GOTV for Ned Lamont

The first thing to do is download the flyer that Tim has.

The Ned Lamont Website has a great list of things that can be done to help GET. OUT. THE. VOTE. for Ned Lamont.

1. Send a postcard to your family, friends and neighbors inside Connecticut.


2. Invite your email address book to use the family, friends and neighbor tool.


3. Help phone banking and canvassing down-the-stretch. If you want to phone bank, just show up to the closest field office in Connecticut. If you are willing to canvass, let the field office know you’ll be stopping by, our indomitable staff will prepare concise maps for your use.


4. Lastly contribute if you are able. Ask your friends and family to contribute too. And could you please go to Spazeboy and contribute on his "Rock the Boat."

Connecticut Bob has a wealthy of information.

Jane Hamsher has a great post up, well worth reading.

What have you been reading...Pam needs some cheering up.

A Brief History

Biblical times

1250 BC: Israelites began to conquer and settle the land of Canaan on the eastern Mediterranean coast.

-- Fast forward --

1948

The State of Israel, the first Jewish state for nearly 2,000 years, was proclaimed at 1600 on 14 May 1948 in Tel Aviv. [...]

The year had begun with Jewish and Arab armies each staging attacks on territory held by the other side. Jewish forces, backed by the Irgun and Lehi militant groups made more progress, seizing areas alloted to the Jewish state but also conquering substantial territories allocated for the Palestinian one.

1967

Mounting tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbours culminated in six days of hostilities starting on 5 June 1967 and ending on 11 June - six days which changed the face of the Middle East conflict.

Israel seized Gaza and the Sinai from Egypt in the south and the Golan Heights from Syria in the north. It also pushed Jordanian forces out of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Egypt's powerful air force was put out of action on the first day of fighting when Israeli jets bombed it on the ground in a pre-emptive strike.

The territorial gains doubled the area of land controlled by Israel. The victory heralded a new age of confidence and optimism for Israel and its supporters.

The UN Security Council issued resolution 242, stressing "the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war and the need to work for a just and lasting peace in which every State in the area can live in security". The resolution called for the "withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict". It also called for an end to "all claims or states of belligerency and respect for... the sovereignty... of every state in the area and their right to live in peace... free from threats or acts of force".

Maps:

Heart of the conflict

At the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a dispute over land and borders. The geography of the conflict revolves around the three territorial units of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, defined by armistice lines drawn after a war in the region in 1948. Since then, military action, settlement and population growth have also shaped the situation on the ground.

1920 to 1948

British control: Mandate Palestine
Palestine - comprising what are now Israel, the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jordan - was among several former Ottoman Arab territories placed under the administration of Great Britain by the League of Nations. The mandate lasted from 1920 to 1948. In 1923 Britain granted limited autonomy to Transjordan, now known as Jordan.

1947 to 1948 Israel founded

UN partition plan:
The United Nations General Assembly decided in 1947 on the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem to be an international city. The plan, which was rejected by the native Arabs, was never implemented.

Armistice:
War broke out in 1948 when Britain withdrew, the Jews declared the state of Israel and troops from neighbouring Arab nations moved in. After eight months of fighting an armistice line was agreed, establishing the West Bank and Gaza Strip as distinct geographical units.

1967 Six-Day War

Before the war:
From 1948 to 1967, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was ruled by Jordan. During this period, the Gaza Strip was under Egyptian military administration. Israeli troops captured Egypt's Sinai peninsula during the 1956 British, French and Israeli military campaign in response to the nationalisation of the Suez Canal. The Israelis subsequently withdrew and were replaced with a UN force. In 1967, Egypt ordered the UN troops out and blocked Israeli shipping routes - adding to already high levels of tension between Israel and its neighbours

After the war
In a pre-emptive attack on Egypt that drew Syria and Jordan into a regional war in 1967, Israel made massive territorial gains capturing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula up to the Suez Canal. The principle of land-for-peace that has formed the basis of Arab-Israeli negotiations is based on Israel giving up land won in the 1967 war in return for peace deals recognising Israeli borders and its right to security. The Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt as part of the 1979 peace deal with Israel.

Jerusalem before and after 1967

Before 1967
The armistice line drawn at the end of the 1948 war divided Jerusalem into two. Between 1949 and 1967, Israel controlled the western part of Jerusalem, while Jordan took the eastern part, including the old walled city containing important Jewish, Muslim and Christian religious sites.

After 1967
Israel captured the whole of Jerusalem in 1967 and extended the city's municipal boundaries, putting both East and West Jerusalem under its sovereignty and civil law. In 1980 Israel passed a law making its annexation of East Jerusalem explicit. The city's status remains disputed, with Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem considered illegal under international law. Israel is determined that Jerusalem be its undivided capital, while Palestinians are seeking to establish their capital in East Jerusalem.

West Bank: Palestinian

Palestinian-controlled areas
Since the 1993 Declaration of Principles resulting from the Oslo peace process, there have been several handovers of land to differing degrees of Palestinian control. Currently 59% of the West Bank is officially under Israeli civil and security control. Another 23% of it is under Palestinian civil control, but Israeli security control. The remainder of the territory is governed by the Palestinian National Authority - although such areas have been subject to Israeli incursions during the recent intifada.

West Bank: Israeli

Israeli settlements
Since 1967, Israel has pursued a policy of building settlements on the West Bank. These cover about 2% of the area of the West Bank and are linked by Israeli-controlled roads. There are also large tracts of Israeli-controlled land designated as military areas or nature reserves.

Israeli checkpoints
Military checkpoints on West Bank roads allow Israel to monitor and control travel in much of the West Bank. During the recent Palestinian intifada, Israeli troops have also encircled and staged incursions into population centres and severely restricted the movement of Palestinian civilians. In 2002, Israel began building a security barrier near the north-western edge of the West Bank.

* * * * *

And in case you missed it:

1996 Policy Paper

A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm: Is an ambitious 1996 Middle East Policy Paper. A Clean Break recommended toppling the government of Iraq, "rolling back" Syria and Iran, and "electrifying" support for Israel in the US Congress in exchange for new missile defense contract opportunities. Three of the eight authors have since become prominent policymakers in the U.S. government.

September 2000

A SECRET blueprint for US global domination reveals that President Bush and his cabinet were planning a premeditated attack on Iraq to secure 'regime change' even before he took power in January 2001. [...]

Strategies, Forces And Resources For A New Century, was written in September 2000 by the neo-conservative think-tank Project for the New American Century (PNAC).

The plan shows Bush's cabinet intended to take military control of the Gulf region whether or not Saddam Hussein was in power. It says: 'The United States has for decades sought to play a more permanent role in Gulf regional security. While the unresolved conflict with Iraq provides the immediate justification, the need for a substantial American force presence in the Gulf transcends the issue of the regime of Saddam Hussein.'

