This Is Hysterical...

...Whether or not you are a Hillary Clinton fan:



(h/t Matt Stoller)

Breaking

Court limits use of race in school admissions

NEW HEADLINE

Strict constructionist LIARS reverse Brown vs Board of Education and lay groundwork for All Poor Brown People School vs All Rich White People School Intramural Volleyball Tournaments.

BREAKING NEWS

Updated: 1 hour, 50 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected public school assignment plans that take account of students’ race.

The decision in cases affecting schools in Louisville, Ky., and Seattle could imperil similar plans in hundreds of districts nationwide, and it leaves public school systems with a limited arsenal to maintain racial diversity.

The court split, 5-4, with Chief Justice John Roberts announcing the court’s judgment. Justice Stephen Breyer wrote a dissent that was joined by the court’s other three liberals.

I literally feel sick.

Webb's Populism

Interesting article on Sen. Jim Webb in today's Washington Post. The article really highlights Webb's populist efforts to reshape the Party. However, I'm not sure that Webb is pitch perfect, as the below quote indicates.

Webb articulates what may be the wild-card issue of the 2008 campaign. There is a deep anger these days among middle-class Americans who feel abandoned by the elites in both parties. That anger surfaces on pocketbook issues that affect working people -- immigration, outsourcing of jobs, and the trade and tax boondoggles that broadcaster Lou Dobbs rages against each night on CNN.

"The average American worker sits there feeling the impact of globalization and immigration. They need people sticking up for them," says Webb. Though he doesn't criticize any politicians by name, he scolds what he calls "the Rubin wing" of the party, which supports the pro-investment policies advocated by Clinton administration Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin.

I think he is dead on in that the Middle Class feels abandoned by both parties. But I think he's wrong to dismiss pro-investment policies. As a parent, I think one of the best government policies in recent years has been the 529 accounts, designed to help families save money for college. I have no doubt that middle class families and Robert Rubin approve.

I've long felt that the American Dream is getting harder and harder to achieve for the middle class. Housing prices, insurance rates, tuition increases, child care costs, et. al. are making it more difficult to have the life your parents did. The Democrats have to speak to those middle class families getting squeezed.

That's not to say that raising the minimum wage and covering the uninsured, among other things, are not important goals. But we need to speak to a wider audience. I think it's too simplistic to say there are the "haves" and "have nots." I think there are also plenty of "have some, but not enough." Jim Webb wants the Democrats to speak to these people. I agree. We just disagree slightly on what needs to be said, but we seem to be going in the same direction.

So. Who the hell told them this was a good idea?

House members seek pay raise of $4,400

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 26 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Despite low approval ratings and hard feelings from last year's elections, Democrats and Republicans in the House are reaching out for an approximately $4,400 pay raise that would increase their salaries to almost $170,000.

Oh my god. What a boneheaded move. Out here in the hinterlands, there is no love lost for our congress critters and this is NOT going to help.

Seemingly stymied at every turn, no major achievements under their belts, they're going to **** up with the one thing that everyone understands.

Keep an eye out for single digit approval numbers coming to a Congress near you.

Former Leaders of Ex-Gay Ministry Apologize for 'Bringing Harm'

LOS ANGELES — Three former leaders of an international ministry that counsels gays to change their sexual orientation apologized for their efforts, saying that though they acted sincerely, their message had caused isolation, shame and fear.

The former leaders of the interdenominational Christian organization Exodus International said Wednesday they had all, over time, become disillusioned with the group's ideas and concerned about what they described as the wrenching human toll of such gay conversion efforts.

Huge Rally For Habeas Corpus

Sponsored by the ACLU, there was a Day Of Action in DC. And some pretty cool people showed up to speak.

I'll link to a few of them over the next day. Here is our first entry, Senator Patrick Leahy, who while a strong speaker, doesn't come off quite as masculine as Ann Coulter.

Following up on Cliff's post from earlier....

Two really good ads.



and



In the comments, tell me what you thing. I'm curious.

I've got a favorite of the two ads, just wanting to know which one you guys like.

Mutt Romney is In the Doghouse

The incident: dog excrement found on the roof and windows of the Romney station wagon. How it got there: Romney strapped a dog carrier — with the family dog Seamus, an Irish Setter, in it — to the roof of the family station wagon for a twelve hour drive from Boston to Ontario, which the family apparently completed, despite Seamus's rather visceral protest.

Massachusetts's animal cruelty laws specifically prohibit anyone from carrying an animal "in or upon a vehicle, or otherwise, in an unnecessarily cruel or inhuman manner or in a way and manner which might endanger the animal carried thereon." An officer for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded to a description of the situation saying "it's definitely something I'd want to check out."

Ingrid Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals:

"...it is commonsense that any dog who's under extreme stress might show that stress by losing control of his bowels: that alone should have been sufficient indication that the dog was, basically, being tortured." Romney, of course, has expressed support for the use of "enhanced interrogation" techniques when it comes to terrorists; his campaign did not return repeated calls and emails about the treatment of his dog.

If I were Seamus, I'd have had quite a bone to pick.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the front-runner in many polls for the Republican nomination for President in 2008, admitted to the Christian Broadcasting Network that his sexual desires kept him from becoming a Catholic priest.

The Republican presidential hopeful, who is currently married to his third wife, said that he had planned to enter a Catholic seminary after he finished high school, but backed out.

He backed out of a Catholic seminary? That leaves so many openings (no pun) for unprintable one-liners, it's making my head (no pun) spin. But I digress.

"Sometimes when I was mayor, I was very, very close to Father Michael Judge..." ... He added that Judge, a Catholic priest in New York, had said of him, "You're kind of living out what you wanted to do as a child by being Mayor."

So Rudy growed-up big and got a real Mayor suit and toddled down the streets of New York and stuff. And big buildings collapsed while he played Mayor. And a bunch of people inhaled bad things, and they got sick. And now he wants to be President when he grows up. Someone send this infant to his room before he destroys more lives.

Here we go again:
Senate subpoenas White House over wiretapping

The Senate committee investigating the Bush administration's controversial domestic wiretapping program subpoenaed the White House, Vice President Dick Cheney's office and the Justice Department today for information regarding their legal justification for the warrantless secret surveillance.[...]

Legal experts suggested today that the administration would fight or ignore these subpoenas too, throwing the issue into federal court, perhaps even the Supreme Court. The outcome, they said, could be a kind of out-of-court compromise that gives lawmakers at least some insight into the legal machinations surrounding the top-secret National Security Agency program.[...]

