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Author: TriSec    Date: 06/24/2008 10:41:53

Good Morning.

Today is our 1,924th day in Iraq.

We'll start this morning as we always do, with the latest casualty figures from the warron terra, courtesy of Antiwar.com:

American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4104
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 3965
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3643
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3245
Since Election (1/31/05): 2667

Other Coalition Troops: 313
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 532


We find this morning's cost of war passing through: $ 530, 974, 500, 000.00 I timed it again this morning, and the counter seems to be moving at $10,000 every 3 seconds.



Turning to our friends at IAVA, it looks like they've scored a victory in Congress this week. The new GI bill had been back and forth between the two branches of Congress as they tried to hammer out the differences and produce something the White House would sign. Looks like they've succeeded, and just in time for the 64th anniversary of the original GI Bill (this past Sunday.) The only downside seems to be that it was included as a rider on the war supplemental funding bill.
NEW YORK - Today, by an overwhelming margin of 416-12, the House of Representatives voted in favor of a domestic spending provision of the war supplemental funding bill which includes a World War II-style GI Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This version of the bill was agreed upon by the House leadership and the White House in a deal brokered last night. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) applauds the extraordinary support that both Democrats and Republicans have shown for this critical legislation and the progress we've seen in the past 24 hours.

"This Sunday marks 64 years since President Roosevelt signed the original GI Bill into law and made education affordable for eight million World War II veterans. Thanks to the accord reached between House leadership and the White House, there is now a real chance that we could see a new GI Bill signed within days of this anniversary," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "IAVA is grateful to Congress and the President for putting partisan differences aside for the sake of our troops. We are arriving at a truly historic moment and we call on Congress and the White House to continue moving the GI Bill forward. We are poised to make history once again and create the next ‘Greatest Generation.' IAVA would like to thank its tens of thousands of supporters nationwide for their tireless efforts in the fight for a new GI Bill."

The GI Bill included in the war supplemental funding bill voted on today includes the entire World War II-style GI Bill that IAVA has been championing for over a year. The final bill will also allow service members who stay in the military to transfer their education benefits to their spouses and children. The next steps in the GI Bill fight will be for the Senate to sign off on this version of the supplemental and get this hard-fought legislation to the President's desk. Much more information is at www.GIBill2008.org.




On my other little blog entry in this space, I've been looking at 50-state Ballot Access over the last few weeks. There's another key area that hasn't really been addressed, and that would be voter registration. You would think that members of our armed forces would be 100% registered and ready to vote for those things that they have pledged to defend. You'd probably be right, except for one little observation by Jim Hightower...
James Peake is a man with a plan – and it truly is a sorry one.

Peake is George W’s secretary of veteran affairs, and he has recently issued an edict banning voter registration efforts inside veterans hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, and homeless shelters. Yes, veterans who were sent to war in the name of defending freedom; veterans who did their duty, with many suffering physical and mental harm; veterans whom Bush tells us we must honor – those veterans are to be barred by their own agency from getting the help they need to participate in America’s political process.

All across the country, both non-partisan groups and political groups of all stripes have routinely been allowed inside these public facilities to help vets register. However, Peake now wants to shut democracy’s door on our country's ailing veterans.

The agency’s May 5 directive reads like a page of newspeak ripped from Orwells’s 1984. It opens with a shining declaration that VA policy is “to assist patients who seek to exercise their right to register and vote.” Then, in a clanging autocratic reversal, it declares: “However, due to Hatch Act requirements and to avoid disruptions to facility operations, voter registration drives are not permitted.”

The Hatch Act? That’s the law that bans federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity. Maybe Secretary Peake is unaware that the patients under his care are not federal employees. They’re veterans, with full Constitutional rights. Secondly, would someone please inform the obviously-befuddled secretary that registering people to vote is not a partisan activity?

In fact, maybe you’d like to inform him yourself and also suggest that he get out of the way of groups helping vets exercise their freedoms. Contact Secretary Peake at : 202-273-4800.


The rest of the veteran's sites are looking mighty quiet today; I think we'll leave it at that.


 

190 comments (Latest Comment: 06/25/2008 03:08:22 by livingonli)
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Comment by trojanrabbit on 06/24/2008 11:14:53
Thanks for your thoughtful commentary TriSec



Unfortunately, because the Bush Administration has screwed the pooch so badly when it comes to taking care of the brave men and women who have served us so well and only ask that the government keep up their end of the bargain, any type of voting drive is going to look partisan to the secretary and his ilk.

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 12:24:14
Quote by trojanrabbit:

Thanks for your thoughtful commentary TriSec



Unfortunately, because the Bush Administration has screwed the pooch so badly when it comes to taking care of the brave men and women who have served us so well and only ask that the government keep up their end of the bargain, any type of voting drive is going to look partisan to the secretary and his ilk.


It's sometimes hard to accept that the facts are partisan.



morning, folks... :coffee:

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 12:25:35
In today's Why The Hell Should I Care news segment, Amy Winehouse has emphysema - from smoking crack, apparently.

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 13:06:28
One has to wonder listening to the news these days...



Do you think a higher power might just be smiting the ol' US of A? And wouldn't it be something if 2009 was a quiet year without any significant disasters?





Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 13:12:45
I was at my 2nd job last night and FAUX News was on (with the sound off). Laura Inghram was on and showed a graphic with Kim Jun Il and the words "Obama Supporter"... :boom:



I mentioned that to my lovely wife, and she said that FAUX News is set up so you don't have to listen - the graphics deliver the message. I believe it's a subliminal message to people in bars and gyms and anywhere else the TV happens to be tuned to it "in the background".

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 13:14:48
Oh yeah - I was reading the subtitles for Neil Cavuto's antonomously named "Common Sense" segment, and he said that Arabs can't be trusted, and the reason gas prices are so high is because the Arabs don't take the Democrats seriously, so we need to drill now.



oy.

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 13:17:32
"Man up" on the environment???



I can't tell you how many nights I've spent in the backwoods of Nova Scotia (where they know how to take care of the environment). Man up. You feel insignificant out there in the woods, like you really might be part of a larger whole.



And if you don't know what you're doing, nature will kill you right quick. I'd like to see one of the Repugs spend a long-term winter camp in upstate NH some winter with nothing more than what you carry on your back into the woods.



Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 13:23:09
Laura on Kim Jong-il, via The Raw Story

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 13:29:28
Good morning everyone.



Notice how they are trying to block veterans being able to vote now that they are no longer a guaranteed vote for the GOP. Thanks to the same disastrous war, a group that was a lock for the Republicans is no longer so.

Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 13:29:33
Morning all... another day is starting off swimmingly, as in drowning from the humidity... commute issues and mounds of work don't help the frustration much, but at least the air conditioner takes the edge off!

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 13:32:56
It's already 75 degrees here. Looks like a scorcher.

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 13:33:42
What's that I just heard on KPHX?



The Arizona state legislature is trying to make those cheap plastic license plate covers illegal because they're afraid they won't be able to read the plate number in the red light cameras?



But the Mythbusters disproved all that last season, do these people not watch TV?





Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 13:35:35
Good morning!

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 13:38:22
I wonder what it's like to spend your life in "opposite day" like Bill-O?





Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 13:39:18
Good morning Raine.



I read your musings from last night.

