Former President Ford dies... (click)

Many of my liberal friends would argue about the wisdom of Ford's pardon of Nixon. The article linked here puts his position in his own words.

I for one have always felt that he did the best he could with a miserable situation. It may well be that this one decision cost him the election in '76, but I don't think so. Ford will neer be known as one of the great presidents. But he was a steady hand at the wheel during chaotic times.

Kick the $3.75 daily habit

Earlier this month I made the decision to stop going to Caribou Coffee for my daily $3.75 latte'.

I had been trying to convince myself that I enjoyed this extravagance by telling myself that the people wee so friendly and all that I was paying for the expreience, not the coffee which in fact I could make for myself.

Then I had the experience of being treated rudely by one of the employees at my daily stop.

This is a place that I frequented enough that the employees all knew me by name. I spent in excess of $100/month at this location.

But on the morning of the first Saturday in December I stopped in at my usual time and ordered my usual large skim decaf latte'.

After about 5 minutes, Steph, the coffee jockey that morning sniped at me that my drink hd come up 7 minutes ago and that someone must have taken it. While her tone was rude, I ignored it at that point and told her that I hadn't even been there 7 minutes and that I was okay with the mix-up and could wait.

She said something- I don't remember exactly what- that mad eit sound like it was my fault that someone else took my drink.

After 10 minutes of watching person after person getting their drinks- remember that these people are well aware of who I am- she placed the latte' at the far end of the counter and called out "lg decaf latte'".

I did not get so much a s an apology for the mix-up or even an acknowledgement of my existence.

I told the staff at that point that I believed the whole episode to be very rude and that if I did not return that would be why.

Having been convinced that a small amount of familiarity and politeness is not something one should expect to pay for I decided to create for myself a new morning routine.

Breuggers Bagels- just across the street- has a reasonable cup of coffee that would fit the bill for lee money. I went in to discover a promotion going on currently that offers a travelling mug that would provide free refills through 2007. The cathc was that the mug was being offered for $99.

In less than 1 month I have had that same mug refilled already 37 times. If each of those replaced a $3.75 latte' I have already made my initial payment back.

This means that for a reasonable sacrifice - having to add my own skim milk to my coffee and having to clean my own mug- I am in a position to receive free coffee for the coming year.

Add to this that the folks at Breuggers offer a friendly environment as well. Even if the decide to take me for granted that would be only fair since my main ambition is to maximize my value for the next 370 days.

Think of what I can do with the $1200 I will save in 2007- If Neil is listening a concert would be a good idea- I am willing to travel as needed.

Oh the things they will say...

take a look at Media Matters review of the stupid things conservatives said in 2006.

Makes me recall a better time

and dream about the possibility of a (Blank/Webb) '08 ticket.

First news about Romney is disappointingto be sure. (clickable)

John McCain, Rudy Guillani, Tommy Thompson, Duncan Hunter, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Bill Frist, Sam Brownback, Chuck Hagel and Newt Gingrich

are the ten so far on the GOP side who would seek to hold the presidency for the Republicans. brownback, Hagel, Huckabee,Hunter, Thompson and Romney are relatively unknown which makes their early announcements necessary and somehwat interesting. The other names in this list are known entities and hopefully their early announcements will mean their early demise.

In these earliest days of the campaign season ( the new one, already) voters would be wise to learn all they can about the newcomers in the field. The same old- same old need not be our future.

All of us in both parties should take the early position: "WE WANT SOMEONE ELSE!!!"

"There's no way to count, or to measure the cost" (see link)

dreadful

Patti Davis has an interesting perspective on the Bushes (click link)

Patti Davis is Ronald Reagan's daughter- in case anyone is wondering.

Tom Vilsack (D- Iowa), Governor is first of many to throw his hat into '08 ring

Ths is the information available on his own web site.

Governor Tom Vilsack was elected Iowa’s 39th Governor in 1998, the first Democratic governor of the state in more than 30 years. He was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2002.
During his campaigns for election and re-election, Governor Vilsack promised to strengthen Iowa’s communities, transform the state’s economy and strive for excellence in education. Through 21st Century innovation, an old fashion work ethic and collective, bipartisan support, those promises have been kept.

Under Governor Vilsack’s leadership, the state has a record number of employed Iowans, has made significant investments in Iowa’s education system, has increased the number of Iowans with health care coverage, and is now a world leader in renewable energy. The governor has achieved these results while eliminating three state departments, reducing the total number of state employees, and providing targeted tax relief to working families without raising overall taxes.

Governor Vilsack will leave office in January of 2007 having changed the landscape of Iowa through his Administration’s success in numerous fields:

Governor Vilsack has worked to create better paying jobs, increase personal wealth,
hold down unemployment and build a quality work force that is ready, willing and able to compete with anyone anywhere.

In 2004, Vilsack created the Iowa Values Fund, a $500 million, 10-year program that is transforming the Iowa economy. In just two years, the fund has invested in businesses that will create or retain over 30,000 jobs, and will leverage more than $7 billion in capital investment in 83 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The average wage of these jobs is more than $37,300 per year, well above the state average. He also launched the Vision Iowa Program which has had a significant positive impact on 188 communities through investments in education, cultural, and recreational attractions. Vision Iowa has utilized over $270 million in state funding to attract $2 billion in total investment, creating 14,000 jobs and attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists to the state.

Governor Vilsack has worked to create lifelong opportunities for learning in Iowa. From expanding access to high-quality preschool; to ensuring adolescents are held to higher standards of achievement he is ensuring the youth of today will be ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

The Governor has also led the effort to reduce class sizes in the early grades of elementary school and increase teacher salaries. As a result, Iowa’s fourth-graders placed among the best in the nation in math and science progress and an eight-year decline in reading test scores was reversed, with improved scores in each of the last three years.

The Vilsack Administration has worked cooperatively with schools, medical providers, businesses, faith-based organizations and other entities to expand health care coverage to more than 90,000 previously uninsured children. Iowa is now a national leader in children’s health care coverage, with 92% of all Iowa children having health insurance.

In addition, they have worked to make long term care more accessible, provided for comprehensive mental health care coverage, and reduced the cost of prescription drugs. As of today, 18,000 previously uninsured adults between the ages of 19–64 will receive health coverage due to policies enacted by the Vilsack Administration.

Governor Vilsack has focused on making Iowa a world leader in the renewable energy industry. During the past eight years, energy generation capacity has increased 20%, with a nearly 300% increase in ethanol production in the past five years. Iowa now leads the nation in producing ethanol and biodiesel, and is third in the nation in wind energy production. Due to the governor’s initiatives, Iowa not only feeds, it also fuels the nation.

