Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Just Nine Out of 300 Terminals Involved in Dubai Deal
News reports over the last two weeks have repeatedly claimed that a Dubai company was taking control of six major U.S. ports as part of a deal approved by the Bush administration.
But according to one port security expert, Dubai Ports World will run just a tiny fraction of the terminals at the U.S. ports involved if the deal goes through.
Defending the transaction on MSNBC's "Scarborough Company" Monday night, Kim Petersen, president of Seasecure, noted: "There are 300 terminals at those ports. Dubai Ports World is going to handle nine of them."
SeaSecure is the largest provider of maritime security in America.
That's a far cry from the impression left by the press, which reported over 50 times in the last two weeks that DPW would be "taking control of six major U.S. ports," according to a Nexis Lexis search.
Variations on the same phrase likely appeared in hundreds of additional reports.
Only in the American press does a 3 percent share of operations constitute "taking control."
News reports over the last two weeks have repeatedly claimed that a Dubai company was taking control of six major U.S. ports as part of a deal approved by the Bush administration.
But according to one port security expert, Dubai Ports World will run just a tiny fraction of the terminals at the U.S. ports involved if the deal goes through.
Defending the transaction on MSNBC's "Scarborough Company" Monday night, Kim Petersen, president of Seasecure, noted: "There are 300 terminals at those ports. Dubai Ports World is going to handle nine of them."
SeaSecure is the largest provider of maritime security in America.
That's a far cry from the impression left by the press, which reported over 50 times in the last two weeks that DPW would be "taking control of six major U.S. ports," according to a Nexis Lexis search.
Variations on the same phrase likely appeared in hundreds of additional reports.
Only in the American press does a 3 percent share of operations constitute "taking control."
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
Last night was the closing ceremonies of the winter Olympics. By now most of the athletes have left the Olympic Village in Torino. Except for Bode Miller who is still passed out in toilet stall number three.
Boy, what happened there? At least on the way home he won’t have to worry about setting off any medal detectors at airport security.
The U.S. men’s curling team lost to Canada but they did win the bronze against England. Do you know what is amazing, curling is getting huge ratings among women. Women love to watch curling. Well sure, think about it. When do women ever get a chance to see a man pick up a broom? It never happens.
Now that the Olympics are over NBC is in big trouble. Well, ya now we have to go back to regular programming. "Book of Daniel 2”.
It looks like a civil war is brewing in Iraq. Who could have seen that coming? They say it is total chaos over there. People are roaming the streets with guns. It’s like everyone is Dick Cheney now.
On Wednesday President Bush will fly to India. See, last week he met with American workers. This week he will go to India and visit their old jobs.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell is here tonight. He is out here trying to broker a peace accord between Donald Trump and Martha Stewart.
Letterman
It’s been cold! It was so cold in D.C. that Dick Cheney shot the weatherman!
It’s so cold here in New York City that Mayor Bloomberg has turned over the city ports to Eskimos.
An Arab company might take over six American ports. President Bush says that he did not know of the plan. That is just so out of character.
Leno
Last night was the closing ceremonies of the winter Olympics. By now most of the athletes have left the Olympic Village in Torino. Except for Bode Miller who is still passed out in toilet stall number three.
Boy, what happened there? At least on the way home he won’t have to worry about setting off any medal detectors at airport security.
The U.S. men’s curling team lost to Canada but they did win the bronze against England. Do you know what is amazing, curling is getting huge ratings among women. Women love to watch curling. Well sure, think about it. When do women ever get a chance to see a man pick up a broom? It never happens.
Now that the Olympics are over NBC is in big trouble. Well, ya now we have to go back to regular programming. "Book of Daniel 2”.
It looks like a civil war is brewing in Iraq. Who could have seen that coming? They say it is total chaos over there. People are roaming the streets with guns. It’s like everyone is Dick Cheney now.
On Wednesday President Bush will fly to India. See, last week he met with American workers. This week he will go to India and visit their old jobs.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell is here tonight. He is out here trying to broker a peace accord between Donald Trump and Martha Stewart.
Letterman
It’s been cold! It was so cold in D.C. that Dick Cheney shot the weatherman!
It’s so cold here in New York City that Mayor Bloomberg has turned over the city ports to Eskimos.
An Arab company might take over six American ports. President Bush says that he did not know of the plan. That is just so out of character.
Monday, February 27, 2006
500 U.S. Warships Docked in Dubai
Former Navy Secretary, Sen. John Warner said Sunday that the United Arab Emirates, home to ports operating company slated to take over dozens of U.S. shipping terminals, hosted hundreds of U.S. warships in 2005.
"We are using facilities in the UAE today, docking over 500 ships, American warships, last year," Warner told NBC's "Meet the Press."
The former top Navy man noted also that the U.S. is "using their air fields to perform support missions for both Afghanistan and Iraq."
Sen. Warner said the U.S. was dependent on countries like the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait "to give us the support to fight this war on terrorism."
We cannot mess this deal up," he urged.
The Virginia Republican said that while heightened concern over port security was legitimate in a post-9/11 world, he reminded: "Also in our hearts are the men and women of the armed forces. We need to continue to give them the support they need to finish this battle."
Saying that "the utilization of the facilities in UAE and the other Arab areas" is "absolutely essential," Warner posited: "If the UAE felt that they’re being mistreated and were to pull back that support, where would it shift?
"We know not," he added.
Former Navy Secretary, Sen. John Warner said Sunday that the United Arab Emirates, home to ports operating company slated to take over dozens of U.S. shipping terminals, hosted hundreds of U.S. warships in 2005.
"We are using facilities in the UAE today, docking over 500 ships, American warships, last year," Warner told NBC's "Meet the Press."
The former top Navy man noted also that the U.S. is "using their air fields to perform support missions for both Afghanistan and Iraq."
Sen. Warner said the U.S. was dependent on countries like the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait "to give us the support to fight this war on terrorism."
We cannot mess this deal up," he urged.
The Virginia Republican said that while heightened concern over port security was legitimate in a post-9/11 world, he reminded: "Also in our hearts are the men and women of the armed forces. We need to continue to give them the support they need to finish this battle."
Saying that "the utilization of the facilities in UAE and the other Arab areas" is "absolutely essential," Warner posited: "If the UAE felt that they’re being mistreated and were to pull back that support, where would it shift?
"We know not," he added.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Libby's Team to Subpoena Media
Lawyers for I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby say they soon plan to subpoena reporters and news organizations, and a federal judge has set the stage for a showdown in late April on whether the media would have to comply with the subpoenas in order to afford the former White House aide a fair trial.
According to the Los Angeles Times, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton also said a special prosecutor would have to turn over hundreds of pages of notes compiled by Libby while he was chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney. But Walton put off a defense request that the prosecutor turn over highly classified presidential daily briefs that Libby received while in the White House.
His lawyers have said the daily briefs were crucial to showing that Libby was immersed in matters of state and didn't intentionally mislead investigators and a grand jury, as the government has alleged.
Libby, 55, was indicted in October on perjury and obstruction charges. Prosecutors contend he lied to authorities about his role in the July 2003 unmasking of CIA operative Valerie Plame. Libby told authorities that he first learned the identity of Plame from a television journalist; the government contends that he in fact deliberately acquired and disseminated information about Plame and her husband, Joseph C. Wilson IV, a former U.S. envoy who had criticized the Bush administration over the Iraq war.
Lawyers for Libby say they have reason to question the accuracy of statements that journalists have made about him to special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the Times reported. They are also seeking to prove that information about Plame was widely known among reporters at the time, and that Libby therefore would have no incentive to lie about his knowledge of her.
Walton set an April 7 deadline for recipients of the subpoenas to respond to whether they intended to comply with them, and a date of April 21 for a hearing to consider objections.
"We want the issue to be joined as quickly as possible," Theodore V. Wells Jr., one of Libby's lawyers, said Friday at a hearing in federal court in Washington. He did not indicate how many reporters or news organizations would be subpoenaed, although he and the rest of the Libby legal team have indicated they would cast a wide net.
Fitzgerald, the U.S. attorney in Chicago who was appointed more than two years ago to investigate whether Plame's identity was disclosed in violation of a federal law protecting covert agents, previously subpoenaed reporters from news organizations including Time magazine and the New York Times.
Those moves triggered a First Amendment battle that went to the Supreme Court, and resulted in one journalist who initially refused to comply, former New York Times correspondent Judith Miller, spending 85 days in jail.
The subpoenas in Libby's case are also likely to touch off a legal battle over competing considerations — the rights of journalists to protect conversations with confidential sources, and the right of defendants to a fair trial. Depending on the scope of the subpoenas, lawyers for Libby might also seek information about individual reporters and their reputation for honesty and accuracy, some media experts have said.
The battles over journalists and classified information have left Walton struggling to keep Libby's trial on track for January 2007.
Lawyers for I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby say they soon plan to subpoena reporters and news organizations, and a federal judge has set the stage for a showdown in late April on whether the media would have to comply with the subpoenas in order to afford the former White House aide a fair trial.
According to the Los Angeles Times, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton also said a special prosecutor would have to turn over hundreds of pages of notes compiled by Libby while he was chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney. But Walton put off a defense request that the prosecutor turn over highly classified presidential daily briefs that Libby received while in the White House.
His lawyers have said the daily briefs were crucial to showing that Libby was immersed in matters of state and didn't intentionally mislead investigators and a grand jury, as the government has alleged.
Libby, 55, was indicted in October on perjury and obstruction charges. Prosecutors contend he lied to authorities about his role in the July 2003 unmasking of CIA operative Valerie Plame. Libby told authorities that he first learned the identity of Plame from a television journalist; the government contends that he in fact deliberately acquired and disseminated information about Plame and her husband, Joseph C. Wilson IV, a former U.S. envoy who had criticized the Bush administration over the Iraq war.
Lawyers for Libby say they have reason to question the accuracy of statements that journalists have made about him to special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the Times reported. They are also seeking to prove that information about Plame was widely known among reporters at the time, and that Libby therefore would have no incentive to lie about his knowledge of her.
Walton set an April 7 deadline for recipients of the subpoenas to respond to whether they intended to comply with them, and a date of April 21 for a hearing to consider objections.
"We want the issue to be joined as quickly as possible," Theodore V. Wells Jr., one of Libby's lawyers, said Friday at a hearing in federal court in Washington. He did not indicate how many reporters or news organizations would be subpoenaed, although he and the rest of the Libby legal team have indicated they would cast a wide net.
Fitzgerald, the U.S. attorney in Chicago who was appointed more than two years ago to investigate whether Plame's identity was disclosed in violation of a federal law protecting covert agents, previously subpoenaed reporters from news organizations including Time magazine and the New York Times.
Those moves triggered a First Amendment battle that went to the Supreme Court, and resulted in one journalist who initially refused to comply, former New York Times correspondent Judith Miller, spending 85 days in jail.
The subpoenas in Libby's case are also likely to touch off a legal battle over competing considerations — the rights of journalists to protect conversations with confidential sources, and the right of defendants to a fair trial. Depending on the scope of the subpoenas, lawyers for Libby might also seek information about individual reporters and their reputation for honesty and accuracy, some media experts have said.
The battles over journalists and classified information have left Walton struggling to keep Libby's trial on track for January 2007.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Survey: Republicans Are Happier
Don’t worry, be happy – and be a Republican.
Conservative Republicans are significantly more likely to say they are "very happy” than are liberal Democrats, a Pew Research Center survey reveals.
The survey of more than 3,000 adults found that 47 percent of conservative Republicans are "very happy,” as are 45 percent of moderate/liberal Republicans. But only 28 percent of liberal Democrats say they are very happy, as do 31 percent of conservative/moderate Democrats. Among Independents, 29 percent are very happy.
"Could it be that Republicans are so much happier now because their party controls all the levers of federal power?” the Pew report asks.
"Not likely. Since 1972, the GOP happiness edge over Democrats has ebbed and flowed in a pattern that appears unrelated to which party is in political power.”
Republicans still hold an edge when household income is considered – poor
Republicans are happier than poor Democrats, middle-income Republicans are happier than middle-income Democrats, and rich Republicans are happier than rich Democrats.
"This finding is niftily self-reinforcing,” quips syndicated columnist George F. Will, reporting on the survey. "It depresses liberals.”
Overall, 34 percent of those surveyed said they are very happy; about 50 percent said they are "pretty happy,” and 15 percent are "not too happy.”
Other findings of the Pew survey:
About half of those with an annual family income or more than $100,000 say they are very happy, compared to 24 percent of those with an income of less than $30,000.
People who attend religious services every week are more apt to be very happy (43 percent) than those who never attend (26 percent).
Married people are a good deal happier than singles – 43 percent of those who are wed say they are very happy, compared to just 24 percent of singles.
Married people with children are about as happy as those without children, and retirees and workers are equally likely to say they are very happy.
Don’t worry, be happy – and be a Republican.
Conservative Republicans are significantly more likely to say they are "very happy” than are liberal Democrats, a Pew Research Center survey reveals.
The survey of more than 3,000 adults found that 47 percent of conservative Republicans are "very happy,” as are 45 percent of moderate/liberal Republicans. But only 28 percent of liberal Democrats say they are very happy, as do 31 percent of conservative/moderate Democrats. Among Independents, 29 percent are very happy.
"Could it be that Republicans are so much happier now because their party controls all the levers of federal power?” the Pew report asks.
"Not likely. Since 1972, the GOP happiness edge over Democrats has ebbed and flowed in a pattern that appears unrelated to which party is in political power.”
Republicans still hold an edge when household income is considered – poor
Republicans are happier than poor Democrats, middle-income Republicans are happier than middle-income Democrats, and rich Republicans are happier than rich Democrats.
"This finding is niftily self-reinforcing,” quips syndicated columnist George F. Will, reporting on the survey. "It depresses liberals.”
Overall, 34 percent of those surveyed said they are very happy; about 50 percent said they are "pretty happy,” and 15 percent are "not too happy.”
Other findings of the Pew survey:
About half of those with an annual family income or more than $100,000 say they are very happy, compared to 24 percent of those with an income of less than $30,000.
People who attend religious services every week are more apt to be very happy (43 percent) than those who never attend (26 percent).
Married people are a good deal happier than singles – 43 percent of those who are wed say they are very happy, compared to just 24 percent of singles.
Married people with children are about as happy as those without children, and retirees and workers are equally likely to say they are very happy.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Strategic Concerns Drove Dubai Deal
Geo-strategic military concerns likely played a significant role in the Bush administration's decision to approve a controversial deal for a United Arab Emirates-based company to manage six major U.S. ports, Gen. Paul Vallely [Ret.] said Thursday.
Asked if the U.A.E. is of particular strategic importance because of its proximity to Iran and the Straits of Hormuz, Gen. Vallely told Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes":
"It certainly is, because of the facilities that we have used there, not only the airbase, but the port facilities. And they've been very important for our fleets over there, as well as our aircraft."
The one-time top military man said there was "no doubt" that the U.A.E.'s strategic value would have been factored into any decision to approve a deal for Dubai Ports World to run U.S. ports.
The U.A.E. sits directly across from Iran on the west shore of the key waterway, through which 25 percent of the world's oil supply passes. Last month Iran threatened to shut down the straits if the U.N. imposes sanctions as a result of its nuclear program.
The U.A.E.'s al-Dhafra airbase hosts Air Force U-2 spy planes and Global Hawk unmanned surveillance aircraft, along with KC-10 aerial refueling planes.
According to GlobalSecurity.org, the 763rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron conducts in-flight refueling missions out of al-Dhafra covering Southwest Asia in support of Operation Southern Watch, a coalition force tasked to monitor United Nations Security Council resolutions restricting air and ground operations in Southern Iraq.
Al-Dhafra is said to have played a key role in both the Iraq and Afghanistan air wars.
Geo-strategic military concerns likely played a significant role in the Bush administration's decision to approve a controversial deal for a United Arab Emirates-based company to manage six major U.S. ports, Gen. Paul Vallely [Ret.] said Thursday.
Asked if the U.A.E. is of particular strategic importance because of its proximity to Iran and the Straits of Hormuz, Gen. Vallely told Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes":
"It certainly is, because of the facilities that we have used there, not only the airbase, but the port facilities. And they've been very important for our fleets over there, as well as our aircraft."
The one-time top military man said there was "no doubt" that the U.A.E.'s strategic value would have been factored into any decision to approve a deal for Dubai Ports World to run U.S. ports.
The U.A.E. sits directly across from Iran on the west shore of the key waterway, through which 25 percent of the world's oil supply passes. Last month Iran threatened to shut down the straits if the U.N. imposes sanctions as a result of its nuclear program.
The U.A.E.'s al-Dhafra airbase hosts Air Force U-2 spy planes and Global Hawk unmanned surveillance aircraft, along with KC-10 aerial refueling planes.
According to GlobalSecurity.org, the 763rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron conducts in-flight refueling missions out of al-Dhafra covering Southwest Asia in support of Operation Southern Watch, a coalition force tasked to monitor United Nations Security Council resolutions restricting air and ground operations in Southern Iraq.