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 13:39:46
Quote by TriSec:

Laura on Kim Jong-il, via The Raw Story




Ok...I just clicked on the link and on the left of the page was an ad for WIDE ANGLE with Aaron Brown!!!!

Check out the pic:
http://img.blogads.com/260674350/img.jpg


I would NOT have recognized him!

Aaron.....:: sigh :: So glad he's back.

Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 13:42:19
Morning!



Excellent -albeit sad post.





Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 13:43:54
I have been listening for 14 minutes and RRW has me head spinning.

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 13:43:54




Uuumm.....Can Laura "Momma's Best Friend" Ingraham be held accountable for this crap? I somehow doubt there is any truth to it. Aren't there laws about misleading the public. Oy vey.



Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 13:44:24
James Dobson's junk has turned thousands of kids gay.

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 13:45:38
Quote by starling310:





Uuumm.....Can Laura "Momma's Best Friend" Ingraham be held accountable for this crap? I somehow doubt there is any truth to it. Aren't there laws about misleading the public. Oy vey.

you know, people can still go to jail for shouting Fire in a crowded theatre.







Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 13:45:53
Good morning How did your improv go? You never told us.

Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 13:46:44
doesn't Aaron Brown look like he's had a lot of stress let off since he was "released" from CNN?

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 13:49:15
Quote by livingonli:

Good morning How did your improv go? You never told us.




Oh yeah...thanks for asking Liv. It went really well the first night; less than really well the next night. But, there were no train wrecks!

And, I am now officially 1 "Too Many Monkey!"





Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 13:51:15
Morning :hug:

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 13:51:24
Quote by Scoopster:

doesn't Aaron Brown look like he's had a lot of stress let off since he was "released" from CNN?




I know! He looks like he's been out surfing and drinking mai-tais. Good for him. I haven't watched CNN since they canned him.

* disclaimer : did watch the 3 evening religion special with Christianne Amanpour. But, she contends that "doesn't count."

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 13:52:05
Obama's a MUSLIM!



From Capitol Hill Blue:



If you do a Google search for Obama Muslim there are 4,620,00 pages (HERE). Mixed with websites which tell the truth about Obama's religious upbringing and current beliefs are many which purport to prove he was and is a Muslim.



If one wants to tease out the truth, whether about the evidence for ghosts in Middleboro or Obama's faith, you have lay wishful thinking, preconceived notions and prejudice aside, and study both sides objectively.



What about the notion that McCain, or Republicans in general, are more capable than Democrats when it comes to protecting the nation from its enemies?



Since most voters today don't remember FDR and Truman and World War II, we can only hope history teachers endeavor to teach students how to draw conclusions from history.



But on the more basic level, all teachers from elementary school up need to effectively teach critical thinking since the culture conspires to undermine it.



From the Tooth Fairy to Santa Claus to movies and television shows about the supernatural, we grow up not merely being asked to suspend disbelieve for the fun of it, but to really believe the unlikely.



Fantasy is fine, perhaps psychologically healthy for young children. But as children grow up they should learn how to differentiate fact from fiction.



Back to politics.



Call it the fantasy factor. If McCain is going to beat Obama, he will have to rally gullible voters to get to the polls and vote their fearful fantasies. Unfortunately there are enough potential voters who believe that Obama is a Muslim who will not protect America every bit as well as McCain to swing a close election.




Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 13:53:54
Good morning Mala.

Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 13:54:36
Hey Glad to hear your improv went well! :hug:

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 13:57:11
Quote by TriSec:

Obama's a MUSLIM!



From Capitol Hill Blue:





Fantasy is fine, perhaps psychologically healthy for young children. But as children grow up they should learn how to differentiate fact from fiction.









They should also learn the meaning of a little word. . . Libel!

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 13:58:22
Quote by TriSec:

Obama's a MUSLIM!



From Capitol Hill Blue:





I had some retard that called himself a southern conservative Democrat (Dixiecrat, more likely) say that "There's no way Obama is not Nation of Islam".



People like that are just looking for an excuse not to vote for a black man.



Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 13:59:07
Hey! Have you guys heard? Barack Obama was raised in Dharmsala and is the Dalai Lama???

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 14:01:08
Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:01:37
His name is actually Barack Ombama! I crack myself up.

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 14:03:31
Quote by TriSec:

Laura on Kim Jong-il, via The Raw Story


Yup - that was the graphic I saw.



It goes to the point Raine made about the graphics they use don't require sound. In fact, I think they work better without the sound. Your average yahoo that doesn't understand how biased FAUX News is would look up and see that on a NEWS network, not realize this who Laura Inghram is, and assume that the graphic was the truth. The "Obama Supporter" is the most prominent text displayed, so a quick glance would place the subliminal message in peoples' heads.



This is worse than it looks.



Comment by clintster on 06/24/2008 14:04:01
Quote by starling310:

Quote by TriSec:

Laura on Kim Jong-il, via The Raw Story




Ok...I just clicked on the link and on the left of the page was an ad for WIDE ANGLE with Aaron Brown!!!!

Check out the pic:
http://img.blogads.com/260674350/img.jpg


I would NOT have recognized him!

Aaron.....:: sigh :: So glad he's back.




It took me a second to realize what's different about him, and then I realized... hey, no glasses! Nice.



Oh, and good mornin' all you 4F'ers.



Comment by clintster on 06/24/2008 14:06:19
Quote by TriSec:

Obama's a MUSLIM!



From Capitol Hill Blue:



If you do a Google search for Obama Muslim there are 4,620,00 pages (HERE). Mixed with websites which tell the truth about Obama's religious upbringing and current beliefs are many which purport to prove he was and is a Muslim.



If one wants to tease out the truth, whether about the evidence for ghosts in Middleboro or Obama's faith, you have lay wishful thinking, preconceived notions and prejudice aside, and study both sides objectively.







Or you could go to the one site that spells it out in no uncertain terms:



http://isbarackobamamuslim.com

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:07:16
Quote by clintster:



It took me a second to realize what's different about him, and then I realized... hey, no glasses! Nice.



Oh, and good mornin' all you 4F'ers.





No glasses and his hair is lighter; more grey.

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 14:08:12
Whenever I pass the Faux Noise channel I can feel my IQ dropping.

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 14:08:34
Quote by clintster:





Or you could go to the one site that spells it out in no uncertain terms:



http://isbarackobamamuslim.com


:D

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 14:21:49
Quote by clintster:



Or you could go to the one site that spells it out in no uncertain terms:



http://isbarackobamamuslim.com


:clap:



Bookmarking!



Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 14:25:58
Sports Bra Saves Hiker!

An American hiker stranded in the Bavarian Alps for nearly three days was rescued after using her sports bra as a signal, police in southern Germany said Monday.



Berchtesgaden police officer Lorenz Rasp said that he helped lift 24-year-old Jessica Bruinsma of Colorado state to safety by helicopter on Thursday after she attracted the attention of lumberjacks by attaching her sports bra to a cable used to move timber down the mountain.






Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 14:28:35
Someone should make an Ad saying that John McCain made propaganda tapes for vietnam.

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:28:40
Barack Obama is Wiccan.



It's true.



Comment by Random on 06/24/2008 14:30:00
Quote by Raine:

Someone should make an Ad saying that John McCain made propaganda tapes for vietnam.


What?

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 14:31:34
And again with the Islam.