____________

Author of this post supports only one side:
the one for Peace.

EXCELLENT ARTICLE ON LIEBERMAN

And how he has screwed over CT Dems for years.

Click here to read the article

On Sunday, the two most influential newspapers in Connecticut issued endorsements in the Democratic primary race between U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman and Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont.

The Hartford Courant offered a tepid endorsement of the incumbent, arguing that since the war is only one issue and Lieberman votes with his party 90 percent of the time, there isn’t enough reason to turn him out of office.

What the New York Times said, on the other hand, was momentous. The editors endorsed Ned Lamont, accusing Joe Lieberman not just of shilling for George Bush's war, but of providing Bush cover for his abridgement of civil liberties and expansion of presidential power. Whatever momentum Lieberman might've gained from Bill Clinton's recent drive-by in Waterbury had been slowed with a few sharp words from the paper of record.

John Hall for Congress

Today in the Poughkeepsie Journal there is a well composed article about John Hall. I really like the way they start the article.

In the lush Hudson Valley hills and bucolic towns that make up New York's 19th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Sue Kelly has never had to worry much about losing her seat. At least, not until this year.

Here is a picture of our hills.

And here is what John says about our Environment:

We need to protect our air, soil and water not just for beauty and habitat, but to protect our health. And the environment knows no boundaries; we breathe air containing particulates from coal-fired power plants in the mid-West, we suffer from storms and temperature extremes made worse by global climate change, we all have measurable amounts of PCBs and radioisotopes in our bodies. Environment equals health. That's the short version of the equation in which we live.

If you have a moment I recommend that you read the rest of the article, because within it, it states that Sue Kelly will not stand up to the people in power. When the Republicans need Sue Kelly's vote, she is there for them.

John stated "If you want a continued increase in debt, the loss of our reputation around the world, a continued reliance on fossil fuels and more foreign entanglements like Iraq, then vote for Sue Kelly. I'll go back and find another job."

I definitely do not want our country to continue on its current course, that is why I support John Hall.

The Hudson Valley at Sunset

Ned's on Colbert tomorrow night!

Read more here:

Condi, the Femme Fatale

I was going to write something about the "Hate Crime in Seattle" but I see that Christy at Firedoglake has already done that. I also thought that it was important to mention that wacko, nitwit of a man called Mel Gibson, but FLS at The Fat Lady Sings beat me to it also.

Therefore I turned my focus to the Middle East. The meltdown. The topic that some do not want to blog about, particularly this one. But the true humanitarian, left wing bloggers have quite a bit to say actually. Billmon wrote an excellent post yesterday.

If the Israelis truly are contemplating "solving" the problem with artillery they can certainly reduce Bint Jbeil to a collection of destroyed or half-destroyed buildings. Unfortunately, the history of urban warfare shows that destroyed and half-destroyed buildings usually make even more effective fortifications than the intact variety -- particularly if the enemy has had time to build underground bunkers and fire positions and connect them with trenches and/or tunnels.

Or just take a look at the caption over the picture of Condi here.

The events overnight are tell taling. The picture at the top is of Israeli gunners performing a morning prayer next to an army artillery piece at a position near the Lebanese border in northern Israel, early this morning.

Lebanese security officials say 57 people were killed in Israeli airstrike in Qana, raising toll from conflict to more than 500.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed 'great sorrow' Sunday for the air strikes that destroyed houses in the Lebanese town of Qana and killed dozens of people, many of them children, but blamed Hezbollah guerrillas for using the area as a base for launching rockets at Israel. He also said Israel is not in a hurry to agree to a cease-fire in Lebanon until it achieves its goals.

Lebanese officials have asked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice not to visit Lebanon after an Israeli airstrike that killed dozens.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says she is "deeply saddened by the terrible loss of innocent life" in Lebanon, but does not call for cease fire.

I guess Condi feels pictures like these are fine.

Quinnipiac Poll (QPoll)

I suppose this is a silly thing to be excited about, but I am cuz I'm never polled about anything. But over the past three days, I've seen Quinnipiac University on my caller ID. They don't leave messages. Finally, Ken answered them today for a poll. BUT they want to talk to the person with the next closest birthday in the future. That would be Matthew (damn! I wanted it to be me!). So, they're calling Matthew back either tomorrow or Monday at 8 PM. Oh, I hope it will be Lieberman/Lamont poll! I'll let y'all know.

Meanwhile, I read in today's Hartford Courant that Lieberman's popular base lies with Sr. Citizens; folks who make $30,000 or less a year; and the uneducated groups. Imagine that? The folks he's screwing the most are the ones who do not understand that is exactly what he is doing! It's so sad.

What will poor Joey do with his pathetic life when he is out of office? Oh, wait. I don't give a sh*t!!

From the John Hall Campaign

"Still The One"

Today in the New York Times, there is a good article on John Hall.

This election year, a few Democrats, including singer-songwriter John Hall who penned the tune, are looking to unseat the six-term congresswoman elected as part of the 1994 Republican revolution.

Hall, a 7-year-old former county legislator, has injected some celebrity sizzle into the contest. Singers Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne have held fundraisers. A fundraising concert featuring Rosanne Cash and Steve Earle is in the works for August. Marquee music names such as rocker Bruce Springsteen and producer Clive Davis have contributed to Hall's campaign.

Hall, who co-wrote the song and recorded it with his band Orleans in 1976, once demanded that President Bush's re-election campaign stop using the tune at rallies in 2004, claiming the Republicans never got permission.

Today, he is taking his politics one step farther, stressing universal health care and energy independence in his campaign for the House seat. He scoffs at Kelly's reputation for being a moderate in her party.

''Sue Kelly will not stand up to the people in power -- when they need her, she's a reliable vote,'' Hall said.

John will be performing on August 20, 2006 with a legendary line-up of musical giants at a rare acoustic concert in New York to benefit John's campaign.

Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith and other special guests will join John at The Town Hall (123 W 43rd St, NYC)


General tickets available through Ticketmaster (see here).

A limited number of special VIP seats and passes to a post-concert reception are available at prices of $250 per ticket and above. Call Sara Pasti at 845-831-0025, or email sara@johnhallforcongress.com.

Cold Facts on Melting

Recently the work of Peter Doran, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, has been cited to support the idiotic idea that the earth is in fact cooling not heating up. Mr. Doran published an interesting op-ed piece in the New York Times last Sunday.

Here are a few excerpts:

"In the debate on global warming, the data on the climate of Antarctica has been distorted, at different times, by both sides. As a polar researcher caught in the middle, I’d like to set the record straight.