...Leahy told lawyers for President Bush, Cheney and Atty. Gen. Alberto R. Gonzales that attempts to get senior administration officials to testify before Congress on the wiretapping issue "have been met with a consistent pattern of evasion and misdirection."[...]

"We're aware of the committee's action and will respond appropriately," Fratto said. "It's unfortunate that congressional Democrats continue to choose the route of confrontation."

Fratto said the so-called terrorist surveillance program was "lawful, limited, safeguarded and — most importantly — effective in protecting American citizens from terrorist attacks."

They have until July 18th to comply. Of course, why would they? Those bullies can't push them around! Where do they get off thinking they can challenge Rogue Nation Dick and Gonzo the WonderDork? Off with their heads!

Oh, and just in case anyone forgets: 911, 911, 911.

Ho Ho HO! (and I'm not talking about Ann Coulter)

Seems like Minneapolis jumped the gun a bit on wanting the 2008 RNC Convention in their city.... they're getting stuck with the bill.

Companies pressed for millions for GOP convention

Concerned about a "lack of production" pulling in donations toward the 2008 Republican National Convention, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and his allies hoped an intimate appeal to high-level business executives at the stately governor's mansion would shake loose more cash.

By Brian Bakst, Associated Press
The breakfast meeting was urgent and the list of invitees was exclusive.
Concerned about a "lack of production" pulling in donations toward the 2008 Republican National Convention, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and his allies hoped an intimate appeal to high-level business executives at the stately governor's mansion would shake loose more cash.

"We're looking for each Fortune 500 company headquartered in Minnesota to give at least $1 million; and some of you will be able to be far more generous than that," read Pawlenty's talking points for the June 6 meeting.

Let's put it this way. If they are any good at telling which way the wind is blowing, Govenor Pawlenty is looking at a steep bill for confetti & balloons.

Taking Back America

Dave Johnson over at Seeing The Forest has the best round up I have seen of the Take Back America conference. You should really go read the whole thing, but here is a taste:

I attended the Take Back America conference last week, and it was great. I am inspired, and you should be, too.

Two years ago I was at this same conference and it was a very different experience. I felt it was attending a tired, demoralized gathering of people associated with the older, Washington-based, established, celebrity-driven issue-organizations. I left discouraged, wondering when the liberal establishment would start to catch up with the ideas circulating around the blogosphere – especially with the ideas about building “progressive infrastructure” organizations for reaching out to the public and promoting core progressive values and ideas, instead of the focus on issues.

This time they really seemed to get it. Everyone seemed to be on the same side, ready to relegate the failed ideology of "conservatism" to the dustbin of history. Let's hope people keep working together, keep innovating and keep up the enthusiasm level, as 2008 could be a landmark year in the way that 1932 was, if we keep on fighting for what is right.

Or Maybe ....

There was a big article in the New York Times this morning about how the younger generation is more liberal than the rest of America. Andrew Sullivan took issue with the conclusion, saying ...

But what strikes me most about the latest poll of the next generation is the distinctions they make. Instead of seeing "drugs" as an amorphous category, they distinguish between largely harmless marijuana and an addictive upper like cocaine. Instead of conflating all the moral issues, they have no problem with gay dignity and equality, but retain many of the moral conflicts of their parents with respect to the far more troubling issue of abortion. This doesn't strike me less as a sign of their liberalism than of their intelligence and experience.

Permit me to whack this softball out of the park. Andrew, could it possibly be that having more intelligence and experience is how one comes around to having these "liberal" views?

I'd imagine that if you know a committed gay couple, you'd be less likely to believe that their union would affect your own marriage and you'd be less likely to compare it to bestiality (box turtle) or incest. If, Andrew, you believe this to be true, that intelligence and experience tend to lead one away from Republican views, what does that say about your association with the Party pre-2004?

Bush to name envoy to Islamic Conference

By Ben Feller, Associated Press Writer | June 27, 2007

WASHINGTON --President Bush announced Wednesday he will establish an envoy to a coalition of Muslim countries, with hopes of bolstering ties to the Islamic world and improving the image of the United States.
(snip)

"Our special envoy will listen to and learn from representatives from Muslim states, and will share with them America's views and values," Bush said in a ceremony honoring the 50th anniversary of the Islamic Center, a mosque and cultural center in Washington.

My nomination for Special Envoy?

Bill Donahue of the Catholic League

“Just this week, a report of Muslim violence against Iraqi Christians was released. The study, Incipient Genocide, describes in detail ‘the deaths of Christian children—including babies—laypeople, priests and nuns who were burned, beaten or blown up in car bombs throughout the past few years.’ Moreover, Christian girls are being raped and having nitric acid thrown in their faces for not wearing veils. And the Muslim silence is deafening.”

Hey, he's just as qualified as any other of President Bush's appointees!!!

Plus, he has one advantage. He actually knows what a Muslim is. He doesn't like them**, but that hasn't stopped Bush from appointing Industry lobbyists to Environmental posts, anti-Labor enthusiasts to Workforce positions, etc.



Bill Donahue, just the man to "share America's views and values".

**He doesn't like gays and jews either, but no job openings there.

The Addendum To BC's Post

All you need to know about what Norm Coleman was doing in college is right here...

Dueling Headlines

Americans favour Obama over Clinton as Prez: Poll

Early Gambling Line Says Hillary Wins It All

But this is the headline that deserves more attention than premature polling and betting:

Rise in Child Chronic Illness Could Swamp Health Care

As more American children eat poorly and exercise less, rates of chronic illness such as asthma and diabetes are continuing to rise, researchers are reporting.

And because childhood illness often sets the stage for adult health woes, the U.S. health-care system could be headed toward a crisis in coming decades, experts warn in a number of reports in the June 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

[...]

A surge in childhood illness will also have a big impact on the U.S. health-care system, another expert said.

"Given these high rates of [ill children] in the next decade, there are going to be tremendously higher rates of expenditures for health care and social welfare, because a lot of these people will have health disabilities, and they won't be employable," Dr. James Perrin, director of the Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, in Boston, told HealthDay.

The impact on the economy, the health care system, and pretty much everyone who isn't a billionaire citizen of Rogue Nation Dick is huge.

Mindless Post-o'-the-Day

Paris "dots-her-i's-with-hearts" Hilton and

Ann "wishes-death-upon-Democratic-family-members" Coulter aren't the only topical tasteless blondes in the news. I couldn't resist putting one more member of

the club up there. No reason in particular. I just liked the image.

All 3 are pretty deranged.

