Republican Culture of Corruption:

Delay Aide Pleads Guilty

Do we need to say more? The rusty shell of lies are starting to crumble. Wonder what kind of deal Rudy will agree to. And Delay won his primary, well good for him, not so good for GOP. The Dems might just pick that seat up after all.

Karma; can't hide from it for long...

Wonder why this plea was made on a Friday?

It's Finally Friday

Merry Friday, Stay dry and have fun this weekend.

The Peeps:
Every year the Pioneer Press has a Peep Diorama contest. And every year my friends enter.

• In 2004, we glimpsed 'the Peeps March for Choice in Washington DC'.
• In 2005, we held back tears of joy as we witnessed a union of love in 'A Same Peep Wedding'.
• For this year, 2006, we travel to 'Mount Choice-No-More' in the Black Hills of South Dakota in support of our sisters controlling their own health issues.

From the start, our art had a bumpy start. In 2004 we were told that our entry got lost in the mail...fortunately we had a signed receipt (surprise!) to prove otherwise. However it took several emails (and a few threats of sticking things where peeps shouldn't go to get the 'pp' to acknowledge they had gotten our entry.) I believe Jesus the peep hanging on a cross won that year. They did finally post our diorama but too late for the judging.

In 2005 they receive out entry but once again I think Jesus the peep won for the last supper (are you sensing a theme here?) This year we hope to be aknowledged and we hope that we are not censored (again). Clearly this is fine peep art that happens to have a fine message for basic human rights.

Old Weekly Reruns:
Yeah, we're doing good over there...rebuilding power plants, painting schools, fomenting democracy and goddamn...encouraging the development of Death Squads as Foreign Policy. We've seen this movie before.

What's the difference between an "insurgent" and a "death squad"? Seems that it's whether or not your ultimate nominal leader is Osama bin Forgotten, or Preznit Sniffin' D. Coke

CD2 Congressional Run Down:
Marko dropped out of the congressional race clearing the way for Coleen Rowley. Amid low delegate counts and rumors of a first round endorsement for her opponent, Marko decided to face reality. Ever the 'what's in it for me' Democrat, Sharon decline to support Coleen. Her supporters are following suit by posting up over at Backbone. You can almost hear the whine of sour grapes from here!

It's all True!
What we’ve been saying about the Iraq invasion: All true.

Quote of the Week:
From Kos
The Civil War I partly lived through, in El Salvador, cost 100,000 lives over 12 years.
That's an average of 23 per day.

The civil war in Algeria has cost 200,000 lives since 1988, or roughly 37 killed per day.

And so on. What we're seeing in Iraq is far more horrific than your garden-variety modern-day civil war. It truly, honestly, isn't a matter of debate anymore. As for temperature, it's already twice to three times as hot of some of the most recent, deadliest civil wars.

This Week's Moonbat for God:
Yesterday, Rev. Scarborough said this about Tom Delay:

"This is a man, I believe, God has appointed ... to represent righteousness in
governmentt,"

His audience included Eagle Forum Founder Phyllis Schlafly, former ambassador Alan Keyes, and Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

Geez, the Rev. could be considered the sane one in that group...Stand clear! It could be catching?!

Horse Race

From Zogby:

Governor:

Tim Pawlenty (R): 43.5%

Mike Hatch (DFL): 42.6%



Tim Pawlenty (R): 44.1%

Becky Lourey (DFL): 38%



Tim Pawlenty (R): 44.1%

Steve Kelley (DFL): 37.5%



Senate:

Amy Klobuchar (DFL): 49.2%

Mark Kennedy (R): 41.4%



Ford Bell (DFL): 45.7%

Mark Kennedy (R): 41.4%


What this shows is that the DFL is in a very strong position at this point. Tim Pawlenty is polling very low for an incumbent, not good for him. Amy Klobuchar is in very strong shape, way above the margin of error and possibly above the 50% line. Hatch is in a strong position.

Kelley and Lourey may be having name recognition problems as of yet, but all this poll really shows is how weak Pawlenty is, not necessarily how weak Kelley and Lourey are. In the Senate race Ford Bell is also above Kennedy, the GOP is in big trouble in the Senate Race. But they have yet to lie cheat and attempt to destroy the character of their opponents yet, so we cannot let our guard down.

Speak Melendez To Me (3)

"To compare beating Democrats to defeating the Confederate Army is either an absurd display of historical ignorance or an insult to the intelligence of Minnesota." Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez said.

"Such an insinuation raises serious concerns about Gil Gutknecht's win-at-all-costs mentality. He should be ashamed of himself for stooping so low, apologize to Democrats across the country and get on with running a more positive campaign based on the issues

"Mark Kennedy, on the other hand, should be embarrassed that his good friend and ally used such tactics on his behalf. Representative Kennedy has said repeatedly that he wants this campaign to be about the issues. Well, he has a choice to make right now. Will he run a positive campaign, come clean about where he stands on the issues and let the voters decide based on merit? Or will he employ the insult-and-divide strategy he learned from the Karl Rove playbook, while following the orders of President Bush 92 percent of the time?"If Representative Kennedy truly wants a campaign about the issues, he must immediately denounce Gil Gutknecht's ignorant and incendiary rhetoric. If he doesn't, Minnesotans will know they can expect another campaign full of distasteful distortions and distractionsfrom him."