Al-Dhafra is said to have played a key role in both the Iraq and Afghanistan air wars.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Tommy Franks Defends Dubai Ports Deal
Former CENTCOM commanding general Tommy Franks said Wednesday that the Bush administration was right to approve a deal for a United Arab Emirates-based company to run six major U.S. ports.
"We have more U.S. Navy ships using the port in Dubai, Jebel Ali, than any other port outside the United States," Franks told Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes."
The former Iraq war commander explained U.S. reliance on the Dubai port facility by saying, "We know he difference between an enemy and a friend."
"The Emirates is a friend," Franks aid. "That is the best run port that I've ever seen."
Gen. Franks said the Dubai company had three essential qualities that commend it for the task of running U.S. ports: The capacity to handle the job, the inclination to do it right and security, which he noted "will remain, in any case, in the hands of the United States Coast Guard."
Former CENTCOM commanding general Tommy Franks said Wednesday that the Bush administration was right to approve a deal for a United Arab Emirates-based company to run six major U.S. ports.
"We have more U.S. Navy ships using the port in Dubai, Jebel Ali, than any other port outside the United States," Franks told Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes."
The former Iraq war commander explained U.S. reliance on the Dubai port facility by saying, "We know he difference between an enemy and a friend."
"The Emirates is a friend," Franks aid. "That is the best run port that I've ever seen."
Gen. Franks said the Dubai company had three essential qualities that commend it for the task of running U.S. ports: The capacity to handle the job, the inclination to do it right and security, which he noted "will remain, in any case, in the hands of the United States Coast Guard."
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Don't Trash Dubai Deal
As the political firestorm was building over the Bush administration's decision to hand over control of six major U.S. ports to a company based in the United Arab Emirates, Sen. Joseph Lieberman was urging caution.
"Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are allies of ours in the war on terrorism," the Connecticut Democrat said, in little noticed comments three days ago on ABC's "This Week."
"So I don't think we want to just because it's a Dubai company, even owned by the government, we want to exclude them from doing business here," he added.
Lieberman reminded: "The more you look at it, the fact is that a lot of terminals in America are already owned by foreign companies."
The former vice presidential candidate's position contrasted sharply with other members of his party - like Sens. Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer - who immediately saw the ports deal as an opportunity to undermine President Bush's image of strength in the war on terror.
But Lieberman insisted that the Dubai deal did nothing to increase the vulnerabilities of an already under-protected U.S. ports system.
"The truth is I worry more about the failure to invest enough in port security in America through the Homeland Security Department to detect dangerous items, WMD, coming in here than I worry right now about this, this sale," he told "This Week."
As the political firestorm was building over the Bush administration's decision to hand over control of six major U.S. ports to a company based in the United Arab Emirates, Sen. Joseph Lieberman was urging caution.
"Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are allies of ours in the war on terrorism," the Connecticut Democrat said, in little noticed comments three days ago on ABC's "This Week."
"So I don't think we want to just because it's a Dubai company, even owned by the government, we want to exclude them from doing business here," he added.
Lieberman reminded: "The more you look at it, the fact is that a lot of terminals in America are already owned by foreign companies."
The former vice presidential candidate's position contrasted sharply with other members of his party - like Sens. Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer - who immediately saw the ports deal as an opportunity to undermine President Bush's image of strength in the war on terror.
But Lieberman insisted that the Dubai deal did nothing to increase the vulnerabilities of an already under-protected U.S. ports system.
"The truth is I worry more about the failure to invest enough in port security in America through the Homeland Security Department to detect dangerous items, WMD, coming in here than I worry right now about this, this sale," he told "This Week."
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
Here is just an unbelievable story. The White House has given permission for a company owned by the government of Dubai to run six U.S. ports including New York. Dubai is accused of helping to fund the September 11th attacks. And was one of only three countries to support the Taliban. Now they are going to run the port of New York. What’s next? Are we going to put Mexico in charge of immigration?
What next? Are they going to put Dick Cheney in charge of gun safety?
People are always saying we can’t find bin Laden. You know where I think he is? I think he’s working in the basement of the White House.
Vice President Dick Cheney said today that he’s not sure if he’ll ever go hunting again. Well, if he does decide to go hunting again, good luck finding someone to go with.
Did you hear about this? Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams may be suspended for an entire year after he failed the drug test again. This is part of the NFL’s strict 300 strikes and you’re out program.
The word from Fox News is that Prince Abdullah of Bahrain has thrown Michael Jackson out of his palace. Michael Jackson is now homeless in Bahrain. That’s pretty dangerous isn’t it, for a cartoon character to be walking around in a Muslim county. That’s not good right now.
Letterman
This just in. Bode Miller has tested negative for gold medals.
Dick Cheney is on vacation in Wyoming. He needs time to unwind and reload.
Do you like news from the medical science world? A 62 year old woman in California has given birth to her 12th child. They are moving into an orthopedic shoe.
President Bush has a plan that would put an Arab country in charge of several ports. You know if he keeps this up this is the sort of thing that could get people to start questioning his judgment.
An Arab country in charge of ports. That’s like FEMA in charge of disaster relief. That’s like Wayne Gretzky’s wife in charge of your bank account. It’s like Michael Jackson as your nanny.
Leno
Here is just an unbelievable story. The White House has given permission for a company owned by the government of Dubai to run six U.S. ports including New York. Dubai is accused of helping to fund the September 11th attacks. And was one of only three countries to support the Taliban. Now they are going to run the port of New York. What’s next? Are we going to put Mexico in charge of immigration?
What next? Are they going to put Dick Cheney in charge of gun safety?
People are always saying we can’t find bin Laden. You know where I think he is? I think he’s working in the basement of the White House.
Vice President Dick Cheney said today that he’s not sure if he’ll ever go hunting again. Well, if he does decide to go hunting again, good luck finding someone to go with.
Did you hear about this? Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams may be suspended for an entire year after he failed the drug test again. This is part of the NFL’s strict 300 strikes and you’re out program.
The word from Fox News is that Prince Abdullah of Bahrain has thrown Michael Jackson out of his palace. Michael Jackson is now homeless in Bahrain. That’s pretty dangerous isn’t it, for a cartoon character to be walking around in a Muslim county. That’s not good right now.
Letterman
This just in. Bode Miller has tested negative for gold medals.
Dick Cheney is on vacation in Wyoming. He needs time to unwind and reload.
Do you like news from the medical science world? A 62 year old woman in California has given birth to her 12th child. They are moving into an orthopedic shoe.
President Bush has a plan that would put an Arab country in charge of several ports. You know if he keeps this up this is the sort of thing that could get people to start questioning his judgment.
An Arab country in charge of ports. That’s like FEMA in charge of disaster relief. That’s like Wayne Gretzky’s wife in charge of your bank account. It’s like Michael Jackson as your nanny.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Cheney Coverage Was 'Crap'
Former Sen. Alan Simpson blasted the media's obsessive reporting on Dick Cheney's hunting accident on Sunday, saying reporters typically focus on nothing but "controversy, crap and confusion."
"How are we to trust [the press], after a whole week of absolute dribble, and babble, and people, you know, interviewing themselves," he told "Fox News Sunday."
Noting that Washington is filled with "good people doing good things," Simspon fumed: "You'll never find it if you just follow the Washington media. You'll never know the good. All you get is controversy, crap and confusion."
Simpson said reporters ignored the only real news in the Cheney story because of their cultural biases.
"There is a human element here that got lost in the perfect storm of people who don't like Cheney," he explained. "They don't like hunting. They don't like guns. They don't like people who kill birds and eat them. I mean, good grief."
Simpson also blasted top Democratic Senators Hillary Clinton and Harry Reid for complaining that the Cheney incident illustrated the Bush administration's so-called penchant for secrecy.
"That's an interesting pitch," he told Fox News host Chris Wallace. "But we haven't had another 9/11, so something good must be going on with all this, quote, evil, secret stuff."
Former Sen. Alan Simpson blasted the media's obsessive reporting on Dick Cheney's hunting accident on Sunday, saying reporters typically focus on nothing but "controversy, crap and confusion."
"How are we to trust [the press], after a whole week of absolute dribble, and babble, and people, you know, interviewing themselves," he told "Fox News Sunday."
Noting that Washington is filled with "good people doing good things," Simspon fumed: "You'll never find it if you just follow the Washington media. You'll never know the good. All you get is controversy, crap and confusion."
Simpson said reporters ignored the only real news in the Cheney story because of their cultural biases.
"There is a human element here that got lost in the perfect storm of people who don't like Cheney," he explained. "They don't like hunting. They don't like guns. They don't like people who kill birds and eat them. I mean, good grief."
Simpson also blasted top Democratic Senators Hillary Clinton and Harry Reid for complaining that the Cheney incident illustrated the Bush administration's so-called penchant for secrecy.
"That's an interesting pitch," he told Fox News host Chris Wallace. "But we haven't had another 9/11, so something good must be going on with all this, quote, evil, secret stuff."
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
Happy President’s Day! Or as Hillary Clinton calls it "one of these days”.
President’s Day is the day we celebrate presidents from Washington to Clinton to Bush. So we’ve gone from one who couldn’t speak a lie to one who couldn’t speak the truth to one who couldn’t speak!
Actually, one awkward moment today in Washington. During the 21 gun salute, Dick Cheney returned fire.
In a newly released tape, Osama bin Laden says he won’t be captured alive and he’s not afraid of President Bush. He’s terrified of Dick Cheney he’s just not afraid of bush.
Harry Whittington, the man he shot, has been released from the hospital. He is 78 years old. He looked good for a man who was 78. I haven’t seen a 78-year-old look that good in front of a microphone since Mick Jagger at the Super Bowl.
I finally saw "Crash” last night. Not the movie - the ice dancing competition.
Did you see that stare that Italian ice-dancer gave her partner after they fell? I haven’t seen that icy a stare since Bill and Hillary.
NBC now has 418 hours of Olympic viewing. I think this is day 112 of Olympics…you know what NBC normally calls 418 hours of programming? "Law and Order”.
Letterman
I had a good weekend. Mom watched the Daytona 500. I watched ice dancing.
Dick Cheney is on vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. So far he’s shot two skiers.
Osama bin Laden has a new tape out. This one is scary. In it he announces his Oscar picks.
Osama says we will never get him alive. That’s probably true. He’ll die of old age is more like it.
Leno
Happy President’s Day! Or as Hillary Clinton calls it "one of these days”.
President’s Day is the day we celebrate presidents from Washington to Clinton to Bush. So we’ve gone from one who couldn’t speak a lie to one who couldn’t speak the truth to one who couldn’t speak!
Actually, one awkward moment today in Washington. During the 21 gun salute, Dick Cheney returned fire.
In a newly released tape, Osama bin Laden says he won’t be captured alive and he’s not afraid of President Bush. He’s terrified of Dick Cheney he’s just not afraid of bush.
Harry Whittington, the man he shot, has been released from the hospital. He is 78 years old. He looked good for a man who was 78. I haven’t seen a 78-year-old look that good in front of a microphone since Mick Jagger at the Super Bowl.
I finally saw "Crash” last night. Not the movie - the ice dancing competition.
Did you see that stare that Italian ice-dancer gave her partner after they fell? I haven’t seen that icy a stare since Bill and Hillary.
NBC now has 418 hours of Olympic viewing. I think this is day 112 of Olympics…you know what NBC normally calls 418 hours of programming? "Law and Order”.
Letterman
I had a good weekend. Mom watched the Daytona 500. I watched ice dancing.
Dick Cheney is on vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. So far he’s shot two skiers.
Osama bin Laden has a new tape out. This one is scary. In it he announces his Oscar picks.
Osama says we will never get him alive. That’s probably true. He’ll die of old age is more like it.
Monday, February 20, 2006
McCain Wants $10 Million Pork Project
Does Sen. John McCain have a pork barrel problem?
McCain, the Republican nemesis of pork barrel projects, is the force behind a bill that would direct $2 million annually over five years to establish a center at a specified law school to honor a renowned jurist from his home state of Arizona, according to the New York Times.
The measure could be constrused as a classic case of lawmakers' trying to funnel money directly to a home-state institution for a project that should find financing elsewhere. But McCain and his supporters see it differently.
Senior aides to McCain say that he is pursuing the money for the center -- a tribute to the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist -- in the open, transparent way that such special spending pleas should be handled and that he does not consider the proposal an earmark, the type of measure he is attacking in new legislation. Others are not so sure, reported the Times.
"If it doesn't meet the technical term of earmark, it would probably meet the public idea of one," said Pete Sepp, a vice president at the National Taxpayers Union, who is an ally of McCain in the fight for new rules.
According to the Times, McCain and Sen. Jon Kyl are seeking the money through a free-standing bill introduced in December, an approach that McCain's aides call a far cry from what he finds most objectionable: furtive efforts to slip through last-minute spending projects without prior Congressional scrutiny.
"You can have an issue with what the Rehnquist bill says, but it has gone through exactly the process that should be followed," said Pablo Chavez, general counsel to McCain. "It doesn't have the marks of an earmark."
In their push to rein in the explosion of spending on pet projects, McCain and others are concentrating on those tucked into the final versions of voluminous spending bills without first being approved as policy in a separate measure known as an authorization bill. The earmark bill he has introduced would allow lawmakers new avenues to strip those provisions from legislation and would require new disclosure of such requests and their sponsors.
Some others, mainly outside watchdog groups, take a broader view of what constitutes an earmark, defining it as any provision added to a larger measure in an effort to force spending on a specific project, particularly if the spending is not sought by the relevant federal agency.
Keith Ashdown, vice president for policy at Taxpayers for Common Sense, said he considered the Rehnquist Center initiative an "earmark in training." Should the proposal advance as a separate bill, Ashdown told the Times, his group will have no objection. But if it is folded into broader legislation, then it could meet the earmark test.
Does Sen. John McCain have a pork barrel problem?
McCain, the Republican nemesis of pork barrel projects, is the force behind a bill that would direct $2 million annually over five years to establish a center at a specified law school to honor a renowned jurist from his home state of Arizona, according to the New York Times.
The measure could be constrused as a classic case of lawmakers' trying to funnel money directly to a home-state institution for a project that should find financing elsewhere. But McCain and his supporters see it differently.
Senior aides to McCain say that he is pursuing the money for the center -- a tribute to the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist -- in the open, transparent way that such special spending pleas should be handled and that he does not consider the proposal an earmark, the type of measure he is attacking in new legislation. Others are not so sure, reported the Times.
"If it doesn't meet the technical term of earmark, it would probably meet the public idea of one," said Pete Sepp, a vice president at the National Taxpayers Union, who is an ally of McCain in the fight for new rules.
According to the Times, McCain and Sen. Jon Kyl are seeking the money through a free-standing bill introduced in December, an approach that McCain's aides call a far cry from what he finds most objectionable: furtive efforts to slip through last-minute spending projects without prior Congressional scrutiny.
"You can have an issue with what the Rehnquist bill says, but it has gone through exactly the process that should be followed," said Pablo Chavez, general counsel to McCain. "It doesn't have the marks of an earmark."
In their push to rein in the explosion of spending on pet projects, McCain and others are concentrating on those tucked into the final versions of voluminous spending bills without first being approved as policy in a separate measure known as an authorization bill. The earmark bill he has introduced would allow lawmakers new avenues to strip those provisions from legislation and would require new disclosure of such requests and their sponsors.
Some others, mainly outside watchdog groups, take a broader view of what constitutes an earmark, defining it as any provision added to a larger measure in an effort to force spending on a specific project, particularly if the spending is not sought by the relevant federal agency.
Keith Ashdown, vice president for policy at Taxpayers for Common Sense, said he considered the Rehnquist Center initiative an "earmark in training." Should the proposal advance as a separate bill, Ashdown told the Times, his group will have no objection. But if it is folded into broader legislation, then it could meet the earmark test.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Bush Will Reverse Ports Decision
The Bush administration will reverse its decision to allow a Dubai company based in the United Arab Emirates to gain control over several key U.S. ports, the Fox News Channel's Brit Hume predicted on Sunday.
"I don't think the administration will be able to sustain this," Hume told "Fox News Sunday." "I think it will have to reverse itself in some way or create some entity that stands between the company and the management of the ports."
"I just don't think [the decision] can stand," he added. "It doesn't sound good to let some Arab shieks to be in charge of our ports - that's what it comes down to."
Appearing on the same program, Sen. Lindsey Graham slammed the ports decision, saying, "It's unbelievably tone deaf politically at this point in our history, four years after 9/11, to entertain the idea of turning port security over to a company based in the U.A.E., who avows to destroy Israel."
In a decision announced last week, the Bush administration's Committee on Foreign Investment approved the purchase of six major U.S. ports by the U.A.E.-based Dubai Ports World.
The move set off a firestorm of criticism, with skeptics complaining that banks in the U.A.E. have helped launder money for terrorists and that the country itself was home to Marwan al Shehhi, the Sept. 11 hijacker who piloted United Airlines Flight 175 into Tower 2 of the World Trade Center.