"In January 2002, a research paper about Antarctic temperatures, of which I was the lead author, appeared in the journal Nature. At the time, the Antarctic Peninsula was warming, and many people assumed that meant the climate on the entire continent was heating up, as the Arctic was. But the Antarctic Peninsula represents only about 15 percent of the continent’s land mass, so it could not tell the whole story of Antarctic climate. Our paper made the continental picture more clear."

and:

"Our results have been misused as “evidence” against global warming by Michael Crichton in his novel “State of Fear” and by Ann Coulter in her latest book, “Godless: The Church of Liberalism.” Search my name on the Web, and you will find pages of links to everything from climate discussion groups to Senate policy committee documents — all citing my 2002 study as reason to doubt that the earth is warming. One recent Web column even put words in my mouth. I have never said that “the unexpected colder climate in Antarctica may possibly be signaling a lessening of the current global warming cycle.” I have never thought such a thing either."

and:

"… I would like to remove my name from the list of scientists who dispute global warming. I know my coauthors would as well."

* * * * *
Also see:

Artic Ice Disappearing

Antarctic Glaciers Retreating

--Hat tip to Gregg

"Strange Weather We're Having, Eh?"

Lightning strikes over near the world's largest outdoor thermometer,
which measures 41 meters (134 ft), in the desert area of Baker, California.

Tell us how you have been fairing.

Michael Schiavo endorses Lamont!

Listen here (you've done this before, you have to scroll down on right hand side for the soundbite).

http://wtic.com/pages/13976.php

"America: Freedom To Fascism" TOMORROW

I found this over at a great blog that I just discovered today called Left In Aboite. It's an excerpt (trailer) of the movie, "America: Freedom to Fascism", which is scheduled to open in theaters across this country tomorrow. I don't usually make requests, but I'm making an exception today. PLEASE PUT THIS ON YOUR BLOG & SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW. Thanks in advance. I sincerely appreciate it! More to come on today's entry, because there's so much going on in bu$hmeriKa & its all bad of course, but I wanted to get this up right away.

It's her Birthday, but She is Saving her Wish

Maura who posts regularly on My Left Nutmeg and has tirelessly worked for Ned Lamont is celebrating her birthday today. She said:

Today’s my birthday and I’m stuck at home. It’s been a pretty depressing day, actually. But I’m saving the wish on my candle for August 8 and the real celebration (I hope) on August 9!

Maura has worked unendingly for Ned Lamont. Just read what Connecticut Bloggers think of Maura here. Maura truly rocks!!

Happy Birthday Maura!!

And here is the link to the Lamont Statement on Israel.

Also, tomorrow Ned Lamont will be campaigning with Michael Schiavo.

Honesty and Admiration

Honesty is what all the volunteers, workers, bloggers and Campaign Staff working at the Ned Lamont Campaign carry. They know the beauty that their state once possessed, has turned upon itself.


They have been working to not allow this country to further slip into destructive hands, so they simply work unified to unseat Joe Lieberman. They know that Ol' Joe turned his back upon them, yet they never stop believing that they have the power to help Ned Lamont beat him.

The bloggers knew how to reach that zone that is no longer comfortable for Joe.

Every day it gets harder and harder to judge the fact from fiction coming from the Lieberman Campaign, yet the Lamont Team does not tire. They know that honesty is being denied to them and they want it back.

The volunteers work the phone banks, reaching the population of the Nutmeg State explaining the reason Ol' Joe is being challenged. It is not his voting record. Well, maybe it is but it is something much more important. And it was Digby who put it so perfectly. "It's that he [Joe] acts like a Republican toward his fellow Democrats."

So they work, day and night, to achieve their goal, to have their state run by an honest Democrat. I have said it to many people working on the team but I will say it again. I admire the entire team of Ned Lamont, you know what you want and you know what is good for this country.

Spazeboy Interview

He was interviewed by Bruce and Colin on the radio this afternoon. He talked about how he was booted out of the Clinton/Lieberman event yesterday. Interesting.

Listen Here

or Click here for the page. You have to scroll down a little bit. The soundbite is on the right hand side of the page (wish they'd give those things links!).

On another note, two Lieberman canvassers rang my doorbell late this afternoon. My husband (not very political) answered the door. The girl says, "I'm looking for Keith, Matthew, Brian or Rosemary. Are any of them home?" Ken (girl must have read his name wrong on this list) said, "Yes. Some of them are home, but they don't want to talk to Lieberman people." I couldn't believe it, LOL! Ken isn't usually that direct. The girl says, "Okay. Who are you all voting for?" Ken said, "Ned Lamont." With that he closed the door, and the girls were on the way.

I wonder how much Joey is paying these folks to endure vile reactions to their pleas. You couldn't' pay me enough!

Ain't Nothing Blue about Mike Finnigan

I had the opportunity to see Mike Finnigan jam with David Foster and the Mohegan Sun All Stars. I am sure you are familiar with Mike, he does "Mike's Blog Round Up" at Crooks and Liars.

He is such a talented man, who plays the keyboard and sings blues like no one else I know. I think that my husband was glad that I talked him into going too. We spent some time with Mike after the concert. I need to say, first he is extremely tall, my neck hurt looking up to him.

He told us that he played the piano when he was young but didn't think it was really cool, so he got interested in sports. But in high school he started to get a little serious and jammed with others, he said he liked the drums too. Mike went to Kansas U on a basketball scholarship but soon very soon realized that his love was music and literally left the ball on the court. "Though it was probably a big loss for basketball it a great win for the music industry." There are rumors around Kansas about Mike Finnigan:

Whenever his band Finnigan and Wood were playing a bar in Kansas, They drew such a huge crowd that the other bars for miles around would close up shop for the night and put a sign on their door that read -- "CLOSED - FINNIGAN AND WOOD IN TOWN - GO SEE THEM"

He moved around playing gigs with many prominent musicians. He said that they worked extremely long hours practicing but it was what they loved and Mike plays the meanest blues that can be seen.



Mike has played with Jim Hendrix, Dave Mason, Maria Muldaur, Dr. Hook, Allen Tousant, Dr. John, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Frampton, Bobby Lomack, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Eddy Money, Leonard Cohen, Santana, Fogelberg, Rod Stewart, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and it goes on and on...

Joe Walsh, Michael O’Donald, Taj Mahal, Billy Bob Thornton and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Jackson Brown too.

He lives in California with his wife and they have been married for 35 years. They have 2 grown children. Our evening ended with Mike giving us some advice for our daughter, who seems to be adamant about playing the soprano sax. Well, Mike, it worked, she agreed.

Thanks Mike!

