State Department Turns Employees Into Sitting Ducks

Apparently we can't draft into the military, but hell, we can draft civilian employees. Said one foreign service officer;

"It's one thing if someone believes in what's going on over there and volunteers, but it's another thing to send someone over there on a forced assignment, I'm sorry, but basically that's a potential death sentence and you know it. Who will raise our children if we are dead or seriously wounded?"

Oh, like they really care. There is no limit to the number of Americans they'll send to die in the desert rather than admit they've made a colossal mistake.

The Liberals Won't Take It Anymore

The right wing of America enjoys winning their victories by attacking those on the left. You've heard their talking points; The lefties want America to be defeated because they hate it. They want soldiers to die because they hate them, and so on. It's the simplistic way the right wing wins, inspire fear and hatred in their base. Those who aren't educated enough about the world to understand it's not so simple after all.

The left does not wish to see America "defeated," and they defenintely don't want to see Islamic fundamentalists win. We're the party who opposes religious fantaticism, Christian, Islam, any religion, we certaintly don't want to see a world governed by Islamic fundamentalism.

Those on the right see the world in black and white. The was made apparent in President Bush's "you're either with us or with the terrorists" speech back in 2002. If you don't see eye to eye with the way our leadership is fighting Islamic fundamentalists, they you obviously want Al-Qaeda and their lackeys to win.

The genius of the left (and some on the right like Ron Paul) is that we know the world isn't black and white. The world isn't that simplistic. It's not our way or their way. Those on the left still believe that our leadership isn't perfect and are not right all the time just because they make decisions to oppose our enemies. We are not required to stand by our President, even when he's wrong because we don't want him to look "weak" to the world. Just because our leadership acts against terrorists or "enemies of America" does not make him infalliable. Our leadership made a blatantly wrong decision on Iraq, a decision that the left (and some on the right) would argue was counterproductive toward our fight against Al-Qaeda. Perhaps there is more to this "war on terror" than military might. Perhaps dropping bombs from planes or rolling tanks through the desert aren't the only ways to fight terrorism.

Those on the left see little difference between the Islamic world and the world the right wing wants America to live in. Both are authoritarian to totalitarian where there would be little dissent or criticism of our leaders. Both inject religious doctrine in our society. Both force their populations to live under the microscope of their governments, who track every move you make and word you say. The right wants to bring "freedom and democracy" to the Middle East, but want to sanction warantless wiretapping, elimination of habeus corpus and oppression of dissenters in the United States. They want to free these countries from the hardline Islamic sharia law that allows them to oppress women, execute homosexuals, and force Islam into every aspect of society, but the same people want to force prayer in public schools and legislate archiac biblical laws oppressing homosexuals and women's rights.

The right likes to think they're strong because they act like warriors. They think supporting military action against anyone who disagrees with us is warrior-like. They see weakness as wanting dialogue and not war. They see the American military as a means to scare Islamic populations into supporting our side. They see the American military as a means to show strength and bravery, The truth is, it was the right that has inspired the cowardly insecurity that has enveloped our nation since 9/11. We cower at the first threat of an attack. We live in a world where a panic ensures in ourselves if we see an Arab-looking man get on the subway with a backpack. We live in a society where we have to get molested before we get on an airplane. We live in a nation where we're ready to give up basic rights that we had for over 220 years because of a bunch of cave dwellers. We survived more dangerous threats; Fascism, Communism, Anarchism, a Civil war, without having to give up our basic freedoms. The right uses the military and war as a cover to hide their fear.

No matter who the Republican nominee is next year, whether it's Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Fred Thompson, or John McCain, expect their campaign strategy to focus around the slogan "Vote Democrat and Die." Expect them to paint the Democrats as Anti-American, cowardly, and "against us" because they're not "with the President." Expect it to work.

Bush Reminds Us Why We Elected Democrats

I don't understand George W. Bush.

I mean I do, but I don't.

He comes out today to take shots at the unpopular Congress, but did he deliver a death blow, or did he resuscitate life into Congress.

Bush says Congress is wasting it's time investigating his administration. American people overwhelmingly want investigations of his administration, even his own impeachment. The American people are angry at Congress for what they perceive is lack of accountability from the Democratic Congress. If Bush is upset over investigations, then I guess the Democratic Congress is holding him accountable after all.

Bush complains Congress is wasting it's time passing a SCHIP bill he's only going to veto and the House will only fail to override, but, the American people like this bill and want the Democratic Congress to pass it despite what Bush says. If Bush is upset, that means Congress is doing what the people want...forcing him to accept the SCHIP reauthorization.

Simply put, Congress is not unpopular because it hasn't gotten anything done. Congress is unpopular because they're seen as Bush lackeys who fail to end the Iraq war or hold the administration accountable. The President has a 25% approval rating, when he's unhappy with Congress, Congress wins.

God Is Not On The Ballot

I'm tired of watching politicians on both sides of the political aisle pander to churches to get elected. I'm tired of hearing candidates talk about their relationship with God, like it's the end all be all for a politician today.

Senator Obama belongs to the political party that defends (or is supposed to anyway) the separation of church and state Thomas Jefferson, our first Democratic President, so greatly promoted. Democrats and Libertarians have been vilified for too long recently, being called Godless and wicked because they refuse to give in to Christian fundamentalists who wish to turn the United States, the very nation that championed the secular state, into the Jesus-obsessing equivalent of the Middle East.

We live in a secular country with a secular government. I'm proud of that. I'm proud of the fact that I feel we must defend our country from Christian fundamentalists who want to use the Bible to further their hatred, ignorance and bigotry, Christian fundamentalists who want to use the pulpit to gain power. Our politicians shouldn't have to have to go to churches and hold "faith rallies" to get people to vote for them. I'm tired of hearing people attack those on the left for "outlawing God." These people are enemies of the America laid out by our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and even George Washington, who all spoke of Separation of Church and State. In 1797, the Senate unanimously approved and President John Adams supported, the Treaty of Tripoli that ended the Barbary Wars. Article 11 of the treaty reads;

"As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

Whether or not the Treaty of Tripoli had any major means, there is no doubt that the Government of the United States supported the fact that the United States was not a Christian nation.

Thomas Jefferson, a founding father whom the Christian fundamentalists argue wanted a Christian nation, vehemently defended the Separation of Church and State;

"I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and State."

The religiosity of a candidate should not be an issue. Religion has no place in politics. Even Jesus said so when he uttered the words; "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

Call me a Jesus-hating, Godless, wicked far left wing radical. I don't care. I'm proud of being on the far-left on this issue. If supporting a secular government makes me a radical, then I'm a radical. I know I'm not going to change many minds here. I know all those Christian fundamentalists who continued to try and make this country the United States of Jesus. I'm not an atheist, I'm not out to make everyone else an atheist. I'm not seeking to close churches and ban Christmas or Easter. I'm a spiritual person and I'm OK with my relationship with God. I don't want my religion mixed with and corrupted by politics. I like it just the way it is, thank you.

No wonder we're such big fans of Saudi Arabia. We're like one constitutional amendment away from being their Christian twin.

Monday Afternoon Amusement

-And just think, one of them will be our president

-The media calls her the Argentine "Hillary," but perhaps Hillary Clinton is the American "Cristina"

-Barack Obama's campaign can't beat them, so they'll join them.

-Those damn criminal-loving, victim-hating liberal hippies at the American Bar Association.

-Tom Tancredo says he's satisfied with the amount of xenophobia he has injected into American society, so he's retiring from Congress.

-Red Sox win the World Series, so you know what that means...break out the riot gear!

Giuliani Previews His Fascist Presidency

Reminding us that democracy and free speech is over should he become President, Rudy "Benito" Giuliani criticized Hillary Clinton's criticism of the president's foriegn policy;

"I think that it's important that we conduct this debate in a way that we don't interfere with the ability of the country to function in a proper way, between the now and (the election),"

-I think Mr. Giuliani seems a little bit lost on what a campaign is.

