Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Dixie Chicks' New CD Debuts at #1
The new Dixie Chicks CD -- Taking the Long Way -- debuted this week at #1 on Billboard's chart.
Music fans showed they love the Dixie Chicks, and will not be intimidated by a small group of right wing radio execs and political operatives who don't like the fact that they spoke their mind about Bush.
As I said in a previous post, the new CD really is good. Check it out.
Music fans showed they love the Dixie Chicks, and will not be intimidated by a small group of right wing radio execs and political operatives who don't like the fact that they spoke their mind about Bush.
As I said in a previous post, the new CD really is good. Check it out.
Bush Didn't Have to Lie about Treasury Secretary. Why Did He?
On May 25, in response to a press conference question, Bush said Treasury Secretary John Snow had not given him any indication he was leaving office.
But in fact, on that date, Snow had already resigned, and his replacement had already accepted the job.
Why did Bush lie about it? The truth would have been OK. For quite a while now, it has been common knowledge inside the Beltway and in the financial markets that Snow would be leaving sometime soon.
Does Bush have such contempt for the media or for the American people, that he would prefer to lie, even when telling the truth would serve him just as well?
America deserves better.
But in fact, on that date, Snow had already resigned, and his replacement had already accepted the job.
Why did Bush lie about it? The truth would have been OK. For quite a while now, it has been common knowledge inside the Beltway and in the financial markets that Snow would be leaving sometime soon.
Does Bush have such contempt for the media or for the American people, that he would prefer to lie, even when telling the truth would serve him just as well?
America deserves better.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Rolling Thunder Sunday in DC
If you are in Washington over the Memorial Day weekend, salute Rolling Thunder.
Sunday is the day for the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride to highlight the POW/MIA issue and to honor veterans.
Over 400,000 riders are expected.
Riders will come into town from all over. Two local Harley dealerships -- Patriot Harley-Davidson in Fairfax, Virginia and Harley-Davidson of Washington, just over the river into Maryland -- are early morning starting points if you want to ride with a large, escorted group.
Riders will assemble Sunday morning in the Pentagon parking lot for the big parade, which begins at noon. The parade will come over the Memorial Bridge, and make its way around the mall and past the Capitol. Vendors, guest speakers and music will be set up near the Vietnam Memorial.
Even if you are not a motorcycle rider or a veteran, you might enjoy the event. Many of the riders are Vietnam era vets. Many have been riding in Rolling Thunder since it began nineteen years ago. Regardless of your views on war -- or any war in particular -- Rolling Thunder gives us an opportunity to show appreciation for our vets.
I hope to see you there.
Sunday is the day for the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride to highlight the POW/MIA issue and to honor veterans.
Over 400,000 riders are expected.
Riders will come into town from all over. Two local Harley dealerships -- Patriot Harley-Davidson in Fairfax, Virginia and Harley-Davidson of Washington, just over the river into Maryland -- are early morning starting points if you want to ride with a large, escorted group.
Riders will assemble Sunday morning in the Pentagon parking lot for the big parade, which begins at noon. The parade will come over the Memorial Bridge, and make its way around the mall and past the Capitol. Vendors, guest speakers and music will be set up near the Vietnam Memorial.
Even if you are not a motorcycle rider or a veteran, you might enjoy the event. Many of the riders are Vietnam era vets. Many have been riding in Rolling Thunder since it began nineteen years ago. Regardless of your views on war -- or any war in particular -- Rolling Thunder gives us an opportunity to show appreciation for our vets.
I hope to see you there.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Tom DeLay (remember him?) Doesn't Get The Joke re Colbert
Check out this from Think Progress.
Tom DeLay apparently doesn't realize that Stephen Colbert is a comedian playing the role of a conservative, O'Reilly-type blowhard.
DeLay is using Colbert's interview in which Colbert puts down the maker of the movie The Big Buy: Tom DeLay's Stolen Congress in an effort to raise money for his legal defense fund.
As Bugs Bunny used to say: "What a maroon!"
