President Bush has no plans to get the troops out of Iraq until the insurgency has stopped and the Iraqi army can defend itself. With that plan in force, we could probably leave Iraq by 2009. I'd estimate that we could lose another 2400 American service members if we "stay the course."
However, there is an easier method: Vote for Democrats for the House and the Senate, stop funding the war, and bring our kids home. If we brought our troops home in early 2007, after a Democratic majority took over the legislative branch, we could then start funding things like levees, schools, and things in our country.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
While the War in Iraq Continues...
While the war in Iraq continues.....
..the people in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast wait for President Bush to fulfill his promise to rebuild.
..some families on the Gulf Coast wait for notification about their missing/presumed dead loved ones.
..roads and the infrastructure in this country continue to crumble because there is no money.
..American children go to bed hungry as the food stamp program is cut.
..the No Child Left Behind program remains largely unfunded.
..Halliburton's profits increase.
..the families of 2,110 have lost loved ones and, sadly, other families will join their ranks.
..16,000 American service members must deal with physical and mental war wounds.
..our American wounded wait and wait for medical attention at military hospitals.
..there is no money to fund additional border patrols and port inspections.
..college students are losing grants and access to loans.
..this administration refuses to acknowledge their mistakes (disbanding the Iraqi army, having no exit strategy).
..the cost of the war in Iraq is over $200 trillion dollars, and our heartbreak continues.
Summary of Bush's speech:
....1. Given in front of a military audience.
....2. Stay the course.
....3. Stay the course.
....4. Stay the course.
..the people in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast wait for President Bush to fulfill his promise to rebuild.
..some families on the Gulf Coast wait for notification about their missing/presumed dead loved ones.
..roads and the infrastructure in this country continue to crumble because there is no money.
..American children go to bed hungry as the food stamp program is cut.
..the No Child Left Behind program remains largely unfunded.
..Halliburton's profits increase.
..the families of 2,110 have lost loved ones and, sadly, other families will join their ranks.
..16,000 American service members must deal with physical and mental war wounds.
..our American wounded wait and wait for medical attention at military hospitals.
..there is no money to fund additional border patrols and port inspections.
..college students are losing grants and access to loans.
..this administration refuses to acknowledge their mistakes (disbanding the Iraqi army, having no exit strategy).
..the cost of the war in Iraq is over $200 trillion dollars, and our heartbreak continues.
Summary of Bush's speech:
....1. Given in front of a military audience.
....2. Stay the course.
....3. Stay the course.
....4. Stay the course.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Their Agenda
With Republicans in power in the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, they set the agenda as to what will be discussed and presented for votes. At this time, elected Democrats are in the minority, and their proposals are not even permitted to make it to the committee. Here are a few cases:
1. The Senators from New Jersey were not permitted to recognize Bruce Springsteen as an American icon because the Republican leadership knew that Springsteen had supported Kerry. However, Carrie Underwood, American Idol contestant, was recognized for her contributions to music.
2. Republicans have cut access to food stamps for children and the poor.
3. Mike Abe says, "Something is wrong when there is enough money for tax credits and exemptions to build hotels and big business, and not enough to fix our schools and educate our children."
4. Even TV stations in Republican strongholds recognize their control: 'Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says the Senate won't take up immigration proposals until February. The House still hopes to take up some border security measures before adjourning this year but the chances of that happening are slim.'
How do we change this? Vote the Republicans out. However, the Justice Department may take care of some of them (Bob Ney, Duke Cunningham, Tom DeLay, Bill Frist).
------------
Bill O'Reilly, Jerry Falwell, and other right wingnuts are taking up their crusade to stop attacks on Christmas. What attacks are they talking about? They are offended when someone says Happy Holidays? There are many religions represented in this country and not all are Christian. Falwell and his group plan to sue stores that tell their employees to say Happy Holidays. Wouldn't it be a better use of his time if Falwell worked to feed the poor and house the homeless?
1. The Senators from New Jersey were not permitted to recognize Bruce Springsteen as an American icon because the Republican leadership knew that Springsteen had supported Kerry. However, Carrie Underwood, American Idol contestant, was recognized for her contributions to music.
2. Republicans have cut access to food stamps for children and the poor.
3. Mike Abe says, "Something is wrong when there is enough money for tax credits and exemptions to build hotels and big business, and not enough to fix our schools and educate our children."
4. Even TV stations in Republican strongholds recognize their control: 'Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says the Senate won't take up immigration proposals until February. The House still hopes to take up some border security measures before adjourning this year but the chances of that happening are slim.'
How do we change this? Vote the Republicans out. However, the Justice Department may take care of some of them (Bob Ney, Duke Cunningham, Tom DeLay, Bill Frist).
------------
Bill O'Reilly, Jerry Falwell, and other right wingnuts are taking up their crusade to stop attacks on Christmas. What attacks are they talking about? They are offended when someone says Happy Holidays? There are many religions represented in this country and not all are Christian. Falwell and his group plan to sue stores that tell their employees to say Happy Holidays. Wouldn't it be a better use of his time if Falwell worked to feed the poor and house the homeless?
Monday, November 28, 2005
One Defining Moment
Some people are defined by one moment in their career. When people think of Mike Tyson, we might remember when he bit his opponent's ear. Roberto Benigni, the star and director of Life is Beautiful, is remembered for his unusual approach to the stage when his name was announced at the Academy Awards.
However, Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH-2) will be recalled as the person who called a decorated Marine a coward. That is her defining moment. Unfortunately, for "Mean Jean" it is not over. She has to stand a primary and possibly a re-election campaign. There is a great article in the Cincinnati Post about Schmidt's political future.
Over at Boomantribune, they are organizing Operation Yellow Feather for Jean Schmidt:
However, Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH-2) will be recalled as the person who called a decorated Marine a coward. That is her defining moment. Unfortunately, for "Mean Jean" it is not over. She has to stand a primary and possibly a re-election campaign. There is a great article in the Cincinnati Post about Schmidt's political future.
