The Bhutto Assassination

The Bhutto Assassination



Photo: art_es_anna

Updated: January 3, 2008. Mr. Musharraf is "unsatisfied" with the inquiry into Benazir Bhutto's death/assassination.

Indeed, and so are we. And, where are the claimants to the assassination? We would have expected some terrorist group to make such a claim - officially and on the record - by now. But yet this has not happened. Why is that? The finger now points to the person/s we had originally thought blameworthy. Time and fate will reveal.

Yesterday, in our posting, "Where Did Those People Go? Tent City 2007/8"...we were going to ask why had there been relatively few assassinations. But, we thought it was politically incorrect. But, we are still glad we didn't make such a comment.





However, we didn't (but now we know we should have) expect the shameful and shocking assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Murder and assassination is deplorable and shameful in any form. But, we find the assassination of the former female PM of Pakistan even more so. We are deeply moved by her departure, and feel a profound loss.





We also think we know who to point to as the creator of the assassination. But, we don't need to name names. Even a fool could guess at that one.

The scary thing now, is that Pakistan does have nukes. Will we see them deployed and detonated over there? Are we looking at a couple of billion deaths as a result of this assassination? Will we see a chain reaction, and the launching and detonation of even more nukes? We shudder to think. If so, then those responsible for the death of Benazir Bhutto are likely responsible for any nuclear aggression and casualties.

Her murder should have been preventable and prevented in such a case. Now things look really bad. Those responsible must be found out and called to justice to prevent any such possible nuclear exchanges. The whole world is watching and waiting with baited breath. And so are we.

Where Did Those People Go? Tent City, 2007/8

Photo: televiseus

Where Did Those People Go?...

We wondered, after we thought of the consequences of the 18,000 or so property foreclosures here in our own Wayne County, Michigan. No, we haven't seen the tent cities forming here in Michigan...at least not yet. (It's too d*mn*d cold, for one thing). Here, mostly, the homeless take mainly to the streets...

But we have read of tent cities forming in parts like Ohio and California. And, we recently viewed a newscast on NBC, about the tent city that (still!) exists just out New Orleans city hall. Most of the NO tent dwellers are victims of Katrina. We thought it unusual that a major network (like NBC) did do a report on the real bad news like the still thriving tent city in NO. Why is it still there? Weren't millions (billions?) of dollars allocated for these poor victims? Yes. But the money hasn't made it to them - at least not yet... Seems that there are going to be corruption charges and an Inspector General is on the job tracking the money trail...

But, the people in this tent city do seem a little too...what's the word?...complacent? We know, they can't dare rise up in revolt lest the city will have them bulldozed out of there. And where would they go then? Will the IG succeed in locating the missing funds and having it distributed to the rightful recipients? What happens if he fails? Will the tent city residents rise up in open rebellion?

What about the other tent cities that are forming? Will they, too, experience a similar loss of federal funding? Will they rise up in open rebellion?

And, we are hearing more ominous drumbeats...about petroleum. One of our editors happens to work (part-time) for a major petroleum supplier here in the US. Seems that they had a program where customer consumers of their products, would get fuel rewards for making purchases with this company (unnamed). Seems that our nervous legislature has stepped in and outlawed the fuel rewards. Is this a sign, too, of more bad news? Is oil and gasoline rationing going to take place in the foreseeable future? We're not sure, but be prepared to get those gas ration coupons when they are printed.

Photo: pingnews

But the economy, they tell us, is good - right? Multiple tax foreclosures, tent cities, jobs being lost oversees, millions of illegal immigrants and possible dipping into those federal reserves of petroleum. No, it doesn't sound too good, does it? Updated 12/27/07: Oil prices climb on surprising drop in supplies

And the housing cycling is turning downward. Home prices are falling...again.

What if these phenomena spread throughout our nation? Are we looking at armed civilian revolt and gasoline and food riots? What then? Will our president (this one - or even the next) impose martial law? (Curbside executions)? What will become of our nation then? We know it is considered a mortal sin to sow the seeds of discord...but we are genuinely fearful. And we are looking with dread to Tent City, USA, 2007/8.

Watergate Redux?

Lawmakers seek probe of CIA tape destruction.

Why are so many White House scandals associated with "waterwords" like, Watergate Hotel, Whitewater and waterboarding? Has anyone else noticed a connection? Please comment.

Tricky Dick, we miss you.

Photos: pingnews and isa e.

