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12/31/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough A New Year AnthemCategories :: Progressive Strategy
Celebrate the new year with progressive anthems.
12/31/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough Small steps correcting the Wrongs of the “Right”Categories :: Election 2004
On this last day of a long, grim year as frustrations still swarm around Ohiogate, it’s important to note some small victories.
12/31/04 :: By Stu Finkel Tactic: Appropriate the SymbolsCategories :: Tactics
A modest proposal to (re)appropriate patriotic symbols in a progressive context. Stick the flag and the ribbon on your car -- but do so right next to your Move On "Nothing Accomplished" sticker, or your old Dean sticker, or your "Re-Defeat Bush" sticker. Make people look twice and form new associations.
12/30/04 :: By Stu Finkel I Think He Meant GazillionCategories :: George W. Bush
Bush yesterday defending the amount of aid that the U.S. will provide to Tsunami victims noted that it was being upped to "35 billion." Needless to say he meant "million." But does he either know or care about the difference?
12/30/04 :: By Tom Ball Is North Korea About to Crumble?Categories :: Foreign Policy
Constantly dashed from the spotlight only to reemerge as an ever-growing global calamity-in-waiting, North Korea is showing chilling signs of an imminent sovereign disaster.
12/30/04 :: By William Hare The 2004 Popular Vote Needs Thorough InvestigationCategories :: Election 2004
With so much current focus on the outrageous fraud perpetrated by Republicans in Ohio relative to the 2004 presidential election, including the current move on the part of Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell in eluding the issuance of a subpoena, it is important also to direct attention to the popular vote.
12/29/04 :: By Bob Kendall How Phony Can The U.S. Drug Purchase Policy Get?Categories :: Bush Administration
After one of the biggest “scam jobs” in U.S. history when the drug industry succeeded in getting the Bush Administration, otherwise known as the Big Business Bonanza Administration, to promise the drug corporations billions to provide their highest price drugs through Medicare.
12/29/04 :: By Bob Kendall Ousted Fannie Mae Executives Rewarded With PerksCategories :: Bush Administration
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Fannie Mae’s Chief Executive Regulator, finally pressured the board to act, but only after the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed Fannie Mae must make accounting “corrections” as they so tactfully stated it. These so-called accounting “corrections” might erase $9 billion of claimed Fannie Mae profit going back to 2001.
12/29/04 :: By Tom Ball Thank God Bush is Back in the White House!Categories :: George W. Bush
60 million people voted to return Bush to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue:
Why?
12/28/04 :: By Tom Ball Rumsfeld's Freudian Slip: "shot down the plane over Pennsylvania."Categories :: Bush Administration :: Lies :: Rumsfeld, Donald
I've learned long ago that any 'conspiracy theories' relating to this administration are never beyond reason. Anyone familiar with the American Enterprise Institute and the project for a New American Century knows full well that what would be considered 'conspiracy theory' by the average stable-minded American is platform policy for established insiders of the Neoconservative movement.
12/28/04 :: By Stu Finkel The Conservative (Faux)-Persecution ComplexCategories :: Blowhards :: Conservatives :: Lies :: Tactics
An extended look at two of the right's favorite faux-outrages: the fictional persecution of Christians and the fact that professors tend to be liberals.
12/25/04 :: By Delton Murphy Puppeteer of the YearCategories :: Bush Administration :: Humor :: Republicans
Although Time Magazine named Bush 2004 Person of the Year, the true man behind the curtain is the one who should receive the accolades, puppet master himself, Karl Rove.
12/25/04 :: By Delton Murphy Support Our Troops! (until they come home)Categories :: Bush Administration :: Government :: Iraq :: Military
The battle for a number of US Troops continues when they return home. While some American soldiers are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, other are suffering from the effects of depleted uranium or mental illness triggered by their combat experience. Others find they have no place to live.
12/25/04 :: By Bob Kendall The Bush Legacy: Death, Destruction and DebtCategories :: Bush Administration
Time Magazine (December 27, 2004/ January 3, 2005), stated, “Compare the Bushes with the Kennedys, and it’s the Republican clan that casts the longer shadow. A Kennedy was President for a thousand days or so, but if George W. Bush completes his second term, someone named Bush will have been President for 4,383 days.”