While Bu$hCo Makes Hay

Saudi Arabia Acquiring A Nuclear Bomb?
This is all we need in the Middle East:

Saudi Arabia is working secretly on a nuclear program, with help from Pakistani experts, the German magazine Cicero reported in its latest edition, citing Western security sources.

It says that during the Haj pilgrimages to Mecca in 2003 through 2005, Pakistani scientists posed as pilgrims to come to Saudi Arabia. Between October 2004 and January 2005, some of them slipped off from pilgrimages, sometimes for up to three weeks, the report quoted German security expert Udo Ulfkotte.

Cicero, which will appear on newstands tomorrow, also quoted a US military analyst, John Pike, as saying that Saudi bar codes can be found on half of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons ‘because it is Saudi Arabia which ultimately co-financed the Pakistani atomic nuclear program.’

The magazine goes on to say satellite images indicate that Saudi Arabia has set up a program in Al-Sulaiyil, south of Riyadh, a secret underground city and dozens of underground silos for missiles. According to some Western security services, long-range Ghauri-type missiles of Pakistani-origin are housed inside the silos.

If true, it will confirm everyone’s worst fears about the Bush administration’s decision to ignore the international nuclear black market that Pakistan was running through disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist, Abdul Qadeer Khan.

Bu$hCo blandly accepted it when Pakistan President Musharraf declared that the network ran by Khan was an act of private enterprise, and had nothing to do with the Pakistan government. Bu$hCo willingly suspended disbelief when Musharraf pardoned A.Q. Khan, seen as a national hero in Pakistan, for his role in the black marketing of nuclear technology, and allowed him to keep all the money he made in the process.

The Bu$hCo made a determination at the time that getting tough with Pakistan about these clandestine nuclear proliferation activities would lead them to withdraw the support they were extending in the war on terror. And their support in the war on terror was deemed to be more important than anything else including an illegal nuclear program.

If the report in Cicero is true, Pakistan’s support to the Saudi nuclear program happened well after A.Q. Khan (January 2004). It happened well after Pakistan claimed to have dismantled A.Q. Khan’s clandestine network. There are no individuals who can now be made the scapegoats for this. If Pakistani scientists have been involved in mentoring a Saudi nuclear program as described, then this has to have been a Pakistani government enterprise.

The Bu$hCo will, no doubt, be equal to the task of professing to be extremely surprised by this turn of events. And if exposed we have no doubt they'll talk about lesser evils but history will have another spin.

Why Lawyers Get Fat

What’s with MPR sueing Gatheroo? Is this the best use of resources and time?

As minvolved points out:

This seems like as big a time-and-moneywaster as the MPR lawsuit against Al Gore, and furthers MPR’s reputation as the NewsCorp of public broadcasting. But don’t worry, there will be another pledge drive soon.

BTW, if you haven’t already tried Gatheroo, it's a great tool.

We Just Ask Them Nicely

When I read this headline, I wonder what part of reality the leadership of this country don’t get!

11-12 million people are not going to leave because we ask them or even try to enforce the law (now). They are here, they own property, they have family members that are citizens (including their children), they have jobs and in many cases, they were asked to come here by others (family, friends and business owners).

To say that it’s even possible to kick out this group of Americans (and yes they are Americans) borders on insanity. Besides, who’d clean their homes, drive their cars and be their nannys?

The Queen Stands Alone

Sharon Marko (MN D) has dropped out of the running for Congressional District 2. My source says that she announced on MPR just after 3 PM. Beside entering the race too late for the necessary fundraising, coming out of last weeks convention, Coleen Rowley had a solid 70 % of the delegates in their camp. However, having Marko in the campaign helped focus Coleen Rowley's campaign and managed to get their field organization built into a strong grassroots base.

Now it's time to focus on John Kline and a win in CD2 this November!

Like Rats Off A Sinking Ship

Republican pollster Jan van Lohuizen, in a memo written for RNC chairman Ken Mehlman, warns that if members of Congress try to drive a wedge between themselves and President Bu$h, it'd be akin to adding weight to an anchor.

Here’s my favorite part from the memo:

The President is seen universally as the face of the Republican Party. We are now brand W. Republicans.

All GOPers are 'W Brand Republicans' whether they like it or not....it has a nice ring to it...And van Louhizen, who has polled (often secretly) for the Bu$h White House under the RNC aegis for years, is obviously worried about low turnout among the other problems facing those who hitched thier stars to the burned

The Right To A Better Life

"Bring me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free"

Over 500,000 people stream into downtown Los Angeles for a PRO-immigrant rally while the US House passed legislation that would make it a felony to be in the US illegally, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants, require churches to check the legal status of people they help, and erect fences along on-third of the US-Mexican border.

Elger Aloy, 26, of Riverside, a premed student, pushed a stroller with his 8-month-old son at Saturday's Los Angeles march and called the legislation ''inhumane.'' Elger said:

''Everybody deserves the right to a better life”

When Silence Is Betrayal

Coleen Rowley risked her career, her standing in the community, and her reputation to speak the truth. Isn't that someone we want in Congress?

Another FBI agent in 9/11 case points to negligence and backs up what Coleen Rowley has been saying all along.