Conservatives Without Conscience by John Dean

Attorney, author and blogger Glenn Greenwald at Unclaimed Territory has a terrific review of John Dean's new book:

"The full extent and irreversibility of the damage to our country wrought by the Bush administration will likely not be known until well after George Bush finally disappears from our political life. But understanding the dynamics and impulses of the movement which have enabled these abuses is a critically important task, and that is the project undertaken by John Dean's new best-selling book, Conservatives Withouth Conscience. Fortuitously for Dean, this examination of what has become the so-called "conservative" movement (composed of Bush followers, neoconservatives and hard-core religious conservatives) comes at the perfect time."

Excerpts:

As Iraq collapses into all-out civil war and new, tragic levels of violence, Bush supporters continue to insist that things are going well there and our invasion was a success. As the Middle East spirals into all-out regional war, Bush supporters insist that this repulsive violence is actually good for the region -- wars are encouraging "birth pangs" on the road to progress, as the Secretary of State put it yesterday -- and they are now actively involving the U.S. in this escalated conflict, even while Iraq rapidly falls apart.

And there is seemingly no limit -- literally -- on the willingness, even eagerness, of Bush supporters to defend and justify even the most morally repugnant abuses -- from constantly expanding spying on American citizens, to a President who claims and aggressively exercises the "right" to break the law, to torturing suspects, imprisoning journalists, and turning the United States into the most feared and hated country on the planet.

And as radical as the administration has become, it is clear that the administration has not even come close to reaching the level of extremism which would be necessary for its supporters to object -- if such a limit exists at all. If anything, on those exceedingly few occasions over six years when his followers have dissented from the Presidents's decisions -- illegal immigration, Harriet Miers, Dubai ports -- it has been not because the administration was too radical, extremist, militaristic and uncompromising -- but insufficiently so.

The balance of the piece can be found here, but you will need to scroll down to Sunday's post

Now I am really worried

and I don't think it has anything to do with the fact that I was out til very late last night. But when the headlines reveal Israel kills four UN Peacekeepers in an airstrike in south Lebanon, and the Democrats in the US Senate called on "Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to condemn Hezbollah's attacks against Israel and to recognize Israel's right to defend itself" we know something has gone severely wrong.

Digby has more and it seems he did not sleep well last night either. He is pushing tea too.

We Get by with a Little Help from our Friends

Yesterday I wrote a post about Maurice Hinchey endorsing John Hall. I wanted to share this inspiring speech with you. Maurice has been instrumental in speaking out against the lies and misinformation put forth by the Bush Administration.

This endorsement was also covered by Poughkeepsie Journal and the Mid Hudson News.

At this time I would like to thank a most gracious and competent gentleman from the John Hall Campaign, who assisted greatly in putting together this video.

Michael, you are golden!

Olberman Fans - Alert!!

Keith O will be on Leno tomorrow night. That's 11:30 PM, EST, on NBC. I was so upset that he wasn't on Countdown tonight. I think I'll forgive him ;-)

Maurice Hinchey endorses John Hall

At 11 am today the John Hall for Congress Campaign held a press conference in which Maurice Hinchey put his full support and endorsement behind John Hall. Congressman Hinchey spoke of the "importance of stopping the lies that are coming out this Administration and also the ways that our goverment is acting that are directly contrary to the interest of the people. He stated that the Administration is engaged in an illegal and unwarranted spying program which impedes the First Amendment of the Constitution and the Fourth Amendment." He asked what the present Republican controlled Congress has done. NOTHING.

Maurice said that John worked side by side with him on environmental issues in the Hudson Valley such as the Hudson River Valley Greenway Act, which Mr. Hinchey authored.

When it came to the environment, protecting people and doing things that were positive and strong throughout this region, John Hall was there.

The most important thing that we can do right now is to elect strong candidates who will stand up for the basic principles of our country. Congressman Hinchey stated that John Hall will stand up visible, strongly, articulately and intelligently and with great integrity for the interests of the American people. He said that he knew of no one who would do a better job than John Hall.

This is what I'm doing today

And I won't apologize for it, LOL! Getting a manicure and a pedicure. Have a great day, all!

Is Peace Possible?

Nate over at Get In Their Face has an excellent video up on the Middle East Crisis. He says:

I keep reading and viewing and listening; trying desperately to understand what's happening between Israel & Lebanon with more than an ignorant American's perspective. This video helped tremendously because it explained some of my gut instincts to what I have been watching on the corporate media sources.

The movie is about an hour long, but I recommend that you take the time to watch it. The following statement by Prof. Robert Jensens speaks volumes:

US Journalists are emeshed in symbiotic relationships with the powerful. Instead of being independent and critical, journalists are typically dependent on policy makers and are unwilling to raise the crucial and critical questions. Rather than monitoring the game of power, most journalists are a part of that game.

Interestingly enough over at Whiskey Bar Billmon touches on this very issue, well somewhat.

Stop the presses. Tom Ricks, intrepid war correspondent for the Washington Post, has an urgent news flash. He reports that in the months following the invasion and occupation of Iraq, the U.S. Army forgot the lessons of Vietnam!

Billmon points out that it is probably truly shocking to read this in the newspaper, well not really since the Blogsphere has been writing about it for 3 years now. I am wondering who tipped Ricks off.

Today over at Firedoglake, George Soros was the guest at their Book Salon. I found this comment in among the many that were posted there "but I am cynical enough to believe that the media’s propaganda imperative trumps its profit imperative. Yes, they want to make money if at all possible, but ultimately the giant corporate parent stands to make more money from Republican control of government than they do off of readers/viewers/consumers."

And here is the comment from George Soros:

Recent events in the Middle East represent a significant escalation. The war on terror has turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy. What had been a false and misleading metaphor has turned into a real war. We have the Sunni insurrection and the Shiite death squads spawned by the occupation of Iraq, Hamas spawned by the occupation of the West Bank, Hezbollah spawned by the occupation of South Lebanon, not to mention other trouble spots such as Somalia. What more evidence do we need to show that the war on terror has been counter productive. Killing and mistreating civilians creates victims who turn into perpetrators.

The aggression against Israel is real and Israel has an unquestioned right to defend itself and remove Hezbollah from its borders. But using excessive force against civilian targets is counter productive and will have severe adverse consequences. While we must allow Israel to defend itself, unquestioning support for its actions will prove harmful to Israel. I am deeply worried.

"Severe adverse consequences," those are the key words. I have seen many people complain and get angry when "democrats" speak of the Middle East Crisis. They feel that we are going against Israel. I hope that they finally get it: that the effects of the current situation between Israel/Lebanon/Palestine are the concern. Mr. Soros is not the only person deeply worried.

This is Matthew's Guy

Good news for Dan Malloy as the New York Times gives their seal of approval and endorses his candidacy for governor.

This is good news since Dan's numbers have gone down a bit. Let's see if this bumps them up.

Full article here:

ConnecticutBLOG

The President Embarrasses America, Yet Again.

