I grew up reading comic books wanting to be a superhero. Comics taught me that those who speak the truth are heroes, all the rest are liars.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Does Kiffmeyer Eat Worms?


"Nobody likes me, Everybody hates me, I'm gonna to eat some worms!"

Hey what's not to like about Madam Mary Kiffmeyer (R), Minnesota's Secretary of State? Just because...

She won't do anything unless forced by law,
She can’t interact with others fairly,
Likes scaring Minnesota voters by exploiting terror fears,

Well, I could go on but why when City Pages says it all:
Ten Million Kiffmeyer Critics Can’t Be Wrong

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Quote of the Day

Wilkerson said that Cheney must have sincerely believed that Iraq could be a spawning ground for new terror assaults, because "otherwise I have to declare him a moron, an idiot or a nefarious bastard."

I'd go with letter D. - all of the above


Interesting story - who's really running the country?

"Ex-Powell aide: Bush 'too aloof'"

Epiphany This!

''It was an epiphany.'' exclaimed Rumsfeld while smirking like a chimp.

Meaning: A comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization.

Rumsfeld is so close…and in a small way he’s half right, almost right, well he's extremely too 'right' (if you know what I mean).
'They can’t be called insurgents' because they are part of the legitimate Iraqi government!

So in 7 years, Rumsfeld has come to being half wrong!
That's not really considered an epiphany...but given how dense he is…I expect it will come on judgement day while on his way to hell.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Faribault Daily News Jeers Pawlenty

In their Cheers & Jeers article in Saturday's edition of the Faribault Daily News - they Jeer Tim Pawlenty. Here's what they said (taken from the Faribault Daily News, November 26, 2005 edition):

"Jeers to Gov. Tim Pawlenty and his administration for taking no responsibility for rising property taxes around the state. The state Department of Revenue reported that property taxes will jump an average of 10.2 percent next year thanks to school levies and hikes in city and county taxes. It's true local governments set property taxes, but many local governments are increasing taxes to offset burdens passed down from the state in one way or another. Taxes are the result of many factors, including decisions made by state leaders, and the Pawlenty administration cannot absolve itself of all responsibility like they are trying to do."

Can you say trickle down taxation?

Ironically, on the same page was a letter to the editor from our State Auditor - Pat Anderson talking about "Truth-in-Taxation Hearings" being held locally, dealing with how the local governments impose taxes on its citizens. It seems that the Pawlenty administration is now shifting the spot light off of his lack of leadership to trying to turn the heat up on the local governments in regards to taxes. Read the letter "Attend Hearings" for yourself.

Do you remember "No new taxes."
What will Pawlenty say about his broken promise?
Maybe he'll say: I cannot control local government, in regards to taxes... If you hear this, you know it's another lie!

There's no excuse for Pawlenty's lack of leadership - none! Our local governments should not have to be put in a spot where they have to constantly raise taxes. The leadership should come from the top officer in the State - the Governor!

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

MN Governor Pawlenty 'Who Stole Christmas'



If Republicans love Democracy so much, why are they limiting voter participation?

Below is from Senate Majority Leader Dean E. Johnson

November 22, 2005
The Governor who stole Christmas
Senate Majority Leader questions special election decision

Senate Majority Leader Dean E. Johnson questioned Gov. Tim Pawlenty's decision to call a special election on Dec. 27- two days after Christmas. Pawlenty issued the order to fill the vacancies of Dave Kleis in the Senate and Joe Opatz in the House of Representatives.

"It's clear from the governor's actions that his highest priority when considering special elections is low voter turnout. It is difficult to understand someone who claims they believe in democracy and then makes decisions that ensure the fewest number of people participate in the process," Sen. Johnson said.

The 2006 Legislative Session convenes March 1. Thus, the governor could have chosen any date before mid-February which would have not coincided with the holidays.

"Gov. Pawlenty has minimized the Christmas holiday and shown a blatant disregard to our families, all in the name of partisan gamesmanship. His decision is disrespectful to the voters, university students, and the local taxpayers who must pay the election bill," Sen. Johnson said.

On Monday, Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, the state's highest election official, publicly expressed concern in the rising number of special elections and said they force unnecessary costs and contribute to low voter turnout. She has proposed a maximum of four dates per year for special elections.

