Free Markets! Stop It!

STOP IT! Stop talking about free markets! They are not free. The involvement of the government in the functions of the markets preclude them from ever being know as free.

Free trade is there--meaning that there is trade among countries without tariffs and such--but nothing about them are near free markets. Just look to the government bail out of financial institutions within the subprime debacle. The government is protecting the business of mortgages, not the people that got hood winked by the practices of the shady organizations and practices.

The American people are just there to prop up business, seldom is anything done to protect them from the vultures in the business world.

The Political Hawks Speak

With the death of Bhutto, the Hawks have come out of the woodwork. Most top tier candidates have used the assassination as a platform to spotlight their foreign policy stands. Everybody has an opinion, they are like a/holes.....

Clinton jumped on this with both feet, she knew Bhutto and her kids.....that is not just a policy thing but a warm fuzzy moment. Clinton will fall in line with the stand of the admin.....

And then there is Rudy---as Biden had observed earlier, everything Rudy says has a noun, a verb and 9/11--the assassination was no different. He will rise in the polls now, because he used his only strength and he has returned to the headlines....you may thank the media for that.

All the candidates, top tier ones, are hawks, regardless of their words they are business as usual when it comes to the world.

Benazir Bhutto and the Politics of Chaos - The Lede - Breaking News - New York Times Blog

Benazir Bhutto and the Politics of Chaos - The Lede - Breaking News - New York Times Blog



Yes, she is dead and yes, she will be martyred, and yes it was a tragedy, but.........there is always, "the rest of the story".

Two Parties----How Absolutely Boring

First of all, the concept of a two party system breeds mediocrity. It helps keep the old saying, "business as usual" political plan in business. There is NO real political progress. When was there any substantial progress in the political arena?

Since the Reagan days, that all conservs want so desperately want to resurrect, the media has been one of the main marketing agents of the 2 party system. They alone choose the candidates for the people. They push the candidates that will be the best for their interests, not what is best for the country. OK, some are "conserv" or "liberal" which is just crap! take a long look at the candidates they push--none are truly different from the other--all are spokesman for the status quo.

True candidates of change, either right or left, are not given adequate air time. They spend time trying to discredit these candidates by asking stupid, moronic question like "do you believe in UFOS?" Questions like that help make a person a "fringe" candidate.

It is sad that the American voter allows this type of manipulation to continue.......I guess the lack of education in the No Child Left Behind program is doing its job well.

It Is Nit Picking Time

Okay, the last couple of weeks before the Iowa Caucus and what is the media reporting?

1--Romney's "saw" comment
2--Obama's grandparent was a Muslim
3--Edward's house size
4--Clinton's...whatever
5--Kucinich's wife and height

My point is--should not the focus of any reporting to be to educate the caucus goers on the issues of these candidates? Maybe it is just me, but the media is doing all they can to keep the voters confused and ignorant of the real issues.

Am I the only person that is sick of the media and its lack of accurate reporting? Does anyone but me really care? Please stop it! Give the voter the information they need to make an accurate choice in the process. Only mindless morons are interested in the size of a house, or haircut, or whatever. Just f*cking stop it!

What Have They Done For You?

Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer—except, of course, for the pigs and the dogs.
—George Orwell, Animal Farm

The beginning of political wisdom is the realization that despite everything you’ve always been taught, the government is not really on your side; indeed, it is out to get you.

Sometimes government functionaries and their private-sector supporters want simply to bully you, to dictate what you must do and what you must not do, regardless of whether anybody benefits from your compliance with these senseless, malicious directives. The drug laws are the best current example, among many others, of the government as bully. Our rulers presently enforce a host of laws that combine the worst aspects of puritanical priggishness and the invasive, pseudo-scientific, therapeutic state. They tolerate our pursuit of happiness only so long as we pursue it exclusively in officially approved ways: gin, yes; weed, no.

Notwithstanding the great delight that our rulers take in tormenting us with their absurdly inconsistent nanny-state commands, they generally have bigger fish to fry. Above all, the government and its special-interest backers want to take our money. If these people ran a store, they might aptly call it Robberies R Us. Their credo is simple and brazen: “you have money, and we want it.”

Unlike the sincere street criminal, however, the robber in official guise rarely puts his proposition to you in the blunt form of “your money or your life,” however much he intends to relate to you on precisely such terms. (If you doubt my characterization of these intentions, test what happens if you steadfastly resist at every step as the brigands escalate their threats: first ordering you to pay, then billing you for unpaid balances plus penalties and interest, sending you a summons, and ultimately beating you into submission or killing you for resisting arrest. Your sustained, open resistance always ends in the state’s use of violence against you, in either your forcible imprisonment or your removal from the land of the living, after which your memory will be defamed by your designation as a criminal—governments never settle for mere brutality, but always supplement it with unabashed presumptuousness.)

