tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366607112024-03-13T21:15:08.104-07:00Liberty And Justice For All...A progressive blogProgressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-34110545314099451942007-10-27T06:20:00.000-07:002007-10-27T07:36:36.783-07:00The Saturday Post 10/27/07<img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px" alt="" src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/lawsuit-ch.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><br />One step closer to liberty and justice? Former defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld was<br /><a href="http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Rumsfeld_hit_with_torture_complaint_while_1026.html">hit with a torture lawsuit</a>. Hopefully he will prosecuted as he should be. Let's pray that it doesn't end like the Libby case.<br /><br />Speaking of torture, where are those torture documents that we want to see? Oh that's right, <a href="http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Leahy_reiterates_yearold_demand_for_White_1026.html">Mr. Bush is still keeping them a secret from the public</a>. Is it too much to ask for honesty and transparency in the government? <img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.norcalblogs.com/bullfight/archives/torture.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />After detainees are tortured, what happens to them then? <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/26/AR2007102602326.html?hpid=topnews">Nobody knows</a>. The 'inmates' from the torturous prisons of our corrupt government have disappeared without a trace. We just can't trust the idiots running our country anymore. Want another good reason not to? Read on . . .<br /><br />FEMA <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/26/AR2007102602157.html">staged a press conference with their employees posing as reporters</a>. The Agency's number two official recently apologized, but much like everything else coming from this corrupt government, the apology can not be trusted or believed to be sincere. It's just like that old adage-- FEMA isn't sorry for what they did, FEMA is sorry they got caught.<br /><br />A fine example that politicians are out of touch with real Americans. Democrats, who are supposed to be the ones championing the working class, are <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/27/washington/27cong.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin">planning to shorten their work week in Washington</a>. I don't believe that these people can truly understand the struggles of America's working class if they live with all of these ridiculous luxuries and privileges. They are getting paid more than most Americans who work maybe six or seven days a week and work several jobs. Why does this not add up? We elected them to do their job and we are sure paying them plenty, so it is time that they be mature and actually work.<br /><br />Be sure to check out Serj Tankian's new CD, <em>Elect The Dead. </em>Music with a great progressive message!</div>Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-36992786008816948532007-10-26T20:33:00.000-07:002007-10-26T20:44:45.431-07:00Just A Little Hypocrisy To Make You Laugh . . .I have a younger brother who is currently in elementary school. Bringing home his updates and list of school sponsored activities, I couldn't help but notice that what used to be referred to as their annual "Halloween" party, is now called the "Fall Festival." I later found out that the school's reason for changing the name is because of various complaints from parents of students because their religious beliefs were against Halloween. I just think it is funny that Christian fundamentalists and right-wing wackos will ardently defend Christian prayer and Christmas celebrations within the public school system, but will just as whole-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">heartedly</span> try to destroy the fun that children have in the name of Halloween or Harry Potter or any other such thing that they don't like. <br /><br />Just a random thought that I had that I felt like sharing with you all. I felt like venting for a little before bed. Tomorrow, I will be doing the Saturday posting, which will feature the more serious side of this blog. Hope to see you then!Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-48754111170026001872007-10-16T15:03:00.000-07:002007-10-16T15:47:21.054-07:00Too Funny To IgnoreWell, the right-wing has raised the bar to a new level of stupidity which none of us could have even imagined existed. Fearing the possibility of another President Clinton, the Republicans have decided to <a href="http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2007/10/16/can-you-hear-me-now-hillary/?ncid=NWS00010000000001">slander Hillary Clinton and accuse her of breaking the law.</a><br /><br />The humorous part comes in when you take into account these two things:<br /><em>1. They are basing their entire argument on a book (</em>Her Way: The Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Rodham Clinton<em>) written by two uninformed, politically biased, right-wing idiots from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/"></em></a>The New York Times.