"I would be surprised if the governor could give the public one rational or logical reason why this date encourages voter participation. It is obvious that he wants the next elected representatives of the St. Cloud area to beelected with the fewest votes possible. He has put politics ahead ofcitizenship. Thankfully the people of St. Cloud take their civic responsibilities seriously and will respond to the governor's shallow and transparent decision accordingly," Sen. Johnson said.



Monday, November 21, 2005

Wait One Second!

"Congress helped itself to a $3,100 pay raise on Friday, then postponed decisions on bills to curb spending on social programs and reduce taxes in favor of a two-week vacation." - Star Tribune, Saturday, November 19, 2005

So let me get this straight...

Congressmen Mark Kennedy, Gutknecht and John Kline voted to cut funds that help the poor and children - in Mark Kennedy's words "It’s never easy to restrain the growth of spending, even modestly." Well, no I guess not - I wish I could give myself a raise.

Maybe the Congress and Senate should put a freeze on all of their pay raises until the war in Iraq is over! If they want to support this war they should lead by example by putting their pay raises towards paying down the deficit, that has been created in large part by the war. That would be fair! Wouldn't it?

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Minnesota Values? I don't think so Mark!!!

0201

Pressured by best friend George W. Bu$h, Congressman Mark Kennedy votes against the poor, and students!

In a tie breaking vote on Friday, Congressman Kennedy voted to cut $14 billion to student loan programs and voted to cut $12 billion in Medicaid funding (Medicaid is the health care program for the poor and disabled).

What does Mark have to say?

“Washington shouldn’t have a blank check, and as a CPA and businessman I’m happy to see us act to reduce our federal deficit. This bill reduces spending in a way that reflects our Minnesota values and sets priorities. We owe it to our children to lower the deficit." (from Mark Kennedy's campaign website)

So we can give the President a blank check for an unwarranted war? And instead of rolling back the tax breaks to the richest Americans, we'll reduce the deficit on the backs of the poor and our children??? THOSE MOST CERTAINLY ARE NOT MINNESOTA VALUES!!! They sound more like the Bu$h Republican's (DeLay, Bush, Cheney, Frist, Ken Lay, etc.) values!

14 Republicans had joined a unified Democratic front to stop these cuts to the poor and children. One of them, Jim Ramstad of Minnesota disagrees with Mark Kennedy's "priorities":

"We should cut the massive pork barrel spending instead of cutting health care for the poorest of the poor, the elderly and people with disabilities," Ramstad said.

According to Ramstad, the bill could cause 6 million children from low-income families to lose health care benefits under Medicaid. He also said student loan cuts would cost University of Minnesota students $6.3 million next year. (Star Tribune Article)

In this case I totally agree with Mr. Ramstad.

You have to wonder who Mark Kennedy is really working for in Congress and who he might be working for in Senate, if he's elected (Bu$h Inc.) - IT MOST DEFINATLEY WON'T BE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HE SHOULD BE WORKING FOR - THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA!!! This is proof of it!

What others are saying:

"They are targeting programs for poor people to pay for tax cuts for rich people," said Rep. David Obey, D-Wisconsin.

MN Senate Candidate Amy Klobuchar issues statement following Budget vote (Here)


+++

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:24

+++

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., says:
“I wish (the needle) had a little bigger eye.”



... Ok, I took his quote out of context - but it's relevant here as well.


** Original Quote and context **

On drilling in ANWR:

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., says that resolving the drilling issue will be like threading a needle.

“I wish (the needle) had a little bigger eye,” Hastert said.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Something Fowl In Minnesota

It's that time of year again!
The annual staging with completely new scripting of the 'Fake Turkey Photo Op' in Iraq Day!

Will we see a repeat of the ‘fake turkey’ in Iraq?
Will it be the same shallow plastic unreal turkey?
Will there be new turkeys also attending?

My advise, not that anyone asked, is this:
Bu$h, Kennedy and Kline have been basted enough...
Stick a fork in ‘em… they’re done

Let Me Count The Ways!