Tom DeLay apparently doesn't realize that Stephen Colbert is a comedian playing the role of a conservative, O'Reilly-type blowhard.
DeLay is using Colbert's interview in which Colbert puts down the maker of the movie The Big Buy: Tom DeLay's Stolen Congress in an effort to raise money for his legal defense fund.
As Bugs Bunny used to say: "What a maroon!"
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
White House Aide's Trial Begins Today, But Abramoff Not Testifying
The trial of White House aide David Safavian on charges that he lied about his dealings with Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff started today.
But since Abramoff will not be testifying, the media most likely will give it minimal coverage.
If Safavian is convicted, other convictions and guilty pleas likely will follow. But if he gets off, those currently being investigated likely will take a harder stance and not plead to anything.
We'll just have to wait and see.
But since Abramoff will not be testifying, the media most likely will give it minimal coverage.
If Safavian is convicted, other convictions and guilty pleas likely will follow. But if he gets off, those currently being investigated likely will take a harder stance and not plead to anything.
We'll just have to wait and see.
New Dixie Chicks CD is Very Good
The Dixie Chicks have been through alot over the last couple of years -- ever since Natalie Maines dared to speak her mind about Bush and his war in Iraq.
The backlash from some country music fans and lots of conservatives, whipped up by conservative radio execs and conservative political operatives, resulted in protests, attempted boycotts, and even death threats.
I was amused when the protestors went out and bought Dixie Chicks CDs to participate in radio station-led CD burnings (like book burnings in the Nazi era), apparently not stopping to think that by purchasing the CD, they were giving their money to the Dixie Chicks and their record label.
But I was saddened when I heard about the death threats. I couldn't understand how someone could become so full of hate that they would threaten to kill someone over an opinion.
The new CD -- Taking the Long Way -- has several songs with references, some more overt than others, to the episode. But they are not backing down. And for that I am very proud.
Listen to the CD. Listen to the song "Not Ready to Make Nice." (When you go to their Web site, this song plays automatically.) Natalie sings:
It is very sad that people could become so filled with hate that they would threaten to kill someone over words.
And it's very sad that the manipulators -- the conservative radio execs and political operatives -- are already gearing up protests and promising not to play the new CD.
But of course, as I have pointed out in some recent posts, the protests always backfire, as they create publicity for something they want people not to see or hear.
I am very proud of the Dixie Chicks for not backing down. Buy the CD. It's very good.
The backlash from some country music fans and lots of conservatives, whipped up by conservative radio execs and conservative political operatives, resulted in protests, attempted boycotts, and even death threats.
I was amused when the protestors went out and bought Dixie Chicks CDs to participate in radio station-led CD burnings (like book burnings in the Nazi era), apparently not stopping to think that by purchasing the CD, they were giving their money to the Dixie Chicks and their record label.
But I was saddened when I heard about the death threats. I couldn't understand how someone could become so full of hate that they would threaten to kill someone over an opinion.
The new CD -- Taking the Long Way -- has several songs with references, some more overt than others, to the episode. But they are not backing down. And for that I am very proud.
Listen to the CD. Listen to the song "Not Ready to Make Nice." (When you go to their Web site, this song plays automatically.) Natalie sings:
"It's a sad, sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she oughta hate a perfect stranger.
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they'd write me a letter
Saying that I'd better
Shut up and sing or my life will be over?"
It is very sad that people could become so filled with hate that they would threaten to kill someone over words.
And it's very sad that the manipulators -- the conservative radio execs and political operatives -- are already gearing up protests and promising not to play the new CD.
But of course, as I have pointed out in some recent posts, the protests always backfire, as they create publicity for something they want people not to see or hear.
I am very proud of the Dixie Chicks for not backing down. Buy the CD. It's very good.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Da Vinci Code is JUST A MOVIE
Check out BobcatJH's post on Democratic Underground about the Da Vinci Code protestors.