Republicans: The Party Who Hates Obstruction Except When They're Doing the Obstruction



Oh, and notice the prominent role played by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell here, a guy who probably has oil in his veins. As you know, we love Mitch at this site. I just wish we could find him.

It seems he's been hiding from the Senate floor since the immigration debate began, sending others down to object for him. For example on June 7th, as Republicans tried to kill the Immigration Bill, McConnell was nowhere to be found.

Hmm, it couldn't be that he is scared to stand up for what *he believes in?

*The corporations and communist Chinese government, who tell him how to vote.

Norm Coleman Gets The Munchies

In today's Roll Call (sub required), an old friend of Norm Coleman reveals just how big a hypocrite the former Mayor is. Coleman sent out a letter opposing the legalization of marijuana (not a totally unreasonable position for a Senator from Minnesota to take, btw). However, a friend of Coleman's from his college days, Norm Kent, published a letter revealing that the Senator had a different opinion of the wacky tobaccy back in his college days. Frickin awesome!

One of Sen. Norm Coleman’s old college pals wants to reminisce about their undergrad days, but the particular good times he’s recalling — like smoking joints in dorm rooms — are ones the Minnesota Republican probably wants to forget.

Norm Kent, a former classmate of Coleman’s at Hofstra University in New York, recently fired off a letter to his old pal reminding him of the high times they once shared, after Kent received a form letter from Coleman in which the Senator takes a tsk-tsk attitude toward marijuana usage.

Kent, an attorney and radio talk-show host, accused his former toking buddy of hypocrisy in a letter posted on CelebStoner.com, a site devoted to stoner news. “How about admitting that if the [current New York] drug laws were applied to Norman Bruce Coleman on Long Island in 1968, or to me, or to our friends, and fellow students, you, I and others we knew and loved might just be getting out of jail now?” asks Kent, who serves on the board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Among the stories he shares of their smoky high-jinks: They would cleverly tape their doors shut and burn incense to hide the smell, and Coleman once smoked pot while standing on the roof of a campus building during a protest.

Wal-Mart Warms The Heart...And Sends Jobs To China

Our favorite smiley face is up to its old tricks. Here is a sample of how much they value American workers:

Wal-Mart’s demands forced 14 suppliers — including Hasbro, Fruit of the Loom, and Procter & Gamble — to cut approximately 17,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs between 2001 and 2006. Thousands of these jobs were shipped to China

You can read the rest here. Make sure a steady supply of barf bags are in easy-reaching distance.

Where I Stand

Ok, assuming anyone is interested, here it goes. This comes from me by the way, Cliff Schecter, not cliffschecter.com. I have been accused of shilling for virtually every candidate so far, so why not share my thoughts.

First of all, I am on nobody's payroll. You got that trolls who like to send me J'accuse emails? I consult for Working America and have accepted a position at Brave New Films. You will find that neither has endorsed a candidate (or if they have, they haven't told me).

So now we are past that. So far, for being the strongest on a variety of progressive issues, from Iraq to habeas corpus, John Edwards and Chris Dodd round out my first tier. That does not mean this won't change.

My second tier is occupied by those with whom I disagree strongly on a substantive issue (Richardson and gun control) or haven't found to have spoken out strongly enough yet on important issues (Obama). But these are people I could enthusiastically support for President, were they the nominee.

Finally, there is the rest of the field. Let me get to the elephant in the room. Hillary Clinton. Here is my problem. I worked for Mark Penn during her husband's reelection in 1996, and quite simply find him to be one of the most detestable human beings I have ever met.

I could go into personal gossipy stuff about how he treated people, but why bother? Suffice it to say he's a scumbag with a capital SCUM. He is the anal leakage his client Olestra caused.

He will hurt our party, much like his old friend Dick Morris did, if he has the President's ear. He has run a union-busting outfit. Toiled for Big Oil. Worked with neo-Fascist Silvio Berlusconi in Italy, and advised Mike Bloomberg to switch parties and run as a Republican for Mayor of New York. He has advised Joe Lieberman. I could go on, but just read Ari's piece and you'll get the important stuff. Oh and there is this:

Lots of people are understandably curious to know what sort of messages Hillary pollster Mark Penn is testing on behalf of her boss right now. Well, we've got some answers to that question.

Penn's pollsters have been testing various negative messages on both Barack Obama and John Edwards. The messages tested on Obama were that he's inexperienced and that he's voted to fund the war at certain junctures.

A bit more surprising: Penn's firm polled on Edwards' $400 haircut, a line of inquiry that would seem more likely to come from a GOPer than from a fellow Dem's campaign. Penn has already created controversy for Hillary with his anti-union corporate clientele.

So Penn wants to reinforce right-wing attacks on our candidates. Wonderful. So here it is. Not only can I not support Senator Clinton in the primary while this man is by her side, I frankly will have a hard time pulling the lever for her against a Republican. And I live in Ohio.

Hopefully, that makes where I stand clear. Who I support could change (which by the way, might include Senator Clinton if she would dump that anachronistic, 90s ass, as Al Gore did in 2000). But for now it's Edwards and Dodd leading the charge. That is assuming Gore and Wes Clark don't get in, which would make me rethink things.

Now you can get back to accusing me of all manner of things :)

FYI

I spoke with my friend who works in one of Senator Lugar's offices, and he/she told me that the feedback on the Senator's position has been overwhelmingly positive.

No negative phone calls, and one solitary nasty email.

Not a bad start.

and



Mr Greenwald (AKA "The Smartest Man on the Blogosphere") has written himself a new book. It is, as you might think, excellent. Pre-ordering is available now.

Where most other voices inside our intertubes are snacks or fast food, Mr Greenwald's writing is prime rib, baked potato and a creamy chocolate mousse.

Enjoyable, nutritious and you leave the table better than you when sat down.

Poll results that should be everywhere.

Poll majority: Gays' orientation can't change

(CNN) -- A majority of Americans believe that gays and lesbians could not change their sexual orientation even if they wanted to, according to results of a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Wednesday.

It's the first time in a CNN poll the majority has held that belief regarding homosexuality.

Fifty-six percent of about 515 poll respondents said they do not believe sexual orientation can be changed. In 2001, 45 percent of those responding to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll held that belief. In 1998, according to a CNN/Time poll, the number was 36 percent.

(snip)

In a poll conducted May 4-6 that dealt with other issues regarding homosexuality, participants were asked whether openly gay people should be allowed to serve in the U.S. military, which currently has a "don't ask-don't tell" policy on homosexuality. Seventy-nine percent of poll respondents said openly gay people should be allowed to serve in the military. Eighteen percent said they should not.