On Friday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice defended the Dubai deal, telling a Mideast news outlet: "There was a thorough review. It was decided that this could be done and done safely."
The Bush administration will reverse its decision to allow a Dubai company based in the United Arab Emirates to gain control over several key U.S. ports, the Fox News Channel's Brit Hume predicted on Sunday.
"I don't think the administration will be able to sustain this," Hume told "Fox News Sunday." "I think it will have to reverse itself in some way or create some entity that stands between the company and the management of the ports."
"I just don't think [the decision] can stand," he added. "It doesn't sound good to let some Arab shieks to be in charge of our ports - that's what it comes down to."
Appearing on the same program, Sen. Lindsey Graham slammed the ports decision, saying, "It's unbelievably tone deaf politically at this point in our history, four years after 9/11, to entertain the idea of turning port security over to a company based in the U.A.E., who avows to destroy Israel."
In a decision announced last week, the Bush administration's Committee on Foreign Investment approved the purchase of six major U.S. ports by the U.A.E.-based Dubai Ports World.
The move set off a firestorm of criticism, with skeptics complaining that banks in the U.A.E. have helped launder money for terrorists and that the country itself was home to Marwan al Shehhi, the Sept. 11 hijacker who piloted United Airlines Flight 175 into Tower 2 of the World Trade Center.
On Friday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice defended the Dubai deal, telling a Mideast news outlet: "There was a thorough review. It was decided that this could be done and done safely."
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Harry Whittington: 'I'm a Lucky Person'
The lawyer shot by Vice President Dick Cheney during a hunting trip was being discharged from a hospital on Friday and told reporters he was sorry for all the trouble Cheney had faced over the past week.
"We all assume certain risks in what we do, in what activities we pursue," Whittington, 78, said as he stood out the hospital in a suit, his face clearly bruised.
"Accidents do and will happen," Whittington said, "and that's what happened."
Whittington thanked the hospital staff. He also said he was sorry for all the difficulty the vice president and his family had faced. He said the past weekend encompassed "a cloud of misfortune and sadness."
"My family and I are are deeply sorry for everything that Vice President Cheney and his family had to go through this week," Whittington said, appearing emotional in front of television cameras.
Speaking in Wyoming to the state Legislature Friday, Cheney said, "Thankfully, Harry Whittington is on the mend and doing very well."
The lawyer shot by Vice President Dick Cheney during a hunting trip was being discharged from a hospital on Friday and told reporters he was sorry for all the trouble Cheney had faced over the past week.
"We all assume certain risks in what we do, in what activities we pursue," Whittington, 78, said as he stood out the hospital in a suit, his face clearly bruised.
"Accidents do and will happen," Whittington said, "and that's what happened."
Whittington thanked the hospital staff. He also said he was sorry for all the difficulty the vice president and his family had faced. He said the past weekend encompassed "a cloud of misfortune and sadness."
"My family and I are are deeply sorry for everything that Vice President Cheney and his family had to go through this week," Whittington said, appearing emotional in front of television cameras.
Speaking in Wyoming to the state Legislature Friday, Cheney said, "Thankfully, Harry Whittington is on the mend and doing very well."
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
It’s Friday. It’s hard to believe the Olympics are almost a tenth of the way through.
Hey Kev, I didn’t tell you this, last night I went out with a bunch of guys and we played the Dick Cheney drinking game. Have you played this? It’s where you down a beer and then take a shot at old granddad.
As you know, Harry Whittington, the guy who was shot by Vice President Cheney was released from the hospital today. He didn’t want to leave but he had to give his bed to another guy who Cheney shot. There are only so many beds available.
Everyone involved in this shooting incident is speaking out about it. In fact this weekend, on Fox News Brit Hume is going to interviews Quackers the quail, who talks about how Harry Whittington saved his life by stepping in front of the blast. One species helping another.
Hilary said today that she finds the administration’s refusal to level with the American people "troubling”. She also finds it somewhat nostalgic.
Hillary Clinton now has her own wax likeness at Madame Tussaud’s. It has a do not touch sign on it. Just like the real Hillary.
There’s a new comic book coming out where Batman goes after Osama bin Laden. And you thought radical Muslims hated cartoons before. Holy Shiite Batman!
Last night at the Olympics they had the premiere of a new event called "boardercross”. Boardercross? I’d never heard of boardercross. But I figure if there was ever an event where Mexico is going to win the gold this would be it. This would be the one.
Leno
It’s Friday. It’s hard to believe the Olympics are almost a tenth of the way through.
Hey Kev, I didn’t tell you this, last night I went out with a bunch of guys and we played the Dick Cheney drinking game. Have you played this? It’s where you down a beer and then take a shot at old granddad.
As you know, Harry Whittington, the guy who was shot by Vice President Cheney was released from the hospital today. He didn’t want to leave but he had to give his bed to another guy who Cheney shot. There are only so many beds available.
Everyone involved in this shooting incident is speaking out about it. In fact this weekend, on Fox News Brit Hume is going to interviews Quackers the quail, who talks about how Harry Whittington saved his life by stepping in front of the blast. One species helping another.
Hilary said today that she finds the administration’s refusal to level with the American people "troubling”. She also finds it somewhat nostalgic.
Hillary Clinton now has her own wax likeness at Madame Tussaud’s. It has a do not touch sign on it. Just like the real Hillary.
There’s a new comic book coming out where Batman goes after Osama bin Laden. And you thought radical Muslims hated cartoons before. Holy Shiite Batman!
Last night at the Olympics they had the premiere of a new event called "boardercross”. Boardercross? I’d never heard of boardercross. But I figure if there was ever an event where Mexico is going to win the gold this would be it. This would be the one.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Democrats Top GOP in Lobbyist Cash
Democrats have taken nearly 10 percent more in campaign contributions from lobbyists than Republicans since 1990, an analysis by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics revealed this week.
The study deflates Democratic claims that Republicans have created a "culture of corruption” in Congress. It found that Democrats accepted approximately $53 million from lobbyists. In contrast, Republicans accepted $48 million.
In 2005, however, Republicans took in more donations – roughly 55 percent of lobbyist money. That total generally corresponds to the Republican share of Congress.
And it stands in stark contrast to the donations Democrats generated in the early 1990s. Benefiting from control of Congress, Democrats at that time routinely hauled in more than 70 percent of lobbyist donations.
For their part, Democrats are sticking to the template. "Republicans can point to the past,” Rebecca Kirszner, spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told the Washington Times, "but they can’t justify the present.”
"It is a simple fact,” she continued, "lobbying is booming under Bush. Since George Bush came to town, the number of lobbyists has doubled in Washington.”
Democrats have taken nearly 10 percent more in campaign contributions from lobbyists than Republicans since 1990, an analysis by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics revealed this week.
The study deflates Democratic claims that Republicans have created a "culture of corruption” in Congress. It found that Democrats accepted approximately $53 million from lobbyists. In contrast, Republicans accepted $48 million.
In 2005, however, Republicans took in more donations – roughly 55 percent of lobbyist money. That total generally corresponds to the Republican share of Congress.
And it stands in stark contrast to the donations Democrats generated in the early 1990s. Benefiting from control of Congress, Democrats at that time routinely hauled in more than 70 percent of lobbyist donations.
For their part, Democrats are sticking to the template. "Republicans can point to the past,” Rebecca Kirszner, spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told the Washington Times, "but they can’t justify the present.”
"It is a simple fact,” she continued, "lobbying is booming under Bush. Since George Bush came to town, the number of lobbyists has doubled in Washington.”
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
I have to admit that I turned away from the Olympics yesterday. Fox had a more exciting sporting event on. Softball with Dick Cheney and Britt Hume.
Yesterday Dick Cheney gave an interview with Fox News. I don’t want to say that Fox News was lenient but their first question was, "Who do you like on ‘American Idol’?"
Actually the interview did get off to a bad start when Brit Hume said, "Mr. Vice President, I have some questions.” And Cheney said, "Okay, shoot.”
Over the weekend while on a hunting trip down in Texas, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a member of his hunting party. He apologized. In fact, he told Brit Hume that he was actually trying to hit Cindy Sheehan.
Hillary Clinton blasted the vice president today for failing to disclose all the facts. She wants Dick Cheney to give exact details. You know like, "How do you shoot someone and make it look like an accident?”
In the Olympics, United States leads in gold medals with six but we’re behind in bronze medals. I don’t think Bush quite understands this. Did you hear what he said today? What don’t we take some of these gold medals and get them bronzed.
Letterman
Last night’s show was my fault. I was the guy that pulled the trigger.
al-Qaeda has announced that new recruits need a high school diploma to join. Well that should keep the losers out.
The comic book makers of "Batman” have announced that Batman will fight Osama bin Laden. Bush does have a plan afterall.
Dick Cheney gave an interview to Fox News. Some are accusing Fox of giving softball questions. My answer to that is, "Well does a vice
Leno
I have to admit that I turned away from the Olympics yesterday. Fox had a more exciting sporting event on. Softball with Dick Cheney and Britt Hume.
Yesterday Dick Cheney gave an interview with Fox News. I don’t want to say that Fox News was lenient but their first question was, "Who do you like on ‘American Idol’?"
Actually the interview did get off to a bad start when Brit Hume said, "Mr. Vice President, I have some questions.” And Cheney said, "Okay, shoot.”
Over the weekend while on a hunting trip down in Texas, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a member of his hunting party. He apologized. In fact, he told Brit Hume that he was actually trying to hit Cindy Sheehan.
Hillary Clinton blasted the vice president today for failing to disclose all the facts. She wants Dick Cheney to give exact details. You know like, "How do you shoot someone and make it look like an accident?”
In the Olympics, United States leads in gold medals with six but we’re behind in bronze medals. I don’t think Bush quite understands this. Did you hear what he said today? What don’t we take some of these gold medals and get them bronzed.
Letterman
Last night’s show was my fault. I was the guy that pulled the trigger.
al-Qaeda has announced that new recruits need a high school diploma to join. Well that should keep the losers out.
The comic book makers of "Batman” have announced that Batman will fight Osama bin Laden. Bush does have a plan afterall.
Dick Cheney gave an interview to Fox News. Some are accusing Fox of giving softball questions. My answer to that is, "Well does a vice
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Media on Death Watch for Cheney Victim
Harry Whittington, who was shot by Vice President Dick Cheney in a weekend hunting accident, is expected to fully recover.
But that hasn't stopped the national media from commencing a death watch for the 78-year-old Texas lawyer.
Salivating over the prospect that Whittington's demise could mean legal problems for Cheney, reporters could barely contain their anticipation.
The media's official Cheney victim death watch kicked off Tuesday evening, with Time magazine blogger Andrew Sullivan openly speculating: "What if Whittington dies?"
Noted Sullivan:
"He's 78. He got hit in the face and body by a spray of tiny pellets. He's back in intensive care. It's not inconceivable that the vice-president may have accidentally killed someone. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I don't know Texas law; and I'm not a lawyer. But wouldn't this be a case of something like negligent homicide?"
Hours later, ABC reporter Mike Von Fremd picked up where Sullivan left off, telling "Good Morning America": "As for Harry Whittington, the district attorney who has already said this was an accident and no crime was committed, says that in the unlikely event that Whittington takes a turn for the worse and dies, that would immediately spur a new report, that could lead to a grand jury investigation."
By mid-afternoon Wednesday, even the Associated Press had gotten into the act, reporting:
"If the man wounded by Dick Cheney dies, the vice president could -- in theory at least -- face criminal charges, even though the shooting was an accident.
"Dallas defense attorney David Finn, who has been a state and a federal prosecutor, said Wednesday that a Texas grand jury could bring a charge of criminally negligent homicide if there is evidence the vice president knew or should have known 'there was a substantial or unjustifiable risk that his actions would result in him shooting a fellow hunter.'"
Unfortunately for the press, Mr. Whittington's condition was improving at last report.
Harry Whittington, who was shot by Vice President Dick Cheney in a weekend hunting accident, is expected to fully recover.
But that hasn't stopped the national media from commencing a death watch for the 78-year-old Texas lawyer.
Salivating over the prospect that Whittington's demise could mean legal problems for Cheney, reporters could barely contain their anticipation.
The media's official Cheney victim death watch kicked off Tuesday evening, with Time magazine blogger Andrew Sullivan openly speculating: "What if Whittington dies?"
Noted Sullivan:
"He's 78. He got hit in the face and body by a spray of tiny pellets. He's back in intensive care. It's not inconceivable that the vice-president may have accidentally killed someone. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I don't know Texas law; and I'm not a lawyer. But wouldn't this be a case of something like negligent homicide?"
Hours later, ABC reporter Mike Von Fremd picked up where Sullivan left off, telling "Good Morning America": "As for Harry Whittington, the district attorney who has already said this was an accident and no crime was committed, says that in the unlikely event that Whittington takes a turn for the worse and dies, that would immediately spur a new report, that could lead to a grand jury investigation."
By mid-afternoon Wednesday, even the Associated Press had gotten into the act, reporting:
"If the man wounded by Dick Cheney dies, the vice president could -- in theory at least -- face criminal charges, even though the shooting was an accident.
"Dallas defense attorney David Finn, who has been a state and a federal prosecutor, said Wednesday that a Texas grand jury could bring a charge of criminally negligent homicide if there is evidence the vice president knew or should have known 'there was a substantial or unjustifiable risk that his actions would result in him shooting a fellow hunter.'"
Unfortunately for the press, Mr. Whittington's condition was improving at last report.
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
Today Dick Cheney finally answered questions about the hunting accident on Fox News. I think Fox is a little bias. Fox called it "Interview with a Marksman".
In an interview on Fox News, Dick Cheney took full responsibility for shooting a fellow hunter. Then surprisingly, he broke down and admitted to killing two drifters in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1989.
I’m not sure I buy Cheney’s excuse. Did you hear why it happened? It started years ago when he received a heart transplant from a convicted killer. That lead to…
Cheney also admitted that he had been drinking. He said he had, "One beer”. One beer. It was a 40 ounce Colt 45. But just one.
Isn’t that unbelievable that the Vice President of the United States shot a guy? This is why Republicans commit white collar crimes to steal money. They are not good with guns. They don’t know how to handle them.
President Bush said today he is standing by the vice president. Way behind him.
Did you know this is Black History Month? You’d never know it watching the winter games. Not a lot of brothers curling.
What’s with this sport curling? With the broom thing? How do you turn pro in curling? Do you become a maid?
Letterman
All week long the big dog show has been going on. In a big upset a Bull Terrier named Rufus won. Wayne Gretzky’s wife lost a million dollars on the show.
There was a bad moment at the dog show when several of Great Danes were attacked by a pack of Afghan Hounds.
Dick and Lynne Cheney shot up a gas station today.
Rumors are that Dick Cheney was drinking before the hunting accident. I wonder if that’s the same reason we invaded Iraq?
Leno
Today Dick Cheney finally answered questions about the hunting accident on Fox News. I think Fox is a little bias. Fox called it "Interview with a Marksman".
In an interview on Fox News, Dick Cheney took full responsibility for shooting a fellow hunter. Then surprisingly, he broke down and admitted to killing two drifters in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1989.
I’m not sure I buy Cheney’s excuse. Did you hear why it happened? It started years ago when he received a heart transplant from a convicted killer. That lead to…
Cheney also admitted that he had been drinking. He said he had, "One beer”. One beer. It was a 40 ounce Colt 45. But just one.
Isn’t that unbelievable that the Vice President of the United States shot a guy? This is why Republicans commit white collar crimes to steal money. They are not good with guns. They don’t know how to handle them.
President Bush said today he is standing by the vice president. Way behind him.
Did you know this is Black History Month? You’d never know it watching the winter games. Not a lot of brothers curling.
What’s with this sport curling? With the broom thing? How do you turn pro in curling? Do you become a maid?
Letterman
All week long the big dog show has been going on. In a big upset a Bull Terrier named Rufus won. Wayne Gretzky’s wife lost a million dollars on the show.
There was a bad moment at the dog show when several of Great Danes were attacked by a pack of Afghan Hounds.
Dick and Lynne Cheney shot up a gas station today.
Rumors are that Dick Cheney was drinking before the hunting accident. I wonder if that’s the same reason we invaded Iraq?
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Secretary of State Rice Spars With Senate Critics
Republican senators criticized the Bush administration Wednesday over its policies in Iraq, Iran and the Palestinian territories, as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's first testimony on Capitol Hill in months exposed her to a tough grilling from some members of her own party.
"I don't see, Madame Secretary, how things are getting better. I think things are getting worse. I think they're getting worse in Iraq. I think they're getting worse in Iran," Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., told Rice as she appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Rice also had a tense exchange with moderate Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., over the pace of progress toward Israeli-Palestinian peace and the implications of the Hamas victory in Palestinian legislative elections last month.
