This Is What Real Accountability Looks Like

I wish I had representation like this in Congress. Rep. Ackerman (D-NY) holds Satterfield accountable as Satterfield dissembles and tap dances his way through the responses.

Update (3/22): I can not seem to find an update. It means nothing if there's no follow-up. I hope that Ackerman's efforts weren't for show.

Open Thread

Come on People. Let us know what your are thinking. I know you are out there!

I Voted on Saturday

Open Voting was (and is) available on Saturday mornings from 8am-12pm. I headed down, and got to the Board of Elections by about 10am. I rode the elevator up with 5 other citizens, and stepped out to find a line of another 6-8 ahead of me, waiting to cast their ballot. As I got a view of the room, their were another 10 folks already standing at the voting booths casting their ballots. The BOE staff was working through the line with a great degree of efficiency, making sure all those in line had a clear understanding of the administrivia that accompanied a walk-up absentee ballot submission. The energy and excitement of being involved in the political process was palpable.

Now the even better news. I heard all 5 folks immediately ahead of me in line ask for Democratic ballots.

Bill Cunningham Makes Us All Proud

...to be from Cincinnati. I know it's schtik, but its racist, malicious schtik. And shockingly, John McCain was not aware, nor did he anticipate Cunningham's commentary. Sad.

General Motors Leader: Global Warming is a "Crock"

I guess I look at Bob Lutz's commentary (Lutz is the Vice Chair, responsible for New Product Development at GM) about global warming being a "crock of sh*t" and seem resigned to the fact that the U.S. Auto Industry will continue to trail the rest of the world in product development in line with customer expectations.

From a business standpoint, he has a responsibility to know his market, stay ahead of it, and where necessary, evangelize about his products to align with his most compelling market segments. Perhaps Bob wants to continue to appear to the "global warming is a crock o' sh*t" segment of the market -- and that's fine, if Bob is truly interested in pursuing a (by nearly all accounts) shrinking segment of the market. I know, given what he believes, I'm going to think twice about purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle from GM, quite simply because I'm not sure it's leadership is committed to supporting it long term.

Trade-Off: Lawmakers want Quiet Hybrids to Make More Noise

Not to make light of this, because I think it makes some sense to the visually impaired, but it seems like we're worrying about this issue a bit early in the hybrid "adoption curve".

You Go to War with the Army You Have...

Don Rumsfeld's moved on but his spirit of shorting the troops of the necessary supplies lives on in the stories from our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Obama took some heat from the right for some commentary regarding an undermanned, under-equipped platoon during the debate last night, but his story checks out, according to CNN.

Chabot Shows Flashes of Bipartisanship

In what can likely be termed a timely, and admittedly astute move for Ohio's First Congressional District Representative, Steve Chabot has shown some bipartisanship around the sub-prime mortgage crisis. He continues to maintain a fairly low profile within the district and for that matter in Washington. Will Steve Driehaus put together a message that can unseat Chabot?

All 7 Democrats Get Together in Greenhills

Well, actually, the 8th, former Mayor Ron Otting, couldn't make it. But we've decided to get back together on March 20th, at 7:00pm. Tell your uncommitted friends to be there.

(Kidding about there being only 8 Dems in Greenhills. I think snow kept the other 4 away).

If We Could Only Travel Back in Time

Although I see Kinsley's point, I really don't think the hypothetical he suggests would change anyone's view - at least not anyone who voted for Bush back then.

McCain Response to the Obama Video

Very Funny Stuff - A McCain response to the Obama video

The Good Ol' Days

Atrios pulls a news items out the archives, this one dating to 2003, on the cusp of the invasion. It speaks to Rep. Darrell Issa's(R-CA) efforts to position QualComm as the wireless provider of choice soonafter things settle down in Iraq. For each of these, there are hundreds more stories where BushCo companies profited off the war, that will likely never be told.

Spring Sports Registration in Greenhills

Greenhills Baseball Registration forms are available for Greenhills Knothole T-ball and baseball through local schools and at Riley's, Wright-Patterson Credit Union, Ameristop and the Greenhills post office.

Greenhills Soccer registration is available online, at the Greenhills SAY Soccer website.

