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December 29, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Tuesday's Links
Activism
Do you enjoy your health care? Do you take comfort in the fact that you have it, and it'll be there for you when you need it? What if it wasn't? What if the Associated Health Plan passes legislation, and your premiums went up? What if you couldn't appeal a denied claim? What if your health insurance didn't cover things like prostate exams and mammograms? You'd probably be pissed off. Fortunately, there's something you can do about it (in addition to voting Republicans out of office, of course). Go to Protect Your Healthcare and find out the skinny. Get informed, and contact your legislators to make sure they are voting the way you want them to.
News
52% Now Say Bush "Intentionally Misled The American Public" Into Iraq War. More than half of the American population believe that Bush misled Americans into Iraq, that Bush exaggerated information on Iraq, and that the war was a mistake. Oh, and Bush's approval rating is below 48%. Americans are getting smarter. Americans are starting to see Bush for what he really is - a lying hypocrite who is solely interested in his own personal image and lining the pockets of his closest friends. What took so long? Well, better late than never.
Court Declines to Rule on Case of Reporters' Refusal to Testify. Remember when scumball extraordinaire Robert Novak "outed" Valerie Plame as a CIA agent, thus ruining her career and violating several laws? Once he did, Matthew Cooper of Time Magazine wrote about her, and Judith Miller of the New York Times conducted interviews about her, but never published them. Miller and Cooper were then taken to trial, and Novak sits untouched. Miller and Cooper were ordered by a Federal Appeals court to identify their sources, which they will not do. Yesterday, the Supreme Court declined to hear arguments in this case, and so now it goes back to the Appeals court, where Miller and Cooper will be sentenced with jail time. We're extremely disappointed with the Supreme Court for taking the coward's way out, and not hearing this case. Three (well, five) questions come to mind. 1) Why hasn't Robert Novak's part in this being acknowledged? Did he receive White House protection? 2) Why did the Supreme Court back away from a case that they should have heard? Were they afraid of setting a precedent? That's their job! 3) Are you beginning to see just how important judicial nominees are, and why Democrats were so determined to block the "Sinister Seven?"
Halliburton's Iraq Deals Described as Contract Abuse. From the "You knew it was true, now here's the proof" file, the Pentagon has flagged over $1 billion in overcharges that Halliburton has made, stemming from contract work in Iraq. $1 billion. Imagine if a "blue" company had done this - Republicans would be tripping over themselves demanding answers. $1 billion is a lot of money - it's possible that they'd even demand answers if it was a "red" company NOT formerly run by the current Vice President. Instead, the "official" Pentagon response is "give us time to review it." In addition to the $1 billion in "questioned" costs, there is also $422 million in "unsupported" costs. Imagine that - One and a half billion dollars stolen from the taxpayers. And make no mistake about it - what Halliburton has done is nothing less than theft, albeit on a grander stage. Why are we not investigating this?
Editorials
A Glide Path to Ruin. The big issues don't get a whole lot of press because they aren't "sexy." And by big, we mean the things that will affect us all in the coming years, and sooner than you might think. Global warming, for example. Or China's ascent. Sure, we all know China is a growing superpower. But do you know how much they've invested in America? Paul Krugman will tell you that it's quite a lot, and he's right. But beyond dollar bonds, America has a much bigger problem. As Nicholas Kristof writes, this administration's fiscal irresponsiblity has quite a few high-level economic types worried that we will face a serious financial crisis within five years. Republicans, once the party of fiscal responsiblity, have pushed us down a slope, and we're still falling. At this rate, gas prices will be the least of our worries.
The Sacred, the Profane & Old Glory: Getting It Exactly Wrong on the Flag. It's a great time to be a religious minority in America, eh? Peter Laarman writes an extremely passionate and accurate take on Congress's plans to make the act of burning the flag unconstitutional. The exact text of the amendment says, "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." As Laarman writes, desecration is the key word. When did the flag turn into a sanctified object? Did we sleep through some sort of ceremony? Because the flag is great - but it's a symbol. If we want to sit outside, cut out paper crosses, and set those on fire, we can do that. No one can arrest us. But if this amendment passes, we would be arrested for burning a flag. Laarman shows the connection between the religious right and this amendment, and his logic is creepy, unnerving and accurate. We saw it in Kansas. We saw it with the Senate's treatment of Dick Durbin. Really, when was the last time you saw an American flag burned in America?
Take it to Karl. A few days back, we told you we wouldn't dignify Karl Rove's remarks about "liberals" with a response. And we won't. Fortunately, our American servicemen and servicewomen will. Because Rove's remarks were insulting to all Americans, but particular insulting to those who have given their lives to fight for their country, regardless of their political leanings. The "Take it to Karl" blog is definitely worth reading, especially if you're in the mood for some righteous indignation. It's also good to connect with our troops, who are almost all honorable, patriotic people, even if the people manipulating them are not.