Let's see....
The illegal war in Iraq, torture, using banned weapons, lies, corruption, cronyism, no-bid contracts, the deficit and borrowing more foreign money than the previous 42 presidents combined, secret prison camps, chemical warfare, conspiracy with big oil to deceive congress, fake intelligence, obstruction of an investigation into pre-war intelligence, media manipulation, chief of staff indicted for covering up his role in outing a CIA operative for political revenge, secret energy meetings with big corporations....

Yeah so what was it Cheney said about Democrats and war critics?

Oh yeah...
we're "dishonest," "reprehensible," "irresponsible" "opportunists".

Umph, yep it's official, Cheney lies.

Someone Is Lying!

Either ex CIA Director or Bush Administration VP Cheney is lying...
"I am embarrassed that the USA has a vice president for torture. I think it is just reprehensible. He (Mr Cheney) advocates torture, what else is it? I just don't understand how a man in that position can take such a stance."

click here to see who!
**warning** picture in browser may be closer to an indictment than it looks.

Congressman John Kline Flying NWA's Bucks

Quick Quiz: So why wouldn't John Kline join with 87 other members of Congress in signing a petition asking North West Airlines to put a stop to outsourcing thousands of jobs?

Answer: John Kline who is on a first name bases with NWA CEO has taken $2500 from Northwest Airlines this cycle alone.

more at Dump John Kline Blog

Talk Liberal To Me!

Ah...Obama, I love it when you talk liberal to me!
"I know there are Democrats who don't want to give up spending, Republicans who don't want to give up any tax breaks for the wealthy and members of both parties who don't want to give up pet projects back home, but now is a time for shared sacrifice. Americans want members of both parties to put all options on the table to start solving this problem.

I believe that we can quickly find $100 billion for Gulf Coast reconstruction with a balanced approach that finds half the money in spending cuts and half the money in the delay and repeal of tax breaks, primarily for millionaires.

To cut $50 billion in spending, we could put a two-year moratorium on all pet projects and other local spending. We could defer projects such as the $10 billion mission to Mars or eliminate unnecessary business subsidies.

We could drop funding that gives private companies extra incentives to participate in the new Medicare drug program--as the Senate already has agreed to do, though the White House has refused thus far. We could save Medicaid money by increasing the rebates that brand-name drug manufacturers owe the program.

Rather than this measured approach, some in Congress have advocated indiscriminate across-the-board cuts. This is an irresponsible approach. In their own budgets, Americans don't cut back on essentials such as food, heating and health care before first forgoing luxuries, and Congress shouldn't either.

Others intent on cutting spending have pointed to Alaska's "Bridge to Nowhere" as a wasteful project. I agree and believe that it represents the first type of project we should cut. But it's wrong to single out one state's pork project. If we're serious about shared responsibility, let's eliminate all pork projects in all states. To find $50 billion in tax breaks, we could postpone a planned tax break for millionaires, and we could temporarily roll back one of the tax cuts for those who make an income of more than $2 million per year."

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

We Do Not Torture, But I Lie

President Bush defended his policy regarding American held prisoners this week by stating ""We do not torture".

Again
and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again....he lies.

Bush Drives Up the Cost of Local Eggs!

Bush is coming.
Do I buy the eggs now or wait?
Ahhhhhhh, guess I better get them now...
Imagine the run on eggs as we get closer to his royal ass appearing in Minneapolis. Local egg vendors could really make a killing by raising their prices. On second thought, given recent polls, they probably will give the eggs out!


It's exciting to have the Bush come to Minneapolis to show that his lack of ethics extends to Mark Kennedy et al.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Vets Get Dished By Republican House Committee

Veterans Day Outrage: Conservatives End 55-Year-Old Practice of Hearings for Vet Groups

From Think Progress: "On Tuesday - three days before Veterans Day - House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN) announced that for the first time in at least 55 years, 'veterans service organizations will no longer have the opportunity to present testimony before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees.' "
more

A Veteran Letter to Bush

A Veteran Speaks to President Bush on Veterans Day

Bob Geiger writes: "President Bush, As our nation celebrates the contributions and sacrifices of America's Veterans today, I thought I would take the time to let you know how one Veteran feels about your commitment to our military and your true level of patriotism. After all, the Republican party smears anyone they oppose by questioning their support of the troops and their national loyalty so that's all fair game, right?"
more

Onward Kansas Into the Dark Ages

This fall, when we set our clocks back an hour, Kansas got confused and kept going back...into the dark ages. It's understandable, afterlife they're not real good with scientific facts.