What's so wrong about being a Muslim, anyway? Listen, I've read both the Bible and the Koran recently, I was really struck with how many passages were nearly identical. I also once heard a podcast that was discussing just this curiosity; according to the Islamic scholar, it's because Mohammed came after Christ, Allah sent him to 'correct' the misinterpretations of the Bible. Where the Koran and the Bible agree, the lesson is correct, but where they differ, the Koran should be regarded as the 'accurate' version.



I was very intrigued by that.



*ahem*. My home island (Mindanao) is an Islamic stronghold in the Phillippines...I was raised Christian in the United States, but I do have Islamic family.





Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 14:31:47
Mornin' Everybody

Oooops I overslept this morning Just got into work and missed the first hour of Momma and the mooks - did I miss anything significant? BTB, Star, I love Wiccans :P

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 14:32:44
Aaaaaigh! My Stream! (novaM)



Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 14:35:21
I have gotten tired of the Steph promos on the Steph stream. It almost makes me miss the PSA's that I used to make fun of.

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:36:35
Quote by TriSec:

And again with the Islam.



What's so wrong about being a Muslim, anyway? Listen, I've read both the Bible and the Koran recently, I was really struck with how many passages were nearly identical. I also once heard a podcast that was discussing just this curiosity; according to the Islamic scholar, it's because Mohammed came after Christ, Allah sent him to 'correct' the misinterpretations of the Bible. Where the Koran and the Bible agree, the lesson is correct, but where they differ, the Koran should be regarded as the 'accurate' version.



I was very intrigued by that.



*ahem*. My home island (Mindanao) is an Islamic stronghold in the Phillippines...I was raised Christian in the United States, but I do have Islamic family.







Most religions are the same; they can all be twisted and used by the extreme worshippers for their own purposes.





Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 14:37:33
John McCain's Jailer supports him for President...







... And says that He was never tortured.







Of course, under the the Bush Administration's (and NOW John McCain's) definition of Torture, he wasn't...

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:42:31
Oh, you mean like the BATTERY POWERED ELECTRIC CARS THAT GM DESTROYED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 14:43:32
Erm, I believe there was a company in this Commonwealth that did indeed build a better battery.



As it was discussed elsewhere in this space, one of the big boys in Detroit (I think it was GM) bought them out and threw the patent in a vault somewhere.



I'm going to have to do some digging on that.





Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 14:43:46
Quote by starling310:

His name is actually Barack Ombama! I crack myself up.


Starling,

So you're sayin' he's a Tibetan Buddhist, eh? Good on 'im. Om mani padme um...

Don't pester me, I'm meditating :bliss:

Cheers,

mfaye

:hug:



Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 14:45:33
Quote by Raine:

John McCain's Jailer supports him for President...







... And says that He was never tortured.







Of course, under the the Bush Administration's (and NOW John McCain's) definition of Torture, he wasn't...




Here is the BBC Article.



What I find strange is the *friendship* aspect of this. I also find it truly interesting that we say the very same thing about our own prisoners in Gitmo.

Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 14:45:51
Quote by starling310:

Oh, you mean like the BATTERY POWERED ELECTRIC CARS THAT GM DESTROYED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?




Yeah, kinda like "Who Killed the Electric Car?" I'm with ya rommie :rage:

Cheers,

mfaye



Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 14:46:21
Quote by starling310:

Oh, you mean like the BATTERY POWERED ELECTRIC CARS THAT GM DESTROYED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?




You have to get rid of the evidence and all.



Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:46:51
Quote by m-hadley:

Quote by starling310:

His name is actually Barack Ombama! I crack myself up.


Starling,

So you're sayin' he's a Tibetan Buddhist, eh? Good on 'im. Om mani padme um...

Don't pester me, I'm meditating :bliss:

Cheers,

mfaye

:hug:





He's a Tibetan Buddhist Wiccan Monk.



Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:48:22
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by starling310:

Oh, you mean like the BATTERY POWERED ELECTRIC CARS THAT GM DESTROYED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?




You have to get rid of the evidence and all.





People watched it happen. They have it on film.

IT makes me so angry.

And, I am trying to work on my anger....DAMMIT!

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 14:48:32
Quote by starling310:

Oh, you mean like the BATTERY POWERED ELECTRIC CARS THAT GM DESTROYED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
The man dosn't seem to have a clue that the technology is already here --- but, as has been mentioned the patent was bought, and then forgotten about.



So who do you think would get that 300 Million dollars? A company like GM. Sounds a lot like the guys who seat on the drilling leases. it is all a scam that MCCain is pulling. It is NOT a good idea.



HE can't just say he is going to give away 300 million dollars of taxpayer money especially when it would end up going to the very companies that are preventing this from happening.



Isn't that free market great?



Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 14:49:58
Quote by starling310:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by starling310:

Oh, you mean like the BATTERY POWERED ELECTRIC CARS THAT GM DESTROYED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?




You have to get rid of the evidence and all.





People watched it happen. They have it on film.

IT makes me so angry.

And, I am trying to work on my anger....DAMMIT!






Damn those new fangled recording devices.



(yes I have seen Who Killed the Electric Car? )



Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:50:35
That story was on the Huffington Post.

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 14:52:12
Bobby Jindal?



The same Jindal that I heard the talking heads blathering about on Hardball last night? (BTW, is it me, or did Mike Barnicle do better than Mr. Matthews? He is an old Boston guy after all.....(former Globe columnist)).





Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 14:56:00
"Someone on the live blog. . . "

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 14:56:30
So the Tax credit goes to the AUTO MAKERS.

Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 14:56:39
Quote by starling310:

Quote by m-hadley:

Quote by starling310:

His name is actually Barack Ombama! I crack myself up.


Starling,

So you're sayin' he's a Tibetan Buddhist, eh? Good on 'im. Om mani padme um...

Don't pester me, I'm meditating :bliss:

Cheers,

mfaye

:hug:





He's a Tibetan Buddhist Wiccan Monk.



Shhhh.. Don't tell Michelle. BTB, Star, How do your show at the Improv go??? I bet you left 'em howling for more :P

Cheers,

mfaye

:hug:



Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 15:00:01
Quote by m-hadley:

Shhhh.. Don't tell Michelle. BTB, Star, How do your show at the Improv go??? I bet you left 'em howling for more :P

Cheers,

mfaye

:hug:





It went well! Thanks. I've officially been invited to be a member of the troupe.

It was made official by being presented with my 1st MOnkey T-shirt.





Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 15:04:46
Where is the Blue Food? We want the Blue Food! - George Carlin

Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 15:05:07
Quote by starling310:

Barack Obama is Wiccan.



It's true.



He can be my guardian of the northern watchtower ANYTIME!

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 15:07:26
Barack Obama used to be a Catholic Nun.



Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 15:08:49
Starling and other Bloggers,

I'm sorry, I am once again guilty of not scrolling down and reading all the previous comments - please forgive me. :P

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:

Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 15:09:09
Tom Petty crap :lol:

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 15:10:46
Quote by Raine:

So the Tax credit goes to the AUTO MAKERS.


If it went to the taxpayers, it would still end up in the automakers' hands, except that the consumer would benefit as well.



:: Napoleon Dynamite :: IDIOTS!

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 15:12:36
"It's EVERYTHING, Stupid!"





Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 15:12:57
Terry Jefferies is sounding more like Mr. Bill.