12/24/04 :: By William Hare Thank You, African American Progressives!Categories :: Election 2004
My name carries roots extending back to early America. My relatives migrated to the South and many currently live in Texas and South Carolina as well as other states in that region. With my basic wasp fraternal ancestry I have been incensed at the voting patterns in the last three decades by white males toward the Republican right and away from American progressivism.
12/24/04 :: By William Hare Tragic Dereliction Toward America's TroopsCategories :: Bush Administration
Donald Rumsfeld’s recent response that America’s men and women in uniform would have to “make do” with what they have is typical of the priorities of an Administration that has placed greater emphasis on providing no bid contracts to friends like Halliburton and confidentiality of discussions Dick Cheney held with leading oil executives than fulfilling the needs of the men and women sent to Iraq through their own blatant misrepresentations of fact.
12/24/04 :: By Delton Murphy Outsourcing WarCategories :: Iraq
The US military is facing an unprecedented crisis in recruiting numbers and new enlistments. Since the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, the latest Pentagon statistics show that over 5,000 soldiers have now been charged with desertion from bases in the U.S. and overseas. If there is no draft, how can the US increase its number of troops in Iraq? Have no fear--Bush definitely has a plan.
12/24/04 :: By Delton Murphy Moving 'Right' AlongCategories :: Democrats
Continuing to follow the strategy that consistently costs them elections, the Democrats are currently engaged in dialogue aimed at 're-evaluating' their position on Abortion.
12/24/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough For Christmas EveCategories :: Humor
'Twas the Nightmare Before Inauguration In case you missed it the first time, here's a re-post. Just in time for Christmas Eve.
12/24/04 :: By Delton Murphy Happy Chiskwannakah!Categories :: Hypocrisy :: Outrages :: Religion
Generally speaking, no matter how crappy or tumultuous the year has been, the Holidays often bring us short-lived cheer that carries us into the New Year.
Well, at least it used to...
12/22/04 :: By Delton Murphy John Conyers Urges Release of Exit Poll DataCategories :: Activism :: Discrimination :: Election 2004 :: Elections
As the mystery of the supposedly inaccurate early exit polls indicating that Senator John Kerry was beating President Bush in several key states including Ohio in last month's election begins to fade from our memory, at least one Congressman is refusing to ignore this blatant irregularity.
12/22/04 :: By Delton Murphy African Americans Die Prematurely Due to Health CareCategories :: Discrimination :: Healthcare
A brand new report by the American Journal of Public Health has estimated that 866,000 African Americans died prematurely in the United States between 1991 and 2000 because they failed to receive the same level of health care as white patients.
12/22/04 :: By Delton Murphy Turn Your Back on BushCategories :: Activism :: Bush Administration
Energized progressives who are still struggling to express their opposition to the Bush Agenda may want to check out a new site organizing a huge non-violent protest at Bush's inauguration.
12/22/04 :: By Delton Murphy Posthumous JusticeCategories :: Activism :: Civil Rights :: Discrimination :: History :: Race
The Ghosts of Mississippi will never be silenced--not until justice is done. Forty years later the klansmen who orchestrated the "Freedom Summer Slayings" of 1964 are finally being sought.
12/22/04 :: By Delton Murphy More Use of AbuseCategories :: Bush Administration :: Government :: Iraq
As the war spins out of control the evidence of detainee and prisoner torture intensifies.
12/22/04 :: By Delton Murphy Shhhh...Categories :: Bush Administration :: Government :: Terrorism
If you're operating a Secret Police force, it's only logical that there are Secret Jails, right?
12/22/04 :: By Delton Murphy A Bush War AnniversaryCategories :: History
It was 15 years ago this week that President George H.W. Bush sent 24,000 American troops to invade Panama in an attack code-named "Operation: Just Cause."
12/22/04 :: By Delton Murphy Torture A La CarteCategories :: Bush Administration :: Government :: Iraq :: Military
It seems the more we talk about detainee torture in Abu Ghraib or Guantanemo Bay, the less it gets covered; revelations from the FBI notwithstanding.
12/21/04 :: By Delton Murphy I See Terrorists...They're EverywhereCategories :: Bush Administration :: Iraq :: Terrorism
As President Bush continues to fight terror with terror to kill terrorists, it has become clear that being a dictator is a lot more preferable than being president.
