The FEMA Ice Follies Revisited
Agency opts to store millions of pounds for next disaster
FEMA just can’t seem to get it right and the President just doesn’t get it at all. FEMA is trucking ice all over the country in refrigerated trailers waiting for the next disaster because they didn’t get the ice to the right places during Katrina. So, now that they have paid for the ice, they don’t want to just dump it. They are storing it. Of course, storing ice in trucks is much more expensive than reselling or even dumping the ice and buying more when it is needed. That’s what our government does best – finds the most ridiculous and wasteful ways to spend our money.
And G.W. – what’s he doing? Oh, he’s creating photo opportunities by going to Gulf and saying a few nice words and pounding a few nails. It does not matter to me, how many platitudes he offers or how many nails he drives. He can never gain my trust. I pray that the rest of the United States citizenry can see through that smug smirk and blue collar shirt of his. He is as fake as the fur on my mom’s winter coat.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Stop Bush
Outside Inquiry Sought on Prosecutor's Demotion
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/100705A.shtml
Stories like the one referenced above just keep on coming.
And the last President was impeached for what?
George W. Bush makes Clinton look like a kid who cheated on his homework. The current President has used coercion, false information, abuse of power, and other such illegal tactics to put us at war, silence his critics, limit our freedom, increase his personal wealth and power, and on and on…
IMPEACH BUSH NOW
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/100705A.shtml
Stories like the one referenced above just keep on coming.
And the last President was impeached for what?
George W. Bush makes Clinton look like a kid who cheated on his homework. The current President has used coercion, false information, abuse of power, and other such illegal tactics to put us at war, silence his critics, limit our freedom, increase his personal wealth and power, and on and on…
IMPEACH BUSH NOW
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
George Will Is STILL An Idiot
VRA, All of It, Forever?
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was the noblest law of the 20th century. Some of its provisions, however, are now weird—and worse. --George Will
George Will is STILL an Idiot
In the above referenced piece by George Will, he makes a couple (only a couple) valid points. But no matter how many 4 and 5 syllable words Mr. Will uses, he still comes out wrong in the end. Mr. Will argues that there are certain parts of the Voting Rights Act, at the very least, that should be removed or changed. He does not even look at the facts pointing to voter fraud by the state of Ohio and other states during the last election. He simply dismisses the evidence with these 3 sentences:
One reason is that prominent Democrats, with their habit of seizing their own party's jugular, present the party as a bad, although practiced, loser. They assert what evidence refutes—"disenfranchising" (John Kerry's word) "a million" (Kerry's number) African-American voters in 2000, and the "suppression" (Howard Dean's word) of African-American votes in Ohio in 2004. Such meretricious laments encourage some African-American leaders to strike familiar sterile poses of victimhood.
“What evidence refutes…” Really, Mr. Will? What evidence are you looking at? Obviously, you have missed some huge pieces, such as first hand accounts by voters turned away from the polls and others who voted at electronic voting machines which changed their votes.
Mr. Will lives in a fantasy land. Until he decides to join us here in the real United States of America, he should not be allowed to continue spewing his opinions backed by unsubstantiated claims in a major news magazine.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was the noblest law of the 20th century. Some of its provisions, however, are now weird—and worse. --George Will
George Will is STILL an Idiot
In the above referenced piece by George Will, he makes a couple (only a couple) valid points. But no matter how many 4 and 5 syllable words Mr. Will uses, he still comes out wrong in the end. Mr. Will argues that there are certain parts of the Voting Rights Act, at the very least, that should be removed or changed. He does not even look at the facts pointing to voter fraud by the state of Ohio and other states during the last election. He simply dismisses the evidence with these 3 sentences:
One reason is that prominent Democrats, with their habit of seizing their own party's jugular, present the party as a bad, although practiced, loser. They assert what evidence refutes—"disenfranchising" (John Kerry's word) "a million" (Kerry's number) African-American voters in 2000, and the "suppression" (Howard Dean's word) of African-American votes in Ohio in 2004. Such meretricious laments encourage some African-American leaders to strike familiar sterile poses of victimhood.
“What evidence refutes…” Really, Mr. Will? What evidence are you looking at? Obviously, you have missed some huge pieces, such as first hand accounts by voters turned away from the polls and others who voted at electronic voting machines which changed their votes.
Mr. Will lives in a fantasy land. Until he decides to join us here in the real United States of America, he should not be allowed to continue spewing his opinions backed by unsubstantiated claims in a major news magazine.
Can You Say "Scapegoat"?