When I say “rarely,” I do not mean that the authorities never carry out their plunder blatantly. Throughout the land, for example, criminal courts, acting as de facto muggers, strip people of great sums of money in the aggregate by fining them for conduct that ought never to have been criminalized in the first place—drug-law violations, prostitution, gambling, antitrust-law violations, traffic infractions, reporting violations, doing business without a license, and innumerable other victimless “crimes.” The predatory judges and their police henchmen care no more about justice than I care to live on a diet of pig pancreas and boiled dandelions. They are simply taking people’s money because it’s there to be taken with minimal effort. In this manifestation, government amounts to a gigantic speed trap.

The more common way for government officials to rob you, however, involves their seizure of so-called taxes, which take countless forms, all of which are purported to be collected in order to finance—mirabile dictu—benefits for you. Such a deal! You’d have to be a real ingrate to complain about the government’s snatching your money for the express purpose of making your world a better place.

Sometimes the “political exchange” into which you are hauled kicking and screaming rests on such a ludicrous foundation, however, that honesty compels us to classify it, too, as a mugging. I have in mind such compassionately conservative policies as stripping taxpayers of hundreds of billions of dollars and handing the money over, for the most part, to rich people engaged in large-scale agribusiness and, sometimes, to landowners who don’t even bother to represent themselves as farmers. The apologies that the agribusiness whores in Congress make for this daylight robbery are so patently stupid and immoral that the whole shameless affair resembles nothing so much as the schoolyard bully’s grabbing the little kids’ lunch money and then taunting them aggressively, “If you don’t like it, why don’t you do something about it?” Every five years, when the farm-subsidy law expires and a new one is enacted, a few members of Congress pose as reformers of this piracy, but truly serious reforms never occur, and even the minor ones that come along from time to time prove unavailing, as the farm-booty interests invariably suck up “emergency relief” payments from the public treasury later on to make up for any shortfalls from the main subsidy programs.

Government sneak thieves, in contrast, fear that they may occupy more vulnerable positions than the agribusiness gang and similarly impudent special-interest groups cum legislators, so they dare not taunt the little kids so flagrantly. Instead, they specialize in legislative riders, budgetary add-ons and earmarks, logrolling, omnibus “Christmas tree” bills, and other gimmicks designed to conceal the size, the beneficiaries, and sometimes even the existence of their theft. At the end of the day, the taxpayers find there’s nothing left in the till, but they have little or no idea where all of their money went. Finding out by reading an appropriations act is next to impossible, inasmuch as these statutes are almost incomprehensible to everyone but the legislative insiders and their staff members who devise them and write them down in a combination of Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit.

For example, for many years, a single congressman from northeastern Pennsylvania—first Dan Flood and then Joe McDade—substantially enriched the anthracite coal interests of that region by inserting a brief, one-paragraph limitation rider in the annual appropriations act for the Department of Defense. The upshot of this obscure provision was that Pennsylvania anthracite was transported to Germany to provide heating fuel for U.S. military bases that could have been heated more cheaply by using local resources. This coals-to-Newcastle shenanigan was a classic sneak-thief gambit, a thing of legislative beauty, but every year’s budget contains thousands of schemes that operate with similar effect, if not in an equally audacious manner.

Unlike the government sneak thieves, the government con men openly advertise—indeed, expect to receive great credit for—certain uses of the taxpayers’ money that are represented as bringing great benefits to the general public or a substantial segment of it. Surely the best example of the con man’s art is so-called national defense, a bottomless pit into which the government now dumps, in various forms (many of them not officially classified as “defense”), approximately a trillion dollars of the taxpayers’ money each year. The government stoutly maintains, of course, that all ordinary Americans are constantly in grave danger of attack by foreigners—nowadays, by Islamic terrorists, in particular—and that these voracious wolves can be kept from the door only by the maintenance and active deployment of large armed forces equipped with ultra-sophisticated (and correspondingly expensive) equipment and stationed at bases in more than a hundred countries and on ships at sea around the globe.

Without dismissing the alleged dangers entirely, a sensible person quickly appreciates that the threat is slight—just do the math, using reasonable probability coefficients—whereas the cost of (purportedly) dealing with it is colossal. In short, as General Smedley Butler informed us more than seventy years ago, the modern military establishment, along with most of its blessed wars, is for the most part nothing but a racket. Worse, because of the way it engages and co-opts powerful elements of the private sector, it gives rise to a costly and dangerous form of military-economic fascism. Lately, the classic military-industrial-congressional complex has been supplemented by an even more menacing (to our liberties) security-industrial-congressional complex, whose aim is to enrich its participants by equipping the government for more effectively spying on us and invading our privacy in ways great and small.

