FIXING ELECTIONS: THE FAILURE OF AMERICA'S WINNER-TAKE-ALL POLITICS by Steven Hill
People don't vote because in the present system most of the time their votes don't count. There are less than 50 contested House races this election.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Star Telegram | Molly Ivins | 09/26/2002 | A new kind of U.S. foreign policy
This is a different link to her take on the "toned down" new security policy of the United States. She does trace the roots further back than the Project for the New American Century.
This is a different link to her take on the "toned down" new security policy of the United States. She does trace the roots further back than the Project for the New American Century.
Counting Casualties - How many people would die in an Iraqi War? By Michael O'Hanlon Analysis of probable casualties, it depends is the safest answer but if it gets down to real fighting over 1,000 American dead.
United Press International: McBride gains on Gov. Bush in Florida
Still down but momentum with McBride ahead of debate.
Still down but momentum with McBride ahead of debate.
Bush speeds up environment reviews
Meanwhile "John Peter Suarez, an assistant administrator for enforcement issues with the Environmental Protection Agency, said federal statistics show that reviews have actually been going more quickly in recent years.
“One year has been shaved off the median time to process environmental documents for major projects” since 1998, when Congress approved the current federal highway program, Suarez said."
Meanwhile "John Peter Suarez, an assistant administrator for enforcement issues with the Environmental Protection Agency, said federal statistics show that reviews have actually been going more quickly in recent years.
“One year has been shaved off the median time to process environmental documents for major projects” since 1998, when Congress approved the current federal highway program, Suarez said."
Two big challenges complicate Iraq attack | csmonitor.com
Massive quick strikes planned to try to stop biological and chemical counter-attacks. A large Psych-Ops also planned to drive a wedge between Saddam and Iraqi troops while also warning of accountability after the war.
Massive quick strikes planned to try to stop biological and chemical counter-attacks. A large Psych-Ops also planned to drive a wedge between Saddam and Iraqi troops while also warning of accountability after the war.
Salon.com Politics | Joe Conason's JournalRush and Dittoheads and Faux News had already started a scandal of Democrats illegally taping Harkin opponent. Trouble is a Republican just confessed.
A quick, quirky coup? | csmonitor.com
Republicans can take control of Senate before January if they win Missouri.
Republicans can take control of Senate before January if they win Missouri.
Salon.com News | The arrogance of the Bush Doctrine Robert Scheer
The president's new foreign policy will only anger other countries, and provoke them to take their own "preemptive action."
The president's new foreign policy will only anger other countries, and provoke them to take their own "preemptive action."
Global progress in slashing poverty | csmonitor.com
While poverty is declining worldwide it is increasing in the United States under Bush.
While poverty is declining worldwide it is increasing in the United States under Bush.
Top 10 Reasons Not to "Do" Iraq
An August CATO Institute (major Libertarian) article against the war.
An August CATO Institute (major Libertarian) article against the war.
U.S. and Britain Drafting Resolution for Iraq Deadline
Gives about 2 month deadline, other permanent members not aboard.
"On a day when politics and a sense of war fever seemed to boil over in Washington, a senior administration official familiar with the drafting process said, "I personally don't think weapons inspectors will ever return to Iraq."
He said in an interview that "the president is not going to worry about the Security Council" because he will have all the authorization he needs from Congress.
"Once Congress acts, that's the final — that's all that has to happen in our system," the official said."
So the administration thinks if Congress approves the resolution it can bypass the UN?
Gives about 2 month deadline, other permanent members not aboard.
"On a day when politics and a sense of war fever seemed to boil over in Washington, a senior administration official familiar with the drafting process said, "I personally don't think weapons inspectors will ever return to Iraq."
He said in an interview that "the president is not going to worry about the Security Council" because he will have all the authorization he needs from Congress.
"Once Congress acts, that's the final — that's all that has to happen in our system," the official said."
So the administration thinks if Congress approves the resolution it can bypass the UN?
Washington Post - Attempting bipartisanship, Daschle begins to realize he is being "played for a fool" by an administration intent on making political gains. Senate Majority Leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-S.D.) blasted President Bush yesterday for "politicizing" the debate over national security and demanded he apologize for contending that the Democratic-controlled Senate is "not interested in the security of the American people."
Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) topped off a day of unusual vitriol by accusing Daschle of playing into Hussein's hands. "Who's the enemy here: the president of the United States or Saddam Hussein?" Lott said on the floor.
CBSNEWS - Poll, Americans do not want a rush to war. Before the president's speech to the U.N. September 12th, a majority of Americans said they wanted to give the U.N. more time. Now, almost two weeks afterward, they still do.
Yahoo AP - Chinese and French leaders on Thursday agreed that the United Nations should not authorize the use of force against Iraq unless Baghdad defies a demand for the return of weapons inspectors.
Riley for Congress. I would love to see DeLay gone, and Riley is a conservative businessman who would represent the district. The chances of it happening are remote, however. Even the extremely conservative Houston Chronicle can no longer stomach DeLay and has endorsed Riley.
In my own district, it looks like Chris Bell will win.
CBS News Dick Meyer - My Big Fat Iraq Debate "So in a nutshell, the "majority" and me certainly agree with the president that Saddam is a dire, unpredictable threat, but then he has been for a long time. And we agree that the President has made his position clear recently, but that hasn't had much impact on our assessment of the need for war against Iraq. The question "why now, exactly?" still looms."
Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) topped off a day of unusual vitriol by accusing Daschle of playing into Hussein's hands. "Who's the enemy here: the president of the United States or Saddam Hussein?" Lott said on the floor.
CBSNEWS - Poll, Americans do not want a rush to war. Before the president's speech to the U.N. September 12th, a majority of Americans said they wanted to give the U.N. more time. Now, almost two weeks afterward, they still do.
Yahoo AP - Chinese and French leaders on Thursday agreed that the United Nations should not authorize the use of force against Iraq unless Baghdad defies a demand for the return of weapons inspectors.
Riley for Congress. I would love to see DeLay gone, and Riley is a conservative businessman who would represent the district. The chances of it happening are remote, however. Even the extremely conservative Houston Chronicle can no longer stomach DeLay and has endorsed Riley.
In my own district, it looks like Chris Bell will win.
CBS News Dick Meyer - My Big Fat Iraq Debate "So in a nutshell, the "majority" and me certainly agree with the president that Saddam is a dire, unpredictable threat, but then he has been for a long time. And we agree that the President has made his position clear recently, but that hasn't had much impact on our assessment of the need for war against Iraq. The question "why now, exactly?" still looms."
ACLU - Safe and Free
in Times of Crisis Homeland Security Bill Step Backward; Demands Senate Include Civil Liberties Protections
They also oppose the Government Turning Neighbor Against Neighbor!
in Times of Crisis Homeland Security Bill Step Backward; Demands Senate Include Civil Liberties Protections
They also oppose the Government Turning Neighbor Against Neighbor!
Condi Rice now saying that the secret interrogation of al Queda prisioners is revealing links between them and Iraq. They have not presented this evidence to anyone before now and are releasing it on the PBS news show. She says the administration will provide details later.
" After Sept. 11, officials in the Czech Republic said Mohamed Atta, believed to have led the suicide hijacking attacks, had met with an Iraqi intelligence agent in Prague, which some viewed as a link between Iraq and the attacks. But U.S. officials have since said they doubt the meeting took place. The Iraqi government has been linked to other groups labeled terrorist by the United States, primarily those that oppose Iran and Israel."
" After Sept. 11, officials in the Czech Republic said Mohamed Atta, believed to have led the suicide hijacking attacks, had met with an Iraqi intelligence agent in Prague, which some viewed as a link between Iraq and the attacks. But U.S. officials have since said they doubt the meeting took place. The Iraqi government has been linked to other groups labeled terrorist by the United States, primarily those that oppose Iran and Israel."
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
NYTimes - The Sunshine Warrior An 8-page article on Paul D. Wolfowitz, the deputy secretary of defense, and one of the foremost war proponents.
Foreign Policy In Focus | Global Affairs Commentary | Chicken Hawks as Cheer Leaders
Obvious - those urging war have never served in war.
Obvious - those urging war have never served in war.
AlterNet: The War on Iraq Is a Runaway Train
The fact that an attack on Iraq seems irrational in light of the known facts; out of proportion to other existing threats; and a dangerous adventure risking continuing conflict throughout the region for years to come, appears irrelevant to the Bush administration. The Bush approach may be mistaken, irrational, self-defeating and illegal by basic international standards, but that doesn't matter -- no one is listening.
The fact that an attack on Iraq seems irrational in light of the known facts; out of proportion to other existing threats; and a dangerous adventure risking continuing conflict throughout the region for years to come, appears irrelevant to the Bush administration. The Bush approach may be mistaken, irrational, self-defeating and illegal by basic international standards, but that doesn't matter -- no one is listening.
NYTimes - Culture War With B-2's
Mr. Rumsfeld offered sophistry instead of a smoking gun: "I suggest that any who insist on perfect evidence are back in the 20th century and still thinking in pre-9/11 terms."
Ah, Rummy. Evidence, civil liberties, debating before we go to war . . . it's all sooo 20th century.
Mr. Rumsfeld offered sophistry instead of a smoking gun: "I suggest that any who insist on perfect evidence are back in the 20th century and still thinking in pre-9/11 terms."
Ah, Rummy. Evidence, civil liberties, debating before we go to war . . . it's all sooo 20th century.
NYTimes - 3 Retired Generals Warn of Peril in Attacking Iraq Without Backing of U.N.