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December 29, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Tuesday's Links
Activism
Do you enjoy your health care? Do you take comfort in the fact that you have it, and it'll be there for you when you need it? What if it wasn't? What if the Associated Health Plan passes legislation, and your premiums went up? What if you couldn't appeal a denied claim? What if your health insurance didn't cover things like prostate exams and mammograms? You'd probably be pissed off. Fortunately, there's something you can do about it (in addition to voting Republicans out of office, of course). Go to Protect Your Healthcare and find out the skinny. Get informed, and contact your legislators to make sure they are voting the way you want them to.
News
52% Now Say Bush "Intentionally Misled The American Public" Into Iraq War. More than half of the American population believe that Bush misled Americans into Iraq, that Bush exaggerated information on Iraq, and that the war was a mistake. Oh, and Bush's approval rating is below 48%. Americans are getting smarter. Americans are starting to see Bush for what he really is - a lying hypocrite who is solely interested in his own personal image and lining the pockets of his closest friends. What took so long? Well, better late than never.
Court Declines to Rule on Case of Reporters' Refusal to Testify. Remember when scumball extraordinaire Robert Novak "outed" Valerie Plame as a CIA agent, thus ruining her career and violating several laws? Once he did, Matthew Cooper of Time Magazine wrote about her, and Judith Miller of the New York Times conducted interviews about her, but never published them. Miller and Cooper were then taken to trial, and Novak sits untouched. Miller and Cooper were ordered by a Federal Appeals court to identify their sources, which they will not do. Yesterday, the Supreme Court declined to hear arguments in this case, and so now it goes back to the Appeals court, where Miller and Cooper will be sentenced with jail time. We're extremely disappointed with the Supreme Court for taking the coward's way out, and not hearing this case. Three (well, five) questions come to mind. 1) Why hasn't Robert Novak's part in this being acknowledged? Did he receive White House protection? 2) Why did the Supreme Court back away from a case that they should have heard? Were they afraid of setting a precedent? That's their job! 3) Are you beginning to see just how important judicial nominees are, and why Democrats were so determined to block the "Sinister Seven?"
Halliburton's Iraq Deals Described as Contract Abuse. From the "You knew it was true, now here's the proof" file, the Pentagon has flagged over $1 billion in overcharges that Halliburton has made, stemming from contract work in Iraq. $1 billion. Imagine if a "blue" company had done this - Republicans would be tripping over themselves demanding answers. $1 billion is a lot of money - it's possible that they'd even demand answers if it was a "red" company NOT formerly run by the current Vice President. Instead, the "official" Pentagon response is "give us time to review it." In addition to the $1 billion in "questioned" costs, there is also $422 million in "unsupported" costs. Imagine that - One and a half billion dollars stolen from the taxpayers. And make no mistake about it - what Halliburton has done is nothing less than theft, albeit on a grander stage. Why are we not investigating this?
Editorials
A Glide Path to Ruin. The big issues don't get a whole lot of press because they aren't "sexy." And by big, we mean the things that will affect us all in the coming years, and sooner than you might think. Global warming, for example. Or China's ascent. Sure, we all know China is a growing superpower. But do you know how much they've invested in America? Paul Krugman will tell you that it's quite a lot, and he's right. But beyond dollar bonds, America has a much bigger problem. As Nicholas Kristof writes, this administration's fiscal irresponsiblity has quite a few high-level economic types worried that we will face a serious financial crisis within five years. Republicans, once the party of fiscal responsiblity, have pushed us down a slope, and we're still falling. At this rate, gas prices will be the least of our worries.
The Sacred, the Profane & Old Glory: Getting It Exactly Wrong on the Flag. It's a great time to be a religious minority in America, eh? Peter Laarman writes an extremely passionate and accurate take on Congress's plans to make the act of burning the flag unconstitutional. The exact text of the amendment says, "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." As Laarman writes, desecration is the key word. When did the flag turn into a sanctified object? Did we sleep through some sort of ceremony? Because the flag is great - but it's a symbol. If we want to sit outside, cut out paper crosses, and set those on fire, we can do that. No one can arrest us. But if this amendment passes, we would be arrested for burning a flag. Laarman shows the connection between the religious right and this amendment, and his logic is creepy, unnerving and accurate. We saw it in Kansas. We saw it with the Senate's treatment of Dick Durbin. Really, when was the last time you saw an American flag burned in America?
Take it to Karl. A few days back, we told you we wouldn't dignify Karl Rove's remarks about "liberals" with a response. And we won't. Fortunately, our American servicemen and servicewomen will. Because Rove's remarks were insulting to all Americans, but particular insulting to those who have given their lives to fight for their country, regardless of their political leanings. The "Take it to Karl" blog is definitely worth reading, especially if you're in the mood for some righteous indignation. It's also good to connect with our troops, who are almost all honorable, patriotic people, even if the people manipulating them are not.
