Link to: BUSH SECOND TERM SCOREBOARD
posted by T.G. at 9:29 PM
Thursday, February 03, 2005
BUSH SCORECARD TOP 25
These are the 25 most appalling of over 100 liberal and ungodly things George W. Bush has done just between the election and the inauguration (which was 78 days).
All of them can be found at Bush Scorecard: http://bushscorecard.blogspot.com/
I will continue to update the Scorecard, but at a much slower rate after the inauguration, only hitting the most egregious violations. I don't have time to keep this up at this pace for four years. I believe I've proven my point 100 times over that Bush is no conservative and no better than Kerry would've been.
As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to give up sleeping to keep up with Bush so far. If you voted for Bush - YOU GOT KERRY anyway! - at least Kerry's policies: Pro-abortion, pro-sodomite, pro-Muslim, pro-illegal alien, pro-infringements on our rights, pro-gun control, anti-Christianity.
Bush is wasting no time in betraying the "moral" contingent that he admits put him into office. He USED the faithful Bush-bots to get their votes and now they're not needed any more so he is openly discarding them like trash. But his supporters are undaunted in their admiration. It seems like these Bush-bots actually LIKE getting stabbed in the back. At least a cheap whore gets paid for her services, the Bush-bots got used and they will end up paying as well.
And we thought Bill Clinton was "Slick". He was an amateur compared to Bush.
1. Arlen Specter positioned to block conservative judges.
(http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41378)
Bush campaigned for pro-abort, pro-queer Specter, helping him to a 1% win over conservative Republican Pat Toomey. Now Specter promises to block conservative judges, and the evidence shows Bush knew that's what he was getting.
2. Bush push to reward Illegal Aliens for being lawbreakers.
(http://www.washtimes.com/national/20041110-123424-5467r.htm)
President Bush yesterday moved aggressively to resurrect his plan to relax rules against illegal immigration, a move bound to anger conservatives just days after they helped re-elect him.
3. Bush names Pro-abort Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
www.covenantnews.com/politics/www.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&u=/ap/20041110/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_cabinet_23&printer=1
Besides being pro-abortion, Gonzales cast the deciding vote denying parental consent when minor daughters have abortions.Gonzales wrote a controversial February 2002 memo in which Bush claimed the right to waive anti-torture law. He is also an advocate of illegal alien benefits.
4. Bush vows to create a Palestinian state(by taking land from Israel).
(http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/12/bush.blair/index.html)
Many Christians believe this violates the promise to Abraham in Gen. 12, and it certainly is an unconstitutional act of interference with a sovereign nation (but that's the 'in' thing with Bush, see Iraq.)
5. Bush push to renew Patriot Act intrusions into our rights.
http://www.hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/
SECOND_TERM_LAW_ENFORCEMENT?SITE=MTBILELN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Surveillance, information, wiretaps, banking records, "Sneak & Peek" , no-knock warrants where the owner is not informed. If accused, no speedy trial, no counsel, no appeal, no evidence, and worst of all, no presumption of innocence.The UN version (ICC) lets them determine who they perceive is a threat, and no one (or nation) can appeal.
6. Bush adds three more sodomites to his administration (from six to nine).
(http://www.bluelemur.com/index.php?p=426)
(http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/12/29/MN184289.DTL)
One of them was his ‘04 campaign manager. Yes, Bush’s campaign was RUN by a queer.
7. Bush persecutes pro-lifers.
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008263.html
Bush supports the FACE Act which prevents pro-lifers from protesting near abortion chambers. Pro-abortionists however, can protest anywhere they want, even right at the abortuaries.
8. Bush supports queers in military.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41741
Even with AIDS and STDs rising again, Bush supports the current policy of allowing sodomites into the military.
9. Bush fund$ terrorists!
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7029964
Foreign aid is unconstitutional as it is. Aid to our enemies is stupid and suicidal. But here Bush is giving our tax money to a TERRORIST organization - while we are supposedly fighting a war against terror!
10. Bush administration betrays Gulf War POWs.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/
12-13-04 p. 8 Our government has betrayed our POWs from previous wars, why should this one be any different? The Bush administration intervened in court on the side of Saddam Hussein and Iraq to erase the POW's judgment from the books.
11. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Oops! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
12. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. They threw crosses in a dumpster to prove their point, but the crosses are not the issue, honoring Moon is. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
13. Queers love Georgie boy.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_19.shtml
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him. The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim. The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
14. Non-terrorist charged under Patriot Act.
http://www.apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUR3O0.html
The guy might have committed an infraction, but he is not a terrorist and he is an American citizen and should be dealt with by normal American law, not some ostensively anti-terror act. That was not supposed to be the purpose of anti-terror legislation. What are they going to take first under the guise of preventing terror, my Bible, my guns, my cardboard cutters, or my laser pointers?
15. Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball. Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful. What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
The gowns are reminiscent of the splash made by "J-Lo" a few years ago with her low-cut gown. Perhaps we could call Jenna "J-Ho", and I guess Barbara is "B-Lo".
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1318188/posts
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?csp=34
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
16. Bush tabs Clinton keeper for Homeland Security.
When Bernard Kerik withdrew as the choice for Homeland Czar over scandals, from another "Nannygate" to sexual impropriety, I was reminded of Janet Reno, who stepped into her office "under the radar" because of a similar situation. I'm convinced that Reno was Clinton's original 'man' for the job, but she would've been harder to get confirmed if other candidates hadn't pulled out. I told people to watch out, the replacement will be the guy Bush really wants, but he would have some baggage that would've hindered him, but now he'll be approved easily.
How's this for "baggage" on Mr. Chertoff?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6813011/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6812230/
Bill Clinton fired all the U.S. attorneys … except one: New Jersey U.S. Attorney Michael Chertof ... even Democrats applauded. … “Chertoff has the resume to be an excellent H.S. Sec.,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
TG: The most liberal of Democrats love Chertoff. How can that be if he is a genuine conservative?A Harvard grad, Chertoff played a central role in the nation’s response to the 9-11 attacks.
... [and] in the U.S. Patriot Act ...
TG: So he's already taken a central role in assailing the freedoms of Americans without doing anything to thwart terrorists? Well, he fits right in with the Bush administration.
Chertoff played a major role in the investigation of the Clintons’ Arkansas business dealings; the suicide of Vincent Foster, a Clinton aide and former law partner of Hillary Clinton; and other allegations against the Clintons.
TG: The Clintons skated and Foster's death was never solved. Chertoff must be quite adept at sweeping things under the rug. No wonder he had problems with his nanny. He’ll perform admirably as the Homeland Czar. The KGB and Gestapo will be so envious.
17. Bush claims faith is not under attack.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050111-101004-3771r.htm
Bush said … he does not think that faith is under attack by culture at large ...
Presidents must get the best mind-altering drugs on the black market! Someone tell this idiot about Judge Roy Moore, General Boykins, Indianapolis Baptist Temple, and the Philly Five (among many other examples)!
18. Pilots not considered "in combat".
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050111-101005-5277r.html
Somewhere a comedian is struggling to make ends meet who would be better as President, because our President could sure make it as a comedian. In order to meet the requirement that women are still not officially allowed into combat, Bush has redefined combat to exclude pilots. That is a kick in the manhood of every war pilot in history. Perhaps Bush doesn't believe pilots are actually combatants because he's judging by HIS OWN experience as a military pilot.
19. Bush's faith-based initiative exposed.
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050115/ap_on_re_us/faith_based_lawsuit.htm
An Arizona church was disqualified for faith-based funds because they were "injecting religion" into the program, including encouraging people to witness their faith, read the scriptures, and attend church services. Excuse me, but isn't that what a church is SUPPOSED to do? Federal funding always comes with federal control, and this program is simply an attempt to secularize and neuter churches, bring them under control of the government, and keep them from serving God.
A Christian with the spiritual discernment of Mr. Potato Head could see the devil in that with his eyes closed.
20. Bush best buddy admits W not conservative.
Newsmax.com Insider Report: After 75 examples in 75 days now his own best friend confirms it with point #75. Bush is NOT a conservative, even on the homosexual agenda. Who would ever think Bush wouldn't be as conservative as his image? Why I'm so surprised you could knock me over with a feather!
· Asked about President Bush's views on gay marriage, Betts declined to comment. He did add, "I don't think he's as conservative a person as the media generally characterizes him as."
21. Sissy Bush drops queer-marriage amendment.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009269.html
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/nation/10657618.htm
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/01/011605bush.htm
This one should count at least double. The last refuge for Bush-bots was to parrot, "At least he wants to ban same-sex marriages!" NOT ANYMORE! He got your vote, now he doesn't even have to pretend to be conservative. He can stab you in the back and hit you below the belt.
John Kerry never pulled a flip-flop of this magnitude.
To be honest, a Federal amendment was dangerous anyway, as it would give the fedgov authority over marriage, but it was Bush's effort to appear pro-family, now he doesn't even have that appearance.
22. Bush supports over-the-counter abortions.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009271.html
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10660891.htm
Can any sane Christian conservative still support this wicked man? Now he's advocating making the "morning after" abortifacient pill as available as aspirin. More babies will be killed by this convenient pill than by all other methods combined, but some of you will still insist Bush is pro-life. Items #21 and #22 should convince the most loyal, worshipful Bush-bot, that their hero is a FRAUD (like I told them years ago) and unworthy of the support of any Christian. But many will remain true to their beloved Sun Myung Bush, no matter what the facts are.
23. Gonzales joins W in aim to ban semi-autos.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/2997962
Now the president and his attorney general both support banning semi-automatic weapons, despite the fact that such arms are a Constitutional right. Do you think four more years of Bush will give us more or less gun rights? More or less homosexual agenda? More or less illegal aliens? More or less abortion? Okay, so exactly what is conservative about Bush?
24. Log Cabin queers share key agenda with GWB.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200501\POL20050119b.html
Once again, even though they sometimes have to pretend to be opposed to the alleged conservatism of George Bush, the Republican sodomites know an ally when they see one. The sodomites know Bush is not conservative in this agenda (#31), his best friend knows he's not conservative on homosexual agenda (#75) - only willfully ignorant Christians refuse to acknowledge the truth.
25. Inauguration security by terrorists?
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42454
I couldn't make stuff up that would be as far out as things really are. The justification for the extravagant expenditures for the upcoming coronation was the threat of terror (which should be under control with all the anti-terror laws that have been passed). Now it turns out that part of the security will involve two terrorist organizations - including the group that ordered an assassination of Bush when he visited Columbia!
All of them can be found at Bush Scorecard: http://bushscorecard.blogspot.com/
I will continue to update the Scorecard, but at a much slower rate after the inauguration, only hitting the most egregious violations. I don't have time to keep this up at this pace for four years. I believe I've proven my point 100 times over that Bush is no conservative and no better than Kerry would've been.
As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to give up sleeping to keep up with Bush so far. If you voted for Bush - YOU GOT KERRY anyway! - at least Kerry's policies: Pro-abortion, pro-sodomite, pro-Muslim, pro-illegal alien, pro-infringements on our rights, pro-gun control, anti-Christianity.
Bush is wasting no time in betraying the "moral" contingent that he admits put him into office. He USED the faithful Bush-bots to get their votes and now they're not needed any more so he is openly discarding them like trash. But his supporters are undaunted in their admiration. It seems like these Bush-bots actually LIKE getting stabbed in the back. At least a cheap whore gets paid for her services, the Bush-bots got used and they will end up paying as well.
And we thought Bill Clinton was "Slick". He was an amateur compared to Bush.
1. Arlen Specter positioned to block conservative judges.
(http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41378)
Bush campaigned for pro-abort, pro-queer Specter, helping him to a 1% win over conservative Republican Pat Toomey. Now Specter promises to block conservative judges, and the evidence shows Bush knew that's what he was getting.
2. Bush push to reward Illegal Aliens for being lawbreakers.
(http://www.washtimes.com/national/20041110-123424-5467r.htm)
President Bush yesterday moved aggressively to resurrect his plan to relax rules against illegal immigration, a move bound to anger conservatives just days after they helped re-elect him.
3. Bush names Pro-abort Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
www.covenantnews.com/politics/www.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&u=/ap/20041110/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_cabinet_23&printer=1
Besides being pro-abortion, Gonzales cast the deciding vote denying parental consent when minor daughters have abortions.Gonzales wrote a controversial February 2002 memo in which Bush claimed the right to waive anti-torture law. He is also an advocate of illegal alien benefits.
4. Bush vows to create a Palestinian state(by taking land from Israel).
(http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/12/bush.blair/index.html)
Many Christians believe this violates the promise to Abraham in Gen. 12, and it certainly is an unconstitutional act of interference with a sovereign nation (but that's the 'in' thing with Bush, see Iraq.)
5. Bush push to renew Patriot Act intrusions into our rights.
http://www.hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/
SECOND_TERM_LAW_ENFORCEMENT?SITE=MTBILELN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Surveillance, information, wiretaps, banking records, "Sneak & Peek" , no-knock warrants where the owner is not informed. If accused, no speedy trial, no counsel, no appeal, no evidence, and worst of all, no presumption of innocence.The UN version (ICC) lets them determine who they perceive is a threat, and no one (or nation) can appeal.
6. Bush adds three more sodomites to his administration (from six to nine).
(http://www.bluelemur.com/index.php?p=426)
(http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/12/29/MN184289.DTL)
One of them was his ‘04 campaign manager. Yes, Bush’s campaign was RUN by a queer.
7. Bush persecutes pro-lifers.
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008263.html
Bush supports the FACE Act which prevents pro-lifers from protesting near abortion chambers. Pro-abortionists however, can protest anywhere they want, even right at the abortuaries.
8. Bush supports queers in military.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41741
Even with AIDS and STDs rising again, Bush supports the current policy of allowing sodomites into the military.
9. Bush fund$ terrorists!
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7029964
Foreign aid is unconstitutional as it is. Aid to our enemies is stupid and suicidal. But here Bush is giving our tax money to a TERRORIST organization - while we are supposedly fighting a war against terror!
10. Bush administration betrays Gulf War POWs.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/
12-13-04 p. 8 Our government has betrayed our POWs from previous wars, why should this one be any different? The Bush administration intervened in court on the side of Saddam Hussein and Iraq to erase the POW's judgment from the books.
11. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Oops! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
12. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. They threw crosses in a dumpster to prove their point, but the crosses are not the issue, honoring Moon is. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
13. Queers love Georgie boy.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_19.shtml
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him. The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim. The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
14. Non-terrorist charged under Patriot Act.
http://www.apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUR3O0.html
The guy might have committed an infraction, but he is not a terrorist and he is an American citizen and should be dealt with by normal American law, not some ostensively anti-terror act. That was not supposed to be the purpose of anti-terror legislation. What are they going to take first under the guise of preventing terror, my Bible, my guns, my cardboard cutters, or my laser pointers?
15. Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball. Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful. What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
The gowns are reminiscent of the splash made by "J-Lo" a few years ago with her low-cut gown. Perhaps we could call Jenna "J-Ho", and I guess Barbara is "B-Lo".
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1318188/posts
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?csp=34
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
16. Bush tabs Clinton keeper for Homeland Security.
When Bernard Kerik withdrew as the choice for Homeland Czar over scandals, from another "Nannygate" to sexual impropriety, I was reminded of Janet Reno, who stepped into her office "under the radar" because of a similar situation. I'm convinced that Reno was Clinton's original 'man' for the job, but she would've been harder to get confirmed if other candidates hadn't pulled out. I told people to watch out, the replacement will be the guy Bush really wants, but he would have some baggage that would've hindered him, but now he'll be approved easily.
How's this for "baggage" on Mr. Chertoff?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6813011/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6812230/
Bill Clinton fired all the U.S. attorneys … except one: New Jersey U.S. Attorney Michael Chertof ... even Democrats applauded. … “Chertoff has the resume to be an excellent H.S. Sec.,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
TG: The most liberal of Democrats love Chertoff. How can that be if he is a genuine conservative?A Harvard grad, Chertoff played a central role in the nation’s response to the 9-11 attacks.
... [and] in the U.S. Patriot Act ...
TG: So he's already taken a central role in assailing the freedoms of Americans without doing anything to thwart terrorists? Well, he fits right in with the Bush administration.
Chertoff played a major role in the investigation of the Clintons’ Arkansas business dealings; the suicide of Vincent Foster, a Clinton aide and former law partner of Hillary Clinton; and other allegations against the Clintons.
TG: The Clintons skated and Foster's death was never solved. Chertoff must be quite adept at sweeping things under the rug. No wonder he had problems with his nanny. He’ll perform admirably as the Homeland Czar. The KGB and Gestapo will be so envious.
17. Bush claims faith is not under attack.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050111-101004-3771r.htm
Bush said … he does not think that faith is under attack by culture at large ...
Presidents must get the best mind-altering drugs on the black market! Someone tell this idiot about Judge Roy Moore, General Boykins, Indianapolis Baptist Temple, and the Philly Five (among many other examples)!
18. Pilots not considered "in combat".
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050111-101005-5277r.html
Somewhere a comedian is struggling to make ends meet who would be better as President, because our President could sure make it as a comedian. In order to meet the requirement that women are still not officially allowed into combat, Bush has redefined combat to exclude pilots. That is a kick in the manhood of every war pilot in history. Perhaps Bush doesn't believe pilots are actually combatants because he's judging by HIS OWN experience as a military pilot.
19. Bush's faith-based initiative exposed.
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050115/ap_on_re_us/faith_based_lawsuit.htm
An Arizona church was disqualified for faith-based funds because they were "injecting religion" into the program, including encouraging people to witness their faith, read the scriptures, and attend church services. Excuse me, but isn't that what a church is SUPPOSED to do? Federal funding always comes with federal control, and this program is simply an attempt to secularize and neuter churches, bring them under control of the government, and keep them from serving God.
A Christian with the spiritual discernment of Mr. Potato Head could see the devil in that with his eyes closed.
20. Bush best buddy admits W not conservative.
Newsmax.com Insider Report: After 75 examples in 75 days now his own best friend confirms it with point #75. Bush is NOT a conservative, even on the homosexual agenda. Who would ever think Bush wouldn't be as conservative as his image? Why I'm so surprised you could knock me over with a feather!
· Asked about President Bush's views on gay marriage, Betts declined to comment. He did add, "I don't think he's as conservative a person as the media generally characterizes him as."
21. Sissy Bush drops queer-marriage amendment.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009269.html
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/nation/10657618.htm
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/01/011605bush.htm
This one should count at least double. The last refuge for Bush-bots was to parrot, "At least he wants to ban same-sex marriages!" NOT ANYMORE! He got your vote, now he doesn't even have to pretend to be conservative. He can stab you in the back and hit you below the belt.
John Kerry never pulled a flip-flop of this magnitude.
To be honest, a Federal amendment was dangerous anyway, as it would give the fedgov authority over marriage, but it was Bush's effort to appear pro-family, now he doesn't even have that appearance.
22. Bush supports over-the-counter abortions.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009271.html
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10660891.htm
Can any sane Christian conservative still support this wicked man? Now he's advocating making the "morning after" abortifacient pill as available as aspirin. More babies will be killed by this convenient pill than by all other methods combined, but some of you will still insist Bush is pro-life. Items #21 and #22 should convince the most loyal, worshipful Bush-bot, that their hero is a FRAUD (like I told them years ago) and unworthy of the support of any Christian. But many will remain true to their beloved Sun Myung Bush, no matter what the facts are.
23. Gonzales joins W in aim to ban semi-autos.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/2997962
Now the president and his attorney general both support banning semi-automatic weapons, despite the fact that such arms are a Constitutional right. Do you think four more years of Bush will give us more or less gun rights? More or less homosexual agenda? More or less illegal aliens? More or less abortion? Okay, so exactly what is conservative about Bush?
24. Log Cabin queers share key agenda with GWB.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200501\POL20050119b.html
Once again, even though they sometimes have to pretend to be opposed to the alleged conservatism of George Bush, the Republican sodomites know an ally when they see one. The sodomites know Bush is not conservative in this agenda (#31), his best friend knows he's not conservative on homosexual agenda (#75) - only willfully ignorant Christians refuse to acknowledge the truth.
25. Inauguration security by terrorists?
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42454
I couldn't make stuff up that would be as far out as things really are. The justification for the extravagant expenditures for the upcoming coronation was the threat of terror (which should be under control with all the anti-terror laws that have been passed). Now it turns out that part of the security will involve two terrorist organizations - including the group that ordered an assassination of Bush when he visited Columbia!
posted by T.G. at 4:02 PM
BUSH SODOMITE SCORECARD
After abortion, the moral issue most important to Christians is the abomination of sodomy. President Bush claims to be pro-family and against homosexuality, but again, his actions betray his smooth words. GWB has named more homosexuals to government positions than all previous presidents combined.
His predecessor, Bill Clinton, named one to his original staff. He tried to name another and Congress rejected him. The same Congress, Republican controlled, “rubber stamps” as many queer nominees as Bush wants to name.
His first campaign was managed by Mary Matalin, who told a Philadelphia reception for GOP homosexuals, "We are here to honor gay and lesbian Republicans ... To be a REAL CONSERVATIVE is to be PRO-GAY,"
His second campaign was led by purported sodomite Ken Mehlman. His Vice-President, Dick Cheney, has a lesbian daughter, who was prominent in the recent campaign, after being kept from the public view in 2000..
Here is the Bush record on homosexual issues:
These are only from the election to the inauguration.
1. Lesbian partner on stage.
(http://www.headlines.agapepress.org/archive/11/122004h.asp)
The day after George Bush and Dick Cheney were reelected. W allows his VP to not only put his lesbian daughter on the platform, but to bring her lesbian 'partner' up on the stage along with other 'spouses'. This was a spit in the eye of the conservative moral contingent of Americans who put Bush and Cheney into office. What a way to start his second term!
2. Arlen Specter positioned to block conservative judges.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41378
Bush campaigned for pro-abort, pro-queer Specter, helping him to a 1% win over conservative Republican Pat Toomey. Now Specter promises to block conservative judges, and the evidence shows Bush knew that's what he was getting.
3. Bush adds three more sodomites to his administration (from six to nine).
http://www.bluelemur.com/index.php?p=426
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/12/29/MN184289.DTL
One of them was his ‘04 campaign manager. Yes, Bush’s campaign was RUN by a queer.
4. Bush supports queers in military.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41741
Even with AIDS and STDs rising again, Bush supports the current policy of allowing sodomites into the military.
5. Bush hosts reception for queer rocker Elton John.
http://www.thisislondon.com/showbiz/articles/15128792?source=Evening%20Standard&ct=5
Why not honor a sodomite performer? He honored Ozzy Osbourne, the drug-drenched leader of the occultist rock band Black Sabbath during his first term. Maybe he can have them both play at his coronation/inauguration.
6. Queers love Georgie boy.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_19.shtml
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him. The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim. The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
7. Bush best buddy admits W not conservative.
Newsmax.com Insider Report: After 75 examples in 75 days now his own best friend confirms it with point #75. Bush is NOT a conservative, even on the homosexual agenda. Who would ever think Bush wouldn't be as conservative as his image? Why I'm so surprised you could knock me over with a feather!
· Asked about President Bush's views on gay marriage, Betts declined to comment. He did add, "I don't think he's as conservative a person as the media generally characterizes him as.
"8. Sissy Bush drops queer-marriage amendment.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009269.html
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/nation/10657618.htm
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/01/011605bush.htm
This one should count at least double. The last refuge for Bush-bots was to parrot, "At least he wants to ban same-sex marriages!" NOT ANYMORE! He got your vote, now he doesn't even have to pretend to be conservative. He can stab you in the back and hit you below the belt. John Kerry never pulled a flip-flop of this magnitude.
To be honest, a Federal amendment was dangerous anyway, as it would give the fedgov authority over marriage, but it was Bush's effort to appear pro-family, now he doesn't even have that appearance.
9. Bush media payoff is queer.
http://www.aboms.com/
http://www.queerday.com/archives/007472.html
Back in item #52 on the main Scorecard we learned about GWB paying off a media outlet to promote his unconstitutional education program. Well it turns out that the point man, Armstrong Williams, was accused by a *male* employee of sexual harassment, and Williams paid the guy off.
No wonder Bush was so eager to help. He was probably just generously helping the pansy pundit recoup his losses, payoff for payoff.
The suit said Armstrong “grabbed [Gregory’s] buttocks and penis, tried to kiss him, and climbed into his hotel-room bed …10. Log Cabin queers share key agenda with GWB.
10. Log Cabin queers share key agenda with GWB.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200501\POL20050119b.html
Once again, even though they sometimes have to pretend to be opposed to the alleged conservatism of George Bush, the Republican sodomites know an ally when they see one.
The sodomites know Bush is not conservative in this agenda (#31), his best friend knows he's not conservative on homosexual agenda (#75) - only willfully ignorant Christians refuse to acknowledge the truth.
His predecessor, Bill Clinton, named one to his original staff. He tried to name another and Congress rejected him. The same Congress, Republican controlled, “rubber stamps” as many queer nominees as Bush wants to name.
His first campaign was managed by Mary Matalin, who told a Philadelphia reception for GOP homosexuals, "We are here to honor gay and lesbian Republicans ... To be a REAL CONSERVATIVE is to be PRO-GAY,"
His second campaign was led by purported sodomite Ken Mehlman. His Vice-President, Dick Cheney, has a lesbian daughter, who was prominent in the recent campaign, after being kept from the public view in 2000..
Here is the Bush record on homosexual issues:
These are only from the election to the inauguration.
1. Lesbian partner on stage.
(http://www.headlines.agapepress.org/archive/11/122004h.asp)
The day after George Bush and Dick Cheney were reelected. W allows his VP to not only put his lesbian daughter on the platform, but to bring her lesbian 'partner' up on the stage along with other 'spouses'. This was a spit in the eye of the conservative moral contingent of Americans who put Bush and Cheney into office. What a way to start his second term!
2. Arlen Specter positioned to block conservative judges.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41378
Bush campaigned for pro-abort, pro-queer Specter, helping him to a 1% win over conservative Republican Pat Toomey. Now Specter promises to block conservative judges, and the evidence shows Bush knew that's what he was getting.
3. Bush adds three more sodomites to his administration (from six to nine).
http://www.bluelemur.com/index.php?p=426
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/12/29/MN184289.DTL
One of them was his ‘04 campaign manager. Yes, Bush’s campaign was RUN by a queer.
4. Bush supports queers in military.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41741
Even with AIDS and STDs rising again, Bush supports the current policy of allowing sodomites into the military.
5. Bush hosts reception for queer rocker Elton John.
http://www.thisislondon.com/showbiz/articles/15128792?source=Evening%20Standard&ct=5
Why not honor a sodomite performer? He honored Ozzy Osbourne, the drug-drenched leader of the occultist rock band Black Sabbath during his first term. Maybe he can have them both play at his coronation/inauguration.
6. Queers love Georgie boy.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_19.shtml
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him. The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim. The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
7. Bush best buddy admits W not conservative.
Newsmax.com Insider Report: After 75 examples in 75 days now his own best friend confirms it with point #75. Bush is NOT a conservative, even on the homosexual agenda. Who would ever think Bush wouldn't be as conservative as his image? Why I'm so surprised you could knock me over with a feather!
· Asked about President Bush's views on gay marriage, Betts declined to comment. He did add, "I don't think he's as conservative a person as the media generally characterizes him as.
"8. Sissy Bush drops queer-marriage amendment.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009269.html
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/nation/10657618.htm
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/01/011605bush.htm
This one should count at least double. The last refuge for Bush-bots was to parrot, "At least he wants to ban same-sex marriages!" NOT ANYMORE! He got your vote, now he doesn't even have to pretend to be conservative. He can stab you in the back and hit you below the belt. John Kerry never pulled a flip-flop of this magnitude.
To be honest, a Federal amendment was dangerous anyway, as it would give the fedgov authority over marriage, but it was Bush's effort to appear pro-family, now he doesn't even have that appearance.
9. Bush media payoff is queer.
http://www.aboms.com/
http://www.queerday.com/archives/007472.html
Back in item #52 on the main Scorecard we learned about GWB paying off a media outlet to promote his unconstitutional education program. Well it turns out that the point man, Armstrong Williams, was accused by a *male* employee of sexual harassment, and Williams paid the guy off.
No wonder Bush was so eager to help. He was probably just generously helping the pansy pundit recoup his losses, payoff for payoff.
The suit said Armstrong “grabbed [Gregory’s] buttocks and penis, tried to kiss him, and climbed into his hotel-room bed …10. Log Cabin queers share key agenda with GWB.
10. Log Cabin queers share key agenda with GWB.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200501\POL20050119b.html
Once again, even though they sometimes have to pretend to be opposed to the alleged conservatism of George Bush, the Republican sodomites know an ally when they see one.
The sodomites know Bush is not conservative in this agenda (#31), his best friend knows he's not conservative on homosexual agenda (#75) - only willfully ignorant Christians refuse to acknowledge the truth.
posted by T.G. at 3:27 PM
BUSH ABORTION SCORECARD
Murder by abortion has long been one of the most serious issues to a Christian conservative. President Bush occasionally says things that make him seem to be pro-life. This list of the things he has supported and done indicates that his walk does not match his talk - he is NOT pro-life.
This Scorecard only documents President Bush’s behavior concerning abortion from the November 2004 election, up to the January 2005 inauguration.
Prior to then we know a few things already (and I have full documentation for each claim):· Bush is in favor of killing babies conceived by rape or incest.
· Bush has stated that America is not ready to overturn Roe vs. Wade (even though 30 states would overturn it).
· Bush has allowed more tax dollars to pay for abortions during his term than any previous president.
· Bush has nominated several pro-abortion candidates to a variety of offices.
· Bush approved the distribution of “morning after” pills, like RU-486, which actually perform abortions by preventing implantation.
· Bush is the first president to allow federal tax money (unconstitutionally) to pay for fetal stem-cell research on the already killed fetuses.
· Bush’s “Partial Birth Abortion Ban” did not ban any abortions. It reclassified partial-birth as infanticide, designated the navel as the acceptable killing line instead of the neck, and became the first law to ever consider the other kinds of abortion to be “legitimate” (Roe was a court ruling, not law).
· Christians no longer seem to consider the abortion of babies as a disqualifying issue. There was a time when a Christian would not vote for a candidate who supported abortion at all. That’s been reduced to which candidate says he'll kill less babies.
With those things in mind, here is the Bush Abortion Scorecard list of pro-abortion positions by Bush just since the ‘04 election:
1. Arlen Specter positioned to block conservative judges.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41378
Bush campaigned for pro-abort, pro-queer Specter, helping him to a 1% win over conservative Republican Pat Toomey. Now Specter promises to block conservative judges, and the evidence shows Bush knew that's what he was getting.
2. Bush names Pro-abort Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/
http://www.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&u=/ap/20041110/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_cabinet_23&printer=1
Besides being pro-abortion, Gonzales cast the deciding vote denying parental consent when minor daughters have abortions. Gonzales wrote a controversial February 2002 memo in which Bush claimed the right to waive anti-torture law. He is also an advocate of illegal alien benefits. In 1996 as Bush’s general counsel, Gonzo got the then Texas Governor out of jury duty which kept him from having to disclose his 1976 arrest for drunk driving.
3. Bush replaces pro-abort Powell with pro-abort Rice as Sec. of State.
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008028.html
And calls this liberal, pro-abortion, black woman "the face of America". She wanted to be Sec. of Defense. She already stabbed Israel in the back in the Bandar situation.
4. Bush persecutes pro-lifers.
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008263.html
Bush supports the FACE Act which prevents pro-lifers from protesting near abortion chambers. Pro-abortionists however, can protest anywhere they want, even right at the abortuaries.
5. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services. Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
6. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://www.spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Recently, Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent justice. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings. Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
7. Bush stonewalling on Gonzales.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aZKEt_nX7im0&refer=us
With Gonzales' record of supporting torture and eliminating Constitutional protections (not to mention being pro-abortion), it's no surprise that a wicked man would want to hide his record (which says just what about GWB?). Why, Gonzales might want to apply the Patriot Act to non-terrorist Americans!
8. Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
http://www.apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Anything the government funds, the government controls. This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother. This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors. Yes, "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ or protesting abortion or the homosexual agenda.
9. Women warriors.
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/getpreg.html
Bush policies have encouraged women to get pregnant to avoid being sent to Iraq - but the military is catching on and sending them anyway, right after the child is born. This will have the chillingly perverse effect of giving female soldiers more incentive to have abortions.
10. Bush supports over-the-counter abortions.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009271.html
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10660891.htm
Can any sane Christian conservative still support this wicked man? Now he's advocating making the "morning after" abortifacient pill as available as aspirin.
More babies will be killed by this convenient pill than by all other methods combined, but some of you will still insist Bush is pro-life.
This item should convince the most loyal, worshipful Bush-bot, that their hero is a FRAUD (like I told them years ago) and unworthy of the support of any Christian. But many will remain true to their beloved Sun Myung Bush, no matter what the facts are.
11. Another pro-abort for GOP chair.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/14/politics/14conserv.html
Ken Mehlmen is the reported sodomite who ran Bush's election campaign and was rewarded with the chairmanship of the GOP. To compliment the homosexualization of the Bush administration, Mehlmen named key Republican abortion advocate, Joann Davidson, to be his co-chair.
Did you expect (Big) Brother Bush to surround himself with conservative Christians?
This Scorecard only documents President Bush’s behavior concerning abortion from the November 2004 election, up to the January 2005 inauguration.
Prior to then we know a few things already (and I have full documentation for each claim):· Bush is in favor of killing babies conceived by rape or incest.
· Bush has stated that America is not ready to overturn Roe vs. Wade (even though 30 states would overturn it).
· Bush has allowed more tax dollars to pay for abortions during his term than any previous president.
· Bush has nominated several pro-abortion candidates to a variety of offices.
· Bush approved the distribution of “morning after” pills, like RU-486, which actually perform abortions by preventing implantation.
· Bush is the first president to allow federal tax money (unconstitutionally) to pay for fetal stem-cell research on the already killed fetuses.
· Bush’s “Partial Birth Abortion Ban” did not ban any abortions. It reclassified partial-birth as infanticide, designated the navel as the acceptable killing line instead of the neck, and became the first law to ever consider the other kinds of abortion to be “legitimate” (Roe was a court ruling, not law).
· Christians no longer seem to consider the abortion of babies as a disqualifying issue. There was a time when a Christian would not vote for a candidate who supported abortion at all. That’s been reduced to which candidate says he'll kill less babies.
With those things in mind, here is the Bush Abortion Scorecard list of pro-abortion positions by Bush just since the ‘04 election:
1. Arlen Specter positioned to block conservative judges.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41378
Bush campaigned for pro-abort, pro-queer Specter, helping him to a 1% win over conservative Republican Pat Toomey. Now Specter promises to block conservative judges, and the evidence shows Bush knew that's what he was getting.
2. Bush names Pro-abort Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/
http://www.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&u=/ap/20041110/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_cabinet_23&printer=1
Besides being pro-abortion, Gonzales cast the deciding vote denying parental consent when minor daughters have abortions. Gonzales wrote a controversial February 2002 memo in which Bush claimed the right to waive anti-torture law. He is also an advocate of illegal alien benefits. In 1996 as Bush’s general counsel, Gonzo got the then Texas Governor out of jury duty which kept him from having to disclose his 1976 arrest for drunk driving.
3. Bush replaces pro-abort Powell with pro-abort Rice as Sec. of State.
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008028.html
And calls this liberal, pro-abortion, black woman "the face of America". She wanted to be Sec. of Defense. She already stabbed Israel in the back in the Bandar situation.
4. Bush persecutes pro-lifers.
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008263.html
Bush supports the FACE Act which prevents pro-lifers from protesting near abortion chambers. Pro-abortionists however, can protest anywhere they want, even right at the abortuaries.
5. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services. Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
6. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://www.spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Recently, Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent justice. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings. Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
7. Bush stonewalling on Gonzales.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aZKEt_nX7im0&refer=us
With Gonzales' record of supporting torture and eliminating Constitutional protections (not to mention being pro-abortion), it's no surprise that a wicked man would want to hide his record (which says just what about GWB?). Why, Gonzales might want to apply the Patriot Act to non-terrorist Americans!
8. Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
http://www.apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Anything the government funds, the government controls. This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother. This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors. Yes, "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ or protesting abortion or the homosexual agenda.
9. Women warriors.
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/getpreg.html
Bush policies have encouraged women to get pregnant to avoid being sent to Iraq - but the military is catching on and sending them anyway, right after the child is born. This will have the chillingly perverse effect of giving female soldiers more incentive to have abortions.
10. Bush supports over-the-counter abortions.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009271.html
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10660891.htm
Can any sane Christian conservative still support this wicked man? Now he's advocating making the "morning after" abortifacient pill as available as aspirin.
More babies will be killed by this convenient pill than by all other methods combined, but some of you will still insist Bush is pro-life.
This item should convince the most loyal, worshipful Bush-bot, that their hero is a FRAUD (like I told them years ago) and unworthy of the support of any Christian. But many will remain true to their beloved Sun Myung Bush, no matter what the facts are.
11. Another pro-abort for GOP chair.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/14/politics/14conserv.html
Ken Mehlmen is the reported sodomite who ran Bush's election campaign and was rewarded with the chairmanship of the GOP. To compliment the homosexualization of the Bush administration, Mehlmen named key Republican abortion advocate, Joann Davidson, to be his co-chair.
Did you expect (Big) Brother Bush to surround himself with conservative Christians?
posted by T.G. at 3:12 PM
BUSH CHRISTIAN SCORECARD
Many of George W. Bush’s positions have relevance to his professed Christianity, but I’ve stuck with the ones that are directly relevant. His positions on abortion and the sodomite agenda are included on their own Scorecards. Remember, these are just between the election and the inauguration.
1. Bush insinuates that Yasser Arafat is going to heaven.
(http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41360)
Admittedly this is an assumption, but when Bush's spokesman was asked twice if this meant Bush was a Universalist (all religions lead to heaven), the spokesman refuse to answer despite Bush's own clear words affirming Universalist doctrine (aolsvc.news.aol.com/elections/article.adp?id=20041026095909990008). It is clear that Bush believes Muslims are going to heaven.
2. Bush vows to create a Palestinian state (by taking land from Israel).
(http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/12/bush.blair/index.html)
Many Christians believe this violates the promise to Abraham in Gen 12, and it certainly is an unconstitutional act of interference with a sovereign nation (but that's the 'in' thing with Bush, see Iraq.)
3. Bush fund$ Muslim terrorists!
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7029964
Foreign aid is unconstitutional as it is. Aid to our enemies is stupid and suicidal. But here Bush is giving our tax money to an Islamic TERRORIST organization - while we are supposedly fighting a war against terror!
4. Bush to sign Muslim-partner law.
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/
http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20041215-110705-3120r.htm
Washington, DC -- President George W. Bush is expected this week to sign into law a bill that officially binds Washington to engage into a long-term economic and political partnership with its key Muslim allies. The bill, called the Sept. 11th Recommendations Implementation Act, was passed by Congress last week, and with Bush's signature it will become a law. The Sept. 11 Act also suggests various proposals for improving America's image in the Islamic world and for helping its Muslim allies combat internal extremism.
5. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://www.news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon. Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
6. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Oops! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
7. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. They threw crosses in a dumpster to prove their point, but the crosses are not the issue, honoring Moon is. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
8. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan. BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
9. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://www.spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings. Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
10. Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
http://www.apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Anything the government funds, the government controls. This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother. This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors. "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ.
11. No crosses at inauguration.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42258
Again, crosses are symbols and I don't believe God is pleased with them anyway, but that's NOT why the Bush administration has now twice been anti-cross. It is another repudiation of anything thought to be Christian.
12. GWB invites Abbas to White House.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html
We've already seen that Abbas is every bit as radical as the late Yasser Arafat (http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42304), but Bush will pretend he's 'more moderate' (a more moderate terrorist?). Abbas' consorting with the RCC is also quite 'interesting'. Remember, Arafat's wife, Suha, was Catholic. What strange bedfellows Islam and the RCC appear to be.
13. Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about in #55 - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball. Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful. What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
The gowns are reminiscent of the splash made by "J-Lo" a few years ago with her low-cut gown. Perhaps we could call Jenna "J-Ho", and I guess Barbara is "B-Lo".
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?csp=34
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
14. Bush claims faith is not under attack.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050111-101004-3771r.htm
Bush said... he does not think that faith is under attack by culture at large ...
Presidents must get the best mind-altering drugs on the black market! Someone tell this idiot about Judge Roy Moore, General Boykins, Indianapolis Baptist Temple, and the Philly Five (among many other examples)!
15. Bush's faith-based initiative exposed.
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050115/ap_on_re_us/faith_based_lawsuit
An Arizona church was disqualified for faith-based funds because they were "injecting religion" into the program, including encouraging people to witness their faith, read the scriptures, and attend church services. Excuse me, but isn't that what a church is SUPPOSED to do?
Federal funding always comes with federal control, and this program is simply an attempt to secularize and neuter churches, bring them under control of the government, and keep them from serving God.
A Christian with the spiritual discernment of Mr. Potato Head could see the devil in that with his eyes closed.
16. Inauguration security by Muslim terrorists?
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42454
I couldn't make stuff up that would be as far out as things really are. The justification for the extravagant expenditures for the upcoming coronation was the threat of terror (which should be under control with all the anti-terror laws that have been passed). Now it turns out that part of the security will involve two terrorist organizations - including the Islamic group that ordered an assassination of Bush when he visited Columbia!
17. Bush elevates Koran in Inaugural Address.
http://www.thetarpit.blogspot.com/2005/01/president-bush-takes-oath-on-bible.html
After being sworn in George W. Bush gave his Inaugural Address, which included the following:
That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people.
Of course the Bible and the Koran conflict greatly. They cannot both build the same kind of society. Notice that only two examples of the Bible are alluded to (and one of them is probably also in the Koran), but the WORDS of the Koran (assumedly ALL of them), and the varied FAITHS of OTHER people (non-Christians) are lauded. He is making it out that America was built by the Koran, other faiths, and just a sprinkling of Christianity.
18. Bush invokes New World Order in Inaugural.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10691575.htm
When our Founders declared a new order of the ages; when soldiers died in wave upon wave for a union based on liberty; when citizens marched in peaceful outrage under the banner "Freedom Now" they were acting on an ancient hope that is meant to be fulfilled.
"A new order of the ages" is the translation of a motto on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States (http://www.greatseal.com) which can be seen on the back of the dollar bill, in Latin as, "Novus Ordo Seclorum", a synonym for "new world order", described as the government of the Antichrist in the book of Revelation in the Bible.
19. Homeland Czar defended bin-Laden.
http://www.universitystar.com/main/article.php?aid=1236
This is the guy Bush tabbed to be in charge of Homeland security? A lawyer who has defended a terrorist financier who funded Islamic terrorist Osama bin Laden - the guy we are supposed to be fighting this war on terror against? Any Bush-bot who can't see what's going on now should be given up for dead (at least from the neck up).
20. Prayers to Allah for 2nd term.
During his first term, President Bush had Muslims pray to Allah in the White House. (Big) "Brother" Bush said he prayed to the same god that they did. He also said Muslims can go to heaven.
Though allegedly reading the Bible every day for the past four years, Bush proved that he hasn't learned even the basics by having Muslims and Jews offer prayers at his second inauguration.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-21-bush-friday_x.htm
Prayer service starts work of Bush's second term
Four days of celebrations surrounding Bush's inauguration culminated with a National Prayer Service on Friday, following a tradition set by the nation's first chief executive, George Washington.
Instrumental and choral music filled the church and an interfaith lineup of Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy helped celebrate through prayer the events of the day before Bush's swearing-in at the Capitol.
TG: I seriously doubt that George Washington set a tradition of having pagans pray at his inauguration.
2 Cor 6:14-17 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
Ezek 44:23 ... teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Exod 20:2-3 I am the LORD thy God... Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Bush has repeatedly confused Allah with the God of the Bible, says he worships and prays to the same god as Muslims (he even invited some to pray at the White House), believes non-Christians can go to heaven, has lauded the Pope, and worshipped at a Shinto shrine. If he is a Christian, he is not a very good one.
1. Bush insinuates that Yasser Arafat is going to heaven.
(http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41360)
Admittedly this is an assumption, but when Bush's spokesman was asked twice if this meant Bush was a Universalist (all religions lead to heaven), the spokesman refuse to answer despite Bush's own clear words affirming Universalist doctrine (aolsvc.news.aol.com/elections/article.adp?id=20041026095909990008). It is clear that Bush believes Muslims are going to heaven.
2. Bush vows to create a Palestinian state (by taking land from Israel).
(http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/12/bush.blair/index.html)
Many Christians believe this violates the promise to Abraham in Gen 12, and it certainly is an unconstitutional act of interference with a sovereign nation (but that's the 'in' thing with Bush, see Iraq.)
3. Bush fund$ Muslim terrorists!
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7029964
Foreign aid is unconstitutional as it is. Aid to our enemies is stupid and suicidal. But here Bush is giving our tax money to an Islamic TERRORIST organization - while we are supposedly fighting a war against terror!
4. Bush to sign Muslim-partner law.
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/
http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20041215-110705-3120r.htm
Washington, DC -- President George W. Bush is expected this week to sign into law a bill that officially binds Washington to engage into a long-term economic and political partnership with its key Muslim allies. The bill, called the Sept. 11th Recommendations Implementation Act, was passed by Congress last week, and with Bush's signature it will become a law. The Sept. 11 Act also suggests various proposals for improving America's image in the Islamic world and for helping its Muslim allies combat internal extremism.
5. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://www.news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon. Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
6. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Oops! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
7. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. They threw crosses in a dumpster to prove their point, but the crosses are not the issue, honoring Moon is. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
8. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan. BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
9. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://www.spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings. Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
10. Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
http://www.apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Anything the government funds, the government controls. This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother. This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors. "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ.
11. No crosses at inauguration.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42258
Again, crosses are symbols and I don't believe God is pleased with them anyway, but that's NOT why the Bush administration has now twice been anti-cross. It is another repudiation of anything thought to be Christian.
12. GWB invites Abbas to White House.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html
We've already seen that Abbas is every bit as radical as the late Yasser Arafat (http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42304), but Bush will pretend he's 'more moderate' (a more moderate terrorist?). Abbas' consorting with the RCC is also quite 'interesting'. Remember, Arafat's wife, Suha, was Catholic. What strange bedfellows Islam and the RCC appear to be.
13. Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about in #55 - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball. Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful. What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
The gowns are reminiscent of the splash made by "J-Lo" a few years ago with her low-cut gown. Perhaps we could call Jenna "J-Ho", and I guess Barbara is "B-Lo".
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?csp=34
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
14. Bush claims faith is not under attack.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050111-101004-3771r.htm
Bush said... he does not think that faith is under attack by culture at large ...
Presidents must get the best mind-altering drugs on the black market! Someone tell this idiot about Judge Roy Moore, General Boykins, Indianapolis Baptist Temple, and the Philly Five (among many other examples)!
15. Bush's faith-based initiative exposed.
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050115/ap_on_re_us/faith_based_lawsuit
An Arizona church was disqualified for faith-based funds because they were "injecting religion" into the program, including encouraging people to witness their faith, read the scriptures, and attend church services. Excuse me, but isn't that what a church is SUPPOSED to do?
Federal funding always comes with federal control, and this program is simply an attempt to secularize and neuter churches, bring them under control of the government, and keep them from serving God.
A Christian with the spiritual discernment of Mr. Potato Head could see the devil in that with his eyes closed.
16. Inauguration security by Muslim terrorists?
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42454
I couldn't make stuff up that would be as far out as things really are. The justification for the extravagant expenditures for the upcoming coronation was the threat of terror (which should be under control with all the anti-terror laws that have been passed). Now it turns out that part of the security will involve two terrorist organizations - including the Islamic group that ordered an assassination of Bush when he visited Columbia!
17. Bush elevates Koran in Inaugural Address.
http://www.thetarpit.blogspot.com/2005/01/president-bush-takes-oath-on-bible.html
After being sworn in George W. Bush gave his Inaugural Address, which included the following:
That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people.
Of course the Bible and the Koran conflict greatly. They cannot both build the same kind of society. Notice that only two examples of the Bible are alluded to (and one of them is probably also in the Koran), but the WORDS of the Koran (assumedly ALL of them), and the varied FAITHS of OTHER people (non-Christians) are lauded. He is making it out that America was built by the Koran, other faiths, and just a sprinkling of Christianity.
18. Bush invokes New World Order in Inaugural.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10691575.htm
When our Founders declared a new order of the ages; when soldiers died in wave upon wave for a union based on liberty; when citizens marched in peaceful outrage under the banner "Freedom Now" they were acting on an ancient hope that is meant to be fulfilled.
"A new order of the ages" is the translation of a motto on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States (http://www.greatseal.com) which can be seen on the back of the dollar bill, in Latin as, "Novus Ordo Seclorum", a synonym for "new world order", described as the government of the Antichrist in the book of Revelation in the Bible.
19. Homeland Czar defended bin-Laden.
http://www.universitystar.com/main/article.php?aid=1236
This is the guy Bush tabbed to be in charge of Homeland security? A lawyer who has defended a terrorist financier who funded Islamic terrorist Osama bin Laden - the guy we are supposed to be fighting this war on terror against? Any Bush-bot who can't see what's going on now should be given up for dead (at least from the neck up).
20. Prayers to Allah for 2nd term.
During his first term, President Bush had Muslims pray to Allah in the White House. (Big) "Brother" Bush said he prayed to the same god that they did. He also said Muslims can go to heaven.
Though allegedly reading the Bible every day for the past four years, Bush proved that he hasn't learned even the basics by having Muslims and Jews offer prayers at his second inauguration.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-21-bush-friday_x.htm
Prayer service starts work of Bush's second term
Four days of celebrations surrounding Bush's inauguration culminated with a National Prayer Service on Friday, following a tradition set by the nation's first chief executive, George Washington.
Instrumental and choral music filled the church and an interfaith lineup of Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy helped celebrate through prayer the events of the day before Bush's swearing-in at the Capitol.
TG: I seriously doubt that George Washington set a tradition of having pagans pray at his inauguration.
2 Cor 6:14-17 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
Ezek 44:23 ... teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Exod 20:2-3 I am the LORD thy God... Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Bush has repeatedly confused Allah with the God of the Bible, says he worships and prays to the same god as Muslims (he even invited some to pray at the White House), believes non-Christians can go to heaven, has lauded the Pope, and worshipped at a Shinto shrine. If he is a Christian, he is not a very good one.
posted by T.G. at 1:05 PM
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
# 100 Prayers to Allah for 2nd term.
During his first term, President Bush had Muslims pray to Allah in the White House. (Big) "Brother" Bush said he prayed to the same god that they did. He also said Muslims can go to heaven.
