Monday, October 31, 2005
Last Alito Today
Looking at some of Samuel Alito's other rulings, I'd have to think Mrs. Alito takes it in the ass quite often given his extreme aversion to vaginae.
More On Alito
Shake off your Fitzmas hangover, it's Boxing Day in America. Here is the skinny on Samuel Alito. Nick-named Scalito for his closeness in voting to Antonin Scalia, Alito is best known for being the only dissenting vote on the 3rd circuit in the Planned Parenthood v Casey case. This case had to do with spousal consultation before a woman could get a abortion. The Supreme Court went on to strike down the law 6 to 3.
On NPR this morning, an associate of Alito said that Alito respects precedents especially the intent of the precedent. For those of you that thinks Roe v Wade is safe because of that should note that the original intent of that case was to protect doctors that perform abortions, not the women seeking them. Alito will vote to overturn Roe.
This nomination is yet another example of President Bush yielding to radical right wing cultists.
This is a nomination we must fight to the end, but in the end I'm not sure this is a fight we can win. I hope I can count on my sisters that belong to NOW, Emily's List, etc. to screw Chafee's balls to the wall on this vote. If Chafee votes for this nomination, you had better unleash holy hell on him. We need to use this to target all pro-choice republicans who vote for this nomination.
On NPR this morning, an associate of Alito said that Alito respects precedents especially the intent of the precedent. For those of you that thinks Roe v Wade is safe because of that should note that the original intent of that case was to protect doctors that perform abortions, not the women seeking them. Alito will vote to overturn Roe.
This nomination is yet another example of President Bush yielding to radical right wing cultists.
This is a nomination we must fight to the end, but in the end I'm not sure this is a fight we can win. I hope I can count on my sisters that belong to NOW, Emily's List, etc. to screw Chafee's balls to the wall on this vote. If Chafee votes for this nomination, you had better unleash holy hell on him. We need to use this to target all pro-choice republicans who vote for this nomination.
Samuel Alito
Everybody is reporting at this early hour that the new Supreme Court nominee will be Samuel Alito.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Huh?
Cokie Roberts just said on this week that the current Plame scandal is exactly the reason we should repeal the 22nd amendment that limits the president to two terms. What the fuck is she talking about?
Local Hackery
I just saw Mike Pirik's ridiculous ad attacking Lori Tyack! on some tax issue. Hello, this is the race for local Municipal Court Clerk. Don't you hate it when your local muni court clerk raises your taxes? Or perhaps when your local dog catcher raises your taxes. Oh wait, neither of those positions have that kind of authority. Pirik looks simply stupid running on this issue.
Of course, with the scandal coming out of Pirik's office, it's kind of hard to run on your record.
If you're wandering about the explanation mark after Tyack!'s name, it is a subtle dig at her silly looking campaign shirts.
Of course, with the scandal coming out of Pirik's office, it's kind of hard to run on your record.
If you're wandering about the explanation mark after Tyack!'s name, it is a subtle dig at her silly looking campaign shirts.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Flipping Scooter
It is pretty clear to me that Fitzgerald has indicted Scooter Libby in order to force a plea bargain for his testimony against an individual the indictment refers to as "Official A." From the indictment:
21. On or about July 10 or July 11, 2003, LIBBY spoke to a senior official in the White House (Official A) who advised LIBBY of a conversation Official A had earlier that week with columnist Robert Novak in which Wilson’s wife was discussed as a CIA employee involved in Wilson’s trip. LIBBY was advised by Official A that Novak would be writing a story about Wilson’s wife.
Who wants to bet that Official A is Karl Rove?
21. On or about July 10 or July 11, 2003, LIBBY spoke to a senior official in the White House (Official A) who advised LIBBY of a conversation Official A had earlier that week with columnist Robert Novak in which Wilson’s wife was discussed as a CIA employee involved in Wilson’s trip. LIBBY was advised by Official A that Novak would be writing a story about Wilson’s wife.
Who wants to bet that Official A is Karl Rove?
Five Counts For Libby
The grand jury has indicted Scooter Libby on two counts of perjury, two counts of making false statements, and one count of obstruction of justice.
Fitzmas Goose
It looks like we will be carving the Fitmas Goose at noon with the silent knight giving a presser at two. It also looks like Fitmas is going to continue as a new grand jury will be convened to look into further charges.
Supply Siders Bemoan Supply Side Economics
Republicans in congress are up in arms over current oil prices. Dennis Hastert went as far as to threaten prosecution if it is found that any price gouging is taking place. From The Christian Science Monitor:
The soaring profits have already attracted the attention of many members of Congress. On Tuesday, House Speaker Dennis Hastert warned companies that any price gouging is "unacceptable, and any company who does it will be prosecuted." He urged the oil companies to explain to the American public what they are doing to bring down the cost of oil and natural gas. And he urged them to build new refineries and pipelines.