Good Speechifying Taken to the Next Level

Worth a look-see from Obama supporters: Updated with working link

Reframing the Discussion

Jamison Foser over at Media Matters does a nice job reviewing the commentary on the Democratic candidate's health plans. Key observation, coming out of the debate when Blitzer keys in on how the Dems will pay for their health care plans:

Indeed, one wonders why debate moderators don't ask the Republican candidates how they will respond to Democratic charges that they have run up massive deficits through grotesque fiscal mismanagement

This is indeed the fundamental question to ask.

I Haven't Heard Obama Much

Hillary is dominating the California debate. Obama looks passive at times, almost conciliatory. I think if he was banking on Edwards' endorsement, contingent upon his ability to fight, this performance is not necessarily helping that effort.

And now, Let's take a look at the Monster Employment Index

Sounds like a line from a scene in a Pixar flick featuring ghoulish newscasters. I had no idea it actually existed, and to be honest, it's not as funny as I hoped it would be.

2008 Tough Year for Fox News?

Eric Boehlert over at Media Matters does a nice job with a run down on the tough campaign season for Fox News. He echoes my earlier post regarding how potential viewers might see Fox Business channel:

"Why would investors and day traders in search of reliable business information turn from CNBC over to the Fox brand, which is so well-known for passing along one-sided information? News Corp. always assumed Fox News would help launch the business channel. But Fox News is taken seriously by so few people, it may be hurting the business launch."

Fox News anchors' angst is something to behold.

Wrong, But Funny

This is wrong, but still very funny. Almost as funny as this (also wrong and office inappropriate).

Youth Vote in SC Triples

Via Atrios, the Youth Vote, which is skewing Dem for this generation continues to trend upward. Good news.

CityBeat: Dems Deal with Repubs Drives Candidacy

I'm glad to see this is getting some traction. I didn't like it when it was first announced, and I thought Tim Burke did a less than effective job suggesting that the arrangement was financially motivated.

Open Thread: On the Road for the Last Week

Good to be home.

Transparency: Thy Name is Oversight

From a Republican standpoint, anything to eliminate a view into their machinations represents the worst kind of governmental intervention. Should it surprise then that the White House is maneuvering to eliminate the office that handles FOIA requests? I didn't think so.

Zoo poo won't go to waste: Enquirer

The cynic in my would think that there are more plentiful supplies in the area, e.g. the editorial board of the Enquirer.

Bill Moyers provides First Hand Historical Perspective

on the underlying commentary from Hillary/Obama flap. Great Commentary from a Great American.

Keith Olbermann Runs MSNBC - Fox Comedy

If I didn't know better, I'd swear this was a bad SNL skit. Best line:

Shill 1 (former weatherman): "Keith Olbermann is now doing a blog for the DailyKos (short o sound) which is a...[motions with his hands sweeping - - in a decidely sinister fashion -- to the left]

Shill 2 (former sportscaster - interrupting, exasperated): "For the DAILY KOS?!!? (short o sound)

You can't make this stuff up!

Single Passenger Hybrids To Drive in HOV Lanes

Yet another good reason to buy a hybrid. Damn, I wished they'd do that here!

Romney Wins Michigan`

Don't know how much of this happened, but it looks as if the best Republican candidate many Democrats would prefer to face has won resoundingly in Michigan.

UNC Coach, Player Settle Harassment Suit

In the soccer community, you can't pick up a book, magazine or article without seeing some reference to Anson Dorrance, the Pat Summit of Women's soccer (only he's a guy, and well, Summit is a lady, but you get my point - - anyway). So it's somewhat disappointing to see this. I've not heard alot about what kind of coach he was personally; just know that he walks on water in the soccer community.

Bengals New Defensive Coordinator

From Atlanta. They finished 29th in team defense. Maybe it's a sympathy hire.

Edwards: DLC's persona non grata

I'm not surprised by the disregard of the MSM for John Edwards, but the open disdain directed his way by the DLC remains somewhat of a surprise to me.

Tappity Tap Tap, Da Tap Tap Tap

Former White House Shill T. Snow on Bill Maher, tap dances his way through this last segment when former Judge Catherine Crier commences listing the impeachable offenses of the Bush Administration.

Has the Same Positive Effect as the 2001 Riots

Bill Cunningham, wingnut called up from the minors on occasion to appear on Hannity, does his Cincinnati roots proud with his recent commentary on Obama.