Just suppose that you are a man working for a company, and you are at an important business meeting, where you are discussing matters of grave importance with your peers at other corporations. You walk up behind a female who is your equivalent elsewhere, whom you've only met briefly before and had some phone conversations with, and suddenly you grab the back of her neck and her shoulders and give her an uninvited back rub. Of course if you are a half way intelligent male (I like to think I am) you know better than to even think about something like that in today's society. And if you did it, you would probably be fired from your job (and would deserve it).

Whether she chose to call it sexual harrassment or not, it is clearly over the line. Yet that is exactly what President Bush did at the G-8 summit to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

A 5-second video and series of photographs recently posted on YouTube.com and various blogs show Bush surprising Merkel at the G-8 Summit by quickly rubbing the back of her neck and shoulders. The chancellor immediately hunches her shoulders, throws her arms up and grimaces, though she appears to smile as Bush walks away.

What else could she do? Her immediate reaction shows what she thought about it.

Of course, if Bill Clinton did this (and he never had the gall to initiate inappropriate physical contact with a foreign leader in front of the world) it would be an impeachable offense. But the people who think Bush can do no wrong will probably laugh it off. And no, this isn't an impeachable offense but it definitely rises to the level of a national embarrassment. As am American, I would like to express my apologies to Chancellor Merkel and to the German people for having this kind of dope supposedly representing me on the International stage.

By the way: Look at the leer on the guy in the background. Is he a secret service member? He's obviously 'in' on it.

Cross-posted at Deep Thought.

Looking for DPD

I don't know about anyone else, but I am really becoming concerned about DPD, aka Patrick, who has been a blogger for a couple of years. Apparently he left a badly typed message that he was numb and had called the EMT. If anyone knows anything could they let us know.

And while I have your attention, perhaps you might want to go visit Eschanton. Atrios has the video that Sarah McLaughlin put out...I was so grabbed by the compassion of it.

And after you watch, if you have 5 minutes, please read Digby's latest. On my list of things to do is to be able to shake the hand of this man and thank him for all his encouraging words:

I take it personally when a propaganda industry makes millions spreading lies that liberals are terrorists or traitors. Yet the political establishment, including the media, doesn't seem to think I should care about such things --- even as I've seen my party and my country degraded and humiliated for years by this virulent strain of rightwing politics.

[...]

Don't lose your nerve Democrats. I know you hate to be "unseemly" and loathe the idea that anyone will think you are "unreasonable." I understand that having Rush say you are in thrall to the lunatic left fringe brings on a 60's flashback that leaves you dripping in a cold sweat. But get a grip on your subconscious fear of being a feeling and breathing human being and recognize that this is a good and necessary thing for your country.

Hoping for the best!

We met such lovely people

At the Firedoglake shindig at the Owengo Inn in Branford on Thursday Evening. The talk of the evening was about Pres. Clinton coming out to campaign for Leaverman, but it did not stop everyone from having a good time. I really admire all the people that I met. They are working so hard, with some actually putting their personal life on hold to come and support Ned Lamont. Unfortunately the Kiss float could not make it last night, seems it got a little soggy when it was caught in a rain storm. I hope you enjoy just a couple of the many pictures I took.

Here is Pam, my co-polit wearing her "The Kiss" and "Ned Lamont"



Connecticut Bob with his Sunflower (sorry about the flash) and
if you have the chance go over to his blog, he has a wealth of information.



Pam, me and Tim


Jane and me

A Lieberman Story You Won't Find in the News

Note: This is just an FYI and way to occupy my mind in ways other than my current situation (I wrote an update back at my original thread, FYI).

I think I wrote here before that Matthew was still on the fence about Lieberman/Lamont. He was leaning toward Lieberman, which made me absolutely insane!

Matthew got home from work last night, and he was furious (about numerous things, but I'm just going to talk about Lieberman). Some of you may recall that Matthew went on a DC internship last year with groups from his Young Dems and those in some surrounding towns. They were supposed to meet Lieberman. They went to his office. He never showed. But Matthew cut him some slack.

Anywhoooo, this year Matthew's former (HS) advisor asked him to come back and orient this year's group going to DC. It's a crazy schedule, they have to dress in business attire, etc. Soooo, Matthew finally touched base with said advisor about the experience for the kids. They went to Lieberman's office in DC. Lieberman's staff taunted and made fun of them! Lieberman showed up for a photo-op. He then asked, "Any questions?" Clearly, a rhetorical question because before anyone had a chance to respond, Joey bolted out of there.

Matthew was so angry about it that he said, "That's it. I'm voting for Lamont." Inside, I was saying, "YIPEE!!!!!!" But I said, "The guy has totally lost his mind. He's in a panic. Because of that, he's cutting the ties that bind him." Matthew agreed.

Way to go, Joe.

Bobby Kennedy, Jr. endorses John Hall

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., announced today his endorsement of Democratic Congressional candidate John Hall in the upcoming primary and general elections here in the 19th District of New York.

Bobby says:

“John Hall is a leader in the fight for social and economic justice, and a tireless advocate for environmental protection,” Mr. Kennedy said in a statement issued this afternoon. “He has shown a true commitment to the values that make our democracy strong, and while others can talk about their plans for the future, John's actions and achievements over the years, as well as his core beliefs and vision for the road ahead, ensure that he will be the strong voice we need in Washington, DC."

The Journal News has a nice piece on this endorsement. Originally Bobby was said to be endorsing another candidate in the race but he changed his mind because John Hall has the best chance of winning and has the right positions on the war and Indian Point. I am so glad to see that Bobby Kennedy is endorsing John Hall. Bobby is an environmentalist and also a member of the Board of Riverkeeper.

You can view John Hall's proposal for closing Indian Point here in his 30 page report and his stance on the war starting with the withdrawal of troops from Iraq as soon as possible, with the mission to be turned over to a "true multinational force."

Bree Hocking at Roll Call has written a great article about John Hall. You will need a subscription to this, but here is a small piece of what she wrote:

Chatting with Hall, it's quickly apparent that he's thought long and hard about a range of issues from renewable energy — a key member of Musicians United for Safe Energy, Hall, a longtime anti-nuclear activist, helped organize the legendary "No Nukes" concerts at Madison Square Garden in 1979 and even penned a song, "Power," about alternative energy — to the need for universal health care.

Hall makes no secret of his liberal politics. He favors the "safe and orderly" withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq and supports an impeachment investigation of President Bush.

"There have been a number of instances where this president, I believe, has at least come close to violating [his] oaths or breaking the law, in particular the sale of this war to the American people," he said.