Though allegedly reading the Bible every day for the past four years, Bush proved that he hasn't learned even the basics by having Muslims and Jews offer prayers at his second inauguration.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-21-bush-friday_x.htm
Prayer service starts work of Bush's second term
Four days of celebrations surrounding Bush's inauguration culminated with a National Prayer Service on Friday, following a tradition set by the nation's first chief executive, George Washington.
Instrumental and choral music filled the church and an interfaith lineup of Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy helped celebrate through prayer the events of the day before — Bush's swearing-in at the Capitol.
TG: I seriously doubt that George Washington set a tradition of having pagans pray at his inauguration.
2 Cor 6:14-17 -- Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Ezek 44:23 -- And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Exod 20:2-3 -- I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Though allegedly reading the Bible every day for the past four years, Bush proved that he hasn't learned even the basics by having Muslims and Jews offer prayers at his second inauguration.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-21-bush-friday_x.htm
Prayer service starts work of Bush's second term
Four days of celebrations surrounding Bush's inauguration culminated with a National Prayer Service on Friday, following a tradition set by the nation's first chief executive, George Washington.
Instrumental and choral music filled the church and an interfaith lineup of Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy helped celebrate through prayer the events of the day before — Bush's swearing-in at the Capitol.
TG: I seriously doubt that George Washington set a tradition of having pagans pray at his inauguration.
2 Cor 6:14-17 -- Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Ezek 44:23 -- And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Exod 20:2-3 -- I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
posted by T.G. at 3:26 PM
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
# 99 War costs astronomical.
The oil we got from conquering Iraq was supposed to pay for this war. Instead this has been the most expensive war EVER, and has added 15% to the federal budget.
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050126-021958-8636r
Analysis: How Bush got Iraq war cost wrong
By Martin Sieff
UPI Senior News Analyst
January 26, 2005
WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush is spending the political capital of his decisive re-election just as he said he would. But he is being forced to spend it where he least expected -- to fund the soaring, ongoing costs of the endless war in Iraq with no end in sight.
On Wednesday Bush took to the forum of a news conference, a format he clearly loathes and avoids more than any other president in modern U.S. history, to make the case for an additional $80 billion to fund the war over the next fiscal year alone. By the White House's own estimates, that will boost the soaring annual federal budget deficit for 2005 to $427 billion, the greatest in U.S. history.
It was not supposed to be this way. The liberation of Iraq was to have been the war that paid for itself in spades and gave U.S. corporations the inside track on the greatest energy bonanza of the 21st century. Instead, it has become a fiscal nightmare, a monetary Vietnam that already accounts for around 15 percent of the annual U.S. budget deficit, a figure likely to only grow remorselessly into the unforeseeable future.
One of the most comprehensive analyses of the war's costs was published in December by Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He projected the cost of the war to the end of 2004 at $128 billion plus unfunded future equipment replacement, upgrades and major maintenance of $5 billion to $10 billion. By the end of 2005, Cordesman concluded, that figure would soar to $212 billion to $232 billion, again without including equipment maintenance, upgrades and replacements. By the end of 2007, even assuming the war does not spread or get dramatically worse than it currently is, Cordesman projected its cost at $308 billion to $328 billion.
How did it get so bad? In financial terms it should have been a sure thing. The Energy Information Administration records that Iraq is believed to have the second-largest reserves of high-quality, easily accessible oil in the world -- more than 112 billion barrels.
In the run up to the 2003 U.S.-led conquest of Iraq to topple its dictator Saddam Hussein, conferences and studies commissioned by hawkish conservative think tanks in Washington debated and prepared models for privatization of the Iraqi oil industry with, of course, major U.S. participation.
A Heritage Foundation study by Ariel Cohen and Gerald O'Driscoll argued, "The Bush administration should provide leadership and guidance for the future Iraqi government ... (including) a massive, orderly and transparent privatization of state-owned enterprises, especially the restructuring and privatization of the oil sector." Commented John B. Judis in The New Republic on Jan. 20, 2003, "The study has been well-received by administration neo-conservatives."
Neo-conservative pundits with equal faith and fervor argued that Iraqi oil revenues would finance the country's own reconstruction after the war and that they could even be used to offset some U.S. military operating costs, surely a cheap price to pay for liberating the Iraqi people from Saddam's terrible yoke. But it hasn't worked out that way.
The cost of the war itself rapidly exceeded previous public projections from the office of the secretary of defense. At an April 16, 2004, news conference, then-Pentagon comptroller Dov Zakheim acknowledged that the cost of the war to that point came to $10 billion-$12 billion. But the cost of returning troops to base would be another $5 billion-$7 billion, plus another $9 billion for the 3 1/2 weeks of combat operations, bringing the total cost at that point to between $24 billion-$28 billion. Since then the continued cost of occupying Iraq and of the continued pacification and counter-guerrilla operations mounted there has been widely estimated at around $1 billion a week.
Combining these two figures -- the Pentagon's own admitted costs of the war and the generally accepted cost of occupation operations, the costofwar.com Web site has estimated the cost of the war for the fiscal year after it took place at $76 billion. Far from being a windfall to the U.S. economy, the Iraq war has already proven itself to be a ball and chain around the economy's neck.
What happened to the vast oil-production bonanza that was going to flow from Iraq? It hasn't happened, and quite possibly never will. No one doubts the oil is there. But what the war planners and energy strategists never factored into their considerations was that, far from welcoming the U.S. Army and Marines as their liberators, the Iraqis -- Sunni and Shiite alike -- might resent any continued U.S. military occupation and very quickly make it too hot to handle, which is exactly what has happened.
The Pentagon hawks and their favorite energy strategists also turned out to have no strategy for rebuilding Iraq or maintaining security in the oil fields and pipelines running from them.
First, they assumed an almost bloodless march to Baghdad instead of three weeks of high-speed and utterly successful, but still heavy, fighting. Collateral damage to oil facilities was considerably greater than anticipated.
Second, and far more important, the grand strategy, insofar as there was one, anticipated an orderly takeover of occupation duties by an undersized U.S. military force that could rapidly be half evacuated. This plan ignored the warnings of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric Shinseki that hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops would be needed to ensure security in Iraq, including the security necessary to rebuild and operate the country's oil industry. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz even hung Shinseki out to dry publicly for making this estimate. But since then he has had to swallow crow.
So far, no significant amounts of Iraqi oil have been produced for world markets since the war ended. Therefore Iraqi oil exports, which were running at 2.6 million to 2.8 million barrels per day before the war began in March, have now further dropped.
Further, U.S. planners never anticipated the rapid emergence of a nationwide guerrilla war against the U.S. occupation, which is resulting in about one U.S. soldier killed per day. And as part of this guerrilla war, sabotage operations against oil pipelines are already widespread. Even with 140,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, they are spread far too thinly to aggressively fight the guerrilla war, lock down Iraq's borders with Iran and Syria and protect the oil facilities and pipelines at the same time. Furthermore, the troops currently deployed are not trained in police tactics.
In the meantime, the supposed "macro-economic" benefit of "liberating" Iraqi oil for the world market not only has not happened, precisely the opposite has occurred. Iraq is now in a far worse position to export either crude or refined oil to the world markets. As a result, the continuing effect of the war has been to strengthen the market position of the three leading global producers, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran, while keeping global energy prices relatively high and thereby adding a further burden to the U.S. annual balance-of trade-deficit, already by far the largest of any country in world history.
And even if Iraqi oil finally starts to flow under optimum conditions, the total amount of revenue realistically projected from it would do no more than balance the already horrendous costs of the U.S. occupation.
John Cassidy made the relevant calculations in the July 14 issue of The New Yorker. He wrote: "Assuming that oil prices hover around twenty-five dollars a barrel, which is in the middle of OPEC's target range (twenty-two to twenty-eight dollars a barrel), a resurgent Iraqi oil industry producing six million barrels of oil a day for export would generate about fifty-five billion dollars a year in revenues."
But the cost to the United States of occupying Iraq is already running at between $52 billion to $78 billion a year on the U.S. government's own projections. And even if none of that $55 billion went to offset the costs of U.S. occupation, divided among the 30 million people of Iraq, it comes to, as Cassidy wrote, "about five dollars per person per day -- enough to place Iraq above the World Bank's global poverty line of two dollars a day, but not by very much."
Thus, the escalating woes of Iraq and the soaring costs of the war have boosted the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and imposed huge additional budgetary strains on the United States at the worst possible time -- precisely the opposite outcome from the confident predictions the war's champions so loudly and repeatedly made.
No wonder the president felt the need to brave a press conference Wednesday to try and convince Congress and the U.S. people to give him that extra $80 billion.
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050126-021958-8636r
Analysis: How Bush got Iraq war cost wrong
By Martin Sieff
UPI Senior News Analyst
January 26, 2005
WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush is spending the political capital of his decisive re-election just as he said he would. But he is being forced to spend it where he least expected -- to fund the soaring, ongoing costs of the endless war in Iraq with no end in sight.
On Wednesday Bush took to the forum of a news conference, a format he clearly loathes and avoids more than any other president in modern U.S. history, to make the case for an additional $80 billion to fund the war over the next fiscal year alone. By the White House's own estimates, that will boost the soaring annual federal budget deficit for 2005 to $427 billion, the greatest in U.S. history.
It was not supposed to be this way. The liberation of Iraq was to have been the war that paid for itself in spades and gave U.S. corporations the inside track on the greatest energy bonanza of the 21st century. Instead, it has become a fiscal nightmare, a monetary Vietnam that already accounts for around 15 percent of the annual U.S. budget deficit, a figure likely to only grow remorselessly into the unforeseeable future.
One of the most comprehensive analyses of the war's costs was published in December by Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He projected the cost of the war to the end of 2004 at $128 billion plus unfunded future equipment replacement, upgrades and major maintenance of $5 billion to $10 billion. By the end of 2005, Cordesman concluded, that figure would soar to $212 billion to $232 billion, again without including equipment maintenance, upgrades and replacements. By the end of 2007, even assuming the war does not spread or get dramatically worse than it currently is, Cordesman projected its cost at $308 billion to $328 billion.
How did it get so bad? In financial terms it should have been a sure thing. The Energy Information Administration records that Iraq is believed to have the second-largest reserves of high-quality, easily accessible oil in the world -- more than 112 billion barrels.
In the run up to the 2003 U.S.-led conquest of Iraq to topple its dictator Saddam Hussein, conferences and studies commissioned by hawkish conservative think tanks in Washington debated and prepared models for privatization of the Iraqi oil industry with, of course, major U.S. participation.
A Heritage Foundation study by Ariel Cohen and Gerald O'Driscoll argued, "The Bush administration should provide leadership and guidance for the future Iraqi government ... (including) a massive, orderly and transparent privatization of state-owned enterprises, especially the restructuring and privatization of the oil sector." Commented John B. Judis in The New Republic on Jan. 20, 2003, "The study has been well-received by administration neo-conservatives."
Neo-conservative pundits with equal faith and fervor argued that Iraqi oil revenues would finance the country's own reconstruction after the war and that they could even be used to offset some U.S. military operating costs, surely a cheap price to pay for liberating the Iraqi people from Saddam's terrible yoke. But it hasn't worked out that way.
The cost of the war itself rapidly exceeded previous public projections from the office of the secretary of defense. At an April 16, 2004, news conference, then-Pentagon comptroller Dov Zakheim acknowledged that the cost of the war to that point came to $10 billion-$12 billion. But the cost of returning troops to base would be another $5 billion-$7 billion, plus another $9 billion for the 3 1/2 weeks of combat operations, bringing the total cost at that point to between $24 billion-$28 billion. Since then the continued cost of occupying Iraq and of the continued pacification and counter-guerrilla operations mounted there has been widely estimated at around $1 billion a week.
Combining these two figures -- the Pentagon's own admitted costs of the war and the generally accepted cost of occupation operations, the costofwar.com Web site has estimated the cost of the war for the fiscal year after it took place at $76 billion. Far from being a windfall to the U.S. economy, the Iraq war has already proven itself to be a ball and chain around the economy's neck.
What happened to the vast oil-production bonanza that was going to flow from Iraq? It hasn't happened, and quite possibly never will. No one doubts the oil is there. But what the war planners and energy strategists never factored into their considerations was that, far from welcoming the U.S. Army and Marines as their liberators, the Iraqis -- Sunni and Shiite alike -- might resent any continued U.S. military occupation and very quickly make it too hot to handle, which is exactly what has happened.
The Pentagon hawks and their favorite energy strategists also turned out to have no strategy for rebuilding Iraq or maintaining security in the oil fields and pipelines running from them.
First, they assumed an almost bloodless march to Baghdad instead of three weeks of high-speed and utterly successful, but still heavy, fighting. Collateral damage to oil facilities was considerably greater than anticipated.
Second, and far more important, the grand strategy, insofar as there was one, anticipated an orderly takeover of occupation duties by an undersized U.S. military force that could rapidly be half evacuated. This plan ignored the warnings of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric Shinseki that hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops would be needed to ensure security in Iraq, including the security necessary to rebuild and operate the country's oil industry. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz even hung Shinseki out to dry publicly for making this estimate. But since then he has had to swallow crow.
So far, no significant amounts of Iraqi oil have been produced for world markets since the war ended. Therefore Iraqi oil exports, which were running at 2.6 million to 2.8 million barrels per day before the war began in March, have now further dropped.
Further, U.S. planners never anticipated the rapid emergence of a nationwide guerrilla war against the U.S. occupation, which is resulting in about one U.S. soldier killed per day. And as part of this guerrilla war, sabotage operations against oil pipelines are already widespread. Even with 140,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, they are spread far too thinly to aggressively fight the guerrilla war, lock down Iraq's borders with Iran and Syria and protect the oil facilities and pipelines at the same time. Furthermore, the troops currently deployed are not trained in police tactics.
In the meantime, the supposed "macro-economic" benefit of "liberating" Iraqi oil for the world market not only has not happened, precisely the opposite has occurred. Iraq is now in a far worse position to export either crude or refined oil to the world markets. As a result, the continuing effect of the war has been to strengthen the market position of the three leading global producers, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran, while keeping global energy prices relatively high and thereby adding a further burden to the U.S. annual balance-of trade-deficit, already by far the largest of any country in world history.
And even if Iraqi oil finally starts to flow under optimum conditions, the total amount of revenue realistically projected from it would do no more than balance the already horrendous costs of the U.S. occupation.
John Cassidy made the relevant calculations in the July 14 issue of The New Yorker. He wrote: "Assuming that oil prices hover around twenty-five dollars a barrel, which is in the middle of OPEC's target range (twenty-two to twenty-eight dollars a barrel), a resurgent Iraqi oil industry producing six million barrels of oil a day for export would generate about fifty-five billion dollars a year in revenues."
But the cost to the United States of occupying Iraq is already running at between $52 billion to $78 billion a year on the U.S. government's own projections. And even if none of that $55 billion went to offset the costs of U.S. occupation, divided among the 30 million people of Iraq, it comes to, as Cassidy wrote, "about five dollars per person per day -- enough to place Iraq above the World Bank's global poverty line of two dollars a day, but not by very much."
Thus, the escalating woes of Iraq and the soaring costs of the war have boosted the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and imposed huge additional budgetary strains on the United States at the worst possible time -- precisely the opposite outcome from the confident predictions the war's champions so loudly and repeatedly made.
No wonder the president felt the need to brave a press conference Wednesday to try and convince Congress and the U.S. people to give him that extra $80 billion.
posted by T.G. at 5:12 PM
# 98 Another reporter paid off by Bush to be biased.
I wonder how many media moguls have been paid off to propagandize in favor of Bush initiatives that we don't know about? Conservatives will brush this stuff off as no big deal, especially if it's a program they support, but bribery is still bribery. If Clinton had done this to boost his programs, conservatives would still be howling about it after he's been out of office for four years.
On the bright side, we haven't learned that this reporter is a sodomite - yet.
http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3mg.htm
ANOTHER COLUMNIST WAS PAID TO PROMOTE BUSH PROPOSAL
Tue Jan 25 2005
20:13:59 ET
In 2002, syndicated columnist Maggie Gallagher repeatedly defended President Bush's push for a $300 million initiative encouraging marriage as a way of strengthening families.
But Gallagher failed to mention that she had a $21,500 contract with the Department of Health and Human Services to help promote the president's proposal, reveals Howard Kurtz in Wednesday runs of the WASHINGTON POST.
"The Bush marriage initiative would emphasize the importance of marriage to poor couples" and "educate teens on the value of delaying childbearing until marriage," she wrote in National Review Online, for example, adding that this could "carry big payoffs down the road for taxpayers and children.
"Gallagher explains to Kurtz: "Did I violate journalistic ethics by not disclosing it? I don't know. You tell me."
She said she would have "been happy to tell anyone who called me" about the contract but that "frankly, it never occurred to me" to disclose it.
National Review Editor Rich Lowry said of the HHS contract: "We would have preferred that she told us, and we would have disclosed it in her bio."
On the bright side, we haven't learned that this reporter is a sodomite - yet.
http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3mg.htm
ANOTHER COLUMNIST WAS PAID TO PROMOTE BUSH PROPOSAL
Tue Jan 25 2005
20:13:59 ET
In 2002, syndicated columnist Maggie Gallagher repeatedly defended President Bush's push for a $300 million initiative encouraging marriage as a way of strengthening families.
But Gallagher failed to mention that she had a $21,500 contract with the Department of Health and Human Services to help promote the president's proposal, reveals Howard Kurtz in Wednesday runs of the WASHINGTON POST.
"The Bush marriage initiative would emphasize the importance of marriage to poor couples" and "educate teens on the value of delaying childbearing until marriage," she wrote in National Review Online, for example, adding that this could "carry big payoffs down the road for taxpayers and children.
"Gallagher explains to Kurtz: "Did I violate journalistic ethics by not disclosing it? I don't know. You tell me."
She said she would have "been happy to tell anyone who called me" about the contract but that "frankly, it never occurred to me" to disclose it.
National Review Editor Rich Lowry said of the HHS contract: "We would have preferred that she told us, and we would have disclosed it in her bio."
posted by T.G. at 5:06 PM
Thursday, January 27, 2005
# 97 Homeland Czar defended bin-Laden.
This is the guy Bush tabbed to be in charge of Homeland security? A lawyer who has defended a terrorist financier who funded Osama bin Laden - the guy we are supposed to be fighting this war on terror against? Any Bush-bot who can't see what's going on now should be given up for dead (at least from the neck up).
http://www.universitystar.com/main/article.php?aid=1236
Security Risk?
by: Melissa Johnson and Sander Hicks,
News Reporter and Special to the Star -
Federal Appeals Court Judge Michael Chertoff’s ties to the financiers of the Sept. 11 attacks may prevent his confirmation as Homeland Security Chief.
According to a June 20, 2000 article in the The Record of Bergen County, New Jersey, Chertoff defended accused terrorist financier Dr. Magdy Elamir.
Elamir’s HMO was sued by the State of New Jersey to recoup $16.7 million in losses. At least $5.7 million went “to unknown parties... by means of wire transfers to bank accounts where the beneficial owner of the account is unknown,” according to the article.
Foreign intelligence reports given to then chairman of the House International Relations Committee Ben Gilman, R-New York, in 1998 accused Magdy Elamir of having “had financial ties with Osama bin Laden for years,” according to an Aug. 2, 2002 Dateline NBC broadcast.
In 1999, Magdy Elamir and brother Mohamed were named suspects in Operation Diamondback, an FBI/ATF undercover infiltration of Pakistani arms merchants who sought to arm Osama bin Laden with conventional and nuclear weapons, according to independent researcher and former New Jersey police officer Allan Duncan and taped transcripts with FBI informant Randy Glass.
Mohamed Elamir tried to purchase “small arms and ammunition” in a recorded telephone conversation with Glass, according to Dateline.
Dateline confirmed that Elamir and his corporations had paid at least $5,000 to Egyptian arms dealer Diaa Mohsen, who Elamir referred to on camera as a family friend.
Moshen was sentenced to 30 months for his involvement in Operation Diamondback. However, Elamir was never convicted. Duncan, who was hired by family members of the Sept. 11 victims to research government ties to the attacks, said the reason Magdy Elamir was never convicted was because he was never charged with a crime.
“By the time Operation Diamondback culminated in arrests in the summer of 2001, Michael Chertoff was the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the criminal division and Operation Diamondback would have fallen under his prevue since it was a criminal case and not a counterterrorism case,” Duncan said.
From 1990 to 1994, Chertoff was U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, during the period when the first attack on the World Trade Center took place.
Omar Abdel-Rahman preached at the Al Salam mosque and was later arrested for his role in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, according to Dateline.
Magdy Elamir was one of the Al Salam mosque’s financial supporters.
“The Jersey City area and particularly the Al Salam mosque were allowed to continue to be one of the major hubs of terrorist activity in the United States,” Duncan said.
In October 2001, Chertoff was appointed head of Operation Green Quest, a multi-agency initiative to target sources of funding for terrorist organizations, according to a U.S. Customs Service press release.
Chertoff told the Associated Press on Oct. 25, 2001 that, “The lifeblood of terrorism is money, and if we cut the money we cut the blood supply.”
Chertoff served in the capacity of Assistant Attorney General of the criminal division at the Department of Justice from 2001 to 2003. While acting in this position, Chertoff played a central role in formulating U.S. anti-terrorism policy — from increasing the FBI’s authority to conduct domestic surveillance at religious gatherings to the effort to secretly detain hundreds of Middle Easterners in the United States.
Chertoff was one of the chief architects of the Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act, also known as the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001. Chertoff was then nominated to the Third Circuit U.S Court of Appeals in June 2003.
Though there is no formal career path for federal judges, it is common for appellate judges to have served as district judges prior to appointments, according to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Despite having never served in the judiciary, Chertoff was made a federal judge whose jurisdiction includes Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Virgin Islands.
After 19 months, President Bush nominated Chertoff to the position of Secretary of Homeland Security.
Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, a government advocacy watchdog agency, has noticed Chertoff’s advancement from Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice to Secretary of Homeland Security nominee over the past four years.
“It’s an exceptional rise to power,” said Fitton.
Whether or not Chertoff had prior knowledge of Elamir’s alleged connections to Diaa Mohsen and bin Laden is unknown.
Calls to Chertoff’s office were not returned.
Senate confirmations hearings for Chertoff have yet to be scheduled, according to the office of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
http://www.universitystar.com/main/article.php?aid=1236
Security Risk?
by: Melissa Johnson and Sander Hicks,
News Reporter and Special to the Star -
Federal Appeals Court Judge Michael Chertoff’s ties to the financiers of the Sept. 11 attacks may prevent his confirmation as Homeland Security Chief.
According to a June 20, 2000 article in the The Record of Bergen County, New Jersey, Chertoff defended accused terrorist financier Dr. Magdy Elamir.
Elamir’s HMO was sued by the State of New Jersey to recoup $16.7 million in losses. At least $5.7 million went “to unknown parties... by means of wire transfers to bank accounts where the beneficial owner of the account is unknown,” according to the article.
Foreign intelligence reports given to then chairman of the House International Relations Committee Ben Gilman, R-New York, in 1998 accused Magdy Elamir of having “had financial ties with Osama bin Laden for years,” according to an Aug. 2, 2002 Dateline NBC broadcast.
In 1999, Magdy Elamir and brother Mohamed were named suspects in Operation Diamondback, an FBI/ATF undercover infiltration of Pakistani arms merchants who sought to arm Osama bin Laden with conventional and nuclear weapons, according to independent researcher and former New Jersey police officer Allan Duncan and taped transcripts with FBI informant Randy Glass.
Mohamed Elamir tried to purchase “small arms and ammunition” in a recorded telephone conversation with Glass, according to Dateline.
Dateline confirmed that Elamir and his corporations had paid at least $5,000 to Egyptian arms dealer Diaa Mohsen, who Elamir referred to on camera as a family friend.
Moshen was sentenced to 30 months for his involvement in Operation Diamondback. However, Elamir was never convicted. Duncan, who was hired by family members of the Sept. 11 victims to research government ties to the attacks, said the reason Magdy Elamir was never convicted was because he was never charged with a crime.
“By the time Operation Diamondback culminated in arrests in the summer of 2001, Michael Chertoff was the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the criminal division and Operation Diamondback would have fallen under his prevue since it was a criminal case and not a counterterrorism case,” Duncan said.
From 1990 to 1994, Chertoff was U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, during the period when the first attack on the World Trade Center took place.
Omar Abdel-Rahman preached at the Al Salam mosque and was later arrested for his role in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, according to Dateline.
Magdy Elamir was one of the Al Salam mosque’s financial supporters.
“The Jersey City area and particularly the Al Salam mosque were allowed to continue to be one of the major hubs of terrorist activity in the United States,” Duncan said.
In October 2001, Chertoff was appointed head of Operation Green Quest, a multi-agency initiative to target sources of funding for terrorist organizations, according to a U.S. Customs Service press release.
Chertoff told the Associated Press on Oct. 25, 2001 that, “The lifeblood of terrorism is money, and if we cut the money we cut the blood supply.”
Chertoff served in the capacity of Assistant Attorney General of the criminal division at the Department of Justice from 2001 to 2003. While acting in this position, Chertoff played a central role in formulating U.S. anti-terrorism policy — from increasing the FBI’s authority to conduct domestic surveillance at religious gatherings to the effort to secretly detain hundreds of Middle Easterners in the United States.
Chertoff was one of the chief architects of the Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act, also known as the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001. Chertoff was then nominated to the Third Circuit U.S Court of Appeals in June 2003.
Though there is no formal career path for federal judges, it is common for appellate judges to have served as district judges prior to appointments, according to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Despite having never served in the judiciary, Chertoff was made a federal judge whose jurisdiction includes Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Virgin Islands.
After 19 months, President Bush nominated Chertoff to the position of Secretary of Homeland Security.
Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, a government advocacy watchdog agency, has noticed Chertoff’s advancement from Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice to Secretary of Homeland Security nominee over the past four years.
“It’s an exceptional rise to power,” said Fitton.
Whether or not Chertoff had prior knowledge of Elamir’s alleged connections to Diaa Mohsen and bin Laden is unknown.
Calls to Chertoff’s office were not returned.
Senate confirmations hearings for Chertoff have yet to be scheduled, according to the office of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
posted by T.G. at 4:10 PM
# 96 Everything but what is needed.
Bush is proposing spending gajillions of dollars for all kinds of alleged programs to combat terror, but he withdrew funds to beef up our borders, one of the few things that might really help. It's almost as if he doesn't really want to hinder the terrorists.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42546
INVASION USA
President won't add 2,000 border agents
Despite signing bill calling for bigger staff, Bush budget will not include needed funds
January 25, 2005
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
Despite his signing a bill authorizing 2,000 new border agents, President Bush will not ask Congress for enough money to fund them.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge told USA Today yesterday that the administration's new budget will propose "good incremental increase" in the number of agents but would not approach the 2,000 level.
As part of the intelligence bill passed last month, Congress proposed nearly doubling the number of Border Patrol agents by adding 10,000 over five years. But Ridge scoffed at such an increase, saying it would be an inefficient use of homeland security funds.
"The notion that you're going to have 10,000 is sort of a fool's gold," Ridge told the paper. "It's nice to say you're going to have 10,000 more Border Patrol agents in five years, but what other part of Homeland Security do you want to take the money from?"
(TG: ANY part!)
He said it makes more sense to pay for a combination of more agents and better technology, such as ground sensors and cameras.
T.J. Bonner, president of the National Border Patrol Council, criticized the lack of funding.
"Cameras don't catch people, people catch people," he told USA Today. "If you don't have the agents you're not going to catch the people your technology sees."
The number of illegal aliens in the U.S. grows daily with estimates ranging from 8 million to 20 million.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42546
INVASION USA
President won't add 2,000 border agents
Despite signing bill calling for bigger staff, Bush budget will not include needed funds
January 25, 2005
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
Despite his signing a bill authorizing 2,000 new border agents, President Bush will not ask Congress for enough money to fund them.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge told USA Today yesterday that the administration's new budget will propose "good incremental increase" in the number of agents but would not approach the 2,000 level.
As part of the intelligence bill passed last month, Congress proposed nearly doubling the number of Border Patrol agents by adding 10,000 over five years. But Ridge scoffed at such an increase, saying it would be an inefficient use of homeland security funds.
"The notion that you're going to have 10,000 is sort of a fool's gold," Ridge told the paper. "It's nice to say you're going to have 10,000 more Border Patrol agents in five years, but what other part of Homeland Security do you want to take the money from?"
(TG: ANY part!)
He said it makes more sense to pay for a combination of more agents and better technology, such as ground sensors and cameras.
T.J. Bonner, president of the National Border Patrol Council, criticized the lack of funding.
"Cameras don't catch people, people catch people," he told USA Today. "If you don't have the agents you're not going to catch the people your technology sees."
The number of illegal aliens in the U.S. grows daily with estimates ranging from 8 million to 20 million.
posted by T.G. at 4:06 PM
# 95 Deficit Will Hit Record.
This is a boring one, but a clear mark against Bush in yet another area. This one will eventually sink the country, showing that the love of money is the root of all evil.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050126/ap_on_go_pr_wh/budget_deficits
White House: Deficit Will Hit Record $427B
By ALAN FRAM, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The White House will project that this year's federal deficit will hit $427 billion, a senior administration official said Tuesday, a record amount partly driven by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The official, among three who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the estimate was a conservative one that assumed some higher spending than other analysts use.
Last February, the White House projected that the 2004 shortfall would hit $521 billion, only to see it come in at $412 billion. The official said the figure represented progress because it would be smaller than last year's record $412 billion shortfall when compared to the size of the growing U.S. economy. That ratio is a key measure of the deficit's potency.
"Our projections will show we remain on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009," one of President Bush's budget goals, the official told reporters. Even so, the number was among a blizzard of figures released Tuesday that illustrated how federal deficits remain a problem that Bush and Congress must reckon with.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said that thanks to tax cuts and hurricane aid passed since its last calculations in September, the 10-year deficit had worsened since then by $503 billion, not counting war expenditures.
The congressional analysts projected that this year's deficit would hit $368 billion — which would be the third highest ever — excluding war costs. Adding expenditures for Iraq and Afghanistan operations would push this year's red ink to about $400 billion, said Congress' nonpartisan budget analyst.
Underscoring budget pressures hounding lawmakers, senior administration officials invited reporters to the White House to outline their upcoming request for an additional $80 billion, or slightly more, to help pay this year's costs of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I am grateful that Congress in a strong bipartisan fashion has consistently voted to support our troops, and I urge it to do so again," Bush said in a written statement.
There is little doubt lawmakers will follow Bush's lead, as they have repeatedly since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The latest proposal would bring war spending so far to about $308 billion, including $25 billion to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Congressional Research Service, which provides reports to lawmakers.
Bush plans to send his 2006 budget to Congress on Feb. 7. It will not include a request for more war funds for that year, the officials said, saving that request for later.
Tuesday's forecast by the Congressional Budget Office was widely awaited at the start of a year when Bush and Republicans are likely to propose tight spending restraints — and battle Democrats and some GOP lawmakers over those plans.
The budget office projected $855 billion in shortfalls for the decade ending in 2015. The office estimated that deficits would gradually fade into slight surpluses by 2012 — but not many were taking that forecast at face value. In making those estimates, the budget office assumed that current tax and spending laws would be unchanged, as it is required to do by law.
The practice is designed to give lawmakers a neutral starting point to work from when crafting legislation. As a result, the budget office projections omitted war costs and some of Bush's top legislative priorities.
The budget office said assuming U.S. troop strength in Iraq and Afghanistan stays steady through next year and then declines gradually, those wars would add $590 billion to the decade's deficits. Bush's proposal to prevent his tax cuts from expiring — and easing the impact of the alternative minimum tax on middle-income Americans, a move both parties favor — could add red ink exceeding $2.3 trillion, the budget office said.
The budget office did not say how much Bush's plans to revamp Social Security would cost, but it has been estimated at $1 trillion to $2 trillion. On the other hand, the budget office assumed most domestic programs would grow at the same rate as inflation. Keeping such spending at about the same level as this year for the entire decade — which Bush may come close to proposing — could reduce deficits by $1.3 trillion over the period, the budget office said.
Republicans used the deficit figures to argue that budget savings must be found this year, including from popular benefit programs. "If we do nothing, our kids and grandkids will be overwhelmed by the costs of our inaction," said Senate Budget Committee Chairman Judd Gregg, R-N.H. Democrats blamed Bush and the GOP for the daunting piles of red ink.
"Republicans control the House, the Senate and the White House, but they can't control the budget and they can't escape responsibility for its dismal condition," said Rep. John Spratt of South Carolina, top Democrat on the House Budget Committee.
The administration officials provided little new detail about their war package. They said of the $80 billion, about $75 billion would be for the Defense Department, with most of it for the Army. They said such spending would include personnel costs, the start of an effort to add at least 17 combat brigades to the Army and replacing worn out equipment.
The rest of the money would largely be for aid the State Department would give to U.S. allies and for other expenses. Included would be money to help new Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, to build an embassy in Baghdad and to aid victims of fighting in Sudan's Darfur province.
The cost of the embassy alone has been estimated at $1.5 billion. They did not state whether the request would include aid for Indian Ocean countries staggered by the tsunami. But one said the United States was spending $5 million daily there, and the administration would seek a "significant request, very generous assistance."
The United States has already committed $350 million to tsunami recovery efforts.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050126/ap_on_go_pr_wh/budget_deficits
White House: Deficit Will Hit Record $427B
By ALAN FRAM, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The White House will project that this year's federal deficit will hit $427 billion, a senior administration official said Tuesday, a record amount partly driven by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The official, among three who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the estimate was a conservative one that assumed some higher spending than other analysts use.
Last February, the White House projected that the 2004 shortfall would hit $521 billion, only to see it come in at $412 billion. The official said the figure represented progress because it would be smaller than last year's record $412 billion shortfall when compared to the size of the growing U.S. economy. That ratio is a key measure of the deficit's potency.
"Our projections will show we remain on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009," one of President Bush's budget goals, the official told reporters. Even so, the number was among a blizzard of figures released Tuesday that illustrated how federal deficits remain a problem that Bush and Congress must reckon with.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said that thanks to tax cuts and hurricane aid passed since its last calculations in September, the 10-year deficit had worsened since then by $503 billion, not counting war expenditures.
The congressional analysts projected that this year's deficit would hit $368 billion — which would be the third highest ever — excluding war costs. Adding expenditures for Iraq and Afghanistan operations would push this year's red ink to about $400 billion, said Congress' nonpartisan budget analyst.
Underscoring budget pressures hounding lawmakers, senior administration officials invited reporters to the White House to outline their upcoming request for an additional $80 billion, or slightly more, to help pay this year's costs of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I am grateful that Congress in a strong bipartisan fashion has consistently voted to support our troops, and I urge it to do so again," Bush said in a written statement.
There is little doubt lawmakers will follow Bush's lead, as they have repeatedly since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The latest proposal would bring war spending so far to about $308 billion, including $25 billion to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Congressional Research Service, which provides reports to lawmakers.
Bush plans to send his 2006 budget to Congress on Feb. 7. It will not include a request for more war funds for that year, the officials said, saving that request for later.
Tuesday's forecast by the Congressional Budget Office was widely awaited at the start of a year when Bush and Republicans are likely to propose tight spending restraints — and battle Democrats and some GOP lawmakers over those plans.
The budget office projected $855 billion in shortfalls for the decade ending in 2015. The office estimated that deficits would gradually fade into slight surpluses by 2012 — but not many were taking that forecast at face value. In making those estimates, the budget office assumed that current tax and spending laws would be unchanged, as it is required to do by law.
The practice is designed to give lawmakers a neutral starting point to work from when crafting legislation. As a result, the budget office projections omitted war costs and some of Bush's top legislative priorities.
The budget office said assuming U.S. troop strength in Iraq and Afghanistan stays steady through next year and then declines gradually, those wars would add $590 billion to the decade's deficits. Bush's proposal to prevent his tax cuts from expiring — and easing the impact of the alternative minimum tax on middle-income Americans, a move both parties favor — could add red ink exceeding $2.3 trillion, the budget office said.
The budget office did not say how much Bush's plans to revamp Social Security would cost, but it has been estimated at $1 trillion to $2 trillion. On the other hand, the budget office assumed most domestic programs would grow at the same rate as inflation. Keeping such spending at about the same level as this year for the entire decade — which Bush may come close to proposing — could reduce deficits by $1.3 trillion over the period, the budget office said.
Republicans used the deficit figures to argue that budget savings must be found this year, including from popular benefit programs. "If we do nothing, our kids and grandkids will be overwhelmed by the costs of our inaction," said Senate Budget Committee Chairman Judd Gregg, R-N.H. Democrats blamed Bush and the GOP for the daunting piles of red ink.
"Republicans control the House, the Senate and the White House, but they can't control the budget and they can't escape responsibility for its dismal condition," said Rep. John Spratt of South Carolina, top Democrat on the House Budget Committee.
The administration officials provided little new detail about their war package. They said of the $80 billion, about $75 billion would be for the Defense Department, with most of it for the Army. They said such spending would include personnel costs, the start of an effort to add at least 17 combat brigades to the Army and replacing worn out equipment.
The rest of the money would largely be for aid the State Department would give to U.S. allies and for other expenses. Included would be money to help new Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, to build an embassy in Baghdad and to aid victims of fighting in Sudan's Darfur province.
The cost of the embassy alone has been estimated at $1.5 billion. They did not state whether the request would include aid for Indian Ocean countries staggered by the tsunami. But one said the United States was spending $5 million daily there, and the administration would seek a "significant request, very generous assistance."
The United States has already committed $350 million to tsunami recovery efforts.
posted by T.G. at 3:59 PM
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
# 94 Bush pushes LOST treaty again.
He tried last year to get us LOST and was rebuffed. He tried again last month to get us LOST and failed again (#44 http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2004/Dec/17-588638.html). But Bush is persistent, and he's trying again while his supporters are still drunk from the inauguration. If only he had this kind of persistence to try to make abortion and the sodomite agenda illegal, he would probably be successful.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42528
THE NEW WORLD DISORDER
Sovereignty-sapping U.N. accord gets new life
Rice says Bush 'would like to see' Law of the Sea Treaty passed in Senate
January 25, 2005 By Ron Strom
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
The Law of the Sea Treaty, or LOST, a U.N. agreement decried by U.S. sovereignty advocates who were able to prevent consideration by the United States Senate last year, appears to have new life after comments made by Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice at her confirmation hearings.
The international treaty, which gives a U.N. agency called the Seabed Authority control of over 70 percent of the earth's surface and natural resources, was thought to be a slam-dunk for approval in the Senate last year, but opponents pressured members of the body, including Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and no vote was held.
Bush administration officials have pushed for the treaty's passage, as has Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind. Lugar held hearings on the legislation in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last year, but failed to allow opponents of the treaty to testify.
According to an e-mail alert from the American Conservative Union, Lugar then "exerted pressure on Majority Leader Bill Frist to bring the matter to the full Senate – without debate and without a recorded vote." Besides giving the U.N. power over seven-tenths of the earth's surface, the treaty would have authority to tax by requiring a permit to engage in any activity affecting the seabed, such as oil drilling or mining. The permit would cost $250,000.
The Seabed Authority could also require royalty payments for minerals extracted.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42528
THE NEW WORLD DISORDER
Sovereignty-sapping U.N. accord gets new life
Rice says Bush 'would like to see' Law of the Sea Treaty passed in Senate
January 25, 2005 By Ron Strom
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
The Law of the Sea Treaty, or LOST, a U.N. agreement decried by U.S. sovereignty advocates who were able to prevent consideration by the United States Senate last year, appears to have new life after comments made by Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice at her confirmation hearings.
The international treaty, which gives a U.N. agency called the Seabed Authority control of over 70 percent of the earth's surface and natural resources, was thought to be a slam-dunk for approval in the Senate last year, but opponents pressured members of the body, including Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and no vote was held.
Bush administration officials have pushed for the treaty's passage, as has Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind. Lugar held hearings on the legislation in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last year, but failed to allow opponents of the treaty to testify.
According to an e-mail alert from the American Conservative Union, Lugar then "exerted pressure on Majority Leader Bill Frist to bring the matter to the full Senate – without debate and without a recorded vote." Besides giving the U.N. power over seven-tenths of the earth's surface, the treaty would have authority to tax by requiring a permit to engage in any activity affecting the seabed, such as oil drilling or mining. The permit would cost $250,000.
The Seabed Authority could also require royalty payments for minerals extracted.
posted by T.G. at 9:09 PM
# 93 Bush promotes democracy in Inaugural.
" So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world."
America is not a democracy, she is a republic. That's one of the reasons people hate the Pledge of Allegiance which is given "to the Republic, for which it stands".
A democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on dinner. It is mob rule.
Our representative, Constitutional Republic provides for inalienable rights, which cannot be abrogated by majority vote, or even unanimous vote. The founders of America loathed a democracy.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10691575.htm
America is not a democracy, she is a republic. That's one of the reasons people hate the Pledge of Allegiance which is given "to the Republic, for which it stands".
A democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on dinner. It is mob rule.
Our representative, Constitutional Republic provides for inalienable rights, which cannot be abrogated by majority vote, or even unanimous vote. The founders of America loathed a democracy.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10691575.htm
posted by T.G. at 9:05 PM
# 92 Bush invokes New World Order in Inaugural.
"When our Founders declared a new order of the ages; when soldiers died in wave upon wave for a union based on liberty; when citizens marched in peaceful outrage under the banner "Freedom Now" they were acting on an ancient hope that is meant to be fulfilled."
The term "a new order of the ages" is the translation of a motto on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States (www.greatseal.com) which can be seen on the back of the dollar bill, written in Latin as, "Novus Ordo Seclorum", a synonym for "new world order".
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10691575.htm
The term "a new order of the ages" is the translation of a motto on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States (www.greatseal.com) which can be seen on the back of the dollar bill, written in Latin as, "Novus Ordo Seclorum", a synonym for "new world order".
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10691575.htm
posted by T.G. at 8:59 PM
# 91 Bush elevates Koran in Inaugural Address.
After being sworn in George W. Bush gave his Inaugural Address, which included the following:
That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people.
Of course the Bible and the Koran conflict greatly. They cannot both build the same kind of society. Notice that only two examples of the Bible are alluded to (and one of them is probably also in the Koran), but the WORDS of the Koran (assumedly ALL of them), and the varied FAITHS of OTHER people (non-Christians) are lauded.
He is making it out that America was built by the Koran, other faiths, and just a sprinkling of Christianity.
http://thetarpit.blogspot.com/2005/01/president-bush-takes-oath-on-bible.html
"The words of the Koran?"
Those are the words of Mohammed, a 7th Century Arabian conqueror and tyrant. At what point did the Koran become a contributor to the American ideal of freedom? At what point did multiculturalism and political correctness make it so imperative that even a Republican President would choose to ignore the truth and elevate the likes of Mohammed to the level of even Moses, let alone of Jesus?
The truths of Sinai are embodied in the Ten Commandments. The Sermon on the Mount is an essential revelation of the teachings and character of Jesus Christ. These are implicitly understood as foundational elements of Western and American Civilization. Can this be said of the words of the Koran? Sura 9 of the Koran is understood by Muslim scholars to be the last Sura "given" to Mohammed, and as such is the final word, trumping any previous Sura with which it might conflict. It is essentially the Great Commission of Mohammedans, and not surprisingly, it deals extensively with the practice of jihad, or holy war.
Here are a few passages from Sura 9: 9:5
But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
That doesn't sound much like "turn the other cheek." What President Bush has done in his address is reiterate his fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the war America now fights. The words of the Koran do not reinforce America's ideal of freedom; the words of Mohammed directly inspire the mortal threat that Islam poses to American Civilization.
If we do not understand our enemy, what are our prospects for victory?
That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people.
Of course the Bible and the Koran conflict greatly. They cannot both build the same kind of society. Notice that only two examples of the Bible are alluded to (and one of them is probably also in the Koran), but the WORDS of the Koran (assumedly ALL of them), and the varied FAITHS of OTHER people (non-Christians) are lauded.
He is making it out that America was built by the Koran, other faiths, and just a sprinkling of Christianity.
http://thetarpit.blogspot.com/2005/01/president-bush-takes-oath-on-bible.html
"The words of the Koran?"
Those are the words of Mohammed, a 7th Century Arabian conqueror and tyrant. At what point did the Koran become a contributor to the American ideal of freedom? At what point did multiculturalism and political correctness make it so imperative that even a Republican President would choose to ignore the truth and elevate the likes of Mohammed to the level of even Moses, let alone of Jesus?
The truths of Sinai are embodied in the Ten Commandments. The Sermon on the Mount is an essential revelation of the teachings and character of Jesus Christ. These are implicitly understood as foundational elements of Western and American Civilization. Can this be said of the words of the Koran? Sura 9 of the Koran is understood by Muslim scholars to be the last Sura "given" to Mohammed, and as such is the final word, trumping any previous Sura with which it might conflict. It is essentially the Great Commission of Mohammedans, and not surprisingly, it deals extensively with the practice of jihad, or holy war.
Here are a few passages from Sura 9: 9:5
But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
That doesn't sound much like "turn the other cheek." What President Bush has done in his address is reiterate his fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the war America now fights. The words of the Koran do not reinforce America's ideal of freedom; the words of Mohammed directly inspire the mortal threat that Islam poses to American Civilization.
If we do not understand our enemy, what are our prospects for victory?
posted by T.G. at 8:53 PM
Thursday, January 20, 2005
# 90 It's the economy, stupid.
"But the economy is doing so well!" cry the Bush-bots.
Tell that to the thousands of waiters and waitresses who lost high-tech jobs to India and China. Tell that to the thousands who lost jobs to NAFTA. Tell that to the women who are forced to work to afford housing that a man used to be able to provide for his family by himself.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050119/D87NA42O0.html
Inflation on Fastest Pace Since 2000
Jan 19, 1:08 PM (ET)
By MARTIN CRUTSINGERWASHINGTON (AP) - Consumer prices jumped 3.3 percent last year as the biggest surge in fuel bills in 14 years pushed up inflation at the fastest pace since 2000, the government reported Wednesday.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/050119/1/3pyjn.html
Warren Buffett sees no way but down for US dollar
Tell that to the thousands of waiters and waitresses who lost high-tech jobs to India and China. Tell that to the thousands who lost jobs to NAFTA. Tell that to the women who are forced to work to afford housing that a man used to be able to provide for his family by himself.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050119/D87NA42O0.html
Inflation on Fastest Pace Since 2000
Jan 19, 1:08 PM (ET)
By MARTIN CRUTSINGERWASHINGTON (AP) - Consumer prices jumped 3.3 percent last year as the biggest surge in fuel bills in 14 years pushed up inflation at the fastest pace since 2000, the government reported Wednesday.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/050119/1/3pyjn.html
Warren Buffett sees no way but down for US dollar
posted by T.G. at 3:21 PM
# 89 Indonesia fears U.S. invasion.
Why shouldn't they fear a U.S. invasion? We're invading everybody else, or planning to. They have a large Muslim population. They would be easy pickings right after the tsunami. And we've done it to them before.
http://search.csmonitor.com/2005/0114/p06s01-woap.html
Indonesia tightens access to Aceh
Aid groups are protesting registration demands.
The USS Lincoln left Indonesian waters on Wednesday.
By Tom McCawley Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor
BANDA ACEH, INDONESIA – The devastation wreaked on Aceh's coast by the Dec. 26 tsunami was so great that Indonesia's fears of foreign intervention in the war-torn province were briefly swept away. Aceh, which lost nearly 100,000 people, was reopened to foreign aid workers, and even the US Marines were invited to help by a nation that hosted huge demonstrations over the invasion of Afghanistan.
But on Tuesday, Indonesia announced that all foreign aid workers in the province will have to register with the military or be expelled, and said they must travel with armed soldiers in areas deemed to be insurgent hotbeds.
Indonesia also said the Australian, US, and other foreign soldiers who were among the first to bring aid to victims here will have to leave Indonesia by the end of March - or sooner if possible.
Many members of the Indonesian military and political establishment also blame foreigners - particularly Australia and the US - for the 1999 referendum that led to independence for the tiny former province of East Timor and have vowed that Indonesia will never allow itself to lose territory again.
http://search.csmonitor.com/2005/0114/p06s01-woap.html
Indonesia tightens access to Aceh
Aid groups are protesting registration demands.
The USS Lincoln left Indonesian waters on Wednesday.
By Tom McCawley Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor
BANDA ACEH, INDONESIA – The devastation wreaked on Aceh's coast by the Dec. 26 tsunami was so great that Indonesia's fears of foreign intervention in the war-torn province were briefly swept away. Aceh, which lost nearly 100,000 people, was reopened to foreign aid workers, and even the US Marines were invited to help by a nation that hosted huge demonstrations over the invasion of Afghanistan.
But on Tuesday, Indonesia announced that all foreign aid workers in the province will have to register with the military or be expelled, and said they must travel with armed soldiers in areas deemed to be insurgent hotbeds.
Indonesia also said the Australian, US, and other foreign soldiers who were among the first to bring aid to victims here will have to leave Indonesia by the end of March - or sooner if possible.
Many members of the Indonesian military and political establishment also blame foreigners - particularly Australia and the US - for the 1999 referendum that led to independence for the tiny former province of East Timor and have vowed that Indonesia will never allow itself to lose territory again.
posted by T.G. at 2:49 PM
# 88 Bomb Iran?
And just what involvement did Iran have in 9-11? Iran has a MUCH larger military than Iraq (which is why we helped Iraq for so many years).
If we're still having trouble with Iraq, how will we fare in Iran? Who is next in this WWIII, war on terror?
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/009312.html
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/nm/20050118/pl_nm/iran_usa_dc
Bush Won't Rule Out Iran Attack
TEHRAN -- Iran has the military might to deter attacks against it, its defense minister said in remarks published on Tuesday, one day after President Bush said he would not rule out military action.
Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said the Islamic Republic, which has seen U.S. forces topple regimes in neighboring Afghanistan and Iraq in the last three years, did not fear attack.
If we're still having trouble with Iraq, how will we fare in Iran? Who is next in this WWIII, war on terror?
