Immigration Debate

Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, and other Democratic Senators are supporting a practical solution to the immigration problem. Here is the plan as described by the New York Post in the following excerpt:

Sens. Chuck Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday joined other Democrats in a push to let all 12 million illegal aliens become citizens - but it was decisively defeated.

Only Democrats voted for the full-legalization measure, which lost 61-37 as the Senate struggled to hold a bipartisan coalition in favor of legalization for most - but not all - illegal aliens.

Schumer said he backed the full-legalization measure because it sets "a very tough path to citizenship" and requires "learning English, working for 10 years and only missing 45 days [of work], paying a fine and staying on the straight and narrow."

However.......

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Indiana) yesterday proposed a possible compromise that would allow illegal aliens to apply for temporary jobs without the possibility of citizenship - but only if they return to their home countries to apply.
House Homeland Security Committee chairman Pete King (R-L.I.), who opposes any legalization, yesterday said Pence's approach "is certainly worth considering."

In my humble opinion, Pence's suggestion does not seem workable. I think the plan is idiotic. How do illegal immigrants apply for a temporary job? Do they go to a special location? Who will handle the paperwork? Who finds the jobs? Will Pence find them temporary jobs? Pence believes that everyone who is here illegally would just go home????? Pence needs to come back to reality.

Which plan do you think is practical? Has anyone else noticed that everything the Republicans touch or try to fix just turns into a bigger mess?

Here is an interesting post at Daily Kos. Lies told by the Republicans and this administration (the list is quite long!):

Tom DeLay is like Jesus Christ.
No one could have anticipated that the levees would be breached.
We do not torture.
There is no global warming....

Lobbyists $$Love$$ Republicans

The Ohio Republicans in Washington certainly know how to rake in the big money from lobbyists. Although some Democrats have taken money from lobbyists, it is a pittance compared to the Republican money. The Cleveland Plain Dealer has the story. Here are some excerpts:

House Majority Leader John Boehner of West Chester, Ohio, got $734,868...

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Michael Oxley of Findlay ranked seventh in the House of Representatives with $711,494...

Mike DeWine of Ohio ranked 24th in lobbyists' donations, with $474,363. George Voinovich ranked 67th with $209,970....

The top political donor among lobbyists, H. Stewart Van Scoyoc, gave $339,132 to members of Congress. The wife of Rep. Steve LaTourette, a Concord Township Republican, works for Van Scoyoc's lobbying firm but wasn't listed as a big donor. LaTourette, whose $134,877 take from lobbyists ranked 111th in Congress, didn't get money from Van Scoyoc, Federal Election Commission records show...

Wow! Those Republicans certainly know how to bring in the dough. I wonder if it influences their votes. What do you think?

Can someone explain why Sen. Brownback (KS-R) would be so obsessed with shoes????? According to The Hill:

Late last week, Brownback introduced a total of 17 bills to suspend temporarily the duties on different types of footwear.

Among the offerings: S. 2847, to “reduce temporarily the duty on certain footwear with open toes or heels,” and the more catchall S. 2845, affecting “certain women’s footwear.” S. 2837, for the leather lover, would reduce the duty on “certain leather and textile footwear,” while S. 2838, affecting “certain rubber or plastic footwear,” keeps the pleather lover pleased.

Stay-at-home moms aren’t left out either: S. 2850 would “reduce temporarily the duty on certain house slippers.”

And on it goes, to cover certain footwear for men, certain other work footwear, certain athletic shoes and certain athletic footwear for men and boys...

Just asking...

Republican candidate for Ohio governor, Kenneth Blackwell, was interviewed this weekend on TV. I noticed that Blackwell had a cross in the lapel of his suit jacket. Why would any candidate wear a religious symbol in his/her lapel? Is he campaigning for the religious leader of Ohio?

Why would former coin dealer and Republican contributor Tom Noe want the location of his trial changed? Is this a measure to just try to delay his trial? Just because the Toledo Blade has documented his theft, corruption, and scandal, doesn't mean he can't get a fair trial in Toledo. I honestly believe that Noe can get a fair trial any place in Ohio. I sincerely hope he goes to jail for a long time. By the way, has anyone heard him apologize for his law-breaking? Has anyone heard his wife say she was sorry for fixing the voting machines in her county?
I'm just asking.

Raw Story indicates that Republican Rep. Marilyn Musgrave of Colorado is adored by the KKK!!!! Musgrave can't pay for this type of publicity.

Did you happen to see the HBO show Baghdad ER last night? It told the story of our brave men and women in Iraq and the wonderful medical care they get from American doctors, nurses, and EMTs who are stationed in Iraq. It was very heartbreaking. Our death toll in Iraq is now at 2,454 and we have had over 17,000 wounded American military. We need to bring our men and women home from Iraq now.

Religious Right Against Cervical Cancer Cure

The FDA Advisory Board approved a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. Now it goes onto the FDA for, we hope, final approval. Here is the story and excerpts from the Courier-Journal:
A vaccine with the potential to greatly reduce worldwide deaths from cervical cancer, the No. 2 cancer killer in women, should be approved for sales in the United States, a federal panel said yesterday.

A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted 13-0 to endorse Merck and Co.'s Gardasil as safe and effective. It blocks viruses that cause cervical cancer...

...Worldwide, 400,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and more than 200,000 die of it.

The virus, commonly called HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted disease in this country, with about 20 million people infected.

The FDA panel stressed that Gardasil does not eliminate the need for cervical-cancer screening, such as the Pap smear test, because the vaccine does not protect against all HPV strains....

HOWEVER....

...Some conservative religious groups have expressed concerns about the vaccine, arguing that it may send an implicit message to young girls that sex is OK for them....

One of those groups is the Family Research Council. I find it absolutely amazing that that anyone could be against a vaccine that could save hundreds of thousands of lives each year. The vaccine not only would save lives, but it would save women from the pain and suffering they could endure with a cancer diagnosis. As mothers, we need to make sure that our daughters and their daughters have this vaccine available. Speak up and support its use.

**On another note.... Did you see the President riding in a dune buggy at the U.S.-Mexico border? Apparently, this is part of Josh Bolton new strategy for photo ops. Unfortuntely, Bush looked rather silly, especially since he was sweating profusely under his armpits.

**Republican Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania has an empty house in Penn Hills, PA. There is no evidence that he lives there because the home is empty. Santorum spends most of his time in Virginia. KDKA has a story and video about the empty house. Perhaps people should start sending registered letters to his Penn Hills home to prove he doesn't live there.

Friday?

**The rumors are flying on the internet again. Some people are saying that Friday is the day for the Rove indictment announcement. We will see. We will keep our fingers crossed.

**The Senate committee questioning CIA nominee General Hayden has provided some tidbits about Bush's domestic spying program. Here is my summary:

(1)Republican Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas is carrying the water for the Bush administration. There is no way that any truth will be revealed with Roberts in charge.

