Bush Administration Now Censors Scientists Instead of Boobs To Prop Up Petroleum

"In my more than three decades in the government I've never witnessed such restrictions on the ability of scientists to communicate with the public."James Hansen It was an outrage when the Administration was covering up Justice’s marble teats, but was little danger that it could kill us. Censoring science, on the other hand, very well might. So far, this planet is the only place we have until Jesus comes. My guess is that W. and crew are no better at predicting Our Lord's arrival than they are anything else.

Our World

COLLATERAL DAMAGE

Spinoza, Like Sultan, Was a Titan of Trouble Making

"THURSDAY marked the 350th anniversary of the excommunication of . . . Baruch Spinoza . . . Spinoza's life and thought have the power to illuminate the kind of events that at the moment seem so intractable and overwhelming. . . . . he came to be vilified throughout all of Europe . . . [because he] argued that no group or religion could rightly claim infallible knowledge of the Creator's partiality to its beliefs and ways."

Reasonable Doubt, By Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, New York Times, July 29, 2006

Wafa Sultan, The Brave, Debating Islamic Cleric

Wafa Sultan, The Brave, Debating Islamic Cleric

“ . . . We have not seen a single Jew blow himself up in a German restaurant. We have not seen a single Jew destroy a church. We have not seen a single Jew protest by killing people. The Muslims have turned three Buddha statues into rubble. We have not seen a single Buddhist burn down a Mosque, kill a Muslim, or burn down an embassy. Only the Muslims defend their beliefs by burning down churches, killing people, and destroying embassies. This path will not yield any results. The Muslims must ask themselves what they can do for humankind, before they demand that humankind respect them.” Wafa Sultan Click Here for translated transcript.
"this is riveting . . powerful and amazing statement on Al Jazeera television. The woman is Wafa Sultan, an Arab-American psychologist from Los Angeles.” J.J.
Have I suggested reading "The End of Faith" by Sam Harris?"
Yes, we should still support an immediate cease-fire in In Lebanon.

It may, ultimately, be up to women to save us.

Ralph Reed-Gandhi With the Wind?

"On April 14, 1983, Reed wrote a column for The Red and Black student newspaper attacking the late Mohandas K. Gandhi of India. Entitled ‘Gandhi: Ninny of the 20th Century,’ . . .A graduate student complained to the editor of The Red and Black that Reed had plagiarized a Commentary article . . . After an investigation, Reed was fired from the paper. Reed wrote a final column acknowledging his failure to cite sources but accusing the graduate student who complained of ‘the most shocking, profane form of personal attack I can imagine.’ (Nina J. Easton, Gang of Five: Leaders at the Center of the Conservative Crusade, page 130-31)”

Political Unity Missing in Iraq

" . . . military force alone will not bring peace without political progress on such issues as the Sunni insurgency, regional autonomy, distribution of oil wealth and the role of Saddam Hussein's former supporters - all of which contribute to Iraq's instability.

Despite tough talk, there's little sign that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been more successful than his predecessors in moving toward political consensus in Iraq, the most religiously, politically and culturally diverse country in the Middle East."

POLL: BUSH LOSING TFM SUPPORT

A new Gallup poll shows that, for the first time, Bush's approval rating has fallen below 50% among his core supporters.

Happy Birthday To One Heck of a Coal Miner's Daughter Claudie Hallie Rose Prim.

Claudie Hallie Rose Prim (upper left in this photo) was born on July 24, 1917 to Claude Lee Prim and Dial Pearl Estelle Snoddy Prim and was the best shot Coal Hill ever had with the possible exception of Cousin Sue.

Vive la France!

My French-Italian American friend. Tarara Boomdier, reminded me, that the United States would still be a British colony if it weren’t for France. Both Italy and France are older, more mature cultures than ours, and they both have had the experience of being the top military dog in the world. The fact that France chose not to be part of the Iraq fiasco is to her credit, and and joking about French cowardice is a ruse to cover for our own poor judgement in choosing leaders and courses of action. She made mistakes similar to our own in the early 1800's, but at least she got rid of her own monarchy in the process. Vive la France, and thanks for the heritage, the art, philosophy, the wine, and, of course, the statue.

Problems with U.S. Foreign Relations? Here’s the Rub.

A Letter From A Patriot

This letter was written by a brilliant, brave, and wise friend. I have deleted his name. (No, it is not Cousin Jim. Though brilliant, brave and wise, he’s held a few protest banners and marched a bit) I intend to do a similar to letter to my congressional delegation. If you are sufficiently evolved, feel free to do the same.