But the three commanders, some of whom warned that a war with Iraq could detract from the campaign against terrorism, said the Bush administration must work harder to exhaust diplomatic options before resorting to unilateral military action to oust President Saddam Hussein and eliminate any weapons of mass destruction Iraq may have
But the three commanders, some of whom warned that a war with Iraq could detract from the campaign against terrorism, said the Bush administration must work harder to exhaust diplomatic options before resorting to unilateral military action to oust President Saddam Hussein and eliminate any weapons of mass destruction Iraq may have
WashPost - Louder War Talk, and Muffled Dissent (washingtonpost.com)
Democratic leadership faces rising opposition to the war from rank-and-file.
I saw Gore and Bush and McCain on television in the last several days.
While I admired and applauded Gore's stand and was very impressed with how he won over a crowd that seemed initially hesitant, he still seemed like a college professor. A great college professor but still a professor.
McCain surprised me with a principled support of Pax Americana - the soft idealistic side of America supporting democracy around the world.. I think the majority of the American people would most like him to be president. McCain also showed opposition to Bush's tax plan and the economic direction of our country. I had noticed that McCain was listed on the Project for the new American Century site but hadn't realized there was an idealistic perspective to creating an American Empire.
Bush is an idiot.
Democratic leadership faces rising opposition to the war from rank-and-file.
I saw Gore and Bush and McCain on television in the last several days.
While I admired and applauded Gore's stand and was very impressed with how he won over a crowd that seemed initially hesitant, he still seemed like a college professor. A great college professor but still a professor.
McCain surprised me with a principled support of Pax Americana - the soft idealistic side of America supporting democracy around the world.. I think the majority of the American people would most like him to be president. McCain also showed opposition to Bush's tax plan and the economic direction of our country. I had noticed that McCain was listed on the Project for the new American Century site but hadn't realized there was an idealistic perspective to creating an American Empire.
Bush is an idiot.
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
BT - Americans won't back a United States empire - September 18, 2002
"There are two major obstacles in the way of this New American Imperialism."
One "There is very little evidence to support the notion that the American people would be willing to support such an ambitious and costly Pax Americana project... Americans have traditionally been willing to fight wars based on the rules established in the Powell Doctrine, which assume a clear and present danger, the need to defend a national interest and, yes, an exit strategy. They want their wars to be devastating - but short."
Two "What happens when many US troops would have to do the 'policing', fighting and dying in Iraq, Iran and Palestine? That would make it necessary for the Americans at some point to reintroduce the military draft and test the willingness of the American people to serve as the New Imperialists."
"There are two major obstacles in the way of this New American Imperialism."
One "There is very little evidence to support the notion that the American people would be willing to support such an ambitious and costly Pax Americana project... Americans have traditionally been willing to fight wars based on the rules established in the Powell Doctrine, which assume a clear and present danger, the need to defend a national interest and, yes, an exit strategy. They want their wars to be devastating - but short."
Two "What happens when many US troops would have to do the 'policing', fighting and dying in Iraq, Iran and Palestine? That would make it necessary for the Americans at some point to reintroduce the military draft and test the willingness of the American people to serve as the New Imperialists."
Bush's bold gambit, awkward spot | csmonitor.com 47 percent of Americans say the US should send ground troops only with UN support, compared to 37 percent who believe it's OK to go ahead without it.
Military needs: quick forces, broad reach | csmonitor.com The Bush administration has formally put the world on notice that its approach to Iraq is not the exception – but rather the rule – of a new US national security doctrine.
csmonitor A Bush vision of Pax Americana
National strategy, released Friday, calls for US dominance to expand global peace.
csmonitor A Bush vision of Pax Americana
National strategy, released Friday, calls for US dominance to expand global peace.
HoustonChronicle.com - Politics seen in duel over David's fig leaf With poll
Republican social conservatives are banning books and art in Montgomery County.
Republican social conservatives are banning books and art in Montgomery County.
Yahoo! News - Democrats Seek Alternatives in Wording Authorizing War
So far, Republican criticism of the president's proposal has been muted, although Democrats say a number of Republicans have voiced worries about the wording of the resolution. Sen. Charles Grassley said, ""But I think it's very necessary for us to do all we can to urge the U.N. to be involved. It gives us not only moral authority, but more legal authority."
So far, Republican criticism of the president's proposal has been muted, although Democrats say a number of Republicans have voiced worries about the wording of the resolution. Sen. Charles Grassley said, ""But I think it's very necessary for us to do all we can to urge the U.N. to be involved. It gives us not only moral authority, but more legal authority."
NYTimes - Krugman: White Man's Burden
"There's a definite whiff of imperial ambition in the air once again....In the end, 19th-century imperialism was a diversion. It's hard not to suspect that the Bush doctrine is also a diversion — a diversion from the real issues of dysfunctional security agencies, a sinking economy, a devastated budget and a tattered relationship with our allies."
"There's a definite whiff of imperial ambition in the air once again....In the end, 19th-century imperialism was a diversion. It's hard not to suspect that the Bush doctrine is also a diversion — a diversion from the real issues of dysfunctional security agencies, a sinking economy, a devastated budget and a tattered relationship with our allies."
Belgians Lead Push for Regime Change in America, by Phil Lebovits - Democratic Underground
Again, trying to end with a little humor.
Again, trying to end with a little humor.
CNN.com In-Depth Specials - The Unfinished War
A CNN history of the aftermath of the war.
This is my friend Peter's phrase for the Iraq War. He feels we have the right to restart the war because of Saddam's non-compliance. That is the justification for the war, except the organization that had the legal right to force compliance is the United Nations, not the United States. I feel we need some kind of fig leaf from the United Nations in order to remain on the right side of this.
A CNN history of the aftermath of the war.
This is my friend Peter's phrase for the Iraq War. He feels we have the right to restart the war because of Saddam's non-compliance. That is the justification for the war, except the organization that had the legal right to force compliance is the United Nations, not the United States. I feel we need some kind of fig leaf from the United Nations in order to remain on the right side of this.
British Gulf War General Says Iraq Invasion 'Totally Unjustified'
It also looks like the UK, the only country whose government is really supportive of the war, has not been asked to and will not send troops.
It also looks like the UK, the only country whose government is really supportive of the war, has not been asked to and will not send troops.
GlobalSecurity.org
A very current military reference site on global security issues. Provides up to date articles and links and has a photo section.
A very current military reference site on global security issues. Provides up to date articles and links and has a photo section.
Clinton's statement announcing Operation Desert Fox
In 1998 Clinton attacked Iraq over its WMD program. Republicans and the right-wing media machine denounced him.
Another article here on Republican backlash.
“It's certainly rather suspicious timing,” said Rep. Tillie Fowler, R-Fla. “I think the president is shameless in what he would do to stay in office.”
“He's playing politics with national security,” said GOP consultant Alex Castellanos.
“What he's doing here,” said leading conservative activist Paul Weyrich, “is more of an impeachable offense than anything he is being charged with in Congress.”
“Both the timing and the policy are subject to question,” Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott.
In 1998 Clinton attacked Iraq over its WMD program. Republicans and the right-wing media machine denounced him.
Another article here on Republican backlash.
“It's certainly rather suspicious timing,” said Rep. Tillie Fowler, R-Fla. “I think the president is shameless in what he would do to stay in office.”
“He's playing politics with national security,” said GOP consultant Alex Castellanos.
“What he's doing here,” said leading conservative activist Paul Weyrich, “is more of an impeachable offense than anything he is being charged with in Congress.”
“Both the timing and the policy are subject to question,” Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott.
The following is from an email discussion I am having.
Saudi Arabia does not have nuclear weapons. I think that they
consider us their shield and do not think they need them.
http://cns.miis.edu/research/wmdme/saudi.htm
The Pax Americana doctrine of unilateral action, preemptive strikes,
and a strong military stationed around the world was developed by
conservative Republicans before Bush took office. I have a number of
links to this on my weblog. The official Bush policy is here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/20/politics/20STEXT_FULL.html
I feel Byrd and Gore are right. I thought the Gore speech was so good
I taped it off CSPAN. We are not objecting to taking out Saddam.
Far from it, everyone wants him gone. We object to the method because
it is dangerous to the rule of law, is not bipartisan, is
unilateralist, and until one statement by Rice recently, gave no
thought to what happens afterward. Democrats are stuck because, with
the war rhetoric heating up, they can't object to the methods without
being viewed as soft on terrorists.
On Byrd: Yes, Bush's timing of Iraq war rhetoric and suddenly forcing
the UN and the Senate to take action was political. The highly
organized Republican Party advises candidates to make an issue of the
war. Democrats have never been organized. "I belong to no organized
political party, I'm a Democrat" - Will Rogers.
http://www.wvgazette.com/display_story.php3?sid=200209213
On Buchanan: I agree - except for the attack on Clinton supposedly
trying to distract people with strikes on Iraq. Saddam was a threat
then but Republicans objected to even cruise missile attacks.
Democrats get blamed for not eliminating this threat earlier when
there was no support for even weak action.
http://www.mensnewsdaily.com/stories/buchanan091802.htm
There was some speculation about Iraq involvement in the 1994 World Trade Center
bombing but no evidence was ever presented and it was never
investigated. Iraq even jailed one person believed to be responsible.
I do not object to sending 100,000+ troops into Iraq after a rapid
bombing campaign that is a magnitude beyond anything ever done. I
object that we are doing it in a partisan, sudden and reckless manner.
I further object to an official doctrine that says 1) the President
can launch preemptive strikes against possible future threats and 2)
we will prevent any other country or bloc from having anything
approaching our power. Actually, I wonder if 2 is so objectionable
even if this will be deeply resented.
The reason our allies are not behind the US action against Iraq
is because of the manner in which it is being done - not because they
support Iraq.
Yes, the question should be, "What's the best way to take him out?"
This way is partisan, reckless and sets a bad precedent.
Prediction: when the President gets done fund raising he will give a
better speech written for him making a case to the American people,
the Democrats will support a restricted to Iraq resolution and we will
invade sometime between December and March. It is possible Saddam
will try to cut a deal that gives him his life in exchange for
surrender. Biological and chemical weapons may or may not be used if
Iraq is attacked.