Over at Boomantribune, they are organizing Operation Yellow Feather for Jean Schmidt:
Keep up the pressure. Print out one of the Chicken Hawk forms below and use it to send a message to Schmidt and Bubp.
Lost Your Chicken Hawk Feather?
The Chicken Hawk Unit Patch
The Classic Yellow Feather (Make sure to explain)
The Ugly Chicken Hawk (Fill in the voice bubble)
Send your forms to:
Rep. Jean Schmidt
8044 Montgomery Rd. Suite 540
Cincinnati, OH 45236
Rep. Danny Bubp
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Better yet Fax them.
Fax Schmidt at (513) 791-1696
Fax Bubp at (614) 644-9494
Great idea!
Sunday, November 27, 2005
How The System Works Under Republicans
When Tom DeLay came to Washington, he learned that he could get what he wanted by letting other people pay for things. He played the system to line his pockets and go on trips with lobbyists. Did the money, favors, trips, and gifts allow him to be influenced by lobbyists? This is why the Justice Department is investigating Jack Abramoff and Tom DeLay.
Elected representatives should "represent" the views of their constituents. However, people like Tom DeLay bowed to the wishes of their benefactors. Capitol Hill Blue has an excellent article about DeLay and the current crop of Republicans.
Republican Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert has accused Democrats of wanting to "cut and run" instead of staying in Iraq. Hastert has never served in the military. How does he have the right to attack Rep. Murtha and others who have served honorably in our military? There is an excellent article that talks about how the most vocal cheerleaders for Bush's "stay the course" are people who have no military experience. Here are a few excerpts:
Elected representatives should "represent" the views of their constituents. However, people like Tom DeLay bowed to the wishes of their benefactors. Capitol Hill Blue has an excellent article about DeLay and the current crop of Republicans.
Republican Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert has accused Democrats of wanting to "cut and run" instead of staying in Iraq. Hastert has never served in the military. How does he have the right to attack Rep. Murtha and others who have served honorably in our military? There is an excellent article that talks about how the most vocal cheerleaders for Bush's "stay the course" are people who have no military experience. Here are a few excerpts:
It is of some significance that Democrat John Murtha and Republican Chuck Hagel, two of the Congress' most outspoken critics of how the Bush administration has conducted the Iraq war, are decorated veterans of the Vietnam War.
It is of even greater significance that the administration's apologists for the war, those who question the patriotism of the war's opponents, avoided serving in Vietnam, almost to a man, starting, of course, with the top man.....
Hastert, who avoided Vietnam because of a wrestling injury, was even nastier about fellow Republican Sen. John McCain when the Vietnam hero criticized wartime tax cuts and asked, “Where's the sacrifice?”
“John McCain ought to visit our young men and women at Walter Reed and Bethesda. There's the sacrifice in this,” said Hastert of McCain, who spent months in military hospitals after being tortured for years a POW in Vietnam...
Cheney's five deferments aren't the record in the Bush administration. That prize goes to former Attorney General John Ashcroft who had six student deferments and a seventh occupational deferment when he became a law professor.
Since then, Ashcroft has stoutly maintained, “I would have served if asked.”
An even better excuse was offered by the indicted House leader Rep. Tom DeLay who had a student deferment, but once explained there was no room in the military for people like him because minorities were flocking to the armed forces to escape poverty....
I am sick and tired of the Republicans' arrogant attitudes about everything. We need to work harder to bring a Democratic majority in the House and the Senate.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Republicans Think We're Stupid
The Republicans think that American citizens are stupid. They think we'll forget about what they've done and said. Everyone I've talked to says they cannot imagine voting for the Republican Party again because of the lies, bribes, and misuse of power.
1. Ohio Republican Rep. Bob Ney thinks that no one is aware of his alliances with Republican lobbyist, Jack Abramoff, and Republican Rep. Tom DeLay. Fortunately, the Justice Dept. has a large investigation on Republican politicians ties to Abramoff.
2. Ohio Republicans think that they'll have a new governor from their party, despite the fact that Ohioans are disgusted by the dirty politics and Coingate.
3. Sen. Trent Lott is trying to make a comeback in the Senate leadership, even though Americans were offended by his racist views. We haven't forgotten about your comments.
4. Ohio has not had an economic recovery. Unemployment remains high and jobs are few and low paying. With GM closing plants in the state, the future looks bleak. However, the Republicans leadership in this state say they have had great success in bringing new jobs to Ohio. They must be talking about the two new jobs at Wal-mart.
5. The President and the Republicans want us to "stay the course" in Iraq. In the thirty-three months since the invasion of Iraq, 2107 of our service members have been killed. Of that number, 102 have been from Ohio. Over 15,000 of our service members have been wounded. Families have been permanently changed. The President needs to declare victory and bring our sons and daughters home.
6. Our government's response to Hurricane Katrina will not be forgotten. While people remained without water, shelter, and rescue, the FEMA director took his time to get help rolling to the area.
7. Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH-2) says that the media has been attacking her. If she hadn't called a decorated American war hero a coward, no one would have noticed her.
8. Republican cuts to education, health care, and the poor will be noted and used at the proper time and place.
9. Members of this administration leaked the name of an undercover CIA agent and thereby risked the lives of many.
Republicans-----we are watching you.
1. Ohio Republican Rep. Bob Ney thinks that no one is aware of his alliances with Republican lobbyist, Jack Abramoff, and Republican Rep. Tom DeLay. Fortunately, the Justice Dept. has a large investigation on Republican politicians ties to Abramoff.
2. Ohio Republicans think that they'll have a new governor from their party, despite the fact that Ohioans are disgusted by the dirty politics and Coingate.
3. Sen. Trent Lott is trying to make a comeback in the Senate leadership, even though Americans were offended by his racist views. We haven't forgotten about your comments.
4. Ohio has not had an economic recovery. Unemployment remains high and jobs are few and low paying. With GM closing plants in the state, the future looks bleak. However, the Republicans leadership in this state say they have had great success in bringing new jobs to Ohio. They must be talking about the two new jobs at Wal-mart.