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the protestors are actually helping boost box office attendance by generating publicity for the movie. They just never learn. If you don't want someone to see something, don't tell them about it.
But BobcatJH makes a bigger point about how much better the world would be if these folks spent as much time doing something good for their fellow human beings as they do protesting. BobcatJH notes the protestors
He's right on. It is much easier to protest against something than to do something positive.
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the protestors are actually helping boost box office attendance by generating publicity for the movie. They just never learn. If you don't want someone to see something, don't tell them about it.
But BobcatJH makes a bigger point about how much better the world would be if these folks spent as much time doing something good for their fellow human beings as they do protesting. BobcatJH notes the protestors
"fail to recognize the spectacular hypocrisy inherent in their outrage. The people who lecture everyone else about personal responsibility can't exercise it themselves. If they could only change the channel instead of filing a complaint, our lives would be so much easier. If they could only spend more time working for good than picketing a box office, the world would be a much better place. But they can't, because they realize that it's much easier to be against something than for anything."
He's right on. It is much easier to protest against something than to do something positive.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Da Vinci Code Big Hit; Helped by Religious Protests
Folks just don't learn.
If you DON'T want somebody to see something, DON'T TELL THEM ABOUT IT.
The Da Vinci Code movie is a big box office hit. This weekend it took in $77 million in the U.S. and some $224 million worldwide.
Attendance was helped in large part by the protests and comments made by people who didn't want anybody to see it.
I am not religious, nor am I anti-religious. But I am always amused by religious protestors trying to tell me, and everyone else, what we cannot or should not see or do. The United States was founded on freedom of religion, and also freedom from religion.
The religious protestors telling people not to go see a this movie or read the book include many who are sincere in their beliefs. But they also include many who seem incapable of thinking for themselves, and many who prey on that group.
The book is facinating. It makes you think. I may go see the movie, but I probably will wait until it comes out on DVD and rent it.
The folks who made the Da Vinci Code movie, as well as author Dan Brown are eternally grateful to the religious protestors who created the kind of publicity money can't buy, and helped boost attendance to record levels.
If you DON'T want somebody to see something, DON'T TELL THEM ABOUT IT.
The Da Vinci Code movie is a big box office hit. This weekend it took in $77 million in the U.S. and some $224 million worldwide.
Attendance was helped in large part by the protests and comments made by people who didn't want anybody to see it.
I am not religious, nor am I anti-religious. But I am always amused by religious protestors trying to tell me, and everyone else, what we cannot or should not see or do. The United States was founded on freedom of religion, and also freedom from religion.
The religious protestors telling people not to go see a this movie or read the book include many who are sincere in their beliefs. But they also include many who seem incapable of thinking for themselves, and many who prey on that group.
The book is facinating. It makes you think. I may go see the movie, but I probably will wait until it comes out on DVD and rent it.
The folks who made the Da Vinci Code movie, as well as author Dan Brown are eternally grateful to the religious protestors who created the kind of publicity money can't buy, and helped boost attendance to record levels.
Phone Companies Fighting Release of Their Gov't Spying Details
As you know from numerous media reports -- first broken by USAToday -- the National Security Agency has been secretly collecting the phone call records of tens of millions of Americans, using data provided by AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth.
The phone companies have issued carefully worded non-denial denials that they are cooperating with the Bush administration in its program of spying on US citizens.
Verizon has told Maine authorities they have no authority to look into what Verizon is doing with Maine citizens' phone records.
AT&T is fighting public release of information on its cooperation with the Bush administration's spying on internet activity, but Wired News released the documentation.
AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth all have big lobbying operations here in Washington. They are already hard at work to try and deflect, or at least shape, the inevitiable Congressional calls for inquiry.
The good news for the phone companies is that they are big enough contributors to enough Republicans, and some Democrats, that any inquiry will be mild and won't impact their activities.
America deserves better than a president who spys on citizens under the guise of catching terrorists. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress this November.
The phone companies have issued carefully worded non-denial denials that they are cooperating with the Bush administration in its program of spying on US citizens.