12/21/04 :: By Delton Murphy Ethnic Cleansing: Bush StyleCategories :: Bush Administration :: Civil Rights :: Discrimination :: Government
Arabs, Africans, Latinos, Muslims --the United States government just can't seem to agree on the best way to get rid of these pesky ethnicities: war, deportation, drug testing or concentration camps. Maybe a combination of all these tactics will finally do the trick.
12/20/04 :: By Delton Murphy Family Form LettersCategories :: Bush Administration :: Rumsfeld, Donald
Being the Secretary of Defense is a tough job and running a war is definitely hard work. Donald Rumsfeld cannot be bothered with pesky little things like signing his name to condolence letters sent to patriotic families of fallen soldiers.
12/20/04 :: By Tom Ball Sensationalize Opponent's Bad News and Your Good NewsCategories :: Tactics
Here's a tactic where having a few dedicated, partisan media outlets comes in handy. Nevertheless, even sans such advantages, the tactic can be used quite effectively if the user is of a sufficiently significant profile. But do not be afraid to use it in your everyday dealings with the political opposition. Every little bit helps.
12/20/04 :: By Delton Murphy Sunday, Bloody SundayCategories :: Bush Administration :: Iraq
One of the bloodiest Sundays since the US waged war against Iraq occurred this past weekend, intensifying the fears of an Iraqi Civil War.
12/20/04 :: By Tom Ball Tactic: Poo-Poo Your Opponent's RhetoricCategories :: Tactics
One of the many tactics that have been perfected by the Republicans -- and one that has infuriated a media-less, voiceless left -- is the brazen dismissal of their opponents arguments, accusations, complaints, and rhetoric. It is the first line of defense in every arena. It is the initial slap-down designed to stun and disorient the opponent, while simultaneously framing the rhetoric as some that is best left ignored.
12/20/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough Notable Quotes.2: Weekend WindsCategories :: Blowhards :: Bush Administration :: Economy
The primary topics in the websphere this weekend, however, center on three tangled but related attack threads: the Economic “Summit,” the marketing of the Social Security “crisis,” and the continuing attacks on Rumsfeld’s Iraqgate.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball Gary Webb's Death Confirmed as Suicide From TWO Gunshot Wounds to the HeadCategories :: Intelligence/CIA :: Iran Contra
Without entering into the grim details, such a phenomenon is possible. However, when you add other elements to the equation. Things like the Contras and Contra-loving administrations such as Bush senior's at the time. Multiply that by the fact that Bush was VP during Iran-Contra and that Bush senior was also a prior CIA Chief... well... all of a sudden lots of other things become possible.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball Bush Foreign Policy in Seven Square InchesCategories :: Foreign Policy
Although I'm sure that this description of Bush's foreign policy supercedes the administration's extended version in terms of both insight and sophistication, I will still refer to it as the best 'summary' of the neocon achievements I've seen to date.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball Chimp Suckers Chump on Missile DefenseCategories :: Foreign Policy :: Military
I have to hand it to Bush's handlers though. First they (try to) have other nations fork out the billions necessary to fund the floundering development of the MDS. Then, once viable, the U.S. places its missiles on dozens of new lands. Global domination made simple... and funded by your local sovereign (for now) chumps.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball Rumsfeld Offends Neocons: Is That Possible?Categories :: Rumsfeld, Donald
It seems that Donald Rumsfeld has developed the uncannily rare talent of promoting neoconservatism while simultaneously repulsing the neocons.
12/17/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough “Frivolous” Justice: Bush on TrialCategories :: Bush Administration :: Framing 101 :: Hypocrisy :: Propaganda/Spin
Finding credible information at the Economic "Summit" is proving to be more illusive than Bernie Kerik's "nanny." I doubt anyone familiar with Bush's record on the economy took the Economic “Summit” this week seriously, but at least the outrageous comments and mock discussions have gotten some fair criticism this time around.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball Tactic: Conduct Questionable Behavior in the Name of the US and Label Those Who Criticize that Behavior as Un-AmericanCategories :: Tactics
I've seen it a million times. The GOP does something absolutely detestable (much of it was done under Reagan and Bush Sr.) and when a patriotic American calls these traitors on their un-American activities, those being called (i.e. the GOP) blame those who point out the truth as "anti-American". I know, it sounds like a pitiful, desperate attempt to dig themselves out of a hole. Unfortunately, people seem more likely to take the side of the McCarthyite GOP in such instances. There is little doubt that such tactics cow people into speaking for (or at least refrain from speaking against) the GOP's distorted position.