(2)Hayden said the program is legal. I guess if you just declare it legal, then, according to the Bush administration, it must be legal.

(3)Hayden mentioned he had briefed Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH) and DeWine did not see any problems. You could tell DeWine anything and he'd agree with any line put out by the Bush administration.

(4)Hayden said he wants to do some risk-taking. I hope he isn't talking about taking risks with our civil rights!

Let me remind everyone that the terrorist attacks took place during the Bush administration even though they had been warned repeatedly and they were even warned by foreign governments. Because this administration was asleep at the wheel, we are paying for their mistakes.

**Al Gore's big movie, An Inconvenient Truth, is coming out starting May 24th, and there are some ads attacking the idea of global warming. The group in opposition to Al Gore's documentary is financially backed by big oil companies. Why do the Republicans and big oil hate the Earth?

Some People Need to Wake Up!

In the latest Rasmussen poll, 68% think this country is on the wrong track. However, I'd like to meet the 27% in the poll who believe we are on the right track. Where do they live? Do they read the news, watch reports, investigate on their own? Do they talk to other people about world events? Do they know someone who did not return from Iraq or came back with a life altering injury? Have they had to pay more for gasoline? How in the world could someone believe that this nation is headed in the right direction?

Here is an excerpt from that poll:
Thirty-three percent (33%) of men answered our survey by saying "right direction." Just 22% of women share that view.

I believe that women are definitely more in tune with what is going on and that is why only 22% think we are on the right track. If we could only get more women to vote in the next election and vote the Republicans out. Why do Republicans hate women?

Dowd: Americans Have Lost Faith in Republicans

With Bush's low approval ratings, it is clear to Dowd and many Americans that we've lost faith in this administration. Maureen Dowd's column can be found here:
A few excerpts follow:
...Many Americans have simply lost faith in the administrations ingenuity. Only a quarter of those polled had much confidence in W's ability to handle a crisis; a mere 9 percent are sure that he can successfully end the war in Iraq, and a paltry 4 percent think the administration has a clear plan for keeping gas prices down....

...If W. really cared about getting good intelligence for his war on terror, he would never have appointed Porter Goss. That wasted more than 18 months that could have been used fixing the dysfunctional agency, and drove out some good officials.

Goss, the Cheney toadie, was appointed because W. and Vice wanted him to go to Langley and do a hostile takeover to clear out suspected leakers (especially Kerry contributors), malcontents, critics of the war or anyone else who wasn't with the program.

Before the Iraq invasion, it was about fixing the intelligence around the policy. Now its about appointing yes men and enforcing loyalty. The Bush warriors didn't want good intelligence in the first place because it would have told them they were wrong about Saddams ties to al-Qaida and WMD. And now they're still more concerned with turf battles than with truth-tellers, and finding someone — anyone — who can tell us where Osama is. (Osama who?)...

Dowd does it again!

***********************
Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Don Sherwood, who considers himself as a family values candidate, won his primary. Sherwood, "acknowledged a five-year extramarital affair after his mistress accused him of choking her at his Capitol Hill apartment." Link

How is having a five-year extramarital affair a family value? His affair indicates Sherwood is a liar and a cheat. Pennsylvanians don't need Sherwood. If he has cheated on his wife and family, where else has he cheated and lied? You know that old saying, "Once a cheater, always a cheater."

***********
Is Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and his wife divorced? Apparently, she is really upset about his affairs, and late night partying. Rumor has it that they are divorced but live together to protect his career. The people of Minnesota should ask Coleman the truth.

Desperate Measures by Republicans????

Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce has hired a new campaign manager. Very interesting?

We have a flip-flop by Ohio Gov. Bob Taft. Taft now supports a treatment plan for some drug offenses even though he was against it in 2002. Flippity-floppity.

The Toledo Blade indicates that things are getting tough for Republican Rep. Bob Ney (OH-18), past friend of Jack Abramoff. Now that Ney's former chief of staff, Neil Volz, has pleaded guilty to corruption charges, how long will Ney need to wait for his own indictment????

Brian Ross, of ABC News has the following info:
The FBI acknowledged late Monday that it is increasingly seeking reporters' phone records in leak investigations.

"It used to be very hard and complicated to do this, but it no longer is in the Bush administration," said a senior federal official.

The acknowledgement followed our blotter item that ABC News reporters had been warned by a federal source that the government knew who we were calling....

How Bush Administration and GOP Raised Our Taxes

Ohio, and many states, have problems funding public schools. With the added burden of the No Child Left Behind Act, states are struggling to get the funding to follow the law. The President and the Republican-controlled Congress and Senate have not provided funding for the No Child Left Behind Act. Because of the lack of funding from the federal government, states and school districts are cutting programs and teachers to find money to put NCLB into force. Here in Ohio, school districts must raise money through school levies. When a levy gets defeated, as many do, programs and teachers are forced out. The next time the Republicans start saying they've cut your federal taxes, remind them that you are paying higher property, state, and local taxes because of No Child Left Behind.

New Developments

>The rumor mill on the internet has Karl Rove being indicted this week. However, Patrick Fitzgerald's grand jury work has gone on with few leaks. Is it possible that someone else has leaked the Rove info? If Rove gets indicted, would Bush's scheduled Monday evening speech appear as a diversion to the bad news?

>It was a horrible weekend for American troops in Iraq. A reporter needs to ask the President why he sent troops to Iraq.

>As the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, Ted Strickland is meeting a lot of very receptive crowds. Why? Strickland makes sense and he knows that the time is ripe for change in Ohio. The Toledo Blade had a story about Strickland's campaign and here are some excerpts:
For Ted Strickland, Republican leaders have squandered Ohio's natural resources, its universities, and the talents of its 11 million residents, "just about everything a state would want to be successful."

"These people are absolutely shameful," the Democratic candidate for governor said yesterday at the Firefighters Local 92 union hall in Toledo. "Those of us who care about this state have been wandering in the wilderness for quite a while."

...Mr. Strickland said an increased minimum wage, more funding for education, and state assistance for developing alternative fuel sources would help reverse the outflow of jobs...

Are you kidding me?

Sometimes you read something and you are absolutely astounded. In the last few days, the stories coming out of Washington have been incredible. Let's review the highlights and lowlights of this week's news.

1. The Army Reserve has refused to allow officers to resign or leave the service. The IAVA has the full story.
>Isn't this involuntary servitude? How can they be forced to serve beyond their original agreed upon time?

2. NSA is spying on us. Telephone companies, according to USA Today, except for QWEST, turned over phone records of customers to the NSA. According to the article, the records were provided to the NSA without warrants. The records have now become part of a colossal super secret database maintained by the NSA.
>Hello NSA! If you're listening to my conversations about recipes, shopping, and if we need milk and butter, you must be very bored.

3. Dusty Foggo resigns. Now, Tice, the former #3 guy at the CIA is the subject of a search at his home.
>Are Dusty's hooker parties at the Watergate the reasons for the searches?

