|
 |
The Christian
Taliban
By Stephen Pizzo,
AlterNet
March 28, 2004
...Susan A. Crockett: The third Christian
fundamentalist appointed to the same FDA committee. Crockett served as a
board member of the American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and
Gynecologists. She co-authored, "Using Hormone Contraceptives is a Decision
Involving Science, Scripture, and Conscience" ... |
|
Bush lacks remorse for 9/11
Indianapolis Star, IN - By E. J. Dionne 3-29-04
...
Richard A. Clarke, the former White House counterterrorism expert now best
known for his new book, made the Bush administration look bad last week. He
did so not by making new accusations, but by offering a sentiment President
Bush would have a lot of trouble expressing: I'm sorry. ... |
Shifts from bin Laden hunt evoke questions
By Dave Moniz and Steven Komarow, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — In 2002,
troops from the 5th Special Forces Group who specialize in the Middle East
were pulled out of the hunt for Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan to prepare
for their next assignment: Iraq. .. |
When the Christian Taliban completely takes
over this country, I wonder if I will have to wear a burqua.
Bush Spokesman Says White House Will Resist Rice Testimony
Bloomberg - 3-29-04
March 29 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush's spokesman
said the administration will continue resisting appeals to let National Security
Adviser ...
Condi Rice and republicans have been
saying all over the airwaves that it is
unprecedented for a national security advisor to
testify in a hearing. I guess Condi never watched Sandy Berger, Bill
Clinton's national security advisor testify. See story and link below.
Aired September 11, 1997 - 11:30 a.m. ET CNN
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, just a moment
ago the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee got under way and resumed
hearings. Today the witness is the highest-ranking official of the Clinton
administration yet to testify before this committee. He is Sandy Berger, the
president's national security adviser. As you can see, he has just taken the
oath and seated himself at the witness table. Let's listen.
SEN. FRED THOMPSON (R),
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS CHMN.: Thank you very much. Mr. Berger, we do appreciate
your being with us this morning. I know that it's not unprecedented for a person
in your position to come to the Hill and testify, but it's not an every day
occurrence, to say the least. It is appreciated by this committee. We, of
course, will avoid any matters that have to do with national security matters.
Any thing that we might get into in that area can be taken up in closed session.
But it will not be necessary to get into that in open session....
Disturbing News
Rules Still Hinder Intelligence Sharing
AP -
Sun Mar
28,12:11 PM ET
More than two
years after the Bush administration won pledges of support from dozens of
countries eager to join the war on terrorism, Washington and its allies
still keep a jealous hold on intelligence — snarling the information sharing
needed to shut down al-Qaida.
Poll: Clarke Doubted; Bush Support Ebbs
AP -
Sat Mar
27,10:55 PM ET
Two-thirds of
Americans say the testimony of Richard Clarke, the former terrorism adviser
who has been critical of the Bush administration, hasn't affected their view
of the president, says a poll released Saturday.
Peace Corps Lacks Money to Expand
AP -
Mon Mar 29,
3:39 AM ET
The Peace
Corps is trying to carry out President Bush's goal of doubling the number of
volunteers it sends abroad by 2007, but it lacks the money to do it.
Tyco Corruption Trial Turns Raucous
Reuters -
Sun
Mar 28, 8:48 PM ET
The outing of
a juror who used a mysterious hand gesture during the corruption trial of
two former Tyco International Ltd. executives not only broke a sacred
covenant of American journalism, but will likely cinch a mistrial, legal and
journalism experts said on Sunday.
A Town's Future Is Leaving the Country
Los Angeles Times -
Sun Mar 28, 7:55 AM ET
The 1,500
residents of Clintwood learn the meaning of outsourcing the hard way.
Backlog of Immigrant Paperwork Growing
Los Angeles Times -
3-29-04
WASHINGTON —
Four years ago, as a presidential candidate hoping to draw Latino votes,
then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush vowed to slash the backlog of applications
for legal immigration. No one would have to wait longer than six months, he
promised.