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/009312.html
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/nm/20050118/pl_nm/iran_usa_dc
Bush Won't Rule Out Iran Attack
TEHRAN -- Iran has the military might to deter attacks against it, its defense minister said in remarks published on Tuesday, one day after President Bush said he would not rule out military action.
Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said the Islamic Republic, which has seen U.S. forces topple regimes in neighboring Afghanistan and Iraq in the last three years, did not fear attack.
posted by T.G. at 2:46 PM
# 87 Cinderella not invited to the ball.
Once again it looks like Prince George will favor the evil stepsister, Communist China, over Free China (Taiwan).
The reds got an invitation to the inaugural ball, but Taiwan was jilted again.
Bush's relationship with the commies has gotten so cozy we don't even let Taiwan beat up on our 12 years olds in the Little League World Series anymore.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=\ForeignBureaus\archive\200501\FOR20050119a.html
China, Taiwan Bicker Over Invitation to Bush Inauguration
By Patrick Goodenough
CNSNews.com
International Editor
January 19, 2005
Pacific Rim Bureau
(CNSNews.com) - The longstanding dispute between China and Taiwan has spilled over into plans for President Bush's inauguration, with Beijing insisting that Taiwan -- the island it considers a rebel province -- has not been invited to send official representatives to Thursday's event.
Taiwan has sent a delegation to attend the ceremony, headed by a Nobel laureate and top academic, Lee Yuan-tseh, and including senior figures such as Joseph Wu, chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, the body dealing with Taiwan's relations with mainland China. But in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan questioned the Taiwanese envoys' status.
After the Chinese government had "expressed its concern" to Washington, he said, it had been assured that the Americans "have not invited and do not recognize the so-called special envoy delegation from Taiwan."
But Kong stressed that China's ambassador to Washington, Yang Jiechi, had been invited to attend.
In turn, Kong's counterpart in Taipei, Michael Lu, urged China to "change its narrow-minded way of thinking and drop its irrational rhetoric."
China's communist authorities consistently work to deny Taiwan diplomatic recognition. Most foreign governments comply with Beijing's demands that the self-governing island not be allowed to participate in international community and that its leaders be isolated.
The U.S. stance is more ambiguous: Washington has full diplomatic ties with Beijing and only quasi-official ties with Taiwan, but is also committed by law to help the island defend itself against outside aggression.
The Bush administration has offered Taiwan its largest weapons purchase deal ever, while at the same time chastising President Chen Shui-bian for his leanings towards independence. Taiwan has strong support in the U.S. Congress, where some lawmakers have been critical of the administration for not being more supportive of democratic Taiwan.
Historically strained relations between China and Taiwan worsened following Chen's 2000 election.The president, who won re-election last March, wants to redraw the island's constitution and put it to a referendum before his second term ends in 2008 -- a plan that has infuriated Beijing.
In another recent development, China's legislature is preparing to pass an anti-secession law designed to counter any future move by Taiwan to declare formal independence. Taiwan says the law would legalize the use of force against the island.
Even a bit of relatively good news -- an unprecedented agreement by the two sides to allow direct charter flights across the Taiwan Strait over the upcoming Chinese New Year period -- has done little to ease the continuing tensions.
The reds got an invitation to the inaugural ball, but Taiwan was jilted again.
Bush's relationship with the commies has gotten so cozy we don't even let Taiwan beat up on our 12 years olds in the Little League World Series anymore.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=\ForeignBureaus\archive\200501\FOR20050119a.html
China, Taiwan Bicker Over Invitation to Bush Inauguration
By Patrick Goodenough
CNSNews.com
International Editor
January 19, 2005
Pacific Rim Bureau
(CNSNews.com) - The longstanding dispute between China and Taiwan has spilled over into plans for President Bush's inauguration, with Beijing insisting that Taiwan -- the island it considers a rebel province -- has not been invited to send official representatives to Thursday's event.
Taiwan has sent a delegation to attend the ceremony, headed by a Nobel laureate and top academic, Lee Yuan-tseh, and including senior figures such as Joseph Wu, chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, the body dealing with Taiwan's relations with mainland China. But in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan questioned the Taiwanese envoys' status.
After the Chinese government had "expressed its concern" to Washington, he said, it had been assured that the Americans "have not invited and do not recognize the so-called special envoy delegation from Taiwan."
But Kong stressed that China's ambassador to Washington, Yang Jiechi, had been invited to attend.
In turn, Kong's counterpart in Taipei, Michael Lu, urged China to "change its narrow-minded way of thinking and drop its irrational rhetoric."
China's communist authorities consistently work to deny Taiwan diplomatic recognition. Most foreign governments comply with Beijing's demands that the self-governing island not be allowed to participate in international community and that its leaders be isolated.
The U.S. stance is more ambiguous: Washington has full diplomatic ties with Beijing and only quasi-official ties with Taiwan, but is also committed by law to help the island defend itself against outside aggression.
The Bush administration has offered Taiwan its largest weapons purchase deal ever, while at the same time chastising President Chen Shui-bian for his leanings towards independence. Taiwan has strong support in the U.S. Congress, where some lawmakers have been critical of the administration for not being more supportive of democratic Taiwan.
Historically strained relations between China and Taiwan worsened following Chen's 2000 election.The president, who won re-election last March, wants to redraw the island's constitution and put it to a referendum before his second term ends in 2008 -- a plan that has infuriated Beijing.
In another recent development, China's legislature is preparing to pass an anti-secession law designed to counter any future move by Taiwan to declare formal independence. Taiwan says the law would legalize the use of force against the island.
Even a bit of relatively good news -- an unprecedented agreement by the two sides to allow direct charter flights across the Taiwan Strait over the upcoming Chinese New Year period -- has done little to ease the continuing tensions.
posted by T.G. at 2:32 PM
# 86 Inauguration security by terrorists?
I couldn't make stuff up that would be as far out as things really are.
The justification for the extravagant expenditures for the upcoming coronation was the threat of terror (which should be under control with all the anti-terror laws that have been passed). Now it turns out that part of the security will involve two terrorist organizations - including the group that ordered an assassination of Bush when he visited Columbia!
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42454
D.C. security data given to terror-tied protest group
Details about 2001 inauguration now in hands of people planning huge parade demonstration
January 19, 2005
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
In compliance with a lawsuit-inspired court order, the District of Columbia has handed over significant amounts of security data to the International Action Center, a protest group that maintains ties with two terrorist organizations and is a front group for the communist Workers World Party.
According to watchdog group Accuracy in Media, over 1,000 pages of documents, 38 videotapes and numerous photographs and audiotapes related to D.C. police tactics, training and planning and the 2001 presidential inauguration are now in the hands of IAC, which has ties to FARC and the National Liberation Army, both of which the State Department describes as terrorist organizations.
IAC was founded by former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, who is the most prominent attorney on Saddam Hussein's defense team.
Colombia's FARC has been accused of ordering an assassination attempt on President Bush when he visited the country in November. The security information includes:
The justification for the extravagant expenditures for the upcoming coronation was the threat of terror (which should be under control with all the anti-terror laws that have been passed). Now it turns out that part of the security will involve two terrorist organizations - including the group that ordered an assassination of Bush when he visited Columbia!
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42454
D.C. security data given to terror-tied protest group
Details about 2001 inauguration now in hands of people planning huge parade demonstration
January 19, 2005
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
In compliance with a lawsuit-inspired court order, the District of Columbia has handed over significant amounts of security data to the International Action Center, a protest group that maintains ties with two terrorist organizations and is a front group for the communist Workers World Party.
According to watchdog group Accuracy in Media, over 1,000 pages of documents, 38 videotapes and numerous photographs and audiotapes related to D.C. police tactics, training and planning and the 2001 presidential inauguration are now in the hands of IAC, which has ties to FARC and the National Liberation Army, both of which the State Department describes as terrorist organizations.
IAC was founded by former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, who is the most prominent attorney on Saddam Hussein's defense team.
Colombia's FARC has been accused of ordering an assassination attempt on President Bush when he visited the country in November. The security information includes:
-
Lesson plans and handbooks on use of aerosol sprays, force and tactical batons; -
Management of Mass Demonstrations, Civil Disturbance Units training documents; -
Metro Police Department instruction on use of firearms and other service weapons; -
Portions of "Operations Plan, Parade Manual and Civil Disturbance Unit Response Plan for the 54th Inauguration of the President of the United States"; -
All rooftop and street-level surveillance videotapes of the presidential inauguration; -
Redacted logs from the Synchronized Operations Command Center and the running resum¨¦ for the Inauguration Day intelligence teams; and -
The identification of all plainclothes MPD officers who were detailed for the 2001 Inauguration to intelligence teams.
In addition, D.C cooperated with a court order to reveal the identities of undercover officers who had infiltrated IAC and its related organizations.
Lawyers for the District of Columbia strenuously objected to turning over the data, citing law enforcement privilege and potential security breaches.
The IAC also requested numerous other documents including the "Intelligence Operational Plan" for the presidential inauguration. The International Action Center is staffed by members of the Workers World Party.
The groups jointly publish articles in support of FARC activities including "spectacular" raids on U.S.-trained battalions in Colombia and communiqu¨¦s signed with the slogan "Liberation or death."
The IAC has sent delegations to meet with FARC leaders in the Colombian jungle and agitates in support of the group's goals.
Accuracy in Media's Sherrie Gossett is the author of a special report on the data transfer. Said Gossett: "Given that videotaping a monument can get one arrested in the post-9/11 world, it's stunning to see that dozens of inauguration surveillance tapes and other data have been handed over by the court ¨D and to a group that maintains ties with terrorist groups and whose leader is working for Saddam Hussein himself."
The Workers World Party and the so-called Anarchist Resistance both are extremely active in "counter-inaugural" activities and plan large protests of tomorrow's second inauguration of Bush.
The WWP has had a "violent orientation," according to a congressional study of the group, while Anarchist Resistance vows to "bring anarchy to the streets of DC ¨C make resistance visible, and ring in the next four years with a smash!" It has advised its members to get on the parade route early in the morning. In 2001, the group claims, it "smashed a secret service check point."
The Associated Press reports that the National Park Service "has agreed to give thousands of anti-war demonstrators a prime spot along President Bush's inaugural parade route that will allow them to protest during the procession."
posted by T.G. at 2:23 PM
# 85 Log Cabin queers share key agenda with GWB.
Once again, even though they sometimes have to pretend to be opposed to the alleged conservatism of George Bush, the Republican perverts know an ally when they see one.
The sodomites know Bush is not conservative in this agenda (#31), his best friend knows he's not conservative on homosexual agenda (#75) - only willfully ignorant Christians refuse to acknowledge the truth.
Log Cabin Republicans Endorse 'Reform Agenda'
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com
Morning Editor January 19, 2005
(CNSNews.com) - The Log Cabin Republicans did not endorse President Bush in the November election, but the homosexual advocacy group now says it supports key elements of the president's reform agenda -- and will work with members of Congress and the administration "to make sure these reform proposals become law."
"There is a tremendous opportunity for gay and lesbian Americans and our allies to play a key role in the important debates on Capitol Hill and to benefit from the enactment of many Republican reform proposals," said Log Cabin Republicans President Patrick Guerriero in a press release.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200501\POL20050119b.html
The sodomites know Bush is not conservative in this agenda (#31), his best friend knows he's not conservative on homosexual agenda (#75) - only willfully ignorant Christians refuse to acknowledge the truth.
Log Cabin Republicans Endorse 'Reform Agenda'
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com
Morning Editor January 19, 2005
(CNSNews.com) - The Log Cabin Republicans did not endorse President Bush in the November election, but the homosexual advocacy group now says it supports key elements of the president's reform agenda -- and will work with members of Congress and the administration "to make sure these reform proposals become law."
"There is a tremendous opportunity for gay and lesbian Americans and our allies to play a key role in the important debates on Capitol Hill and to benefit from the enactment of many Republican reform proposals," said Log Cabin Republicans President Patrick Guerriero in a press release.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200501\POL20050119b.html
posted by T.G. at 2:20 PM
# 84 Condi admits bad decisions, called liar, confirmed anyway.
Sen. Boxer backs Rice into the ropes, questioning her honesty in covering for Bush mistakes. Rice admits to bad decisions made on the war with Iraq.
Yet the Senate panel recommends her to be confirmed by a 16-2 vote.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050119/D87N8DRG0.html
Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice acknowledged "there were some bad decisions" by the Bush administration on Iraq
Sen. Barbara Boxer accused Rice of "an unwillingness to give Americans the full story because selling the war was so important to Dr. Rice."
Boxer said, the toll of American dead and wounded is the "direct result" of Bush administration "rigidness" and misstatements.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050119/D87MT3OO0.html
Boxer came close to accusing Rice of having lied in her public statements about the run-up to war in Iraq.
"Your loyalty to your mission you were given overwhelmed your respect for the truth, and I don't say it lightly," Boxer said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/01/18/RICEBOXER.DTL&type=printable
Yet the Senate panel recommends her to be confirmed by a 16-2 vote.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050119/D87N8DRG0.html
Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice acknowledged "there were some bad decisions" by the Bush administration on Iraq
Sen. Barbara Boxer accused Rice of "an unwillingness to give Americans the full story because selling the war was so important to Dr. Rice."
Boxer said, the toll of American dead and wounded is the "direct result" of Bush administration "rigidness" and misstatements.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050119/D87MT3OO0.html
Boxer came close to accusing Rice of having lied in her public statements about the run-up to war in Iraq.
"Your loyalty to your mission you were given overwhelmed your respect for the truth, and I don't say it lightly," Boxer said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/01/18/RICEBOXER.DTL&type=printable
posted by T.G. at 2:10 PM
# 83 Troops spread too thin.
U.S. military troops are spread far to thin, and could be unable to handle a legitimate threat to our country.
We're all over the globe, fighting wars we don't belong in, using our military for non-military purposes, suffering a 20% non-deployable crisis (largely due to pregnant women), and having 25% of the forces made up of reservists.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050116/OPINION04/101160018/-1/opinion
Social Security needs to take a back seat to national security
Col. David Hackworth
Published: Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005
The most important element in war is the soldier. Everything and everyone else must play second fiddle to the guy on the ground who digs the enemy out with the point of his bayonet.
This remained the case in the Cold War missile age, and - like it or not - it’s even more so in the nasty hit-and-run fights of today and those down the terrorist track.
Because of “shock and awe,” Napoleon’s time-honored principle “God is on the side of the strongest battalion” no longer applies in conventional war. But it sure relates to the wars of insurgency our grunts are presently engaged in around the globe.
And here’s the rub: The Marines and the Army are stretched well beyond the breaking point - we simply don’t have enough mud soldiers in the ready rack to win these crucial ground campaigns. Without immediate relief, I worry that we’ll soon see a replay of what went down during the Vietnam War: Many of our top soldiers will hang up their rifles and hit civvy street - where the chances of living longer and easier come with the territory, and spouses are infinitely happier because they’re not sweating out every knock on the front door.
If this situation isn’t fixed ASAP, it could result in the finest professional ground force - active duty and Reserve - this nation has ever mustered becoming a mirror of the disenchanted, drugged-out, late Vietnam War crew that was more into fragging officers and smoking dope than fighting the VC.
The brass must deep-six conventional thinking and organize appropriately for the war at hand with Islamic radicals that will probably drag on for decades. Both the Marine and Army active duty need at least a 20 percent immediate increase, bringing the Marines to 200,000 and the Army to 600,000.
Not only do our armed forces have to gear up for the long haul, more Special Forces groups are needed as well. And more sweat on the training field must become standard operating procedure rather than the kinder, gentler drill that Army recruits are now served to maintain the low attrition that ultimately raises the casualty rate on the battlefield.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have also broken the Army Reserve and National Guard. More than one-fourth of the troops serving in these theaters are part-time soldiers - many serving a second tour, and some looking hard at tour No. 3.
Yes, these needed changes will cost billions of dollars more per year, but not to worry. If the irrelevant gold-plated Cold War weapons systems - such as obsolete multibillion-dollar ships and trillion-dollar fleets of fighter aircraft designed to shoot down the Soviets, who went down in flames years ago, plus the Marines’ flying albatross, the V-22 hybrid helicopter-airplane, which after more than 20 years of costly development does only two things well: crash and burn - were all canceled, the Pentagon could easily pay for the new boots on the ground from its own hide. And the only losers would be the weapons merchants themselves and the self-serving politicians who have their hands in their friendly local war racketeers’ pockets.
Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly, chief of the Army Reserve, recently stood tall and blasted the Pentagon for its “dysfunctional policies.” He said his 200,000-man unit of part-time soldiers is “rapidly degenerating into a broken force.”
Enlistment and re-enlistment in these two important reserve elements are falling off the charts. Helmly said his Reserve Command is being placed in “grave danger” of not being able to meet future missions and, if nothing’s done, soon won’t be able to meet “requirements.”
Today, the regular Army has about 100,000 nondeployables out of a 500,000-man regular force. The Reserves and Guard dud ratios are even higher. Any civilian corporation that allowed too many slackers, deadwood and deadbeats would belly-up. Since pregnancy, disability and too many single spouses with kids who cannot deploy are a large part of this problem, the Army needs to understand once and for all that we’re at war and can no longer afford the luxury of social experiments.
While Congress studies long-range problems like Social Security, the force that defends America is going down the drain. It’s about time that body got its priorities straight and paid more attention to a higher security - our national security!
Retired Army Col. David Hackworth is a syndicated columnist.
We're all over the globe, fighting wars we don't belong in, using our military for non-military purposes, suffering a 20% non-deployable crisis (largely due to pregnant women), and having 25% of the forces made up of reservists.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050116/OPINION04/101160018/-1/opinion
Social Security needs to take a back seat to national security
Col. David Hackworth
Published: Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005
The most important element in war is the soldier. Everything and everyone else must play second fiddle to the guy on the ground who digs the enemy out with the point of his bayonet.
This remained the case in the Cold War missile age, and - like it or not - it’s even more so in the nasty hit-and-run fights of today and those down the terrorist track.
Because of “shock and awe,” Napoleon’s time-honored principle “God is on the side of the strongest battalion” no longer applies in conventional war. But it sure relates to the wars of insurgency our grunts are presently engaged in around the globe.
And here’s the rub: The Marines and the Army are stretched well beyond the breaking point - we simply don’t have enough mud soldiers in the ready rack to win these crucial ground campaigns. Without immediate relief, I worry that we’ll soon see a replay of what went down during the Vietnam War: Many of our top soldiers will hang up their rifles and hit civvy street - where the chances of living longer and easier come with the territory, and spouses are infinitely happier because they’re not sweating out every knock on the front door.
If this situation isn’t fixed ASAP, it could result in the finest professional ground force - active duty and Reserve - this nation has ever mustered becoming a mirror of the disenchanted, drugged-out, late Vietnam War crew that was more into fragging officers and smoking dope than fighting the VC.
The brass must deep-six conventional thinking and organize appropriately for the war at hand with Islamic radicals that will probably drag on for decades. Both the Marine and Army active duty need at least a 20 percent immediate increase, bringing the Marines to 200,000 and the Army to 600,000.
Not only do our armed forces have to gear up for the long haul, more Special Forces groups are needed as well. And more sweat on the training field must become standard operating procedure rather than the kinder, gentler drill that Army recruits are now served to maintain the low attrition that ultimately raises the casualty rate on the battlefield.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have also broken the Army Reserve and National Guard. More than one-fourth of the troops serving in these theaters are part-time soldiers - many serving a second tour, and some looking hard at tour No. 3.
Yes, these needed changes will cost billions of dollars more per year, but not to worry. If the irrelevant gold-plated Cold War weapons systems - such as obsolete multibillion-dollar ships and trillion-dollar fleets of fighter aircraft designed to shoot down the Soviets, who went down in flames years ago, plus the Marines’ flying albatross, the V-22 hybrid helicopter-airplane, which after more than 20 years of costly development does only two things well: crash and burn - were all canceled, the Pentagon could easily pay for the new boots on the ground from its own hide. And the only losers would be the weapons merchants themselves and the self-serving politicians who have their hands in their friendly local war racketeers’ pockets.
Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly, chief of the Army Reserve, recently stood tall and blasted the Pentagon for its “dysfunctional policies.” He said his 200,000-man unit of part-time soldiers is “rapidly degenerating into a broken force.”
Enlistment and re-enlistment in these two important reserve elements are falling off the charts. Helmly said his Reserve Command is being placed in “grave danger” of not being able to meet future missions and, if nothing’s done, soon won’t be able to meet “requirements.”
Today, the regular Army has about 100,000 nondeployables out of a 500,000-man regular force. The Reserves and Guard dud ratios are even higher. Any civilian corporation that allowed too many slackers, deadwood and deadbeats would belly-up. Since pregnancy, disability and too many single spouses with kids who cannot deploy are a large part of this problem, the Army needs to understand once and for all that we’re at war and can no longer afford the luxury of social experiments.
While Congress studies long-range problems like Social Security, the force that defends America is going down the drain. It’s about time that body got its priorities straight and paid more attention to a higher security - our national security!
Retired Army Col. David Hackworth is a syndicated columnist.
posted by T.G. at 2:04 PM
# 82 Good thing they cancelled Kid Rock.
Man, they might have gotten profanity if they had Kid Rock perform. Good thing they went with wholesome groups, eh? And there's still more to come, since the inauguration isn't until Thursday.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050119/D87MSQ8O0.html
Singer Curses at Inaugural Youth Concert
Jan 18, 9:59 PM (ET)
By LEIGH STROPE
WASHINGTON (AP) - You might say the Janet Jackson moment of President Bush's inaugural festivities came Tuesday at a youth concert with hundreds of preteen Hilary Duff fans in the audience.
No nudity was involved, but the Vince Neil-style profanity probably didn't win rock band Fuel any fans at the Federal Communications Commission, nor from the parents at the concert.
Now the Pennsylvania band is just hoping the concert, "America's Future Rocks Today," wasn't aired live.
Borrowing a word from Motley Crue's Neil, the lead singer of Fuel proclaimed, "Welcome to the greatest ----ing country in the world."
Brett Scallions followed with a quick apology of "excuse my language."
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050119/D87MSQ8O0.html
Singer Curses at Inaugural Youth Concert
Jan 18, 9:59 PM (ET)
By LEIGH STROPE
WASHINGTON (AP) - You might say the Janet Jackson moment of President Bush's inaugural festivities came Tuesday at a youth concert with hundreds of preteen Hilary Duff fans in the audience.
No nudity was involved, but the Vince Neil-style profanity probably didn't win rock band Fuel any fans at the Federal Communications Commission, nor from the parents at the concert.
Now the Pennsylvania band is just hoping the concert, "America's Future Rocks Today," wasn't aired live.
Borrowing a word from Motley Crue's Neil, the lead singer of Fuel proclaimed, "Welcome to the greatest ----ing country in the world."
Brett Scallions followed with a quick apology of "excuse my language."
posted by T.G. at 2:01 PM
# 81 Gonzales joins W in aim to ban semi-autos.
Now the president and his attorney general both support banning semi-automatic weapons, despite the fact that such arms are a Constitutional right.
Do you think four more years of Bush will give us more or less gun rights?
More or less homosexual agenda?
More or less illegal aliens?
More or less abortion?
Okay, so exactly what is conservative about Bush?
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/2997962
AG nominee supports assault weapons ban
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Attorney General nominee Alberto Gonzales told the Senate today that he supports extending the expired federal assault weapons ban.
Gonzales said. "The president has made it clear that he stands ready to sign a reauthorization of the federal assault weapons ban if it is sent to him by Congress. I, of course, support the president on this issue."
Do you think four more years of Bush will give us more or less gun rights?
More or less homosexual agenda?
More or less illegal aliens?
More or less abortion?
Okay, so exactly what is conservative about Bush?
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/2997962
AG nominee supports assault weapons ban
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Attorney General nominee Alberto Gonzales told the Senate today that he supports extending the expired federal assault weapons ban.
Gonzales said. "The president has made it clear that he stands ready to sign a reauthorization of the federal assault weapons ban if it is sent to him by Congress. I, of course, support the president on this issue."
posted by T.G. at 1:16 PM
# 80 Bush media payoff is queer.
Back in item #52 we learned about GWB paying off a media outlet to promote his unconstitutional education program. Well it turns out that the point man, Armstrong Williams, was accused by a *male* employee of sexual harassment, and Williams paid the guy off.
No wonder Bush was so eager to help. He was probably just generously helping the pansy pundit recoup his losses, payoff for payoff.
http://www.aboms.com/
http://www.queerday.com/archives/007472.html
Armstrong Williams settled gay sexual harassment suit
It seems the conservative pundit who’s taking heat for accepting $240K from the Bush Administration in exchange for hyping the No Child Left Behind program may go on the “down low” from time to time.
In 1997, Armstrong Williams (shown) was sued by a male employee, Stephen Gregory, for sexual harassment. The suit said Armstrong “grabbed [Gregory’s] buttocks and penis, tried to kiss him, and climbed into his hotel-room bed asking for affection while they were traveling together.”
Williams vehemently denies all, but reportedly settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount of cash.
No wonder Bush was so eager to help. He was probably just generously helping the pansy pundit recoup his losses, payoff for payoff.
http://www.aboms.com/
http://www.queerday.com/archives/007472.html
Armstrong Williams settled gay sexual harassment suit
It seems the conservative pundit who’s taking heat for accepting $240K from the Bush Administration in exchange for hyping the No Child Left Behind program may go on the “down low” from time to time.
In 1997, Armstrong Williams (shown) was sued by a male employee, Stephen Gregory, for sexual harassment. The suit said Armstrong “grabbed [Gregory’s] buttocks and penis, tried to kiss him, and climbed into his hotel-room bed asking for affection while they were traveling together.”
Williams vehemently denies all, but reportedly settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount of cash.
posted by T.G. at 11:50 AM
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
# 79 Another pro-abort for GOP chair.
Ken Mehlmen is the reported sodomite who ran Bush's election campaign and was rewarded with the chairmanship of the GOP. To compliment the homosexualization of the Bush administration, Mehlmen named key Republican abortion advocate, Joann Davidson, to be his co-chair.
Did you expect (Big) Brother Bush to surround himself with conservative Christians?
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/14/politics/14conserv.html
Supporter of Abortion Rights Is Choice for Republican Job
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
January 14, 2005
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 - Ken Mehlman, chairman of the Republican National Committee, has asked an Ohio Republican who supports some abortion rights to be his co-chairman, stirring the ire of social conservatives.
Mr. Mehlman's choice is Joann Davidson, who was chairwoman of the Bush campaign in the pivotal Ohio Valley region and a former speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. In an interview on Thursday, Ms. Davidson declined to discuss her views on abortion.
"My focus is on building a stronger party," she said.
Her nomination awaits approval by the Republican National Committee.
She has been a member of the advisory board of the abortion rights group Republicans for Choice since its founding in 1990, according to a statement posted on the group's Web site congratulating her.
"We look forward to working with her to help make sure the concerns of pro-choice and moderate Republicans are heard within the Republican National Committee headquarters," the statement said.
Phil Burress, president of Citizens for Community Values, an Ohio-based conservative Christian group, said, "How in the world can you have a vice chair of the Republican Party on such an important issue as this one be on the wrong side of the party platform?"
Mr. Burress, who led the drive for a constitutional ballot measure banning same-sex marriage in Ohio, also faulted Ms. Davidson for failing to take a position on the measure.
The co-chairwoman of the party during the 2000 election, Patricia Harrison, also supported some abortion rights, but Mr. Burress argued that the 2004 election had changed the party.
"They have got to go," he said. "The pendulum is swinging the other way now. We have a seat at the table now."
Ms. Davidson, however, said she did not take a position on the state same-sex marriage initiative because of her role as chairwoman of the Bush presidential campaign in the Ohio Valley. She said gay rights issues had not come up during her tenure in the Statehouse, which she left in 2000.
Brian Jones, a Republican Party spokesman, said Mr. Mehlman had selected Ms. Davidson not because of her views of social issues but because of her critical role in the campaign.
"Joann Davidson is one of the top grass-roots activists and leaders in the entire country, and she helped with the historic effort in Ohio that was key to the president's victory," he said. "That is why she is someone who is ideal for this position."
Did you expect (Big) Brother Bush to surround himself with conservative Christians?
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/14/politics/14conserv.html
Supporter of Abortion Rights Is Choice for Republican Job
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
January 14, 2005
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 - Ken Mehlman, chairman of the Republican National Committee, has asked an Ohio Republican who supports some abortion rights to be his co-chairman, stirring the ire of social conservatives.
Mr. Mehlman's choice is Joann Davidson, who was chairwoman of the Bush campaign in the pivotal Ohio Valley region and a former speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. In an interview on Thursday, Ms. Davidson declined to discuss her views on abortion.
"My focus is on building a stronger party," she said.
Her nomination awaits approval by the Republican National Committee.
She has been a member of the advisory board of the abortion rights group Republicans for Choice since its founding in 1990, according to a statement posted on the group's Web site congratulating her.
"We look forward to working with her to help make sure the concerns of pro-choice and moderate Republicans are heard within the Republican National Committee headquarters," the statement said.
Phil Burress, president of Citizens for Community Values, an Ohio-based conservative Christian group, said, "How in the world can you have a vice chair of the Republican Party on such an important issue as this one be on the wrong side of the party platform?"
Mr. Burress, who led the drive for a constitutional ballot measure banning same-sex marriage in Ohio, also faulted Ms. Davidson for failing to take a position on the measure.
The co-chairwoman of the party during the 2000 election, Patricia Harrison, also supported some abortion rights, but Mr. Burress argued that the 2004 election had changed the party.
"They have got to go," he said. "The pendulum is swinging the other way now. We have a seat at the table now."
Ms. Davidson, however, said she did not take a position on the state same-sex marriage initiative because of her role as chairwoman of the Bush presidential campaign in the Ohio Valley. She said gay rights issues had not come up during her tenure in the Statehouse, which she left in 2000.
Brian Jones, a Republican Party spokesman, said Mr. Mehlman had selected Ms. Davidson not because of her views of social issues but because of her critical role in the campaign.
"Joann Davidson is one of the top grass-roots activists and leaders in the entire country, and she helped with the historic effort in Ohio that was key to the president's victory," he said. "That is why she is someone who is ideal for this position."
posted by T.G. at 7:02 PM
# 78 Bush praises M.L. Commie King.
The very first letter-to-the-editor I ever wrote in my life was an expose of M.L. King as a phony and a commie.
His birth name was Michael. He plagiarized his doctoral thesis. He was a sexual pervert. He was not a Christian. He was surrounded by Communists and shared their beliefs and agenda. He caused riots everywhere he went.
But Bush praised him again today as a man who made America "a different and better place".
A bunch of other liberals like Jesse Jackson and John Conyers said similar glowing things.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6834876/
His birth name was Michael. He plagiarized his doctoral thesis. He was a sexual pervert. He was not a Christian. He was surrounded by Communists and shared their beliefs and agenda. He caused riots everywhere he went.
But Bush praised him again today as a man who made America "a different and better place".
A bunch of other liberals like Jesse Jackson and John Conyers said similar glowing things.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6834876/
posted by T.G. at 6:59 PM
Monday, January 17, 2005
# 77 Bush supports over-the-counter abortions.
Can any sane Christian conservative still support this wicked man? Now he's advocating making the "morning after" abortifacient pill as available as aspirin.
More babies will be killed by this convenient pill than by all other methods combined, but some of you will still insist Bush is pro-life.
Items #76 and #77 should convince the most loyal, worshipful Bush-bot, that their hero is a FRAUD (like I told them years ago) and unworthy of the support of any Christian. But many will remain true to their beloved Sun Myung Bush, no matter what the facts are.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009271.html
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is considering whether to make morning-after birth control available without a prescription, and like most issues that involve sex and pregnancy, it has generated heated debate.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10660891.htm
The morning-after pill is a higher dose of the contraceptive hormones found in the Pill. It prevents ovulation or fertilization, and can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting into the uterus.
Because medical experts do not consider a woman to be pregnant until after an egg implants into the uterus, the morning-after pill is not considered abortion, although some conservatives object to any interference with a fertilized egg.
More babies will be killed by this convenient pill than by all other methods combined, but some of you will still insist Bush is pro-life.
Items #76 and #77 should convince the most loyal, worshipful Bush-bot, that their hero is a FRAUD (like I told them years ago) and unworthy of the support of any Christian. But many will remain true to their beloved Sun Myung Bush, no matter what the facts are.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009271.html
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is considering whether to make morning-after birth control available without a prescription, and like most issues that involve sex and pregnancy, it has generated heated debate.
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10660891.htm
The morning-after pill is a higher dose of the contraceptive hormones found in the Pill. It prevents ovulation or fertilization, and can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting into the uterus.
Because medical experts do not consider a woman to be pregnant until after an egg implants into the uterus, the morning-after pill is not considered abortion, although some conservatives object to any interference with a fertilized egg.
posted by T.G. at 9:37 PM
# 76 Sissy Bush drops queer-marriage amendment.
This one ought to count at least double.
The last place of refuge for Bush-bots was to parrot, "At least he wants to ban homosexual marriages!" NOT ANYMORE!
He got your vote, now he doesn't even have to pretend to be conservative.
He can stab you in the back and hit you below the belt. John Kerry never pulled a flip-flop of this magnitude.
To be honest, a Federal amendment was dangerous anyway, as it would give the fedgov authority over marriage, but it was Bush's effort to appear pro-family, now he doesn't even have that appearance.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009269.html
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/nation/10657618.htm
BUSH SAYS HE WILL NOT PUSH GAY MARRIAGE AMENDMENT
By Jim VandeHei And Michael A. Fletcher
THE WASHINGTON POST
WASHINGTON - President Bush said the public's decision to re-elect him was a ratification of his approach ...
"We had an accountability moment, and that's called the 2004 elections," Bush said in an interview with The Washington Post.
For the first time, Bush said he will not press senators to pass a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, the top priority for many social conservative groups.
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/01/011605bush.htm
Bush Drops Gay Marriage Amendment
by Paul Johnson
365Gay.com
Washington Bureau Chief (Washington) President Bush said Sunday that he will not press the Senate to pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Washington Post Bush said that he remains opposed to gay marriage but believes there aren't the votes in the Senate to ensure the amendment would be adopted.
The change in position comes just days after Democrats called on the President to abandon his push for an amendment. By dropping his push for a constitutional amendment Bush will likely incur the wrath of social conservatives within the GOP, but avoid a confrontation with Democrats when he needs their support in the Senate to confirm dozens of appointments.
TG: See that? He's abandoning the moral conservatives who voted him into office and instead appeasing the liberal Democrats. Isn't that what John Kerry would be doing? Who won this election?
The last place of refuge for Bush-bots was to parrot, "At least he wants to ban homosexual marriages!" NOT ANYMORE!
He got your vote, now he doesn't even have to pretend to be conservative.
He can stab you in the back and hit you below the belt. John Kerry never pulled a flip-flop of this magnitude.
To be honest, a Federal amendment was dangerous anyway, as it would give the fedgov authority over marriage, but it was Bush's effort to appear pro-family, now he doesn't even have that appearance.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/009269.html
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/nation/10657618.htm
BUSH SAYS HE WILL NOT PUSH GAY MARRIAGE AMENDMENT
By Jim VandeHei And Michael A. Fletcher
THE WASHINGTON POST
WASHINGTON - President Bush said the public's decision to re-elect him was a ratification of his approach ...
"We had an accountability moment, and that's called the 2004 elections," Bush said in an interview with The Washington Post.
For the first time, Bush said he will not press senators to pass a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, the top priority for many social conservative groups.
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/01/011605bush.htm
Bush Drops Gay Marriage Amendment
by Paul Johnson
365Gay.com
Washington Bureau Chief (Washington) President Bush said Sunday that he will not press the Senate to pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Washington Post Bush said that he remains opposed to gay marriage but believes there aren't the votes in the Senate to ensure the amendment would be adopted.
The change in position comes just days after Democrats called on the President to abandon his push for an amendment. By dropping his push for a constitutional amendment Bush will likely incur the wrath of social conservatives within the GOP, but avoid a confrontation with Democrats when he needs their support in the Senate to confirm dozens of appointments.
TG: See that? He's abandoning the moral conservatives who voted him into office and instead appeasing the liberal Democrats. Isn't that what John Kerry would be doing? Who won this election?
posted by T.G. at 9:30 PM
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Bush Scorecard 51 - 75 as of 1-16-05
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election.
Here are 75 items in 75 days.
I'm having a hard time just recording them. I only have time to check a handful of sources. No doubt I've missed several others.
Still Bush has managed one a DAY.
It's inconceivable that John Kerry could've gotten away with this.
It's too bad you email folks can't see the graphics I have on the hard copies.
1 - 25 are on this page (click here)
26 - 50 are on this page (click here)
****************************************************
51. From Ozzie to Elton to Kid Rock.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42269http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42260
At least they backed off on this (for now), just the fact that they would consider this vile, obscene, wailer who makes Eminem sound clean-cut, is bad enough in itself. But it fits the Bush modus operandi.
He has already honored Black Sabbath's occult rocker Ozzy Osbourne and sodomite singer Elton John.
Even if they nix Kid Rock, no doubt they will have other raunchy rockers in his stead.
52. Bush administration pays off media.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/
2005-01-06-williams-whitehouse_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Imagine the uproar it would've caused if Bill Clinton had paid off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs.
It's no less wrong for Bush to pay off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs.
It really isn't - just because he's a Republican doesn't justify his criminal activities (That last line is for the Bush-bots who think anything Sun Myung Bush does is right just because it's him doing it).
53. Bush urges Congress to subvert American industry.
http://www.stoptheftaa.org/artman/publish/article_154.shtml
The unconstitutional WTO tries to shackle American industry (cotton and steel this time).
Foreign countries subsidize products so they can be sold on market below COST to eliminate U.S. competition.
Congress tries to protect American interests. Of course WTO rules that's illegal and fines America. Bush urges Congress to comply with the New World Order directive.
54. Bush slips TIA into intelligence reform bill.
"Intelligence Reform Charade",
The New American,
January 10, 2005
The Orwellian Total Information Awareness program was nixed in 2003 by Congress after a huge outcry from freedom-loving Americans.
Now Bush has installed the same increased wiretapping, surveillance, search, arrest, detention, and prosecution powers into the recently passed Intelligence Reform bill (mentioned in #23).
55. Bosom buddies with Bill.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6803476/site/newsweek/
Remember, Bush already made point #4 of the Scorecard for his part in dedicating the Clinton library (no doubt a branch of the Lion's Den porn chain).
Now he invited his best-bud, and New World Order comrade, to come to the White House.
They are playing so nice together!
56. GWB invites Abbas to White House.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html
We've already seen that Abbas is every bit as radical as the late Yasser Arafat (http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42304), but Bush will pretend he's 'more moderate' (a more moderate terrorist?).
Abbas' consorting with the RCC is also quite 'interesting'. Remember, Arafat's wife, Suha, was Catholic.
What strange bedfellows Islam and the RCC appear to be.
57. Bush commits future taxes to tsunami victims.
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20050110/2005-01-10T173302Z_
01_N10190791_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-QUAKE-BUSH-DC.html
There's nothing wrong with charity, but there is something wrong with using someone else's money (stolen from them).
There is something wrong with committing someone else's future money.
There is something wrong with promising a future increase with other people's money.
Bush is welcome to send all he wants to Asia - if it's his money.
He doesn't let me send his money to Asian missionaries I support.
58. Conservative groups criticizing Bush.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050109-115953-7289r.htm
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/110528391012551.xml
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42360wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42360
How can this be? George W. Bush is supposed to be a conservative!
Well it's good to see a few others are wising up. They must've read the Bush Scorecard and come to grips with the reality that Bush is not a conservative at all.
59. Bush to stiff D.C. with inauguration bill.
He's sending *my* money abroad at his whim, but he's going to stiff D.C. for his inauguration bill?
Why does he need extra security? Isn't his Homeland Security program working?
Why does he need such a fancy, expensive coronation inauguration - he's already the president?
Why not cut expenses on the inauguration and use the leftover funds for the tsunami victims?
Arrogance does not begin to describe it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63896-2005Jan10.html
Move over 'Babes', Bush hits 60!
60. Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball.
Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful.
What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
The gowns are reminiscent of the splash made by "J-Lo" a few years ago with her low-cut gown.
Perhaps we could call Jenna "J-Ho", and I guess Barbara is "B-Lo".
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1318188/posts
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?
csp=34
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election, which was just over two months ago!
61. Bush tabs Clinton keeper for Homeland Security.
When Bernard Kerik withdrew as the choice for Homeland Czar over scandals, from another "Nannygate" to sexual impropriety, I was reminded of Janet Reno, who stepped into her office "under the radar" because of a similar situation.
I'm convinced that Reno was Clinton's original 'man' for the job, but she would've been harder to get confirmed if other candidates hadn't pulled out.
I told people to watch out, the replacement will be the guy Bush really wants, but he would have some baggage that would've hindered him, but now he'll be approved easily.
How's this for "baggage" on Mr. Chertoff?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6813011/msnbc.msn.com/id/6813011/ …
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6812230/msnbc.msn.com/id/6812230/
... even Democrats applauded. …
“Chertoff has the resume to be an excellent H.S. Sec.,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
TG: The most liberal of Democrats love Chertoff. How can that be if he is a genuine conservative?
TG: So he's already taken a central role in assailing the freedoms of Americans without doing anything to thwart terrorists? Well, he fits right in with the Bush administration.
TG: The Clintons skated and Foster's death was never solved. Chertoff must be quite adept at sweeping things under the rug. No wonder he had problems with his nanny. He’ll perform admirably as the Homeland Czar. The KGB and Gestapo will be so envious.
62. Bush claims faith is not under attack.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050111-101004-3771r.htm
Presidents must get the best mind-altering drugs on the black market! Someone tell this idiot about Judge Roy Moore, General Boykins, Indianapolis Baptist Temple, and the Philly Five (among many other examples)!
63. Trade deficit grows.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/trade/2005-01-12-trade-deficit-nov_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Bush's policies catering to Commie China are primarily responsible for this surprising 7.7% worsening just when experts thought it would start to improve. Just wait until NAFTA becomes CAFTA and FTAA.
The worst is yet to come.
64. Assailing American rights rather than preventing terrorism.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington
/articles/2005/01/13/us_passports_should_have_fingerprints_ridge_says/
Once again the Bush administration is treating American citizens like they are the perpetrators of terrorism, rather than the victims, and are diluting our freedoms under the guise of preventing terror.
65. Bush says unconstitutional fraud war "absolutely" worth it.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/2020/Inauguration/story?id=406639&page=1
Worth what? Thousands of Americans dying to reinstall many of Saddam's thugs back into power? Violating our Constitution was worth it?
66. Bush push for more federal control of education.
http://www.gopusa.com/news/2005/january/0113_bush_education.shtml
Never mind that his "No Child Left Behind" act is totally unconstitutional. Never mind that it allows the fedgov to usurp state and local gov't and schools. Never mind that it's a threat to home schools, Christian schools, and private schools. Never mind it replaces the "Three Rs" with evolution, queer-tolerance, and multi-culturalism.
67. Pilots not considered "in combat".
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050111-101005-5277r.htm
Somewhere a comedian is struggling to make ends meet who would be better as President, because our President could sure make it as a comedian.
In order to meet the requirement that women are still not officially allowed into combat, Bush has redefined combat to exclude pilots.
That is a kick in the manhood of every war pilot in history.
Perhaps Bush doesn't believe pilots are actually combatants because he's judging by HIS OWN experience as a military pilot.
68. Women warriors.
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/getpreg.html
Bush policies have encouraged women to get pregnant to avoid being sent to Iraq - but the military is catching on and sending them anyway, right after the child is born.
69. Wounded women warriors.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041220/OPINION02/412200308
32 women have been killed in combat so far and 230 injured.
How can this be when women are not legally allowed into combat?
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/owens2.html
Oh, they are being snuck in by calling them "brigade-support battalions" instead of "maneuver battalions", with plans to expand the illegal entries.
During the holidays it looked like GWB was going to have a hard time hitting #60 and passing "the Babe" by the inauguration, but he must've just taken some time off for X-mas, because he has since exploded past McGwire at 70 and is soon to pass Bonds' 73 mark.
To show such a dramatic upswing opens up speculation that he must be on "the juice".
70. Bush's faith-based initiative exposed.
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050115/ap_on_re_us/faith_based_lawsuitstory.news.
An Arizona church was disqualified for faith-based funds because they were "injecting religion" into the program, including encouraging people to witness their faith, read the scriptures, and attend church services.
Excuse me, but isn't that what a church is SUPPOSED to do?
Federal funding always comes with federal control, and this program is simply an attempt to secularize and neuter churches, bring them under control of the government, and keep them from serving God.
A Christian with the spiritual discernment of Mr. Potato Head could see the devil in that with his eyes closed.
71. Iraq becoming "terror haven".
http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4173981.stm
Wasn't Bush's attack on Iraq supposed to be to *prevent* terrorism?
Nope, kind of like how jails often make better criminals, this war is making better terrorists.
72. More unconstitutional spending.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-wh/2005/jan/14/011402378.html
Of course it's always for a "good" cause, like the children, the elderly, disaster victims - this time it's for college students as Bush is advocating increasing Pell tuition grants.
The fact that Pell was a flaming liberal should raise alarm, but Bush-bots just stare at their hero like deer caught in headlights.
If the gov't would keep their hands out of our pockets, we could afford to take care of these needs.
73. Bush tries to justify violating our Constitution.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12450-2005Jan15.html
Because he was reelected by a whopping 3% margin, GWB claims that justifies his unconstitutional war on Iraq.
The fact is, it doesn't matter if he was reelected by a unanimous vote, wrong is still wrong.
FDR was reelected to four terms. That didn't make his socialist agenda right.
74. Bush administration advocates torture again.
http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4175713.stm
New Att'y Gen. Gonzales has been an advocate of torture, although he had to bite his own tongue during his confirmation hearing.
Now departing Homeland Czar Tom Ridge is advocating torture as his parting gift.
It might be debatable if it was applied only to enemy combatants, but we've already seen (#45) that non-terrorist American citizens have been charged under the Patriot act, which means torture could potentially be applied to "homophobes", abortion protestors, fundamentalists, home schoolers, creationists, and YOU.
75. Bush best buddy admits W not conservative.
Newsmax.com
Insider Report:
After 75 examples from me in 75 days on http:/bushscorecard.blogspot.com now his own best friend confirms it with point #75.
Bush is NOT a conservative, even on the homosexual agenda.
Who would ever think Bush wouldn't be as conservative as his image? Why I'm so surprised you could knock me over with a feather!
Asked about President Bush's views on gay marriage, Betts declined to comment. He did add, "I don't think he's as conservative a person as the media generally characterizes him as."
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years.
If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them.
I’d rather LOSE doing RIGHT than WIN(?) doing WRONG.
I’d rather be UNSUCCESSFUL in supporting what’s RIGHT than SUCCESSFUL in supporting WRONG.
We’ll be looking at more that 50 ungodly and liberal items just between the election and inauguration (less than three months).
There is no way Kerry, as repugnant as he is, could have kept up this pace. The Republicans would’ve OPPOSED him on most of these items.
What do we have to look forward to for the next four YEARS?
Here are 75 items in 75 days.
I'm having a hard time just recording them. I only have time to check a handful of sources. No doubt I've missed several others.
Still Bush has managed one a DAY.
It's inconceivable that John Kerry could've gotten away with this.
It's too bad you email folks can't see the graphics I have on the hard copies.
1 - 25 are on this page (click here)
26 - 50 are on this page (click here)
****************************************************
51. From Ozzie to Elton to Kid Rock.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42269http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42260
At least they backed off on this (for now), just the fact that they would consider this vile, obscene, wailer who makes Eminem sound clean-cut, is bad enough in itself. But it fits the Bush modus operandi.
He has already honored Black Sabbath's occult rocker Ozzy Osbourne and sodomite singer Elton John.
Even if they nix Kid Rock, no doubt they will have other raunchy rockers in his stead.
52. Bush administration pays off media.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/
2005-01-06-williams-whitehouse_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Imagine the uproar it would've caused if Bill Clinton had paid off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs.
It's no less wrong for Bush to pay off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs.
It really isn't - just because he's a Republican doesn't justify his criminal activities (That last line is for the Bush-bots who think anything Sun Myung Bush does is right just because it's him doing it).
53. Bush urges Congress to subvert American industry.
http://www.stoptheftaa.org/artman/publish/article_154.shtml
The unconstitutional WTO tries to shackle American industry (cotton and steel this time).
Foreign countries subsidize products so they can be sold on market below COST to eliminate U.S. competition.
Congress tries to protect American interests. Of course WTO rules that's illegal and fines America. Bush urges Congress to comply with the New World Order directive.
54. Bush slips TIA into intelligence reform bill.
"Intelligence Reform Charade",
The New American,
January 10, 2005
The Orwellian Total Information Awareness program was nixed in 2003 by Congress after a huge outcry from freedom-loving Americans.
Now Bush has installed the same increased wiretapping, surveillance, search, arrest, detention, and prosecution powers into the recently passed Intelligence Reform bill (mentioned in #23).
55. Bosom buddies with Bill.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6803476/site/newsweek/
Remember, Bush already made point #4 of the Scorecard for his part in dedicating the Clinton library (no doubt a branch of the Lion's Den porn chain).
Now he invited his best-bud, and New World Order comrade, to come to the White House.
They are playing so nice together!
56. GWB invites Abbas to White House.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html
We've already seen that Abbas is every bit as radical as the late Yasser Arafat (http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42304), but Bush will pretend he's 'more moderate' (a more moderate terrorist?).
Abbas' consorting with the RCC is also quite 'interesting'. Remember, Arafat's wife, Suha, was Catholic.
What strange bedfellows Islam and the RCC appear to be.
57. Bush commits future taxes to tsunami victims.
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20050110/2005-01-10T173302Z_
01_N10190791_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-QUAKE-BUSH-DC.html
There's nothing wrong with charity, but there is something wrong with using someone else's money (stolen from them).
There is something wrong with committing someone else's future money.
There is something wrong with promising a future increase with other people's money.
Bush is welcome to send all he wants to Asia - if it's his money.
He doesn't let me send his money to Asian missionaries I support.
58. Conservative groups criticizing Bush.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050109-115953-7289r.htm
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/110528391012551.xml
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42360wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42360
How can this be? George W. Bush is supposed to be a conservative!
Well it's good to see a few others are wising up. They must've read the Bush Scorecard and come to grips with the reality that Bush is not a conservative at all.
