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December 29, 2005
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Thursday's Links
Activism
Stop Blaming the Troops - Investigate the Real Culprits of Abuse. We heart Wes Clark. He's a man with honor and dignity, who cares deeply about this country, and has a particular affection for our military. That's why he is so disturbed by the reports of prisoner torture and abuse by our government, and that's also why you should be too. The reasons for investigating the reports of abuse are almost too numerous to mention: It's cruel to treat people inhumanely; Torture is an ineffective method of information gathering; With every such report, we foster more terrorism; We lose the moral high ground in the war on terror... Put simply, "How can we win the war on terrorism, a fight for democracy and freedom in America and around the world, if we forsake the very principles and institutions for which we are fighting?" Go to the link above and sign the petition requesting a formal investigation into the Bush Administration's abuse of prisoners.
News
Canada to Ban Bulk Drug Exports, Allow Internet Sales. Yesterday, Canada's health minister announced that the country would stop the practice of shipping bulk orders of prescription drugs to the U.S. Americans can still go to Canada with a prescription and have it filled. We can also order online from our neighbor to the north. Canada's prescription drugs are far cheaper and just as effective as what is made and distributed here, so it's a no-brainer as to why Americans prefer to go to Canada to get their drugs. Of course, the drug industry was more than pleased with the minister's announcement. What does it say about our current health care situation where we have people driving to another country to fill a prescription? A spokeswoman for the Illinois governor's office said that the governor sees Bush's hands in all this. And why not? It's Bush's M.O. to look out for big business, isn't it?
Bush to Create New Unit in F.B.I. for Intelligence. Bush does something right! Oh, don't get that look on your face - it wasn't his idea, and he'll screw it up anyway. Bush, on the advice of the Silberman/Robb presidential commission (which looked at intelligence in the U.S.) has created a national security division within the FBI called the National Security Service. Of course, that's the extent of Bush's work. He's left the details to the new director of intelligence, John D. Negroponte. Negroponte has already had problems trying to work with the FBI, and a directive that essentially changes the culture of the FBI like this won't help. Still, if implemented right, this is a good step for the intelligence community. The idea is similar to Britain's MI5, with less autonomy and a less cool name. Only one question remains...what took so long?
The High Cost of a Rush to Security. The problems of the Transportation Security Administration are well documented: Throwing lavish parties using taxpayer money, keeping secret and illegal databases on traveler information. Now, TSA comes under fire yet again. This time, for gross misuse of funds. For example, TSA "spent" $1,540 to rent 14 extension cords at $5 each per day for three weeks, in Colorado. Extension cords! Sure, we're happy that the audit occurred, but what is the government going to do to ensure that this doesn't continue to happen? In February 2002, TSA's budget was $104 million. Now, it is $741 million. Aren't you outraged at this egregious waste of your money? Well, actually, since taxes aren't increasing now, it's really your children's money.
Editorials
Dangerous Incompetence. Although the title of this editorial could refer to any one of a number of things, Bob Herbert is talking about Bushco's attitude towards Iraq. Bush obviously didn't know what he was bringing us into. Bush had no plan for leaving when we started. And Bush obviously has no plan now, even as the American death toll rises above 1,700. Herbert is also right on a very major point, even though it's not the focus of his editorial. If roles were reversed, and Democrats had run this war this way, Republicans would be "dusting off their impeachment manuals." Herbert ends by mirroring the Democratic philosophy - whether or not you wanted to be here, we're here. The troops need our support, because they certainly aren't getting any from the White House.
Give Us Candor and Clarity if You Want Resolve. You will find no bigger difference between Republicans and Democrats than in the words written by Senator Russ Finegold (D-WI) about Iraq. And it really is that simple. If Bush appeared in some sort of national forum, and came clean about Iraq, admitted that the insurgency was not in its last throes, and appealed to the nation, he might just be able to get people back on the side of supporting the war. Instead, he drones on about how we're winning, and the insurgency is dying, and that setting a timetable would be sending the wrong signal to our troops. We're not winning this war. It's that simple. If you bought a sandwich, and you hated the taste, would you buy it again? And again? And again?
Bolton Endgame. Gosh, we really hope this is the Bolton endgame, because we all know that enough words have been written about this bullying blowhard to fill an encyclopedia. Robert Kuttner analyzes the possibilities for what could end up happening with Bolton. Basically, there are two options. First, Bush could use (abuse, actually) his power of a recess appointment to grant Bolton a temporary term. This could be seen as a partial victory for Bush - at least he'd be able to save face by saying that he got the appointment he wanted, but Bolton would almost immediately become a lame duck. Furthermore, as Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) said, a recess appointment "would weaken not only Mr. Bolton but also the United States." Of course, if this was his intention, then why did he push so passionately for Bolton, even though it was pretty clear he would never get Senate approval? The other option is for him to do the right thing, and withdraw Bolton's name. What do you think he's going to do?
