have to fight. That means we have to seal the borders, kill badguys, secure streets, pump oil profits into the economy at the lowest (read: household) level,and provide an environment for elections. But if we plan to stay til their society resemblesours, your grandkids will be deploying there, 'cause it ain't gonna happen soon.
The President's either going to have to admit the absence of victory in Iraq and leave; stay along time and suffer for marginal gain; or institute a draft. Our allies won't be ponying uptroops anytime soon (would you?) Not palatable choices, are they?
Nothing is going to really stop the terrorists from targeting us. They'll target us whetherwe're in Iraq or not. We shouldn't be fooled into thinking that getting out of Iraq will get usout of the terrorists' target sights.
Keep up this political chatter, because while you guys war it out, you're giving all of usentertainment and lots of educational and thought provoking information, and that's probably allanyone could hope for out of the internet, other than great porn.
Disclaimer: I'm not a supporter of either party, because I am not rich enough to sway their paiddecision-making. I have voted for Republicans, Democrats, and Mickey Mouse, depending on theirplatforms and what I believe they have to offer.
I do believe that in the final analysis, a nation will be judged on how it performed for 100% ofits population, not just how super-rich the super-minority got. So I'm an advocate of there-distribution of wealth (within reasonable limits). I'm voting for myself!
Thanks, Agent X! Hope to get some more thoughts from the front soon.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Voices from the right
Hey kids, even folks on the right know that W's a fraud. This is from Andrew Sullivan:
"The candidate who avoided Vietnam has surrogates who impugn his opponent's war medals. The candidate who favors stripping gay couples of all legal protections gets to call the other guy a gay-baiter. And the candidate who tells people he's the only thing between them and Armageddon gets pundits targeting his opponent as the fear-monger."
"The candidate who avoided Vietnam has surrogates who impugn his opponent's war medals. The candidate who favors stripping gay couples of all legal protections gets to call the other guy a gay-baiter. And the candidate who tells people he's the only thing between them and Armageddon gets pundits targeting his opponent as the fear-monger."
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Jon Stewart on Crossfire
My wife loves Crossfire and other "talking head" shows. I hate them. And Jon Stewart articulates just why. Take a look!
Another great quote
From Andrew Sullivan:
"if Kerry congratulated the president on the conduct and charm of his straight daughters--as he did in the first debate--no one would accuse him of being out of line, of invading someone's "privacy." And yet by congratulating the vice president on the conduct and dignity of his gay daughter, he is somehow beyond the pale of decency. It only makes sense if you believe that lesbianism is something to hide, be ashamed of, or cover up."
"if Kerry congratulated the president on the conduct and charm of his straight daughters--as he did in the first debate--no one would accuse him of being out of line, of invading someone's "privacy." And yet by congratulating the vice president on the conduct and dignity of his gay daughter, he is somehow beyond the pale of decency. It only makes sense if you believe that lesbianism is something to hide, be ashamed of, or cover up."
Monday, October 18, 2004
More on Christianity and this election
The GOP seem to think that God is on their side, that to be a good Christian you must be with them. I'd like to counter that. God doesn't pick sides. We pick sides. God is with and in all of us. It may suprise some who know me to hear me talk about religion. Guess what? I'm a religious dude. I don't go to church, mainly because I'm lazy and like to sleep in, but I believe in a higher power, though I question organized religion all of the time. That being said, I'd like to post something I read from Jim Wallis, of Sojourners:
1. Christ knows no national boundaries nor national preferences. The body of Christ in an international one, and the allegiance of Christians to the church must always supercede their national identities. Christianity has always been uneasy with empire, and American empire is no exception.
2. Christ pronounces, at least, a presumption against war. The words of Jesus stand as a virtual roadblock to any nation’s pretension to easily rationalize and religiously sanctify the preference for war. Jesus’ instruction to be "peacemakers" leads either to nonviolent alternatives to war or, at least, a rigorous application of the church principles of "just war." The threat of terrorism does not overturn Christian ethics.