While Governor Vilsack has led Iowa’s government from the statehouse in Des Moines, he has also promoted the state on the national level through his leadership in numerous national organizations. Governor Vilsack is the chair of the Democratic Leadership Council and is the former chair of the Democratic Governors’ Association, the Midwest Governor’s Conference, the Governors’ Biotechnology Partnership, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), and the Ethanol Coalition. The governor is also a member of the National Governors Association Executive Committee.

Prior to being elected governor, Governor Vilsack was an Iowa State Senator (1992-98) and the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa (1987-92) as well as managing a private law practice with his father-in-law. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, orphaned at birth, and adopted in 1951. He received a bachelor's degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York in 1972, and received a law degree from Albany Law School in 1975. Governor Vilsack is a devoted husband to First Lady Christie Vilsack and a dedicated father to sons Jess and Doug.

Tom Vilsack has built a long list of accomplishments during his eight years as governor of Iowa. He has brought Iowans from all political persuasions and all walks of life together to help change the landscape of Iowa, creating successes that all Iowans can share in. Governor Vilsack has built a solid foundation of progress in Iowa that will ensure countless opportunities for a brighter tomorrow.

A strong Governor is perhaps the best chance for the Dems to take back the White House. This has always been the case. The immediate word on the street is that people do not know who he is. Fair enough, but that was true with Bill Clinton in 1991 when he announce his candidacy against (at that time) a highly popular GHW Bush. It was also true when the current occupant of the office announced his candidacy. I am looking forward to learning more about him.

I hope he has the intestinal fortitude to stand up to two years of being called 'embarrassingly liberal' and out of touch and 'just wrong for America'.

Let the fun begin!!

A big sea change in Minnesota and across the nation

apparently failed to capture the governor seat in Minnesota. One must ask why.

I believe there are three reasons for this :

Tim Pawlenty is non-controversial as far as Governors go. After all his predecessor was Jesse Ventura. I liked Ventura's governance better but he was a blowhard who constantly drew a spotlight to himself in a negative way. It would have been extremely difficult for anyone to look bad by comparison and Minnesotans like things to be quiet.

Pawlenty is a supposed powerhouse for the future of the Republican Party ( I don't get this at all) and a possible contender for the VP spot in '08 (watching he and the fluffy Senator trip over each other at the 'o8 GOP convention in the Twin Cities will almost be wort the hassle of having these hoards stiffed shirts around for a week.

Mike Hatch has tried and failed in bids for the Governor seat in Minnesota more times than I can count. Like Mark Dayton in the US Senate, and GHW Bush in his presidency, he has failed to express what he would do if he ever won. It is not enough of a goal to simply attain and hold the office.

Between Hatch and Hutchinson there was a strong majority who opposed Pawlenty in his re-election. Perhaps that, along with the elected Democrats who will surround him as he conducts state business will moderate some of his more extreme aspects.

What is the future of Joe Lieberman?

We know that this man believes himself to be somehow entitled to the presidency. We also are seeing his ever growing frustration with the Democratic Party.

We also know that 73% of the Republicans in his state are voting for him in this election and that he has accepted campaign funds from Republican insiders.

His senate seat could be the spoiler of any dreams Dems may have had for a senate majority. Imagine a 49/49/2 split with Joe choosing to caucus with Republicans.

Then, sometime after the first of the year we can expect Mr Lieberman to announce his candidacy for President as a Republican.

There are two possibilities that could come about as a result of such a move that would make for an incredibly strong Republican ticket (with a claim toward centrist attitudes).

The first, senario has McCain negotiating early with Lieberman to stay out of the race and remain as an inependent in the senate until such time as McCain chooses him as a runningmate.

The second, is Lieberman vies for and wins his new party's nomination with the likes of Karl Rove working in the background. In order to follow through on a theme that Dems have completely lost their center Lieberman taps Norm Coleman of Minnesota as his runningmate and fulfilling his dream to be vice-president.

That second senario would not bother me because it would keep Coleman from running for reelection to a senate seat he never should have held.

As I pipedream these senarios I can not honestly come up with the Democratic ticket that could give them a run for their money. I do not buy the conventional wisdom that Hillary is even going to run, let alone win the party nomination.

The unfortunate reality in all of this is that converts tend to become extreme ideologues (see again Norm Coleman). The 'centrist' message would be a false one but there are a large number of folks out there who would be suckered into it.

New polls show

Klobuchar over Kennedy by 20%, Hatch over Pawlenty by 12%- can't find word on recent polling between Wetterling and Bachman but I am ever hopeful for that race too.

Sometimes people will ask the stupid question, "What's so great about Neil Diamond?"

here are some stats recently posted about his career as Sony publicizes a rerelease of his CD "12 Songs".

"12 Songs" is the 14th Neil Diamond album to reach the Top 10, the 20th to hit Top 20, the 31st to make Top 50 and the 45th to break into the Billboard Top 200, placing the artist at #6 on the all-time list of male vocalists with the most Top 200 albums (after Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, James Brown, and Willie Nelson).

If you haven't heard it yet, give "12 Songs" a listen. It is worth tracking down and purchasing.

Knock that smile off your (er...) spot (click here for more)

So you ask, "what do liberals have against Wal-Mart?"

Never mind the agressive tactics used to crowd in to small communities across the US and the closings of mainstreet businesses (the very one conservatives claim to support), check out the facts on this web site on how they use their money.

Making purchases at this particular chain of big box stores is an act against your own best interests.

Rizzleweb (click)

This site is the work of a reader of 'APTA'. I have not had a chance to look at it yet and when I have more time I will establish a permanent link. Take a look and enjoy the read. Thanks to Mark for the heads up on this site.

PAUL WELLSTONE: OCTOBER 25- 10:22 AM CST (click for full article)

I once had a conversation with Paul where I made the mistake of asking "why should I bother to vote?" Like the teacher he was he gave me a 25 minute answer. Like a mediocre student I have forgotten his exact words but his message was clear.

It is the same message exemplified in his -all to short- life: One person can make a difference and it is the responsibility of every person to try.

I will be lighting a candle today. I hope everyone will make a similar gesture.

Indeed, the conscience of the US Senate left us on that fateful day- four years ago.

When you vote on November 7th- make a difference.

Not that anyone is reading this blog... (click for story)

But I guess I need to watch what I say from now on.

Bus driver gets permission to smack down his 'inner gay'

I wonder if this will lead to similar decisions for other personally 'offensive' advertising.

This is funny and scary at the same time (click)

Michelle Bachman, it seems, has been called by God to run for Congress.

Could it be that God wanted her to end her political carreer with an embarrassing defeat?

Bonus points if this hack organization has to stop calling themselves a church.

Latest Version of a fun game.

click link and use mouse to smack away!!!

Hatch up currently by 2% Over Pawlenty (click link)

Klobuchar over Kennedy by 11%. I can't find any results for polls in congressional races but heard on the radio that Wetterling is up over the evil one by 6%. Former Senator Grams is trailing in his current bid to become a congressman again (Minnesotans learn from their mistakes).

