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The Financial Crisis Could Shake the Foundations of American Politics
William Greider, TheNation.com
Corporate Accountability and WorkPlace: We are witnessing a momentous event -- the great deflation of Wall Street -- and it is far from over.
How Long Will Your Doctor Continue Accepting Private Insurance?
Maggie Mahar, Health Beat
Health and Wellness: Doctors are getting fed up with private insurers. Here's a look at what out-of-pocket costs could look like for patients.
Lightning Strikes: Get Used to Catastrophic Wildfires and Worse
By Scott Thill, AlterNet
Environment: In California there were 8,000 lightning strikes in one event, and that was months before fire season. There is more of that in store across the West.
Al Gore Throws Down the Gauntlet in Today's Energy Challenge Speech
Post by Seth Colter Walls
Video: 29 Years to the day after Carter's energy speech Gore shoots for the moon. More »
Obama is Just Another Politician
Bruce Walker
Barack Obama is just another politician. That is the increasingly obvious fact of the presidential campaign. More
Beyond The Blame Game
Christopher Chantrill
In politics the game always goes to the politician who can stick the blame on the other guy. Sometimes, like New York Senator Charles Schumer, you can even nudge a bank into receivership. More
Mapping the Victim Curriculum
Bob Myer
"Victim" is not, a natural state of being. That self-preception must be impressed upon a person. Traditionally, this has been done through the infliction of some real violence, but schools can now serve as recruiting centers. More
Bruce Walker
Barack Obama is just another politician. That is the increasingly obvious fact of the presidential campaign. More
Beyond The Blame Game
Christopher Chantrill
In politics the game always goes to the politician who can stick the blame on the other guy. Sometimes, like New York Senator Charles Schumer, you can even nudge a bank into receivership. More
Mapping the Victim Curriculum
Bob Myer
"Victim" is not, a natural state of being. That self-preception must be impressed upon a person. Traditionally, this has been done through the infliction of some real violence, but schools can now serve as recruiting centers. More
Barack's Disgraceful Global Phony-Ops
July 18, 2008
Barack Obama has never been President, but he plays one on TV. More
They preen that others may sacrifice
July 18, 2008
Americans for Prosperity catch on video Gore's supporters arriving in cabs for his speech on global warming in which he calls for higher gas taxes and greater use of public transportation. More
Thomas Lifson on the Rapid Decline of the New York Times
July 17, 2008
AT's editor and publisher Thomas Lifson takes on the deteriorating business conditions at the New York Times in an article published on Pajamas Media today. More
Another inconvenient truth down the Obama Memory Hole
July 17, 2008
The staggering implications of another embarrassing Obama statement would remain unexplored, with the public record obscured, were it not for internet journalists. More
Former IDF Rabbi Alleges Hezb'allah Torture
July 17, 2008
It is unknown if the dead bodies of two Israeli soldiers were mutilated before or after their deaths. More
Beginning government education at birth?
July 17, 2008
I decided to take a glimpse at "Barack Obama's Plan for Lifetime Success Through Education." What I read there was more than a little disturbing More
July 18, 2008
Barack Obama has never been President, but he plays one on TV. More
They preen that others may sacrifice
July 18, 2008
Americans for Prosperity catch on video Gore's supporters arriving in cabs for his speech on global warming in which he calls for higher gas taxes and greater use of public transportation. More
Thomas Lifson on the Rapid Decline of the New York Times
July 17, 2008
AT's editor and publisher Thomas Lifson takes on the deteriorating business conditions at the New York Times in an article published on Pajamas Media today. More
Another inconvenient truth down the Obama Memory Hole
July 17, 2008
The staggering implications of another embarrassing Obama statement would remain unexplored, with the public record obscured, were it not for internet journalists. More
Former IDF Rabbi Alleges Hezb'allah Torture
July 17, 2008
It is unknown if the dead bodies of two Israeli soldiers were mutilated before or after their deaths. More
Beginning government education at birth?
July 17, 2008
I decided to take a glimpse at "Barack Obama's Plan for Lifetime Success Through Education." What I read there was more than a little disturbing More
$52 Million Raised by Obama in June. Is it enough?
July 17, 2008
Now that Obama has eschewed federal financing of his campaign, he is entirely beholden to his supporters for money to run his campaign. More
Israel weaker, Hezb'allah stronger
July 17, 2008
What do Islamic radicals think when Western-style governments show their soft side? Just look at the reaction to the recent prisoner and body swap between Israel and Hezb'allah. More
Jewish voters and Obama
July 17, 2008
Liberal media outlets are anxious to deny that Barack Obama has a problem with support from Jewish voters. Polling data debunks their debunking. More
The Orwellian logic of Israel's 'swap' with Hezb'allah
July 17, 2008
Israel's uneven "swap" with terror group Hezbollah -- five imprisoned terrorists for two dead Israeli solidiers -- provoked gloating and celebrations among Hezbollah yesterday. It obviously will invite more terrorism against Israel More
Campaigning for versus serving in office
July 17, 2008
Barack Obama is a world class runner -- for his next political office. Doesn't leave much time for actually serving in office, though. Check out the track record. More
Encouraging Poll Numbers for McCain
July 17, 2008
Rich Baehr gives us a report from the campaign's front lines. More
July 17, 2008
Now that Obama has eschewed federal financing of his campaign, he is entirely beholden to his supporters for money to run his campaign. More
Israel weaker, Hezb'allah stronger
July 17, 2008
What do Islamic radicals think when Western-style governments show their soft side? Just look at the reaction to the recent prisoner and body swap between Israel and Hezb'allah. More
Jewish voters and Obama
July 17, 2008
Liberal media outlets are anxious to deny that Barack Obama has a problem with support from Jewish voters. Polling data debunks their debunking. More
The Orwellian logic of Israel's 'swap' with Hezb'allah
July 17, 2008
Israel's uneven "swap" with terror group Hezbollah -- five imprisoned terrorists for two dead Israeli solidiers -- provoked gloating and celebrations among Hezbollah yesterday. It obviously will invite more terrorism against Israel More
Campaigning for versus serving in office
July 17, 2008
Barack Obama is a world class runner -- for his next political office. Doesn't leave much time for actually serving in office, though. Check out the track record. More
Encouraging Poll Numbers for McCain
July 17, 2008
Rich Baehr gives us a report from the campaign's front lines. More
Russia's energy drive leaves US reeling
President Dmitry Medvedev is pursuing Russia's energy diplomacy with a vengeance. As a former head of Gazprom he is balancing the energy giant's oil export strategy between Europe and Asia-Pacific, and, significantly, has secured the right for Gazprom to handle the entire output of Libya's gas, oil and liquefied natural gas. Medvedev has also revived with Iran the idea of a "gas cartel". Ferocious rivalries over energy security will rock the foundations of overall United States-Russia relations. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 18, '08)
President Dmitry Medvedev is pursuing Russia's energy diplomacy with a vengeance. As a former head of Gazprom he is balancing the energy giant's oil export strategy between Europe and Asia-Pacific, and, significantly, has secured the right for Gazprom to handle the entire output of Libya's gas, oil and liquefied natural gas. Medvedev has also revived with Iran the idea of a "gas cartel". Ferocious rivalries over energy security will rock the foundations of overall United States-Russia relations. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 18, '08)
Paul Craig Roberts
Airport Gestapo
James G. Abourezk
Big Oil's Raid on the Great Plains
Ralph Nader
D.C. Socialists Save Crashing Capitalists
Allan J. Lichtman
Conservative Denial
Andy Worthington "Screwed Up" and "Abused": Omar Khadr's Interrogations at Gitmo
Ronnie Cummins
Move Over MoveOn
Airport Gestapo
James G. Abourezk
Big Oil's Raid on the Great Plains
Ralph Nader
D.C. Socialists Save Crashing Capitalists
Allan J. Lichtman
Conservative Denial
Andy Worthington "Screwed Up" and "Abused": Omar Khadr's Interrogations at Gitmo
Ronnie Cummins
Move Over MoveOn
Jeffrey St. Clair
Star Whores: How John McCain Doomed Mt. Graham
Paul Craig Roberts
War Crimes Paradox
Conn Hallinan
To the Edge in the Middle East
Dave Lindorff
Torture for Torturers?
