Saturday, May 08, 2004
Travelling Men
Tomorrow is Mother's Day so I'm going to Happy Valley and present my Mom with her grandson(above) andthen go drinking with my friends see my Uncle and Aunt before they move to FL. Rumor has it my Mom has Wi-Fi so I'm going to bring my iBook and hope to do some blogging. If I can, it will most likely be late because my Uncle is at the head of the Bush "Kool-Aid line." Alas, we all can't be enlightened.
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Tomorrow is Mother's Day so I'm going to Happy Valley and present my Mom with her grandson(above) and
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Friday, May 07, 2004
Today, Rumsfeld Takes The Heat. Tomorrow?
"These events occurred on my watch. As secretary of defense, I am accountable for them. I take full responsibility," [Donald]Rumsfeld told the Senate Armed Services Committee
Donald Rumsfeld committed virtual hara-kiri today accepting full responsibility for the prisoner torture scandal. Like a good soldier he covered his bosses tail.
Now, the question is, when more pictures and video make there way into the media will Bush continue to stand by his man? The GOP Congress is closing ranks even giving Rummy a slight commendation today from Bill Frist for, "...taking responsibility of what happened." That may not be enough.
Dead man walking?
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"These events occurred on my watch. As secretary of defense, I am accountable for them. I take full responsibility," [Donald]Rumsfeld told the Senate Armed Services Committee
Donald Rumsfeld committed virtual hara-kiri today accepting full responsibility for the prisoner torture scandal. Like a good soldier he covered his bosses tail.
Now, the question is, when more pictures and video make there way into the media will Bush continue to stand by his man? The GOP Congress is closing ranks even giving Rummy a slight commendation today from Bill Frist for, "...taking responsibility of what happened." That may not be enough.
Dead man walking?
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History Lesson
Danny Schecter is the proprietor of Media Channel.org. Today he shares this story on his daily blog:
"Class: it is time for a history lesson. Let's get in our time machines and go back fifty years to May 7 1954. The place is a small town called Dien Ben Phu in the mountainous region in the north of Vietnam. The French colonial army had been convinced that its long war with Ho Chi Minh's Viet Minh soldiers was on the verge of victory. But they didn't count on the military genius of a General named Vo Nguyen Giap. On this day, after a 56 day siege, the French surrendered in defeat. 16 years later Giap's forces would drive the Americans out.
The western press spoke then of the Dien Ben Phu's 'fall;' the Vietnamese, of its liberation. Fifty years later, Giap, now 92 is giving interviews in the garden of his home in Hanoi. He was asked about Iraq. His response:
'Any forces that would impose their will on other nations will certainly face defeat,' he said. 'All nations fighting for their legitimate interests and sovereignty will surely win.'
AP reports: 'Giap emphasized the powers of today shouldn't underestimate weaker countries' desire for independence Vietnam 'proves that if a nation is determined to stand up, it is very strong.' There were commemorations of this anniversary today in Vietnam and France. "
This is an excellent resource that features links to many stories that ABCNNBCBS doesn't cover. Worth a look.
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Danny Schecter is the proprietor of Media Channel.org. Today he shares this story on his daily blog:
"Class: it is time for a history lesson. Let's get in our time machines and go back fifty years to May 7 1954. The place is a small town called Dien Ben Phu in the mountainous region in the north of Vietnam. The French colonial army had been convinced that its long war with Ho Chi Minh's Viet Minh soldiers was on the verge of victory. But they didn't count on the military genius of a General named Vo Nguyen Giap. On this day, after a 56 day siege, the French surrendered in defeat. 16 years later Giap's forces would drive the Americans out.
The western press spoke then of the Dien Ben Phu's 'fall;' the Vietnamese, of its liberation. Fifty years later, Giap, now 92 is giving interviews in the garden of his home in Hanoi. He was asked about Iraq. His response:
'Any forces that would impose their will on other nations will certainly face defeat,' he said. 'All nations fighting for their legitimate interests and sovereignty will surely win.'
AP reports: 'Giap emphasized the powers of today shouldn't underestimate weaker countries' desire for independence Vietnam 'proves that if a nation is determined to stand up, it is very strong.' There were commemorations of this anniversary today in Vietnam and France. "
This is an excellent resource that features links to many stories that ABCNNBCBS doesn't cover. Worth a look.