Historic Exception Proves the Rule - Gitmo Detention is Illegal

Supreme Court showdown on detainees

“The US Supreme Court is holding a hearing on Wednesday in two cases that are being seen as a legal showdown over the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba.

A 17th Century example

However another, more ghostly, figure will also feature in the case.
This is Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, who was one of Charles II's henchmen after the restoration of the monarchy in England in the 17th Century. Briefs for both sides in the Supreme Court hearing mention his activities.
Clarendon set up his own Guantanamo Bay, believed to have been in Jersey, in the hope that his prisoners could be kept away from the courts and in particular from the right of habeas corpus. This is an ancient procedure in which a court can order someone holding a prisoner to bring him or her to court to justify the detention”. BBC NEWS

You know, we don't like terrorists. But, until they can be legally proven to be terrorists - or other criminals - they still have rights, don't they? Click on this link Supreme Court showdown on detainees.

Detroit, Michigan - The Most Dangerous City in the USA

Updated: Tuesday, January 29, 2008: Avoid Detroit and its Housing Market!

Updated: Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Detroit, Michigan - The Most Dangerous City in the USA...

Photo: detroitderek


"Hello, Detroit Tourism Board...how much will you pay me to visit your city?"


That's right, we found this posted on MSNBC.com: Detroit named nation’s most dangerous city today. Welcome to my home town. I'm sure the local politicos and local news media are having s***s and fits over this one. The denial machine is operating in overdrive. Daring to still call itself the Motor City, this is one tag that it can't live down. Download Google Earth if you want to see it without experiencing the sense of danger, the sense of dread. If you do come here, don't go east of the famed Fox Theater. You may not come back - ever.

Oh yeah, the police and other local officials will tell you this - stay out of Detroit. It really is too dangerous. It's just like a cross between the Wild West and Iraq. And, the local news media recently reported that if you visit the Detroit casinos, you are being watched. And probably not by friendly eyes. Some folks are known to carry concealed weapons. And not always with the proper permits. A local judge (a she) recently got busted at Metro Airport for bringing a loaded gun inside...


Yeah, this is my home town - but not by choice. If you're not careful, and leave your car door unlocked while traveling around downtown, the hookers will hop in - uninvited. That's a fact. I'll swear it on the Bible, the Talmud and the Koran. I'm sure they do it out of desperation. It's everyone for themselves, and survival is the basic law. Survival in this town has become the natural law.


Just hired in at Chrysler? Well, you'll probably be drawing unemployment. Take a buyout from Ford? Well you'll be lucky if you make 9 bucks an hour as a baggage handler for NWA (that's what a friend of ours did). Working for GM? My friends at the Ypsilanti plant have been out for two months and have been told they won't be back to work for another week (maybe even longer...).


Your author just picked up a second part time job, cause his current employer shrunk his part time hours to just 22 hours a week - and its the holidays - their busiest season of the year. Oh yeah, and we were robbed at gunpoint (our location - and several others) on February 4th, the predawn hours of Superbowl Sunday. Health insurance - what's that? (With the new second job, we should be able to consider that). Just got paid the other day, and we're starving today. That's right - we have nothing to eat for Thanksgiving. Hard to be thankful, when you have to walk several hours to a local soup kitchen - and find out that it's out of food. We'll be renaming the holiday Thankstarving. That's OK - we've gone hungry before, and will again. As a matter of fact, we think we prefer starvation - it's better than getting shot to death.


Shot to death. Yeah, we've had to look down the wrong end of a gun barrel many times - and it was always in Detroit. Two local punks will be charged for murder and decapitation (desecration of a corpse) - they said it was a thrill killing. At least they got busted. More news to come on that one. They waylaid some poor guy from River Rouge.

I remember growing up in Detroit (West Side - near Lessenger Middle School and Kosciusko Elementary) when they found the severed head of a red-headed women in local Rouge Park. That's right near where I grew up - 20500 Tireman. My long deceased girl friend - Sue - had a couple of neighbors that were beheading their business associates nearby to her, a long time ago. Not to mention some other atrocities that were done to the corpses.

Forgot to mention my late cousin "Denise" who was shot to death some many years ago by some Detroit-ghetto junkie when she was working a Good Humor route to earn her way through college. The guy who did it got a bench trial and told the judge he didn't know the gun was loaded in the robbery. The judge let him go.

Some years later on, I read an article in the local News about the same junkie. Seemed that he went to work for two major drug dealers - at the same time. The one who took a baseball bat was called "Big" Frank "Nitti" Usher (if I recall correctly) and gave the murderous dopehead a lethal lesson in loyalty. Eventually, "Mr. Usher" was brought to justice, and, as far as I know, is still in the Big House. Which one? Not sure. That is real street justice.