July 20, 2006

Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln
SD-355 Senate Office Bldg.
1^st & Constitution Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20510-0404

Dear Senator Lincoln:

I am outraged and frustrated that the circumstances in the Middle East have spun so terribly out of control. The continued incursion by Israel into Lebanon and the resulting loss of civilian life is only strengthening the hand of our enemies there. It is savaging a state that recently was lauded as a beacon of democracy. This is crazy.

I am 59-years old. Although I attended college and law school during the Vietnam years, I have never held a protest banner nor marched in a protest parade, but these circumstances make me want to scream from the street corner. We have now let Osama bin Laden achieve exactly what he wanted to achieve with the September 11 attack. Our policies have managed to unify the Muslim, both Shia and Sunni, in opposition to our interests throughout the world. This administration with the abdication of Congress, has managed to establish a common interest between Shia and Sunni that over 700 years of history could not achieve. Iran is now seen as the protector of Muslim honor and of the Palestinian people. North Korea can exploit our isolation and over-extension. The “axis of evil” has been strengthened by our policies.

The Muslim street has always claimed that Israel is our proxy. Our position under the circumstances of Israel’s Lebanon incursions is proving that conclusion. Even my Israeli son-in-law, who lives in New York City, reports that his parents in Tel-Aviv believe, along with others, that Israel is doing George Bush’s bidding in its attacks upon Hezbollah.

Violence begets violence. That is a constant in history. We are not going to succeed in our “War” against terror by attacking civilians, even when the terror efforts are state supported.

The invasion of Iraq was a terrible mistake. We have truly become occupiers in that country, hated and unwanted. We have destabilized the existing power structures and détentes. Iran will reap enormous benefits from that incredible miscalculation.

Congress must assert itself. The future of our country, both internationally and in its domestic economic well-being, is at stake. We have got to begin being responsible international citizens. Unilaterally flashing the sword and unleashing our wardogs will only further undermine our long-term interests.

Sincerely,

Here’s how our buddies see it - “Iraqi Prime Minister Denounces Israel's Actions”

The Huckster-Your Typical Republican Baptist Preacher

Using Bushesque reasoning, Arkansas governor & presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee will pardon “Keith Richards, lead guitarist for the Rolling Stones . . .because [Richard’s] impression of our state was marred by a misdemeanor traffic stop . . .” But, fuck the rest of the world, especially the French, right? This almost makes me miss Orval Faubus.
This is the same Arkansas that produced J. William Fulbright, Dale Bumpers, and Bill Clinton, and voted for Fulbright, George Wallace, and Win Rockefeller in the same year.

1965 - THE LAST TIME A LAWYER WHO REPRESENTED PEOPLE INSTEAD OF CORPORATE AMERICA WAS APPOINTED TO THE SUPREME COURT

The Bush boys have, of course, gone above and beyond to destroy any semblance of human concern from the Court, though Reagan's appointment of Scalia is right up there. We miss you Mr. Justice Marshall. I never thought I'd say it, but I even miss Lyndon a bit. Today's humor-W. is speaking to the N.A.A.C.P. today.

GREAT SCOT!

Maybe the greatest. Voice your opinion.
Thanks again to MacGraham

Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Bill. Again, Jesus Wept. John 11:35

Ignorance and demagoguery in the name of religion and morality is nothing new, but this is the worst in a while. If our normally gutless congress hadn't at least tried, I'd be ashamed to be an American. Now, I'm just ashamed that Bush is. Let's hear it for the Dixie Chicks.
Bush needs to get Blair and the Brits under control on this issue.

A Haggis For Everyone. Thanks John Angus Macsween. You'll Be Missed

“John Angus Macsween, managing director of Macsween's Haggis, passed away earlier this week at his home near Pathhead in Midlothian . . .Sixty-six-year-old Mr Macsween, . . . was the inventor of the world's first vegetarian haggis . . .”
The Greatest Scot would be proud. Thanks to MacGraham for the tip.

Iraq's Civil War Is Not News Anymore, but . . .

Iraq wasn't even mentioned on Google's main news page this morning. Apparently nothing has changed. Iraq is in a civil war, there is rampant corruption, and we, our children, and grandchildren couldn't afford this fiasco even if it had been moderately successful.

The Decider Decides To Hide

“President Bush personally blocked a Justice Department investigation of the anti-terror eavesdropping program that intercepts Americans' international calls and e-mails, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Tuesday.”

Hurling Schedule

WHEN YOU ARE IN DEEP SHIT, LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT & SAY NOTHING!!!

Unless you need to veto a bill that might help heal the sick, crippled and maimed.