William S. Lind
Running the Narrows in Iraq
Star Whores: How John McCain Doomed Mt. Graham
Paul Craig Roberts
War Crimes Paradox
Conn Hallinan
To the Edge in the Middle East
Dave Lindorff
Torture for Torturers?
William S. Lind
Running the Narrows in Iraq
The Zionist Power Configuration in America and Israel’s War with Iran
by James Petras / July 17th, 2008
“My strong preference here is to handle all this (US conflict with Iran) diplomatically with the other powers of government, ours and many others as opposed to any kind of strike occurring…From the US perspective, from the United States military perspective in particular, opening up a third front (Israeli and/or US act of war against Iran) would be extremely stressful to us.”
– testimony of Admiral Michael Mulligan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, July 2, 2008.
“If Iran continues its nuclear arms program – we will …
(Full article …)
Unrest Surfaces in Fallujah Again
by Ali al-Fadhily and Dahr Jamail / July 17th, 2008
FALLUJAH, Jul 16 (IPS) - Security has collapsed again in Fallujah, despite U.S. military claims.
Local militias supported by U.S. forces claim to have “cleansed” the city, 70 km to the west of Baghdad, of all insurgency. But the sudden resignation of the city’s chief of police, Colonel Fayssal al-Zoba’i, has appeared as one recent sign of growing unrest.
Authorities may have controlled the media better than the violence.
“Assassinations never stopped in Fallujah, but the media seems unwilling to cover the actual situation here,” a human rights activist in Fallujah, speaking on terms of anonymity given the tense situation, told IPS. “The …
(Full article …)
Bush Hides “Plame-gate” Testimony
by Jason Leopold / July 18th, 2008
In the latest twist in the “Plame-gate” scandal, President George W. Bush has asserted executive privilege to block release of Vice President Dick Cheney’s interview with a special prosecutor about possible criminal violations in the leaking of a CIA officer’s covert identity.
Rep. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, promptly denounced the White House legal reasoning as “ludicrous,” noting that executive privilege covers advice that an aide gives the President, not responses to legal questions posed by a prosecutor about a possible crime.
Bush applied his broad assertion of executive privilege Wednesday at the request of Attorney General Michael Mukasey, …
(Full article …)
ICK MEYER
Fannie's Real Lesson huffingtonpost.com — The lesson is about this old and ignored government truism: The worst scandals are the ones that are perfectly legal.
DR. JUDITH RODIN
The Post-Social Contract Generation huffingtonpost.com — Almost half of America's youngest workers believe the nation's best days may have come and gone. Ninety percent say the social contract is broken and 87 percent — the largest portion in any age group — are calling out for a new one.
HALE STEWART
Democrats Are Better for the Economy huffingtonpost.com — The historical record (those pesky facts again) indicates that Democrats are far better for the economy than Republicans.
NATHAN NEWMAN
The Idiocy of Deregulation tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com — Okay, markets are useful in many places; but the ideological propaganda that weakening regulation on powerful economic actors will help consumers has been proven wrong time and again.
LEONARD DOYLE
Lifespan Gap Highlights American Inequality independent.co.uk — Despite an almost cult-like devotion to the belief that unfettered free enterprise is the best way to lift Americans out of poverty, a new report points to a rigged system that does little to lessen inequalities.
BERND DEBUSMANN
U.S. Leaders Should Stop Playing Politics With Energy iht.com — Gasoline at $4 a gallon will force the United States, the world's most profligate user of energy, into a new era of creativity and innovation — as long as America's leaders stop practicing politics as usual.
NICK TURSE
The Pentagon and the Hunt for Black Gold tomdispatch.com — For years, "oil" and "Iraq" couldn't make it into the same sentence in mainstream coverage of the invasion and occupation of that country. Recently, that's begun to change, but "oil" and "the Pentagon" still seldom make the news together.
Fannie's Real Lesson huffingtonpost.com — The lesson is about this old and ignored government truism: The worst scandals are the ones that are perfectly legal.
DR. JUDITH RODIN
The Post-Social Contract Generation huffingtonpost.com — Almost half of America's youngest workers believe the nation's best days may have come and gone. Ninety percent say the social contract is broken and 87 percent — the largest portion in any age group — are calling out for a new one.
HALE STEWART
Democrats Are Better for the Economy huffingtonpost.com — The historical record (those pesky facts again) indicates that Democrats are far better for the economy than Republicans.
NATHAN NEWMAN
The Idiocy of Deregulation tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com — Okay, markets are useful in many places; but the ideological propaganda that weakening regulation on powerful economic actors will help consumers has been proven wrong time and again.
LEONARD DOYLE
Lifespan Gap Highlights American Inequality independent.co.uk — Despite an almost cult-like devotion to the belief that unfettered free enterprise is the best way to lift Americans out of poverty, a new report points to a rigged system that does little to lessen inequalities.
BERND DEBUSMANN
U.S. Leaders Should Stop Playing Politics With Energy iht.com — Gasoline at $4 a gallon will force the United States, the world's most profligate user of energy, into a new era of creativity and innovation — as long as America's leaders stop practicing politics as usual.
NICK TURSE
The Pentagon and the Hunt for Black Gold tomdispatch.com — For years, "oil" and "Iraq" couldn't make it into the same sentence in mainstream coverage of the invasion and occupation of that country. Recently, that's begun to change, but "oil" and "the Pentagon" still seldom make the news together.
Obama Goes Abroad With World Watching - Dan Balz, Washington Post
Europe's Economics Lesson for Obama - Henry Olson, Wall Street Journal
Uncomfortable Facts About the Economy - Peter Goodman, New York Times
Ghosts of 1976 in Today's Campaign - Michael Barone, US News & WR
Will the New Yorker's Image Stick? - Eleanor Clift, Newsweek
Conversation with New Yorker Editor David Remnick - Charlie Rose Show
Obama's CEO Outreach - Robert Novak, Chicago Sun-Times
Bush's Shameful Flip-Flop on Iran - Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard
Bush's U-Turn Toward Common Sense - Graham Allison, Los Angeles Times
Al Qaeda's Market Crash - Ralph Peters, New York Post
Teen Pregnancy and Youth Violence - Colbert King, Washington Post
The Military Loses the Information War - Andrew Klavan, City Journal
The Left's New Goddess - Jonathan Chait, New Republic
How a Young Lawyer Saved the 2nd Amendment - James Taranto, WSJ
When Fannie and Freddie Hit the Fan - Clive Crook, National Journal
The Good News About Energy - Robert Bryce, The American
How to Save Afghanistan - Rory Stewart, Time
Europe's Economics Lesson for Obama - Henry Olson, Wall Street Journal
Uncomfortable Facts About the Economy - Peter Goodman, New York Times
Ghosts of 1976 in Today's Campaign - Michael Barone, US News & WR
Will the New Yorker's Image Stick? - Eleanor Clift, Newsweek
Conversation with New Yorker Editor David Remnick - Charlie Rose Show
Obama's CEO Outreach - Robert Novak, Chicago Sun-Times
Bush's Shameful Flip-Flop on Iran - Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard
Bush's U-Turn Toward Common Sense - Graham Allison, Los Angeles Times
Al Qaeda's Market Crash - Ralph Peters, New York Post
Teen Pregnancy and Youth Violence - Colbert King, Washington Post
The Military Loses the Information War - Andrew Klavan, City Journal
The Left's New Goddess - Jonathan Chait, New Republic
How a Young Lawyer Saved the 2nd Amendment - James Taranto, WSJ
When Fannie and Freddie Hit the Fan - Clive Crook, National Journal
The Good News About Energy - Robert Bryce, The American
How to Save Afghanistan - Rory Stewart, Time
Editorials
Gitmo Go-Ahead - Wall Street Journal
A Bundle of Hypocrisy - Washington Post
Barack's Iraq Trip - New York Post
Iraq Costs Us In Afghanistan - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Political News & Analysis
Iraqis Differ on Obama's Plan - Washington Post
Gramm Steps Down from McCain Campaign - New York Times
McCain to Focus on Domestic Issues - Washington Post
GM's Volt a Campaign Centerpiece - Bloomberg
Transcripts & Speeches
Panel on Obama's Trip; Serious or Photo-Op? - Special Report w/Brit Hume
Interview with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi - The Situation Room
Discussion of Attacks on Michelle Obama - Hannity & Colmes
Interview with the CEO of Fannie Mae - The NewsHour
President Bush Remembers Tony Snow - George W. Bush
Best of the Blogs
Not Conservatism, Less Liberalism - Mark Levin, The Corner
McCain's Foreign Policy "Qualifications" - Big Tent Dem, TalkLeft
HRC Campaign Aides Buy 2012 Website - Marc Ambinder, Atlantic
Netroots Try to Label Fox News as 'Opinion' - Michael Falcone, The Caucus
Dick Heller, Get Your Gun - David Weigel, Hit & Run
The Audacity of Vanity
- Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post
Are the Obamas Untouchable?