5. The President and the Republicans want us to "stay the course" in Iraq. In the thirty-three months since the invasion of Iraq, 2107 of our service members have been killed. Of that number, 102 have been from Ohio. Over 15,000 of our service members have been wounded. Families have been permanently changed. The President needs to declare victory and bring our sons and daughters home.
6. Our government's response to Hurricane Katrina will not be forgotten. While people remained without water, shelter, and rescue, the FEMA director took his time to get help rolling to the area.
7. Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH-2) says that the media has been attacking her. If she hadn't called a decorated American war hero a coward, no one would have noticed her.
8. Republican cuts to education, health care, and the poor will be noted and used at the proper time and place.
9. Members of this administration leaked the name of an undercover CIA agent and thereby risked the lives of many.
Republicans-----we are watching you.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
You should know....
You should know that are troops are really in great need, despite what this administration has been spinning. I found the following posting at http://www.crooksandliars.com/2005/11/24.html#a6041 The original item was from Operation Truth.
I've posted the following at MyDD.com
----- If we are to take back Ohio, we need Dr. Howard Dean stat!
From today's Columbus Dispatch:
http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2005/11/24/20051124-A1-01.html&chck=t
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Dennis L. White announced yesterday that he will resign Wednesday, setting up a potentially divisive replacement fight before what should be a promising election year for the party.
I wish I had the time or energy or memory capacity to describe to you how wrong this whole thing has gone. It's just as you described it a couple years ago. We *can* make a difference here, and i believe in the mission as it looks on paper. But your president and his brain-dead colleagues aren't even trying to give us what we need to do it. the add-on armor HMMWVs are a joke. The terrorists target them b/c they know they offer no protection. The M1114s have good armor, but every time we lose one (i had one blown up monday, driver had his femoral artery cut -- will recover fully -- b/c there apparently is no armor or very weak armor under the pedals) it's impossible to replace them. So now I have to send yet another add-on armored vehicle outside the wire daily. The M1114s also have certain mechanical defects, known to the manufacturer, for which there is apparently no known fix. For example, on some of them (like mine) if it stalls or you turn it off, you cannot restart it if the engine is hot. We have to dump 3 liters of cold water on a solenoid in order to start it again. Not that much fun when your vehicle won't start in indian country. I wonder if DoD is getting a refund for the contract. Speaking of contracts, KBR is a joke. I can't even enumerate the problems with their service, but I guarantee they do not receive less money based on how many of the showers don't work, or how many of us won't eat in the chow hall often because we get sick every time we do.
There is so much. I could go on forever. the worst thing, which we have discussed, is that they are playing these bullshit numbers games to fool America about troop strength. If they stopped paying KBR employees $100,000 to do the job of a $28,000 soldier, maybe they'd have enough money to send us enough soldiers to do the job. As it stands we have no offensive capability in the most dangerous city on earth. General Shinseki should write an Op/Ed that basically says, "I told you so." Idiots.
Where are the AC-130s? The apaches? They have them in FAR less active AOs (areas of operations). All we ever get is a single Huey and Cobra team, both of which are older than I am. it's such a joke. They're not even trying. At all. They have apaches in Tikrit but Hueys in Ramadi.
I wish every american could see this for him/herself. Registering your frustration at the ballot box isn't nearly enough. There should be jail terms for this.
---------------------------
I've posted the following at MyDD.com
----- If we are to take back Ohio, we need Dr. Howard Dean stat!
From today's Columbus Dispatch:
http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2005/11/24/20051124-A1-01.html&chck=t
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Dennis L. White announced yesterday that he will resign Wednesday, setting up a potentially divisive replacement fight before what should be a promising election year for the party.
As word of White’s resignation ricocheted across the state, battle lines began to form around three possible successors: former U.S. Rep. Dennis Eckart of Cleveland, Montgomery County Democratic Chairman Dennis A. Lieberman and Ohio House Minority Leader Chris Redfern of Catawba Island.
The two leading Democrats for governor — Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland of Lisbon — disagreed about whether a new chairman should be selected as soon as possible or after the May 2 primary election...
The chairmanship fight looms as the long down-andout Democrats have their best chance to make gains against a scandal-racked state government controlled by Republicans since 1995...There are some within the Democratic Party saying we can wait until the spring or summer to have a new Chairman, but if we are to have a winning strategy to take back the U.S. Senate, the House of Reps, and the Ohio Legislature, and Ohio Executive Branch, we need a chairman now. Please write about this and contact those people in the national party to get us the help and guidance we need in Ohio.
Dr. Dean said he would reorganize the party from every precinct on up. We need him now before we flounder beyond repair.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Justice Department and Bob Ney
Raw Story has the scoop on Republican Rep. Bob Ney (OH-18). Here is a part of the article: "In recent days, the Justice Department claimed a "Representative #1," later identified as Ney, was a major player in a conspiracy of political corruption. According to court filings, Abramoff and Scanlon provided Ney with "a stream of things of value," including "a lavish trip to Scotland to play golf on world famous courses, tickets to sporting events and other entertainment, regular meals at [Abramoff's] upscale restaurant, and campaign contributions." Ney or his staff also received tickets to the 2001 Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla., frequent golf expenses for greens around Washington, D.C., and a 2000 trip to the Northern Mariana Islands, an American territory in the Pacific that had hired Abramoff as a lobbyist. In an apparent exchange, prosecutors claim that Ney agreed "to perform a series of official acts" like placing statements in the Congressional Record, meeting with Abramoff's clients and trying to arrange a cellphone business deal for one of the lobbyist's clients."
Mercury News has additional info on the story. This could present some major legal problems for Ney. I wonder what his constituents think about him now since he seems to be in trouble with Jack Abramoff and Republican Rep. Tom DeLay.
Mercury News has additional info on the story. This could present some major legal problems for Ney. I wonder what his constituents think about him now since he seems to be in trouble with Jack Abramoff and Republican Rep. Tom DeLay.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
My Dinner List
Every Thanksgiving, our home is filled with family. It is easier to eat and digest your food when you have people you like around the table.