Spazeboy and Ned Lamont

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a gathering down in Branford with the people working on the Ned Lamont Campaign. Pam came too. Here is a great picture of the intrepid Spazeboy and his girlfriend. Spazeboy is just amazing. I love it when I see the youth of America working hard to correct this country which has been wronged by Bush. Today he has a video up about the New Britain DTC endorsing Ned Lamont. Spazeboy points out:

What this endorsement means is that DTC resources (headquarters, members, telephone lines, etc.) can be mobilized to help get out the vote in New Britain for Ned Lamont and John DeStefano.

Listen to the video because what John McNamara (New Britain DTC) speaks of the importance to abide by the wishes of the primary results. He asks the incumbent Senator Lieberman to do the same. I loved hearing John state that his committee has progressive values and Lieberman has strayed from that and aligned himself with the Bush Administration. He encourages all Democratic Town Committees to come out and endorse Ned Lamont.

Thank you all for your wishes

I really appreciate it. We didn't get to go to Block Island. The ferry cancelled because of Tropical Storm Beryl. But we had a lovely time (really) anyway. We did some other things at the shore.

Unfortunately, shortly after we arrived home, Ken received a call from his sister. My MIL has an acute form of leukemia. They tell us she has six weeks to live. This came from left field for me. Ken? Not so much.

He and his siblings broke it to her tonight. They are going to draw up a power of attorney tomorrow. Within the next couple of weeks, we'll have the hostice papers signed by her. If any of you have ever been through this, it is one of the most depressing actions to take. Basically, the patient signs a form agreeing that he/she will die and no measures are taken to treat the disease. Then hospice kicks in with care and certain kinds of housework at the home. My father-in-law did it a few years ago. He, BTW, was also diagnosed with his cancer on one of my birthday's.

Just thought I'd fill you in as I am processing all of this. And what's up with DPD? I'm concerned. Does he have any family?

Lamont is a Leader

MyDD has the post up regarding Ned Lamont leading in the poll:

Anti-war Connecticut U.S. Senate candidate Ned Lamont has surged to a razor-thin 51 - 47 percent lead over incumbent Sen. Joseph Lieberman among likely Democratic primary voters, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Tim over at the Ned Lamont Blog has a big smile on his face after hearing the news.

Maura at My Left Nutmeg has the report on desperate Joe playing the Clinton Card. But Ctblogger says:

In honor of President Bill Clinton stumping for Joe Lieberman, I offer you this oldie but goodie from George Bush's favorite Democrat when he had no problem criticizing a president.

Taylor Marsh at Firedoglake tweaks out some good points to remember about Lieberman, even with Clinton campaigning for him. "...For the man who stabbed him and every other Democrat in the back during the Lewinski imbroglio. That Joe Lieberman aided the impeachment coup should never be forgotten. " Taylor has much more and it is well worth reading.

The Lamont Blog is great, just check out their post. They were kind enough to put the train schedule up for the Clintons, since they will be campaigning for the winner of the Connecticut Democratic Primary, which of course will be Ned Lamont.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Rose!!!

And, some gelato for Cin

This is where (Block Island) Ken is taking me for my birthday tomorrow. It's a wonderful place. He hasn't been there before, but I have. It's quite lovely. We will bike and dine and shop. Sit by the ocean and sip a cocktail or two.

Barbi, Ken is bringing his digital camera (I cannot use those for some strange reason). I didn't realize, until today, you are a fan of nature shots. I will try and post the pixs here for you when I have a chance.

And, absolutely NO taking care of my MIL by either of us tomorrow (YAY!). I had to do her shopping today AND stay with her for a couple of hours because Ken's bro had an appointment and couldn't "sit" with her. It's way too stressful -- this situation. I hope we get test results soon AND begin to EMPLOY some hired help to care for her.

For Barbi

Because she is the Goddess of Nature Photos and I just know she is going to love this frog because he is the Big Cheese in a Small Lake.

Happy Blogosphere Day!

I am just so amazed at the progressive unity between the blogs. It is great to see that Firedoglake, Crooks and Liars and Down With Tyranny have joined the Act Blue Pages and are now raising money for so many good candidates.

Chris Bowers at MyDD has a very interesting Pew Study on Bloggers. Just take a look at it. The girls on this blog definitely win the prize for posting.

I have met many bloggers and it is such a pleasure to see them face to face after reading their written words for so long. Greg was the first blogger I met and I need to apologize to him for not getting this link for Jesus' General up earlier today.

Just been a bit busy working. But I am so glad to see John Hall on the Act Blue Page. Makes working for him all the more encouraging.

I say we party tonight...and check back tomorrow night because we will have surprises for you.

It's Another Tequila Sunrise

Take another shot of courage,

Wonder why the right words never come,
You just get numb.
It's another tequila sunrise,
This old world still looks the same,
Another frame...

Bush has forsaken them

The Esseily family was winding up a vacation in Lebanon when the airstrikes began. Nearly a week later, they're still looking for a way to get back to California. (Cnn has the story)

Uncomfortably Numb

The key question: Is the Israeli offensive designed as a calculated effort to catapult the hard-right, neoconservative ideologues back to power in Washington?

Robert Dreyfuss:
Neocons Rise From Mideast Ashes

* * * * *

Is there anything at all that can reach the American mind so that so many of us who profess "family values" can just get real damned mad when we witness our foreign policy going berserk?

Michael Payne:
Where is the rage? Where is the outrage?

* * * * *

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich says
America is in World War III and President Bush should say so.

* * * * *

In case you missed it:

Syria In Their Sights

The neocons plan their next “cakewalk.”
By Robert Dreyfuss

01/11/06 "American Conservative" -- -- It’s happening again. It all sounds depressingly familiar, and it is. The Bush administration accuses the leader of a major Arab country of supporting terrorism and harboring weapons of mass destruction. The stable of neoconservative pundits begins beating the drums of war. American forces begin massing on the country’s border, amid ominous talk of cross-border attacks. [...]

On Oct. 6, in his saber-rattling declaration of war against “Islamofascism,” President Bush not-so-subtly warned Syria that it might be next.

* * * * *

In case you missed it:

A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm: Is an ambitious 1996 Middle East Policy Paper. A Clean Break recommended toppling the government of Iraq, "rolling back" Syria and Iran, and "electrifying" support for Israel in the US Congress in exchange for new missile defense contract opportunities. Three of the eight authors have since become prominent policymakers in the U.S. government.

* * * * *

In case you missed it:

Let’s Not Forget: Bush Planned Iraq 'Regime Change'
Before Becoming President
By Neil Mackay, 15 September 2002:

A SECRET blueprint for US global domination reveals that President Bush and his cabinet were planning a premeditated attack on Iraq to secure 'regime change' even before he took power in January 2001.

The blueprint, uncovered by the Sunday Herald, for the creation of a 'global Pax Americana' was drawn up for Dick Cheney (now vice- president), Donald Rumsfeld (defence secretary), Paul Wolfowitz (Rumsfeld's deputy), George W Bush's younger brother Jeb and Lewis Libby (Cheney's chief of staff). The document, entitled: Rebuilding America's Defences.