Saudi Arabia does not have nuclear weapons. I think that they
consider us their shield and do not think they need them.
http://cns.miis.edu/research/wmdme/saudi.htm
The Pax Americana doctrine of unilateral action, preemptive strikes,
and a strong military stationed around the world was developed by
conservative Republicans before Bush took office. I have a number of
links to this on my weblog. The official Bush policy is here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/20/politics/20STEXT_FULL.html
I feel Byrd and Gore are right. I thought the Gore speech was so good
I taped it off CSPAN. We are not objecting to taking out Saddam.
Far from it, everyone wants him gone. We object to the method because
it is dangerous to the rule of law, is not bipartisan, is
unilateralist, and until one statement by Rice recently, gave no
thought to what happens afterward. Democrats are stuck because, with
the war rhetoric heating up, they can't object to the methods without
being viewed as soft on terrorists.
On Byrd: Yes, Bush's timing of Iraq war rhetoric and suddenly forcing
the UN and the Senate to take action was political. The highly
organized Republican Party advises candidates to make an issue of the
war. Democrats have never been organized. "I belong to no organized
political party, I'm a Democrat" - Will Rogers.
http://www.wvgazette.com/display_story.php3?sid=200209213
On Buchanan: I agree - except for the attack on Clinton supposedly
trying to distract people with strikes on Iraq. Saddam was a threat
then but Republicans objected to even cruise missile attacks.
Democrats get blamed for not eliminating this threat earlier when
there was no support for even weak action.
http://www.mensnewsdaily.com/stories/buchanan091802.htm
There was some speculation about Iraq involvement in the 1994 World Trade Center
bombing but no evidence was ever presented and it was never
investigated. Iraq even jailed one person believed to be responsible.
I do not object to sending 100,000+ troops into Iraq after a rapid
bombing campaign that is a magnitude beyond anything ever done. I
object that we are doing it in a partisan, sudden and reckless manner.
I further object to an official doctrine that says 1) the President
can launch preemptive strikes against possible future threats and 2)
we will prevent any other country or bloc from having anything
approaching our power. Actually, I wonder if 2 is so objectionable
even if this will be deeply resented.
The reason our allies are not behind the US action against Iraq
is because of the manner in which it is being done - not because they
support Iraq.
Yes, the question should be, "What's the best way to take him out?"
This way is partisan, reckless and sets a bad precedent.
Prediction: when the President gets done fund raising he will give a
better speech written for him making a case to the American people,
the Democrats will support a restricted to Iraq resolution and we will
invade sometime between December and March. It is possible Saddam
will try to cut a deal that gives him his life in exchange for
surrender. Biological and chemical weapons may or may not be used if
Iraq is attacked.
Monday, September 23, 2002
FT.com Home US
Condi Rice vows to rebuild Iraq as democracy.
U.S. Taking Steps to Ready Forces for Iraq Fighting
CIA will operate with special forces, F-18 Super-Hornets on station, coordination with Northern Kurds.
USATODAY.com - Support for Iraq mission conditional
79% Favor Invasion if UN approves, 69% if Congress approves, 38% say US should take on Iraq on its own.
Condi Rice vows to rebuild Iraq as democracy.
U.S. Taking Steps to Ready Forces for Iraq Fighting
CIA will operate with special forces, F-18 Super-Hornets on station, coordination with Northern Kurds.
USATODAY.com - Support for Iraq mission conditional
79% Favor Invasion if UN approves, 69% if Congress approves, 38% say US should take on Iraq on its own.
Bear Left!: War Fever
History reminds us that the passion of those clamoring for war does not always mean that their cause is wise, just, or sound. In 1898, 1957, and 1964, the rashness and brashness of our politicians and media led America astray. The Maine explosion was not caused by Spain, there was no missile gap, there was not an American, Vietnamese naval battle, there is now no evidence that Saddam is behind anti-US attacks and that it has nuclear weapons.
History reminds us that the passion of those clamoring for war does not always mean that their cause is wise, just, or sound. In 1898, 1957, and 1964, the rashness and brashness of our politicians and media led America astray. The Maine explosion was not caused by Spain, there was no missile gap, there was not an American, Vietnamese naval battle, there is now no evidence that Saddam is behind anti-US attacks and that it has nuclear weapons.
MSNBC War plans target Hussein power base
The most probable war options - 100,000+ initial troops - preceded by most massive air strike in history.
The most probable war options - 100,000+ initial troops - preceded by most massive air strike in history.
MSNBC ‘Secrets of the Tomb’ Excerpts from book about Bush's super-elite secret sociiety Skull and Bones.
London Sunday Herald Bush's replacements for Saddam would be just as bad.
"I examined my notes of the interviews I conducted with 82 Iraqi opposition leaders, and began identifying those on my list whose thinking resembles Saddam's. To my horror, I decided 75 of the people I interviewed were men who would kill to achieve their goal."
"I examined my notes of the interviews I conducted with 82 Iraqi opposition leaders, and began identifying those on my list whose thinking resembles Saddam's. To my horror, I decided 75 of the people I interviewed were men who would kill to achieve their goal."
Saturday, September 21, 2002
AlterNet: Bush Draft Resolution Rings False "the administration acts as if only days remain before mad-man Saddam unleashes Armageddon. If Bush is sitting on secret information that proves the necessity of dashing to war, he ought to find a way to make some of it public." Bush ain't no Kennedy.
Deliver Us From Evil By Michael Kinsley Skewering William J. Bennett
"there has never in our entire history been a proposition from which fewer Americans dissent than 'Osama Bin Laden is evil.' Calling terrorists 'evil' requires no courage and justifies no self-congratulatory puffing. It's just not a problem. But it's also not a solution."
"there has never in our entire history been a proposition from which fewer Americans dissent than 'Osama Bin Laden is evil.' Calling terrorists 'evil' requires no courage and justifies no self-congratulatory puffing. It's just not a problem. But it's also not a solution."
The Center for Security Policy "Message to Congress: A vote for UN approval is a vote for Saddam Hussein" Ridiculous, even has a particularly large and ugly picture of Saddam. Salon had previously pointed out that this group was part of partisan attempts to portray any deviation from Bush's plans as un-American and pro-terrorist.
Chris Matthews Final Column - Hail and farewell "So I'll say it: I hate this war that's coming in Iraq. I don't think we'll be proud of it. Oppose this war because it will create a millennium of hatred and the suicidal terrorism that comes with it. You talk about Bush trying to avenge his father. What about the tens of millions of Arab sons who will want to finish a fight we start next spring in Baghdad? "
After reading more of their papers, I am wondering if I have given too much credit to the Project for the New American Century and not enough to The Center for Security Policy on the creation of the present American foreign policy. Cheney and Rumsfeld were on the boards of both groups.
After reading more of their papers, I am wondering if I have given too much credit to the Project for the New American Century and not enough to The Center for Security Policy on the creation of the present American foreign policy. Cheney and Rumsfeld were on the boards of both groups.
Friday, September 20, 2002
I can't get fooled again.. Fool me once, shame on, ... shame on... you, fool me, fo, you can't get fooled again. Bush explaining his Iraq policy.
The Daily Show News Low Speed Connection
The Daily Show News High Speed Connection
Unknown Creator - The real Bush doctrine
Email your elected officials.
Write to your Representative and Senators at http://www.congress.org - put in your ZIP code, write, and your email or letter is sent. Elected officials do have staff who gauge sentiment on an issue. A good issue could be writing about the overly broad, rushed resolution of Bush's asking for authority to attack any country, anywhere, anytime in the Middle East.
The Daily Show News Low Speed Connection
The Daily Show News High Speed Connection
Unknown Creator - The real Bush doctrine
Email your elected officials.
Write to your Representative and Senators at http://www.congress.org - put in your ZIP code, write, and your email or letter is sent. Elected officials do have staff who gauge sentiment on an issue. A good issue could be writing about the overly broad, rushed resolution of Bush's asking for authority to attack any country, anywhere, anytime in the Middle East.
Mark Twain, "The Mysterious Stranger" (1910) excerpt:
The loud little handful - as usual - will shout for the war. The pulpit will - warily and cautiously - object... at first. The great, big, dull bulk of the nation will rub its sleepy eyes and try to make out why there should be a war, and will say, earnestly and indignantly, "It is unjust and dishonorable, and there is no necessity for it."
Then the handful will shout louder. A few fair men on the other side will argue and reason against the war with speech and pen, and at first will have a hearing and be applauded, but it will not last long; those others will outshout them, and presently the antiwar audiences will thin out and lose popularity.
Before long, you will see this curious thing: the speakers stoned from the platform, and free speech strangled by hordes of furious men...
Next the statesmen will invent cheap lies, putting the blame upon the nation that is attacked, and every man will be glad of those conscience-soothing falsities, and will diligently study them, and refuse to examine any refutations of them; and thus he will by and by convince himself that the war is just, and will thank God for the better sleep he enjoys after this process of grotesque self-deception.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arianna Huffington "What prompted the transformation in my political thinking"
Just as Bush and conservatives can believe there is Evil in the world I can read this and see Good.
The loud little handful - as usual - will shout for the war. The pulpit will - warily and cautiously - object... at first. The great, big, dull bulk of the nation will rub its sleepy eyes and try to make out why there should be a war, and will say, earnestly and indignantly, "It is unjust and dishonorable, and there is no necessity for it."
Then the handful will shout louder. A few fair men on the other side will argue and reason against the war with speech and pen, and at first will have a hearing and be applauded, but it will not last long; those others will outshout them, and presently the antiwar audiences will thin out and lose popularity.
Before long, you will see this curious thing: the speakers stoned from the platform, and free speech strangled by hordes of furious men...