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December 29, 2005
Do you enjoy your health care? Do you take comfort in the fact that you have it, and it'll be there for you when you need it? What if it wasn't? What if the Associated Health Plan passes legislation, and your premiums went up? What if you couldn't appeal a denied claim? What if your health insurance didn't cover things like prostate exams and mammograms? You'd probably be pissed off. Fortunately, there's something you can do about it (in addition to voting Republicans out of office, of course). Go to Protect Your Healthcare and find out the skinny. Get informed, and contact your legislators to make sure they are voting the way you want them to.
News
52% Now Say Bush "Intentionally Misled The American Public" Into Iraq War. More than half of the American population believe that Bush misled Americans into Iraq, that Bush exaggerated information on Iraq, and that the war was a mistake. Oh, and Bush's approval rating is below 48%. Americans are getting smarter. Americans are starting to see Bush for what he really is - a lying hypocrite who is solely interested in his own personal image and lining the pockets of his closest friends. What took so long? Well, better late than never.
Court Declines to Rule on Case of Reporters' Refusal to Testify. Remember when scumball extraordinaire Robert Novak "outed" Valerie Plame as a CIA agent, thus ruining her career and violating several laws? Once he did, Matthew Cooper of Time Magazine wrote about her, and Judith Miller of the New York Times conducted interviews about her, but never published them. Miller and Cooper were then taken to trial, and Novak sits untouched. Miller and Cooper were ordered by a Federal Appeals court to identify their sources, which they will not do. Yesterday, the Supreme Court declined to hear arguments in this case, and so now it goes back to the Appeals court, where Miller and Cooper will be sentenced with jail time. We're extremely disappointed with the Supreme Court for taking the coward's way out, and not hearing this case. Three (well, five) questions come to mind. 1) Why hasn't Robert Novak's part in this being acknowledged? Did he receive White House protection? 2) Why did the Supreme Court back away from a case that they should have heard? Were they afraid of setting a precedent? That's their job! 3) Are you beginning to see just how important judicial nominees are, and why Democrats were so determined to block the "Sinister Seven?"
Halliburton's Iraq Deals Described as Contract Abuse. From the "You knew it was true, now here's the proof" file, the Pentagon has flagged over $1 billion in overcharges that Halliburton has made, stemming from contract work in Iraq. $1 billion. Imagine if a "blue" company had done this - Republicans would be tripping over themselves demanding answers. $1 billion is a lot of money - it's possible that they'd even demand answers if it was a "red" company NOT formerly run by the current Vice President. Instead, the "official" Pentagon response is "give us time to review it." In addition to the $1 billion in "questioned" costs, there is also $422 million in "unsupported" costs. Imagine that - One and a half billion dollars stolen from the taxpayers. And make no mistake about it - what Halliburton has done is nothing less than theft, albeit on a grander stage. Why are we not investigating this?
Editorials
A Glide Path to Ruin. The big issues don't get a whole lot of press because they aren't "sexy." And by big, we mean the things that will affect us all in the coming years, and sooner than you might think. Global warming, for example. Or China's ascent. Sure, we all know China is a growing superpower. But do you know how much they've invested in America? Paul Krugman will tell you that it's quite a lot, and he's right. But beyond dollar bonds, America has a much bigger problem. As Nicholas Kristof writes, this administration's fiscal irresponsiblity has quite a few high-level economic types worried that we will face a serious financial crisis within five years. Republicans, once the party of fiscal responsiblity, have pushed us down a slope, and we're still falling. At this rate, gas prices will be the least of our worries.
The Sacred, the Profane & Old Glory: Getting It Exactly Wrong on the Flag. It's a great time to be a religious minority in America, eh? Peter Laarman writes an extremely passionate and accurate take on Congress's plans to make the act of burning the flag unconstitutional. The exact text of the amendment says, "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." As Laarman writes, desecration is the key word. When did the flag turn into a sanctified object? Did we sleep through some sort of ceremony? Because the flag is great - but it's a symbol. If we want to sit outside, cut out paper crosses, and set those on fire, we can do that. No one can arrest us. But if this amendment passes, we would be arrested for burning a flag. Laarman shows the connection between the religious right and this amendment, and his logic is creepy, unnerving and accurate. We saw it in Kansas. We saw it with the Senate's treatment of Dick Durbin. Really, when was the last time you saw an American flag burned in America?
Take it to Karl. A few days back, we told you we wouldn't dignify Karl Rove's remarks about "liberals" with a response. And we won't. Fortunately, our American servicemen and servicewomen will. Because Rove's remarks were insulting to all Americans, but particular insulting to those who have given their lives to fight for their country, regardless of their political leanings. The "Take it to Karl" blog is definitely worth reading, especially if you're in the mood for some righteous indignation. It's also good to connect with our troops, who are almost all honorable, patriotic people, even if the people manipulating them are not.