Shiites Organize to Block U.S. Plan
washingtonpost.com -
Mon Mar 29, 1:30 AM ET
BAGHDAD -- With the turban of the clergy and the talk of a
politician, Hashem Awadi, a young Shiite Muslim cleric, thumbed through
papers that described the latest challenge to Washington's political
blueprint for Iraq.
|
New bloodshed in Iraq as council member is said to face US
probe
AFP -
Mon Mar 29,
1:52 AM ET
A British and
a Canadian were killed while an Iraqi minister escaped assassination amid
ongoing violence, as the US Congress reportedly launched an investigation
into activities of a prominent member of the Iraqi Governing Council.
Iraqi Defector's Tales Bolstered U.S. Case for War
Los Angeles Times -
Sun Mar 28, 7:55 AM ET
Colin Powell
presented the U.N. with details on mobile germ factories, which came from a
now-discredited source known as 'Curveball.'
Israeli Secret Services Faulted for Iraq Forecasts
Reuters -
Sun
Mar 28, 4:16 PM ET
Israel
overestimated Iraq's military capabilities but the miscalculation in no way
influenced the U.S. decision to topple Saddam Hussein, a parliamentary
inquiry found Sunday.
U.S. Gas Prices Hit New Record High
AP -
3-29-04
There is
little chance that gas prices, which have reached a record high, will fall
significantly in the near future, a national analyst says.
AP: Accused Cadet Was Kept on at Academy
AP -
Mon Mar 29,
1:15 AM ET
An Air Force
Academy cadet who had been accused of rape and threatened to crash a glider
into a classroom building was allowed to remain at the school for several
more months, during which he was arrested for sodomizing a woman in a
wheelchair and accused of raping another cadet, according to files obtained
by The Associated Press.
Sea 'dead zones' threaten planet
ABC
Online, Australia - 3-29-04
Environmental experts in South Korea say the spread of oxygen starved 'dead
zones' in oceans are emerging as a threat to the health of the entire
planet. ...
Calif. Home Power Bill Prompts Pot Probe
|
I guess Ann Coulter and Robert Novak received their "play
the race card" memo:
"[Richard Clarke] is, you know, a career chair-warmer who is
upset a black woman took his job." -- Ann
Coulter on MSNBC Friday
"Do you believe that Dick Clarke has a problem with this African American
woman Condoleezza Rice?" -Robert Novak on CNN Thursday
Graphic by OZ
Click below for an
excellent video clip from the Daily Show
Richard Clarke: 30 year political veteran or jealous, bitter
piece of pond scum- Jon Stewart video clip
|
Assorted News
Tokyo Rejects Extradition of Alleged Spy
AP -
Mon Mar 29,12:38 AM ET
A Japanese court rejected a request Monday to extradite a
medical researcher to the United States on charges of industrial espionage,
the first time a court here has turned down an extradition sought by
American authorities.
U.S.-Led Coalition Shuts Down Iraq Paper
AP -
Sun Mar 28, 4:30 PM ET
The U.S.-led coalition on Sunday shut down a weekly newspaper
run by followers of a hardline Shiite Muslim cleric, saying its articles
were increasing the threat of violence against occupation forces.
Spain to Double Afghanistan Contingent
AP -3-29-04
Spain's
incoming government, under pressure over its plans to withdraw its troops
from Iraq, has agreed to double the country's contingent in Afghanistan to
250 soldiers this summer, an aide to the future defense minister said
Monday.
Merchants Find Problems With Google
AP -
Sat Mar 27, 1:00 PM ET
Once among the top results when using common search terms
like "Seattle hotels," the hotel reservation site GotHotel.com has all but
disappeared from the Internet.
Oil prices ease amid confusion over OPEC cut
Forbes - 3-29-04
By Sujata
Rao. LONDON, March 29 (Reuters) - World oil prices fell back on Monday,
adding to last week's retreat and to confusion ...
Pakistan Says Al Qaeda Spy Chief Killed
Reuters, United States - 3-29-04
ISLAMABAD
(Reuters) - An intelligence chief in Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network was
killed during a 12-day offensive against militants on the Afghan border
...