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December 29, 2005
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Thursday's Links
Activism
Stop Blaming the Troops - Investigate the Real Culprits of Abuse. We heart Wes Clark. He's a man with honor and dignity, who cares deeply about this country, and has a particular affection for our military. That's why he is so disturbed by the reports of prisoner torture and abuse by our government, and that's also why you should be too. The reasons for investigating the reports of abuse are almost too numerous to mention: It's cruel to treat people inhumanely; Torture is an ineffective method of information gathering; With every such report, we foster more terrorism; We lose the moral high ground in the war on terror... Put simply, "How can we win the war on terrorism, a fight for democracy and freedom in America and around the world, if we forsake the very principles and institutions for which we are fighting?" Go to the link above and sign the petition requesting a formal investigation into the Bush Administration's abuse of prisoners.
News
Canada to Ban Bulk Drug Exports, Allow Internet Sales. Yesterday, Canada's health minister announced that the country would stop the practice of shipping bulk orders of prescription drugs to the U.S. Americans can still go to Canada with a prescription and have it filled. We can also order online from our neighbor to the north. Canada's prescription drugs are far cheaper and just as effective as what is made and distributed here, so it's a no-brainer as to why Americans prefer to go to Canada to get their drugs. Of course, the drug industry was more than pleased with the minister's announcement. What does it say about our current health care situation where we have people driving to another country to fill a prescription? A spokeswoman for the Illinois governor's office said that the governor sees Bush's hands in all this. And why not? It's Bush's M.O. to look out for big business, isn't it?
Bush to Create New Unit in F.B.I. for Intelligence. Bush does something right! Oh, don't get that look on your face - it wasn't his idea, and he'll screw it up anyway. Bush, on the advice of the Silberman/Robb presidential commission (which looked at intelligence in the U.S.) has created a national security division within the FBI called the National Security Service. Of course, that's the extent of Bush's work. He's left the details to the new director of intelligence, John D. Negroponte. Negroponte has already had problems trying to work with the FBI, and a directive that essentially changes the culture of the FBI like this won't help. Still, if implemented right, this is a good step for the intelligence community. The idea is similar to Britain's MI5, with less autonomy and a less cool name. Only one question remains...what took so long?
The High Cost of a Rush to Security. The problems of the Transportation Security Administration are well documented: Throwing lavish parties using taxpayer money, keeping secret and illegal databases on traveler information. Now, TSA comes under fire yet again. This time, for gross misuse of funds. For example, TSA "spent" $1,540 to rent 14 extension cords at $5 each per day for three weeks, in Colorado. Extension cords! Sure, we're happy that the audit occurred, but what is the government going to do to ensure that this doesn't continue to happen? In February 2002, TSA's budget was $104 million. Now, it is $741 million. Aren't you outraged at this egregious waste of your money? Well, actually, since taxes aren't increasing now, it's really your children's money.
Editorials
Dangerous Incompetence. Although the title of this editorial could refer to any one of a number of things, Bob Herbert is talking about Bushco's attitude towards Iraq. Bush obviously didn't know what he was bringing us into. Bush had no plan for leaving when we started. And Bush obviously has no plan now, even as the American death toll rises above 1,700. Herbert is also right on a very major point, even though it's not the focus of his editorial. If roles were reversed, and Democrats had run this war this way, Republicans would be "dusting off their impeachment manuals." Herbert ends by mirroring the Democratic philosophy - whether or not you wanted to be here, we're here. The troops need our support, because they certainly aren't getting any from the White House.
Give Us Candor and Clarity if You Want Resolve. You will find no bigger difference between Republicans and Democrats than in the words written by Senator Russ Finegold (D-WI) about Iraq. And it really is that simple. If Bush appeared in some sort of national forum, and came clean about Iraq, admitted that the insurgency was not in its last throes, and appealed to the nation, he might just be able to get people back on the side of supporting the war. Instead, he drones on about how we're winning, and the insurgency is dying, and that setting a timetable would be sending the wrong signal to our troops. We're not winning this war. It's that simple. If you bought a sandwich, and you hated the taste, would you buy it again? And again? And again?
Bolton Endgame. Gosh, we really hope this is the Bolton endgame, because we all know that enough words have been written about this bullying blowhard to fill an encyclopedia. Robert Kuttner analyzes the possibilities for what could end up happening with Bolton. Basically, there are two options. First, Bush could use (abuse, actually) his power of a recess appointment to grant Bolton a temporary term. This could be seen as a partial victory for Bush - at least he'd be able to save face by saying that he got the appointment he wanted, but Bolton would almost immediately become a lame duck. Furthermore, as Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) said, a recess appointment "would weaken not only Mr. Bolton but also the United States." Of course, if this was his intention, then why did he push so passionately for Bolton, even though it was pretty clear he would never get Senate approval? The other option is for him to do the right thing, and withdraw Bolton's name. What do you think he's going to do?