I was thinking this morning about who I would never invite to my house for a fictional dinner and here is my list:
George W. Bush and family, Dick Cheney and family, Tom DeLay, Dennis Hastert, Rep. Jean Schmidt, Rep. Deborah Pryce, Bob Woodward, Scooter Libby, Karl Rove, Rev. Falwell, Sen. Rick Santorum, Rev. Pat Robertson, Dr. Dobson, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, Sen. George Allen (I think he's creepy), Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh (pompous jerk), Bill O'Reilly (falafel man), Rep. J.D. Hayworth (reminds me of a used car salesman), Donald Rumsfeld, and Condaleeza Rice, and other liars from the Republican Party.
Last night on Keith Olbermann's Countdown, Rep. Jean Schmidt was picked as "The Worst Person In The World." I totally agree with the nomination.
You've heard the White House say that Democratic Senators saw the same pre-war intelligence as the President. The doesn't hold water. The President would have a more detailed account of what is going on in the world. Some materials would be censored or restricted for other elected officials because they would not have special clearance to see everything. It is time for this administration to start talking about what happens next in Iraq. When will our Marines, Airmen, and Soldiers be home for good?
I was thinking this morning about who I would never invite to my house for a fictional dinner and here is my list:
George W. Bush and family, Dick Cheney and family, Tom DeLay, Dennis Hastert, Rep. Jean Schmidt, Rep. Deborah Pryce, Bob Woodward, Scooter Libby, Karl Rove, Rev. Falwell, Sen. Rick Santorum, Rev. Pat Robertson, Dr. Dobson, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, Sen. George Allen (I think he's creepy), Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh (pompous jerk), Bill O'Reilly (falafel man), Rep. J.D. Hayworth (reminds me of a used car salesman), Donald Rumsfeld, and Condaleeza Rice, and other liars from the Republican Party.
Last night on Keith Olbermann's Countdown, Rep. Jean Schmidt was picked as "The Worst Person In The World." I totally agree with the nomination.
You've heard the White House say that Democratic Senators saw the same pre-war intelligence as the President. The doesn't hold water. The President would have a more detailed account of what is going on in the world. Some materials would be censored or restricted for other elected officials because they would not have special clearance to see everything. It is time for this administration to start talking about what happens next in Iraq. When will our Marines, Airmen, and Soldiers be home for good?
Monday, November 21, 2005
Operation Yellow Feather
Booman Tribune has a great activity if you'd like to get involved-----Operation Yellow Feather. Read the instructions and follow through.
On the Ed Schultz show today, it was suggested that Democratic Rep. Murtha would not have made the withdrawal suggestion without first consulting some experts at the Pentagon. If he sought the advice of individual experts at the Pentagon, he may have been encouraged to give it a try.
and............
Michael Scanlon, Jack Abramaoff's former associate, 'pleaded guilty to conspiring to corrupt public officials and defraud clients, clearing the way for his cooperation in an investigation of his one-time partner...'
On the Ed Schultz show today, it was suggested that Democratic Rep. Murtha would not have made the withdrawal suggestion without first consulting some experts at the Pentagon. If he sought the advice of individual experts at the Pentagon, he may have been encouraged to give it a try.
and............
Michael Scanlon, Jack Abramaoff's former associate, 'pleaded guilty to conspiring to corrupt public officials and defraud clients, clearing the way for his cooperation in an investigation of his one-time partner...'
'The Justice Department asked that sentencing be delayed while Scanlon cooperates. He faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and repayment of $19.7 million to clients.'
The State of the Nation and Ohio
U.S. automaker, General Motors, plans to cut 30,000 jobs. This is very sad because these layoffs will deliver a severe blow to the American worker. I blame General Motors for not being able to respond to the changing needs of the American driver. Instead of making larger SUV's, GM should have looked at how to manufacture cars that have higher mpg's.
Many Ohioans are looking to Paul Hackett for the next U.S. Senator from Ohio. With Republican Jean Schmidt's meltdown on the House floor, the people of OH-2 woke up to the mistake they made in last summer's special election. Who would have brought more honor to the House---Hackett or Schmidt? The better choice would have been Hackett.
Unemployment remained at 5.9% in Ohio. The economic recovery has skipped Ohio. Many people will need to make a decision about whether to heat their homes or buy holiday gifts. Heating bills are expected to be very high this winter.
Howard Fineman has an excellent article in Newsweek about the war and Rep. John Murtha. I respect Rep. Murtha for his military service and I thank him for his courage to say what so many of us are thinking: It is time to develop an exit plan to get our service members home and out of Iraq. Will the President do something to save our young men and women? I'm not sure. However, I'd bet thay with the 2006 elections looming, the President will start some sort of partial withdrawal in the early autumn of 2006. Otherwise the Republicans will be booted out of control of the legislative branch.
There is more on the pre-war intelligence: The administration believed "Curveball" even though our allies warned us.
As of this date, 2095 of our young men and women have been killed in Iraq. Over 15,000 of our service members have been wounded.
Many Ohioans are looking to Paul Hackett for the next U.S. Senator from Ohio. With Republican Jean Schmidt's meltdown on the House floor, the people of OH-2 woke up to the mistake they made in last summer's special election. Who would have brought more honor to the House---Hackett or Schmidt? The better choice would have been Hackett.
Unemployment remained at 5.9% in Ohio. The economic recovery has skipped Ohio. Many people will need to make a decision about whether to heat their homes or buy holiday gifts. Heating bills are expected to be very high this winter.
Howard Fineman has an excellent article in Newsweek about the war and Rep. John Murtha. I respect Rep. Murtha for his military service and I thank him for his courage to say what so many of us are thinking: It is time to develop an exit plan to get our service members home and out of Iraq. Will the President do something to save our young men and women? I'm not sure. However, I'd bet thay with the 2006 elections looming, the President will start some sort of partial withdrawal in the early autumn of 2006. Otherwise the Republicans will be booted out of control of the legislative branch.