Is it any wonder that enthusiasm is high in this mid-year election. Thankfully, the voting machines in Minnesota maintain a paper trail.

Republicans go all negative, all the time, Gas at $2.06

Really, what choice do they have- what good can they say about their miserable record? However, if gas dips below $2 per gallon, they will tell us that they have been successful at keeping prices down at the pump- its not true, but they will say it.

Keeping it Local

While the GOP seems to be crumbling under the weight of hypocracy ( and I am delighted to see it ) I believe it is important to focus on the concerns of the local races.

I love the new Patty Wetterling Campaign- it sells her as a candidate on the single issue that is closest to her heart.

I like too that Amy Klobuchar and Mike Hatch are staying possitive in spite of their opponents.

The opponents- on the other hand- can't seem to run anything other than negative adds

"Amy K will raise your taxes, is a hypocrite, and by the way a bad prosecutor."

"Mike Hatch will raise your taxes"

Patty Wetterling "just doesn't get it" (she will raise your taxes)

The only time you hear the names of the opponents is when they identify that they paid for the ad.

Why do these opponents -all Bush backers 100%- refuse to state their positions

Tim Pawlenty for instance could say- "I support the war in Iraq 100% and have attended every rally with our troops before we send them off to die for this great cause. I didn't raise your income taxes at the state level and have cut services for four years running. You get less for your dollar than you did four years ago and LGA has been reduced in each of those years, I implemented a toll-way system in one of the busiest corridors in the metro area, Tuition at our university and state colleges has doubled in four years, user fees have been implemented for government services. I have expanded statewide gambling and enacted the poorly named 'conceal and carry law' proliferating guns in our communities (but the courts repealed this). I will continue to work to Make Minnesota exactly like Texas so that our quality of life will fall to their levels by the end of my second term. I will take less of your money and you will get less for it.

Michelle Bachman could tell us exactly what she has done as a state senator and how she oozes with homophobia. She opposes expaansion of Mass transit and does not have any plan for alleviating the growing traffic problems in our state.

Mark Kennedy could tell us exactly what he did during the 109th congress which, by all accounts -liberal, conservative and otherwise- were truly a 'do-nothing' Congress. But he likes Bush.

I am a bit disappointed too that none of these candidates are inviting Bush or Cheney to the state to campaign. They couldn't keep them away 2, 4, and six years ago. And why isn't our junior Senator Mr fluffy teeth campaigning for these buds of his? - there must not be any money in it for him.

33 days left and all predictions look good.

Maybe current Republican Congress members should hop on a plane together and do a state to state campaign. they could sweep in to each location and praise Bush, praise the leadership of the Republicans in the House and Senate, and detail the successes in Iraq.

What the hell, dress them up in flight suits and includ ea banner that says 'mission accomplished.'

And I haven't even mentioned Foley.

Twins claim Division !!!

It's Magic again in Minnesota as the Minnesota Twins win the Central Division title.

What a season this has been. Truth be told I have only been half interested all season but in the past few weeks a person would have to be dead not to notice that these guys are fun to watch.

Then today, they begin the game tied for first with Detroit.

They won their game and left a stadium filled with fans to wait for the outcome of the tied game between Detroit and KC.With all the crappy things going on in our world today, it is great to see there is a place for fun.

Republicans Party in House that Norm Built !!!

Today it was announced that the Grand Oil Party will hold their 2008 convention in the Twin Cities.

The main events, the traditional role call of the states, keynote address and the acceptance speach of the candidate that will be defeated in 2008 will take place at Xcel Energy Center.

No doubt Norm Coleman will be given a prominent spot as a speaker of some sort since he will be running for re-election at that time. It will be a good time to trot out the old Wellstone ad with a montage of Coleman declaring "I am a Democrat."

It will be a delightful celebration for them as they will be warmly welcomed by two Democratic Mayors, a Democratic Governor and a Democratic Junior Senator.

They should strongly consider inviting local talent for entertainment purposes- especially comedian Al Franken who could do a lengthy bit about Minnesota's senior Senator (who will be running for re-election). He might even have a word about his opponent.

The convention is scheduled for September 1-4th 2008, which seems late for a convention.

Pawlenty and Coleman (our fluffy senator) are no doubt going to bed tonight with dreams of riding this convention to high places (like VP candidate). To that, I think the idea is superb. Let Norman accept the candidacy for VP in 08. That would take him out of the running for senator that year and ultimately leave him unemployed in '09. Works for me.

This Guy is becoming the conscience of our nation.

I never liked his ironic look at the news but I will be looking for his show on MSNBC. H is the only public voice calling for this President to be in any way accountable. Check out the link.

$2.11 per gallon today in New Hope

I heard on late night talking news (MSNBC) for the first time the suggestion that the Republicans have been effective at "controlling" gas prices as evidenced by the recent and rapid reductions in pricing resulting from a mild hurricane season and (they keep saying this) relative peace in the oil producing regions.

If they concede now that government somehow has any control over this (like they did in the 2000 election when they criticized Clinton for letting gas approach the $1.50 range without consideration of opening the emergency reserves), then is it even possible for them to deny that they somehow had control when they allowed Gas prices (and will again) to top the $3.00 range?

I hope no one gets me wrong here. If higher gas prices ($3.00 range) will finally wake up our nation to the fact that we need an alternative to foreign oil (Jimmy Carter said as much in the 70's) and the extra money would go toward genuine developments that will move us there more quickly, I say (to quote GW) "BRING IT ON!!!" Unfortunately, anyone paying attention to what these thugs are doing knows better and I am in no mood to be fleeced as rich friends of power hungry politicians in order to make them richer and more powerful at my expense.

Look for this rhetoric to continue as prices drop below $2.00, perhaps as soon as next weekend.

It is difficult to watch this angry man- our president.

It is difficult because I keep thinking of the saying that goes something like-

" The cause for peace in our world begins with peac ein the heart of every individual."

How can someone who is apparently motivated by defensiveness and anger possibly be a person of peace? If anyone has an answer that is not scary let me know.

This Post (click) by Keith Olbermann

or rather the original commentary on which it is based will be rebroadcast tonight on MSNBC at 7 PM cst.

In an odd kind of juxtoposition I watched this online while the President continued his string of lies during a press conference today.

Not all blogs are wasted space-(check this out by clicking)

I had the opportunity to meet this woman once. She went out of her way to shake my hand while I was involved in running a fundraiser that had nothing to do with her.

I have never laughed at a characture of Michelle Bachman because there is nothing about her that is funny. She is just plain scary.

This is interesting

Your Taste in Music:

80's Rock: High Influence80's Alternative: Medium Influence80's R&B: Low Influence90's Pop: Low Influence90's R&B: Low Influence

How's" Your Taste in Music?