Verizon has told Maine authorities they have no authority to look into what Verizon is doing with Maine citizens' phone records.
AT&T is fighting public release of information on its cooperation with the Bush administration's spying on internet activity, but Wired News released the documentation.
AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth all have big lobbying operations here in Washington. They are already hard at work to try and deflect, or at least shape, the inevitiable Congressional calls for inquiry.
The good news for the phone companies is that they are big enough contributors to enough Republicans, and some Democrats, that any inquiry will be mild and won't impact their activities.
America deserves better than a president who spys on citizens under the guise of catching terrorists. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress this November.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Sick of Republicans; Ridin' the Harley this Weekend
Every now and then I just get sick of all the Republican crap we have to put up with in this town.
I am tired of hearing them blame everybody but themselves -- Bush told the Today Show audience that his low approval ratings are because of the war. He says war makes people unsettled.
As Bugs Bunny used to say, "What a maroon!" (See quote #10 here.)
I am so sick of Repubicans. I hope the weather holds up this weekend, cause I need a nice ride on the ole Harley. I love riding along the backroads of northern Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolinia -- where ever.
If you ride, check out RideVA. Take a look at their events section or visit any one of the dealerships on the list.
Harley Owners Group's motto is "Ride and Have Fun." That's what I hope to do this weekend.
I am tired of hearing them blame everybody but themselves -- Bush told the Today Show audience that his low approval ratings are because of the war. He says war makes people unsettled.
As Bugs Bunny used to say, "What a maroon!" (See quote #10 here.)
I am so sick of Repubicans. I hope the weather holds up this weekend, cause I need a nice ride on the ole Harley. I love riding along the backroads of northern Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolinia -- where ever.
If you ride, check out RideVA. Take a look at their events section or visit any one of the dealerships on the list.
Harley Owners Group's motto is "Ride and Have Fun." That's what I hope to do this weekend.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Abramoff White House Visit Records Held by White House, not Secret Service
Everybody smelled a rat when the Secret Service, in response to a lawsuit, said that Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff had visited the White House only two times.
Especially, when it was revealed that the two times the Secret Service said he was there were not the same times the White House had already admitted to.
Now, thanks to TPMmuckraker, we know why.
After 60 days, the records are transferred from Secret Service to White Houes control. The Secret Service's response was technically correct, based on the records under its control.
I guess Bush and company thought they would pull a fast one.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress in November.
Especially, when it was revealed that the two times the Secret Service said he was there were not the same times the White House had already admitted to.
Now, thanks to TPMmuckraker, we know why.
After 60 days, the records are transferred from Secret Service to White Houes control. The Secret Service's response was technically correct, based on the records under its control.
I guess Bush and company thought they would pull a fast one.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress in November.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Will Republican Anti-Immigrant Action Help Democrats?
Republicans are in total disarray over the immigration issue.
On the one hand, they have the wealthy business interests who like cheap labor. But on the other hand, they have the anti-immigrant, law-and-order types who want to deport all aliens and build a big fence along the Mexican border.
Karl Rove went to the Hill today to try and shore up Republican support for Bush's plan, which includes a "pathway to citizenship" that the right wingers see as amnesty. The right wingers want to deport everybody first -- send them all home -- before any can apply for citizenship.
Today's meeting didn't go well for Rove, according to CQ.com. (This is a subscription site, so you may not be able to access the story.)
CQ quotes Republican Rep. Darrell Issa (California) as saying, "Karl Rove had his hat handed to him." Issa is among those who supports tighter border security. Rove "didn't get any positive response to the president's speech," said Issa, according to CQ.
The oppressive, punitive, downright nasty nature of Republicans toward any minority is on display for all to see.
Can the public perception that Republicans are anti-immigrant along with the very low approval ratings and the split among Republicans help Democrats in November?
On the one hand, they have the wealthy business interests who like cheap labor. But on the other hand, they have the anti-immigrant, law-and-order types who want to deport all aliens and build a big fence along the Mexican border.