There is more on the pre-war intelligence: The administration believed "Curveball" even though our allies warned us.
As of this date, 2095 of our young men and women have been killed in Iraq. Over 15,000 of our service members have been wounded.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!
The OHIO STATE BUCKEYES beat Michigan 25 to 21!
OH-IO
ONN has the story: http://www.onnnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=4141567
Congratulations Buckeyes!!!!
The Buckeyes paid tribute to former Buckeye wrestler and U.S. Marine who was killed in Iraq. http://ohiostatebuckeyes.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111805aaa.html
The Ohio State football team will wear a special decal on its helmet at Saturday's Michigan game in honor of former Buckeye wrestler, Marine Corps Major Ray Mendoza, who was killed in action in Iraq earlier this week. Mendoza, who graduated from Ohio State in 1995, is believed to be the first Ohio State student-athlete to be killed in Iraq. He was a company commander with the 1st Marine Division and was in his third tour of duty in Iraq.
OH-IO
ONN has the story: http://www.onnnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=4141567
Congratulations Buckeyes!!!!
The Buckeyes paid tribute to former Buckeye wrestler and U.S. Marine who was killed in Iraq. http://ohiostatebuckeyes.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111805aaa.html
The Ohio State football team will wear a special decal on its helmet at Saturday's Michigan game in honor of former Buckeye wrestler, Marine Corps Major Ray Mendoza, who was killed in action in Iraq earlier this week. Mendoza, who graduated from Ohio State in 1995, is believed to be the first Ohio State student-athlete to be killed in Iraq. He was a company commander with the 1st Marine Division and was in his third tour of duty in Iraq.
The helmet decal will be the size of the Buckeye Leaf decal that the Buckeyes wear on their helmets. It will be a clear background with the initials R.M. on it.
Mendoza, a native of Blairstown, N.J., was a two-year letterman for the Buckeyes and was runner-up in the heavyweight division at the Big Ten championships in 1993.
By the way, after the game, Coach Tressel gave the game ball to Mendoza's brothers, who plan to pass it to his wife and children.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Enough has been done!
Republicans VS. War Hero
Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt's (OH-2) vicious attack on decorated war hero, Rep. Murtha, will go down in history as one of the stupidest things ever done on the floor of the House of Representatives. Howard Fineman of Newsweek (He was on MSNBC's Countdown tonight) said that now Republicans want to go after Rep. Murtha on some ethics violations. The person leading the charge is Rep. Joe Wilson
(SC-R) who is part of the Tom DeLay machine. Fineman said it is clearly retaliation against Murtha.
Bob Ney and the Culture of Corruption
From The Columbus Dispatch---Republican Rep. Bob Ney (OH-18) was fined: The Federal Election Commission fined Rep. Bob Ney’s re-election committee $2,000 yesterday for not initially reporting $83,000 in payments to a political consulting firm.
From the Washington Post: The Army has suspended plans to expand an unwieldy, 16-month-old program to call up inactive soldiers for military duty, after thousands have requested delays or exemptions or failed to show up.
Despite intense pressure to fill manpower gaps, Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey said the Army has no plans for any further call-up of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) beyond the current level of about 6,500 soldiers. The IRR is a pool of about 115,000 trained soldiers who have left active-duty or reserve units for civilian life, but remain subject to call-up for a set period...
It is time to listen to Rep. Murtha and others who have served in battle. It is time to stop the continuous call ups. Many of our service people are in Iraq on their third tour of duty. Can you imagine how their families are holding up under all this stress?
Last night on WBNS-TV here in Columbus, Ohio, there was a lighting ceremony at the Columbus Zoo. There were two little boys who wanted to say something to their uncle who was leaving for his third tour of duty in Iraq. This is what they said, "Good luck, Uncle ___. We hope you don't die." Doesn't that say it all?
McAndrew said he knows of other pockets of suspected illegal immigrants in the county and that his office ''will be getting to them.''
He said that after being tipped off, he inspected the Wal-Mart site. ''There were a considerable amount of illegal aliens from what I was seeing,'' he said.
McAndrew said he contacted U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17th District, who put him in touch with federal immigration agents. Those agents got the search warrant that was executed Thursday.
The sting comes a month after Wal-Mart ceased construction of seven North Dakota stores to check for illegal workers after two illegal immigrants were charged with molesting two girls.
In 2003, a raid of 60 Wal-Mart stores in 21 states led to the arrests of 245 illegal workers. An affidavit related to that case claims that two senior Wal-Mart executives knew cleaning contractors were hiring illegal immigrants. Wal-Mart says that no senior official had any such knowledge.
What is it with Wal-Mart? They don't treat their employees with respect and they won't even hire American workers to build their stores. How many times will Wal-Mart use the line, "We didn't know." Enough!
Former CIA Director Stansfield Turner said the following about Vice President Dick Cheney: "I'm embarrassed the United States has a vice president for torture. "He condones torture, what else is he?"
Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt's (OH-2) vicious attack on decorated war hero, Rep. Murtha, will go down in history as one of the stupidest things ever done on the floor of the House of Representatives. Howard Fineman of Newsweek (He was on MSNBC's Countdown tonight) said that now Republicans want to go after Rep. Murtha on some ethics violations. The person leading the charge is Rep. Joe Wilson
(SC-R) who is part of the Tom DeLay machine. Fineman said it is clearly retaliation against Murtha.
Bob Ney and the Culture of Corruption
From The Columbus Dispatch---Republican Rep. Bob Ney (OH-18) was fined: The Federal Election Commission fined Rep. Bob Ney’s re-election committee $2,000 yesterday for not initially reporting $83,000 in payments to a political consulting firm.
The commission and the Ney campaign agreed to the fine after campaign officials acknowledged that two wire transfers of $83,000 to the consulting company were not recorded on the campaign’s manual check register. The campaign said that because the check register did not note the wire transfer, the campaign did not include them in a report filed in October 2004.