Read this Article (clickable)

In the mean time, Gas today in Bloomington, MN $2.18

$2.27 today in Bloomington.

Gas prices have droped 62 cents in 30 days. Who says you can't ut hogs on a diet?

Dick Cheney says, (click for link)

"We were out of touch then. We are out of touch now. And we don't care."

He tells us now that Bush would have ordered the US invasion of Iraq "regardless of intel." That's fine to say that now, but does he seriously believe that there would have been any support for such an act if they would have told the truth? Would our position now in Iraq and around the world, and our opinion of the current war be different if we had been told the truth?

The worst part of this interview, which you can watch in its entirety with the link if you have the stomach for it, is the arrogance of this man does not seem to wane in the least in spite of being so frequently wrong. The attitude that they are smarter and we just need to 'shut up' should be less and less tolerable to us.

I hope this interview, along with the continued support of thir ill conceived policies will demonstrate to the voting public how very much we need to give controll of congress to the Democrats.

The fact is- these guys are scary!!

$2.33 Sunday 8 AM in Shakopee, MN

Okay, I wasn't exactly wrong when I said;

"I made, to myself, a similar prediction this morning. My thought was, with GOP's in desperate straits in the up-coming elections, it is likely that their friends at the oil companies will so what they can. We may see gas prices drop into the $2.50 range so that an electorate with the attention span of a flea will consider how wonderful these incuments have been for us."

I was, believe it or not, less cynical than I should have been. It looks now like the gas prices will dip below $2.00, and likely sooner than anyone would have predicted. But, don't buy the 'BS' that this is somehow connected to a seasonal shift or a change in our behavior. Don't buy either the notion that this is because of the effectiveness of our govenment officials.

Be certain, however, that this reprieve in gas prices will be very short lived. Elections are November 7th. Look for increases within a week of that date.

Opposition Research (clickable)

Gone is the pretense of running a clean campaign. They've given sleazeball campaigning a name now. They also seem to be elevating negativism and rumor mongoring to an art form.

Let noone be fooled. These people are all about power. Let's take it away.

$2.34 per gallon on Sept 9 at 6:30 PM in Shakapee, MN

Resume' of George W. Bush (revised from email sent by Linda)

Dear Senator, Congressman or Governor of the Republican Party.

I offer my services for your upcoming campaign. You will find that my experience and credentials will be of great benefit for you as you seek to win or retain your current office.

W

Resume

GEORGE W. BUSH
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20520

EDUCATION

I attended Yale University and maintained a strong C average while being involved in many extra curricular activities including service to my community as a cheerleader.

I was also active in a student group on Campus- "Skull and Bones Society". This was a selective fraternal organization that assists students of a certain demographic so that they have improved opportunities for success in a world that frequently works against them.

OTHER EXPERIENCE

LAW ENFORCEMENT
I have been involved in legal issues for over thirty years.

In 1976, I offered a guilty plea and paid a fine after being arrested in Kennebunkport, Maine as a result of laws (established by liberals) against driving under the influence of alcohol. My driver's license was suspended for 30 days.

My Texas driving record remains unavailable. Regrettably, irresponsible (probably liberal) civil servants have apparently lost these.

MILITARY
Member - Texas Air National Guard
Missed opportunity to serve my country in Vietnam

Was grounded as Pilot after refusing to take a drug test imposed on the military by Liberals to infringe on soldier's rights.

After continued infringements on my personal freedoms I found other opportunitiesthat did not permit me to be available to complete my service to the National Guard in a timely way.

PAST WORK EXPERIENCE

After the Liberal Media conspired against me in my run for congress I began my lengthy associations in the Oil Industry in 1975.

With the support, confidence and money of others I began my career in the oil business in Midland, Texas, in 1975. Unfortunately, the company was unable to find oil in Texas at that time. I remain confident to this day that the oil was there before and if someone chooses to keep looking, they will undoubtedly find it.

There was a large stock sale that caused the compnay to go into bankrupcy. Even in those extreme circumstances, I was one of the only members of the corporation to make money throughout that period.

I bought the Texas Rangers baseball team and negotiated a land deal using taxpayer money.
Even though all the other people around me at this time were incompetent I managed to make money during the worst period of the team's history.

Associations with oil industry executives and through my family gave me the opportunity to offer my services as Governor of Texas. I am proud to count Ken Lay of Enron among my strong referrences. I ran a successful campaign against a strong incumbent liberal.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS

Revised Texas pollution laws to strengthen the economic environment for power and oil companies,

Helped make Texas the most polluted state in the Union. During my tenure, Houston replaced Los Angeles as the most smog-ridden city in America.

I provided tax cuts for the very richest of Texans. I was able to build strong personal relationships with powerful people in the oil and financial industries. Unfortunately, an unforseen bankrupcy of the Texas Treasury made it necessary to borrow billions of dollars to fund government operation.

I set the record for the most executions by any governor in American history. I personally witnessed a large number of these executions.

After losing a general election by more than 500,000 votes I organized a highly effective team of brilliant strategists (including the Governor of Florida, a former President, and members of the US Supreme Court) to become President of The United States.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS PRESIDENT

I am the first President in U.S. history to enter office with a criminal record.

In my cabinet I have assembled individuals who have demonstrated personal successthat models my own. Their persoonal wealth exceeds that of any previous administration in our nation's history. The poorest of these, the multi-millionaire Dr Condoleesa Rice has an oil tanker named after her.

I set the record for the most campaign fundraising trips of any sitting US President. I hold a record in our nation and in the world for receiving the most (and largest) corporate campaign donations. The largest of these contributors, Ken Lay, contributed funds and services, including use of corporate jets, while presiding over the largest corporate bankrupcy in US history and defending himself against rediculous charges of fraud.

I invaded and occupied two countries at a continuing cost of over one billion dollars per week.

I shattered the record for the largest annual deficit in U.S. history.

I set an economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12-month period as well as the all-time record for most home and business foreclosures in a 12-month period.

I set the all-time record for the biggest drop in the history of the U.S. stock market. In my first year in office, over 2 million Americans lost their jobs and that trend continues every month.

I have protected my friends at Enron and Halliburton against investigation or prosecution. More time and money was spent investigating the Monica Lewinsky affair than has been spent investigating one of the biggest corporate rip-offs in history.

I presided over the biggest energy crisis in U.S. history and refused to intervene when corruption involving the oil industry was revealed. I presided over the highest gasoline prices in U.S. history.

I changed the U.S. policy to allow convicted criminals to be awarded government contracts. I appointed more convicted criminals to administration than any President in U.S. history.

I created the Ministry of Homeland Security, the largest bureaucracy in the history of the United States government.

I've broken more international treaties than any President in U.S. history.

I successfully released the US from the burdons of the UN Human Rights Commission by refusing to abide by their standards and withdrew the US from the World Court of Law. I have stood against laws imposed from outside the US by refucing to follow terms established by the Geneva Convention.