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Limbaugh Rationalizes Torture
Big Pharma is at it again:
Media Matters for America has posted Rush Limbaugh's comments (May 4, 2004, Rush Limbaugh Show) about the Abu Ghirad prison torture in Iraq. In discussing the torture of Iraqi prisoners, Limbaugh claims the U.S. Guards were "having a good time" and compares images of the torture to Madonna and Britney Spears concerts.
"Rush Limbaugh's consistently extreme commentary has operated with almost total impunity for far too long," Media Matters for America President David Brock said today. "Media Matters for America now has in place a system to monitor, analyze and correct conservative misinformation in the media -- including Rush Limbaugh, one of America's most influential political commentators."
A link to the Media Matters for America web site is on the left.
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Big Pharma is at it again:
Media Matters for America has posted Rush Limbaugh's comments (May 4, 2004, Rush Limbaugh Show) about the Abu Ghirad prison torture in Iraq. In discussing the torture of Iraqi prisoners, Limbaugh claims the U.S. Guards were "having a good time" and compares images of the torture to Madonna and Britney Spears concerts.
"Rush Limbaugh's consistently extreme commentary has operated with almost total impunity for far too long," Media Matters for America President David Brock said today. "Media Matters for America now has in place a system to monitor, analyze and correct conservative misinformation in the media -- including Rush Limbaugh, one of America's most influential political commentators."
A link to the Media Matters for America web site is on the left.
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Thursday, May 06, 2004
Rumsfeld Should Resign
Call your senator and ask them to support the dismissal of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
This action is eloquently argued by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin:
"For the good of our country, the safety of our troops, and our image around the globe, Secretary Rumsfeld should resign," Harkin said in a statement. "If he does not resign forthwith, the president should fire him."
"He has to go. Nothing, I think, less will suffice," Harkin told CNN. "It's not enough just for Secretary Rumsfeld to say that some people in the lower ranks are responsible for this -- this goes all the way up."
Others calling for Rumsfeld's ouster:
Rep. Charles Rangel
The Economist
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman
This number will grow.
The main number for the U.S. Senate is 202-224-3121.
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Call your senator and ask them to support the dismissal of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
This action is eloquently argued by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin:
"For the good of our country, the safety of our troops, and our image around the globe, Secretary Rumsfeld should resign," Harkin said in a statement. "If he does not resign forthwith, the president should fire him."
"He has to go. Nothing, I think, less will suffice," Harkin told CNN. "It's not enough just for Secretary Rumsfeld to say that some people in the lower ranks are responsible for this -- this goes all the way up."
Others calling for Rumsfeld's ouster:
Rep. Charles Rangel
The Economist
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman
This number will grow.
The main number for the U.S. Senate is 202-224-3121.
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Apology! (big deal)
This doesn't mean a thing. If he truly meant this:
..."sorry for the humiliation suffered" by Iraqi prisoners at the hands of U.S. troops in Iraq...
...he would've apologized as soon as this scandal broke not after pressure has been applied by citizens of the world.
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This doesn't mean a thing. If he truly meant this:
..."sorry for the humiliation suffered" by Iraqi prisoners at the hands of U.S. troops in Iraq...
...he would've apologized as soon as this scandal broke not after pressure has been applied by citizens of the world.
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Joseph Wilson with MSNBC's Keith Olbermann on 5/4
A member of the media outing the White House:
OLBERMANN: You do know that they are still going after you, right? We promoted the fact that you would be on this show tonight. Today we received three separate copies of the same e-mail with talking points from the White House, one asking a contact here “Can you please get this to the Olbermann people. Wilson is on the Olbermann show.” Misspelled my name, by the way, but that‘s neither here nor there. Another one asks one of our producers “I understand you have Mr. Wilson on. Can you please call me on this?”
Are you surprised by that?
WILSON: No, I‘m not surprised at all. I tell you this administration has tried to manage and direct the news from the very beginning. As I point out in the book, they have made the lives of journalists very unpleasant. One journalist said he was afraid to go to print because he might end up in Guantanamo, which I take to be a metaphor for being cut out. Another journalist said I‘ve got kids in a private school and a mortgage to pay. So I‘m not surprised at all.
Nice. (Apologies to Biz Stone.)
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A member of the media outing the White House:
OLBERMANN: You do know that they are still going after you, right? We promoted the fact that you would be on this show tonight. Today we received three separate copies of the same e-mail with talking points from the White House, one asking a contact here “Can you please get this to the Olbermann people. Wilson is on the Olbermann show.” Misspelled my name, by the way, but that‘s neither here nor there. Another one asks one of our producers “I understand you have Mr. Wilson on. Can you please call me on this?”