Typically soft-spoken, Chafee tersely questioned whether the United States could have prevented Hamas from coming to power. "Opportunities missed," Chafee lamented after rattling off a list. "Now we have a very, very disastrous situation of a terrorist organization winning elections."
Rice said she agrees it's a difficult moment for the peace process, but responded: "I don't think the United States of America is responsible for the election of Hamas. No I don't."
She added, "If Hamas will take the signals being given it by the international community as to what it will take to govern, it could, in fact, be a more positive development."
Though the moderate Chafee, and Hagel, a frequent GOP maverick, are less conservative than many of their Republican colleagues, their criticism underscored a widespread frustration in Congress with the difficult problems the United States is facing across the Middle East.
Rice tried to take the offensive by announcing an administration request for $75 million this year to build democracy in Iran, saying the United States must support Iranians who are seeking freedoms under what she called a radical regime.
The United States and its European allies are confronting Iran over its nuclear program. But Tehran has remained defiant and said this week that it is resuming small-scale uranium enrichment, which many countries fear could be an early step toward production of fuel for a nuclear bomb.
"They have now crossed a point where they are in open defiance of the international community," Rice said.
She declined to detail what punishment the United States is pursuing, although she did acknowledge that the United States has analyzed the impact of oil sanctions on Iran as part of a broad review of all available tools and has a "menu of options" available.
"You will see us trying to walk a fine line in actions we take," Rice said.
The money Rice wants for Iran, to be included in an emergency 2006 budget request the White House is expected to send to Congress as early as this week, would be used for radio and satellite television broadcasting and for programs to help Iranians study abroad.
At one point, Rice and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., interrupted one another as they argued about U.S. policy in the Middle East, where the Democrat accused the Bush administration of having a "tin ear" to Arab views.
Boxer, who was one of Rice's most persistent critics during a contentious confirmation process last year, also recalled Rice's warning before the 2003 Iraq invasion that the world could not afford to let the "smoking gun" of Iraq's supposed weapons of mass destruction become a "mushroom cloud."
"That was a farce and the truth is coming out," Boxer said.
Rice plans a trip to the Middle East next week, including stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where the issue was sure to arise.
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., challenged Rice over whether she was involved in leaking classified information or authorized the leak of such information to the press. "I have always acted lawfully within my duties as national security adviser and now as secretary of state," Rice said. "I believe the protection of classified information is our highest, one of our highest duties."
And, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, top Democrat on the panel, said "I'm not hopeful" of a unity government in Iraq.
"The policy seems not to be succeeding," he said.
Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., pressed Rice on an issue related to her previous job as Bush's national security adviser: the president's domestic spying program.
Rice said she supported the program because the president had the authority and the program was necessary to prevent terrorism. "I frankly felt that we were blind and deaf at the time of September 11th and that our highest obligation was not to be blind and deaf again," she said.
Republican senators criticized the Bush administration Wednesday over its policies in Iraq, Iran and the Palestinian territories, as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's first testimony on Capitol Hill in months exposed her to a tough grilling from some members of her own party.
"I don't see, Madame Secretary, how things are getting better. I think things are getting worse. I think they're getting worse in Iraq. I think they're getting worse in Iran," Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., told Rice as she appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Rice also had a tense exchange with moderate Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., over the pace of progress toward Israeli-Palestinian peace and the implications of the Hamas victory in Palestinian legislative elections last month.
Typically soft-spoken, Chafee tersely questioned whether the United States could have prevented Hamas from coming to power. "Opportunities missed," Chafee lamented after rattling off a list. "Now we have a very, very disastrous situation of a terrorist organization winning elections."
Rice said she agrees it's a difficult moment for the peace process, but responded: "I don't think the United States of America is responsible for the election of Hamas. No I don't."
She added, "If Hamas will take the signals being given it by the international community as to what it will take to govern, it could, in fact, be a more positive development."
Though the moderate Chafee, and Hagel, a frequent GOP maverick, are less conservative than many of their Republican colleagues, their criticism underscored a widespread frustration in Congress with the difficult problems the United States is facing across the Middle East.
Rice tried to take the offensive by announcing an administration request for $75 million this year to build democracy in Iran, saying the United States must support Iranians who are seeking freedoms under what she called a radical regime.
The United States and its European allies are confronting Iran over its nuclear program. But Tehran has remained defiant and said this week that it is resuming small-scale uranium enrichment, which many countries fear could be an early step toward production of fuel for a nuclear bomb.
"They have now crossed a point where they are in open defiance of the international community," Rice said.
She declined to detail what punishment the United States is pursuing, although she did acknowledge that the United States has analyzed the impact of oil sanctions on Iran as part of a broad review of all available tools and has a "menu of options" available.
"You will see us trying to walk a fine line in actions we take," Rice said.
The money Rice wants for Iran, to be included in an emergency 2006 budget request the White House is expected to send to Congress as early as this week, would be used for radio and satellite television broadcasting and for programs to help Iranians study abroad.
At one point, Rice and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., interrupted one another as they argued about U.S. policy in the Middle East, where the Democrat accused the Bush administration of having a "tin ear" to Arab views.
Boxer, who was one of Rice's most persistent critics during a contentious confirmation process last year, also recalled Rice's warning before the 2003 Iraq invasion that the world could not afford to let the "smoking gun" of Iraq's supposed weapons of mass destruction become a "mushroom cloud."
"That was a farce and the truth is coming out," Boxer said.
Rice plans a trip to the Middle East next week, including stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where the issue was sure to arise.
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., challenged Rice over whether she was involved in leaking classified information or authorized the leak of such information to the press. "I have always acted lawfully within my duties as national security adviser and now as secretary of state," Rice said. "I believe the protection of classified information is our highest, one of our highest duties."
And, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, top Democrat on the panel, said "I'm not hopeful" of a unity government in Iraq.
"The policy seems not to be succeeding," he said.
Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., pressed Rice on an issue related to her previous job as Bush's national security adviser: the president's domestic spying program.
Rice said she supported the program because the president had the authority and the program was necessary to prevent terrorism. "I frankly felt that we were blind and deaf at the time of September 11th and that our highest obligation was not to be blind and deaf again," she said.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Sens. Schumer, Reid Dump Iraq War Vet Candidate
Paul Hackett, an Iraq war veteran and vociferous critic of President George W. Bush, announced Monday that he was withdrawing his name from consideration for the Democratic nomination to the United States Senate from Ohio.
Hackett told the New York Times that Senators Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Harry Reid, D-Nev., pushed him aside for Rep. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.
Hackett was facing Brown in the Democratic primary for the right to take on Republican incumbent Senator Mike DeWine.
"I made this decision reluctantly,” he said in a statement, "only after repeated requests from party leaders as well as behind-the-scenes machinations that were intended to hurt my campaign.”
Hackett explained those "behind-the-scenes machinations” to the Times, claiming Democratic leaders had been calling his donors and urging them to stop supporting his candidacy.
He told the Times he felt betrayed. "For me, this is a second betrayal,” he said. "First, my government misused and mismanaged the military in Iraq, and now my own party is afraid to support candidates like me.”
Hackett gained prominence last year with a failed bid for the United States House of Representatives, when he became the first veteran of the current Iraq war to run for national office.
He offered biting commentary on the Bush administration and social conservatives, at one point comparing the religious right to Osama bin Laden. And he refused to back down. "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it,” he replied to Republican requests for an apology.
Mike Lyon, executive director for the Band of Brothers, a group pushing Democratic veterans for Congress, told the Times it was bad strategy for Democrats to push Hackett away.
"Alienating Hackett is not just a bad idea for the party,” he said, "but it also sends a chill through the rest of the 56 or so veterans that we’ve worked to run for Congress. Now is a time for Democrats to be courting, not blocking, veterans who want to run.”
But Markos Moulitsas, founder of the liberal blog The Daily Kos, offered a more pragmatic analysis.
"Bottom line,” Moulitsas wrote, "Hackett didn’t stand a chance (in the primary), he wasn’t backstabbed by his party since Brown’s candidacy was announced before his was … and the party wasn’t out to (get) him.”
Paul Hackett, an Iraq war veteran and vociferous critic of President George W. Bush, announced Monday that he was withdrawing his name from consideration for the Democratic nomination to the United States Senate from Ohio.
Hackett told the New York Times that Senators Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Harry Reid, D-Nev., pushed him aside for Rep. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.
Hackett was facing Brown in the Democratic primary for the right to take on Republican incumbent Senator Mike DeWine.
"I made this decision reluctantly,” he said in a statement, "only after repeated requests from party leaders as well as behind-the-scenes machinations that were intended to hurt my campaign.”
Hackett explained those "behind-the-scenes machinations” to the Times, claiming Democratic leaders had been calling his donors and urging them to stop supporting his candidacy.
He told the Times he felt betrayed. "For me, this is a second betrayal,” he said. "First, my government misused and mismanaged the military in Iraq, and now my own party is afraid to support candidates like me.”
Hackett gained prominence last year with a failed bid for the United States House of Representatives, when he became the first veteran of the current Iraq war to run for national office.
He offered biting commentary on the Bush administration and social conservatives, at one point comparing the religious right to Osama bin Laden. And he refused to back down. "I said it. I meant it. I stand behind it,” he replied to Republican requests for an apology.
Mike Lyon, executive director for the Band of Brothers, a group pushing Democratic veterans for Congress, told the Times it was bad strategy for Democrats to push Hackett away.
"Alienating Hackett is not just a bad idea for the party,” he said, "but it also sends a chill through the rest of the 56 or so veterans that we’ve worked to run for Congress. Now is a time for Democrats to be courting, not blocking, veterans who want to run.”
But Markos Moulitsas, founder of the liberal blog The Daily Kos, offered a more pragmatic analysis.
"Bottom line,” Moulitsas wrote, "Hackett didn’t stand a chance (in the primary), he wasn’t backstabbed by his party since Brown’s candidacy was announced before his was … and the party wasn’t out to (get) him.”
Monday, February 13, 2006
Gore Laments U.S. 'Abuses' Against Arabs
Former Vice President Al Gore told a mainly Saudi audience on Sunday that the U.S. government committed "terrible abuses" against Arabs after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and that most Americans did not support such treatment.
Gore said Arabs had been "indiscriminately rounded up" and held in "unforgivable" conditions. The former vice president said the Bush administration was playing into al-Qaida's hands by routinely blocking Saudi visa applications.
"The thoughtless way in which visas are now handled, that is a mistake," Gore said during the Jiddah Economic Forum. "The worst thing we can possibly do is to cut off the channels of friendship and mutual understanding between Saudi Arabia and the United States."
Gore told the largely Saudi audience, many of them educated at U.S. universities, that Arabs in the United States had been "indiscriminately rounded up, often on minor charges of overstaying a visa or not having a green card in proper order, and held in conditions that were just unforgivable."
"Unfortunately there have been terrible abuses and it's wrong," Gore said. "I do want you to know that it does not represent the desires or wishes or feelings of the majority of the citizens of my country."
On Iran, Gore complained of "endemic hyper-corruption" among Tehran's religious and political elite and asked Arabs to take a stand against Iran's nuclear program.
Iran says its program is for peaceful purposes but the United States and other Western countries suspect Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
"Is it only for the West to say this is dangerous?" Gore asked. "We should have more people in this region saying this is dangerous."
Several audience members criticized the United States for what they described as "unconditional" U.S. support for Israel, saying U.S. diplomats helped Israel flout U.N. resolutions that they enforced when the measures targeted Arabs.
Gore refused to be drawn into questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"We can't solve that long conflict in exchanges here," Gore said.
Also at the forum, the vice chairman of Chevron Corp., Peter Robertson, said President Bush's desire to cut U.S. dependence on Mideast oil shows a "misunderstanding" of global energy supply and the critical role of Saudi Arabia.
In his State of the Union address this month, Bush pledged to cut U.S. dependence on Middle East oil by 75 percent by 2025.
"This notion of being energy independent is completely unreasonable," Robertson said at the economic forum, which opened Saturday.
"I believe Middle Eastern oil can and must play a certain role in the system," Robertson said. "Saudi Arabia's massive resources will continue to promote international energy security and serve as a moderating force in balancing supply and demand."
Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, made a plea at the forum for women's rights, telling Saudi leaders that the dearth of women in the work force was "undermining economic potential" of the kingdom.
Irish President Mary McAleese urged Saudi Arabia to learn from Ireland's economic transformation, which hinged on opening the country to the outside world and ushering women into the workplace.
Former Vice President Al Gore told a mainly Saudi audience on Sunday that the U.S. government committed "terrible abuses" against Arabs after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and that most Americans did not support such treatment.
Gore said Arabs had been "indiscriminately rounded up" and held in "unforgivable" conditions. The former vice president said the Bush administration was playing into al-Qaida's hands by routinely blocking Saudi visa applications.
"The thoughtless way in which visas are now handled, that is a mistake," Gore said during the Jiddah Economic Forum. "The worst thing we can possibly do is to cut off the channels of friendship and mutual understanding between Saudi Arabia and the United States."
Gore told the largely Saudi audience, many of them educated at U.S. universities, that Arabs in the United States had been "indiscriminately rounded up, often on minor charges of overstaying a visa or not having a green card in proper order, and held in conditions that were just unforgivable."
"Unfortunately there have been terrible abuses and it's wrong," Gore said. "I do want you to know that it does not represent the desires or wishes or feelings of the majority of the citizens of my country."
On Iran, Gore complained of "endemic hyper-corruption" among Tehran's religious and political elite and asked Arabs to take a stand against Iran's nuclear program.
Iran says its program is for peaceful purposes but the United States and other Western countries suspect Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
"Is it only for the West to say this is dangerous?" Gore asked. "We should have more people in this region saying this is dangerous."
Several audience members criticized the United States for what they described as "unconditional" U.S. support for Israel, saying U.S. diplomats helped Israel flout U.N. resolutions that they enforced when the measures targeted Arabs.
Gore refused to be drawn into questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"We can't solve that long conflict in exchanges here," Gore said.
Also at the forum, the vice chairman of Chevron Corp., Peter Robertson, said President Bush's desire to cut U.S. dependence on Mideast oil shows a "misunderstanding" of global energy supply and the critical role of Saudi Arabia.
In his State of the Union address this month, Bush pledged to cut U.S. dependence on Middle East oil by 75 percent by 2025.
"This notion of being energy independent is completely unreasonable," Robertson said at the economic forum, which opened Saturday.
"I believe Middle Eastern oil can and must play a certain role in the system," Robertson said. "Saudi Arabia's massive resources will continue to promote international energy security and serve as a moderating force in balancing supply and demand."
Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, made a plea at the forum for women's rights, telling Saudi leaders that the dearth of women in the work force was "undermining economic potential" of the kingdom.
Irish President Mary McAleese urged Saudi Arabia to learn from Ireland's economic transformation, which hinged on opening the country to the outside world and ushering women into the workplace.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Mary Mapes Blames 'Vicious' Bloggers
Fired CBS "60 Minutes" producer Mary Mapes is still blaming the internet for ending her media career prematurely - or more precisely; the "vicious" bloggers who discovered that documents she unearthed in a bid to trash President Bush's National Guard service were forgeries.
"The criticism that was launched at us initially really came from the very conservative blogosphere, folks who are on these very conservative web sites," Mapes complained Friday on WVMT Vermont's "Charlie & Ernie" radio show.
"This was really a terribly vicious attack they launched on CBS," she insisted, before lamenting: "Politics is not necessarily the way it was when we all grew up, where you might disagree on something but you wouldn't eviscerate someone."
Mapes says that she was a victim of a new standard in journalism where "the truth doesn't matter" but instead it's "the perception of truth that matters."
"What happened to me, I think, and to all of us at CBS, was that the perception of truth became that these documents were not real; that there were flaws in the typeface and all kinds of sort of dry and extremely dull details about proportional spacing and superscript and all that."
Mapes said that she still believes the documents cited in the "60 Minutes II" broadcast by her boss, Dan Rather, were authentic, saying; "I feel that if they had been forged there would have been a flaw. And I have not been able to find the flaw."
She also noted that CBS's own internal investigation "could not prove that the documents were false."
Fired CBS "60 Minutes" producer Mary Mapes is still blaming the internet for ending her media career prematurely - or more precisely; the "vicious" bloggers who discovered that documents she unearthed in a bid to trash President Bush's National Guard service were forgeries.
"The criticism that was launched at us initially really came from the very conservative blogosphere, folks who are on these very conservative web sites," Mapes complained Friday on WVMT Vermont's "Charlie & Ernie" radio show.
"This was really a terribly vicious attack they launched on CBS," she insisted, before lamenting: "Politics is not necessarily the way it was when we all grew up, where you might disagree on something but you wouldn't eviscerate someone."
Mapes says that she was a victim of a new standard in journalism where "the truth doesn't matter" but instead it's "the perception of truth that matters."
"What happened to me, I think, and to all of us at CBS, was that the perception of truth became that these documents were not real; that there were flaws in the typeface and all kinds of sort of dry and extremely dull details about proportional spacing and superscript and all that."