12/17/04 :: By Drew Johnston How Quickly We ForgetCategories :: Blowhards
Just heard on “The O’Reilly Factor”, regarding an event at which Chevy Chase referred to the President as “a dumb fuck”:
12/16/04 :: By William Hare With The Republican Right Does Freedom Really Mean Freedom to Starve?Categories :: Framing 101
In Republican right circles one name that makes people nervous is Ayn Rand. The Russian-born Rand adopted her own school of free marketing known as objectivism. Allen Greenspan was an early ally in his Chicago days and does not want to talk about whatever influence Rand held over him.
12/16/04 :: By Tom Ball Tactic: Lampoon Your OpponentCategories :: Tactics
Lampoon the opposition, but don't offend the world. The objective is to lure the middle-of-the-roaders into your camp, not drive them into your opponent's.
12/16/04 :: By Bob Kendall Slimy Democracy U.S.A. StyleCategories :: Bush Administration
Bush proclaims every other day his stated reason for invading Iraq was to bring “freedom” and “democracy.” If what he has in mind is the way U.S. democracy is run, it’s not one nation for the people and by the people. That concept was dismissed long, long ago.
12/16/04 :: By Stu Finkel Koufax Awards ReminderCategories :: Blogging on Blogging
Just a reminder to those who may not have seen the post the other night, the Koufax Awards for best leftie bloggers are now open to nominations over at Wampum.
12/15/04 :: By William Hare The Republican Word "Reform" Signifies DestructionCategories :: Framing 101
George Lakoff has frequently analyzed the Republican trait of taking a word and twisting its meaning for propaganda effect. This tendency was explored as well by George Orwell in “1984” with the focus on misleading the public on what was really happening in the iron clad dictatorship the British author described with brutal reality.
12/15/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough "The Others": Marching BackwardCategories :: Election 2004 :: Framing 101 :: Hypocrisy :: Outrages :: Progressive Strategy
With Republicans smugly observing that Democrats seem to be in disarray these days, some suspect that we are both living in a parallel universe with two separate realities. Pundits have said that while Democrats were in angst at Disney World, “Glibs” were on the ground in Ohio, and bloggers from all over are still trying to figure out where the front is. For most of us, the sound of marching boots is hard to ignore and our compasses are working. . .
Here are 20 preliminary points for drafting the rules of engagement:
12/15/04 :: By Stu Finkel Ohio Voting Suppression and Irregularities Hitting Mainstream MediaCategories :: Election 2004 :: Media
Apparently having a congressman in Ohio actively investigating voting suppression and irregularities is what it took to get more active mainstream media attention to what occurred there (and did not occur there) on November 2nd.
12/15/04 :: By Tom Ball Jenna Bush to Fight for the Teachers' Unions?Categories :: Education :: Tactics
In the tradition of Laura, daughter Jenna Bush has applied for a teaching position at a public charter school in Washington DC. Isn't that nice? How does this fit into the grand scheme of the Karl Rove vision?
12/15/04 :: By Tom Ball Lieberman Rejects BushCategories :: Bush Administration
This is a hopeful sign. Perhaps Lieberman has seen the light. Perhaps he understands the consequences of accepting a position as Homeland Security chief under the auspices of the Rove machine.
12/14/04 :: By Stu Finkel Librarian's Man Date Up DateCategories :: Election 2004
The Librarian has checked in with her Mandate Update:
President Popularity Update 12/14/04: new numbers again today, and Bush II's margin of "win" over Kerry continues to shrink, now to 2.47%
12/14/04 :: By William Hare The Lowdown on the Bush JuntaCategories :: Books
Robert Parry is more than a chronicler of events in “Secrecy & Privilege”; he is a player as well, and in one of the most significant dramas of the post-World War Two era. It was Parry who uncovered significant evidence pertaining to the October Surprise incident. His efforts ultimately reached the nation’s viewers with a heralded Public Broadcasting System documentary produced by his organization, Consortium News, which has emerged as one of the Internet’s leading sources of information not generally available from mainstream media sources.