What did Dorothy say when her government grade school taught her that marriage and the family were outdated social constructs of privilege that Jesus had two mommies?

"Well Toto, it looks like we're not in Kansas anymore!"

What is happening in Kansas?

For starts, science has been undermined by the narrow view of the religious right. Proponents of ID (intelligent design) believe and want taught a version of creationism but without it having any bases in facts or having it proven in scientific terms.

Like all religion, 'ID' is based in faith. Supporters say 'you must believe because...Well, because! Or else!' And framing is everything, down to even the naming...ID? Intelligent? It should be called My God is better than your Science.

Naturally if you don't believe in their half baked religious tenet, you're labeled confused, Satan, unpatriotic, un-American, or a 'radical'. The religious right has shown us that they are willing to destroy any social system, any science, any culture and any society in order to replace it with their 'beliefs'. Personally, if you want to believe in the holy muffin man...have at it. But we left the 'dark ages' a while ago and really it's time to move forward.
more here and here.

P.S. The earth isn't flat and evolution is a proven fact... no amount of closing your eyes, wishing real hard, and clicking your heels together will change that! Any more than teaching half baked fairy tales in public schools will make them true.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Bush's War on Veterans

story here

On Friday, November 11, Americans will observe Veteran's Day. This is a day set aside to honor our war veterans. I cannot think of a more worthy purpose for a holiday.

Now let me guess: this Veteran's Day, George W. Bush will strut his way into a specially choreographed photo opportunity and smirk and say some carefully crafted yet predictable and hollow-sounding words about how the American people appreciate the sacrifices that our veterans have made in the noble quest to defend freedom and democracy.

And he will be right. We the people do appreciate the sacrifices that our veterans have made.

After all, our brave veterans made those sacrifices while Dubya's congressman dad pulled enough strings to get his boy out of harm's way and into the elite Texas Air National Guard to avoid Vietnam.

Our brave veterans made those sacrifices while Dick Cheney arranged for five separate deferrals because he had "other priorities."

Our brave veterans made those sacrifices while Congressman Tom DeLay managed to draw a high draft number and then orchestrate some convenient deferrals, while stating that he really wanted to serve, but that all the slots were taken by blacks and Hispanics.

Our brave veterans made those sacrifices while House Speaker Dennis Hastert avoided duty due to bad knees - the same knees that didn't stop his college wrestling career.

And so on.

Okay, so these guys don't have what it takes to earn the title of veteran. But they do seem to have what it takes to be hypocrites and punish those veterans who actually had the nerve to serve, while at the same time praising them for their selfless sacrifices.

Yes, these self-proclaimed "compassionate conservatives" are punishing our veterans.

Some examples:

Earlier this year, Republican leaders in Congress blocked $2 billion in emergency funding for veterans' health care from the $82 billion supplemental funding bill. They felt that the money would be better spent in Iraq and Afghanistan, where we're producing more and more injured soldiers for whom we cannot afford adequate medical care.

Then the Bush administration requested a mere 2.7 percent increase in Veterans Affairs (VA) spending, even though the VA's under-secretary testified last year that the VA health care system needs a 13 to 14 percent increase annually to maintain their current level of services.

Thousands of veterans of the first Gulf War are suffering the effects of exposure to depleted uranium, or have died from that exposure, yet the U.S. government denies the effects and continues to ship depleted uranium munitions for use in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Some wounded U.S. soldiers have returned home from the current war in Iraq only to learn that they are being referred to credit agencies who want the soldiers to pay for equipment they lost when they were injured; or for charges for military housing.

And about one-fourth of all homeless Americans are veterans. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Two percent of them are female. Most of these cases are attributed to lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks.

This is how our government treats those who have so bravely fought for their country. It's no wonder that the military recruiters are finding it so difficult to meet their quotas, even in the "red states."

The Bush administration would be wise to consider the words of George Washington, our first Commander-in-Chief, who said: "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."

Happy Veteran's Day.

Mary Shaw is a Philadelphia-based writer and activist. E-mail mary@maryshawonline.com.