Next the statesmen will invent cheap lies, putting the blame upon the nation that is attacked, and every man will be glad of those conscience-soothing falsities, and will diligently study them, and refuse to examine any refutations of them; and thus he will by and by convince himself that the war is just, and will thank God for the better sleep he enjoys after this process of grotesque self-deception.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arianna Huffington "What prompted the transformation in my political thinking"
Just as Bush and conservatives can believe there is Evil in the world I can read this and see Good.
Bush Seeks Sweeping War Powers "It's wide open," said Scott L. Silliman, director of Duke University's Center on Law, Ethics and National Security. "This resolutions says, 'Mr. President, you can use force anywhere to bring peace and stability anywhere'."
Common Dreams - Weapons of Silent Mass Destruction - the harmful effects of depleted uranium and other metals extensively used in modern munitions. Not mentioned is that this is probably the main cause of many "Gulf War Syndrome" cases.
NY Times - Full text of Bush's National Security Strategy. This will be extensively discussed in the coming weeks and years. I am trying to get time to compare it to the original 2000 Pax America plan.
Common Dreams - Weapons of Silent Mass Destruction - the harmful effects of depleted uranium and other metals extensively used in modern munitions. Not mentioned is that this is probably the main cause of many "Gulf War Syndrome" cases.
NY Times - Full text of Bush's National Security Strategy. This will be extensively discussed in the coming weeks and years. I am trying to get time to compare it to the original 2000 Pax America plan.
The Onion
WASHINGTON, DC—Vowing to "exact justice for the taking of innocent American lives," a determined and defiant President Bush deployed more than 14,000 ground troops to the West Nile Monday.
"We will hunt down and capture those who bring sickness and death to our shores," said Bush. "Nothing can deter us from bringing down these bloodsucking anti-American parasites."
Trying to end on a lighter note.
WASHINGTON, DC—Vowing to "exact justice for the taking of innocent American lives," a determined and defiant President Bush deployed more than 14,000 ground troops to the West Nile Monday.
"We will hunt down and capture those who bring sickness and death to our shores," said Bush. "Nothing can deter us from bringing down these bloodsucking anti-American parasites."
Trying to end on a lighter note.
A Good Poll Who is for war, who is opposed. Support for war eroding. Democrat political leaders stuck - their supporters don't want war but the Democratic Party reminds them what happened when they opposed Iraq War 1. If Democratic leaders avoid the rush to show support popular support may fade.
Salon - Iraq: The phantom menace
George W. Bush's war plans in the Middle East have more to do with elections than global security.
Salon - Iraq: The phantom menace
George W. Bush's war plans in the Middle East have more to do with elections than global security.
Common Dreams carried this Toronto Star Column
An Iron-Fisted Foreign Policy
Bush's Hard Line on Iraq Serves Notice That No Carthage Will Be Allowed to Rise to Challenge Today's Rome
by Richard Gwyn
"No Carthage will be allowed to arise to challenge today's Rome, nor any mini-Carthage as some "rogue state" might become, once equipped with even crude weapons of mass destruction.
Bush was giving notice that the U.S. will forever hopelessly outspend everyone else."
He also mentions that the U.S.' military budget is larger than those of the next 15 nations combined. The US also accounts for 80 per cent of all the world's military research so that it can fight wars that no one else can even yet imagine.
Common Dreams - President Bush Wants War, Not Justice - And He'll Soon Find Another Excuse For It
by Robert Fisk " Saddam's letter to Mr Annan was a smart move, as contemptuous as it was inevitable. Stand by, then, for an equally contemptible response from President Bush."
He also mentions "But for now, the Americans have been sandbagged. It will take at least 25 days to put the UN inspection team together, another 60 for their preliminary assessment – always assuming they are given "unfettered" access to all Iraqi government facilities -- then another 60 days for further inspections. In other words, George Bush's latest war has been delayed by more than five months. Saddam, of course, must have his own worries. Back in 1996, the Iraqis were already accusing the UN inspectorate of working with the Israelis.
Major Scott Ritter, Iraq's nemesis-turned-savior, was indeed – as an inspector – regularly traveling to Tel Aviv to consult Israeli intelligence. Then Saddam accused the UN inspectors of working for the CIA. And he was right. The United States, it emerged, was using the UN's Baghdad offices to bug Iraq's government communications. And once the inspectors were withdrawn in 1998 and the US and Britain launched "Operation Desert Fox", it turned out that virtually every one of the bombing targets had been visited by UN inspectors over the previous six months. Far from being an inspectorate, the UN lads – though they didn't all know it – had been acting as forward air controllers, drawing up an American hit list rather than monitoring compliance with UN resolutions."
An Iron-Fisted Foreign Policy
Bush's Hard Line on Iraq Serves Notice That No Carthage Will Be Allowed to Rise to Challenge Today's Rome
by Richard Gwyn
"No Carthage will be allowed to arise to challenge today's Rome, nor any mini-Carthage as some "rogue state" might become, once equipped with even crude weapons of mass destruction.
Bush was giving notice that the U.S. will forever hopelessly outspend everyone else."
He also mentions that the U.S.' military budget is larger than those of the next 15 nations combined. The US also accounts for 80 per cent of all the world's military research so that it can fight wars that no one else can even yet imagine.
Common Dreams - President Bush Wants War, Not Justice - And He'll Soon Find Another Excuse For It
by Robert Fisk " Saddam's letter to Mr Annan was a smart move, as contemptuous as it was inevitable. Stand by, then, for an equally contemptible response from President Bush."
He also mentions "But for now, the Americans have been sandbagged. It will take at least 25 days to put the UN inspection team together, another 60 for their preliminary assessment – always assuming they are given "unfettered" access to all Iraqi government facilities -- then another 60 days for further inspections. In other words, George Bush's latest war has been delayed by more than five months. Saddam, of course, must have his own worries. Back in 1996, the Iraqis were already accusing the UN inspectorate of working with the Israelis.
Major Scott Ritter, Iraq's nemesis-turned-savior, was indeed – as an inspector – regularly traveling to Tel Aviv to consult Israeli intelligence. Then Saddam accused the UN inspectors of working for the CIA. And he was right. The United States, it emerged, was using the UN's Baghdad offices to bug Iraq's government communications. And once the inspectors were withdrawn in 1998 and the US and Britain launched "Operation Desert Fox", it turned out that virtually every one of the bombing targets had been visited by UN inspectors over the previous six months. Far from being an inspectorate, the UN lads – though they didn't all know it – had been acting as forward air controllers, drawing up an American hit list rather than monitoring compliance with UN resolutions."
Thursday, September 19, 2002
NY Times - Way to go ACLU. Why don't you join it or the Electronic Freedom Foundation or the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund today?
Another link from NY Times : THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
"It's also not true that the public is solidly against taking on Saddam Hussein. What is true is that most Americans are perplexed. The most oft-asked question I heard was some variation of: "How come all of a sudden we have to launch a war against Saddam? I realize that he's thumbed his nose at the U.N., and he has dangerous weapons, but he's never threatened us, and, if he does, couldn't we just vaporize him? What worries me are Osama and the terrorists still out there." We can stop Saddam, we cannot stop the young Muslims, and the "young, angry undeterrables will blow us up long before Saddam ever does." Increasing peace, opportunity, and secular democracy will save us, not creating a fundamentalist war zone.
Another link from NY Times : THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
"It's also not true that the public is solidly against taking on Saddam Hussein. What is true is that most Americans are perplexed. The most oft-asked question I heard was some variation of: "How come all of a sudden we have to launch a war against Saddam? I realize that he's thumbed his nose at the U.N., and he has dangerous weapons, but he's never threatened us, and, if he does, couldn't we just vaporize him? What worries me are Osama and the terrorists still out there." We can stop Saddam, we cannot stop the young Muslims, and the "young, angry undeterrables will blow us up long before Saddam ever does." Increasing peace, opportunity, and secular democracy will save us, not creating a fundamentalist war zone.
Study Says Middle Class to Lose Much of Bush Tax Cut's Benefit The study found that 97 percent of families with two children and income of $75,000 to $100,000 would be forced off the regular income tax system by 2010. This shift in who pays the alternative tax explains, the authors said, why those making $75,000 to $200,000 will pay a larger share of all income taxes in 2010, while those making $1 million or more will pay less.
Yes, the massive Bush tax cut only goes to the rich.
Mathew Miller - WAR: KARL ROVE'S ULTIMATE WEDGE ISSUE
"One benefit of invading Iraq that conservatives speculate openly about is that it will tear the Democratic Party down the middle, as did Vietnam. A peace candidate in New Hampshire in 2004 is the new Republican fantasy. Serious Republican thinkers believe the only way for their party to achieve a governing majority is for the theme of war to be dominant. This is a fact, and whatever else you may think of it, it's a little scary."
This has been a brilliant Sun Tzu Art of War maneuver. The Pax Americana plan has the American Empire with a much stronger military engaged in regime change in many, many countries always preventing other powers from developing This will create a Spartan America always having to be on guard against terrorists.
Yes, the massive Bush tax cut only goes to the rich.
Mathew Miller - WAR: KARL ROVE'S ULTIMATE WEDGE ISSUE
"One benefit of invading Iraq that conservatives speculate openly about is that it will tear the Democratic Party down the middle, as did Vietnam. A peace candidate in New Hampshire in 2004 is the new Republican fantasy. Serious Republican thinkers believe the only way for their party to achieve a governing majority is for the theme of war to be dominant. This is a fact, and whatever else you may think of it, it's a little scary."
This has been a brilliant Sun Tzu Art of War maneuver. The Pax Americana plan has the American Empire with a much stronger military engaged in regime change in many, many countries always preventing other powers from developing This will create a Spartan America always having to be on guard against terrorists.
