« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 31, 2005

When I heard that Bush Jr. was calling the Iraq election “a resounding success,” I thought of the last time he did that kind of spin. It was that photo op on May 1, 2003 with the “Mission Accomplished” banner.

About 1,400 American troops killed, 11,000 wounded, 232 U.S. civilians killed and thousands of others killed and the turnout is only 8 million - in the high 50’s%!

In the Sunni area, maybe one out of ten voted.

So, if Texas had not voted last November, would ex-President Bush Jr. have called the presidential election a “resounding success?”

And not a word of concern from Bush Jr. about the 44 people killed and 100 wounded on election day and the 10 British troops who died – how about some real words of compassion?

And how will the 275 Iraqis elected to the Assembly actually get to the Parliament building to conduct business – all wear burkas maybe?

What the world needs to see in Iraq is security and economic vitality with oil exports and the U.S. troops returned home.

Then maybe the word “success” will mean something.

In the meantime, a big thanks to all the U.S. troops and allies for doing the difficult job Bush Jr. has put them in. As a Vietnam vet, I have some understanding.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Iran, which Bush Jr. declared as one of the “Axis of Evil” countries, is a place where his vice president operated.

Cheney was the CEO of Halliburton for years (still getting money from them) which had business deals in Libya (who cared about the American boycott) and in Iran for years.

In other words, while Americans saw Libya and Iran as enemies, Cheney was helping both countries and making money.

Now Halliburton says they’ll pull out of Iran, after they get their last check from the “Axis of Evil.”

Could you imagine the hue and cry by Republicans if Cheney was a Democrat, committing these acts of “treason” in the Axis of Evil countries.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The Crusades started in the year 1095, organized by European powers (Christians) and the Pope.

The Christians were determined to take over the Christian holy places in Palestine from the Muslims. There were eight Crusades that all resulted in military defeat to the Christians ending around 1291.

The Christian Crusades killed thousands of Muslims and Jews in the Mideast.

Bush Jr. wouldn’t know much about the Crusades but he understands from his own success in Texas politics how to get the attention of the Evangelical leaders -- talk in a language they understand.

A week after 9/11, Bush Jr. said the United States is about to launch a “crusade.” The mainstream press said that was a big mistake using “crusade” because that’s exactly what the Muslim world was criticizing us for – going after Islam.

Actually, I believe it was deliberate. It was a message to the Republican Party’s Anglo Christian base in America, mostly in the south.

During the campaign last fall, the “back country road” radio shows were full of talk about Iraq and bringing Christianity to it. These Republicans were on the radio in Alabama talking about “serving God,” but not in Iraq serving our country.

And this new emphasis on liberty and freedom for people is just more code words to the Evangelicals.

In my opinion, these new “liberty” and “freedom buzz words are “proof” to the Republican base that God has “chosen” Bush Jr. and the Republican Party to drive Islam off the face of the earth.

So add “liberty” and “freedom” and “end quotas and Affirmative-Action” and “activists judges” as Republican code words. Bush Jr. will continue to use them.

For some, Iraq is nothing but an oil bank, but for much of the Republican foot soldiers, it represents the “Ninth Crusade” and this time they plan on winning.

Bush Jr. is all about power – he has used the Iraq war to gain power for the Republicans. So far, it has worked!

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Due to the incompetence of Bush, Jr., such as not finishing the job in Afghanistan, record amounts of heroin are flowing into the U.S. from there.

Tens of thousands of American will spend the rest of their lives dealing with heroin addiction due to Bush Jr.’s policies.

Now Bush Jr. has decided to cancel the aerial spray planes to destroy opium crops. Hopefully, we don’t find out one day that the CIA (in some deal) ended up providing crop dusters to help grow the opium.

The heroin profits are used to fund the terrorists groups, which then leads to more killing of Americans and turmoil in the Mideast, which then leads to more troop deployments leading to more billions (borrowed from the Chinese Communist government) being wasted, etc.

Why didn’t Bush Jr. understand Afghanistan?

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 29, 2005

Bill and Melinda Gates are doing more for Africa than Bush Jr. is.

The Gates just authorized another $750 million of their Foundation money to the global vaccination efforts.

Like former President Jimmy Carter, whose Carter Center has also participated in preventative efforts, the Gates understand that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

This is something Schwarzenegger, and Republicans in general, fail to see when they cut financial support for kids in school, health care, etc.

Last year alone, the one percent of the top income residents in California alone received $12 billion in federal tax cuts.

It would be nice to see more of these people step up to the “Gates” plate.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 28, 2005

Maybe all White House reporters and Fox personnel should be told “you have the right to an attorney, whatever you say may be held against you,” etc, then each of them should be asked “have you or any member of your family received any financial kickbacks from anyone in the Bush Jr. administration?”

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

When asked by a reporter this week about the “payola” scandal involving “journalists” like Armstrong Williams and Maggie Gallagher taking payoffs from the Bush Jr. administration, Bush Jr. said no one at the White House knew about it. Sure!