<br /><br /><strong>And now for the funniest part . . .</strong><br /><em><br />2. The crime they are accusing her of is that she supposedly listened into a political opponent's phone call (a claim which has absolutely no proof or even a shred of credible evidence, by the way).</em><br /><br />The most ridiculous thing about this argument is that it is coming from Republicans-- the very same party that is famous for illegal wiretapping, forcing phone companies to give up our private information, reading our emails, etc.<br /><br />I'm telling you, the lies that come from the right get worse and worse every day. I find it despicable that people would lie about Hillary being involved in a crime (which supposedly happened fifteen years ago) when they have no proof. Which reminds me, the last time I checked, slander is illegal. Maybe we should bring this issue up against the right-wing. And if we do, hopefully we won't wait fifteen years to do so . . .<br /><br />And while I'm thinking about it, someone at the <em>New York Times</em> should definitely do something about Don Van Natta Jr. and Jeff Gerth, the authors of the piece of garbage book, <em>"Her Way."</em> People responsible for something like this should not be trusted to report honest and fair news to the public.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-30338849872487362022007-10-14T10:03:00.000-07:002007-10-14T10:19:21.341-07:00Yet AgainHey everybody! As I look back on my last post from May, promising regular posting that was never delivered, all I can say is that I am deeply sorry for not delivering new posts. The reason I have not posted in such a long time is because it became more like a chore and put a pressure on me that I didn't like. So, I've come up with a solution to the problem. I'll deliver a new post every Saturday. That's the only promise I can make for now-- a new post every Saturday. And I'm sure that once I begin posting on Saturdays, it will become my hobby again and you may start seeing much more posting throughout the week. <br /><br />Although I haven't been blogging, that doesn't mean that I've been politically dormant in these last few months. I've been very busy getting involved in activism on a local and national level. So I've still have lots to talk about.<br /><br />Well, I have to get going. I've got some work here that needs to be finished. Thanks for reading. Come back on Saturday!!!!!Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-35639371458966117922007-05-11T13:58:00.000-07:002007-05-11T14:02:04.368-07:00POSTING BEGINS!!!Okay everyone, I know that I'm a little bit behind on my promise to begin posting at the end of April. hehehe. But Posting will begin tomorrow. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or comments.<br /><br />Progressive AmericanProgressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-86105224236443275672007-04-16T12:41:00.000-07:002007-04-16T12:55:30.641-07:00Another UpdateHello everybody. As you may have read on <a href="http://www.thepeacetree.blogspot.com"><em>The Peace Tree</em></a>, the future of the <em>Tree</em> is unclear. However, today I proposed an idea to Kim, the moderator and owner of the <em>Tree</em>, about getting all of the <em>Tree</em>'s contributing authors to contribute to another blog, that I would moderate, if she did decide to shut down the <em>Tree</em>.<br /><br />In the email I sent to her, I made it clear that I would not start the new blog if she did not agree with the idea. Since she is the one who started the <em>Tree</em>, I wanted her blessing on the new blog before I begin working on it.<br /><br />I am still awaiting her response. I will keep you posted on further updates or you can check the <em>Tree</em> for any further info at <a href="http://www.thepeacetree.blogspot.com">www.thepeacetree.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />Don't forget to come back here on April 30th when regular posting will begin again!Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-91269193252472262362007-03-15T13:17:00.000-07:002007-03-15T13:30:18.316-07:00JUST TA LET YA KNOW . . .Posting AND UPDATES will begin again on a daily basis on April 30th. Thanks for visiting and come back on April 3oth for great new posts!Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-57453027258755524312007-02-06T06:59:00.001-08:002007-02-06T07:32:16.764-08:00What's Happening 2/6/07<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/05/senate.iraq/index.html">GOP locks Senate debate on Iraq resolution</a>- A new low for Republicans. Over 3,000 soldiers are dead and the Republicans don't even want to talk about it. However, this isn't the first time that something like this has happened-- back when slavery was a big issue, Congress instituted a "gag rule" so that the topic wouldn't be allowed to come up and slavery could not be outlawed. This is basically what the Republicans are doing right now with this whole situation in Iraq.