Wha...? Cincinnati had two newspapers?

This is a wrap-up from City Beat of the last days of the Cincinnati Post. It's tragic that there wasn't some exploration around some alternative media models that would allow the Post to continue in some fashion with a more aggressive, branded online presence than the muddled and buried mix of content within cincinnati.com.

I think timing may as well had something to do with the lack of focus on the survivability of the Post. At the same time that any rescue effort was underway for the Post, Scripps was working on its own corporate split. Judging from the way these things typically progress, my guess is that there was insufficient time available to review alternative business models that would sustain any new venture.

Chris Matthews' Hillary Fixation

Jamie Foser over at Media Matters does a nice review of the blind spot that Chris Matthews has for Hillary. Not that I am a Hillary fan, but when one reviews the body of work against Hillary, you can't help but think there's some psychopathy.

Rudy's Health Care System of Choice

This, from the best columnist at the New York Times. When do we move up to #10 -- at least?

And when are they going to hire the foil to Bill Kristol (i.e. someone with intellect, and a conscience)? Natch, I settle for double Krugman, hold the foam.

For Entertainment Purposes Only

By no means am I putting them on a pedestal, because there are so many other segments of our population who deserve more, but I was struck by the details contained in this article on the the plight of retired football players in the NFL. I hope that between the league and the Players Association, there can be some recognition that this is one subsegment of our population that has the wherewithal to reasonably sustain the health and welfare of its own.

Democrats for Mitt!

Wow

With a history of meddling in our primaries, why don't we try and return the favor. Next Tuesday, January 15th, Michigan will hold its primary. Michigan Democrats should vote for Mitt Romney, because if Mitt wins, Democrats win.

Markos goes on to explain the rationale for the effort. Could Democrats actually pull this off, and if so, would they do it? I, as one who loves a good political fight, would love to see how this plays out.

Update: Edited to fix HTML

Believe it Or Not!

Ford had a diesel Escort in 1985. It got an amazing 52 MPG! This must have been an accident.

Stewart, Colbert Struggle to Stay Fresh

Judging from the two nights thus far, it's barely working. They can't last too long without the writers before their shows will be coming a rambling stream of mumbled consciousness. I think Jon Stewart may run into more challenges than will Colbert just by virtue of how the show is structured. There's such an intense need for research, perspective, and good writing that is rounded out by Stewart's delivery. Colbert has it easier, because his is more pure blowhard schtik. And seeing how effortlessly he is able to imitate O'Lielly, it can't be that hard.

Title Edited for clarity

New Hampshire: Record Setting Turnout

There was a 14% increase increase in turnout over the next highest total. Notably 55% of the vote went Democratic. Top 5 vote-getters below:

Candidate Party Votes % of Total

Clinton Dem 110,550 21%

Obama Dem 102,883 20%

McCain GOP 86,802 17%

Romney GOP 73,806 14%

Edwards Dem 47,803 9%

Fox Business Channel

A lot has been written about the fact that the new Fox business channel is averaged approximately 6,300 viewers per day, which represents approximately 1/30th of the audience that its chief rival, CNBC garners.

I wonder how much this can be attributed to the thought that some portion of the respective audiences for Fox offerings (likely a key target segment for Fox Business Channel) is comfortable with the FoxNewsification of their News but not the FoxNewsification of their business information. I mean when you get down to it, the markets work well with good information -- truthful information, delivered in a timely and concise fashion. But that is not Fox News's stock in trade. So when you package fiction, opinion and supposition wrapped with a right-wing agenda, it runs at cross purposes with the fundamental information needs of your typical business executive.

Nice Job by the Greenhills Journal

Natalie Corzine, Managing Editor, and what I understand are a dedicated troupe of volunteers, have continued to provide an excellent public service with the Greenhills Journal. I wish it had an online presence, but nonetheless it remains informative and reflective of our community. The closing of Johnny's Toys, news that I had not heard, made the front page this month, within days of the posting of the sign. That's lightning fast, stop-the-presses stuff.

Update: More information on the Greenhills Journal is available from editor@greenhillsjournal.org, or 513-825-2525.  You can also post on the Journal Facebook page.

First time since the 19th Century

Money quote:

"The UK has been catching up steadily with living standards in the US since 2001..."