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 15:14:10
Quote by m-hadley:

Starling and other Bloggers,

I'm sorry, I am once again guilty of not scrolling down and reading all the previous comments - please forgive me. :P

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:


you're missing all the good stuff!!

Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 15:14:24
I heard that while I was off, I about drove the car into a ditch.

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 15:15:26
Quote by starling310:

Quote by m-hadley:

Quote by starling310:

His name is actually Barack Ombama! I crack myself up.


Starling,

So you're sayin' he's a Tibetan Buddhist, eh? Good on 'im. Om mani padme um...

Don't pester me, I'm meditating :bliss:

Cheers,

mfaye

:hug:





He's a Tibetan Buddhist Wiccan Monk.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa213/FourFreedoms/ebe6dc9b.jpg


ObaMonk.



Comment by Shane-O on 06/24/2008 15:16:00
I think I'm in the same place mFaye was in a few weeks back in regards to the SMS.



:in gump voice: And that's all I have to say about that...

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 15:18:27
Faye! I just saw the pics of Tusley and Dylan in the 4F photobucket account!





Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 15:19:33
Brady Boy'd? :P

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 15:20:49
Maybe Terry Jeffries can help Ted Haggard with the de-gay.

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 15:20:53
McCain may want to declare the winner and cut a check to this guy!



Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 15:25:11
Fugitaboutit - I can't make pictures show up on this bloggie :(

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:

But I love the looks of this guy :P



Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 15:26:33
Quote by starling310:

Barack Obama used to be a Catholic Nun.


This is just begging for a "Nuns on The Run" shop..

Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 15:28:22
BTW I heard Obama is really one of the five sons of Ipswitch..

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 15:30:24
Quote by m-hadley:

Fugitaboutit - I can't make pictures show up on this bloggie :(

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:
In the 4f Account, all you have to do is copy the IMG code and paste. The code is already there.



Otherwise, if it is from a website, copy the url (make sure it has an image extention on the end, like .jpeg or .gif... and then press the "Image" button, paste it in the box, and it should work.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa213/FourFreedoms/DillieTulsePride2008.jpg




Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 15:36:10
Everybody in New England knows that Barack Obama heroically pitched in Game Six of the World Series while wearing a bloody sock...





Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 15:37:29
Awwww! Cute puppies! :hug:

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 15:41:22
Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 15:42:43
Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by starling310:

Barack Obama used to be a Catholic Nun.


This is just begging for a "Nuns on The Run" shop..
HERe is the proof!



http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa213/FourFreedoms/763ff07f.jpg




Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 15:44:13
Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by starling310:

Barack Obama used to be a Catholic Nun.


This is just begging for a "Nuns on The Run" shop..




Done. . . but, I have no where to post. :shrug:

Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 15:45:03
Quote by Raine:

HERe is the proof!



http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa213/FourFreedoms/763ff07f.jpg




:rofl:

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 15:47:40
Quote by starling310:

Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by starling310:

Barack Obama used to be a Catholic Nun.


This is just begging for a "Nuns on The Run" shop..




Done. . . but, I have no where to post. :shrug:
can you upload it into the 4F phtobucket account?





Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 15:48:06
Quote by Shane-O:

I think I'm in the same place mFaye was in a few weeks back in regards to the SMS.



:in gump voice: And that's all I have to say about that...




Shane-O,

I feel your pain, bro

Hang in there - it can only get worse :(

Cheers,

mfaye

:hug:

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 15:48:24
Heh, time to dust off the Sloganizer!



«See you at Obama.»



«John McCain. See more. Do more.»



«The queen buys Bob Barr.»



«Republicans is back.» (inadvertent Bushism?)



«Hope. We build smiles.»





Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 15:49:37
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by starling310:

Barack Obama used to be a Catholic Nun.


This is just begging for a "Nuns on The Run" shop..
HERe is the proof!



http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa213/FourFreedoms/763ff07f.jpg




Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 15:53:00
Quote by wickedpam:

Awwww! Cute puppies! :hug:




Thanks mucho, Mala,

They just got back from Pride and are sporting their pride bandanars...

How's it going for you and your Mom - is she liking her new job?

Hope all is going well for you and your Mom.

Cheers,

mfaye

:hug:

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 15:53:09
Quote by Raine:

Quote by starling310:

Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by starling310:

Barack Obama used to be a Catholic Nun.


This is just begging for a "Nuns on The Run" shop..




Done. . . but, I have no where to post. :shrug:
can you upload it into the 4F phtobucket account?







Not necessary. The one that is up here now is waaay better!!! :rofl:



Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 15:53:47
The media fails to mention that when McCain spoke in Canada, he used his OWN campaign funds... thereby violating the Hatch Act.

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 15:56:28
Jones Radio was sold to Triton.



Liv, you are the media guy, any knowledge about this sale?

Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 15:59:58
Quote by TriSec:

Heh, time to dust off the Sloganizer!



«See you at Obama.»



«John McCain. See more. Do more.»



«The queen buys Bob Barr.»



«Republicans is back.» (inadvertent Bushism?)



«Hope. We build smiles.»


Man I love that website...



Dems: «There's only one true Barack Obama!»



Reps: «John McCain, the freshmaker.» :blink:



Indies: «Ralph Nader - be prepared.»



Greens: «I quit smoking with Cynthia McKinney.»
OMG THIS ONE IS TOO GOOD I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING!



Libs: «Bob Barr will be for you what you want it to be.»


Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 16:00:34
Quote by Raine:

Jones Radio was sold to Triton.



Liv, you are the media guy, any knowledge about this sale?


This one's news to me. They look like one of the companies trying to synergize traditional media with the internet.

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 16:02:07
Quote by Raine:

The media fails to mention that when McCain spoke in Canada, he used his OWN campaign funds... thereby violating the Hatch Act.


And when you count the whole public financing dance, he has now broken two laws. We can't have another criminal in the White House.

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 16:12:39
Quote by Raine:

The media fails to mention that when McCain spoke in Canada, he used his OWN campaign funds... thereby violating the Hatch Act.




Republicans: The law is for other people!







Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 16:15:57
Quote by TriSec:

Quote by Raine:

The media fails to mention that when McCain spoke in Canada, he used his OWN campaign funds... thereby violating the Hatch Act.




Republicans: The law is for other people!









Yep - IOKIYAR - it is the M$M motto



Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 16:16:10
Interesting thing, the Hatch Act.



Federal and DC Employees MAY NOT:





* use official authority or influence to interfere with an election



* solicit or discourage political activity of anyone with business before their agency



* solicit or receive political contributions (may be done in certain limited situations by federal labor or other employee organizations)



* be candidates for public office in partisan elections



* engage in political activity while:

o on duty

o in a government office

o wearing an official uniform

o using a government vehicle



* wear partisan political buttons on duty







Although I believe this stuff applies to civilians working for the government, not sure how it applies to elected officials, but they are technically employed by the Federal Government...





Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 16:16:57
He's the O-Bomb-a!





Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 16:21:52
This Heinz Deli Mayo ad was pulled from the Air in London. People said it was offensive (about 200 compaints were filed) ... What do you all think?







Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 16:25:55
Quote by TriSec:

Interesting thing, the Hatch Act.