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17003590/">Bush is now being more cautious on Iraqi Prime Minister</a>- Basically, Bush planning to use Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, as a scape-goat for when his plan fails. Mark my words . . .<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16993599/">Bush's war on health care</a>- After seeing Bush's plan, it would seem as if though he doesn't <em>want</em> Americans to have decent health care. Among many horrible attacks on health care, Bush want to cut $66 billion dollars from Medicare spending. Bush didn't stop there, he followed that huge cut in health care funding by cutting billions more from other forms of health care-- <em>all so that he could use the money <strong>for the war in Iraq!</strong></em>Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-63005942470703386682007-02-06T06:37:00.000-08:002007-02-06T06:52:40.186-08:00America: The Savage Nation?<a href="http://images.usatoday.com/news/_photos/2003/07/08-inside-savage.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.usatoday.com/news/_photos/2003/07/08-inside-savage.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yesterday on his nationally syndicated radio show, ultra-conservative Michael Savage stated that he is "mulling" a Presidential run in 2008. He pointed out an <a href="http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/2/5/161823.shtml?s=br">article on Newsmax.com</a> in which he had been interviewed about his possible Presidential run.<br /><br />If Michael Savage runs for America's highest office, it will be the biggest threat to civil liberties, freedom, opportunity, and equality that America has ever faced.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-84942491824650894922007-02-02T14:22:00.000-08:002007-02-02T15:05:48.094-08:00What's Happening: 2/2/07Bush wants <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/showarticle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fapnews.myway.com%2Farticle%2F20070202%2FD8N1NGRG0.html">$245 billion more</a>.<br /><br />Al Franken will <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/showarticle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2FPOLITICS%2Fblogs%2Fpoliticalticker%2F2007%2F02%2Ffranken-to-announce-political-plans-on.html">announce his political plans</a> for a Senate run on Valentine's Day.<br /><br />Defense Secretary Gates says that there <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/02/gates.iran/index.html">are no plans</a> to start war with Iran. While he might deny it, investigations show that the US government has been planning to start war with Iran for six years.<br /><br />Even though the Bush "Administration" praises a report by the world's top scientists that says that man is responsible for global warming, he still <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/02/us.climate.reax.ap/index.html">opposes mandatory reductions of heat-trapping gases</a> that help warm the climate.<br /><br />A new Bush budget would <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16949060">cut domestic programs</a>. Once again, Bush puts more effort into his war than he does trying to help the American people.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-31035230875988300442007-01-26T04:39:00.000-08:002007-02-01T12:16:26.856-08:00What's Happening: 1/26/07<strong></strong>Mr. Bush <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/news/2007/Paper_Bush_authorized_troops_to_kill_0126.html">has authorized troops</a> to kill Iranian operatives.<br />If that isn't enough, US trainers <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/news/2007/Video_Shia_Iraqi_soldiers_beat_Sunnis_0125.html">watch a brutal beating</a> and don't do ANYTHING about it!<br /><br /><strong></strong>Bush has forever <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16823579/">lost the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">public's</span> trust</a>.<br /><br />Ya gotta love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Obama</span>. Yesterday, he <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16813270/">called for universal health care</a>.<br />He'll make a strong candidate. Unlike Kerry's '04 campaign, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Obama</span> is fighting back at lies already. He recently <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBAMA_2008?SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">debunked a lie</a> that he was educated at a radical Islamic school in Indonesia when he was a child.<br /><br />Bush is going to <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16810940/">ask Congress for 10.6 billion dollars</a> for "aid" to Afghanistan. But, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Condoleezza</span> Rice admits that only $2 billion will go to help rebuild Afghanistan and the rest would be for "security" purposes. And we all know what "security" means to Bush. This 10.6 billion dollars would be just another fund for the war in Iraq.