I'm trying to recall, who took office in 2001? Thinking...Thinking...

Ha! CheneyCare! Ha!

(My best Chris Matthews Impression)

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/01/07/cheney-care-for-all/

By 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil

Lengthy read, but a positive and thorough review from Scientific American . This rises above the concerns regarding Global Warming, presenting a hopeful roadmap that solar energy presents.

Fox's F.A.B. (Fair and Balanced) short for FABricated News

Word at DailyKos is that Frank Luntz, Shill-Extraordinaire, has the same "undecided voter" in the two separate state focus groups 4 months apart. See diary and video here. . Update: Not sure this was a truthful post over at Kos. There's so much honest material to slam Faux with, why promote dishonest content?

NPR Highlights

Huckabee wasn't at the Republican debate, and the Dems didn't debate at all, or so it seemed.

More on the O'Lielly Meltdown

Laugh Out Loud funniness from Crooks and Liars. The loofah or a falafel comment is classic enough, but Sekoff goes for Double Jeopardy with the iced tea reference. How did it get by the FauxNews censors?

Bronson Feigns Compassion, and

ends up making his commentary about immigration. For the unitiated, this is the story of 4 Mexicans, violently murdered in their apartment in Sharonville. They remained undiscovered for nine days. It's a tragic crime, without a lot of leads.

Bronson says, in his 2nd to last paragraph:

We all feel pangs of sympathy. But maybe we should evaluate the moral consequences of open borders that allow illegal immigrants to live and die in the shadows, vulnerable to extortion, intimidation and exploitation, without the common privileges and protections of citizenship.

But truly, was their murder really a result of "open borders"? I think Peter almost (but not quite) hit on it when he suggested that many in the community dismissed their deaths because they were illegal. It's not whether or not they were "illegal" that drives the disinterest, Peter. It's broader than that. But by suggesting that the underlying problem relates to immigration puts a nice bow around it, for easy compartmentalization in his and the broader communal conscience.

Prediction: $4 Gas by Spring

There are a number of reasons why economists worry about an impending recession. This might be a real contributor to that concern. How will the nation react? Will consumer behavior change as a result?

Edwards On Fighting The Status Quo (from Crooks and Liars)

I think Stephanophlagus was positioning for a "gotcha" moment this morning with John Edwards on today's MSM manipulation specific to the topic as to whether Edwards would have one of his trial lawyer sponsors in his administration. Notably, Edwards was one of only two Dems on the Sunday shows, while, there were NINE (count'em - NINE) Republicans.

This is O'Reilly Funny

I can't help but think that maybe, perhaps, the cast of characters at Fox News are in the act of jumping the shark with this election cycle. This reaction certainly reinforces that impression. Probably too much to hope, but something to watch for.

Voter Choice Denied

A deal was cut between the Hamilton County Dems and Repubs to assure that there would be no endorsement of the Republican candidate against Democratic Commissioner Todd Portune, and no Dem candidate against Hartman for Dewine's vacated seat. I agree with Marilyn:

Marilyn Evans, a Democrat from Millvale, learned about the deal Friday afternoon when she came to the board of elections to file her petition to run as a Democratic precinct executive.

“That makes no sense to me,’’ Evans said. “Why would we not have a candidate running for county commissioner? People should have a choice. We’re not supposed to hand elections to the other party.”

In addition to the loss of choice, I'm not convinced that this deal is really all that balanced (our candidate still has opposition, there's doesn't). Also, it has a scent of capitulation to the way Republicans like to do business -- rig the system to maintain power. That's not an example Democrats are supposed to set.

Remember to Ask for a Paper Ballot

Our new Secretary of State is on the case. The analysis, and the subsequent directives coming out of her work are impressive.

Trend Watch: Green Collar Jobs

This is the first list of green collar jobs, along with a definition. The concept, floated on occasion during the presidential campaign, is positioned as a mechanism to create new opportunities for under-employed in industries focused on improving the environment.

Good Speechifying

After seeing Obama's speech, I looked up another favorite; this one from the Democratic National Convention in 1984.

By Comparsion, No Comparison

I had the opportunity to see John Edwards speech. Edwards pretty much gave his stump speech, and I think in the final analysis, it was bit flat. By comparison, Obama's speech was outstanding. It harkens back to the Democratic National Convention speech in 2004.