Strategies, Forces And Resources For A New Century, was written in September 2000 by the neo-conservative think-tank Project for the New American Century (PNAC).

The plan shows Bush's cabinet intended to take military control of the Gulf region whether or not Saddam Hussein was in power. It says: 'The United States has for decades sought to play a more permanent role in Gulf regional security. While the unresolved conflict with Iraq provides the immediate justification, the need for a substantial American force presence in the Gulf transcends the issue of the regime of Saddam Hussein.'

The PNAC document supports a 'blueprint for maintaining global US pre-eminence, precluding the rise of a great power rival, and shaping the international security order in line with American principles and interests'.

* * * * *

New York Times Editorial:
The Real Agenda

It is only now, nearly five years after Sept. 11, that the full picture of the Bush administration’s response to the terror attacks is becoming clear. Much of it, we can see now, had far less to do with fighting Osama bin Laden than with expanding presidential power.

Over and over again, the same pattern emerges: Given a choice between following the rules or carving out some unprecedented executive power, the White House always shrugged off the legal constraints. Even when the only challenge was to get required approval from an ever-cooperative Congress, the president and his staff preferred to go it alone.

Protestors March

Several thousand Arab-Americans and supporters march in the street as they demand the end to the Israeli bombings of Lebanon and Gaza in Dearborn, Michigan.

I am demanding it too!

Photo courtesy of Reuters

Pfffttttt!! Lieberman plays dirty

I was watching TV tonight, and a Lieberman ad came on. I think it was on Comedy Central. Well, the opening was a shot of the fake, "Joe Must Go" bumper sticker. That bastard still claims it is a product of Lamonts, when it has been all over the net that the Lieber camp fabricated it. Lamont doesn't play dirty pool.

That little shit campaigns like a dirty Republican, too! I can't wait for him to be unseated. The bigger man always wins.

Hell on Earth

The New York Times has an article regarding the bombing in Lebanon, the country that cannot attack Tel Aviv, its air force comprises three ancient Hawker Hunters and an equally ancient fleet of Vietnam-era Huey helicopters. But Lebanon is being punished and people are dying.

Many residents, acting on Israeli warnings in leaflets dropped over the area, gave up their stand Monday and decided to brave the drive. A line of cars packed with families and piled with bags was seemingly endless on the mountain passes leading out of here.

Mr. Mehdi was one of those who stayed behind. The trip to Beirut had reached $500, an impossible sum for someone of his means, he admitted. But even if he could, he would not leave, he said, because he had to defend his home.

“I’m better off dying here,’’ Mr. Mehdi quipped as a fighter jet broke the evening quiet overhead. “You can’t go to hell from here because you already are in hell.’’

And just how was this hell formed? Why it was Richard Perle, Douglas Feith and David Wurmser in 1996 who had a plan for how to destroy Hezbollah: Invade Iraq. Think Progress has the whole story:

The problem could be solved “if Israel seized the strategic initiative along it northern borders by engaging Hizballah (sic), Syria, and Iran, as the principal agents of aggression in Lebanon.” The key, they said, was to “focus on removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq — an important Israeli strategic objective in its own right — as a means of foiling Syria’s regional ambitions.” They called for “reestablishing the principle of preemption.” They promised that the successes of these wars could be used to launch campaigns against Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, reshaping “the strategic balance in the Middle East profoundly.”

Meanwhile Crooks and Liars has the link on James Woolsey who says: Attack Syria!

Woolsey says it’s really about Iran vs the US. No ceasefires or arrests. He wants air strikes on Syria immediately. Gibson asked him why the US shouldn’t just hit Iran.

Woolsey: Well, ahh, one has to take things to some degree by steps.

The Middle East is spiralling out of control and while other leaders are calling for peace negotiations, Bush is not. I guess these pictures really don't bother our President, but I weep at seeing them. (Warning: They are tough to take)

h/t: Fred at MCCS1997

G8 Summit

Update: Think Progress and Crooks and Liars have the clip of our President using expletive (cursing in other words) during a chat at the G8 Summit.

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Bush: "Look there is a welcome sign for you." (check out President Vladimir Putin expression)

Care to caption this one!

Photos courtesy of AP

Hillary wants us to play nice

ROGERS, Ark., July 15 — Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, returning to her red-state ties, chastised Democrats Saturday for taking on issues that arouse conservatives and turn out Republican voters rather than finding consensus on mainstream subjects.
Without mentioning specific subjects like gay marriage, Mrs. Clinton said: “We do things that are controversial. We do things that try to inflame their base.”

And we should! That's what they do. I'm sick of the centrist Democrats saying we have to play by rules that no one else bothers to do! Hillary can kiss my ass!!

Hillary says Democrats Are 'Wasting Time'

Shame on Lieberman

A man who cannot see unequivocally that torture is wrong cannot be a moral leader.

A very strong statement made about Joe Lieberman by Digby. Digby's post is very good and worth reading.

One of the comments from shootingatthereain caught my eye:

My personal Joe favorite, and without a doubt the one that makes me the maddest:

"Howard Dean has climbed into his own spider hole of denial if he believes that the capture of Saddam Hussein has not made America safer. Saddam Hussein is a homicidal maniac, brutal dictator, supporter of terrorism and enemy of the United States, and there should be no doubt that America and the world are safer with him captured."

Just shoot me now....

Connecticut definitely needs a new Senator.

Winds of Change

I have to admit to everyone that just a couple of months ago I was just about ready to leave the Democratic Party. For almost 3 years I have been working to return Democracy to this country. On the grassroots level. I am not going to toot my horn stating all that I did. But somewhere along the way I was becoming disappointed with the Democratic Leadership. I would read the resolutions and then see the voting records of our Senators and Congress, and I would just shake my head in disbelief.

But it was a man who announced that he was running in our Congressional District who inspired me to continue. His name is John Hall. I have written about many of the events he has done to raise money and promote voter awareness.

I was asked to work for John Hall's Campaign. I thought about it for a day and decided I am not going to stop fighting for Democracy just because of the political machine, winging around its power.

The Campaign manager is an amazing woman, with such energy. But also, it is the people that work with her that touched me, and they range in age from 18 to 87, and each one in their own way, brings something so special to the campaign. Oh, don't get me wrong, there are times of stress and impatience, but these people are driven because they know what is needed in November.

Next week is going to be even more exciting, because I get to meet some pretty high powered people. I guess what I am trying to say is that I hope that the Winds of Change are going to blow through the Senate and House this Fall.

Lovin' Every Minute Of It Part 1

bush's response when asked yesterday about his reaction to Israel's relentless bombing of Lebanon and the deaths of so many innocents:

"It's a necessary part of the 21st century."