"The president of the United States is president of the United States. He's going to be president of the United States from now until the time a new president takes over. Until then, he's the only one conducting foreign policy of this country, We can have our political debate in this country. ... But nobody should be creating the specter that we're sending emissaries out around the world before someone is actually sworn in as president of the United States. I think it would be good for the country if Mrs. Clinton, Senator Clinton would correct that statement now."

-Part of that political debate is to explain why the current system doesn't work, which is what Senator Clinton says. She explained (not well I would argue) how her foreign policy would be different than the disastrous Bush policy. Yes, running for President may require criticising the foreign policy of the current President.
Clinton's campaign shot back, reminding people that a vote for Giuliani is a vote for Bush;

"Senator Clinton and Mr. Giuliani have a fundamental disagreement. She will end the war in Iraq, reverse the Bush era cowboy diplomacy and restore America's standing around the world, Mr. Giuliani wants to escalate the war in Iraq and supports President Bush's failed foreign policy approach."

Giuliani responded by doing what he does best, inciting fear in the ignorant;

"The country is at war. Sometimes it doesn't feel like a war, because it's far away. ... We have the possibility of attack on America. We know that. It happened before."

If I had a choice between a Giuliani presidency and four more years of Bush, I'm leaning toward Bush.

Mukasey Nomination In Jeopardy?

Democrats seem to be lining up in opposition to the nomination of Michael Mukasey as Attorney General. Just a few weeks ago, Mukasey was thought to be breezing through the nomination process. Now? Not so much.

Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Carl Levin (D-Michigan) and Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut) have all announced their opposition to Mukasey because the nominee refuses to acknowledge the waterboarding is torture (which it is.)

I still think Mukasey will be confirmed, but the overwhelmingly confirmation the President wanted is not going to happen now.

The Desperate State Department

Contuining with theme that this administration is great at putting the cart before the horse, they have just realized their behemouth embassy in Iraq isn't really attracting many it's workers.

Seeing that diplomats do not have any interest in serving in a country as disastrous as Iraq, the state department is FORCING some employees to go and work in the largest bullseye in the Middle East.

Has this ever happened before? Yes;

In 1969, an entire class of entry-level diplomats was sent to serve in Vietnam, and on a smaller scale, diplomats were forcibly assigned to work at embassies in West Africa in the 1970s and 1980s

Again, Iraq and Vietnam has yet ANOTHER thing in common.

Rudy: Torture is silly

"They talk about sleep deprivation. I mean, on that theory, I'm getting tortured running for president of the United States. That's plain silly. That's silly."

Really Rudy? Why don't you say that to those who were tortured using sleep deprivation.

Something tells me you're not forced to stay awake tied to a chair for four, five days while running for President. Something tells me even you're allowed to take cat naps in fancy hotels while feasting on fine cuisine.

Under President Giuliani, the United States, once admired and respected because of it's fight for human rights, will become one of it's worst abusers. Move over China and Saudi Arabia, Rudy's America is coming

Happy Birthday Hillary

The genius of this politician is that she uses her 60th birthday as a reason for a fundraiser.

A little scary, but ingenious if you ask me.

House Passes Another SCHIP Bill

The vote was 265-142. Not a single Republican switched their vote from last time, but all but one Democrat did.

Baron Hill (D-Indiana), Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), Kathy Castor (D-Florida), Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina), Bob Etheridge (D-North Carolina) all voted aye despite voting nay in the original bill, but all voted to override the President's veto last week.

Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma) who voted nay in the original bill, but voted to override the veto was not present.

Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi) was the only person to switch his vote, having voted nay originally and against overriding the veto.

Jim Marshall (D-Georgia) again voted nay, having originally voted nay and no to overriding the veto.

Republicans are angry because the vote occured while many of them were out in California with the President, including Brian Bilbray, David Dreier, Elton Gallegly, Gary Miller, Duncan Hunter, and Darrell Issa. They accused the Speaker of using the disaster and the Republican absentees as a means to show less nay votes. However, two Democrats from Southern California whose districts have been affected by the fires were also not present; San Diego's Susan Davis and Bob Filner.

Nine other Republicans were absent, all most likely nay votes, and eight, including Boren, Democrats were absent, all reliable yes votes.

The Democrats look to fall about 10 votes shy of a veto override this time, assuming they all show up.

He Make Hillary Looks Great

Rudy Giuliani was asked about waterboarding. Is it torture?

It depends on who does it

Depends on who does it? What does that mean? If it's torture, it's torture. There's no grey area with this. It either is or it isn't.

Andrew Sullivan sums it up;

If the Khmer Rouge does it, it's torture. If the United States does it, it's not. This man cannot be allowed to be president of the United States. He believes that the United States is above morals and the president of the United States is above the law. He is a tyrant to the depths of his being.

Rudy Giuliani actually makes me like George W. Bush, and that's REALLY difficult.

You Job Is To Vote

Republicans are agigtated because Democrats scheduled another vote on a second SCHIP bill today, when some Republicans from California are out following the President around in an attempt to look competent.

"Members should not have to choose between making an important vote in Washington or being in California helping our constituents to get the aid they need to rebuild their homes and their lives,"

Quite frankly, your job is to represent your people in Washington. You have staffs in your districts that handle constiuents. After important work is done in Washington, then you go home and visit victims and offer help. Is it necessary to be there right now? Are people going to be that upset if you say "Due to a busy session this week in Congress, I will be unable to return to my district until Saturday, but my constiuents are in my hearts?" They don't need you, they need food, water and money.

Or are those photo ops for your reelection website so important it can't wait two days.

Or maybe they're just looking for photo ops to put on their campaign websites next year.

California Wildfires Cont'd

I've been hearing a lot about how much better the federal response to the wildfires has been compared to Hurricane Katrina. Yes, it would appear FEMA and the administration got it right for once, but perhaps we shouldn't be patting the President and his men on his back just yet.

There are big differences between Louisiana and California locally that must be looked at.

First, if any state in the union is prepared for a natural disaster, it's California. The Golden State lives everyday with the risk of earthquakes, mudslides, flash floods, wildfires, tidal waves, volcano eruptions and on and on. California also has their wealth behind them. They can afford to implement a major disaster plan, and they have to be prepared because they are constantly at the mercy of mother nature.

Second, the people of San Diego have certain luxuries, for lack of better word, in this disaster. For one thing, the city is still intact. New Orleans essentially ceased to exist. The entire city was underwater and left devestated. The city's buearcracy, already notably unreliable, was left stagnated. The fire department and police department could not function. The Governor could not get the people out of the Superdome. The people in New Orleans were left stranded and the local governments were left in shambles and unable to lead. This is where the federal government SHOULD have stepped in, but did not, leaving anarchy.

The people of Southern California also have means to get out. Many, specifically in New Orleans, had no car or means of transportation to get out. San Diegans, for the most part, have cars and trucks, as life without a car in California is pretty impossible. The evacuees in Qualcomm Stadium have electricity, food, and running water, all of which was missing from the Superdome in New Orleans. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out how to get supplies to the stadium. Unlike New Orleans, the roads are passable and the airport is open.

Third, and while this is theory, I believe it has teeth, San Diego may have learned a lesson we all learned after Katrina; help yourself because we don't know when the Feds are coming. It was the people of San Diego, those unaffected by the fires, who appeared at Qualcomm Stadium first to volunteer and help. It was the locals who decided not to wait for a government that has proven to lack leadership when it comes to responding to disaster. Andy Konradt writes this on The Huffington Post;

It's nice to see that even if FEMA had decided to sit on its thumbs for three days before stepping foot over here, the residents of San Diego decided to take care of themselves.

Thankfully FEMA didn't sit on it's thumbs for three days, but San Diego and California learned the lesson from Louisiana...the Feds tend to be incompetent with this stuff, so let's take care of ourselves and if they respond competently, then excellent. Louisiana and Mississippi did not have the luxury of having a certain group of locals left unaffected. Hurricane Katrina effected everyone on the coast, these fires directly effected some people and not others. Governor Schwarzeneggar, Mayor Sanders and the local government and authorities are the ones who responded effectively. Thankfully FEMA and the Federal Government didn't have to prove to be competent, Californians already beat them to it.