The New Math

Looking at Iowa, this could be a big year big year for Dems.

Krugman On Theme

I have not had an opportunity to read his book, but I believe the fundamental argument is http://www.slate.com/id/2180178/pagenum/all/#page_start spot on

Progressives need to go for the jugular, and cannot hope to win the middle:

What progressives should be focused on now is taking on the political movement that brought Bush to power. In short, what we need right now isn't Bush bashing—what we need is partisanship.

Amen, Brother.

More of the Same

Mukasey stays inside Justice to investigate the CIA interrogation tape destruction saga. Why establish some degree of independence and be held accountable when it's so much easier to keep it in the family?

We've Got Trends

Gotta love this.

When Republicans Attack

It's bad enough when they go after Dems, but they don't hold back when they go after each other it seems. This anonymous Christmas card was sent to homes in South Carolina.

Peter Bronson Rings In Ad Hominen Attack New Year

Keeping with the tradition that has become his rite of passage, the rant of an angry white man, Peter Bronson continues his tradition, specifically attacking Al Gore (a favorite target), citing a recent "report" from Senator Inmhofe,R-Global Warming Denier, found its way into Sunday's local monopoly. Peter's subtle reference to the 400 "scientists" is deliberately evasive, failing to mention that in fact some of these scientists were in fact economists (one was a weather man at midwest TV station). Now, Peter, be honest: there was no intentional effort to give the impression that this group of "400" some how offset the weight of the legitimate, and Nobel winning IPCC.

Here's more on Inhofe's 400.

Download Uproar: Record Industry Goes After Personal Use - washingtonpost.com

I guess we are all criminals now. The storm that is overwhelming the recording industry seems to have further clouded their judgement on which battles to fight.

Update: Steve Benen at Washington Monthly provides some additional commentary.

OH-01, 02 Possible Dem Pickups in 2008 Cycle

The Cook Political Report is listing both Steve Chabot and Mean Jean as "Leaning Republican" in the 2008 cycle. Each show potential promise. Overall, Democrats currently have 14 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up, while Republicans currently have 22 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up.

New GOP Branding

From the American Prospect (sub required)

THE QUESTION:
The Republicans have embarked on a "GOP rebranding" project. Any suggestions?

"Rich people and angry people coming together" -- David Halperin, former speechwriter for Bill Clinton and Howard Dean

"GOP: Gay. Out. Proud." -- Rick Perlstein, senior fellow at the Campaign for America's Future; blogger, The Big Con

"20 percent less corrupt than last year" -- Michael Gehrke, Research Director, the Democratic National Committee

Dave Moore's Efforts Acknowledged

Nice to this little note about our Village Manager in the Enquirer.

I couldn't watch the entire segment

"OH02 Blog makes a compelling case for how we should respond to this crap. Williams is certifiable cretin, and yet, he is able to orchestrate a very effective "I will belittle you in order to raise my argument up" approach while packaging every possible soundbyte from the right to filibuster the guest. It would be truly interesting to see someone, say Randi Rhodes to head-to-head with this guy.

At What Point Does This Become Unacceptable

I see this, and many of us who make the netroots our news home see this on a nearly daily basis across the nation. I am deeply troubled each time I hear it, and say a prayer for the soldier and his/her families. I've cried watching the roll call on Nightline. And the 10 second blurbs on the local news when a soldier, resident of a community in Ohio makes the first few headlines. I realize I am not doing enough. I am outraged, but as yet, am not doing enough.

And yet, I think I am worlds ahead of a good chunk of the population who are immune to this view, and wonder what will it take for the realization of what is happening to sink into the consciousness of the population at large. Is there such an immunity, or aversion to seeing the truth, or stark revulsion of the truth that they simply are not willing to acknowledge this reality? When does the tipping point come that we believe we've had enough?

Commentary on the Hackett Candidacy in 0H-02

I had the opportunity to postthe attached at Kos today. Hackett's cause is not lost. The planets might need to align, but history has proven that we can win this district.

The Length To Which Corporations Own the Government

We all know it's there, but to actually see the rough draft of the arrogance of the their efforts is quite astounding. You just have to hope that there will continue to be a stream of this stuff coming as a result of the president's poll numbers continue to drop through the floor.