<br /><br />14 more troops <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IRAQ?SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=TOP_STORIES&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">are killed</a>.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-35345817615405461802007-01-25T14:08:00.000-08:002007-01-25T15:09:20.216-08:00What's Happening: 1/25/07<strong>Don't fall for it:</strong> The Bush "Administration" will give many excuses and all kinds of different reasons why we need to invade Iran. However, Bush has been <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/news/2007/Iran_The_Road_to_Confrontation_0123.html">planning to attack Iran for six years</a>.<br /><br /><strong>More hypocrisy:</strong> General David H. Petraeus is planning to carry out Bush's agenda. However, what he <a href="http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PBZ/is_1_86/ai_n16346153/print">said needed to be done</a> is exactly the opposite of Bush's plan. Hmmmm . . .<br /><br /><strong>BREAKIN' THE LAW: </strong>Even though the Senate Foreign Relations Committee <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070124/ap_on_go_co/us_iraq">rejected Bush's plan for Iraq</a>, Dick Cheney responded with "The President has made his decision . . . We need to get the job done." Bush is once again going to go against the rules and claim more power than he actually has. This is disgusting. The last time I checked-- AMERICA ISN'T SUPPOSED IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE RULED BY A DICTATOR!<br /><br /><strong>BREAKIN' THE LAW: </strong>Here is another disturbing case in which Mr. Bush is attempting to ignore the Constitution and claim more power than he actually has. Right now, Bush is trying to appoint a U.S. attorney without even trying to get Senate approval. Luckily, an attorney from Arkansas is <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-prosecutor25jan25,1,2862129.story?coll=la-headlines-nation&ctrack=1&cset=true">trying to fight</a> Mr. Bush's blatant disregard for the Constitution and the law.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">'08 RACE UPDATE: </span>As if the 2008 Presidential race isn't heating up enough, talk of <a href="http://www2.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=36660711">drafting Al Gore</a> to the race now emerges. I gotta say, Gore for President isn't the <em>worst</em> idea.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">'08 RACE UPDATE: </span>Speaking of the 2008 election, here is an <em>alternate</em> viewpoint about Hillary Clinton: <a href="http://www.michaelmoore.com/mustread/index.php?id=811"><em>Hillary for President? . . .</em> by Cindy Sheehan</a>. Cindy <em>does</em> have a point here . . .Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-51912497473280851332007-01-24T13:34:00.000-08:002007-01-24T13:44:13.391-08:00'08 RACE UPDATE:John Kerry <a href="http://news.aol.com/elections/president/story/_a/kerry-bows-out-of-white-house-race/20070124130609990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001">ruled out an '08 Presidential run</a>. However, he is seeking a sixth term in the Senate.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-14633492862363344792007-01-22T13:45:00.000-08:002007-01-22T14:03:35.011-08:00They Don't Trust HimJust a brief bit of info that I just <em>had </em>to post: <blockquote><h2>A Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that the public trusts Democrats in congress more than they trust Mr. Bush to deal with with the Iraq "quagmire"<span style="font-size:78%;">1</span> by a margin of 60% to 33%.</h2></blockquote><h2></h2><hr /><span style="font-size:78%;">1. "quagmire" - Dick Cheney April 29, 1991 describing what an invasion and occupation of Iraq would be like.</span>Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-67591201639503087722007-01-20T10:43:00.000-08:002007-01-20T11:23:45.378-08:00The First 42 HoursWithin the first 100 hours of congress, Democrats promised to:<br /><br />1. Make the government more accountable and honest<br />2. Implement the recommendations of the 9/11 commission<br />3. Raise the minimum wage and make the economy fairer<br />4. Make health care affordable for all Americans (fix the Medicare prescription drug program, lower drug prices to help seniors, etc.) and to promote stem-cell research<br />5. Cut interest rates on student loans in half<br />6. Stop big-oil interests from receiving tax-payer funds<br />7. Fight the privatization of Social Security, and "guarantee a dignified retirement"<br /><br />They accomplished all of these things within the FIRST 42 HOURS!<br /><br />Every goal put forth on the agenda by Democrats, so far, has been achieved. Democrats have done more for the American people in 42 hours than Republicans did during their entire time of congress domination.<br /><br />While Republicans would have been busy on an anti-gay tirade, Democrats worked to help the American people. What a difference it made! Thanks to the Democrats, the lives of millions of Americans will be much better.