Worst of all, despite everything that is claimed for the military’s protective powers, its operation and deployment overseas leave us ordinary Americans facing greater, not lesser, risk than we would otherwise face, because of the many enemies it cultivates who would have left us alone, if the U.S. military had only left them alone. (Yes, Virginia, they are over here because we’re over there.) The president routinely declares that the hugely increased expenditures and overseas deployments for military purposes since 2001 have reduced the threat of terrorism, but, in fact, terrorist incidents and deaths have increased, not decreased. Although privileged elements of the political class gain from militarism and neo-imperialist wars, the rest of us invariably lose economic well-being, real security, and all too often life itself. In 2004, people who said that security against terrorism was their top concern voted disproportionately, by an almost 7-to-1 margin, for George W. Bush. They had been conned.

Although the mugger, the sneak thief, and the con man are not the only types of government operatives, they make up a large proportion of the leading figures in government today. The lower ranks, especially in the various police agencies, have a disproportionate share of the bullies. No attempt to understand government can succeed without a clear understanding of these ideal types and each one’s characteristic modus operandi. With this understanding firmly in mind, you will remain permanently immune to the infectious swindle, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” The truth, of course, is the exact opposite: I say again, the government—this vile assemblage of bullies, muggers, sneak thieves, and con men—is not really on your side; indeed, it is out to get you.

An article written by Robert Higgs of the Independent Institute.

When Is A Lie Not A Lie?

That is an easy question to answer--in politics! Why? recently Rudy has been taken credit for the drop in crime in NYC, but the truth is that crime, according to FBI stats was already declining before Rudy took office. It was credited to former city admin and federal programs as the reason that it declined, not something MR. Wonderful did, with the exception of taking credit for the decline.

A lie is a lie--call it political spin, call it an embellishment, call it a fib, call it a horny horse--a lie is a lie.

It is time for the American people to realize that ALL lies are not acceptable--even in a campaign. Time for the media to stop the assistance of the spreading of lies, like manure on a lawn. But the political process is very similar to the media--crap in, crap out!

More Rats Leave The Ship

It was reported the other day that neocon pricks, Perle and Wolfowitz, that they were against the invasion and occupation of Iraq. More cowards speak. More neocons throwing Bush under the bus. That old saying about rats leaving a sinking ship seems to be holding true, huh?

Pretty soon with all these defections, it will be a solely Bush decision; no one else was for it.

Damn! you gotta love all these political cowards.

Let Kucinich Speak!

Since Mitt got 20+ minutes to explain religion to people, I think all candidates should have equal time. Let Kucinich explain height voting or veganism. The media needs to be fair and balanced, something they say they do, but in reality are nothing but bullshit spreaders.

Rudy could speak on how not to treat your kids. Or Paul on the title of "Dr. No".

My point is, the media gave Mitt a free campaign ad for 20+ minutes. The rest of the field deserves the same. Stop! Calling any of the media, fair and balanced; they ARE NOT! They will push the candidates they want you to know about and will assist you in your choices.

Wake up! you are being playing, dumbass!


NOTE: Jesus is doing well in the GOP primaries of '08. Huckabee, when asked about his surge in the polls, said it was beyond human capabilities and that it was GOD who is on his side. So there you are God has chosen you might as well stay in bed.

The Romney Speech

I have heard alot of the corporate political pundits say that Mitt's speech was a huge success. Where? Did he explain why Mormonism is not a cult? NO! Did he clear up any misconceptions about his religion? NO! Then what did he accomplish with his speech?

He looked presidential, I am told by news people. I say he still looks like a game show host. I did learn that Jesus is Jesus and the bible is the Bible. So for 20+ minutes we were subjected to a tap dance....all it did was confuse and misdirect....and apparently that was somehow all ok.

Since it was a political speech and was carried live on ALL news outlets, will the others get equal time? Why was he given the time, free of charge? IMO, it was to keep the scrapping between the Repub candidates going. The people want to know what the candidates will do for America; the media wants a negative cat fight. The media is doing NOTHING to further the cause of democracy. They however are chasing ratings, not news.

More Good News From Iraq?

It seems with the lull in the violence in Baghdad, refugees from Syria, mostly are starting to return home. This is good news right? Not really! These people are returning home for various reasons like limited cash, discrimination, unemployment, harsh living conditions. It has more to do with finances then it does with the success of the "surge".

When the well off refugees, like doctors, lawyers, teachers and such start returning home from Jordan, then success can be declared by the admin. until then nothing is a success.