The question that I keep pondering is that will there be a tipping point in the MSM where the those in positions of authority realize that the majority of Americans are not comfortable with the bullshit they are being served. In essence, wil there be a time when they say, for economic reasons, they decide that it simply does not make sense to kow-tow the administration's line.

Evidently, it isn't happening any time soon. Hearing David Broder cite Walter Pincus' article on the front page of the Post this morning as an indication that the MSM is, and has been doing there job bordered on the absurd. We will just have to wait and see whether in fact it will happen, but the trending is working in our favor.

TalkLeft: Al Qaeda Capture: Mistaken Identity?

It would appear that we were abit ahead of ourselves. I'm sure we'll find the note on the correction buried on page C16, next to the obits, or near the classfieds (likely in similar point font).

A National Disgrace

Susan over at Suburban Guerilla has a compelling post on an issue that is completely missedin the morass of issues we have before us with this current administration.

Are you a Republican?

Are you a Republican?: "

I am: 3% Republican.

'You're a complete liberal, utterly without a trace of Republicanism. Your strength is as the strength of ten because your heart is pure. (You hope.)'

Are You A Republican?"

Painfully Opaque Ways to Get Money from Already Wealthy

An utterly fascinating investigation here by ABC News. This one must have slipped past the party censors.

I am on occasion pleasantly surprised by the work that Brian Ross does. It is one tiny voice in the vast sea of contrived and slanted corporate media jounalism.

Hoffmania!: The Schiavo Case In a Nutshell

The hypocrisy can be cut with a knife when you read this. It remains a truly stunning set of positions, where you can in one breath speak to the importance of a single individual's right to die, and yet have complete disregard for the balance of the population, struggling with over-whelming debt, bankruptcy, child care, medical care. -- all of the other issues that seem to be directly related to society's ability to "live with dignity."

Gonzales: Torture treaty doesn't bar 'cruel, inhuman' tactics

At what point does this end? There seems to be an infinite amount of abject stupidity mindless cruelty disguised as policy coming from current and future leaders within the Bush administration.

Gonzalez is consigliere, for sure but is serving a role that is beyond the scope of anything we have seen since, I'm guessing, the days of the old bosses in New York and Chicago. He's an errand boy who cleans up, covers up, and subtlely (or perhaps not so subltely) threatens those who may not be working for "the cause."

My guess here: 26 of the 44 Democratic senators will vote against the nomination of Gonzalez to be Attorney General. Is this, along with yesterday's session on Condi, the formation of the spine of the New Democratic Party?

How Many...?

Q: How many Bush Administration officials does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: None. There is nothing wrong with the light bulb; its conditions are improving every day. Any reports of its lack of incandescence are a delusional spin from the liberal media. That light bulb has served honorably, and anything you say undermines the lighting effect. Why do you hate freedom?

(via Kos)

Pro-Birth vs. Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice

This new word needs to be put into the Pro-Birth, and those who align themselves in such a way need to called out for what they are as described in Daily Kos.

Ohio Official Refuses Interview Over Vote

Blackwell pulls a "Condi" and refuses to be interviewed by lawyers involved in the investigation.

The Fix is In

A nice summary of how little is known about the level of voting fraud went largely undetected in Florida.

Homeless shelters getting Iraq vets - (United Press International)

It's already happening. A troubling reprise of a disturbing development following the Vietnam War. Remarkably, this article is from the Washington Times. Must have slipped through the RW spinmeisters, who would have suggested that these vets were the special undercover agents working to identify potential threats amongst our nation's homeless.

Find the Companies that donated "Blue"

Click here and make the right purchase decision.

Rat Smelled, but does it matter?

This article in Zogby suggest some foul play. But what remains is the complete disinterest of the SCLM to act on the data in any fashion that produces something beyond a "scent" of fraud. We have find actual fraud, don't we??

Keep Hope Alive!

Greg Palast tells up to KERRY WON OHIO
JUST COUNT THE BALLOTS AT THE BACK OF THE BUS.

John Dean's Take on Understanding the 2004 Presidential Election

Denial of the facts, even those that are communicated and validated by the Bush Administration, is a standard behavior trait of the Bush supporter. So says John Dean in this piece from Findlaw.

