The Republican War Slogans

1. “If we don’t fight them over there, we’ll have to fight them over here”

This Republican War Slogan presumes that Al Qaeda and other terrorists can be contained in Iraq. To the contrary,

“What Goes In Can Come Out”

If Al Qaeda can get into Iraq, Al Qaeda can get out of Iraq. If they stay there, it’s because it’s a huge training camp for them. They learn how to engage effectively in urban assault. They learn any weakness in our equipment and tactics. And this education can be applied anywhere there are cities. Including here.

2. “If we leave now, it will send the wrong message”

Is the message our mission now? Shall we sacrifice reason for pride? We are grinding down our army. Their readiness has been compromised. Our treasury is being depleted. We are betting the house on foreign investors. This cannot continue indefinitely. I say,

“To Stay is to Say We are Vain and Insane”

3. “If we leave now, it will get worse”

This Republican War Slogan assumes that we can maintain control of events in Iraq as long as we stay there. Bull. Iraq is roughly the size of California. It has a population of about 20 million. How can 160,000 American troops control the violence in a country that size and that populous, where even the national government is so disorganized and ineffective that it cannot control its capitol, and civil war exists throughout the land? They can’t. So I say,

“We Can’t Stop What We Can’t Control”

4. “As they stand up, we’ll stand down”

This Republican War Slogan assumes that Iraqis want to unify as quickly as possible and physically combat the various forces competing for control and tearing the country apart. In reality, the Iraqi government has no incentive to move quickly or engage in the physical combat themselves. So long as our soldiers are fighting there, the Iraqi government is assured that there will be no limit to our funding, and that our soldiers can be relied upon to fight their battles for them. Thus,

“If We Don’t Leave, They Won’t Stand Up”

5. “Support our troops”

When Republicans use this War Slogan what they really mean is, “Support Bush’s War.” They don’t really care about the soldiers themselves. They don’t care enough to give them the training they need, or the best body armor, or “up-armored” vehicles. They don’t even care enough to ensure that the troops are adequately treated when they return to the States with grievous mental and physical wounds. To Republicans it’s enough to cheer from the sidelines and expect that this will motivate our troops to continue to sacrifice their lives and families for the sake of a grand delusion To which I say,

“Don’t Sacrifice our Soldiers”

High Crimes & Misdemeanors

Anthony has been kind enough to let me post on his blog, so let me begin with this: the counts I would cite for the impeachment of Richard Cheney and George W. Bush.

1. Illegal Wiretapping [for FOX viewers, that means without the warrants required by existing law]
2. Elimination of Habeas Corpus [for anyone they label a “terrorist”]
3. Use of Federal Agencies to Promote his Party [as in firing US Attorneys to replace them with loyal Bushies]
4. Use of Signing Statements to Subvert the Will of Congress and enforce laws – or not- as he sees fit
5. Obstruction of Justice [by refusing to comply with subpoenas]
6. Unitary Executive Theory & Practice [under which terms he is the Final Decider for as long as he can make a war last]
7. Misrepresentation of Evidence to Wage War [specifically in the case of Iraq]
8. Release of Formerly Classified Information for Political Purposes [as in the case of Valerie Plame]
9. Refusal to Honor International Conventions & Treaties entered into by the USA [for example, authorization of torture]
10. Protecting Members of his Administration who have Lied under Oath [at minimum, Libby & Gonzales]
    

Alex Budarin

DNC to oust Florida's delegates

Howard Dean and Alexis Herman would have shown superior leadership in addressing this matter before the Florida legislature changed the primary schedule. Now the reaction of the DNC is borderline incompetence and certainly void of understanding of the concerns of Florida voters. The DNC was never strong enough on keeping corruption out our voting system, or demanding a voting system the people could have confidence. That is why Florida voted to move up its primary. This matter ultimately should be left to the states opposed to a national party that dropped the ball on this issue. Were Dean and Herman sleeping when Florida was debating this schedule change? This further shows the weakness of the Democrats; a lack of unity in addition to strong leadership. The DNC disenfranchising Florida voters may spark the important fringe Democrats that always vote, volunteer and contribute to break away from the Democratic Party.