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

Photograph by : Associated Press/Amel Emric

Our Allies

"Two-year-old Karim Qobeisi is treated in hospital in the southern market town of Nabatiyeh in Lebanon, Sunday, after he was injured during an Israeli airstrike whilst in his house, according to his father who was also injured. (AP/Mohammed Zaatari)"
“ . . . Israel has claimed a trophy never won before - Lebanon's spirit . . .
LEBANON has no air defences to speak of - no fighter planes or long-range surface-to-air missiles - so the Israeli Air Force can carve it up at its leisure.
The bombs come without warning, day and night, ripping through buildings, roads, offices, homes and refugee convoys.
Only afterwards do the shocked survivors hear the whisper of the jets, high above the reach of any ground fire, invisible in the summer haze.
At night you can see the fighter bombers: so confident are the pilots of their impunity that they pass over Beirut with their navigation lights on.
After four days of retaliation, the Israeli Government's tally stood at: a member of the Hezbollah militia, which started the whole business with its border raid last Wednesday, a bunch of Hezbollah offices and homes and more than 100 innocent men, women and children.
This was a reply to the deaths in action of 12 Israeli military personnel and four civilians, including a eight-year-old boy, killed by Hezbollah in subsequent exchanges of long-range fire.”

None Of This Bothers The Old Road Hog Nun

May the good Lord take a likin to ye.
This is the same dance that used to be at the volunteer fire hall before it burnt down. Turn your sound up and give a listen right cheer.

You'll Get It When You Pry Our Cold Dead Fingers From It.

Zarquawi and his ilk best hope is that the Koran really said white raisins. Virgil, with his new found tolerance, is not taking sides in the religious wars by posting this. There are nut Muslims, nut Christians, and even nut nuns. The Church of Rome has a despicable record with its treatment of women except for the veneration of Mary, and then it tries to contort her into a virgin. Nuns have it rough. A large percentage have sexual trauma in their past and the Church is of little help. It does not even support them financially as it does priests, even in retirement.

Valerie Plame Sues Cheney, Libby, Rove

You go girl! Here’s hoping you and yours get the last laugh. It would be good for you and your country. Full text of complaint.

A Great Man Was Born On This Lucky Day

There are none better than my Cousin Jim, who, in my opinion, like Jesus, walks on water.

Soccer -Soccim - Hurling is More Honest and Exciting

Zidane is the worlds best soccer player, butt give me the Bold Thady Quill and hurling any day.

mondial 2006 coup de boule de Zidane

The Video

Kiss of Death?

“Bush said he was not going to weigh in on Lieberman's primary race and declined to say whether he would support Lieberman if he ran as an independent. . . .When pressed about his liking Lieberman, Bush responded, ‘You're trying to get me to give him a political kiss, which may be his death.’”

Both George Allen & His Campaign Manager Are Dickwads

"Is this Dick the next Rove?"

". . .take a clue from DickWad(hams), Allen's campaign manager, who said something like, "If you avoid going negative, you do a disservice to the voters, because you're failing to point up the differences between the candidates."

The Club Takes Care of Its Own Again

"'. . . in a year where people are fed up with Washington, having a bunch of Washington politicians travel the state for Joe Lieberman will help at all, . . . It would only reinforce the idea that Joe is more about Washington than Connecticut.'"

Say it ain't so . . . Our position: Lieberman loses the moral high ground, . . .

See, also, Competing for Connecticut

What's Wrong With This Picture?

The picture is from the New York Times. The narrow, shallow, ignorant, bigoted views that inspired it are from a whole bunch of folks, many of whom hold high office.
"It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning." - Bill Watterson, comic strip artist (1958- ), in his comic strip Calvin & Hobbes

Does Cracker Barrel Give Crackers a Bad Name?

“Cracker Barrel Insists They Discriminate Against All Women, Not Just Lesbians. . .by Fake Gay News Staff 02/13/2006
In 1991, an internal memo was leaked in which a manager indicated the company should hire only employees who displayed the "normal heterosexual values which have been the foundation of families in our society." The company proceeded to fire 11 gay employees over the next several years, until they were forced by angry shareholders to adopt a non-discrimination policy in 2002.
Then in 2004, Cracker Barrel agreed to pay $8.7 million to settle federal lawsuits in Georgia that alleged black customers were subjected to racial slurs, denied service or segregated in smoking sections.
But Taylor insists this is all in the past. ‘The company has embraced a new policy of tolerance," he says firmly, and now accepts "white, male heterosexual employees of any gender, race, or sexual orientation.’”

Patti thinks that sexism goes beyond Cracker Barrel in our society. See, Private Green Planned His Attack -“The young women in our military, with this macho violent climate of terror, deserve double combat pay. The Department of Defense reports that there were ‘1,700 allegations of sexual assault involving service men and women in 2004. Reports of sexual assaults in 2005 increased 40 percent. The department attributes that to improved efforts to get victims to report incidents.’"

The More Things Change . . .

“Bush's simply admitting global warming exists isn't enough. Something must be done.”
We miss you Pogo.