AG Collapses: I Blame the Federalist Society

The Attorney General no one has ever heard of, Michael Mukasey collapsed during a speech last night. He's currently recovering in a D.C. hospital.

What was Mr. Mukasey doing when he collapsed? What could have caused this? Well, he was giving a speech to none-other than the Axis of Evil, the Federalist Society. What was the speech about? Oh, just defending GWB's legal policies. You know, the ones that even conservatives disagree with on a regular basis? Yeah, those.

Mukasey, 67, was giving a spirited defense of the Bush administration's legal policies when his speech began to slur and he lost track of his thoughts about 30 minutes into his talk. Seconds later, he became rigid and then began to slump.

Maybe he realized how ridiculous his speech was and decided he needed an escape and this was the only way out. Anyone who can defend the legal tactics of the Bush Administration is clearly under a lot of duress or clinically insane. I'll give Mr. Mukasey an easy time and say it was the former. And then I'll send him a membership form for the American Constitution Society. It'll be the gift that keeps on giving.

Foreign Relations Step 1: Restore Our Relationships

I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to study abroad in France during the summer between my junior and senior years of college. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget and that is everything the cliches about studying abroad promised. I stayed with an amazing host family and lived the language.

But more importantly, I lived as an American in a foreign land.

I was in France in the summer of 2002. This was less than one year after 9/11 and nearly a year before the infamous "Mission Accomplished" speech on May 1, 2003. Needless to say it was a trying time to be an American abroad.

My host family taught me many things, but one of the things that really struck me was the fact that, unlike stereotypes the did not hate Americans. Americans, for example, had helped France out in World War I and saved it from the Nazis in World War II. But it seems that since then, we've done nothing but tarnish our own image.

One day I was walking down the streets of the small city where I frequented after class. On the light posts there were posters for a protest. A protest against American invasion of Iraq. On the posters was a picture of George W. Bush, riding a rocket with a cowboy hat on. The perfect Kubrickian-masterpiece. I've never been a W fan, but at first I was a bit miffed. Then I read what it really meant--they don't hate me as an American, they hate my country's policies. And rightfully so.

One night, my host family had over one of their former host-students for dinner who happened to be in town. He was a citizen of Kuwait. Imagine the tension at the dinner table that night with my country invading the country just to the north of him, claiming to be liberators yet again. Imagine the tension at the dinner table that night with many in my country calling for the heads of so many innocent Arabic and Muslim people as some battle cry. He was an unbelievably nice person, but I couldn't help but see Americans through his eyes that night and, for once, I was the outsider.

I have thought of these experiences over the past six years in dealing with our foreign relations debacle. I think they really speak for themselves.

I just hope when I go back to France, I'm greeted with a little less angst for being an American and a little more hope for the future. I am convinced that this can only happen if Obama is elected. McCain is a great war hero. Do you honestly think that he isn't going to want a war of his own, whether it's Iran, North Korea or somewhere entirely different? And do you think our armed services can take another unncessary, time consuming and life-wasting war? I think not.

I mentioned the other day about how McCain's issues section has no section on foreign relations. This is indicative as to what a McCain presidency would bring--more disdain from the world community. You think the Bush Doctrine was bad? Think of what the McCain doctrine would be.

I seriously question whether America will last as a country for the rest of my natural life, but I know with McCain that it won't. We have to stop depriving ourselves of our own opportunities and relationships and get back in there with diplomacy and true world leadership.

We need, in otherwords, relationship counseling with our allies. I, for one, think Obama should be in the driver's seat.

Why Worldwide AIDS/HIV Care Matters

About ten years ago (or more, who knows), I first saw "And the Band Played On." (I know it was a book first, but live with it.) Since then, I have seen HIV/AIDS not as a personal health issue, but as a global health issue. If we let this disease--which is preventable--work to annihilate an entire continent, we are fools.

Worldwide HIV/AIDS Care matters because it is a humanity issue. The fact that for so many years we let this disease spread unfettered because it was stereotypically linked to one group of people speaks volumes about where we are as a society. Though we cannot change that, we can prevent it from happening again. Whereas white gay men were the social pariahs of the 80s, the whole continent of Africa has taken that title for the 90s and today. To allow such ignorance to blossom and thrive is beyond acceptable.
If humanity isn't a good enough reason for you, know that worldwide HIV/AIDS Care matters because it is an economic issue. HIV/AIDS may seem to be a distant issue to most, but it can impact the economy of the world greatly. A 2003 study by the United Nations shows how devestating a role HIV/AIDS can play on the world's pocketbook. Even the World Bank agrees. It may be hard for us as Americans to see past the impact of our own self-made financial crises, but it is necessary in order to create a complete solution to the problem.