"Message from Karen Thurman


As Chair of your State Party, I will go before the Rules & Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Saturday to fight to preserve Florida's full and diverse representation in the presidential primary process.

Under the Rules, the DNC has the authority to slash the delegate voting power of states that hold unauthorized presidential primaries prior to February 5, 2008, essentially making their votes meaningless. Because the Republican-controlled state Legislature moved our state's primary to January 29, 2008, Florida Democrats may be subject to severe penalties.
On Saturday, we will make our case to the DNC. I'm going to fight to have Florida's votes counted, but in reality, I'm only one out of more than four million Florida Democrats. The DNC really needs to hear from people like you.

Can you take just a few moments to tell the DNC why you believe it should make Florida count? I'm going to take your messages - and your voices in spirit - with me to Washington. The meeting is Saturday morning, so get your comments in by Friday at 5 PM.
http://www.fladems.com/standtogether

As you may recall, we've had success in the past when your voice was heard, such as when Democratic legislators read your comments on the floor of the Florida Senate in the heat of the class-size debate in 2006. We succeeded then because of your support, and I have faith that your action now will help make the difference.

You have the power. Tell DNC Chairman Howard Dean and the Rules & Bylaws Committee how important it is that Florida's votes be counted on January 29. I truly believe they will listen.
http://www.fladems.com/standtogether

Florida Democrats must stand together and demand that our votes be counted. In this discussion, there is nothing more important than making sure that Florida Democrats are not disenfranchised.
Our state has seen far too much of this in the past: the 2000 election debacle, eligible voters purged from the voting rolls based on race, Black voters intimidated at the polls, 18,000 votes vanishing because of touch screen machines in 2006, the list goes on and on.
Send a message right now. There's no time to waste.
http://www.fladems.com/standtogether
Thank you for your continued support and dedication.
Sincerely,

Congresswoman Karen L. ThurmanChair, Florida Democratic Party
P.S. Send me your comments right now, and be sure to forward this email to your friends, neighbors and families. Please don't put this off. Thank you again."





Report:


http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=13950870

Concerns for Lucy

I hope the American museums will take extra precautions to perverse Lucy. Postponing the tour to develop a specially designed case for Lucy may be in order. She is the most famous and important anthropological find. Is Ethiopia’s decision to send her on tour a wise choice?

"World's Oldest Hominid Now World's Oldest Tourist
by Jason Beaubien

"One of the world's treasures, the hominid fossil known as "Lucy," is about to go on public display for the first time outside its native Ethiopia.
The Lucy exhibition has been praised by some as a coup for Texas and denounced by others as the reckless exploitation of one of humanity's most famous ancestors. Renowned paleontologist Richard Leakey even called it a form of prostitution."

Hillary or Obama: that is the question.

I attended my first campaign meeting in support of Barrack Obama primarily because his supporters asked me too. Most of you know me as a Hillary supporter, unfortunately after numerous attempts to connect with the Hillary campaign I have only received hits asking for money. I’m sure I’m not alone, activist like myself can be a little discouraged with pleas for my money from the candidates without the opportunity to sit at the little table.

I pray Hillary will not focus so heavy on fundraising; running the traditional professional style campaign. An early 2 pronged approached is necessary to win (People & Money). The reality is as a women with high negative points, runs from James Carville’s playbook will not suffice.

Building a true grass roots structure in Florida is essential. A presidential candidate could win more votes locally where it’s needed opposed to big money cost like national TV commercials. The popular vote does not win the presidency. Karl Rove put Bush in the White House by micro targeting and turning out the vote of a small conservative base. He won by thinking small strategically scoring the electoral victories. Polls show as of August 20, 2007 Clinton leads nationally but is behind in Iowa and New Hampshire.