59. Bush to stiff D.C. with inauguration bill.
He's sending *my* money abroad at his whim, but he's going to stiff D.C. for his inauguration bill?
Why does he need extra security? Isn't his Homeland Security program working?
Why does he need such a fancy, expensive coronation inauguration - he's already the president?
Why not cut expenses on the inauguration and use the leftover funds for the tsunami victims?
Arrogance does not begin to describe it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63896-2005Jan10.html
Move over 'Babes', Bush hits 60!
60. Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball.
Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful.
What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
The gowns are reminiscent of the splash made by "J-Lo" a few years ago with her low-cut gown.
Perhaps we could call Jenna "J-Ho", and I guess Barbara is "B-Lo".
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1318188/posts
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?
csp=34
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election, which was just over two months ago!
61. Bush tabs Clinton keeper for Homeland Security.
When Bernard Kerik withdrew as the choice for Homeland Czar over scandals, from another "Nannygate" to sexual impropriety, I was reminded of Janet Reno, who stepped into her office "under the radar" because of a similar situation.
I'm convinced that Reno was Clinton's original 'man' for the job, but she would've been harder to get confirmed if other candidates hadn't pulled out.
I told people to watch out, the replacement will be the guy Bush really wants, but he would have some baggage that would've hindered him, but now he'll be approved easily.
How's this for "baggage" on Mr. Chertoff?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6813011/msnbc.msn.com/id/6813011/ …
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6812230/msnbc.msn.com/id/6812230/
... even Democrats applauded. …
“Chertoff has the resume to be an excellent H.S. Sec.,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
TG: The most liberal of Democrats love Chertoff. How can that be if he is a genuine conservative?
TG: So he's already taken a central role in assailing the freedoms of Americans without doing anything to thwart terrorists? Well, he fits right in with the Bush administration.
TG: The Clintons skated and Foster's death was never solved. Chertoff must be quite adept at sweeping things under the rug. No wonder he had problems with his nanny. He’ll perform admirably as the Homeland Czar. The KGB and Gestapo will be so envious.
62. Bush claims faith is not under attack.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050111-101004-3771r.htm
Presidents must get the best mind-altering drugs on the black market! Someone tell this idiot about Judge Roy Moore, General Boykins, Indianapolis Baptist Temple, and the Philly Five (among many other examples)!
63. Trade deficit grows.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/trade/2005-01-12-trade-deficit-nov_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Bush's policies catering to Commie China are primarily responsible for this surprising 7.7% worsening just when experts thought it would start to improve. Just wait until NAFTA becomes CAFTA and FTAA.
The worst is yet to come.
64. Assailing American rights rather than preventing terrorism.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington
/articles/2005/01/13/us_passports_should_have_fingerprints_ridge_says/
Once again the Bush administration is treating American citizens like they are the perpetrators of terrorism, rather than the victims, and are diluting our freedoms under the guise of preventing terror.
65. Bush says unconstitutional fraud war "absolutely" worth it.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/2020/Inauguration/story?id=406639&page=1
Worth what? Thousands of Americans dying to reinstall many of Saddam's thugs back into power? Violating our Constitution was worth it?
66. Bush push for more federal control of education.
http://www.gopusa.com/news/2005/january/0113_bush_education.shtml
Never mind that his "No Child Left Behind" act is totally unconstitutional. Never mind that it allows the fedgov to usurp state and local gov't and schools. Never mind that it's a threat to home schools, Christian schools, and private schools. Never mind it replaces the "Three Rs" with evolution, queer-tolerance, and multi-culturalism.
67. Pilots not considered "in combat".
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050111-101005-5277r.htm
Somewhere a comedian is struggling to make ends meet who would be better as President, because our President could sure make it as a comedian.
In order to meet the requirement that women are still not officially allowed into combat, Bush has redefined combat to exclude pilots.
That is a kick in the manhood of every war pilot in history.
Perhaps Bush doesn't believe pilots are actually combatants because he's judging by HIS OWN experience as a military pilot.
68. Women warriors.
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/getpreg.html
Bush policies have encouraged women to get pregnant to avoid being sent to Iraq - but the military is catching on and sending them anyway, right after the child is born.
69. Wounded women warriors.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041220/OPINION02/412200308
32 women have been killed in combat so far and 230 injured.
How can this be when women are not legally allowed into combat?
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/owens2.html
Oh, they are being snuck in by calling them "brigade-support battalions" instead of "maneuver battalions", with plans to expand the illegal entries.
During the holidays it looked like GWB was going to have a hard time hitting #60 and passing "the Babe" by the inauguration, but he must've just taken some time off for X-mas, because he has since exploded past McGwire at 70 and is soon to pass Bonds' 73 mark.
To show such a dramatic upswing opens up speculation that he must be on "the juice".
70. Bush's faith-based initiative exposed.
http://www.story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050115/ap_on_re_us/faith_based_lawsuitstory.news.
An Arizona church was disqualified for faith-based funds because they were "injecting religion" into the program, including encouraging people to witness their faith, read the scriptures, and attend church services.
Excuse me, but isn't that what a church is SUPPOSED to do?
Federal funding always comes with federal control, and this program is simply an attempt to secularize and neuter churches, bring them under control of the government, and keep them from serving God.
A Christian with the spiritual discernment of Mr. Potato Head could see the devil in that with his eyes closed.
71. Iraq becoming "terror haven".
http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4173981.stm
Wasn't Bush's attack on Iraq supposed to be to *prevent* terrorism?
Nope, kind of like how jails often make better criminals, this war is making better terrorists.
72. More unconstitutional spending.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-wh/2005/jan/14/011402378.html
Of course it's always for a "good" cause, like the children, the elderly, disaster victims - this time it's for college students as Bush is advocating increasing Pell tuition grants.
The fact that Pell was a flaming liberal should raise alarm, but Bush-bots just stare at their hero like deer caught in headlights.
If the gov't would keep their hands out of our pockets, we could afford to take care of these needs.
73. Bush tries to justify violating our Constitution.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12450-2005Jan15.html
Because he was reelected by a whopping 3% margin, GWB claims that justifies his unconstitutional war on Iraq.
The fact is, it doesn't matter if he was reelected by a unanimous vote, wrong is still wrong.
FDR was reelected to four terms. That didn't make his socialist agenda right.
74. Bush administration advocates torture again.
http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4175713.stm
New Att'y Gen. Gonzales has been an advocate of torture, although he had to bite his own tongue during his confirmation hearing.
Now departing Homeland Czar Tom Ridge is advocating torture as his parting gift.
It might be debatable if it was applied only to enemy combatants, but we've already seen (#45) that non-terrorist American citizens have been charged under the Patriot act, which means torture could potentially be applied to "homophobes", abortion protestors, fundamentalists, home schoolers, creationists, and YOU.
75. Bush best buddy admits W not conservative.
Newsmax.com
Insider Report:
After 75 examples from me in 75 days on http:/bushscorecard.blogspot.com now his own best friend confirms it with point #75.
Bush is NOT a conservative, even on the homosexual agenda.
Who would ever think Bush wouldn't be as conservative as his image? Why I'm so surprised you could knock me over with a feather!
Asked about President Bush's views on gay marriage, Betts declined to comment. He did add, "I don't think he's as conservative a person as the media generally characterizes him as."
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years.
If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them.
I’d rather LOSE doing RIGHT than WIN(?) doing WRONG.
I’d rather be UNSUCCESSFUL in supporting what’s RIGHT than SUCCESSFUL in supporting WRONG.
We’ll be looking at more that 50 ungodly and liberal items just between the election and inauguration (less than three months).
There is no way Kerry, as repugnant as he is, could have kept up this pace. The Republicans would’ve OPPOSED him on most of these items.
What do we have to look forward to for the next four YEARS?
posted by T.G. at 7:17 PM
# 75 Bush best buddy admits W not conservative.
After 75 examples from me in 75 days on http://bushscorecard.blogspot.com/,
now his own best friend confirms it with point #75.
Bush is NOT a conservative, even on the homosexual agenda.
Who would ever think Bush wouldn't be as conservative as his image? Why I'm so surprised you could knock me over with a feather!
Newsmax.com
Insider Report:4.
President's Best Friend: Bush Not So Conservative
Few people know George Bush better that Roland Betts.
A New Yorker, Betts first met Bush at Yale -- and the two have been lifelong friends.
In a profile that appeared this week in the New York Times, Betts was described as playing the close, informal advisor role that Vernon Jordan played for Bill Clinton.
The Times described Betts' background as "a founder of the Chelsea Piers sports and entertainment complex in Manhattan, a force behind the rebuilding of ground zero, a former public school teacher in Harlem and the financier of films like 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Gandhi' - is one of the president's closest and most unusual confidants.
"Betts prides himself on the fact as a New York Democrat he has the President's ear who consults him on matters involving "cabinet appointments, the war in Iraq, Social Security, tax cuts, politics, architecture, sports and family."
Betts is credited with bringing the Republican Convention to New York this past summer.
"Which would you prefer: my being close to him, or some right-wing zealot being close to him?" Mr. Betts asked the Times reporter. "Who do you want to have his ear? So it's not a bad thing. Maybe I give him a little balance."
Betts offered some interesting revelations on the President:
· "The president said to me when he was elected something to the effect that, 'Laura and I are smart enough to know that when you're president of the United States, you don't make new friends,' meaning anybody who purports to be a new friend wants something," Betts explained.
· Asked about President Bush's views on gay marriage, Betts declined to comment. He did add, "I don't think he's as conservative a person as the media generally characterizes him as."
· "At the same time, Mr. Betts describes a president more concerned than he lets on about the perception among some critics that Vice President Dick Cheney is running the country.
When Mr. Bush spoke to the commission investigating the attacks of Sept. 11, Mr. Betts said that the president took along Mr. Cheney not to present a consistent story but to show the panel that Mr. Bush was in charge.
'What he told me was that he wanted people to see how deeply he understood all this,' Mr. Betts said, 'and how he was calling all the shots.'"
now his own best friend confirms it with point #75.
Bush is NOT a conservative, even on the homosexual agenda.
Who would ever think Bush wouldn't be as conservative as his image? Why I'm so surprised you could knock me over with a feather!
Newsmax.com
Insider Report:4.
President's Best Friend: Bush Not So Conservative
Few people know George Bush better that Roland Betts.
A New Yorker, Betts first met Bush at Yale -- and the two have been lifelong friends.
In a profile that appeared this week in the New York Times, Betts was described as playing the close, informal advisor role that Vernon Jordan played for Bill Clinton.
The Times described Betts' background as "a founder of the Chelsea Piers sports and entertainment complex in Manhattan, a force behind the rebuilding of ground zero, a former public school teacher in Harlem and the financier of films like 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Gandhi' - is one of the president's closest and most unusual confidants.
"Betts prides himself on the fact as a New York Democrat he has the President's ear who consults him on matters involving "cabinet appointments, the war in Iraq, Social Security, tax cuts, politics, architecture, sports and family."
Betts is credited with bringing the Republican Convention to New York this past summer.
"Which would you prefer: my being close to him, or some right-wing zealot being close to him?" Mr. Betts asked the Times reporter. "Who do you want to have his ear? So it's not a bad thing. Maybe I give him a little balance."
Betts offered some interesting revelations on the President:
· "The president said to me when he was elected something to the effect that, 'Laura and I are smart enough to know that when you're president of the United States, you don't make new friends,' meaning anybody who purports to be a new friend wants something," Betts explained.
· Asked about President Bush's views on gay marriage, Betts declined to comment. He did add, "I don't think he's as conservative a person as the media generally characterizes him as."
· "At the same time, Mr. Betts describes a president more concerned than he lets on about the perception among some critics that Vice President Dick Cheney is running the country.
When Mr. Bush spoke to the commission investigating the attacks of Sept. 11, Mr. Betts said that the president took along Mr. Cheney not to present a consistent story but to show the panel that Mr. Bush was in charge.
'What he told me was that he wanted people to see how deeply he understood all this,' Mr. Betts said, 'and how he was calling all the shots.'"
posted by T.G. at 7:07 PM
# 74 Bush administration advocates torture again.
New Att'y Gen. Gonzales has been an advocate of torture, although he had to bite his own tongue during his confirmation hearing.
Now departing Homeland Czar Tom Ridge is advocating torture as his parting gift. It might be debatable if it was applied only to enemy combatants, but we've already seen (#45) that non-terrorist American citizens have been charged under the Patriot act, which means torture could potentially be applied to "homophobes", abortion protestors, fundamentalists, home schoolers, creationists, and YOU.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4175713.stm
US 'should not rule out torture'
The outgoing head of the US Department of Homeland Security has said torture may be used in certain cases in order to prevent a major loss of life.
Speaking to the BBC, Tom Ridge said the US did not condone the use of torture to extract information from terrorists. But he said that under an "extreme set" of hypothetical circumstances, such as a nuclear threat, "it could happen".
A spokesman for Mr Ridge said his comments were taken out of context and did not amount to approval of torture.`
Mr Ridge's remarks come a day after the US was accused of eroding human rights by campaigners.
Prisoners shackled
A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the US over the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal in Iraq and the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Shocking pictures last year alerted the world to abuses at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison, and there have been numerous allegations of abuse and torture by former Guantanamo Bay inmates.
One FBI agent described in a memo seeing prisoners at Guantanamo shackled, hand and foot, in a foetal position for up to 24 hours at a time, and left to defecate on themselves.
The US defence department has announced a new investigation into the allegations. It has condemned the abuses in Iraq and says it is prosecuting those responsible.
Mr Ridge told BBC News 24's HARDtalk: "By and large, as a matter of policy we need to state over and over again: we do not condone the use of torture to extract information from terrorists." But he said it was "human nature" that torture might be employed in certain exceptional cases when time was very limited.
In the event of something like a nuclear bomb threat "you would try to exhaust every means you could to extract the information to save hundreds and thousands of people", he said.
'When not if'
But he admitted there was "a real question" whether using torture on terrorists would actually gain the information required "given the nature of the enemy". He said the US did not have the luxury of knowing where and when a terrorist attack might happen.
"I don't think it is 'if'. I think it's a matter of 'when'. We operate that way," he said. "On a day-to-day basis, not just the United States but many allies around the world, do whatever we can to share information about terrorists, share information about the kind of attacks."
Thursday's HRW report called for the Bush administration to set up a fully independent commission to investigate allegations of torture during interrogations at Abu Ghraib. It said abuses committed by the US had significantly weakened the world's ability to protect human rights because it had undermined international laws.
Mr Ridge argued the HRW report reflected a "foreign perception" that the US was using different methods to those employed before the 11 September 2001 attacks.
Now departing Homeland Czar Tom Ridge is advocating torture as his parting gift. It might be debatable if it was applied only to enemy combatants, but we've already seen (#45) that non-terrorist American citizens have been charged under the Patriot act, which means torture could potentially be applied to "homophobes", abortion protestors, fundamentalists, home schoolers, creationists, and YOU.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4175713.stm
US 'should not rule out torture'
The outgoing head of the US Department of Homeland Security has said torture may be used in certain cases in order to prevent a major loss of life.
Speaking to the BBC, Tom Ridge said the US did not condone the use of torture to extract information from terrorists. But he said that under an "extreme set" of hypothetical circumstances, such as a nuclear threat, "it could happen".
A spokesman for Mr Ridge said his comments were taken out of context and did not amount to approval of torture.`
Mr Ridge's remarks come a day after the US was accused of eroding human rights by campaigners.
Prisoners shackled
A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the US over the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal in Iraq and the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Shocking pictures last year alerted the world to abuses at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison, and there have been numerous allegations of abuse and torture by former Guantanamo Bay inmates.
One FBI agent described in a memo seeing prisoners at Guantanamo shackled, hand and foot, in a foetal position for up to 24 hours at a time, and left to defecate on themselves.
The US defence department has announced a new investigation into the allegations. It has condemned the abuses in Iraq and says it is prosecuting those responsible.
Mr Ridge told BBC News 24's HARDtalk: "By and large, as a matter of policy we need to state over and over again: we do not condone the use of torture to extract information from terrorists." But he said it was "human nature" that torture might be employed in certain exceptional cases when time was very limited.
In the event of something like a nuclear bomb threat "you would try to exhaust every means you could to extract the information to save hundreds and thousands of people", he said.
'When not if'
But he admitted there was "a real question" whether using torture on terrorists would actually gain the information required "given the nature of the enemy". He said the US did not have the luxury of knowing where and when a terrorist attack might happen.
"I don't think it is 'if'. I think it's a matter of 'when'. We operate that way," he said. "On a day-to-day basis, not just the United States but many allies around the world, do whatever we can to share information about terrorists, share information about the kind of attacks."
Thursday's HRW report called for the Bush administration to set up a fully independent commission to investigate allegations of torture during interrogations at Abu Ghraib. It said abuses committed by the US had significantly weakened the world's ability to protect human rights because it had undermined international laws.
Mr Ridge argued the HRW report reflected a "foreign perception" that the US was using different methods to those employed before the 11 September 2001 attacks.
posted by T.G. at 7:00 PM
# 73 Bush tries to justify violating our Constitution.
Because he was reelected by a whopping 3% margin, GWB claims that justifies his unconstitutional war on Iraq.
The fact is, it doesn't matter if he was reelected by a unanimous vote, wrong is still wrong. FDR was reelected to four terms. That didn't make his socialist agenda right.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12450-2005Jan15.html
Bush Says Election Ratified Iraq Policy
No U.S. Troop Withdrawal Date Is Set
By Jim VandeHei and Michael A. Fletcher
Washington Post Staff Writers
January 16, 2005
President Bush said the public's decision to reelect him was a ratification of his approach toward Iraq and that there was no reason to hold any administration officials accountable for mistakes or misjudgments in prewar planning or managing the violent aftermath.
"We had an accountability moment, and that's called the 2004 elections," Bush said in an interview with The Washington Post.
"The American people listened to different assessments made about what was taking place in Iraq, and they looked at the two candidates, and chose me."
The fact is, it doesn't matter if he was reelected by a unanimous vote, wrong is still wrong. FDR was reelected to four terms. That didn't make his socialist agenda right.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12450-2005Jan15.html
Bush Says Election Ratified Iraq Policy
No U.S. Troop Withdrawal Date Is Set
By Jim VandeHei and Michael A. Fletcher
Washington Post Staff Writers
January 16, 2005
President Bush said the public's decision to reelect him was a ratification of his approach toward Iraq and that there was no reason to hold any administration officials accountable for mistakes or misjudgments in prewar planning or managing the violent aftermath.
"We had an accountability moment, and that's called the 2004 elections," Bush said in an interview with The Washington Post.
"The American people listened to different assessments made about what was taking place in Iraq, and they looked at the two candidates, and chose me."
posted by T.G. at 6:57 PM
Saturday, January 15, 2005
# 72 More unconstitutional spending.
Of course it's always for a "good" cause, like the children, the elderly, disaster victims - this time it's for college students as Bush is advocating increasing Pell tuition grants.
The fact that Pell was a flaming liberal should raise alarm, but Bush-bots just stare at their hero like deer caught in headlights.
If the gov't would keep their hands out of our pockets, we could afford to take care of these needs.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-wh/2005/jan/14/011402378.html
Bush May Raise Pell Grant Award
By DEB RIECHMANN
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON (AP) - To ease tuition sticker-shock, President Bush wants to raise the maximum Pell Grant award by $500 over the next five years and fix a persistent shortfall in the nation's chief college aid program.
That would put the maximum grant at $4,550 by 2010, up 12 percent from the $4,050 offered today.
The fact that Pell was a flaming liberal should raise alarm, but Bush-bots just stare at their hero like deer caught in headlights.
If the gov't would keep their hands out of our pockets, we could afford to take care of these needs.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-wh/2005/jan/14/011402378.html
Bush May Raise Pell Grant Award
By DEB RIECHMANN
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON (AP) - To ease tuition sticker-shock, President Bush wants to raise the maximum Pell Grant award by $500 over the next five years and fix a persistent shortfall in the nation's chief college aid program.
That would put the maximum grant at $4,550 by 2010, up 12 percent from the $4,050 offered today.
posted by T.G. at 4:26 PM
# 71 Iraq becoming "terror haven".
Wasn't Bush's attack on Iraq supposed to be to *prevent* terrorism?
Nope, kind of like how jails often make better criminals, this war is making better terrorists.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4173981.stm
Iraq 'could become terror haven'
Iraq could become a breeding ground for terrorists, with survivors taking their experience to use around the world, a new US intelligence report warns.
Veterans of jihad in Iraq could eventually replace the al-Qaeda hierarchy, the CIA's National Intelligence Council says.
The report, Mapping the Global Future, warns of "a new class of terrorists". It envisages how various scenarios for world security might develop over the next 15 years.
One strand examines how robust economic growth might see Asian nations become more powerful - another how the US would remain the solitary superpower dealing with various lower-level threats.
But others portend a greater threat from terrorism, and an Orwellian response to crime.
The report says: "Iraq and other possible conflicts in the future could provide recruitment, training grounds, technical skills and language proficiency for a new class of terrorists who are 'professionalised' and for whom political violence becomes an end in itself."
US President George W Bush has described the war in Iraq as part of the "war on terror". But the report suggests that terrorists could thrive in Iraq, and go on to "supersede" those who earned their stripes in training camps in Afghanistan.
"The al-Qaeda membership that was distinguished by having trained in Afghanistan will gradually dissipate, to be replaced in part by the dispersion of the experienced survivors of the conflict in Iraq," it says.
Inequality to grow
The report's writers consulted more than 1,000 experts on five continents before drawing their conclusions.
They believe economic growth around the world will not benefit everyone, with the gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" likely to widen.
"The benefits of globalisation will not be global," said National Intelligence Council (NIC) Vice Chairman David Gordon. "In countries where weak government, lagging economies, religious extremism and youth bulges come together, they have a potential to create a perfect storm... for internal conflict and potentially for international terrorism," he warned.
Nope, kind of like how jails often make better criminals, this war is making better terrorists.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4173981.stm
Iraq 'could become terror haven'
Iraq could become a breeding ground for terrorists, with survivors taking their experience to use around the world, a new US intelligence report warns.
Veterans of jihad in Iraq could eventually replace the al-Qaeda hierarchy, the CIA's National Intelligence Council says.
The report, Mapping the Global Future, warns of "a new class of terrorists". It envisages how various scenarios for world security might develop over the next 15 years.
One strand examines how robust economic growth might see Asian nations become more powerful - another how the US would remain the solitary superpower dealing with various lower-level threats.
But others portend a greater threat from terrorism, and an Orwellian response to crime.
The report says: "Iraq and other possible conflicts in the future could provide recruitment, training grounds, technical skills and language proficiency for a new class of terrorists who are 'professionalised' and for whom political violence becomes an end in itself."
US President George W Bush has described the war in Iraq as part of the "war on terror". But the report suggests that terrorists could thrive in Iraq, and go on to "supersede" those who earned their stripes in training camps in Afghanistan.
"The al-Qaeda membership that was distinguished by having trained in Afghanistan will gradually dissipate, to be replaced in part by the dispersion of the experienced survivors of the conflict in Iraq," it says.
Inequality to grow
The report's writers consulted more than 1,000 experts on five continents before drawing their conclusions.
They believe economic growth around the world will not benefit everyone, with the gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" likely to widen.
"The benefits of globalisation will not be global," said National Intelligence Council (NIC) Vice Chairman David Gordon. "In countries where weak government, lagging economies, religious extremism and youth bulges come together, they have a potential to create a perfect storm... for internal conflict and potentially for international terrorism," he warned.
posted by T.G. at 4:19 PM
# 70 Bush's faith-based initiative exposed.
During the holidays it looked like GWB was going to have a hard time hitting #60 and passing "the Babe" before the inauguration, but he must've just taken a few days off for X-mas, because he has since exploded past McGwire at 70 and is soon to pass Bonds' 73 mark. To show such a dramatic upswing opens up the speculation that he must be on "the juice".
An Arizona church was disqualified for faith-based funds because they were "injecting religion" into the program, including encouraging people to witness their faith, read the scriptures, and attend church services. Excuse me, but isn't that what a church is SUPPOSED to do?
Federal funding always comes with federal control, and this program is simply an attempt to secularize and neuter churches, bring them under control of the government, and keep them from serving God.
A Christian with the spiritual discernment of Mr. Potato Head could see the devil's hand in that with his eyes closed.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050115/ap_on_re_us/faith_based_lawsuit
Faith-Based Grant to Ariz. Group Blocked
By JR ROSS,
Associated Press Writer
MADISON, Wis. - A judge has blocked the Bush administration from providing future "faith-based" grants to an Arizona mentoring group that injected religion into its publicly funded programs.
The ruling is the first time a judge has struck down a grant through the president's faith-based initiative, which seeks to give religious groups equal footing in seeking federal grants to provide social services.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cut off funds to MentorKids USA in December after evidence showed the group used public money to directly support activities such as worship or religious instruction.
U.S. District Judge John Shabaz's ruling Tuesday prohibits the agency from funding MentorKids in the future. MentorKids USA, based in Phoenix, received a three-year grant in 2003 to mentor the children of prisoners.
The program hired only Christians to work as mentors and required them to adhere to a Christian statement of faith and code of conduct. Mentors were also encouraged to share their faith with the children they worked with, introduce them to Scripture and provide monthly reports on whether the kids had discussed God, participated in Bible study or attended church.
Daryl Reese, the program's executive director, said MentorKids took steps to exclude religion from the work it did with the public grant.
"We simply said here is where the line is," Reese said. "Anything that we've got that's religious in nature is not a federal government program."
Anne Nicol Gaylor, founder of the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, said Friday that MentorKids is just one of many groups that uses public money to promote religion.
"Faith-based is supposed to be social services, not religious services, and that was religion-drenched," Gaylor said.
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives said it is the first time a grant has been struck down because of concerns over a program's religious content.
Wade Horn, assistant secretary for children and families in the Department of Health and Human Services, said the agency is reviewing whether it can resume the grant should MentorKids USA show it can separate its religious and secular work.
Bush's program handed out $1.17 billion in grants to faith-based organizations in 2003.
An Arizona church was disqualified for faith-based funds because they were "injecting religion" into the program, including encouraging people to witness their faith, read the scriptures, and attend church services. Excuse me, but isn't that what a church is SUPPOSED to do?
Federal funding always comes with federal control, and this program is simply an attempt to secularize and neuter churches, bring them under control of the government, and keep them from serving God.
A Christian with the spiritual discernment of Mr. Potato Head could see the devil's hand in that with his eyes closed.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050115/ap_on_re_us/faith_based_lawsuit
Faith-Based Grant to Ariz. Group Blocked
By JR ROSS,
Associated Press Writer
MADISON, Wis. - A judge has blocked the Bush administration from providing future "faith-based" grants to an Arizona mentoring group that injected religion into its publicly funded programs.
The ruling is the first time a judge has struck down a grant through the president's faith-based initiative, which seeks to give religious groups equal footing in seeking federal grants to provide social services.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cut off funds to MentorKids USA in December after evidence showed the group used public money to directly support activities such as worship or religious instruction.
U.S. District Judge John Shabaz's ruling Tuesday prohibits the agency from funding MentorKids in the future. MentorKids USA, based in Phoenix, received a three-year grant in 2003 to mentor the children of prisoners.
The program hired only Christians to work as mentors and required them to adhere to a Christian statement of faith and code of conduct. Mentors were also encouraged to share their faith with the children they worked with, introduce them to Scripture and provide monthly reports on whether the kids had discussed God, participated in Bible study or attended church.
Daryl Reese, the program's executive director, said MentorKids took steps to exclude religion from the work it did with the public grant.
"We simply said here is where the line is," Reese said. "Anything that we've got that's religious in nature is not a federal government program."
Anne Nicol Gaylor, founder of the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, said Friday that MentorKids is just one of many groups that uses public money to promote religion.
"Faith-based is supposed to be social services, not religious services, and that was religion-drenched," Gaylor said.
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives said it is the first time a grant has been struck down because of concerns over a program's religious content.
Wade Horn, assistant secretary for children and families in the Department of Health and Human Services, said the agency is reviewing whether it can resume the grant should MentorKids USA show it can separate its religious and secular work.
Bush's program handed out $1.17 billion in grants to faith-based organizations in 2003.
posted by T.G. at 4:12 PM
Thursday, January 13, 2005
# 69 Wounded women warriors.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041220/OPINION02/412200308
32 women have been killed in combat so far and 230 injured. How can this be when women are not legally allowed into combat?
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/owens2.html
Oh, they are being snuck in by calling them "brigade-support battalions" instead of "maneuver battalions", with plans to expand the illegal entries.
32 women have been killed in combat so far and 230 injured. How can this be when women are not legally allowed into combat?
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/owens2.html
Oh, they are being snuck in by calling them "brigade-support battalions" instead of "maneuver battalions", with plans to expand the illegal entries.
posted by T.G. at 7:44 PM
# 68 Women warriors.
http://www.bible-researcher.com/women/getpreg.html
Bush policies have encouraged women to get pregnant to avoid being sent to Iraq - but the military is catching on and sending them anyway, right after the child is born.
Bush policies have encouraged women to get pregnant to avoid being sent to Iraq - but the military is catching on and sending them anyway, right after the child is born.
posted by T.G. at 7:41 PM
# 67 Pilots not considered "in combat".
Somewhere a comedian is struggling to make ends meet who would be better as President, because our President could sure make it as a comedian.
In order to meet the requirement that women are still not officially allowed into combat, Bush has redefined combat to exclude pilots. That is a kick in the manhood of every war pilot in history.
Perhaps Bush doesn't believe pilots are actually combatants because he's judging by HIS OWN experience as a military pilot.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050111-101005-5277r.htm
Despite pressure, Bush vows 'no women in combat'
By Rowan Scarborough and Joseph Curl
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
President Bush's policy on women in ground combat takes just four words to articulate: "No women in combat."
Despite extended tours of duties in Iraq for soldiers and an Army examination of women's roles, the president told editors and reporters of The Washington Times yesterday in an interview in the Oval Office that he has no intention of sending women into ground combat, a mission for which they are banned under Pentagon policy.
Asked about reports of putting women closer to land combat, the president said:
"There's no change of policy as far as I'm concerned. No women in combat. Having said that, let me explain, we've got to make sure we define combat properly: We've got women flying choppers and women flying fighters, which I'm perfectly content with."
In order to meet the requirement that women are still not officially allowed into combat, Bush has redefined combat to exclude pilots. That is a kick in the manhood of every war pilot in history.
Perhaps Bush doesn't believe pilots are actually combatants because he's judging by HIS OWN experience as a military pilot.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050111-101005-5277r.htm
Despite pressure, Bush vows 'no women in combat'
By Rowan Scarborough and Joseph Curl
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
President Bush's policy on women in ground combat takes just four words to articulate: "No women in combat."
Despite extended tours of duties in Iraq for soldiers and an Army examination of women's roles, the president told editors and reporters of The Washington Times yesterday in an interview in the Oval Office that he has no intention of sending women into ground combat, a mission for which they are banned under Pentagon policy.
Asked about reports of putting women closer to land combat, the president said:
"There's no change of policy as far as I'm concerned. No women in combat. Having said that, let me explain, we've got to make sure we define combat properly: We've got women flying choppers and women flying fighters, which I'm perfectly content with."
posted by T.G. at 7:36 PM
# 66 Bush push for more federal control of education.
Never mind that his "No Child Left Behind" act is totally unconstitutional. Never mind that it allows the fedgov to usurp state and local gov't and schools. Never mind that it's a threat to home schools, Christian schools, and private schools. Never mind it replaces the "Three Rs" with evolution, queer-tolerance, and multi-culturalism.
http://www.gopusa.com/news/2005/january/0113_bush_education.shtml
Bush Aims To Expand Education Act
By Jeff Gannon
Talon News
January 13, 2005
WASHINGTON (Talon News) -- President Bush continued to push his second-term agenda Wednesday, focusing on improving secondary education. The president is proposing that his landmark education legislation, the No Child Left Behind Act, be expanded in order to make high school graduates more competitive in the global marketplace.
http://www.gopusa.com/news/2005/january/0113_bush_education.shtml
Bush Aims To Expand Education Act
By Jeff Gannon
Talon News
January 13, 2005
WASHINGTON (Talon News) -- President Bush continued to push his second-term agenda Wednesday, focusing on improving secondary education. The president is proposing that his landmark education legislation, the No Child Left Behind Act, be expanded in order to make high school graduates more competitive in the global marketplace.
posted by T.G. at 7:33 PM
# 65 Bush says unconstitutional fraud war "absolutely" worth it.
Worth what? Thousands of Americans dying to reinstall many of Saddam's thugs back into power?
Violating our Constitution was worth it?
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Inauguration/story?id=406639&page=1
Bush: Iraq Invasion Worth It Despite No Trace of WMD
Jan. 12, 2005 — The invasion of Iraq, which ousted Saddam Hussein and has cost the lives of some 1,300 U.S. military personnel and billions of dollars, was "absolutely" worth it, despite the absence of any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, President Bush told ABC News' Barbara Walters in an exclusive interview that will air this Friday.
Violating our Constitution was worth it?
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Inauguration/story?id=406639&page=1
Bush: Iraq Invasion Worth It Despite No Trace of WMD
Jan. 12, 2005 — The invasion of Iraq, which ousted Saddam Hussein and has cost the lives of some 1,300 U.S. military personnel and billions of dollars, was "absolutely" worth it, despite the absence of any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, President Bush told ABC News' Barbara Walters in an exclusive interview that will air this Friday.
posted by T.G. at 7:31 PM
# 64 Assailing Americans rights rather than preventing terrorism.
Once again the Bush administration is treating American citizens like they are the perpetrators of terrorism, rather than the victims, and are diluting our freedoms under the guise of preventing terror.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/01/13/us
_passports_should_have_fingerprints_ridge_says/
US passports should have fingerprints, Ridge says
Privacy advocates fear identity theft
By Lara Jakes Jordan,
Associated Press January 13, 2005
WASHINGTON -- The United States should put the fingerprints of its citizens on passports to enhance global security, outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said yesterday in a recommendation risking a privacy fight at home.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/01/13/us
_passports_should_have_fingerprints_ridge_says/
US passports should have fingerprints, Ridge says
Privacy advocates fear identity theft
By Lara Jakes Jordan,
Associated Press January 13, 2005
WASHINGTON -- The United States should put the fingerprints of its citizens on passports to enhance global security, outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said yesterday in a recommendation risking a privacy fight at home.
posted by T.G. at 7:26 PM
# 63 Trade deficit grows.
Bush's policies catering to Communist China are primarily responsible for this surprising worsening just when the experts thought it would start to improve. Just wait until NAFTA becomes CAFTA and FTAA. The worst is yet to come.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/trade/2005-01-12-trade-deficit-nov_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Trade deficit makes surprising jump, rises 7.7% in Nov.
By Sue Kirchhoff,
USA TODAY WASHINGTON — The trade deficit unexpectedly surged 7.7% to a record in November, as oil imports jumped and exports dropped despite a weaker dollar, which makes American goods cheaper overseas.
The Commerce Department said the trade deficit, which economists had expected to decline from October's $56 billion, instead rose to $60.3 billion.
The trade deficit for the past 12 months is more than $600 billion, about a quarter of that with China.
"We now have the Grand Canyon of trade deficits," says Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/trade/2005-01-12-trade-deficit-nov_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Trade deficit makes surprising jump, rises 7.7% in Nov.
By Sue Kirchhoff,
USA TODAY WASHINGTON — The trade deficit unexpectedly surged 7.7% to a record in November, as oil imports jumped and exports dropped despite a weaker dollar, which makes American goods cheaper overseas.
The Commerce Department said the trade deficit, which economists had expected to decline from October's $56 billion, instead rose to $60.3 billion.
The trade deficit for the past 12 months is more than $600 billion, about a quarter of that with China.
"We now have the Grand Canyon of trade deficits," says Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors.
posted by T.G. at 7:21 PM
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
# 62 Bush claims faith is not under attack.
http://washingtontimes.com/national/20050111-101004-3771r.htm
However, Mr. Bush said that unlike many Christians, he does not think that faith is under attack by culture at large ...
Presidents must get the best mind-altering drugs on the black market! Someone tell this idiot about Judge Roy Moore, General Boykins, Indianapolis Baptist Temple, and the Philly Five (among many other examples)!
However, Mr. Bush said that unlike many Christians, he does not think that faith is under attack by culture at large ...
Presidents must get the best mind-altering drugs on the black market! Someone tell this idiot about Judge Roy Moore, General Boykins, Indianapolis Baptist Temple, and the Philly Five (among many other examples)!
posted by T.G. at 7:00 AM
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
# 61 Bush tabs Clinton keeper for Homeland Security.
When Bernard Kerik withdrew as the choice for Homeland Security Czar over a host of scandals, from another instance of "Nannygate" to sexual impropriety, I immediately was reminded of Janet Reno, who stepped into her office "under the radar" because of a similar situation.
I'm convinced that Reno was Clinton's 'man' for the job in the first place, but she would've been harder to get confirmed if other candidates hadn't pulled out.
As soon as Kerik pulled out, I told people to watch out, the replacement will be the guy Bush really wants, but he would have some baggage that would've hindered him if he was the first nominee.
Now they are desperate to fill the slot and he'll be approved easily.
How's this for "baggage" on Mr. Chertoff?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6813011/
When Bill Clinton first took office as president, he fired all the U.S. attorneys who had served under his Republican predecessor except one: New Jersey U.S. Attorney Michael Chertoff.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6812230/
Chertoff, whose appeal court nomination sailed through Congress, won immediate support on Capitol Hill, where even Democrats applauded the choice.
“Judge Mike Chertoff has the resume to be an excellent Homeland Security Secretary, given his law enforcement background and understanding of New York’s and America’s neglected homeland security needs,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
TG: The most liberal of Democrats love Chertoff. How can that be if he is a genuine conservative? Can any honest conservative not see a problem here? Or can Sun Myung Bush do no wrong because he's a Republican?
A Harvard law graduate, Chertoff previously headed the Justice Department’s criminal division, where he played a central role in the nation’s legal response to the Sept. 11 attacks. ... He also played a significant role in development of the U.S. Patriot Act to combat terrorist attacks ...
TG: So he's already taken a central role in assailing the freedoms of Americans without doing anything to thwart terrorists? Well, he fits right in with the Bush administration.
As chief Republican counsel to the Senate Whitewater Committee during the administration of President Bill Clinton, Chertoff played a major role in the investigation of the Clintons’ Arkansas business dealings; the suicide of Vincent Foster, a Clinton aide and former law partner of Hillary Clinton; and other allegations against the Clintons.
TG: Which the Clintons skated away from and Foster's death was never solved. Chertoff must be quite adept at sweeping things under the rug. No wonder he had problems with his nanny. He will perform admirably as the Homeland Security Czar.
The KGB and Gestapo will be so envious.
I'm convinced that Reno was Clinton's 'man' for the job in the first place, but she would've been harder to get confirmed if other candidates hadn't pulled out.
As soon as Kerik pulled out, I told people to watch out, the replacement will be the guy Bush really wants, but he would have some baggage that would've hindered him if he was the first nominee.
Now they are desperate to fill the slot and he'll be approved easily.
How's this for "baggage" on Mr. Chertoff?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6813011/
When Bill Clinton first took office as president, he fired all the U.S. attorneys who had served under his Republican predecessor except one: New Jersey U.S. Attorney Michael Chertoff.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6812230/
Chertoff, whose appeal court nomination sailed through Congress, won immediate support on Capitol Hill, where even Democrats applauded the choice.
“Judge Mike Chertoff has the resume to be an excellent Homeland Security Secretary, given his law enforcement background and understanding of New York’s and America’s neglected homeland security needs,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
TG: The most liberal of Democrats love Chertoff. How can that be if he is a genuine conservative? Can any honest conservative not see a problem here? Or can Sun Myung Bush do no wrong because he's a Republican?
A Harvard law graduate, Chertoff previously headed the Justice Department’s criminal division, where he played a central role in the nation’s legal response to the Sept. 11 attacks. ... He also played a significant role in development of the U.S. Patriot Act to combat terrorist attacks ...
TG: So he's already taken a central role in assailing the freedoms of Americans without doing anything to thwart terrorists? Well, he fits right in with the Bush administration.
As chief Republican counsel to the Senate Whitewater Committee during the administration of President Bill Clinton, Chertoff played a major role in the investigation of the Clintons’ Arkansas business dealings; the suicide of Vincent Foster, a Clinton aide and former law partner of Hillary Clinton; and other allegations against the Clintons.
TG: Which the Clintons skated away from and Foster's death was never solved. Chertoff must be quite adept at sweeping things under the rug. No wonder he had problems with his nanny. He will perform admirably as the Homeland Security Czar.
The KGB and Gestapo will be so envious.
posted by T.G. at 9:01 PM
Bush Scorecard: 60 as of 1.10.05
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election, which was only two months ago! John Kerry could never have kept up this pace. I'm having a hard time just recording them. I only have time to check a handful of sources. No doubt I've missed a few.
1 - 25 are on this page (click here)
26 - 50 are on this page (click here)
51. From Ozzie to Elton to Kid Rock.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42269
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42260
At least they backed off on this (for now), just the fact that they would consider this vile, obscene, wailer who makes Eminem sound clean-cut, is bad enough in itself. But it fits the Bush modus operandi. He has already honored Black Sabbath's occult rocker Ozzy Osbourne and sodomite singer Elton John. Even if they nix Kid Rock, no doubt they will have other raunchy rockers in his stead.
52. Bush administration pays off media.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-06-williams-whitehouse_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Imagine the uproar it would've caused if Bill Clinton had paid off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs. It's no less wrong for Bush to pay off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs. It really isn't - just because he's a Republican doesn't justify his criminal activities (That last line is for the Bush-bots who think anything Sun Myung Bush does is right just because it's him doing it).
53. Bush urges Congress to subvert American industry.
http://www.stoptheftaa.org/artman/publish/article_154.shtml
The unconstitutional WTO tries to shackle American industry (cotton and steel this time).
Foreign countries subsidize products so they can be sold on market below COST to eliminate U.S. competition.
Congress tries to protect American interests.
Of course WTO rules that's illegal and fines America. Bush urges Congress to comply with the New World Order directive.
54. Bush slips TIA into intelligence reform bill.
"Intelligence Reform Charade", The New American, January 10, 2005
The Orwellian Total Information Awareness program was nixed in 2003 by Congress after a huge outcry from freedom-loving Americans.
Now Bush has installed the same increased wiretapping, surveillance, search, arrest, detention, and prosecution powers into the recently passed Intelligence Reform bill (mentioned in #23).
55. Bosom buddies with Bill.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6803476/site/newsweek/
Remember, Bush already made point #4 of the Scorecard for his part in dedicating the Clinton library (no doubt a branch of the Lion's Den porn chain).
Now he invited his best-bud, and New World Order comrade, to come to the White House.
They are playing so nice together!
56. GWB invites Abbas to White House.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html
We've already seen that Abbas is every bit as radical as the late Yasser Arafat
(http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42304),
but Bush will pretend he's 'more moderate' (a more moderate terrorist?).
Abbas' consorting with the RCC is also quite 'interesting'. Remember, Arafat's wife, Suha, was Catholic.
What strange bedfellows Islam and the RCC appear to be.
57. Bush commits future taxes to tsunami victims.
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20050110
/2005-01-10T173302Z_01_N10190791_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-QUAKE-BUSH-DC.html
There's nothing wrong with charity, but there is something wrong with using someone else's money (stolen from them).
There is something wrong with committing someone else's future money.
There is something wrong with promising a future increase with other people's money. Bush is welcome to send all he wants to Asia - if it's his money.
He doesn't let me send his money to Asian missionaries I support.
58. Conservative groups criticizing Bush.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050109-115953-7289r.htm
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/110528391012551.xml
How can this be? George W. Bush is supposed to be a conservative! Well it's good to see a few others are wising up. They must've read the Bush Scorecard and come to grips with the reality that Bush is not a conservative at all.
59. Bush to stiff D.C. with inauguration bill.
He's sending *my* money abroad at his whim, but he's going to stiff D.C. for his inauguration bill? Why does he need extra security? Isn't his Homeland Security program working? Why does he need such a fancy, expensive coronation inauguration - he's already the president? Why not cut expenses on the inauguration and use the leftover funds for the tsunami victims?
Arrogance does not begin to describe it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63896-2005Jan10.html
Move over 'Babes', Bush hits 60!
60. Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball. Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful.
What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
The gowns are reminiscent of the splash made by "J-Lo" a few years ago with her low-cut gown. Perhaps we could call Jenna "J-Ho", and I guess Barbara is "B-Ho".
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1318188/posts
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?csp=34
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd1060111010
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years.
If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them. I’d rather LOSE doing RIGHT than WIN(?) doing WRONG. I’d rather be UNSUCCESSFUL in supporting what’s RIGHT than SUCCESSFUL in supporting WRONG.
We’ll be looking at more that 50 ungodly and liberal items just between the election and inauguration (less than three months). There is no way Kerry, as repugnant as he is, could have kept up this pace. The Republicans would’ve OPPOSED him on most of these items. What do we have to look forward to for the next four YEARS?
1 - 25 are on this page (click here)
26 - 50 are on this page (click here)
51. From Ozzie to Elton to Kid Rock.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42269
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42260
At least they backed off on this (for now), just the fact that they would consider this vile, obscene, wailer who makes Eminem sound clean-cut, is bad enough in itself. But it fits the Bush modus operandi. He has already honored Black Sabbath's occult rocker Ozzy Osbourne and sodomite singer Elton John. Even if they nix Kid Rock, no doubt they will have other raunchy rockers in his stead.
52. Bush administration pays off media.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-06-williams-whitehouse_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Imagine the uproar it would've caused if Bill Clinton had paid off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs. It's no less wrong for Bush to pay off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs. It really isn't - just because he's a Republican doesn't justify his criminal activities (That last line is for the Bush-bots who think anything Sun Myung Bush does is right just because it's him doing it).
53. Bush urges Congress to subvert American industry.
http://www.stoptheftaa.org/artman/publish/article_154.shtml
The unconstitutional WTO tries to shackle American industry (cotton and steel this time).
Foreign countries subsidize products so they can be sold on market below COST to eliminate U.S. competition.
Congress tries to protect American interests.
Of course WTO rules that's illegal and fines America. Bush urges Congress to comply with the New World Order directive.
54. Bush slips TIA into intelligence reform bill.
"Intelligence Reform Charade", The New American, January 10, 2005
The Orwellian Total Information Awareness program was nixed in 2003 by Congress after a huge outcry from freedom-loving Americans.
Now Bush has installed the same increased wiretapping, surveillance, search, arrest, detention, and prosecution powers into the recently passed Intelligence Reform bill (mentioned in #23).
55. Bosom buddies with Bill.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6803476/site/newsweek/
Remember, Bush already made point #4 of the Scorecard for his part in dedicating the Clinton library (no doubt a branch of the Lion's Den porn chain).
Now he invited his best-bud, and New World Order comrade, to come to the White House.
They are playing so nice together!
56. GWB invites Abbas to White House.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html
We've already seen that Abbas is every bit as radical as the late Yasser Arafat
(http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42304),
but Bush will pretend he's 'more moderate' (a more moderate terrorist?).
Abbas' consorting with the RCC is also quite 'interesting'. Remember, Arafat's wife, Suha, was Catholic.
What strange bedfellows Islam and the RCC appear to be.
57. Bush commits future taxes to tsunami victims.
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20050110
/2005-01-10T173302Z_01_N10190791_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-QUAKE-BUSH-DC.html
There's nothing wrong with charity, but there is something wrong with using someone else's money (stolen from them).
There is something wrong with committing someone else's future money.
There is something wrong with promising a future increase with other people's money. Bush is welcome to send all he wants to Asia - if it's his money.
He doesn't let me send his money to Asian missionaries I support.
58. Conservative groups criticizing Bush.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050109-115953-7289r.htm
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/110528391012551.xml
How can this be? George W. Bush is supposed to be a conservative! Well it's good to see a few others are wising up. They must've read the Bush Scorecard and come to grips with the reality that Bush is not a conservative at all.
59. Bush to stiff D.C. with inauguration bill.
He's sending *my* money abroad at his whim, but he's going to stiff D.C. for his inauguration bill? Why does he need extra security? Isn't his Homeland Security program working? Why does he need such a fancy, expensive coronation inauguration - he's already the president? Why not cut expenses on the inauguration and use the leftover funds for the tsunami victims?
Arrogance does not begin to describe it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63896-2005Jan10.html
Move over 'Babes', Bush hits 60!
60. Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball. Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful.
What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
The gowns are reminiscent of the splash made by "J-Lo" a few years ago with her low-cut gown. Perhaps we could call Jenna "J-Ho", and I guess Barbara is "B-Ho".
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1318188/posts
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?csp=34
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd1060111010
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years.
If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them. I’d rather LOSE doing RIGHT than WIN(?) doing WRONG. I’d rather be UNSUCCESSFUL in supporting what’s RIGHT than SUCCESSFUL in supporting WRONG.
We’ll be looking at more that 50 ungodly and liberal items just between the election and inauguration (less than three months). There is no way Kerry, as repugnant as he is, could have kept up this pace. The Republicans would’ve OPPOSED him on most of these items. What do we have to look forward to for the next four YEARS?
posted by T.G. at 8:42 PM
# 60 Inauguration to be porn exhibit by "Bush babes".
Move over 'Babes', Bush hits 60!
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball.
Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful.
What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1318188/posts
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?csp=34
http://story.news.yahoo.com/newstmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10601110103
Now we know what W was conferring with Slick about - he was getting advice on how to make his daughters look like expensive sluts for the coronation ball.
Fortunately these depictions of their inaugural gowns are drawings, so you won't have to expose yourself to actual pornography if you check these links, but if you watch the coronation inauguration, with Jenna and Barbara actually wearing these things, you will get more than an eyeful.
What a shame a 'Christian' president will have his daughters dressing like whores, wearing backless gowns with the fronts low-cut almost to the belly button.
Ps 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1318188/posts
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-10-inauguration-dresses_x.htm?csp=34
http://story.news.yahoo.com/newstmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10701110103
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050111/480/dccd10601110103
posted by T.G. at 8:31 PM
# 59 Bush to stiff D.C. with inauguration bill.
He's sending *my* money abroad at his whim, but he's going to stiff D.C. for his inauguration bill? Why does he need extra security? Isn't his Homeland Security program working? Why does he need such a fancy, expensive coronation inauguration - he's already the president? Why not cut expenses on the inauguration and use the leftover funds for the tsunami victims?