The surge is successful? Originally, it was put into place to help give the Iraqi govt room for reconciliation and progress. That part FAILED! Now the Us is rewriting the script to make it look like the plan was an undeniable success. STOP IT!

I is true that Baghdad is a bit quieter than before, violence is down, but that is basically because most neighborhoods have been ethically cleansed; they are now totally Sunni or Shi'a. There is the reason for the decline in violence; there is no need now.

The question now should be, with refugees returning to Baghdad, what will they find? And will it lead to more violence?

BTW, true, Baghdad is calmer than before, but wait! Northern Iraq is exploding daily--killings, bombings, and such. But it is kept fairly under raps to promote the bullshit of a successful surge.

YO! Dumbass! you are being played like a cheap flute! Wake up!

CHUQ

New National Poll

The new national poll for republicans show a surging Huckabee.

Huckabee--20%
Rudy--17%
Mitt--13%
McCain--13%

But will the trend continue? IMO, no it will not. Huckabee will begin losing luster when they enter into the larger states.

The Media Did It

I have been watching politics for many many years. I have been writing and analyzing politics for just as long. So when Bill Clinton goes on with a speech that is blaming the media for Hil's slide in the polls, it is, IMO a sign that the campaign is going down the toilet.

In the past it was a sure sign that you were losing your bid when you start blaming the media for you loss of support.

Clinton is losing support among women and blacks--so now they go on with it is the media's fault. It has nothing to do with the fact that people see her as not a good thing for the country. They possibly see her as "business as usual".

Her "inevitability" looks less and less. Obama seems to be more appealing for now and that is why the Clinton camp is pulling all strings to make him look less acceptable. We will see how this plays with the American voter.

A Wasted Vote

Have you heard this rationale? That if you vote for say the Green Party or a Libertarian that it is a wasted vote? What a crock of crap! They want you to believe this sh*t so that the one party with two branches retains control.

How can a vote for someone that you believe in be wasted? Voting for someone that you feel offers the most for the country; is NOT a wasted vote! Do not let these sanctimonious a/holes dictate to you who to vote for. If you fall for this sh*t then you are a weak kneed coward!

Let us talking about voting period. Have you heard that if you do not vote, then you are somehow unpatriotic and a fool? have you heard this crap? I say, if the candidates do not offer change from the position that we are now in, why vote for someone you do not believe in?

This is just another ploy to control the outcome of an election. It is done by both parties, none of them are exempt.

You DO what you think is best for the country and your family. Do not let the dicks dictate to you. you are in control of your vote, if you choose not to use it, then NO ONE has an opinion on your choice.

We Must Win In Iraq!

This is the call of the conservs. McCain has said that all is gpoing well and to give the troops a chance to win. IMO, "win" is a subjective term. Its definition will depend on who is talking and what constitutes "win".

I have a thought, yes it is early but it is caffeine fed. Since the "surge" is being proclaimed a success, I say declare a victory and bring the troops home. That is as easy as it gets.

This will not be done. Why? It is not about a win per se, it is more like how long we must keep the troops in place to protect US corporate interests. If YOU TRULY WANT a win, then declare it won and come home. Sorry, but it cannot get any simplier.

Health Care For The benefit Of The People

OK, Congress and the Pres are just going crazy with all the restrictions and such pertaining to health care. The anti-smoking campaign, anti-drinking, weight control just to mention a few. But who do they really benefit? The people? Yes, the point is to get Americans more health conscience. But is that the sole reason? Not really.

It is to the benefit of the Insurance companies. They keep charging premiums and the people keep paying and if these programs are successful, the companies will be paying out less. What? They will make more money than they do today? Bingo!

Basically health care is a gamble. You are betting you will get sick and they are betting you will not. But it is always in their favor. They will do NOTHING that will benefit the people.

Economy Looks Good But Slow

All the news from the markets look good. Investors are bottom feeding. Production is up. Yada, yada.

That is the story that the media pushes on the country. The truth is not so rosy. housing industry is in the toilet. Financial markets are needing a transfusion of cash to survive. Foreclosures are up 94% over last year. Rising gas prices and soaring food prices. Wages are stagnant.

Now if you are a real working stiff the economy is in a recession and has been so for at least a year, most likely longer; it will depend on who you talk with and where they live.

So take the reports on CNN or CNBC or wherever with a grain of salt. ask yourself if YOU, personbally, are better off today than last year. There will be the REAL answer to what shape the economy is in.