"Samit's recollections and frustrations were the first ground-level account of how FBI agents in Minneapolis where Moussaoui was arrested on a visa violation three weeks before the attacks, were appalled that supervisors in Washington would not support their attempts to obtain search warrants to find out why the 37-year-old Frenchman was taking flying lessons and what role he might have in a wider plan to attack America."

"Samit's suspicions have been backed up by Coleen Rowley, then an FBI lawyer in Minneapolis, who has also complained that Washington was blocking the Minnesota field office's attempts to determine what Moussaoui was really doing."

Friday's Shag

Hopefully all the hotair GOP garbage wedge rhetoric speeds up the Minnesota spring thaw! Have a nice weekend.
A Cartoon that's funny but....:








A Cartoon Moment:
"Hello There Children"
Is Chef back? Kinda

Where Bush Got His Ethics:
All in the family.
Former first lady Barbara Bush donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund with specific instructions that the money be spent with an educational software company owned by her son Neil.”

An Uncomfortable Moment:

'Unintentional contrast found between Senator Sharon Marko’s campaign for Congress in MN CD2 and Coleen Rowley’s campaign."

Notice went out on the cd's list server of an executive board meeting last night to discuss opening an office. No candidates were sent ‘special’ or personal invites as the meeting was specifically called to address office space within the district. Coleen Rowley showed up and so she was given a 2 minutes to speak over the objection of a Marko supporter who asked why Marko wasn’t specifically called and invited.

In the past ten years in CD2 Marko has attended zero fundraisers for CD2 or any of it's non incumbent democratic candidates. It was embarrassing to see her supporter ask for special treatment for Marko because she’s so out of touch with the grassroots workings of the district.

Think About It:
Are You Mad Enough Yet?
One of the first things a veteran Dkos front-pager told me after my promotion was that I could write a post condemning Dick Cheney and get 200 adoring comments in less than an hour. But ask unregistered voters to register, ask readers to consider signing a petition, and the turn-out is shockingly low.

The opposition is banking, literally, on our apathy. Karl Rove is depending on you not to register to vote. Dick Cheney is praying you won't talk two into joining you. Jerry Falwell and James Dobson are anointing themselves with magic wingnut oil to keep you from checking with your local party HQ to see if there's a candidate who needs volunteers, or something as simple as signatures to get a local candidate on the ballot. There are plants and trolls here specifically to stir up division and to spread the idea that your vote won't be counted, no matter where, no matter what.

Best Quote:
Just ask the general:
(Rumsfeld) has shown himself incompetent strategically, operationally and tactically, and is far more than anyone else responsible for what has happened to our important mission in Iraq. Mr. Rumsfeld must step down.

A Painful Three Years: Allah yistur min il rab3a
Baghdad Burning
"Three years later and the nightmares of bombings and of shock and awe have evolved into another sort of nightmare. The difference between now and then was that three years ago, we were still worrying about material things- possessions, houses, cars, electricity, water, fuel…

It’s difficult to define what worries us most now. Even the most cynical war critics couldn't imagine the country being this bad three years after the war... "

Allah yistur min il rab3a (God protect us from the fourth year).

Chilling of a Blog

This is just sad. Minvolved, a solid, well written and always informative blog is going silent, because of slimy, threatening, worthless lumps of dung who instead of entering into lively debate and meaningful give and take, put a chilling effect on free speech in the blogging community.

I do not blame CP, protecting one's family is always job number one, that is actually why some bloggers are involved in politics. The way our current government is being run, is threatening to all families, just not as directly as it seems CP is dealing with now (well, not yet at least). He has said that he does not feel directly threatened as of yet, and is only doing this to avoid future problems, but we should all take note. Another chilling reason to stay in the anonymous void. It is just sad, very very sad.

I wish you the best CP, as well as your family, and hope to see you reemerge some day, even if I don't know its you.

Bring It On

Coleen Rowley's campaign knowing they will soon be challenging John Kline (MN-R) has hired Bill Hillsman (North Woods).

As Mother Jones points out Bill made his name in political advertising with spots that bucked the tired old formulas and got people talking. His past work includes Wellstone and Jesse Ventura.

Everybody Hates Us!?!

Pharyngula posted on a survey that ranks atheists lower than..everyone else on the planet.

From a telephone sampling of more than 2,000 households, university researchers found that Americans rate atheists below Muslims, recent immigrants, gays and lesbians and other minority groups in "sharing their vision of American society." Atheists are also the minority group most Americans are least willing to allow their children to marry.

They've been interviewing Bu$h and Bu$hwantabees:

"I don't know that atheists should be considered citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God." -Bush

We've become one nation under intolerance. Not surprising when the two main themes found throughout the Bible is religious exclusivity and religious intolerance. Let's just set the record straight. I won't bash you for believing some wacked out story rewritten to the point of propaganda but in return, try being half as tolerant as...a non moonbat wingnut wacko religious freak! Of course, that's just my opinion...

Looking For Some MN Billboard Space?

Kelly Doran (MN-D) has discovered what many rethugs and a few Democrats have yet to learn, 'Not Everything is For Sale...(yet)!' Okay there's more to it than that and yes money does make a difference. But money without a twinkling of ground swell support (particularly among Demos) makes for dead campaigns.

I actually like Doran, liked him even more when the 'CD2 Princess of Darkness' continued to foam at the mouth when she ranted and raved about him on all our lists and forums. Unfortunately having a common dislike of a moonbat wasn't enought to support him.

