January 31, 2004
We Can't Afford Bush.
Here is some mind boggling but PERTINENT political information. Our interest accrued on our national debt for the month of December was over $82 Billion Dollars. Below is an interest chart with historical context.
The national debt as of two days ago (gets higher every day) stands at $7,010,088,657,339.47. That is over 7 Trillion Dollars. Following the interest chart below is another table of our national debt. All figures are courtesy of the U.S. Treasury.
» Continue reading "We Can't Afford Bush."January 30, 2004
You say you want de-evolution.
Georgia is proposing removing the word "evolution" from their science curriculum. That's like removing the word "osmosis" or "polynomial" from the math classes.
Actually, the Eagle Forum has advocated in the past that we shouldn't teach math because when kids learn that there are no absolutes then they start to question God and are doomed to a lifetime of drug abuse.
That is actually strong argument to favor Democrats. Other than Joe Lieberman, Dems are rarely fanatic religious activists trying to force everyone in the country to live by the teachings of their particular religion.
Things you have to believe
Politics in the Zeros has a list of 20 things you must believe to be a Republican today. Entertaining and accurate, but other than 2, 5, 6, 10, 15, and 16, how are the Democrats any different?
Yes, the Dems support Hillary in general but put Newt Gingrich there in her place and they'd take the same position that the Reps do. 30% difference between the Dems and Reps, and I'm sure you could easily come up with 6 statements about Democrats that are just as hypocritical.
Bush’s NEA budget
President and Laura Bush are promoting the largest increase in the National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA's) budget in decades. Having come from a background in the performing arts, I must laud the President & Mrs. Bush for having the right value about the arts. Afterall, the arts have been the basis for western civilization and primary mode of communication of western ideals.
Regretfully, the timing is horrible. Simply stated Bush has chosen a period of record deficits and national debt to increase the NEA budget. I support the arts, but, health care, social security, and tax increases as far as the eye can see on my 13 year old daughter’s future earnings are a far higher priority for me.
January 29, 2004
Why I am Green
Most of my friends are not Green. They are largely Democrats or Republicans, with a smattering of Independents and a Libertarian or two. I am often asked Why Are You a Green? The Dems ask why I don't join them and work from within the system. The Reps ask why I don't join the Dems since there's no difference between the Dems and [name of whatever non-right wing political party you care to mention]. The Independents and Libertarians tend to actually understand why I choose to not join the Dems. My perception is that the Democratic Party is beholden to mostly the same corporate special interests as the Republican Party. While they may pay nominally better lip service to wanting to do right by the average American, the ultimate result isn't wildly different from what moderate Republicans do.
» Continue reading "Why I am Green"What, More Men For The Army?
Since the war in Iraq began the Bush Administration with Rumsfeld as its talking head, has insisted that the Army could meet its current obligations without growing the force. Many experts on military tactics and policies state that this was impossible given the level of obligation the U.S. Army is currently committed to. Seems they were right (of course we knew they were). The Bush Administration has quietly announced plans to grow the Army by 30,000 men in the near term.
» Continue reading "What, More Men For The Army?"January 27, 2004
No Stopping Kerry Steamroller
Kerry won Iowa, and he just won New Hampshire. The Kerry steamroller cannot be stopped now. The U.S. is about to see the most unified effort among disparate groups to unseat a President than has been seen in decades.
Groups having diametrically opposed central issues, now have an overriding superordinate goal to unify them. Send Bush back to Crawford, Texas where his path of destruction of the environment, civil and individual rights, and representation of the common person in the halls of government began. Pro-life liberals and pro-choice liberals will find unity. The Democrats and the Greens will find unity. Hawkish social liberals and dovish fiscal conservatives will find unity. Workers in the south and intellectuals in the north, will find unity.