He went on to condemn outgoing Education Secretary Paige for paying Williams by saying we have new leadership going into the Department of Education.

My guess would be Paige was ordered by Karl Rove to give the cash to Williams and the others. The word “payola” was first coined in the 1960’s when disc jockeys went to the slammer for taking bribes to play certain records more often.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Despite the spin from Bush Jr. that there is no need for more troops (then he sends more), and that the military is meeting its recruitment goals, the truth tells us otherwise. (Unfortunately, there is no law in America against Republicans lying.)

The Commander of the National Guard has acknowledged that the Guard is 15,000 below its authorized level of 350,000. In other words the U.S. military needs more coalition troops but our allies continue to announce they are getting out of Iraq.

Bush Jr. has tripled sign-up bonuses and also doubled the number of recruiters, and still the Guard shrinks.

The reason - Bush Jr. And his administration now admits the military is so short of males in combat areas they are moving many women into these positions.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

I don’t know how many Tibetans watched Bush Jr.’s Inaugural speech (maybe five or ten), but I’m sure the word spread through the Himalayans that help is on the way from Bush Jr.

Tibet was an independent country from 1913-1950 but then the Chinese Communists took over. Tibet rebelled in 1959 with the Dalai Lama (Bush Jr. mentions him occasionally) trying to throw the shackles of communism off the Tibetans. Republican President Eisenhower could have cared less (no oil in Tibet), and today Tibet is being populated more and more by non-Tibetans.

But help, evidently, is on the way from Bush Jr. -- he said he will bring freedom and liberty to those who don’t have it. I wonder if the Chinese Communists are taking Bush Jr. seriously about liberating Tibet!

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 27, 2005

Why do Bush Jr. and Rumsfeld have 31 Marines in one helicopter in a combat zone?

Helicopters are easy targets of attack and equipment failure.

Regardless of the reason, the Marine helicopter crashed and there are now 31 more Americans killed in Iraq due to the incompetence of the Republicans. It’s just wrong to put that many people in one helicopter.

A total of 37 Americans died in Iraq on Wednesday – the most ever for one day.

And from the safety of the White House on Wednesday, Bush Jr. urged Iraqis to get out and vote on Sunday. And at his news conference, Bush Jr. talked for 1,254 words before he even mentioned the Marines in response to a reporter’s question. He called it “a sad moment.”

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Bush Jr. calls her “Condi” but she’s really the Peter of the “Peter Principle.” She defines the rule that an individual in an institution will be promoted up to their level of incompetence – this is her second promotion of incompetence.

Twelve Democrats (led by California’s Senator Barbara Boxer) and Independent Jeffords of Vermont voted “no” on Rice on the Senate floor.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The youth with their superior text messaging skills that confuse their parents with the secret codes have arrived in politics. They’re blogging now.

More and more of the Bloggers are showing up at political events and within hours sending out their reports on the internet and posting on Web sites reaching thousands and soon tens of thousands.

There’s an old saying in politics – “information is power.” For decades few had the information. But all of that is changing with the Bloggers, and I commend them.

Maybe in six years at our Democratic State Convention we’ll have two print reporters, one TV and radio -- and 65 Bloggers credentialed as press.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 26, 2005

Beijing is no ally of the U.S. but they have a plan: continue to loan the Bush Jr. government billions of dollars. The Chinese Communists understand they can’t beat the U.S. militarily, but they could possibly bring us to our knees economically—and they have a willing partner in Bush Jr.

Only a few months after the election, where Bush Jr. promised he would reduce his borrowing, now he admits the truth. Bush Jr. needs another $80 billion for Iraq (can there be that much corruption by Cheney’s Halliburton?) and projects $427 billion in deficits for the next fiscal year and trillions the years after that.

I thought Schwarzenegger warned Bush Jr. to stop spending money the U.S. doesn’t have.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Republicans constantly rail against Affirmative Action but when they hire a minority, they put out a press release about it.

Now Republican Congressman Bill Thomas of Bakersfield, California has a new angle on Affirmative Action.

Thomas wants to amend the Social Security Regulations to allow different benefits for women and men and also by race.

Could insurance companies get away with such a proposal – a $100,000 payment for a white male but only $80,000 for a white female and for a minority, then you would get x amount?

I wonder if Thomas will propose a change for his own congressional pension.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

It would be understandable to read that those in Iraq are hesitant to register to vote.

But it turns out that even Iraqis living abroad are not that interested. So Bush Jr. has extended the time period for them to register.

Someone must have read him the bad news about that low election interest outside of Iraq.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 25, 2005

Another example of Bush Jr. making abortion a crime subject to prosecution was his phone call on Monday to the anti-choice extremists (led by white males).

Bush Jr. said, “This movement will not fail.”

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp. There were many other death camps.

I visited Auschwitz (in Poland) in the early 90’s and had a similar reaction to when I visited the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia earlier – how can humans do this to one another? But they do, and they haven’t stopped in many places around the world even today.