12/14/04 :: By William Hare Moyers Farewell Address Promises to be MemorableCategories :: Media
Friday night Bill Moyers will make his final appearance on his nationally syndicated Public Broadcasting System program. Before even hearing his farewell address I am reminded of the famous final speech that President Dwight D. Eisenhower made to his fellow citizens before relinquishing the powers of government to incoming chief executive John F. Kennedy. Eisenhower made one of history’s memorable speeches in warning his fellow citizens of “the unwarranted influence of the military-industrial complex.”
12/14/04 :: By Tom Ball Tactic: Destroy the MessengerCategories :: Tactics
When accused, berated or maligned, attack the messengers. It doesn't matter if they're are accurate or not, just attack. Attack their credibility. Attack their character. Attack their ideology. Attack their sources. Attack their associations. Just attack. If you take the bait and start debating the veracity or even the necessity of the message content itself, you risk highlighting the content of the message -- and thus risk harm upon yourself. The idea is to avoid a confrontation on an issue that will most likely damage your credibility and/or reputation.
12/14/04 :: By Peter Perkowski The Real Vote For PresidentCategories :: Election 2004
December 13 came and went yesterday and was little-noticed by either the public or the media. Yet it was a crucial day in the Presidential election, as presidential electors met around the nation to cast the real votes for President. But one screwed up....or did he?
12/14/04 :: By William Hare Gary Webb, RIPCategories :: Media
I was deeply saddened to learn yesterday about the death of Gary Webb at the age of 49 in what has been listed as an apparent suicide. Webb was one of the most honest and courageous reporters of his era and, as a result, suffered an undeserved pummeling from a sharp-edged mainstream media operating under the concept that “If you want to destroy a message then destroy the messenger.”
12/13/04 :: By Stu Finkel Koufax AwardsCategories :: Blogging on Blogging
Nominations are now open over at Wampum for this year's Koufax awards for best liberal blogs. If you think that Political Strategy or any of your other favorite blogs are deserving for nomination in one or another category, please click on over.
12/13/04 :: By Drew Johnston Old-Fashioned WisdomCategories :: Activism
Sometimes, you find wisdom in odd places.
12/13/04 :: By Tom Ball Tactic: Set them up to Knock Them Down - Joe Lieberman and the Democrats are SuckersCategories :: Tactics
Is Joe Lieberman blind or is he just a total moron? And what about John Corzine expressing such excitement about a Lieberman appointment as Homeland Security Chief? Have they been living in a cave?
12/13/04 :: By Tom Ball Tactic: Never Concede an Inch to the OppositionCategories :: Tactics
In an age where Democratic concession to Republican demands has become standard practice, it is critical that we review and put into practice the godfather of all political tactics -- one at which Republicans are adept. It purveys power, decisiveness, and confidence -- and it is one that progressives must add to our arsenal if we ever hope to retake our rightful position as the accurate and dominant political representative of traditional "American Values".
12/13/04 :: By Tom Ball Defy the Oppressor: Force WorksCategories :: Philosophy :: Progressive Strategy
Today, Michael Moore distributed an extremely powerful letter written by a woman who has spent years working as an advocate for victims of domestic abuse. She sites the numerous, eye-opening parallels between battered women and the current state of the political left in America. In turn, she provides an inspiring rally cry to downtrodden progressives. The letter is worth reading in it's entirety, but I have highlighted some critical portions below.
12/13/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough Notable Quotes: A New Weekend FeatureCategories :: Activism
Stories circulating in the blogosphere over the weekend remind me that most of the people I know get their news online or through alternative web sources these days. For those who may have been on vacation, shopping, or off-line, here’s a sampling of weekend highlights.
12/12/04 :: By Stu Finkel Red Herrings and Brown ShirtsCategories :: Blowhards :: Conservatives :: Hypocrisy :: Iraq :: Media
Those who have been following the reaction to Rumsfeld's bumbling (and horrifying) response to the solider in Iraq who wondered why they had to go through scrap heaps to get armor for their tanks know that by now the Right Wing's Mighty Wurlitzer has adopted its tried and true tactic of obfuscation. That is, they have attempted to make the story about the fact that the embed reporter helped the soldier formulate his question rather than the far more important and relevant point that the Department of Defense is failing our men in uniform and has no good answers for why it is putting them in harms way without proper protection.