4. President Bush's approval rating, according to a new Harris Poll, is 29%.
>Could it go lower?

5. Patrick Fitzgerald met with the grand jury this week on the CIA leak case.
>Please, Fitz, can't you hurry up and indict the rest of the corrupt bunch?

Democrats Cautiously Optimistic

With the President's low approval ratings and Republicans losing support, prospects are looking good for Democrats. However, we know that Republicans like to tinker with voting machines, like Ohio's infamous Diebold voting machines.

CNN has a new poll and here is an excerpt: A CNN poll released Wednesday may continue the anxiety for the GOP, showing Democrats with a 14-point advantage over Republicans among registered voters asked their preferences in this year's midterm elections....

We can only hope that Republicans continue to drop in the polls as Americans realize that our country needs a change.

Late update: It appears that we have two American companies which are following the law----Google and Qwest. Both have refused to provide material to the government without search warrants.

Bush said that they are not trolling through our records. He lied us into war. Is he lying again?

Yo, Patrick Fitzgerald!

We're waiting. Patrick Fitzgerald's grand jury is meeting today, Wednesday, and Friday, in Washington, DC. We are all hoping for some news about the leak investigation and any new indictments. I guess we'll have to just settle for keeping an eye on the news and Fitzgerald's website.

Here is a big update: The brain of Rolling Stone Keith Richards is okay. Thank God!

Those Republicans are now dropping donations they got from Neil Volz, former staff member of Republican Rep. Bob Ney.

Here is something you don't want to hear: President George W. Bush would like to see his brother, Jeb Bush, governor of Florida, run for the White House. (I'll give you a few minutes to recover from puking.) I don't think this country could handle another miserable failure from the Bush family.

How are gas prices in your area? While the Bush family's friends get richer, the rest of us are stuck paying more for gas. Soon food prices will rise because transportation prices have increased. Here is GAS BUDDY so you can see gas prices across the nation.

Translators?

I think this government needs some translators.

Found this at Raw Story: Apparently, the letter from the president of Iran hasn't been fully translated, but Condoleeza Rice sent a reply back anyway. Really. Here is the LINK. Does this administration already have their mind made up about Iran? Just asking.

Plan B and the Republicans

The Republican controlled FDA has refused to make the emergency contraception pill known as Plan B available to women as an over the counter medicine. They've lied, blocked, and generally done everything to stop women from getting the medication.

From USA Today:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on Monday condemned the Food and Drug Administration for blocking over-the-counter sales of emergency contraception....
...We're not trying to promote the need for EC (emergency contraception)," said president Michael Mennuti, obstetrics and gynecology and human genetics and pediatrics professor at the University of Pennsylvania. "We're trying to promote access to it when it's needed."

In December 2003, two FDA advisory committees deemed Plan B emergency contraception safe and effective for over the counter use. FDA scientists agreed. But more than two years later FDA officials have not yet acted, and women still need a prescription for Plan B.

The FDA's inaction represents "despicable treatment of women," said Vivian Dickerson, immediate past president of the organization and a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California-Irvine. "Clearly, political interference is hampering scientific review within the agency today..."

Do the Republicans think that women are unable to take care of their own bodies? Obviously, the GOP has no respect for women.

Hayden and the 4th Amendment

The new nominee for the head of the CIA will likely face some opposition. According to the New York TimesMSNBC News, even some Republicans are a little worried about General Hayden being put in position of such responsibility. Republican Rep. Hoekstra said the following: “I do believe he’s the wrong person, the wrong place, at the wrong time,” House Intelligence Committee Chairman Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., said on “Fox News Sunday.” “We should not have a military person leading a civilian agency at this time.”

There is also some concern that General Hayden does not fully understand the 4th Amendment to the Constitution. Editor and Publisher has information about a National Press Club appearance by Hayden that underlines his confusion. (And Bush wants this guy in charge of domestic spying??????)
The following is an excerpt from that National Press appearance as reported by Editor and Publisher:

QUESTION: Jonathan Landay with Knight Ridder. I'd like to stay on the same issue, and that had to do with the standard by which you use to target your wiretaps. I'm no lawyer, but my understanding is that the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution specifies that you must have probable cause to be able to do a search that does not violate an American's right against unlawful searches and seizures. Do you use --

GEN. HAYDEN: No, actually -- the Fourth Amendment actually protects all of us against unreasonable search and seizure.

QUESTION: But the --

GEN. HAYDEN: That's what it says.

QUESTION: But the measure is probable cause, I believe.

GEN. HAYDEN: The amendment says unreasonable search and seizure.

QUESTION: But does it not say probable --

GEN. HAYDEN: No. The amendment says --

QUESTION: The court standard, the legal standard --

GEN. HAYDEN: -- unreasonable search and seizure. .......

Here is the 4th Amendment:
'The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.'

Bush's Best Moment

Just when you think you've heard it all, something comes alongs that really surprises you. Here it is from Reuters:
U.S. President George W. Bush told a German newspaper his best moment in more than five years in office was catching a big perch in his own lake.

"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....

Notes for Friday

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

*Holy cow! It appears that the FBI is investigating a huge sex scandal involving Republicans, hookers, limousines, poker, and government contracts. The story is here.

*Did you know that 82 of our people were killed in Iraq last month?

*Republican Sen. Bill Frist really insulted the American people with his proposal to pass out $100 checks to all Americans to cover rising gas prices. Do you think Frist actually drives his own car and pumps his own gas? If he did, he'd know that $100 is nothing to the consumer. The New York Times has a story on how Frist's presidential campaign is faltering.

*Well, folks, we know how well the President and the Republicans handled the Katrina disaster. Now they have a plan on the government's response to a possible bird flu. Do you want to know what it is? Guess what? The people who told you to buy duct tape, plastic sheeting and water are now telling our nation that you are on your own if we are faced with the bird flu. On your own. According to the Bush administration, your city, county, and state should draw up their own plans because there will be no funding for a bird flu emergency. (This sounds like the No Child Left Behind Act: a federal mandate without funding.) Newsweek has an article about how some doctors and public health experts are appalled by the lack of planning that the government is doing to prepare for this possible pandemic.

Republicans Want to End Insurance Coverage for Mammograms

We have another stupid idea from the Republicans! They are proposing that insurance companies would not have to cover mammograms. Who was the Republican who came up with this stupid idea? Sen. Enzi is the culprit. The American Cancer Society is suggesting we all take action now before S.1955 passes. Contact your senators and tell them to vote NO on S.1955.

Just in case you wanted to know, Enzi, for cycle 2005-2006, received PAC money from Insurance concerns to the tune of $40,000 (from Open Secrets: list includes- AFLAC, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Mass. Mutual, Humana, Mutual of Omaha, etc. etc.). Enzi's just helping out his contributors.

Listen to What They Say

Yesterday President Bush invited some lawmakers to the White Houses to talk about rising gas prices. What did he say? Bush said, "The prices of gasoline should serve as a wake-up call to all of us involved in public office, that we have got an energy security problem and a national security problem, and now is the time to deal with it in a forceful way..."