I am the first President in history to refuse United Nations election inspectors (during the 2002 U.S. election).

I set the record for fewest numbers of press conferences of any President since the advent of television.

I set the all-time record for most days on vacation in any one-year period. I ended my first (month-long) vacation in office early in order to preside over the worst security failure in U.S. history.

After September 11, 2001, in less than 1 year, I turned the US around from being an object of world sympathy by refusing to engage in "diplomacy' that would undermine our position of strength in the world.

I have set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously protest me in public venues (15 million people), shattering the record for protests against any person in the history of mankind.

Against strong opposition from my own citizens, The United Nations, and the world community, I am the first President in U.S. history to order an unprovoked, pre-emptive attack and the military occupation of a sovereign nation.

I have successfully reduced the burden of health care benefits for war veterans and support a cut in duty benefits for active duty troops and their families-in-wartime.

I am highly successful at providing necessary false information to further my agenda. In my State of the Union Address, I lied about our reasons for attacking Iraq and then blamed the lies on our British friends.

I am the first President in history to have a majority of Europeans (71%) view my presidency as the biggest threat to world peace and security.

I support development of a nuclear "Tactical Bunker Buster," a WMD.

I have so far failed to fulfill my pledge to bring Osama Bin Laden to justice.

RECORDS AND REFERENCES

Kenneth Lay, Former CEO of ENRON (deceased)

George Bush, Former President

Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida

Tom Delay, US Representative for the State of Texas

All records of my tenure as governor of Texas are now in my father's library, sealed and unavailable for public view. All records of SEC investigations to my insider trading and my bankrupt companies are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public view. All records or minutes from meetings that I, or my Vice-President, attended regarding public energy policy are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public review. >> >> I am a member of the Republican Party. >> >>

These facts are all verifiable and worthy of your consideration in the mid-term elections.

I paid $2.39 per gallon today in Bloomington, MN

I have been lulled into the sense that this was somehow good for me. This time last year- even after Katrina, I was paying less.

Katie Couric interviews GW Bush

in the middle of a prime-time special that reminds us how terrible the world is and how wonderfully strong and adept this President is KC gets to ask the 'tough questions.'

Too bad she did not actually get him to answer the questions, nor did she really even try.

Stick to interviewing Tom Cruise, Katie.

I was hoping CBS would offer some sense of balance in this emotionally driven 'report'. I think Walter Cronkite would cry.

$2.43 in Bloomington, MN

This is happening faster than I thought.

Circumstances in my life bring me back today to an old post from March of 2005. It is helpful for me, in times of discernment, to remind myself of what this is all about.

Sunday Morning, 9 AM

In order for the reader to fully appreciate the frustration I am feeling right now you need to have a better idea of where I am staying while in Sydney.

My hotel is in an area called Kings Cross. It is the red light district for Sydney and has been, so I am told, since the second world war. Mostly live-and let-live stuff, pretty seedy, but nothing that would make the average Joe feel unsafe (truth be told, there are streets within blocks of where I live where I wouldn't go at night but I get no feeling like that around here).

I have discovered that, if one is walking, the easiest and often most direct way to get to where you are going is to walk down Darlinghurst Rd from KC to Oxford Avenue (the predominantly gay area).

At the corner of Darlinghurst and Oxford is an old Catholic Church. A rather simple structure and pleasant but not well maintained. It is exactly what you would expect to find in the heart of the city including seemingly inviting steps that lead from the front door right down to the sidewalk and street.

During the day you will find, again as one might expect, skateboarding males who range in age from about 13 to 24. At night you will find some of these same young males trying to sell themselves in order to pay for shelter and food.

Walking back from the concert last night I heard many of these calling out- "Need some company mate. Take me home, mate. Worth your while, mate" or "let me take care of you mate" or "do anything for ya, mate?" In many ways it was all the same, and altogether too sad.

Being an observer of the human condition, I watched this parade go on for a bit last night.
I considered how it is that these, roughly the same age as Chris and Brad from before, could have ended up resorting to such behavior. If I had more time- this would be a story worth pursuing, I think.

By contrast, the Cathedral of St. Mary, a bit further from my hotel, is the jewel of the city. Very attractive on all sides and picturesque inside. There is a book and gift store inside that is open at all hours and I understand it is quite difficult to book weddings there (I thought it odd that the curator of the gift store would see fit to share that piece of trivia).

Based on my experiences of both of these places I was more interested in seeing how Jesus resides in the less flashy part of town.

As I entered St James I was greeted by large black partitions (think of office cubicle walls). They were covered with large bold set printing which I determined to be copies of a letter the Parish Council had forwarded to their bishop. It appears there is some dispute about the use of the campus of a dying inner-city parish for development of a local Catholic University.

I might have been more interested as the woman greeter proceded to give me the details but it quickly started to sound like the whininess that can be all to prevalent in church people.

There was no talk of what they could be doing with the space, simply that they did not want the college with all "those kids" and the parking concerns. She was really upset that the worship space would be reduced to about half the space that existed now.

Just perhaps, the bishop who they were trying to rally against had visited them on a Sunday and observed what I did. And just maybe, having observed, decided that Jesus had moved on (or at least was on vacation).

The church itself seats about 400 people. Pews on either side seat ten people and they extend back 20 rows. Half-way back there is a cross aisle for traffic from the side doors. It is in this area where the music ministers stood.

At the back of the church ( the area inside the front door) there was a statue of the Blessed Mother with votive candles surrounding at her feet. Most Catholics know that these prayer candles are there to light for your particular needs. They become a visible reminder to others that there exist people in the world who need our prayers and those faithful in turn can offer prayers on your behalf, even with no awareness of what your particular need is. There is almost always a cash box for freewill donations to offset the cost of the candles.

I sat in front of the cross aisle on the right hand side. This happened to be in front also of the overly ampliphied music leaders.I must confess that as the Mass was about to begin I wondered if there would be music at all since the music ministers were nowhere to be found.

At about 9 AM a nun dressed in white with a brown veil, possibly a benedictine (the order of hospitality) which makes the rest of this story more ironic.

There were 46 of us present for the Mass. We were spread throughout the large church (about 1/10 of the capacity). The nun, after lighting the candles on the altar (six of them, purple in color) moved to the music area and introduced our opening song (Hosea):

"Come back to me

with all youir heart.

Don't let fear,

keep us apart...

The amplification of the thrill canary-esque voices of this nun and the guitar accompanist was deafening (this from a guy who was in third row at a Neil Diamond concert the night before).

The presider, probably a decent enough sort, processed in from the side of the sanctuary. He gave a few opening comments about next Sunday being "Palm" or "Passion Sunday" and proceeded with the opening prayers of Mass.