3. Christ commands us to not only see the splinter in our adversary’s eye but also the beams in our own. To name the face of evil in the brutality of terrorist attacks is good theology, but to say "they are evil and we are good" is bad theology which can lead to dangerous foreign policy. Self-reflection should provide no excuses for terrorist violence, but it is crucial to defeating the terrorists’ agenda.
4. Christ instructs us to love our enemies, which does not mean a submission to their hostile agendas or domination, but does mean treating them as human beings also created in the image of God and respecting their human rights as adversaries and even as prisoners.
5. Christ calls us to confession and humility, which does not allow us to say that if persons and nations are not in support of all of our policies, they must be "with the evil-doers."
The words of Jesus are either authoritative for us, or they are not. They are not set aside by the very real threats of terrorism. They do not easily lend themselves to the missions of nation states that would usurp the prerogatives of God.
In an election year, Christians must assert their faith in ways that confess Christ as Lord, and confront any and every political idolatry. I believe the theology of war, the mission of righteous empire, and the divine appointment of the American nation in a "war on terrorism" are modern political idolatries that the churches must resist, in the name of both faithful discipleship and responsible citizenship.
1. Christ knows no national boundaries nor national preferences. The body of Christ in an international one, and the allegiance of Christians to the church must always supercede their national identities. Christianity has always been uneasy with empire, and American empire is no exception.
2. Christ pronounces, at least, a presumption against war. The words of Jesus stand as a virtual roadblock to any nation’s pretension to easily rationalize and religiously sanctify the preference for war. Jesus’ instruction to be "peacemakers" leads either to nonviolent alternatives to war or, at least, a rigorous application of the church principles of "just war." The threat of terrorism does not overturn Christian ethics.
3. Christ commands us to not only see the splinter in our adversary’s eye but also the beams in our own. To name the face of evil in the brutality of terrorist attacks is good theology, but to say "they are evil and we are good" is bad theology which can lead to dangerous foreign policy. Self-reflection should provide no excuses for terrorist violence, but it is crucial to defeating the terrorists’ agenda.
4. Christ instructs us to love our enemies, which does not mean a submission to their hostile agendas or domination, but does mean treating them as human beings also created in the image of God and respecting their human rights as adversaries and even as prisoners.
5. Christ calls us to confession and humility, which does not allow us to say that if persons and nations are not in support of all of our policies, they must be "with the evil-doers."
The words of Jesus are either authoritative for us, or they are not. They are not set aside by the very real threats of terrorism. They do not easily lend themselves to the missions of nation states that would usurp the prerogatives of God.
In an election year, Christians must assert their faith in ways that confess Christ as Lord, and confront any and every political idolatry. I believe the theology of war, the mission of righteous empire, and the divine appointment of the American nation in a "war on terrorism" are modern political idolatries that the churches must resist, in the name of both faithful discipleship and responsible citizenship.
WWJD?
You've all seen the bumper stickers or t-shirts - What Would Jesus Do? Especially poignant with the war going on. Well, what would He do?
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" Matthew 5:9
"Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" Matthew 5:9
"Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44
Friday, October 15, 2004
Something about Mary
Why is the right so upset that JFK mentioned that Mary Cheney is a lesbian? Was she in the closet? Nope. They're pissed because it shows the hypocrisy of this administration.
Some have said it's the same as if Carter had mentioned Betty Ford's drug problems. Hello? Being gay is not a problem or something to be ashame of. Here's the correct analogy. Let's say the GOP had a platform that wanted to ban inter-racial marriage, yet Cheney's daughter was married to a black man. See the difference? Wake up folks. They just want to use bigotry to win the vote.
Some have said it's the same as if Carter had mentioned Betty Ford's drug problems. Hello? Being gay is not a problem or something to be ashame of. Here's the correct analogy. Let's say the GOP had a platform that wanted to ban inter-racial marriage, yet Cheney's daughter was married to a black man. See the difference? Wake up folks. They just want to use bigotry to win the vote.