Don't just take it from me, though. Here are some great resources to review to better know the issue:

Todd Heywood from RH Reality Check did a great piece about the candidates' positions on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. You should read it here.

If you need more information to be convinced that HIV/AIDS is a worldwide issue, you can check out UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

Also, check out the AIDS Law Project, an organization that "focuses on removing obstacles that prevent people with HIV/AIDS from having access to adequate health care and treatment in both the private and public sectors, from contesting unfair treatment and discrimination or that deny people with HIV/AIDS access to employment, employee benefits, insurance, education and other services."

We must work hard so thatHIV/AIDS is not our generation's enormously unpopular and unreturnable gift to the world.

So what does this have to do with the election? Well, back in 2001, on his first day of office, George W. Bush cut family planning funding around the globe. In the years that have passed, progress has been derailed everywhere--home and abroad. Organizations cannot get the aid they need because of "abstinence only" policies, which means people cannot get the prevention they need--or even information about the prevention they need. Instead, we allow a preventable yet incurable disease to infect more people as a result. Such boneheaded policies are just one example of the reason why we need to look at the candidates' positions on reproductive health, but in particular and on the larger scale, at its impact on global health.

When you vote for a candidate, you're voting for that person's policies. When that person's policies include bad health choices, the world suffers. The choice is simple--do you want someone who supports actions such as Bush's Global Gag Rule? Or do you want something different that works to help people?

Prediction: Recession (Depression) 2008

This bailout program is only going to string out the inevitable. Bailing out companies and putting big business on corporate welfare is only going to help the rich and even then, only in the short run.

Remember the New Deal? Yeah...much better. The thing is that this bandaid is only going to conceal the problem, so the rich get richer and the poor...well, you know.

Right now listening to GWB blame the American people for the financial situation of the country is a true joke. Bailing out big business is only good if the people on main street can afford to buy big business's product.

Happy Birthday Sam Grace! Sorry the Economy is Going to Hell.

Yes, ladies and gents, it's my birthday. You can read all about my crazy weekend here.

In not so great news, it appears that the economy is hanging by a thin thread...not even good strong material. It's like a shitty poly-blend thread that wasn't formulated right. Oil was down to $96 this morning and is now at $94, which normally would be a great thing, but such a quick drop is nothing helpful to an already unstable market.

For Christ's sake, even George W. Bush is acknowledging the mess of it all. Well, sorta. Hell, even McCain was blasting bank regulators (probably right before having lunch with them...maverick my ass).

No one is safe...Merill is bought out, Lehman is down the tubes, everyone else is in jitters just waiting for the closing bell. It's kind of awkward to think my birthday might be remembered for something like this.

We're being told not to spend, but screw that. I'll spend what I want on my birthday. And tomorrow, when the economy collapses, it'll be just grand.

September 11, 2008--Seven Years Later, Not So Much The Wiser

While ceremonies mark the remembrance of the people that left us that day, the country turns to a new point in history--a new leader--to seek the guidance we didn't seem to get over the past seven years.

McCain and Obama have agreed not to talk politics today at Ground Zero. I can appreciate the sentiment, however I think the better plan of action would really be to do something. So I'll do it for them.

In the past seven years we have:

• Left behind a worthwhile military venture in Afghanistan (where, by the way, the true perpetrators of 9/11 are hiding or at least visiting from time to time) and let our early victories in that area crumble to pieces in the wake of our desire to be somewhere else.
• Started a worthless war in a country that housed virtually no one who contributed to the events of 9/11 only to put that entire country in a civil war calmed only by the presence of soldiers who have been on four tours of duty.
• Created a department of "Homeland Security" which has done nothing but outsource the job that was being done on the morning of 9/11 with very few, if any, changes and has made our borders equally as safe or unsafe as they were on that day.
  
• Developed a cultural war against people of the Islamic faith not because we disagree with their religious ideas, but because a few people who claim to be Muslims decided to blow up a building. Meanwhile, we neglect our own faults in that Christians have perpetuated numerous wars in the name of religion and yet they're not deemed extremists.
• Built a culture of fear and even created a rainbow of terror alerts to keep us on the edge of our seats, lest we get a bit curious as to why we fear in the first place. You know why George W. Bush got reelected in 2004 notwithstanding the fact that he was a horrible president? Because the country feared change...because the country was conditioned to fear.
  