Hat Tip to Checks and Balances . I do disagree with one statement made regarding Senator Sheila Kiscaden (D-30-Rochester): "We know all of the campaigns had approached her to be their Lt. Governor candidate previously and it now appears she mistakenly chose Doran. "

Not much of a mistake when you consider she positioned herself to now be courted by all the contenters like Hatch, or Sen Lourey or Sen Kelley.

Throwing It Back In Their Face

MN Senator Becky Lourey, candidate for Governor, has put up a new website. She's really something! Agree or disagree with her on issues, she's willing to take the fight right back to the hate mongers.

Becky was the lone vote against the funeral protest bill. She's a rare politico that is willing to stand and vote her convictions. As the mother of a son that lost his life in Iraq, she has first hand understand of the grief but she took a stand supporting the right of free speech:

With a lone dissenting vote from Sen. Becky Lourey, the Senate approved restrictions Thursday on funeral protests such as one that marred the burial of a fallen soldier last month in Anoka.

The vote of 58 to 1 came a week after the House unanimously passed similar, but not identical, legislation. A conference committee will probably have to work out differences between the two bills.

Lourey, DFL-Kerrick, a candidate for governor and the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq last year, said she opposes the bill as an infringement of the free-speech right her son died to protect. No protesters showed up for the burial of Army helicopter pilot Matthew Lourey last June at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, but the senator said even that would not have changed her mind.

"If it had happened, I would have had to endure that," she said. "This is very emotional because the speech we're addressing is very ugly, but we can't repeal the Bill of Rights because of it."

Coleen Rowley Calls for NSA Hearings

Former FBI Special Agent and MN CD2 candidate Coleen Rowley shared her thoughts on NSA wiretapping (Huffington Post) and applauded Sen. Feingold’s call for censure of the President for keeping the issue in the public eye.

Least anyone forgets:

"In fact, Minneapolis agents were so convinced of the urgency of the situation involving Moussaoui that they requested use of this emergency provision, not the regular FISA process.

Unfortunately, this would have required Attorney General Ashcroft, who had just ranked terrorism as his lowest priority in early August 2001, to appreciate the danger and sign off on the "emergency." And it would have required then FBI Acting Director Pickard to take the emergency request to Ashcroft after he (Ashcroft) had rebuked him (Pickard) earlier that summer, as Pickard testified to the 9-11 Commission, saying "he (Ashcroft) didn't want to hear any more about terrorism." Given these circumstances, FBI Headquarters quickly gave up on Minneapolis' request to seek AG approval for use of this emergency provision."

Say That Again!

From Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar:

"I am proud to endorse Coleen Rowley for Congress in the Second Congressional District of Minnesota for 2006. During her prior 24-year career as an FBI agent and Minneapolis division legal counsel, she was not only respected for her dedication to ethics and law, but also to the FBI's mission of effective crime fighting and intelligence gathering.

Coleen has what it takes to win this race".

Speaking of Dixie Cups, String and Smoke Signals

How is this helping homeland security.

Tight budgets are “forcing some local Federal Bureau of Investigation agents to operate without e-mail accounts.”

“As ridiculous as this might sound, we have real money issues right now, and the government is reluctant to give all agents and analysts dot-gov accounts”

I've Got Some Ideas

From the DNC …

1. American jobs that will stay in America, using energy independence to generate those jobs.

2. A strong national defense based on telling the truth to our citizens, our soldiers and our allies.

3. Honesty and integrity to be restored to government.

4. A health care system that works for everybody just like they have in 36 other countries.

5. A strong public education system so we can have optimism and opportunity back in America.

Hey, Just Don't Take My Word For It.

We knew it all along.

Speaking Truth to Power...someone told us

Bush? Still a Liar.

BUSH: "First, just if I might correct a misperception, I don't think we ever said -- at least I know I didn't say that there was a direct connection between September the 11th and Saddam Hussein."

False!! Three years ago he did just that:

"The use of armed forces against Iraq is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations or person who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001." [President George W. Bush, Letter to Congress, 3/21/03]

Take Action Now and write a letter to your local paper!

Courage and Character

FBI Agent slams bosses during Moussaoui Trail.

Now where have we heard that before?
Elect someone to congress with the courage and character to stand up and speak out before it's the soup de jour.

What's To Celebrate?

Sunday is the third anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. Tell me again, what are we fighting for?

Beacause I Sez So

Bush re-affirms the use of pre-emptive use of force….
Something along the line of

"Because I sez so".

TGIF Roundup

It's all too real and in your face true. That said...have a nice weekend.

Favorite Site:
The worried shrimp
(a plucky virtual fly in a savage cybersea)
with 'BEWARE the Ides of March'

Urban Legend:
"Republicans are fiscally responsible and strong on security".

Understatement
This GOP-controlled Congress is: 'grossly fiscally unrestrained' and 'security sloppy'.

Pictures:
FEMA=Federal Emergency Management AWOL
- Mardi Gras 2006.

Bu$hCo's New Math
Nine trillion = $9,000,000,000,000.00

Biggest waste of MN resources:
Wedge issues instead of:

-fund education fully,
-fund social programs for working families,
-mprove our enviroment,
-work on comprehensive transportation programs,
-health care for all,
-growing state and local businesses that pay living wage jobs

Asleep At The Wheel

I'm not surprised.