It happens when scoundrels use hate to organize one group of people against another and many times results in so much death and destruction.

But those who stand by and do nothing as this continues have some responsibility as well.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The infamous Nixon tapes had him talking about $1 million cash in “hush money,” using the FBI and CIA for political reasons, and included a lot of foul language.

But Nixon erased 18 minutes of one tape (you can imagine the Republican crimes that were on it) and had his personal secretary claim it was her fault when she “accidentally” stepped on the erase pedal (Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t have reached it).

Everybody in America knew Nixon and Rose Mary Woods were lying.

Woods died over the weekend at the age of 87 and she took the “big lie” to her grave. Woods is the kind of person that Karl Rove now has working for him. Like Nixon, she probably wasn’t a very religious person to have kept such a big lie on her conscience.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 24, 2005

The Bush Jr. spin is that he’s good for business -- but the very week he was sworn in, the DOW went down and the NASDAQ – after four years of Bush, Jr. -- is still at only 40 percent of its value from the last year of President Clinton.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Democratic Governor Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana pardoned an African-American woman on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Had the woman committed a crime and served time. Yes and no!

In 1963, Betty Claiborne, now 62, had committed a “southern crime.”

She and three others went to the Baton Rouge (state capitol) main public swimming pool.

But in the southern tradition at the time (the U.S. version of Apartheid) was not really a public pool – it was for “whites only.”

Ms. Claiborne was arrested and spent 10 days in jail.

Forty-two years later she gets a pardon. It takes a long time for people (voters) to adjust their values, especially regarding race in the south.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 23, 2005

Never in my life have I seen, just two days after a Republican is sworn is as President, over 600 Democratic activists gather together for an afternoon meeting. But Saturday in Sacramento that many came to meet, listen and hear seven candidates for DNC Chair (the election is on Feb 12th).

The reason - because Bush Jr. has spent so much time dividing this country, lying to Americans about Iraq and basically just announced that he sees his job in the next four years is to send our military on a march from Europe to China to "get those people free."

What I saw with these candidates: Howard Dean, Donnie Fowler, Martin Frost, David Leland, Tim Roemer, Simon Rosenberg, and Wellington Webb was a plan to get started on a four-year march across America from the blue state of California through red states to the east coast to mobilize millions of other activists to take back the White House.

Democrats can do it with one of these candidates and with the continued and active support of the six who don't make it.

Let's remember 32 years ago this month, Richard Nixon (a favorite of Karl Rove for his dirty tricks) was sworn in for a second term and the Republicans partied all night.

Let's organize.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 22, 2005

That’s what the experts say was the number of women who went to a back alley to get an abortion before the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision of Roe v. Wade (Jan. 22, 1973).

As the country recognizes the 32nd anniversary of this important decision for women, Bush Jr. and his allies are planning to outlaw it.

Roe v. Wade has been upheld by 5-4 votes on the U.S. Supreme Court. Thus, a shift of one vote means a doctor and a woman will face criminal prosecution.

So, when a 15 year-old girl is raped and impregnated by her father, and is counseled by her minister and decides to terminate the pregnancy at a medical facility -- all of them would be charged with a crime.

As for the father, he would be notified his daughter had obtained an illegal abortion and was being held in a juvenile facility.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 21, 2005

Rice told the Senate Committee that the U.S. Government once had been willing to do business with countries that did not embrace American values – “not a very wise policy” (didn’t mention that it was her policy with Bush Sr.). But that day has passed, she insisted. (LA Times, 1/20/05)

Did we stop doing business with China, Saudi Arabia, etc.?

Bush Jr. said in his Inaugural speech that he wants freedom for all people in the world. Does that mean we’re going to war with the Chinese Communist Government to free 1.3 billion people?

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

There have been newspaper articles that Bush Jr. is looking at the option of attacking Iran.

Rice did not deny it at the Senate hearing.

Let’s hope Iran doesn’t adopt Bush Jr.’s policy of preemptive strike and attack the United States first.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

As trials started this week for executives at both WorldCom and Tyco for accounting scandals and the loss of billion of dollars, it is a reminder of what lies ahead with Bush Jr.’s deregulation of Social Security.

As one of the lawyers involved in the Tyco case said – there is no law against greed.

Bush Jr.’s own brother Neil cost us taxpayers tens of million of dollars after he got his hands on the deregulated Silverado Savings & Loan.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

A “top” U.S. Army General told reporters in Iraq that violence will continue after the election.

Really? Why does the press even give coverage to this moronic statement?

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 20, 2005

Bush Jr.’s Iraq policy (whatever it is) has been a disaster. Bush Jr. failed to say the four-letter word, I-r-a-q, in his Inaugural speech.

Our troops continue to pray that they can get out of Iraq before being killed or losing a limb, and Bush Jr. couldn’t even mention them.

Like in Alabama 33 years ago when he was AWOL – he’s a coward!