Did you see a solution in what he said???? It is all just talk. The oil companies are in the business of making money and the Republicans are in the business of taking money from the oil companies for their campaigns.

Ponder this bit of information from Open Secrets: The 2004 Bush campaign got $2,596,725 from people/PACs associated with Oil and Gas Industries. Do you think he is going to do something to penalize his friends?

****This just in....From the New York Daily News (Republicans eating their own!):
Republican senate candidate John Spencer was accused of being a bigamist by a top adviser to his leading rival for the nomination.

Ed Rollins, a longtime GOP operative working on KT McFarland's campaign, said on New York 1's "Inside City Hall" Tuesday that Spencer had basically maintained two families at the same time while mayor of Yonkers.

Spencer "runs around saying, 'I'm a good Catholic. I'm this, I'm that,'" he said. "A lot of Catholics in this state, that's bigamy, where I come from."

Spencer's affair with his chief of staff while he was married has been well-reported. Before divorcing his first wife and marrying the chief of staff, he and the staffer had two children. They later had a third child.

Could Another Republican Majority Be Dangerous?

We know that our country is involved in horrible wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, if the Republicans retained a majority in the House and the Senate, could it be dangerous for our country?

Would the Republicans try to "reform" social security again?
Would the Republicans expand the powers of the President?
Would the Republicans give the President the power to go into a dangerous war in Iraq?
Would the Republican scandals threaten the security of our country?
Since there are no investigations of ethics scandals being conducted by the Republicans, would another Republican majority create more scandals and more influence pedaling?
Members of this Republican administration outted an undercover CIA agent. What other dangerous activities could they carry out if they were given the chance?

The operative word here is DANGEROUS. Would it be dangerous to let the Republicans maintain a majority?

Massa: A Tough Democrat

Democrat Eric Massa is getting increasing support for his run for New York's 29th congressional district. Massa and other "fighting Democrats" are gaining attention because they have served in our country's military.

From the Free Market News: ...Jim Webb, like fellow Fighting Dems Andrew Horne in Kentucky and Tammy Duckworth in Illinois and Eric Massa in New York are soldiers who bring a sobering sensibility to the Democratic Party. As Webb’s 2002 Washington Post essay and his many other writings bring out, his is a character-based sensibility, honed in duty, sacrifice and civic responsibility...

The Evening Tribune shows Massa supporting worker safety:

...Eric Massa of Corning, the Democratic challenger to U.S. Rep. John “Randy” Kuhl, R-29th, stressed the importance of remembering “the men and women who gave their lives on the job.”

Massa also discussed how the middle class is dwindling, saying “working people are under attack.”

“We have elected representatives who have lost touch with what it's like to pay a mortgage, buy a dinner or fill a tank of gas,” he said. “We'd like to leave a future at least as equally bright as the one our parents left to us.

“The sacrifices by the 30 generations who came before us will not be forgotten,” Massa added. “It's important we do not lose the value and significance of their sacrifices.”

Massa makes some good points. We must protect workers on the job site and pay people decent wages. When is the last time some of these Republicans paid for their own lunch or dinner? Remember when Trent Lott got upset at the prospect of limiting lobbyist lunches to a $20 value? Many working people would love to have $20 for lunch or dinner. However, with high gas prices and no wage increases in recent years, some workers are giving up lunch.

High Gas Prices

*People are absolutely angry (USA Today) about the price of gasoline. How can these Republicans work to control the oil companies when they get thousands and thousands of dollars in contributions from people associated with the oil companies? The oil companies have bought influence with the Republicans and they are getting it. The Republican controlled legislative branch will not do anything to hurt the gravy train provided by the oil companies. What part does Cheney play in the high cost of gasoline?

*Here is a question to ponder---Why did Jack Abramoff visit the White House almost 200 times in the first ten months of the Bush administration? The Mercury News has an article which states---

...Abramoff was a $100,000 fundraiser for Bush and lobbying records obtained by the AP show his lobbying team logged nearly 200 meetings with the administration during its first 10 months in office on behalf of one of his clients, the Northern Mariana Islands.

The contacts between Abramoff's team and the administration included meetings with Attorney General John Ashcroft and policy advisers to Vice President Dick Cheney, the AP reported last year.

Why was Abramoff granted this access???

Poor Poll Numbers--Again!

Don't you wonder what the Bushies are saying about their ever decreasing poll numbers? There are some new poll numbers and Raw Story found the USA Today/Gallup results: 34% job approval for Bush. A CBS News Poll puts Bush's approval at 33%. Ouch!

Are you surprised that Tom Cruise is not popular among women? Cruise's attack on Brooke Shields and his promotion of a "quiet birth" for his girlfriend, Katie Holmes, are not winning him female fans. We women should vote not to go to this latest Cruise movie. Media Bistro has information on Cruise's low Q scores.

And....From the Democratic Underground: The Republicans are hurting the troops again! Why do Republicans hate our troops? Bob Geiger has some insight---
...The latest smackdown came this week when Senate Republicans voted to take $1.9 billion from President Bush's funding request for the Iraq war and use that money to boost border security. S.Amdt. 3594, sponsored by Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) was intended to pay for new aircraft, patrol boats, and land vehicles and to bolster checkpoints and a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border crossing near San Diego.

The problem and the bald-faced hypocrisy comes in Gregg's amendment, which passed 59-39, funding border security by grabbing money that would have provided body armor, tools to defeat improvised explosive devices for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and money for training the Iraqi security forces....

These GOP people have no shame!

Did you hear that Republican Rep. Hastert met with the CEO of EXXON today? Did you also know that Hastert got $92,000 from people and PACs associated with the oil and gas industry? That $92,000 is just for the 2005-2006 campaign cycle, according to Open Secrets.
Coincidence? Don't you think they'd be a little too friendly to take the average consumer into consideration?

I MISS BILL

*I saw a great bumper sticker this weekend: I MISS BILL. Yes, we certainly do miss Bill Clinton. Remember when we had jobs? Health insurance? Our country was respected in the world? Those were the good old days.

Raw Story found an article in The Boston Globe that indicates that Bush is ignoring approximately 750 laws. How can he do that????? Here is an excerpt:
Phillip Cooper, a Portland State University law professor who has studied the executive power claims Bush made during his first term, said Bush and his legal team have spent the past five years quietly working to concentrate ever more governmental power into the White House.

''There is no question that this administration has been involved in a very carefully thought-out, systematic process of expanding presidential power at the expense of the other branches of government," Cooper said. ''This is really big, very expansive, and very significant."

*If you missed the White House Correspondents dinner on CSPAN, you should try to catch the Stephen Colbert section of the entertainment. Visit http://thankyoustephencolbert.org/

*Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman said gas prices could stay high for many years. Marketwatch has the article. What is the consumer to do? Buy a car that gets better mpg. I'm getting 50mpg on the highway and that makes me very happy! Buying my Hybrid was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

*Don't forget to visit SAVE DARFUR and let people know that we cannot let the genocide continue.