- Pat Buchanan, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
What Dems Can't Say About Drilling
- David Harsanyi, Denver Post
Obama's Tidal-Wave Potential
- Steve Kornacki, New York Observer
- Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post
Are the Obamas Untouchable?
- Pat Buchanan, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
What Dems Can't Say About Drilling
- David Harsanyi, Denver Post
Obama's Tidal-Wave Potential
- Steve Kornacki, New York Observer
Foreign Policy: Is Obama a Puppet? (Updated)
July 18, 2008
After reading the article on Barack Obama's foreign policy team in the New York Times this morning, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. 300 foreign policy advisors? More
Judge Rejects Gitmo Trial Delay
July 18, 2008
It appears that Osama Bin Laden's driver and bodyguard, Salim Ahmed Hamdan, will go on trial as scheduled on Monday. More
A recipe for starvation
July 18, 2008
Foolish foodies want to politicize food production. Their efforts include a program to boycott food not grown locally. More
Leader of the 9 Percenters calls Bush 'A total failure'
July 18, 2008
Say WHAT? More
Some German venue suggestions for Obama
July 18, 2008
While it seems that his preposterously narcissistic notion of a speech before the Brandenburg Gate has been scotched by German authorities, no alternate venue has been named. More
The inconvenient truth about Gore
July 18, 2008
And now let's take an inconvenient truth tour of the home Al Gore returns to after a long, hard day on the do as I say not what I do lecture/media circuit More
Congressional Democrats bullying lobbyists and businesses
July 18, 2008
In a series of recent stories that has gotten virtually no mainstream media coverage, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his fellow Democrats in both the Senate and the House discuss pressuring lobbyists who donate to the GOP. More
'Who Does he think he is?'
July 18, 2008
Charles Krauthammer has an excellent column on Barack Obama today in which he exposes the candidate's extraordinary narcissism. More
Lebanese terrorist praises Zionists
July 18, 2008
If even he notices, why doesn't the entire world? More
'Obama' girl at the 'Netroots Nation'
July 18, 2008
Amber Lee Ettinger, better known as the Obama girl, attended the left wing convention Netroots Nation meeting in Austin, TX. More
If a Network Anchor falls in the forest and no one hears him, is he still biased?
July 18, 2008
Obama's coronotion tour through the Middle East will feature some well known attendants. More
Barack's Disgraceful Global Phony-Ops
July 18, 2008
Barack Obama has never been President, but he plays one on TV. More
July 18, 2008
After reading the article on Barack Obama's foreign policy team in the New York Times this morning, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. 300 foreign policy advisors? More
Judge Rejects Gitmo Trial Delay
July 18, 2008
It appears that Osama Bin Laden's driver and bodyguard, Salim Ahmed Hamdan, will go on trial as scheduled on Monday. More
A recipe for starvation
July 18, 2008
Foolish foodies want to politicize food production. Their efforts include a program to boycott food not grown locally. More
Leader of the 9 Percenters calls Bush 'A total failure'
July 18, 2008
Say WHAT? More
Some German venue suggestions for Obama
July 18, 2008
While it seems that his preposterously narcissistic notion of a speech before the Brandenburg Gate has been scotched by German authorities, no alternate venue has been named. More
The inconvenient truth about Gore
July 18, 2008
And now let's take an inconvenient truth tour of the home Al Gore returns to after a long, hard day on the do as I say not what I do lecture/media circuit More
Congressional Democrats bullying lobbyists and businesses
July 18, 2008
In a series of recent stories that has gotten virtually no mainstream media coverage, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his fellow Democrats in both the Senate and the House discuss pressuring lobbyists who donate to the GOP. More
'Who Does he think he is?'
July 18, 2008
Charles Krauthammer has an excellent column on Barack Obama today in which he exposes the candidate's extraordinary narcissism. More
Lebanese terrorist praises Zionists
July 18, 2008
If even he notices, why doesn't the entire world? More
'Obama' girl at the 'Netroots Nation'
July 18, 2008
Amber Lee Ettinger, better known as the Obama girl, attended the left wing convention Netroots Nation meeting in Austin, TX. More
If a Network Anchor falls in the forest and no one hears him, is he still biased?
July 18, 2008
Obama's coronotion tour through the Middle East will feature some well known attendants. More
Barack's Disgraceful Global Phony-Ops
July 18, 2008
Barack Obama has never been President, but he plays one on TV. More
Bush's Mission Accomplished
Paul Kengor
It is time to reassess the now infamous "mission accomplished" landing and speech on the USS Abraham Lincoln. More
Real Time News and its Enemies
Nancy Coppock
We are entering the next step of personalized news. But Congressional Democrats are suspicious of the ability of their colleagues to bypass media gatekeepers. More
Paul Kengor
It is time to reassess the now infamous "mission accomplished" landing and speech on the USS Abraham Lincoln. More
Real Time News and its Enemies
Nancy Coppock
We are entering the next step of personalized news. But Congressional Democrats are suspicious of the ability of their colleagues to bypass media gatekeepers. More
Dave Lindorff
I Was a Victim of the TSA
July 18, 2008
Corey D. B. Walker
A Kinder, Gentler Imperialism?
Mike Whitney
Swan Song for Fanny Mae
Robert Bryce
Iran Rising
Mike Roselle
Ed's Chicken: Fighting King Coal in Appalachia
Bouthaina Shaaban
U. S. to Mandela: Happy 90th and You're No Longer a Terrorist
I Was a Victim of the TSA
July 18, 2008
Corey D. B. Walker
A Kinder, Gentler Imperialism?