Karl Rove went to the Hill today to try and shore up Republican support for Bush's plan, which includes a "pathway to citizenship" that the right wingers see as amnesty. The right wingers want to deport everybody first -- send them all home -- before any can apply for citizenship.
Today's meeting didn't go well for Rove, according to CQ.com. (This is a subscription site, so you may not be able to access the story.)
CQ quotes Republican Rep. Darrell Issa (California) as saying, "Karl Rove had his hat handed to him." Issa is among those who supports tighter border security. Rove "didn't get any positive response to the president's speech," said Issa, according to CQ.
The oppressive, punitive, downright nasty nature of Republicans toward any minority is on display for all to see.
Can the public perception that Republicans are anti-immigrant along with the very low approval ratings and the split among Republicans help Democrats in November?
Public Wants Democrats To Take Over
But can we Democrats win in November?
I noticed two thoughtful posts on Democratic Undergound -- one by Bob Geiger and another by BobcatJH. Check them out, and think about it.
There is hope.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress in November.
I noticed two thoughtful posts on Democratic Undergound -- one by Bob Geiger and another by BobcatJH. Check them out, and think about it.
There is hope.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress in November.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Feds Listening In On Media's Calls
The Bush administration absolutely hates leakers -- unless, of course, the leaker turns out to be Bush himself, or Rove, or Cheney or Scooter.
When the New York Times revealed the administration's secret prisons in Europe, there was no indignation over the existance of the secret prisions, but lots of huffing and puffing about finding who leaked the information.
ABC News reported that the FBI is monitoring at least two of its reporters' calls in an effort to discover patterns that may be helpful in identifying who ABC is talking to. A senior federal law enforcement official advised the ABC reporters to get new cell phones.
As USAToday and others revealed, this administration is monitoring the phone calls of literally tens of millions of US citizens.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress in November.
When the New York Times revealed the administration's secret prisons in Europe, there was no indignation over the existance of the secret prisions, but lots of huffing and puffing about finding who leaked the information.
ABC News reported that the FBI is monitoring at least two of its reporters' calls in an effort to discover patterns that may be helpful in identifying who ABC is talking to. A senior federal law enforcement official advised the ABC reporters to get new cell phones.
As USAToday and others revealed, this administration is monitoring the phone calls of literally tens of millions of US citizens.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress in November.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Bush Caught in Another Lie About Domestic Spying Program
Bush has been caught in yet another lie. Is anybody keeping count?
What he said:
The facts:
So many lies from Bush and his administration.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress this November.
What he said:
"The privacy of ordinary Americans is fiercely protected in all our activities. We're not mining or trolling through the personal lives of millions of innocent Americans. Our efforts are focused on links to al Qaeda and their known affiliates. "
The facts:
The National Security Agency has been secretly collecting the phone call records of tens of millions of Americans, using data provided by AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth, people with direct knowledge of the arrangement told USA TODAY.
The NSA program reaches into homes and businesses across the nation by amassing information about the calls of ordinary Americans — most of whom aren't suspected of any crime.
So many lies from Bush and his administration.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities in Congress this November.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Snow Wants Media To Be As Colbert Described Them
In my previous post I noted that new White House Press Secretary Tony Snow already is bashing news outlets for not reporting what the White House wants.
I couldn't help but be reminded of Steven Colbert's presentation at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which I attended.
When describing to a room full mostly of media types how the media operates, Colbert said:
Colbert really hit the nail on the head. I have no confidence the media will stand up to Snow's bullying.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities this November.
I couldn't help but be reminded of Steven Colbert's presentation at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which I attended.
When describing to a room full mostly of media types how the media operates, Colbert said:
"The president makes decisions. He's the decider. The press secretary announces those decisions and you people of the press type those decisions down. Make, announce, type. Just put 'em through a spell check and go home. Get to know your family again. Make love to your wife. Write that novel you got kicking around in your head. You know, the one about the intrepid Washington reporter with the courage to stand up to the administration. You know, fiction!"