12/11/04 :: By Stu Finkel Man Date UpdateCategories :: Election 2004
As the votes get counted, Dubya's margin of victory continues to shrink. Mandate? Hell, no!
12/11/04 :: By Stu Finkel Who's Next?Categories :: Bush Administration
So Bernard Kerik has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Homeland Security post. The cover story has to do with an illegal alien nanny, though there is speculation it could be something more than this.
12/10/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough December 12th is the National Vote MarchCategories :: Election 2004
Those of you ready for action, here is your opportunity, and an important reminder: Tomorrow at noon is a nationwide protest/call for action regarding the 2004 Election, vote theft, and protecting voters’ rights. On Federal and state captial steps everywhere, citizens are urged to take part in this first, public expression of outrage over the voting suppression, irregularities, and vote fraud surrounding Election 2004.
12/10/04 :: By Stu Finkel The Great DebateCategories :: Democrats :: Satire :: Tactics
Tom Tomorrow nails in less than a nutshell why Democrats need to change the way they approach politics, and I can only hope that someone sends Harry Reid a thousand copies of this cartoon to be plastered as wallpaper in his Minority Leader's Office.
12/10/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough No Fairy Godfathers at This BallCategories :: Outrages
Despite troop frustrations voiced to Rumsfeld for adequate protection, the “ball” preparations are in full swing. Meanwhile our troops are scrounging through the trash for basic daily protection that our government has failed to provide.
12/10/04 :: By Tom Ball Tactic: Claim that Certain Facts are Evidence for the Opposite of What They Actually SupportCategories :: Tactics
In other words, when something exists -- a piece of evidence -- that supports your opponent's view, claim that it actually supports your view, NOT theirs.
12/10/04 :: By Tom Ball Rumsfeld Lies to troops After Demeaning ThemCategories :: Iraq :: Lies :: Rumsfeld, Donald
After demeaning troops the other day with a condescending order that they 'just deal with' the current lack of armor in Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld followed up by asserting that vehicle armor manufacturers were being exhorted to crank up production.
Apparently that was a lie.
12/10/04 :: By Stu Finkel CBS Duped AgainCategories :: Media Snake Oil
Really bad couple of days for CBS. Kevin Drum tells us that a supposed "man on the street" interviewed for a piece on social security, who expressed distrust in the current system in fact ... works for a right wing think tank!
12/10/04 :: By Stu Finkel More on CBS's Attack on AtriosCategories :: Blogging on Blogging :: Media Snake Oil
The story on CBS that implied that Atrios was somehow unethical for joining up with Media Matters and (gasp) continuing to blog has now changed three times in the last 24 hours. (Drew Johnston wrote about the first iteration last night.)
12/10/04 :: By William Hare Progressives Need to Push Their Message, Not Run Away in the Interest of "Playing it safe"Categories :: Tactics
All I needed upon returning from a wonderful week in Buenos Aires was to come back to a resuscitation of the tired old message we have heard for so long: “If the Democrats want to win presidential elections they need to move toward the center.”
12/09/04 :: By Tom Ball One Small Step For Air America Radio. One Giant Leap For the Progressive AgendaCategories :: Media
There are bright spots out there -- and Air America is one of them. Still a relative fledgling in the talk-radio world, the network has garnered a legitimate following in over 40 markets nationwide as well as a sizable and loyal following on the internet. The great news today is that the progressive media pioneer has secured further funding for its venture and resigned popular hosts Al Franken and Randi Rhodes.
12/09/04 :: By Tom Ball Ex-CIA Officer Says Agency Retaliated After he Refuses to Falsify Iraq WMD ReportCategories :: Iraq
Believe it or not, there is a legitimate purpose to the CIA -- to gather intelligence on potential threats abroad to the national security of the United States of America. Very simple. Very clear. At no point in the CIA Charter is there mention of a function regarding the manufacture of propaganda. This is a special 'Road to Fascism' clause added and empowered by the Bush administration.