Mapes said that she still believes the documents cited in the "60 Minutes II" broadcast by her boss, Dan Rather, were authentic, saying; "I feel that if they had been forged there would have been a flaw. And I have not been able to find the flaw."
She also noted that CBS's own internal investigation "could not prove that the documents were false."
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Loose Lips Sink Spies
CIA Director Porter Goss warned Friday that the unauthorized disclosure of classified information jeopardizes American security and violates federal law.
"Unauthorized disclosure of classified intelligence,” Goss wrote in an op-ed for the New York Times, "inhibits our ability to carry out our mission and protect the nation.”
He reminded leakers that their actions are criminal violations of the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protect Act (ICWPA), a law that created confidential methods for intelligence operatives to bring questionable practices to the attention of Congress without going to the media.
Goss, a former Florida congressman who co-sponsored the ICWPA, said the act was working. Government employees, he claimed, have used it to correct abuses without risk of retribution.
He had harsh words for employees who did not use the ICWPA framework.
"On the other hand,” he wrote, "those who choose to bypass the law and go straight to the press are not noble, honorable or patriotic. Nor are they whistleblowers. Instead they are committing a criminal act that potentially places American lives at risk.”
"It is unconscionable,” he continued, "to compromise national security information and then seek protection as a whistleblower to forestall punishment.”
The threat to national security, he claimed, is not theoretical. He claimed counterparts in foreign intelligence services have told him, "You Americans can’t keep a secret.” And, as a result, those intelligence services are wary of cooperating with the CIA on counter-terrorism programs.
He also noted that a 1998 leak that U.S. intelligence officials were tracking Osama bin Laden’s satellite phone led directly to the loss of that invaluable tracking tool.
"The revelation of the phone tracking was, without question, one of the most egregious examples of an unauthorized criminal disclosure of classified national defense information in recent years,” Goss said.
"It served no public interest,” he continued, "Ultimately, the bin Laden phone went silent.”
Intelligences services, Goss said, have major advantages over terrorist organizations. But criminal disclosures "erase much of that advantage.”
"The terrorists,” he concluded, "gain an edge when they keep their secrets and we don’t keep ours.”
CIA Director Porter Goss warned Friday that the unauthorized disclosure of classified information jeopardizes American security and violates federal law.
"Unauthorized disclosure of classified intelligence,” Goss wrote in an op-ed for the New York Times, "inhibits our ability to carry out our mission and protect the nation.”
He reminded leakers that their actions are criminal violations of the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protect Act (ICWPA), a law that created confidential methods for intelligence operatives to bring questionable practices to the attention of Congress without going to the media.
Goss, a former Florida congressman who co-sponsored the ICWPA, said the act was working. Government employees, he claimed, have used it to correct abuses without risk of retribution.
He had harsh words for employees who did not use the ICWPA framework.
"On the other hand,” he wrote, "those who choose to bypass the law and go straight to the press are not noble, honorable or patriotic. Nor are they whistleblowers. Instead they are committing a criminal act that potentially places American lives at risk.”
"It is unconscionable,” he continued, "to compromise national security information and then seek protection as a whistleblower to forestall punishment.”
The threat to national security, he claimed, is not theoretical. He claimed counterparts in foreign intelligence services have told him, "You Americans can’t keep a secret.” And, as a result, those intelligence services are wary of cooperating with the CIA on counter-terrorism programs.
He also noted that a 1998 leak that U.S. intelligence officials were tracking Osama bin Laden’s satellite phone led directly to the loss of that invaluable tracking tool.
"The revelation of the phone tracking was, without question, one of the most egregious examples of an unauthorized criminal disclosure of classified national defense information in recent years,” Goss said.
"It served no public interest,” he continued, "Ultimately, the bin Laden phone went silent.”
Intelligences services, Goss said, have major advantages over terrorist organizations. But criminal disclosures "erase much of that advantage.”
"The terrorists,” he concluded, "gain an edge when they keep their secrets and we don’t keep ours.”
Late Night Jokes
Leno
Did you watch the Grammy’s last night? With performances by Madonna, Sly Stone, and Steven Tyler, it was more like the Grannys.
"American Idol” actually did better in the ratings than the Grammy’s. So people would rather see regular people do a bad job of singing than famous people do a good job of lip syncing.
Less than twenty-four hours until the Winter Olympics. These are the greatest athletes on ice…not counting Ted Williams.
They added a new event this year called the Danish freestyle — five cartoonists skate as fast as they can away from an angry mob.
President Bush is taking this very seriously. In fact he’s asking that all cartoon figures not travel to the Middle East right now. It’s not safe.
President Bush today detailed a foiled terrorist plot by al Qaeda in 2002. They were planning to fly a plane into the tallest structure in L.A. The plot was foiled when Shaquille O’Neal was traded to Miami.
Hillary Clinton blasted President Bush for not catching Osma bin Laden. Is she in a position to criticize? Not catch bin Laden. She couldn’t even catch Bill Clinton. And they were in the same room.
Wal-Mart announced plans to open 1500 more stores in the U.S. You know what you call 1500 more Wal-Marts in the United States? Mexico.
Oprah has now signed a three-year, $55 million deal with XM Satellite Radio. Oprah is going to be on satellite, finally now she’ll be free of the FCC, she’ll be able to swear and be as raunchy as she wants.
Letterman
The Grammy’s were tonight. With all the stars and talent they were still able to pull off a dull show.
Overall the Grammy’s were a success. Phil Spector didn’t shoot anyone.
The Grammy’s were televised all across Europe. They did this to try and calm cartoon rioting.
The Senate was evacuated today after a suspicious substance was found in a senate office. Turned out it was just Ted Kennedy’s margarita salt.
Conan
Michael Jackson is back in the news. Apparently Michael is so broke he now has to fly commercial, no longer flies on private planes. This finally answers the question – what’s worse than being seated next to some fat guy?
Leno
Did you watch the Grammy’s last night? With performances by Madonna, Sly Stone, and Steven Tyler, it was more like the Grannys.
"American Idol” actually did better in the ratings than the Grammy’s. So people would rather see regular people do a bad job of singing than famous people do a good job of lip syncing.
Less than twenty-four hours until the Winter Olympics. These are the greatest athletes on ice…not counting Ted Williams.
They added a new event this year called the Danish freestyle — five cartoonists skate as fast as they can away from an angry mob.
President Bush is taking this very seriously. In fact he’s asking that all cartoon figures not travel to the Middle East right now. It’s not safe.
President Bush today detailed a foiled terrorist plot by al Qaeda in 2002. They were planning to fly a plane into the tallest structure in L.A. The plot was foiled when Shaquille O’Neal was traded to Miami.
Hillary Clinton blasted President Bush for not catching Osma bin Laden. Is she in a position to criticize? Not catch bin Laden. She couldn’t even catch Bill Clinton. And they were in the same room.
Wal-Mart announced plans to open 1500 more stores in the U.S. You know what you call 1500 more Wal-Marts in the United States? Mexico.
Oprah has now signed a three-year, $55 million deal with XM Satellite Radio. Oprah is going to be on satellite, finally now she’ll be free of the FCC, she’ll be able to swear and be as raunchy as she wants.
Letterman
The Grammy’s were tonight. With all the stars and talent they were still able to pull off a dull show.
Overall the Grammy’s were a success. Phil Spector didn’t shoot anyone.
The Grammy’s were televised all across Europe. They did this to try and calm cartoon rioting.
The Senate was evacuated today after a suspicious substance was found in a senate office. Turned out it was just Ted Kennedy’s margarita salt.
Conan
Michael Jackson is back in the news. Apparently Michael is so broke he now has to fly commercial, no longer flies on private planes. This finally answers the question – what’s worse than being seated next to some fat guy?
Friday, February 10, 2006
Records Show Sen. Reid's Abramoff Ties
Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid wrote at least four letters helpful to Indian tribes represented by Jack Abramoff, and the senator's staff regularly had contact with the disgraced lobbyist's team about legislation affecting other clients.
The activities - detailed in billing records and correspondence obtained by The Associated Press - are far more extensive than previously disclosed. They occurred over three years as Reid collected nearly $68,000 in donations from Abramoff's firm, lobbying partners and clients.
Reid's office acknowledged Thursday having "routine contacts" with Abramoff's lobbying partners and intervening on some government matters - such as blocking some tribal casinos - in ways Abramoff's clients might have deemed helpful. But it said none of his actions were affected by donations or done for Abramoff.
"All the actions that Senator Reid took were consistent with his long-held beliefs, such as not letting tribal casinos expand beyond reservations, and were taken to defend the interests of Nevada constituents," spokesman Jim Manley said.
Reid, D-Nev., has led the Democratic Party's attacks portraying Abramoff's lobbying and fundraising as a Republican scandal.
But Abramoff's records show his lobbying partners billed for nearly two dozen phone contacts or meetings with Reid's office in 2001 alone.
Most were to discuss Democratic legislation that would have applied the U.S. minimum wage to the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory and Abramoff client, but would have given the islands a temporary break on the wage rate, the billing records show.
Reid also intervened on government matters at least five times in ways helpful to Abramoff's tribal clients, once opposing legislation on the Senate floor and four times sending letters pressing the Bush administration on tribal issues. Reid collected donations around the time of each action.
Ethics rules require senators to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest in collecting contributions around the times they take official acts benefiting donors.
Abramoff's firm also hired one of Reid's top legislative aides as a lobbyist. The aide later helped throw a fundraiser for Reid at Abramoff's firm that raised donations from several of his lobbying partners.
And Reid's longtime chief of staff accepted a free trip to Malaysia arranged by a consulting firm connected to Abramoff that recently has gained attention in the influence-peddling investigation that has gripped the Capitol.
Abramoff has pleaded guilty in a fraud and bribery case and is now helping prosecutors investigate the conduct of lawmakers, congressional aides and administration officials his team used to lobby.
Abramoff spokesman Andrew Blum declined to comment on the Reid contacts.
Reid has assailed Republicans' ties to Abramoff while refusing to return any of his own donations. He argues there's no need to return the money.
"Senator Reid never met Jack Abramoff and never has taken contributions from him, and efforts to drag him into this are going to fail," Manley said. "Abramoff is a convicted felon and no one has suggested the other partners we might have dealt with have done anything impermissible."
While Abramoff never directly donated to Reid, the lobbyist did instruct one tribe, the Coushattas, to send $5,000 to Reid's tax-exempt political group, the Searchlight Leadership Fund, in 2002. About the same time, Reid sent a letter to the Interior Department helpful to the tribe, records show.
Abramoff sent a list to the tribe entitled "Coushatta Requests" recommending donations to campaigns or groups for 50 lawmakers he claimed were helpful to the tribe. Alongside Reid's name, Abramoff wrote, "5,000 (Searchlight Leadership Fund) Senate Majority Whip."
Following a pattern seen with Abramoff and Republicans, Abramoff's Democratic team members often delivered donations to Reid close to key events.
Reid himself, along his Senate counsel Jim Ryan, met with Abramoff deputy Ronald Platt on June 5, 2001, "to discuss timing on minimum wage bill" that affected the Marianas, according to a bill that Greenberg Traurig, Abramoff's firm, sent the Marianas.
Three weeks before the meeting, Greenberg Traurig's political action committee donated $1,000 to Reid's Senate re-election committee. Three weeks after the meeting, Platt himself donated $1,000 to Reid.
Manley said Reid's official calendar doesn't list a meeting on June 5, 2001, with Platt, but he also said he couldn't say for sure the contact didn't occur. Manley confirmed Platt had regular contacts with Reid's office, calling them part of the "routine checking in" by lobbyists who work Capitol Hill.
As for the timing of donations, Manley said, "There is no connection. This is just a typical part of lawful fundraising."
The Marianas, U.S. territorial islands in the Pacific Ocean, were one of Abramoff's highest-paying clients and were trying to keep their textile industry exempt from most U.S. laws on immigration, labor and pay, including the minimum wage. Many Democrats have long accused the islands of running garment sweatshops.
The islands in 2001 had their own minimum wage of $3.05 an hour, and were exempt from the U.S. minimum of $5.15.
Republicans were intent on protecting the Marianas' exemption. Democrats, led by Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Rep. George Miller of California, wanted the Marianas to be covered by the U.S. minimum and crafted a compromise.
In February 2001, Kennedy introduced a bill that would have raised the U.S. hourly minimum to $6.65 and would have covered the Marianas. The legislation, which eventually failed, would have given the islands an initial break by setting its minimum at just $3.55 - nearly $3 lower than any other territory or state - and then gradually increasing it.
Within a month, Platt began billing for routine contacts and meetings with Reid's staff, starting with a March 26, 2001, contact with Reid chief of staff Susan McCue to "discuss timing and status of minimum wage legislation," the billing records say.
In all, Platt and a fellow lobbyist reported 21 contacts in 2001 with Reid's office, mostly with McCue and Ryan.
One of the Marianas contacts, listed for May 30, 2001, was with Edward Ayoob, Reid's legislative counsel. Within a year, Ayoob had left Reid's office to work for Abramoff's firm, registering specifically to lobby for the islands as well as several tribes. Manley confirmed Ayoob had subsequent lobbying contacts with Reid's office.
Manley cast doubt on some of the contacts recorded in the billing records, saying McCue was out of Washington for a couple of the dates. But he acknowledged the contacts could have occurred by cell phone.
In January 2002, McCue took a free trip, valued at $7,000, to Malaysia with several other congressional aides. The trip, cleared by Senate ethics officials, was underwritten by the U.S. Malaysia Exchange Association, a group trying to foster better relations between the United States and Malaysia.
The trips were part of a broader lobbying strategy by Malaysia, which consulted with Abramoff and paid $300,000 to a company connected to him, according to documents released by Senate investigators. The arrangements included a trip by then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and his wife to Malaysia in October 2001.
While Abramoff worked behind the scenes, the Alexander Strategy Group run by two former DeLay aides, Ed Buckham and Tony Rudy, publicly registered to lobby for the U.S. Malaysia Exchange Association.
Rudy, who was cited in Abramoff's court case, had worked temporarily for Abramoff before joining Buckham at Alexander Strategy, and the three men were friendly. In January 2002, Alexander Strategy arranged two congressional trips to Malaysia underwritten by the association.
One trip took a delegation of Republican congressmen. A Democratic consultant hired by Alexander Strategy, former Clinton White House aide Joel Johnson, invited McCue and went on the second trip with congressional staffers.
Johnson said he invited McCue on behalf of Alexander Strategy and went on the trip with her but said he knew of no connections to Abramoff. "My interest was in getting Democrats to travel to the country and to learn more about Malaysia," Johnson said.
Reid intervened on other matters.
On March 5, 2002, he sent a letter to the Interior Department pressing the agency to reject a proposed casino by the Jena band of Choctaw Indians in Louisiana. Fellow Nevada Sen. John Ensign, a Republican, also signed.
The Jena's proposed casino would have rivaled one already in operation in Louisiana run by the Coushattas, and Abramoff was lobbying to block the Jena. The day after Reid's letter, the Coushattas wrote a $5,000 check to Reid's Searchlight group at Abramoff's suggestion.
Reid and Ensign recently wrote the Senate Ethics Committee to say their letter had nothing to do with Abramoff or the donation and instead reflected their interest in protecting Las Vegas' gambling establishments.
"As senators for the state with the largest nontribal gaming industry in the nation, we have long opposed the growth of off-reservation tribal gaming throughout the United States," Ensign and Reid wrote. Reid authored the law legalizing casinos on reservations, and has long argued it does not allow tribal gambling off reservations.
On Nov. 8, 2002, the Nevada Democrat signed a letter with California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein urging Interior Secretary Gale Norton to reject a proposal by the Cuyapaipe Band of Mission Indians to convert land for a health clinic into a casino in southern California.
The casino would have competed with the Palm Springs gambling establishment run by the Agua Caliente, one of Abramoff's tribes.
Two weeks later, Reid went to the Senate floor to oppose fellow Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow's effort to win congressional approval for a Michigan casino for the Bay Mills Indians, which would have rivaled one already operating by the Saginaw Chippewa represented by Abramoff.
"The legislation is fundamentally flawed," Reid argued, successfully leading the opposition to Stabenow's proposal.
The next month, Reid joined six other Democratic senators in asking President Bush in mid-December 2002 to spend an additional $30 million for Indian school construction. Several Abramoff tribes, including the Saginaw and the Mississippi Choctaw, were seeking federal money for school building.
Six weeks after that letter, three Abramoff partners - including Platt and Ayoob - donated a total of $4,000 to Reid's Senate re-election campaign. Later in 2003, the Agua Caliente contributed $13,500 to Reid's political groups while the Saginaw chipped in $9,000.
Reid sent a fourth letter on April 30, 2003, joining Ensign a second time to urge Interior to reject the Jena casino.
Two months later, Abramoff's firm threw a fundraiser for Reid at its Washington office that netted the Nevada senator several more donations from Greenberg Traurig lobbyists and their spouses. Ayoob was instrumental in staging the event, Reid's office said.
Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid wrote at least four letters helpful to Indian tribes represented by Jack Abramoff, and the senator's staff regularly had contact with the disgraced lobbyist's team about legislation affecting other clients.
The activities - detailed in billing records and correspondence obtained by The Associated Press - are far more extensive than previously disclosed. They occurred over three years as Reid collected nearly $68,000 in donations from Abramoff's firm, lobbying partners and clients.
Reid's office acknowledged Thursday having "routine contacts" with Abramoff's lobbying partners and intervening on some government matters - such as blocking some tribal casinos - in ways Abramoff's clients might have deemed helpful. But it said none of his actions were affected by donations or done for Abramoff.
"All the actions that Senator Reid took were consistent with his long-held beliefs, such as not letting tribal casinos expand beyond reservations, and were taken to defend the interests of Nevada constituents," spokesman Jim Manley said.
Reid, D-Nev., has led the Democratic Party's attacks portraying Abramoff's lobbying and fundraising as a Republican scandal.
But Abramoff's records show his lobbying partners billed for nearly two dozen phone contacts or meetings with Reid's office in 2001 alone.
Most were to discuss Democratic legislation that would have applied the U.S. minimum wage to the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory and Abramoff client, but would have given the islands a temporary break on the wage rate, the billing records show.
Reid also intervened on government matters at least five times in ways helpful to Abramoff's tribal clients, once opposing legislation on the Senate floor and four times sending letters pressing the Bush administration on tribal issues. Reid collected donations around the time of each action.
Ethics rules require senators to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest in collecting contributions around the times they take official acts benefiting donors.
Abramoff's firm also hired one of Reid's top legislative aides as a lobbyist. The aide later helped throw a fundraiser for Reid at Abramoff's firm that raised donations from several of his lobbying partners.
And Reid's longtime chief of staff accepted a free trip to Malaysia arranged by a consulting firm connected to Abramoff that recently has gained attention in the influence-peddling investigation that has gripped the Capitol.
Abramoff has pleaded guilty in a fraud and bribery case and is now helping prosecutors investigate the conduct of lawmakers, congressional aides and administration officials his team used to lobby.
Abramoff spokesman Andrew Blum declined to comment on the Reid contacts.
Reid has assailed Republicans' ties to Abramoff while refusing to return any of his own donations. He argues there's no need to return the money.
"Senator Reid never met Jack Abramoff and never has taken contributions from him, and efforts to drag him into this are going to fail," Manley said. "Abramoff is a convicted felon and no one has suggested the other partners we might have dealt with have done anything impermissible."
While Abramoff never directly donated to Reid, the lobbyist did instruct one tribe, the Coushattas, to send $5,000 to Reid's tax-exempt political group, the Searchlight Leadership Fund, in 2002. About the same time, Reid sent a letter to the Interior Department helpful to the tribe, records show.
Abramoff sent a list to the tribe entitled "Coushatta Requests" recommending donations to campaigns or groups for 50 lawmakers he claimed were helpful to the tribe. Alongside Reid's name, Abramoff wrote, "5,000 (Searchlight Leadership Fund) Senate Majority Whip."
Following a pattern seen with Abramoff and Republicans, Abramoff's Democratic team members often delivered donations to Reid close to key events.
Reid himself, along his Senate counsel Jim Ryan, met with Abramoff deputy Ronald Platt on June 5, 2001, "to discuss timing on minimum wage bill" that affected the Marianas, according to a bill that Greenberg Traurig, Abramoff's firm, sent the Marianas.
Three weeks before the meeting, Greenberg Traurig's political action committee donated $1,000 to Reid's Senate re-election committee. Three weeks after the meeting, Platt himself donated $1,000 to Reid.
Manley said Reid's official calendar doesn't list a meeting on June 5, 2001, with Platt, but he also said he couldn't say for sure the contact didn't occur. Manley confirmed Platt had regular contacts with Reid's office, calling them part of the "routine checking in" by lobbyists who work Capitol Hill.
As for the timing of donations, Manley said, "There is no connection. This is just a typical part of lawful fundraising."
The Marianas, U.S. territorial islands in the Pacific Ocean, were one of Abramoff's highest-paying clients and were trying to keep their textile industry exempt from most U.S. laws on immigration, labor and pay, including the minimum wage. Many Democrats have long accused the islands of running garment sweatshops.
The islands in 2001 had their own minimum wage of $3.05 an hour, and were exempt from the U.S. minimum of $5.15.
Republicans were intent on protecting the Marianas' exemption. Democrats, led by Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Rep. George Miller of California, wanted the Marianas to be covered by the U.S. minimum and crafted a compromise.
In February 2001, Kennedy introduced a bill that would have raised the U.S. hourly minimum to $6.65 and would have covered the Marianas. The legislation, which eventually failed, would have given the islands an initial break by setting its minimum at just $3.55 - nearly $3 lower than any other territory or state - and then gradually increasing it.
Within a month, Platt began billing for routine contacts and meetings with Reid's staff, starting with a March 26, 2001, contact with Reid chief of staff Susan McCue to "discuss timing and status of minimum wage legislation," the billing records say.
In all, Platt and a fellow lobbyist reported 21 contacts in 2001 with Reid's office, mostly with McCue and Ryan.
One of the Marianas contacts, listed for May 30, 2001, was with Edward Ayoob, Reid's legislative counsel. Within a year, Ayoob had left Reid's office to work for Abramoff's firm, registering specifically to lobby for the islands as well as several tribes. Manley confirmed Ayoob had subsequent lobbying contacts with Reid's office.
Manley cast doubt on some of the contacts recorded in the billing records, saying McCue was out of Washington for a couple of the dates. But he acknowledged the contacts could have occurred by cell phone.
In January 2002, McCue took a free trip, valued at $7,000, to Malaysia with several other congressional aides. The trip, cleared by Senate ethics officials, was underwritten by the U.S. Malaysia Exchange Association, a group trying to foster better relations between the United States and Malaysia.
The trips were part of a broader lobbying strategy by Malaysia, which consulted with Abramoff and paid $300,000 to a company connected to him, according to documents released by Senate investigators. The arrangements included a trip by then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and his wife to Malaysia in October 2001.
While Abramoff worked behind the scenes, the Alexander Strategy Group run by two former DeLay aides, Ed Buckham and Tony Rudy, publicly registered to lobby for the U.S. Malaysia Exchange Association.
Rudy, who was cited in Abramoff's court case, had worked temporarily for Abramoff before joining Buckham at Alexander Strategy, and the three men were friendly. In January 2002, Alexander Strategy arranged two congressional trips to Malaysia underwritten by the association.
One trip took a delegation of Republican congressmen. A Democratic consultant hired by Alexander Strategy, former Clinton White House aide Joel Johnson, invited McCue and went on the second trip with congressional staffers.
Johnson said he invited McCue on behalf of Alexander Strategy and went on the trip with her but said he knew of no connections to Abramoff. "My interest was in getting Democrats to travel to the country and to learn more about Malaysia," Johnson said.
Reid intervened on other matters.
On March 5, 2002, he sent a letter to the Interior Department pressing the agency to reject a proposed casino by the Jena band of Choctaw Indians in Louisiana. Fellow Nevada Sen. John Ensign, a Republican, also signed.
The Jena's proposed casino would have rivaled one already in operation in Louisiana run by the Coushattas, and Abramoff was lobbying to block the Jena. The day after Reid's letter, the Coushattas wrote a $5,000 check to Reid's Searchlight group at Abramoff's suggestion.
Reid and Ensign recently wrote the Senate Ethics Committee to say their letter had nothing to do with Abramoff or the donation and instead reflected their interest in protecting Las Vegas' gambling establishments.
"As senators for the state with the largest nontribal gaming industry in the nation, we have long opposed the growth of off-reservation tribal gaming throughout the United States," Ensign and Reid wrote. Reid authored the law legalizing casinos on reservations, and has long argued it does not allow tribal gambling off reservations.
On Nov. 8, 2002, the Nevada Democrat signed a letter with California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein urging Interior Secretary Gale Norton to reject a proposal by the Cuyapaipe Band of Mission Indians to convert land for a health clinic into a casino in southern California.
The casino would have competed with the Palm Springs gambling establishment run by the Agua Caliente, one of Abramoff's tribes.
Two weeks later, Reid went to the Senate floor to oppose fellow Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow's effort to win congressional approval for a Michigan casino for the Bay Mills Indians, which would have rivaled one already operating by the Saginaw Chippewa represented by Abramoff.
"The legislation is fundamentally flawed," Reid argued, successfully leading the opposition to Stabenow's proposal.
The next month, Reid joined six other Democratic senators in asking President Bush in mid-December 2002 to spend an additional $30 million for Indian school construction. Several Abramoff tribes, including the Saginaw and the Mississippi Choctaw, were seeking federal money for school building.
Six weeks after that letter, three Abramoff partners - including Platt and Ayoob - donated a total of $4,000 to Reid's Senate re-election campaign. Later in 2003, the Agua Caliente contributed $13,500 to Reid's political groups while the Saginaw chipped in $9,000.
Reid sent a fourth letter on April 30, 2003, joining Ensign a second time to urge Interior to reject the Jena casino.
Two months later, Abramoff's firm threw a fundraiser for Reid at its Washington office that netted the Nevada senator several more donations from Greenberg Traurig lobbyists and their spouses. Ayoob was instrumental in staging the event, Reid's office said.
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Jimmy Carter’s Bitterness in Bad Taste
The New York Post is blasting ex-President Jimmy Carter for trying to hijack Coretta Scott King's funeral in a bid to "score cheap political points" against President Bush.
"Jimmy Carter may or may not have been the worst president of the 20th century," the paper said. "But his disgraceful performance yesterday at Coretta Scott King's funeral marks him as the most shameless."
While other speakers did their best to honor the first lady of the civil rights movement, Carter played the race card, resurrecting bogus claims that the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina was bigoted.
"We only have to recall the color of the faces of those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi who are most devastated by Katrina to know that there are not yet equal opportunities for all Americans," the failed peanut farmer said.
Then, in a bit of comedic irony, Carter tried to zing Bush for his terrorist surveillance program - by referencing the wiretapping of Martin Luther King that had been ordered by the Kennedy administration.
Of course, the bitter-sounding Georgian never acknowledged that it was Democrats who had violated the King family's constitutional rights.
The paper also criticized Rev. Joseph Lowery, who interrupted his tribute to Mrs. King to register his opposition to the Iraq war.
"We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there," he said. "But Coretta knew and we knew that there are weapons of misdirection right down here. Millions without health insurance. Poverty abounds. For war, billions more, but no more for the poor."
But as an ex-president who should know better, the Post said Carter's offense was worse, contending that he had demeaned both "the occasion as well as the woman who was being honored by four presidents."
The New York Post is blasting ex-President Jimmy Carter for trying to hijack Coretta Scott King's funeral in a bid to "score cheap political points" against President Bush.
"Jimmy Carter may or may not have been the worst president of the 20th century," the paper said. "But his disgraceful performance yesterday at Coretta Scott King's funeral marks him as the most shameless."
While other speakers did their best to honor the first lady of the civil rights movement, Carter played the race card, resurrecting bogus claims that the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina was bigoted.
"We only have to recall the color of the faces of those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi who are most devastated by Katrina to know that there are not yet equal opportunities for all Americans," the failed peanut farmer said.
Then, in a bit of comedic irony, Carter tried to zing Bush for his terrorist surveillance program - by referencing the wiretapping of Martin Luther King that had been ordered by the Kennedy administration.
Of course, the bitter-sounding Georgian never acknowledged that it was Democrats who had violated the King family's constitutional rights.
The paper also criticized Rev. Joseph Lowery, who interrupted his tribute to Mrs. King to register his opposition to the Iraq war.
"We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there," he said. "But Coretta knew and we knew that there are weapons of misdirection right down here. Millions without health insurance. Poverty abounds. For war, billions more, but no more for the poor."
But as an ex-president who should know better, the Post said Carter's offense was worse, contending that he had demeaned both "the occasion as well as the woman who was being honored by four presidents."
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Hillary Clinton 'Not Angry Enough'
NewsMax - Bush-bashing New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd is warning that Hillary Clinton may not turn out to be her party's next presidential nominee unless she finds a way to combat charges that she's "too angry."
But instead of calming down, the flame-haired scribe suggests bizarrely that Mrs. Clinton needs to lose her temper more often in public.
"Hillary's problem isn't that she's angry," insists Dowd in her Tuesday column. "It's that she's not angry enough."
The tart-tongued Timeswoman complains: "From Iraq to Katrina and the assault on the Constitution, from Schiavo to Alito and N.S.A. snooping to Congressional corruption, Hillary has failed to lead in voicing her outrage."
Chatting with radioman Don Imus Tuesday morning, Dowd said Mrs. Clinton's leadership meltdown may cost her the 2008 presidential nomination.
"It's just interesting what's happening in the Democratic Party in the last few weeks," she declared. "I think people are realizing that she's not the inevitable candidate."
Democrats are starting to fear "that it would be kind of a lemming situation if they just go with her," Dowd said.
And while GOP claims that Hillary is too angry are unfair, the Times scribe acknowledged they have her boxed in.
"Republicans are doing this really blatantly misogynistic thing and painting her as 'Angry Woman' because then that puts her in a box," Dowd told Imus. "Because if she criticizes [Bush] she's a shrew, you know. And if she doesn't she's timid and girlie."
Despite her defense, Dowd blasted Hillary for nodding along as she stood beside her husband as he spoke at Coretta Scott King's funeral on Tuesday.
"She shouldn't have been up there," the Timeswoman said. "That bobbleheaded thing was annoying."
NewsMax - Bush-bashing New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd is warning that Hillary Clinton may not turn out to be her party's next presidential nominee unless she finds a way to combat charges that she's "too angry."
But instead of calming down, the flame-haired scribe suggests bizarrely that Mrs. Clinton needs to lose her temper more often in public.
"Hillary's problem isn't that she's angry," insists Dowd in her Tuesday column. "It's that she's not angry enough."
The tart-tongued Timeswoman complains: "From Iraq to Katrina and the assault on the Constitution, from Schiavo to Alito and N.S.A. snooping to Congressional corruption, Hillary has failed to lead in voicing her outrage."
Chatting with radioman Don Imus Tuesday morning, Dowd said Mrs. Clinton's leadership meltdown may cost her the 2008 presidential nomination.
"It's just interesting what's happening in the Democratic Party in the last few weeks," she declared. "I think people are realizing that she's not the inevitable candidate."
Democrats are starting to fear "that it would be kind of a lemming situation if they just go with her," Dowd said.
And while GOP claims that Hillary is too angry are unfair, the Times scribe acknowledged they have her boxed in.
"Republicans are doing this really blatantly misogynistic thing and painting her as 'Angry Woman' because then that puts her in a box," Dowd told Imus. "Because if she criticizes [Bush] she's a shrew, you know. And if she doesn't she's timid and girlie."
Despite her defense, Dowd blasted Hillary for nodding along as she stood beside her husband as he spoke at Coretta Scott King's funeral on Tuesday.
"She shouldn't have been up there," the Timeswoman said. "That bobbleheaded thing was annoying."
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
Do you believe this weather? It was 88 today. I was sweating like a Danish cartoonist in Mecca.
Well the Super Bowl's over. So guys, you know what that means, time to take down the Christmas lights.
Even though it wasn’t very exciting news, this was the highest rating super bowl in ten years. I thought it would be low…but no. The NFL announced plans to get even higher ratings next year, bringing back Janet Jackson.
People in Seattle still pretty depressed today. In fact, they were so bummed out they were ordering cappuccino with no foam.
Pennsylvania fans still going crazy. In fact, the Amish were tipping over buggies, setting barns on fire, kicking over butter churns…it’s unbelievable.
Do you know that the Rolling Stones have a combined age of 246 years old? In fact, that’s why they preformed on a stage with a circular runway. See, that was kind of a precaution; in case any of them ‘wandered off’, they would eventually go back to the center.
Gillette introduced their new five blade razor fusion. Did you see that thing? Not to be outdone, today Schick introducing a riding mower for your face.
In more serious news, according to Newsweek, a justice department official has determined that the President of the United States has the legal authority to have someone killed if they want to. If you’re the president you can actually legally order the killing of someone. This will have Bill Clinton thinking twice about supporting Hillary for president.
The Attorney General of the United States, Alberto Gonzalez testified before the senate about the domestic spying program. But first there was a big fight about whether or not to place him under oath. Ultimately they decided not to place him under oath. See, baseball players, they have to be under oath. But the attorney general, no.
Ken Mehlman, the head of the republican national party said over the weekend that Hillary Clinton has a lot of anger and that voters don’t usually send angry candidates to the White House. See, angry candidates, no. Horny and stupid candidates, yes.
Letterman
I have stopped reading Muslim cartoons, they just aren’t fun anymore.
The Vatican has hired Michael Jackson to write prayer music. Because when your church has an image problem – you call Michael Jackson!
In fact he’s already been named an honorary priest.