California Wildfires Open Thread

AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi told Chris Matthews yesterday the state's national guard needs to be redeployed from Iraq to assist in the wildfires.

Harry Reid blamed the fires on global warming.

Numerous e-mails have come to me stating the government's better response to the fires has a lot to do with the wealth of those being affected

All are valid points that may be correct and will need to be discussed in the aftermath of this, but right now there are one million people running from their homes and a massive firestorm unseen since perhaps the Allied bombing of Tokyo during World War II. Thousands of people are going to end up homeless from this. The concern right now may need to be on whether or not the city of San Diego will still be standing when the fires burn out and what kind of ways can the rest of this country help those who will return to their homes to find them scorched.

Rudy's Greatest Insult

It isn't bad enough he decided to change his views on EVERYTHING he told us he believed in.

It isn't even bad enough that he's using our worst day as a springboard to gain power.

THIS takes the cake!

Why don't you just spend the rest of the campaign spitting in the faces of every single New Yorker!

He'll do anything to get elected.

Clinton Would Give Back Power

I'm glad to hear it, but I'll believe it when I see it.

The Presidency has become to authoritarian under Bush.

Rudy's Gay Flip-Flop

Rudy Giuliani, once a progessive when it came to gay rights, and who once said he would personally marry one of his gay friends if same-sex marriage was legalized, now has decided to support a constitutional ban on it. This, of course, is in his effort to win over the Religious Right.

I wonder if his defense is the same defense he used to justify his changed position on gun control. Did 9/11 make him realize how scared heteorsexual marriage really is? If so, then why isn't he back with the mother of his two-children.

Forget the flip-flop, I will not take orders about the sanctity of marriage from a man who divorces his wife via press conference.

LA-Gov: Jindal Wins

His victory was expected.

He won 54% outright, avoiding a primary runoff. The combined Democratic vote was about 33%, with Walter Boasso on top at 18%. Independent John George received 14%.

Interesting facts; George won New Orleans, with Jindal coming in second and Boasso third.

In other races;

Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu won reelection by a wide margin, winning 56% and carrying most of the New Orleans area, even heavily Republican St. Tammany and Plaquemines Parishes. He won nearly 90% of the vote in New Orleans, and took Baton Rouge and Shreveport by wide margins, but narrowly won Lake Charles.


Attorney General Charles Foti was defeated, a runoff will take place between Democrat Buddy Caldwell, who came in first in the jungle primary, and Republican Royal Alexander. Caldwell did very well, carrying not only New Orleans, but narrowly losing heavily Republican St. Tammany Parish and winning Plaquemines and St. Bernard, both very Republican. Alexander made it to the runoff thanks to a bigger than expected win in the Shreveport area.

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, a Republican, won election by a wide margin.

Democrats look to gain a seat or two in the State Senate, loose a couple of seats in the State House.

All in all, a victory for the Republicans, but not the victory everyone expected. Democrats did hold their own. Lt. Governor Landrieu won more votes than Jindal. His sister is running for Senate next year and is the most vulnerable Democrat. Does this help her? Stay tuned.

Giuliani: "I Don't Always Agree With Myself"

I always knew Rudy was two-faced, but I couldn't imagine they constantly debated each other.

The best defense for being called a flip-flopper;

I'm really two people.

Which one is running for President Rudy?

Giuliani Decides Against Gay Rights

The Flip-Flopping King of 9/11 has decided.

Mr. thrice married, dumped my wife at a press conference says marriage is too sacred to defile it with committed homosexuals.

Defending Stark

I am extremely outraged that Speaker Pelosi has decided to apologize for Pete Stark's remarks yesterday on the House floor.

Did Newt Gingrich apologize when Indiana Republican Dan Burton called President Clinton a "scumbag?"

Did John Boehner apologize when Georgia Republican Lynn Westmorland questioned Arkansas Demcorat Mike Ross' intelligence on the House floor last July?

Who apologizes for Rush Limbaugh attacking soldiers for taking a stand and using the freedom they so bravely fought for? Who apologizes for Ann Coulter calling Jews "imperfect?"

Why is it that the Democrats and liberals have to apologize for being harsh, but Republicans and conservatives get a free ride?

Stark's comments may have been presented better, but I'm not sorry. I've heard dozens of people, even people who supported Bush in the past, say what he said. Our government needs to stop sugarcoating their beliefs and saying what they really feel. Lord knows the right wing has been doing that.

Your Daily Dose Of Fear

The Secretary of Homeland Security reminds us why we should be scared to death to leave the house and go anywhere.

Still, I give him points for ACTUALLY wanting to be prepared for something for once.

The Middle Class Squeeze

I'm sorry, but in the United States, no parent should have to go hungry so their kids can eat.

For Christs sakes, this is the United States of America!

That Was Fast

Senator Mel Martinez (R-Florida) has resigned as head of the RNC.

He says he has accomplished all the goals he set out when he took over the position...10 months ago.

What? Did he list his goals on a post-it note?

The Bravest Person On Earth

One must admire the unrelenting patriotism one must have for his or her country for them to return to that country and face near certain death. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto could have thrown in the towel on Pakistan after they hanged her father. She could have given up when forced her into exile long before Islamic radicals began powerful there. She could have lived out her days in the safety and security of Dubai or London, advocating for a free Pakistan from afar. No one could deny that staying out of Pakistan would've been a smart and lifesaving thing to do. Instead, seeing the need for democracy to return to Pakistan, one of the few Muslim countries to have enjoyed a free society, she went back home facing death threats, and barely survived an attempt on her life in the city she was born in.

Defiant, she did not go into hiding after yesterday's attack. Today, she reminded the world what bravery looks like.

"We are prepared to risk our lives and we are prepared to risk our liberty, but we are not prepared to surrender our great nation to the militants."

Ms. Bhutto can teach everyone out there a lesson about leadership. Among those who should take notes; Congress.

If Ms. Bhutto is willing to give her life for what she believes is right, then the Democratic leadership should be willing to risk their seats for what's right. That is true leadership.

A Little FYI

I received an e-mail from the Chief Of Staff of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), who was not present for yesterday's vote to override the President's veto of the SCHIP reauthorization. It explains why the Congresswoman was not present;

"Mr. Speaker, on Monday, October 15, I requested and received a leave of absence for the week. My absence was due to the death of my mother, Lillie Mae White Johnson, who passed earlier that day. I share this information to explain why I have not been in Washington to cast votes on the measures considered since Monday, October 15, 2007.”

"Had I been present, I would have voted ‘aye,’ in favor to override President Bush’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) Reauthorization bill. I continue to urge President Bush to put politics aside and work with us to reauthorize and strengthen SCHIP for the sake of our kids."

Governors Supporting SCHIP

42...Yes 42 out of the 50 Governors supported Congress in the SCHIP battle and urged the President not to veto. 4 Territorial Governors also support the bill

42 Governors! Here's the list;

Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-Minnesota)
Governor Edward G. Rendell (D-Pennsylvania)
Governor James H. Douglas (R-Vermont)
Governor Jon S. Corzine (D-New Jersey
Governor Janet Napolitano (D-Arizona)
Governor Deval Patrick (D-Massachusetts)
Governor Ruth Ann Minner (D-Delaware)
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D-Michigan)
Governor M. Jodi Rell (R-Connecticut)
Governor Brian Schweitzer (D-Montana)
Governor Mike Beebe (D-Arkansas)
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (D-Louisiana)
Governor M. Michael Rounds (R-South Dakota)
Governor Bill Ritter (D-Colorado)
Governor John Baldacci (D-Maine)
Governor Brad Henry (D-Oklahoma)
Governor Martin O’Malley (D-Maryland)
Governor Benigno Fitial (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-Illinois)
Governor Felix Perez Camacho (R-Guam)
Governor Christine O. Gregoire (D-Washington)
Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-New York)
Governor Jim Doyle (D-Wisconsin)
Governor Ernie Fletcher (R-Kentucky)
Governor Chester J. Culver (D-Iowa)
Governor Sonny Perdue (R-Georgia)
Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. (R-Utah)
Governor Bill Richardson (D-New Mexico)
Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-Kansas)
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-California)
Governor Timothy M. Kaine (D-Virginia)
Governor Dave Heineman (R-Nebraska)
Governor Ted Strickland (D-Ohio)
Governor Michael F. Easley (D-North Carolina)
Governor Don Carcieri (R-Rhode Island)
Governor Jim Gibbons (R-Nevada)
Governor Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia)
Governor John Lynch (D-New Hampshire)
Governor Linda Lingle (R-Hawaii)
Governor Theodore Kulongoski (D-Oregon)
Governor Dave Freudenthal (D-Wyoming)
Governor Phil Bredesen (D-Tennessee)
Governor John Hoeven (R-North Dakota)
Governor Sarah Palin (R-Alaska)
Governor Anìbal Acevedo Vilà (D-Puerto Rico)
Governor John deJongh, Jr. (D-U.S. Virgin Islands)