Free Speech TV America's Growing War in the Philippines --- The Next Vietnam?
The US is dramatically increasing it's military deployment. At first the rationale was to train Philippine troops to fight the Abu Sayaf, a bandit and kidnapping gang with ties to the Philippine military. But over the last several months the US advisors have gone from 160 to over 1000. And the US is putting a full court press on the government of President Gloria Arroyo to permit reopening of Clark and Subic bases, which the US was forced to abandon in the early 80s in response to massive popular pressure.
Part of the Pax Americana plan is to expand bases in South East Asia.
The US is dramatically increasing it's military deployment. At first the rationale was to train Philippine troops to fight the Abu Sayaf, a bandit and kidnapping gang with ties to the Philippine military. But over the last several months the US advisors have gone from 160 to over 1000. And the US is putting a full court press on the government of President Gloria Arroyo to permit reopening of Clark and Subic bases, which the US was forced to abandon in the early 80s in response to massive popular pressure.
Part of the Pax Americana plan is to expand bases in South East Asia.
HA"ARETZ NEWS Ritter in an interview says an Iraqi War would be a disaster for IIsrael. It would open the door for an Iraqi attack on Israel, whether conventional or nonconventional; it would undermine regional stability and tilt Arab public opinion even further against the U.S. and Israel; and it would increase terrorism inside Israel.
Reuters Worldcom expected to announce billions more in additional accounting errors. They are already writing down over $50 billion.
Reuters Worldcom expected to announce billions more in additional accounting errors. They are already writing down over $50 billion.
Switzerland joins the UN I overlooked on September 11th that Switzerland has finally joined the United Nations.
AlterNet: Baghdad, September 2002: City of Doom I can hear the raspy and prophetic voice of Sen. Wayne Morse, who voted against the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, roaring 38 years ago: "I don't know why we think, just because we're mighty, that we have the right to try to substitute might for right."
Battle continues over vet benefits Bush threatens veto if vets can collect disability and retirement like other federal workers.
AlterNet: Baghdad, September 2002: City of Doom I can hear the raspy and prophetic voice of Sen. Wayne Morse, who voted against the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, roaring 38 years ago: "I don't know why we think, just because we're mighty, that we have the right to try to substitute might for right."
Battle continues over vet benefits Bush threatens veto if vets can collect disability and retirement like other federal workers.
London Review of Books | Michael Byers : Jumping the Gun The international law on attacking Iraq - no, it is a Security Council problem and Bush would create a damn dangerous precedent undoing over a century of international law.
Marching as to war Opponents can attack on every front: intellectual, political, moral, practical and strategic.
More on Pax Americana
Guardian Unlimited | Columnists | Jonathan Freedland: Rome, AD ... Rome, DC? British serious discusion about Pax Americana.
Bear Left!: Mister Clean Tacitus quotes the Scottish leader Calgacus as saying "solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant": they create a desert, and call it peace. Calgacus accurately portrayed an important aspect of the Pax Romana. Assuming our records survive the next nineteen centuries, what will history tell of the Pax Americana?
Guardian Unlimited | Columnists | Jonathan Freedland: Rome, AD ... Rome, DC? British serious discusion about Pax Americana.
Bear Left!: Mister Clean Tacitus quotes the Scottish leader Calgacus as saying "solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant": they create a desert, and call it peace. Calgacus accurately portrayed an important aspect of the Pax Romana. Assuming our records survive the next nineteen centuries, what will history tell of the Pax Americana?
Out of Control Hysteria Increasing Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/19/2002 | Profiling charged on 'nightmare' flight
News-Press.com Tape shows South Florida men paid - probably overpaid. Out of Control Hysteria.
News-Press.com Tape shows South Florida men paid - probably overpaid. Out of Control Hysteria.
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Ozone News - Those pesky environmentalists did it again, the ozone hole looks like it is closing. It might be cured by 2050 if CFC'c are still regulated and rising greenhouse gasses don't stop the process. Don't tell the DittoHeads, they still don't believe there is a hole. Of course, they don't live in Australia where teachers have to make sure children put on sunscreen before going outside at recess.
Times Online New Office of Global Communications will launch $200 million PR Blitz at home and abroad to justify attacking Iraq.
Health and Human Services Replacing Science Advisors with Pro-Business newcomers.(washingtonpost.com) This is wrong but expected.
Philadelphia Daily News - Flight 93 recorder tape ends 3 minutes before plane crashed? I read in in a recent interview that Rice was in the command center and they had just given orders to scramble military jets when word was received the flight was down. For 30 minutes she said everyone had a sick feeling that we had shot it down before word came back we didn't. I believe it was downed in the struggle but this is how conspiracy theories start.
Washington Post - Two things. One, Republican strategists are moving candidates to run on attacking Iraq now compared to those wusses the Democrats. Two, Lockheed-Martin, the world's largest military contractor, is running ads on the Washington Post web page directing viewers to this F-22 website. As I have pointed out previously Lockheed Martin appears to be one of the supports of Pax Americana, the Republican plan for a century of America as the world Empire.
Salon - The Moonie propaganda story against the NEA that won't die. The NEA "blaming America first" has been shown to be a lie several times but the right-wing media bias network continues to spread the lie because it fits their fantasy world view.
Joe Conason's Journal - More crony capitalism in Texas, the Bush created University of Texas Investment Management Company. Plus: Will Iraq hawks take yes for an answer? And why Superman is mad at George W. Bush.
William Greider - Talks about corporate influence, term limits, and the Imperial United States.
Geov Parrish - We will go to war, the only untold story is how much this "Imperial Adventurism" is going to cost.
Alternet - Testimony to Congress about the cost of the war. Add it all up and it is probably $200 billion plus.
Borowitz - IRAQ AGREES TO WEAPONS INSPECTIONS; CHENEY BEGS THEM TO RECONSIDER. Don’t Make Any Hasty Decisions, Vice President Urges Saddam. Nice to see some humor in this.
Times Online New Office of Global Communications will launch $200 million PR Blitz at home and abroad to justify attacking Iraq.
Health and Human Services Replacing Science Advisors with Pro-Business newcomers.(washingtonpost.com) This is wrong but expected.
Philadelphia Daily News - Flight 93 recorder tape ends 3 minutes before plane crashed? I read in in a recent interview that Rice was in the command center and they had just given orders to scramble military jets when word was received the flight was down. For 30 minutes she said everyone had a sick feeling that we had shot it down before word came back we didn't. I believe it was downed in the struggle but this is how conspiracy theories start.
Washington Post - Two things. One, Republican strategists are moving candidates to run on attacking Iraq now compared to those wusses the Democrats. Two, Lockheed-Martin, the world's largest military contractor, is running ads on the Washington Post web page directing viewers to this F-22 website. As I have pointed out previously Lockheed Martin appears to be one of the supports of Pax Americana, the Republican plan for a century of America as the world Empire.
Salon - The Moonie propaganda story against the NEA that won't die. The NEA "blaming America first" has been shown to be a lie several times but the right-wing media bias network continues to spread the lie because it fits their fantasy world view.
Joe Conason's Journal - More crony capitalism in Texas, the Bush created University of Texas Investment Management Company. Plus: Will Iraq hawks take yes for an answer? And why Superman is mad at George W. Bush.
William Greider - Talks about corporate influence, term limits, and the Imperial United States.
Geov Parrish - We will go to war, the only untold story is how much this "Imperial Adventurism" is going to cost.
Alternet - Testimony to Congress about the cost of the war. Add it all up and it is probably $200 billion plus.
Borowitz - IRAQ AGREES TO WEAPONS INSPECTIONS; CHENEY BEGS THEM TO RECONSIDER. Don’t Make Any Hasty Decisions, Vice President Urges Saddam. Nice to see some humor in this.
A Crack House Divided A former conservative Republican, now compassionate moderate, calls Jeb Bush on his drug policies.
"Of course, Jeb's wildly inconsistent attitude on the issue -- treatment and privacy for his daughter, incarceration and public humiliation for everyone else -- is part and parcel of the galling hypocrisy that infects America's insane drug war on every level."
Remember John O'Neill
"Clinton's advisors met nearly weekly on how to stop bin Laden...I didn't detect that kind of focus from the Bush administration."
- Two Star General Donald Kerrick
"In August 2001, FBI Deputy Director John O'Neill resigned from his post over George W. Bush's policy on terrorism and Osama bin Laden. Specifically, O'Neill's department was told to "back off" their bin Laden and Al Queda investigations while the Bush administration negotiated with the Taliban. O'Neill became the security chief of the World Trade Center - where he died during the events of 9/11."
"Of course, Jeb's wildly inconsistent attitude on the issue -- treatment and privacy for his daughter, incarceration and public humiliation for everyone else -- is part and parcel of the galling hypocrisy that infects America's insane drug war on every level."
Remember John O'Neill
"Clinton's advisors met nearly weekly on how to stop bin Laden...I didn't detect that kind of focus from the Bush administration."
- Two Star General Donald Kerrick
"In August 2001, FBI Deputy Director John O'Neill resigned from his post over George W. Bush's policy on terrorism and Osama bin Laden. Specifically, O'Neill's department was told to "back off" their bin Laden and Al Queda investigations while the Bush administration negotiated with the Taliban. O'Neill became the security chief of the World Trade Center - where he died during the events of 9/11."
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
How Clinton created 8 years of economic miracles. Note that on some major issues he did not have a single Republican vote.
In contrast to The Nation, BuzzFlash Report follows the Drudge Report model. Short sentences that are hyperlinks. The Drudge Report is the most popular conservative weblog. It has created the mold for the most popular short-attention-span topics-of-the-day blogs. The model necessitates predominately sentence fragments, occasional sentences, very rarely two sentences. BuzzFlash follows that model. I have made BuzzFlash report my first permanent front page link. It provides the liberal/progressive perspective on important topics of the day.