Violence - the murderous kind - also happened amongst some of my former co-workers. One of them ("Dotty") was killed in a home invasion by a red-headed man (there we go, red hair again). She suffered. I don't know if her killer was ever brought to justice. She was a real nice lady, and a classic "Detroit" person - if you know the type. She did not deserve to go that way. Neither did "Denise".


That's the real dope on Detroit...the Murder City. Welcome seeker!

Why We Are Adopting the New Logo "This web site produced NOT using slave labor".

Why We Are Adopting the New Logo "This web site NOT produced using slave labor"...

Because it was largely inspired by our reading of the work of John Bowe ("Nobodies"...Modern American Slave Labor Market and the Dark Side of the New Global Market) as posted previously in...

John Bowe, The American Slave Labor Market and...
other gems from C-Span Book TV.

(Mr. Bowe has been kind enough to respond to our email, by the way...)

We've only gone half way through his book, but he has already provided us with the inspiration for the development of a new marketing logo. We suggest you ask your favorite socially conscious corporation(s) to consider adopting the new logo (Yum! Brands, Mattel...). We also suggest you contact your favorite US Senator or Congressperson regarding the same. And please purchase and read Mr. Bowe's book.

Please feel free to adopt the logo and place it on your website, product and so on. This is a movement.

This posting was NOT produced using slave labor.

The Latest Zogby Poll, 52% Favor Invasion of Iran and the Projected Cost with Interest to You

The Latest Zogby Poll, 52% Favor Invasion of Iran and the Projected Cost with Compounded Interest to You...

Dear Reader,

We don't mean to alarm you, but the Iran Invasion seems almost imminent. And, 52% of Americans favor the Invasion. See the Zogby Poll Results; Zogby Poll: 52% Support U.S. Military Strike Against Iran.

Further, the other night, on Countdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC reported that the Iraq war is costing each individual in the USA approximately $ 20,000 plus interest.

OK. Let's project on that, let's assume that you will also be paying a further $ 20,000 (plus compound interest) for the Iran invasion. Using the interest calculator, that comes to about $ 500,000 over the next 5 years at 30% interest coming out of your pocket. That's for you, alone. For the estimated population of the current USA (about 300 million) that comes to $ 150 Trillion. That's roughly 13 times our Gross National Product (give or take).

But, that's just an estimate.

John Bowe, The American Slave Labor Market and other gems...

John Bowe, The American Slave Labor Market and...

other gems from C-Span Book TV.

After a long period of apparent inertia, Book TV is broadcasting some real gems (click on either link for the schedule).

One of these was a terrific presentation given by John Bowe about his new book: Nobodies: Modern American Slave Labor and the Dark Side of the New Global Economy. (We picked up our copy today, by the way). Mr. Bowe concisely reports his findings on the effect the "new global economy" (his words) is having on the illegal slave labor market here in the US and as perpetuated by US and other corporations around the world. Some (all?...) US corporations are apparently complicit in the use of illegal slaves to manufacture their merchandise. (We urge you to read this book, or view Mr. Bowe's presentation and boycott these corporations).

Mr. Bowe also reports on real life stories of the slave labor market...extant right here in Florida. Reference is made concerning a legal case concerning the slaver nicknamed "El Diablo". We can only hope justice is served in this case and others.

Per Mr. Bowe, we understand that the slave labor market is an effect (though slavery has been around since antiquity...) of the human mind's non-transparent need for getting goods and services on the cheap - no matter what the cost. Indeed, we have recently reported an example of this type of slavery to our local congressperson and labor enforcement department (prior to hearing Mr. Bowe's reports and views) - we have no results to report at this time.

Indeed, we feel that transparency is needed concerning the growing (and alarming) use of slave labor and its modern root cause: the globalization of the labor market. Please comment or contact us if you need more information about Mr. Bowe or his great book.

Immediately after the presentation by Mr. Bowe, we were given a talk by Mr. Tony Rafael (a LA correspondent) on his new book The Mexican Mafia. Not as spectacular as Mr. Bowe's talk, but deeply chilling. La eMe has taken control of the California prison system as well as control of the street crime present in that part of the country. We do not know how widespread this crime wave is... we are waiting for our copy of the book to find out.