Nader, Kerry to Discuss Defeating Bush
AP -
Sun Mar 28, 7:43 PM ET
Ralph Nader said Sunday he will meet with John Kerry next
month to discuss the effort to defeat President Bush in the November
election.
Ex-treasury chief Rubin warns US not to use dollar as trade
policy tool
AFP -
Sun Mar 28,11:05 AM ET
The United
States should not use the dollar as an instrument of trade policy but should
address its current account deficit by bringing down its budget deficit,
former US treasury secretary Robert Rubin said here.
|
Bush flips, Cheney flops and both tell whoppers - Arizona
Republic-3-29-04
Daddy looms large in the US presidency
The
Straits Times, Singapore - -3-29-04
...
the NBC correspondent who died in Iraq, probably would not have been
there without the hyped claims of WMD. ... Bush
officials accuse him of playing fast and loose ...
Text of Remarks by John Kerry at New Northside Baptist Church
in St. Louis March 28
Sun Mar 28,
4:16 PM ET
Following is the text of remarks by John Kerry as prepared
for delivery today at the New Northside Baptist Church in St. Louis:
Clarke Urges Terrorism Testimony to Be Made Public
Reuters -
Sun Mar
28,12:50 PM ET
Former U.S.
counterterrorism chief Richard Clarke on Sunday called on the White House to
make public his own testimony to Congress as well as other statements,
e-mails and documents about how the Bush administration handled the threat
of terror.
Bush Campaign Blasts Kerry's Bible Quote
AP -
Sun Mar 28,11:36 PM ET
John Kerry cited a Bible verse Sunday to criticize leaders
who have "faith but has no deeds," prompting President Bush's spokesman to
accuse Kerry of exploiting Scripture for a political attack.
Campaign's Negative Tone Takes Early Toll
Reuters -
Sun Mar 28,
1:14 PM ET
The early campaign skirmishes between President Bush and
Democratic challenger John Kerry have taken a toll on public attitudes
toward both men, pollsters say, with many voters already growing weary of
the race's negative tone.
It's a Fib Thing
Forbes.com -
Thu Mar 25,
6:33 PM ET
U.S. Attorney David Kelley, victorious, declared the Martha
Stewart case was "all about lies." But it also was about a controversial law
and how selectively it can be applied. In Stewart's case the prosecution
took five lies about one deception--made in untaped and unsworn interviews
with federal agents--and wove them into five criminal counts, winning four
guilty verdicts (the fifth was thrown out). For two counts, prosecutors used
the false statements statute (United States Code, Section 1001), which
criminalizes lies made not under oath. ...
|
Why Bush should be sending Richard A. Clarke another “thank
you” note for his scathing accusations.
http://www.asticles.com/asticles/meanwhile.htm
Polar explorer Ann Bancroft suggested that national leaders accused of using
same-sex marriage, as a wedge issue should focus on more important concerns, at
one point offering a suggestion to President Bush.
"If he really wants to stimulate the economy he should let gay men marry,"
she said.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/4686385.html
FIFTEEN THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN by Dave Barry
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on
the same night.
2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has
not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be
"meetings,"
3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness,"
4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want
you to share yours with them.
5. You should not confuse your career with your life.
6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
7. Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling
reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests
that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging
from her at that moment.
11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a
big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender,
religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside,
we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice
person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
14. Your friends love you anyway.
15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built
the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
FINAL Thought for the day:
Men are like a fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it's up to women to
stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have
dinner with.
www.democratsforum.com
Email:
Hi Lisa,
I feel that people need to reminded about House bill HR.163 and it's companion
Senate bill S.89 which would reinstate the draft. They were introduced in
January, 2003 and are quietly being prepared for passage in 2005, conveniently
after the election. If the Bushites are allowed to maintain their illegal
seizure of power, the draft is almost a certainty. Fresh cannon fodder will be
needed to maintain their state of perpetual warfare. However, the US does not
need the draft to successfully fight terrorism!