Mike Whitney
Swan Song for Fanny Mae
Robert Bryce
Iran Rising
Mike Roselle
Ed's Chicken: Fighting King Coal in Appalachia
Bouthaina Shaaban
U. S. to Mandela: Happy 90th and You're No Longer a Terrorist
- Mother's Milk of Politics Turns Sour
by: Bill Moyers and Michael Winship, t r u t h o u t | Perspective - The Costs of War: The Parents' Agony
by: Ann Wright, t r u t h o u t | Perspective - Don't Lose Focus of the Real Issues
by: Wilmer J. Leon, t r u t h o u t | Perspective - Interview With Rep. Dennis Kucinich
by: Maya Schenwar, t r u t h o u t | Interview - Deadlines and Democracy
by: J. Sri Raman, t r u t h o u t | Perspective
U.S. Perpetuates Mass Killings In Iraq
by Peter Phillips / July 19th, 2008
The United States is directly responsible for over one million Iraqi deaths since the invasion five and half years ago. In a January 2008 report, a British polling group Opinion Research Business (ORB) reports that, “survey work confirms our earlier estimate that over 1,000,000 Iraqi citizens have died as a result of the conflict which started in 2003…. We now estimate that the death toll between March 2003 and August 2007 is likely to have been of the order of 1,033,000. If one takes into account the margin of error associated with survey data of this nature then …
(Full article …)
Torture As Official US Policy
by Stephen Lendman / July 19th, 2008
Post-9/11, torture has been official US policy under George Bush — authorized at the highest levels of government. Evidence of its systematic practice continues to surface. First some background.
On September 17, 2001, George Bush signed a secret finding empowering CIA to “Capture, Kill, or Interrogate Al-Qaeda Leaders.” It also authorized establishing a secret global network of facilities to detain and interrogate them without guidelines on proper treatment. Around the same time, Bush approved a secret “high-value target list” of about two dozen names. He also gave CIA free reign to capture, kill and interrogate terrorists not on the …
(Full article …)
Afghanistan Is Not a Good War
by Ron Jacobs / July 19th, 2008
It’s the perennial thorn in the colonialist’s side. It’s the war that won’t go away. It’s a wasp sting that swells, slowly choking the life out of the sting’s recipient. It is the nearly seven-year old occupation of Afghanistan by the United States and various NATO allies. Nearly forgotten by most Americans, the situation in that country has taken headlines away from the occupation of Iraq because of the resurgence of the anti-occupation forces. Nine US troops were killed in one day, easily topping any recent US fatality figures coming out of Iraq in recent …
(Full article …)
Spaceman Gore: “Let’s Drive to the Moon!”
by Michael Dawson / July 18th, 2008
Albert Gore, he of the Nobel Peace Prize and the 20-room mansion and the penchant for stating ideas only when he’s far out of power, has just delivered a speech calling for radical reform of the USA’s energy infrastructure.
In “A Generational Challenge to Repower America,” Gore says:
In recent years, our politics has tended toward incremental proposals made up of small policies designed to avoid offending special interests, alternating with occasional baby steps in the right direction. Our democracy has become sclerotic at a time when these crises require boldness.There are times …
(Full article …)
Conservatives Against Empire
Collateral Damage: According to Jane Mayer, the US Has Succeeded in Creating an American Gulag
Afghanistan's Descent
'Terrorist' Loses 60 Pounds on Dick Cheney Torture Diet
The Omnipotent President
Answering Terror With Terror
Bush Administration's Torture Policy Goes Far Beyond Waterboarding
Collateral Damage: According to Jane Mayer, the US Has Succeeded in Creating an American Gulag
Afghanistan's Descent
'Terrorist' Loses 60 Pounds on Dick Cheney Torture Diet
The Omnipotent President
Answering Terror With Terror
Bush Administration's Torture Policy Goes Far Beyond Waterboarding
How Obama Sees the World - Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek
Overseas Trip Carries Big Risks - Michael Goodwin, New York Daily News
Obama's Ego Problem - Joan Vennochi, Boston Globe
Crashes, Bangs & Wallops: Panic of '08 - Richard Lambert, Financial Times
McCain Campaign's Economic Stupidity - Frank Rich, New York Times
Conservatism: Not Too Big To Fail - George Will, Newsweek
Conservative Thinkers Think Again - Patricia Cohen, New York Times
Breaking the Silence on Pakistan and Terrorism - Con Coughlin, Telegraph
The Key to US-Pakistan Relations - Jim Hoagland, Washington Post
Obama's Wrong Turn in Afghanistan - John Nichols, The Nation
Bush Administration Flip-Flops on Iran - Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard
On Vouchers, Obama Offers No Change - Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune
Will Democrats Keep Trying in Dixie? - Dick Polman, Philadelphia Inquirer
The Uncensored Jesse Jackson - Debra Saunders, San Francisco Chronicle
Jesse Jackson's N-Word 'Gotcha' - Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune
Congress's Edifice Complex - John Fund, Wall Street Journal
Bringing Down Bear Stearns - Bryan Burrough, Vanity Fair
RCP Nat'l Average: Obama +4.5% / RCP Electoral Count: Obama +92 EVs
Editorials
The Candidates and Financial Stability - Washington Post
The Way Through This Economy - New York Times
Another Blowout for House GOP? - Washington Times
Russia's New (And Old) Plan - Boston Globe
Political News & Analysis
Maliki Disputes Report on Troop Withdrawal Plan - CNN
Maliki Backs Obama Troop Pullout Plan - Chicago Tribune
Obama's Visit Renews Focus on Afghanistan - New York Times
Timeline on Iraq Complicates General - Associated Press
Overseas Trip Carries Big Risks - Michael Goodwin, New York Daily News
Obama's Ego Problem - Joan Vennochi, Boston Globe
Crashes, Bangs & Wallops: Panic of '08 - Richard Lambert, Financial Times
McCain Campaign's Economic Stupidity - Frank Rich, New York Times
Conservatism: Not Too Big To Fail - George Will, Newsweek
Conservative Thinkers Think Again - Patricia Cohen, New York Times
Breaking the Silence on Pakistan and Terrorism - Con Coughlin, Telegraph
The Key to US-Pakistan Relations - Jim Hoagland, Washington Post
Obama's Wrong Turn in Afghanistan - John Nichols, The Nation
Bush Administration Flip-Flops on Iran - Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard
On Vouchers, Obama Offers No Change - Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune
Will Democrats Keep Trying in Dixie? - Dick Polman, Philadelphia Inquirer
The Uncensored Jesse Jackson - Debra Saunders, San Francisco Chronicle
Jesse Jackson's N-Word 'Gotcha' - Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune
Congress's Edifice Complex - John Fund, Wall Street Journal
Bringing Down Bear Stearns - Bryan Burrough, Vanity Fair
RCP Nat'l Average: Obama +4.5% / RCP Electoral Count: Obama +92 EVs
Editorials
The Candidates and Financial Stability - Washington Post
The Way Through This Economy - New York Times
Another Blowout for House GOP? - Washington Times
Russia's New (And Old) Plan - Boston Globe
Political News & Analysis
Maliki Disputes Report on Troop Withdrawal Plan - CNN
Maliki Backs Obama Troop Pullout Plan - Chicago Tribune
Obama's Visit Renews Focus on Afghanistan - New York Times
Timeline on Iraq Complicates General - Associated Press
Obama Fears the Blair Effect - Sarah Baxter, Sunday Times
An Obama Impact on Bush's Positions? - Trudy Rubin, Philadelphia Inquirer
Obama Proves Only Symbolism and Speeches - Robert Tracinski, TIA Daily
Maliki's Breakthrough Endorsement - Tom Hayden, The Nation
Maliki Proves Timetable's Distortions - Abe Greenwald, Commentary
Open Tryouts to Make Veep - Nagourney & Healy, New York Times
Looking for McCain's Economic Veep - David Broder, Washington Post
Let's Settle Iraq Issue: We Weren't Duped - Doug MacEachern, AZ Republic
Sternest Test Awaits New York Times - Douglas McCollam, Columbia JR
An Obama Impact on Bush's Positions? - Trudy Rubin, Philadelphia Inquirer
Obama Proves Only Symbolism and Speeches - Robert Tracinski, TIA Daily
Maliki's Breakthrough Endorsement - Tom Hayden, The Nation
Maliki Proves Timetable's Distortions - Abe Greenwald, Commentary
Open Tryouts to Make Veep - Nagourney & Healy, New York Times
Looking for McCain's Economic Veep - David Broder, Washington Post
Let's Settle Iraq Issue: We Weren't Duped - Doug MacEachern, AZ Republic
Sternest Test Awaits New York Times - Douglas McCollam, Columbia JR
Transcripts & Speeches
Lara Logan's Interview with Barack Obama - Face the Nation
Lieberman on "Fox News Sunday" - Fox News Sunday
Interviews with Secretaries Rice & Paulson - Late Edition
Al Gore on "Meet the Press" - Meet the Press
John McCain's Weekly Radio Address - John McCain
Best of the Blogs
Obama, the Press and Iraq - Kevin Drum, Political Animal
Call Off the Kooks, Media Mistranslates Maliki - Gateway Pundit
What McCain Should've Said - Abe Greenwald, Contentions
Obama's Judgment Means Longer Wars - Mark Impomeni, Redstate
The AT&T Convention in Denver - Glenn Greenwald, Salon
Hawks need to back off from Bush over Iran talks
Ray Robison
Can we take a moment to consider that President Bush is making this move toward talks with Iran for a good reason? More
Obama's Civilian National Security Force
Lee Cary
Barack Obama's recent words to promote his image as Community Organizer in Chief were not about forming a paramilitary force of volunteer brown shirts. They were about turning America into one, giant, community organizer's sandbox More
Shi'ite Iran's Genocidal Jew Hatred
Andrew G. Bostom
The annihilationist threat to Israel posed by a Shi'ite Iranian regime gripped with an apocalyptic, Jew-hating fervor did not spring from a vacuum. More
Ray Robison
Can we take a moment to consider that President Bush is making this move toward talks with Iran for a good reason? More
Obama's Civilian National Security Force
Lee Cary
Barack Obama's recent words to promote his image as Community Organizer in Chief were not about forming a paramilitary force of volunteer brown shirts. They were about turning America into one, giant, community organizer's sandbox More
Shi'ite Iran's Genocidal Jew Hatred
Andrew G. Bostom
The annihilationist threat to Israel posed by a Shi'ite Iranian regime gripped with an apocalyptic, Jew-hating fervor did not spring from a vacuum. More
Is Barack Obama's speech site tainted by Nazi past?