<br /><br />Because of the Democrats, ethics laws have been passed which will <a href="http://www.speaker.gov/legislation?id=0002">stop the corruption by rich corporations, and keep lobbyists from interfering with legislation</a>.<br /><br />By <a href="http://www.speaker.gov/legislation?id=0004">implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission</a>, Democrats have made our nation much safer.<br /><br />Because Democrats have raised the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour, 13 million Americans are now making more money.<br /><br />Democrats have passed <a href="http://www.speaker.gov/legislation?id=0007">a bill</a> that requires Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, which will help senior citizens who are having trouble paying for necessary medication.<br /><br />Democrats have cut interest on student loans from 6.8% to 3.4%, making college more affordable and accessible to Americans.<br /><br />Thanks to the Democrats, bills have been passed that stop tax-payers from having to foot the bill for big-oil interests. <a href="http://www.speaker.gov/legislation?id=0009">Click here</a> to read about the legislation (which has been passed).<br /><br />Republicans have never done that much for American people. The only people they have done anything for are their rich buddies.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-91790054710513139092007-01-20T09:40:00.000-08:002007-01-20T10:23:13.919-08:00'08 RACE UPDATE:<img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; alt: " src="http://www.yale.edu/opa/imagegallery/commencement/image/hr_clinton.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="color:#000000;">Just a brief update on the 2008 Presidential race:<br /><br />Hillary Clinton is <a href="http://news.aol.com/elections/president/story/_a/clinton-to-enter-presidential-race/20070120081509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001">jumping into the race</a><br /><br />"I'm in. And I'm in to win," she <a href="http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/in/">said</a> on her <a href="http://www.hillaryclinton.com/">official website</a>.<br /><br />She has officially formed an exploratory committee.<br /><br />I guess we can start the party now. She is considered the front runner in the race. Which is good. I was telling someone earlier that I don't really think winning will be a problem for the Democratic Party in '08. Our biggest challenge will be deciding who to nominate between all of the great people running-- Kucinich, Edwards, Obama, and now Hillary!</span>Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-72708804979634505782007-01-19T12:45:00.000-08:002007-01-19T13:08:38.470-08:00Republicans: We Don't Need No Stinking Ethics!The very same people who ran a 2004 campaign on morals and values are now <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/18/AR2007011802176.html">voting <em>against</em> ethics reform bills</a>.<br /><br />Yes, apparently Republicans think that God belongs in our government but good ethics don't.<br /><br />What's wrong with the new ethics reform bill? Here is how the<a href="http://washingtonpost.com/"><em>Washington Post</em></a> described the bill: <blockquote>The Senate legislation, hailed by proponents as the most significant ethics reform since Watergate, would ban gifts, meals and travel funded by lobbyists, and would force lawmakers to attach their names to special-interest provisions and pet projects that they slip into bills. Lawmakers would have to pay charter rates on corporate jets, not the far-cheaper first-class rates they pay now. </blockquote>That sounds great. So, why are Republicans voting against it? Because they have an obligation to their corporate masters who are helping them run this country, that's why! Bust still, you would think that the Republicans, in all of their "morals and values" would support this bill. But I guess not.<br /><br />We see it time and time again--hypocrisy from the Republican party. Very sad indeed . . .Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-6331949027535541652007-01-18T13:54:00.000-08:002007-01-18T14:45:22.617-08:00Bush vs. Bush on China<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/18/AR2007011801029.html">China has used a ground missile to blow up one of its satellites in space</a>. This has already been criticized by the National Security Counsel. They said is poses threats. Poses threats huh? Why is it not okay for China to do this but Mr. Bush has been pushing for "missile defense" since his 2000 campaign? Hmmm . . .<br /><br />And here is another thought . . . who's fault is it that China has developed this kind of stuff? Well, since Mr. Bush refused to put any restrictions on the market and would not stop China imports, the U.S. is to blame for a large portion of the money that they were able to put toward this kind of stuff.<br /><br />This kind of hypocrisy is unbelievable.