» Continue reading "No Stopping Kerry Steamroller"Follow-up: Libertarians Finally Gain Momentum
I mentioned earlier that Gary Nolan (L) was in a close race in what some may call the "Amazon Caucus", he was trailing John Kerry (D) by a mere $600. Now it appears that Nolan has rallied his troops and is trying to position himself as the Internet Libertarian in the same way Howard Dean rose to become the "Digital Democrat". Nolan has managed to become Amazon's top campaign recipient and appears to be on course to continue to a dominant lead against the Democrats.As a more centrist party, the Libertarians may pose considerable problems -- not only for fiscal conservative Democrats -- but for socially liberal Republicans who are dissatisfied with George Bush's policies that some call "No Tax and Spend". Read on for an updated table of Amazon.com contributions and what this may mean in the 2004 election:
» Continue reading "Follow-up: Libertarians Finally Gain Momentum"
January 26, 2004
Sizing up the Survivors (Or, Dean and Nothingness)
There’s an old Jewish joke about a rabbi who concludes a fiery sermon by going down on his knees and declaring, “Oh Lord, before you I am nothing!” Following suit, a wealthy patron of the temple comes up to the altar and goes on his knees next to the rabbi, also stating that he is “nothing”. Finally, a humble old man comes to the front and makes the same declaration. Regarding this, the wealthy donor turns to the rabbi and whispers, “Look who thinks he’s nothing.”
Several candidates are now competing to be “nothing,” the humble servant who is swept in front of the Democratic convention by the power of the people. The rest will be revealed as mere pretenders to nothingness. Let’s see how the surviving candidates measure up now:
Global Greens Charter
David recently posted a copy of the 10 Key Values of the Green Party (our guiding philosophy). Its worth pointing out that, in fact, what he posted is just one of many different articulations of those 10 Key Values - other examples of which can be seen on the Global Greens Charter web page, including the Charter itself, which is a document prepared at a gathering of Greens from across the globe in 2001 that outlines how these principles are to be implemented in great detail.
There is also a more simple rendition, in the form of the Four Pillars, which are reproduced on the Wisconsin Green Party web site (which I linked to). These originated from the European Green Party movement in the 1970's and were expanded into the 10 Key Values by the North American Green Party movement in the 1980's.
The Green Party Presidential Nomination - Candidates and Controversies
In case you haven't noticed, there are several declared candidates (David Cobb, Kent Mesplay and Lorna Salzman) vying for the Presidential nomination of the Green Party of the United States (as well as at least one other prominent Green Party member who folks are attempting to draft: Peter Camejo). Candidate forums and debates are being organized across the country in response (a list of resources that might help you find such an event is provided at the end of this article).
In light of this, I thought it topical to attempt an overview of who these folks are and where they are coming from. But, first, a brief update on three related topics: Ralph Nader, the "safe states" and "no candidate" options, and the "favorite son/daughter" candidacies of Peter Camejo in California and Carol Miller in New Mexico.
Watergate: Take Two
Republicans are alleged to have found access to Democratic internal documents through a security hole in a shared computer server. Republican staffers on the Hill are alleged to have used that access over a protracted period of time to leak information to the press and others to gain advantage over their rivals. An excellent discussion of this topic can be found at (of all places) ZD Net.
Assuming the allegations are a violation of law, (as they likely would be in exactly the same scenario amongst corporate competitors), the question is raised, will the Republican Department of Justice prosecute its own party members? At this point a radical departure from the Watergate scandal occurs.
January 24, 2004
Libertarians Finally Gain Momentum
Gary Nolan (L), a relative unknown in the overall political spectrum, may finally be making some headway on his campaign and looks poised to become the Libertarian party's nominee for the 2004 Presidential election, thanks to Amazon.com's new direct contribution system. The system allows Amazon customers to contribute between $5 and $200.Nolan appears to be in a close Amazon.com race, faltering only to John Kerry (D), in what has become an intense run for little more than publicity in a bid to gain wide media recognition for his campaign. Also covering the story is ZDnet.com: Campaign trail hits Amazon. Read on for the latest contribution tally.
» Continue reading "Libertarians Finally Gain Momentum"
January 23, 2004
Republican Justice
An era began when President Ford pardoned resigned President Nixon, both Republicans. Now Republicans are getting away with manslaughter with little more than a slap on the wrist. Republican resigned Representative, Bill Janklow from South Dakota was sentenced today. He received 100 days (which will be less with good behavior) and fines and court costs.