Senator Carl Levin Responds to Our Concerns Regarding the Iran Situation

We forwarded our comments, postings and concerns to our honorable Senator, Carl Levin. Mr. Levin graciously responded to us almost immediately. (We contacted Senator Levin as a follow-up to our suggestion that we contact our Senators and our Congresspersons in our last posting, Ahmadenijad, Bush and Putin - Is it Time for a Treaty?).


"Thank you for contacting me concerning U.S. policy toward Iran. As a member of the Senate, I have closely monitored the situation in Iran. Among other things, I have supported efforts to encourage democratic reforms and to protect religious minorities in that nation.





The Iranian government's apparent pursuit of nuclear weapons, support of international terrorism, opposition to the Mideast peace process, and repression of civil society have caused the U.S. to continue to distance itself from the government in Tehran. We must take a strong stand and work with our allies to address these issues.





The U.S. has had serious concerns about Iran's domestic and international actions since 1979 when Iran seized American hostages in Tehran. Since that incident, the U.S. has imposed a number of sanctions, including a ban on financial assistance and the sale of arms to Iran. The sale of dual use items was restricted when Iran was added to the list of state sponsors of terrorism in 1984. In 1995, President Clinton issued an Executive Order banning U.S. trade and investment in Iran, which has been renewed by President Bush. I supported the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) of 1996, which tightened sanctions against Iran even more. I also supported the Iran Freedom Support Act (P.L.109-293), which extended the ILSA until December 31, 2011. Additionally, this law makes the export of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) or advanced conventional weapons technology to Iran sanctionable.





Over the years, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made numerous statements that are deeply disturbing and detrimental to efforts to secure a lasting peace in the Middle East. His statements have also been threatening to nations around the world, including the United States, that formally recognize the State of Israel. Furthermore, Iran's clandestine nuclear activities and its attempts to develop nuclear materials and possibly weapons pose a serious threat to peace in the region and could potentially offer terrorist organizations access to fissile materials. Iran's reluctance to cooperate more fully with the international community, especially with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), indicates that the government in Tehran is not committed to taking the steps necessary to make the world a more secure place.





On March 29, 2006, the U.N. Security Council issued a presidential statement calling for Iran to reinstate its suspension of enrichment and reprocessing, reconsider construction of its heavy water reactor, ratify and implement the Additional Protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty allowing for enhanced inspections. Iran continued its enrichment activities, while claiming it was cooperating with the IAEA.





On December 23, 2006, the Security Council passed a resolution (UNSCR 1737) demanding enrichment suspension by February 21, 2007, and preventing the financing or sale of technology that could contribute to Iran's uranium enrichment or heavy water reprocessing activities. It also required U.N. member states to freeze the financial assets of ten Iranian nuclear and missile firms. On February 22, 2007, the IAEA stated that Iran had not suspended its enrichment programs. On March 24, 2007, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1747, expanding on Resolution 1737 by banning all arms trade with Iran, freezing the assets of an additional ten Iranian firms and requiring all countries to report to the U.N. when an Iranian diplomat travels to their country.





Iran's confrontational stance toward the international community and its apparent pursuit of nuclear weapons have led some to suggest military action against Iran and its nuclear facilities. As always, the use of military action should be considered only after all suitable alternatives and diplomatic options have been exhausted. I believe we must continue to work with our allies to address this situation diplomatically. We should not refuse to talk with Iran, while we work with our allies to send a clear and strong message. In the short term, I support the continuation of U.S. sanctions and the imposition of international sanctions through the United Nations as necessary.





In order to re-enter the international community, Iran must fully disclose all of its nuclear activities and give up any nuclear weapon ambitions, as well as strive to improve its human rights record at home. I will continue to monitor the situation in Iran closely.





Thank you again for contacting me.





Sincerely,Carl Levin"

Ahmadenijad, Bush and Putin - Is it Time for a Treaty?

Ahmadenijad, Bush and Putin - Is it Time for a Treaty?

After our previous posting (Are We Behind the Sanctions Curve?) and the one previous to that (The Coming Nuclear War with Iran?...), we wondered why weren't we proposing any solutions? After all, that is the appropriate response to the serious ethical dilemma(s) we discussed before. After all, a solution is needed to resolve any political dilemma. We think we might have the penultimate dilemma in the current situation.

We propose a trilateral treaty between these three arguing states. After all, shouldn't we be discussing peace prior to going ahead with further war plans? We would be willing to back that up. Now why hasn't the Bush administration proposed that? Or are they working on one in secret - or just the missile defense shield plan and other war plans? That would be the appropriate response - to design a treaty to resolve the potential conflict before any military engagement with the potential loss of life. The inappropriate response would be to proceed with war plans without looking at an accord, an agreement or peace plan. Would it not?