Arrogance does not begin to describe it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63896-2005Jan10.html
U.S. Tells D.C. to Pay Security Expenses
By Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post
Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 11, 2005; Page A01
D.C. officials said yesterday that the Bush administration is refusing to reimburse the District for most of the costs associated with next week's inauguration, breaking with precedent and forcing the city to divert $11.9 million from homeland security projects.
Federal officials have told the District that it should cover the expenses by using some of the $240 million in federal homeland security grants it has received in the past three years -- money awarded to the city because it is among the places at highest risk of a terrorist attack.
"We want to make this the best possible event, but not at the expense of D.C. taxpayers and other homeland security priorities," said Gregory M. McCarthy, the mayor's deputy chief of staff. "This is the first time there hasn't been a direct appropriation for the inauguration."
"It's an unfunded mandate of the most odious kind. How can the District be asked to take funds from important homeland security projects to pay for this instead?" said Davis spokesman David Marin.
Arrogance does not begin to describe it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63896-2005Jan10.html
U.S. Tells D.C. to Pay Security Expenses
By Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post
Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 11, 2005; Page A01
D.C. officials said yesterday that the Bush administration is refusing to reimburse the District for most of the costs associated with next week's inauguration, breaking with precedent and forcing the city to divert $11.9 million from homeland security projects.
Federal officials have told the District that it should cover the expenses by using some of the $240 million in federal homeland security grants it has received in the past three years -- money awarded to the city because it is among the places at highest risk of a terrorist attack.
"We want to make this the best possible event, but not at the expense of D.C. taxpayers and other homeland security priorities," said Gregory M. McCarthy, the mayor's deputy chief of staff. "This is the first time there hasn't been a direct appropriation for the inauguration."
"It's an unfunded mandate of the most odious kind. How can the District be asked to take funds from important homeland security projects to pay for this instead?" said Davis spokesman David Marin.
posted by T.G. at 7:21 PM
Monday, January 10, 2005
# 58 Conservative groups criticizing Bush.
How can this be? George W. Bush is supposed to be a conservative!
Well it's good to see a few others are wising up.
They must've read the Bush Scorecard and come to grips with the reality that Bush is not a conservative at all.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050109-115953-7289r.htm
Conservative group bashes Bush policies
By Donald Lambro
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
A blunt critique being released today by the Heritage Foundation says President Bush and the Republicans have too often pushed big spending programs, contrary to their campaign promises, made again in 2004, to move the government in a more conservative direction.
In a surprisingly critical assessment of Mr. Bush's policies and programs of the past four years, the conservative think tank praised the president for strengthening national security and cutting taxes to promote economic growth.
But the report also took him to task for massive spending increases in Medicare entitlements, education and farm subsidies, and for imposing protectionist steel tariffs that hurt consumers and manufacturers.
Heritage President Edwin J. Feulner, who has been one of Mr. Bush's staunchest supporters, said, "It remains to be seen whether the rhetoric of the campaign will be manifest in Washington in the coming years. Sadly, commitment to principle has been missing in Washington's politics for quite some time now. "
Ronald Reagan's summary of how the government thinks — 'If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it' — remains very much alive today," Mr. Feulner said.
It was especially "disappointing ... to see Congress pass, and the president sign, the biggest farm bill and the biggest education bill in our nation's history, as well as the largest entitlement increase since Lyndon Johnson's so-called Great Society," he said. Too many federal regulations were being imposed on the U.S. economy, which was ranked as the fourth-freest economy in 2000 and since has fallen into 10th place, he said.
But in the book's introduction, Stuart Butler, Heritage vice president for domestic and economic studies, and Larry Wortzel, vice president for international studies, said several of Mr. Bush's legislative initiatives and executive actions "have been at odds with these [conservative] principles."
"The Medicare drug legislation, for instance, conflicted directly with the goal of limiting government and reducing entitlements, and instead piled trillions of dollars of new debt onto our children and grandchildren," they said.
"Observers can therefore be forgiven for concluding that Bill Clinton's declaration that 'The era of big government is over' now seems rather premature," they said.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/110528391012551.xml
GOP torn on immigration
Bush plan to accept foreign workers pits farm interests against desire for tighter borders
Sunday, January 09, 2005
MARY ORNDORFF
News Washington correspondent
WASHINGTON - President Bush's renewed interest in helping illegal immigrants legally keep their American jobs promises to be one of the more uncomfortable debates in Congress this year.
Already, members of Alabama's delegation are dreading having to choose between helping their farming constituents find a reliable labor force and their distaste for rewarding anyone who enters the United States without permission.
The issue pits some of the most conservative Republicans in Washington against their president and against an agricultural community that depends more and more on foreign workers.
... more on website ...
Well it's good to see a few others are wising up.
They must've read the Bush Scorecard and come to grips with the reality that Bush is not a conservative at all.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050109-115953-7289r.htm
Conservative group bashes Bush policies
By Donald Lambro
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
A blunt critique being released today by the Heritage Foundation says President Bush and the Republicans have too often pushed big spending programs, contrary to their campaign promises, made again in 2004, to move the government in a more conservative direction.
In a surprisingly critical assessment of Mr. Bush's policies and programs of the past four years, the conservative think tank praised the president for strengthening national security and cutting taxes to promote economic growth.
But the report also took him to task for massive spending increases in Medicare entitlements, education and farm subsidies, and for imposing protectionist steel tariffs that hurt consumers and manufacturers.
Heritage President Edwin J. Feulner, who has been one of Mr. Bush's staunchest supporters, said, "It remains to be seen whether the rhetoric of the campaign will be manifest in Washington in the coming years. Sadly, commitment to principle has been missing in Washington's politics for quite some time now. "
Ronald Reagan's summary of how the government thinks — 'If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it' — remains very much alive today," Mr. Feulner said.
It was especially "disappointing ... to see Congress pass, and the president sign, the biggest farm bill and the biggest education bill in our nation's history, as well as the largest entitlement increase since Lyndon Johnson's so-called Great Society," he said. Too many federal regulations were being imposed on the U.S. economy, which was ranked as the fourth-freest economy in 2000 and since has fallen into 10th place, he said.
But in the book's introduction, Stuart Butler, Heritage vice president for domestic and economic studies, and Larry Wortzel, vice president for international studies, said several of Mr. Bush's legislative initiatives and executive actions "have been at odds with these [conservative] principles."
"The Medicare drug legislation, for instance, conflicted directly with the goal of limiting government and reducing entitlements, and instead piled trillions of dollars of new debt onto our children and grandchildren," they said.
"Observers can therefore be forgiven for concluding that Bill Clinton's declaration that 'The era of big government is over' now seems rather premature," they said.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/110528391012551.xml
GOP torn on immigration
Bush plan to accept foreign workers pits farm interests against desire for tighter borders
Sunday, January 09, 2005
MARY ORNDORFF
News Washington correspondent
WASHINGTON - President Bush's renewed interest in helping illegal immigrants legally keep their American jobs promises to be one of the more uncomfortable debates in Congress this year.
Already, members of Alabama's delegation are dreading having to choose between helping their farming constituents find a reliable labor force and their distaste for rewarding anyone who enters the United States without permission.
The issue pits some of the most conservative Republicans in Washington against their president and against an agricultural community that depends more and more on foreign workers.
... more on website ...
posted by T.G. at 9:31 PM
# 57 Bush commits future taxes to tsunami victims.
There's nothing wrong with charity, but there is something wrong with using someone else's money (stolen from them). There is something wrong with committing someone else's future money. There is something wrong with promising a future increase with other people's money. Bush is welcome to send all he wants to Asia - if it's his money.
He doesn't let me send his money to Asian missionaries I support.
http://reuters.myway.com/article/
20050110/2005-01-10T173302Z_01_N10190791_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-QUAKE-BUSH-DC.html
Bush Pledges Long-Term Effort for Tsunami Victims
Jan 10, 12:33 PM (ET)
By Steve Holland
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush pledged a long-term U.S. commitment to helping the tsunami-hit nations of South Asia on Monday and said the Banda Aceh area of Indonesia is going to require the most intense effort.
Bush was briefed by Secretary of State Colin Powell on Powell's tour last week of tsunami-hit countries. The White House said that of $350 million pledged by the U.S. government, $78 million had been spent.
Bush left open the possibility of an increase in U.S. assistance but told reporters he wanted to make sure it was "demand-driven" and to "make sure the money that is available actually achieves a coordinated objective."
Lawmakers and congressional aides have said they expected the Bush administration to increase the financial commitment to the region by as much as threefold to nearly $1 billion -- in an emergency budget request to be submitted to Congress in late January or February.
The emergency budget request for tsunami relief is expected to include extra funding to cover the cost of operating the Pentagon's military assets in the region -- estimated at $5 million to $6 million a day."This is one of these projects that is not going to happen overnight. The intense scrutiny may dissipate, it probably will. But our focus has got to stay on this part of the world. We have a duty," Bush said in remarks to U.S. officials overseeing the aid operation.
Talking to reporters in the Oval Office after his meeting with Powell, Bush said relief efforts had begun to shift from saving lives to rebuilding communities.
The Banda Aceh region of Indonesia was close to the epicenter of the Dec. 26 quake and took the biggest hit from the resulting tsunami. The province has accounted for almost all of Indonesia's 104,000 deaths from an epic disaster that has killed at least 156,000 people.
"Now we're in the process of helping to rehabilitate and reconstruct the societies. And the demand is beginning to focus on the Banda Aceh region. That is part of the world that is going to require the most intense effort by the governments around the world," he said.
Later in the day Bush was to hold a meeting with experts on the extent of tsunami monitoring around the world and whether the United States has sufficient safeguards to alert the country in the event of a similar natural disaster.
Bush was criticized for his initial reaction to the catastrophe when he pledged $15 million in U.S. government assistance to help tsunami victims.He enlisted his father, former President Bush, and former President Bill Clinton to lead a national fund-raising effort, and a Web Site that is helping direct Americans to reliable relief organizations has reported more than 500,000 visits in the 10 days the effort has been under way.
He doesn't let me send his money to Asian missionaries I support.
http://reuters.myway.com/article/
20050110/2005-01-10T173302Z_01_N10190791_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-QUAKE-BUSH-DC.html
Bush Pledges Long-Term Effort for Tsunami Victims
Jan 10, 12:33 PM (ET)
By Steve Holland
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush pledged a long-term U.S. commitment to helping the tsunami-hit nations of South Asia on Monday and said the Banda Aceh area of Indonesia is going to require the most intense effort.
Bush was briefed by Secretary of State Colin Powell on Powell's tour last week of tsunami-hit countries. The White House said that of $350 million pledged by the U.S. government, $78 million had been spent.
Bush left open the possibility of an increase in U.S. assistance but told reporters he wanted to make sure it was "demand-driven" and to "make sure the money that is available actually achieves a coordinated objective."
Lawmakers and congressional aides have said they expected the Bush administration to increase the financial commitment to the region by as much as threefold to nearly $1 billion -- in an emergency budget request to be submitted to Congress in late January or February.
The emergency budget request for tsunami relief is expected to include extra funding to cover the cost of operating the Pentagon's military assets in the region -- estimated at $5 million to $6 million a day."This is one of these projects that is not going to happen overnight. The intense scrutiny may dissipate, it probably will. But our focus has got to stay on this part of the world. We have a duty," Bush said in remarks to U.S. officials overseeing the aid operation.
Talking to reporters in the Oval Office after his meeting with Powell, Bush said relief efforts had begun to shift from saving lives to rebuilding communities.
The Banda Aceh region of Indonesia was close to the epicenter of the Dec. 26 quake and took the biggest hit from the resulting tsunami. The province has accounted for almost all of Indonesia's 104,000 deaths from an epic disaster that has killed at least 156,000 people.
"Now we're in the process of helping to rehabilitate and reconstruct the societies. And the demand is beginning to focus on the Banda Aceh region. That is part of the world that is going to require the most intense effort by the governments around the world," he said.
Later in the day Bush was to hold a meeting with experts on the extent of tsunami monitoring around the world and whether the United States has sufficient safeguards to alert the country in the event of a similar natural disaster.
Bush was criticized for his initial reaction to the catastrophe when he pledged $15 million in U.S. government assistance to help tsunami victims.He enlisted his father, former President Bush, and former President Bill Clinton to lead a national fund-raising effort, and a Web Site that is helping direct Americans to reliable relief organizations has reported more than 500,000 visits in the 10 days the effort has been under way.
posted by T.G. at 8:01 PM
# 56 GWB invites Abbas to White House
We've already seen that Abbas is every bit as radical as the late Yasser Arafat, but Bush will pretend he's 'more moderate' (a more moderate terrorist?).
Abbas' consorting with the RCC is also quite 'interesting'.
Remember, Arafat's wife, Suha, was Catholic. What strange bedfellows Islam and the RCC appear to be.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html
Bush says Abbas welcome at White House
By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press
U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday he would welcome newly-elected Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to the White House, extending an invitation he refused to offer to the late Yasser Arafat. Bush also said the Palestinian leadership must revamp its security forces to "fight off those few who still have the desire to destroy Israel as a part of their philosophy and those few who fear there to be a free vote amongst the Palestinian people.
'Abbas as bad as Arafat'
PA presidential candidate talks with WND about election results
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42304
Ashqar: In some respects, Abbas holds certain different perspectives from Arafat, but he was clearly elected as a continuation of Arafat. Abbas emphasized the same things as Arafat – a final settlement with no less than the entire West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, the right of return for all refugees. And when it comes to the economy and actual reform and democratization of the Palestinian Authority, Abbas is as bad as Arafat. There will be no change. No transparency, or separation of powers. No democracy. Just more of the same.
Abbas' consorting with the RCC is also quite 'interesting'.
Remember, Arafat's wife, Suha, was Catholic. What strange bedfellows Islam and the RCC appear to be.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/525351.html
Bush says Abbas welcome at White House
By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press
U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday he would welcome newly-elected Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to the White House, extending an invitation he refused to offer to the late Yasser Arafat. Bush also said the Palestinian leadership must revamp its security forces to "fight off those few who still have the desire to destroy Israel as a part of their philosophy and those few who fear there to be a free vote amongst the Palestinian people.
'Abbas as bad as Arafat'
PA presidential candidate talks with WND about election results
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42304
Ashqar: In some respects, Abbas holds certain different perspectives from Arafat, but he was clearly elected as a continuation of Arafat. Abbas emphasized the same things as Arafat – a final settlement with no less than the entire West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, the right of return for all refugees. And when it comes to the economy and actual reform and democratization of the Palestinian Authority, Abbas is as bad as Arafat. There will be no change. No transparency, or separation of powers. No democracy. Just more of the same.
posted by T.G. at 6:24 PM
# 55 Bosom buddies with Bill.
Remember, Bush already made point #4 of the Scorecard for his part in dedicating the Clinton library (no doubt a branch of the Lion's Den porn chain). Now he invited his best-bud, and New World Order comrade, to come to the White House. They are playing so nice together!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6803476/site/newsweek/
Presidents: Bubba and Dubya—Warming Up
Jan. 17 issue - Four years ago George W. Bush used to call him "the shadow" and promised a fresh start by pledging to "uphold the honor and dignity" of the presidency. He even joked to late-night TV's David Letterman that one of his top 10 priorities in the White House would be to give the Oval Office "one heck of a scrubbing."
But when President Bush welcomed Bill Clinton into that same office last week, those barbs were ancient history. After Clinton remarked how much he liked the new Oval Office rug, Bush encouraged him to praise his interior designer—Laura. (He did.) Over lunch with the president's father, the compliments flowed the other way. When Bush 41 inquired whether Chelsea Clinton had marriage plans, Bush 43 declared how impressed he was with the former president's daughter. (TG: Well, yeah, despite being raised by two sexually immoral parents, Chelsea doesn't seen to be the slut Bush's daughters appear to be).
For two men at opposite ends of the political spectrum, the relationship between the 43rd and 42nd presidents has grown surprisingly warm and personal over the last six months. Clinton endorsed Bush's approach to the tsunami catastrophe, defending him against criticism about his initial response as well as raising cash alongside the president's father. Friends and aides say the two men enjoy each other's company and, as fellow pros, respect each other's political talents.
The rapid thaw started with the unveiling of Clinton's official portrait in the White House in June, when Bush told his speechwriters he wanted to deliver something "very praiseworthy, warm, funny and short." During Clinton's recent health crisis, Bush called twice to share what one of the former president's aides called "good, funny conversations." And in November, at the opening of Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Ark., both the president and his father delivered praise that Clinton reveled in. Clinton even pulled aside Karl Rove, the architect of Bush's election success, to congratulate him.
While aides on both sides say there's still a political chasm between the two presidents, they also point to a common style: both are Southern politicians who love to woo crowds, and whose qualities were underestimated by Washington's establishment. There's also Bush's future membership in one of the smallest elites on the planet: the ex-presidents' club. "And they're members of an even more exclusive club—the two-termers," noted one senior administration official. "To go back to the people for affirmation and be there for eight years puts them in a different class."
Bush's aides said the president is already thinking of his own presidential library plans as well as his own role after 2008, as another relatively young ex-president.
Just don't expect the working partnership to extend to Hillary Clinton, whose supporters want her to run in four years. "Honestly, I don't think getting together with George Bush is what she needs," said one ex-Clinton aide. Friendships may blossom between ex-presidents, but presidential hopefuls live in a far more hostile world.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6803476/site/newsweek/
Presidents: Bubba and Dubya—Warming Up
Jan. 17 issue - Four years ago George W. Bush used to call him "the shadow" and promised a fresh start by pledging to "uphold the honor and dignity" of the presidency. He even joked to late-night TV's David Letterman that one of his top 10 priorities in the White House would be to give the Oval Office "one heck of a scrubbing."
But when President Bush welcomed Bill Clinton into that same office last week, those barbs were ancient history. After Clinton remarked how much he liked the new Oval Office rug, Bush encouraged him to praise his interior designer—Laura. (He did.) Over lunch with the president's father, the compliments flowed the other way. When Bush 41 inquired whether Chelsea Clinton had marriage plans, Bush 43 declared how impressed he was with the former president's daughter. (TG: Well, yeah, despite being raised by two sexually immoral parents, Chelsea doesn't seen to be the slut Bush's daughters appear to be).
For two men at opposite ends of the political spectrum, the relationship between the 43rd and 42nd presidents has grown surprisingly warm and personal over the last six months. Clinton endorsed Bush's approach to the tsunami catastrophe, defending him against criticism about his initial response as well as raising cash alongside the president's father. Friends and aides say the two men enjoy each other's company and, as fellow pros, respect each other's political talents.
The rapid thaw started with the unveiling of Clinton's official portrait in the White House in June, when Bush told his speechwriters he wanted to deliver something "very praiseworthy, warm, funny and short." During Clinton's recent health crisis, Bush called twice to share what one of the former president's aides called "good, funny conversations." And in November, at the opening of Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Ark., both the president and his father delivered praise that Clinton reveled in. Clinton even pulled aside Karl Rove, the architect of Bush's election success, to congratulate him.
While aides on both sides say there's still a political chasm between the two presidents, they also point to a common style: both are Southern politicians who love to woo crowds, and whose qualities were underestimated by Washington's establishment. There's also Bush's future membership in one of the smallest elites on the planet: the ex-presidents' club. "And they're members of an even more exclusive club—the two-termers," noted one senior administration official. "To go back to the people for affirmation and be there for eight years puts them in a different class."
Bush's aides said the president is already thinking of his own presidential library plans as well as his own role after 2008, as another relatively young ex-president.
Just don't expect the working partnership to extend to Hillary Clinton, whose supporters want her to run in four years. "Honestly, I don't think getting together with George Bush is what she needs," said one ex-Clinton aide. Friendships may blossom between ex-presidents, but presidential hopefuls live in a far more hostile world.
posted by T.G. at 4:26 PM
Sunday, January 09, 2005
# 54 Bush slips TIA into intelligence reform bill.
The Orwellian Total Information Awareness program was nixed in 2003 by Congress after a huge outcry from freedom-loving Americans.
Now Bush has installed the same increased wiretapping, surveillance, search, arrest, detention, and prosecution powers into the recently passed Intelligence Reform bill (mentioned in #23).
"Intelligence Reform Charade", The New American, January 10, 2005
Now Bush has installed the same increased wiretapping, surveillance, search, arrest, detention, and prosecution powers into the recently passed Intelligence Reform bill (mentioned in #23).
"Intelligence Reform Charade", The New American, January 10, 2005
posted by T.G. at 8:58 PM
# 53 Bush urges Congress to subvert American industry.
The unconstitutional WTO tries to shackle American industry (cotton and steel this time).
Foreign countries subsidize products so they can be sold on market below COST to eliminate U.S. competition. Congress tries to protect American interests. Of course WTO rules that's illegal and fines America.
Bush urges Congress to comply with the New World Order directive.
http://www.stoptheftaa.org/artman/publish/article_154.shtml
Through the GATS process, all of our legislative processes are thrown open to challenge by foreign governments.
"Byrd amendment," authorizes the imposition of tariffs to protect various industries from "dumping" -- that is to say, the subsidized export of goods below production costs as a way of driving U.S.-based competitors out of the market.
WTO ruled that the Byrd amendment was "illegal." This is to say that a Geneva-based global body, composed of foreigners who are not accountable to U.S. citizens, presumed to exercise judicial review over [our] law.
The WTO ruling clears the way for "the EU, Japan and five other governments … to slap tariffs on American imports
Mr. Bush replied: "We've worked hard to comply with the WTO. It's important that all nations comply with WTO rulings. I'll work with Congress to get into compliance."
Foreign countries subsidize products so they can be sold on market below COST to eliminate U.S. competition. Congress tries to protect American interests. Of course WTO rules that's illegal and fines America.
Bush urges Congress to comply with the New World Order directive.
http://www.stoptheftaa.org/artman/publish/article_154.shtml
Through the GATS process, all of our legislative processes are thrown open to challenge by foreign governments.
"Byrd amendment," authorizes the imposition of tariffs to protect various industries from "dumping" -- that is to say, the subsidized export of goods below production costs as a way of driving U.S.-based competitors out of the market.
WTO ruled that the Byrd amendment was "illegal." This is to say that a Geneva-based global body, composed of foreigners who are not accountable to U.S. citizens, presumed to exercise judicial review over [our] law.
The WTO ruling clears the way for "the EU, Japan and five other governments … to slap tariffs on American imports
Mr. Bush replied: "We've worked hard to comply with the WTO. It's important that all nations comply with WTO rulings. I'll work with Congress to get into compliance."
posted by T.G. at 8:52 PM
# 52 Bush administration pays off media.
Imagine the uproar it would've caused if Bill Clinton had paid off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs.
It's no less wrong for Bush to pay off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs. It really isn't - just because he's a Republican doesn't justify his criminal activities (That last line is for the Bush-bots who think anything Sun Myung Bush does is right just because it's him doing it).
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-06-williams-whitehouse_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Education Dept. paid commentator to promote law
By Greg Toppo, USA TODAY
Seeking to build support among black families for its education reform law, the Bush administration paid a prominent black pundit $240,000 to promote the law on his nationally syndicated television show and to urge other black journalists to do the same.
The campaign, part of an effort to promote No Child Left Behind (NCLB), required commentator Armstrong Williams "to regularly comment on NCLB during the course of his broadcasts," and to interview Education Secretary Rod Paige for TV and radio spots that aired during the show in 2004.
Williams said Thursday he understands that critics could find the arrangement unethical, but "I wanted to do it because it's something I believe in."
The top Democrat on the House Education Committee, Rep. George Miller of California, called the contract "a very questionable use of taxpayers' money" that is "probably illegal." He said he will ask his Republican counterpart to join him in requesting an investigation.
The contract, detailed in documents obtained by USA TODAY through a Freedom of Information Act request, also shows that the Education Department, through the Ketchum public relations firm, arranged with Williams to use contacts with America's Black Forum, a group of black broadcast journalists, "to encourage the producers to periodically address" NCLB.
He persuaded radio and TV personality Steve Harvey to invite Paige onto his show twice. Harvey's manager, Rushion McDonald, confirmed the appearances.
Williams said he does not recall disclosing the contract to audiences on the air but told colleagues about it when urging them to promote NCLB.
"I respect Mr. Williams' statement that this is something he believes in," said Bob Steele, a media ethics expert at The Poynter Institute for Media Studies. "But I would suggest that his commitment to that belief is best exercised through his excellent professional work rather than through contractual obligations with outsiders who are, quite clearly, trying to influence content."
The contract may be illegal "because Congress has prohibited propaganda," or any sort of lobbying for programs funded by the government, said Melanie Sloan of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. "And it's propaganda."
White House spokesman Trent Duffy said he couldn't comment because the White House is not involved in departments' contracts.
Ketchum referred questions to the Education Department, whose spokesman, John Gibbons, said the contract followed standard government procedures. He said there are no plans to continue with "similar outreach."
Williams' contract was part of a $1 million deal with Ketchum that produced "video news releases" designed to look like news reports. The Bush administration used similar releases last year to promote its Medicare prescription drug plan, prompting a scolding from the Government Accountability Office, which called them an illegal use of taxpayers' dollars.
Williams, 45, a former aide to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, is one of the top black conservative voices in the nation. He hosts The Right Side on TV and radio, and writes op-ed pieces for newspapers, including USA TODAY, while running a public relations firm, Graham Williams Group.
It's no less wrong for Bush to pay off the liberal media to promote his unconstitutional education programs. It really isn't - just because he's a Republican doesn't justify his criminal activities (That last line is for the Bush-bots who think anything Sun Myung Bush does is right just because it's him doing it).
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-06-williams-whitehouse_x.htm?POE=click-refer
Education Dept. paid commentator to promote law
By Greg Toppo, USA TODAY
Seeking to build support among black families for its education reform law, the Bush administration paid a prominent black pundit $240,000 to promote the law on his nationally syndicated television show and to urge other black journalists to do the same.
The campaign, part of an effort to promote No Child Left Behind (NCLB), required commentator Armstrong Williams "to regularly comment on NCLB during the course of his broadcasts," and to interview Education Secretary Rod Paige for TV and radio spots that aired during the show in 2004.
Williams said Thursday he understands that critics could find the arrangement unethical, but "I wanted to do it because it's something I believe in."
The top Democrat on the House Education Committee, Rep. George Miller of California, called the contract "a very questionable use of taxpayers' money" that is "probably illegal." He said he will ask his Republican counterpart to join him in requesting an investigation.
The contract, detailed in documents obtained by USA TODAY through a Freedom of Information Act request, also shows that the Education Department, through the Ketchum public relations firm, arranged with Williams to use contacts with America's Black Forum, a group of black broadcast journalists, "to encourage the producers to periodically address" NCLB.
He persuaded radio and TV personality Steve Harvey to invite Paige onto his show twice. Harvey's manager, Rushion McDonald, confirmed the appearances.
Williams said he does not recall disclosing the contract to audiences on the air but told colleagues about it when urging them to promote NCLB.
"I respect Mr. Williams' statement that this is something he believes in," said Bob Steele, a media ethics expert at The Poynter Institute for Media Studies. "But I would suggest that his commitment to that belief is best exercised through his excellent professional work rather than through contractual obligations with outsiders who are, quite clearly, trying to influence content."
The contract may be illegal "because Congress has prohibited propaganda," or any sort of lobbying for programs funded by the government, said Melanie Sloan of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. "And it's propaganda."
White House spokesman Trent Duffy said he couldn't comment because the White House is not involved in departments' contracts.
Ketchum referred questions to the Education Department, whose spokesman, John Gibbons, said the contract followed standard government procedures. He said there are no plans to continue with "similar outreach."
Williams' contract was part of a $1 million deal with Ketchum that produced "video news releases" designed to look like news reports. The Bush administration used similar releases last year to promote its Medicare prescription drug plan, prompting a scolding from the Government Accountability Office, which called them an illegal use of taxpayers' dollars.
Williams, 45, a former aide to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, is one of the top black conservative voices in the nation. He hosts The Right Side on TV and radio, and writes op-ed pieces for newspapers, including USA TODAY, while running a public relations firm, Graham Williams Group.
posted by T.G. at 8:45 PM
# 51 From Ozzie to Elton to Kid Rock.
At least they backed off on this (for now), just the fact that they would consider this vile, obscene, wailer who makes Eminem sound clean-cut, is bad enough in itself. But it fits the Bush modus operandi. He has already honored Black Sabbath's occult rocker Ozzy Osbourne and sodomite singer Elton John.
Even if they nix Kid Rock, no doubt they will have other raunchy rockers in his stead.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42269
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42260
BUSH SWEARING IN: TAKE 2
Inauguration committee backpedals on Kid Rock
Despite multiple press reports, spokeswoman says rapper 'not confirmed' for youth concert
January 6, 2005
By Ron Strom
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
Despite press reports originating in the New York Times that rock-rapper Kid Rock would perform at the Bush inauguration, the Presidential Inauguration Committee now says the vulgar entertainer is "not confirmed" to appear at the celebration's youth concert.
As WorldNetDaily reported this morning, reports that the rapper would perform at the Jan. 18 concert, which will be hosted by Bush twins Jenna and Barbara, has outraged pro-family advocates who point to the fact that "values voters" were key to the president's re-election.
If this sex-crazed animal, whose favorite word is the F-word, is allowed to sing at Bush's inauguration this will send a clear message to pro-family Americans that the Republican Party has taken them for a ride and ditched them in the gutter," Randy Thomasson, president of Campaign for Children and Families, told WND.
The Detroit-based rapper, who dedicated his first album to songs about oral sex and who was voted the Sluttiest Male Celebrity at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, featured a song on one album entitled "Pimp of the Nation," which ironically takes a swipe at Bush's mother.
The lyrics include:
Pimp of the Nation, I could be it
As a matter of a fact, I foresee it
But only pimpin' hoes with the big tush
While you be left pimpin' Barbara Bush
Some of Kid Rock's songs include the F-word in their title, such as "F--- U Blind" and "F--- Off."
Even if they nix Kid Rock, no doubt they will have other raunchy rockers in his stead.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42269
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42260
BUSH SWEARING IN: TAKE 2
Inauguration committee backpedals on Kid Rock
Despite multiple press reports, spokeswoman says rapper 'not confirmed' for youth concert
January 6, 2005
By Ron Strom
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
Despite press reports originating in the New York Times that rock-rapper Kid Rock would perform at the Bush inauguration, the Presidential Inauguration Committee now says the vulgar entertainer is "not confirmed" to appear at the celebration's youth concert.
As WorldNetDaily reported this morning, reports that the rapper would perform at the Jan. 18 concert, which will be hosted by Bush twins Jenna and Barbara, has outraged pro-family advocates who point to the fact that "values voters" were key to the president's re-election.
If this sex-crazed animal, whose favorite word is the F-word, is allowed to sing at Bush's inauguration this will send a clear message to pro-family Americans that the Republican Party has taken them for a ride and ditched them in the gutter," Randy Thomasson, president of Campaign for Children and Families, told WND.
The Detroit-based rapper, who dedicated his first album to songs about oral sex and who was voted the Sluttiest Male Celebrity at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, featured a song on one album entitled "Pimp of the Nation," which ironically takes a swipe at Bush's mother.
The lyrics include:
Pimp of the Nation, I could be it
As a matter of a fact, I foresee it
But only pimpin' hoes with the big tush
While you be left pimpin' Barbara Bush
Some of Kid Rock's songs include the F-word in their title, such as "F--- U Blind" and "F--- Off."
posted by T.G. at 8:40 PM
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Bush Scorecard: 50 as of 1.06.05
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election, which was only two months ago!
As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to go without sleep to keep up with Bush so far. I'm having a hard time just recording them. No doubt I've missed a few.
The first 25 are on this page (click here.)
.26. Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt.
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htm
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
27. Bush shows lack of loyalty.
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insider)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda.
Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself by backstabbing John Danforth for the second time.
28. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon.
Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
29. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
30. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish.
He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush.
I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
31. Queers love Georgie boy
http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_19.shtml
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him.
The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim.
The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
32. Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens).
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws. Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
33. Dubya reaches leftward.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before.
He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away.
We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
34. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services.
Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
35. Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
36. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan.
BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
37. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate.
Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument.
Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings.
Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
38. Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role?
During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
39. Bush uses American generosity to steal from them.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041229/D879EB6O0.html
Americans are indeed very generous. But that does not give Bush the right to steal our money and send it to the causes *he* determines are needy?
Foreign aid is unconstitutional, even for 'good' causes.
If Americans are so generous (and we are), then no such stealing is needed. Americans would rush to the aid of the Asian tsunami victims if GWB would get his hands out of their pockets.
40. Dept. of Homeland Security Pushes More Secrecy.
What more needs to be said about the American Gestapo/Checka/KGB?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/archives/008937.html
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/fisher.php?articleid=4222
41. GWB wants to cross party lines.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CSORO0.html
He's implemented much of the Democrat agenda, it's about time he admitted to it.
42. Bush to strengthen medical industry grip over citizens.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050102/D87BKL6G0.html
There are frivolous suits to be sure, but the solution is to throw THEM out, not to cap all lawsuits and thwart a citizen's ability to be recompensed in legitimate cases.
43. Bush to cut SS benefits.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A45726-2005Jan3?language=printer
Socialist Insecurity ought to be privatized, but we cannot let those who paid into it for decades get their low benefits cut even worse.
44. Bush supports LOST treaty.
http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2004/Dec/17-588638.html
We would do well if this treaty got lost.
It gives up to the UN/NWO, our sovereignty, rights, and benefits, from our oceans, coasts, and even the Great Lakes!
45. Non-terrorist charged under Patriot Act.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUR3O0.html
The guy might have committed an infraction, but he is not a terrorist and he is an American citizen and should be dealt with by normal American law, not some ostensively anti-terror act.
That was not supposed to be the purpose of anti-terror legislation.
What are they going to take first under the guise of preventing terror, my Bible, my guns, my cardboard cutters, or my laser pointers?
46. Bush stonewalling on Gonzales.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aZKEt_nX7im0&refer=us
With Gonzales' record of supporting torture and eliminating Constitutional protections (not to mention being pro-abortion), it's no surprise that a wicked man would want to hide his record (which says just what about GWB?).
Why, Gonzales might want to apply the Patriot Act to non-terrorist Americans!
47. Bush tax hike coming.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUMR80.html
One way or anther, to restructure social security (rather than eliminate it) he will have to raise taxes - and since his 'cut' knocked some 10% off the tax rolls altogether, those of us who pay taxes will have to pony up an even larger share.
48. Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Anything the government funds, the government controls.
This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother. This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors.
Yes, "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ.
49. World ready for war on U.S.
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/050105/w010548.html
Here is the result of being in a perpetual state of war on terror - half the world is preparing for war on the U.S. Can you blame them?
50. No crosses at inauguration.
We've hit the half-century mark, and a fitting milestone this is - another repudiation of Christianity by "Brother" Bush (rather, BIG Brother Bush!).
We might pass 60 by the inauguration - move over Babe, here comes Bush! That'll be in only three months - only half a season!
We'll certainly shoot for 75 to pass Barry Bonds, and then go for 92 to pass Wayne Gretzky on our way to 100! Bush is going to shatter every record on the books!
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42258
Again, crosses are symbols and I don't believe God is pleased with them anyway, but that's NOT why the Bush administration has now twice been anti-cross. It is another repudiation of anything thought to be Christian.
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years.
If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them.
I’d rather LOSE doing RIGHT than WIN(?) doing WRONG. I’d rather be UNSUCCESSFUL in supporting what’s RIGHT than SUCCESSFUL in supporting WRONG.
We’ll be looking at more that 50 ungodly and liberal items just between the election and inauguration (less than three months).
There is no way Kerry, as repugnant as he is, could have kept up this pace. The Republicans would’ve OPPOSED him on most of these items.
What do we have to look forward to for the next four YEARS?
As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to go without sleep to keep up with Bush so far. I'm having a hard time just recording them. No doubt I've missed a few.
The first 25 are on this page (click here.)
.26. Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt.
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htm
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
27. Bush shows lack of loyalty.
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insider)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda.
Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself by backstabbing John Danforth for the second time.
28. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon.
Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
29. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
30. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish.
He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush.
I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
31. Queers love Georgie boy
http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_19.shtml
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him.
The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim.
The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
32. Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens).
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws. Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
33. Dubya reaches leftward.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before.
He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away.
We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
34. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services.
Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
35. Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
36. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan.
BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
37. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate.
Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument.
Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings.
Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
38. Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role?
During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
39. Bush uses American generosity to steal from them.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041229/D879EB6O0.html
Americans are indeed very generous. But that does not give Bush the right to steal our money and send it to the causes *he* determines are needy?
Foreign aid is unconstitutional, even for 'good' causes.
If Americans are so generous (and we are), then no such stealing is needed. Americans would rush to the aid of the Asian tsunami victims if GWB would get his hands out of their pockets.
40. Dept. of Homeland Security Pushes More Secrecy.
What more needs to be said about the American Gestapo/Checka/KGB?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/archives/008937.html
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/fisher.php?articleid=4222
41. GWB wants to cross party lines.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CSORO0.html
He's implemented much of the Democrat agenda, it's about time he admitted to it.
42. Bush to strengthen medical industry grip over citizens.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050102/D87BKL6G0.html
There are frivolous suits to be sure, but the solution is to throw THEM out, not to cap all lawsuits and thwart a citizen's ability to be recompensed in legitimate cases.
43. Bush to cut SS benefits.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A45726-2005Jan3?language=printer
Socialist Insecurity ought to be privatized, but we cannot let those who paid into it for decades get their low benefits cut even worse.
44. Bush supports LOST treaty.
http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2004/Dec/17-588638.html
We would do well if this treaty got lost.
It gives up to the UN/NWO, our sovereignty, rights, and benefits, from our oceans, coasts, and even the Great Lakes!
45. Non-terrorist charged under Patriot Act.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUR3O0.html
The guy might have committed an infraction, but he is not a terrorist and he is an American citizen and should be dealt with by normal American law, not some ostensively anti-terror act.
That was not supposed to be the purpose of anti-terror legislation.
What are they going to take first under the guise of preventing terror, my Bible, my guns, my cardboard cutters, or my laser pointers?
46. Bush stonewalling on Gonzales.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aZKEt_nX7im0&refer=us
With Gonzales' record of supporting torture and eliminating Constitutional protections (not to mention being pro-abortion), it's no surprise that a wicked man would want to hide his record (which says just what about GWB?).
Why, Gonzales might want to apply the Patriot Act to non-terrorist Americans!
47. Bush tax hike coming.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUMR80.html
One way or anther, to restructure social security (rather than eliminate it) he will have to raise taxes - and since his 'cut' knocked some 10% off the tax rolls altogether, those of us who pay taxes will have to pony up an even larger share.
48. Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Anything the government funds, the government controls.
This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother. This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors.
Yes, "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ.
49. World ready for war on U.S.
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/050105/w010548.html
Here is the result of being in a perpetual state of war on terror - half the world is preparing for war on the U.S. Can you blame them?
50. No crosses at inauguration.
We've hit the half-century mark, and a fitting milestone this is - another repudiation of Christianity by "Brother" Bush (rather, BIG Brother Bush!).
We might pass 60 by the inauguration - move over Babe, here comes Bush! That'll be in only three months - only half a season!
We'll certainly shoot for 75 to pass Barry Bonds, and then go for 92 to pass Wayne Gretzky on our way to 100! Bush is going to shatter every record on the books!
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42258
Again, crosses are symbols and I don't believe God is pleased with them anyway, but that's NOT why the Bush administration has now twice been anti-cross. It is another repudiation of anything thought to be Christian.
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years.
If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them.
I’d rather LOSE doing RIGHT than WIN(?) doing WRONG. I’d rather be UNSUCCESSFUL in supporting what’s RIGHT than SUCCESSFUL in supporting WRONG.
We’ll be looking at more that 50 ungodly and liberal items just between the election and inauguration (less than three months).
There is no way Kerry, as repugnant as he is, could have kept up this pace. The Republicans would’ve OPPOSED him on most of these items.
What do we have to look forward to for the next four YEARS?
posted by T.G. at 9:35 PM
# 50 No crosses at inauguration.
We've hit the half-century mark; and a fitting milestone this is - another repudiation of Christianity by "Brother" Bush (rather, BIG Brother Bush!).
We might pass 60 by the inauguration - move over Babe, here comes Bush! That'll be in only three months - only half a season!
We'll certainly shoot for 75 to pass Barry Bonds, and then go for 92 to pass Wayne Gretzky on our way to 100! Bush is going to shatter every record on the books!
Again, crosses are symbols and I don't believe God is pleased with them anyway, but that's NOT why the Bush administration has now twice been anti-cross. It is another repudiation of anything thought to be Christian.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42258
BUSH SWEARING IN: TAKE 2
Officials ban crosses at inauguration parade
Christian group protests restrictions imposed in letter from Secret Service
January 5, 2005
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
A Christian group is accusing the U.S. Secret Service of religious discrimination and censorship for issuing a memo that bans Christian crosses from the presidential inauguration parade later this month.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Washington, D.C.-based Christian Defense Coalition, contends the Secret Service has "trampled the First Amendment and crushed religious freedom in the public square."
"Simply put, it is religious bigotry and censorship," he said. "It is even more troubling when one realizes that it is only Christian symbols that have been excluded from the inauguration parade."
Tom Mazur, spokesman for the Secret Service, told WorldNetDaily the prohibition is simply a security matter that has nothing to do with the religious nature of the cross.
We might pass 60 by the inauguration - move over Babe, here comes Bush! That'll be in only three months - only half a season!
We'll certainly shoot for 75 to pass Barry Bonds, and then go for 92 to pass Wayne Gretzky on our way to 100! Bush is going to shatter every record on the books!
Again, crosses are symbols and I don't believe God is pleased with them anyway, but that's NOT why the Bush administration has now twice been anti-cross. It is another repudiation of anything thought to be Christian.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42258
BUSH SWEARING IN: TAKE 2
Officials ban crosses at inauguration parade
Christian group protests restrictions imposed in letter from Secret Service
January 5, 2005
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
A Christian group is accusing the U.S. Secret Service of religious discrimination and censorship for issuing a memo that bans Christian crosses from the presidential inauguration parade later this month.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Washington, D.C.-based Christian Defense Coalition, contends the Secret Service has "trampled the First Amendment and crushed religious freedom in the public square."
"Simply put, it is religious bigotry and censorship," he said. "It is even more troubling when one realizes that it is only Christian symbols that have been excluded from the inauguration parade."
Tom Mazur, spokesman for the Secret Service, told WorldNetDaily the prohibition is simply a security matter that has nothing to do with the religious nature of the cross.
posted by T.G. at 8:42 AM
# 49 World ready for war on U.S.
Here is the result of being in a perpetual state of war on terror - half the world is preparing for war on the U.S.
Can you blame them?
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/050105/w010548.html
North Korea tells its population to prepare for war against US
SEOUL, South Korea
(AP) - North Korea has ordered its citizens to be ready for a protracted war against the United States, issuing guidelines on evacuating to underground bunkers with weapons, food and portraits of leader Kim Jong Il.
The 33-page ``Detailed Wartime Guidelines,'' published in South Korea's Kyunghyang newspaper on Wednesday and verified by Seoul, was issued April 7, 2004, at a time when the communist regime was claiming it was Washington's next target following the Iraq war.
The manual - the first such North Korean document made public in the outside world - was signed by Kim Jong Il in his capacity as chairman of the Central Military Committee of the ruling Workers' Party. That ended speculation over whether Kim has assumed the top military post following the 1994 death of his father, President Kim Il Sung.
Analysts said the guidelines reflected Pyongyang's fear over a possible U.S. military strike amid stalled talks on its nuclear weapons programs. They said the guidelines were also meant to whip up a sense of crisis among its 22 million people, reportedly growing discontent amid economic hardship.
``The United States has cooked up suspicion over our nuclear programs and is escalating an offensive of international pressure to strangle and destroy our republic,'' the booklet said. ``If this tactic doesn't work, it plots to use this (nuclear) problem as an excuse for armed invasion.'' Kyunghyang did not clarify where it acquired the document classified as ``top secret.''
Seoul's National Intelligence Service said in a one-sentence statement: ``We believe the document reflects North Korea's wartime preparations.''
The manual urged the military to build restaurants, wells, restrooms and air purifiers in underground bunkers, which government offices and military units will move into if war breaks out. When North Koreans evacuate to underground facilities, they should make sure that they take the portraits, plaster busts and bronze statues of Kim and his parents so that they can ``protect'' them in a special room, the guidelines say.
The Kim family has ruled North Korea for more than a half century, creating a powerful personality cult. Portraits of Kim and his father hang side-by-side on the walls of every house.
Since the Korean War ended in 1953, North Korea has built a 1.1 million-member military, the world's fifth largest, although most of its weapons are outdated. It already keeps vital military facilities in an estimated 10,000 underground tunnels and bunkers, South Korean officials say.
The Pyongyang subway is hundreds of yards below the surface to double as an air raid shelter, and the North's military has dug ``invasion tunnels'' across the border with the South.
North Korea is locked in a dispute with Washington and its allies over its nuclear weapons programs.
Pyongyang escalated its threats after the United States invaded Iraq, which President Bush termed as an ``axis of evil,'' together with Iran and North Korea.
North Korean villages are festooned with slogans exhorting the people to prepare for a war with ``our sworn enemy, the U.S. imperialists.''
``The North has real fear that it may become the next Iraq under the Bush administration,'' said Kim Tae-woo, a senior fellow at Seoul's Korea Institute for Defense Analyses.
``The guidelines also appear aimed at tightening domestic control on the people as the economic difficulties erode the regime's grip on power.'' Kim said
Washington is building more powerful missiles that could destroy underground military targets in countries like North Korea. On Tuesday, North Korea accused the United States of planning to deploy those missiles in South Korea for a ``preemptive attack'' on the North.
Washington says it wants to end the nuclear dispute peacefully.
Can you blame them?
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/050105/w010548.html
North Korea tells its population to prepare for war against US
SEOUL, South Korea
(AP) - North Korea has ordered its citizens to be ready for a protracted war against the United States, issuing guidelines on evacuating to underground bunkers with weapons, food and portraits of leader Kim Jong Il.
The 33-page ``Detailed Wartime Guidelines,'' published in South Korea's Kyunghyang newspaper on Wednesday and verified by Seoul, was issued April 7, 2004, at a time when the communist regime was claiming it was Washington's next target following the Iraq war.
The manual - the first such North Korean document made public in the outside world - was signed by Kim Jong Il in his capacity as chairman of the Central Military Committee of the ruling Workers' Party. That ended speculation over whether Kim has assumed the top military post following the 1994 death of his father, President Kim Il Sung.
Analysts said the guidelines reflected Pyongyang's fear over a possible U.S. military strike amid stalled talks on its nuclear weapons programs. They said the guidelines were also meant to whip up a sense of crisis among its 22 million people, reportedly growing discontent amid economic hardship.
``The United States has cooked up suspicion over our nuclear programs and is escalating an offensive of international pressure to strangle and destroy our republic,'' the booklet said. ``If this tactic doesn't work, it plots to use this (nuclear) problem as an excuse for armed invasion.'' Kyunghyang did not clarify where it acquired the document classified as ``top secret.''
Seoul's National Intelligence Service said in a one-sentence statement: ``We believe the document reflects North Korea's wartime preparations.''
The manual urged the military to build restaurants, wells, restrooms and air purifiers in underground bunkers, which government offices and military units will move into if war breaks out. When North Koreans evacuate to underground facilities, they should make sure that they take the portraits, plaster busts and bronze statues of Kim and his parents so that they can ``protect'' them in a special room, the guidelines say.
The Kim family has ruled North Korea for more than a half century, creating a powerful personality cult. Portraits of Kim and his father hang side-by-side on the walls of every house.
Since the Korean War ended in 1953, North Korea has built a 1.1 million-member military, the world's fifth largest, although most of its weapons are outdated. It already keeps vital military facilities in an estimated 10,000 underground tunnels and bunkers, South Korean officials say.
The Pyongyang subway is hundreds of yards below the surface to double as an air raid shelter, and the North's military has dug ``invasion tunnels'' across the border with the South.
North Korea is locked in a dispute with Washington and its allies over its nuclear weapons programs.
Pyongyang escalated its threats after the United States invaded Iraq, which President Bush termed as an ``axis of evil,'' together with Iran and North Korea.
North Korean villages are festooned with slogans exhorting the people to prepare for a war with ``our sworn enemy, the U.S. imperialists.''
``The North has real fear that it may become the next Iraq under the Bush administration,'' said Kim Tae-woo, a senior fellow at Seoul's Korea Institute for Defense Analyses.
``The guidelines also appear aimed at tightening domestic control on the people as the economic difficulties erode the regime's grip on power.'' Kim said
Washington is building more powerful missiles that could destroy underground military targets in countries like North Korea. On Tuesday, North Korea accused the United States of planning to deploy those missiles in South Korea for a ``preemptive attack'' on the North.
Washington says it wants to end the nuclear dispute peacefully.
posted by T.G. at 8:33 AM
Bush Scorecard: 48 as of 1.05.05
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election, which was only two months ago! As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to go without sleep to keep up with Bush so far. I'm having a hard time just recording them. No doubt I've missed a few.
The first 25 are on this page (click here).
26. Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt.
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htm
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
27. Bush shows lack of loyalty.
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insider)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda. Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself by backstabbing John Danforth for the second time.
28. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon.
Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
29. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
30. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah.
This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush.
I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
31. Queers love Georgie boy
http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_19.shtml
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him.
The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim.
The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
32. Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens).
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws.
Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
33. Dubya reaches leftward.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before. He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away.
We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
34. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget.
It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services.
Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
35. Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
36. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan.
BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
37. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate.
Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument.
Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings.
Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
38. Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role? During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
39. Bush uses American generosity to steal from them.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041229/D879EB6O0.html
Americans are indeed very generous. But that does not give Bush the right to steal our money and send it to the causes *he* determines are needy.
Foreign aid is unconstitutional, even for 'good' causes.
If Americans are so generous (and we are), then no such stealing is needed. Americans would rush to the aid of the Asian tsunami victims if GWB would get his hands out of their pockets.
40. Dept. of Homeland Security Pushes More Secrecy.
What more needs to be said about the American Gestapo/Checka/KGB?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/archives/008937.html
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/fisher.php?articleid=4222
41. GWB wants to cross party lines.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CSORO0.html
He's implemented much of the Democrat agenda, it's about time he admitted to it.