The Nation has added these online columns they are calling weblogs. They are not. They are online irregular columns. If they added hyperlinks they would be weblogs. I like the idea of The Nation having rapid response columns but they should not call them weblogs.
An article about the coming Democratic majority. All of the demographic groups that are majority Democratic are growing, the Republican groups are shrinking. There is little Republicans can do about it. The Bush brothers actually are better than most by trying to appeal to hispanics to vote Republican. This has not been that successful in the majority of Republican races.
I don't want get into Iraq now or even about the Bush gang plans for an Imperial United States. Interesting, moving away from saying that the United States is a Republic, not a Democracy to saying the United States is an Empire just indicates who is running the Republican party now. Instead I'll point you to Paul Krugman, award winning economist, who has a clear explanation of why the Bush tax cut was a huge mistake as he said when it was proposed. Deficits all the way out even with the reductions in benefits each year built into the projections.
Monday, September 16, 2002
the bitter shackzilla of resentment - Dick Cheney vs. Nelson Mandela Our unelected VP Dick Cheney, one of the main leaders on the "War on Terrorism", branded Nelson Mandela still a "terrorist" back in 1985. That was when even most of the conservative House was considering him a hero. Should we question his qualifications to define a "terrorist"?
Yahoo News - Iraq accepts UN weapons inspectors with no conditions. Wait, wasn't someone just giving speeches about how that would never happen? It will be interesting to see the spin tomorrow.
Yahoo News - Iraq accepts UN weapons inspectors with no conditions. Wait, wasn't someone just giving speeches about how that would never happen? It will be interesting to see the spin tomorrow.
Wired - Lists some of the fundamental legal rights America gave up with the Patriot Act.
I have never protested or marched. I am reconsidering. On 9/28 there is a planned Bush protest in Houston..
FAS - The $3.8 Billion in anti-terrorist aid since 9/11 has been going to some unsavory regimes and questionable anti-terrorist activities.
Czech Economic News - “IN 20 YEARS MY FILM WILL BE BANNED” In an interview about his film on the anarchist author "Uncle Fester", director Robert Ellman says "with the new global era of terrorism, in which the less developed misuse the scientific achievements of the developed, it will be rather difficult for the representatives of the developed to tolerate freedom of speech to this degree. Probably, all published literature will be under stricter control". If this is the legacy of 9/11 then the terrorists have won.
UK Independent News - Rebel Labor party members may force a Parliament vote. Blair may yet get a vote of no-confidence out of this.
I have never protested or marched. I am reconsidering. On 9/28 there is a planned Bush protest in Houston..
FAS - The $3.8 Billion in anti-terrorist aid since 9/11 has been going to some unsavory regimes and questionable anti-terrorist activities.
Czech Economic News - “IN 20 YEARS MY FILM WILL BE BANNED” In an interview about his film on the anarchist author "Uncle Fester", director Robert Ellman says "with the new global era of terrorism, in which the less developed misuse the scientific achievements of the developed, it will be rather difficult for the representatives of the developed to tolerate freedom of speech to this degree. Probably, all published literature will be under stricter control". If this is the legacy of 9/11 then the terrorists have won.
UK Independent News - Rebel Labor party members may force a Parliament vote. Blair may yet get a vote of no-confidence out of this.
US Representative Ron Paul - Some questions that won't be asked about a war with Iraq.
I had attempted to follow a misspelled link to the Project for the New American Century website. It, and its archives, have been on the web all along. As someone who is interested in military strategy, I may have some good things to say about the site later. This does not mean that the basic premise of creating a Spartan-like American Empire is right. I would also disagree with the almost 20% increase in the military budget as well as with some of the recommended actions they suggest.
I had attempted to follow a misspelled link to the Project for the New American Century website. It, and its archives, have been on the web all along. As someone who is interested in military strategy, I may have some good things to say about the site later. This does not mean that the basic premise of creating a Spartan-like American Empire is right. I would also disagree with the almost 20% increase in the military budget as well as with some of the recommended actions they suggest.
Common Dreams - "A SECRET blueprint for US global domination reveals that President Bush and his cabinet were planning a premeditated attack on Iraq to secure 'regime change' even before he took power in January 2001."
Knowledge is moving up the pre-major news media food chain.
Flash! Project For The New American Century is back on the web.
Knowledge is moving up the pre-major news media food chain.
Flash! Project For The New American Century is back on the web.
I oppose growing government intrusion into the personal lives of U.S. citizens. That is a libertarian position.
I oppose the growing concentration of power in a few large corporations. That is a liberal position.
On to the news, what a mess the television news medium made of the South Florida scare. The Miami Herald documents how wrong they got it.
London Times - An Iraqi nuclear scientist defector says they will have nuclear weapons by Christmas. If this is not disinformation it is very troubling.
Washington Post As predicted and expected, Democrats are questioning Bush's timing on Iraq. Factual article makes the case.
I oppose the growing concentration of power in a few large corporations. That is a liberal position.
On to the news, what a mess the television news medium made of the South Florida scare. The Miami Herald documents how wrong they got it.
London Times - An Iraqi nuclear scientist defector says they will have nuclear weapons by Christmas. If this is not disinformation it is very troubling.
Washington Post As predicted and expected, Democrats are questioning Bush's timing on Iraq. Factual article makes the case.
Sunday, September 15, 2002
On the morning of September 10, 2001, New Yorkers could have heard the Deputy Executive Director, Project for the New American Century explaining the need for a new American Empire on NPR. A year later their plan has been revealed as the driving force behind the policies of this administration.
The Project for the New American Century is dedicated to pioneering "a new proud American Imperialism".
Did you want to find out more?
Too bad if you were looking for the primary source materials on the web. The Project For A New American Century Organization is no longer on the web and they have removed themselves from the Internet Archives. Someone must have pointed out it would not be good public or international relations now that their plan is in operation.
Some information is available:
Here is a letter from them posted last September 20th.
Here and here were grants they received from some foundations.
Here the journal Current Concerns discusses the people shaping foreign policy with Rumsfeld and the next page shows how they were all developers of the Project for the New American Century.
In a pre-9/11 article here it is mentioned how Bruce Jackson, Vice President of Lockheed Martin, the world's largest military corporation, is one of the group's directors.
The short but still best available information is here:
U.S. Foreign Policy -
Attention, Right Face, Forward March
By Tom Barry and Jim Lobe
Notice that the above article on the foreign policy plan of this administration, created back in 1997 -1999 by a coalition of the big Republican conservative blocs, was written in April of this year.
Isolated voices have been warning of this PNAC crew since immediately after September 11th. Hey, when the CIA thinks you are right-wing nuts... From the Village Voice, Nov. 21-27, 2001, "the Agency's old Afghan and Middle East hands marvel at what they consider lunacy. "The Agency as an institution would never offer up a view of these people, but if you ask individuals, they think these guys are more than a little nuts," says a veteran of the CIA's Directorate of Operations."
The PNAC have not yet converted all the American Military-Strategic Think Tanks to their vision of Pax Americana. Large, permanent forces stationed in the middle east, central Asia, and southeast Asia to prevent any enemies, no matter how small, from threatening the new American global Empire is not in everyone's vision. Here is one from Seattle who disagrees. But, as even he writes, he seems to be "an anti-war movement of one".
Thomas Donnelly, Deputy Executive Director of the Project for the New American Century, writing for the magazine Foreign Affairs:
"THE FACT OF A (ONE-WORLD) AMERICAN EMPIRE IS HARDLY DEBATED THESE DAYS. Even those who fear and oppose it - in this country, the libertarian right and the remnants of the new left; abroad, a variety of voices from Paris to Baghdad to Beijing - define international politics almost entirely in relation to U.S. power, and especially U.S. military power. The 'unipolar moment' has become a unipolar decade and, with a little effort and a little wisdom, it COULD LAST MUCH LONGER."
Do you honestly think this administration has even "a little wisdom"?
Wow, I had started this research just looking to see if the Homeland Security Cultural Bureau was "real" like the conservative front group Americans for Victory Over Terrorism or an elaborate practical joke and I serendipitied into this.
The Project for the New American Century is dedicated to pioneering "a new proud American Imperialism".
Did you want to find out more?
Too bad if you were looking for the primary source materials on the web. The Project For A New American Century Organization is no longer on the web and they have removed themselves from the Internet Archives. Someone must have pointed out it would not be good public or international relations now that their plan is in operation.
Some information is available:
Here is a letter from them posted last September 20th.
Here and here were grants they received from some foundations.
Here the journal Current Concerns discusses the people shaping foreign policy with Rumsfeld and the next page shows how they were all developers of the Project for the New American Century.
In a pre-9/11 article here it is mentioned how Bruce Jackson, Vice President of Lockheed Martin, the world's largest military corporation, is one of the group's directors.
The short but still best available information is here:
Attention, Right Face, Forward March
By Tom Barry and Jim Lobe
Notice that the above article on the foreign policy plan of this administration, created back in 1997 -1999 by a coalition of the big Republican conservative blocs, was written in April of this year.
Isolated voices have been warning of this PNAC crew since immediately after September 11th. Hey, when the CIA thinks you are right-wing nuts... From the Village Voice, Nov. 21-27, 2001, "the Agency's old Afghan and Middle East hands marvel at what they consider lunacy. "The Agency as an institution would never offer up a view of these people, but if you ask individuals, they think these guys are more than a little nuts," says a veteran of the CIA's Directorate of Operations."
The PNAC have not yet converted all the American Military-Strategic Think Tanks to their vision of Pax Americana. Large, permanent forces stationed in the middle east, central Asia, and southeast Asia to prevent any enemies, no matter how small, from threatening the new American global Empire is not in everyone's vision. Here is one from Seattle who disagrees. But, as even he writes, he seems to be "an anti-war movement of one".