But don't be sad, here's the things we have managed not to do:

• Create a true understanding with the cultures in the Middle East in order to develop a dialogue that prevents cultural violence.
  
• Move beyond the goals of the terrorists (fear) and live in peace
• Create a lasting memorial to those who died that day--either physically or a fund that works to prevent such diplomatic disasters
• Win or even gain ground in the so-called "War on Terror."
• Prevent national tragedy from striking again due to our own ineptness.
  

Am I pessimistic? No. I'm realistic. I know that the fact that another terrorist attack like 9/11 hasn't happened since then in the U.S. (but it has in other places) doesn't mean that we've solved the problem(s). To the contrary, it's only served to make them worse. People in Iraq hate us more today than they ever have--and with a lot of good reasons to support them. America has lost its standing in the world by trying to force a "democracy" in places that don't want to see us even visit. New extremists are being born and bred every day--and instead of confront the reasons for that, we waive banners on aircraft carriers and claim a mission accomplished.

Shame on us.

Here's my optimism--here's what we need to do:

• Create a dialogue about why people hate America. We have to confront this above all else.
  
• Stop putting our noses where they don't belong and start making sure that our own country is secure. (Levees in New Orleans, anyone?)
• Cut our dependence on oil--not just foreign oil, but all oil. When oil is less a part of the equation, true diplomacy may begin.
  
• Withdraw from Iraq, but help them rebuild. We royally screwed up their country, it's our responsibility to fix it. Remember when you were a kid and you'd go play at someone's house? If your mama raised you right, you wouldn't leave their toys a mess or broken.
  

To be honest, campaigning should be done today. Today marks the anniversary of a national tragedy, but if we don't talk about these issues, it'll mark the beginning of the end of the most powerful and innovative democracy in history. If we don't start making a difference, scenes like the one above will become more commonplace.

And that, my friends, is a real tragedy.

Holy Deficit, Batman!

I didn't expect much, but I didn't expect this.

The White House has projected a record. And of course, it's not a good one. The George "Let's Cut Taxes Right and Left" W. Bush White House has announced today that it projects a record deficit for 2009 of $482 BILLION (said in a Dr. Evil voice).

You know that this doesn't shock me. But here's what does: there are still people out there that think massive tax cuts that do nothing to stimulate economic growth are good things. This amazes me. Anyone with a quarter of a brain has got to realize that disaster looms when you deplete the country's funds on all sides (two-front war, anyone) and the give massive tax cuts to the rich who don't spend that money, but save it (this is why Reaganomics or Trickle-Down economics do not work). Don't worry about that giant surplus Clinton handed to you, Dubya--just spend it all on your precious oil war.

I mean what's next? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus but he's not coming this year due to fuel prices.

Just shut down the country and start from scratch. And appoint Robert Reich as head of the Fed already.

Nope, We're Not In A Recession, Virgina

The financial market has pretty much hit the skids today. Any progress that was made yesterday in the slight upswing was briskly escorted out the door and asked to never return.

Not only are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on the brink of total meltdown, but they sent the stock market tumbling to its lowest point in over 2 years.

And I'm sure somewhere, GWB is just smiling that stupid shit-eating grin of his and going about his pleasurable day. Grrr.

Can someone get Robert Reich on the phone and just hand control of the economy over to him? This Paulson guy seems about as helpful as pay toilets in a diarrhea ward.

How to Solve Gas Prices? Let's Drill Some More

In another expected yet moronic move by George W. Bush, the President called for an increase in off shore drilling in an attempt to lower gas prices. As if ruining our economy and using up the supply of oil we do have is some sort of sustainable solution, Bush urged us to start drilling off our own shores.

Ugh.

Is Bush going to stop his lame duck tour of the world making asinine comments anytime soon? I'm getting sick of hearing about it.

It's Official!

Pause your Tivos, mark your diaries and listen up:

A recession is here.

That's right folks, the majority of economists surveyed believe that the U.S. is in fact, ass deep in a recession. Well, maybe not ass-deep yet.

Never to fear, though, fine fellow-citizens: Samantha Grace is here to translate the Wall Street Journal's saddening news.

"The evidence is now beyond a reasonable doubt," said Scott Anderson of Wells Fargo & Co., who was among the 71% of 51 respondents to say that the economy is now in a recession.

Translated: It's pretty much for sure. Beyond a reasonable doubt=highest burden of proof under the law. Just FYI.