Federal and DC Employees MAY NOT:





* use official authority or influence to interfere with an election



* solicit or discourage political activity of anyone with business before their agency



* solicit or receive political contributions (may be done in certain limited situations by federal labor or other employee organizations)



* be candidates for public office in partisan elections



* engage in political activity while:

o on duty

o in a government office

o wearing an official uniform

o using a government vehicle



* wear partisan political buttons on duty







Although I believe this stuff applies to civilians working for the government, not sure how it applies to elected officials, but they are technically employed by the Federal Government...





Well, he was invited to canada by the American ambassador to Canada, and there was a fundraising luncheon held.



If he had gone on the Government dollar as an american diplomat it would have been fine, but he went using campain money. That would make it a campaign function on the invitation of an american employee.

Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 16:26:31
Didn't think it was that bad - I got that idea as Mom is a deli guy making all the lunchs. I was more thrown off by "mum"s NY accent then anything else

Comment by trojanrabbit on 06/24/2008 16:27:52
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by Raine:

The media fails to mention that when McCain spoke in Canada, he used his OWN campaign funds... thereby violating the Hatch Act.


And when you count the whole public financing dance, he has now broken two laws. We can't have another criminal in the White House.




There's nothing wrong with this at all. There's another Republican motto - "Two wrongs make a right"



Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 16:28:24
Re:Ad



Funny and kind of cute if you ask me. They pulled it in London? I bet it could run in other places (Holland, France, etc.) - I nominate it for a CLEO.

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 16:28:26
PLUS, Senator McCain by using his own funds going to canada to speak on foriegn policy (nafta) broke the law by using his authority to effect an election.



He can do that in the united states, but once you leave the states you become a diplomat, and that is where he broke the Hatch act. He should have used the money allocated to him in his senate budget. He did not.

Comment by IzzyBitz on 06/24/2008 16:29:58
Good morning everyone!



Great photoshop of Barack, Raine!



How does one get in the 4F photobucket gallery?

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 16:30:50
That ad was rather innocuous to me. Some people make a big stink about nothing. Are they afraid of catching the Gay?

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 16:31:51
Quote by IzzyBitz:

Good morning everyone!



Great photoshop of Barack, Raine!



How does one get in the 4F photobucket gallery?


Izzy, do you have any dirt on Dr. Phil?

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 16:33:13
Quote by IzzyBitz:

Good morning everyone!



Great photoshop of Barack, Raine!



How does one get in the 4F photobucket gallery?
to view or upload, just type in fourfreedoms, then PW: meetup08



Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 16:34:03
Quote by Raine:

PLUS, Senator McCain by using his own funds going to canada to speak on foriegn policy (nafta) broke the law by using his authority to effect an election.



He can do that in the united states, but once you leave the states you become a diplomat, and that is where he broke the Hatch act. He should have used the money allocated to him in his senate budget. He did not.




"When the President does it, that means that it is not illegal."



~ Richard M. Nixon



McCain is just getting ahead of himself.



Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 16:34:08
Quote by livingonli:

That ad was rather innocuous to me. Some people make a big stink about nothing. Are they afraid of catching the Gay?
I think they are afraid the *gay* is in the Mayo.



Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 16:36:05
Quote by Raine:

This Heinz Deli Mayo ad was pulled from the Air in London. People said it was offensive (about 200 compaints were filed) ... What do you all think?











Ok, so it made me chuckle. Then again, I am a lesbian, so....





Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 16:36:13
Quote by Raine:

This Heinz Deli Mayo ad was pulled from the Air in London. People said it was offensive (about 200 compaints were filed) ... What do you all think?





:rofl:



some people don't understand visual metaphors...

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 16:38:05
Quote by Raine:

Quote by livingonli:

That ad was rather innocuous to me. Some people make a big stink about nothing. Are they afraid of catching the Gay?
I think they are afraid the *gay* is in the Mayo.



Behold the power of Mayo. It's stronger than the power of cheese.

Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 16:38:11
The ad offends some people because at first it fools their gaydar.



THAT scares them.





Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 16:40:21
Holy Crap.





McCain is OPENLY encouraging trolling.



The first 2 sights, fine, but that third one... DAILY KOS?!?!?!



And then.. he GIVES the talking points?



I may sign up, just to action points! (Jazz hands. spirit fingers, and here is a new one -- Flamingo stance)

Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 16:43:25
Bernadette: We've only recently discovered that young Anthony here, bats for both teams.

Mitzi: I do not!

Felicia: Oh, so we're straight?

Mitzi: No.

Felicia: Oh, we're not. So we're a donut puncher, after all?

Mitzi: No.

Felicia: Then what the fuck are we?

Mitzi: I don't fuckin' know.









The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 16:45:51
Gonna write a diary on DailyKos about this Hatch Act thing Tri, since it looks like no one else has yet. Will gladly hat-tip the bloggie for bringing this up tho..



brb gonna dig up some of the articles and info on the Hatch Act regulations... and do some work too!

Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 16:47:18
Quote by Raine:

Holy Crap.





McCain is OPENLY encouraging trolling.



The first 2 sights, fine, but that third one... DAILY KOS?!?!?!



And then.. he GIVES the talking points?



I may sign up, just to action points! (Jazz hands. spirit fingers, and here is a new one -- Flamingo stance)


Time to get out the donut boxes and the auto-ban sticks.. yeehaw bring it on!

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 16:52:56
Quote by Scoopster:

Gonna write a diary on DailyKos about this Hatch Act thing Tri, since it looks like no one else has yet. Will gladly hat-tip the bloggie for bringing this up tho..



brb gonna dig up some of the articles and info on the Hatch Act regulations... and do some work too!


Scoop, here you go. from the thread I started on the MB.

Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 16:53:54
Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by Raine:

Holy Crap.





McCain is OPENLY encouraging trolling.



The first 2 sights, fine, but that third one... DAILY KOS?!?!?!



And then.. he GIVES the talking points?



I may sign up, just to action points! (Jazz hands. spirit fingers, and here is a new one -- Flamingo stance)


Time to get out the donut boxes and the auto-ban sticks.. yeehaw bring it on!


No mention yet of AAP, 4F, UNN or the SMS Live Blog on their target lists but we better keep an eye out for them.

Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 16:53:59
Toshiba WINS the $300 Million Battery Lotto!







Now what will be McCain's next energy gimmick policy?

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 17:02:57
Quote by capt:

Toshiba WINS the $300 Million Battery Lotto!







Now what will be McCain's next energy gimmick policy?
Good Catch!!!



Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 17:15:58
And now for something completely different . . . .





Finger Pulling Championships in the Alps



It may sound funny, but for some Bavarian and Austrian men finger wrestling is no joke. They take it very seriously: For them it's about prestige and honor.





Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 17:22:07
Quote by livingonli:



No mention yet of AAP, 4F, UNN or the SMS Live Blog on their target lists but we better keep an eye out for them.








Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 18:02:14
Ahhh....fantastic lunch break....



work out? :: check ::

delicious lunch? :: check ::

sun tea set out to brew? :: check ::



:: back to work ::



*clackity clackity clackity*

Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 18:07:02
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:

Gonna write a diary on DailyKos about this Hatch Act thing Tri, since it looks like no one else has yet. Will gladly hat-tip the bloggie for bringing this up tho..



brb gonna dig up some of the articles and info on the Hatch Act regulations... and do some work too!


Scoop, here you go. from the thread I started on the MB.


Ahh thankee very much! Some useful links in there.



Aaaaand... It's up!