Hey, Ney! Enough of the cheating! The people of Ohio's 18th congressional district are sick of the lying and the backroom politics!
From the Washington Post: The Army has suspended plans to expand an unwieldy, 16-month-old program to call up inactive soldiers for military duty, after thousands have requested delays or exemptions or failed to show up.
Despite intense pressure to fill manpower gaps, Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey said the Army has no plans for any further call-up of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) beyond the current level of about 6,500 soldiers. The IRR is a pool of about 115,000 trained soldiers who have left active-duty or reserve units for civilian life, but remain subject to call-up for a set period...
It is time to listen to Rep. Murtha and others who have served in battle. It is time to stop the continuous call ups. Many of our service people are in Iraq on their third tour of duty. Can you imagine how their families are holding up under all this stress?
Last night on WBNS-TV here in Columbus, Ohio, there was a lighting ceremony at the Columbus Zoo. There were two little boys who wanted to say something to their uncle who was leaving for his third tour of duty in Iraq. This is what they said, "Good luck, Uncle ___. We hope you don't die." Doesn't that say it all?
How Wal-Mart is Hurting the USA
From The Morning Call: ----Federal, state and local law enforcement officers raided a Wal-Mart distribution center construction site Thursday in Schuylkill County and arrested more than 100 people they said were illegal immigrants.
More than 50 federal immigration agents and state and local officials with federal search warrants arrived about 8 a.m. at High Ridge Industrial Park in Butler Township, county Sheriff Francis V. McAndrew said....
McAndrew said he knows of other pockets of suspected illegal immigrants in the county and that his office ''will be getting to them.''
He said that after being tipped off, he inspected the Wal-Mart site. ''There were a considerable amount of illegal aliens from what I was seeing,'' he said.
McAndrew said he contacted U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17th District, who put him in touch with federal immigration agents. Those agents got the search warrant that was executed Thursday.
The sting comes a month after Wal-Mart ceased construction of seven North Dakota stores to check for illegal workers after two illegal immigrants were charged with molesting two girls.
In 2003, a raid of 60 Wal-Mart stores in 21 states led to the arrests of 245 illegal workers. An affidavit related to that case claims that two senior Wal-Mart executives knew cleaning contractors were hiring illegal immigrants. Wal-Mart says that no senior official had any such knowledge.
What is it with Wal-Mart? They don't treat their employees with respect and they won't even hire American workers to build their stores. How many times will Wal-Mart use the line, "We didn't know." Enough!
Former CIA Director Stansfield Turner said the following about Vice President Dick Cheney: "I'm embarrassed the United States has a vice president for torture. "He condones torture, what else is he?"
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Don't Get Your Panties in a 'Frist'
Former President Bill Clinton told an audience that 'the United States made a "big mistake'' when it invaded Iraq, stoking the partisan debate back home over the war.'
Clinton was named by Esquire as "The Most Influential Man in the World."
Democratic Rep. John Murtha (PA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The New York Times described Rep. Murtha as a decorated Viet Nam War veteran. Thank God, someone has stepped up to say it!
The Tom DeLay investigation is still going on in Texas. Now Republican Rep. Roy Blunt is somehow involved. Here is an excerpt from the New York Times article:
Texas prosecutors in the criminal case against Representative Tom DeLay issued a subpoena on Wednesday for records of transactions between his national political action committee and a political committee run by his successor as House majority leader, Roy Blunt of Missouri.
The subpoena, issued in Austin, the Texas capital, asked for all records from Mr. DeLay's committee, Americans for a Republican Majority, about its contributions from 2000 to 2002 to Mr. Blunt's committee, Rely on Your Own Beliefs Fund, and to the state Republican Party in Missouri, where Mr. Blunt's son is governor.
Clinton was named by Esquire as "The Most Influential Man in the World."
Democratic Rep. John Murtha (PA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The New York Times described Rep. Murtha as a decorated Viet Nam War veteran. Thank God, someone has stepped up to say it!
The Tom DeLay investigation is still going on in Texas. Now Republican Rep. Roy Blunt is somehow involved. Here is an excerpt from the New York Times article:
Texas prosecutors in the criminal case against Representative Tom DeLay issued a subpoena on Wednesday for records of transactions between his national political action committee and a political committee run by his successor as House majority leader, Roy Blunt of Missouri.
The subpoena, issued in Austin, the Texas capital, asked for all records from Mr. DeLay's committee, Americans for a Republican Majority, about its contributions from 2000 to 2002 to Mr. Blunt's committee, Rely on Your Own Beliefs Fund, and to the state Republican Party in Missouri, where Mr. Blunt's son is governor.
Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, wants a wider investigation of Republican Senator Bill Frist and his stock trading.
The Republicans have their panties in a "frist" because they think that Bob Woodward's testimony will somehow let Scooter Libby off the hook. However, they need to go back and read Patrick Fitzgerald's press conference statement: "In fact, Mr. Libby was the first official known to have told a reporter when he talked to Judith Miller in June of 2003 about Valerie Wilson." Let me remind you that Libby's indictment includes the following charges---one count of obstruction of justice, 2 counts of perjury, and 2 counts of false statements.
David Letterman said, "The President is on a trip to Asia. He was visiting American jobs."
****The expression 'panties in a frist' was coined by Stephanie Miller, talk show host and very funny lady.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Americans Want An Exit Strategy
The Democratic members of the U.S. Senate did not win on their amendment yesterday,but they were able to force the Republican controlled Senate to act. Here is part of the story from the Houston Chronicle:
Senator John McCain has been butting heads with Vice President Cheney over the use of torture. Senator McCain has first hand knowledge of torture since he was a POW. He knows the physical and psychological scars that remain after such treatment. Although I do not agree with McCain on many issues, I do agree with him that the U.S. must not use torture.
Although the Republican-controlled Senate rejected Democratic efforts to set timetables for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq, it approved an amendment to a defense appropriations bill that focuses on next year as a turning point for the military.