Why did Kuhl vote against better port security?

Why would Republican Rep. Randy Kuhl (NY-29) vote against increased port security? On March 16, 2006, Kuhl VOTED AGAINST INCREASED PORT SECURITY. How can he justify this vote? He serves on the Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure and you'd think he'd be well aware of the challenges faced by our highways, railroads, airports, and bridges. His vote against more port security shows his lack of interest in protecting the security of our nation and his district.

Friday with Neil Young

Neil Young's album is available for listening.

Senator George Allen's idiocy is revealed: Allen supports and sometimes wears a confederate flag pin. This guy wants to be president? Of the KKK?!!!!

Raw Story does it again: The Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has denied Democratic attempts to interview Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former CIA Director George Tenet and two former senior aides to erstwhile Secretary of State Colin Powell, RAW STORY has learned....

The icing on the cake.....from the New York Times: Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the special prosecutor in the C.I.A. leak case, is expected to decide in the next two to three weeks whether to bring perjury charges against Karl Rove, the powerful adviser to President Bush, lawyers involved in the case said Thursday...

Those Silly Republicans!

Karl Rove visited the grand jury yesterday. It was the 5th time he appeared. (Please, Patrick Fitzgerald, indict him, please!!!!)

Looks like Sen. Rick Santorum (PA-R) is scaring off a lot of women with his views and politics. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Santorum had invited 3,000 women to a special conference, but only 90 attended and they weren't impressed. Obviously, Santorum's draconian views aren't bringing women voters to his campaign.

If you can't get a job, it must mean you are not related to Republican Rep. Curt Weldon. According to the Harpers, Weldon's relatives are gaining jobs and government contracts.

Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt made some interesting comments lately. According to the Enquirer:
Congresswoman Jean Schmidt, R-Miami Township, said in one of her rare debates that local Ford workers are being laid off because the plants were making four-cylinder transmissions when the market wanted seven-cylinder transmissions.

The Ford Motor Co. Web site lists 70 models of Fords, Jaguars, Mercurys, Lincolns, Land Rovers and Mazdas - but not one seven-cylinder transmission....

Florida Republican Katherine Harris is running for U.S. Senate and her poll numbers are poor (27%).

Jack Abramoff's second favorite Congressman, Bob Ney (OH-R) is still raising campaign money. Ney is still being investigated because of his ties to Abramoff.

Don't Take Their Word--Verify

I came across an article about Republican Rep. Chris Chocola (IN-2) who says he has done nothing wrong and that he has not taken money from big drug manufacturing groups. There are a few pieces of evidence that indicate that Chocola has close ties with big PAC's:
1. Chocola loved Tom DeLay
2. Chocola has received $533,669 from PACs for this 2006 election cycle
3. For the 2004 campaign, Chocola got $692,850 from PACs
4. For the 2001-02 campaign, Chocola got $623,352 from PACs

Remember when Chocola was against aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina? His quote: "...Having said that, I believe we must not compound the natural disaster of Katrina by creating a fiscal disaster in Congress - it is our duty to ensure that we reign in other government spending in any event, and especially in this time of national emergency..."
Chris Chocola

What?

According to Newsday---Dr. Janet Woodcock of the FDA, was against the use of the Plan B contraceptive pill because she thought it might lead teenagers to form 'sex based cults' because of access to Plan B. What? Sex based cults? What kool-aid is she drinking?

Bloomberg is reporting that BP has been fined for safety problems: BP Plc, the fourth-largest U.S. oil refiner, was fined almost $2.4 million by U.S. workplace regulators for unsafe operations at the company's refinery near Toledo, Ohio....

Republicans are hypocrites. While they say they'll investigate high gas prices, the Republicans refuse to raise taxes on the oil companies. So does that mean that Republicans support high gas prices and huge obscene profits for oil companies???? Here is an excerpt from Tampa Bay Online: While Republican leaders sharply criticize soaring gasoline prices and energy industry profits, GOP negotiators have decided to knock out provisions in a major tax bill that would force the oil companies to pay billions of dollars more in taxes on their profits....

High Gas Prices?

While President Bush is promising to look into the price of gasoline, we need to be reminded that Bush is a former oil man. Since the year 2000, oil companies gave 75% of their political contributions to members of the Republican Party. Do you honestly believe that Republicans are going to give up their free lunch from these energy companies? Bush can't stop the rising gas prices and even if he could, he wouldn't. His best buddies are getting richer and that is good for the Republicans.

Why does the former Chairman of Exxon Mobil, Lee Raymond, deserve a retirement package worth $400 million? The Herald News Daily reports that....The country‘s three largest oil and gas companies are expected to report combined first-quarter profits this week in excess of $16 billion, a 19 percent surge from last year...

These profits are obscene. We need leadership and real solutions for these energy problems. Bush's half-baked ideas that were written by a speech writer, won't work. This administration and the Republican Party are clueless about the real needs and struggles of Americans. Watch this video for an example of real leadership.

Get Ready for A Snow Job

Raw Story is reporting that the White House will soon announce that Tony Snow, of Fox News, will be the new White House press secretary. Crooks and Liars has more on the story.

How are gas prices in your neighborhood? GasBuddy.com has reports from all over.

Hopefully, you've heard about the upcoming release of Neil Young's new album, Living with War. Neil Young also has a blog called Living with War: http://livingwithwar.blogspot.com/

How low can you go?

If you are old enough to remember the song to the Limbo, you'll remember the following words ...how low can you go? Unfortunately, those words should be changed to 'how low can HE go' in reference to the new approval ratings for President George W. Bush. CNN is reporting that ...32 percent of respondents said they approve of Bush's performance, 60 percent said they disapprove and 8 percent said they do not know... Whoa!

I am really, really, really worried about those 8 percent who said they do not know. Hello! People! Do you know what is going on----Iraq, high oil prices, Exxon and other oil companied have obscene profits, no jobs, scandals, etc.???? Where do those 8% live because I think we need to go talk to them. Obviously, these people need to get informed by talking to someone, reading a newspaper, or turning on the TV.

The crisis in Iraq is hitting home. We've lost 62 Americans in Iraq this month, and we still have a week to go.

Personally, I think that having 60% of the American people's disapproval is incredible. Where does he go from here?

Ohio Republicans Going Down

Republican Rep. Bob Ney (OH-18) once was on the top of the world. He would travel with lobbyists, golf at fine resorts, eat lots of sushi, and get great meals at Jack Abramoff's restaurant, Signatures. Now Ney's political future is hanging in the balance. It is very possible that Ney might be indicted because of his ties to convicted lobbyist, Jack Abramoff.

Unfortunately, Bob Ney doesn't think he did anything wrong. He blames everything on liberals. Ney, who professes to be a religious man, does not seem to understand that his greed and hunger for power made him do things for lobbyists that were unethical.