As father moved forward to read the gospel I noticed a young man entering the side of the church to my left quietly so as not to draw attention to himself. He was carrying a skateboard and looked pretty rugged.

He genuflected and worked his way to the back of the church to the statue of Mary and the candles.

At the same time, the nun who was leading music moved from her spot and walked toward the back of the church as well. Anyone who has had the privilege of Catholic education can imagine vividly the demeanor she took on during this time. Sister Mary Nazi was on the prowl.

It is important to note that the Gospel Reading taking place at this time was the story of the raising of Lazerus.

This particular story, in the context of Lent and in preparation for the remembrance of the passion next weekend has two of the most profound statements of faith that exist in the whole of the Gospel. There is Thomas the Apostle's "let us also go to die with him." and Martha's "Lord I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Holy One of God."

So as the 40- some of us are having the Gospel opened for us the nun found her way to the young man, who after lighting his candles took a spot in one of the back pews kneeling in prayer. She said something to him that was audible (halfway across the church) but not understandable to my ear.

He tried to slide down the pew from her and continue his prayer. I had since changed my posture because I wanted to observe this spectacle better.

She followed after him now and was asking him to empty his pockets and in the background at this exact moment I could hear the priest recalling the words of Jesus to Martha "your brother shall rise again".

He took two of the votives out of his pocket and started to cry as she called him a thief and told him that people pay for those candles that he used and tried now to steal. She pointed to the front door and he left. His sobs were so strong that his chest was heaving.

The rugged hard shell that exists when one is forced into selling their own body was gone.

This woman used the capacity that God gives us all to reach within another human being and instead of showing him the face of Christ, or better still letting the face of Christ come forth from him, shamed him and made him feel like a defenseless weeping little boy.

"The Gospel of The Lord" could be heard in its overampliphied tones along with the response "thanks be to God".

I decided that the mood for worship was gone for me and departed from the church. I am not sure if I will be able to find another opportunity this Sunday but couldn't stay after having witnessed this debacle.

As I went out the front steps of the church I noticed that this young man was the same one that had called out the night before, "Need some company, mate. Take me home, mate. Worth your while, mate."

He was crying on the front steps of the same church where he had been the night before. When I asked if he was okay, between his sobs, he offered this sponteneous confession of sorts.

"I got nothing, mate. I am worthless and homeless.

I wanted to pray. I needed to go to church.

I stole candles to try to get some food.

I've been selling my bum trying to get some money for food and a roof.

I got no where to go."

I gave him the $10 intended for the collection basket.

While I have no doubt this boy will be out on the streets again tonight I still felt it was better used then it would have been by this particular church. I also have no doubt that the nun who seemed a bit too satisfied with herself will be telling a whole different account of this story.

Would this parish in one of the seediest parts of town be struggling for its life if the people represented by the woman who greeted me, the nun and the over ampliphied self-important musician actually put into practice the messages of the lenten gospels?

I am not surprised that places like the Cathedral of St Mary exist. In fact, you can pretty much count on it in every city in the world, whatever the religion. But when the church of our Lord exists in an area where his love is clearly needed we all-to-often blunder at letting him work in us.

Whatever your faith, look for the opportunity to offer God's love to others. Even if they don't see it in themselves, each and every one is worthy of God's goodness- reach out and say to the most desperate ones you can find - rise, see, believe, live.

Good News All Around (click)

Note especially that Hatch is pulling ahead of his incumbent opponent "Hack"!!!

Republican Candidates Run from President and His (their)Record

So Mark Kennedy is not alone on this one. This is the part of the article related to the local two-faced, lying, say-anything to get elected candidate:

In Minnesota, where an open Senate seat is at stake, Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy has an ad titled, “Crossing Party Lines,” in which he says: “I’m a Republican. On issues like taxes and spending, I vote like it. But on other issues, I cross party lines.” In 2002, in his run for the House, a Kennedy ad showed him walking and shaking hands with Bush at the White House. Today, he lists the issues on which he has split from the president.

Click the above link for whole story.

Is Anybody nervous about GW Bush saying this (click)?

“... My message to the world is this: just treat us as we treat you,” Bush said. “I believe we can compete with anybody, anytime, as long as the rules are fair.”

All this a part of a larger speach where the president reminds us again that we are "addicted to oil."

Duh!!! The pusher tells us we need to break our 'habit' even as the suppliers are lowering there price to keep us hooked. Haven't we heard this before?

Good thing Mark Kennedy, The Prez and their ilk want to lift the tax burden on the oil companies in return for their efforts to keep us addicted and get rich in the process.

63 days to election. We can cut this guy off at the knees for his final 2 years in office if we pay attention and stay focussed.

$2.49 at BP in Saint Paul, across from State Fair Grounds

$2.52 at 3 PM August 31.

Media Bandwagon

In the past few days I have heard several reports across the media spectrum that gas prices are set to fall between now and Thanksgiving. The reasons given for this fall is that it is:
A. Seasonal - summer travel is over
B. Lucky- the weather is less a factor than anticipated
C. Economical- people are driving less and conserving
(there is no evidence of this one)
D. Relative peace in the middle east (down-right laughable)

Suspiciously gone are the statements of additional cost for pipeline repair, increased heating costs, and anything remotely demonstrating a need to invest energy dollars into finding alternatives to foreign oil.

The political war chests of Republicans are being filled with oil money and the prices of their product drop at a time that is very convenient for the Republican majority. They are actually talking about prices under $2.00 by Thanksgiving (hmm, we shall see). More likely, prices will hit their low on about November 15. Then there will be a well publicized reason for them to escalate again (regardless of who wins the elections).

Keep watching them spin and remember to follow the advice of Ben Stein and thank these guys for their tremendous self sacrifice for the good of our country.

Keep your eyes also on Iran. This is a rerun of the events leading into Iraq and this particular President has demonstrated a complete inability to learn from his mistakes. He also seems to be a student of the principal touted by Richard Nixon that war is good for the economy.

Let the good times roll.

$2.63 at 3 PM on August 30.

$2.57 at noon on August 30, as reported by Linda- I found $2.63 at 3 PM August 30 at the same station I have been tracking all along.

Governor Tim Pawlenty promised

not to raise taxes as Governor.

He ignored voters and found a loophole in the law so that the new Twins stadium never was presented as a referendum for voters.

Now we are stuck with a plan, approved by the Governor - in fact, promoted by this governor to build a stadium for the Twins.

The plan, implemented by the state and enacted by Hennepin County, adds a sales tax to Hennepin County that will cost residents an average of $25 per family per year. Thank you governor. You make me feel good about a decision I made on election day in 1998 to vote for an independent candidate. Put plainly, you make your predecessor look good.

$2.67 at 6 PM on August 29.

Its happening fast, fast ,fast. How low will it go?

$2.69 at 12 noon on August 29.