12/09/04 :: By Tom Ball ACTION ALERT: Make "Fahrenheit 911" The Winner of the People's Choice Awards!Categories :: Activism
"Fahrenheit 9/11" has been nominated for the People's Choice Awards as the American public's "Favorite Film of the Year." This is a golden opportunity to make our voices heard. You see, we can vote for the movie we want to win. Giving F911 the nod would create a firestorm of renewed media coverage and once again place the incompetence and dereliction of duty performed by George W. Bush and his band of thieves back in the nation's headlines.
12/09/04 :: By Drew Johnston Atrios-Bashing at CBS.com?Categories :: Blogging on Blogging :: Media
Newsalert: CBS writer slams Atrios with some pretty serious (and largely inaccurate) accusations.
12/09/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough Hearing on Vote Suppression and Election Fraud Demand National ActionCategories :: Election 2004
The House Judiciary Committee's hearing on voter suppression and election fraud demands citizen action and brought to light several proposed legal and constitutional solutions.
12/08/04 :: By Tom Ball New Alliance Strengthens Right-Wing MediaCategories :: Media
In a copulation-fest fit to churn the stomach, right-wing radio powerhouse, Clear Channel Communications has agreed to make Fox News its primary news source.
12/08/04 :: By Stu Finkel The View From the End of the Witness TableCategories :: Election 2004
DC Poli Sci, a Daily Kos regular, was the official reporter (transcriber) at the Conyers hearing today on Ohio vote suppression and irregularities. He gives an excellent first hand account of the proceedings and a few personally snapped photographs, and it is more than worth a read.
12/08/04 :: By Tom Ball Rumsfeld to Troops: "Deal with It!"Categories :: Rumsfeld, Donald
Is there any wonder why Republican Senator John McCain refused to endorse the reappointment of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld? In a Q&A with troops about to face combat, Rumsfeld demeaned our troops, asserting that their concerns regarding insufficient armor are petty and should 'just be dealt with'.
12/08/04 :: By Tom Ball Ukraine Opposition Yushchenko Confirmed PoisonedCategories :: Elections
Medical experts have confirmed that Viktor Yushchenko, Ukraine’s opposition leader, was poisoned in an attempt on his life during election campaigning, the doctor who supervised his treatment at an Austrian clinic said yesterday.
12/08/04 :: By Tom Ball Could the US Dollar Lose its Status as the World's Reserve Currency?Categories :: Economy
Wall Streeters are quick to jump on today's US Dollar rally as the possible tuning point in the disastrous collapse of the only 'global currency'. And they may be right. Nevertheless, even a significant retracement will do little to counter the 3-year, 35% drop in the Greenback against the Euro (24% against the Yen -- a drop mitigated by the threat of Japanese Central Bank intervention). In fact, the Economist is warning of a bleak future for the buck and in turn for the US economy.
12/08/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough Breaking News: This Ain't OverCategories :: Civil Rights
C-Span covers the hearings. Tune in for testimony and evidence on the vote fraud in Ohio.
12/08/04 :: By Stu Finkel Stephen ColbertCategories :: Bush Administration :: Humor :: Satire
From Tuesday's Daily Show:
JS: But Stephen, what you seem to be suggesting is that the way to keep your job in this administration is to be a failure.
SC: No, Jon. A colossal failure.
12/07/04 :: By Delton Murphy Battling the Bush WarsCategories :: Activism :: Anti-War :: Progressive Strategy :: Reference
The battle between the two Superpowers is underway. As the US continues to assert power under a second Bush term, the world's only other superpower continues to fight back.
12/07/04 :: By Stu Finkel Peter Beinart's Historical GobbledygookCategories :: Democrats :: Foreign Policy :: Iraq :: Terrorism
In a cover piece for the New Republic, Peter Beinart incorrectly equates the liberal dilemma today on how to deliver a convincing anti-terrorist message with that after World War II on how to deliver a strong anti-Communist message.
12/07/04 :: By Tom Ball The Powell-Proxy: Ultra-Conservative Group Enables FCC to Censor American MediaCategories :: Free Speech
Republican’s are continuing their assault on American Values – renewing a censorship campaign that began with bookburnings and then burnings of all things Twain, extending to Presley’s pelvis, and on to Jackson’s infamous and ‘evil’ breast.