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

As our troops in Iraq continue to get wounded or killed wondering where’s the plan, Bush Jr. and his millionaire friends, very few of whom served in the military, prepare to party all night with lobster and French champagne.

But as Bush Jr. himself told the press last weekend, the Americans support my plan in Iraq. Too bad our troops don’t know what that “plan” is.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

One of the Seven Wonders of the World is the site of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon built around 800 B.C.

Babylon, about 55 miles south of Baghdad, is one of the world’s most important archaeologist sites.

Bush Jr., who continues the spin “we’re making friends with the Iraqis,” has another disaster to explain.

For some foolish reason the U.S. military has been using Babylon as a military base. ‘Lo and behold big trucks crushed 2,600 year-old pavement and troops used the sand -- filled with ancient artifacts -- to fill sand bags.

In other cases, the U.S. paved over key areas for parking and helicopter.

We’re not making friends with this disaster – one of many Bush Jr.’s incompetent people have committed.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The Sacramento Bee (1/16/05) had a piece summarizing just a few of Schwarzenegger’s broken promises on education, state employees and legislation.

“We thought we had promise and the ‘squirrely’ man reneged. It’s going to make negotiation tougher. If you can’t trust someone’s word, it’s kind of hard to reach an agreement.” -- J.J. Jelincic, President of California State Employees Association.

It reminds me of what one of Schwarzenegger’s people said during the recall election, when confronted with Schwarzenegger’s numerous misstatements – Schwarzenegger has lied all his life to advance his career, his spokesperson said.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 19, 2005

Specialist Charles Graner, Jr. was convicted and given 10 years for his “ringleader” role in the Abu Ghraib prison torture.

Meanwhile, Alberto Gonzales who wrote the memos to authorize torture gets a promotion to the Attorney General’s office.

The prison was full of CIA agents, high ranking officers, and AI (Army Intelligence– it’s an oxymoron).

Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld is laughing like hell for putting the blame on a Specialist.

This is the height of hypocrisy and a crime that a Specialist 4, which is one stripe above a Private First Class, was the “ringleader.”

The claim of the Bush Jr. people is the same that the Nazi leadership tried in court post-WWII, but they failed and ultimately were convicted (and hanged).

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The Correctional Officers (CCPOA) President Mike Jimenez last week put failure of providing a stab-proof vest for their men and women at the Chino prison directly on the Schwarzenegger administration.

It turns out 300 of the protective vests were sitting in the prison’s warehouse on shelves instead of on the bodies of the Correctional people.

Leadership Schwarzenegger promised leaves one officer dead because that “leadership” had the vests on shelves.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The press is writing stories of praises on Rice as she takes over her new job as Secretary of State.

It appears the reporters have forgotten that Bush Jr. appointed Rice over a year ago to be in charge of Iraq.

Great job, Condi – she has been a disaster for our country.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 18, 2005

President Bill Clinton’s book “My Life” has now sold two million hardcover books in the U.S. alone.

“My Life” has become one of the best-selling hardcover memoirs of all-time. The Republican books - mostly propaganda - typically sell at best in the tens of thousands. And part of the Republican sales is usually due to bulk buying by one of their groups.

One Republican author, Ann Coulter has called for the U.S. to nuke North Korea – someone should get her to a doctor.

The paperback edition of “My Life” will go on sale on May 31st.

The American people think fondly of the Clinton years with economic growth that broke all records.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 17, 2005

I never met him nor saw him at an event. But I often read about Dr. King and think back to the day I drove through the south for the first time.

It was a roadside diner on Route 1 in Georgia. The waitress told me the restroom was outside in the back. The door had a sign, “White Only.” I thought they must be getting ready to paint it, then I realized, “oh no it means only white people can use the restroom.”

My next trip to the south was as a draftee in the U.S. Army – Ft. Jackson outside the capital of South Carolina. They flew the Confederate flag (didn’t they try to end the United States of America?) on the State Capitol building.

I was in Vietnam (1967-68) with the 101st Airborne and was wounded in the Tet Offensive (thousands were) and had just returned to my unit on April 4, 1968 when the assassination of Dr. King happened. It was devastating news to those of us in Vietnam, especially African-Americans; we were still in shock from the Tet Offensive.

But because of the efforts and sacrifice of Martin Luther King, Jr. and so many others, the only door today that has a “White Only” sign on it, really does refer to paint.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

James Forman was not a household name but surely he will be part of God’s household.

Forman, who died of cancer at the age of 76, was an early organizer of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) that organized in the South for civil rights advocating a non-violent atmosphere.

SNCC recruited thousands of volunteers, including three who were killed in Philadelphia, Mississippi in 1964. Just this month, murder charges were finally brought in that case – 40 years late.

As the Republicans including Bush Jr. continues to use the language of George Wallace such as “activist judges,” end quotas and affirmative-action, Democrats will recognize and honor James Forman for the contributions he made in the name of democracy.