It's Happening Faster Than I thought. A conspriracy theorist might suggest that this is to draw attention from the anniversaries of the debacle of 1 year ago. But who believes that nonsense?

Gas prices (click link)

Whatever spin they put on it- Gas prices are moving as I predicted they would. Look for $2.50 by October 10. They will stay there until after the election.

Attention Mark Kennedy, you Idiot!!! (click for article)

Your latest cheeseball ad has you practicing a 'line-item-veto' on your daughter's allowance request.

The ad ignores the fact that GW Bush doesn't know how to use a veto- line item or otherwise. It also seems to ignore (really it presumes the ignorance of the public) the fact that the Supreme Court has already ruled against such a thing- not that it poses much of a problem with the current administration. "W" simply ignores the court when they do not agree with his 'world view'.

There is a truly good reason that a line item power should not be granted- It would be one more way for a majority power to shut out the voice of the minority.

If you truly want to be a US Senator, why not include in your campaign a realistic notion of using the rules of the Senate already in place to create a way to restrict additions of pork in the first place.

I tuned in to local News Yesterday and was reminded...

Of the annual ritual conducted by the television industry. Each year as "The Great Minnesota Get Together" (that's the Minnesota State Fair) gets under way, the local channels relocate to the fair grounds.

In the process, we the viewing audience at home get more than our fill of food reports and nonsense replacing the usual programming. Think of it as a 30 minute advertisement for the fair. The news - usually about 10 minutes worth stretched into 30 minutes is all but gone.

Guess I will tune in again after Labor Day.

Lyric of the day- N.D. of course

And I am, yes I am, I'm a man of hope.

I haven't stopped believin' yet.

And while we're headin' down that road

Hope is what we can't forget.

Odd that as I ready for bed and type this - the 10 PM news is coming to an end and I am holding a 'powerball' ticket in my hand - the nauseating "gas pump' add is running also.

For the record- I will be buying another ticket on Saturday.

This was too fun to pass up. (click and whack away)

Pick number 7- of course!!!

See This Website (clickable link)

get to know Amy and tell your friends. This November, I for one will be voting in favor of a candidate. Reviewing her positions make me miss my friend Paul. It aso makes me recognize the opportunity squandered these past six years by Mark Dayton. Senator Amy Klobuchar will make Norm Coleman look like the embarrassment he is.

I have seen a few of her adds, and truth be told, I find her voice slightly offputting. But I think I once said a similar thing about Paul Wellstone.

Come Labor Day- the ugly machine is going to kick in big time against this worthy candidate. Take the time now to get to know where she stands.

Visis Mark's site too. He has a very large and good looking family who are well photographed all over his site. They are given fancy names like "coalition of young people" to make it look like he has broad support. This is an interesting tactic- almost cute. But if his family weren't on his side, wouldn't that be a story.

One for my friends- words by Neil Diamond

Hey, I'm gonna have a good day today.

I'm gonna have a good time anyway.

Put it all behind me,

lay it all away.

Gonna be a good day today.

"W" on Iraq- "We're not leaving as long as I am President."

That is much clearer than the previous- and current statement that "We are not leaving until our mission is complete."

Since it can no longer be argued that this man has a consistent agenda, or that there is any plan for Iraq, or even the middle east the new tactic, as voiced today by Rick Santorum ,is that we are in a war against "Islamic Fascism."

I believe that it is time for us to claim back- in the President's words "the soul of our country". Take back the house, take back the senate and take back our presidency. Not an easy challenge and it will take time. Start the mantra now - Bring them home, Bring them Home, Bring them Home-

Every Democrat, running for every position in every city, county and state needs to ask Ronald Reagan's question: "Are your better off than you were 4 years ago?" 6? 8?

It may not get Dems elected but gas prices and interest rates will drop between now and the election as Replublicans try to make us believe that the answer is yes.

As the number of military men and women killed in Iraq starts to rival the number of innocent lives taken in the US in an unrelated attack on September 11, 2001 the disconnect will become more obvious.

Mark Kennedy attacks Dems for blocking the minimum wage bill.

This is a crazy world we live in. The Republican controlled congress actually presented a bill that seemed- on the surface to favor the working poor. Then, they filled the bill with obstructionist legistlation, knowing that noone who truly cares about the plight of the working poor and their families would let such a bill stand.

The proposal was to raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to 7.25 per hour. Not a bad deal- doesn't go far enough but it would have been a great start. This is a bill that every Democratic congressperson and Senator woul dhave fully supported.

But, the devil was in the details. Details that are at the heart of the real intent of this Republican legistlation. First, the bill included a provision that would have eliminated overtime pay for hours over 40. This pay at 1.5 times the rate of pay for hours over 40 would be gone. While the R's claim that there is still a net gain for minimum wage employees (5.15 x 40 hrs -$206.00- + say 20 overtime hours at 1.5 x $5.15 $7.73 x20 = 154.60 / $154.60 + $206.00 = $360.60) Compare that to the same 60 hours at $7.25 per hour $435.00.

But that is a false argument. If a person makes as little as $7.50 per hour, their time and one half at $11.25 would be gone. Their pay for a 60 hour work week would drop from $525.00 to $450.00, a weekly employer savings of $75. That was the real intent of the bill.

The other poison pill added to this legistlation was a clause that would soften safety standards- some are calling this a return to sweatshops. While that might be a slight overstatement, the point cannot be missed. In the guise of AN INCREASE TO MINIMUM WAGE the Republicans in congress have attempted to make life much easier for business.

The FAMILY VALUES candidates have attempted to use their power to devalue human work, dismantle the 40 hour work week and soften the standards established through years of employer/employee negotiation (unions).

These baffoons have been in the majority and have controlled the white house for almost six years. Mark Kennedy has been in his place in congress for that same period. If they truly wanted to increase minimum wage- they could get it done. That has never been on their agenda.

Mark is proud to tell us that he is an accountant- therefore, he must have known full well what he was doing, and what he was intending to do. He says it would be good to have an accountant in the senate. Maybe, but give me an accountant with a heart please.

Mark Kennedy's campaign slogan is "It's time for a Change in Washington" and on that he and I agree.

Insomnia induced visit to FOX News...

created a dramatic increase in my blood pressure.

While watching Neil Cavuto (recorded from Thursday, I think) I heard Ben Stein proclaim how we all owe a debt of gratitude to big oil. These people put "themselves" in harms way in the most rugged parts of the world. He all but said they work hard for their money. I think Ben stein is a very smart guy and I usually find him amusing but this comment reflected something about his world view which is obviously shaped by how much money he has invested in oil.

In the next segment the expert panel all agreed that we will see a dramatic reduction in oil prices after Labor day citing (vaguely) peace in the middle east and success of Bush administration initiatives- It was practically vomit inducing.