More from Vegas
Yesterday, the Bush and Kerry campaigns spoke to the AARP folks, in front of a crowd of 10,000. Laura Bush spoke for her husband, who was to busy talking to a pro-W crowd down the street at the Thomas and Mack Center to make an appearance. She got a polite, yet subdued response. But then JFK came onstage about an 2 hours later. You would have thought the Beatles were on stage (you know the Beatles, that band that boomers love?).
Here's what I got from the 2 messages both sides are putting out there. The GOP is hoping on fear and ignorance to win. The Dems, hope. Plain and simple.
Here's what I got from the 2 messages both sides are putting out there. The GOP is hoping on fear and ignorance to win. The Dems, hope. Plain and simple.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Greetings From Las Vegas!
I'm here in Vegas, at the AARP convention. Last night, they showed the debate on 2 huge screens and did live polling before and after the debate. And guess what? Seniors love Kerry!! And it's not helping W that he dissed the convention and is sending his wife, while JFK will be here at 11:30 PST.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Stop Sinclair!!
This week, Sinclair Broadcasting, the largest owner of local television stations in the U.S., ordered its 62 stations to preempt regular programming to air an anti-Kerry documentary just a few days before the election.
Sinclair's mission is clear: sway the election in favor of an administration that lets companies like Sinclair get even bigger. It's great for Sinclair's bottom line — terrible for our democracy.
This is not about 'liberal' or 'conservative.' It's about corruption, the threat to democratic discourse, and the manipulation of elections. Together, we can stop them.
Click here to stop Sinclair now
The website features a simple, 3-step action, along with a new report detailing Sinclair's shady business dealings.
A few months ago, Sinclair forbade its ABC affiliates from airing a Nightline tribute to American soldiers slain in Iraq, saying it was anti-war propaganda. After 9/11, the company demanded that their stations express allegiance to the Bush administration on the air.
At the same time, Sinclair gives over 97% of their political contributions to GOP candidates, and they force their stations to air — as part of their 'local' news — ultra-conservative commentary from Sinclair's chief lobbyist, Mark Hyman.
Whether Sinclair does this in support of conservatives or liberals is not the issue. The issue is a billion-dollar corporation shunning journalistic standards in order to advance its political agenda. It is a threat to the integrity of our democracy and it must be stopped.
Sinclair's mission is clear: sway the election in favor of an administration that lets companies like Sinclair get even bigger. It's great for Sinclair's bottom line — terrible for our democracy.
This is not about 'liberal' or 'conservative.' It's about corruption, the threat to democratic discourse, and the manipulation of elections. Together, we can stop them.
Click here to stop Sinclair now
The website features a simple, 3-step action, along with a new report detailing Sinclair's shady business dealings.
A few months ago, Sinclair forbade its ABC affiliates from airing a Nightline tribute to American soldiers slain in Iraq, saying it was anti-war propaganda. After 9/11, the company demanded that their stations express allegiance to the Bush administration on the air.
At the same time, Sinclair gives over 97% of their political contributions to GOP candidates, and they force their stations to air — as part of their 'local' news — ultra-conservative commentary from Sinclair's chief lobbyist, Mark Hyman.
Whether Sinclair does this in support of conservatives or liberals is not the issue. The issue is a billion-dollar corporation shunning journalistic standards in order to advance its political agenda. It is a threat to the integrity of our democracy and it must be stopped.
Monday, October 11, 2004
A voice from Iraq
I've asked my boss' son to write a little bit about his experiences in Iraq, for a 1st hand perspective:
I'VE NEVER REALLY TALKED ABOUT MY TIME THERE. FIRST EXCUSE ALL OF THE MISTAKES I'M GONNA MAKE WITH SPELLING AND EVERYTHING ELSE, I TAKE AFTER MY MOTHER. I REALLY AM LAUGHING! IRAQ WAS HELL ON EARTH. I'LL TELL YOU MY EXPERIENCE FIRST THEN MY VIEWS ON THE ELECTION.