Would that these three world leaders be brought together to hammer out some sort of treaty be the best possible engagement? Who could bring them together? The pope? Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton? Or, how about former Vice President (and Nobel Peace Prize winner) Al Gore? Could any or all of these luminaries be persuaded to bring this about? Wouldn't these great men be particularly suited to that role? It would certainly enhance their prestige. We would certainly hope so.

Should a petition be drawn up and signed and circulated amongst these gentlemen? We might ask our Senators and Congresspersons to get going on that.

And where should an accord or treaty be made? The Caucasus is too hot right now. Asia seems too close to the problem. Jerusalem? Israel? Switzerland? Malta? Italy? Vatican City? Oslo? Even Canada? The symbolism in any or all of these locations would demonstrate the gravity of the situation.

Is it time for the Trilateral Treaty? Or World War III?

Are We Behind The Sanctions Curve?

Are Our News Organizations Behind The "Sanctions Curve?"




Yesterday, we were warned about the coming bombing of Iran. (See our previous posting: The Coming Nuclear War with Iran? and Is Hollywood Burning?). And today we heard of tough, new UN/US sanctions coming from the mouth of Madame Condoleeza Rice. Are our news organizations behind the "news curve"? We were wondering if the administration was working its own sucker coup against our news organizations by announcing the sanctions while still secretly planning the Iran bombing campaign. Are they really capable of staging such a two-stage plan. Yes, we suggest they are. But, we hope we are wrong.
If we are not wrong, we are looking at a potential nuclear fallout combined with a potential nuclear winter (as described once by the late, great Dr. Carl Sagan in a Scientific American article).This posting continued Saturday, October 27, 2007.

If indeed a nuclear war or World War III (with nuclear weapons) does happen, we estimate human survival at 50,000 to 5,000,000 individuals on the surface if their are any lethal consequences. This is an unscientific estimate - of course - but based on the 50+ year old concept of megadeath.

Of course, there are expected to be troglodytic populations of individual governments surviving in underground nuclear bunkers. These do exist right here in the US, Switzerland, and likely other major countries. The current administration(s) should be able to make it quite comfortably, including a few billionaires.

For the rest, life on the surface will be miserable - if not horrible. The rotting dead and other detritus left over will make it so. Also, if a nuclear winter does set in, they may find survival even more difficult.

Last night, we heard on MSNBC, the use of the word "psychotic" to describe a couple of the leaders involved in this potential war. You can guess at least two of them. They are only thinking of their active offense as a main defense. They are presumed not to be thinking strategically. Look at the current row with Russia over Bush's planned missile shield defense system. Given, it is a plan to intimidate mainly Iran, but is it really? And, you will notice, that the consequences of a potential nuclear conflict are not being discussed. Is anybody else thinking about this? We are sure some are, but they are probably sworn to a secrecy oath that will not allow them to divulge any information in this regard.

President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has a headline on his website: Iran seeks to resolve differences through dialogue . But, we invite you to click on this link to read the rest of his posting. It just doesn't seem promising - everybody involved seems to be deadlocked.

Are We Behind The Sanctions Curve?

Are Our News Organizations Behind The "Sanctions Curve?"

Yesterday, we were warned about the coming bombing of Iran. (See our previous posting: The Coming Nuclear War with Iran? and Is Hollywood Burning?). And today we heard of tough, new UN/US sanctions coming from the mouth of Madame Condoleeza Rice. Are our news organizations behind the "news curve"? We were wondering if the administration was working its own sucker coup against our news organizations by announcing the sanctions while still secretly planning the Iran bombing campaign. Are they really capable of staging such a two-stage plan. Yes, we suggest they are. But, we hope we are wrong.



If we are not wrong, we are looking at a potential nuclear fallout combined with a potential nuclear winter (as predicted by the late, great Dr. Carl Sagan).This posting to be continued tomorrow or at a later date.

The Coming Nuclear War with Iran? and Is Hollywood Burning?

The Coming Nuclear War With Iran?...









We have two firestorms to report. One is political the other is real and happening right now.

Regarding the potential political firestorm with Iran, we have received recently information from very well connected sources to the US Government regarding the Iran diplomatic situation. Now, we don't want to alarm anybody, but we feel it is our responsibility to report. Apparently, diplomatic negotiations with Iran have failed. The bombing of Iran is imminent and could take place very soon. Our source (whom we can't identify at this time) also says that this could turn into World War III. We have no information on whether this will be an all-out nuclear war, but we are 90% certain that nukes will be involved in one way or another.