After attending the Clinton Library opening in Little Rock last November, I drove to Memphis, Tennessee to visit the Civil Rights Museum at the motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968 (while I was in Vietnam).

As I looked at all the displays there – a lunch counter, a blown out bus, a garbage truck, the room King stayed in, I kept thinking, “is a Republican politician ever introduced these days as a civil rights activist?” The answer, sadly, is no.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 14, 2005

Iraq’s Prime Minister Allawi acknowledges that many areas of Iraq may not have elections – too dangerous.

Maybe the U.S. should have another presidential election, but this time without Texas.

The new Ukraine government, after getting millions of dollars from the CIA, will remove all of their troops from Iraq in a few months.

The U.S. has stopped looking for WMD’s. Will Bush Jr. hold a news conference to acknowledge he was snookered by Iran and his own staff?

He won’t. Not only have none of Bush Jr.’s people been fired or sent to prison for their incompetence leading to making Americans more insecure, but many of them, like Rice, are getting promoted.

And the latest poll in Britain shows that now only 29 percent of its citizens believe the Iraq war was the right thing to do. Bush Jr. is really hanging Tony Blair out there.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Former Prime Minister of Great Britain Maggie Thatcher is caught up in another scandal.

As Prime Minister, Maggie taxed anything that moved and when it came to concerns for average people like coal miners losing their jobs, she was like a cold North Sea Cod. She is still a big favorite of the Bush Jr. crowd – for years the Republicans and their allies paid her huge speaking fees.

She was thrown out of 10 Downing Street by her own Party because of her incompetence and scandals, but the Republicans still love her.

Now, her son has pled guilty to bankrolling the helicopters used in an attempted coup of a small African nation – in other words, terrorist-type activities.

Maggie’s son will pay a $563,000 fine and be released. And guess where the convicted felon will live? That’s right. Bush Jr. will allow this criminal to live in the U.S.

Where is Homeland Security?

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

When an American troop returns from Iraq and Afghanistan and is discharged after their Bush Jr.-ordered second or third tour (remember, he didn’t plan, he just invaded) we all know their family members are happy.

But they will soon realize that not only did the Republicans short change our troops of equipment, but they will see veterans’ benefits cut as well.

Republicans always go after veterans. After all, if Bush Jr. refused to fund our troops’ needs in combat, why would anyone think Republicans would bother to take care of them once they return home?

A reminder about how cruel Republicans are: Reagan’s Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs Robert Nimmo belittled the complaints of Vietnam veterans about all the physical problems (i.e. cancer) they were having due to Agent Orange.

Nimmo said there was no proof that exposure to Agent Orange caused anything other than chloracne, which he characterized as no more serious than “teenage acne.”

Admiral Zumwalt, as Pacific Commander, ordered the massive use of Agent Orange in Vietnam to kill all the vegetation. About a decade ago, Zumwalt’s son, a Vietnam veteran, died from – you guessed it – Agent Orange.

Under President Clinton, Agent Orange was finally fully recognized and benefits were expanded to cover numerous illnesses suffered by Vietnam veterans.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 13, 2005

More and more Republicans (the few honest ones) are speaking out against Bush Jr.’s plan to deregulate Social Security like the Republicans did with Savings and Loans.

The White House memo that was leaked clearly points out Social Security is doing fine for the next 40 years, but Bush Jr. is out-and-out lying!

The memo, written by a Karl Rove aide (Peter Wehner) states in plain English: “If we borrow $1-2 trillion [not billion] to cover transition costs for personal savings accounts without making benefit [yes, benefit] cuts we will have borrowed trillions and will still confront $10 trillion in unfunded liabilities. This could easily cause an economic chain reaction: the markets go south, interest rates go up and the economy stalls out.”

Yes, this was written by the authors of the deregulation scam but Bush Jr. who has never seen any of his plans go wrong (because he doesn’t read newspapers) will proceed full speed ahead.

But here’s what one Republican Congressmember said: “Why stir up a hornet’s nest ... when there is no urgency? When does the program go belly up? 2042. I will be dead by then.” (Congressmember Rob Simmons, R-Connecticut)

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

After 9/11, CIA Director Tenet had meetings every night at 5p.m. with top people from the FBI, the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security. Since the Bush Jr. people were asleep and failed to see 9/11, they were trying to get on top of intelligence that could tip the U.S. off to more attacks.

Well, Bush Jr.’s new guy, Porter Goss, evidently likes to go home early and has cancelled these meetings. He now just holds a morning meeting three times a week – and with a smaller group.

I guess Goss thinks things are going so well, he doesn’t have to be that involved.

And when asked by a reporter, a Goss aide said “If something exploded, he (Goss) would get briefed right away.” Wow -- even if he already went home at 5 p.m.?

That’s the U.S. team we have “defending” us.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Schwarzenegger made a promise to California kids last year – take a cut in this budget and I’ll make it up to you next year (2005-06).

Schwarzenegger lied.