What are they doing to lower the cost of oil? What are you doing? You see, oil is a commodity. It is sold on the speculative market, therefore the buyer sets the price. It is a well oiled example of the supply side economics you champion every day. It is the way republicans think all business should be done. Yesterday, gold closed at $473.80 on the NY spot merc. I don't see you threatening jewelers for selling a commodity that's only intrinsic value is that it is shiny. What are you going to do now? Propose some sort of socialized form of oil sales? Impose some of those nasty government regulations you deplore?
If Hastert wants to place blame for high oil prices, perhaps he should look in the mirror. This republican led congress has failed miserably in pushing any meaningful alternative energy legislation leaving people with only a few petroleum based options for fuel. Hell, you even gave the oil companies billions in subsidies.
This is even the calm before the storm. Hastert's constituents might not be affected this winter, but his cold belt colleagues are likely to feel the voters wrath after this years heating bills come due.
When it comes to foresight in the republican party, the one-eyed man truly is king.
The soaring profits have already attracted the attention of many members of Congress. On Tuesday, House Speaker Dennis Hastert warned companies that any price gouging is "unacceptable, and any company who does it will be prosecuted." He urged the oil companies to explain to the American public what they are doing to bring down the cost of oil and natural gas. And he urged them to build new refineries and pipelines.
What are they doing to lower the cost of oil? What are you doing? You see, oil is a commodity. It is sold on the speculative market, therefore the buyer sets the price. It is a well oiled example of the supply side economics you champion every day. It is the way republicans think all business should be done. Yesterday, gold closed at $473.80 on the NY spot merc. I don't see you threatening jewelers for selling a commodity that's only intrinsic value is that it is shiny. What are you going to do now? Propose some sort of socialized form of oil sales? Impose some of those nasty government regulations you deplore?
If Hastert wants to place blame for high oil prices, perhaps he should look in the mirror. This republican led congress has failed miserably in pushing any meaningful alternative energy legislation leaving people with only a few petroleum based options for fuel. Hell, you even gave the oil companies billions in subsidies.
This is even the calm before the storm. Hastert's constituents might not be affected this winter, but his cold belt colleagues are likely to feel the voters wrath after this years heating bills come due.
When it comes to foresight in the republican party, the one-eyed man truly is king.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Vote Out The Clowns
Aren’t they rich, the GOP three?
Running our state into the ground,
With hardly a care.
Vote out the clowns!
It isn't bliss, we don’t approve?
The ones who keeps tearing Ohio down
That’s already been proved
There are the clowns!
Vote out the clowns!
We’ve seen enough revolving doors,
Finally knowing that all they want is what’s yours.
Ruining the state, without a care,
Controling the voting lines;
Few machines are there.
Are you tired of this farce?
The state government that is here,
I think that you want what I want,
I think it’s pretty clear
Vote out the clowns
There are the clowns
Vote out the clowns
What a surprise!
Who could foresee
You'd come to feel about them
What they feel about me?
Why only now when I see
How many of my friends have moved away?
Without a job
It’s hard to stay
Isn't it rich, isn't it queer
No bigoted amendment to use next year
And there are the clowns
Quick, vote out the clowns!
Get them out of here.
Microfinancing
I read a very interesting diary this morning over at Kos about microfinancing in third world countries. I have to admit, I've never heard of it before. Basically, you donate money to an NGO such as KIVA and they use that money to issue no interest business loans to people in the third world. You can donate as little as $25. You get your money back when the loan is fully repaid.
The UN General Assembly has designated 2005 The International Year Of Microcredit. Who knew?
The UN General Assembly has designated 2005 The International Year Of Microcredit. Who knew?
Miers Withdraws
Much to my shock, shock I say, Harriet Miers has withdrawn her nomination for the Supreme Court. Actually I predicted this on Tuesday, so I'm really just tooting my own horn. I guess every asshole gets something right every once in a while.
I've yet to read her statement, but CNN is reporting that she says in it that her nomination had become a "burden for the White House." I have to say, any nomination is going to be a burden for the White House now. Of course the real burden for the White House is the 800 pound gorilla over on the ninth floor of 1400 New York Avenue that will start throwing tires tomorrow.
It will be interesting to see who the new nominee will be. I gonna guess Janice Brown.
I've yet to read her statement, but CNN is reporting that she says in it that her nomination had become a "burden for the White House." I have to say, any nomination is going to be a burden for the White House now. Of course the real burden for the White House is the 800 pound gorilla over on the ninth floor of 1400 New York Avenue that will start throwing tires tomorrow.