Minnesota Leadership Against Bu$hCo's War

In March 2003, 20 of 67 Minnesota State Senators signed the below petition by Becky Lourey on the Iraq War. It speaks to real leadership and Minnesota values to gets out in front of important issues, even during the most difficult times, even when unpopular, even at risk of their political positions.

These 20 MN Senators recognized the devastating affect the war has had on funding services and lives. Notice how many of the 20 are women! Wonder why Sharon Marko didn't sign on? Perhaps she just wasn't there that day.

We, the undersigned, hereby petition President George W. Bush to reject unilateral action against Iraq and actively employ peaceful means to achieve his stated objectives.

Although Saddam Hussein is a tyrant who is harmful to his own people, it is not clear that unilateral U.S. military action would result in a free and democratic Iraqi government. The likely results of a war are: massive, unnecessary loss of life; the destabilization of the Middle East; the radicalization of anti‑American groups; the unavoidable distraction from other objectives; and less security for Americans.

We recognize that many of our experienced and respected military leaders advise caution and continued use of multilateral and diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful solution.

We give our unconditional support to U.S. military personnel serving at home and abroad in their tireless battle against global terrorism, and should our military forces engage in war in Iraq, we give our unyielding support to our young men and women serving in our nation’s military, even if we oppose the policy that sent them there.

The Bush Administration¹s stated goals of a potential war in Iraq, such as replacement of the Iraqi government, economic redevelopment of Iraq, disarmament of the Iraqi military, are as likely to be achieved without war as with war. Our best hope is through strong multilateral action in unity with other nations.

Sen. Becky Lourey
Sen. Ellen Anderson
Sen. John Marty
Sen. Linda Berglin
Sen. David Tomassoni
Sen. Larry Pogemiller
Sen. Scott Dibble
Sen. Jane Ranum
Sen. Wes Skoglund
Sen. Sandra Pappas
Sen. Leo Foley
Sen. Mee Moua
Sen. Yvonne Prettner-Solon
Sen. Ann Rest
Sen. Jim Vickerman
Sen. Thomas Bakk
Sen. Satveer Chaudhary
Sen. Linda Scheid
Sen. Tom Saxhaug

Ten Years Later

Nearly two dozen sitting Democratic Senators voted to censure Bill Clinton over a blow job.

Today we know Bu$hCo broke laws and lied to Congress. How many Democratic Senators will vote to censure Bu$h?

More 'Shock N Awe'

Bombs away!
Bomb with with missles, promises, propaganda, threats...won't change things. We're just growing the grass that will be mowed down but they just don't get it.

Echo

I want to echo (yes, I am intentionally echoing) a post done by one of my favorite local bloggers. Not only is the blog always worth a read for the "Katherine Kersten's Korner" column, but there is some pretty smart analysis there too.

Anyway, I am always looking for leaders who speak truth to power and here is one;

"Jamie Raskin a law professor, when asked by a Maryland State Senator for his comments on the fact that the Bible says that marriage is between one man and one woman, said "Senator, when you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. You did not place your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible."

a link from a link, but this does need to get around.

Lobbyist Will Just Get Fatter

Having sat in, dined in, and been wined in the congressional dinning room...it's a lot nicer, but then they know that!

House lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly this year to ban former members who are registered lobbyists from the House floor and gym, and the Senate Rules Committee has unanimously supported legislation prohibiting retired senators who are registered as lobbyists from the floor of the upper chamber.

But congressional insiders say these reforms are largely meaningless because of Congress’s failure to restrict the access of lawmakers-turned-lobbyists to the Senate and House members’ dining rooms, where retired congressmen are seen much more frequently than on the Senate and House floors having quiet conversations.

No gym, no sweat — let’s have lunch from the hill

Iraq - The Un-Civil War

Today in Iraq : more death...

• Bodies of at least 87 people killed by execution-style shootings found in past 24 hours.
• Partial macabre breakdown of the mass killings mentioned above:
• Fourteen bodies — handcuffed and shot and dressed only in underwear —discovered in southeast Baghdad.
• Bodies of 15 strangled men found in west Baghdad.
• 29 bodies found stacked in mass grave in eastern Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad.
• One person killed and eight wounded when roadside bomb goes off near group of pilgrims on main road between Baghdad and Baquba, 65 km (40 miles) north of Baghdad.
• Unkown gunmen kill intelligence police in Al-Amirya west Baghdad.
  Police officer dies in hospital after being shot by gunmen at Al-Zaafaraniya south Baghdad.
• Editor of Iraqi magazine killed by gunmen in Al-Seidiya west Baghdad.
• Three bodies with gunshot wounds found in Mosul.

Not long after defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld states unambiguously that U.S. forces will stand by if the nascent civil war in Iraq accelerates, we read this:

"On Monday, in Sadr City, the Shiite section in Baghdad where the terrorist suspects were executed, government forces vanished. The streets are ruled by aggressive teenagers with shiny soccer jerseys and machine guns.They set up roadblocks and poke their heads into cars and detain whomever they want Mosques blare warnings on loudspeakers for American troops to stay out. Increasingly, the Americans have been doing just that.

There seems to be no minimum age to join the action. A playful boy named Musa, who said he was 11 but looked about 8, was part of a 4-foot-tall militia struggling to drag chunks of concrete into the street to block cars on Monday."We're guarding the road," Musa explained. He was carrying a toy pistol. Some of the other boys had real ones."