July 20, 2008
Yet another instance of an amateur walking into problems in dealing with international relations. More
The Onion to the rescue
July 20, 2008
Just when our national humor crisis seemed to be at its lowest point.... More
No nukes on NBC News
July 20, 2008
Something was missing from today's Meet the Press, besides Tim Russert's affability: hard questions. More
Michelle Obama as racial victim
July 20, 2008
Get out your handkerchiefs. Poor Michelle Obama apparently is now the emblem of the victimization of all black women. A media campaign is underway More
Not Everyone in Europe is Crazy in Love with Obama
July 20, 2008
Common sense not entirely dead on the Continent More
Media Messing Itself in Describing Obama's Trip
July 20, 2008
Media canonizes Obama. All that's missing is the halo. More
Save The Baby Penguins
July 20, 2008
You might have read recently about baby penguins dying in Rio de Janeiro. Even before the facts are in, the liberal media knows what to blame. More
Democrats Proclaim Themselves Geniuses Because Maliki Agrees with Obama
July 20, 2008
Question for Democrats: Should we forget all your previous stupidity on Iraq and now call you geniuses? More
Sorry - Wrong Kennedy
July 20, 2008
Paralles between JFK and Obama may be less apt than they would be for another Kennedy. More
A disgruntled Democrat writes to us
July 20, 2008
A Democrat writes us about a letter from his party that disturbs him greatly. More
The American Physical Society Owes Lord Monckton an Immediate Apology
July 19, 2008
The Viscount Monckton of Brenchley has penned a letter to the President of the American Physical Society demanding that an offensive disclaimer to one of his papers be removed from the APS website or justified to his satisfaction. More
Romney, McCain warming up frosty relations
July 19, 2008
Is McCain moving in Romney's direction for Veep? More
July 20, 2008
Yet another instance of an amateur walking into problems in dealing with international relations. More
The Onion to the rescue
July 20, 2008
Just when our national humor crisis seemed to be at its lowest point.... More
No nukes on NBC News
July 20, 2008
Something was missing from today's Meet the Press, besides Tim Russert's affability: hard questions. More
Michelle Obama as racial victim
July 20, 2008
Get out your handkerchiefs. Poor Michelle Obama apparently is now the emblem of the victimization of all black women. A media campaign is underway More
Not Everyone in Europe is Crazy in Love with Obama
July 20, 2008
Common sense not entirely dead on the Continent More
Media Messing Itself in Describing Obama's Trip
July 20, 2008
Media canonizes Obama. All that's missing is the halo. More
Save The Baby Penguins
July 20, 2008
You might have read recently about baby penguins dying in Rio de Janeiro. Even before the facts are in, the liberal media knows what to blame. More
Democrats Proclaim Themselves Geniuses Because Maliki Agrees with Obama
July 20, 2008
Question for Democrats: Should we forget all your previous stupidity on Iraq and now call you geniuses? More
Sorry - Wrong Kennedy
July 20, 2008
Paralles between JFK and Obama may be less apt than they would be for another Kennedy. More
A disgruntled Democrat writes to us
July 20, 2008
A Democrat writes us about a letter from his party that disturbs him greatly. More
The American Physical Society Owes Lord Monckton an Immediate Apology
July 19, 2008
The Viscount Monckton of Brenchley has penned a letter to the President of the American Physical Society demanding that an offensive disclaimer to one of his papers be removed from the APS website or justified to his satisfaction. More
Romney, McCain warming up frosty relations
July 19, 2008
Is McCain moving in Romney's direction for Veep? More
Inartful
By WILLIAM SAFIREHow to dismiss a distraction.
July 20, 2008 Ideas & Trends
We’re Not Laughing at You, or With You
By LEE SIEGELDoes The New Yorker’s cover really qualify as satire?
July 20, 2008
Obama’s Visit Renews Focus on Afghanistan
By CARLOTTA GALL and JEFF ZELENYBarack Obama stopped on a high-profile foreign trip in a country that is increasingly the focus of his clash with John McCain.
July 20, 2008 Political Memo
Closed Mouths, but Open Tryouts to Make the Team
By ADAM NAGOURNEY and PATRICK HEALYBarack Obama and John McCain are in some ways hunting for running mates in plain sight.
July 20, 2008
Can Leah Daughtry Bring Faith to the Party?
By DANIEL BERGNEROn Sundays she is a Pentecostal preacher. During the week she is planning the Democratic convention.
July 20, 2008
Obama Opens a Foreign Tour in Afghanistan
By CARLOTTA GALL and JEFF ZELENYSenator Barack Obama began a high-stakes foreign trip in a country that is increasingly the focus of his clash with John McCain in the presidential campaign.
July 20, 2008
Obama Campaign Confirms Site of Berlin Speech
By NICHOLAS KULISHWith the Brandenburg Gate out of the running as the location for Barack Obama’s public address in Germany, the campaign announced he would speak beneath the Siegessäule in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park.
July 20, 2008
Obama’s Visit Renews Focus on Afghanistan
By CARLOTTA GALL and JEFF ZELENYBarack Obama met with President Hamid Karzai on Sunday, the second day of his trip to a country that is increasingly the focus of his clash with John McCain.
July 20, 2008 Op-Ed Columnist
Ich Bin Ein Jet-Setter
By MAUREEN DOWDIn the next six weeks, Barack Obama must convincingly perform the political equivalent of the Labors of Hercules.
July 20, 2008
Politics Has Dissidents Talking to A.F.L.-C.I.O.