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-66022964186431349792007-01-17T13:43:00.000-08:002007-01-17T14:46:59.418-08:00Today's Stuff<span style="color:#ff0000;">'08 RACE UPDATE: </span>John Kerry might be <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/news/2007/Kerry_announces_staff_additions_to_DC_0117.html">jumping into the '08 race</a>. His recent <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/news/2007/Kerry_announces_staff_additions_to_DC_0117.html">actions</a> make it seem obvious, but Kerry's spokesman seems to be trying to keep the public in the dark.<br /><br />Well, I've been going on and on about the '08 race, but that's not the purpose of this blog. So, to keep you all from getting annoyed with my constant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">jibber</span>-jabber about the '08 election, here is some other stuff that was in the news today . . .<br /><br />The NSA and it's illegal wiretapping program <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/17/AR2007011701256.html">will now be overseen by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court</a>. I just love how Bush and his corrupt conservative cronies have long criticized this court. God forbid something get in Bush's way of breaking the law for personal gain!<br /><br />Democrats are keeping their word and are getting to work on Iraq. Senator Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Dodd</span> (D-Conn) is <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/17/AR2007011700976.html">seeking legislation that will fire back at Bush's ridiculous troop surge</a>. Kudos to Senator <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Dodd</span>.<br /><br />After Bush heartlessly cut $12.7 billion from student loan funds, Democrats are stepping up to help college students by <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/STUDENT_LOANS?SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">supporting legislation</a> that would cut the interest on loans in half.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-50031345784788804582007-01-16T12:55:00.000-08:002007-01-16T13:44:40.565-08:00Jumping Into The Race<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Barack</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Obama</span> might be jumping into the 2008 Presidential race . . .<br /><a href="http://www.barackobama.com/">click here</a> to go to the official website.<br /><br />Also, John Edwards has officially decided to run and has already started <a href="http://www.johnedwards.com/">the campaign</a>.<br /><br />These are two very strong and spectacular candidates, either of which would make a spectacular President. I wish them both the best of luck.<br /><br />However, we are still waiting for Hillary's official announcement. Even before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Obama</span> started his Exploratory Committee, it was said that his likelihood to run would put pressure on Clinton to hurry up with her decision. This is suspected to be the reason why cancelled important meetings within a few minutes of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Obama's</span> announcement to form an exploratory committee.<br /><br />My advice to my fellow Democrats is to start this race off right and not fight with each other. A party divided against itself cannot stand. And that has already started with a <a href="http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/1/15/174417.shtml?s=ic">heated argument and attacks</a> between Clinton and Edwards.<br /><br />In other news on the 2008 race, Dennis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kucinich</span> is also going to run. He is another great Democratic candidate. You can view his campaign site <a href="http://kucinich.us/">here</a>.<br /><br /><hr /><span style="font-size:78%;">DAILY POSTING WILL BEGIN 1/17!</span>Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-86616016236137840762007-01-04T13:42:00.000-08:002007-01-04T14:22:34.700-08:00It's Gonna Be A Very Happy New Year Indeed2007 looks like it's going to be a pretty good year. Democrats have already made their plan for their first actions. The plan is good. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/02/AR2007010201003.html">The <em>Washington Post</em></a> put it very nicely: <blockquote>[The] newly sworn-in Democratic Congress will immediately begin work on new ethics rules, the reinstitution of federal deficit controls and new policies designed to increase civility in House proceedings. In the coming weeks, Democrats plan to pass bills designed to raise the minimum wage, lower prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients and interest rates for student borrowers, bolster homeland security and boost alternative energy research.</blockquote><p>That sounds pretty good right? Yes, it sounds wonderful. Finally somebody is doing something.<br /><br />But let's not get to cocky just because they are Democrats. Democrats can make mistakes too. Luckily, the hard-core liberals and leftists will keep them in line. According to <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/02/AR2007010201003.html">The <em>Post</em></a>, liberals are demanding that something be done about the war in Iraq, that torture be stopped, and that civil liberties are protected. After demonstrations, there will be an evening forum in support of Bush's impeachment. The forum will be led by none other than peace hero, Cindy Sheehan.