42. Bush to strengthen medical industry grip over citizens.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050102/D87BKL6G0.html
There are frivolous suits to be sure, but the solution is to throw THEM out, not to cap all lawsuits and thwart a citizen's ability to be recompensed in legitimate cases.
43. Bush to cut SS benefits.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A45726-2005Jan3?language=printer
Socialist Insecurity ought to be privatized, but we cannot let those who paid into it for decades get their low benefits cut even worse.
44. Bush supports LOST treaty.
http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2004/Dec/17-588638.html
We would do well if this treaty got lost. It gives up to the UN/NWO, our sovereignty, rights, and benefits, from our oceans, coasts, and even the Great Lakes!
45. Non-terrorist charged under Patriot Act.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUR3O0.html
The guy might have committed an infraction, but he is not a terrorist and he is an American citizen and should be dealt with by normal American law, not some ostensively anti-terror act. That was not supposed to be the purpose of anti-terror legislation.
What are they going to take first under the guise of preventing terror, my Bible, my guns, my cardboard cutters, or my laser pointers?
46. Bush stonewalling on Gonzales.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aZKEt_nX7im0&refer=us
With Gonzales' record of supporting torture and eliminating Constitutional protections (not to mention being pro-abortion), it's no surprise that a wicked man would want to hide his record (which says just what about GWB?).
Why, Gonzales might want to apply the Patriot Act to non-terrorist Americans!
47. Bush tax hike coming.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUMR80.html
One way or anther, to restructure social security (rather than eliminate it) he will have to raise taxes - and since his 'cut' knocked some 10% off the tax rolls altogether, those of us who pay taxes will have to pony up an even larger share.
48. Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Anything the government funds, the government controls. This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother.
This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors.
Yes, "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ.
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years. If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them.
The first 25 are on this page (click here).
26. Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt.
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htm
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
27. Bush shows lack of loyalty.
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insider)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda. Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself by backstabbing John Danforth for the second time.
28. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon.
Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
29. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
30. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah.
This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush.
I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
31. Queers love Georgie boy
http://www.thenewamerican.com/artman/publish/article_19.shtml
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him.
The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim.
The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
32. Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens).
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws.
Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
33. Dubya reaches leftward.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before. He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away.
We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
34. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget.
It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services.
Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
35. Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
36. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan.
BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
37. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate.
Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument.
Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings.
Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
38. Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role? During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
39. Bush uses American generosity to steal from them.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041229/D879EB6O0.html
Americans are indeed very generous. But that does not give Bush the right to steal our money and send it to the causes *he* determines are needy.
Foreign aid is unconstitutional, even for 'good' causes.
If Americans are so generous (and we are), then no such stealing is needed. Americans would rush to the aid of the Asian tsunami victims if GWB would get his hands out of their pockets.
40. Dept. of Homeland Security Pushes More Secrecy.
What more needs to be said about the American Gestapo/Checka/KGB?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/archives/008937.html
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/fisher.php?articleid=4222
41. GWB wants to cross party lines.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CSORO0.html
He's implemented much of the Democrat agenda, it's about time he admitted to it.
42. Bush to strengthen medical industry grip over citizens.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050102/D87BKL6G0.html
There are frivolous suits to be sure, but the solution is to throw THEM out, not to cap all lawsuits and thwart a citizen's ability to be recompensed in legitimate cases.
43. Bush to cut SS benefits.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A45726-2005Jan3?language=printer
Socialist Insecurity ought to be privatized, but we cannot let those who paid into it for decades get their low benefits cut even worse.
44. Bush supports LOST treaty.
http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2004/Dec/17-588638.html
We would do well if this treaty got lost. It gives up to the UN/NWO, our sovereignty, rights, and benefits, from our oceans, coasts, and even the Great Lakes!
45. Non-terrorist charged under Patriot Act.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUR3O0.html
The guy might have committed an infraction, but he is not a terrorist and he is an American citizen and should be dealt with by normal American law, not some ostensively anti-terror act. That was not supposed to be the purpose of anti-terror legislation.
What are they going to take first under the guise of preventing terror, my Bible, my guns, my cardboard cutters, or my laser pointers?
46. Bush stonewalling on Gonzales.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aZKEt_nX7im0&refer=us
With Gonzales' record of supporting torture and eliminating Constitutional protections (not to mention being pro-abortion), it's no surprise that a wicked man would want to hide his record (which says just what about GWB?).
Why, Gonzales might want to apply the Patriot Act to non-terrorist Americans!
47. Bush tax hike coming.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUMR80.html
One way or anther, to restructure social security (rather than eliminate it) he will have to raise taxes - and since his 'cut' knocked some 10% off the tax rolls altogether, those of us who pay taxes will have to pony up an even larger share.
48. Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Anything the government funds, the government controls. This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother.
This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors.
Yes, "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ.
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years. If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them.
posted by T.G. at 7:38 AM
# 48 Bush push to shackle churches using faith-based funds.
Anything the government funds, the government controls.
This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother. This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors.
Yes, "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Bush Pushing for More Faith-Based Funds
Jan 3, 4:59 PM (ET)
By LAURA MECKLER
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush has succeeded in opening the checkbooks of five federal departments to religious organizations. Now he's setting his sights on money doled out by the states. The goal is to persuade states to funnel more of the federal money for social service programs that they administer to "faith-based organizations."
Federal regulations now allow federal agencies to directly fund churches and other religious groups. Bush acted alone to rewrite these regulations after failing to persuade Congress to change the law.
Partly as a result, in 2003, groups dubbed "faith-based" received $1.17 billion in grants from federal agencies, according to documents provided by the White House to The Associated Press. That was about 8 percent of the $14.5 billion spent on social programs that qualify for faith-based grants in five federal departments.
That's not enough, said Jim Towey, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. An additional $40 billion in federal money is given out by state governments, he said, and many states do not realize that federal rules now allow them to fund these organizations. "We're on the sunrise side of the mountain," he said.
To encourage states, the White House has hosted a series of conferences, Towey has met with state leaders and Bush has personally lobbied governors.
The White House office also is providing states with technical assistance in setting up their own faith-based offices.
Towey's office will also be looking for cases in which the administration believes state or local governments are not treating religious groups fairly. He cited a case last fall where the city council in Janesville, Wis., was urged by Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, a group that opposes Bush's initiative, not to give the Salvation Army $250,000 to buy a building for a homeless shelter because worship activities would also take place inside.
Towey's office told city officials that federal regulations allowed the grant to go forward. "When it's brought to our attention that a group's being discriminated against, the federal government's going to weigh in," he said.
The coming year will also see a new $100 million drug treatment program get up and running, which allows addicts to use their government money to seek treatment from religious groups.
States were initially slow to warm to the Bush initiative.
An independent 2003 study of state efforts to contract with faith-based groups found little activity. That was partly because states did not see a need to target religious groups and partly because their budgets were so tight that there was little room for new contractors, said Richard Nathan, director of the Rockefeller Institute at the State University of New York in Albany.
"For the most part, the response ... has been muted," concluded the 2003 study.
But within the past six months, Nathan said, the states have shown more interest, with more governors appointing liaisons to the religious community and announcing policies that make it clear the state will consider their applications for funding.
By Towey's count, there are now 21 governors, including many Democrats, who have set up their own faith-based offices.
Meanwhile, opponents, who contend that the White House is walking over the line separating church and state, are looking for a case to take to court to challenge the entire initiative on constitutional grounds. And they are promising to keep their eye on the states.
"There clearly is a wave of new faith-based offices coming to states around the country, and I think some of them are likely to deal with it responsibly and others to deal with it as irresponsibly as the administration does," said the Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Also advancing Bush's initiative: a drug treatment program that is just getting under way. Called Access to Recovery, it gives drug users vouchers to take to any organization they choose - including those that rely on a religious conversion to break the addiction.
Because the program uses vouchers, it can legally fund explicitly religious activity. "Many people have overcome addition through faith transformation," Towey said. Counselors in these programs won't have to meet the same medical standards that drug treatment counselors typically must, he said. "There's going to be standards in place, but also, in addition to science, some faith."
That's what worries people like Lynn. "Some of them are not qualified to do this work," he said, "particularly in areas where medical expertise is needed but is no longer apparently necessary."
This faith-based idea of "Brother" Bush is nothing but a scam to bring more churches under the thumb of Big-Brother. This aid comes with strings (chains) attached preventing a church from witnessing to the benefactors.
Yes, "Brother" Bush's plan will prevent Christians from testifying for Christ.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CS0J81.html
Bush Pushing for More Faith-Based Funds
Jan 3, 4:59 PM (ET)
By LAURA MECKLER
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush has succeeded in opening the checkbooks of five federal departments to religious organizations. Now he's setting his sights on money doled out by the states. The goal is to persuade states to funnel more of the federal money for social service programs that they administer to "faith-based organizations."
Federal regulations now allow federal agencies to directly fund churches and other religious groups. Bush acted alone to rewrite these regulations after failing to persuade Congress to change the law.
Partly as a result, in 2003, groups dubbed "faith-based" received $1.17 billion in grants from federal agencies, according to documents provided by the White House to The Associated Press. That was about 8 percent of the $14.5 billion spent on social programs that qualify for faith-based grants in five federal departments.
That's not enough, said Jim Towey, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. An additional $40 billion in federal money is given out by state governments, he said, and many states do not realize that federal rules now allow them to fund these organizations. "We're on the sunrise side of the mountain," he said.
To encourage states, the White House has hosted a series of conferences, Towey has met with state leaders and Bush has personally lobbied governors.
The White House office also is providing states with technical assistance in setting up their own faith-based offices.
Towey's office will also be looking for cases in which the administration believes state or local governments are not treating religious groups fairly. He cited a case last fall where the city council in Janesville, Wis., was urged by Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, a group that opposes Bush's initiative, not to give the Salvation Army $250,000 to buy a building for a homeless shelter because worship activities would also take place inside.
Towey's office told city officials that federal regulations allowed the grant to go forward. "When it's brought to our attention that a group's being discriminated against, the federal government's going to weigh in," he said.
The coming year will also see a new $100 million drug treatment program get up and running, which allows addicts to use their government money to seek treatment from religious groups.
States were initially slow to warm to the Bush initiative.
An independent 2003 study of state efforts to contract with faith-based groups found little activity. That was partly because states did not see a need to target religious groups and partly because their budgets were so tight that there was little room for new contractors, said Richard Nathan, director of the Rockefeller Institute at the State University of New York in Albany.
"For the most part, the response ... has been muted," concluded the 2003 study.
But within the past six months, Nathan said, the states have shown more interest, with more governors appointing liaisons to the religious community and announcing policies that make it clear the state will consider their applications for funding.
By Towey's count, there are now 21 governors, including many Democrats, who have set up their own faith-based offices.
Meanwhile, opponents, who contend that the White House is walking over the line separating church and state, are looking for a case to take to court to challenge the entire initiative on constitutional grounds. And they are promising to keep their eye on the states.
"There clearly is a wave of new faith-based offices coming to states around the country, and I think some of them are likely to deal with it responsibly and others to deal with it as irresponsibly as the administration does," said the Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Also advancing Bush's initiative: a drug treatment program that is just getting under way. Called Access to Recovery, it gives drug users vouchers to take to any organization they choose - including those that rely on a religious conversion to break the addiction.
Because the program uses vouchers, it can legally fund explicitly religious activity. "Many people have overcome addition through faith transformation," Towey said. Counselors in these programs won't have to meet the same medical standards that drug treatment counselors typically must, he said. "There's going to be standards in place, but also, in addition to science, some faith."
That's what worries people like Lynn. "Some of them are not qualified to do this work," he said, "particularly in areas where medical expertise is needed but is no longer apparently necessary."
posted by T.G. at 7:30 AM
# 47 Bush tax hike coming.
One way or another, he will have to raise taxes - and since his 'cut' knocked some 10% off the tax rolls altogether, those of us who pay taxes will have to pony up an even larger share.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUMR80.html
Bush Eyes Plan Using Bulk of Payroll Taxes
Jan 5, 8:28 AM (ET)
By LEIGH STROPEWASHINGTON
(AP) - President Bush is expected to unveil his plan for a Social Security overhaul in late February, with administration officials eyeing investment accounts that would hold two-thirds of workers' annual payroll taxes.
An administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the size of the private accounts could be similar to those in a proposal by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and the main plan from Bush's 2001 Social Security commission.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUMR80.html
Bush Eyes Plan Using Bulk of Payroll Taxes
Jan 5, 8:28 AM (ET)
By LEIGH STROPEWASHINGTON
(AP) - President Bush is expected to unveil his plan for a Social Security overhaul in late February, with administration officials eyeing investment accounts that would hold two-thirds of workers' annual payroll taxes.
An administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the size of the private accounts could be similar to those in a proposal by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and the main plan from Bush's 2001 Social Security commission.
posted by T.G. at 7:27 AM
# 46 Bush stonewalling on Gonzales.
With Gonzales' record of supporting torture and eliminating Constitutional protections, it's no surprise that a wicked man would want to hide his record (which says just what about GWB?).
Why, Gonzales might want to apply the Patriot Act to non-terrorist Americans!
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aZKEt_nX7im0&refer=us
Gonzales Hearing `Contentious' Without Documents, Leahy Says
Jan. 4
(Bloomberg) -- Continued White House refusal to turn over memos by counsel Alberto Gonzales on treatment of suspected terrorists would create a "contentious issue" in Senate confirmation hearings on his nomination by President George W. Bush to be U.S. attorney general, a key Democratic lawmaker said.
In a letter to Gonzales, Senator Patrick Leahy, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, sought eight memos and documents before Gonzales appears in two days at a hearing on his nomination to succeed Attorney General John D. Ashcroft. Democrats previously asked for the material after the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison.
"I am disappointed that contrary to your promises to me to engage in an open exchange and to answer my questions in connection with your confirmation process, you have not answered my letters," Leahy wrote.
He said the withheld material is "relevant to your nomination."
Among the documents are the final version of Gonzales's Jan. 25, 2002, draft memo that said Geneva Convention protections for war prisoners don't apply to Taliban fighters detained in Afghanistan or suspected al-Qaeda operatives seized worldwide.
The White House, citing "longstanding practice," refused last month to provide the memo, Leahy said.
Why, Gonzales might want to apply the Patriot Act to non-terrorist Americans!
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aZKEt_nX7im0&refer=us
Gonzales Hearing `Contentious' Without Documents, Leahy Says
Jan. 4
(Bloomberg) -- Continued White House refusal to turn over memos by counsel Alberto Gonzales on treatment of suspected terrorists would create a "contentious issue" in Senate confirmation hearings on his nomination by President George W. Bush to be U.S. attorney general, a key Democratic lawmaker said.
In a letter to Gonzales, Senator Patrick Leahy, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, sought eight memos and documents before Gonzales appears in two days at a hearing on his nomination to succeed Attorney General John D. Ashcroft. Democrats previously asked for the material after the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison.
"I am disappointed that contrary to your promises to me to engage in an open exchange and to answer my questions in connection with your confirmation process, you have not answered my letters," Leahy wrote.
He said the withheld material is "relevant to your nomination."
Among the documents are the final version of Gonzales's Jan. 25, 2002, draft memo that said Geneva Convention protections for war prisoners don't apply to Taliban fighters detained in Afghanistan or suspected al-Qaeda operatives seized worldwide.
The White House, citing "longstanding practice," refused last month to provide the memo, Leahy said.
posted by T.G. at 7:23 AM
# 45 Non-terrorist charged under Patriot Act.
The guy might have committed an infraction, but he is not a terrorist and he is an American citizen and should be dealt with by normal American law, not some ostensively anti-terror act. That was not supposed to be the purpose of anti-terror legislation. What are they going to take first under the guise of preventing terror, my Bible, my guns, my cardboard cutters, or my laser pointers?
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUR3O0.html
Man Charged Under Patriot Act for Laser
Jan 5, 8:37 AM (ET)
By WAYNE PARRYNEWARK, N.J.
(AP) - A man charged with temporarily blinding the pilot and co-pilot of an airplane with a laser beam claims he was simply using the device to look at stars with his 7-year-old daughter.
Federal authorities on Tuesday used the Patriot Act to charge David Banach, 38, with interfering with the operator of a mass transportation vehicle and making false statements to the FBI.
He is the first person arrested after a recent rash of reports around the nation of lasers being beamed at airplanes. If convicted, Banach could be sentenced to 25 years in prison and fined $500,000.
The FBI acknowledged the incident had no connection to terrorism but called Banach's actions "foolhardy and negligent."
"My client is in some ways a sacrificial lamb," attorney Gina Mendola-Longarzo said. "A message is being sent."
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050105/D87DUR3O0.html
Man Charged Under Patriot Act for Laser
Jan 5, 8:37 AM (ET)
By WAYNE PARRYNEWARK, N.J.
(AP) - A man charged with temporarily blinding the pilot and co-pilot of an airplane with a laser beam claims he was simply using the device to look at stars with his 7-year-old daughter.
Federal authorities on Tuesday used the Patriot Act to charge David Banach, 38, with interfering with the operator of a mass transportation vehicle and making false statements to the FBI.
He is the first person arrested after a recent rash of reports around the nation of lasers being beamed at airplanes. If convicted, Banach could be sentenced to 25 years in prison and fined $500,000.
The FBI acknowledged the incident had no connection to terrorism but called Banach's actions "foolhardy and negligent."
"My client is in some ways a sacrificial lamb," attorney Gina Mendola-Longarzo said. "A message is being sent."
posted by T.G. at 7:05 AM
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
# 44 Bush supports LOST treaty.
We would do well if this treaty got lost. It gives up to the UN/NWO, our sovereignty, rights, and benefits, from our oceans, coasts, and even the Great Lakes!
http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2004/Dec/17-588638.html
U.S. Should Join U.N. Oceans Treaty, State Department Says
Law of the Sea treaty important to overall oceans policy, Boucher says
The U.S. State Department is reemphasizing the importance of U.S. ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, as President Bush sends a new action plan on management of ocean and coastal resources to the U.S. Congress December 17.
In a statement, department spokesman Richard Boucher said of the administration's proposals, "The Action Plan emphasizes the importance we continue to place on accession to the treaty, which will serve the interests of the American people."
The text of the Boucher statement follows:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
December 17, 2004
STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN
U.S. Ocean Action Plan
Today President Bush submitted the "U.S. Ocean Action Plan" to Congress in response to the recommendation made by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The activities outlined in the Administration's response will help assure that the benefits we currently derive from our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, will be available to future generations. A copy of the plan is available at http://www.oceans.ceq.gov.
The Commission urged the United States to maintain its traditional international leadership role on oceans issues, particularly by acceding to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea at the earliest opportunity. The Action Plan emphasizes the importance we continue to place on accession to the treaty, which will serve the interests of the American people.
Many of the other actions identified in the Administration's response will involve working with the international community, including efforts to protect ocean ecosystems, strengthen international ocean science, and work towards sustainable fisheries.
These measures will ensure that the United States continues to play a leading role in vital global arena.
http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2004/Dec/17-588638.html
U.S. Should Join U.N. Oceans Treaty, State Department Says
Law of the Sea treaty important to overall oceans policy, Boucher says
The U.S. State Department is reemphasizing the importance of U.S. ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, as President Bush sends a new action plan on management of ocean and coastal resources to the U.S. Congress December 17.
In a statement, department spokesman Richard Boucher said of the administration's proposals, "The Action Plan emphasizes the importance we continue to place on accession to the treaty, which will serve the interests of the American people."
The text of the Boucher statement follows:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
December 17, 2004
STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN
U.S. Ocean Action Plan
Today President Bush submitted the "U.S. Ocean Action Plan" to Congress in response to the recommendation made by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The activities outlined in the Administration's response will help assure that the benefits we currently derive from our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, will be available to future generations. A copy of the plan is available at http://www.oceans.ceq.gov.
The Commission urged the United States to maintain its traditional international leadership role on oceans issues, particularly by acceding to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea at the earliest opportunity. The Action Plan emphasizes the importance we continue to place on accession to the treaty, which will serve the interests of the American people.
Many of the other actions identified in the Administration's response will involve working with the international community, including efforts to protect ocean ecosystems, strengthen international ocean science, and work towards sustainable fisheries.
These measures will ensure that the United States continues to play a leading role in vital global arena.
posted by T.G. at 8:29 PM
# 43 Bush to cut SS benefits.
Socialist Insecurity ought to be privatized, but we cannot let those who paid into it for decades get their low benefits cut even worse.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A45726-2005Jan3?language=printer
Social Security Formula Weighed
Bush Plan Likely to Cut Initial Benefits
By Jonathan Weisman and Mike Allen
Washington Post Staff Writers, 1-4-05; Page A01
The Bush administration has signaled that it will propose changing the formula that sets initial Social Security benefit levels, cutting promised benefits by nearly a third in the coming decades, according to several Republicans close to the White House.
Under the proposal, the first-year benefits for retirees would be calculated using inflation rates rather than the rise in wages over a worker's lifetime. Because wages tend to rise considerably faster than inflation, the new formula would stunt the growth of benefits, slowly at first but more quickly by the middle of the century.
The White House hopes that some, if not all, of those benefit cuts would be made up by gains in newly created personal investment accounts that would harness returns on stocks and bonds. But by embracing "price indexing," the president would for the first time detail the painful costs involved in closing the gap between the Social Security benefits promised to future retirees and the taxes available to fund them.
In late February or March, the administration plans to produce its proposed overhaul of the system, including creation of personal investment accounts and the new benefit calculation.
"This is going to be very much like sticking your hand in a wasp nest," said David C. John, a Social Security analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation and an ally of the president. "And the reaction will be similar."
In informal briefings on Capitol Hill, White House aides have told lawmakers and aides that Bush will propose the change in the benefits formula, an approach recommended by his 2001 Commission to Strengthen Social Security , according to congressional aides and lobbyists.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A45726-2005Jan3?language=printer
Social Security Formula Weighed
Bush Plan Likely to Cut Initial Benefits
By Jonathan Weisman and Mike Allen
Washington Post Staff Writers, 1-4-05; Page A01
The Bush administration has signaled that it will propose changing the formula that sets initial Social Security benefit levels, cutting promised benefits by nearly a third in the coming decades, according to several Republicans close to the White House.
Under the proposal, the first-year benefits for retirees would be calculated using inflation rates rather than the rise in wages over a worker's lifetime. Because wages tend to rise considerably faster than inflation, the new formula would stunt the growth of benefits, slowly at first but more quickly by the middle of the century.
The White House hopes that some, if not all, of those benefit cuts would be made up by gains in newly created personal investment accounts that would harness returns on stocks and bonds. But by embracing "price indexing," the president would for the first time detail the painful costs involved in closing the gap between the Social Security benefits promised to future retirees and the taxes available to fund them.
In late February or March, the administration plans to produce its proposed overhaul of the system, including creation of personal investment accounts and the new benefit calculation.
"This is going to be very much like sticking your hand in a wasp nest," said David C. John, a Social Security analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation and an ally of the president. "And the reaction will be similar."
In informal briefings on Capitol Hill, White House aides have told lawmakers and aides that Bush will propose the change in the benefits formula, an approach recommended by his 2001 Commission to Strengthen Social Security , according to congressional aides and lobbyists.
posted by T.G. at 8:25 PM
# 42 Bush to strengthen medical industry grip over citizens.
There are frivolous suits to be sure, but the solution is to throw THEM out, not to cap all lawsuits and thwart a citizen's ability to be recompensed in legitimate cases.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050102/D87BKL6G0.html
Bush to Push for Medical Liability Changes
Jan 1, 8:12 PM (ET)
CRAWFORD, Texas
(AP) - President Bush will travel to Illinois next week to push for revisions in medical liability law that he has said are needed to eliminate "frivolous lawsuits that are driving up the cost of health care."
White House Trent Duffy said Thursday that Bush will deliver a speech on the subject Wednesday, Jan. 5, in Collinsville, Ill. No other details of the trip were released.
Limiting class-action lawsuits and medical liability claims were among the issues lawmakers left unfinished in the 108th Congress. Caps on damage awards of varying types have been implemented in 27 states, but a proposed federal cap, though successful in the House, was defeated because of Democratic opposition in the Senate.
Republicans strengthened their majorities in both chambers and intend to work again with Bush to impose a nationwide cap on pain and suffering awards.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050102/D87BKL6G0.html
Bush to Push for Medical Liability Changes
Jan 1, 8:12 PM (ET)
CRAWFORD, Texas
(AP) - President Bush will travel to Illinois next week to push for revisions in medical liability law that he has said are needed to eliminate "frivolous lawsuits that are driving up the cost of health care."
White House Trent Duffy said Thursday that Bush will deliver a speech on the subject Wednesday, Jan. 5, in Collinsville, Ill. No other details of the trip were released.
Limiting class-action lawsuits and medical liability claims were among the issues lawmakers left unfinished in the 108th Congress. Caps on damage awards of varying types have been implemented in 27 states, but a proposed federal cap, though successful in the House, was defeated because of Democratic opposition in the Senate.
Republicans strengthened their majorities in both chambers and intend to work again with Bush to impose a nationwide cap on pain and suffering awards.
posted by T.G. at 8:11 PM
# 41 GWB wants to cross party lines
He's implemented much of the Democrat agenda, it's about time he admitted to it.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CSORO0.html
Bush Calls for 'Big Things' From Congress
Bush campaigned in both of his presidential elections on reaching out across party lines. Yet he often leaves behind any lawmakers who don't get on board his agenda.
"This town is sometimes too partisan and too political," Bush said. "And my hope is, is that we can show the nation that we can come together to achieve big things for the good of the country."
Of course the rest of the article shows that those "big/good things" are socialist agenda.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050103/D87CSORO0.html
Bush Calls for 'Big Things' From Congress
Bush campaigned in both of his presidential elections on reaching out across party lines. Yet he often leaves behind any lawmakers who don't get on board his agenda.
"This town is sometimes too partisan and too political," Bush said. "And my hope is, is that we can show the nation that we can come together to achieve big things for the good of the country."
Of course the rest of the article shows that those "big/good things" are socialist agenda.
posted by T.G. at 8:06 PM
Friday, December 31, 2004
Bush Scorecard # 26 - 40
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election, which was less than two months ago! As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to go without sleep to keep up with Bush so far. I'm having a hard time just recording them. No doubt I've missed a few.
The first 25 are on this page (click here).
26. Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt.
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htm
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
27. Bush shows lack of loyalty.
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insider)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda. Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself by backstabbing John Danforth for the second time.
28. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon. Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
29. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
30. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
31. Queers love Georgie boy
Information from 12-27-04 New American, "George W. Bush: Champion of 'Gay Rights'", p.6.
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him. The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim. The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
32. Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens).
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws. Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
33. Dubya reaches leftward.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before. He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away. We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
34. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services. Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
35. Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
36. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan. BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
37. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings.
Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
38. Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role? During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
39. Bush uses American generosity to steal from them.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041229/D879EB6O0.html
Americans are indeed very generous. But that does not give Bush the right to steal our money and send it to the causes *he* determines are needy.
Foreign aid is unconstitutional, even for 'good' causes.
If Americans are so generous (and we are), then no such stealing is needed.
Americans would rush to the aid of the Asian tsunami victims if GWB would get his hands out of their pockets.
40. Dept. of Homeland Security Pushes More Secrecy.
What more needs to be said about the American Gestapo/Checka/KGB?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/archives/008937.html
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/fisher.php?articleid=4222
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years. If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them.
The first 25 are on this page (click here).
26. Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt.
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htm
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
27. Bush shows lack of loyalty.
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insider)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda. Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself by backstabbing John Danforth for the second time.
28. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon. Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
29. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
30. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
31. Queers love Georgie boy
Information from 12-27-04 New American, "George W. Bush: Champion of 'Gay Rights'", p.6.
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him. The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim. The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
32. Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens).
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws. Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
33. Dubya reaches leftward.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before. He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away. We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
34. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services. Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
35. Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
36. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan. BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
37. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings.
Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
38. Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role? During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
39. Bush uses American generosity to steal from them.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041229/D879EB6O0.html
Americans are indeed very generous. But that does not give Bush the right to steal our money and send it to the causes *he* determines are needy.
Foreign aid is unconstitutional, even for 'good' causes.
If Americans are so generous (and we are), then no such stealing is needed.
Americans would rush to the aid of the Asian tsunami victims if GWB would get his hands out of their pockets.
40. Dept. of Homeland Security Pushes More Secrecy.
What more needs to be said about the American Gestapo/Checka/KGB?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/archives/008937.html
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/fisher.php?articleid=4222
**************************************************
If you voted for a godly conservative, you sure didn’t get one with Bush. And unless you are willingly ignorant, you KNEW this is exactly what you voted for, because I’ve been telling you so for better than five years. If you voted for Bush, you have NO right to complain about these things, because you ASKED for them KNOWING you’d get them.
posted by T.G. at 6:30 PM
# 40 Dept. of Homeland Security Pushes More Secrecy
What more needs to be said about the American Gestapo/Checka/KGB?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/archives/008937.html
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/fisher.php?articleid=4222
NEW YORK - The Bush administration appears set to maintain the secrecy that has characterized its workings since 2001. The latest evidence is a directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) instructing its employees and contractors to share sensitive but unclassified information only with those having a need to know it.
All 180,000 department employees and contractors are now required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. But they will be held responsible for keeping secrets, even if they did not sign the pledge or were unaware of it. Further, employees and contractors can be searched at any place or any time to ensure they are abiding by the policy, and can also face administrative, civil, or criminal penalties if they violate the rules.
According to Steven Aftergood, a government secrecy expert at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), whose Web site provides the details of the agreement [.pdf], the message to employees is: "We don't want you talking to anybody outside of government."
"A huge door is closing within our government," added Aftergood in an interview, speculating that the DHS practice will be adopted by other government bodies.
"There are other agencies – the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] is one – that occasionally use non-disclosure agreements to regulate access to unclassified information. But the DHS non-disclosure agreement is more comprehensive than any of those," he added. "It is required not just in the odd occasional circumstance, but rather, must be signed by all new employees. And it extends not just to particular categories of controlled information, but to anything that is marked 'for official use only.'"
So far, Aftergood added, "The DHS version of the non-disclosure policy has not been replicated by other agencies. But if it remains in place at DHS, it would be reasonable to expect other agencies to follow suit."
Media reports say DHS officials have also asked congressional workers to sign non-disclosure guarantees, but employees from both parties have refused.
"This is unclassified material, and we have a right to it without signing over our lives," said Ken Johnson, spokesman for Representative Christopher Cox, chairman of the House Select Homeland Security Committee, according to the media reports. "We are the overseers, not the overseen."
Advocacy groups have also expressed concern that the new rules will eventually affect the protection of whistleblowers, individuals who report government or corporate malfeasance.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, 50 percent more government workers annually are seeking protection against retaliation for blowing the whistle on "allegations of substantial and specific dangers to public health and safety and national security concerns."
Whistleblowers are protected by law from punishment or retaliation by those they identify.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), part of the Department of Justice (DOJ), has been a focal point for some of the highest profile whistleblowers, such as Coleen Rowley, the FBI agent whose warnings about suspicious, terrorist-related activities that were ignored by the bureau's top management prior to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
The report of the 9/11 Commission that examined those attacks noted that a Cold War mentality has restricted the free flow of information and hampered the government's ability to address terrorist threats.
On its Web site, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), another of many "open government" advocacy groups, charges that White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales – nominated by President George W. Bush to be attorney general – "played a leading role in attempting to chill whistleblowers who contact Congress with information about corporate fraud and abuse."
"Within hours of signing the landmark Sarbanes-Oxley legislation to fight corporate fraud, President Bush attempted to severely narrow which whistleblowers would be covered by the Act.
Gonzales defended the narrowed interpretation when Senators Charles Grassley and Patrick Leahy protested the attempt to undermine whistleblower protections they had authored."
"Ultimately, the White House backed down on its narrowed interpretation of the Act," concludes POGO [.pdf].
DHS' new regulations dovetail with the environment of secrecy created by the Bush administration. During its first term, the numbers of documents designated as "classified" grew exponentially, followed by corresponding growth in requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which is designed to provide citizens with greater access to government documents.
Numerous recent instances of administration secrecy have emerged. According to The New York Times, one concerns "a previously unknown, enormously expensive technical intelligence program," which has drawn scathing criticism from members of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
The newspaper reported Nov. 9, "For two years ... Republicans and Democrats on the panel have voted to block the secret program, which is believed to be a system of new spy satellites."
"But it continues to be financed at a cost that former congressional officials put at hundreds of millions of dollars a year with support from the House [of Representatives], the Bush administration, and congressional appropriations committees," it added.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a major advocacy group, has also been critical of Bush administration secrecy. "For months now, the Bush White House has refused to release dozens of documents related to the administration's policies on the detention, interrogation, and torture of foreign prisoners," it said recently, not long before a federal judge ordered the FBI to release documents related to the prisoners to the group. The ACLU also identified Gonzales as one of the key architects of the policies on the treatment of prisoners, saying, "The nation's top law enforcement officer should finally allow the Senate to insist on receiving these crucial documents."
"The American people deserve to know the truth about these policies. Unless senators receive these documents, they cannot know the true story of how Gonzales' actions relate to some of the worst violations of human rights committed by our country against foreign prisoners," added the ACLU.
"The government keeps too many secrets," the Washington Post declared in a Dec. 3 editorial. "It classifies information that would do no harm if published; this impedes information sharing within the government and erodes public confidence." The newspaper charged that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for screening aircraft as well as other forms of transport and part of the DHS, "is keeping secret rules, known as 'security directives,' that guide who can get on an airplane."
"The department needs to remember that the homeland whose security it is protecting is one in which democratic debate is supposed to be open and freewheeling," added the Post.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/archives/008937.html
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/fisher.php?articleid=4222
NEW YORK - The Bush administration appears set to maintain the secrecy that has characterized its workings since 2001. The latest evidence is a directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) instructing its employees and contractors to share sensitive but unclassified information only with those having a need to know it.
All 180,000 department employees and contractors are now required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. But they will be held responsible for keeping secrets, even if they did not sign the pledge or were unaware of it. Further, employees and contractors can be searched at any place or any time to ensure they are abiding by the policy, and can also face administrative, civil, or criminal penalties if they violate the rules.
According to Steven Aftergood, a government secrecy expert at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), whose Web site provides the details of the agreement [.pdf], the message to employees is: "We don't want you talking to anybody outside of government."
"A huge door is closing within our government," added Aftergood in an interview, speculating that the DHS practice will be adopted by other government bodies.
"There are other agencies – the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] is one – that occasionally use non-disclosure agreements to regulate access to unclassified information. But the DHS non-disclosure agreement is more comprehensive than any of those," he added. "It is required not just in the odd occasional circumstance, but rather, must be signed by all new employees. And it extends not just to particular categories of controlled information, but to anything that is marked 'for official use only.'"
So far, Aftergood added, "The DHS version of the non-disclosure policy has not been replicated by other agencies. But if it remains in place at DHS, it would be reasonable to expect other agencies to follow suit."
Media reports say DHS officials have also asked congressional workers to sign non-disclosure guarantees, but employees from both parties have refused.
"This is unclassified material, and we have a right to it without signing over our lives," said Ken Johnson, spokesman for Representative Christopher Cox, chairman of the House Select Homeland Security Committee, according to the media reports. "We are the overseers, not the overseen."
Advocacy groups have also expressed concern that the new rules will eventually affect the protection of whistleblowers, individuals who report government or corporate malfeasance.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, 50 percent more government workers annually are seeking protection against retaliation for blowing the whistle on "allegations of substantial and specific dangers to public health and safety and national security concerns."
Whistleblowers are protected by law from punishment or retaliation by those they identify.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), part of the Department of Justice (DOJ), has been a focal point for some of the highest profile whistleblowers, such as Coleen Rowley, the FBI agent whose warnings about suspicious, terrorist-related activities that were ignored by the bureau's top management prior to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
The report of the 9/11 Commission that examined those attacks noted that a Cold War mentality has restricted the free flow of information and hampered the government's ability to address terrorist threats.
On its Web site, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), another of many "open government" advocacy groups, charges that White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales – nominated by President George W. Bush to be attorney general – "played a leading role in attempting to chill whistleblowers who contact Congress with information about corporate fraud and abuse."
"Within hours of signing the landmark Sarbanes-Oxley legislation to fight corporate fraud, President Bush attempted to severely narrow which whistleblowers would be covered by the Act.
Gonzales defended the narrowed interpretation when Senators Charles Grassley and Patrick Leahy protested the attempt to undermine whistleblower protections they had authored."
"Ultimately, the White House backed down on its narrowed interpretation of the Act," concludes POGO [.pdf].
DHS' new regulations dovetail with the environment of secrecy created by the Bush administration. During its first term, the numbers of documents designated as "classified" grew exponentially, followed by corresponding growth in requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which is designed to provide citizens with greater access to government documents.
Numerous recent instances of administration secrecy have emerged. According to The New York Times, one concerns "a previously unknown, enormously expensive technical intelligence program," which has drawn scathing criticism from members of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
The newspaper reported Nov. 9, "For two years ... Republicans and Democrats on the panel have voted to block the secret program, which is believed to be a system of new spy satellites."
"But it continues to be financed at a cost that former congressional officials put at hundreds of millions of dollars a year with support from the House [of Representatives], the Bush administration, and congressional appropriations committees," it added.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a major advocacy group, has also been critical of Bush administration secrecy. "For months now, the Bush White House has refused to release dozens of documents related to the administration's policies on the detention, interrogation, and torture of foreign prisoners," it said recently, not long before a federal judge ordered the FBI to release documents related to the prisoners to the group. The ACLU also identified Gonzales as one of the key architects of the policies on the treatment of prisoners, saying, "The nation's top law enforcement officer should finally allow the Senate to insist on receiving these crucial documents."
"The American people deserve to know the truth about these policies. Unless senators receive these documents, they cannot know the true story of how Gonzales' actions relate to some of the worst violations of human rights committed by our country against foreign prisoners," added the ACLU.
"The government keeps too many secrets," the Washington Post declared in a Dec. 3 editorial. "It classifies information that would do no harm if published; this impedes information sharing within the government and erodes public confidence." The newspaper charged that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for screening aircraft as well as other forms of transport and part of the DHS, "is keeping secret rules, known as 'security directives,' that guide who can get on an airplane."
"The department needs to remember that the homeland whose security it is protecting is one in which democratic debate is supposed to be open and freewheeling," added the Post.
posted by T.G. at 6:11 PM
Thursday, December 30, 2004
# 39 Bush uses American generosity to steal from them.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041229/D879EB6O0.html
Americans are indeed very generous. But that does not give Bush the right to steal our money and send it to the causes *he* determines are needy. Foreign aid is unconstitutional, even for 'good' causes. If Americans are so generous (and we are), then no such stealing is needed. Americans would rush to the aid of the tsunami victims if GWB would get his hands out of their pockets.
Bush Criticizes U.N. 'Stingy' Comment
Dec 29, 12:13 PM (ET)
By JOHN HEILPRIN
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush defended American generosity Wednesday, even as his administration figures out how to pay for more help beyond the $35 million it has already promised to tsunami victims in Asia.
In his first remarks since the weekend disaster that so far has killed more than 76,000, Bush - like some in his administration previously - took umbrage at a U.N. official's suggestion that the world's richest nations were "stingy," and indicated much more is expected to be spent to help the victims.
"Well, I felt like the person who made that statement was very misguided and ill-informed," Bush said from his Texas ranch. "We're a very generous, kindhearted nation, and, you know, what you're beginning to see is a typical response from America."
Bush noted that the United States provided $2.4 billion "in food, in cash, in humanitarian relief to cover the disasters for last year. ... That's 40 percent of all the relief aid given in the world last year."
But the journey from the $35 million to potentially $1 billion or more in help for the tens of thousands of latest victims is fraught with bureaucratic twists. First, the U.S. Agency for International Development, which distributes foreign aid, will have to ask for more money, since the initial $35 million aid package drained its emergency relief fund, said Andrew Natsios, the agency's administrator. "We just spent it," Natsios said in an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. "We'll be talking to the (White House) budget office ... (about) what to do at this point."
Natsios said the Pentagon also is spending tens of millions to mobilize an additional relief operation, with C-130 transport planes winging their way from Dubai to Indonesia with tents, blankets, food and water bags. As of Wednesday, dozens of countries and relief groups had pledged at least $261 million in help for South and East Asia, said the Geneva-based U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
"There's no doubt there'll be more than that," said Jamie McGoldrick, the U.N. officer in charge of coordinating the international response from Switzerland. "The size of this thing is a challenge."
But measuring the generosity of the United States depends on the yardstick. The U.S. government is always near the top in total humanitarian aid dollars - even before private donations are counted - but it finishes near the bottom of the list of rich countries when that money is compared to gross national product. Such figures were what prompted Jan Egeland - the United Nations' emergency relief coordinator and former head of the Norwegian Red Cross - to challenge the giving of rich nations. "We were more generous when we were less rich, many of the rich countries," Egeland said. "And it is beyond me, why are we so stingy, really. ... Even Christmas time should remind many Western countries at least how rich we have become."
Egeland told reporters Tuesday his complaint wasn't directed at any nation in particular.
Secretary of State Colin Powell clearly was annoyed while making the rounds of the morning television news shows Tuesday. He said it remains to be determined what the eventual U.S. contribution will be, but that he agrees with estimates that the total international aid effort "will run into the billions of dollars."
Natsios was quick to point out Tuesday that foreign assistance for development and emergency relief rose from $10 billion in President Clinton's last year to $24 billion under President Bush in 2003. Powell said U.S. assistance for this week's earthquake and tsunamis alone will eventually exceed $1 billion.
"The notion that the United States is not generous is simply not true, factually," Natsios said.
The United States uses the most common measure of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a group of 30 rich nations that counts development aid. By that measure, the United States spent almost $15.8 billion for "official development assistance" to developing countries in 2003.
Next closest was Japan, at $8.9 billion. That doesn't include billions more the United States spends in other areas, such as AIDS and HIV programs and other U.N. assistance.
Measured another way, as a percentage of gross national product, the OECD's figures on development aid show that as of April, none of the world's richest countries donated even 1 percent of its gross national product.
Norway was highest, at 0.92 percent; the United States was last, at 0.14 percent.
Americans are indeed very generous. But that does not give Bush the right to steal our money and send it to the causes *he* determines are needy. Foreign aid is unconstitutional, even for 'good' causes. If Americans are so generous (and we are), then no such stealing is needed. Americans would rush to the aid of the tsunami victims if GWB would get his hands out of their pockets.
Bush Criticizes U.N. 'Stingy' Comment
Dec 29, 12:13 PM (ET)
By JOHN HEILPRIN
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush defended American generosity Wednesday, even as his administration figures out how to pay for more help beyond the $35 million it has already promised to tsunami victims in Asia.
In his first remarks since the weekend disaster that so far has killed more than 76,000, Bush - like some in his administration previously - took umbrage at a U.N. official's suggestion that the world's richest nations were "stingy," and indicated much more is expected to be spent to help the victims.
"Well, I felt like the person who made that statement was very misguided and ill-informed," Bush said from his Texas ranch. "We're a very generous, kindhearted nation, and, you know, what you're beginning to see is a typical response from America."
Bush noted that the United States provided $2.4 billion "in food, in cash, in humanitarian relief to cover the disasters for last year. ... That's 40 percent of all the relief aid given in the world last year."
But the journey from the $35 million to potentially $1 billion or more in help for the tens of thousands of latest victims is fraught with bureaucratic twists. First, the U.S. Agency for International Development, which distributes foreign aid, will have to ask for more money, since the initial $35 million aid package drained its emergency relief fund, said Andrew Natsios, the agency's administrator. "We just spent it," Natsios said in an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. "We'll be talking to the (White House) budget office ... (about) what to do at this point."
Natsios said the Pentagon also is spending tens of millions to mobilize an additional relief operation, with C-130 transport planes winging their way from Dubai to Indonesia with tents, blankets, food and water bags. As of Wednesday, dozens of countries and relief groups had pledged at least $261 million in help for South and East Asia, said the Geneva-based U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
"There's no doubt there'll be more than that," said Jamie McGoldrick, the U.N. officer in charge of coordinating the international response from Switzerland. "The size of this thing is a challenge."
But measuring the generosity of the United States depends on the yardstick. The U.S. government is always near the top in total humanitarian aid dollars - even before private donations are counted - but it finishes near the bottom of the list of rich countries when that money is compared to gross national product. Such figures were what prompted Jan Egeland - the United Nations' emergency relief coordinator and former head of the Norwegian Red Cross - to challenge the giving of rich nations. "We were more generous when we were less rich, many of the rich countries," Egeland said. "And it is beyond me, why are we so stingy, really. ... Even Christmas time should remind many Western countries at least how rich we have become."
Egeland told reporters Tuesday his complaint wasn't directed at any nation in particular.
Secretary of State Colin Powell clearly was annoyed while making the rounds of the morning television news shows Tuesday. He said it remains to be determined what the eventual U.S. contribution will be, but that he agrees with estimates that the total international aid effort "will run into the billions of dollars."
Natsios was quick to point out Tuesday that foreign assistance for development and emergency relief rose from $10 billion in President Clinton's last year to $24 billion under President Bush in 2003. Powell said U.S. assistance for this week's earthquake and tsunamis alone will eventually exceed $1 billion.
"The notion that the United States is not generous is simply not true, factually," Natsios said.
The United States uses the most common measure of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a group of 30 rich nations that counts development aid. By that measure, the United States spent almost $15.8 billion for "official development assistance" to developing countries in 2003.
Next closest was Japan, at $8.9 billion. That doesn't include billions more the United States spends in other areas, such as AIDS and HIV programs and other U.N. assistance.
Measured another way, as a percentage of gross national product, the OECD's figures on development aid show that as of April, none of the world's richest countries donated even 1 percent of its gross national product.
Norway was highest, at 0.92 percent; the United States was last, at 0.14 percent.
posted by T.G. at 9:38 AM
Bush Scorecard # 26 - 38
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election, which was less than two months ago!
As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to go without sleep to keep up with Bush so far. I'm having a hard time just recording them.
No doubt I've missed a few.
The first 25 are on this page (click here).
26. Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt.
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htm
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
27. Bush shows lack of loyalty.
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insider)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda. Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself by backstabbing John Danforth for the second time.
28. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon. Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
29. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
30. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
31. Queers love Georgie boy
Information from 12-27-04 New American, "George W. Bush: Champion of 'Gay Rights'", p.6.
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him. The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim. The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
32. Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens).
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws. Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
33. Dubya reaches leftward.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before. He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away. We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
34. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services. Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
35. Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
36. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan. BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
37. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings. Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
38. Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role? During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
**************************************************
If you voted for Bush - YOU GOT KERRY anyway! - at least Kerry's policies. Pro-abortion, pro-sodomite, pro-Muslim, pro-illegal alien, pro-infringements on our rights (can a Bush announcement supporting the semi-auto ban be far off?).
Bush is wasting no time in betraying the "moral" contingent that he admits put him into office. But his supporters are undaunted in their admiration. It seems like these Bush-bots actually LIKE getting stabbed in the back.
He USED the faithful Bush-bots to get their votes and now they're not needed any more so he is openly discarding them like trash.
At least a cheap whore gets paid for her services, the Bush-bots got used and they will end up paying as well.
And we thought Bill Clinton was "Slick". He was an amateur compared to Bush.
As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to go without sleep to keep up with Bush so far. I'm having a hard time just recording them.
No doubt I've missed a few.
The first 25 are on this page (click here).
26. Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt.
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htm
http://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
27. Bush shows lack of loyalty.
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insider)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda. Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself by backstabbing John Danforth for the second time.
28. Peace, peace, no peace.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon. Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
29. No Christ in Bush Christmas.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
30. No Cross for Bush - but a Moon.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness.
31. Queers love Georgie boy
Information from 12-27-04 New American, "George W. Bush: Champion of 'Gay Rights'", p.6.
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him. The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim. The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
32. Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens).
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws. Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
33. Dubya reaches leftward.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before. He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away. We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
34. Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services. Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
35. Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
36. Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa.
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan. BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
37. Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings. Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
38. Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role? During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
**************************************************
If you voted for Bush - YOU GOT KERRY anyway! - at least Kerry's policies. Pro-abortion, pro-sodomite, pro-Muslim, pro-illegal alien, pro-infringements on our rights (can a Bush announcement supporting the semi-auto ban be far off?).
Bush is wasting no time in betraying the "moral" contingent that he admits put him into office. But his supporters are undaunted in their admiration. It seems like these Bush-bots actually LIKE getting stabbed in the back.
He USED the faithful Bush-bots to get their votes and now they're not needed any more so he is openly discarding them like trash.
At least a cheap whore gets paid for her services, the Bush-bots got used and they will end up paying as well.
And we thought Bill Clinton was "Slick". He was an amateur compared to Bush.
posted by T.G. at 9:06 AM
# 38 Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
Deeper role? I thought we were ready to win and get out? Now he wants an even deeper role? During the debates he assured us the training was going splendidly. Did he LIE to us?
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ
Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
The president warns that troop levels will not be cut next year and acknowledges that training of local forces has had mixed results.
By Maura Reynolds and Sonni Efron
Times Staff Writers
December 21, 2004
WASHINGTON — President Bush warned the American people Monday that the U.S. engagement in Iraq will intensify in the coming year, with the Jan. 30 election marking the "beginning of a process" toward democracy that will require higher troop levels and continue through 2005.
Painting a far more sober picture of the situation in Iraq than he did during his reelection campaign, Bush acknowledged that efforts to train Iraqi security forces have had only "mixed" results and that a violent insurgency has eroded morale among Iraqis and Americans.
In what is likely to be his last full-dress news conference before his inauguration next month, Bush appeared to be laying the groundwork for the first year of his second term. He argued that the Social Security system was in "crisis" and needed dramatic reform. He pledged to start simplifying the tax system. And he made it clear that troop levels in Iraq — which the Pentagon plans to raise from 138,000 to 150,000 to increase security during the election — are unlikely to be reduced next year.
The president shielded Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, who has come under renewed attack even by Bush's Republican allies for failing to adequately prepare for the aftermath of the war and adequately equip troops in the field and for displaying callousness to the families of the fallen by using a machine to sign condolence letters.
"I know Secretary Rumsfeld's heart. I know how much he cares for the troops," Bush said. "You know, sometimes perhaps his demeanor is rough and gruff, but beneath that … is a good human being who cares deeply about the military and deeply about the grief that war causes."