By STEVEN GREENHOUSEThe presidents of several labor unions that quit the A.F.L.-C.I.O. three years ago have been meeting with the federation to coordinate their political operations and message for the fall election.
July 19, 2008 Op-Ed Columnist
Summer Travel Plans
By GAIL COLLINSWhy is Barack Obama going wherever he’s going at all? Anybody he needs to talk to would be happy to pick up a phone.
Obama's Iraq Spotlight - Robert Novak, Chicago Sun-Times
No Downside to Obama's Trip - Noam Scheiber, The New Republic
The Democrats' Baghdad Two-Step - Rep. Peter Hoekstra, Washington Post
The Real Cost of Staying the Course - John Bruhns, Philly Daily News
Hoping Obama Makes the Case for Victory - Bill Kristol, New York Times
History Suggests McCain is Toast - Clive Crook, Financial Times
Obama's Rx Plan Will Cover Illegal Immigrants - Morris & McGann, NYP
Rising Value of a Vote in a Struggling Economy - John Harwood, NY Times
We're Asking Too Much of the Fed - Glenn Hubbard, Wall St. Journal
Global Economy at Maximum Peril - Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, DT
Do as Al Says, Not as Al Does - Lorne Gunter, National Post
For Obama, Beyond Civil Rights - Gregory Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times
The Great African-American Awakening - Myron Magnet, City Journal
Black. Female. Accomplished. Attacked. - Sophia Nelson, Washington Post
Poor, Poor Michelle - Ralph Reiland, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Thug Mugabe Has Friends in High Places - Stanley Crouch, NY Daily News
Reconciling Evil with Faith - Michael Novak, USA Today
RCP Blog: AM Report / Politics Nation: Strategy Memo: Maliki's Mistake
Editorials
Paying Their Fair Share - Wall Street Journal
Democrats, Denver, and the First Amendment - USA Today
The Obama Media Orgy - New Hampshire Union Leader
Failing Zimbabwe - New York Times
Political News & Analysis
Obama Expected to Meet with Iraq Commanders - Associated Press
McCain Caught in Crossfire Over U.S. Troop Status - USA Today
Obama Meets with Afghan President Karzai - Bloomberg
News in Terror Hot Spot Appears to Aide Obama - The Politico
No Downside to Obama's Trip - Noam Scheiber, The New Republic
The Democrats' Baghdad Two-Step - Rep. Peter Hoekstra, Washington Post
The Real Cost of Staying the Course - John Bruhns, Philly Daily News
Hoping Obama Makes the Case for Victory - Bill Kristol, New York Times
History Suggests McCain is Toast - Clive Crook, Financial Times
Obama's Rx Plan Will Cover Illegal Immigrants - Morris & McGann, NYP
Rising Value of a Vote in a Struggling Economy - John Harwood, NY Times
We're Asking Too Much of the Fed - Glenn Hubbard, Wall St. Journal
Global Economy at Maximum Peril - Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, DT
Do as Al Says, Not as Al Does - Lorne Gunter, National Post
For Obama, Beyond Civil Rights - Gregory Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times
The Great African-American Awakening - Myron Magnet, City Journal
Black. Female. Accomplished. Attacked. - Sophia Nelson, Washington Post
Poor, Poor Michelle - Ralph Reiland, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Thug Mugabe Has Friends in High Places - Stanley Crouch, NY Daily News
Reconciling Evil with Faith - Michael Novak, USA Today
RCP Blog: AM Report / Politics Nation: Strategy Memo: Maliki's Mistake
Editorials
Paying Their Fair Share - Wall Street Journal
Democrats, Denver, and the First Amendment - USA Today
The Obama Media Orgy - New Hampshire Union Leader
Failing Zimbabwe - New York Times
Political News & Analysis
Obama Expected to Meet with Iraq Commanders - Associated Press
McCain Caught in Crossfire Over U.S. Troop Status - USA Today
Obama Meets with Afghan President Karzai - Bloomberg
News in Terror Hot Spot Appears to Aide Obama - The Politico
Transcripts & Speeches
Lara Logan's Interview with Barack Obama - Face the Nation
Lieberman on "Fox News Sunday" - Fox News Sunday
Interviews with Secretaries Rice & Paulson - Late Edition
Al Gore on "Meet the Press" - Meet the Press
John McCain's Weekly Radio Address - John McCain
Best of the Blogs
Moving Forward on Withdrawal - Steve Benen, Carpetbagger Report
The $125 Billion Binge - Peter Robinson, The Corner
US Reconsidering Nuclear Power? - Ed Morrissey, Hot Air
Dems Proudly Cut Medicare Benefits - Alex Tabarrok, Marginal Revolution
Obama Shunning Foreign Media - Little Green Footballs
What Iraqis Think of Obama - Larry Kaplow, Newsweek
Beijing's Fresh Face for Olympics - Maureen Fan, Washington Post
Hope for New Russian Ties Now Dead - Max Hastings, The Guardian
Threat of Famine Looms in Zimbabwe - Chris McGreal, Mail & Guardian
CIA's Troubling Spy Games in Pakistan - Mark Mazzetti, NY Times
Beijing's Fresh Face for Olympics - Maureen Fan, Washington Post
Hope for New Russian Ties Now Dead - Max Hastings, The Guardian
Threat of Famine Looms in Zimbabwe - Chris McGreal, Mail & Guardian
CIA's Troubling Spy Games in Pakistan - Mark Mazzetti, NY Times
Ishmael Reed
Remnick's Latest Blunder
Mike Whitney
The Democrats are the Real Problem
Andy Worthington
Dictatorial Powers Upheld: the Meaning of the Al-Marri Decision
Scott Pellegrino
Should "Meet the Press" Desegregate?
John Ross
McCain Crosses the Border, Gets No Satisfaction
Robert Weitzel
Blowback Through the Looking Glass
Mike Stark
I was Spied on by the Maryland Police
Remnick's Latest Blunder
Mike Whitney
The Democrats are the Real Problem
Andy Worthington
Dictatorial Powers Upheld: the Meaning of the Al-Marri Decision
Scott Pellegrino
Should "Meet the Press" Desegregate?
John Ross
McCain Crosses the Border, Gets No Satisfaction
Robert Weitzel
Blowback Through the Looking Glass
Mike Stark
I was Spied on by the Maryland Police
Demanding Withdrawal
Earlier this month, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki raised the prospect of "setting a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops as part of negotiations over a new security agreement with Washington." "Today, we are looking at the necessity of terminating the foreign presence on Iraqi lands and restoring full sovereignty," Maliki told Arab ambassadors in Abu Dhabi. However, the Bush administration rejected Maliki's demands. A State Department spokesman said that any U.S. withdrawal would be "conditions based." "Timelines tend to be artificial in nature," a Pentagon spokesperson added. But perhaps remembering his previous stance that if the Iraqis "were to say, 'leave,' we'll leave," President Bush agreed last week to a "general time horizon" for withdrawal, adding a caveat that the timeframe being discussed would not be "arbitrary." Maliki contniues to keep up the pressure. When asked this weekend by Der Spiegel when he thinks U.S. troops should leave Iraq, Maliki replied, "as soon as possible." Then Maliki expressed support for Sen. Barack Obama's (D-IL) plan to exit Iraq: "Obama talks about 16 months. That, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes." Moreover, Maliki specifically rejected the Bush administration's argument against timetables. "The Americans have found it difficult to agree on a concrete timetable for the exit because it seems like an admission of defeat to them," Maliki told Der Spiegel. "But it isn't."