My personal out look is that a national campaign can be won with feet on the ground, a movement if you will. Anthony Brooks’ playbook consists of a two-pronged approach: People and Money or more formally Organization and Fundraising. 1 Chief Campaign Manager and 2 Deputies in charge of each of these functions. Build the organization down from there. Completely separate functions, not as the campaigns are currently formed where all efforts are fundraising until 2 months before election time then a half baked GOTV operation is attempted usually better orchestrated by seasoned local leaders.

A strong organization can trump big money. Picture the Civil Rights Movement which was victorious not via big money but by mobilizing people. I know first hand the Democratic Party has hordes of folk that have signed up to volunteer whom are being under utilized while in addition to being bombarded with hits for donations could be put to work.

Presidential Poll:

http://www.americanresearchgroup.com/

Info on James Carville:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Carville

Rove to Resign!

Microsoft: Privacy Champion?

"Microsoft: Privacy Champion? The tech giant and others are getting serious about giving Web surfers more control over how information from their online behavior is used

Source: BusinessWeek Online 07/24/2007

In its haste to build software that gives computer users new ways to communicate, store data, and scour the Web for information, the tech industry has unleashed a raft of threats to consumer privacy. Recently, though, companies from across the tech spectrum have begun taking pains to rein in such risks amid a backlash from legislators, regulators and consumer advocates. Are the efforts lip service aimed at quelling the furor or might the tech industry finally be getting serious about protecting privacy?

One of the biggest strides comes from Microsoft (MSFT), which on July 23 will unveil a new privacy policy that gives users greater control over what the company does with information it gathers about their online behavior. Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, will let certain users decline to receive ads tailored to their Web surfing habits. The company will also sever the links between information about a computer and the Web searches carried out from that machine after 18 months.

What consumers do online and what companies do with that information strikes at the heart of the computing privacy debate. Companies are keen to cull and store such data so they can tailor products, services, and advertisements to a user's interests. But there's growing concern companies are learning too much about their customers' private lives and not doing enough to keep that information safe from prying eyes.

Senate Hearings Postponed Until Fall
Those worries will take center stage in Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on online marketing and a proposed acquisition that will give Google (GOOG) added control over the Internet advertising business. The proceedings had been scheduled for the week of July 23 but have been postponed until September or October. The committee will ask executives from Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo! (YHOO) to appear, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Competitors and privacy groups say Google's planned $3.1 billion purchase of DoubleClick would concentrate too much knowledge about Internet users' searching and Web browsing habits in Google's hands. The Federal Trade Commission in May began an investigation into the proposed tieup [see BusinessWeek.com, 5/30/07, "Much Ado About DoubleClick"]. Amid that grousing, Google said July 16 it will reduce the shelf life of "cookies," the software that embeds itself on a computer and tracks a user's Net habits. Google will ensure cookies expire after two years. Google also said it would make records of users' searches and other behavior on its site anonymous after 18 months.

The privacy battlefront isn't limited to ads. The next version of Apple's (AAPL) Mac OS X operating system, called "Leopard," will include new controls that can help users specify files they don't want backed up because they're too private to share. Leopard, due to be released in October, includes a feature called Time Machine that can continuously back up a Mac's hard drive to a server on a corporate network or a disk drive that's shared by users on a home network. Apple will let users elide certain files during the backup process, says Bud Tribble, Apple's vice-president of software technology and a designer of the original Macintosh software.

Brave New World of Hypertargeted Ads
Fears about online surveillance and misuse of personal information have been amplified as tech companies pitch ads to users based on their behavior to gain a bigger share of a U.S. online ad market that research company eMarketer estimates will swell to $21.7 billion in Weave in the ability to track users' whereabouts by collecting information from their mobile phones, and privacy advocates are warning of an emerging era of hypertargeted ads that could leave consumers open to privacy abuses.