Colbert really hit the nail on the head. I have no confidence the media will stand up to Snow's bullying.
America deserves better. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities this November.
Tony Snow Already Battling With Media; Will They Stand Up to Him?
He hasn't even given his first press briefing, but the new White House Press Secretary, conservative, former Fox News star Tony Snow, already is battling with reporters whose coverage he does not like.
Editor & Publisher reports that Snow has complained to several outlets, including CBS, The New York Times and USAToday, that they are not providing the coverage he wants.
Seems Snow was particulaly upset that CBS reported the well-established FACT that the enrollment process for the new prescription drug program is confusing to seniors.
Snow will present an interesting contrast to Scotty. Scotty just stood there and lied whenever necessary. Snow is of the agressive Tom DeLay scorched earth mold, and will be much more pro-active in attacking the media.
Unfortunately, I have no confidence that the media will stand up to him.
Editor & Publisher reports that Snow has complained to several outlets, including CBS, The New York Times and USAToday, that they are not providing the coverage he wants.
Seems Snow was particulaly upset that CBS reported the well-established FACT that the enrollment process for the new prescription drug program is confusing to seniors.
Snow will present an interesting contrast to Scotty. Scotty just stood there and lied whenever necessary. Snow is of the agressive Tom DeLay scorched earth mold, and will be much more pro-active in attacking the media.
Unfortunately, I have no confidence that the media will stand up to him.
Abramoff White House Visit Records Obviously Incomplete
The Bush administration knows alot about lying and misinforming. But you would think that with all the practice they have had, they would at least not contridict their own previous statements.
The record of visits by convicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff released by the White House Secret Service show only two visits. Two. But the two they do show are not the ones the White House already has admitted to!
White House Press Secretary Scotty McClellan apparently knew what was coming when he was asked for a reaction on the impact of releasing the information and commented that the list to be released should not be viewed as a complete record.
The contempt Bush and this White House have for the American people is just amazing.
The record of visits by convicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff released by the White House Secret Service show only two visits. Two. But the two they do show are not the ones the White House already has admitted to!
White House Press Secretary Scotty McClellan apparently knew what was coming when he was asked for a reaction on the impact of releasing the information and commented that the list to be released should not be viewed as a complete record.
The contempt Bush and this White House have for the American people is just amazing.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
ABC News: Bush Presidency Floundering
ABC News reports that things are looking worse and worse for Bush and the Republican Party as his approval rating has set another new low.
Democrats have a shot at taking back both the House and the Senate. Let's hope so. America deserves better that Bush.
Democrats have a shot at taking back both the House and the Senate. Let's hope so. America deserves better that Bush.
Will Ney Resign Now?
Republican Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio lost his chairmanship of the House Administration Committee when Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff admitted to bribing him.
Now his former chief of staff has admitted to bribing him.
Will Ney resign soon? Or will he wait until he is indicted?
Now his former chief of staff has admitted to bribing him.
Will Ney resign soon? Or will he wait until he is indicted?
Monday, May 08, 2006
Aide to Rep. Ney Pleads Guilty in Abramoff Conspiracy
Another one bites the dust.
Neil Volz, former Chief of Staff to Republican Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio, today pleaded guilty to conspiring with Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff to commit fraud by giving and taking bribes.
Rep. Ney was identified as "Representative #1" in Jack Abramoff's plea documents, which outlined how Abramoff provided "Representative #1" with things of value in return for official acts.
One of the things-of-value in question is a lavish golfing trip to Scotland for Ney, David Safavian (the White House aide who faces trial for lying about his relationship with Abramoff) and former Christian Coalition head Ralph Reed (who is now running for Lt. Governor of Georgia).
Ney's official report to Congress listed a purpose of the trip as a "speech to Scottish Parliamentarians" but the Washington Post notes there is no record of Ney's speech in the Scottish Parliament's register of official visits. Plus, the Post points out, at the time of Ney's trip, the Scottish Parliament was out for its August recess.