Behind the Abu Ghraib photos
In an exclusive interview, Lynndie England talks about her part in those now infamous pictures
This woman has done wrong and has admitted such. However, she is soldier – a soldier who followed orders. The estranged father of her child (with whom she does NOT have a friendly relationship) testified on her behalf at her trial. Did the military jury think that mattered in this case? Apparently not… They found her guilty (which she is appealing) and sentenced her to military prison. What happened to the colonels who were in charge of Abu Ghraib? One received a slap on the wrist – a scolding and an $8000 fine. The other is still being investigated according to the Pentagon. This is all okay with you sleepwalkers, right? Sit there in front of your Fox News and pretend everything you hear is the truth. Believe (as twisted as the story is) that these soldiers just took it upon themselves to abuse the Abu Ghraib prisoners without provocation and without orders or encouragement from the officers in charge. Right, and Eddie Murphy – the comedian/actor – can really understand animals as if they were talking to him.
In an exclusive interview, Lynndie England talks about her part in those now infamous pictures
This woman has done wrong and has admitted such. However, she is soldier – a soldier who followed orders. The estranged father of her child (with whom she does NOT have a friendly relationship) testified on her behalf at her trial. Did the military jury think that mattered in this case? Apparently not… They found her guilty (which she is appealing) and sentenced her to military prison. What happened to the colonels who were in charge of Abu Ghraib? One received a slap on the wrist – a scolding and an $8000 fine. The other is still being investigated according to the Pentagon. This is all okay with you sleepwalkers, right? Sit there in front of your Fox News and pretend everything you hear is the truth. Believe (as twisted as the story is) that these soldiers just took it upon themselves to abuse the Abu Ghraib prisoners without provocation and without orders or encouragement from the officers in charge. Right, and Eddie Murphy – the comedian/actor – can really understand animals as if they were talking to him.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Suicide or Botched Terrorist Attack?
Blast kills one at University of Oklahoma
Police probe apparent suicide near packed football stadium
Simply a suicide? I don’t think so.
This person was 100 yards from a packed football stadium. The person used explosives, not sleeping pills, nor a gun, nor did they jump from a tall building. The person’s name has not been released. All of these facts point to an attempted terrorist attack that did not happen. Thank God. My guess is that the person was headed toward the stadium when the bomb they were carrying prematurely exploded. Of course, we may never know the truth because the federal government covers up just about everything these days. Why isn’t this bigger news? Why not large headlines splashed across the front of MSNBC’s homepage? Very curious…
If it was an attempted terrorist attack, the implications are immense. Was the person affiliated with a well organized terrorist group or acting on his/her own? Did the person obtain the materials for the bomb from the college, the community or elsewhere? Have more attacks been planned for college and/or professional sports events?
This event might pass as a suicide, but it if more occur over coming weeks, we have a very serious problem on our hands.
Police probe apparent suicide near packed football stadium
Simply a suicide? I don’t think so.
This person was 100 yards from a packed football stadium. The person used explosives, not sleeping pills, nor a gun, nor did they jump from a tall building. The person’s name has not been released. All of these facts point to an attempted terrorist attack that did not happen. Thank God. My guess is that the person was headed toward the stadium when the bomb they were carrying prematurely exploded. Of course, we may never know the truth because the federal government covers up just about everything these days. Why isn’t this bigger news? Why not large headlines splashed across the front of MSNBC’s homepage? Very curious…
If it was an attempted terrorist attack, the implications are immense. Was the person affiliated with a well organized terrorist group or acting on his/her own? Did the person obtain the materials for the bomb from the college, the community or elsewhere? Have more attacks been planned for college and/or professional sports events?
This event might pass as a suicide, but it if more occur over coming weeks, we have a very serious problem on our hands.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Same Suit, Different Head
Bill Frist now facing two investigations
Senate Majority Leader allegedly disobeyed blind trust rules
Oh, aren’t you simply shocked? Who would have thought that the good doctor would have ever done something like this?
Duh…
Sitting President rigs 2 elections… Delay sells votes… Now Frist in an investment scandal…
This is getting old, but it’s apparently all just fine for sleepwalking Americans. They would rather impeach a President for lying about cheating on his wife. That is certainly more of a threat to our democracy, don’t ya think?
Senate Majority Leader allegedly disobeyed blind trust rules
Oh, aren’t you simply shocked? Who would have thought that the good doctor would have ever done something like this?
Duh…
Sitting President rigs 2 elections… Delay sells votes… Now Frist in an investment scandal…
This is getting old, but it’s apparently all just fine for sleepwalking Americans. They would rather impeach a President for lying about cheating on his wife. That is certainly more of a threat to our democracy, don’t ya think?