MUST BE A TRANSCRIPTION ERROR: Soon after Maliki said last month that the United States should set a timetable for withdrawal, the administration suggested that Maliki's remarks were the result of a transcription error, a point that multiple press accounts -- as well as Maliki's office -- had debunked. In similar fashion, this weekend, the White House rushed to discredit Maliki's new call for withdrawal. On Sunday, an Iraqi government spokesman called Maliki's remarks "misunderstood and mistranslated" but offered no specifics. In fact, the statement was released by the U.S. military and came only after "officials at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad contacted Maliki's office to express concern and seek clarification on the remarks, according to White House spokesman Scott Stanzel." But the so-called clarification belies the reality: not only did Der Spiegel stand by its version of the conversation with Maliki, but "the interpreter for the interview works for Mr. Maliki's office, not the magazine." Moreover, Der Spiegel provided the New York Times with an audio recording of the Maliki interview. The Times concluded that Maliki "seemed to state a clear affinity" for the 16-month withdrawal plan.
'LET'S SQUEEZE THEM': The Associated Press's Baghdad bureau reported yesterday that Maliki's embrace of a 16-month timetable is part of his "strategy to play U.S. politics for the best deal possible over America's military mission" in Iraq. The AP reported that "the goal is not necessarily to push out the Americans quickly, but instead give Iraqis a major voice in how long U.S. troops stay and what they will do while still there" and to boost Maliki's "nationalist credentials." According to "senior Iraqi officials," Maliki "sensed desperation by the Americans to wrap up a [security] deal quickly before the presidential campaign was in full swing." "Let's squeeze them," Maliki told his advisers. "The squeeze came July 7, when Maliki announced in Abu Dhabi that Iraq wanted the base deal to include some kind of timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops." "This isn't so much Maliki speaking as [it is] Maliki playing to restive Iraqi public opinion," Talking Points Memo editor Josh Marshall observed regarding the AP report. Marshall added that "it is a distinction without a difference. If an Iraqi leader must oppose a continuing US military presence in order to stay in power, then clearly the days of the US military presence in Iraq are numbered."
McCAIN CAMPAIGN 'F*CKED': Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has based much of his presidential campaign on the situation in Iraq. He has said that having the U.S. military stay in Iraq for 100 years "would be fine with me" and that calls for withdrawal amount to "surrender" and are "really inexcusable." McCain actually denied that Maliki had initially called for a withdrawal timeline, like Bush, responded by saying that "we will withdraw with honor, not according to a set timetable." At the same time, a McCain spokesman said recently that the senator "has always been clear that American forces operate in Iraq only with the consent of that country's democratically elected government." McCain made a similar statement himself, saying in 2004, "I think it's obvious that we would have to leave" if the Iraqi government requests a withdrawal. But in a statement, McCain's campaign dismissed Maliki's most recent call for a withdrawal timetable to Der Spiegel, insisting that "withdrawal must be based on conditions on the ground. Maliki has repeatedly affirmed the same view, and did so again today." In fact, a senior McCain official said that "voters care about [the] military, not about Iraqi leaders." In the face of all the contradiction, a "prominent Republican strategist" who occasionally provides advice to the McCain campaign said more candidly, "We're f*cked."
POLITICS -- PROGRESSIVES LEADERS PELOSI AND GORE SPEAK TO NETROOTS NATION: Yesterday marked the conclusion of Netroots Nation, a five-day convention of progressive bloggers and activists in Austin, TX. During the course of the conference, attendees heard keynote addresses from Gen. Wesley Clark, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Al Gore, among other speakers. Pelosi answered questions for over 40 minutes on a variety of topics and criticized the Senate for failing to pass the House's FISA bill that did not include immunity for telecommunications companies. Asked if she would redirect money from abstinence-only programs to sex education, Pelosi said, "Yes," adding that the current program "caters to a radical right-wing view." In a surprise appearance, Gore repeated his call to derive 100 percent of America's electricity from renewable sources in 10 years and said that the North Polar ice cap was likely to melt completely within five years. Gore also ridiculed as "absurd" conservatives' push to drill for more oil: "There used to be an old-timey remedy for hangovers called 'the hair of the dog that bit ya.' They'd recommend going in and just having another drink in the morning if you had a hangover. Well, that's sort, that's sort of what that reminds me of." He added, "When you're in a hole, stop digging!"
HUMAN RIGHTS -- BRITISH REPORT SAYS NOT TO TRUST U.S. ASSURANCES REGARDING TORTURE: A report released Sunday by the British parliament's foreign affairs committee says that the British government should not rely on assurances from the U.S. government that it does not torture terrorism suspects, after "Britain had previously taken those assurances at face value." The main difference between the two countries that the report cites is the definition of waterboarding as torture. UK Foreign Secretary Dana Miliband has said that the controversial technique is torture, but President Bush vetoed a bill that would ban CIA use of the method. The committee concluded that "Given the clear differences in definition, the UK can no longer rely on US assurances that it does not use torture." The committee also suggested that the British government conduct "exhaustive analysis of current US interrogation techniques." The report also challenges the British government to investigate further whether British land has been used for "rendition" flights by the United States, after allegations that two American planes carrying terrorism suspects had landed and refueled on the British-held Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia.
ADMINISTRATION -- ROVE DEFIES SUBPEONA, FLEES TO YALTA: Earlier this month, Karl Rove refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee to testify about the politicization of the Justice Department, despite a Congressional subpeona. While Rove justified his absence citing executive privlege, the House Judiciary Committee voted 7-1 that such claims were "invalid." During the hearing, Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) revealed that Rove had skipped the country "on trip scheduled long before the subpoena was sent." Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) said Rove’s attorney, Robert Luskin, "never mentioned" the trip to the Committee. Yesterday, Newsweek reported that Rove had fled to Yalta, "the historic Black Sea resort in Ukraine." "There Rove, who generally charges a reported $40,000 per talk, appeared on a premier panel...on the upcoming U.S. election." Luskin didn't see a problem with Rove's international adventure, asking Newsweek, "[W]hat was he supposed to do, sit at home with his lights off?" Congress, however, may hold Rove in contempt of Congress.
HUMAN RIGHTS -- BRITISH REPORT SAYS NOT TO TRUST U.S. ASSURANCES REGARDING TORTURE: A report released Sunday by the British parliament's foreign affairs committee says that the British government should not rely on assurances from the U.S. government that it does not torture terrorism suspects, after "Britain had previously taken those assurances at face value." The main difference between the two countries that the report cites is the definition of waterboarding as torture. UK Foreign Secretary Dana Miliband has said that the controversial technique is torture, but President Bush vetoed a bill that would ban CIA use of the method. The committee concluded that "Given the clear differences in definition, the UK can no longer rely on US assurances that it does not use torture." The committee also suggested that the British government conduct "exhaustive analysis of current US interrogation techniques." The report also challenges the British government to investigate further whether British land has been used for "rendition" flights by the United States, after allegations that two American planes carrying terrorism suspects had landed and refueled on the British-held Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia.
ADMINISTRATION -- ROVE DEFIES SUBPEONA, FLEES TO YALTA: Earlier this month, Karl Rove refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee to testify about the politicization of the Justice Department, despite a Congressional subpeona. While Rove justified his absence citing executive privlege, the House Judiciary Committee voted 7-1 that such claims were "invalid." During the hearing, Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) revealed that Rove had skipped the country "on trip scheduled long before the subpoena was sent." Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) said Rove’s attorney, Robert Luskin, "never mentioned" the trip to the Committee. Yesterday, Newsweek reported that Rove had fled to Yalta, "the historic Black Sea resort in Ukraine." "There Rove, who generally charges a reported $40,000 per talk, appeared on a premier panel...on the upcoming U.S. election." Luskin didn't see a problem with Rove's international adventure, asking Newsweek, "[W]hat was he supposed to do, sit at home with his lights off?" Congress, however, may hold Rove in contempt of Congress.
"Bush administration officials agreed that greenhouse gases could endanger the public and should be regulated under clean-air laws, but later reversed course amid opposition from Vice President Dick Cheney's office and the oil industry, a congressional report said." The "report is inaccurate to the point of being laughable," said White House spokesman Tony Fratto.