It will be interesting to see who the new nominee will be. I gonna guess Janice Brown.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Indictments
Raw Story is reporting that Patrick Fitzgerald has asked the grand jury to indict Karl Rove on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, and Scooter Libby for the two previous charges plus outing a covert operative. The story goes on to say two others that do not work in the White House also face indictments. They report the grand jury has not yet decided whether or not to indict.
I wonder how they are getting this information. It's not like you run in and out of a grand jury or make cell phone calls from inside. One of the lawyers inside must be using a blackberry from inside the courtroom.
It's going to be tough to sleep tonight waiting for all of those Fitzmas goodies in the morning.
UPDATE: Damn, the grand jury adjourned for the day. Doesn't meet again until Friday. God damn Fritzmas, it's always a day away.
I wonder how they are getting this information. It's not like you run in and out of a grand jury or make cell phone calls from inside. One of the lawyers inside must be using a blackberry from inside the courtroom.
It's going to be tough to sleep tonight waiting for all of those Fitzmas goodies in the morning.
UPDATE: Damn, the grand jury adjourned for the day. Doesn't meet again until Friday. God damn Fritzmas, it's always a day away.
Thats A Spicy Meatball
The Italian publication La Repubblica has blown the lid off of the Niger forged documents scandal. Yesterday, in part two of a series, the paper laid the claim the the documents were stove piped to the White House Office of Special Planning for the Iraq war during a meeting between Steven Hadley and Nicolo Pollari, the head of the Italian intelligence service SISMI.
Today the paper writes that the infamous aluminum tubes supposedly to be used to centrifuge uranium were in fact a component of the Italian 81mm Medusa missile system. That means the Italians had to know exactly what they were, they probably sold them to Iraq.
Pollari has asked the parliamentary commission overseeing secret services to interview him in light of these allegations. The Italian government has issued a denial over the Niger documents today.
Today the paper writes that the infamous aluminum tubes supposedly to be used to centrifuge uranium were in fact a component of the Italian 81mm Medusa missile system. That means the Italians had to know exactly what they were, they probably sold them to Iraq.
Pollari has asked the parliamentary commission overseeing secret services to interview him in light of these allegations. The Italian government has issued a denial over the Niger documents today.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
New Poll
As I've said before, I don't put much faith in generic party ID polls like the one CNN put out tonight, but the poll that shows Bush losing to a generic Democrat 55% to 39% is fairly significant. This is only going to get worse. I'd like to know what percentage of that 39% that would vote for Bush has completely no clue about the impending indictments in the White House.
We often forget that politics plays absolutely no part in many Americans lives, but when you mention criminal behavior and politics and it gets into the average Americans psyche these numbers will plunge. I think the low thirties is probably the floor though.
We often forget that politics plays absolutely no part in many Americans lives, but when you mention criminal behavior and politics and it gets into the average Americans psyche these numbers will plunge. I think the low thirties is probably the floor though.
Fitzmas
From Steve Clemmons:
Indictments Coming Tomorrow; Targets Received Letters Today
An uber-insider source has just reported the following to TWN:
1. 1-5 indictments are being issued. The source feels that it will be towards the higher end.
2. The targets of indictment have already received their letters.
3. The indictments will be sealed indictments and "filed" tomorrow.
4. A press conference is being scheduled for Thursday
So, I guess tomorrow is Fitzmas eve, and then Thursday, it's Fitzmas bitches!
Indictments Coming Tomorrow; Targets Received Letters Today
An uber-insider source has just reported the following to TWN:
1. 1-5 indictments are being issued. The source feels that it will be towards the higher end.
2. The targets of indictment have already received their letters.
3. The indictments will be sealed indictments and "filed" tomorrow.
4. A press conference is being scheduled for Thursday
So, I guess tomorrow is Fitzmas eve, and then Thursday, it's Fitzmas bitches!
Why Miers Is Toast
Once Fitzmas comes, I think that will be that for Harriet Miers. Bush will have to withdraw the nomination. These two paragraphs from The New York Daily News lay out the reason:
If the White House thinks neocon commentators are going to go along with them for free, I think they are sorely mistaken. White House indictments give these commentators the leverage they need to sink the Miers nomination. A lot of loyalties are going to be strained over this, but I expect Bush's loyalty to himself will trump any loyalty to Miers.
Miers will probably withdraw herself taking the bullet for Bush.
Behind the scenes, however, Team Bush was finalizing its campaign to discredit and undermine special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald's conclusions, sources told the Daily News.
The White House strategy is counting on major help from GOP allies and neocon commentators who turned on Bush for naming Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court and are now looking for redemption with a miffed President.
If the White House thinks neocon commentators are going to go along with them for free, I think they are sorely mistaken. White House indictments give these commentators the leverage they need to sink the Miers nomination. A lot of loyalties are going to be strained over this, but I expect Bush's loyalty to himself will trump any loyalty to Miers.
Miers will probably withdraw herself taking the bullet for Bush.
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