The Chicago Tribune has an article which describes the discontent of the Ohio voters. The Tribune notes that ..a recent University of Akron poll said 59 percent of Ohioans want to oust the Republicans, who have controlled state government for 16 years...

Ohioans are sick of the Republican lies, scandals, and failures. We deserve better!

Numbers and Dates

* The Iraq Coalition Casualty site has the following information on our service members who have died in Iraq as of 10:15AM EST Sunday, April 23, 2006:

U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD:	2380
Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation:	9
Total	2389

Ohio has lost 108 men and women in Iraq and there is one MIA, Pfc Matt Maupin, from Batavia, Ohio.

When a family has lost someone in war, that is a heartache that never goes away.
Here are some poignant words (Lyrics Magnet) from Pink's song, Dear Mr. President:

...How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
And tell me why ...

Watch a video here from You Tube.

*The Bush administration plans to tell us that there are big successes in Iraq. I frankly don't care. Our men and women have died and put their lives on the line in a war that was driven by the president's attempt at revenge toward Saddam for an attempt on the life of former President George H.W. Bush (#41).

* (Posted at Huffington Post - Original Link)
BAGHDAD, April 22 (Reuters) - Two roadside bombs attacks killed five U.S. soldiers in Baghdad on Saturday, the U.S. military said. Four died when their combat patrol south of Baghdad was hit by a bomb, the military said in a statement. A fifth soldier died on Saturday night after being hit in a separate bomb attack south of Baghdad, a military spokeswoman said. No further details were available.

* From Huffington Post:
Sleepy time for V.P. Dick Cheney: Cheney was caught sleeping during the press conferenct at the White House when China's leader, Hu, visited the White House. Picture From Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images

*April 28 is the day that Neil Young's new album will be available for listening free of charge on the internet. Here is an excerpt from Reuters:
...Starting April 28, fans can log onto Young's Web site, www.neilyoung.com, and listen to the 10-track collection in its entirety, free of charge, said Bill Bentley, a spokesman for Warner Music Group's Reprise Records.

The album will first become commercially available as a digital download beginning May 2, "and we plan to get it into retail stores as soon after that as we can get them manufactured," Bentley said....

Neil Young's new CD will be a blockbuster!

Who needs science when you have Republicans?

Did you ever wonder what would happen if this country turned into a conservative Republican theocracy? The New York Times has an indication that the religious righties have gained control of the (FDA) Federal Drug Administration: (excerpt) The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that "no sound scientific studies" supported the medical use of marijuana, contradicting a 1999 review by a panel of highly regarded scientists....

Who needs scientists when you have conservative Republican zealots? This is what happens when you have Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Rod Parsley, and Dr. Dobson setting policy for the U.S. How does it feel?

These are the same conservative pinheads who don't want to talk about safe sex and the use of condoms. These righties want to control what you can read, what your kids learn in school, what drugs you take if you have cancer or glaucoma, if you can use birth control, if you can have an abortion, who you share your life with, who makes decisions on when your loved one can die, who can get medical care, and what entertainment you see/hear. This is George W. Bush's America that has been dictated by the religious right.

As Americans, we have to decide if we want to continue having the Republicans control the agenda and the House and the Senate. We have to get something accomplished in this country, and the ONLY way to get the tough work done is to elect Democrats. The Republicans have shown what they'd do in the future because we know what they've done in the past. It is time to vote for Democrats because it is the only way to get this country back on track and provide hope for the future.

---Other points of interest....

***The governor of California (Arnold?) owns 8 Hummers. Did you know that Hummers have no environmental emission controls? Cough on that for awhile.
***How much are you paying for gas where you live? Remember when Republican Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska refused to allow the oil executives to be sworn under oath when they appeared in front of his committee? Remember when Cheney had a secret meeting with energy companies? It still is secret. You can compare gas prices at Gas Buddy and Gas Price Watch. I don't mean to make you any sicker, but according to Think Progress, Exxon's CEO got $190,000 per day. Gross.
***According to Fox News, by way of Bloomberg, President Bush's job approval is a fabulous 33%.
***If you are going to buy a car, don't buy an SUV hybrid. You'll only save a few mpg. For real gas savings and an improved environment check the Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Smart Cars, and the Gem Car.

The Truth in Shorthand

White House staff changes = nothing but musical chairs
Karl Rove re-assigned = start the dirty tricks in Republican campaigns
Napoleon, Ohio = tiny town loses major employer
Catholics abandoning Republicans = immigration proposals create schism
Jack Abramoff's ties to Ralph Reed = Raw Story found Reed's political future bleak
Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald = back in DC working with grand jury
New White House Policy Chief Kaplan = pounded windows to stop the recount in Miami-Dade in 2000
I'm the Decider (Koo-koo-ka-choo) = Huffington Post music

--------
I got this in one of those forwarded e-mails and I found one post here.
What You Need to Believe To Be A Republican (excerpts)

Saddam was a good guy when Reagan armed him, a bad guy when Bush's daddy made war on him, a good guy when Cheney did business with him, and a bad guy when Bush needed a "we can't find Bin Laden" diversion...

The United States should get out of the United Nations, and our highest national priority is enforcing U.N. resolutions against Iraq...

A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body, but multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all mankind without regulation...

The best way to improve military morale is to praise the troops in speeches, while slashing veterans' benefits and combat pay...

A president lying about an extramarital affair is a impeachable offense, but a president lying to enlist support for a war in which thousands die is solid defense policy...

The public has a right to know about Hillary's cattle trades, but George Bush's driving record is none of our business...

Being a drug addict is a moral failing and a crime, unless you're a conservative radio host. Then it's an illness and you need our prayers for your recovery....

The Decider

Did you happen to hear or read what President Bush said yesterday at a news conference? Here is an excerpt, as quoted by ABC News: "I hear the voices and I read the front page and I know the speculation," the president said testily. "But I'm the decider and I decide what's best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the secretary of defense."

We need to take that quote apart. He is hearing voices? What voices? What are they telling him? He only reads the front page of newspapers or other printed material???? 'Decider?' Have you ever heard any adult use that word? Can you believe this man is the President of the United States?
* * *
Rolling Stone magazine has the details about Neil Young's newest album, Living With War. Neil Young has always been an advocate for peace and this album should be a blockbuster.
* * *
Teachers! Looking for a job? New York is offering some big incentives to bring teachers to the Big Apple. The New York Times has the whole story:
New York City will offer housing subsidies of up to $14,600 to entice new math, science and special education teachers to work in the city's most challenging schools, in one of the most aggressive housing incentive programs in the nation to address a chronic shortage of qualified educators in these specialties.

To be eligible for the subsidies, teachers must have at least two years' experience. City officials said they hoped the program, to be announced by the city Education Department today, would immediately lead to the hiring of an extra 100 teachers for September and, with other recruitment efforts, ultimately help fill as many as 600 positions now held by teachers without the proper credentials....