<br /><br />Hopefully the forum will get somewhere. Let's just hope that Democrats heed the voice of these people and justice is carried out. So far, the Democrats have put forth a great plan and the people are speaking out in support of it. </p>Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-1167460942588904052006-12-29T22:30:00.000-08:002006-12-29T22:42:22.596-08:00Thoughts On The Saddam Hanging . . .As I stated on The Peace Tree a while back, it seemed a bit funny that the verdict and sentencing of Saddam Hussein took place right before the election. You know that Bush had his hand in Saddam's murder. I just think that it is terrible and hypocritical that we will kill someone as punishment for murder. Mr. Bush has killed more people than Saddam Hussein has-- he (Mr. Bush) has killed 2,983 American troops, at least 52,060 innocent Iraqi civillians, and he holds the record for the most executions by any governor in the history of the United States (and some of the people who were executed were mentally disabled). Mr. Bush is far more dangerous than Saddam ever was or would have been.<br /><br />Of course all of the right-wing wackjobs will be celebrating the hanging of Saddam. I just think it is sad that they don't know any better. When will people learn that killing for profit is wrong whether it be killing the leader of a foreign country, the <em>people</em> of that country, or <em>our own troops</em>?Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-1166647982636015522006-12-20T12:09:00.000-08:002006-12-20T12:53:02.706-08:00Thinkin' About IgnoranceAs I lay in bed last night, the only thing on my mind was sorrow for the poor men and women who are going to be sent to Iraq next. I just couldn't stop thinking about how Bush is continuing to feed us all that 'we need to stay the course in Iraq' crap. Everyone knows that we don't need to stay there. That's why only 28% of Americans approve of his handling in Iraq.<br /><br />As I thought about it last night and today, it occurred to me that Bush seems to be <em>the only one </em>who wants to promote the Iraq war. There are so many things that are proving him wrong that it just makes me laugh. First the <strong>Iraq Study Group </strong>says that we can, should, and need to pull out of Iraq, <span style="font-size:100%;">several studies show that there is no threat and that we should bring troops home, </span>72% of the active troops think that they need to be brought home and they've begun to start petitions and speak out against the war, most Americans oppose it, and now Colin Powell says that the "active army is nearly broken."<br /><br />So even though it has been proven by studies that the best option is to pull out of Iraq, Bush insists on sending more troops. Even <em>Rumsfeld</em> has always been reluctant of the idea of sending more troops. The only person on Bush's side anymore is Bush.<br /><br />So in early 2007, more troops will be sent to Iraq (if Bush gets his way). But he really doesn't have reason to care. He's using our troops to pay for his oil. "What's a few thousand lives matter I can get richer?" seems to be his mindset.<br /><br />I just think it is very sad that when it is clear that most Americans, soldiers, and politicians (including Bush's <em>own supporters</em>) are against the war, Bush is still feeding us the same BS lies. This country is growing closer and closer to a dictatorship each day.<br /><br />Thanks for reading while I vented those thoughts.Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-1166221648755064622006-12-15T12:34:00.000-08:002006-12-15T21:29:57.613-08:00The Conservative Voice Is A Bitter One . . .<blockquote></blockquote><em>The Conservative Voice</em>, a conservative news website, ran an article yesterday entitled <a href="http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/21064.html"><em>Hillary Clinton Struck By Lightening</em></a>. The article is another one of the right's pathetic attempts to bash Hillary Clinton. I just had to laugh at how churlish and evil these conservatives can actually be. Here are some of the things that the article had to say about Hillary Clinton:<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Hillary Clinton is the embodiment of every divorced man's first nightmare. The witch that pointed her finger at them, scoldingly as if talking to a child, or a moron. She is the epitome of the opposite of all things feminine, of all things soft, kind, and alluring. She is the reason why a man divorces his first wife.</span></blockquote>Pretty harsh words coming from the people of "moral values" huh? Well, it didn't stop there. The article went on to say:<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Will anyone vote for Hillary? Yes. Lesbians will vote for her because she reminds them of themselves. A handful of bratty Scarsdale Lib housewives whose entire life revolves around the pre-school soccer practice schedule will vote for her.