Are you surprised by that?
WILSON: No, I‘m not surprised at all. I tell you this administration has tried to manage and direct the news from the very beginning. As I point out in the book, they have made the lives of journalists very unpleasant. One journalist said he was afraid to go to print because he might end up in Guantanamo, which I take to be a metaphor for being cut out. Another journalist said I‘ve got kids in a private school and a mortgage to pay. So I‘m not surprised at all.
Nice. (Apologies to Biz Stone.)
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U.S. Hiding Prisoners from Red Cross
I haven't seen this reported anywhere in the States:
US military policemen moved unregistered Iraqi prisoners, known as "ghost detainees", around an army-run jail at Abu Ghraib, in order to hide them from the Red Cross, according to a confidential military report.
The report on abuses at Abu Ghraib prison - a copy of which was obtained by the Guardian - described the practice of hiding prisoners as "deceptive, contrary to army doctrine, and in violation of international law"...
From the UK Guardian.
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I haven't seen this reported anywhere in the States:
US military policemen moved unregistered Iraqi prisoners, known as "ghost detainees", around an army-run jail at Abu Ghraib, in order to hide them from the Red Cross, according to a confidential military report.
The report on abuses at Abu Ghraib prison - a copy of which was obtained by the Guardian - described the practice of hiding prisoners as "deceptive, contrary to army doctrine, and in violation of international law"...
From the UK Guardian.
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Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Great Timing!
Bloodiest month since war started
Rampant corruption within U.S. appointed Governing Council
Still no Weapons of Mass Destruction
Torture of Iraqi prisoners violates Geneva Convention
Virtually no control over Fallujah or Najaf
Still nothing in the Federal Budget allocated for Iraq or Afghanistan
Halliburton shares slip slightly
We need $25 billion more.
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Bloodiest month since war started
Rampant corruption within U.S. appointed Governing Council
Still no Weapons of Mass Destruction
Torture of Iraqi prisoners violates Geneva Convention
Virtually no control over Fallujah or Najaf
Still nothing in the Federal Budget allocated for Iraq or Afghanistan
Halliburton shares slip slightly
We need $25 billion more.
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Major League Baseball to get in bed with Spiderman
From June 11-13 webbed logos for the movie Spiderman 2 will appear on bases and on-deck circles at select MLB stadiums.
What a joke. I don't even want to guess what's next...
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From June 11-13 webbed logos for the movie Spiderman 2 will appear on bases and on-deck circles at select MLB stadiums.
What a joke. I don't even want to guess what's next...
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Michael Moore Getting Hosed
Disney is trying to prohibit Miramax from distributing Moore's new film, Fahrenheit 911. As you can imagine, the movie will shed an unflattering light on the Bush Administration's responses to September 11th.
On his web site Moore has a letter describing what's happening with the censorship of his new film. He gives much credit to Harvey Weinstein & Miramax for sticking by him as he readies his film for the Cannes Film Festival.
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Disney is trying to prohibit Miramax from distributing Moore's new film, Fahrenheit 911. As you can imagine, the movie will shed an unflattering light on the Bush Administration's responses to September 11th.
On his web site Moore has a letter describing what's happening with the censorship of his new film. He gives much credit to Harvey Weinstein & Miramax for sticking by him as he readies his film for the Cannes Film Festival.
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That's My Senator!
Buried in this story about Bush going on Arab TV is a quote from Joe Biden:
Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., said Wednesday that if adequate answers to questions about the abuse of prisoners are not provided, then top officials, including Rumsfeld, should resign.
'If it goes all the way to Rumsfeld, then he should resign,' Biden told 'Today' on NBC. 'Who is in charge? I mean, look, every single, solitary decision made almost since the fall of Saddam Hussein has been mistaken. Who's making these decisions?'
I'm hoping this gains steam. But the odds of him resigning are slim-to-none.
In an interview yesterday Rummy said, ""Any American who sees the photographs that we've seen has to be feel apologetic to the Iraqi people who have been abused and recognize that that is something that is unacceptable."
I think this is as close to an apology as this administration has ever come.
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Buried in this story about Bush going on Arab TV is a quote from Joe Biden:
Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., said Wednesday that if adequate answers to questions about the abuse of prisoners are not provided, then top officials, including Rumsfeld, should resign.
'If it goes all the way to Rumsfeld, then he should resign,' Biden told 'Today' on NBC. 'Who is in charge? I mean, look, every single, solitary decision made almost since the fall of Saddam Hussein has been mistaken. Who's making these decisions?'