These bills call for both males and females to serve, with few exceptions. If
it's true that young people today are the most apathetic when it comes to
voting, perhaps awareness of this will cause many of them change their minds,
register to vote and then vote for John Kerry. Granted, a vote for Kerry does
not automatically assure that a draft will not occur, but it definitely
decreases that chance.
Lord knows that in a close election (which this is shaping up to be), Kerry will
need all the votes he can get to offset the neocon smear tactics, potential
voting fraud and other chicanery yet to come. Hope this helps to spread the
word. Thanks.
-Ron
Here is a link to the text of HR.163:
http://www.theorator.com/bills108/hr163.html
Thanks for writing
Ron. If the draft is brought back maybe all politician's children should be put
at the head of the line, eh?
Price of gas today in Menlo Park, California
Hmmmm...
On Laura
Schlesinger's radio show recently, she said that, as an observant
Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination, according to Leviticus
18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following response
is an open letter to Dr.Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on
the Internet. It's funny, as well as thought-provoking.
******************************************
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have
learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with
as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual
lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly
states it to be an abomination... End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of
God's Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female,
provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine
claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus
21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her
period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I
tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is, my neighbors. They
claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2.
clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him
myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I
don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a
defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my
vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around
their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How
should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me
unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different
crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two
different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse
and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of
getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just
burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who
sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable
expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again
for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Signed,
An adoring fan
Graphic by OZ
DON KING GETS POLITICAL: Promoter joins race.
Eurweb, UK - 3-29-04
... Literally. King will be lending his voice in a
Republican Internet game designed to attack Democratic presidential candidate
John Kerry. ...
Iraqi newspaper closed, sparking huge protest
Coalition says that
Muslim cleric incited violence on troops with his publication.
By Ken Dilanian
Knight Ridder
Newspapers
March 29, 2004
BAGHDAD, Iraq --
The U.S.-led occupation authority dispatched soldiers to shut down the newspaper
of an extremist Shiite Muslim cleric Sunday, charging that the paper repeatedly
published misinformation designed to incite violence against U.S. troops….
Graphic By Brad
|
Military News
Iraq 'Friendly Fire' Tragedy Blamed on U.S. Marine
Reuters -
Sun
Mar 28, 4:28 PM ET
The worst U.S.
"friendly fire" incident of the Iraq war has been blamed on a Marine captain
who called fighter jets to strike suspected Iraqi positions last March,
unaware that dozens of Marines were fighting in the area, defense officials
said on Sunday.
Veteran ’ s affairs budget faces major obstacles
Middletown
Press, CT - 3-29-04
...
Asserting that veterans benefits, particularly VA health care, are among the
delayed costs of national security, The American Legion will fight on three
tracks ...
American Legion celebrates 85th birthday
Keyser
Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV - 3-29-04
...
for treatment in VA hospitals; work with elected representatives to enable
the VA to shorten the processing time of claims for veterans' benefits; and
fight ...
|
A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq
AP -
Sun Mar 28,
5:37 PM ET
As of Friday,
March 26, 585 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military
operations in Iraq a year ago, according to the Department of Defense. Of
those, 395 died as a result of hostile action and 190 died of non-hostile
causes, the department said.
Army spouses
expect reenlistment
MSNBC - Mar
28, 2004
...
on the adventure of Army life and more on financial incentives, such as
education benefits. ... re seeing a harder Army come out of this," full of
veterans of Iraq
Untangling the VA computer crash
St.
Petersburg Times, FL - Mar
28, 2004
...
to bring order and efficiency to the sprawling Department of Veterans
Affairs ... officials in Washington settled on three: Bay Pines, the
benefits regional office ...
Bush's Odd Warfare State
Progressive.org - 3-29-04
...
Maybe those turkeys Bush passed out to the troops at Thanksgiving were
supposed to substitute for decent military pay and veterans' benefits. ... |
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,
It is the veteran,
who serves under the Flag,
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
Sent in by Doc
Hello
everyone,
I just finished setting out my tattered old Ensign from PCF 98 and tying yellow
ribbons on the mail box and a couple aspen trees to welcome home from
Afghanistan, my next door neighbor.