FIRST, I MISSED MY DAUGHTER'S BIRTH AND ON THAT DAY I WAS CONDUCTING A RAID IN A PLACE CALLED AL JUIGA - A SMALL TOWN OUTSIDE OF KIRKUK WERE A TOP CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL ENGINEER WAS HIDING. WE (MY SQUAD AND I) WENT IN WITH NIGHT VISION AND BLACKOUT DRIVE ON. WE CAUGHT THE TOWN BY SURPRISE. A HEAVY GUN BATTLE ENSUED, I LOST A GOOD FRIEND BUT THE MISSION WAS ACCOMPLISHED. I WAS NEVER SO SCARED GOING INTO ANYTHING, THEN ON THAT DAY AT THAT RAID.I WAS PROMOTED AND HIRED EARLY ON AS A SQUAD LEADER. I WILL SEND A COPY OF THE DAY THAT I EARNED MY VALOR DEVICE TO YOU.
POLITICS - I VOTED FOR KERRY, BUT I WILL SAY THAT WHETHER WE DID IT OR NOT, THE IRAQIS NEEDED HELP. THAT COUNTRY WAS A TOILET. BUSH SAYS STAY THE COURSE, WELL WHAT THE HELL IS THE COURSE? IS IT HIGHER OIL PRICES AND TIME FOR 150000 FAMILIES TO BE WITHOUT (their loved ones)? THE DAY HAS COME WHEN THE MILITARY IS SPREAD SO THIN THAT WE ACTIVATE THE INACTIVE RESERVE. TIMES ARE BAD. THERE IS NO ONE TO PROTECT THE HOME FRONT. THIS WORRIES ME, ESPECIALLY WITH ALL OF YOU IN D.C. I DON'T LIKE THE TIES BUSH FAMILY HAS WITH THE BIN LADIN FAMILY OR HALIBUTON AND DICK CHENEY. SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT IF A STAFF SERGEANT IN THE US ARMY CAN SEE IT THEN HOPEFULLY FLORIDA (HA HA JEB BUSH!!) AND THE REST OF AMERICANS CAN TOO
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW HAVE MORE THEN LET ME KNOW. I GUESS I HAVE A LOT OF TIMES I COULD TALK ABOUT.
I'VE NEVER REALLY TALKED ABOUT MY TIME THERE. FIRST EXCUSE ALL OF THE MISTAKES I'M GONNA MAKE WITH SPELLING AND EVERYTHING ELSE, I TAKE AFTER MY MOTHER. I REALLY AM LAUGHING! IRAQ WAS HELL ON EARTH. I'LL TELL YOU MY EXPERIENCE FIRST THEN MY VIEWS ON THE ELECTION.
FIRST, I MISSED MY DAUGHTER'S BIRTH AND ON THAT DAY I WAS CONDUCTING A RAID IN A PLACE CALLED AL JUIGA - A SMALL TOWN OUTSIDE OF KIRKUK WERE A TOP CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL ENGINEER WAS HIDING. WE (MY SQUAD AND I) WENT IN WITH NIGHT VISION AND BLACKOUT DRIVE ON. WE CAUGHT THE TOWN BY SURPRISE. A HEAVY GUN BATTLE ENSUED, I LOST A GOOD FRIEND BUT THE MISSION WAS ACCOMPLISHED. I WAS NEVER SO SCARED GOING INTO ANYTHING, THEN ON THAT DAY AT THAT RAID.I WAS PROMOTED AND HIRED EARLY ON AS A SQUAD LEADER. I WILL SEND A COPY OF THE DAY THAT I EARNED MY VALOR DEVICE TO YOU.