The first military commissions trial at Guantanamo Bay begins today, with the trial of Salim Ahmed Hamdan. "Unlike a civilian trial, even if the defendant is acquitted of conspiracy and material support of terrorism charges, he probably will not be released." Associate counsel Leslie Fahrenkopf is the second Bush administration official, after speechwriter Bill McGurn, this year "to switch bosses from Bush to Rupert Murdoch." "After stepping down from the White House on July 11, Fahrenkopf starts in September as vice president and associate general counsel of News Corp."
A new study, by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law finds that "poorly designed ballots continue to plague U.S. elections, even after Congress set aside $3 billion to overhaul voting systems." Since 2000, various problems have "led thousands of voters to skip over key races or make mistakes that invalidated their votes."
"United States and NATO missile and mortar strikes continued to exact a heavy toll on Afghans over the weekend, killing at least 13 in two attacks that Afghan officials said were mistakes." "The principal source of funding for highway projects will soon hit a big financial pothole" due to rising fuel prices. With motorists cutting back on driving and buying more fuel-efficient cars, "the government is taking in less money from the federal gasoline tax,"” which means that "the federal highway trust fund could be in the red by $3.2 billion or more next year."
And finally: Jenna Bush's ex moves into the White House. Despite being a college dropout, Blake Gottesman, 28, returns to the White House today as deputy chief of staff. Gottesman had worked as Bush's personal aide for four years, and had dated Jenna Bush in high school.
The first military commissions trial at Guantanamo Bay begins today, with the trial of Salim Ahmed Hamdan. "Unlike a civilian trial, even if the defendant is acquitted of conspiracy and material support of terrorism charges, he probably will not be released." Associate counsel Leslie Fahrenkopf is the second Bush administration official, after speechwriter Bill McGurn, this year "to switch bosses from Bush to Rupert Murdoch." "After stepping down from the White House on July 11, Fahrenkopf starts in September as vice president and associate general counsel of News Corp."
A new study, by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law finds that "poorly designed ballots continue to plague U.S. elections, even after Congress set aside $3 billion to overhaul voting systems." Since 2000, various problems have "led thousands of voters to skip over key races or make mistakes that invalidated their votes."
"United States and NATO missile and mortar strikes continued to exact a heavy toll on Afghans over the weekend, killing at least 13 in two attacks that Afghan officials said were mistakes." "The principal source of funding for highway projects will soon hit a big financial pothole" due to rising fuel prices. With motorists cutting back on driving and buying more fuel-efficient cars, "the government is taking in less money from the federal gasoline tax,"” which means that "the federal highway trust fund could be in the red by $3.2 billion or more next year."
And finally: Jenna Bush's ex moves into the White House. Despite being a college dropout, Blake Gottesman, 28, returns to the White House today as deputy chief of staff. Gottesman had worked as Bush's personal aide for four years, and had dated Jenna Bush in high school.
WILLIAM GREIDER
On Wall Street pbs.org — People of great wealth and their institutions like banks naturally have the power to overwhelm people of lesser means. And you can't allow that in a decent society. It won't survive.
TOM SULLIVAN
Drilling for Export ourfuture.org — Part and parcel in the offshore/ANWR drilling debates are several under-discussed and unchallenged assumptions. Let me add to them one more faulty assumption: Oil produced here stays here.
DEAN BAKER
Inequality and the Fannie/Freddie Bailout tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com — It is painful to see the consensus in inside Washington to hand Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac hundreds of billions of dollars in below market loans, no questions asked. This is an incredible chance to directly confront the rising inequality of the last three decades.
FRANK RICH
It?s the Economic Stupidity, Stupid. nytimes.com — Were voters forced to actually focus on McCain's response to our spiraling economic crisis at home, the prospect of his ascension to the Oval Office could set off a panic that would make the IndyMac Bank bust in Pasadena look as merry as the Rose Bowl.
JARED BERNSTEIN
The Shampoo Economy huffingtonpost.com — Bubble, bust, repeat…bubble, bust, repeat…bubble, bust, repeat… For the last few decades, that's been the American growth recipe. The damage done by these cycles is evident in both the current downturn and the daily headlines featuring systemic failures large and small.
SCOTT THILL
Are Fannie and Freddie Screwed? Bush Hopes So. alternet.org — Bush has set about destroying the decades-old lenders for good, plunging his knife into the backs of programs that helped normal Americans.
BYRON WILLIAMS
Capitalism for the Poor, Socialism for the Wealthy huffingtonpost.com — We are a capitalist society. We believe in personal responsibility and lifting ourselves by our own bootstraps — at least that is the stereotype we like to promote. The reality is America preaches capitalism to low-income individuals, but unleashes its socialist impulses for the wealthy.
JOE CUTBIRTH
McCain Owes Us More Than Gramm's Resignation huffingtonpost.com — McCain didn't announce he was distancing himself from an economic program designed by a man who devoted his entire career to cutting corporate taxes, reducing the social safety net, and deregulating financial markets. All that changed was someone else will have the silly title "campaign co-chairman."
ELIZABETH WARREN
Credit Cards, Bankruptcy Laws and the Mortgage Meltdown tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com — If more families could use bankruptcy to deal with their credit card debts, more could avoid foreclosure on their homes. Instead, restricted access to bankruptcy has increased home foreclosures.
On Wall Street pbs.org — People of great wealth and their institutions like banks naturally have the power to overwhelm people of lesser means. And you can't allow that in a decent society. It won't survive.
TOM SULLIVAN
Drilling for Export ourfuture.org — Part and parcel in the offshore/ANWR drilling debates are several under-discussed and unchallenged assumptions. Let me add to them one more faulty assumption: Oil produced here stays here.
DEAN BAKER
Inequality and the Fannie/Freddie Bailout tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com — It is painful to see the consensus in inside Washington to hand Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac hundreds of billions of dollars in below market loans, no questions asked. This is an incredible chance to directly confront the rising inequality of the last three decades.
FRANK RICH
It?s the Economic Stupidity, Stupid. nytimes.com — Were voters forced to actually focus on McCain's response to our spiraling economic crisis at home, the prospect of his ascension to the Oval Office could set off a panic that would make the IndyMac Bank bust in Pasadena look as merry as the Rose Bowl.
JARED BERNSTEIN
The Shampoo Economy huffingtonpost.com — Bubble, bust, repeat…bubble, bust, repeat…bubble, bust, repeat… For the last few decades, that's been the American growth recipe. The damage done by these cycles is evident in both the current downturn and the daily headlines featuring systemic failures large and small.
SCOTT THILL
Are Fannie and Freddie Screwed? Bush Hopes So. alternet.org — Bush has set about destroying the decades-old lenders for good, plunging his knife into the backs of programs that helped normal Americans.
BYRON WILLIAMS
Capitalism for the Poor, Socialism for the Wealthy huffingtonpost.com — We are a capitalist society. We believe in personal responsibility and lifting ourselves by our own bootstraps — at least that is the stereotype we like to promote. The reality is America preaches capitalism to low-income individuals, but unleashes its socialist impulses for the wealthy.
JOE CUTBIRTH
McCain Owes Us More Than Gramm's Resignation huffingtonpost.com — McCain didn't announce he was distancing himself from an economic program designed by a man who devoted his entire career to cutting corporate taxes, reducing the social safety net, and deregulating financial markets. All that changed was someone else will have the silly title "campaign co-chairman."
ELIZABETH WARREN
Credit Cards, Bankruptcy Laws and the Mortgage Meltdown tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com — If more families could use bankruptcy to deal with their credit card debts, more could avoid foreclosure on their homes. Instead, restricted access to bankruptcy has increased home foreclosures.
- Robert D. Novak : Obama's Iraq Spotlight
- Rich Lowry :