Lying with Statistics

When George W. Bush was governor of Texas, his people claimed that there had been a "miracle" in student achievement in Texas. After closer scrutiny, it was revealed that there had been some manipulation of test administration and results. Students with disabilities were told not to come to school during the testing week. Others were transferred to other schools. In the end the "miracle" in Texas was a lie.

New information today reveals a loophole in the federal "No Child Left Behind Act" results. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the test results of some minority students were not included in the final assessment reports. Here is an excerpt from the Dispatch article:

...In Ohio, almost 40,000 students, or about 4 percent of all test scores, aren’t counted under the law’s racial categories, a computer analysis by the Associated Press found. Almost all were minority students.

Nationwide, the analysis found that about 1.9 million students — or about 1 in every 14 test scores — aren’t being counted under the law’s racial categories. The scores of minorities were seven times as likely to be excluded as those of whites, the analysis showed....

The No Child Left Behind Act has been a tremendous burden to teachers, students, and school boards because it is an unfunded mandate. The Bush administration has demanded improvement in reading and math, but they have refused to provide federal money for programs to improve reading and math. This administration has manipulated this whole program to further their own political agenda. In the end, students, teachers, parents, and school boards have been used and abused by the Republican Party and this administration.

Poll Numbers

Raw Story has the results of a new Gallup Poll and the numbers are not pretty. Here is an excerpt: latest USA Today/Gallup poll, conducted April 7-9, 2006. It shows that 57% of Americans think the United States will not win in Iraq, including 21% who think the U.S. can win but will not....

The Rasmussen Poll has President Bush with a 39% approval rating and a 60% disapproval rating. Wow! I believe that is the lowest approval rating that has come from Rasmussen for this president.

I saw this post at Raw Story and the original is at Multichannel News: Is Fox News Channel worth a buck? Affiliates will decide. Officials at the network are floating a proposal seeking a license fee of $1 per month per subscriber....

I am seriously considering calling my cable company and asking them how I can drop Fox News from my cable subscription. I never watch them because they are NOT a news channel. They are a branch of the Republican Party and I'm certainly not interested in that political group.

Just A Suggestion

Are you looking for something fun and informative to read? I'd like to suggest a book, Sweet Jesus I Hate Bill O'Reilly, by Joseph Minton Amann and Tom Breuer. The authors are the founders of the website famous sweetjesusihatebilloreilly.com which has been around for several years. They do a great job of debunking 100% of everything that the pompous O'Reilly has to say on both his radio and TV shows.

Why do you think that some people are defending Donald Rumsfeld? If this administration would come out and not defend him, then it looks like they've made mistakes in the Iraq war. Rumsfeld has wasted our resources, our money, and most of all, the lives of our military with his mistakes and arrogance. Just because he met with various top brass 200+ times, doesn't mean he is listening to them or following his advice. Rumsfeld should be fired.

I saw something scary this weekend. I saw a car with 2 bumper stickers. The first bumper sticker stated: Bush 2004 for Morality and Integrity. The second one said Kenneth Blackwell for Ohio Governor. Needless to say, the person who drives that car is an idiot.

Rumsfeld

With the month of April just half over, the total American deaths this month have already exceeded March 2006. The total number of confirmed American deaths in Iraq is 2,369, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty page. However, that could have changed by now. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld's methods of getting us into this war, troop movements, supply methods, and his relationships with military brass have been exposed and criticized. Rumsfeld, who has no combat experience himself, has overruled the recommendations of military brass. The war has not gone well and the only people to blame are the President and Rumsfeld. They created the war and they continue to orchestrate it. Our sons and daughters continue to pay the price with their lives.

Late News

Criticism is increasing over an e-mail sent by Republican Supervisor Fred Gold. Philly Burbs has the story. Here is an excerpt:
The leaders of the Republican and Democratic committees in Warminster are calling for the resignation of GOP Supervisor Fred Gold, who sent an e-mail with a photo of a topless woman promoting Jan. 15 as "Breast Appreciation Day."

The e-mail that accompanied the photo asked, "Beats ... Martin Luther King Day, doesn't it?"

Democratic chairman Joseph Bowes Jr. and Republican chairman Jim Messina described the e-mail as insulting to women and blacks...

Despite the calls for Rumsfeld's resignation, the president wants him to stay. Boston.com has the story.

Things are getting worse in Iraq. More deaths are being reported by the New York Times. Here is an excerpt: ...on Thursday, 2 American marines were killed and 22 wounded in an attack in Anbar Province, the American military said in a news release early Saturday that offered few details...

The Failing Republicans

The Stephanie Miller Show has a link to a video that someone made to Pink's song, Dear Mr. President. Watch the video.

Are Republicans trying to attract African-Americans to their party? There is an interesting article from Southern Voice which says that Republicans are trying to use a specially crafted campaign to bring African-Americans to the GOP. In my opinion, the Republican Party has done everything they can to destroy civil rights, voting rights, workers' rights, and anything else they can get their hands on. I still remember those remarks of Kanye West during that hurricane relief program, and I'm positive that many African -Americans recall his words today. It will be nearly impossible for the failing GOP to bring in African-Americans, Latinos, women, Catholics, Jews, and others because the GOP works for their business pals, not for real people.

Why do you think that all of these retired generals are calling for the firing of Donald Rumsfeld? They could not do it when they were on active service, but as private citizens they can voice their opinions without fear of reprisals. MSNBC has the story and the video.

Americablog is reporting a quote by Democrat Harry Reid on the subject of immigration. Bush has been blaming Democrats for blocking the votes, but Bush is wrong. Here is the Reid quote:

"President Bush has as much credibility on immigration as he does on Iraq and national security. If he were actually committed to comprehensive immigration reform he would have stopped his own party from filibustering it twice last week.

"If the president is serious about moving forward, then he should join me in calling on Senator Frist to bring immigration reform back to the Senate Floor when we return. Hopefully by then, President Bush and his Majority Leader will have found the backbone to stop the extreme elements of the Republican Party from blocking improvements to America's security."

Fear

Tonight on MSNBC's Keith Olbermann program, guest, Jonathan Alterman of Newsweek, said that this administration may change FDR's famous quote, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" to a quote to fit their own needs. In the past, Alter said, this administration has used fear to scare the American people in order to win elections. Alter thinks they will use the following quote to regain power--"The only thing we have to do is fear."

I think Alter has a good point. Have you ever talked to people who said the only reason they voted for Bush was because of the security issues? You need to remind those same people that the Republicans can talk security, but they don't vote to deliver it. Remember when this administration was willing to turn the control of our ports to the Dubai Ports? When Republicans had the chance to increase port security, they voted it down (see vote here).

In reality, the only thing we have to fear is that the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate remains under control of the do-nothing, corrupt Republicans. It is time we stop listening to their talking points and vote for Democrats. It is the only way to put our country back on the right path.