I'm hoping this gains steam. But the odds of him resigning are slim-to-none.
In an interview yesterday Rummy said, ""Any American who sees the photographs that we've seen has to be feel apologetic to the Iraqi people who have been abused and recognize that that is something that is unacceptable."
I think this is as close to an apology as this administration has ever come.
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Tuesday, May 04, 2004
First Torture
Now murder:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military has investigated the deaths of 25 prisoners held by American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and determined that two prisoners were murdered by Americans, one an Army soldier and the other a CIA contractor, Army officials said on Tuesday.
An Army official said that a soldier was convicted in the U.S. military justice system of killing a prisoner by hitting him with a rock, and was reduced in rank to private and thrown out of the service but did not serve any jail time.
We need answers and we need them soon. Very soon.
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Now murder:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military has investigated the deaths of 25 prisoners held by American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and determined that two prisoners were murdered by Americans, one an Army soldier and the other a CIA contractor, Army officials said on Tuesday.
An Army official said that a soldier was convicted in the U.S. military justice system of killing a prisoner by hitting him with a rock, and was reduced in rank to private and thrown out of the service but did not serve any jail time.
We need answers and we need them soon. Very soon.
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Rumsfeld: Prisoner Abuse 'Un-American'
Apparently Mr. Rumsfeld is quite concerned about the already tarnished image of the U.S around the world:
Rumsfeld was asked about the damage to U.S. credibility done by the worldwide distribution of photos of Iraqi prisoners being abused. The episode is "unhelpful. In a fundamental way, it's harmful," he said. Emphasis mine.
Look who just fell off the turnip truck!
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Apparently Mr. Rumsfeld is quite concerned about the already tarnished image of the U.S around the world:
Rumsfeld was asked about the damage to U.S. credibility done by the worldwide distribution of photos of Iraqi prisoners being abused. The episode is "unhelpful. In a fundamental way, it's harmful," he said. Emphasis mine.
Look who just fell off the turnip truck!
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Bill of Rights Defense Committee
This organization is responsible for, "encouraging communities to take an active role in an ongoing national debate about the USA PATRIOT Act and other antiterrorism measures that threaten civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights."
To date, they have organized 306 communities and states with a population of 51 million people in opposition to the Patriot Act.
I think it's useful to reflect on what's at stake:
BILL OF RIGHTS
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
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.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Ratified on December 5, 1791 and every word of it applicable today.
Don't let Ashcroft steal it from us. Get involved.
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This organization is responsible for, "encouraging communities to take an active role in an ongoing national debate about the USA PATRIOT Act and other antiterrorism measures that threaten civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights."
To date, they have organized 306 communities and states with a population of 51 million people in opposition to the Patriot Act.
I think it's useful to reflect on what's at stake:
BILL OF RIGHTS
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
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.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Ratified on December 5, 1791 and every word of it applicable today.
Don't let Ashcroft steal it from us. Get involved.
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Cheney Visits Wal-Mart HQ; Trolls for Cash
Vice President Dick Cheney visited the home office of the retail giant in Bentonville, Arkansas yesterday. Sticking to his theme he continued to criticize Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee also piled on.
This nugget from Gov'nor Huckabee:
Huckabee's introduction made repeated references to Kerry, calling the senator an "Eastern elitist" with a "silver-spoon lifestyle he's taken for granted."
The highlight of the day came from Cheney:
"This is one of our nation's best companies," Cheney told a cheering crowd of about 700 employees. He reminded the crowd that former President Bush, the president's father, had given company founder Sam Walton the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest decoration awarded to civilians by the federal government.
"Free enterprise, lower taxes and fiscal discipline from Washington" is what the American economy needs, the vice president said. "Our economy has been through a tough three years, with recession, terrorist attacks and the uncertainty of war," he said.
Interesting Wal-Mar tidbits:
Did you know that Wal-Mart has their own Political Action Committee? Through this organization they are currently the largest corporate donor in the country.
Most of their money goes to the GOP:
"Wal-Mart's political contributions have been spread widely in Congress, with more than 220 members of the House and Senate receiving checks of $1,000 to $17,500 so far this election cycle. About 85 per cent of the money has gone to Republicans."
It stands to reason that the majority of their contributions go to politicians on the local level. They need all the help they can get for zoning and permits in their bid to further their domestic imperialism. A little cash goes a long way toward greasing the wheels of another Grand Opening.