|
December 29, 2005
Stop Blaming the Troops - Investigate the Real Culprits of Abuse. We heart Wes Clark. He's a man with honor and dignity, who cares deeply about this country, and has a particular affection for our military. That's why he is so disturbed by the reports of prisoner torture and abuse by our government, and that's also why you should be too. The reasons for investigating the reports of abuse are almost too numerous to mention: It's cruel to treat people inhumanely; Torture is an ineffective method of information gathering; With every such report, we foster more terrorism; We lose the moral high ground in the war on terror... Put simply, "How can we win the war on terrorism, a fight for democracy and freedom in America and around the world, if we forsake the very principles and institutions for which we are fighting?" Go to the link above and sign the petition requesting a formal investigation into the Bush Administration's abuse of prisoners.
News
Canada to Ban Bulk Drug Exports, Allow Internet Sales. Yesterday, Canada's health minister announced that the country would stop the practice of shipping bulk orders of prescription drugs to the U.S. Americans can still go to Canada with a prescription and have it filled. We can also order online from our neighbor to the north. Canada's prescription drugs are far cheaper and just as effective as what is made and distributed here, so it's a no-brainer as to why Americans prefer to go to Canada to get their drugs. Of course, the drug industry was more than pleased with the minister's announcement. What does it say about our current health care situation where we have people driving to another country to fill a prescription? A spokeswoman for the Illinois governor's office said that the governor sees Bush's hands in all this. And why not? It's Bush's M.O. to look out for big business, isn't it?
Bush to Create New Unit in F.B.I. for Intelligence. Bush does something right! Oh, don't get that look on your face - it wasn't his idea, and he'll screw it up anyway. Bush, on the advice of the Silberman/Robb presidential commission (which looked at intelligence in the U.S.) has created a national security division within the FBI called the National Security Service. Of course, that's the extent of Bush's work. He's left the details to the new director of intelligence, John D. Negroponte. Negroponte has already had problems trying to work with the FBI, and a directive that essentially changes the culture of the FBI like this won't help. Still, if implemented right, this is a good step for the intelligence community. The idea is similar to Britain's MI5, with less autonomy and a less cool name. Only one question remains...what took so long?
The High Cost of a Rush to Security. The problems of the Transportation Security Administration are well documented: Throwing lavish parties using taxpayer money, keeping secret and illegal databases on traveler information. Now, TSA comes under fire yet again. This time, for gross misuse of funds. For example, TSA "spent" $1,540 to rent 14 extension cords at $5 each per day for three weeks, in Colorado. Extension cords! Sure, we're happy that the audit occurred, but what is the government going to do to ensure that this doesn't continue to happen? In February 2002, TSA's budget was $104 million. Now, it is $741 million. Aren't you outraged at this egregious waste of your money? Well, actually, since taxes aren't increasing now, it's really your children's money.
Editorials
Dangerous Incompetence. Although the title of this editorial could refer to any one of a number of things, Bob Herbert is talking about Bushco's attitude towards Iraq. Bush obviously didn't know what he was bringing us into. Bush had no plan for leaving when we started. And Bush obviously has no plan now, even as the American death toll rises above 1,700. Herbert is also right on a very major point, even though it's not the focus of his editorial. If roles were reversed, and Democrats had run this war this way, Republicans would be "dusting off their impeachment manuals." Herbert ends by mirroring the Democratic philosophy - whether or not you wanted to be here, we're here. The troops need our support, because they certainly aren't getting any from the White House.
Give Us Candor and Clarity if You Want Resolve. You will find no bigger difference between Republicans and Democrats than in the words written by Senator Russ Finegold (D-WI) about Iraq. And it really is that simple. If Bush appeared in some sort of national forum, and came clean about Iraq, admitted that the insurgency was not in its last throes, and appealed to the nation, he might just be able to get people back on the side of supporting the war. Instead, he drones on about how we're winning, and the insurgency is dying, and that setting a timetable would be sending the wrong signal to our troops. We're not winning this war. It's that simple. If you bought a sandwich, and you hated the taste, would you buy it again? And again? And again?
Bolton Endgame. Gosh, we really hope this is the Bolton endgame, because we all know that enough words have been written about this bullying blowhard to fill an encyclopedia. Robert Kuttner analyzes the possibilities for what could end up happening with Bolton. Basically, there are two options. First, Bush could use (abuse, actually) his power of a recess appointment to grant Bolton a temporary term. This could be seen as a partial victory for Bush - at least he'd be able to save face by saying that he got the appointment he wanted, but Bolton would almost immediately become a lame duck. Furthermore, as Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) said, a recess appointment "would weaken not only Mr. Bolton but also the United States." Of course, if this was his intention, then why did he push so passionately for Bolton, even though it was pretty clear he would never get Senate approval? The other option is for him to do the right thing, and withdraw Bolton's name. What do you think he's going to do?