To those who have known Schwarzenegger for years it was no surprise; but those who trusted him last year on behalf of California’s kids are shocked.

Message to anyone who hasn’t gotten the word yet – Schwarzenegger will look you in the eye and lie and lie, again and again. Remember he went to Ohio to campaign for Bush Jr., - another serial liar.

He lied throughout his life before becoming a politician – why would that change now?

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 12, 2005

The Pope’s special envoy who met Bush Jr. on March 5, 2003, now says Bush Jr. broke his promise to the Pope (Republicans do break promises).

Cardinal Pio Laghi told Bush Jr. of the Pope’s concern about an invasion of Iraq and what it would mean.

According to the Cardinal, Bush Jr. said “don’t worry, your eminence. We’ll be quick and do well in Iraq.”

Cardinal Laghi just told Italian TV that Bush Jr. was wrong. In other words, Bush Jr. is a failure, or perhaps he was just lying to the Pope!

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The audit of the U.N. “Oil for Food” program has received plenty of criticism for not watching the money.

It appears there were a lot of crooks involved in this program including Americans, particularly a Texas friend of Bush Jr.’s.

Maybe treason charges would get the attention of this Texan.

Republicans are now screaming about the fraud in this U.N. program.

Funny, I don’t recall similar screaming about Halliburton stealing tens of millions of dollars in Iraq and living off the blood of troops.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 11, 2005

It didn’t make the front pages in Sacramento, but another California Corrections Officer paid the ultimate price for their service to the people of California.

As Schwarzenegger continues to attack, criticize and blame public employees for his mismanagement of the state’s budget, tens of thousand of public servants are dealing with floods, blocked highways, law enforcement and yes, running our prisons.

Manuel Gonzales, only 43 and a 16-year Department of Corrections veteran, was stabbed to death at the state prison in Chino.

Gonzales, who leaves behind a wife and five children, was killed by a maximum-security inmate who was being housed in a medium-security prison.

The alleged killer is serving a 75-years-to-life sentence for attempted murder of a peace officer.

Due to the mismanagement by Schwarzenegger’s team, this inmate was housed in a medium-security facility for several months instead of being transferred.

And Schwarzenegger, like Rumsfeld, has not provided protective vests to all line officers.

Schwarzenegger will continue to have his life of luxury, surrounded by a team of security men and women, but one little-known Corrections Officer will be buried soon.

We’ll see if Schwarzenegger goes to his funeral.

Hopefully, Gonzales’ family will receive some help from his pension fund before Schwarzenegger guts that program.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Let’s all hope that maybe, just maybe, the Mideast can move forward one small step toward a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

Bush Jr. has ignored this key issue in the Mideast for too long.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The Bush Jr. people announce that many areas of Iraq are not safe to vote (Jan. 30th).

Really!?

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

First, Gonzales writes memos that conclude that torture is okay, then at his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing he comes out against the use of torture. Sure!

His complicity in the conspiracy to violate human rights’ laws and international treaties has led to dozens of low-level troops to have their professional careers destroyed, while Gonzales moves on to a bigger job.

Additionally, Gonzales and Bush Jr.’s decision to commit torture has put our own troops in jeopardy should they be captured anywhere in the world – they might get the same treatment.

How low would Bush Jr.’s credibility be, when he goes on TV demanding that American POW’s must be treated according to the Geneva Accords.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

In 1964, three young men (an African-American from Mississippi and two white men from New York) were in Mississippi registering African-Americans to vote.

For their noble and courageous efforts, these three young men suffered the ultimate penalty when the local KKK and its allies beat and murdered them.

Half the people in town knew who did it. But the state of Mississippi never brought murder changes against any of these “good ‘ol boys.”

Some of the murderers were convicted of federal conspiracy charges, some acquitted, but none served more than six years and no one was convicted of murder.

Yes, this happened in America in 1964 and most people in Mississippi supported the murderers – no poll would show that, but common sense tell you that’s the way it was.

Hopefully, if this Preacher and others are finally convicted of murder and given the death penalty there will be no judicial tricks by Republicans to keep their boys from being “hanged.”

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 10, 2005

That nationally syndicated radio host, Armstrong Williams, was always available to be on TV cable shows to talk about the great job Bush Jr. was doing.

For $240,000 a lot of people – even Democrats – would have done that.

How corrupt can Bush Jr. and the Republicans be – giving a quarter million dollars of taxpayers’ money to Williams to do political talk shows?

They gave him a contract with the Education Department from the “minority outreach campaign” budget. I thought the Republicans and Williams were against Affirmative Action.

What’s that saying – almost every Republican politician will sell out, even our country, for the “right” amount of money.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

It was just a month ago that Bush Jr. awarded former CIA Director George Tenet the nation’s highest civilian award for “his service.” Now the report is out on Tenet’s work pre-9/11; he should be indicted.

But the same goes for Bush Jr. for his failures to respond to intelligence pre-9/11.