Steve has been deployed for 8 months with the Marines.
We're are all very grateful for his service to our country, that his two teenage
children still have their daddy, and Susan has her husband home safe and sound.
A big JOB WELL DONE !!! to Colonel Steve and his family!!
-Darrell
Thanks for writing Darrell, it is always
nice to hear good news!
Internetweekly.org/cartoons
|
Odd
News
Kerry too 'French' to sway 'adolescent' Americans: consultant
AFP -
Sat Mar 27, 6:52 PM ET
US
presidential hopeful John Kerry needs to stop acting so French if he wants
to win the race for the White House, a French-born, US-based consultant and
"medical anthropologist" says.
Vermont Probes Man With 70 Goats in House
Sun Mar
28,10:03 PM ET
State
officials are investigating a man whose goats and his religious convictions
against killing them have collided in a possibly inhumane and definitely
stinky way.
Man Sells Lunar Plots for $19.99 an Acre
Sun Mar 28,
9:47 PM ET
On U.S.
Highway 395, which cuts straight through this little town, Dennis Hope sells
undeveloped land for the bargain price of $19.99 an acre. There are spacious
lots near grand locales: The Sea of Tranquility. The Sea of Serenity.
Streaker Interrupts Skating Championships
Sat Mar 27,
3:16 PM ET
A streaker
bypassed security at the world championships, skated onto the ice and put on
a tutu as defending champion Michelle Kwan was about to perform in
Saturday's final.
|
Cambodian cuts off penis to feed spirits
Mon Mar 29,
3:01 AM ET
A Cambodian
man cut off his penis when he said he was visited by four hungry spirits in
a dream and he had no chicken or duck to offer them.
Girl threatens mum with knife for taking mobile
A 14-year-old Hong Kong girl
flew into a rage and chased her mother around their flat with a knife and
wooden pole after she confiscated the teenager's mobile phone.
Killer forgiven seconds from death
Sun Mar 28,
8:04 PM ET
A convicted
Saudi murderer escaped death by seconds when he was forgiven by his victim's
father as he knelt down before the executioner's sword, a Saudi newspaper
has reported.
Fire Ant Attacks Up in Nursing Homes
AP -
Sun Mar 28,
3:11 PM ET
South American
fire ants are becoming an increasing danger for nursing home residents, as
the aggressive non-native pests spread throughout the country and the U.S.
population ages, according to University of Mississippi researchers.
|
Good News
Talk radio's dial will get a turn to the left
USA
Today -3-2904
By
Gino Domenico, AP. "Over the past 30 years the American people have been conned
into thinking 'liberal' is a dirty word," the Saturday Night Live alum says.
...
NASA Scores Success in Space Travel 'Holy Grail'
Reuters -
Sat Mar 27,10:26
PM ET
A revolutionary jet engine flew faster than seven times the speed
of sound in a high altitude test over the Pacific on Saturday, marking what NASA
scientists hailed as a milestone in developing the "Holy Grail" of space travel.
More Evidence Found of How Vitamins Prevent Cancer
Reuters -
Sun Mar 28, 7:09
PM ET
Vitamin E protects against at least two common forms of cancer --
prostate and bladder -- but popping supplements is probably not the best way to
get the vital nutrient, researchers said on Sunday.
This composite image was taken by the
navigation camera of NASA's Stardust spacecraft during its Jan 2, 2004 flyby of
comet Wild 2. To create this image, a short exposure image showing tremendous
surface detail was overlain on a long exposure image taken just 10 seconds later
showing jets. Together, the images show an intensely active surface, jetting
dust and gas streams into space and leaving a trail millions of kilometers long.
"This spectacular composite image shows a surface feature unlike any other
planetary surface see to date in our solar system", says Prof. Donald Brownlee,
the Stardust Principal Investigator from the University of Washington. "Other
than our Sun, this is currently the most active planetary surface in our solar
system."
Image Credit: NASA/JPL
Peace.