--> On another subject....Gasoline Prices
Some analysts are saying that gasoline prices could go as high as $4/gallon. If gas would go that high, people would be forced to change their driving. However, according to an article found by the good people at the Huffington Post, Ford Motor Company is betting that you'll still buy SUV's no matter what the price of gasoline. In the article, Mark Fields of Ford Motor said, "There is a certain portion of the marketplace and customers who want that flexibility that is provided with a traditional SUV..." and "So I don't think our strategy would change too much."

In other words, Fields and the folks at Ford are betting the future of their company on the misguided hope that you'll buy a Ford SUV that gets 12mpg city/16mpg highway EVEN IF GAS REACHES $4/gal! How stupid can they be? As an owner of a hybrid, I want to tell you that if you want to give your money to EXXON, that is your business, but you don't need to do it. I continue to get 40-45 mpg city/45-51 mpg highway in my hybrid car. I think Ford is stupid and they deserve to continue to go down the drain.

All About Numbers

The fatalities and injuries are up again in Iraq. The New York Times is reporting the number of troops killed this month to at least 32. That figure already surpasses the American military deaths for all of March.

The Iraq Coalition Casualty Count has the numbers on our war dead and injured. It is really sad to see the brief death notices given for the American service members. It is even more difficult to realize that more of our young men and women will die and be injured because the current Republican administration has no exit strategy for Iraq. How many more families will lose a loved one while this war continues?

MSNBC is reporting that
....At least $8.8 billion in Iraqi funds that was given to Iraqi ministries by the former U.S.-led authority there cannot be accounted for, according to a draft U.S. audit set for release soon.....
....One of the main benefactors of the Iraq funds was the Texas-based firm Halliburton, which was paid more than $1 billion out of those funds to bring in fuel for Iraqi civilians.

The monitoring board said despite repeated requests it had not been given access to U.S. audits of contracts held by Halliburton, which was once run by Vice President Dick Cheney, and other firms that used the development funds.

**American taxpayers are footing the bill, and all this money goes missing? There is no money to rebuild the Gulf Coast, but the shareholders of Halliburton are seeing huge profits. This is morally wrong!

George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States, was born in Connecticut. However, a home he spent some time in as a youngster, has been restored. The home in Texas, is trying to give evidence to the myth that Bush is a "good ole boy." The story is here. (In my humble opinion, the restoration is trying to make it look like he was born in a log cabin!)

Do you hear the sound of a check being written? No, I didn't hear it either. The federal government still has not written a check to reimburse Franklin County for the money spent on finding the freeway shooter, Mr. McCoy. I guess the taxpayers of OH-15 will have to foot the bill because Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce isn't doing her job to help the people of her district.

$2.79 per gallon

Today I paid $2.79 per gallon for gasoline. Here in central Ohio, on a beautiful day in April, $2.79 per gallon for unleaded gas is just obscene. While Exxon has profits of over $30+ billion dollars, working families are having difficulty filling up the tank. I guess nothing will be done to stop these oil companies from profiting from war and natural disasters. President Bush and the Republican Congress will do everything they can to keep oil/energy companies, pharmaceutical corporations, large financial institutions, and other businesses happy and wealthy so that Republicans can continue to enjoy contributions from their CEO's and directors.

Let College Students Ask Questions

Yesterday, President Bush got questions from college students. If you were able to hear some of the questions asked by the college students, you'd be amazed. Perhaps we should have our press, except for great reporters Helen Thomas and David Gregory, turn in their press passes to have college students ask questions in the White House briefing room. I think it is a brilliant idea! I'd love to see Bush, Scott McClellan, Donald Rumsfeld, and Condoleeeza Rice squirm when someone demands the truth. The Brad Blog has a video of part of yesterday's event.

Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has been giving some hints as to where his investigation is going. The NY Times has the story.

Staying Informed

There is plenty of information on the Bush leak scandal. Why would the President of the United States authorize the declassification of secret stuff for political reasons? Isn't that juvenile? Articles about the leaker-in-chief, can be found---- New York Times USA Today Concord Monitor

* In other news.....
Did you know that a vaccine for cervical cancer might be available very soon? Did you also know that some extreme right wing religious groups don't want you or your daughters to get the vaccine? Really. Here is an article about the fight to vaccinate young girls to prevent cervical cancer.

Bush Approval Poll

The Huffington Post found the AP story---Here are some of the excerpts from article at Yahoo:

...Just 36 percent of the public approves of Bush's job performance, his lowest-ever rating in AP-Ipsos polling. ..

...Just 30 percent of the public approves of the GOP-led Congress' job performance, and Republicans seem to be shouldering the blame...

...Just 35 percent of the public approves of Bush's handling of Iraq, his lowest in AP-Ipsos polling...

...By a 49-33 margin, the public favors Democrats over Republicans when asked which party should control Congress....

That 16-point Democratic advantage is the largest the party has enjoyed in AP-Ipsos polling...

Read it and weep, Republicans!

Curt Weldon PA-7

Having lived in Pennsylvania, I have a special place in my heart for the Keystone State (except when Ohio State plays against PSU). I've been surprised by the recent antics of Republican Rep. Curt Weldon. Yesterday, he attacked the 4 year old daughter of his opponent. Despite the fact that the youngster has suffered from a malignant tumor, Weldon had to viciously go after the little girl and the Sestak Family. Now we have word that Weldon has declared that Sun Myung Moon "as humanity's Savior, Messiah, Returning Lord and True Parent", on March 23, 2004.

The entire story, with references, is posted at The Swing State Project. A word of caution for those people in the 7th district in PA, you need to dump Weldon. He is a disgrace and you cannot let someone like him represent you. You can do better than Weldon.

Really?

I don't know if you've ever read Wonkette or even heard about it. There is an interesting article about Jessica Cutler, a former staff member of Sen. Mike DeWine (OH-R). Here is a little tidbit from today's posting:

According to the Associated Press:

A judge on Wednesday allowed a lawsuit to proceed against Jessica Cutler, the former Senate aide who posted details of her sex life on the Internet. The case brought by Sen. Mike DeWine’s former counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Robert Steinbuch, alleges that Cutler engaged in an invasion of his privacy in 2004 by publishing sexually explicit facts about a relationship with Steinbuch.

But even though the judge declined to dismiss the suit, his ruling on the statute-of-limitations issue may not bode well for Steinbuch:

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled that Steinbuch had one year from the time of the Internet postings to bring the matter to court. Almost all of the material at issue in the case was posted on the Internet more than a year before the lawsuit was filed May 18, 2005...

More articles HERE and HERE.

Joe Sestak

Retired Navy Admiral and Democratic candidate Joe Sestak has had to endure a lot in his life. Joe and his wife, Susan, have had some heartbreak in their lives with the diagnosis of their daughter's illness and treatment. However, Joe and Susan Sestak probably could never imagine that Republican Rep. Curt Weldon would be attacking them and their 4 year old daughter. The Philadelphia Inquirer has a story describing the Weldon attacks and the aftermath. The bottomline is this....Weldon has no business attacking a sick child.