"The very idea of identity and privacy is changing really fast," says David Holtzman, chief executive officer of identity software startup Pseuds and author of the 2006 book Privacy Lost [Wiley]. For one, when software is delivered as a Web service, every computer on the network over which it's delivered can be a weak link in the chain.
Loss of Anonymity
Sites that learn about a user's behavior can also present problems. Amazon.com's (AMZN) product recommendation feature stores a profile of users' tastes and interests, and credit-card companies including Capital One Financial (COF) are building psychographic profiles of consumers based on their purchases. Both approaches could capture information of users' interests that many consider private, says Holtzman, who's consulted to both companies.

The rise in popularity of social networks like Facebook and News Corp.'s (NWS) MySpace.com means some Web users are contributing to their own loss of anonymity by disclosing more information than ever about their identities and tastes. Google Street Views has given Web browsers candid close-ups of people's daily lives [see BusinessWeek.com, 6/22/07, "Google Is Watching You"].

The need for tighter privacy is made all the more urgent by highly publicized cases of data loss. "If one company takes a step that looks like it protects privacy more, other companies feel the need to try to match it," says Joe Laszlo, an analyst at JupiterResearch. "If you're a company like Microsoft, Yahoo, or Google, the tradeoff has always been the more you know about the consumer, the more personalization you can give them. But you're also placing yourself in a position of trust. If you misuse that trust, consumers and regulators will come down hard on you."

Better Assessment of Web Ad Performance
Those concerns are at the crux of the policy changes at Microsoft and Google. In addition to setting time limits on its collection of private data, Microsoft on July 23 announced it's joining with Ask.com, a search engine owned by IAC/InterActive (IACI), to try to develop industry standards for data collection and online advertising. The standards could help ease consumer fears about disclosing too much personal information as Microsoft promotes new versions of its e-mail, photo gallery, and blogging software that combine data stored on users' PCs with software delivered over the Web, says Microsoft Chief Privacy Architect Jeffrey Friedberg. "This is where we focus a lot of our privacy energy," he says. "There's no such thing as a completely offline, contained product anymore."
Microsoft, too, must demonstrate privacy protection bona fides as it, like Google, pursues an acquisition aimed at garnering a bigger slice of online ads, while at the same time complaining that buying DoubleClick will give Google an unfair advantage. Microsoft is paying $6 billion for aQuantive to help it better place and measure the performance of ads [see BusinessWeek.com, 5/18/07, "Microsoft's Big Online Ad Buy"],
Pam Dixon, executive director of the World Privacy Forum, a public-interest research group, says she's pleased with some of the new policies being adopted by Microsoft and Google. Still, "these measures don't even begin to scratch the surface," she says. "We need substantive privacy protection." There's still considerable leeway for companies to assemble a lengthy dossier of information on consumers, she says. Why, for instance, do they need to retain information on servers for 18 months, she asks.
Questions like those will get plenty of air time amid ongoing scrutiny of the DoubleClick deal and other efforts by tech companies to mine customer data, and they'll keep up pressure on the industry to make consumer privacy paramount. "

U.S.A. Economy August 2007

Political, social and economic movement towards privation, capitalism purely in the pursuit of profit without regard for the public interest is precisely the trend, which has negatively set America’s economy on a downward spiral.

I predict the United States is due for several economic adjustments; Oil companies, Homeowner and health insurance and realtors just might in the end return the profit they greedily scooped up from trusting consumers.

It is time for the people and politicians to push for checks on corporate greed.

Hadithah Killings

The holding accountable of military officers for the killing of innocent civilians in my opinion possesses an absolute impossibility of being politically driven.