Thomas Donnelly, Deputy Executive Director of the Project for the New American Century, writing for the magazine Foreign Affairs:
"THE FACT OF A (ONE-WORLD) AMERICAN EMPIRE IS HARDLY DEBATED THESE DAYS. Even those who fear and oppose it - in this country, the libertarian right and the remnants of the new left; abroad, a variety of voices from Paris to Baghdad to Beijing - define international politics almost entirely in relation to U.S. power, and especially U.S. military power. The 'unipolar moment' has become a unipolar decade and, with a little effort and a little wisdom, it COULD LAST MUCH LONGER."
Do you honestly think this administration has even "a little wisdom"?
Wow, I had started this research just looking to see if the Homeland Security Cultural Bureau was "real" like the conservative front group Americans for Victory Over Terrorism or an elaborate practical joke and I serendipitied into this.
Scottish Sunday Herald
If this report is true this is unbelievable. I have been talking about a "Pax Americana" doctrine for years and it appears the current administration leadership planned it, with the same name, at a Conservative think tank.
Selections:
US must "discourage advanced industrial nations from challenging our leadership or even aspiring to a larger regional or global role."
Peace-keeping missions demand "American political leadership rather than that of the United Nations."
Even should Saddam pass from the scene "bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will remain permanently."
Iran "may well prove as large a threat to US interests as Iraq has."
China is highlighted for "regime change" and "it is time to increase the presence of American forces in southeast Asia."
Encourages US development of "advanced forms of biological warfare that can 'target' specific genotypes."
“A Reaganite policy of military strength and moral clarity may not be fashionable today. But it is necessary if the US is to build on the successes of this past century and ensure our security and greatness in the next.”
Another good link on this topic.
As one of the first popular right wing bloggers says
Developing.
"A SECRET blueprint for US global domination reveals that President Bush and his cabinet were planning a premeditated attack on Iraq to secure 'regime change' even before he took power in January 2001."
If this report is true this is unbelievable. I have been talking about a "Pax Americana" doctrine for years and it appears the current administration leadership planned it, with the same name, at a Conservative think tank.
Selections:
US must "discourage advanced industrial nations from challenging our leadership or even aspiring to a larger regional or global role."
Peace-keeping missions demand "American political leadership rather than that of the United Nations."
Even should Saddam pass from the scene "bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will remain permanently."
Iran "may well prove as large a threat to US interests as Iraq has."
China is highlighted for "regime change" and "it is time to increase the presence of American forces in southeast Asia."
Encourages US development of "advanced forms of biological warfare that can 'target' specific genotypes."
“A Reaganite policy of military strength and moral clarity may not be fashionable today. But it is necessary if the US is to build on the successes of this past century and ensure our security and greatness in the next.”
Another good link on this topic.
As one of the first popular right wing bloggers says
Developing.
Religious and Public Stations Battle for Share of Radio Dial I had wondered why KPFT was no longer also in College Station. I was visiting my Dad's and the Houston signal fades out. The non-profit Christian stations have found that they can kick non-profit repeater stations off the air if they build a real station. Wildmon has been a big problem for diversity and intelligent shows for years. I want to encourage local stations but in many cases these small towns are getting multiple religious stations and alternative news sources are disappearing. The other real problem is that while the rules were probably designed to encourage local content - the new religious stations are in fact repeater stations in all but name. Two new stations in one community ihave one employee to flip the switches and pick up the satellite feed. Perhaps NPR and Pacifica didn't realize all they needed to do was to hire one part-time person and they could be a local station?
Support KPFT or KUHF in Houston.
Support KPFT or KUHF in Houston.
Bushwatch with some great art this week.
From You might be a Republican if you believe that 50,456,169 is more than 50,996,116.
From You might be a Republican if you believe that 50,456,169 is more than 50,996,116.
Washington Post - Liberty Wins - For Now - There is a good demonstration of how the balance of powers is working in the United States right now. European states are losing civil liberties since 9/11 while some of the excesses of the Bush/Ashcroft/Rumsfeld gang are being overturned by the courts. This is not proceeding very fast and they may not overturn them all but this is how a good system should work. I am a balance-of-power-ocrat, as I had briefly mentioned in one of my earlier posts. Justice is not swift and it is not sure but it is a good balance to undemocratic executives.
WarbloggerWatch looks like it could be a useful site to keep an eye on. Except I wonder if they would think I am a switch hitter. I actually think that comply or else weapons inspectors with US forces backing them up is the best way out of this mess. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Iraq Plan - pdf.
WarbloggerWatch looks like it could be a useful site to keep an eye on. Except I wonder if they would think I am a switch hitter. I actually think that comply or else weapons inspectors with US forces backing them up is the best way out of this mess. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Iraq Plan - pdf.
Saturday, September 14, 2002
The American Prospect - Emily's list is getting criticism for dividing progressive candidates, not compromising to elect a better but not perfect candidate, and having too strict of a litmus test on abortion. I am just glad that there are some liberal PAC's to counter the more pervasive conservative ones. A better solution is much more effective campaign finance laws.
LA Times - As expected, American citizens tax dollars are bribing support for foreign allies in this coming war.
Someone else is troubled by the "prospect of eternal war" supporting a Imperial United States.
Dave Winer, who is on my favorites list and will be pointed to when I add a link section to this page, is against the war with Iraq.
LA Times - As expected, American citizens tax dollars are bribing support for foreign allies in this coming war.
Someone else is troubled by the "prospect of eternal war" supporting a Imperial United States.
Dave Winer, who is on my favorites list and will be pointed to when I add a link section to this page, is against the war with Iraq.
Friday, September 13, 2002
A Prayer for America - From Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich:
Let us pray that our nation will remember that the unfolding of the promise of democracy in our nation paralleled the striving for civil rights. That is why we must challenge the rationale of the Patriot Act. We must ask why should America put aside guarantees of constitutional justice?
How can we justify in effect canceling the First Amendment and the right of free speech, the right to peaceably assemble?
How can we justify in effect canceling the Fourth Amendment, probable cause, the prohibitions against unreasonable search and seizure?
How can we justify in effect canceling the Fifth Amendment, nullifying due process, and allowing for indefinite incarceration without a trial?
How can we justify in effect canceling the Sixth Amendment, the right to prompt and public trial?
How can we justify in effect canceling the Eighth Amendment which protects against cruel and unusual punishment?
We cannot justify widespread wiretaps and internet surveillance without judicial supervision, let alone with it. We cannot justify secret searches without a warrant. We cannot justify giving the Attorney General the ability to designate domestic terror groups. We cannot justify giving the FBI total access to any type of data which may exist in any system anywhere such as medical records and financial records.
We cannot justify giving the CIA the ability to target people in this country for intelligence surveillance. We cannot justify a government which takes from the people our right to privacy and then assumes for its own operations a right to total secrecy. The Attorney General recently covered up a statue of Lady Justice showing her bosom as if to underscore there is no danger of justice exposing herself at this time, before this administration.
Let us pray that our nation's leaders will not be overcome with fear. Because today there is great fear in our great Capitol. And this must be understood before we can ask about the shortcomings of Congress in the current environment. The great fear began when we had to evacuate the Capitol on September 11. It continued when we had to leave the Capitol again when a bomb scare occurred as members were pressing the CIA during a secret briefing. It continued when we abandoned Washington when anthrax, possibly from a government lab, arrived in the mail. It continued when the Attorney General declared a nationwide terror alert and then the Administration brought the destructive Patriot Bill to the floor of the House. It continued in the release of the Bin Laden tapes at the same time the President was announcing the withdrawal from the ABM treaty. It remains present in the cordoning off of the Capitol. It is present in the camouflaged armed national guardsmen who greet members of Congress each day we enter the Capitol campus. It is present in the labyrinth of concrete barriers through which we must pass each time we go to vote. The trappings of a state of siege trap us in a state of fear, ill equipped to deal with the Patriot Games, the Mind Games, the War Games of an unelected President and his unelected Vice President.
Let us pray that our country will stop this war. "To promote the common defense" is one of the formational principles of America. Our Congress gave the President the ability to respond to the tragedy of September the Eleventh. We licensed a response to those who helped bring the terror of September the Eleventh. But we the people and our elected representatives must reserve the right to measure the response, to proportion the response, to challenge the response, and to correct the response.
Because we did not authorize the invasion of Iraq.
We did not authorize the invasion of Iran.
We did not authorize the invasion of North Korea.
We did not authorize the bombing of civilians in Afghanistan.
We did not authorize permanent detainees in Guantanamo Bay.
We did not authorize the withdrawal from the Geneva Convention.
We did not authorize military tribunals suspending due process and habeas corpus.
We did not authorize assassination squads.
We did not authorize the resurrection of COINTELPRO.
We did not authorize the repeal of the Bill of Rights.
We did not authorize the revocation of the Constitution.
We did not authorize national identity cards.
We did not authorize the eye of Big Brother to peer from cameras throughout our cities.
We did not authorize an eye for an eye.
Nor did we ask that the blood of innocent people, who perished on September 11, be avenged with the blood of innocent villagers in Afghanistan.
We did not authorize the administration to wage war anytime, anywhere, anyhow it pleases.
We did not authorize war without end.
We did not authorize a permanent war economy.
Yet we are upon the threshold of a permanent war economy. The President has requested a $45.6 billion increase in military spending. All defense-related programs will cost close to $400 billion. Consider that the Department of
Defense has never passed an independent audit. Consider that the Inspector General has notified Congress that the Pentagon cannot properly account for $1.2 trillion in transactions. Consider that in recent years the Dept. of
Defense could not match $22 billion worth of expenditures to the items it purchased, wrote off, as lost, billions of dollars worth of in-transit inventory and stored nearly $30 billion worth of spare parts it did not need.