» Continue reading "Republican Justice"January 21, 2004
State Of The Union: What I saw
I suppose I have been watching State Of The Union speeches with interest since about the mid seventies. In most cases they represented a bit a grand standing, politicking, and certain looseness with the facts. These things are to be expected especially in an election year. What I saw last night was a show wrapped around the strangest excuse for a State of the Union speech I had ever witnessed. Some of the highlights as I saw it were as follows:
» Continue reading "State Of The Union: What I saw"A Defensive State of the Union Address
About the only statement about the current state of affairs that rung out to me during the speech was the President's belief that the economy is strong and getting stronger. The balance of the speech appeared more a political stump speech, and one by a candidate on the defensive. The speech itself was well crafted for its intended purpose, to stump for reelection. It was designed to hit all the hot topic buttons in the minds of his political base like religious discrimination by the government and centrist American voter's issues like national defense, jobs, and medical costs.
» Continue reading "A Defensive State of the Union Address"January 20, 2004
In Defense of the President
I'm not exactly a supporter of President Bush and the policies he has implemented. He invaded a country with shaky evidence and little regard to world and public opinion, he's alienated the United States from the rest of the world, He's given promises that he clearly and unapologetically broke in funding programs such as Aids research, he's disregarded many environmental policies from the beginning of his term, His economic policy was practically non-existent until much late in the game, and he panders to the people in hopes to win votes. A lot of charachter flaw going on in a man who bragged about bringing dignity back to the whitehouse.
» Continue reading "In Defense of the President"Bush Recess Appoints Pickering
On the eve of Martin Luther King’s birthday celebration, President Bush showed once again his distain for Black Americans by appointing to the Federal Bench a man known for his racial intolerance. President Bush using his power under the Constitution to install Judges and others while the Senate is in recess, named controversial Republican Judge Charles Pickering to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in New Orleans. Pickering’s confirmation has been blocked in the Senate for the last three years.
» Continue reading "Bush Recess Appoints Pickering"Trouble for Bush
There is no land sliding out from under Bush's feet, but the ground beneath him is beginning to quake. A number of stories yesterday reveal cracks in the edifice of Bush's reelection manor. Thumbs down for Martian cities, conservatives threatening consequences in November, N.O.W. and Planned Parenthood mobilizing in response to Pickering's appointment, and Kerry takes Iowa.
ABC reports Republicans split, and general population opposed to expense of Bush's space plan. This does not bode well since it will likely be a key item of tonight's State of the Union address.
» Continue reading "Trouble for Bush"January 17, 2004
The Other State Of the Union
In three days President Bush will issue his State of the Union speech. What he won't say is any truth about the state of our nation that would put any negative light upon his administration. The number of items he won't want the American people to focus on are many. Some of the major items he won't mention or will spin appear below.
The Economy - A jobless economic recovery is a fact to date. Yes, there was a fluke two months ago when net job creation spiked only to be followed by another indicating only 1000 jobs created. The Washinton Post states:
» Continue reading "The Other State Of the Union"January 16, 2004
Libertarian News - & Personal Note
The Libertarian Party (LP) has a presidential party nomination candidate well known in some circles. Aaron Russo, a former Hollywood producer of films like The Rose and Trading Places has recently been a political shaker. He said he is running because he "can't stand what is happening to America." Implications I am sure were intended.
Bob DeBrosse is named Ohio's first Libertarian mayor. Bob DeBrosse, has served more than 10 years on the Piqua city commission and was sworn in as mayor on January 5.
» Continue reading "Libertarian News - & Personal Note"January 14, 2004
Green Party Philosophy
1. GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY
Every human being deserves a say in the decisions that affect their lives and not be subject to the will of another. Therefore, we will work to increase public participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the people who elect them. We will also work to create new types of political organizations which expand the process of participatory democracy by directly including citizens in the decision-making process.
2. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
All persons should have the rights and opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We must consciously confront in ourselves, our organizations, and society at large, barriers such as racism and class oppression, sexism and homophobia, ageism and disability, which act to deny fair treatment and equal justice under the law.
January 13, 2004
Alternatives
There are alternatives to the two corporate parties. There are the obvious ones, like the Greens, the Libertarians, Peace and Freedom, and American Taxpayer. However, there is a fairly broad spectrum of woefully under-recognized parties to consider. Project Vote Smart lists the ones that are offering Presidential candidates for 2004.
Who knew the Federalists were still around? And the National Barking Spider Resurgence Party reminds me of discovering in the early 90's that California had something like 1500 active political parties. Now THAT is democracy. How could you not be in favor of the Anti-Hypocrisy Party? Or if you're completely undecided, you could go with the Independent Democratic Republicans. Sometimes we need to take a step back and see the humor in the world.