No More Feds
Military to Bush: U.S. needs search-rescue plan
Officials tell president national coordination needed for disasters, attacks
Hmmmm…. Really? You don’t say…
What the heck have you been doing with the billions of dollars that you’ve been stealing from us for the past 5 decades or more to fund agencies like FEMA? No, we don’t need national coordination from the federal government. The people need to tell the Feds to back off and create our own plan. The Feds have had more than enough time and money to do the right thing. We’ve seen how that works. No more B.S. from the Feds. It’s time for the citizenry to take matters into our own hands. Let’s get groups like the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, National Guard, local police and fire departments, etc. to form a “think tank” to create a plan that will work for everyone. If the Feds try to get there hands in it, just tell them to go dig a hole and stay there. We don’t them. When we needed there help, they weren’t there. They have sent the message loud and clear. WE CAN NOT DEPEND ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR HELP IN TIMES OF GREAT NEED. Your eyes are open, but are you awake yet, America?
Officials tell president national coordination needed for disasters, attacks
Hmmmm…. Really? You don’t say…
What the heck have you been doing with the billions of dollars that you’ve been stealing from us for the past 5 decades or more to fund agencies like FEMA? No, we don’t need national coordination from the federal government. The people need to tell the Feds to back off and create our own plan. The Feds have had more than enough time and money to do the right thing. We’ve seen how that works. No more B.S. from the Feds. It’s time for the citizenry to take matters into our own hands. Let’s get groups like the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, National Guard, local police and fire departments, etc. to form a “think tank” to create a plan that will work for everyone. If the Feds try to get there hands in it, just tell them to go dig a hole and stay there. We don’t them. When we needed there help, they weren’t there. They have sent the message loud and clear. WE CAN NOT DEPEND ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR HELP IN TIMES OF GREAT NEED. Your eyes are open, but are you awake yet, America?
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
The Wolves of L'Equipe
L'Equipe’s editor is a joke. Saying that the publication would have behaved the same toward a French rider is just ludicrous. Is he saying that NO French rider has EVER used performance enhancing drugs? If that is not what he is saying, then why have there been no accusations of French riders made by his paper. The French sports press needs to grow up. They need to “get over” the fact that an American has defeated cancer and become the most prolific cyclist in the history of the sport. I don’t want Lance to come out of retirement. His children deserve that he keep his promise to them. However, there is a part of me that wishes he would win not just 1 more Tour de France, but 3 more – you know, really wipe it in their faces. Of course, for him it would mean even more voracious feeding frenzies by the wolves of L’Equipe. The decision is Lance’s, but if he asked for my vote…
Let the wolves starve.
Let the wolves starve.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
A Response From My Father-in-law
I want to share an email message that I received from my father-in-law in response to an article that I sent him from Truthout.org. The article was http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/090305Y.shtml.
--Email begins--
It's tough. One really has to feel for the folks who for whatever reason remained in New Orleans. The bulk were old, infirm, hospitalized or poor; a few were foolish. None should be sentenced to what they got. It's very discouraging when the product doesn't match the promise; better to make no promise at all, whether it be disaster preparedness or preparations for war. An old college buddy (probably the closest person I have to a brother) expressed the same concerns about this storm. I've attached his note along with my reply to him below. It reflects my level of frustration:
"Right on, *friend’s name*! From my own past experience with disasters, a response of 4 to 5 days is the industry standard...for Russia, for Armenia and for Indonesia. And throughout the world, even back to the Titanic, how well you fare is directly related to your socio-economic status, not your race.
In the Titanic, for example, the death rate amongst the 3rd class passengers was a multiple of that of the first class passengers. We haven't changed much, it appears. It is also clear from previous experience that how a population does during that inevitable 5 day wait is totally dependent on local resources and the ability of people to help themselves and the others around them.
It was also known at all levels of government, years BEFORE the hurricane, in New Orleans there would be about 125,000 people who COULD not evacuate for reasons of infirmity or poverty. Nothing was in the "plan" for them!
The discouraging thing is that all of the "disaster planning" proved to be a scam...a waste of millions of tax dollars. We have done no better with planning and ample warning than the third world has done with no resources and no warning. Our societal priorities are also clear; we focus on those who can best help themselves while turning our backs or giving low priority to those known to be the most vulnerable.
But you're absolutely correct. The response represents a total failure of government at the local, state and national level! But, please remember, this failure has been brought to you by the same administration that did the planning for the Iraq invasion. Furthermore, they were as surprised and helpless to stop looting in Baghdad as they are in New Orleans. So, how could we have expected more?