On the question of gay marriage, 43 percent of respondents in May said they would not support same-sex marriage or civil unions, which provide many, if not most, of the same legal protections as marriage. Twenty-four percent said they supported same-sex marriage, while 27 percent opted for civil unions.

But a majority of poll respondents -- 57 percent -- said gay and lesbian couples should have the legal right to adopt children. Forty percent said they should not.

New Jim Webb Recipient

We haven't given out a Jim Webb in a while, our award to a Democrat and/or progressive public figure who decides they will not take the criminal behavior of the GOP sitting down. So here we have Congressman Heath Shuler, a former quarterback for the Redskins. Meaning I would probably not want to steal a sign from him and piss him off.

But Rep. Gomert Pyle of #*@& (R-Asshat) did just that. Childish to be sure. But he may want to find an undisclosed location soon, as this was Shuler's reaction:

"On Thursday, during House votes, a very angry Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) had some distinctly non-collegial words for Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)," Emily Heil reports for Roll Call's "Heard on the Hill." "The words 'gutless,' 'chickens--t' and 'thief' were flung."

Now that is a fight I would pay to see...

Doolittle Being Done In

Oopsy. You definitely don't want your ex-chief of staff providing evidence to the FBI when you're up to your ears in Abramoff.

Start packing your bags Mr. Congressman, the Big House is calling.

Young Americans Leaning Left

More than half of Americans ages 17 to 29 — 54 percent — say they intend to vote for a Democrat for president in 2008. They share with the public at large a negative view of President Bush, who has a 28 percent approval rating with this group, and of the Republican Party. They hold a markedly more positive view of Democrats than they do of Republicans.

Thought I'd share something positive to cleanse us after Coulter's vile spew.

How low can it go?

Poll: GOP support for Iraq war beginning to waver

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Public support for the war in Iraq has fallen to a new low. Not only that, but Republican support is beginning to waver.

President Bush's troop buildup, or "surge," meant to quell the sectarian violence is now in place.

(snip)

But the public is already making an assessment, and it's not good. In the latest CNN-Opinion Research Corporation poll released Tuesday, 69 percent of those polled believe things are going badly in Iraq. Seventeen percent think the situation is improving. (View the latest poll results)

Thirty percent of Americans polled say they favor the war, the lowest level of support on record. Two-thirds are opposed.

I wonder if he really thinks this makes him look tough.

Giuliani Criticizes Bill Clinton

By BOB LEWIS
Associated Press Writer
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) -- Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani on Tuesday accused former President Clinton of not responding forcefully enough to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing or later terrorist attacks.

The former New York mayor criticized Democrats, accusing them of weakness and naivete in dealing with terrorism. Giuliani made the comments to about 650 business, corporate and political leaders at Regent University, the conservative Christian college founded by religious broadcaster Pat Robertson.

(snip)

Giuliani argued that Clinton treated the World Trade Center bombing as a criminal act instead of a terrorist attack, calling it "a big mistake" that emboldened other strikes on the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia, in Kenya and Tanzania and later on the USS Cole while docked in Yemen in 2000.

(snip)

Last September, however, Giuliani defended Clinton's record amid political bickering over which president - Clinton or George W. Bush - missed more opportunities to prevent the Sept. 11 attacks.

"The idea of trying to cast blame on President Clinton is just wrong for many, many reasons, not the least of which is I don't think he deserves it," Giuliani said during a stop in Florida. "I don't think President Bush deserves it. The people who deserve blame for Sept. 11, I think we should remind ourselves, are the terrorists - the Islamic fanatics - who came here and killed us and want to come here again and do it."

There is only one word for this woman, and I ain't talking about Elizabeth Edwards.

Via a friend of mine, Jeff Stein:

(Sorry, you have to watch a 30-second commercial first)

As Jeff said, this is the "clearest rejection of the insanity in journalism" that I've seen of late.

States' post-9/11 grants unspent

By Mimi Hall, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Nearly a third of the anti-terrorism money the government has doled out to states and cities since 9/11 hasn't been spent by police and emergency workers who would respond to attacks and natural disasters.

Almost $5 billion of $16.04 billion in grants approved by Congress for states and Washington, D.C., from fiscal 2002 to 2007 remain in federal coffers, according to Homeland Security Department budget figures. That's fueled concerns in the Bush administration and Congress that the government has been dishing out money faster than local governments can spend it.

Gosh, does that mean that EVERY state with excess money has a compatible communication systems for first responders?

Go here to see how much your state spent.

What a guy.

Think Progress 5/02/2007

A new study by Indiana University media researchers finds that Fox News host Bill O’Reilly calls “a person or a group a derogatory name once every 6.8 seconds, on average, or nearly nine times every minute during the editorials that open his program each night.”

The study documented six months worth, or 115 episodes, of O’Reilly’s “Talking Points Memo” editorials “using propaganda analysis techniques made popular after World War I.” Researchers found that O’Reilly “was prone to inject fear into his commentaries and quick to resort to name-calling. He also frequently assigned roles or attributes — such as ‘villains’ or downright ‘evil’ — to people and groups.

Media Matters 2/27/06

FARRELL: I try to suggest that there are better ways to do it. But you know, people have the right to speak their minds, and some people are very exercised about the some of the things that the leadership in this country --

O'REILLY: But you lose credibility when you use personal attacks.

FARRELL: Some do. Some gain credibility, as you've discovered yourself.

O'REILLY: No, I don't do personal attacks here, mister. And that was a little, sneaky remark there.

FARRELL: Well, but --

O'REILLY: We don't do personal attacks.

Huh.

O'Reilly Calls High Schooler A "Pinhead"

Last week, Bill O'Reilly called high school junior Jesse Lange a "pinhead" -- and Fox News removed O'Reilly's remark from subsequent airings of the segment, Radar reports.

Chris Matthews said to John Edwards, (paraphrase) "She always bite/bust* your balls like that?" (referring to Elizabeth) and MSNBC didn't even censor that.

Touchy there Bill?


*People differ in interpretations. I go with bite.

What a gal.



A list of her other atrocities.

What with the Supreme Court favoring corporations and all, and after listening to a very educational rant by Thom Hartmann about the disappearing middle class, what could be more appropriate than a double whammy of

*Vote Republican!* snappy Campaign-omercial files:

Mom 'n' Pop businesses? How quaint! The middle class? A thing of the past! Unions? Kooky! We stand for corporate power, corporate war machine, corporate everything! Let's hear it for U.S.of A., Inc.! Why, some corporations are bigger than...entire nations! Hot dog! And lobbyists? Uh oh! Love those yachts, jet planes, and hot tubs! Who could ask for more? Vote Republican: The hog heaven party!