We can't say that the end of the world is going to happen, but with this political firestorm and the firestorms in Southern California, it looks like Apocalypse and Armageddon are approaching in concert. We're not prophets, but we certainly expect that a bombing campaign on Iran would raise the ire of their diplomatic allies. Allies who may be inclined to retaliate.

And, another war campaign - this one close to the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea - would certainly be of interest to Russia and perhaps China. One or both of them may feel inclined to "actively defend" their borders. If they sense such a border attack may proceed with the current war plans, they could proceed with "the best defense is a strong offense" strategy.

We might suggest contacting your US Representative and US Senator. We might also suggest you begin storing (if you haven't already) basic supplies like; bottled water, canned foods, firewood, fuel, dry clothing, a generator, halazone, iodide tablets, medicines and so on. If anything, do what you can to protect any innocent lives like children and the elderly - even the homeless.

Updated 10/30/07: Did West blow chance to halt Iran's nuke plans?

Updated 12/27/07: Inflation fuels anger toward Ahmadinejad

Is Hollywood Burning?...

It probably is, and may even burn to the ground. The Firestorm in Southern California is both an amazing and terrifying spectacle. So far, the damages tally up to $ 1 Billion and are growing. President Bush has declared a major fire disaster. The firestorm is partly the result of it generating its own wind (part of the definition of firestorm) and the katabatic winds. So far, a half million people have been ordered evacuated from the affected area(s) - including the local celebrities who have lost their homes there. Many folks have barely escaped alive with just the clothes on their backs - and some have left even without their shoes. Most of their homes are completely burnt out. It has become a national disaster and a national tragedy.





The smoke being generated by the fires can easily be seen



from space. It is an awesome and terrible sight to behold.




We can't help but make the comparisons of the firestorm images to a the potential devastation posed by a nuclear war with Iran and its allies. One thinks of images of Apocalypse and Armageddon.

We can't help but wonder if the fire and rescue authorities have considered using or are actively using the following chemical agents:



Borax
alumina trihydrate
Zinc Borate
Azobisformamide.

We understand that these chemicals may pose an environmental hazard and may not be considered for application. But consider the fact that the environment (about 225,000 acres) has disappeared in the firestorm. Also, lives and so much property may have been lost. More may be lost, because the firestorm at this point is expected to advance to the ocean. That may not happen if the winds do die down from their current speeds of 100 mph to 50 mph. More air support and personnel are also needed.


We certainly hope that the rest of Southern California and Hollywood are spared from the flames. Just think what a tragic loss to our American culture that would really be.

Hilary Gets Ripped A New One, Dick Cheney & Barack Obama - Related???

Clinton blasted over 'hippie museum'

Cheney, Obama 'distant cousins'

Mich. lawmaker: Let turtles be roadkill

Indeed, politics does make for strange bedfellows.

Big Al's Sucker Coup & The Bush "King-Maker" Machine

Big Al's Sucker Coup & The Bush "King-Maker Machine"





Big Al's insiders say he's not running. Oh come on, Al - look at your chances compared to the rest of the field. Your would-be Democratic competitors look like the 11 dwarves compared to your newly acquired stature. Nobody else has the stature you have now. Your credibility is now at an incredible high, not to mention your popularity. (By the way, just what are your approval ratings right now, Al?) If you do run against your Democratic Brethren (and sister), you should be able to pull the rug right out from under them and make them all look like a bunch of saps.





Is that the problem? You think you may sacrifice prestige if you pull that off? You're now the apparent front-runner - you can mash a pie in Hilary's face and crap in her cornflakes, if you felt like it. It would be pretty funny, you know. Oh, that's it...you just don't want to embarrass Big Bill. Don't worry about that, he's already embarrassed himself plenty of times. And, when you are the new prez, he'll be polishing your shoes.





No need to fear the Republican front. Right now they are all looking like a bunch of giant-sized losers compared to your facade. They would literally wilt if facing you in debate or an election... And what about the anointed heir-apparent to George Bush. Who's that you say? Well, heck we're not sure either. Normally it would be the Veep, but his popularity is lower than Bush's. What about Jeb? You owe him a big one for that debacle in Florida. It would be kind of funny to seem him slip on your Nobel Prize like a political banana peel. Unseemly, but funny. You just make a mental picture of that.