Missing from the list;

Governor Mitch Daniels (R-Indiana)
Governor Matt Blunt (R-Missouri)- Hasn't said whether or not he supports the bill the President vetoed, but says he supports SCHIP
Governor Butch Otter (R-Idaho)
Governor Rick Perry (R-Texas)
Governor Mark Sanford (R-South Carolina)
Governor Charlie Crist (R-Florida)
Governor Bob Riley (R-Alabama)
Governor Haley Barbour (R-Mississippi)

SCHIP: Those Who Switched

A list of those who voted against the bill in September, but for overriding the veto;

Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma)
Kathy Castor (D-Florida)
Bob Etheridge (D-North Carolina)
Baron Hill (D-Indiana)
Dennis Kucininch (D-Ohio)
Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina)

Those who voted present in September and voted to override;

Diane Watson (D-California)

Those who did not vote in September and voted to override;

Bill Delahunt (D-Massachusetts)

Those who did not vote in September and voted to sustain veto;

Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming)
Wally Herger (R-California)
Ted Poe (R-Texas)

Those who did not vote either time;

Bobby Jindal (R-Louisiana)
Julia Carson (D-Indiana)
Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas)

Those who voted aye in September but did not vote today;

Peter King (R-New York)

-The list does not include Jo Ann Davis (R-Virginia) who did not vote in September as she passed away before the override vote could take place.

And yes, no Republicans switched their votes, either way.

Music Memory Jar: October 19, 1993

The Toronto Blue Jays defend their World Series Title, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies four games to two.

The Liberal party defeats the long governing Progressive Conservatives in general elections in Canada ushering in the first Liberal government in over a decade.

The Church of Scientology officially gets federal recognition by gaining tax-emption status.

Billy Joel brings 10 year old kids and their Billy Joel fanatic parents together for a swim in The River of Dreams.

GOP Women For Clinton

Possible says one pollster.

Up to 24% of Republican women? I have a hard time believing it, but if there is some truth to this, Republicans are doomed.

The Truth Hurst, Redux

The truth is that Bush just likes to blow things up. In Iraq, in the United States and in Congress."

-Rep. Pete Stark (D-California)

He speaks truth, so as we do in America, attack him.

SCHIP Override: Those Who Supported The Veto

Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama)
Todd Akin (R-Missouri)
Rodney Alexander (R-Louisiana)
Michele Bachmann (R-Minnesota)
Spencer Bachus (R-Alabama)
Richard Baker (R-Louisiana)
Gresham Barrett (R-South Carolina)
Roscoe Bartlett (R-Maryland))
Joe Barton (R-Texas)
Judy Biggert (R-Illinois)
Brian Bilbray (R-California)
Gus Bilirakis (R-Florida)
Rob Bishop (R-Utah)
Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee)
Roy Blunt (R-Missouri)
John Boehner (R-Ohio)
Jo Bonner (R-Alabama)
John Boozman (R-Arkansas)
Charles Boustany (R-Louisiana)
Kevin Brady (R-Texas)
Paul Broun (R-Georgia)
Henry Brown (R-South Carolina)
Brown-Waite, Ginny (R-Florida)
Michael Burgess (R-Texas)
Dan Burton (R-Indiana)
Steve Buyer (R-Indiana)
Ken Calvert (R-California)
Dave Camp (R-Michigan)
John Campbell (R-California)
Chris Cannon (R-Utah)
Eric Cantor (R-Virginia)
John Carter (R-Texas)
Steve Chabot (R-Ohio)
Howard Coble (R-North Carolina)
Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma)
Tim Conaway (R-Texas)
Ander Crenshaw (R-Florida)
Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming)
John Culberson (R-Texas)
Geoff Davis (R-Kentucky)
David Davis (R-Tennessee)
Nathan Deal (R-Georgia)
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Florida)
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida)
John Doolittle (R-California)
Thelma Drake (R-Virginia)
David Dreier (R-California)
John Duncan (R-Tennessee)
Terry Everett (R-Alabama)
Mary Fallin (R-Oklahoma)
Tom Feeney (R-Florida)
Jeff Flake (R-Arizona)
Randy Forbes (R-Virginia)
Jeff Fortenberry (R-Nebraska)
Virginia Foxx (R-North Carolina)
Trent Franks (R-Arizona)
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-New Jersey)
Elton Gallegly (R-California)
Scott Garrett (R-New Jersey)
Phil Gingrey (R-Georgia)
Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)
Virgil Goode (R-Virginia)
Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia)
Kay Granger (R-Texas)
Sam Graves (R-Missouri)
Ralph Hall (R-Texas)
Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois)
Doc Hastings (R-Washington)
Robin Hayes (R-North Carolina)
Dean Heller (R-Nevada)
Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas)
Wally Herger (R-California)
Pete Hoekstra (R-Michigan)
Kenny Hulshof (R-Missouri)
Duncan Hunter (R-California)
Bob Inglis (R-South Carolina)
Darrell Issa (R-California)
Tim Johnson (R-Illinois)
Sam Johnson (R-Texas)
Walter Jones (R-North Carolina)
Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)
Ric Keller (R-Florida)
Steve King (R-Iowa)
Jack Kingston (R-Georgia)
Jim Kline (R-Minnesota)
Joe Knollenberg (R-Michigan)
Randy Kuhl (R-New York)
Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado)
Jerry Lewis (R-California)
Ron Lewis (R-Kentucky)
John Linder (R-Georgia)
Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma)
Dan Lungren (R-California)
Connie Mack (R-Florida)
Don Manzullo (R-Illinois)
Kenny Marchant (R-Texas)
Jim Marshall (D-Georgia)
Kevin McCarthy (R-California)
Michael McCaul (R-Texas)
Thaddeus McCotter (R-Michigan)
Jim McCrery (R-Louisiana)
Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina)
Buck McKeon (R-California)
John Mica (R-Florida)
Jeff Miller (R-Florida)
Gary Miller (R-California)
Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colorado)
Sue Myrick (R-North Carolina)
Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)
Devin Nunes (R-California)
Ron Paul (R-Texas)
Steve Pearce (R-New Mexico)
Mike Pence (R-Indiana)
John Peterson (R-Pennsylvania)
Chip Pickering (R-Mississippi)
Joe Pitts (R-Pennsylvania)
Ted Poe (R-Texas)
Tom Price (R-Georgia)
Adam Putnam (R-Florida)
George Radanovich (R-California)
Tom Reynolds (R-New York)
Mike Rogers (R-Alabama))
Hal Rogers (R-Kentucky)
Mike Rogers (R-Michigan)
Dana Rohrabacher (R-California)
Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida)
Pete Roskam (R-Illinois)
Ed Royce (R-California)
Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin)
Bill Sali (R-Idaho)
Jim Saxton (R-New Jersey)
Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio)
Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin)
Pete Sessions (R-Texas)
John Shadegg (R-Arizona)
John Shimkus (R-Illinois)
Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania)
Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska)
Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
Mark Souder (R-Indiana)
Cliff Stearns (R-Florida)
John Sullivan (R-Oklahoma)
Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado)
Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi)
Lee Terry (R-Nebraska)
Mac Thornberry (R-Texas)
Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas)
Tim Walberg (R-Michigan)
Greg Walden (R-Oregon)
Zac Wamp (R-Tennessee)
Dave Weldon (R-Florida)
Jerry Weller (R-Illinois)
Lynn Westmoreland (R-Georgia)
Ed Whitfield (R-Kentucky)
Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi)
Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina)

Brownback To Drop Out

Despite the fact he was polling very low, this hurts Giuliani (thank God.) Brownback's supporters are NOT going to back Giuliani if they don't have to.

Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee will benefit from this.

Rudy: Elect Me Of Your French And You Will Die

"If we are not careful and you don't elect me, this country will be to the left of France."- Rudy Giuliani

Once again reminding us that it would be irresoponsible and careless to not vote for this slimeball.

Ok, first off, perhaps Rudy doesn't realize France is the most right-wing country in Western Europe. Granted it's to the left of us, but if he's concerned about big government, perhaps he should take a gander at places like Sweden, Norway or Germany, where government is big, and hey, it works.

And frankly if I had a choice of living under President Giuliani or in Paris, well Au revoir !

IL-14: Hastert Resigning

We knew he was retiring, did we know he was resigning?

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert will not complete his term. He will apparently announce his resignation tomorrow triggering a special election.

Hastert's resignation, if before December 11th, would lead to three vacant Republican seats, leaving them with a total of 199 votes. After yesterday's election in Massachusetts, all 233 Democratic seats are filled.

Mass Govenror Endorses Obama

Governor Deval Patrick (D-Massachusetts), the second African-American to ever be elected governor of a US state has decided to endorse Barack Obama for President.

"As a Democrat, I am proud that the field of Democratic contenders is so strong. Many are friends and colleagues with whom I have worked over the years. But frankly, I believe the importance of this election transcends friendships and party. I believe we need unifying, visionary leadership. I believe we need a president who would level with the American people. I believe we need Barack Obama."

Later on today I will update the endorsements of the Governors

The "Do-Nothing" Congress

Here's a list of things Congress has done, or tried to do.

1.) Pass 9/11 Commission Recommendations- PASSED AND ENACTED
2.) Funding for Stem-Cell Research- VETOED
3.) Timetable for Iraq withdrawal- VETOED
4.) Raising the Minimum Wage- PASSED AND ENACTED
5.) SCHIP Reauthorization- VETOED
6.) Voting Rights for DC Representative- DIED DUE TO VETO THREAT
7.) Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act- DIED IN SENATE
8.) Immigration Reform- KILLED BY REPUBLICANS AND CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRATS
9.) Lobbying Reform act- STILL IN THE SENATE
10.) A bill to amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to preserve the independence of United States attorneys. -PASSED AND ENACTED
11.) Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act- PASSED AND ENACTED
12.) Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act- STALLED IN SENATE
13.) Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act- STALLED IN SENATE

It's so easy to forget about other things Congress has done when all we're focused on is Iraq. Personally, I thought the chances were extremely slim they would be able to end the war and impeach the President, so I wasn't betting on it. That's probably why I'm not as pissed at Congress as most people are.

Media Shield Law Passes Congress

Vote was 398-21.

To be honest, I'm shocked it passed by so much. The bill would protect journalists from revealing confidential sources in cases, except those involving National Security.

The bill was sponsered by Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Virginia)

20 Republicans and 1 Democrat voting against it;

Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii)
Todd Akin (R-Missouri)
Joe Barton (R-Texas)
Henry Brown (R-South Carolina)
Steve Buyer (R-Indiana)
John Carter (R-Texas)
John Culberson (R-Texas)
Wally Herger (R-California)
Darrell Issa (R-California)
Sam Johnson (R-Texas)
Steve King (R-Iowa)
Peter King (R-New York)
Daniel Lungren (R-California)
John Mica (R-Florida)
Tom Petri (R-Wisconsin)
Ed Royce (R-California)
Bill Sali (R-Idaho)
Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin)
Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
Mac Thornberry (R-Texas)
Dave Weldon (R-Florida)

Rudy: Obama, You're No Reagan

Oh and Rudy, neither are you.

From Obama's campaign:

"While Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton do not think we should engage in the type of strong diplomacy practiced by Ronald Reagan and John Kennedy, Obama does," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said. "And given the hefty fee that Hugo Chavez's oil company paid Rudy Giuliani's firm, he apparently thinks we shouldn't talk to Chavez, but it's fine to take his money."

He aims, he shoots, direct hit.

MA-05: Special Election

Results here.

Niki Tsongas defeats John Ogonowski 51%-45%, a margin of about 6500 votes, with 4% going to Independent candidates.

This district is D+10, so this is not a great showing for Tsongas and this is Massachusetts. Tsongas is the wife of former Massachusetts Congressman and Senator Paul Tsongas. Ogonowski is the brother of the pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 on September 11, 2001.

On Military Public Schools

Our tax money should go to the defense and improvement of our nation; health care and housing for the poor, construction and maintenance of our infrastructure, and a standing military. I vehemently oppose any taxpayer funding for religious schools, but financing of the military is a big reason why we pay taxes.

While I'm skeptical of their intentions with these kids, and I'm skeptical of military intrusion into private life, I don't really have an issue with people who want to go to military schools, even at 14 years old.

2008 UN Security Council

UNITED STATES
UNITED KINGDOM
FRANCE
RUSSIA
CHINA
Belgium
Burkina Faso
Costa Rica
Croatia
Indonesia
Italy
Libya
Panama
South Africa
Vietnam

Iraq Wants Blackwater Out

Are US troops soon to follow?

New Jersey Not In Play?

Debunking the theory that a Giuliani candidacy puts blue states like New Jersey in play, Rasmussen releases a new poll showing Hillary Clinton way up on Giuliani 51%-40%.

Clinton had been tied with Giuliani in other polls from the Garden State. She's way up on the other GOP candidates, leading Fred Thompson by 18%; 53%-35%, John McCain by 16%; 52%-36% and crushes Mitt Rombey by 24%; 55%-31%.

Interesting fact; Giuliani's positive ratings are the same as Clintons. He can't carry New Jersey with numbers like that.

Who Ever Thought?

Libya and Vietnam have both been elected to the US Security Council...with the blessing of the United States.

Just goes to show you how soon we forget our fights. In both countries, the regimes we opposed 20-30 years ago are still in power.

Does anyone else think by 2020, Umm Qasr is going to be a port of call for Crystal Cruises?

Also on the Security Council next year; Burkina Faso. Costa Rica and Dominican Republic are still battling for the Latin American seat. Croatia and Czech Republic for Eastern European seat.

When Religions Become Evil

Religious Zealots meet Democracy.

If you can't live with being offended, then leave the freedom and democracy of Sweden. You do not have any right to murder people for being offended.

Rudy: I Tamed New York

As if we were a goddamn pack of wild wolves.

Updated: Open Republican Seats

Terry Everett- Alabama 2- R+13
Ray LaHood- Illinois 18- R+5
Dennis Hastert- Illinois 14- R+5
Chip Pickering- Mississippi 3- R+14
Deborah Pryce- Ohio 15- R+1
Jerry Weller- Illinois 11- R+1
Rick Renzi- Arizona 1- R+2
Duncan Hunter- California 52- R+9
Jim Ramstad- Minnesota 3- R+1
Ralph Regula- Ohio 16- R+3
David Hobson- Ohio 7- R+7
Heather Wilson- New Mexico 1- D+2

OH-7: Hobson Will Retire

Yet another Republican Congressman has called it quits.

Ohio Republican David Hobson became the 12th Republican Congressman, third in Ohio, to announce he will not run for reelection next year.

Hobson's district, which includes Xenia, Springfield and some of Columbus' southern and eastern suburbs, like Whitehall, leans Republican. Bush won 57% of the vote here in 2004. Ted Strickland won the district last year, but Sherrod Brown lost it.

Turkey and US Headed For Divorce?

Once again another example of how other countries have the United States by the balls.

Superpower my ass.

Coming November 24th

The Coalition of the Willing may no longer be so willing.