Land-o'-Goshen, just think! With the elimination of the middle class, there's no educated electorate! Which means we can sell ignorant people just about anything! We can sell them 30,000 casualties in Iraq, "enhanced interrogation techniques", and total privatization! We'll call everything an "opportunity", but we know it's really just good old fashioned ignorance. Nobody will suspect a thing! Vote Republican: The party of mass infliction!

Why Republicans Are Doomed

Karl Rove, for all his faults, understands the future of American politics. The Latino population is increasing in this country, and the GOP cannot, cannot, lose it to the Democrats the way they have lost the black vote. One only has to look at California, after Pete Wilson's anti-immigrant, anti-Latino campaigns, to understand how tough it will be for Republicans. It's one of the main reasons why Bush is pushing the immigration bill.

But the rest of the GOP isn't playing along. In fact, they seem intent on handing the Democrats the Latino vote. Take this quote for instance from our friend Dnesh D'Souza.

D'Souza summarizes the prevailing sentiment by unveiling what he modestly calls "D'Souza's law of immigration": An immigrant's quality is "proportional to the distance traveled to get to the United States." In other words: Asians trump Latinos.

We can get fired up about the inherent racism in that statement. But no need. It's statements like that, and efforts like the one going on now in the GOP to defeat the immigration bill, that will relegate that Party to minority status forever.

Nice, Dick!

Sorry, couldn't think of a better headline and I did put a comma in there. Anyway, Sen. Dick Lugar took to the Senate floor and acted like, well, the old Dick Lugar. He took the Bush Iraq policy to task, and he called on the President to

“to downsize the U.S. military’s role in Iraq and place much more emphasis on diplomatic and economic options.”

Where has Dick Lugar been? He's long been considered one of the more reasoned and smart Republicans, especially on foreign policy, but for the past seven years he's been part of the "blank check for Bush" crowd. It's nice to see that he's regained his form, it's just too bad it took seven years and a continuing abject disaster for him to find his old voice.

Cliff Note: Sadly, Lugar has been in the same place as John Warner, Arlen Specter, Olympia Snowe and other old-guard, moderate-conservatives in the GOP. Going along to get along. Or in the cases of Pete Domenici and Ted Stevens, adapting to the criminal behavior of the new GOP quite well.

Mr Greenwald (AKA "The Smartest Man on the Blogosphere") has written himself a new book. It is, as you might think, excellent. Pre-ordering is available now.

Where most other voices inside our intertubes are snacks or fast food, Mr Greenwald's writing is prime rib, baked potato and a creamy chocolate mousse.

Enjoyable, nutritious and you leave the table better than you when sat down.

Vote On Employee Free Choice Act Coming Up

The vote will likely be in an hour (11:50 A.M). This is a very important piece of legislation on the policy level. But it is also about movement building. In any case, here is a better summary than I provided yesterday, dispelling myths that GOP liars will offer faster than Dick Cheney's heartbeat after he inhales his lard-encrusted breakfast:

MYTH: EFCA will prevent the use of secret-ballot elections.

REALITY: EFCA does not strip workers of their right to choose a secret-ballot election to decide whether to select -- or not to select -- a union representative. EFCA simply gives workers the additional option of selecting a union representative by majority sign-up.

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), there are three ways for workers to form a union:

1) By secret-ballot: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will conduct a secret-ballot election to select a bargaining representative if at least 30 percent of workers have signed a petition or authorization cards in favor of a union. If a majority of workers voting select a particular union, the NLRB will certify that union as the employees' bargaining representative. EFCA does not change this process.

2) By voluntary card-check recognition: An employer can voluntarily decide to recognize a union representative if a majority of employees have signed authorization cards in favor of the union. EFCA does not change this process.

3) By NLRB-ordered recognition: As a last resort, the NLRB can order an employer who has engaged in unfair labor practices that make a fair election unlikely to recognize a labor union if a majority of employees have signed authorization cards in favor of the union. EFCA does not change this process.

EFCA would simply add a fourth choice for workers seeking to form a union. The legislation would require the NLRB to certify a union representative if a majority --more than half -- of workers sign authorization cards in favor of the union.

The majority sign-up, or "card-check," option would simply streamline the union selection process for workplaces that have a majority of workers who want to join a union. This is the same majority that would be voting in a secret-ballot election. Moreover, the majority sign-up process already exists, but only if the employer chooses to recognize it. EFCA would extend the right to select a union representative via the majority-sign up process to workers themselves.

MYTH: Secret-ballot elections are the fairest way to select a union representative.

REALITY: Secret-ballot elections in the union context can leave employees vulnerable to virtually un-checked employer intimidation and coercion.

Under current law, once workers have petitioned the NLRB to hold a secret-ballot election, there is no set timetable for holding that election. Employers who are determined to prevent the formation of a union often use this period to threaten, discriminate against, de-mote, dock the pay of, and even fire pro-union employees. Studies have shown that one-quarter of private-sector union organization drives result in employee firings, and one out of every five workers who openly advocate for a union is fired. Unfortunately, current law includes weak remedies that fail to deter employers from engaging in these practices. At best, the NLRA will order the employer to stop its wrong-doing and reinstate an improperly fired employee and force the employer to pay back-pay, that is, unless the employee has found a job in the interim.

EFCA would toughen the penalties against employers who engage in these unfair labor practices. In addition to ordering an employer to stop the practices, the legislation would require employers to pay employees who are fired as a result of union organizing activity, during an organizing campaign or first contract drive, treble damages (i.e. back-pay, plus liquidated damages two times that amount.). The bill would also impose civil fines of up to $20,000 per violation against employers who willfully or repeatedly violate workers' rights in forming a union.

MYTH: Secret-ballot elections are the most democratic way to choose a union.

REALITY: Though EFCA gives workers the choice to select a secret-ballot election or the majority sign-up process, these secret-ballot elections are nothing like our federal, state, or local candidate elections. The NLRB's election process, for example, stifles free speech and democratic debate by restricting the ability of unions and pro-union workers to communicate with employees, while allowing employers free access to workers every day.

Unlike other elections, where candidates are allowed equal access to voters during the campaign, current labor laws allow employers to bar unions from the workplace and refuse access to employee contact information until just days before the election. While strict limits apply to when and where pro-union employees can campaign to form a union, employers can require workers to attend anti-union meetings during work hours, one-on-one or in a group. Employers may also direct supervisors, who control pay and promotion, to deliver anti-union messages to workers and attach anti-union literature to paychecks. A recent survey found that employees who have gone through the NLRB election process are twice as likely to report employer coercion as those who participated in a majority sign-up process.