POLITICS - I VOTED FOR KERRY, BUT I WILL SAY THAT WHETHER WE DID IT OR NOT, THE IRAQIS NEEDED HELP. THAT COUNTRY WAS A TOILET. BUSH SAYS STAY THE COURSE, WELL WHAT THE HELL IS THE COURSE? IS IT HIGHER OIL PRICES AND TIME FOR 150000 FAMILIES TO BE WITHOUT (their loved ones)? THE DAY HAS COME WHEN THE MILITARY IS SPREAD SO THIN THAT WE ACTIVATE THE INACTIVE RESERVE. TIMES ARE BAD. THERE IS NO ONE TO PROTECT THE HOME FRONT. THIS WORRIES ME, ESPECIALLY WITH ALL OF YOU IN D.C. I DON'T LIKE THE TIES BUSH FAMILY HAS WITH THE BIN LADIN FAMILY OR HALIBUTON AND DICK CHENEY. SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT IF A STAFF SERGEANT IN THE US ARMY CAN SEE IT THEN HOPEFULLY FLORIDA (HA HA JEB BUSH!!) AND THE REST OF AMERICANS CAN TOO
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW HAVE MORE THEN LET ME KNOW. I GUESS I HAVE A LOT OF TIMES I COULD TALK ABOUT.
Hey gang
Sorry the sites been quiet the last few days. I spent the weekend campaigning for Lois Murphy in Pennsylvannia's 6th District. Good times, met some great folks. In the meantime, The Oregonian, Philadelphia Inquirer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Portland Press Herald have all endorsed Kerry.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
No credibility
Okay, it's just getting ridiculous now. 1st Bremer says we didn't have enough troops and his request for more was turned down. And now, the whole premise of the war is gone - no weapons, no means of making them, nothing. Okay, he did "wish" to have the weapons, but I wish I had a Ferrari. Doesn't mean I'm gonna get one anytime soon. This administration has absolutely no credibility!! The sanctions were working, in fact they "had devastated the country's economy and, along with U.N. inspections, had forced him to stop weapons programs".
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Priceless
Thanks to the Stakeholder for this one:
Bush during the debate:
A free Iraq will help secure Israel.
AP today:
Meanwhile, a former leading figure in the Iraqi National Congress party - the party led by Ahmad Chalabi - remained defiant after an Iraqi court indicted him Sunday for visiting the "enemy state" of Israel.
Mithal al-Alusi attended a conference there on terrorism last month and was subsequently expelled from the party.
"What madness is this?" he told The Associated Press on Monday, accusing the interim government of applying laws of Saddam's regime in his case. "They want to put me in prison with terrorists."
Bush during the debate:
A free Iraq will help secure Israel.
AP today:
Meanwhile, a former leading figure in the Iraqi National Congress party - the party led by Ahmad Chalabi - remained defiant after an Iraqi court indicted him Sunday for visiting the "enemy state" of Israel.
Mithal al-Alusi attended a conference there on terrorism last month and was subsequently expelled from the party.
"What madness is this?" he told The Associated Press on Monday, accusing the interim government of applying laws of Saddam's regime in his case. "They want to put me in prison with terrorists."
Wrong Man at the Running?
Did anyone else think that Cheney should be the one running for President and not W? Oh yeah, he is the President.
All in all, a pretty good debate. I'd have to say it was a draw, if only because Cheney didn't lose his shit like his boss did. He got some good shots at Edwards, who got a few counterpunches in of his own. Not that it matters. Remember Bentsen vs. Quayle? Lloyd kicked ass, but it's the top of the ticket folks vote for.
Remember, 27 days left!!
All in all, a pretty good debate. I'd have to say it was a draw, if only because Cheney didn't lose his shit like his boss did. He got some good shots at Edwards, who got a few counterpunches in of his own. Not that it matters. Remember Bentsen vs. Quayle? Lloyd kicked ass, but it's the top of the ticket folks vote for.
Remember, 27 days left!!
Monday, October 04, 2004
Friday, October 01, 2004
Poland?
Did you notice how fixated W was on having Poland as an ally? Well, read this by President Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland: "They deceived us about the weapons of mass destruction, that's true. We were taken for a ride."
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