We'll see November 24th when Australia goes to the polls and throws out their Iraq war supporting government.

Virginia Picks Convention

The Virginia GOP has decided to pick it's nominee for John Warner's open Senate seat by convention next year rather than primary.

Two Republicans, conservative former Governor Jim Gilmore and moderate Fairfax County Congressman Tom Davis, are considering running for the Senate seat. Both are trailing to assumed Democratic nominee former Governor Mark Warner by nearly 30% in recent polls. A convention would avoid a bloody primary fight which can weaken the eventual nominee.

A convention favors conservatives and thus favors Gilmore. It could mean Tom Davis may not even make a bid for the Senate seat (and instead take on Jim Webb in 2012.) If he runs, his open House seat becomes a top Democratic target. If he doesn't run, Democrats would have a harder (although not impossible) time taking his House seat.

Finally, Some Truth

I wish General Sanchez had told us this a little earlier...like say in 2003.

"failure of the national political leadership"
"living a nightmare with no end in sight."
"catastrophically flawed, unrealistically optimistic war plan" and denounced the current "surge" strategy as a "desperate" move that will not achieve long-term stability.
"Neglect and incompetence" by the National Security Council
the best the U.S. can do at this point is to "stave off defeat,"

Why General Sanchez, I didn't know you hated America and our freedoms so much? At least I assume you do, that's what people like Rush Limbaugh say about me and I agree 100% with you.

AL-AK: A Race For A Change

Usually one of the safest Republican seats in the country, a recent poll shows Democratic challenger Ethan Berkowitz leading 17 term Congressman Don Young 51%-45.5%.

Despite representating the entire state of Alaska, where President Bush won 61% of the vote, Young has been awash in scandal and his disapproval is at 50%.

Ethan Berkowitz is not the only challenger to Young, 2006 candidate Diane Benson who won 40%, the highest percentage for a Democratic candidate since 1990, is also running again.

Young is also facing a primary challenger in State Rep. Gabrielle DeVour of Kodiak. DeVour may make this race similiar to the 2006 Gubernatorial race, where Democratic challenger Tony Knowles seemed to be heading for certain victory against unpopular incumbent Republican Governor Frank Murkowski, until Murkowski was defeated by current Governor Sarah Palin in the primary. Although the race was close, Palin pulled out a victory.

This race is going to depend on the Republican Primary. Slight Lean Republican

American Premonition in Argentina

There's something strangely familiar about the upcoming Argentine Presidential Election. Let's look at the leading candidate:

In Argentina, Senator Cristina Fernandez de Kircher, who represents the province that includes Argentina's largest city (Buenos Aires) and has also served as First Lady of Argentina is leading in polls.

In the United States, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who represents the state that includes the United States' largest city (New York) and has also served as First Lady of the United States, is leading in polls.

and you thought we were pioneering the way for wives of former presidents becoming presidents themselves.

Thompson Endorses Giuliani

Tommy of course.

He says that "during a period of time of great stress for this country he showed tremendous leadership,"

So did George W. Bush and looked how well that turned out

A Victory For Their Side

Muslim extremists scare me

Born-again Christians scare me

What petrifies me?

Muslim extremists turned born-again Christians

IN-9: Hill To Vote To Override

He explains it all in a letter to a constiuent posted on Open Left;

Dear _____,
Last week the President vetoed H.R. 976, The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007. I am disappointed that a more balanced State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill was not put forth. As such, I strongly implore the President and Democratic Leadership to work together to craft a bill that ensures equitable benefits for all states, as well as an expansion of the program.

From the very start of this debate, I have been fighting to ensure that Indiana receives its fair share of government funding. For far too long, Hoosiers have been major contributors to the federal government without receiving an equitable share of the benefits. We've seen this time and time again in the areas of transportation and housing funds. As your elected representative,

I will fight to protect all of our precious resources, and that includes the tax dollars of my constituents. Our nation will never truly move toward real change and reform if the mechanisms in place to fund those reforms are not solid and equitable to those paying for them.

However, providing healthcare for our nation's children is simply too important to abandon. Therefore, even though I know the veto will be upheld, I will vote to override the President's veto in an effort to again show my support for the program and desire to move towards a fairer bill.

I want to once again be very clear that I fully support the SCHIP program. Guaranteeing access to health insurance for all children is not only a worthy goal, but it is the right thing to do. In fact, I have consistently supported the SCHIP program during my previous terms in Congress, and recently voted to reauthorize the program through November 16th of this year.

We must not lose sight of the fact that the longer this issue remains unresolved, 4 million children will continue without access to health insurance. As this process moves forward, I will continue to push for changes to the bill that addresses my concerns.

Sincerely,

Representative
Baron P. Hill
Ninth District of Indiana
U.S. House of Representatives

Hill was one of the few Democrats to vote against the bill.

In related news, Hill is facing the guy he defeated last year, lost to in 2004 and defeated in 2002; Republican Mike Sodrel.

Sodrel one once before in a Presidential year, although his victory was alot smaller than Hill's two victories, if not for the Libertarian nominee last year, Hill might have lost. Slight Lean Democrat

And The Winner Is....

Al Gore

The former Vice President has won the Nobel Peace Prize,

He will share the prize with U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for his efforts against climate change.

Gore joins a slew of other famous world advocates including Theodore Roosevelt, Dr. Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Lech Walesa, Desmond Tutu, Yitzhak Rabin, and Jimmy Carter as winners of the prestigious award.

OH-16: Regula Out

Another GOP Congressman has announced his retirement, opening up a potentially competitive seat.

Ralph Regula, who has been in office since 1973, has announced he is retiring next year. His district, the Ohio 16th, sits in North Central Ohio between Cleveland and Columbus and includes Canton and Ashland. Bush won 54% of the vote in the district in 2004 and it's PVI is R+4.

Ohio State Senator John Boccieri has already announced he was running before Regula's retirement announcement. He will be a strong candidate.

Slight Lean Republican

We Can No Longer Deny History

"Who Remembers the Armenians?"

Those words were uttered by Adolf Hitler at the dawn of World War II. Hitler was asked by his generals what he thought the world would say if they killed everyone who got in their way during the 1939 invasion of Poland.

There's a thin line between "atrocity" and "massacre" and what we describe as "genocide." Surely we all agree what the Turkish did during World War I against the Ottoman Empire's Armenian population is indeed an atrocity. It was indeed a massacre, but it also was genocide. We can no longer to afford to deny history, for perhaps if we did remember the Armenians in 1939, Hitler's genocide may not have happened.

Our relationship with Turkey is a unique and important one. Having been to Turkey recently, I can account for how Westernized and modern the country really is and how friendly to Americans the Turkish people are. Still, good friends do not deny the mistakes their friends make, especially if it can prevent those mistakes from happening to someone else in the future. Turkey committed genocide 90 years ago, and the Turley that exists today is a completely different one than the Turkey that slaughtered 1.5 million Armenians, but it does not erase history. Germany knows this, Turkey must also understand this.

Already, a slew of our allies, including members of NATO, do recognize the genocide including; Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela. Wales in Britain and New South Wales in Australia also recognize what happened as a genocide, as do 39 US States; Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Even as the genocide was going on, in 1916, the United States Ambassador to Turkey, Henry Morgenthau Sr. described the acts against the Armenians as "race extermination."

If the United States truly wants to keep its moral authority in the world. If the United States truly wants to be the beacon of freedom and the advocate for human rights, then we have to call out our friends and allies when they are wrong. We cannot continue to be the world's advocate for freedom and human rights when we only advocate when it's convenient for us, and ignore history when it's not. We would not rescind our beliefs that the Holocaust was genocide if Germany threatens to close Rammstein unless we do. Turkey sought to eliminate the Armenians from Turkish territory, either by deporting them or by killing them, just as Hitler sought to rid Germany of Jews. All the Armenians were guilty of was having the gall to ask for independence, something we know all too dear. No amount o resistance from the Armenians gave the Turkish the right to do what they did.

Also, when did we start to suddenly care about what NATO allies think about us? George W. Bush didn't take Turkey into consideration when he invaded Iraq and because of the Kurdish issue, Turkey had a huge stake in what would happen in Iraq, and our administration barely took them into account. Now, suddenly, we're concerned?