EFCA would give workers the option to choose a different, simpler, and fairer method of union selection -- majority sign-up, which reflects a key tenet of Democracy -- majority rule.

MYTH: Majority sign-up is untested and will increase intimidation and harassment of workers by labor unions.

REALITY: Majority sign-up has been well-tested for over 70 years. Further, under EFCA, worker intimidation and/or coercion by any party, including unions, will remain strictly prohibited.

Majority sign-up is nothing new. Workers have been forming unions through majority sign-up since 1935. The method for obtaining authorization cards is already established and used via the voluntary card check recognition and the secret-ballot election processes. Indeed, more workers form unions via card check than via secret-ballot elections. In 2004, approximately 375,000 workers joined AFL-CIO unions through majority sign-up, while approximately 73,000 workers used the NLRB election process. (AFL-CIO, "Over 70 Years of Experience with Majority Sign-up.")

While the critics of EFCA claim that, under the legislation, unions may intimidate workers, under current law, employers, employees, and unions are barred from engaging in unfair labor practices. Improperly obtained authorization cards are already invalid and cannot be counted towards majority sign-up. Moreover, in more than 70 years, there have been very few instances of fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining card signatures. Nevertheless, to ensure the integrity of the card check process, EFCA would require that the NLRB develop guidelines for selecting a bargaining representative via majority-sign up, including model language for authorization cards and procedures to verify the validity of authorization cards.

MYTH: EFCA would require "public" union card signings.

REALITY: EFCA would preserve current confidentiality requirements , which require the NLRB to keep authorization cards and the identity of signers confidential to protect workers from employer retaliation.

MYTH: EFCA will "silence" employers.

REALITY: Nothing in EFCA alters the rights of employers to speak-out against a labor union.

Under the legislation, employers would still be free to campaign against a union, as long as they do not threaten or intimidate workers. EFCA only strengthens penalties for employers who engage in unfair labor practices.

MYTH: EFCA's mediation/arbitration guidelines will force unwanted contracts on employers and employees.

REALITY: EFCA does not force unwanted first contracts on parties acting in good faith; the legislation, however, would give parties an incentive to come to the bargaining table.

Under current law governing the first contract process, there is no effective penalty for refusing to bargain with newly certified union representatives. As a result, employers may "stonewall" the first contract and effectively block the benefits of a labor union. A recent study found that 34 percent of union election certifications do not result in a contract for workers.

To get parties to the table, EFCA provides a starting schedule and a framework for negotiations. The parties have a minimum of 90 days to bargain on their own and may extend negotiations for as long as they need to. If the negotiations are unsuccessful, either party can seek help from a mediator with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), which enjoys an 86 percent success rate. If after 30 days mediation fails to result in a first contract, FMCS can refer the dispute to an arbitration panel, but the parties can still extend the period by mutual agreement or agree to return to the bargaining table. Only if the parties agree to arbitration and arbitration fails to result in a first contract will the arbitration panel impose contract terms on the issues the parties have not yet decided. Even then, the contract is only binding for two years and can be amended by written consent of the parties.

Calling John Edwards...

CDC: Number Of Uninsured Adults Rises

2 Million More Americans Joined Ranks Of Uninsured In 2006, Report Says

(AP) The number of adults without health insurance jumped by 2 million from 2005 to 2006, according to a new federal report.

Uninsured Americans numbered 43.6 million last year, a 6 percent increase from 2005, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Almost all the increase was in the non-elderly adult population — a trend attributed to diminishing employer coverage and pricier private insurance.

What exactly does it take to convince people that the system is not just broken, but on a freakin' respirator?

Let's see if "Sicko" opening this weekend puts any more of a spotlight on this despicable situation.

Equal opportunity and all that jazz.

There are two new ads out for Obama, but I like this one best.



Oh, and FYI, Tweety will be airing his show tonight with Ann Coulter being his ONLY guest. ("If things are interesting")

So, if your dog's nails need to get trimmed or that gnarly tub is just screaming to get scrubbed, this would be the perfect time.

Don't give that woman the use of your eyeballs.

McCain Attends Fundraiser With Swift-Boat Liar

Well what a surprise! The guys he sort of rebuked he is now in bed with. Oh Johnny, is there no bridge too far?

God bless my senator.

GOP Senator Says Iraq Plan Not Working

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Richard Lugar, a senior Republican and a reliable vote for President Bush on the war, said Monday that Bush's Iraq strategy was not working and that the U.S. should downsize the military's role.

The unusually blunt assessment deals a political blow to Bush, who has relied heavily on GOP support to stave off anti-war legislation.

(snip)

"In my judgment, the costs and risks of continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved," Lugar, R-Ind., said in a Senate floor speech. "Persisting indefinitely with the surge strategy will delay policy adjustments that have a better chance of protecting our vital interests over the long term."

Only a few Republicans have broken ranks and called for a change in course or embraced Democratic proposals ordering troops home by a certain date. As the top Republican and former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lugar's critique could provide political cover for more Republicans wanting to challenge Bush on the war.

I have a pretty good relationship with the Senators office, and have always found them to be open to discuss things, even if we disagree. Senator Lugar is one of the "old school" senators, and he shows it.

Now if only my Democratic Representative Donnelly and Senator Bayh would do the same thing. Huh.

Update- John @ AMERICAblog has the text of the speech

Attorney general wins "sitting duck award"

And he's in good company!

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales won American newspaper columnists' annual "Sitting Duck Award" for being an easy target.
[...]
"This is our way of saying thanks for the low-hanging fruit," said Samantha Bennett, vice president of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist. [...] Previous winners have included political commentator Ann Coulter, who was recognized in 2006 for "cheapening political discourse in America" and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in 2004.

Three low-hanging fruits. And one is situated in Coulter's neck. I will refrain from discussing the location of other low-hanging parts here.

Some Headlines Are More Fun Than Others

(I had to join the Fred Fun)

Republican Thompson endorsed by ex-girlfriends

Thompson, 64, dated for a long time after his 26-year marriage to his first wife, Sarah Knestrick, ended in 1984. In 2002 he married Jeri Kehn, who is 24 years younger than he.

Many of his old girlfriends still adore him and hope he wins.