Killing The Messenger

I’ve had this discussion about bumper stickers with friends. They contend that over three stickers and you’re a certifiable obsessed wingnut cause junkie.

According to some, just three bumper stickers can mark you as a borderline cause junkie.

I change my stickers out often but right now I’m over double the 'normal' limit. The really good news is no matter how many I have on my car, they can only fire me once!

And just when can I expect to read that some moron gets fired for their 'Support Rush Fathead' or 'Support King George' sticker?

Double Speak and the Denial Admission

Norm Coleman denies wanting higher office. Isn't that like the snake saying he won't tempt Eve?

All this says is that Norm wants us to keep thinking about him for that role and view him as a humble servant (cough..glllkkk.. I can't even type that without gagging). He can flip (or flop) at any minute, and may be given the opportunity to "serve the people of MN" in a broader fashion once "asked" to be on someone's ticket. Come on, why should we believe him? He has just been a sham lock-step voter for BushCo from the day he was picked to run for the Senate by Dick Cheney. He has no integrity and will do whatever is best for him - forget MN, its just that simple. By him denying his "higher ambitions" now, we should assume he actually means to pursue it.

Double-speak at its worse.

TGIF MN Roundup

Quote of the Week

"The Taxpayers League has never created a private sector job in its life." Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington)

Coolest Caucus Story
Congressional candidate Coleen Rowley, visited several caucuses in Congressional District 2. While standing in the back of Senate District 40, greeting democrats as they entered, a group of republicans at their nearby GOP caucus heard that Coleen Rowley was at the DFL caucus. The republicans got up and left their GOP caucus in order to meet and talk with Coleen Rowley! Kline should start packing up his office. Even his own party members have had enough!

Interesting Website

Good taste or bad?!
Hat tip to Missy (I owe you a donut & beer!)
More on WalMart...Everyday Low Vices

Minnesota gets it'sv very own blue light specials.

TGIF Prayer
Oh Lord, get this idiot out of office. He's ripping holes in the wall!

Reframing the War
Just substitute 'civil war' anywhere you find the words 'sectarian violence'.

Can't Wait
This will be a collectors item! Jack's going to jail...but he won't be sitting alone!

So, Who was that giving the State of the State?

It sounded like Pawlenty, looked like Pawlenty, but spoke like a democrat. The only deviation from the democratic agenda (that I heard, I was laughing to hard), was the anti-gay stuff (which he buried pretty well). How many times did he quote JFK??

Don't worry though the republicans heard loud and clear his subtile comments about the anti-gay stuff, they applauded for quite a while for that. I guess they were desperately looking for something to applaud for.

Who was he trying to fool? We all know why he was trying to talk like a democrat. He knows he has no other ideas left that the voters will believe. He has to try and take democratic issues to run on if he is going to get reelected.

Oh, there is one thing I can believe he actually means; iPods are pretty cool.

Coleen Rowley To Appear On Almanac

Coleen Rowley who is running against John Kline (MN R) in congressional district 2 will be on Almanac tomorrow night, Friday, March 10.

CHANNEL 2 (TPT 2) Almanac. Check their schedule here.
I’m unsure of the exact time but sometime between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Initially Almanac wanted both Coleen Rowley and Sharon Marko (also a candidate), however, Marko declined stating she was unavailable for Friday. When asked about other possible future appearances Marko said she was “unavailable for the foreseeable future.”

MN Caucus Redux

I was surprised at the number of 'others' votes for Secretary of State and State Auditor. Wonder what it means? Have the candidates been working the area, doing mailings, or, could it be not much attention has been given to either of these positions through the media? Party activist need to roll up their sleeves, lots more work to be done:

Secretary of State

Christian Sande 15.4
Dick Franson 5.4
Mark Ritchie 38.3
Undecided/other 40.9

State Auditor

Reggie Edwards 12.1
Rebecca Otto 46.8
Undecided/other 41.1

Caucus Tonigh With Your Neighbors, Family, Friends

Tonight Caucus 7 PM. GO! Be a Democrat...

Don't let me hear you complain about being a DFLer or what the Democrats are doing or not doing if you can't be bothered to make a difference by getting involved.
"Liberals got women the right to vote. Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote. Liberals created Social Security and lifted millions of elderly people out of poverty. Liberals ended segregation. Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act. Liberals created Medicare. Liberals passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act. What did Conservatives do? They opposed them on every one of those things – every one. So when you try to hurl that label at my feet, ‘Liberal,’ as if it were something to be ashamed of, something dirty, something to run away from, it won’t work, Senator, because I will pick up that label and I will wear it as a badge of honor."

The Scarlet 'A' bortion

What's wrong with these South Dakota legislators?
Study after study shows that making abortions illegal won't stop them but better access to daycare, medical health care, affordable housing, education and living wages... will...

When will they start working and stop grandstanding?

And more...
According to a New York Times analysis , laws requiring minors to notify their parents has not produced the results advocates had hoped. For all the passions they generate, laws requiring minors to notify their parents or get permission to have abortions do not appear to have produced a drop in teenage abortion rates.

Providers interviewed in 10 states with parental involvement laws all said that of the minors who came into their clinics, parents were more often the ones pushing for an abortion, even against the wishes of their daughters.