Yet the defense budget grows with more money for weapons systems to fight a cold war which ended, weapon systems in search of new enemies to create new wars. This has nothing to do with fighting terror. This has everything to do with fueling a military industrial machine with the treasure of our nation, risking the future of our nation, risking democracy itself with the militarization of thought which follows the militarization of the budget.
Let us pray for our children. Our children deserve a world without end. Not a war without end. Our children deserve a world free of the terror of hunger, free of the terror of poor health care, free of the terror of homelessness, free of the terror of ignorance, free of the terror of hopelessness, free of the terror of policies which are committed to a world view which is not appropriate for the survival of a free people, not appropriate for the survival of democratic values, not appropriate for the survival of our nation, and not appropriate for the survival of the world.
Let us pray that we have the courage and the will as a people and as a nation to shore ourselves up, to reclaim from the ruins of September the Eleventh our democratic traditions. Let us declare our love for democracy. Let us declare our intent for peace. Let us work to make nonviolence an organizing principle in our own society. Let us recommit ourselves to the slow and painstaking work of statecraft, which sees peace, not war as being inevitable. Let us work for a world where someday war becomes archaic.
That is the vision which the proposal to create a Department of Peace envisions. Forty-three members of congress are now cosponsoring the legislation. Let us work for a world where nuclear disarmament is an imperative. That is why we must begin by insisting on the commitments of the ABM treaty. That is why we must be steadfast for nonproliferation.
Let us work for a world where America can lead the way in banning weapons of mass destruction not only from our land and sea and sky but from outer space itself. That is the vision of HR 3616: A universe free of fear. Where we can look up at God's creation in the stars and imagine infinite wisdom, infinite peace, infinite possibilities, not infinite war, because we are taught that the kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven.
Let us pray that we have the courage to replace the images of death which haunt us, the layers of images of September the Eleventh, faded into images of patriotism, spliced into images of military mobilization, jump cut into images of our secular celebrations of the World Series, New Year's Eve, the Superbowl, the Olympics, the strobic flashes which touch our deepest fears, let us replace those images with the work of human relations, reaching out to people, helping our own citizens here at home, lifting the plight of the poor everywhere. That is the America which has the ability to rally the support of the world. That is the America which stands not in pursuit of an axis of evil, but which is itself at the axis of hope and faith and peace and freedom.
America, America. God shed grace on thee. Crown thy good, America. Not with weapons of mass destruction. Not with invocations of an axis of evil. Not through breaking international treaties. Not through establishing America as king of a unipolar world. Crown thy good America.
America, America. Let us pray for our country. Let us love our country. Let us defend our country not only from the threats without but from the threats within. Crown thy good, America. Crown thy good with brotherhood, and sisterhood. And crown thy good with compassion and restraint and forbearance and a commitment to peace, to democracy, to economic justice here at home and throughout the world. Crown thy good, America. Crown thy good America. Crown thy good.
Let us pray that our nation will remember that the unfolding of the promise of democracy in our nation paralleled the striving for civil rights. That is why we must challenge the rationale of the Patriot Act. We must ask why should America put aside guarantees of constitutional justice?
How can we justify in effect canceling the First Amendment and the right of free speech, the right to peaceably assemble?
How can we justify in effect canceling the Fourth Amendment, probable cause, the prohibitions against unreasonable search and seizure?
How can we justify in effect canceling the Fifth Amendment, nullifying due process, and allowing for indefinite incarceration without a trial?
How can we justify in effect canceling the Sixth Amendment, the right to prompt and public trial?
How can we justify in effect canceling the Eighth Amendment which protects against cruel and unusual punishment?
We cannot justify widespread wiretaps and internet surveillance without judicial supervision, let alone with it. We cannot justify secret searches without a warrant. We cannot justify giving the Attorney General the ability to designate domestic terror groups. We cannot justify giving the FBI total access to any type of data which may exist in any system anywhere such as medical records and financial records.
We cannot justify giving the CIA the ability to target people in this country for intelligence surveillance. We cannot justify a government which takes from the people our right to privacy and then assumes for its own operations a right to total secrecy. The Attorney General recently covered up a statue of Lady Justice showing her bosom as if to underscore there is no danger of justice exposing herself at this time, before this administration.
Let us pray that our nation's leaders will not be overcome with fear. Because today there is great fear in our great Capitol. And this must be understood before we can ask about the shortcomings of Congress in the current environment. The great fear began when we had to evacuate the Capitol on September 11. It continued when we had to leave the Capitol again when a bomb scare occurred as members were pressing the CIA during a secret briefing. It continued when we abandoned Washington when anthrax, possibly from a government lab, arrived in the mail. It continued when the Attorney General declared a nationwide terror alert and then the Administration brought the destructive Patriot Bill to the floor of the House. It continued in the release of the Bin Laden tapes at the same time the President was announcing the withdrawal from the ABM treaty. It remains present in the cordoning off of the Capitol. It is present in the camouflaged armed national guardsmen who greet members of Congress each day we enter the Capitol campus. It is present in the labyrinth of concrete barriers through which we must pass each time we go to vote. The trappings of a state of siege trap us in a state of fear, ill equipped to deal with the Patriot Games, the Mind Games, the War Games of an unelected President and his unelected Vice President.
Let us pray that our country will stop this war. "To promote the common defense" is one of the formational principles of America. Our Congress gave the President the ability to respond to the tragedy of September the Eleventh. We licensed a response to those who helped bring the terror of September the Eleventh. But we the people and our elected representatives must reserve the right to measure the response, to proportion the response, to challenge the response, and to correct the response.
Because we did not authorize the invasion of Iraq.
We did not authorize the invasion of Iran.
We did not authorize the invasion of North Korea.
We did not authorize the bombing of civilians in Afghanistan.
We did not authorize permanent detainees in Guantanamo Bay.
We did not authorize the withdrawal from the Geneva Convention.
We did not authorize military tribunals suspending due process and habeas corpus.
We did not authorize assassination squads.
We did not authorize the resurrection of COINTELPRO.
We did not authorize the repeal of the Bill of Rights.
We did not authorize the revocation of the Constitution.
We did not authorize national identity cards.
We did not authorize the eye of Big Brother to peer from cameras throughout our cities.
We did not authorize an eye for an eye.
Nor did we ask that the blood of innocent people, who perished on September 11, be avenged with the blood of innocent villagers in Afghanistan.
We did not authorize the administration to wage war anytime, anywhere, anyhow it pleases.
We did not authorize war without end.
We did not authorize a permanent war economy.
Yet we are upon the threshold of a permanent war economy. The President has requested a $45.6 billion increase in military spending. All defense-related programs will cost close to $400 billion. Consider that the Department of
Defense has never passed an independent audit. Consider that the Inspector General has notified Congress that the Pentagon cannot properly account for $1.2 trillion in transactions. Consider that in recent years the Dept. of
Defense could not match $22 billion worth of expenditures to the items it purchased, wrote off, as lost, billions of dollars worth of in-transit inventory and stored nearly $30 billion worth of spare parts it did not need.
Yet the defense budget grows with more money for weapons systems to fight a cold war which ended, weapon systems in search of new enemies to create new wars. This has nothing to do with fighting terror. This has everything to do with fueling a military industrial machine with the treasure of our nation, risking the future of our nation, risking democracy itself with the militarization of thought which follows the militarization of the budget.
Let us pray for our children. Our children deserve a world without end. Not a war without end. Our children deserve a world free of the terror of hunger, free of the terror of poor health care, free of the terror of homelessness, free of the terror of ignorance, free of the terror of hopelessness, free of the terror of policies which are committed to a world view which is not appropriate for the survival of a free people, not appropriate for the survival of democratic values, not appropriate for the survival of our nation, and not appropriate for the survival of the world.
Let us pray that we have the courage and the will as a people and as a nation to shore ourselves up, to reclaim from the ruins of September the Eleventh our democratic traditions. Let us declare our love for democracy. Let us declare our intent for peace. Let us work to make nonviolence an organizing principle in our own society. Let us recommit ourselves to the slow and painstaking work of statecraft, which sees peace, not war as being inevitable. Let us work for a world where someday war becomes archaic.
That is the vision which the proposal to create a Department of Peace envisions. Forty-three members of congress are now cosponsoring the legislation. Let us work for a world where nuclear disarmament is an imperative. That is why we must begin by insisting on the commitments of the ABM treaty. That is why we must be steadfast for nonproliferation.
Let us work for a world where America can lead the way in banning weapons of mass destruction not only from our land and sea and sky but from outer space itself. That is the vision of HR 3616: A universe free of fear. Where we can look up at God's creation in the stars and imagine infinite wisdom, infinite peace, infinite possibilities, not infinite war, because we are taught that the kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven.
Let us pray that we have the courage to replace the images of death which haunt us, the layers of images of September the Eleventh, faded into images of patriotism, spliced into images of military mobilization, jump cut into images of our secular celebrations of the World Series, New Year's Eve, the Superbowl, the Olympics, the strobic flashes which touch our deepest fears, let us replace those images with the work of human relations, reaching out to people, helping our own citizens here at home, lifting the plight of the poor everywhere. That is the America which has the ability to rally the support of the world. That is the America which stands not in pursuit of an axis of evil, but which is itself at the axis of hope and faith and peace and freedom.
America, America. God shed grace on thee. Crown thy good, America. Not with weapons of mass destruction. Not with invocations of an axis of evil. Not through breaking international treaties. Not through establishing America as king of a unipolar world. Crown thy good America.
America, America. Let us pray for our country. Let us love our country. Let us defend our country not only from the threats without but from the threats within. Crown thy good, America. Crown thy good with brotherhood, and sisterhood. And crown thy good with compassion and restraint and forbearance and a commitment to peace, to democracy, to economic justice here at home and throughout the world. Crown thy good, America. Crown thy good America. Crown thy good.
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