</span></blockquote>And the best part of the article . . .<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">They [the conservatives] better take advantage of the situation and run Duncan Hunter. No Dem can outwit Duncan. ...little old ladies from Miami will vote for Duncan because he will not put their granddaughters on the front lines; Hillary will.</span></blockquote>Why is that part so great? Because of the praise Amy Barath (the author of the trash-talking conservative article) gives Duncan Hunter, a Republican congressman from California. "No Dem can outwit Duncan." I just think it is so funny that the article goes on and on about how bad Hillary is, and then praises Hunter despite his background. Background? Oh, yes the dreaded "b-word" in politics. When I looked up Duncan Hunter's backgound, I found it to be full of fraud and scandals, which is not uncommon for a Republican. Here is what I dug up on Duncan:<br /><br />* Duncan had his house listed on the tax rolls as a two-bedroom, 2 and a half bathroom house that was around 2,946 square feet. It was a lie. That home was actually a <em>six</em> bedroom house with around 6,200 square feet of living space. Included on the property was a 2,000 square foot guest house, a tennis court, and of course a pool.<span style="font-size:85%;">1</span><br /><br />* The <a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/">San Diego Union Tribune</a> ran an article about the house in question in October (2006). In December, the house suspiciously burned down.<span style="font-size:78%;">2</span> (Whether you look at this as a coincidence or not is up to you, but you cannot ignore the fact that he was cheating to get lower taxes)<br /><br />* <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Hunter#Connection_to_Cunningham_scandal">Connection to the Cunningham scandal</a><span style="font-size:78%;">3</span><br /><br />Well there ya have it. I think that <em>The Conservative Voice</em> might want to get their facts straight before they post another article like <em>Hillary Clinton Struck By Lightening</em>. But the truth is-- that article that was written in <em>The Conservative Voice </em>because the conservatives feel threatened. They are scared that Hillary--or Barack Obama, who is also mentioned in the article--has a chance at winning the 2008 Presidential race. The conservatives know that they are dying out. And as Michael Moore says, we should actually feel sorry for them instead of being angry.<br /><br /><hr /><span style="font-size:78%;">Sources and further information:<br />1. </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Hunter#Size_of_home_and_taxes_paid"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Hunter#Size_of_home_and_taxes_paid</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />2. </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Hunter#Size_of_home_and_taxes_paid"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Hunter#Size_of_home_and_taxes_paid</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />3. </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Hunter#Connection_to_Cunningham_scandal"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Hunter#Connection_to_Cunningham_scandal</span></a>Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36660711.post-1166129142456751112006-12-14T12:13:00.000-08:002006-12-14T12:45:42.463-08:00The Newest Assault On Freedom Of Speech<span style="font-size:78%;">First of all, I just want to say that I apologize for not posting for a few days. My computer wasn't functioning properly and I was unable to sign online. However, the computer is fixed and regular posting will continue. So, to begin posting again, here is "The Newest assault On Freedom Of Speech . . . "<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Filmmaker, Oliver Stone, is being fined by the US government. Why? Because he made <em>Comandante</em>, a film about Fidel Castro. According the the government, the making of <em>Comandante</em>, in which Stone meets with and interviews Fidel, is a violation of America's "economic embargo" against Cuba.<br /><br />Because Stone used his freedom of speech, he is having to pay a $6,300 fine.<br /><br />Isn't it funny that no one in the mainstream "liberal media" has reported this? Luckily, <em>Granma</em>, the Communist party daily newspaper in Cuba, reported on this whole incident: <blockquote><em>The message, obviously, is directed against all those who, defending their right to the liberty of creation and expression, want to objectively reflect the island's reality.</em></blockquote></span>This is a new low for the US government. Unfortunately, this kind of thing is not unusual in the dictatorship that America is becoming and this is just one of the many attempts by the US government at trying to hinder freedom of speech.<br /><br />What's next? We're not allowed to travel to Cuba?<br /><br />And while I'm on the subject I just want to wish Mr. Fidel Castro well-- Get Well Soon, Fidel!Progressive Americanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201078948032248156noreply@blogger.com0