The measure, approved by 79-19, states that 2006 should mark a transition to Iraqi sovereignty, with Iraqi forces taking the lead for the nation's security and setting the stage for American forces to leave.
Forty one of the 55 Republicans voted for it.
The amendment also requires the Pentagon to provide detailed quarterly reports to Congress, including information about Iraqis training their own police and military.
This shows that the concerns of the American people are finally reaching our elected officials. When will our sons and daughters be home?Senator John McCain has been butting heads with Vice President Cheney over the use of torture. Senator McCain has first hand knowledge of torture since he was a POW. He knows the physical and psychological scars that remain after such treatment. Although I do not agree with McCain on many issues, I do agree with him that the U.S. must not use torture.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Seeking the Truth
MSNBC-TV had a poll earlier today that should wake up some people in the Republican controlled U.S. Senate (Frist, I'm talking to you!). If the Republicans in the House and Senate are for the Iraq War, they should bring their sons/daughters to a recruiting center to help the cause. The question was: Do you think a timetable should be set for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq?
The results: 78% Yes 22% No
Vice President Dick Cheney was heckled at an appearance in Knoxville last evening. When you have a 19% approval rating, hecklers appear out of thin air.
WRAL in North Carolina has a story about methods of torture used by U.S. forces in Iraq. One detainee tells of being thrown in a cage of lions in Baghdad in 2003. Lions? The charge is under investigation.
SCOTUS nominee, Judge Alito, believes “the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion.” This was revealed in a document just this week. Alito would be replacing Sandra Day O'Connor who supports choice. Alito's views are against what a majority of Americans believe.
Why is Republican President Bush still debating the reasons he went to war in Iraq? His speeches in the last few days show a man who will not admit his mistakes. His tone and his choice of words show a man who is spiteful and arrogant. Why isn't he talking about a plan to get us out of Iraq? Last night on Keith Olbermann's Countdown, Howard Fineman of Newsweek talked about Bush and Rove's strategy. Fineman said that Bush and Rove have never operated on trying to reach common ground, but rather their goals have been to use 'division and accusation.'
This morning on Today, Republican Sen. Frist accused the Democratic Party of trying to use 'cut and run' in finding a solution to leaving Iraq. Frist must have used the words 'cut and run' about fifteen times. Frist needs to stop covering up the lies and failures of this administration. It is time to force this administration to produce a timeline. Too many of our family members are being killed in Iraq.
The results: 78% Yes 22% No
Vice President Dick Cheney was heckled at an appearance in Knoxville last evening. When you have a 19% approval rating, hecklers appear out of thin air.
WRAL in North Carolina has a story about methods of torture used by U.S. forces in Iraq. One detainee tells of being thrown in a cage of lions in Baghdad in 2003. Lions? The charge is under investigation.
SCOTUS nominee, Judge Alito, believes “the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion.” This was revealed in a document just this week. Alito would be replacing Sandra Day O'Connor who supports choice. Alito's views are against what a majority of Americans believe.
Why is Republican President Bush still debating the reasons he went to war in Iraq? His speeches in the last few days show a man who will not admit his mistakes. His tone and his choice of words show a man who is spiteful and arrogant. Why isn't he talking about a plan to get us out of Iraq? Last night on Keith Olbermann's Countdown, Howard Fineman of Newsweek talked about Bush and Rove's strategy. Fineman said that Bush and Rove have never operated on trying to reach common ground, but rather their goals have been to use 'division and accusation.'
This morning on Today, Republican Sen. Frist accused the Democratic Party of trying to use 'cut and run' in finding a solution to leaving Iraq. Frist must have used the words 'cut and run' about fifteen times. Frist needs to stop covering up the lies and failures of this administration. It is time to force this administration to produce a timeline. Too many of our family members are being killed in Iraq.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Taft Worst Governor!!! Bush not happy in So. America?
Time Magazine has named Ohio's Gov. Bob Taft one of the nation's worst governors! The Dayton Daily News has part of the article and a small excerpt from the Time article: "The Governor was widely considered an inept, ineffective leader even before he ran afoul of the law," Wendy Cole wrote for the magazine, citing Taft's failure to address the state's lagging manufacturing industry.
Here is a picture of one of the worst governors (left) and the worst president (center). When President Bush visited Argentina for the big summit, he was tired and a little mad. Bush was not happy with dinner being scheduled for 10:15pm (an hour past his usual 9pm bedtime). Late dinner is a tradition in Argentina. Bush also was miffed about the summit talks that postponed lunch the next day. It seems Mr. Bush just didn't get his way in South America. There is a great article from The International Herald Tribune.
You must visit Crooks and Liars to see the video they have of Bush and Kilgore. Don't forget to read the comments! Please visit http://www.americancomedynetwork.com/FLASH/soldiers.htm to see Bush do a recruiting rap.
Just in case you've missed it----this is Ohio State vs. M------- week! On Saturday, the Ohio State Buckeyes will travel up north for the Big game. If you are interested in some Ohio State Buckeye Football traditions, visit here. GO BUCKEYES!
Here is a picture of one of the worst governors (left) and the worst president (center). When President Bush visited Argentina for the big summit, he was tired and a little mad. Bush was not happy with dinner being scheduled for 10:15pm (an hour past his usual 9pm bedtime). Late dinner is a tradition in Argentina. Bush also was miffed about the summit talks that postponed lunch the next day. It seems Mr. Bush just didn't get his way in South America. There is a great article from The International Herald Tribune.
You must visit Crooks and Liars to see the video they have of Bush and Kilgore. Don't forget to read the comments! Please visit http://www.americancomedynetwork.com/FLASH/soldiers.htm to see Bush do a recruiting rap.