In the 53-minute session with reporters, Bush sought to portray the U.S. involvement in Iraq as challenging but important and refused to predict when stability would be achieved.
"My point is the elections in January are just the beginning of a process, and it's important for the American people to understand that," Bush said during his opening comments in a small auditorium next door to the White House.
"No one can predict every turn in the months ahead, and I certainly don't expect the process to be trouble-free, yet I am confident of the result," he continued. "I'm confident the terrorists will fail, the elections will go forward and Iraq will be a democracy that reflects the values and traditions of its people."
During his presidential campaign, Bush rarely discussed events in Iraq beyond the Jan. 30 election, depicting the ballot as the peak of the U.S. effort there. He would say that the training of Iraqi forces was on schedule and the U.S. troop presence could start to be drawn down once adequate Iraqi police and army forces were trained.
"We're going to train troops — and we are. We'll have 125,000 trained by the end of December," Bush said in a debate with Democratic challenger Sen. John F. Kerry in October. "Our plan is working. We're going to make elections and Iraq is going to be free, and America will be better off for it."
By contrast, Bush on Monday laid out a political timetable for next year. It includes the Jan. 30 elections to a transitional national assembly, ratification of a new constitution in October and election of a permanent government in December.
Some former administration and congressional officials said the president was trying to change Americans' expectations of what lies ahead in Iraq.
"He's clearly moving people's time horizon and understanding of the process," said James Dobbins, Bush's former envoy to Afghanistan who now directs the International Security and Defense Policy Center at the Rand Corp. "It's prudent to clear up the misunderstanding that previous statements may have created that this election in January is a watershed event after which everything will change for the better."
Dobbins said Bush wants to "begin preparing people for the more likely event, which is the insurgency does not diminish, the violence does not subside and the casualty rate does not go down."
Michael O'Hanlon, a former Congressional Budget Office national security expert and a foreign policy analyst at the Brookings Institution, said the president "was honest in a way he couldn't be all year."
"He admitted that it's not going that well," O'Hanlon said. "The spin machine didn't let them say that during the race."
In the aftermath of the U.S. invasion, American commanders said that no more than 30,000 U.S. troops would be needed on the ground by the end of 2003 and that Iraqi forces would provide security for the elections. But Bush acknowledged Monday that there have been problems training Iraqi forces.
"I would call the results mixed in terms of standing up Iraqi units who are willing to fight," Bush said. "There have been some cases where when the heat got on, they left the battlefield. That's unacceptable…. On the other hand, there were some really fine units in Fallouja, for example, in Najaf, that did their duty."
According to State Department statistics, about 115,000 Iraqis have been trained for the security forces, fewer than half of the 274,000 considered necessary to stabilize the country and permit U.S. forces to withdraw.
The picture may be even more bleak than those numbers suggest because the U.S. government has not provided statistics on casualties and desertions among Iraqi forces, according to O'Hanlon and Anthony H. Cordesman, a former Pentagon and State Department official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
"We know that there have been very significant desertions. It's very difficult to quantify," Cordesman said. "It's quite clear that there will not be really significant numbers of properly trained, equipped and experienced forces until mid-2005, and it's likely the numbers will not be available until 2006."
The president also acknowledged that an upsurge in violence, especially suicide bomb attacks, was "having an effect." On Sunday, at least 65 people were killed in car bombings in Najaf and Karbala and in an ambush of Iraqi election workers in Baghdad.
"They're trying to shake the will of the Iraqi people and, frankly, trying to shake the will of the American people. And you know, car bombs that destroy young children or car bombs that indiscriminately bomb in religious sites are effective propaganda tools," Bush said. "But we must meet the objective, which is to help the Iraqis defend themselves and at the same time have a political process to go forward."
Larry Diamond, a Hoover Institution expert on democratic processes who was a consultant to U.S. authorities in Iraq, said the administration should consider postponing the Jan. 30 election to ensure greater participation in Sunni Muslim areas, where the violence has been concentrated. Sunnis, long favored under Saddam Hussein's regime, are a minority and fear losing power to majority Shiites.
"Many, many people are worried that the Jan. 30 election is going to light the fuse to civil war," Diamond said. "If you elect a parliament and freeze a political arrangement in which the Sunnis are essentially locked out and then write a constitution on the basis of that body, what incentive do they have for political action other than unrelenting violence?"
Asked whether Syria was meddling in Iraq, Bush said that the possibility was a serious concern. "Nothing's off the table" in terms of a response, he added."We have sent messages to the Syrians in the past and we will continue to do so," Bush said. "When I said the other day that I expect these countries to honor the political process in Iraq without meddling, I meant it, and hopefully those governments heard what I said."
Bush's remarks were seen as a veiled threat to impose stiffer sanctions on Damascus if cooperation lags on closing the Iraqi-Syrian border to fighters, weapons and money.
In 2003, Congress passed a law requiring the imposition of economic and political sanctions on Syria unless President Bashar Assad certifies that his country has sealed its borders and stopped sponsoring terrorism. Bush imposed the mildest possible sanctions in hopes of persuading Damascus to cooperate but can turn to far more punitive measures.
The Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha, said Syria is doing everything possible to police its border with Iraq but will increase its efforts if the U.S. is dissatisfied.
"While we do not believe there is a huge infiltration problem, even if it is a very small one, we agreed with the [Iraqi] government to work together to address this issue," Moustapha said in a telephone interview.
On relations with Russia, Bush declined to criticize President Vladimir V. Putin for recent anti-democratic moves, such as eliminating the general election of regional governors and increasing state control over the media. He stressed that although the United States and Russia do not see eye to eye on many political matters, the countries have an important mutual security agenda, especially on nuclear issues.
In particular, Bush called for giving Russian inspectors greater access to American nuclear facilities — a shift in policy that experts described as a "breakthrough" for nuclear security cooperation.
"I think one of the things we need to do is to give the Russians equal access to our sites, our nuclear storage sites, to see what works and what doesn't work, to build confidence between our two governments," Bush said.
The remark appeared to be the first acknowledgment by the administration that the United States, in a confidence-building effort, had permitted Russian officials to visit nuclear sites in Texas, New Mexico and South Carolina in recent months to model the kind of openness they would like to see on the Russian side.
Bill Hoehn, director of the Washington office of the nonpartisan Russian-American Nuclear Security Advisory Council, said that in order to inspect Russian facilities, U.S. officials must be more willing to let Russians inspect American installations.
"This idea has been resisted for a long time by a number of administrations," Hoehn said. "If they are talking seriously about this, it represents something of a breakthrough on the U.S. side."
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/archives/008823.html
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/latimes465.html
THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ
Bush Foresees a Deeper U.S. Role in Iraq
The president warns that troop levels will not be cut next year and acknowledges that training of local forces has had mixed results.
By Maura Reynolds and Sonni Efron
Times Staff Writers
December 21, 2004
WASHINGTON — President Bush warned the American people Monday that the U.S. engagement in Iraq will intensify in the coming year, with the Jan. 30 election marking the "beginning of a process" toward democracy that will require higher troop levels and continue through 2005.
Painting a far more sober picture of the situation in Iraq than he did during his reelection campaign, Bush acknowledged that efforts to train Iraqi security forces have had only "mixed" results and that a violent insurgency has eroded morale among Iraqis and Americans.
In what is likely to be his last full-dress news conference before his inauguration next month, Bush appeared to be laying the groundwork for the first year of his second term. He argued that the Social Security system was in "crisis" and needed dramatic reform. He pledged to start simplifying the tax system. And he made it clear that troop levels in Iraq — which the Pentagon plans to raise from 138,000 to 150,000 to increase security during the election — are unlikely to be reduced next year.
The president shielded Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, who has come under renewed attack even by Bush's Republican allies for failing to adequately prepare for the aftermath of the war and adequately equip troops in the field and for displaying callousness to the families of the fallen by using a machine to sign condolence letters.
"I know Secretary Rumsfeld's heart. I know how much he cares for the troops," Bush said. "You know, sometimes perhaps his demeanor is rough and gruff, but beneath that … is a good human being who cares deeply about the military and deeply about the grief that war causes."
In the 53-minute session with reporters, Bush sought to portray the U.S. involvement in Iraq as challenging but important and refused to predict when stability would be achieved.
"My point is the elections in January are just the beginning of a process, and it's important for the American people to understand that," Bush said during his opening comments in a small auditorium next door to the White House.
"No one can predict every turn in the months ahead, and I certainly don't expect the process to be trouble-free, yet I am confident of the result," he continued. "I'm confident the terrorists will fail, the elections will go forward and Iraq will be a democracy that reflects the values and traditions of its people."
During his presidential campaign, Bush rarely discussed events in Iraq beyond the Jan. 30 election, depicting the ballot as the peak of the U.S. effort there. He would say that the training of Iraqi forces was on schedule and the U.S. troop presence could start to be drawn down once adequate Iraqi police and army forces were trained.
"We're going to train troops — and we are. We'll have 125,000 trained by the end of December," Bush said in a debate with Democratic challenger Sen. John F. Kerry in October. "Our plan is working. We're going to make elections and Iraq is going to be free, and America will be better off for it."
By contrast, Bush on Monday laid out a political timetable for next year. It includes the Jan. 30 elections to a transitional national assembly, ratification of a new constitution in October and election of a permanent government in December.
Some former administration and congressional officials said the president was trying to change Americans' expectations of what lies ahead in Iraq.
"He's clearly moving people's time horizon and understanding of the process," said James Dobbins, Bush's former envoy to Afghanistan who now directs the International Security and Defense Policy Center at the Rand Corp. "It's prudent to clear up the misunderstanding that previous statements may have created that this election in January is a watershed event after which everything will change for the better."
Dobbins said Bush wants to "begin preparing people for the more likely event, which is the insurgency does not diminish, the violence does not subside and the casualty rate does not go down."
Michael O'Hanlon, a former Congressional Budget Office national security expert and a foreign policy analyst at the Brookings Institution, said the president "was honest in a way he couldn't be all year."
"He admitted that it's not going that well," O'Hanlon said. "The spin machine didn't let them say that during the race."
In the aftermath of the U.S. invasion, American commanders said that no more than 30,000 U.S. troops would be needed on the ground by the end of 2003 and that Iraqi forces would provide security for the elections. But Bush acknowledged Monday that there have been problems training Iraqi forces.
"I would call the results mixed in terms of standing up Iraqi units who are willing to fight," Bush said. "There have been some cases where when the heat got on, they left the battlefield. That's unacceptable…. On the other hand, there were some really fine units in Fallouja, for example, in Najaf, that did their duty."
According to State Department statistics, about 115,000 Iraqis have been trained for the security forces, fewer than half of the 274,000 considered necessary to stabilize the country and permit U.S. forces to withdraw.
The picture may be even more bleak than those numbers suggest because the U.S. government has not provided statistics on casualties and desertions among Iraqi forces, according to O'Hanlon and Anthony H. Cordesman, a former Pentagon and State Department official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
"We know that there have been very significant desertions. It's very difficult to quantify," Cordesman said. "It's quite clear that there will not be really significant numbers of properly trained, equipped and experienced forces until mid-2005, and it's likely the numbers will not be available until 2006."
The president also acknowledged that an upsurge in violence, especially suicide bomb attacks, was "having an effect." On Sunday, at least 65 people were killed in car bombings in Najaf and Karbala and in an ambush of Iraqi election workers in Baghdad.
"They're trying to shake the will of the Iraqi people and, frankly, trying to shake the will of the American people. And you know, car bombs that destroy young children or car bombs that indiscriminately bomb in religious sites are effective propaganda tools," Bush said. "But we must meet the objective, which is to help the Iraqis defend themselves and at the same time have a political process to go forward."
Larry Diamond, a Hoover Institution expert on democratic processes who was a consultant to U.S. authorities in Iraq, said the administration should consider postponing the Jan. 30 election to ensure greater participation in Sunni Muslim areas, where the violence has been concentrated. Sunnis, long favored under Saddam Hussein's regime, are a minority and fear losing power to majority Shiites.
"Many, many people are worried that the Jan. 30 election is going to light the fuse to civil war," Diamond said. "If you elect a parliament and freeze a political arrangement in which the Sunnis are essentially locked out and then write a constitution on the basis of that body, what incentive do they have for political action other than unrelenting violence?"
Asked whether Syria was meddling in Iraq, Bush said that the possibility was a serious concern. "Nothing's off the table" in terms of a response, he added."We have sent messages to the Syrians in the past and we will continue to do so," Bush said. "When I said the other day that I expect these countries to honor the political process in Iraq without meddling, I meant it, and hopefully those governments heard what I said."
Bush's remarks were seen as a veiled threat to impose stiffer sanctions on Damascus if cooperation lags on closing the Iraqi-Syrian border to fighters, weapons and money.
In 2003, Congress passed a law requiring the imposition of economic and political sanctions on Syria unless President Bashar Assad certifies that his country has sealed its borders and stopped sponsoring terrorism. Bush imposed the mildest possible sanctions in hopes of persuading Damascus to cooperate but can turn to far more punitive measures.
The Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha, said Syria is doing everything possible to police its border with Iraq but will increase its efforts if the U.S. is dissatisfied.
"While we do not believe there is a huge infiltration problem, even if it is a very small one, we agreed with the [Iraqi] government to work together to address this issue," Moustapha said in a telephone interview.
On relations with Russia, Bush declined to criticize President Vladimir V. Putin for recent anti-democratic moves, such as eliminating the general election of regional governors and increasing state control over the media. He stressed that although the United States and Russia do not see eye to eye on many political matters, the countries have an important mutual security agenda, especially on nuclear issues.
In particular, Bush called for giving Russian inspectors greater access to American nuclear facilities — a shift in policy that experts described as a "breakthrough" for nuclear security cooperation.
"I think one of the things we need to do is to give the Russians equal access to our sites, our nuclear storage sites, to see what works and what doesn't work, to build confidence between our two governments," Bush said.
The remark appeared to be the first acknowledgment by the administration that the United States, in a confidence-building effort, had permitted Russian officials to visit nuclear sites in Texas, New Mexico and South Carolina in recent months to model the kind of openness they would like to see on the Russian side.
Bill Hoehn, director of the Washington office of the nonpartisan Russian-American Nuclear Security Advisory Council, said that in order to inspect Russian facilities, U.S. officials must be more willing to let Russians inspect American installations.
"This idea has been resisted for a long time by a number of administrations," Hoehn said. "If they are talking seriously about this, it represents something of a breakthrough on the U.S. side."
posted by T.G. at 8:55 AM
# 37 Bush Nominates Backstabber to U.S. Court
Not too long ago Bush named Bill Pryor to finish a term, now he's making him the permanent candidate. Pryor is the judge in Alabama who ran Judge Roy Moore out of office over the Ten Commandment monument. Pryor has also supported such liberal things as abortion and gambling in previous rulings.
Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Pryor choice for court
WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Thursday said he intends to renominate former Alabama Attorney General William Pryor to a lifetime position on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Pryor is now on the court temporarily, thanks to a special appointment.
The 11th Circuit hears cases out of Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
(Related: Bill Pryor Got His Judas Money; The Transcript of the Trial of Chief Justice Roy Moore, Including Bill Pryor's Cross Examination -- Also read Chuck Baldwin's eye-witness account of the trial.)
Wasn't one of the main things the Bush-bots cried about was the importance of judicial nominees?
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/NEWSV5/storyV5NUPRYOR24W.htm
http://spofga.org/ten_commandments/2004/oct/bill_pryor.phtml
Pryor choice for court
WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Thursday said he intends to renominate former Alabama Attorney General William Pryor to a lifetime position on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Pryor is now on the court temporarily, thanks to a special appointment.
The 11th Circuit hears cases out of Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
(Related: Bill Pryor Got His Judas Money; The Transcript of the Trial of Chief Justice Roy Moore, Including Bill Pryor's Cross Examination -- Also read Chuck Baldwin's eye-witness account of the trial.)
posted by T.G. at 8:45 AM
# 36 Bush Forgot Jesus but remembered Kwanzaa
GWB makes no mention of Jesus Christ in his Christmas address, which would surely offend many Christians. However he would never offend a Muslim or a radical black, so he'll remember Kwanzaa and Ramadan.
BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Bush sends greetings to African Americans who observe Kwanzaa :
Washington, Dec 24 :
United States President George W Bush has greeted African Americans on the occasion of Kwanzaa, a festival celebrating the seven principles of African culture.
"Kwanzaa celebrations provide an opportunity to focus on the importance of family, community, and history, and to reflect on the "Nguzo Saba" or seven principles of African culture," Bush said in his message.
"These principles emphasise unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Kwanzaa strengthens the ties that bind communities across America and around the world and reflects the great promise and diversity of America," the President said. PTI
BTW, what is an "African American"? Is there a country called Africa that we have some kind of dual citizenship agreement with?
http://www.teamindia.net/news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=45676
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
Bush sends greetings to African Americans who observe Kwanzaa :
Washington, Dec 24 :
United States President George W Bush has greeted African Americans on the occasion of Kwanzaa, a festival celebrating the seven principles of African culture.
"Kwanzaa celebrations provide an opportunity to focus on the importance of family, community, and history, and to reflect on the "Nguzo Saba" or seven principles of African culture," Bush said in his message.
"These principles emphasise unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Kwanzaa strengthens the ties that bind communities across America and around the world and reflects the great promise and diversity of America," the President said. PTI
posted by T.G. at 8:32 AM
# 35 Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq
This means our "Christian" President hasn't been helping the *terrorized* Christians in Iraq? Why, he's a Christian! Why, there's a war on terror going on over there. How can this be?
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
FAITH UNDER FIRE
Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq
Targeting of non-Muslim minorities prompting massive exodus
December 25, 2004
© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
The escalation of terrorism against religious places of worship, holy sites and believers in Iraq is causing non-Muslim minorities to flee in ever increasing numbers, threatening their survival, says an independent panel in a letter to President Bush. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, created by Congress to advise the president and secretary of state, said it has urgently requested a meeting with Bush to discuss the "dire" situation. The violent attacks are having a particularly devastating effect on the ChaldoAssyrian, Mandean and Yizidi minorities, the panel said, announcing the letter yesterday.
Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians reportedly have fled their homeland in recent months. "During this holiday season, the commission's letter reminds everyone of the need for urgent measures to be taken to protect religious minorities, particularly the ChaldoAssyrians, the largest non-Muslim minority in Iraq, which has a long history of persecution," said USCIRF co-vice chairman Felice D. Gaer. USCIRF chairman Preeta D. Bansal pointed out that worshippers at Shia mosques also have been targeted by terrorists. "Both Shia and Sunni clerics have been victims of assassination attempts, in some cases reportedly for their perceived moderate stance," Bansal said.
Co-vice chairman Nina Shea, director of the Center for Religious Freedom at Freedom House, believes it's crucial that the U.S. government take measures to safeguard and support Iraq's terrorized religious minorities and places of worship. "Increasing security for religious minorities and channeling U.S. reconstruction and election resources directly to them will reinforce the willingness of these groups to stay in their homeland," she said, "and enable them to participate fully in the upcoming elections, and thus have their voices heard in the drafting of the permanent constitution."
The text of the letter follows:
Dear Mr. President,
Knowing of your interest in our work on religious freedom, we wish to take this opportunity to raise a matter of deep concern that requires your Administration’s immediate attention. As you are aware, religious places of worship, holy sites, and individual members of religious communities have been targeted by recent violence in Iraq. The escalation of religious terror since August is having a particularly devastating effect on many of Iraq’s non-Muslim minorities-the ChaldoAssyrians, Mandeans, and Yizidis-who are reportedly fleeing the country in ever increasing numbers, raising questions about the very survival of these ancient communities.
We urgently request a meeting with you to discuss this dire situation. The magnitude of the crisis is most strikingly illustrated by the plight of Iraq’s largest non-Muslim minority, the ChaldoAssyrians, whose church was among the first in Christian history and whose people are a unique ethnic group indigenous to Iraq.
This minority has had a long history of persecution and marginalization in Iraq, including being forced by Saddam Hussein to deny its ethnicity and claim either Arab or Kurdish identity. Nevertheless, through the centuries they have kept intact their Aramaic language, their cultural traditions and the practice of their faith, and today they constitute approximately three percent of the population.
However, as part of the ongoing violence-and as a direct consequence of their religious identities and perceived support for the United States-this community now faces a looming threat to its continued existence in Iraq. This threat manifests itself daily and in many forms, as has been reported by the media: abductions, abuse, extra-judicial killings, and the unlawful imposition of Islamic codes of dress and behavior.
Perhaps most ominous has been an ongoing series of simultaneous church bombings each month since August. The persecution described in such press accounts is compounded by additional reports that Kurdish authorities are facilitating the takeover of ChaldoAssyrian property and villages, and have discriminated against the ChaldoAssyrian community in the reconstruction and development of its villages and areas.
As a direct consequence of this ongoing violence, tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians have reportedly fled their homeland in recent months, uprooting their families to Jordan and Syria, where they are impoverished and not given the refugee status that would allow them to work.
The ChaldoAssyrians are an educated and skilled community, who strongly support the formation in Iraq of a liberal democracy that protects the human rights of every individual. Their continued exodus from Iraq would signal the demise of one of the world’s historic religious communities, and also would diminish the country’s prospects for political and economic development.
The Iraqi interim government and some prominent Muslim leaders, notably Ayatollah al-Sistani, have acknowledged the inherent harm this onslaught against the non-Muslim minority poses for the country’s future and have publicly condemned it. The experience of the ChaldoAssyrians is one example of the violence against religious communities in Iraq.
Worshippers at Shia mosques have also been targeted by insurgent bombs, and both Shia and Sunni clerics have been victims of assassination attempts, in some cases reportedly for their perceived moderate stance.
More than 300 Iraqis reportedly have been forcibly tried before extra-judicial religious courts that impose an extremist version of Islamic law. Furthermore, reportedly in some places women are being compelled to wear Islamic dress, and university campuses are enforcing separate entrances, classrooms, and campuses for men and women.
Taken together, such assaults on religious freedom constitute an egregious denial of fundamental human rights, and threaten the stability of a unified Iraqi state, as well as the ultimate success of U.S. policy objectives in the region.
To protect freedom of religion and belief in Iraq, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommends the U.S. government take the following steps:
1. Create and dispatch joint Iraqi-Coalition taskforces where a demonstrated threat exists to help protect religious minorities and places of worship. This is particularly urgent as there is a rising fear of attacks timed to coincide with the Christmas season. Increasing the level of security for religious minorities will reinforce the willingness of these groups to participate in upcoming elections.
2. Channel proportional reconstruction and relief funds directly to the ChaldoAssyrian community rather than exclusively through Kurdish- or Arab-run governorates. There are reports that reconstruction funding earmarked for the governorate level is not reaching the ChaldoAssyrian villages; such a measure will ensure that the community is able to rebuild basic infrastructure in its villages-including water and electrical systems, school facilities, and housing-free from reported discriminatory allocation practices on the part of local government. In addition, raise the reports of ChaldoAssyrian property and villages being taken over with the regional Kurdish authorities, and seek assurances from them that there will be no discrimination practiced against this community.
3. Give clear directives to American officials and recipients of U.S. democracy-building grants to assign priority to ensuring that strong guarantees of the right of every Iraqi to freedom of religion and belief, including an endorsement of equality for women, and other fundamental human rights of the individual will be included in the permanent constitution. Such provisions are incorporated in Iraq’s Transitional Administrative Law, and official American advisors should work during the course of the drafting process of the permanent constitution to ensure that they will be carried over.
4. Bar all direct U.S. election funding and support to Iraqi political groups that fail to endorse strong constitutional safeguards for individual’s human right to freedom of thought, conscience and belief, and related human rights. U.S. resources should be used to support groups and individual candidates who advocate the freedom of religion and belief.
5. Publicly encourage the eligible electorate within the half million-strong Iraqi-American community to participate in the upcoming Iraqi elections and facilitate this process by making available U.S. facilities, resources, and expertise as necessary. When the Commission issued its annual report last May, it urged you to appoint a high-level U.S. human rights envoy to Iraq who will encourage the incorporation of human rights principles in Iraq’s permanent constitution, serve as the point of contact for Iraqi human rights institutions, and facilitate access to American expertise and other assistance to support Iraq’s effort to confront human rights challenges.
The Commission reiterates this recommendation with the conviction that the need is all the more pressing as Iraq takes critical steps over the next year toward National Assembly elections, the drafting and adopting of a permanent constitution, and the country’s first constitutionally-based national elections. Safeguarding the right of everyone to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and protecting the human rights of members of religious minorities is a bellwether for assessing the viability of democratic rule.
Without the right to religious freedom, guaranteed in law and observed in fact, Iraqi non-Muslim minorities will be persecuted and driven out, and Iraqi Muslims, particularly women and dissident reformers, will be stifled and suppressed.
The Commission is eager to discuss these urgent matters with you in person at your earliest convenience.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42098
FAITH UNDER FIRE
Bush urged to help terrorized believers in Iraq
Targeting of non-Muslim minorities prompting massive exodus
December 25, 2004
© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
The escalation of terrorism against religious places of worship, holy sites and believers in Iraq is causing non-Muslim minorities to flee in ever increasing numbers, threatening their survival, says an independent panel in a letter to President Bush. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, created by Congress to advise the president and secretary of state, said it has urgently requested a meeting with Bush to discuss the "dire" situation. The violent attacks are having a particularly devastating effect on the ChaldoAssyrian, Mandean and Yizidi minorities, the panel said, announcing the letter yesterday.
Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians reportedly have fled their homeland in recent months. "During this holiday season, the commission's letter reminds everyone of the need for urgent measures to be taken to protect religious minorities, particularly the ChaldoAssyrians, the largest non-Muslim minority in Iraq, which has a long history of persecution," said USCIRF co-vice chairman Felice D. Gaer. USCIRF chairman Preeta D. Bansal pointed out that worshippers at Shia mosques also have been targeted by terrorists. "Both Shia and Sunni clerics have been victims of assassination attempts, in some cases reportedly for their perceived moderate stance," Bansal said.
Co-vice chairman Nina Shea, director of the Center for Religious Freedom at Freedom House, believes it's crucial that the U.S. government take measures to safeguard and support Iraq's terrorized religious minorities and places of worship. "Increasing security for religious minorities and channeling U.S. reconstruction and election resources directly to them will reinforce the willingness of these groups to stay in their homeland," she said, "and enable them to participate fully in the upcoming elections, and thus have their voices heard in the drafting of the permanent constitution."
The text of the letter follows:
Dear Mr. President,
Knowing of your interest in our work on religious freedom, we wish to take this opportunity to raise a matter of deep concern that requires your Administration’s immediate attention. As you are aware, religious places of worship, holy sites, and individual members of religious communities have been targeted by recent violence in Iraq. The escalation of religious terror since August is having a particularly devastating effect on many of Iraq’s non-Muslim minorities-the ChaldoAssyrians, Mandeans, and Yizidis-who are reportedly fleeing the country in ever increasing numbers, raising questions about the very survival of these ancient communities.
We urgently request a meeting with you to discuss this dire situation. The magnitude of the crisis is most strikingly illustrated by the plight of Iraq’s largest non-Muslim minority, the ChaldoAssyrians, whose church was among the first in Christian history and whose people are a unique ethnic group indigenous to Iraq.
This minority has had a long history of persecution and marginalization in Iraq, including being forced by Saddam Hussein to deny its ethnicity and claim either Arab or Kurdish identity. Nevertheless, through the centuries they have kept intact their Aramaic language, their cultural traditions and the practice of their faith, and today they constitute approximately three percent of the population.
However, as part of the ongoing violence-and as a direct consequence of their religious identities and perceived support for the United States-this community now faces a looming threat to its continued existence in Iraq. This threat manifests itself daily and in many forms, as has been reported by the media: abductions, abuse, extra-judicial killings, and the unlawful imposition of Islamic codes of dress and behavior.
Perhaps most ominous has been an ongoing series of simultaneous church bombings each month since August. The persecution described in such press accounts is compounded by additional reports that Kurdish authorities are facilitating the takeover of ChaldoAssyrian property and villages, and have discriminated against the ChaldoAssyrian community in the reconstruction and development of its villages and areas.
As a direct consequence of this ongoing violence, tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians have reportedly fled their homeland in recent months, uprooting their families to Jordan and Syria, where they are impoverished and not given the refugee status that would allow them to work.
The ChaldoAssyrians are an educated and skilled community, who strongly support the formation in Iraq of a liberal democracy that protects the human rights of every individual. Their continued exodus from Iraq would signal the demise of one of the world’s historic religious communities, and also would diminish the country’s prospects for political and economic development.
The Iraqi interim government and some prominent Muslim leaders, notably Ayatollah al-Sistani, have acknowledged the inherent harm this onslaught against the non-Muslim minority poses for the country’s future and have publicly condemned it. The experience of the ChaldoAssyrians is one example of the violence against religious communities in Iraq.
Worshippers at Shia mosques have also been targeted by insurgent bombs, and both Shia and Sunni clerics have been victims of assassination attempts, in some cases reportedly for their perceived moderate stance.
More than 300 Iraqis reportedly have been forcibly tried before extra-judicial religious courts that impose an extremist version of Islamic law. Furthermore, reportedly in some places women are being compelled to wear Islamic dress, and university campuses are enforcing separate entrances, classrooms, and campuses for men and women.
Taken together, such assaults on religious freedom constitute an egregious denial of fundamental human rights, and threaten the stability of a unified Iraqi state, as well as the ultimate success of U.S. policy objectives in the region.
To protect freedom of religion and belief in Iraq, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommends the U.S. government take the following steps:
1. Create and dispatch joint Iraqi-Coalition taskforces where a demonstrated threat exists to help protect religious minorities and places of worship. This is particularly urgent as there is a rising fear of attacks timed to coincide with the Christmas season. Increasing the level of security for religious minorities will reinforce the willingness of these groups to participate in upcoming elections.
2. Channel proportional reconstruction and relief funds directly to the ChaldoAssyrian community rather than exclusively through Kurdish- or Arab-run governorates. There are reports that reconstruction funding earmarked for the governorate level is not reaching the ChaldoAssyrian villages; such a measure will ensure that the community is able to rebuild basic infrastructure in its villages-including water and electrical systems, school facilities, and housing-free from reported discriminatory allocation practices on the part of local government. In addition, raise the reports of ChaldoAssyrian property and villages being taken over with the regional Kurdish authorities, and seek assurances from them that there will be no discrimination practiced against this community.
3. Give clear directives to American officials and recipients of U.S. democracy-building grants to assign priority to ensuring that strong guarantees of the right of every Iraqi to freedom of religion and belief, including an endorsement of equality for women, and other fundamental human rights of the individual will be included in the permanent constitution. Such provisions are incorporated in Iraq’s Transitional Administrative Law, and official American advisors should work during the course of the drafting process of the permanent constitution to ensure that they will be carried over.
4. Bar all direct U.S. election funding and support to Iraqi political groups that fail to endorse strong constitutional safeguards for individual’s human right to freedom of thought, conscience and belief, and related human rights. U.S. resources should be used to support groups and individual candidates who advocate the freedom of religion and belief.
5. Publicly encourage the eligible electorate within the half million-strong Iraqi-American community to participate in the upcoming Iraqi elections and facilitate this process by making available U.S. facilities, resources, and expertise as necessary. When the Commission issued its annual report last May, it urged you to appoint a high-level U.S. human rights envoy to Iraq who will encourage the incorporation of human rights principles in Iraq’s permanent constitution, serve as the point of contact for Iraqi human rights institutions, and facilitate access to American expertise and other assistance to support Iraq’s effort to confront human rights challenges.
The Commission reiterates this recommendation with the conviction that the need is all the more pressing as Iraq takes critical steps over the next year toward National Assembly elections, the drafting and adopting of a permanent constitution, and the country’s first constitutionally-based national elections. Safeguarding the right of everyone to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and protecting the human rights of members of religious minorities is a bellwether for assessing the viability of democratic rule.
Without the right to religious freedom, guaranteed in law and observed in fact, Iraqi non-Muslim minorities will be persecuted and driven out, and Iraqi Muslims, particularly women and dissident reformers, will be stifled and suppressed.
The Commission is eager to discuss these urgent matters with you in person at your earliest convenience.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
posted by T.G. at 8:22 AM
# 34 Bush signs unconstitutional budget, with abortion regulation
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008786.html
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services. Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
The giant omnibus spending package heralds lean times ahead for the federal funding of medical research and health information technology efforts.
For fiscal 2005, NIH received a $573 million increase over the 2004 budget.
By Joel B. Finkelstein, AMNews staff.
Washington -- President Bush recently signed into law a fiscal year 2005 appropriations package that leaves little room for funding new programs but includes a controversial measure that could limit payment for providing abortion services.
Language inserted into the $143 billion budget for the Labor and Health and Human Services departments is designed to allow health insurers, hospitals and other medical institutions to choose not to offer or pay for abortions or abortion counseling and referrals. State governments and federal agencies found to be discriminating against these institutions for not offering these services risk losing federal funding.
According to proponents, the measure simply expounds on a law that has been on the books for more than 25 years but that some jurisdictions have interpreted as referring only to individual physicians, nurses and others.
"My experience as a physician -- and I still see patients -- is that the majority of nurses, technicians and doctors who claim to be pro-choice, who claim to support Roe v. Wade, always say to me that they would never want to participate in an abortion, perform an abortion, or be affiliated with doing an abortion," the provision's author, Rep. Dave Weldon, MD (R, Fla.), said in a statement.
Reproductive rights groups have used loopholes in current law to coerce hospitals and health plans into offering abortion services and to require that physicians provide referrals, said Gene Rudd, MD, associate executive director of the Christian Medical & Dental Assns.
"How can we force people to do something morally unconscionable like that when it's clearly such a controversial issue that people have strong emotions about? Ironically, the pro-choice people don't want to allow people to have that choice," he said.But the provision could have the effect of limiting women's access to abortion services and jeopardizing physicians' ability to inform patients of all of their medical options at federally funded family planning clinics, "effectively gagging physicians across the country," said a letter to Congress from Vivian M. Dickerson, MD, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
So far, the Weldon provision also has been challenged in two lawsuits, including one filed by California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who called it a "back-door attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade." He also said it raises state sovereignty issues.
The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Assn. also has filed a lawsuit claiming that the provision is at odds with regulations requiring all family planning clinics receiving federal funding to provide referrals for women requesting information on abortion.On the appropriations end of the measure, Congress managed to cut about $3 billion from the original House and Senate proposals for the Labor and HHS departments. One victim of the belt tightening is the National Institutes of Health, which received a lower funding increase than research advocates had expected.
"It was anticipated that there would be a slowdown in support in the post-doubling era," said Bill Leinweber, who is the vice president of Research!America, a public education and advocacy alliance of which the American Medical Association is a member. The goal to double the NIH budget in five years successfully ended in 2003."The research community worked diligently to make that a soft landing, but as we look at the numbers now, this can be termed nothing less than a crash landing," he said.
Overall, the NIH received $28.6 billion in the 2005 budget, a $573 million or 2% increase over 2004. Much of that money will go to support ongoing multiyear research. But at that funding level, the NIH can afford to increase the average grant budget by only 1.3%, while the cost of doing research has gone up by 3.5%, according to estimates by the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science.The new funding level also means that NIH likely will fall far short of its anticipated funding of 515 more research grants in 2005.
The HHS budget also fails to deliver new funding for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, run by David Brailer, MD.Having come into the office a couple of months after the president submitted his budget proposal, Dr. Brailer had little time to make his case to Congress. "Money is important, it's the starting point of programs, but I don't think the act was intentional," he told AMNews.
Dr. Brailer and his staff will keep receiving their paychecks but will have to convince other offices and agencies within the department to provide funding for their projects.The IT office also will continue to work closely with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which received $50 million for investing in health information technology initiatives.
In contrast, some public health initiatives did well in the 2005 budget. For example, another funding boost was secured for community health centers, which are a Bush administration priority for dealing with the problem of uninsured Americans.The health centers received an additional $131 million over 2004 levels, for a total of $1.6 billion in 2005. The increase fell $88 million shy of the president's request. About $31 million will go toward supporting existing grants to help with the rising cost of providing health care.With other health-related priorities being cut back, health centers can't really complain about getting less of an increase than originally proposed, said a spokeswoman for the National Assn. for Community Health Centers.
At current levels, HHS still can fund only about one in every four clinics that apply for federally qualified status.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Growth slowdownAppropriations for the National Institutes of Health continue to increase each year, but the rising cost of administering grants and maintaining infrastructure cuts into research and development funding, as shown here.
R&D spending(in billions)
2005 $27.43
2004 $27.22
2003 $26.74
That is $81.39 billion unconstitutional spending by the G.W. Bush
2002 $23.39
2001 $20.76
2000 $18.48
1999 $16.41
1998 $14.53
1997 $13.71
1996 $13.04
Note: 2004 and 2005 are estimated figures.
Source: American Assn. for the Advancement of Science, November
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/12/27/gvsc1227.htm
For fiscal 2005, NIH received a $573M increase over the 2004 budget
Socialists and Fascists pigs at the federal hog trough:
Overall, the NIH received $28.6 billion in the 2005 budget, a $573 million or 2% increase over 2004.
Much of that money will go to support ongoing multiyear research. The health centers received an additional $131 million over 2004 levels, for a total of $1.6 billion in 2005. The increase fell $88 million shy of the president's request. About $31 million will go toward supporting existing grants to help with the rising cost of providing health care.
In a typical example of submitting to "the lesser of evils", President Bush signed the unconstitutional omnibus Federal health budget. It contains many unconstitutional expenditures, and options for abortion services. Of course it could have been even MORE unconstitutional and even more permissive on abortion, so that somehow makes this bill acceptable to compromisers.
Federal health budget, abortion language OK'd
The giant omnibus spending package heralds lean times ahead for the federal funding of medical research and health information technology efforts.
For fiscal 2005, NIH received a $573 million increase over the 2004 budget.
By Joel B. Finkelstein, AMNews staff.
Washington -- President Bush recently signed into law a fiscal year 2005 appropriations package that leaves little room for funding new programs but includes a controversial measure that could limit payment for providing abortion services.
Language inserted into the $143 billion budget for the Labor and Health and Human Services departments is designed to allow health insurers, hospitals and other medical institutions to choose not to offer or pay for abortions or abortion counseling and referrals. State governments and federal agencies found to be discriminating against these institutions for not offering these services risk losing federal funding.
According to proponents, the measure simply expounds on a law that has been on the books for more than 25 years but that some jurisdictions have interpreted as referring only to individual physicians, nurses and others.
"My experience as a physician -- and I still see patients -- is that the majority of nurses, technicians and doctors who claim to be pro-choice, who claim to support Roe v. Wade, always say to me that they would never want to participate in an abortion, perform an abortion, or be affiliated with doing an abortion," the provision's author, Rep. Dave Weldon, MD (R, Fla.), said in a statement.
Reproductive rights groups have used loopholes in current law to coerce hospitals and health plans into offering abortion services and to require that physicians provide referrals, said Gene Rudd, MD, associate executive director of the Christian Medical & Dental Assns.
"How can we force people to do something morally unconscionable like that when it's clearly such a controversial issue that people have strong emotions about? Ironically, the pro-choice people don't want to allow people to have that choice," he said.But the provision could have the effect of limiting women's access to abortion services and jeopardizing physicians' ability to inform patients of all of their medical options at federally funded family planning clinics, "effectively gagging physicians across the country," said a letter to Congress from Vivian M. Dickerson, MD, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
So far, the Weldon provision also has been challenged in two lawsuits, including one filed by California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who called it a "back-door attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade." He also said it raises state sovereignty issues.
The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Assn. also has filed a lawsuit claiming that the provision is at odds with regulations requiring all family planning clinics receiving federal funding to provide referrals for women requesting information on abortion.On the appropriations end of the measure, Congress managed to cut about $3 billion from the original House and Senate proposals for the Labor and HHS departments. One victim of the belt tightening is the National Institutes of Health, which received a lower funding increase than research advocates had expected.
"It was anticipated that there would be a slowdown in support in the post-doubling era," said Bill Leinweber, who is the vice president of Research!America, a public education and advocacy alliance of which the American Medical Association is a member. The goal to double the NIH budget in five years successfully ended in 2003."The research community worked diligently to make that a soft landing, but as we look at the numbers now, this can be termed nothing less than a crash landing," he said.
Overall, the NIH received $28.6 billion in the 2005 budget, a $573 million or 2% increase over 2004. Much of that money will go to support ongoing multiyear research. But at that funding level, the NIH can afford to increase the average grant budget by only 1.3%, while the cost of doing research has gone up by 3.5%, according to estimates by the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science.The new funding level also means that NIH likely will fall far short of its anticipated funding of 515 more research grants in 2005.
The HHS budget also fails to deliver new funding for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, run by David Brailer, MD.Having come into the office a couple of months after the president submitted his budget proposal, Dr. Brailer had little time to make his case to Congress. "Money is important, it's the starting point of programs, but I don't think the act was intentional," he told AMNews.
Dr. Brailer and his staff will keep receiving their paychecks but will have to convince other offices and agencies within the department to provide funding for their projects.The IT office also will continue to work closely with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which received $50 million for investing in health information technology initiatives.
In contrast, some public health initiatives did well in the 2005 budget. For example, another funding boost was secured for community health centers, which are a Bush administration priority for dealing with the problem of uninsured Americans.The health centers received an additional $131 million over 2004 levels, for a total of $1.6 billion in 2005. The increase fell $88 million shy of the president's request. About $31 million will go toward supporting existing grants to help with the rising cost of providing health care.With other health-related priorities being cut back, health centers can't really complain about getting less of an increase than originally proposed, said a spokeswoman for the National Assn. for Community Health Centers.
At current levels, HHS still can fund only about one in every four clinics that apply for federally qualified status.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Growth slowdownAppropriations for the National Institutes of Health continue to increase each year, but the rising cost of administering grants and maintaining infrastructure cuts into research and development funding, as shown here.
R&D spending(in billions)
2005 $27.43
2004 $27.22
2003 $26.74
That is $81.39 billion unconstitutional spending by the G.W. Bush
2002 $23.39
2001 $20.76
2000 $18.48
1999 $16.41
1998 $14.53
1997 $13.71
1996 $13.04
Note: 2004 and 2005 are estimated figures.
Source: American Assn. for the Advancement of Science, November
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/12/27/gvsc1227.htm
For fiscal 2005, NIH received a $573M increase over the 2004 budget
Socialists and Fascists pigs at the federal hog trough:
Overall, the NIH received $28.6 billion in the 2005 budget, a $573 million or 2% increase over 2004.
Much of that money will go to support ongoing multiyear research. The health centers received an additional $131 million over 2004 levels, for a total of $1.6 billion in 2005. The increase fell $88 million shy of the president's request. About $31 million will go toward supporting existing grants to help with the rising cost of providing health care.
posted by T.G. at 8:12 AM
Thursday, December 23, 2004
# 33 Dubya reaches leftward.
Now that he has your vote and doesn't need you for reelection, GWB can go farther left than ever before. He didn't meet with the racist, liberal NAACP last term, but this time he did right away. We can expect lots more slides to the left by Bush.
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
NAACP Welcomes White House Meeting With President Bush
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com Morning Editor
December 22, 2004
(CNSNews.com) - President Bush invited outgoing NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume to the White House for a private meeting on Tuesday --- something the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) described as a "surprise move." According to an NAACP press release, Mfume wrote to President Bush on November 5, two days after Bush won re-election, requesting an opportunity to discuss "some of the domestic and social problems that continue to plague us as a nation."
Four years ago, the Bush White House ignored a similar letter from Mfume, the NAACP press release said. The NAACP also noted that in 2004, "President Bush became the first President since Warren G. Harding to refuse to meet with the country's oldest and largest civil rights organization when he declined an invitation to speak at the 2004 NAACP Annual Convention in Philadelphia.
"But that was then and this is now: "We welcome any meeting with an American President," said Julian Bond, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, in Tuesday's press release."After being shut out of the White House for four years, we look forward to discussion about our differences -- and even agreement when our agendas intersect."
According to Bond, "the NAACP has been wrongly accused of being hostile to Republicans." He said the organization has had "good relationships" with Education Secretary Rod Paige and Secretary of State Colin Powell, who have spoken at our meetings; with National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice who received an Image Award from the NAACP; and even with Attorney General John Ashcroft, whose appointment the NAACP opposed.
"We object to policies, not to parties, and when we think the policies are wrong, we're not afraid to say so," Bond stated.
But the Internal Revenue Service is currently investigating whether some Bond's remarks as NAACP chairman violate the organization's tax-exempt status. In remarks to hundreds of cheering liberal activists in June, Bond singled out Republicans as enemies of black Americans and compared conservatives to the terrorist Taliban who once ruled Afghanistan.
"Their idea of equal rights is the American flag and the Confederate swastika flying side by side," Bond told a cheering audience last spring. "They've written a new constitution for Iraq and ignore the Constitution here at home. They draw their most rabid supporters from the Taliban wing of American politics. Now they want to write bigotry back into the Constitution."
According to the Washington Post, Mfume described his Tuesday meeting with President Bush as a "man-to-man" discussion about repairing the strained relationship between Bush and the NAACP.
Mfume was quoted as saying he hopes Tuesday's meeting will pave the way for "future dialogue between the NAACP and the White House." He told reporters that President Bush asked for his advice on various issues, "particularly issues affecting race in this country."
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewPolitics.asp?Page=\Politics\archive\200412\POL20041222a.html
NAACP Welcomes White House Meeting With President Bush
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com Morning Editor
December 22, 2004
(CNSNews.com) - President Bush invited outgoing NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume to the White House for a private meeting on Tuesday --- something the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) described as a "surprise move." According to an NAACP press release, Mfume wrote to President Bush on November 5, two days after Bush won re-election, requesting an opportunity to discuss "some of the domestic and social problems that continue to plague us as a nation."
Four years ago, the Bush White House ignored a similar letter from Mfume, the NAACP press release said. The NAACP also noted that in 2004, "President Bush became the first President since Warren G. Harding to refuse to meet with the country's oldest and largest civil rights organization when he declined an invitation to speak at the 2004 NAACP Annual Convention in Philadelphia.
"But that was then and this is now: "We welcome any meeting with an American President," said Julian Bond, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, in Tuesday's press release."After being shut out of the White House for four years, we look forward to discussion about our differences -- and even agreement when our agendas intersect."
According to Bond, "the NAACP has been wrongly accused of being hostile to Republicans." He said the organization has had "good relationships" with Education Secretary Rod Paige and Secretary of State Colin Powell, who have spoken at our meetings; with National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice who received an Image Award from the NAACP; and even with Attorney General John Ashcroft, whose appointment the NAACP opposed.
"We object to policies, not to parties, and when we think the policies are wrong, we're not afraid to say so," Bond stated.
But the Internal Revenue Service is currently investigating whether some Bond's remarks as NAACP chairman violate the organization's tax-exempt status. In remarks to hundreds of cheering liberal activists in June, Bond singled out Republicans as enemies of black Americans and compared conservatives to the terrorist Taliban who once ruled Afghanistan.
"Their idea of equal rights is the American flag and the Confederate swastika flying side by side," Bond told a cheering audience last spring. "They've written a new constitution for Iraq and ignore the Constitution here at home. They draw their most rabid supporters from the Taliban wing of American politics. Now they want to write bigotry back into the Constitution."
According to the Washington Post, Mfume described his Tuesday meeting with President Bush as a "man-to-man" discussion about repairing the strained relationship between Bush and the NAACP.
Mfume was quoted as saying he hopes Tuesday's meeting will pave the way for "future dialogue between the NAACP and the White House." He told reporters that President Bush asked for his advice on various issues, "particularly issues affecting race in this country."
posted by T.G. at 9:17 AM
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
# 32 Coats for Criminals (Illegal Aliens)
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42048
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws. Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
COMING TO AMERICA
Bush snuggles illegal aliens
Feds equip agents with blankets, 'heat packs' to help crossers in cold weather
December 22, 2004 © 2004
WorldNetDaily.com
While bone-chilling winter temperatures don't deter illegal aliens from crossing the border, the U.S. is taking measures to provide what some might call a warm welcome for the lawbreakers. Border Patrol agents in Arizona are now being issued blankets and "heat packs" to help those suffering from the effects of cold weather.
"They have to spend the night in the elements, in the cold," Cmdr. Ron Bellavia, with the U.S. Border Patrol's Search, Trauma and Rescue Team told KOLD-TV in Tucson. "They have to climb through 9,000 feet of mountains and drop back down and go through cold valleys."
So to help those in need, every Border Patrol agent can distribute blankets and miniature hand warmers, which are small packets that heat up when unwrapped.
As WorldNetDaily reported in September, a Time magazine story indicated illegal immigration into the U.S. has accelerated in the last year, since President Bush proposed a temporary worker program that amounts to a limited amnesty program that would allow millions to remain in the U.S. legally. This year, according to the report, some 3 million more illegal aliens will enter the country – "enough to fill 22,000 Boeing 737-700 airliners, or 60 flights every day for a year."
On Monday, Bush did not back off the guest-worker program as he discussed his view of the proper role of immigration authorities. "We want our Border Patrol agents chasing, you know, crooks and thieves and drug-runners and terrorists, not good-hearted people who are coming here to work," Bush said. "And therefore, it makes sense to allow the good-hearted people who are coming here to do jobs that Americans won't do a legal way to do so. And providing that legal avenue, it takes the pressure off the border."
It must get down to 80 this time of year on the Mexican border, so we need to spend our tax dollars on coats for the poor, "good-hearted" lawbreakers who have to climb mountains to break our laws. Let's not make it too difficult for the terrorists to get in the country.
COMING TO AMERICA
Bush snuggles illegal aliens
Feds equip agents with blankets, 'heat packs' to help crossers in cold weather
December 22, 2004 © 2004
WorldNetDaily.com
While bone-chilling winter temperatures don't deter illegal aliens from crossing the border, the U.S. is taking measures to provide what some might call a warm welcome for the lawbreakers. Border Patrol agents in Arizona are now being issued blankets and "heat packs" to help those suffering from the effects of cold weather.
"They have to spend the night in the elements, in the cold," Cmdr. Ron Bellavia, with the U.S. Border Patrol's Search, Trauma and Rescue Team told KOLD-TV in Tucson. "They have to climb through 9,000 feet of mountains and drop back down and go through cold valleys."
So to help those in need, every Border Patrol agent can distribute blankets and miniature hand warmers, which are small packets that heat up when unwrapped.