Tenet should give back his Medal of Freedom and apologize.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

California U.S. Senator Boxer did the right thing by raising the issue of voter fraud and voters being denied in Ohio.

The Republicans didn’t like it but many newspapers did editorials praising Boxer for her raising the issue.

Meanwhile the incompetent Bush Jr. political operative, Ohio Secretary of State Blackwell, continues his corrupt practices.

Blackwell sent out a letter on Ohio’s stationery soliciting money for his next campaign and took credit for delivering Ohio to Bush.

Think Blackwell will be indicted for misuse of taxpayer’s money? No!

Ohio Republican Governor Taft is in a lot of trouble himself and under investigation.

There seems to be a pattern of corruption with Republicans Governors – Ryan of Illinois, Rowland of Connecticut and now Taft.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 07, 2005

We all know that Bush Jr.’s spin has been that the more attacks by the insurgents leading to killings of Iraqis and Americans is a sign of success. Well Bush Jr. is now trying a new spin – most of the press missed it – no surprise.

One of the top US Generals in Iraq announced recently that the increased insurgent attacks (more killings) are becoming “less effective.”

Fourteen Americans killed in the last couple of days along with hundreds of Iraqis killed in the last month and this is less effective?

“Success” and it now “less effective.” Did these guys get out of high school?

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

One of the leaders of the religious right who claims he has non-partisan morals, but never criticizes Republicans who show up in the tabloids, threatened Democratic U.S. Senators.

Dobson said if these Democratic U.S. Senators refused to support Bush Jr.’s judicial appointees (anti choice zealots) they would be “in the bulls-eye.”

I believe telling a federal official that they are in the “bulls-eye” is a federal crime (i.e. threatening to harm an official).

But since Dobson backs Republicans, I guess the law doesn’t apply to him.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Former Bush Jr. EPA Administrator has a book coming out which is very critical of Bush Jr. and his policies.

I doubt if Whitman will be getting an invitation to the Inaugural.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

After promising Bush Jr. and the people of Pakistan that he would step down in December of 2004 as the leader of the military, Musharraf has decided to keep the job as well as the Presidency of Pakistan.

Last year Musharraf also pardoned Pakistan’s top nuclear expert for sharing nuclear secrets to American enemies like North Korea and Iran.

Bush Jr., who claims he is pushing democracy and will go after any country that gives aid and comfort to America’s enemies, has been silent – not a word of criticism of Musharraf.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The Democratic Party lost a real friend in public office with the retirement (term limits) last month of John Burton.

Burton had served in the Assembly, Congress and in the Senate, the last six years as the Senate President pro tempore.

Burton was a champion of the working people, the poor and unions, and he will be missed by all.

But Burton continues his work – this time for kids without homes.

If you would like to help, you can send a contribution (tax deductible) payable to “John Burton Foundation for Children Without Homes,” (ID #010679337) 465 California St., Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94104.

Thanks John.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 06, 2005

As aid continues to pour into the countries around the India Ocean, I’m reminded of an earthquake in India a week after Bush Jr. was sworn in (Jan. 2001).

Over one thousand were killed but Bush Jr. barely mentioned it and allocated almost no aid.

It was outgoing President Clinton who went out and raised private money to help India.

And once again, it is President Clinton coming to the aid of natural disaster victims.

Bush Jr. could care less, and it was only because of all the criticism he received this time that the U.S. is now helping in a big way.

Adding to his hypocrisy and lack of concern, Bush Jr. is personally donating a measly $10,000 to the efforts -- this, when elementary school kids are raising $800 each for the effort.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

All across America hundreds of women are raped on a daily basis. Many end up in hospital emergency wards.

Bush Jr. just ordered his Justice Department to issue new medical guidelines for hospitals for treating sexual assault victims.

Once again Bush Jr. is showing he is a cruel, calculating, extremist Republican. The revised guidelines have no reference to the morning after pill – a standard recommendation according to the medical community and to victim rights’ advocate groups.

But that’s what the country evidently voted for.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

After three recounts, the Democrat was declared the winner in the Governor’s race in Washington State by 129 votes out of 2.9 million.

The Republicans, at the urging of the White House, are calling for another election.

That’s funny – I don’t recall Bush Jr. in 2000 calling for another election.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Bush Jr., two months after the election, announced that he gave $1 billion in taxpayers’ funds to “Faith-based religious groups.”

In other words, a lot of taxpayers’ money went to mostly Republican-supportive groups that most likely used the money for GOTV (get out the vote) for Bush Jr.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 05, 2005

Bush Jr.’s office finally acknowledged on Tuesday that over 10,000 Americans have been wounded in Iraq.

He had censored the information since last December 22nd.

Of the 10,252 physically wounded (thousands more have or will have mental problems, etc.) about 53 percent (5,396) were unable to return to duty – meaning very serious injuries, like loss of limbs.

And on Tuesday, five American troops were killed and Bush Jr. still has no real plan for Iraq except to send more American troops there.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

The real leader of the House Republicans is Tom DeLay, a corrupt politician from Texas. Already, three members of DeLay’s staff have been indicted for campaign money laundering.