How We Honor Minnesota Veterans?

Veterans account for nearly one-third of all homeless men in America, even though the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says they comprise only 13 percent of adult males in the general population.

Veterans are twice as likely as other people to be chronically homeless... One in five of those who live at or below the poverty line are veterans or widows of veterans.

In addition to the complex set of factors affecting all homelessness … extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income, and access to health care … a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks.

Minnesota FACT: 42 funded beds for 1,961 homeless Minnesotan Veterans!

What can you do?

Determine the need in your community. Visit with homeless veteran providers. Contact your local mayor’s office for a list of providers.

Involve others. If you are not already part of an organization, pull together a few people who might be interested in attacking this issue.

Participate in local homeless coalitions. Chances are there is one in your community. If not, this may be the time to start bringing people together around this critical need.

Send a financial donation to your local homeless veteran provider.

Contact your elected officials, and discuss what is being done in your community for homeless veterans

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

32 Months and 2000+ American Deaths Later

Thirty-two months and 2,000+ American deaths into Bu$h's illegal and immoral war -- is possibly the first published image of a U.S. military fatality to appear in the MSM.



Has the NY Times published the first picture of a dead US soldier in Iraq of any corporate media outlet? Is anyone paying attention? This just isn't right.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

City of Lonsdale (Minnesota) Election Results

In Brief:
Lonsdale Mayor Re-elected.
One City Council Member Re-elected.
New City Council Member elected.

Here's how the numbers break down:

In the Mayor's Race Tim Rud won re-election with 477 votes against mayorial candidate Roz Carson who received 123 votes.

Blaine Smith recieved the most votes in the City Council race with 306 votes and in second was Fritz Duban with 238 votes.

***

It is apparent that a majority of those who voted are concerned over public safety with electing Blaine Smith.
Smith ran on his experience as a current Rice County Deputy Sheriff and his wealth of Law Enforcement knowledge.
From Smith's flyer: "As this town continues to grow, I for one want to know that we can depend on Lonsdale to keep our kids, homes, schools and streets safe... At election time, vote for me to be your voice on quality of life and public safety concerns."

***

The Governator is Special!

There's just not end to their arrogance and abuse of power. Ask yourself, if the roles were reverse, how would you be treated...

from Raw Story:
Due to a problem with Electronic Voting Machines in Los Angeles County, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was told he had already voted when he showed up at the polls today to cast his ballot in the Special Election that he himself declared for California today!

He was told he'd have to use a provisional ballot, but unlike most American voters, he was eventually allowed to use a regular ballot anyway.

Los Angeles County Registrar, Conny McCormack (a huge fan of Diebold machines, and a very good friend of their sales rep here in Southern California) is trying to mitigate the damage...big time...Though she admits that someone "breached protocol in advance of the election"

It should be further noted, that the Governator was attempting to vote in Sacramento! Not in Los Angeles County! So the "breach" which would have kept a normal citizen from voting in one county, occurred in a completely different county!

Monday, November 07, 2005

Coleen Rowley: The Real Thing

There's a posting at Daily Kos on Coleen Rowley (CD2 Congressional Candidate), saying Coleen is the 'Real' thing.

Maureen Dowd did an OpEd, in the NY Times. She was relating women she thought were heros. On the list was Minnesotan Coleen Rowley.

Coleen risked a twenty year career at the FBI to do what she thought was ethically correct. She was in Time as 'Women of the Year' for 2002.

And not satisfied to leave it at that, Ms. Rowley running as a Democrat for congressional office in Minnesota's second district. She's going up against GOP John Kline who has sullied his name by voting straight bush/delay agenda.

Judging from all the GOP party hacks that have lined up to take a shot at Coleen in recent weeks, they must be worried she'll win! Even the ever poisenous Ann Coulter has chimed in and taken a swipe at Rowley for being 'too right' (there's just no winning with these folks!)....fortunately for those of us in the second district, Coleen Rowley is the 'Real' thing!

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Poor in America: Introduction - Katrina and Outrage

I, as most of the world, watched in horror as Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. What was uncovered was something worse than the storm. It was the conditions that most of the victims of Katrina were in... the conditions before the storm.

Those mostly affected by Katrina's wrath were the poor. Those living in poverty, right here in the United States of America.