"I think he has a great chance of capturing the women's vote. He's majestic. He's a soft, safe place to be and that could be Fred's ticket. Women love a soft place to lay and a strong pair of hands to hold us," ex-girlfriend country music singer Lorrie Morgan told the Sunday Times.

Another old flame, Republican fund-raiser Georgette Mosbacher, said he would defeat Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton because of his appeal to "traditional women who will like the Southern gentleman in him," according to The Times.

See that bolded part? How many one-liners can we come up with? He just leaves himself wide open, doesn't he? Let's have an in-depth discussion about his "soft place". Never mind. No. Let's not.

Sophomoric humor is just too irresistible sometimes.

Rudy Giuliani named today as his South Carolina co-chairman Arthur Ravanel, the father of Rudy's former chair, South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, who was indicted last week on a federal cocaine charge.

But, UH-oh! Something tells me something else is a-comin'!

Ravanel's tongue has gotten him in trouble in the past.

On October 18, 2006 The Post and Courier of Charleston, SC wrote " Arthur Ravenel Jr., who is running for an East Cooper seat on the board, caught flack 16 years ago when he was in Congress and made a comment about white committee chairmen who operated on 'black time,' which he said meant fashionably late."

As recently as January 2000, the Post and Courier reported in an article headlined "Ravenel stepped outside 'civility,'" that Ravenel called the NAACP the "National Association For Retarded People."

Even Macaca Face himself had more self-control than that.

Get Ready To Fight

The battle over the Employee Free Choice Act is coming to a head. This is one of those bills that gives rights to workers and not cigar-chomping, faux-macho, CEO-worshipping little suckups like Orrin Hatch (R-Imbecile). So naturally the Republicans are opposed.

Here is a refresher on what the bill will do to help workers, and Bob Geiger shows us how Republicans again try to use fear to defeat it.

Oh no, Orrin Hatch, the guy who writes the crappiest songs this side of John Ashcroft called it socialism, whatever will I do? Well, you've handled the economic and budgetary issues so well Orrin, that whatever you say simply must be true. So I believe you.

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Not.

Do we understand each other now, America?

The Washington Post is running a 4 part series by Barton Gellman and Jo Becker about Cheney and his Royal Dickdom. Here are the links to Part one and Part two . But just to tease you, here's an excerpt:

Cheney and former vice president Dan Quayle: "Cheney had just taken the oath of office, and Quayle paid a visit to offer advice from one vice president to another.

"'I said, "Dick, you know, you're going to be doing a lot of this international traveling, you're going to be doing all this political fundraising . . . you'll be going to the funerals," ' Quayle said in an interview earlier this year. 'I mean, this is what vice presidents do. I said, "We've all done it."' '

"Cheney 'got that little smile,' Quayle said, and replied, 'I have a different understanding with the president.'"

As Gellman and Becker write: "Cheney preferred, and Bush approved, a mandate that gave him access to 'every table and every meeting,' making his voice heard in 'whatever area the vice president feels he wants to be active in,' [now chief of staff Joshua] Bolten said.

America needs to be educated about this monster. Insert Dick joke here.

Maybe "insert" was the wrong choice of word.

Prosecutors in Munich want the 10 CIA agents extradited to Germany so they can stand trial for their alleged roles in the illegal kidnapping of terror suspects. First Italy, now Germany.

The arrest warrants German authorities have issued against 10 CIA agents have strained German-American relations. Now, prosecutors in Munich want the agents extradited to Germany so they can stand trial for their alleged roles in the illegal kidnapping of terror suspects.

The countries who want CIA agents to stand trial are stacking up, are they not? But torture, extraordinary rendition, and secret prisons are all A-okay as long as we're doing it to someone else. And besides, nobody can do anything about it because nobody has the least bit of access to Cheney's secrets because, see, he's not really part of our government, see, because, see, he's his own freakin' Nation of Dick.

And the reason it's so easy for the Nation of Dick to shield its private parts is that they're minuscule by any international standard.

I get emails...

PBS has invited Frank Luntz, a longtime Republican pollster and strategist, to provide "immediate public feedback on the performances of the candidates" during post-forum coverage on the Tavis Smiley program.

Of course, when Luntz's appearance was announced, the press release made no mention of his Republican ties or long history of being criticized for his work. The email goes on to explain why this is a concern by exposing Luntz's miserable record.

If you go to Media Matters, they'll let you how to take action.

Fredo Flops Again

In the recent dust-up over Vice President Cheney's refusal to abide by the law, we were once again able to see how unfit Fredo Gonzalez is for office. When government officials asked Fredo to rule on whether Cheney was to be covered under the law, Fredo did, well, nothing. He never answered the requests, because a loyal soldier like Fredo would never stand up to Cheney. First and foremost, Fredo's clients are the Bush Administration, not the American people. And that's just wrong.

A new battle has erupted over Vice President Dick Cheney's refusal to submit to an executive order requiring a government review of his handling of classified documents. But the dispute could also raise questions for embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. For the past four years, Cheney's office has failed to comply with an executive order requiring all federal offices—including those in the White House—to annually report to the National Archives on how they safeguard classified documents. Cheney's hard-line chief of staff, David Addington, has made the novel argument that the veep doesn't have to comply on the ground that, because the vice president also serves as president of the Senate, his office is not really part of the executive branch.

Cheney's position so frustrated J. William Leonard, the chief of the Archives' Information Security Oversight Office, which enforces the order, that he complained in January to Gonzales. In a letter, Leonard wrote that Cheney's position was inconsistent with the "plain text reading" of the executive order and asked the attorney general for an official ruling. But Gonzales never responded, thereby permitting Cheney to continue blocking Leonard from conducting even a routine inspection of how the veep's office was handling classified documents, according to correspondence released by House Government Reform Committee chair Rep. Henry Waxman.

Fred Thompson II






There are so many problems with this guy, Cliff couldn't cover them all, so I'll toss in my 2 cents.

He's been a lobbyist for aircraft engine manufacturers to nuclear power plant builders, hooked up with the Libby apologists even though he doesn't know Scooter, drove around in a prop "Gee Shucks" red pickup for campaigning and some of the nicer tags at Eventful are puppet, paid shill and Washington insider.

Not to mention stuff the R's won't like about him- he's an ex prosecutor who opposes tort reform (gasp), is a supporter of McCain-Feingold, does not oppose guest worker status for certain immigrants and James Dobson doesn't think Thompson is a Christian.

Military experience? "Hollywood Fred" received a deferment because he had children.

The issues with sluttiness & "traditional marriage"? Let Glenn Greenwald lay it all out for you.