Comment by starling310 on 06/24/2008 18:09:30
birds at the feeder at casa de starling ------- >

:blink: <--------------------- kitties de starling

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 18:23:45
http://www.missico.com/personal/tidbits/images/mad_bluebird_large.jpg




What are YOU looking at??





Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 18:31:53
That bird's got issues.

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 18:38:44
Bill Clinton almost endorses Obama



Former US President Bill Clinton has announced for the first time that he is backing fellow Democrat Barack Obama to win the US presidential election.



Mr Clinton's wife Hillary was Mr Obama's biggest rival for the party nomination, and he was often critical of Mr Obama on the campaign trail.



Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton are set to hold a joint rally on Friday.



Mr Clinton will be in Europe to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday and will not attend the rally.



"President Clinton is obviously committed to doing whatever he can and is asked to do to ensure Senator Obama is the next president of the United States," said spokesman Matt McKenna.



Not talking



The Obama campaign welcomed Mr Clinton's declaration of support, saying: "A unified Democratic Party is going to be a powerful force for change this year and we're confident President Clinton will play a big role in that."



Relations between Mr Clinton and Mr Obama have been "frosty" since Mrs Clinton suspended her campaign, and the two men have not spoken, the Associated Press news agency reported.



During the primary battle between Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton, Mr Clinton made the headlines when he described Mr Obama's record of opposition to the Iraq War as a "fairy-tale", and when he accused Mr Obama of "playing the race card".



Observers say Mr Obama is making efforts to heal the divisions within the party and win over Democrats who supported Mrs Clinton in the primaries.



To this end, the Obama-Clinton rally on Friday will be held in the town of Unity, New Hampshire, where Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton both received 107 votes in the New Hampshire primary.

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 18:48:37
Quote by Scoopster:

Aaaaand... It's up!
Cool!



I am rather surprised that people are not understanding that had he used his own senate money this would have been legal...



Comment by wickedpam on 06/24/2008 18:50:11
Quote by TriSec:

http://www.missico.com/personal/tidbits/images/mad_bluebird_large.jpg




What are YOU looking at??







I don't think I've actually seen a bird look pissed off until now. :spit:



Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 18:54:58
Quote by TriSec:

Bill Clinton almost endorses Obama



Former US President Bill Clinton has announced for the first time that he is backing fellow Democrat Barack Obama to win the US presidential election.



Mr Clinton's wife Hillary was Mr Obama's biggest rival for the party nomination, and he was often critical of Mr Obama on the campaign trail.



Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton are set to hold a joint rally on Friday.



Mr Clinton will be in Europe to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday and will not attend the rally.



"President Clinton is obviously committed to doing whatever he can and is asked to do to ensure Senator Obama is the next president of the United States," said spokesman Matt McKenna.



Not talking



The Obama campaign welcomed Mr Clinton's declaration of support, saying: "A unified Democratic Party is going to be a powerful force for change this year and we're confident President Clinton will play a big role in that."



Relations between Mr Clinton and Mr Obama have been "frosty" since Mrs Clinton suspended her campaign, and the two men have not spoken, the Associated Press news agency reported.



During the primary battle between Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton, Mr Clinton made the headlines when he described Mr Obama's record of opposition to the Iraq War as a "fairy-tale", and when he accused Mr Obama of "playing the race card".



Observers say Mr Obama is making efforts to heal the divisions within the party and win over Democrats who supported Mrs Clinton in the primaries.



To this end, the Obama-Clinton rally on Friday will be held in the town of Unity, New Hampshire, where Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton both received 107 votes in the New Hampshire primary.
Can the AP please stop pushing the *frosty* angle between HRC and BHO? they really are still trying to keep the screws turned on this one.



While I know that Bill has not yet fully endorsed Obama, that is fine. I think that it would probably be best if he were out of the country for a while. We need unity, not self made distractions from the media.



Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 18:55:41
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:

Aaaaand... It's up!
Cool!



I am rather surprised that people are not understanding that had he used his own senate money this would have been legal...



Actually it's more that they're questioning whether the act applies specifically to elected officials in the Legislative Branch. I slightly anticipated this argument and made a mention of it, but I think I took the wrong angle. Then again, I didn't see anything that specifically included members of Congress, nor did I notice any judicial review concerning this act and the Congress which is why I'm taking the position that it needs to be decided by the courts.



Interesting.. this could turn into a very important Constitutional question!



Edit: Someone mentioned that appointed officials (i.e. ambassadors) are not considered civil service. Umm wut???

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 19:07:47
The DNC filed an FOIA request over McCain's canadian trip...

According to reports, Senator Lindsey Graham, a McCain campaign co-chair, asked Ambassador Wilkins "for advice about logistics, venues and cities" for the event. Ambassador Wilkins also reportedly contacted a Canadian business leader to help sell tickets to the event. McCain's appearance is a campaign event being paid for by his campaign. The Hatch Act forbids U.S. Ambassadors from engaging in any partisan activity whatsoever on foreign soil. The DNC today called on the State Department to turn over all records related to Senator McCain's visit.


Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 19:08:04
Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:

Aaaaand... It's up!
Cool!



I am rather surprised that people are not understanding that had he used his own senate money this would have been legal...



Actually it's more that they're questioning whether the act applies specifically to elected officials in the Legislative Branch. I slightly anticipated this argument and made a mention of it, but I think I took the wrong angle. Then again, I didn't see anything that specifically included members of Congress, nor did I notice any judicial review concerning this act and the Congress which is why I'm taking the position that it needs to be decided by the courts.



Interesting.. this could turn into a very important Constitutional question!



Edit: Someone mentioned that appointed officials (i.e. ambassadors) are not considered civil service. Umm wut???










Federal Employees Accused of Hatch Act Violations



Employees found to have violated the Hatch Act face penalties ranging from 30-day suspensions without pay to removal from federal employment. Suspended or terminated employees may appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.





******



Does the Hatch act have any penalty for senators? The senators can be called for ethics violations but what would the penalty be? They can't suspend, terminate or dock pay?





Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 19:25:14
Quote by capt:

Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:

Aaaaand... It's up!
Cool!



I am rather surprised that people are not understanding that had he used his own senate money this would have been legal...



Actually it's more that they're questioning whether the act applies specifically to elected officials in the Legislative Branch. I slightly anticipated this argument and made a mention of it, but I think I took the wrong angle. Then again, I didn't see anything that specifically included members of Congress, nor did I notice any judicial review concerning this act and the Congress which is why I'm taking the position that it needs to be decided by the courts.



Interesting.. this could turn into a very important Constitutional question!



Edit: Someone mentioned that appointed officials (i.e. ambassadors) are not considered civil service. Umm wut???










Federal Employees Accused of Hatch Act Violations



Employees found to have violated the Hatch Act face penalties ranging from 30-day suspensions without pay to removal from federal employment. Suspended or terminated employees may appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.





******



Does the Hatch act have any penalty for senators? The senators can be called for ethics violations but what would the penalty be? They can't suspend, terminate or dock pay?





I am looking for an answer to this, I am contending that since McCain went using his campaign funds, he did not go as a senator, however, he was conducting State business on the trip.



That is not legal. can't be, especially since he is still in the public financing system. Then it become a little matter of misusing public funds.





Comment by Scoopster on 06/24/2008 19:31:14
Quote by capt:

Does the Hatch act have any penalty for senators? The senators can be called for ethics violations but what would the penalty be? They can't suspend, terminate or dock pay?