Oh, and the Bush "King-Making Machine"? Who's he picked so far? Two failed Attorneys General, failed Defense Secretaries, a miserable, custodian of a White House Counsel...we don't want to speak ill of these folks...that's why we're not naming names. And the Republican nominee, who's that going to be? You can make any one of them look like a cracker-jack sucker chump in line at the three pitches for $ 1 game at the local fall carnival.





It's a win-lose situation for you, Mr. Gore. If you don't position yourself to win, we all lose. Res ipsa loquitor.

Big Al's Sucker Coup & The Bush "King-Maker" Machine

Big Al's Sucker Coup & The Bush "King-Maker Machine"

Big Al's insiders say he's not running. Oh come on, Al - look at your chances compared to the rest of the field. Your would-be Democratic competitors look like the 11 dwarves compared to your newly acquired stature. Nobody else has the stature you have now. Your credibility is now at an incredible high, not to mention your popularity. (By the way, just what are your approval ratings right now, Al?) If you do run against your Democratic Brethren (and sister), you should be able to pull the rug right out from under them and make them all look like a bunch of saps.

Is that the problem? You think you may sacrifice prestige if you pull that off? You're now the apparent front-runner - you can mash a pie in Hilary's face and crap in her cornflakes, if you felt like it. It would be pretty funny, you know. Oh, that's it...you just don't want to embarrass Big Bill. Don't worry about that, he's already embarrassed himself plenty of times. And, when you are the new prez, he'll be polishing your shoes.

No need to fear the Republican front. Right now they are all looking like a bunch of giant-sized losers compared to your facade. They would literally wilt if facing you in debate or an election... And what about the anointed heir-apparent to George Bush. Who's that you say? Well, heck we're not sure either. Normally it would be the Veep, but his popularity is lower than Bush's. What about Jeb? You owe him a big one for that debacle in Florida. It would be kind of funny to seem him slip on your Nobel Prize like a political banana peel. Unseemly, but funny. You just make a mental picture of that.

Oh, and the Bush "King-Making Machine"? Who's he picked so far? Two failed Attorneys General, failed Defense Secretaries, a miserable, custodian of a White House Counsel...we don't want to speak ill of these folks...that's why we're not naming names. And the Republican nominee, who's that going to be? You can make any one of them look like a cracker-jack sucker chump in line at the three pitches for $ 1 game at the local fall carnival.

It's a win-lose situation for you, Mr. Gore. If you don't position yourself to win, we all lose. Res ipsa loquitor.

The Al Gore Sucker Coup

The Al Gore Sucker Coup

It's official, Al Gore wins...the Nobel Prize (Gore and UN panel win Nobel Prize). Congratulations to Mr. Gore. Yes, this is probably the most prestigious prize on the planet, and they don't give these out by mistake. Mr. Gore has recovered nicely from all the stab wounds to his literal back over the years - and has succeeded phenomenally. Will Mr. Gore turn this great award and accomplishment to his political advantage? Will he use it to sweep out his would-be competitors in the coming presidential election? Is this to be his revenge over the Bush Dynasty and the loss of the 2000 election? Yes. It seems highly unlikely that Mr. Gore (or anyone in his position) would leave this extremely valuable political capital laying on the table. If his competitors had this same unique opportunity, we feel that it would be a sure bet that at least one or two of them would do the same. This is the year of Gore, and he has already got a nominating committee out there: DraftGore.com. This will be the year of his sucker coup.

Please note: in fairness to Mr. Gore, the readers of this post, and his competition, please read Gore climate film's 'nine errors'.

Did Radiohead Get It Right?

Did Radiohead Get It Right? (Or: Right On!)?

Beloved by most all alternative rock music fans, we pose the question: did Radiohead get it right? Read the opinion: AHHH! Radiohead creates Internet Anarchy!

That is, for pure art, does the money really matter? Have they tapped into an alternative compensation system for art forms - such as music? Is this new and revolutionary (actually, the honor system is not that revolutionary) an alternative to capitalism, communism, and other ism's? At the Handbook, we normally don't "do" music, arts, and so on...unless the trend is so groundbreaking as to enter into the Global political discussion - such as this one. Always cutting edge, Radiohead appears to have taken the lead in reestablishing what great and good art has always been - for art's sake and not the sake of money. Indeed, alternative compensations have been revolutionized by alternative music and alternative art. That is the true value of art.

Have You Seen This Poster?

Have You Seen This Poster?...