And then there is the Wal-Mart manager mantra:
Stack it deep; sell it cheap; stack it high and watch it fly; hear those downtown merchants cry!
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Vice President Dick Cheney visited the home office of the retail giant in Bentonville, Arkansas yesterday. Sticking to his theme he continued to criticize Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee also piled on.
This nugget from Gov'nor Huckabee:
Huckabee's introduction made repeated references to Kerry, calling the senator an "Eastern elitist" with a "silver-spoon lifestyle he's taken for granted."
The highlight of the day came from Cheney:
"This is one of our nation's best companies," Cheney told a cheering crowd of about 700 employees. He reminded the crowd that former President Bush, the president's father, had given company founder Sam Walton the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest decoration awarded to civilians by the federal government.
"Free enterprise, lower taxes and fiscal discipline from Washington" is what the American economy needs, the vice president said. "Our economy has been through a tough three years, with recession, terrorist attacks and the uncertainty of war," he said.
Interesting Wal-Mar tidbits:
Did you know that Wal-Mart has their own Political Action Committee? Through this organization they are currently the largest corporate donor in the country.
Most of their money goes to the GOP:
"Wal-Mart's political contributions have been spread widely in Congress, with more than 220 members of the House and Senate receiving checks of $1,000 to $17,500 so far this election cycle. About 85 per cent of the money has gone to Republicans."
It stands to reason that the majority of their contributions go to politicians on the local level. They need all the help they can get for zoning and permits in their bid to further their domestic imperialism. A little cash goes a long way toward greasing the wheels of another Grand Opening.
And then there is the Wal-Mart manager mantra:
Stack it deep; sell it cheap; stack it high and watch it fly; hear those downtown merchants cry!
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Blonk Organ
Just move your mouse over the pictures.
Beautiful Music*
*Your results may vary.
(Thank you Presurfer.)
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Just move your mouse over the pictures.
Beautiful Music*
*Your results may vary.
(Thank you Presurfer.)
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Monday, May 03, 2004
Incredible Post
Go check out this post at the Whiskey Bar. There is a list of sourced quotes about prisoner abuse, including several from the past 72 hours. Some contradictory.
Appropriately named, Scenes From a Cover-up.
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Go check out this post at the Whiskey Bar. There is a list of sourced quotes about prisoner abuse, including several from the past 72 hours. Some contradictory.
Appropriately named, Scenes From a Cover-up.
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Bremer Knew About Prisoner Abuse
Holy crap:
FORMER Iraqi human rights minister Abdel Basset Turki said today US overseer Paul Bremer knew in November that Iraqi prisoners were being abused in US detention centres.
"In November I talked to Mr Bremer about human rights violations in general and in jails in particular. He listened but there was no answer. At the first meeting, I asked to be allowed to visit the security prisoners, but I failed," Turki said.
"I told him the news. He didn't take care about the information I gave him."
The coalition had no immediate comment about Turki's meeting with Bremer.
The minister, whose resignation was formally accepted by the coalition yesterday, said he told Bremer about his meetings with former detainees.
What if Bremer did know in November, as the Iraqi human rights minister says? First, he should be sacked now. Second, a full independent UN supported investigation by non-CPA countries should take place to find out how pervasive this problem is. Third, Rumsfeld & Wolfowitz should lose their jobs for being uniquely unqualified to re-build a nation they so thoroughly helped to destroy. (Not as easy as it looks on paper, eh boys?)
Of course none of this will happen. The President is already "outraged" about the entire situation and will "get to the bottom of the situation." Baloney. He will ask a five-star to look into what's happening, a couple of the "old boys club" will have a beer and that's the last we'll hear of it. I can already see the story buried in the Times and WaPo now: .....regrettable actions by few......not representative of our military.....isolated incidents.....the guilty have been punished.
The thing that frustrates me the most is that the ones who are most guilty will never be punished.
It also makes me sad to be this cynical. Thanks W.
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Holy crap:
FORMER Iraqi human rights minister Abdel Basset Turki said today US overseer Paul Bremer knew in November that Iraqi prisoners were being abused in US detention centres.
"In November I talked to Mr Bremer about human rights violations in general and in jails in particular. He listened but there was no answer. At the first meeting, I asked to be allowed to visit the security prisoners, but I failed," Turki said.
"I told him the news. He didn't take care about the information I gave him."
The coalition had no immediate comment about Turki's meeting with Bremer.