Don't even get me started on his connections to Dave Bossie (fired by Bush 41 for being too slimy) and Citizens United.

Check out this commercial he did for them in March of 2003 (before the war).



Could they have possibly written a more fear-mongering, posturing piece of offal than that? "GO TO WAR OR DIE". Couched in that "Gee shucks, I wouldn't lie to you, I'm a TeeVee Lawyer!" voice.

Heckuva candidate there.

Murdoch staved off legislation that could strangle his US business interest by buying off a senator.

Per the New York Times:

"Congress was on the verge of limiting any company from owning local television stations that reached more than 35 percent of American homes. Mr. Murdoch’s Fox stations reached nearly 39 percent, meaning he would have to sell some," the Times reporters write. "In a late-night meeting just before Thanksgiving of 2003, Congressional leaders agreed to raise the limit — to 39 percent."

Sen. Trent Lott had opposed raising the limit.

"But in the end, he, too, agreed to the compromise," reports the Times. "It turns out he had a business connection to Mr. Murdoch. Months before, HarperCollins, Mr. Murdoch’s publishing house, had signed a $250,000 book deal to publish Mr. Lott’s memoir, 'Herding Cats,' records and interviews show."

[...]The Times notes other payouts by Murdoch's publishing arm to major politicians -- $4.5 million to Newt Gingrich, $25,000 to Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), $142,000 to Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) -- all of whom sit on the Commerce or Judiciary Committees overseeing the media business.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Rep. slammed as 'chickens**t thief' for 'lifting' Dem sign

A Republican House member was slammed by a Democratic colleague as a "chickens**t thief" after borrowing one of his signs, a Capitol Hill newspaper reports.

"On Thursday, during House votes, a very angry Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) had some distinctly non-collegial words for Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)," Emily Heil reports for Roll Call's "Heard on the Hill." "The words 'gutless,' 'chickens--t' and 'thief' were flung."

[...] "Shuler and his gang, the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats, say the Texas Republican pulled off a high-stakes heist."

Heil observes, "Next time Gohmert gets the urge to steal — or borrow — something, HOH humbly suggests he chooses a less physically intimidating target."

Petty theft and felonies galore. Republicans: The Party of Desperation.

'Wheels falling off wagon,' McCain could pull out by Sept.

A Sunday report by one of Britain's best political reporters in Washington posits that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is on his last legs and may abandon his bid for the presidency as soon as September "if his fundraising dries up and his poll ratings continue to drop." McCain's staff vigorously denied the allegation.
[...] [Arizona Republican Party Chairman Randy] Pullen also delivered another devastating blow, saying he believed that McCain could lose his home state of Arizona.
[...] "He'll be gone by September," predicted Tom Edmonds. "The wheels are coming off his wagon and it's hard to see how he can recover. He won't be able to pay all the good talent he has hired and they'll want to drift away from a loser."

The above public service announcement is dedicated to the author of the soon-to-be released book The Real McCain, by the name of....um....The name escapes me.

NOTE FROM CLIFF: I think we may have to shift strategies into an analysis of why he lost. Here I expect people to give me credit I don't deserve.

Is It Time For Warner

The retirement of Sen. John Warner (R-Liz Taylor's Bed), has been rumored for months. The Washington Times rekindled those rumors this morning. If he does retire, and Rep. Tom Davis runs for his seat (as expected), the Democrats will have a good shot at the Senate seat and Davis' House seat. Hurray!

Virginia Sen. John W. Warner has said little about whether he will run for re-election, but the 80-year-old Republican is giving clear indications that he will not return for another term and that his coyness is merely an attempt to help Rep. Thomas M. Davis III, a fellow Republican, replace him.

(snip)

Speculation about Mr. Warner retiring increased this spring after filings with the Federal Elections Commission showed he had raised only $500 during the first quarter of the year.

Another indication was the resignation last year of Susan Magill, who was Mr. Warner's chief of staff for 18 years.

Mr. Warner's resignation would likely result in a tough political battle to replace him that would begin inside the Republican State Central Committee, which decides how the party will picks its nominee.

Members could choose a convention or a primary election, which would likely benefit a more moderate candidate.

Jesus Portrait in Lousiana Court Will Stay Up Despite Outcry From ACLU

SLIDELL, La. — A portrait of Jesus on the wall at Slidell City Court will remain up for now, despite objections from the American Civil Liberties Union, which calls it a violation of church-state separation.

Further investigation will be needed before court officials decide whether to remove the portrait on First Amendment grounds — and the court might not make a deadline demanded last week by the ACLU, court spokeswoman Ann Barks said.

"It's more than just a picture of Jesus," Barks said. "It might have more to do with the business of the court than purely religious reasons."

A priest Friday identified the image as a 16th century Russian Orthodox icon called "Christ the Savior," — most likely a reprint. In the picture, Jesus is shown holding open a book to display two pages, each with a biblical quotation about judging correctly and wisely. The quotations are written in Russian.

So, in their mind, a portrait of Jesus holding a "Get Out of Jail Free!" card would be even more justifiable, especially since it would be in ENGLISH.

Heads up.

If you're around a radio- the first hour of The Diane Rehm Show

10:00 The Executive Branch and Classified Information

Vice President Dick Cheney is drawing fire for his assertion that his office should not be subject to a presidential order requiring reports to the National Archives on the handling of classified information. Diane and her guests talk about those rules: what they're for, to whom they apply, and the consequences of omissions from those records.

Guests
Peter Baker, reporter for The Washington Post

David Rivkin, attorney in private practice and former Justice Department official during the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations. Worked in the Office of the Vice President for Dan Quayle. (Oy, this guys makes me throw things)

Steve Aftergood, director of the Project on Government Secrecy at the Federation of American Scientists

25-Jun-2007
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23-Jun-2007
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US Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan
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22-Jun-2007
UK Corporal John Rigby
US Private 1st Class Raymond N. Spencer Jr.
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US Specialist Karen N. Clifton
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20-Jun-2007
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US Sergeant Darren Hubbell
US Sergeant Shawn P. Martin
US Staff Sergeant Stephen J. Wilson
US Sergeant 1st Class William A. Zapfe
US Private 1st Class Joshua S. Modgling
UK Major Paul Harding
19-Jun-2007
US Specialist Darryl W. Linder
18-Jun-2007
US Private 1st Class Jacob T. Tracy
US Private 1st Class Larry Parks Jr.
US Sergeant Eric L. Snell
US Private 1st Class David A. Wilkey Jr.

This did not have to happen.

Statistics from ICasualties, inspired by AMERICAblog.