The United States Congress is not out to destroy Turkey, or even make our friend look bad. Rather, they are seeking to remember the Armenians, so another madman like Adolf Hitler doesn't turn around and throw our denial in our face and use it to justify their genocide.

Coulter: Jews Need To Become Christians

Jews of the world, Ann Coulter says you need to be perfected.

Just another example of how this bitch is a Nazi in a miniskirt.

AK-AL: Berkowitz In

Former State Representative Ethan Berkowitz, who served six years as State House Minority Leader and was the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor last night, has decided to run for the Alaska's At-Large Congressional seat against longtime Republican Don Young.

Berkowitz is the strongest challenger for the seat in years. Young has usually managed to get around 70% of the vote in every election. Last year he got an abnormally small 56% against a relative unknown, Diane Benson, who got 40%.

Although the district is R+14 and went 61% for Bush in 2004, A Democratic victory is not out of the question here, especially with Berkowitz. Young's approval rating is in the tank and he's marred in scandal.

The other news about this is that Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, whose father held the seat before young, will probably not run, making it more likely he'll run for Ted Stevens' seat in the US Senate.

With Berkowitz in, and Young's tanking approval ratings, I put this at Lean Republican

The Truth Hurts

'I Don't Think It, I Know It."

Jimmy Carter on whether or not he thinks the US tortures terrorist suspects.

We wlll, of course, attack him because he told the truth...and we don't like the truth.

Bush: The Armenian Genocide Isn't A Genocide

Dear President Bush,

Please consult your dictionary. You will find this;

gen·o·cide /ˈdʒɛnəˌsaɪd/ [jen-uh-sahyd]
-noun
the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.

I personally side with Turkey on the Kurdish issue, but it is time to fess up to what they did to the Armenians 90 years ago. This is in no way a criticism of our Turkish friends. We accept that our German friends and Japanese friends committed brutual war crimes in the past.

On the Kurdish issue, Turkey has every right to send troops into Northern Iraq if their territory is being attacked. We were warned this may happen before we decided to do our G.I. Joe testostorone soaked invasion of Iraq three years ago, but as usual, our government did not listen.

And WE are the ones preaching restraint to the Turkish? US? Well, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?

NM-01, OH-15 Lean Democratic

The GOP may be starting at least two down on House races in their effort to win back the House of Representatives. The Evans-Novak Politics Report lists two open Republican House seats as lean Democratic;

The First District of New Mexico, which includes Albuquerque, is open thanks to Republican Heather Wilson's campaign for the state's open US Senate seat. According to Evans-Novak;
"The district is 42 percent Hispanic, which puts it almost totally outside GOP reach: Republicans represent only five of the 41 other congressional districts that are one-third or more Hispanic." Wilson won reelection last year by just over 800 votes.

The Ohio 15th district, left open by the retirement of Republican Deborah Pryce, includes Columbus and some of the state capital's western suburbs. "Republicans may have given up on the seat currently held by retiring Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH)" Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy, and a plethora of other strong Democrats, are running for the seat. Kilroy lost last year by about 1,000 votes.

Both seats Lean Democrat

Clinton Dominates In FLOHPA

Hillary Clinton is leading Rudy Giuliani in the ever important FLOHPA states. (FLorida, OHio, PennsylvaniA)

Quinnipiac University polls find Hillary Clinton leads Giuliani in Florida by 3%,; 46%-43%.
Clinton leads Giuliani in Ohio by 6%; 46%-40%
Clinton leads Giuliani in Pennsylvania by 6%; 48%-42%

Most surprising, Hillary Clinton has a deep and solid voting bloc; 74% of her supports in Ohio say they are unlikely or not likely at all to change their minds. That number is 59% in Florida and 56% in Pennsylvania.

What interest me the most in this poll? Giuliani only narrowly beats Obama in Pennsylvania and Florida, is essentially tied with Edwards in Pennsylvana and Florida and loses to everyone in Ohio.

If the FLOPHA goes Democratic next year, the Republicans can't possibly hold the White House.

Booed At Yankee Stadium

Say what you want about us, but we New Yorkers know when a person is using our pain for his personal gain, and we know how to "thank" him.

Welcome home Mayor Giuliani, not go back to Iowa.

NM-Sen: A Close One

Wilson (R) 33 Richardson (D) 62
Wilson (R) 38 Udall (D) 56
Wilson (R) 48 Chavez (D) 44
Wilson (R) 46 Madrid (D) 45
Pearce (R) 36 Richardson (D) 60
Pearce (R) 56 Chavez (D) 35
Pearce (R) 54 Madrid (D) 38

Interesting that Pearce does better than Wilson statewide, but Udall and Richardson would be the sure wins for this seat.

They also didn't poll Lt. Governor Diane Denish, who is being coerced to run for the seat.

If all things play out the way they're playing out, a Wilson-Madrid race would be the best bet for the Democrats, and that didn't go well last year.

Iraq To US: Cut Blackwater Out

Let's see what this administration thinks is more important...the future of Iraq or how much money Blackwater execs make of this war?

Delusional Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani says the U.S. must win the war in Iraq so that country "will act as an ally for us in the Islamic terrorist war against us."

If you REALLY think a new Iraq is going to be a trusted ally against terrorists, you must be delusional. If we had focused on Al-Qaeda from day one, it won't matter whether or not Iraq is our ally. I don't think we need them as our ally and if we're going to waste the resources we're wasting now for THAT reason, then we're a hopeless case.

More Proof War Alone Doesn't Solve It

The War on Terror is not only going to be won by guns.

Music Memory Jar: October 7, 1997

Central Italy is rocked by a series of massive earthquakes that damages, among other things, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi

Che Guarva's body is laid to rest in his homeland of Cuba over three decades after his assassination in Bolivia.

The defending World Series champion New York Yankees are defeated by the Cleveland Indians in the ACLS finals.

A high school freshman in Queens, New York finds a hip-hop song he actually likes and takes a liking for Timbaland and his music that continues all the way through his presenting of Shock Value

Jo Ann Davis (R-Virginia) 1950-2007

Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis (R-Virginia) who represents a district that includes Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Fredricksburg succumbed after a two year battle with breast cancer at her home in Virginia. She was 57 years old.

Davis was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected three more times with only minor opposition.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, she underwent a partial mastectomy tha same year and returned to work cancer-free. The cancer came back this year and, after a brave and rough battle, has taken her life.

Davis is the fifth member of Congress to die in office this year after Charlie Norwood (R-Georgia) Juanita-Millender-McDonald (D-California), Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyoming), and Paul Gilmor (R-Ohio).

Norwood, Millender-McDonald, and Thomas also succumbed to cancer.

The GOPee

What's with the Republicans and public bathrooms lately?

House Race Rankings

Likely Democrat:
Illinois-8
Indiana-2
Indiana-7
Indiana-8
Iowa-3
Kentucky-3
Maine-1
Minnesota-1
Pennsylvania-7
Pennsylvania-8
Texas-17
Utah-2

Lean Democrat:
Arizona-5
California-11
Georgia-8
Georgia-12
Indiana-2
Indiana-9
New Hampshire-1
New York-19
New York-20
Ohio-18
Pennsylvania-4
Pennsylvania-10
Texas-23
Wisconsin-8

Slight Lean Democrat:
Florida-16
Illinois-11
Kansas-2
New Mexico-1
Texas-22

Tossup
Arizona-1
Florida-13
Minnesota-3
Missouri-6
New York-25
New York-29
North Carolina-8
Ohio-15
Virginia-11

Slight Lean Republican:
Illinois-10
Nevada-3
New Jersey-3
New Jersey-7
Pennsylvania-6
Washington-8

Lean Republican:
Colorado-4
Illinois-6
Illinois-18
Michigan-9
Michigan-11
Minnesota-6
New York-13
Ohio-1
Ohio-2
Pennsylvania-15
Virginia-2
Virginia-10
West Virginia-2

Likely Republican:
California-42
California-50
Delaware-AL
Florida-8
Florida-10
Idaho-1
Illinois-14
Iowa-4
Michigan-7
New Jersey-2
New York-3
New York-26
Pennsylvania-3
Wyoming-AL

And You Thought Her Career Was Over

Britney scores her second biggest hit for her career...and the biggest since ...Baby One More Time.