Just in case you've missed it----this is Ohio State vs. M------- week! On Saturday, the Ohio State Buckeyes will travel up north for the Big game. If you are interested in some Ohio State Buckeye Football traditions, visit here. GO BUCKEYES!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Problems Ahead for Republicans
If you are a senior citizen or have one in your family, you'll probably be facing some obstacles in the next few days. The obstacles come in the new Medicare Drug Benefit designed by Republicans for seniors. Enrollment starts November 15th and seniors have been trying to understand the complicated information for choosing a program. Some programs are only in certain states, cover certain medications, and are available at specific drug stores. Also, individual insurance companies have a variety of insurance plans as well as different premium costs. It is a complete mess. The New York Times has a revealing article on the confusion surrounding the drug plan. The Medicare prescription drug plan is nearly impossible to understand. Don't believe me? Check out the information here.
The Mideast Democracy Summit failed to buy into President Bush's plan.
Guess many of us won't be going to France on vacation. Why is it that the French government was initially slow to react and still has had little success with the rioting. Chirac is under heavy criticism.
The Republican plans for legislation have been pushed back. With the Republican corruption scandals, many moderate Republicans are losing interest in pushing a conservative right wing agenda. Here is the story.
Retired Marine General Joseph P. Hoar had a few thing to say about the lack of support that this administration is giving to vets:
The Mideast Democracy Summit failed to buy into President Bush's plan.
Guess many of us won't be going to France on vacation. Why is it that the French government was initially slow to react and still has had little success with the rioting. Chirac is under heavy criticism.
The Republican plans for legislation have been pushed back. With the Republican corruption scandals, many moderate Republicans are losing interest in pushing a conservative right wing agenda. Here is the story.
Retired Marine General Joseph P. Hoar had a few thing to say about the lack of support that this administration is giving to vets:
Speaking on the Veterans Day weekend, the former U.S. military commander in the Middle East said
"President Bush has consistently refused to provide enough" money for veterans' health care.
"Earlier this year, his administration admitted that they were $1 billion short in funding for critical health care services," he said. "They also repeatedly tried to increase the cost of prescription drugs and health care services for veterans nationwide."
The Veterans Affairs Department acknowledged in April that it had underestimated medical care costs. Congress reacted by approving an additional $1.5 billion in emergency funds for the current budget year.
Is this the way the Republicans support the troops?
Friday, November 11, 2005
Read, Watch, and Learn
Updated below:
Since elected officials should be able to respond to their constituents' concerns, it is heartbreaking when they turn their attention to lobbyists instead. Several enterprising individuals and groups have launched sites to keep track of the speeches and activities of elected officials. Here are some great places to visit:
Rep. Tom DeLay (TX-22-R): http://www.texas22.org/
Sen. Santorum (PA-R): http://www.santorumwatch.org/
Rep. Richard Pombo (CA-11-R): http://www.refpub.com/PomboWatch/
George W. Bush: http://bushwatch.org/bush.htm
Bill O'Reilly is an idiot. (Of course you already knew that.) He is always pontificating about how tough he is. I have a suggestion: O'Reilly and Limbaugh should do a USO tour to Iraq (Al Franken goes a couple times per year!). O'Reilly and Limbaugh think they know about Iraq? They should go see it in person.
Sadly, No thought that Bush's speech for Veteran's Day sounded somewhat familiar. Nearly the same speech was given Oct. 6, 2005 at the National Endowment for Democracy. Check the side by side comparison of the two speeches at Sadly, No.
Those lobbyist sure do love Tom DeLay. They love him soooooo much, they are getting together to throw a big fundraiser for him. The Washington Post said the bash will be next Thursday. Did you get an invitation?
Iraq War Vet, Paul Hackett, shows some increasing poll numbers against Sen. DeWine. People all over Ohio are excited about the prospect of sending Hackett to the U.S. Senate.
Rep. John Hostettler will not be touring the part of his district that was hit with tornado damage. Hostettler was one of a few GOP elected officials to vote against emergency help for Katrina victims. Hostettler just doesn't strike me as a person with compassion.
Since elected officials should be able to respond to their constituents' concerns, it is heartbreaking when they turn their attention to lobbyists instead. Several enterprising individuals and groups have launched sites to keep track of the speeches and activities of elected officials. Here are some great places to visit:
Rep. Tom DeLay (TX-22-R): http://www.texas22.org/
Sen. Santorum (PA-R): http://www.santorumwatch.org/
Rep. Richard Pombo (CA-11-R): http://www.refpub.com/PomboWatch/
George W. Bush: http://bushwatch.org/bush.htm
Bill O'Reilly is an idiot. (Of course you already knew that.) He is always pontificating about how tough he is. I have a suggestion: O'Reilly and Limbaugh should do a USO tour to Iraq (Al Franken goes a couple times per year!). O'Reilly and Limbaugh think they know about Iraq? They should go see it in person.
Sadly, No thought that Bush's speech for Veteran's Day sounded somewhat familiar. Nearly the same speech was given Oct. 6, 2005 at the National Endowment for Democracy. Check the side by side comparison of the two speeches at Sadly, No.
Those lobbyist sure do love Tom DeLay. They love him soooooo much, they are getting together to throw a big fundraiser for him. The Washington Post said the bash will be next Thursday. Did you get an invitation?
Iraq War Vet, Paul Hackett, shows some increasing poll numbers against Sen. DeWine. People all over Ohio are excited about the prospect of sending Hackett to the U.S. Senate.
Rep. John Hostettler will not be touring the part of his district that was hit with tornado damage. Hostettler was one of a few GOP elected officials to vote against emergency help for Katrina victims. Hostettler just doesn't strike me as a person with compassion.
Removing Pictures to Change the Truth
The Republicans failed to get their budget cuts to the floor this week. The GOP leadership did not have the backing of moderate representatives from their own party, especially after the stunning losses of this week's election. However. Rep. Deborah Pryce (OH-15-R) said, "We have run out of time on this bill." Yes, I think you've run out of more things than just time.
Republicans are now trying to distance themselves from the head of their party, George W. Bush. Elected GOP officials are starting to remove pictures of themselves with the president. I'd suggest that you find pictures and save them before they completely disappear by next November.
(Pictures: top- Rep. Pombo, right-Rep. Pryce, left-Sen. Santorum)
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