The Commerce Department said Thursday that retail sales tumbled 0.6% in February; sales excluding volatile auto and parts decreased 0.2%. The decline reflected a sharp slowdown in consumer spending, the primary driver of U.S. economic growth, as Americans grapple with high gasoline prices and the credit crunch, as well as drops in home values and other asset prices.

Translated: hoes ain't buying shit because hoes is broke as fuck.

Twenty-nine of 55 respondents said they expect the economy to contract in the current quarter and 25 expect it to do so in the second. The average of all the forecasts is for meager growth -- just 0.1% at an annual rate in the current quarter and 0.4% in the second.

Translated: this ain't goin' away anytime soon.

Although the classic definition of recession is two consecutive quarters of declines in the gross domestic product, Mr. Stanley pointed out that the National Bureau of Economic Research, the nonpartisan organization that is the official arbiter of when recessions begin and end, doesn't necessarily follow that definition. "If you go back to the 2001 recession, there was only one negative GDP quarter, and there might not even be one negative quarter in this recession," he said.

Translated: GWB doesn't have a leg to stand on when he says we don't have a recession on our hands and we're only experiencing a "downturn".

The economists also expressed growing concerns that a 2008 recession could be worse than both the 2001 and 1990-91 downturns. They put the odds of a deeper downturn at an average 48%, up from 39% in the previous survey. Mark Nielson of MacroEcon Global Advisors said that "we recognize the previous two recessions were mild and, if a recession does occur, it is likely to be slightly worse than the previous two."

Translated: we're screwed beyond any screwing that people of my generation can remember. so lube up.

Futures markets Thursday priced in certainty of at least a 0.5 percentage point cut in the Fed's rate target and up to 90% probability of a 0.75 point cut. Officials had, prior to this week, appeared unconvinced a 0.75 point cut was needed, given signs that inflation psychology is worsening. But those views may have been affected by continued upheaval in credit markets and the weak retail sales and employment data. Market participants say this would be a risky time to cut less than investors expect. The Fed will have to weigh the urgency of addressing the continued credit crunch against the risk of appearing unconcerned about inflation.

Translated: Bernake is going to mess it up even more. Too many cooks in the kitchen perhaps?

One thing is clear: The darkening economic outlook has made Ben Bernanke's job less secure, especially with a new president about to enter the White House. The economists gave the Fed chairman just a 59% chance of being reappointed in 2010. "If a Democrat is elected he won't be reappointed, and [presumptive Republican presidential nominee John] McCain may opt for another, too," said David Resler of Nomura Securities. "The problems occurred on his watch," added Ram Bhagavatula of Combinatorics Capital.

Translated: WELL DUH.

Why even Republicans hate GWB, Reason #1832412431291969

Because he makes huge budgets with little income to support it.

And of course, I know that "he" doesn't make anything but a mess, but his people in any event. How does he do it?

The spending proposal, which shows the government spending $3 trillion in a 12-month period for the first time in history, squeezes most of government outside of national security, and also seeks $196 billion in savings over the next five years in the government's giant health care programs -- Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor.

Ah yes....the old Reverse-Robin Hood problem. Stealing from the poor to give to the war profiteering contractors.

Is it just me...

...or is the thought of listening to GWB's State of the Union enough to make you scream?

Another way this nation has learned to say "Happy Monday" to ya.

Jesus Camp

Last night with some mediocre too crusty pizza and a lot of pausing and laughing along the way, I had the chance to watch Jesus Camp, a documentary about these evangelical Christians in Kansas City.

I was very impressed. And I was very appalled. And I was very sad.

A lot of what these so-called Christians believe goes against everything I was taught and value. It just seems to me, that contrary to what they might say, there's a lot of guilt being placed on these young kids and a lot of adult issues being introduced to them at a young age when they are supposed to be enjoying their lives freely. Instead they are trying to wash away original sin and praying at the wall of an abortion clinic (deleted scene). They're being encouraged to approach total strangers at inappropriate times to "save their souls." Most importantly though, they are being taught that in order to be worthy in the eyes of God, they must be "born-again," as if being born weren't enough. At the same time as they praise God and condemn others

It's a sad tale of where our society is going. The scariest parts perhaps involved the crossroads of the evangelical faith in Jesus and their unabashed worship of George W. Bush. The idolatry (remember that Commandment) is astounding. These kids were brought to Ted Haggard (yes, that guy) to hear him speak and even to sing songs, pray and generally act a fool on the steps of the Supreme Court. The youth pastor, Pastor Becky Fisher encourages these children and their parents to be active in political issues (GWB, abortion) and yet when she called in to an Air America talk show, denied that their faith has anything to do with politics.