Those who voted for this administration should fall down on their knees and pray for forgiveness! Those who didn't vote at all should rot in Hades, in a long gas line, strapped in an SUV that gets 5 mpg!!
End of lecture #2!”
--Email ends—
My father-in-law is obviously a man of intellect and great conviction. He is a world renowned Pediatric Nephrologist with many accolades bestowed upon him. The title he wears most proudly, however, is “PePa,” the nickname given him by his grandchildren.
--Email begins--
It's tough. One really has to feel for the folks who for whatever reason remained in New Orleans. The bulk were old, infirm, hospitalized or poor; a few were foolish. None should be sentenced to what they got. It's very discouraging when the product doesn't match the promise; better to make no promise at all, whether it be disaster preparedness or preparations for war. An old college buddy (probably the closest person I have to a brother) expressed the same concerns about this storm. I've attached his note along with my reply to him below. It reflects my level of frustration:
"Right on, *friend’s name*! From my own past experience with disasters, a response of 4 to 5 days is the industry standard...for Russia, for Armenia and for Indonesia. And throughout the world, even back to the Titanic, how well you fare is directly related to your socio-economic status, not your race.
In the Titanic, for example, the death rate amongst the 3rd class passengers was a multiple of that of the first class passengers. We haven't changed much, it appears. It is also clear from previous experience that how a population does during that inevitable 5 day wait is totally dependent on local resources and the ability of people to help themselves and the others around them.
It was also known at all levels of government, years BEFORE the hurricane, in New Orleans there would be about 125,000 people who COULD not evacuate for reasons of infirmity or poverty. Nothing was in the "plan" for them!
The discouraging thing is that all of the "disaster planning" proved to be a scam...a waste of millions of tax dollars. We have done no better with planning and ample warning than the third world has done with no resources and no warning. Our societal priorities are also clear; we focus on those who can best help themselves while turning our backs or giving low priority to those known to be the most vulnerable.
But you're absolutely correct. The response represents a total failure of government at the local, state and national level! But, please remember, this failure has been brought to you by the same administration that did the planning for the Iraq invasion. Furthermore, they were as surprised and helpless to stop looting in Baghdad as they are in New Orleans. So, how could we have expected more?
Those who voted for this administration should fall down on their knees and pray for forgiveness! Those who didn't vote at all should rot in Hades, in a long gas line, strapped in an SUV that gets 5 mpg!!
End of lecture #2!”
--Email ends—
My father-in-law is obviously a man of intellect and great conviction. He is a world renowned Pediatric Nephrologist with many accolades bestowed upon him. The title he wears most proudly, however, is “PePa,” the nickname given him by his grandchildren.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Why?
WHY?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9156612/
Why was this allowed to happen? Why are so many of our people suffering? This is not some 3rd World nation in the throes of civil war. This is the wealthiest nation on earth. We have more billionaires than all other nations combined. Now, we also have a catastrophe. Our people – and they are OUR people – are suffering and dying for NO reason. This disaster is the fault of government. FEMA and other agencies were completely incompetent in their preparations for this storm. They have had decades to prepare for this and have sucked our tax dollars into “projects” that were supposed to protect OUR people when a storm like Katrina came along. Where did those dollars go? Where are OUR National Guard troops when they are needed here at home? They are in Iraq fighting against an unknown enemy for Bush’s oil cronies.
Why? Why do we continue to let this man lead OUR government? Why do we continue to accept his arrogant, nonchalant excuses for not taking care of OUR people? Please stop sleepwalking AMERICA!! Bush HAS TO GO! NOW!! Wake up and smell the stench that he is leaving behind, or soon the rotting flesh you smell might be your own.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9156612/
Why was this allowed to happen? Why are so many of our people suffering? This is not some 3rd World nation in the throes of civil war. This is the wealthiest nation on earth. We have more billionaires than all other nations combined. Now, we also have a catastrophe. Our people – and they are OUR people – are suffering and dying for NO reason. This disaster is the fault of government. FEMA and other agencies were completely incompetent in their preparations for this storm. They have had decades to prepare for this and have sucked our tax dollars into “projects” that were supposed to protect OUR people when a storm like Katrina came along. Where did those dollars go? Where are OUR National Guard troops when they are needed here at home? They are in Iraq fighting against an unknown enemy for Bush’s oil cronies.
Why? Why do we continue to let this man lead OUR government? Why do we continue to accept his arrogant, nonchalant excuses for not taking care of OUR people? Please stop sleepwalking AMERICA!! Bush HAS TO GO! NOW!! Wake up and smell the stench that he is leaving behind, or soon the rotting flesh you smell might be your own.
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