Supporters of the laws say they promote better decision-making and reduce teenage abortions; opponents say they chip away at abortion rights and endanger young lives by exposing them to potentially violent reaction from some parents

Nationwide abortion rates have dropped since the mid-1980s, most precipitously for teenagers. But in three states -- Arizona, Idaho and Tennessee -- the percentage of pregnant minors who had abortions rose slightly after the consent laws went into effect.

Supporters of parental involvement laws say they allow parents to help their children make an important health care decision, as parents would on any other surgical procedure.

My take on this as the parent of several daughters: I would want them to come to me, but,if for whatever reason, they didn't ...Much better a trained medical staff than a dangerous back alley surgery or South Dakota legislators.

Should The DFL Provide More Incentives To Precint Leaders?

In Washington State one of the perks for Democratic Precinct Committee Officers is a free pass to the next delegate level during the off-year caucus cycle. Seemed to be a nice way to encourage precinct level leadership and active involvement. What do you think?

Oh btw, Caucus tomorrow March 7 at 7PM.

War, Friend Only To The Undertaker

The war today.

MR. RUSSERT: If you were to be asked whether things in Iraq are going well or badly, what would you say? How would you answer?

GEN. PACE: I’d say they’re going well. I wouldn’t put a great big smiley face on it, but I would say they’re going very, very well from everything you look at…

Yeah...Look at this, General…2300

They're shameless. They're evil, They're going to pay! 'War, huh Good God y'all- What is it good for- Stand up and shout it- Nothing' :

War by Edwin Starr

War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Uh-huh
War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again, y'all

War, huh, good God
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

Ohhh, war, I despise
Because it means destruction
Of innocent lives

War means tears
To thousands of mothers eyes
When their sons go to fight
And lose their lives

I said, war, huh
Good God, y'all
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again

War, whoa, Lord
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

War, it ain't nothing
But a heartbreaker
War, friend only to the undertaker
Ooooh, war
It's an enemy to all mankind
The point of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest
Within the younger generation
Induction then destruction
Who wants to die
Aaaaah, war-huh
Good God y'all
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it, say it, say it
War, huh
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Uh-huh
War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again y'all
War, huh, good God
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

War, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
War, it's got one friend
That's the undertaker
Ooooh, war, has shattered
Many a young mans dreams
Made him disabled, bitter and mean
Life is much to short and precious
To spend fighting wars these days
War can't give life
It can only take it away

Ooooh, war, huh
Good God y'all
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again

War, whoa, Lord
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

War, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
War, friend only to the undertaker
Peace, love and understanding
Tell me, is there no place for them today
They say we must fight to keep our freedom
But Lord knows there's got to be a better way

Ooooooh, war, huh
Good God y'all
What is it good for
You tell me
Say it, say it, say it, say it

War, huh
Good God y'all
What is it good for
Stand up and shout it
Nothing

Sanctity of Marriage or Anti Gay?

America will never lead the world in rights and freedoms when we try and deny rights to our own individual Americans. While many frame this issue outside of human rights, when you're treating or proposing to treat a class of Americans differently (homosexual, heterosexual, women, old folks, white, black, youth,,,), make no mistake this is about rights. In America We ALL enjoy liberties and rights under the law.

This issue of rights based on sexual preference seems to break over age with older 'boomers' being less likely to support 'rights for all' while Gen-Xers (20-30s), regardless of party affiliation, more likely to support SSMs (same sex marriages). They say that's because boomers still carry baggage from their parents. Still my folks have been married a long time (as long as I am old!) and they are outraged that any group would take it upon themselves to try and legislate a ban on SSM.They don't see the distinction between a race, a religion or a sex bigot.

Given today's divorce rate, touting the 'sanctity of marriage' is a joke. How could gays do any worse? And the institute of marriage could probably use the business with less and less of us Gen-X and Y's getting married.

Still I don't suppose they care about rights and liberties afterall they have their prejudices and self-righteousness to preserve and attempt to enact through our laws. But let's call it for what it is: Wrong, evil, appalling, anti-American, gay bashing and just plain prejudice.

DFL Chair Brian Melendez To Appear on 'Almanac"

DFL Chairman Brian Melendez along with Ron Carey (MNGOP Chair)will promote Precinct Caucuses on TPT's"Almanac," and discuss the 2006 Legislative Session, and 2006 campaigns.

"Almanac" appears on Twin Cities Public Television Channel 2 at 7 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, and also airs on Twin Cities Public Television Channel 17 at 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

www.dflcaucuses.org

Follow The Money

The Ads running in Minnesota...'Midwest Heros'.. has dampen down to allow the new GOP hate theme of the week...'gay marriages' to play out but like bad pennies..they'll be back so... Progress for American (outside funding!) is behind the Midwest ads that tout:

"We're defeating the terrorists and neutralizing the insurgents. Our troops are helping the Iraqi people and their new democracy transition to self-reliance. And in doing so, we're securing America from the threats of radical al Qaeda terrorists…"

Like any other endevor from Bu$hCo, this one has his cronies' calling cards all over it. Ken 'Cakewalk' Adleman is it's former chair. And those wanting more history, the nickname came because of his well circulated quote 'demolishing Hussein's military power and liberating Iraq would be a cakewalk.'