"Gimme More" also hit #1 in Canada this week.

It's not a bad little song actually.

NM-Sen: Wilson In

Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M) will run for the New Mexico Senate seat that is expected to open up officially later Thursday when Sen. Pete Domenici (R) declares that he will not seek reelection in 2008, according to a source familiar with Wilson’s decision.
Domenici has taken Wilson under his wing in recent years, and as he has gotten older, Wilson’s name has topped the list of potential heirs [...]
[S]he also faces the same U.S. Attorney scandal baggage that would have affected Domenici’s reelection campaign. Fired U.S. attorney David Iglesias said both lawmakers pressured him to be more aggressive with his corruption cases during the 2006 campaign.

I doubt Wilson's ability to win statewide, but she does represent a Democratic-leaning district and this is a competitive state and she is widely known.

Then again, she is marred by the Prosecutor Firing Scandal

So, until we know who the Democratic candidate will be, I'll leave this as a Tossup

On the bright side, her New Mexico 1st district seat becomes Slight Lean Democrat

NH-Sen: Shaheen Way Ahead

Rasmussen had the race within five a month ago.

CNN/WMUR has her up 16- 54%-38%

Lean Democrat

Giuliani: I Was For McGovern Before I Was Against Him

"It's interesting that Hillary is taking something from the George McGovern playbook," Giuliani said in Manchester, N.H., likening her idea to the former South Dakota senator's proposal to send $1,000 to every U.S. resident.

What Rudy left out was he was FOR it in 1972 because he openly SUPPORTED George McGovern. He was a Democrat back then.

So why then and not now? Wait, let me break out my flip flops.

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot...9/11

NM-Sen: Domenici Out

This is about the best news possible right now for the Democrats. Domenici is an institution in New Mexico and the only Republican to win an outright majority statewide this decade. His retirement throws this seat into one of the most competitive races in the nation.

The GOP bench is minimal; with only New Mexico's two GOP Representatives, Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce, being the only formindable candidates. Wilson is marred by her connection to the Prosecutor Firing Scandal and Pearce isn't a major player statewide.

Democrats have a deeper bench including Rep. Tom Udall, Governor Bill Richardson (should he drop out of the Presidential race) former US Attorney John Kelly, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, former Attorney General Patricia Madrid, and Lt. Governor Diane Denish.

The Democrats have the upper hand, it's their year, all the Democratic Presidential candidates are polling well against the GOP canddiates and they have the better candidates, but because this is one of the top five most political competitive states in the country in my opinion (after Ohio, Iowa, New Hampshire and Virginia) I'd rather this one as a Tossup.

Republicans Who Supported SCHIP

HOUSE:
Mary Bono (R-California)
Vern Buchanan (R-Florida)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia)
Mike Castle (R-Delaware)
Tom Davis (R-Virginia)
Charlie Dent (R-Pennsylvania)
Vern Ehlers (R-Michigan)
Jo Ann Emerson (R-Missouri)
Phil English (R-Pennsylvania)
Jim Gerlach (R-Pennsylvania)
Wayne Gilchrest (R-Maryland)
Dave Hobson (R-Ohio)
Peter King (R-New York)
Mark Kirk (R-Illinois)
Ray LaHood (R-Illinois)
Tom Latham (R-Iowa)
Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio)
Frank LoBiondo (R-New Jersey)
John McHugh (R-New York)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington)
Candice Miller (R-Michigan)
Jerry Moran (R-Kansas)
Tim Murphy (R-Pennsylvania)
Tom Petri (R-Wisconsin)
Todd Platts (R-Pennsylvania)
Jon Porter (R-Nevada)
Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio)
Jim Ramstad (R-Minnesota)
Ralph Regula (R-Ohio)
Denny Rehberg (R-Montana)
Dave Reichert (R-Washington)
Rick Renzi (R-Arizona)
Christopher Shays (R-Connecticut)
Mike Simpson (R-Idaho)
Chris Smith (R-New Jersey)
Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio)
Mike Turner (R-Ohio)
Fred Upton (R-Michigan)
Jim Walsh (R-New York)
Heather Wilson (R-New Mexico)
Frank Wolf (R-Virginia)
Don Young (R-Alaska)
Bill Young (R-Florida)

Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming), Jo Ann Davis (R-Virginia), Wally Herger (R-California), Bobby Jindal (R-Louisiana) and Ted Poe (R-Texas) did not vote.

SENATE:
Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee)
Kit Bond (R-Missouri)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Bob Corker (R-Tennessee)
Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico)
Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)
Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)
Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas)
Richard Lugar (R-Indiana)
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Pat Roberts (R-Kansas)
Gordon Smith (R-Oregon)
Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)
Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania)
Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)
John Sununu (R-New Hampshire)
John Warner (R-Virginia)

Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) and John McCain (R-Arizona) did not vote.

There is little reason to imagine any of the Republicans who did not vote will vote to override. McCain already announced he agrees with Bush on his veto.

Democrats Who Opposed SCHIP

HOUSE:
Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma)
Kathy Castor (D-Florida)
Bob Etheridge (D-North Carolina)
Baron Hill (D-Indiana)
Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)
Jim Marshall (D-Georgia)
Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina)
Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi)

Diane Watson (D-California) voted Present

Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), Julia Carson (D-Indiana) and Bill Delahunt (D-Massachusetts) did not vote.

SENATE:
None

Joe Biden (D-Delaware) and Barack Obama (D-Illinois) did not vote.

*I have reason to believe Castor, Watson and Kucinich will vote to override the veto, as will all three Democrats who weren't present. That means the Democrats need 22 more votes. If all the Democrats who did not vote yea vote to override, the number is 16.

Bush Veteos SCHIP

And once again proves that Iraq is more important than America's Children.

Ron Paul's Fundraising Surprise

Texas Congressman Ron Paul's campaign for the GOP Presidential nomination scored a huge success when they announced they raised $5 million this quarter.

Paul raised five times more money than former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who was considered a serious contender, and raised nearly the same as top-tiered candidate Senator John McCain.

Still, Paul's $5 million is much lower than the top two Democrats; Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, who raised $23 million and $20 million respectively.

Religous Right Wants Third Party

I hardly thought they would endorse Giuliani. I figured this would happen.

Still, I don't think they're stupid enough to split the conservative vote and throw the election to the Democrats. All GOP candidates struggle at best against all the Democrats, splitting the vote would almost certainly guarantee them a win.

Or Giuliani would have to suddenly find God, for find some reason to oppose abortion and gay rights and explain his flip-flopping (9/11 made me pro-life.) Either way, Democrats win.

The End Of The Religious Right?

They will always exist, but I knew the day would come when they would be no more organized politically as white supremacists or communists. That day seems to be coming closer.

And our wonderful SECULAR nation breathes a sigh of relief.

Monday Afternoon Amusement

*Fred Thompson in La La Land- The Former Tennessee Senator is appealing to his base by doing what Republicans do best...deny reality.

*Despite the bluntness of John McCain in declaring our nation the United States of Jesus, The Supreme Court isn't touching the issue with a 90-foot pole.

*John Edwards is the only member of his family who doesn't support gay marriage. He's also the only member of his family running for President, so, take his stance with a grain of salt.

*Democratic Presidential candidates are begging for Ted Kennedy's endorsement, because, you know, no one unites the right and the left like Ted Kennedy.

*Am I the only one who realizes Iran is not the pushover third-world tribal country with a 13th century military that Iraq and Afghanistan were?

*If you're a soldier who disagrees with the necon foreign policy laid out by President Bush, you're not a real soldier or a real American. Don't ask just Rush Limbaugh, a Georgia Congressman says so too.

*And just so people will actually come this page, something everyone is interest in; Britney lost her kids to K-Fed. Wall to Wall coverage everywhere but here.