As WorldNetDaily reported in September, a Time magazine story indicated illegal immigration into the U.S. has accelerated in the last year, since President Bush proposed a temporary worker program that amounts to a limited amnesty program that would allow millions to remain in the U.S. legally. This year, according to the report, some 3 million more illegal aliens will enter the country – "enough to fill 22,000 Boeing 737-700 airliners, or 60 flights every day for a year."
On Monday, Bush did not back off the guest-worker program as he discussed his view of the proper role of immigration authorities. "We want our Border Patrol agents chasing, you know, crooks and thieves and drug-runners and terrorists, not good-hearted people who are coming here to work," Bush said. "And therefore, it makes sense to allow the good-hearted people who are coming here to do jobs that Americans won't do a legal way to do so. And providing that legal avenue, it takes the pressure off the border."
posted by T.G. at 4:13 PM
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
# 31 Queers love Georgie Boy
Information from 12-27-04 New American, "George W. Bush: Champion of 'Gay Rights'", p.6.
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him.
The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim.
The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
Bush administration lackey Abner Mason wrote a guest column for the Advocate. He is executive director of the AIDS Responsibility Project and Chairman of the International Subcommittee for the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
Among the kisses he blew to Georgie boy:
"By supporting civil unions for gay couples - which, practically speaking, is the cutting-edge issue in the battle for equality - President Bush has become a leading advocate for gay rights."
President Bush's support "has made it a lot easier for others to recognize civil unions, especially political leaders in [conservative] red states."
"Only eight days before the election, Bush publicly embraced the [Howard] dean position, which was also Kerry's position. The previously controversial - and in Dean's case heroic - position of supporting civil unions was now that of a conservative president."
One of the last places of refuge for Bush-bots is to claim that the sodomite lobby despises him.
The 12-21-04 issue of the leading "gay rights" journal, the Advocate, puts the lie to that claim.
The queers love and appreciate the man who has furthered their agenda more than anyone to ever sit in the Oval Office.
Bush administration lackey Abner Mason wrote a guest column for the Advocate. He is executive director of the AIDS Responsibility Project and Chairman of the International Subcommittee for the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
Among the kisses he blew to Georgie boy:
"By supporting civil unions for gay couples - which, practically speaking, is the cutting-edge issue in the battle for equality - President Bush has become a leading advocate for gay rights."
President Bush's support "has made it a lot easier for others to recognize civil unions, especially political leaders in [conservative] red states."
"Only eight days before the election, Bush publicly embraced the [Howard] dean position, which was also Kerry's position. The previously controversial - and in Dean's case heroic - position of supporting civil unions was now that of a conservative president."
posted by T.G. at 10:46 PM
# 30 No Cross for Bush - but a Moon
"Brother" Bush is joining arms with those who believe Sun Myung Moon is the real Messiah who came to finish what Jesus failed to accomplish. He must be getting bored with lauding Allah. This is simply blasphemy on the part of Bush. I'm glad I didn't vote for this wickedness."
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
Bush supports cross-hating movement
President's father also praises work of Rev. Moon-linked clergy group
December 21, 2004
© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
Both President Bush and his father have expressed their support for a group of mostly black church leaders that endorses the practice of throwing the cross into the trash – literally.
According to an online column by John Gorenfeld, the American Clergy Leadership Conference sponsored a nationwide "Tear Down The Cross" day for Easter 2003 during which pastors led ceremonies where traditional sanctuary crosses were tossed into dumpsters. Over 100 crosses reportedly were trashed. Writes Gorenfeld, "This [cross removal], movement leaders said, cleared the way for a new age and second messiah."
Last week, the movement's leaders presided over a Washington prayer breakfast featuring messages of thanks from both Bush presidents.
Though ACLC's website says part of its purpose is to "promote through fellowship the unity of the body of Christ," it also aims to "foster cooperation and understanding among all religions." That cooperation is evidenced by the involvement of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church who was dubbed the king of peace at a coronation ceremony in the Dirksen Senate Office Building earlier this year. The organization also works closely with both Muslim and Jewish clergy.
Two sponsors of last week's breakfast, the International and Interreligious Federation of World Peace and the American Family Coalition, are both affiliated with Moon. "One series of photos found on Moon's website, but purged after receiving unfavorable attention earlier this year from evangelicals, shows Massachusetts preacher John Kingara taking down the cross from his church, hauling it behind the old brick building and hoisting it into a dumpster," writes Gorenfeld. "Another shows a ritual in Israel disposing of the cross in the earth.
Writes Gorenfeld: "In Moon's teachings, God himself is shedding tears over mankind's obsession with the cross, which prevents us from recognizing the real 'returning lord': Moon himself. It's no secret. This is something he's patiently explained to many audiences of congressmen and former Republican presidents over the years, in Washington pageants that hardly ever make the news."
The columnist says Bush sent a "warm letter" of support presented at the breakfast by a state senator, in which the president and first lady sent best wishes to the sponsors -- and thanked them for rallying his "armies of compassion."
Here are more links covering Bush's support of the Moonies, including the Moonie-owned Washington Times account:
http://washingtontimes.com/culture/20041213-114649-2562r.htm
"Many people think that God will liberate us, but now that we recognize that God's heart is under confinement, we understand that we should liberate God and bring Him into complete freedom," said Rev. Moon.
President Bush sent welcoming greetings to the participants. "As pastors and community leaders, you are part of the armies of compassion who help to change lives, one heart and one soul at a time. I applaud your dedication and your commitment to serving others. Laura joins me in sending our best wishes," Mr. Bush said in a letter read by Arizona state Sen. Mark Anderson, a Republican.
http://gadflyer.com/articles/?ArticleID=258
Moon's followers, whose frank call for crushing Western democracy, combined with success in recruiting teenagers, made them a popular nightmare on the evening news.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008802.html
Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church who was dubbed the king of peace at a coronation ceremony in the Dirksen Senate Office Building earlier this year.
Ahhh! Mixing church and state!
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42039
Bush supports cross-hating movement
President's father also praises work of Rev. Moon-linked clergy group
December 21, 2004
© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
Both President Bush and his father have expressed their support for a group of mostly black church leaders that endorses the practice of throwing the cross into the trash – literally.
According to an online column by John Gorenfeld, the American Clergy Leadership Conference sponsored a nationwide "Tear Down The Cross" day for Easter 2003 during which pastors led ceremonies where traditional sanctuary crosses were tossed into dumpsters. Over 100 crosses reportedly were trashed. Writes Gorenfeld, "This [cross removal], movement leaders said, cleared the way for a new age and second messiah."
Last week, the movement's leaders presided over a Washington prayer breakfast featuring messages of thanks from both Bush presidents.
Though ACLC's website says part of its purpose is to "promote through fellowship the unity of the body of Christ," it also aims to "foster cooperation and understanding among all religions." That cooperation is evidenced by the involvement of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church who was dubbed the king of peace at a coronation ceremony in the Dirksen Senate Office Building earlier this year. The organization also works closely with both Muslim and Jewish clergy.
Two sponsors of last week's breakfast, the International and Interreligious Federation of World Peace and the American Family Coalition, are both affiliated with Moon. "One series of photos found on Moon's website, but purged after receiving unfavorable attention earlier this year from evangelicals, shows Massachusetts preacher John Kingara taking down the cross from his church, hauling it behind the old brick building and hoisting it into a dumpster," writes Gorenfeld. "Another shows a ritual in Israel disposing of the cross in the earth.
Writes Gorenfeld: "In Moon's teachings, God himself is shedding tears over mankind's obsession with the cross, which prevents us from recognizing the real 'returning lord': Moon himself. It's no secret. This is something he's patiently explained to many audiences of congressmen and former Republican presidents over the years, in Washington pageants that hardly ever make the news."
The columnist says Bush sent a "warm letter" of support presented at the breakfast by a state senator, in which the president and first lady sent best wishes to the sponsors -- and thanked them for rallying his "armies of compassion."
Here are more links covering Bush's support of the Moonies, including the Moonie-owned Washington Times account:
http://washingtontimes.com/culture/20041213-114649-2562r.htm
"Many people think that God will liberate us, but now that we recognize that God's heart is under confinement, we understand that we should liberate God and bring Him into complete freedom," said Rev. Moon.
President Bush sent welcoming greetings to the participants. "As pastors and community leaders, you are part of the armies of compassion who help to change lives, one heart and one soul at a time. I applaud your dedication and your commitment to serving others. Laura joins me in sending our best wishes," Mr. Bush said in a letter read by Arizona state Sen. Mark Anderson, a Republican.
http://gadflyer.com/articles/?ArticleID=258
Moon's followers, whose frank call for crushing Western democracy, combined with success in recruiting teenagers, made them a popular nightmare on the evening news.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008802.html
Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church who was dubbed the king of peace at a coronation ceremony in the Dirksen Senate Office Building earlier this year.
Ahhh! Mixing church and state!
posted by T.G. at 10:16 PM
# 29 No Christ in Bush Christmas
Opps! A minor oversight by our Christian President. He remembered Santa, Rudolph, Hanukkah, the Menorah, and even Kwanzaa - but forgot Jesus Christ!
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
December 21, 2004
Bush White House's Christ-less Christmas
Official commemorations emphasize Santa, Rudolph over Jesus in 2004
WorldNetDaily.com
WASHINGTON -- What's missing from the White House commemoration of Christmas this year?Jesus. The little baby in the manger. The reason for the season.
While President Bush was re-elected last month in an election victory many attributed to an outpouring of support by evangelical Christians impressed with his candid outspokenness about his faith, some Americans notice the White House website lacks even a single mention of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated by hundreds of millions worldwide Dec. 25.
The official White House site proclaims this as the "Season of Merriment and Melody" – not the birth of the Savior of the world. On Dec. 9, Bush participated in a special menorah lighting ceremony at the White House. Likewise, Bush issued a Hanukkah proclamation Dec. 7. In 2001, Bush issued a Kwanzaa greeting from the White House, and repeated it in 2002 and 2003.
http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/008760.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42027
December 21, 2004
Bush White House's Christ-less Christmas
Official commemorations emphasize Santa, Rudolph over Jesus in 2004
WorldNetDaily.com
WASHINGTON -- What's missing from the White House commemoration of Christmas this year?Jesus. The little baby in the manger. The reason for the season.
While President Bush was re-elected last month in an election victory many attributed to an outpouring of support by evangelical Christians impressed with his candid outspokenness about his faith, some Americans notice the White House website lacks even a single mention of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated by hundreds of millions worldwide Dec. 25.
The official White House site proclaims this as the "Season of Merriment and Melody" – not the birth of the Savior of the world. On Dec. 9, Bush participated in a special menorah lighting ceremony at the White House. Likewise, Bush issued a Hanukkah proclamation Dec. 7. In 2001, Bush issued a Kwanzaa greeting from the White House, and repeated it in 2002 and 2003.
posted by T.G. at 9:35 PM
# 28 Peace, peace, no peace.
Out of one side of his mouth, GWB assures us we'll have peace in the Middle East by the end of his term, but out of the other side of his mouth he causes discord with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon. Either Bush has been munching on those "magic" mushrooms, or he thinks he's the antichrist.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
I will bring peace to Middle East, Bush promises
By Inigo Gilmore in Jerusalem and Alec Russell in Washington
(Filed: 20/12/2004)
President George W Bush yesterday predicted that he would bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians during his second term in office, making a strikingly bold assessment of his foreign-policy goals for the next four years.
"I want you to know that I am going to invest a lot of time and a lot of creative thinking so that there will finally be peace between Israel and the Palestinians," Mr Bush told the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Aharonoth.
"I am convinced that, during this term, I will manage to bring peace."
... more on website
...Jer 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Sudden Discord between Bush and Sharon
DEBKAfile
Exclusive Report from Washington
December 17, 2004, 11:41 PM (GMT+02:00)
Israel’s prime minister Ariel Sharon was warned many a time to beware of placing all his major policy eggs in the George W. Bush basket. But from the time he first took office more than three years ago, he never wavered from his bond with the US president. Their friendship was often cited as one of Sharon’s prime assets. And until last week, the Bush administration stood behind the prime minister and heartily endorsed his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank in stages ending in September 2005. But then the wind blowing in from Washington suddenly turned chill. In the last week, according to DEBKAfile’s Washington sources, the White House suddenly spun its sympathies around from Ariel Sharon and his disengagement plan to Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), Fatah frontrunner in the Palestinian January 9 election, and his sweeping demands for territorial concessions.
Our sources in Washington believe that the determining factor in the US president’s turnabout was the message from Abbas that he will be in a position to announce a comprehensive ceasefire on or around January 1. He promises to bring all the Palestinian organizations including the radical Hamas and Jihad Islami into the truce.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/20/wbush20.xml
I will bring peace to Middle East, Bush promises
By Inigo Gilmore in Jerusalem and Alec Russell in Washington
(Filed: 20/12/2004)
President George W Bush yesterday predicted that he would bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians during his second term in office, making a strikingly bold assessment of his foreign-policy goals for the next four years.
"I want you to know that I am going to invest a lot of time and a lot of creative thinking so that there will finally be peace between Israel and the Palestinians," Mr Bush told the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Aharonoth.
"I am convinced that, during this term, I will manage to bring peace."
... more on website
...Jer 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
http://www.debka.com/article.php?size=big&aid=952
Sudden Discord between Bush and Sharon
DEBKAfile
Exclusive Report from Washington
December 17, 2004, 11:41 PM (GMT+02:00)
Israel’s prime minister Ariel Sharon was warned many a time to beware of placing all his major policy eggs in the George W. Bush basket. But from the time he first took office more than three years ago, he never wavered from his bond with the US president. Their friendship was often cited as one of Sharon’s prime assets. And until last week, the Bush administration stood behind the prime minister and heartily endorsed his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank in stages ending in September 2005. But then the wind blowing in from Washington suddenly turned chill. In the last week, according to DEBKAfile’s Washington sources, the White House suddenly spun its sympathies around from Ariel Sharon and his disengagement plan to Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), Fatah frontrunner in the Palestinian January 9 election, and his sweeping demands for territorial concessions.
Our sources in Washington believe that the determining factor in the US president’s turnabout was the message from Abbas that he will be in a position to announce a comprehensive ceasefire on or around January 1. He promises to bring all the Palestinian organizations including the radical Hamas and Jihad Islami into the truce.
posted by T.G. at 9:27 PM
Monday, December 20, 2004
# 27 Bush shows lack of loyalty
http://view.exacttarget.com/?febc12767d6d007f-fe3111707666057f7c1676
(NewsMax Insiders Report)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda. Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself.
1. Why John Danforth Resigned
A Washington foreign policy insider tells NewsMax that Danforth took the U.N. job on the condition that he be considered as a top candidate to replace Colin Powell if and when Powell stepped down.
President Bush nominated Condi Rice to the top diplomatic job last month.
Danforth and his supporters felt betrayed. It was the second time Danforth felt let down by Bush. He was also Bush's top choice for the vice presidential slot in the 2000 election, but Bush opted for Dick Cheney instead.
(NewsMax Insiders Report)
As we saw in #23, GWB is demanding 100% allegiance to himself and his agenda. Too bad he doesn't show some loyalty himself.
1. Why John Danforth Resigned
A Washington foreign policy insider tells NewsMax that Danforth took the U.N. job on the condition that he be considered as a top candidate to replace Colin Powell if and when Powell stepped down.
President Bush nominated Condi Rice to the top diplomatic job last month.
Danforth and his supporters felt betrayed. It was the second time Danforth felt let down by Bush. He was also Bush's top choice for the vice presidential slot in the 2000 election, but Bush opted for Dick Cheney instead.
posted by T.G. at 6:48 PM
Saturday, December 18, 2004
# 26 Bush forgives all Hussein-era Iraq debt
So much for their oil paying for the war, reimbursing American taxpayers, or providing for the families of POWs. Instead Bush had put yet more of a burden on U.S. taxpayer's backs.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htmhttp://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
US to write off USD4.1bn in Iraqi debts
Friday, December 17 09:07:54
(BizWorld)
The US is to write off Iraq's debts to Washington of USD4.1bn racked up during the regime of Saddam Hussein.
The debt write-off accord will be signed in Washington today by US Secretary of State Colin Powell, Treasury Secretary John Snow and Iraq's Finance Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, according to a State Department statement.
"The signing of the debt cancellation agreement is the bilateral agreement that implements the United States' part of the Paris Club debt-reduction agreement reached November 21, 2004," the statement said.
"In fact the United States will go beyond the 80 percent reduction agreed at the Paris Club and forgive 100 percent of the 4.1 billion dollars Iraq owes the United States from the Saddam era," it said.
In late November, the Paris Club of 19 creditor countries, including the US, Japan, Russia and EU nations, said its members had agreed to wipe out 80 pct of the money it is owed by Iraq over three years. Iraq owes the Paris Club nations some 40 bln usd, about one-third of the country's foreign debt.
http://www.businessworld.ie/livenews.htm?a=1070000;s=rollingnews.htmhttp://www.jubileeiraq.org/blog/2004_12.html#000738
US to write off USD4.1bn in Iraqi debts
Friday, December 17 09:07:54
(BizWorld)
The US is to write off Iraq's debts to Washington of USD4.1bn racked up during the regime of Saddam Hussein.
The debt write-off accord will be signed in Washington today by US Secretary of State Colin Powell, Treasury Secretary John Snow and Iraq's Finance Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, according to a State Department statement.
"The signing of the debt cancellation agreement is the bilateral agreement that implements the United States' part of the Paris Club debt-reduction agreement reached November 21, 2004," the statement said.
"In fact the United States will go beyond the 80 percent reduction agreed at the Paris Club and forgive 100 percent of the 4.1 billion dollars Iraq owes the United States from the Saddam era," it said.
In late November, the Paris Club of 19 creditor countries, including the US, Japan, Russia and EU nations, said its members had agreed to wipe out 80 pct of the money it is owed by Iraq over three years. Iraq owes the Paris Club nations some 40 bln usd, about one-third of the country's foreign debt.
posted by T.G. at 5:03 AM
Friday, December 17, 2004
Bush Scorecard # 1 - 25
Remember, this is only the liberal and ungodly stuff Bush has done SINCE the election, which was only six weeks ago! As liberal as John Kerry is, he'd have to go without sleep to keep up with Bush so far. I'm having a hard time just recording them. No doubt I've missed a few. I have detailed information on each of these.
1. Lesbian partner on stage.
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/11/122004h.asp
The day after Bush was reelected he allows his VP Dick Cheney to not only put his lesbian daughter on the platform, but to bring her lesbian 'partner' up on the stage along with other 'spouses'.
2. Arlen Specter positioned to block conservative judges.
(http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41378)
Bush campaigned for pro-abort, pro-queer Specter, helping him to a 1% win over conservative Republican Pat Toomey. Now Specter promises to block conservative judges, and the evidence shows Bush knew that's what he was getting.
3. Bush push to reward illegal aliens for being lawbreakers.
(http://www.washtimes.com/national/20041110-123424-5467r.htm)
President Bush yesterday moved aggressively to resurrect his plan to relax rules against illegal immigration, a move bound to anger conservatives just days after they helped re-elect him.
4. W insinuates that Yasser Arafat is going to heaven (and honors Bill Clinton).
(http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41360)
Admittedly this is an assumption, but when Bush's spokesman was asked twice if this meant Bush was a Universalist (all religions lead to heaven), the spokesman refuse to answer despite Bush's own clear words affirming Universalist doctrine (aolsvc.news.aol.com/elections/article.adp?id=20041026095909990008).
It is clear that Bush believes Muslims are going to heaven.
If that is not sufficient to stand on it's own, we could include the leak that war with Iran is coming soon as point #4.
And if that’s not enough, use Bush’s declaration that he is going to “honor” Bill Clinton at the dedication of the Clinton library (which surely has a large porn section) “in tribute to one of our own”.
(wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41508)
5. Bush names pro-abort Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
(http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/) (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&u=/ap/20041110/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_cabinet_23&printer=1)
Besides being pro-abortion, Gonzales cast the deciding vote denying parental consent when minor daughters have abortions. Gonzales wrote a controversial February 2002 memo in which Bush claimed the right to waive anti-torture law. He is also an advocate of illegal alien benefits.
6. Bush vows to create a Palestinian state (by taking land from Israel).
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/12/bush.blair/index.html
Many Christian believe this violates the promise to Abraham in Gen 12, and it certainly is an unconstitutional act of interference with a sovereign nation (but that's the 'in' thing with Bush, see Iraq.)
7. Bush push to renew Patriot Act intrusions into our rights.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SECOND_TERM_LAW_ENFORCEMENT?SITE
=MTBILELN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Surveillance, information, wiretaps, banking records, "Sneak & Peek" warrants where the owner is not informed. If charged, no speedy trial, no counsel, no appeal, no evidence, no presumption of innocence.
8. Bush replaces pro-abort Powell with pro-abort Rice as Sec. of State
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008028.html
And calls this liberal, pro-abortion, black woman "the face of America". She wanted to be Sec. of Defense.
9. Bush adds three more sodomites to his administration (from six to nine).
http://www.bluelemur.com/index.php?p=426http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/12/29/MN184289.DTL
One of them was his campaign manager, yes, Bush's campaign was run by a queer.
10. Bush persecutes pro-lifers.
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008263.html
Bush supports the FACE Act which prevents pro-lifers from protesting near abortion chambers. Pro-abortionists however, can protest anywhere they want, even right at the abortuaries.
11. Bush supports queers in military.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41741
Even with AIDS and STDs rising again, Bush supports the current policy of allowing sodmites into the military.
12. Bush stabs Swift Boat Veteran in the back.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41741
He already stabbed the Swifties once by agreeing to file a lawsuit to silence them from exposing Kerry's wretched military record. Now a Swiftie gets fired for not succumbing to pressure to campaign for Kerry. Who's side is Bush on? Looks like he's a Kerry supporter.
13. Bush supports driver's licenses for *illegal* aliens.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41778
Some Republicans in Congress, realize there's a problem with giving *illegal* aliens driver's licenses (giving them access to almost anything), but Bush doesn't care. Even without the licenses, this bill is still abhorrent because it infringes upon Americans while doing nothing to prevent foreign terrorism - in fact it aids potential foreign terrorists. But that was covered in #3 and #7 above. Which country is he president of? Mexico? The U.N? The New World Order?
14. Bush hosts reception for queer rocker Elton John.
http://www.thisislondon.com/showbiz/articles/15128792?source=Evening%20Standard&ct=5
Why not honor a sodomite performer? He honored Ozzy Osbourne, the drug-drenched leader of the occultist rock band Black Sabbath during his first term. Maybe he can have them both play at his coronation inauguration.
15. Ultra-liberal Democrat Dean appalled at Bush's excessive spending.
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/features/2004/11/29/2
_million_for_a_presidential_yacht.php
It's pretty bad when an ultra-lib is complaining that Bush is spending too much, including $2 million for his own boat. Hey, it's only OUR money. Though his level of unconstitutional spending is atrocious (whether on 'good' things or 'bad' things), it's unbelievable where the president's spending priorities lie.
16. W robs Peter to pay Paul (borrows to fund socialist insecurity).
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20041206/2004-12-06T190038Z
_01_N06138595_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-BUSH-SOCIALSECURITY-DC.html
He's going to spend an additional $2 trillion that he doesn't have a plan to account for, so the plan is the usual - rape the taxpayers.
17. Bush fund$ terrorists!
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7029964
Foreign aid is unconstitutional as it is. Aid to our enemies is stupid and suicidal. But here Bush is giving our tax money to a TERRORIST organization - while we are supposedly fighting a war against terror!
18. Bush administration betrays Gulf War POWs
http://www.thenewamerican.com/
12-13-04 p. 8
Our government has betrayed our POWs from previous wars, why should this one be any different? The Bush administration intervened in court on the side of Saddam Hussein and Iraq to erase the POW's judgment from the books.
19. Bush administration backs UN Sec. Gen. Kofi Annan
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20041209/ts_nm/un_usa_annan_dc
They are denying his role in the oil-for-food scam because he is a man of integrity, and they don't want to cloud the image of the UN.
20. Bush administration accelerates Mexican infiltration of U.S.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/tna/2004/12-13-2004/insider/mexico.htm
They are financing American corporations for sending our jobs to Mexico. Illegal immigration is now downgraded to the soft-soap term "migration".
21. Bush tabs Con-con author to HHS
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,141335,00.html
Few Americans will remember or understand that Michael Leavitt was the *author* of the insidious Conference of the States several years ago. He wants to undermine/overthrow our Constitution - and Bush wants him in charge of HHS.
The New American refuted Leavitt a decade ago:
http://www.thenewamerican.com/tna/1995/vo11no05/vo11no05_con_con.htm
22. Totalitarian National ID Cards
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index575.htm
Bush accomplished this with the complicity of the Republican-controlled Congress, none of whom even read the bill. GWB favors these totalitarian controls for American citizens, but opposes them for illegal aliens. This violates State's rights as well as individual rights.
23. FBI + CIA = KGB
Quotes from "The New American", Purges and New Powers at the CIA, 12-13-04, p. 6.
Bush's newly appointed CIA Director, Porter Goss, is pairing the CIA together with the FBI. The FBI was meant for internal matters and the CIA for external, so that neither could become a national police force (read: Gestapo or KGB). But Bush's boy is creating a national police force, at Bush's bidding.
24. Bush to sign Muslim-specific law
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking
/20041215-110705-3120r.htm
Washington, DC -- President George W. Bush is expected this week to sign into law a bill that officially binds Washington to engage into a long-term economic and political partnership with its key Muslim allies. The bill, called the Sept. 11th Recommendations Implementation Act, was passed by Congress last week, and with Bush's signature it will become a law. The Sept. 11 Act also suggests various proposals for improving America's image in the Islamic world and for helping its Muslim allies combat internal extremism.
25. Socialist Insecurity "Moral Achievement"
On last Saturday's weekly radio address (12-11-04), George W. Bush called Socialist Insecurity "the government's greatest moral achievement." A plan that swipes a large sum of money out of your paycheck for 30 or 40 years, invests it to make a five or ten fold return, and then pays you a few hundred bucks a month for a few years after you retire is a great moral achievement? Based on whose morality?
**************************************************
If you voted for Bush - YOU GOT KERRY anyway! - at least Kerry's policies. Pro-abortion, pro-sodomite, pro-Muslim, pro-illegal alien, pro-infringements on our rights (can a Bush announcement supporting the semi-auto ban be far off?).
Bush is wasting no time in betraying the "moral" contingent that he admits put him into office. But his supporters are undaunted in their admiration. It seems like these Bush-bots actually LIKE getting stabbed in the back. He USED the faithful Bush-bots to get their votes and now they're not needed any more so he is openly discarding them like trash.
At least a cheap whore gets paid for her services, the Bush-bots got used and they will end up paying as well.
And we thought Bill Clinton was "Slick". He was an amateur compared to Bush.
1. Lesbian partner on stage.
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/11/122004h.asp
The day after Bush was reelected he allows his VP Dick Cheney to not only put his lesbian daughter on the platform, but to bring her lesbian 'partner' up on the stage along with other 'spouses'.
2. Arlen Specter positioned to block conservative judges.
(http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41378)
Bush campaigned for pro-abort, pro-queer Specter, helping him to a 1% win over conservative Republican Pat Toomey. Now Specter promises to block conservative judges, and the evidence shows Bush knew that's what he was getting.
3. Bush push to reward illegal aliens for being lawbreakers.
(http://www.washtimes.com/national/20041110-123424-5467r.htm)
President Bush yesterday moved aggressively to resurrect his plan to relax rules against illegal immigration, a move bound to anger conservatives just days after they helped re-elect him.
4. W insinuates that Yasser Arafat is going to heaven (and honors Bill Clinton).
(http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41360)
Admittedly this is an assumption, but when Bush's spokesman was asked twice if this meant Bush was a Universalist (all religions lead to heaven), the spokesman refuse to answer despite Bush's own clear words affirming Universalist doctrine (aolsvc.news.aol.com/elections/article.adp?id=20041026095909990008).
It is clear that Bush believes Muslims are going to heaven.
If that is not sufficient to stand on it's own, we could include the leak that war with Iran is coming soon as point #4.
And if that’s not enough, use Bush’s declaration that he is going to “honor” Bill Clinton at the dedication of the Clinton library (which surely has a large porn section) “in tribute to one of our own”.
(wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41508)
5. Bush names pro-abort Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
(http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/) (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&u=/ap/20041110/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_cabinet_23&printer=1)
Besides being pro-abortion, Gonzales cast the deciding vote denying parental consent when minor daughters have abortions. Gonzales wrote a controversial February 2002 memo in which Bush claimed the right to waive anti-torture law. He is also an advocate of illegal alien benefits.
6. Bush vows to create a Palestinian state (by taking land from Israel).
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/12/bush.blair/index.html
Many Christian believe this violates the promise to Abraham in Gen 12, and it certainly is an unconstitutional act of interference with a sovereign nation (but that's the 'in' thing with Bush, see Iraq.)
7. Bush push to renew Patriot Act intrusions into our rights.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SECOND_TERM_LAW_ENFORCEMENT?SITE
=MTBILELN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Surveillance, information, wiretaps, banking records, "Sneak & Peek" warrants where the owner is not informed. If charged, no speedy trial, no counsel, no appeal, no evidence, no presumption of innocence.
8. Bush replaces pro-abort Powell with pro-abort Rice as Sec. of State
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008028.html
And calls this liberal, pro-abortion, black woman "the face of America". She wanted to be Sec. of Defense.
9. Bush adds three more sodomites to his administration (from six to nine).
http://www.bluelemur.com/index.php?p=426http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/12/29/MN184289.DTL
One of them was his campaign manager, yes, Bush's campaign was run by a queer.
10. Bush persecutes pro-lifers.
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/
http://www.covenantnews.com/abortion/archives/008263.html
Bush supports the FACE Act which prevents pro-lifers from protesting near abortion chambers. Pro-abortionists however, can protest anywhere they want, even right at the abortuaries.
11. Bush supports queers in military.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41741
Even with AIDS and STDs rising again, Bush supports the current policy of allowing sodmites into the military.
12. Bush stabs Swift Boat Veteran in the back.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41741
He already stabbed the Swifties once by agreeing to file a lawsuit to silence them from exposing Kerry's wretched military record. Now a Swiftie gets fired for not succumbing to pressure to campaign for Kerry. Who's side is Bush on? Looks like he's a Kerry supporter.
13. Bush supports driver's licenses for *illegal* aliens.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41778
Some Republicans in Congress, realize there's a problem with giving *illegal* aliens driver's licenses (giving them access to almost anything), but Bush doesn't care. Even without the licenses, this bill is still abhorrent because it infringes upon Americans while doing nothing to prevent foreign terrorism - in fact it aids potential foreign terrorists. But that was covered in #3 and #7 above. Which country is he president of? Mexico? The U.N? The New World Order?
14. Bush hosts reception for queer rocker Elton John.
http://www.thisislondon.com/showbiz/articles/15128792?source=Evening%20Standard&ct=5
Why not honor a sodomite performer? He honored Ozzy Osbourne, the drug-drenched leader of the occultist rock band Black Sabbath during his first term. Maybe he can have them both play at his coronation inauguration.
15. Ultra-liberal Democrat Dean appalled at Bush's excessive spending.
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/features/2004/11/29/2
_million_for_a_presidential_yacht.php
It's pretty bad when an ultra-lib is complaining that Bush is spending too much, including $2 million for his own boat. Hey, it's only OUR money. Though his level of unconstitutional spending is atrocious (whether on 'good' things or 'bad' things), it's unbelievable where the president's spending priorities lie.
16. W robs Peter to pay Paul (borrows to fund socialist insecurity).
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20041206/2004-12-06T190038Z
_01_N06138595_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-BUSH-SOCIALSECURITY-DC.html
He's going to spend an additional $2 trillion that he doesn't have a plan to account for, so the plan is the usual - rape the taxpayers.
17. Bush fund$ terrorists!
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7029964
Foreign aid is unconstitutional as it is. Aid to our enemies is stupid and suicidal. But here Bush is giving our tax money to a TERRORIST organization - while we are supposedly fighting a war against terror!
18. Bush administration betrays Gulf War POWs
http://www.thenewamerican.com/
12-13-04 p. 8
Our government has betrayed our POWs from previous wars, why should this one be any different? The Bush administration intervened in court on the side of Saddam Hussein and Iraq to erase the POW's judgment from the books.
19. Bush administration backs UN Sec. Gen. Kofi Annan
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20041209/ts_nm/un_usa_annan_dc
They are denying his role in the oil-for-food scam because he is a man of integrity, and they don't want to cloud the image of the UN.
20. Bush administration accelerates Mexican infiltration of U.S.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/tna/2004/12-13-2004/insider/mexico.htm
They are financing American corporations for sending our jobs to Mexico. Illegal immigration is now downgraded to the soft-soap term "migration".
21. Bush tabs Con-con author to HHS
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,141335,00.html
Few Americans will remember or understand that Michael Leavitt was the *author* of the insidious Conference of the States several years ago. He wants to undermine/overthrow our Constitution - and Bush wants him in charge of HHS.
The New American refuted Leavitt a decade ago:
http://www.thenewamerican.com/tna/1995/vo11no05/vo11no05_con_con.htm
22. Totalitarian National ID Cards
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index575.htm
Bush accomplished this with the complicity of the Republican-controlled Congress, none of whom even read the bill. GWB favors these totalitarian controls for American citizens, but opposes them for illegal aliens. This violates State's rights as well as individual rights.
23. FBI + CIA = KGB
Quotes from "The New American", Purges and New Powers at the CIA, 12-13-04, p. 6.
Bush's newly appointed CIA Director, Porter Goss, is pairing the CIA together with the FBI. The FBI was meant for internal matters and the CIA for external, so that neither could become a national police force (read: Gestapo or KGB). But Bush's boy is creating a national police force, at Bush's bidding.
24. Bush to sign Muslim-specific law
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking
/20041215-110705-3120r.htm
Washington, DC -- President George W. Bush is expected this week to sign into law a bill that officially binds Washington to engage into a long-term economic and political partnership with its key Muslim allies. The bill, called the Sept. 11th Recommendations Implementation Act, was passed by Congress last week, and with Bush's signature it will become a law. The Sept. 11 Act also suggests various proposals for improving America's image in the Islamic world and for helping its Muslim allies combat internal extremism.
25. Socialist Insecurity "Moral Achievement"
On last Saturday's weekly radio address (12-11-04), George W. Bush called Socialist Insecurity "the government's greatest moral achievement." A plan that swipes a large sum of money out of your paycheck for 30 or 40 years, invests it to make a five or ten fold return, and then pays you a few hundred bucks a month for a few years after you retire is a great moral achievement? Based on whose morality?
**************************************************
If you voted for Bush - YOU GOT KERRY anyway! - at least Kerry's policies. Pro-abortion, pro-sodomite, pro-Muslim, pro-illegal alien, pro-infringements on our rights (can a Bush announcement supporting the semi-auto ban be far off?).
Bush is wasting no time in betraying the "moral" contingent that he admits put him into office. But his supporters are undaunted in their admiration. It seems like these Bush-bots actually LIKE getting stabbed in the back. He USED the faithful Bush-bots to get their votes and now they're not needed any more so he is openly discarding them like trash.
At least a cheap whore gets paid for her services, the Bush-bots got used and they will end up paying as well.
And we thought Bill Clinton was "Slick". He was an amateur compared to Bush.
posted by T.G. at 8:21 PM
# 25 Socialist Insecurity "Moral Achievement
This comes from a friend of mine who is a professional journalist. When I can get media documentation, I'll update this point. If anyone can find the transcript, I would appreciate it.
*********************************
On last Saturday's weekly radio address (12-11-04), George W. Bush called Socialist Insecurity "the government's greatest moral achievement."
A Ponzi scheme funded by forced extractions (I'm self-employed and pay 15 percent of my measly income every quarter!) is a great moral achievement?
Later in his speech, Bush admitted that the Socialist Insecurity "trust fund" is fictional and told how SS receipts are paid out immediately to others who got into the pyramid earlier. How can anyone be so contradictory in a short speech and keep a straight face?
*********************************
A plan that swipes a large sum of money out of your paycheck for 30 or 40 years, invests it to make a five or ten fold return, and then pays you a few hundred bucks a month for a few years after you retire is a great moral achievement? Based on whose morality?
*********************************
On last Saturday's weekly radio address (12-11-04), George W. Bush called Socialist Insecurity "the government's greatest moral achievement."
A Ponzi scheme funded by forced extractions (I'm self-employed and pay 15 percent of my measly income every quarter!) is a great moral achievement?
Later in his speech, Bush admitted that the Socialist Insecurity "trust fund" is fictional and told how SS receipts are paid out immediately to others who got into the pyramid earlier. How can anyone be so contradictory in a short speech and keep a straight face?
*********************************
A plan that swipes a large sum of money out of your paycheck for 30 or 40 years, invests it to make a five or ten fold return, and then pays you a few hundred bucks a month for a few years after you retire is a great moral achievement? Based on whose morality?
posted by T.G. at 8:15 PM
# 24 Bush to sign Muslim-specific law
http://www.covenantnews.com/politics/http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20041215-110705-3120r.htm
Washington, DC -- President George W. Bush is expected this week to sign into law a bill that officially binds Washington to engage into a long-term economic and political partnership with its key Muslim allies.
The bill, called the Sept. 11th Recommendations Implementation Act, was passed by Congress last week, and with Bush's signature it will become a law.
The Sept. 11 Act also suggests various proposals for improving America's image in the Islamic world and for helping its Muslim allies combat internal extremism.
Washington, DC -- President George W. Bush is expected this week to sign into law a bill that officially binds Washington to engage into a long-term economic and political partnership with its key Muslim allies.
The bill, called the Sept. 11th Recommendations Implementation Act, was passed by Congress last week, and with Bush's signature it will become a law.
The Sept. 11 Act also suggests various proposals for improving America's image in the Islamic world and for helping its Muslim allies combat internal extremism.
posted by T.G. at 8:12 PM
# 23 FBI + CIA + 13 more = KGB
Not only is it hard to keep up with every different thing Bush is doing wrong, he's upgrading some of them before I can finish one point!
#23 FBI + CIA + 13 more = KGB
KGB = AmeriKan Gestapo of Bush
Quotes from "The New American",
Purges and New Powers at the CIA,
12-13-04, p. 6.
Bush's newly appointed CIA Director, Porter Goss, is pairing the CIA together with the FBI.
The FBI was meant for internal matters and the CIA for external, so that neither could become a national police force (read: Gestapo or KGB). But Bush's boy is creating a national police force, at Bush's bidding.
Newsday, 11-4-04 reports that "The White House has ordered the new CIA Director, Porter Goss, to purge the agency of officers believed to have been disloyal to President George W. Bush ..."
The 11-17-04 New York Times verified Goss as telling his employees "that their job is to support the administration and it's policies".
Loyalty is a great quality, but gov't officials take an oath of loyalty to the Constitution, not the president. There should be no conflict between the two, but we've seen there all too often is.
It was clear that the leadership breaches of the federal organizations, FBI and CIA, were responsible for allowing 9-11 to occur whereas the local police and firemen did a truly heroic job. Thus it makes no sense to take what worked (the local police) and replace them with what failed (the federal groups).
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041217/D871DD980.html
Bush to Sign Intelligence Overhaul Bill
Dec 17, 7:52 AM (ET)
By NEDRA PICKLER
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush is signing into law the largest overhaul of U.S. intelligence gathering in 50 years, hoping to improve the spy network that failed to prevent the Sept. 11 attacks.
The 563-page bill, which endured a tortured path to congressional passage, also aims to tighten borders and aviation security. It creates a federal counterterrorism center and a new intelligence director, but Bush was not expected to fill that post at Friday's bill signing.
The new structure was designed to help the nation's 15 intelligence agencies work together to protect the country from attacks like the ones that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001.
The Sept. 11 Commission, in its July report, said disharmony among the intelligence agencies contributed to the inability of government officials to prevent the attacks.
The government failed to recognize the danger posed by al-Qaida and was ill-prepared to respond to the terrorist threat, the report concluded. Commission members and families of attack victims lobbied persistently for the legislation through the summer political conventions, the election and a postelection lame duck session of Congress. The bill was threatened over disagreements between the White House and key House Republicans about immigration issues and how the new national intelligence director would work with the nation's military. Bush was criticized for not engaging aggressively enough with members of his own party to break the impasse. Pundits questioned what that meant for the president's ability to gain approval from a Republican-controlled Congress for his ambitious second-term agenda. But in the final days, he and Vice President Dick Cheney pushed hard for the legislation, and both the House and Senate passed it overwhelmingly.
Just as Bush changed his mind on supporting the creation of a Homeland Security Department and creation of the independent Sept. 11 Commission, it took him a while to endorse the commission's strong recommendation that any new director of national intelligence have full budget-making control, necessary to wield true power in Washington. Bush at first rejected that idea but later supported it.
The new director position was one of the bill's most controversial aspects. Although the legislation gives the new director strong budget authority, its language is complex enough that there could be continued debate over the exact extent of the director's power.
Some names that have been mentioned for the post include CIA Director Porter Goss; Lt. Gen. Michael Hayden, the head of the National Security Agency; Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage; and White House homeland security adviser Fran Townsend.
The new law includes a host of anti-terrorism provisions, such as letting officials wiretap "lone wolf" terrorists and improving airline baggage screening procedures. It increases the number of full-time border patrol agents by 2,000 per year for five years and imposes new federal standards on information that driver's licenses must contain.
The measure is the biggest change to U.S. intelligence gathering and analysis since the creation of the CIA after World War II to deal with the newly emerging Cold War.
#23 FBI + CIA + 13 more = KGB
KGB = AmeriKan Gestapo of Bush
Quotes from "The New American",
Purges and New Powers at the CIA,
12-13-04, p. 6.
Bush's newly appointed CIA Director, Porter Goss, is pairing the CIA together with the FBI.
The FBI was meant for internal matters and the CIA for external, so that neither could become a national police force (read: Gestapo or KGB). But Bush's boy is creating a national police force, at Bush's bidding.
Newsday, 11-4-04 reports that "The White House has ordered the new CIA Director, Porter Goss, to purge the agency of officers believed to have been disloyal to President George W. Bush ..."
The 11-17-04 New York Times verified Goss as telling his employees "that their job is to support the administration and it's policies".
Loyalty is a great quality, but gov't officials take an oath of loyalty to the Constitution, not the president. There should be no conflict between the two, but we've seen there all too often is.
It was clear that the leadership breaches of the federal organizations, FBI and CIA, were responsible for allowing 9-11 to occur whereas the local police and firemen did a truly heroic job. Thus it makes no sense to take what worked (the local police) and replace them with what failed (the federal groups).
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20041217/D871DD980.html
Bush to Sign Intelligence Overhaul Bill
Dec 17, 7:52 AM (ET)
By NEDRA PICKLER
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush is signing into law the largest overhaul of U.S. intelligence gathering in 50 years, hoping to improve the spy network that failed to prevent the Sept. 11 attacks.
The 563-page bill, which endured a tortured path to congressional passage, also aims to tighten borders and aviation security. It creates a federal counterterrorism center and a new intelligence director, but Bush was not expected to fill that post at Friday's bill signing.
The new structure was designed to help the nation's 15 intelligence agencies work together to protect the country from attacks like the ones that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001.
The Sept. 11 Commission, in its July report, said disharmony among the intelligence agencies contributed to the inability of government officials to prevent the attacks.
The government failed to recognize the danger posed by al-Qaida and was ill-prepared to respond to the terrorist threat, the report concluded. Commission members and families of attack victims lobbied persistently for the legislation through the summer political conventions, the election and a postelection lame duck session of Congress. The bill was threatened over disagreements between the White House and key House Republicans about immigration issues and how the new national intelligence director would work with the nation's military. Bush was criticized for not engaging aggressively enough with members of his own party to break the impasse. Pundits questioned what that meant for the president's ability to gain approval from a Republican-controlled Congress for his ambitious second-term agenda. But in the final days, he and Vice President Dick Cheney pushed hard for the legislation, and both the House and Senate passed it overwhelmingly.
Just as Bush changed his mind on supporting the creation of a Homeland Security Department and creation of the independent Sept. 11 Commission, it took him a while to endorse the commission's strong recommendation that any new director of national intelligence have full budget-making control, necessary to wield true power in Washington. Bush at first rejected that idea but later supported it.
The new director position was one of the bill's most controversial aspects. Although the legislation gives the new director strong budget authority, its language is complex enough that there could be continued debate over the exact extent of the director's power.
Some names that have been mentioned for the post include CIA Director Porter Goss; Lt. Gen. Michael Hayden, the head of the National Security Agency; Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage; and White House homeland security adviser Fran Townsend.
The new law includes a host of anti-terrorism provisions, such as letting officials wiretap "lone wolf" terrorists and improving airline baggage screening procedures. It increases the number of full-time border patrol agents by 2,000 per year for five years and imposes new federal standards on information that driver's licenses must contain.
The measure is the biggest change to U.S. intelligence gathering and analysis since the creation of the CIA after World War II to deal with the newly emerging Cold War.
posted by T.G. at 7:43 PM
# 22 Totalitarian National ID Cards
Bush accomplished this with the complicity of the Republican-controlled Congress, none of whom even read the bill. GWB favors these totalitarian controls for American citizens, but opposes them for illegal aliens. This violates State's rights as well as individual rights.
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
U.S. adopts National ID
Homeland Security Now In charge of Regulations for all US States Drivers Licenses and Birth Certificates
In a chilling act more reminiscent of the now defunct Soviet Union or the Nazi regime of Adolph Hitler, the United States Congress passed legislation that requires the States to surrender their regulatory rights over driver’s licenses and birth certificates to The Department of Homeland Security. The massive US Intelligence Reform Bill weighed in at over 3,000 pages and though unread by individual Members of either the House or Senate nevertheless passed all of the legislative hurdles needed in order to become law.
http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index575.htm
December 9, 2004
By: Jonathan Wheeler
“Your Papers Please”
US adopts National ID:
Homeland Security Now In charge of Regulations for all US States Drivers Licenses and Birth Certificates
In a chilling act more reminiscent of the now defunct Soviet Union or the Nazi regime of Adolph Hitler, the United States Congress passed legislation yesterday that requires the States to surrender their regulatory rights over driver’s licenses and birth certificates to The Department of Homeland Security.
The massive US Intelligence Reform Bill weighed in at over 3,000 pages and though unread by individual Members of either the House or Senate nevertheless passed all of the legislative hurdles needed in order to become law.
President Bush lobbied hard for these provisions, only objecting when Senator Sensenbrenner attempted to require these same provisions for illegal aliens but which the President opposed. This provision was dropped from the final bill.
Beginning in 2005, the Department of Homeland Security will issue new uniformity regulations to the States requiring that all Drivers Licenses and Birth Certificates meet minimal Federal Standards with regard to US citizen information, including biometric security provisions.
Added to currently existing Federal Laws and Supreme Court rulings American citizens when born will be issued a Social Security Number that will be included on their Birth Certificates, along with DNA biometric markers. All birth certificates will also be registered in a Federal Government database maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. No child will be allowed enrollment to schools or be entitled to either State of Federal Government benefits programs without first presenting a certified Homeland Security registered Birth Certificate.
Drivers Licenses will also contain DNA biometric markers and include the holders Social Security Number and be required for receiving and applying for all State and Federal benefits programs. Previous Supreme Court rulings have also upheld State and Federal Law Enforcement authorities right to request Identification from any American citizen, for any reason and at any time as not being violations of their, the citizens, constitutionally protected rights.
Major Banks and credit card companies have applauded the adoption of a National ID system as being important to counter fraud and increasing instances of identity theft. National ID cards with biometric markers will eliminate them from having to issue Credit and Debit cards, which for the first time in US history have surpassed the usage of checks and cash. Utilizing The Department of Homeland Securities centralized federal database, Banks and credit card companies will only require the presentation of a citizens Driver’s License to make purch
http://www.covenantnews.com/freedom/
U.S. adopts National ID
Homeland Security Now In charge of Regulations for all US States Drivers Licenses and Birth Certificates
In a chilling act more reminiscent of the now defunct Soviet Union or the Nazi regime of Adolph Hitler, the United States Congress passed legislation that requires the States to surrender their regulatory rights over driver’s licenses and birth certificates to The Department of Homeland Security. The massive US Intelligence Reform Bill weighed in at over 3,000 pages and though unread by individual Members of either the House or Senate nevertheless passed all of the legislative hurdles needed in order to become law.
http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index575.htm
December 9, 2004
By: Jonathan Wheeler
“Your Papers Please”
US adopts National ID:
Homeland Security Now In charge of Regulations for all US States Drivers Licenses and Birth Certificates
In a chilling act more reminiscent of the now defunct Soviet Union or the Nazi regime of Adolph Hitler, the United States Congress passed legislation yesterday that requires the States to surrender their regulatory rights over driver’s licenses and birth certificates to The Department of Homeland Security.
The massive US Intelligence Reform Bill weighed in at over 3,000 pages and though unread by individual Members of either the House or Senate nevertheless passed all of the legislative hurdles needed in order to become law.
President Bush lobbied hard for these provisions, only objecting when Senator Sensenbrenner attempted to require these same provisions for illegal aliens but which the President opposed. This provision was dropped from the final bill.
Beginning in 2005, the Department of Homeland Security will issue new uniformity regulations to the States requiring that all Drivers Licenses and Birth Certificates meet minimal Federal Standards with regard to US citizen information, including biometric security provisions.
Added to currently existing Federal Laws and Supreme Court rulings American citizens when born will be issued a Social Security Number that will be included on their Birth Certificates, along with DNA biometric markers. All birth certificates will also be registered in a Federal Government database maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. No child will be allowed enrollment to schools or be entitled to either State of Federal Government benefits programs without first presenting a certified Homeland Security registered Birth Certificate.
Drivers Licenses will also contain DNA biometric markers and include the holders Social Security Number and be required for receiving and applying for all State and Federal benefits programs. Previous Supreme Court rulings have also upheld State and Federal Law Enforcement authorities right to request Identification from any American citizen, for any reason and at any time as not being violations of their, the citizens, constitutionally protected rights.
Major Banks and credit card companies have applauded the adoption of a National ID system as being important to counter fraud and increasing instances of identity theft. National ID cards with biometric markers will eliminate them from having to issue Credit and Debit cards, which for the first time in US history have surpassed the usage of checks and cash. Utilizing The Department of Homeland Securities centralized federal database, Banks and credit card companies will only require the presentation of a citizens Driver’s License to make purch