The rest of the world is condemning the bombing. The U.S. government is saying go for it and that they're behind them (Israel) 100%.

Iran is threatening to enter the conflict. My guess is that Syria is "chomping at the bit". Hot spot? Well, Lebanon is literally on fire. Let's hope it doesn't last three years like Iraq has so far. Let us hope for an early end.

What's the U.S. business reaction? Gasoline prices have raised, on the average, ten cents across the board, since yesterday. THIS IS IN ANTICIPATION OF ANOTHER CRUDE OIL INCREASE, MIND YOU! Wait until the real OPPORTUNITY arises. How much more are the citizens (PAWNS) of this planet going to take?

---

Cheney and Rove will need to prepare another executive escape from conviction, but maybe the public will see a little of the prosecution.

Ex-CIA agent Valerie Plame, pictured April 2006, sued US Vice President Dick Cheney, President George W. Bush's former top advisor Karl Rove, and a third former White House official for conspiring to expose her secret identity.(AFP/File/Mandel Ngan) READ THE FULL STORY

---

Of course he's not stepping aside. After all, his other Republican buddies are deceptive too!

Alan Schlesinger, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, answers questions during a news conference in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn., Thursday, July 13, 2006. Schlesinger say he has no plans to step aside amid revelations he used an alias on a Foxwoods Casino rewards card 15 years ago. Schlesinger, a self-described recreational blackjack player, said he used the pseudonym at Foxwoods because he was a state legislator and the mayor of Derby and wanted privacy. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

---

Do these people ALWAYS look like this? Maybe they can't help it. Maybe if we knew what they know we'd look like this all the time too. Just guessing.

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney (L) is joined by White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten (2nd L), Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (C), National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley (2nd R) and Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff as they listen during a news conference in the East Room at the White House in Washington, July 6, 2006. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES)

---

So, who would pay $1000 to listen to 100% fascist propaganda and see a constant barrage of looks like that?

Vice President Dick Cheney delivers remarks at a $1,000 per-plate fund raising luncheon for Congressman Scott Garrett of New Jersey at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Friday June 30, 2006. During his speech, Cheney criticized the New York Times for disclosing details of a secret government program to track financial records in search of terror suspects. (AP Photo/Ricard Drew)

---

She's just another member of a miserable bunch with a swollen head.

US Ambassador Karen Hughes, Undersecretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs of the US State Department, delivers remarks at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit, April 2006 in Washington, DC. A gulf of suspicion and misunderstanding in Arab-US relations must be breached in order to avoid further tensions, several senior US and Arab officials said at a forum in Houston, Texas.(AFP/File/Paul J. Richards)

---

He LOVES it when they look upon him LOVINGLY.
Its just a party of LOVE I guess. HA!

This is a partial post from my entry today at bu$hmeriKa 2

Happy Friday!

CAPTION THIS!!

Lay It All Down

Lay down, lay down, lay it all down

Let your white birds smile up
At the ones who stand and frown.

We were so close, there was no room
We bled inside each other's wounds
We all had caught the same disease
And we all sang the songs of Peace
Some came to sing,
Some came to pray,
Some came to keep the dark away.

So raise the candles high
'Cause if you don't we could stay black against the sky,

Oh, oh, raise them higher again
And if you do we could stay dry against the rain.

"Lay Down (Candles In the Rain)"
~Melanie Safka

{{{For Lizzy}}}

Matthew met Lamont tonight :-/

I wanted to find a great graphic to head this one, but my imagination isn't in good form right now.

Anywhooo, the Malloy campaign folks went to an "open house" for Lamont. It was sponsored by the Young Dems in New Haven. I was so excited when Matthew told me about this. I asked him how it went. He said, "I wasn't impressed." "Well, what happened?" "I told him I was still on the fence about him." Lamont responded, "Well, get off." That was it. And this upset Matthew.

Well, geez. I asked, "What did you expect? You wanted the guy to give you his whole platform to you personally?" He said, "No, but I could have used more than that." I said, "Matthew, the guy has been in campaign hell these past weeks. Besides, he's a really funny guy. Did you hear him speak?" Matthew replied, "No." I said, "Well, I did. He's funny. He was cracking a joke."

I'm a bit frustrated because Matthew should know how this works -- given his own campaign work for Malloy. I cannot tell you the number of people who work for Malloy who have never met the guy. It's not about that. It's about spreading the message. And this is even more weird because Matthew REALLY wanted to intern for Chris Murphy here. He only took the Malloy job because it was a paid gig. But it does seem that Matthew has won the favor of Malloy over the course of his work.

I don't think Matthew is FOR Lieberman at all. He's a skeptic of new blood. That's the one thing I hear most on the "con" side of Lamont as a senator. But I still had the urge to slap Matthew upside the head for his stance. Hey, that isn't fair of me. He's entitled to draw his own conclusions. In fact, that's how I raised him (the skunk!). Totally kidding!

On another note, Matthew was interviewed by our local paper yesterday. The subject of the article is political activism in youths. This interviewer (I listened in) was a real idiot. He asked Matthew when he first became interested in politics. Matthew mentioned it was during the Clinton/Dole debates. The reporter said, "That was in 1990." Matthew said, "Noo, it was 1994." So, clearly, the reporter didn't have enough background (why the hell can't I find a job doing this kind of stuff when this idiot gets to do a half-assed job as a reporter?).

Then Matthew talked to him about how he met Billy Ciotto and Paul Doyle (our local congressmen) when he was in 4th grade. Yeah, I suppose it's weird for someone that young. But the reporter kind of gasped when Matthew said this (reporters are SUPPOSED to be objective and non-reactive). Matthew told him about his other political works (young dems President; head of First CD Young Dems; Founder of WPI Dems, etc.). The reporter was still acting like he was talking to an alien or something!

Matthew got off the phone, and he said, "That guy was a jerk." LOL! I agreed. I told him reporters are NOT supposed to interview by phone unless they are secondary (at least) or tertiary (at best) in a story. Matthew said he knew that. So, it will be interesting to see how this article turns out.

Meanwhile, Matthew's guy (Malloy) and the contenda (DeStefano) have their debate next week. It will be televised (I'll try and post when I get the exact info.). Matthew offered to get me and my friends tickets (he has connections, doncha know). I turned it down because it's in New London (about an hour away). Hey, if he's not gonna bend over for my guy (Lamont) then I'm not going to for his! But I will vote for Malloy since Destefano has some really crazy campaign commercials.

Matthew did say he spent some time talking with Lamont's daughter, who is also 19. I didn't get the substance of the discussion from him, but they seemed to have had a good talk. Don't read any more into that than what it is, though. He talks with a lot of folks that way.