Ney lost his chairmanship of the House Administration Committee because of this unfolding scandal, but he won the Republican primary a few weeks ago.
As more and more bad news keeps coming out about him, he may at some point just call it quits.
Neil Volz, former Chief of Staff to Republican Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio, today pleaded guilty to conspiring with Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff to commit fraud by giving and taking bribes.
Rep. Ney was identified as "Representative #1" in Jack Abramoff's plea documents, which outlined how Abramoff provided "Representative #1" with things of value in return for official acts.
One of the things-of-value in question is a lavish golfing trip to Scotland for Ney, David Safavian (the White House aide who faces trial for lying about his relationship with Abramoff) and former Christian Coalition head Ralph Reed (who is now running for Lt. Governor of Georgia).
Ney's official report to Congress listed a purpose of the trip as a "speech to Scottish Parliamentarians" but the Washington Post notes there is no record of Ney's speech in the Scottish Parliament's register of official visits. Plus, the Post points out, at the time of Ney's trip, the Scottish Parliament was out for its August recess.
Ney lost his chairmanship of the House Administration Committee because of this unfolding scandal, but he won the Republican primary a few weeks ago.
As more and more bad news keeps coming out about him, he may at some point just call it quits.
Bush's Greatest Moment in Office? Catching a Fish
After over five years in office, as leader of the free world, the best thing Bush could come up with when asked about the high point since becoming President was that he caught a fish in his pond.
Amazing.
Check the take on it provided by Skinner at Democratic Underground.
"You know, I've experienced many great moments and it's hard to name the best," Bush told weekly Bild am Sonntag when asked about his high point since becoming president in January 2001.
"I would say the best moment of all was when I caught a 7.5 pound (3.402 kilos) perch in my lake," he told the newspaper in an interview published on Sunday.
Amazing.
Check the take on it provided by Skinner at Democratic Underground.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Is Goss' Abrupt Resignation Related to Hookergate?
Why did CIA Chief Porter Goss resign so abruptly?
Usually transitions for such important government posts are handled more smoothly, with the successor in place when the resignation announcement is made. Most recently Bush announced Andy Card was leaving, but Josh Bolten was taking over for him as Chief of Staff. Also, Bush announced that Rob Portman was being reassigned from US Trade Representative to be head of the Office of Management and Budget, but Sue Schwab was designated to replace him.
As TPM Muckraker and others have reported, the story about how Republican lobbyist / defense contractor Brent Wilkes' prostitution ring, where he allegedly provided prostitutes for Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham, is growing.
It may be that several of Cunningham's fellow members of the House Select Committee on Intelligence may be involved. Porter Goss chaired that Committee before being named CIA chief.
And Goss' #3 at the CIA, Kyle "Dusty" Froggo, has been mentioned as possibly being involved with Wilkes' hookers.
Doing something on a Friday afternoon usually is an attempt to minimize news coverage. But we will find out the real story soon.
Usually transitions for such important government posts are handled more smoothly, with the successor in place when the resignation announcement is made. Most recently Bush announced Andy Card was leaving, but Josh Bolten was taking over for him as Chief of Staff. Also, Bush announced that Rob Portman was being reassigned from US Trade Representative to be head of the Office of Management and Budget, but Sue Schwab was designated to replace him.
As TPM Muckraker and others have reported, the story about how Republican lobbyist / defense contractor Brent Wilkes' prostitution ring, where he allegedly provided prostitutes for Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham, is growing.
It may be that several of Cunningham's fellow members of the House Select Committee on Intelligence may be involved. Porter Goss chaired that Committee before being named CIA chief.
And Goss' #3 at the CIA, Kyle "Dusty" Froggo, has been mentioned as possibly being involved with Wilkes' hookers.
Doing something on a Friday afternoon usually is an attempt to minimize news coverage. But we will find out the real story soon.
A Week Later and They Still Are Talking About Colbert's Performance
I was at the White House Correspondents' dinner last Saturday night.