WANTED

DEAD OR ALIVE

We ask because we saw some very graphic video footage from Iraq and "The War on Terror". We saw no such posters, anywhere. Shouldn't there be posters like this in the war zones if we are indeed looking for this man? Seven or eight of our soldiers were burned to death in this video footage. They could not be saved.

A civilian was seen driving his car, the soldiers that were present asked him to stop. They shot him because he would not stop the vehicle. The reason for the shooting was self-defense, the man could have been a lookout for the snipers. Still, the soldiers did try to revive the man. They could not.

Some of the soldiers entered the house of an old woman. She was screaming and wailing in fear. She was terrified out of her mind.

A soldier was interviewed on camera (his name was C. V******) and he invited our senators and congressman to spend the next fifteen months of his rotation with him. He said he would do it for free. He just wanted them to experience the hell of another fifteen months just like them.

Where are the wanted posters?

The Shadow, The Passion and The Fury

The Shadow, The Passion and The Fury...

Is the title for this post, because we thought it described two or three of the major themes from last night's Democratic Presidential Forum sponsored by the AFL-CIO. Our apologies in advance if any feel that this title is plagiarized.



We plugged into this event expecting to be bored to tears, eyes glazed, benumbed by political rhetoric and surrounded by substance over style. We were right on the last part. It was high political entertainment and grandstanding of the old time politics. We were reminded of Barry Goldwater, Hubert Horatio Humphrey and Mario Cuomo. It was almost a nostalgic time.



Instead, we got a fiery John Edwards (who almost told Keith to shut up a couple of times), a tempestuous Hilary Clinton and a conquering-heroic Dennis Kucinich. God, we loved Kucinich...he got cheers almost every time and he lit up the stage. Somewhat less incandescent (in order) were Edwards, Hilary and Barack. The others were hardly worth mentioning. Except for the even-handed Keith Olbermann (as moderator) who represented fairness and calmness above all without displaying hardly any sweat on his brow or his usual smarmy-good humor wit. It was bread and circuses, without the Romans (except for the almost victorious-like, caesaresque Kucinich).



Pathos, in the form of the AFL-CIO membership presenting their questions (keeping the truth in the forum part of the political debate) brought the audience to near-tears and near-bawling. Especially, the gentleman who had been disabled whilst working for LTV Steel, lost one-third of his pension after they went bankrupt, and choked up when he bewailed how he cannot afford health insurance for his wife of 36 years. We then witnessed him (from the back) using his two braces and false-limb legs to lower himself back to his seat. You could hear the collective heart of the crowd breaking in the background. In this respect, the AFL-CIO membership provided great political theater. And it was all real.



Here was the fury, the fury and passion one feels when faced with such overwhelming political and economic circumstances. Here was the fury, when one feels overly-betrayed by the corporations and business ethics and marketplace that has become/is the world.



John Edwards' passionate response to this poor gentleman's troubles gave us some inspiration and hope that most of these Democratic contenders were well-meaning, full of the fury and the passion, but short on the substance and philosophy. We felt this was mostly true of the other contenders. But passion and exuberance were not in short supply that last night.



When pushed almost into a corner by his fellows over his comments to consider invading the Afghanistan/Pakistan hinterlands,we were almost as shocked as Barack. We thought the hounds had been loosed on him and he had to do some baracking up. (See the Anti-Zen Dictionary for this entry). Indeed, Mr. Obama may indeed have picked just the right venue for the war on terror. It seems to us, where else could Osama and his henchmen be hiding? Yes, right there. Just a few border-hops away from Iraq (not to mention Iran).



It would be so ironic if a terrorist named Osama is eventually put out of business by a President named Obama. It seems to us almost fated. Even though he was roughly put into defensive mode by these men and women, he may have revealed himself as the true king-in-disguise amongst these kings-and-queens-in-disguise. By which we mean, any one of them (Dennis, John, Barack or - yes even Hilary) would be just as competent and effective a supreme leader.



Noteworthy was Hilary's persistent attacks-in-response to the Bush administration and the failure of the war-on-terror-strategy. She could have pushed this hot-button too many times - but nobody noticed that.



Lastly, a comment from Barack responding to the question about the almost half-a-billion dollars spent renovating Soldier Field. We think his response to this should have been how the money should have been spent on health and human services for some of the poverty-stricken environs near there. Don't think so? Then take the Number 28 bus from downtown Chicago to the south side and watch the neighborhoods change.



(P.S.: A clever little retort from Dennis on that one. That we, the nation, should buy the teams and make money from that! Talk about nationalization! We looked over our shoulders to see if Hugo Chavez was around).