I made, to myself, a similar prediction this morning. My thought was, with GOP's in desperate straits in the up-coming elections, it is likely that their friends at the oil companies will so what they can. We may see gas prices drop into the $2.50 range so that an electorate with the attention span of a flea will consider how wonderful these incuments have been for us.

Whether it works or not the price reduction will be short lived- give it just after that second week in November. The reason for increasing prices again will range from heating fuel costs to 'holiday travel'.

See the latest ad from the 'bad' Kennedy

In his latest ad, Mark Kennedy, Republican candidate for US Senate in Minnesota, takes an aim at gas prices. It's about time. For nearly six years he hasn't said a word about gas prices. He has stood mute when others in congress have called for repeated investigations about gouging at the pump.

His answer- cut taxes. Take away the federal tax on gas during summer months. Given their history of turning every opportunity to their advantage, this 'relief' at the pump would translate into greater profits to oil companies. Once they see that the public can is willing to pay $3 at the pump (some are suggesting the new ceiling is $4), does anyone doubt the tax would be instantly replaced with a bump to profits and the cost at the pump would remain the same.

He does not address how we will maintain roads and provide funding for federal transportation initiatives that are dependent on those tax funds.

He also recommends that the government cut the tax breaks to oil companies in favor of tax incentives for alternative energy initiatives. This is a good idea but it will hardly do what he says it will. In response to this cut into the belly of fat oil there can be no doubt that oil companies will replace this mother's milk with an increase at the pump.

Both proposals will do nothing to reduce the price at the pump- they will make it worse. Both will give the oil industry the opportunity to dig deeper into your pocket and both will make the situation for you and for me worse than it is today.

On the flip side, these ads are focussed on a campaign where the opponent needs to be much better about getting her message out.

Here in Minnesota, we have three shallow fluffy Republican puppets, formed in a Washingtom back room by Karl Rove and hand picked for their offices by Bush-Cheney- Senator Norm Coleman, Governor Tim Pawlenty and Rep. Mark Kennedy. They act in lock step with the Republican administration- Pawlenty actually said that he would remain 100% loyal to "W" even if his popularity was at 2% (funny he said nothing about whether or not the idea was a good one).

This fall, we have the opportunity in Minnesota to get rid of 2 out of three. Unfortunately, I have no confidence in the ability of their opponents to run the campaigns necessary to actually win an elelction. Let's hope that "W" will invite himself to come to Minnesota and campaign for his friends. It couldn't hurt.

Right Wing talking heads are throwing around the word fascist..

specifically a made-up term "Islamo-fascist".

his made me reacquaint myself with the term. Wikopedia gives this explanation of fascism. It sounds a bit familiar to me:

Fascism is a radical totalitarian political philosophy that combines elements of corporatism, authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, militarism, anti-anarchism, anti-communism and anti-liberalism.

I wonder if "W" would recognize himself in this.

Totalitarian- silence all oposition
Corporatism - Oil guys are happy and well connected
authoritarianism - because daddy says so- now shut up
nationalism- throw in the flag and support our troops
militarism- duh
the anti-s they all fit too.

Perhaps we can chip away at the armor after November. If we take away one of the branches of our government we might actually have a chance of saving some of our remaining principles.

Does anyone wonder what could have been (click to see link)?

If only Americans had a better sense of genuine character. Today I would settle for a President who spoke in whole sentences.

Joe Leiberman -- There was something about that kiss!!

I don't know as I write this what the outcome of the primary in Ct. will be for this one-timeVP candidate who would share a strong pro-war pro-defense position with his one-time political foe.

Something tells me that this guys troubles started when a president, whose popularity was sinking, fast concluded his state of the unino address by planting a big wet one on Joe's forehead.

The senator seemed befuddled at the time, as well he should have in that he was the only person on either side of the aisle to receive such affection from Mr. President.

Leno made the Jokes I expected out of SNL about Bush softening his stance on Gays. I was waiting for someone to do a parody ala Al and Tipper Gore but it necer came to pass.

I told people that night that it was a kiss of death for the man who, at the time seemed a realistic contender for 2008.

Now he is embroiled in a political smackdown worthy of "MTV's Celebrity Death Match" and it is not likely he will survive.

Supreme Court slaps Bush!!! (see article)

Finally, someone in one of our government branches sees clear to get something right.

Surperman Returns- oh well!

I saw this movie on opening night. Amazingly, the theater was not over filled.

I have a bias about super-hero movies. I recognize that they are largely based on comic books and am easily ready to suspend my disbelief. But giving over to that I am less patient when the movie violates the genre.

One of the ways this happens is when the hero reveals his secret identity - something that is unthinkable in the comics- especially in the "first" installment and never without reason that is clear. All the Batman movies did this, Spiderman did this, too.

The latest version of Superman does not do this, even though it amusingly plays with the idea of a child figuring it out when he sees Clark without his glasses.

If one thinks of this as a first installment- which is the fairest way to approach the film - it does a respectable job of gaining our interest to see what may happen to these characters in the future.

I loved Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. I thought Bradon Routh was also credible in the role- he particularly nailed the Clark Kent half of things.

This film did not have the feel-good attitude of Spiderman and there were more than a few instances that could cause deeper reflection. There were a few scenes that paid fitting homage to the comic book world. I didn't care for one effect that tended to make Superman look like the "man of plastic".

I enjoyed the film but found it to depend on special effects and familiar characters over actual plot - like any comic book should.

OUCH !!!

It has been way too long since I have written anything here. I wouldn't be surprised if noone reads me anymore.

I was subjected yesterday to part one of a root canal procedure. While it was not quite as bad as the last experience, which you can read about in my archives, it nonetheless caused me to spend the better part of a day in a drug induced haze (yeah!).

I could do better about keeping this page up to date - after all, I ache no less to speak than I did when this all began. More folks tend to agree with my position regarding our current president. That's not all bad but it makes saying what I think less urgent.

And on the radio at this very moment Neil is singing "Forever in Blue Jeans". Not my favorite song but Neil just the same.

Suppose, for a minute, that you buy the premise...

that the President of the United States has the authority to declassify information in order to use it to undercut a political foe (pretty impressive power). That would mean that he felt absolutely justified in ordering the outing of Valarie Plame. Good for him! Why then the cover-up? Why the elaborate and costly pretense of an investigation to find out who the leaker was? Why not just tell people he did it from the start? Wouldn't Scooter still have a job and not be facing prison time?

It is precisely because of this sort of behavior that I neither like or trust this man and have serious questions for anyone who claims they do. Those who rabidly support this president are reduced now, it would seem, that they really do not care about trustworthiness, or integrity, or even compassionate conservativism. What they are really about is tax breaks that fatten the fat and a social agenda that will continue to divide.

These guys want power- problem is always with what they do when they get it. I say it has been long enough.

I saw a great bumpersticker this week. It read: "Practice Concientious Impeachment".

Hmm, I don't know how longer it will be only us wackos who are saying such things.