I thought the performance by the two-Bushs was funny, with the impersonator providing the inner thoughts everyone had.
And I thought the Colbert performance was funny, although I did notice that Bush was not amused, and that the crowd reaction was a bit subdued. (Remember, the room was full mostly of media types who have been beaten into submission after five years of wrangling.)
The mainstream media, which was uncomfortable with Colbert's frank comments, mostly ignored the performance, focusing primarily on the two-Bush routine in their morning after stories. Only after bloggers called attention to this lack of coverage did the media address Colbert's performance.
Instead of minimizing Colbert's comments, the lack of initial coverage has resulted in even greater attention than his performance would have received. We still are discussing it a week later.
I thought the performance by the two-Bushs was funny, with the impersonator providing the inner thoughts everyone had.
And I thought the Colbert performance was funny, although I did notice that Bush was not amused, and that the crowd reaction was a bit subdued. (Remember, the room was full mostly of media types who have been beaten into submission after five years of wrangling.)
The mainstream media, which was uncomfortable with Colbert's frank comments, mostly ignored the performance, focusing primarily on the two-Bush routine in their morning after stories. Only after bloggers called attention to this lack of coverage did the media address Colbert's performance.
Instead of minimizing Colbert's comments, the lack of initial coverage has resulted in even greater attention than his performance would have received. We still are discussing it a week later.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
House Passes Weak Lobby Reform Bill
The "reform" measure the House narrowly passed is a far cry from what the Republican Leadership was talking about when Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff copped his plea deal.
The bill they passed will require me to file my lobbying reports four times a year instead of two, and will require me to list any personal contributions I make to a Member, information that is already available to the public.
But gifts to Members and staff, such as sporting event tickets, meals, etc. are still allowed.
And travel on corporate airplanes is still permitted, although registered lobbyists may not accompany the Member on the flight. Former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay and current Republican Majority Leader John Boehner use corporate jets regularly. It sure beats standing in the security lines at National Airport.
All in all, as predicted, no real reform, but Republicans can tell constituents how tough they responded to the scandal.
The bill they passed will require me to file my lobbying reports four times a year instead of two, and will require me to list any personal contributions I make to a Member, information that is already available to the public.
But gifts to Members and staff, such as sporting event tickets, meals, etc. are still allowed.
And travel on corporate airplanes is still permitted, although registered lobbyists may not accompany the Member on the flight. Former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay and current Republican Majority Leader John Boehner use corporate jets regularly. It sure beats standing in the security lines at National Airport.
All in all, as predicted, no real reform, but Republicans can tell constituents how tough they responded to the scandal.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
White House Forced to Disclose Abramoff Visits
President Bush claims he doesn't know Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, even though Abramoff raised over $100,000 for the election campaign and even though he and Abramoff posed for lots of pictures.
And poor old Scotty McClellan repeatedly refused to disclose how often Abramoff visited the White House and with whom he met.
Now, as the result of a lawsuit, the Secret Service, which keeps the records, will reveal Abramoff's comings and goings at the White House.
They have until May 10, but look for them to release the details late Friday night, hoping they won't make much news.
And poor old Scotty McClellan repeatedly refused to disclose how often Abramoff visited the White House and with whom he met.
Now, as the result of a lawsuit, the Secret Service, which keeps the records, will reveal Abramoff's comings and goings at the White House.
They have until May 10, but look for them to release the details late Friday night, hoping they won't make much news.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Republican Panel Clears Duke Cunningham
Even though he admitted demanding and accepting bribes in return for official acts, and even though he soon will be going off to jail, Republican former-Congressman Duke Cunningham was cleared of wrongdoing by the Republican-controlled House Armed Services Committee, which is chaired by his close friend Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter.
Amazing. I don't know what to say.
I am so tired of the culture of corruption Republicans have brought to this town.
America deserves better.
Amazing. I don't know what to say.
I am so tired of the culture of corruption Republicans have brought to this town.
America deserves better.