Leno
Do you believe this weather? It was 88 today. I was sweating like a Danish cartoonist in Mecca.
Well the Super Bowl's over. So guys, you know what that means, time to take down the Christmas lights.
Even though it wasn’t very exciting news, this was the highest rating super bowl in ten years. I thought it would be low…but no. The NFL announced plans to get even higher ratings next year, bringing back Janet Jackson.
People in Seattle still pretty depressed today. In fact, they were so bummed out they were ordering cappuccino with no foam.
Pennsylvania fans still going crazy. In fact, the Amish were tipping over buggies, setting barns on fire, kicking over butter churns…it’s unbelievable.
Do you know that the Rolling Stones have a combined age of 246 years old? In fact, that’s why they preformed on a stage with a circular runway. See, that was kind of a precaution; in case any of them ‘wandered off’, they would eventually go back to the center.
Gillette introduced their new five blade razor fusion. Did you see that thing? Not to be outdone, today Schick introducing a riding mower for your face.
In more serious news, according to Newsweek, a justice department official has determined that the President of the United States has the legal authority to have someone killed if they want to. If you’re the president you can actually legally order the killing of someone. This will have Bill Clinton thinking twice about supporting Hillary for president.
The Attorney General of the United States, Alberto Gonzalez testified before the senate about the domestic spying program. But first there was a big fight about whether or not to place him under oath. Ultimately they decided not to place him under oath. See, baseball players, they have to be under oath. But the attorney general, no.
Ken Mehlman, the head of the republican national party said over the weekend that Hillary Clinton has a lot of anger and that voters don’t usually send angry candidates to the White House. See, angry candidates, no. Horny and stupid candidates, yes.
Letterman
I have stopped reading Muslim cartoons, they just aren’t fun anymore.
The Vatican has hired Michael Jackson to write prayer music. Because when your church has an image problem – you call Michael Jackson!
In fact he’s already been named an honorary priest.
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
N.Y. Times Probed in NSA Leak Case
Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez revealed Monday that the Justice Department is still investigating the leak of national security secrets to the New York Times concerning the NSA’s controversial terrorist surveillance program.
The possibility of criminal charges looms for the suspected leakers, as Gonzalez vowed to file charges if warranted by the findings of the investigation.
Gonzalez offered the information in response to questioning by Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was there testifying on the constitutionality of the NSA terrorist surveillance program that tracks communications to and from the United States.
"The department,” Gonzalez said, "has initiated an investigation into the possible crimes there.”
But he refused to go further.
"Consistent with our practice,” Gonzalez continued, "I’m not going to talk about an ongoing investigation … But we will look at the evidence and if the evidence shows that a crime has been committed, we will move forward with prosecution.”
Sen. Grassley evinced indignation toward the unknown leakers. "We do not hear as much public outcry as we did with the Valerie Plame case,” he noted, adding that case "was a two-bit nothing compared with this issue – with this information … being leaked to the press.”
The leaker and the New York Times could be subject to prosecution under the federal espionage law.
One section of that act prohibits authorized persons possessing "information relating to the national defense which … the possessor has reason to believe could be used to the injury of the United States” from passing the information onto unauthorized persons.
Another section prohibits disclosure of classified communications "in any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States.”
If charged, the Times would likely assert the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of the press as a defense. The case would present an important and as yet unresolved question of constitutional law.
Though the Supreme Court has ruled that the government cannot suppress publication of classified information before the fact, it has not examined whether government could impose criminal sanctions for publication after the fact.
Political implications, however, may prevent the filing of charges against either the leaker or the Times.
Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez revealed Monday that the Justice Department is still investigating the leak of national security secrets to the New York Times concerning the NSA’s controversial terrorist surveillance program.
The possibility of criminal charges looms for the suspected leakers, as Gonzalez vowed to file charges if warranted by the findings of the investigation.
Gonzalez offered the information in response to questioning by Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was there testifying on the constitutionality of the NSA terrorist surveillance program that tracks communications to and from the United States.
"The department,” Gonzalez said, "has initiated an investigation into the possible crimes there.”
But he refused to go further.
"Consistent with our practice,” Gonzalez continued, "I’m not going to talk about an ongoing investigation … But we will look at the evidence and if the evidence shows that a crime has been committed, we will move forward with prosecution.”
Sen. Grassley evinced indignation toward the unknown leakers. "We do not hear as much public outcry as we did with the Valerie Plame case,” he noted, adding that case "was a two-bit nothing compared with this issue – with this information … being leaked to the press.”
The leaker and the New York Times could be subject to prosecution under the federal espionage law.
One section of that act prohibits authorized persons possessing "information relating to the national defense which … the possessor has reason to believe could be used to the injury of the United States” from passing the information onto unauthorized persons.
Another section prohibits disclosure of classified communications "in any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States.”
If charged, the Times would likely assert the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of the press as a defense. The case would present an important and as yet unresolved question of constitutional law.
Though the Supreme Court has ruled that the government cannot suppress publication of classified information before the fact, it has not examined whether government could impose criminal sanctions for publication after the fact.
Political implications, however, may prevent the filing of charges against either the leaker or the Times.
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
Congratulations to the world champion Pittsburgh, Steelers. Actually, I had the Steelers. I always go with the coach who has the biggest chin.
A lot of interesting records were set yesterday. Between the coffee drinking Seahawks and the beer drinking Steelers fans this Super Bowl set the record for the longest bathroom lines ever.
Seattle fans were furious at some of the referees’ calls — at one point an angry mob went outside in downtown Seattle and started tossing ice lattes on Volvos. They were throwing their Birkenstocks.
Big night for the Rolling Stones. First the halftime then bedtime.
I don’t want to say the stones are getting old. But this is not the first time the Rolling Stones performed at an event where roman numerals were used.
Did you enjoy the commercials? How about the ones from the Beer Institute telling people to drink beer. How big of a waste of money is that? Two and a half million dollars to tell guys watching the super bowl to drink beer? And don’t forget to urinate too.
How about that new Gillette Fusion razor? Did you see that thing with five blades? Even comes with its first aid kit.
The first four blades cut your beard. The fifth yells at your wife to stop using it on her legs. That's a weed whacker for your face. Even lawnmowers only have one blade.
What’s that new energy drink Full Throttle? The slogan "Let your man out.” Wasn’t that the slogan from "Brokeback Mountain”?
President Bush called the winner of the Super Bowl. President Clinton called the winner of the Lingerie Bowl.
Some sad news - Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow have split up. Apparently she met some guy with a car. You know how girls are.
And in Washington news the Pentagon announced plans to build a new long range weapons as a deterrent to China. Unfortunately, we don't have any factories in left in this country so the weapons will be built in China.
Robert Blake has filed for bankruptcy. Blake said if he had to do it all over again this time he would have shot his accountant.
Leno
Congratulations to the world champion Pittsburgh, Steelers. Actually, I had the Steelers. I always go with the coach who has the biggest chin.
A lot of interesting records were set yesterday. Between the coffee drinking Seahawks and the beer drinking Steelers fans this Super Bowl set the record for the longest bathroom lines ever.
Seattle fans were furious at some of the referees’ calls — at one point an angry mob went outside in downtown Seattle and started tossing ice lattes on Volvos. They were throwing their Birkenstocks.
Big night for the Rolling Stones. First the halftime then bedtime.
I don’t want to say the stones are getting old. But this is not the first time the Rolling Stones performed at an event where roman numerals were used.
Did you enjoy the commercials? How about the ones from the Beer Institute telling people to drink beer. How big of a waste of money is that? Two and a half million dollars to tell guys watching the super bowl to drink beer? And don’t forget to urinate too.
How about that new Gillette Fusion razor? Did you see that thing with five blades? Even comes with its first aid kit.
The first four blades cut your beard. The fifth yells at your wife to stop using it on her legs. That's a weed whacker for your face. Even lawnmowers only have one blade.
What’s that new energy drink Full Throttle? The slogan "Let your man out.” Wasn’t that the slogan from "Brokeback Mountain”?
President Bush called the winner of the Super Bowl. President Clinton called the winner of the Lingerie Bowl.
Some sad news - Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow have split up. Apparently she met some guy with a car. You know how girls are.
And in Washington news the Pentagon announced plans to build a new long range weapons as a deterrent to China. Unfortunately, we don't have any factories in left in this country so the weapons will be built in China.
Robert Blake has filed for bankruptcy. Blake said if he had to do it all over again this time he would have shot his accountant.
Monday, February 6, 2006
FISA Law May be Unconstitutional
Sen. Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter said Sunday that while President Bush's terrorist surveillance program is a "flat out violation" of the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, it may be entirely legal because of powers granted the president by the Constitution.
"There is an involved question here . . . as to whether the president's powers under Article 2, his inherent powers, supersede a statute." Specter told NBC's "Meet the Press."
The Pennsylvania Republican said that if the FISA statute "is inconsistent with the Constitution, the Constitution governs and the constitutional powers predominate."
Specter, whose committee is set to commence hearings Monday into the surveillance program, said that when the FISA law was signed by President Carter, he voluntarily surrendered his power to conduct independent domestic surveillance without a warrant.
"But that’s not the end of the discussion," the top Republican cautioned, promising that his hearings would explore the issue of presidential prerogatives and the FISA Act's constitutionality - or lack thereof.
Specter said he may call Carter as a witness to explain his thinking on the FISA law.
"I’ve been discussing that, and it’s on the agenda for consideration," he explained.
Sen. Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter said Sunday that while President Bush's terrorist surveillance program is a "flat out violation" of the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, it may be entirely legal because of powers granted the president by the Constitution.
"There is an involved question here . . . as to whether the president's powers under Article 2, his inherent powers, supersede a statute." Specter told NBC's "Meet the Press."
The Pennsylvania Republican said that if the FISA statute "is inconsistent with the Constitution, the Constitution governs and the constitutional powers predominate."
Specter, whose committee is set to commence hearings Monday into the surveillance program, said that when the FISA law was signed by President Carter, he voluntarily surrendered his power to conduct independent domestic surveillance without a warrant.
"But that’s not the end of the discussion," the top Republican cautioned, promising that his hearings would explore the issue of presidential prerogatives and the FISA Act's constitutionality - or lack thereof.
Specter said he may call Carter as a witness to explain his thinking on the FISA law.
"I’ve been discussing that, and it’s on the agenda for consideration," he explained.
Sunday, February 5, 2006
Muslim Cartoon Protests 'A Disgrace'
Fox News Channel "Special Report" anchorman Brit Hume said Sunday that violent demonstrations by radical Muslims protesting five-month-old cartoons depicting the Islamic prophet Mohammed betray a "howling double standard."
Hume noted that there has also been no outrage on the Arab street over "the kinds of slurs against Christians and against the Jewish faith that are regularly spread abroad in the Arab world by the mass media and by many of these imams themselves."
Prior to Hume's comments, "Fox News Sunday" aired a shot of the cartoon deemed most offensive by the protesters - a drawing of Mohammed wearing a turban shaped like a bomb.
"This is really a disgrace," Hume told the panel on "Fox News Sunday." "And it is a disgrace because of the obvious, howling double standard involved here."
"What is striking about this is what offends these Muslims who are protesting and these imams," Hume complained. "Does the slaughter of innocent people in many parts of the world in the name of Allah offend them? Is that a sacrilege worthy of protest?
"No, not in the least," he said.
CNN, on the other hand, has only broadcast images of the cartoons with Mohammed's face digitally distorted beyond recognition.
Fox News Channel "Special Report" anchorman Brit Hume said Sunday that violent demonstrations by radical Muslims protesting five-month-old cartoons depicting the Islamic prophet Mohammed betray a "howling double standard."
Hume noted that there has also been no outrage on the Arab street over "the kinds of slurs against Christians and against the Jewish faith that are regularly spread abroad in the Arab world by the mass media and by many of these imams themselves."
Prior to Hume's comments, "Fox News Sunday" aired a shot of the cartoon deemed most offensive by the protesters - a drawing of Mohammed wearing a turban shaped like a bomb.
"This is really a disgrace," Hume told the panel on "Fox News Sunday." "And it is a disgrace because of the obvious, howling double standard involved here."
"What is striking about this is what offends these Muslims who are protesting and these imams," Hume complained. "Does the slaughter of innocent people in many parts of the world in the name of Allah offend them? Is that a sacrilege worthy of protest?
"No, not in the least," he said.
CNN, on the other hand, has only broadcast images of the cartoons with Mohammed's face digitally distorted beyond recognition.
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Arab Cartoons Trash 9/11, Holocaust
Muslims all over the world are outraged over a series of cartoons that have appeared in European newspapers in recent months that feature the prophet Mohammed in ways that suggest he condones terrorism.
Al Jazeera reports, for instance:
"Up to 300 Indonesian Muslims went on a rampage in the lobby of a building housing the Danish embassy in Jakarta on Friday. Shouting 'Allahu Akbar' [God is Greatest], they smashed lamps with bamboo sticks, threw chairs, lobbed rotten eggs and tomatoes and tore up a Danish flag."
These same outraged folks, however, have yet to express a peep of protest over cartoons that routinely appear in the Arab press, which poke fun at the 9/11 attacks and the Holocaust.
Mideast media watchdog Tom Gross has collected on his Web site a few of the cartoons that keep some of these sensitive souls in stitches.
For Tom Gross's Web site and cartoons (Click Here)
One knee-slapper that ran Qatar's Al-Watan newspaper nine months after the 9/11 attacks shows former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon watching as an Israeli plane crashes into the World Trade Center. The Arabic words alongside the Twin Towers are "The Peace."
Then there's the cartoon that appeared in the Jordanian newspaper Ad-Dustur in October 2003, which depicted the railroad tracks to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The punchline? Israeli flags have replaced the swastikas flying above the death camp - with a caption that reads: "Gaza Strip or the Israeli Annihilation Camp.”
And for those who can't appreciate the humor in that tableau, there's always the cartoon that ran in Saudi Arabia's Arab News in April 2002, which shows Prime Minister Sharon wielding a swastika-shaped axe to chop up Palestinian children.
As Mr. Gross notes: Most print media in the Arab world are under the full or partial control of the ruling regimes.
Muslims all over the world are outraged over a series of cartoons that have appeared in European newspapers in recent months that feature the prophet Mohammed in ways that suggest he condones terrorism.
Al Jazeera reports, for instance:
"Up to 300 Indonesian Muslims went on a rampage in the lobby of a building housing the Danish embassy in Jakarta on Friday. Shouting 'Allahu Akbar' [God is Greatest], they smashed lamps with bamboo sticks, threw chairs, lobbed rotten eggs and tomatoes and tore up a Danish flag."
These same outraged folks, however, have yet to express a peep of protest over cartoons that routinely appear in the Arab press, which poke fun at the 9/11 attacks and the Holocaust.
Mideast media watchdog Tom Gross has collected on his Web site a few of the cartoons that keep some of these sensitive souls in stitches.
For Tom Gross's Web site and cartoons (Click Here)
One knee-slapper that ran Qatar's Al-Watan newspaper nine months after the 9/11 attacks shows former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon watching as an Israeli plane crashes into the World Trade Center. The Arabic words alongside the Twin Towers are "The Peace."
Then there's the cartoon that appeared in the Jordanian newspaper Ad-Dustur in October 2003, which depicted the railroad tracks to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The punchline? Israeli flags have replaced the swastikas flying above the death camp - with a caption that reads: "Gaza Strip or the Israeli Annihilation Camp.”
And for those who can't appreciate the humor in that tableau, there's always the cartoon that ran in Saudi Arabia's Arab News in April 2002, which shows Prime Minister Sharon wielding a swastika-shaped axe to chop up Palestinian children.
As Mr. Gross notes: Most print media in the Arab world are under the full or partial control of the ruling regimes.
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
For those of you watching at home I will make this short. I know the Super Bowl pre-game show is about to begin.
Are you all excited about the super bowl this weekend? Aretha Franklin will be singing the national anthem. Lets just hope there is no wardrobe malfunction there. Somebody could get killed.
Have you seen the entertainment lineup for Super Bowl XL? It’s Aretha Franklin, Aaron Neville, Stevie Wonder, and the Rolling Stones. Super Bowl? Sounds more like the Senior Bowl doesn’t it?
You can tell it’s Super Bowl weekend. Illegal immigrants are sneaking into the country carrying chips and dip.
This is the biggest week of the year for sports betting. You can bet on anything - the final score, who will score first, who gets the most first downs, who will get the most sacks - and this is just at Pete Rose’s house.
The president said we must continue to find new sources of oil. The only place he doesn’t want any drilling — Brokeback Mountain.
George Bush says that Bill Clinton has become so close to his dad that Clinton has become like a member of the family. Which is pretty amazing because even Hillary doesn’t consider Bill a member of the family.
It was on this day in 1690 that the first paper money in America was issued. Which, of course, lead to the creation of the Republican Party.
It was also on this day in 1913 that congress was granted the right to levy taxes on income. Which, of course, lead to the creation of the Democratic Party.