I was glued to the television reports on Katrina. I could not believe what I was seeing. I became mad at various people and then latter in that week rage set in. Outrage and anger combined in me. I don't ever remember being so outraged and angered in my entire life. The thing was, I didn't know what I was angrier about - that there were so many people living here in America - the richest country in the world, who were poor and forgotten or that our government failed these individuals on so many levels.

Outrage and anger can destroy you, or if you use them in your efforts to create change - they can end up helping people. I have chosen to take this outrage and anger and redirect it to create positive changes in regards to the poor and working poor in America. It is my hope that we can begin discussing this issue. And hopefully in doing so, create change.

This is an introduction to a series of postings that I'll be doing on the poor & working poor in America. Please feel free to add your comments or any helpful information to the postings.

Here is a good place to start this journey - with words from local Religious Leaders: A Question of faith: Where is religious outrage for the poor?

And then with pictures:
Portraits of Home - Families in Search of Shelter in Greater Minnesota

Saturday, November 05, 2005

True Colors... And He's Still Being PAID!!!

Michael Brown quit as Federal Emergency Management chief, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina - he should have been FIRED!!!
There's something deeply and morally wrong with this picture. In a recent story on CNN.com, e-mails that Brown made during Katrina have been made public. Brown's lack of leadership and lack of a moral compass have been exposed through his e-mails. In one e-mail he asks 'Can I quit now?' - Don't believe it? Here's the article: 'Can I quit now?' FEMA chief wrote as Katrina raged

I don't know what is worst:

1. Brown's lack of leadership
2. Brown's e-mails
3. President Bush's lack of Leadership (Why he didn't react faster to Katrina? Why he didn't fire Brown?)
- or -
4. That Brown is still being paid by the American people!!!

To me, it all equals a morally deficient administration.

Take action NOW - write your Senator, and Congress Person! Let them know that it is not OK for us to be paying a person who has failed miserably at their job.

I don't know about Washington D.C., but here in Minnesota if you fail at your job, you get FIRED!!!

Friday, November 04, 2005

SOBs Just Don't Care

"Simply put, we want to bring out the wackos to vote against something and make sure the rest of the public lets the whole thing slip past them."

DeLay aide Mike Scanlon, in a memo read aloud at the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

SOBs...every damn one of 'em.

Did you get that folks? They don't care about you. Even if they count on you, THEY DON'T CARE!!! They really don't care.


Hat tip to VirginiaDem at Kos.

A Pig with Lipstick is still....

...A 'Moral Disaster of Monumental Proportion Reconciliation Act'

Just two days after Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) forced a closed session to highlight an alleged lack of progress into a probe of pre-Iraq war intelligence, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) staged another act of political disobedience today.

Lautenberg filed an amendment to change the official name of the "Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act 2005" to the "Moral Disaster of Monumental Proportion Reconciliation Act." (Click for PDF screenshot)

"Let's call this bill what it is -- a moral disaster," explained Lautenberg. "This bill would close the door of opportunity and cut critical services to the poor, elderly, sick and hungry.

This bill...
Medicaid is cut by $9.5 billion over the next five years, $7.4 billion of which will fall directly on low-income Americans in the form of increased co-payments and premiums, so-called "flexibility" that will allow states to cut benefit packages for certain individuals, and provisions that will make it harder for some seniors to access needed long-term care.

Food Stamps are cut by $844 million over five years. These cuts could affect some 300,000 people nationwide, including legal immigrants who would have to wait seven years before becoming eligible, up from the current five years.

Child Support is cut by $4.9 billion over five years. This will reduce states' capacity to enforce child support orders, and result in children receiving $7.1 billion less in child support payments over five years.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is cut by $425 million over five years. This cut is achieved by requiring some persons with disabilities to wait up to an additional year to receive all of the benefits they are owed.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) is reauthorized in the House bill, which significantly increases work requirements but does not provide adequate child care funding for families making the transition from welfare to self-sufficiency.

Student Loans are cut by $14.3 billion over five years, primarily through increases in the interest rates and fees that students pay. At a time when college costs are rising faster than inflation, the House is poised to make the largest cut in the history of the student loan programs.