"The caller had...told her friends that there was no connection between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein's Iraq - and pointed out that Vice President Cheney had admitted as much in the Vice Presidential debate, and that the 9/11 Commission's report had so found. But her friends insisted there had indeed been such a relationship; that Cheney had misspoken, and she was wrong about the 9/11 Commission's report."

Our Anger will be met with Their Force

Tanks were deployed at an anti-war protest in Los Angeles earlier this week. This is the new reality that 59MM voted for last Tuesday.

The Guy Who Set the Bar Lower than the Geneva Convention

I'm already getting nauseous, and its only been a week.

It has always been my belief that Americans have a responsibility to set the bar higher in how we conduct ourselves around the world. Admittedly, this is a painfully naive belief on my part, especially with respect to the record of this administration. In the past, when we threw out the playbook, we would at least have the crisis of conscience to hide our efforts (not that I am forgiving that behaviour either). Not any more. We not only work to set the bar lower, we take pride in it, and nominate the guy primarily responsible for that strategy as the new The New York Times > Opinion > Attorney General

"The president is putting his own counsel, Alberto Gonzales, who wrote the famous memo defending torture, in charge of our civil liberties. Torture Guy, who blithely threw off 75 years of international law and set the stage for the grotesque abuses at Abu Ghraib and dubious detentions at Guantánamo, seems to have a good grasp of what's just. No doubt we'll soon learn what other protections, besides the Geneva Conventions and the Constitution, Mr. Gonzales finds "quaint'' and "obsolete.''

A Comprehensive List of Election Problems from Across the Country

VotersUnite!: "A non-partisan national grassroots network for fair and accurate elections!
Active local communities increasing your voice by uniting with others across the nation. "

Voting Without the Facts

Bob Herbert gives a view of the uninformed masses and their patters of voiting without a view of the facts

I think a case could be made that ignorance played at least as big a role in the election's outcome as values. A recent survey by the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland found that nearly 70 percent of President Bush's supporters believe the U.S. has come up with "clear evidence" that Saddam Hussein was working closely with Al Qaeda. A third of the president's supporters believe weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq. And more than a third believe that a substantial majority of world opinion supported the U.S.-led invasion.

Kerry Won. Here are the Facts.

A redux of Greg Palast's post election day article breaking down the reality of a Kerry's "victory.".
"As a journalist examining that messy sausage called American democracy, it's my job to tell you who got the most votes in the deciding states. Tuesday, in Ohio and New Mexico, it was John Kerry."

Florida Data - Stunning Disparity Between Registered Party Numbers and Votes Cast

The table indicates that all the independents may have gone to Bush, PLUS there must have been a huge crossover of Democrats from Kerry to Bush - but only in counties that used computerized ballot scanners

Ashcroft, Evans to Leave Cabinet, Country in a Mess

Woops. I added that last part to the headline. Ashcroft's pact with the devil must have expired.

Shocking! Appalling! From the Bush Administration Even?!!

Sez the Times: A federal judge ruled Monday that President Bush had both overstepped his constitutional bounds and improperly brushed aside the Geneva Conventions in establishing military commissions to try detainees at the United States naval base here as war criminals.

The Voting Weirdness Just Keeps Getting Weirder

This latest link from Eschaton paints a troubling picture of the happenings in Cuyahoga County. We've already determined that the improbable happened (more votes than registered voters). Now there seems to be an odd -- dare I say manipulated -- pattern in the results.

Why are all the overvotes in Bush's favor?

It's an Epidemic of Fraud

"Sarpy County election officials are trying to figure out how they ended up with more votes than voters in the general election. As many as 10,000 extra votes have been tallied and candidates are still waiting for corrected totals."

Bush's 'Incredible' Vote Tallies from Consortiumnews.com

The arguments I am starting to see, are making more sense, and are taking aon a an air of more credible statistical analysis, including this one from Consortiumnews.com.


"Bush racked up more votes than registered Republicans in 47 out of 67 counties in Florida. In 15 of those counties, his vote total more than doubled the number of registered Republicans and in four counties, Bush more than tripled the number."

The Blue State Red State Reality

The fatigue around the supposed red state dominance is palpable in the news. Kevin does a nice job pulling together the reality that is the true story in this Washington Monthly snip. Also check out Talking Points Memo points to the alternative reality that the right is creating with Bush's win. This is it folks. If you're not with us, your a "God's people hater."