Jesus Camp is not for the faint of heart and it will likely piss you off. If it doesn't, then you have to dig within yourself to find out why.

Ironically, it turns out that the Kids on Fire camp run by Pastor Becky has been closed. So much for fearlessly spreading the word.

Standing Tall Against Nothing

The Democrats in the House have decided to roll over for the lame (duck) President as an early Christmas present this year. They have decided to give him his $70 million for his wars notwithstanding the lack of progress, the lack of vision and lack of leadership that has been displayed.

Have we not learned anything in our lives? This kind of reward only gives bullies more power. Granted, troops need supplies and stuff and I'm all for that, but let's be honest on this one--he's not going to stop unless WE stop HIM.

I'm just so peeved.

This War is Never Going to End

My thoughts on this today are brought about by the teaser for this article, which states that top Dems now support a war funding bill.

House Democrats defiantly pushed ahead Wednesday with a $50 billion war spending bill that calls for troops to leave Iraq, despite concerns raised by some members of the party and a veto threat issued by the White House.

Of course he'll veto. It's not his idea. His lackeys agree.

"In addition to infringing upon the president's constitutional authority as commander in chief, the bill would mandate a precipitous withdrawal of troops that could increase the probability that American troops would have to one day return to Iraq to confront an even more dangerous enemy," an administration statement said.

Um...how about his constant infringement upon the constitutional authority of the Congress to declare war and set budgets and funding for wars? The power of the purse my friend, live with it.

My point is this--I'm all for funding for the people there, but for god's sake, obviously this thing isn't going to end by negotiation. Some Dems and Republicans need to team up, grow a pair (ovaries or balls will do) and stop funding this war--that's the ONLY WAY things are going to get done. Flat out.

Somewhere Far From Here Choirs of Angels Sing

Oh happy day!

This came about six years too late, but I suppose better late than never.

How's that novel coming?

Surprise, surprise! Guess who is back in shape and ready to fight jihad? That's right, folks...Al-Qaeda is at it's peak and ready for action.

Thanks again, War on Terror!


Sen. Harry Reid expresses his thanks as well:

"It is a travesty that Osama bin Laden remains at large nearly six years after the 9/11 attacks and appears to have found new sanctuary to operate freely in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border regions," Reid said. "The Bush administration and most congressional Republicans would rather stubbornly stick with a flawed strategy and fight a war that senior military leaders say cannot be won militarily, than adapt to fighting the enemy who attacked us six years ago."

Not surprised one bit...but still shocked.

Does that make sense?

A former aide of the most ridiculous governor ever, John Engler, was fired by the Bush administration today because he wanted to enforce a treaty...a treaty that, mind you, the president is supposed to enforce. Basically there was some border issue and a wall that was in the wrong place that we put there. The now-fired guy, Schornack, supported full enforcement of the treaty (go figure).

Schornack said his hard line, backed by his Canadian counterpart, clashed with Justice Department officials' view that the owners' property rights should trump the treaty. He likened his dismissal, which he said he plans to challenge in court, to the controversial dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys.

The best line of all time though came late in the article when he admitted that maybe he just wasn't "good" enough.

“I’m not right-wing enough,” said Schornack, who worked for Republican Engler in the Michigan Legislature and served in various posts throughout his 12-year administration.

And the runner up goes to this line...

“I didn’t buy the property rights agenda because I thought national security was more important.”

Yeah...another wonderful day in Georgie-boy's Neighborhood.

Your money's on the dresser, baby. I'm done wit' you.

In yet another non-surprising yet brazen move by GWB, he has again refused to produce certain aides for testimony in front of congress relating to the Great Attorney Firing of 2007.

What is with this guy? I mean, I'd like to chalk it up to disagreeing but I'm really beginning to believe that the guy has a major Napoleon-complex. I'd love to be surprised by this, but I'm not. I'm just standing in awe (not in a good way) of the whole thing wondering how in the hell we got to this point. Honestly, how far can a president push the envelope without the whole thing falling to pieces?

Flip a table and don't say I didn't tell you so...

Scooter Libby has had his sentence commuted.

I know I'm shocked.

I'm so angry right now I could scream. I mean, does the law mean nothing to this man? And by this man, I mean GWB, because this is outrageous.

OUTRAGEOUS.