January 11, 2004
Bush's 'Not An Amnesty' Amnesty
President Bush announced this week a proposal that would grant legal working status to illegal immigrants now in this country. However, he insisted this is not an amnesty program. Sounds like doublespeak to me. Amnesty Definitions:
Noun
1. amnesty - a period during which offenders are exempt from punishment
2. amnesty - a warrant granting release from punishment for an offense
3. amnesty - the formal act of liberating someone
Verb
1. amnesty - grant a pardon to (a group of people)
January 09, 2004
No Proof of Iraq - Al Queda Link
Secretary of State Collin Powell stated he has not ever seen any proof there was any connection between Al Queda and Saddam Hussein. The NY Times article states:
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell conceded Thursday that despite his assertions to the United Nations last year, he had no "smoking gun" proof of a link between the government of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and terrorists of Al Queda.» Continue reading "No Proof of Iraq - Al Queda Link""I have not seen smoking-gun, concrete evidence about the connection," Mr. Powell said, in response to a question at a news conference. "But I think the possibility of such connections did exist, and it was prudent to consider them at the time that we did."
January 07, 2004
Court Ruling on Campaign Finance Law
I found an excellent article dated Dec. 11 on the Libertarian response to the Supreme Court's upholding of major provisions of the Campaign Finance Reform law passed by Congress. The Libertarian Party is opposed to the law and here is why.
The Libertarian Party, which is one of the plaintiffs that challenged the campaign finance law upheld on Tuesday by the Supreme Court, has denounced the ruling as an "all-out assault on the right of every American to engage in the political process."» Continue reading "Court Ruling on Campaign Finance Law"
Newspeak and Doublespeak
Today CEO and President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Tom Donohue and Treasury Secretary John Snow, and others addressed the National Chamber of Commerce. C-span aired the program live at 10 AM. I have never seen Orwell's Newspeak and Doublespeak so eloquently spoken in real life. Donohue belabored the threat to the economy and private industry profitability posed by Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. He indicated that these programs were developed based on actuarial data which is now outdated. Unfortunately for private industry he indicated, people are living too long and the actuarial data upon which the programs were based is now invalid. Snow reiterated in his speech that entitlements have simply got to be dealt with.
See the Newspeak/Doublespeak? It is longer living Americans who are becoming invalid in larger numbers and the social programs which are not going to live long enough to assist them if they have their way.
» Continue reading "Newspeak and Doublespeak"January 06, 2004
Clark Tax Plan Falls Short of the Mark
Retired General Wesley Clark unveiled his version of the great American tax cut today, one that benefits the common man at the expense—literally—of the richest 1% of Americans who will see a tax hike. About time the rich were finally asked to pay their fair share? I say yes, but the plan does not go nearly far enough.
It is well known by Congressmen and average Americans alike, that the Federal tax code is too large, too complicated, and overly burdensome on all (yes even the rich), and needs to be completely overhauled. But it seems, since talk of the flat tax (an idea I support) flared and died, there is little stomach—or vision—in Congress, or the Executive, to radically change the code. So, Congress tweaks around the edges, but never really digs into the meat of the code, leaving Americans to once again slog through tax regulations that are more complicated than the manual to fly the space shuttle.
January 04, 2004
The Year In Review
Political Humor
Is it possible to have a happy new year with out reviewing the last one first? I don't think so.
The year 2003 was the 500th birthday of alleged 'profit' Nostradamus. Leave it to a French man to spend half a millennia saying,"I told you so," every time a war breaks out.
It was also the 40th anniversary of the shooting of JFK. Some conspiracy theorist claim that a big oil man from Texas who stole an election to rise to power was responsible for the murder (i.e. Lyndon Johnson). I say it's apropos for the Democrats to assassinate their own (i.e. the 2004 Democratic nomination race). So the theorists might be onto something.
» Continue reading "The Year In Review"January 03, 2004
Bush Wins in 2004
Found this on ChristDot:
"Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson said Friday he believes God has told him President Bush will be re-elected in a "blowout" in November.'I think George Bush is going to win in a walk,' Robertson said, 'I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be like a blowout election in 2004. It's shaping up that way."
Appears Democrats and Third Party candidates can save a whole lot of effort and money, now that the election has been preordained.
» Continue reading "Bush Wins in 2004"