The minister, whose resignation was formally accepted by the coalition yesterday, said he told Bremer about his meetings with former detainees.
What if Bremer did know in November, as the Iraqi human rights minister says? First, he should be sacked now. Second, a full independent UN supported investigation by non-CPA countries should take place to find out how pervasive this problem is. Third, Rumsfeld & Wolfowitz should lose their jobs for being uniquely unqualified to re-build a nation they so thoroughly helped to destroy. (Not as easy as it looks on paper, eh boys?)
Of course none of this will happen. The President is already "outraged" about the entire situation and will "get to the bottom of the situation." Baloney. He will ask a five-star to look into what's happening, a couple of the "old boys club" will have a beer and that's the last we'll hear of it. I can already see the story buried in the Times and WaPo now: .....regrettable actions by few......not representative of our military.....isolated incidents.....the guilty have been punished.
The thing that frustrates me the most is that the ones who are most guilty will never be punished.
It also makes me sad to be this cynical. Thanks W.
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Bush Campaigns in Ohio
According to this article President Bush had a tough day:
During Bush's town-hall meeting in Niles, people who benefited from the president's tax-cut policies asked him questions.
I was able to track down the final question...
Question #1: President Bush, thank you so much for all that you do. Did you notice I'm wearing a flag in my lapel?
President Bush: Yes. Excellent question. That's what we're trying do do. Gen-er-ATE the economy. My tax-cut has given middle America hope. And after I'm re-selected we're going to make the tax-cuts permanent and bring more recovery to the places that truly are in need of more recovery. This is the way it works.
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According to this article President Bush had a tough day:
During Bush's town-hall meeting in Niles, people who benefited from the president's tax-cut policies asked him questions.
I was able to track down the final question...
Question #1: President Bush, thank you so much for all that you do. Did you notice I'm wearing a flag in my lapel?
President Bush: Yes. Excellent question. That's what we're trying do do. Gen-er-ATE the economy. My tax-cut has given middle America hope. And after I'm re-selected we're going to make the tax-cuts permanent and bring more recovery to the places that truly are in need of more recovery. This is the way it works.
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New Media watchdog
Launching today, Media Matters for America is a new web site that will keep tabs on the Limbaughs and O'LIEllys of the world. Here is a sample of what you'll find:
Hannity & Colmes guest compared U.S. soldiers' maltreatment of Iraqi POWs to "frat hazing"
Two days after CBS's 60 Minutes II first broadcast photographs of U.S. military police posing and smiling next to naked, hooded Iraqi prisoners of war, Hannity & Colmes hosted a guest who compared the maltreatment of the Iraqi POWs to "frat hazing." On the April 30 broadcast of FOX News Channel's Hannity & Colmes, former U.S. Army sergeant and former interrogation instructor Tony Robinson stated that "frat hazing is worse" than "what [was] happening in these pictures"...
More to be outraged about. Blogroll/Bookmark it.
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Launching today, Media Matters for America is a new web site that will keep tabs on the Limbaughs and O'LIEllys of the world. Here is a sample of what you'll find:
Hannity & Colmes guest compared U.S. soldiers' maltreatment of Iraqi POWs to "frat hazing"
Two days after CBS's 60 Minutes II first broadcast photographs of U.S. military police posing and smiling next to naked, hooded Iraqi prisoners of war, Hannity & Colmes hosted a guest who compared the maltreatment of the Iraqi POWs to "frat hazing." On the April 30 broadcast of FOX News Channel's Hannity & Colmes, former U.S. Army sergeant and former interrogation instructor Tony Robinson stated that "frat hazing is worse" than "what [was] happening in these pictures"...
More to be outraged about. Blogroll/Bookmark it.
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Sunday, May 02, 2004
White House Corresponents Dinner
I was able to catch some of the event on CSPAN last night.
Did anyone see the Presdient lift a wine glass to his lips? I thought I saw a wine glass with dark liquid go to his mouth on two occasions. It may not be that big a deal, but I thought he quit drinking.
Anyone else notice this?
UPDATE: Here is our President giving an "interview" as a 1992 wedding guest. Only In America.
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I was able to catch some of the event on CSPAN last night.
Did anyone see the Presdient lift a wine glass to his lips? I thought I saw a wine glass with dark liquid go to his mouth on two occasions. It may not be that big a deal, but I thought he quit drinking.
Anyone else notice this?
UPDATE: Here is our President giving an "interview" as a 1992 wedding guest. Only In America.
| Permalink Here