I took that angle - Article I states that each house of Congress judges its own members and that members are free from arrest and prosecution except for such things as treason.... but how is this sort of violation not a high crime?

Comment by TriSec on 06/24/2008 19:39:45
Heehee....



Baseball Fan TriSec here, reading up on the New York Mets fiasco last week.



They're still pond scum. (circa 1986)





Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 19:47:11
Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by capt:

Does the Hatch act have any penalty for senators? The senators can be called for ethics violations but what would the penalty be? They can't suspend, terminate or dock pay?


I took that angle - Article I states that each house of Congress judges its own members and that members are free from arrest and prosecution except for such things as treason.... but how is this sort of violation not a high crime?




I totally think it is a high crime too. I don't see the other "members" doing anything. They seems to have a blind spot when it comes to holding each other to account. Domenici got a letter for his ethics violation - trying to get David Inglesias to make cases out of thin air?











Comment by livingonli on 06/24/2008 20:05:36
Time to head off to the salt mine. I have a Liberty game tonight so I may be busy.





Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 20:28:42
2 USC 441 - Sec. 441e. Contributions and donations by foreign nationals



(a) Prohibition It shall be unlawful for - (1) a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make - (A) a contribution or donation of money or other thing of value, or to make an express or implied promise to make a contribution or donation, in connection with a Federal, State, or local election; (B) a contribution or donation to a committee of a political party; or © an expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication (within the meaning of section 434(f)(3) of this title); or (2) a person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) from a foreign national. (b) "Foreign national" defined As used in this section, the term "foreign national" means - (1) a foreign principal, as such term is defined by section 611(b) of title 22, except that the term "foreign national" shall not include any individual who is a citizen of the United States; or (2) an individual who is not a citizen of the United States or a national of the United States (as defined in section 1101(a)(22) of title 8) and who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined by section 1101(a)(20) of title 8.

Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 20:36:25
I wonder why the Elton John concert wasn't a "thing of value" from a foreign national?



I think I read how or why and it made sense at the time. . .



If I could only remember to remember the things I forget . . What was I talking about?









Comment by Random on 06/24/2008 20:39:31
John McCain.

In order to appeal to the few voters in California and Florida who still might like me, I have once again changed my position. It is now State's right to drill. California, along with Gov. Schwartzenegger, are un-american pansies, for to drill. Florida, along with Gov. Crist, are manly and totally straight for wanting to drill.



That is all...



Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 20:44:36
Quote by capt:

I wonder why the Elton John concert wasn't a "thing of value" from a foreign national?



I think I read how or why and it made sense at the time. . .



If I could only remember to remember the things I forget . . What was I talking about?







Actually, Judicial Watch has filed a complaint against that for with this very clause in the US Code.







Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 20:51:13
Section 441h. Fraudulent misrepresentation of campaign authority



(a) In general

No person who is a candidate for Federal office or an employee or

agent of such a candidate shall -

(1) fraudulently misrepresent himself or any committee or

organization under his control as speaking or writing or

otherwise acting for or on behalf of any other candidate or

political party or employee or agent thereof on a matter which is

damaging to such other candidate or political party or employee

or agent thereof; or

(2) willfully and knowingly participate in or conspire to

participate in any plan, scheme, or design to violate paragraph

(1).



( Fraudulent solicitation of funds

No person shall -

(1) fraudulently misrepresent the person as speaking, writing,

or otherwise acting for or on behalf of any candidate or

political party or employee or agent thereof for the purpose of

soliciting contributions or donations; or

(2) willfully and knowingly participate in or conspire to

participate in any plan, scheme, or design to violate paragraph

Comment by Random on 06/24/2008 20:53:10
...Okay, there's a lot of that legal bs going on.

Random is confused.

Comment by IzzyBitz on 06/24/2008 20:54:20
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by IzzyBitz:

Good morning everyone!



Great photoshop of Barack, Raine!



How does one get in the 4F photobucket gallery?


Izzy, do you have any dirt on Dr. Phil?




I don't know anyone who works with Dr. BS (a doctor with an expired license, allegedly) and hopefully times never get so tough that I will. I know this is difficult to believe, but he's not a well-respected person.



Larry King's wife went to rehab for addiction to pain killers. Oxycotin. Hello. That's a weird name for a fruit.

Comment by Random on 06/24/2008 20:55:47
...Hillary Clinton says Obama's Health care plan doesn't go far enough...



WHO'S SIDE IS SHE ON!

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 20:59:43
Quote by Random:

...Hillary Clinton says Obama's Health care plan doesn't go far enough...



WHO'S SIDE IS SHE ON!
you sure she wasn't talking about trying to get it to go further in a good way? can I get a link for context?



I know Elizabeth Edwards is working with the campaign as we speak, and I suspect that it will become even better because of it.



Why does the legaleze confuse you random? I am trying to figure out exactly why Jogn McCain's trip to Canda was not only unethical, it was illegal.



Comment by Random on 06/24/2008 21:04:38
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Random:

...Hillary Clinton says Obama's Health care plan doesn't go far enough...



WHO'S SIDE IS SHE ON!
you sure she wasn't talking about trying to get it to go further in a good way? can I get a link for context?



I know Elizabeth Edwards is working with the campaign as we speak, and I suspect that it will become even better because of it.



Why does the legaleze confuse you random? I am trying to figure out exactly why Jogn McCain's trip to Canda was not only unethical, it was illegal.





Okay...All i know is what i heard on MSNBC quick tid-bit. She says it doesn't go far enough. It doesn't help to be broadcasting these things. Course MSNBC could be just stealing a soundbite from a few months ago.



And with the Legalize, Context would help.

Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 21:12:58
Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 21:23:38
Last week John McCain went to Canada and gave a speech on NAFTA... it was organized by an American ambassador there.



I contend that he is violation of the Hatch act, and I am currently looking thru federal election laws. We have been chatting about this a bit today, you can scroll down for better context.



I will keep an eye out for that hillary clip. I hope it was being taken out of context from the MSNBC mosheen.

Comment by Random on 06/24/2008 21:29:35
Quote by Raine:

Last week John McCain went to Canada and gave a speech on NAFTA... it was organized by an American ambassador there.



I contend that he is violation of the Hatch act, and I am currently looking thru federal election laws. We have been chatting about this a bit today, you can scroll down for better context.



I will keep an eye out for that hillary clip. I hope it was being taken out of context from the MSNBC mosheen.




Not a clip, just what the anchor said.

Maybe i will...scroll down i mean.

Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 21:39:57
Quote by capt:

Dodd, Feingold, Wyden and Boxer to Oppose Cloture on FISA Bill





***



I'm not dancing yet but . . . .
:thud:



This is a good start. VERY good.



Comment by Raine on 06/24/2008 22:07:44
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2604976223_e357d1edfa_b.jpg


From Greg Palast and Ted Rall...

Are they going to Steal 2008? Don't worry: it's already stolen. But you can steal it back. Ted Rall and I have teamed up for one of the first ever series of hard-edged investigative journalism - in 'toon form. Steal this strip ... and pass it on: VOTE THEFT FOR IDIOTS - PART 1 ...