Leno
For those of you watching at home I will make this short. I know the Super Bowl pre-game show is about to begin.
Are you all excited about the super bowl this weekend? Aretha Franklin will be singing the national anthem. Lets just hope there is no wardrobe malfunction there. Somebody could get killed.
Have you seen the entertainment lineup for Super Bowl XL? It’s Aretha Franklin, Aaron Neville, Stevie Wonder, and the Rolling Stones. Super Bowl? Sounds more like the Senior Bowl doesn’t it?
You can tell it’s Super Bowl weekend. Illegal immigrants are sneaking into the country carrying chips and dip.
This is the biggest week of the year for sports betting. You can bet on anything - the final score, who will score first, who gets the most first downs, who will get the most sacks - and this is just at Pete Rose’s house.
The president said we must continue to find new sources of oil. The only place he doesn’t want any drilling — Brokeback Mountain.
George Bush says that Bill Clinton has become so close to his dad that Clinton has become like a member of the family. Which is pretty amazing because even Hillary doesn’t consider Bill a member of the family.
It was on this day in 1690 that the first paper money in America was issued. Which, of course, lead to the creation of the Republican Party.
It was also on this day in 1913 that congress was granted the right to levy taxes on income. Which, of course, lead to the creation of the Democratic Party.
Friday, February 3, 2006
CIA's Goss: Times Leak Damage 'Severe'
Testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Goss blasted the Times leakers, saying, "The damage has been very severe to our capabilities to carry out our mission.
"I use the words `very severe' intentionally," the CIA chief told the panel. "And I think the evidence will show that," he said.
The December 16 New York Times story that outed President Bush's National Security Agency terrorist surveillance program caused "severe damage" to U.S. counterterrorism efforts, CIA chief Porter Goss said yesterday.
Goss cited a "disruption to our plans, things that we have under way." He also complained that CIA sources and "assets" had been rendered "no longer viable or usable, or less effective by a large degree."
The nation's top spy called for a grand jury investigation into the Times leak to determine who it was who had sabotaged U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
Director of national intelligence and former NSA chief, Gen. Michael Hayden, echoed Goss, saying that those who argue the surveillance program wasn't critical are flat out wrong.
"I can tell you, in a broad sense, that is certainly not true," he told the Committee.
Last month, Hayden said that had President Bush's terrorist surveillance program been in place before the 9/11 attacks, there's a good chance they would have been foiled.
In December, the Justice Department launched a criminal investigation into the Times leak.
Testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Goss blasted the Times leakers, saying, "The damage has been very severe to our capabilities to carry out our mission.
"I use the words `very severe' intentionally," the CIA chief told the panel. "And I think the evidence will show that," he said.
The December 16 New York Times story that outed President Bush's National Security Agency terrorist surveillance program caused "severe damage" to U.S. counterterrorism efforts, CIA chief Porter Goss said yesterday.
Goss cited a "disruption to our plans, things that we have under way." He also complained that CIA sources and "assets" had been rendered "no longer viable or usable, or less effective by a large degree."
The nation's top spy called for a grand jury investigation into the Times leak to determine who it was who had sabotaged U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
Director of national intelligence and former NSA chief, Gen. Michael Hayden, echoed Goss, saying that those who argue the surveillance program wasn't critical are flat out wrong.
"I can tell you, in a broad sense, that is certainly not true," he told the Committee.
Last month, Hayden said that had President Bush's terrorist surveillance program been in place before the 9/11 attacks, there's a good chance they would have been foiled.
In December, the Justice Department launched a criminal investigation into the Times leak.
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
In Washington President Bush came out of the white house and saw his shadow… Cindy Sheehan
President Bush also said that the American people are addicted to oil. To which Vice President Dick Cheney said, "Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
Do you believe we are addicted to oil? So basically when we invaded Iraq, we didn’t really mean anything, it was just the oil talking. We were under the influence of oil at the time.
We just need a 12 step program and we could get out of Iraq.
Hillary Clinton said this week that she doesn't agree with either the people who say we should be in Iraq or her friends who say we should be out. Thanks for clearing that up. Think she’s running for president? Even John Kerry said, "Pick a position!"
Bush spoke about his guest worker program again or as we call it Wal-Mart.
Saddam Hussein boycotted his trial in Bagdad this week. He just refused to come to the courthouse. So what, just so long as he shows up for the execution. That’s all I care about.
Are you all ready for the Super Bowl? I got one of those new big-screen video iPods to watch it on. It’s two and a half inches wide.
Burger King announced plans to sell shares to the public for the first time in their 52 year history. Soon you’ll be able to watch your portfolio expand right along with your ass.
In this week in 1933, Adolph Hitler was named Chancellor of Germany. Thus creating the History Channel.
According to "Daily Variety”, the latest trend now in Hollywood is gay themed movies. In fact, there is one in production now called "Dude, Where’s My Dude?”
Leno
In Washington President Bush came out of the white house and saw his shadow… Cindy Sheehan
President Bush also said that the American people are addicted to oil. To which Vice President Dick Cheney said, "Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
Do you believe we are addicted to oil? So basically when we invaded Iraq, we didn’t really mean anything, it was just the oil talking. We were under the influence of oil at the time.
We just need a 12 step program and we could get out of Iraq.
Hillary Clinton said this week that she doesn't agree with either the people who say we should be in Iraq or her friends who say we should be out. Thanks for clearing that up. Think she’s running for president? Even John Kerry said, "Pick a position!"
Bush spoke about his guest worker program again or as we call it Wal-Mart.
Saddam Hussein boycotted his trial in Bagdad this week. He just refused to come to the courthouse. So what, just so long as he shows up for the execution. That’s all I care about.
Are you all ready for the Super Bowl? I got one of those new big-screen video iPods to watch it on. It’s two and a half inches wide.
Burger King announced plans to sell shares to the public for the first time in their 52 year history. Soon you’ll be able to watch your portfolio expand right along with your ass.
In this week in 1933, Adolph Hitler was named Chancellor of Germany. Thus creating the History Channel.
According to "Daily Variety”, the latest trend now in Hollywood is gay themed movies. In fact, there is one in production now called "Dude, Where’s My Dude?”
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Bill Clinton Praised by Iran, Arabs
NewsMax - Ex-president Bill Clinton is winning high praise throughout the Arab world for his recent comments condemning anti-Muslim bias and urging dialogue with Hamas - with even Iranian newspapers touting his go-slow approach to that country's nuclear threat.
Citing Clinton's comments as a constructive alternative to President Bush's dire warnings, the state-run Iran News agency reported Thursday:
"Former U.S. President Bill Clinton recently opined that America had done injustice to the Iranian people by overthrowing the democratically elected government of nationalist prime minister Dr. Mohammad Mossadeq through a CIA-orchestrated coup in 1954. Furthermore, Clinton urged the U.S. government to engage Iran and added that the only way to resolve the nuclear dispute is through negotiations."
In the last few weeks, the ex-president has gone out of his way to try to downplay comments from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that Israel should be "wiped off the map."
Speaking in Jerusalem in November, Clinton acknowledged that the remark was "outrageous," but he cautioned that the Iranian leader was "not elected because of his hatred for Israel or the West."
"He was elected because of the economic distress of ordinary Iranians, and which he promised to relieve by giving them financial assistance," the ex-president insisted, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Clinton warned Israel not to act unilaterally when reacting to terrorist threats, saying that "true peace and security can only come through principled compromise."
The former president's remarks on Monday at an economic conference in Doha, Qatar are also winning high praise.
Clinton took pains to condemn a series of cartoons appearing in European newspapers that parodied the Islamic prophet Mohammed, calling them "appalling."
"So now what are we going to do? ... Replace the anti-Semitic prejudice with anti-Islamic prejudice?" he told the conference.
On Thursday, Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak warned that the cartoons could provoke terrorist attacks against the West, but according to the Bahrain News Agency, Mubarak "expressed appreciation of the declarations made by former U.S. President, Bill Clinton."
Clinton's recent performance has prompted glowing press in news outlets not known for their friendly posture towards America.
Yesterday, for instance, Qatar's leading English daily newspaper, The Peninsula, devoted an entire story to an interview with a female Egyptian lawyer who had become a virtual Clinton groupie.
"I am in Doha for the first time and it is here that I met Clinton," Dr. Nariman Abdel Kader told the paper. "A photographer was taking pictures of Clinton and I was standing nearby. The president saw me and asked me to come closer and pose along [with him]. I was so excited. I told him I was a lawyer too, and he laughed and shook hands me."
"I have photographs taken with Kofi Annan and the president of Portugal but have never been as excited as I am now after having met Clinton," she gushed, before adding, "We like him. All Arabs like him. But I hate George Bush and all Arabs hate him."
NewsMax - Ex-president Bill Clinton is winning high praise throughout the Arab world for his recent comments condemning anti-Muslim bias and urging dialogue with Hamas - with even Iranian newspapers touting his go-slow approach to that country's nuclear threat.
Citing Clinton's comments as a constructive alternative to President Bush's dire warnings, the state-run Iran News agency reported Thursday:
"Former U.S. President Bill Clinton recently opined that America had done injustice to the Iranian people by overthrowing the democratically elected government of nationalist prime minister Dr. Mohammad Mossadeq through a CIA-orchestrated coup in 1954. Furthermore, Clinton urged the U.S. government to engage Iran and added that the only way to resolve the nuclear dispute is through negotiations."
In the last few weeks, the ex-president has gone out of his way to try to downplay comments from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that Israel should be "wiped off the map."
Speaking in Jerusalem in November, Clinton acknowledged that the remark was "outrageous," but he cautioned that the Iranian leader was "not elected because of his hatred for Israel or the West."
"He was elected because of the economic distress of ordinary Iranians, and which he promised to relieve by giving them financial assistance," the ex-president insisted, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Clinton warned Israel not to act unilaterally when reacting to terrorist threats, saying that "true peace and security can only come through principled compromise."
The former president's remarks on Monday at an economic conference in Doha, Qatar are also winning high praise.
Clinton took pains to condemn a series of cartoons appearing in European newspapers that parodied the Islamic prophet Mohammed, calling them "appalling."
"So now what are we going to do? ... Replace the anti-Semitic prejudice with anti-Islamic prejudice?" he told the conference.
On Thursday, Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak warned that the cartoons could provoke terrorist attacks against the West, but according to the Bahrain News Agency, Mubarak "expressed appreciation of the declarations made by former U.S. President, Bill Clinton."
Clinton's recent performance has prompted glowing press in news outlets not known for their friendly posture towards America.
Yesterday, for instance, Qatar's leading English daily newspaper, The Peninsula, devoted an entire story to an interview with a female Egyptian lawyer who had become a virtual Clinton groupie.
"I am in Doha for the first time and it is here that I met Clinton," Dr. Nariman Abdel Kader told the paper. "A photographer was taking pictures of Clinton and I was standing nearby. The president saw me and asked me to come closer and pose along [with him]. I was so excited. I told him I was a lawyer too, and he laughed and shook hands me."
"I have photographs taken with Kofi Annan and the president of Portugal but have never been as excited as I am now after having met Clinton," she gushed, before adding, "We like him. All Arabs like him. But I hate George Bush and all Arabs hate him."
Late Nite Jokes
Leno
Let me sum up the State of the Union for you — we’re in good shape, not as good as Exxon. But still pretty good.
Exxon-Mobil reported record earnings of $36 billion. Here’s the amazing part. They still can’t afford to pay somebody to clean the restrooms!
(Talking about State of the Union address) And could Hillary have looked more bored or what? Did you see her? She looked like she was listening to another Clinton alibi.
New Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was confirmed by the senate and sworn in yesterday. He replaces Sandra Day O’Connor who is leaving the court to be a regular on "Dancing with the Stars”.
The first confirmed case of bird flu has just been discovered in Iraq. This is just the kind of thing that can destroy their tourism industry.
"Walk The Line” was passed over for best picture nomination. Which makes ‘Brokeback Mountain” the clear favorite. See gay is in this year. If Johnny Cash had fallen for Jimmy Carter instead of June Carter…they would have had a lockout.
John Wayne spent his last years hoping the western would become popular again. It’s too bad he didn’t live to see this.
Letterman
Tomorrow is Groundhog Day. That might not mean much to you but to President Bush it means a month off at the ranch.
Groundhog Day is a little different in New York City. Last year he climbed out of the hole and witnessed a homicide.
The State of the Union address was stopped 72 times last night for applause and another 30 for subpoenas.
There was one awkward moment when the president’s speech was interrupted by an standing ovation from crooked lobbyists.
Letterman's Top Ten
Top Ten Things I Have Learned In The Last 24 Years
1. CBS will tolerate a bad talk show longer than NBC.
2. Martha taught me there's no sex better than "I'm outta the joint" sex.
3. Rehearsal is for sissies.
4. Number 4 in the Top Ten is never funny.
5. The only thing funnier than a horny president is an idiot president.
6. We can't afford free iPods.
7. Treat the audience to free iPods.
8. Before makeup, Regis looks like an Arizona drifter.
9. An exotic animal taking a leak on your desk equals comedy gold.
10.If you want a month off, try quintuple bypass surgery.
Leno
Let me sum up the State of the Union for you — we’re in good shape, not as good as Exxon. But still pretty good.
Exxon-Mobil reported record earnings of $36 billion. Here’s the amazing part. They still can’t afford to pay somebody to clean the restrooms!
(Talking about State of the Union address) And could Hillary have looked more bored or what? Did you see her? She looked like she was listening to another Clinton alibi.
New Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was confirmed by the senate and sworn in yesterday. He replaces Sandra Day O’Connor who is leaving the court to be a regular on "Dancing with the Stars”.
The first confirmed case of bird flu has just been discovered in Iraq. This is just the kind of thing that can destroy their tourism industry.
"Walk The Line” was passed over for best picture nomination. Which makes ‘Brokeback Mountain” the clear favorite. See gay is in this year. If Johnny Cash had fallen for Jimmy Carter instead of June Carter…they would have had a lockout.
John Wayne spent his last years hoping the western would become popular again. It’s too bad he didn’t live to see this.
Letterman
Tomorrow is Groundhog Day. That might not mean much to you but to President Bush it means a month off at the ranch.
Groundhog Day is a little different in New York City. Last year he climbed out of the hole and witnessed a homicide.
The State of the Union address was stopped 72 times last night for applause and another 30 for subpoenas.
There was one awkward moment when the president’s speech was interrupted by an standing ovation from crooked lobbyists.
Letterman's Top Ten
Top Ten Things I Have Learned In The Last 24 Years
1. CBS will tolerate a bad talk show longer than NBC.
2. Martha taught me there's no sex better than "I'm outta the joint" sex.
3. Rehearsal is for sissies.
4. Number 4 in the Top Ten is never funny.
5. The only thing funnier than a horny president is an idiot president.
6. We can't afford free iPods.
7. Treat the audience to free iPods.
8. Before makeup, Regis looks like an Arizona drifter.
9. An exotic animal taking a leak on your desk equals comedy gold.
10.If you want a month off, try quintuple bypass surgery.
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
Cindy Sheehan Arrested at Capitol for PR Stunt
"Peace Mom" Cindy Sheehan's was arrested at Tuesday night's State of the Union address after she refused to yield to warnings from Capitol Hill police to cover up an anti-war T-shirt she was wearing underneath her coat.
Capitol Police Sgt. Kimberly Schneider told the Associated Press that Sheehan kept the anti-war slogan covered until she took her seat. When they noticed her politically charged attire, police warned Sheehan that such displays were not allowed.
The celebrated anti-war protester ignored the warnings, police said.
Police handcuffed Sheehan and escorted her from the gallery about 15 minutes before the president arrived.
The Bush-bashing Gold Star mom was taken in handcuffs to police headquarters a few blocks away. Her case was processed as President Bush was addressing the nation.
She was then released on her own recognizance, Schneider told the AP.
Sheehan had received a House gallery pass to attend the speech as a guest of San Francisco Democrat Lynn Woolsey, whose spokesman told reporters that protesting Peace Mom had promised to remain respectful and not cause any disruptions while the president spoke.
"Peace Mom" Cindy Sheehan's was arrested at Tuesday night's State of the Union address after she refused to yield to warnings from Capitol Hill police to cover up an anti-war T-shirt she was wearing underneath her coat.
Capitol Police Sgt. Kimberly Schneider told the Associated Press that Sheehan kept the anti-war slogan covered until she took her seat. When they noticed her politically charged attire, police warned Sheehan that such displays were not allowed.
The celebrated anti-war protester ignored the warnings, police said.
Police handcuffed Sheehan and escorted her from the gallery about 15 minutes before the president arrived.
The Bush-bashing Gold Star mom was taken in handcuffs to police headquarters a few blocks away. Her case was processed as President Bush was addressing the nation.
She was then released on her own recognizance, Schneider told the AP.
Sheehan had received a House gallery pass to attend the speech as a guest of San Francisco Democrat Lynn Woolsey, whose spokesman told reporters that protesting Peace Mom had promised to remain respectful and not cause any disruptions while the president spoke.