The House Budget Committee will compile all of the budget cuts into one big omnibus budget reconciliation bill which will go to the House floor for a vote. The House reconciliation bill cuts 44% more than was agreed to by the House and Senate in the original budget reconciliation conference report in April. The House cuts are $11 billion higher than the reconciliation cuts being considered in the Senate.

While it may appear that the deep cuts in the House bill are necessary to reduce the federal deficit or offset the costs of hurricane relief efforts, the reality is that these spending cuts, imposed mostly on low-income people, are being used to offset $106 billion in tax cuts - $70 billion of which will occur in the tax portion of the budget reconciliation process. Consequently, the House budget reconciliation bill does not reduce the federal deficit; it increases it by $16 billion to $40 billion over the next five years. These growing deficits threaten the country's ability to address a wide range of priorities in education, environmental protection, affordable housing, energy, transportation, and more.

This action alert for this is available online at www.mncn.org/bp/housealert.pdf

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Dear Kline: Give Delay's Money to Charity!

Kline has an important choice to make...Does he accept and encourage the sort of unethical behavior epitomized by Tom DeLay or does he put his foot down and say enough? Sign a petition asking Kline to give the 'Delay Money' to Charity at http://www.ourfuture.org/return_DeLays_cash.cfm

Here's the letter being sent:

Mr. Kline,
The climate of corruption and scandal in Washington is at an all-time high and you have accepted campaign contributions from Rep. Tom DeLay — the epitome of pay-to-play politics. By taking DeLay's money, you're sending a clear message that you're willing to profit from his unethical behavior.

You have a choice: either accept and encourage Tom DeLay's corruption or put your foot down and say enough! We demand that you take the money that you've accepted (~$40,000) from Tom DeLay and reinvest it to address one of America's most pressing priorities — helping Katrina victims rebuild their lives.

Quote of the Day

"Her greatness lay in the fact that she did what everyone CAN do, but most people don't do."

Michigan governor during Rosa Parks funeral tribute:

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

You're Better Off Dead

Really I don't make this stuff up:
A new vaccine that protects against cervical cancer has set up a clash between health advocates who want to use the shots aggressively to prevent thousands of malignancies and social conservatives who say immunizing teen-agers could encourage sexual activity.

Those "social conservatives" want sex to be as painful, shameful, costly and risky as possible... until they (speaking for g*d... stamp their approval on it (I'll leave it for you to decide what constitutes an "approvable" sexual relationship with these people). But it's obviously that death by cervical cancer is okay with this group but sexual conduct may not be.

Remember, it's not about faith, it's about control.

A Gold Mine Called Avian Flu

Defense Secretary Rumsfeld is reaping windfall profits from the global panic over the possible outbreak of avian flu in humans, as demand for Tamiflu increases worldwide.

Tamiflue is turning out to be a private gold mine for Rumsfeld, who was the chairman of Gilead Sciences Inc which produces the drug.

In July, the Pentagon ordered $58 million worth of Tamiflu for U.S. troops, while Congress plans to buy multibillion dollars' worth of the drug.

Mr. Rumsfeld has asked administration lawyers for advice on conflict of interest, but none of them would comment. Instead he consulted an outside lawyer and was advised to keep his stock, to issue a public statement and recuse himself of decisions related to the drug

This is just like that conflict of interest with Cheney who is the former CEO of Haliburton which has won tons of no bid contracts for services in Iraq and is making a good profit off of these high gas prices.

Funny how these things seem to work out for the boys in the white house!

KaPOW



Will there be a nasty political fight to make people forget that the White House is choked full of criminals? Will Asian Chicken Flu capture the media's attention while Rove continues to drive stakes into the heart of our constitution? Can Bush change from 'court tv' to 'little white house of g*d'?

Stay tuned to find out. Same Bush-time, same Bush-channel.

Kudos to 'This Modern World' and Greg Saunders for the pios.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Scooter Meet Bubba

Scooter, let me know where you land...at one time I did some work in a couple of west coast maximum security prisons... maybe I could formally introduce you to big bubba and the gang.

"If convicted Libby could face the following penalties:
Obstruction of justice: 10 years in prison.
Making false statements: 5 years.
Perjury: 4 years.
Going to jail with the name Scooter: Priceless."
---Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live