12/06/04 :: By Tom Ball Civil Rights Voting Records Spotlight the Stealth BigotsCategories :: Civil Rights :: Election 2004 :: Race :: Republicans
In the wake of the latest election season, charges of voter suppression by Republicans have been flying without mitigation, gaining momentum with each passing day. In response, Republican's couldn't scoff loudly enough, "How dare the Democrats make such baseless accusations. We are a party of compassion and high morals. We are the party of inclusion and tolerance. Just ask Condi and Colin...and also ask that gay fellow who heads up the AIDS office." -- or something like that. As usual, the Republicans' talk is the virtual antithesis of the Republican's walk. To illustrate, we need go no further than the politicians' votes to see who's walk matches their talk.
12/06/04 :: By Delton Murphy Action Alert: Help Bring Democratic Elections to AmericaCategories :: Election 2004
The tragic truth of the matter is that an Ohio recount may not change a thing. If the same provisional ballots still end up not being counted then it seems we will merely end up repeating the mistake. Also, it's quite hard for me to imagine George W. Bush actually abdicating the throne.
So what's the point?
12/05/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough Holiday EconomicsCategories :: Progressive Strategy
Political Strategy is Economic Strategy.
12/05/04 :: By Stu Finkel Is Air Conditioning to Blame?Categories :: Elections
Geographer James Wiley suggests that air conditioning may be at the root of our electoral woes:
12/03/04 :: By Tom Ball Tactic: Use Google News to Promote 'Unreported' NewsstoriesCategories :: Tactics
Many progressive sites spend precious energy lamenting the avoidance of various important news stories by the mainstream media -- something over which we have traditionally had little control. The invention of the internet...and subsequently the blog has given us a significant lift in ensuring that such stories gain some exposure. Unknown to many, however, is an additional tool in our arsenal -- Google News.
12/03/04 :: By Stu Finkel Escaping Blame for Abu GharibCategories :: Bush Administration :: Hypocrisy :: Iraq
As Derrick Z. Jackson reminds us in his searing Op-Ed in today's Boston Globe, nothing aids promotion in the Bush administration like incompetence and breaking laws both domestic and international.
12/03/04 :: By Bonnie Yarbrough Calls for Impeachment ContinueCategories :: Bush Administration
The White House is in full party mode, both figuratively and literally. Decorations and Christmas carols are now passing for “hard news” on CNN. But the background music, for anyone who cares to listen to it, carries a plaintiff and lilting dissonance.
12/02/04 :: By Tom Ball Tokenism, It's Not Just For Breakfast AnymoreCategories :: Race :: Tactics
There's little doubt that Karl Rove prides himself on the image of inclusion that he has created for the Bush Administration. Indeed, you need look no further than Colin and Condi (fodder for an entire article unto themselves) for proof positive that the GOP is all about inclusion, acceptance and diversity. Quite a heavy burden to rest on the shoulders of two individuals. In reality, however, the celebration of Republican inclusiveness might be a touch premature.
12/02/04 :: By Drew Johnston The Magical World of Sex EducationCategories :: Education :: Humor :: Sex
Prior to this, I didn't realize just how bad abstinence only sex-ed programs really are. "Choosing Best" really deserves this mockery.
12/01/04 :: By Tom Ball Evidence of Voter Fraud GrowsCategories :: Election 2004
Those who mock the idea of vote fraud in the 2004 election are quick to point out that the possibility of a coordinated, systematic attack on the vote, accross hundreds of districts, and using disparate methods of processing is beyond the laugh test. True, any particular instance of irregularity by itself seems unsufficiently compelling to foster the current groundswell of suspicion. Taken en masse, however, the evidence seems to suggest an incomprehensible conclusion -- at least to the uninformed and those in denial.
12/01/04 :: By Delton Murphy Amend This!Categories :: Elections :: Government :: Schwarzenegger, Arnold
Could Arnold Schwarzenegger really become President? The Governator's growing popularity in California, coupled with a 51% Republican "mandate" and overwhelming support for the Bush Administration and the Republicans in the slave states (and states open to slavery), brace yourselves--you ain't seen nothing yet.
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