DeLay believes he will also be indicted so he got the House Republicans to change their rules to allow him to continue to be their leader, even if indicted.

The House Republicans, acting like “mob” attorneys, voted to change the rules a few weeks ago.

But now after too many negative articles, the Republicans got afraid and reversed themselves.

One Republican Congressmember from Tennessee said on radio, “we (Republicans) have taken a shower – now go to war.”

All this, while almost 1,400 Americans have been killed in Iraq. I doubt if that Republican has even been near a war.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

In a few weeks, Bush Jr. will quietly send a request to Congress for another $100 billion for his rat hole in Iraq.

And once again Bush Jr. will not ask America’s wealthiest (who have few kids in Iraq) to pay for it. Instead he will put it on the middle class (who do have family members in Iraq and Afghanistan) – debt to be collected later.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 04, 2005

On Wednesday night Schwarzenegger will give his second State of the State address.

Unfortunately it will be another speech full of steroids.

During the 2003 election, Schwarzenegger promised to straighten out the state’s books. Instead we got more and more borrowing -- like a teenager using a stolen credit card.

Schwarzenegger’s new Department of Finance Director, Tom Campbell, calls the 2005-06 budget proposal an “honest budget” (meaning the present one from Schwarzenegger and Campbell’s predecessor Donna Arduin is deceptive?).

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Even the big Republican donors to Bush Jr. and the RNC are now complaining about the shakedown for the Inaugural events.

It serves them right, to get a “feeling” of what the middle class goes through economically - struggling to pay all their bills.

But again, should the Republicans really be spending $50 million on a bunch of parties, given the more urgent needs of so many Americans as well as those around the Indian Ocean.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

As Bush Jr. continues the spin about “sticking to his Iraq plan and I do have enough troops,” the facts continue to dispute him.

Almost 40 percent of the U.S. troops in Iraq are Reserves – an unheard of number. It means our regular U.S. troops are stretched too thin around the world and military families are being asked to give and make sacrifices more than ever.

And despite Bush Jr.’s “coalition” spin, U.S. troops still make up almost 90 percent of the coalition troops.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Now that Karl Rove has complete control of the CIA, his “staff person,” Porter Goss (CIA Director) continues to force (or fire) longtime loyal American CIA staff.

Rove is turning the CIA into an RNC office with longtime and loyal Republicans, ready to spy on any and all political opponents.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 03, 2005

Over the last few days we lost former Congressmember Shirley Chisholm who could be called the Rosa Parks of the U.S. Congress, and Sacramento Congressmember Bob Matsui, who died at the age of 63.

In 1942, when he was only a few months old, Bob was moved with his parents into an internment camp (i.e. a WWII prison). As a Congressmember, Bob authored the “Reparations Act for Japanese-Americans,” a long overdue apology from the U.S. government for that crime.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

As American troops continue to die in Iraq as insurgents continue to attack (but Bush Jr. has called this a success when there are more attacks) Rumsfeld and Bush Jr. continue to screw things up.

The Iraqi troops that are being trained or are serving with American troops are being given American K-rations. These packets are not prepared to Islamic practices and some of the packets contain pork, which is forbidden in Islam.

So the Iraqi troops end up throwing all of the food away except for the biscuits.

As the saying goes, you go to war with the Secretary of Defense you have.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Schwarzenegger, always with the big mouth about helping business and bringing in new business from out of state (notice that those billboards in Las Vegas feature Schwarzenegger, not California).

Wet Seal of Orange County announced several days ago they were slashing 2,000 employees and closing 150 stores.

And where was Schwarzenegger? Skiing in Idaho - clueless as usual.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

Bush Jr. was rightfully criticized for his lackluster response to the huge disaster across the Indian Ocean. Our military is now there doing a great job.

Bush Jr. finally announced $350 million in aid instead of his ridiculous initial offering of $15 million. Meanwhile Japan has boosted their support to $500 million, and Germany the world’s third economic great, hopefully will increase their support soon.

« December 2004 | Archives | February 2005 »

January 01, 2005

Here’s just a few new laws proposed and passed by Democrats in the California Legislature:

A ban (yes, a ban) on .50-caliber firearms. The Republicans believe anyone, even at flea market gun shows, should be able to buy these weapons.

These .50-caliber rifles can hit a Hummer (with or without armor) two miles away. Why Republican men feel the need for these weapons of mass destruction is unbelievable.

Domestic partner rights. This means those who register as domestic partners will have the same rights under California state law that married couples have.

Even Republican businessman should like this law – it means a domestic partner is responsible for the debts of their partner. So if one passes away, their partner would be responsible for credit card bills, etc.

For our troops. They can now marry by proxy with an attorney standing in for them, and they can vote by fax.

Just a few of the hundreds of bills pushed through by the Democratic majorities, but many of these helpful items for Californians were opposed by Republicans.