"MARINE OFFICER STATES HIS CASE IN IRAQI KILLINGS; HE CALLS PROSECUTION POLITICALLY MOTIVATED

Source: San Jose Mercury News 06/08/2007

CAMP PENDLETON -- The prosecution of seven Marines accused in the killings of 24 Iraqi civilians in Al-Hadithah is so politically motivated they cannot be guaranteed a fair trial, a Marine officer said in testimony played in court Wednesday.
Capt. Jeffrey Dinsmore, who was the intelligence officer for the battalion accused in the Nov. 19, 2005, killings, was called as a witness at the preliminary hearing for Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, one of four officers charged with dereliction of duty for failing to investigate the deaths.
''You told me that politically, the Marine Corps had made a decision to hang Lieutenant Colonel Chessani out to dry,'' prosecutor Lt. Col. Sean Sullivan asked Dinsmore.
''Yes,'' he replied.
Dinsmore, whose testimony was videotaped in March, said he doubted prosecutors could be objective given the political climate surrounding the case, and said Chessani was ''above reproach.''
Sullivan said his job as a prosecutor was to ensure justice was done fairly.
The Al-Hadithah killings sparked the biggest criminal case against U.S. troops in the war in Iraq, with three enlisted Marines charged with murder and the four officers accused of dereliction.
The two dozen people were slain after a roadside bomb killed Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas, who was driving a Humvee. In the aftermath, Marines went house to house looking for insurgents.
They used fragmentation grenades and machine guns to clear the homes, but instead of hitting insurgents, they killed civilians.
Anti-war observers seized on the deaths as evidence that the troops killed indiscriminately. The Marines who fired the fatal shots say they reacted to a perceived threat the way they were trained, and the officers say they saw no evidence of a law-of-war violation.
Chessani's defense team called Dinsmore as a witness to describe what was happening around Al-Hadithah in the months leading up to the killings. He said insurgents regularly used hospitals and mosques to launch attacks. Men pretending to be asleep in a house shot and killed a Marine when he entered.
''They would exploit any hesitation in order to gain an advantage,'' Dinsmore said.
The bomb that killed Terrazas was only the first of a citywide series of attacks that left several other Marines injured and insurgents dead, Dinsmore said. He recalled Nov. 19 as being the busiest day of combat in the battalion's tour.
Dinsmore said the feeling among the Marine battalion at the end of the day was that they did well. The commanding general in charge of Marines in Al-Hadithah at the time, Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, was briefed about the day's combat actions three days later, including details about women and children dying in their homes.
Huck was ''congratulatory'' about the battalion's actions, Dinsmore testified.

At the end of Chessani's hearing, an investigating officer will make a recommendation about whether the charges should go to trial. "

A Shooting in Sarasota

"A workplace dispute turns deadly for two women Friday. Investigators say 51-year-old Jacquelyn Ferguson shot her boss to death before eventually turning the gun on herself. It happened in the 3000 block of Bee Ridge Road. Investigators say Ferguson was supposed to be fired from her job today, but instead fired shots first. 45-year-old Denise Keyworth, Ferguson's boss, was shot and killed. Ferguson escaped, but deputies found her at home a few hours later. She had turned the gun on herself. The shots rang out just after 8:30 Friday morning. "Two girls in the front office heard a couple of shots and a scream and a few more shots," says witness David Jones. Minutes after swat team members surrounded the doctor's office with snipers on rooftops and crouched behind cars. Deputies closed part of Bee Ridge Road during morning rush hour and evacuated nearby buildings. "We did have some people still in that building, we did get them out," says Sheriff Bill Balkwill. But deputies thought the shooter was still inside,” unfortunately when we went in, the suspect was not there." Instead they found the body of Denise Keyworth, witnesses say she was the Office Manager for Dr. Jeffrey Sack, she'd been shot and killed. Co-workers pointed to 51-year-old Jacquelyn Ferguson, a fellow employee investigators call disgruntled. They say Ferguson was supposed to be fired by the victim Friday morning, but an argument started, then gunfire, deputies launched a manhunt, the first stop Ferguson’s home. Deputies found Ferguson’s body on the lanai of her home the suspected killer dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Neighbor’s say they never saw it coming, "I thought there was no way. It had to be someone else," says Jessie Laiken. Co-workers say Keyworth had been the Office Manager of Dr. Jeffrey Sack's practice for the last 10 years. They say Ferguson had only worked there for about 6 months."