PFA is a front group for most all Pro-Bush administration propaganda if not the driver behind all of it. PFA supported/marketed Dubyah's Social Security privatization scheme, and both John Roberts and Sam Alito. They even did a full court press in support of Harriet Miers.

PFA isn't merely another Republican conservative organization. It is a fully funded arm of the Bush White House propaganda operation that was set up by ex-Bush/Cheney 2000 political director,Tony Feather. Independent expenditure groups such as Progress for America are legally barred from coordinating their efforts with political campaigns. But, as a matter of practical strategy, they pour money into political fights. Progress for America was also responsible for the influential spots depicting John Kerry as a flip-flopping windsurfer; that same theme was later put to use by the Bush-Cheney campaign and helped defined Kerry's image in the minds of many voters.

Here's how they operate...they create ads meant to invoke an emotional image and response, they replay the ads non-stop, and presto, the public starts to believe 30 second ads over reality...at least long enough to do the bidding of the campaign they are softening the field for...Normally the ads hit within 30-60 days of the issue debate or vote so that by the time they are exposed, usually it's too late.They like to stay focused on the swing states, where small changes in voting are likely to have large effects.

But I'm getting away from the point I want to make: PDA's top contributors have very strong ties to oil and gas companies. Many have made or inherited their vast wealth from gas and oil and are Texas Bu$hCo connected friends. Most are on record for supporting the Iraq War...in other words they stand to gain from the war continuing as opposed to...ending. Many like Rove supported the war before it was even a gleam in Bu$h's eye! Contributors include Rangers Chris LaCivita, Brian McCabe and Carl Lindner and Pioneer Paul Singer and Marilyn Ware. All of whom further their personal wealth by ensuring Bu$h stays in office and the Iraq war continues.

For more Campaign Finance Reports:

Disclosure Data Base for selected contributions to House, Senate and Presidential campaigns, Parties and PACs in the 1997-98 and 1999-2000 election cycles: Just type in a name... Just for fun, type in George Bush for interesting results!

View financial disclosure reports filed electronically by House and Presidential campaigns, Parties and PACs during the 1997-98 and 1999-2000 election cycle by searching in the FEC Electronic Filing Report Retrieval.

View actual financial disclosure reports filed by House and Presidential campaigns, Parties and PACs during the 1993-94, 1995-96, 1997-98 and 1999-2000 election cycles

As an aside I picked this up on DU:One of the largest contributors, Jerry Perenchio ($4,000,000 for the 2004 election cycle and another $4,000,000 for 2006), has tieds to marketing and ads and owns Univision Communications. A few years ago he spent $1 million trying to stop English immersion, Proposition 227. (Gee, why would a guy who owns the largest Hispanic broadcast (TV/Radio) outlet want to do that?!)

A TruthSurfer Exclusive!! Advance Look At MNGOP Domestic Spyware Packaging

In an effort to lay to rest some of the misconceptions about what the 'final anti-marriage CD' will have on it...Below is the lastest prototype packaging an anonymous GOP source (super double spy!) sent me. I notice there wasn't a disclaimer about collecting the information but I think there's enough clues for the average person...

A Long Silly Sad Way

Photos - music- soundbites. Two Rotten Potatoes (Bush and Cheney),a new entry in the HuffingtonPost contagious festival. Did I mention it was the wrong road traveled...a long silly sad way.

What Do We Want? When Do We Want It?

We want reform…just not real reform, too much, too soon, too real...

According to The Hill Senate Democrats have declined to support legislation proposed by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) to reform lobbying, even though he is their point man on the issue.

Good-government groups have made enforcement of the ethics and lobbying rules their top priority, and they consider Obama’s proposal the strongest means of enforcement. But lawmakers appear to view the medicine as too strong.

Democratic leaders tapped Obama to take a leading role on ethics reform when they unveiled their Honest Leadership and Open Government Act last month. They launched the initiative that would have created a Senate office of public integrity, which would have focused solely on lobbyists. It did not touch lawmakers.

When that initiative was launched, at a rally in the Library of Congress, Obama took center stage with Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Rules Committee ranking Democrat Louise Slaughter (N.Y.). Forty Democratic senators co-sponsored the bill.

Obama’s bill would go further by expanding the scope of enforcement to include lawmakers. It appears to have been ignored.

Once more, if you want a different outcome, you have to start supporting Democrats that will make a difference. Same old as in they all do it so why change.

Minnesota GOP Spyware - Not So Nice

The Minnesota GOP this week sent out spyware in the guise of hundreds of DVDs pushing for a anti-gay amendment. State Republican Chairman Ron Carey said the party's statewide mailing was to target districts of DFL senators. What he neglected to tell the press was that the DVD's also collects personal information and sends it to an unsecure website.

According to Wikipedia, spyware refers to malicious software that performs certain tasks on your computer, typically without appropriately obtaining your consent. Typical tactics include delivery of unsolicited pop-up advertisements; theft of personal information (including financial information such as credit card numbers); monitoring of Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes; or routing of HTTP requests to advertising sites.

Why doesn't it surprise me that instead of dealing with the issues that concern working American and their families like health care for children, protecting the environment, quality work standards, civil rights, civil liberties, fiscal responsibility...and yet the GOP continues to spend time trying to resurrect wedge issues with outside interest money. It goes to show how morally bankrupt the GOP have become to avoid real issues while putting spyware onto DVDs to collect personal information.