And if you're in LA and New York, don't miss the opening of the film that pulls down the pants of the Ohio election, "Free For All." Follow John Ennis into the colon of American democracy, Ohio 2004. It's funny as hell - oddly, democracy's death can tickle your funny bone while laying out the story of the latest quadrennial vote heist. Watch the trailer here.



This film will be available online at www.freeforall.tv on July 4th -- for downloads, for DVDs, and for FREE streaming!






Comment by MMB on 06/24/2008 22:51:52
Hello to all from VERY MUGGY J-Ville,Fl. Hope everyone is having a great day/evening.

Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 22:57:21
Cool evening sitting with my honey - cats are a nappin' - watching "No Country for Old Men"



For me it could only be better if I was spending money.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 06/24/2008 23:03:50
What a bizarre commute home.



From rain & hail and a flooded road to dry pavement within a mile, then back again a mile later.



I suppose I can trust Dodd, Feingold & Boxer to oppose cloture. I wouldn't trust Reid as far as I can throw him. AFAIC he's now as useless as Pelosi.

Comment by Random on 06/24/2008 23:17:20
Random is officially a full day clean and sober of Soda...



Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 23:18:18
Dodd And Feingold Will Filibuster Telecom Immunity





I feel some "happy feet" coming on . . .

Comment by capt on 06/24/2008 23:22:43
Quote by trojanrabbit:

What a bizarre commute home.



From rain & hail and a flooded road to dry pavement within a mile, then back again a mile later.



I suppose I can trust Dodd, Feingold & Boxer to oppose cloture. I wouldn't trust Reid as far as I can throw him. AFAIC he's now as useless as Pelosi.




Sunday we had a hot day - clear and bright, then with the sun shining a hard rain -then pea sized hail - hard wind then clear again - the clouds never actually went over the house - it ended with a faint low rainbow out the back door.







Comment by m-hadley on 06/24/2008 23:32:01
Thanks mucho Raine for the Palast Cartoon - I guess it's okay if I pass it on...

Capt,

I just talked to one of my best buds in Albuquerque (today he turns 64 ), and I thought of you - sounds like you've got a mellow evening in the works - carry on, bro...

Me, I'm just hanging out, chillin' with some iced coffee.

Random,

This is day two for me with no vino - gotta try to lose it, sos I can drop some lbs :)

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:

Comment by Random on 06/24/2008 23:36:51
Quote by m-hadley:

Thanks mucho Raine for the Palast Cartoon - I guess it's okay if I pass it on...

Capt,

I just talked to one of my best buds in Albuquerque (today he turns 64 ), and I thought of you - sounds like you've got a mellow evening in the works - carry on, bro...

Me, I'm just hanging out, chillin' with some iced coffee.

Random,

This is day two for me with no vino - gotta try to lose it, sos I can drop some lbs :)

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:


Thanks, i think.

Random gotta stop if he likes his teeth. And he does.

Though, i dread withdrawal. I tried it before...killer headaches.



Comment by BobR on 06/24/2008 23:58:15
Quote by Random:



Thanks, i think.

Random gotta stop if he likes his teeth. And he does.

Though, i dread withdrawal. I tried it before...killer headaches.



if caffeine is the problem, then learn to love the black coffee.

Comment by Random on 06/25/2008 00:14:14
Quote by BobR:

Quote by Random:



Thanks, i think.

Random gotta stop if he likes his teeth. And he does.

Though, i dread withdrawal. I tried it before...killer headaches.



if caffeine is the problem, then learn to love the black coffee.


Nah...Random should kick Caffeine all together.

Be a good start for Random's 20th year.

Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2008 00:16:11
How to tell how bad the accident that caused the traffic jam really was, they are in the last stage of clean up using a back hoe. :wacko:





Howdy my peeps,

Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2008 00:19:44
Comment by Random on 06/25/2008 00:34:15
Quote by Mondobubba:

How to tell how bad the accident that caused the traffic jam really was, they are in the last stage of clean up using a back hoe. :wacko:





Howdy my peeps,




That was my joke...but i haven't been on the SMS live blog in a while.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 06/25/2008 00:34:50
Quote by capt:

Quote by trojanrabbit:

What a bizarre commute home.



From rain & hail and a flooded road to dry pavement within a mile, then back again a mile later.



I suppose I can trust Dodd, Feingold & Boxer to oppose cloture. I wouldn't trust Reid as far as I can throw him. AFAIC he's now as useless as Pelosi.




Sunday we had a hot day - clear and bright, then with the sun shining a hard rain -then pea sized hail - hard wind then clear again - the clouds never actually went over the house - it ended with a faint low rainbow out the back door.









Sometimes I do RF emissions testing in a building that's pretty much by itself in a field. There's a lightning detector that works to about 100 mile radius, when the alarm goes off we're supposed to monitor weather radar and be prepared to shut things down because the receivers are very sensitive and could be blown out by a close by strike. All the bad stuff was down around Providence so since I'm up by the NH border I thought I was fine. All of a sudden a cell appeared on radar just to west of me, so I hightailed it out of there. Just as I got back to the main lab about a mile away, the hail was falling.



Comment by capt on 06/25/2008 00:49:10


Comment by livingonli on 06/25/2008 00:55:10
For anyone who hates the Mets, you may want to know that they are right now down 10-0 against the crappy Seattle Mariners.

Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2008 00:58:42
:rofl: Bateman, Cross and Olberman bit. HILARIOUS!

Comment by MMB on 06/25/2008 01:30:55
My beloved Ga. Bulldogs are in the College World Series and it's 8-6 Fresno if Ga wins they take the world series if not game 3 on Wed. I hope God is a Bulldog!!!!!!

Comment by Raine on 06/25/2008 01:45:59
Quote by capt:

Once again, excellent catch , capt.







Heya everyone. we had a wonderful dinner, and now we are relaxing enjoying a great night at home.



Glad you got home safe today, Rabbit and Mondo. EEP!



Comment by Raine on 06/25/2008 01:47:57
Quote by Random:

Quote by BobR:

Quote by Random:



Thanks, i think.

Random gotta stop if he likes his teeth. And he does.

Though, i dread withdrawal. I tried it before...killer headaches.



if caffeine is the problem, then learn to love the black coffee.


Nah...Random should kick Caffeine all together.

Be a good start for Random's 20th year.
When is the start of Random's 20th year?



Kicking cafeine is fine, I would suggest tho to take it slowly if you get those wicket headaches.





Comment by BobR on 06/25/2008 01:50:27
Quote by MMB:

My beloved Ga. Bulldogs are in the College World Series and it's 8-6 Fresno if Ga wins they take the world series if not game 3 on Wed. I hope God is a Bulldog!!!!!!


To Hell with GA... Go Tech!!



oh wait - Tech isn't in the College World Series?... :kickcan:

Comment by MMB on 06/25/2008 01:58:09
Sorry BobR better luck next year!!!!! Right now in the 5th inning Ga. is getting there fanny spanked!!!! A girl can dream!!!!!

Comment by BobR on 06/25/2008 02:01:32
Architect designs shape-changing building



can Transformers™ be far behind?

Comment by livingonli on 06/25/2008 03:08:22
In World War Hulk: Damage Control #3, the Chrysler Building came to life;



http://bp3.blogger.com/_Gd8NBIma-zo/R-2rtrFe_dI/AAAAAAAADGU/f26AjWmWpBA/s400/ChryslerBuildingWins.jpg