Creeping Socialism

As with every campaign since the 1920's, any move to extend power to the people has been labeled "creeping socialism", but what does that mean? First of all it was one of the first "fear cards", after the Russian Revolution it was used to dissuade people from considering any socially progressive programs for it would lead to the downfall of the US. Utter bullsh*t!

The term "creeping socialism" was first used by Pres. Hoover in a speech. He was referring to domestic programs like the TVA, which was taken from the private sector and controlled by the government. He stated that this removal of programs from private enterprise would lead to the socialized state.

I bring this all up because of people that compare any social program offered by dems as somehow a move toward socialism. It is all total crap! The major candidates are capitalist and will always be capitalist and they would do NOTHING to jeopardize the strangle hold of capitalism on the country. So please shut the f*ck up!

CHUQ

New Poll--Hilary Loses

The newest Zogby poll shows that Clinton loses to every Repub candidate. The media has jumped on this as gospel and their news shows center around asking question on how Clinton lost her lead.

But the media seems to overlook the fact that most other polls show her in a strong position against the Repubs. Yes, this could change, but for now it is one poll out of many. I say stop watching polls and learn about the candidates; after all they will be representing YOU.

The media has already picked the top two in each party that they want to see in the election. They do not speak for me, I have my own opinion and will vote for the person that I feel will do the most for the American people. May I suggest you do the same.

The Politics Test!

The Politics Test!

WHY?

I have said much about the major media's failure to report real issues and the fluff for E! channel. For instance:

In Malaysia 5000 protesters were marching for equal rights under the Malay government and were severely attacked by the police. But yet, CNN reported that south Calif was on fire again. Wake up! sou Calif is always on fire this time of year. And then the story was all about the travel probs faced by travelers. Who could use this? If the travelers need it, then they are stupid! They are in the middle of it. If one is at home then this info is as worthless as tits on a boar. Then they moved on to a story about the shopping being done on "Black Friday". Why? There is a ME conference in Maryland, why not report on that and the people that will attend, to include Syria. that is a story in itself, but very little is said about their involvement.

The corporate media, CNN,MSNBC, et al, are just there for ratings not information. you do not agree? Then look at the anchors, thin good looking and no opinion. These are hired for their looks, not their knowledge of the world. Thank God for news writers or these people would have very little to say.

This is the media that your government wants you to have. It best serves the corporate world than the information world. Wake up, dumbass!

You Owe China

There is a lot of crap being said about China these days. Most of it is about them refusing to allow the Navy to dock in HK, or their military build-up or their probs with the toys they make and on and on.....

Here is something to consider--China holds about $1 trillion dollars of US debt. The questions we all need to be asking is why? Why, cannot the richest country in the world not live within its means? What does that do for national security? Could they call in the debt? Will they?

These are questions that all Americans need to ask their reps in Washington. This, if it continues along these lines, will become a major prob for our children. But most Americans could care less about that. Their children are important now, but their future is none of the parents concern, is their feeling. Why cannot Americans look to the next generation? It is sad that they are so damn self-centered and shallow!

Here is another question, how can a country that owes that much money be considered a success? If it were an individual we would send them to debt counseling. Maybe that is something the next Congress should consider.

It Is Socialism?

I have heard most repub candidates call most Dem plans as a socialized plan. Just another use of the fear card. Not one of these plans are a socialized plan, with the possible except of Kucinich. The use of the word socialism is just a use of fear to dissuade the public. Actually they are trying to equate it to Stalinism, and not socialism. They are not the same thing. Health care has become popular and has become a major issue and now they, the Repubs, are trying to equate it to the policies of Stalin and the old USSR. This should work well because too many are still fearful of the word, socialism.

Pakistan And The General

I am sure that most realize the situation in Pakistan could degrade into a huge problem for the US and the world. Musharaff is a general and the president of the country; Bush does not like this, he has told the leader that he must give up being leader of the army if he is to be the president. Do a little thinking on that! (pause for thought) Okay, do not hurt yourself!

It is ridiculous for Bush to make such a statement--after all he is the president and the commander in chief of the military. Where is the difference? Just another hypocritical statement from a hypocrite.

Bhutto The Corrupt

I was listening to MSNBC's Morning Joe and heard the host ranting and raving about Benazir Bhutto. About how when she was PM her admin was corrupt and ineffectual. Well, all that is true. She and her Husband skimmed millions if not billions from the people of Pakistan. Her husband as head of the agency that oversaw foreign investments in the country, he even got 10% of thye total package. Not bad it you like that sort of thing.

Consider this--Bhutto was educated in the West, even attended school in the US. Is it possible that she acquired her need for corruption and greed from the US? After all they are the building blocks of our government.

Just a thought!

Obama For '08

There seems to be a lot of controversy over his style of campaigning, but what is he doing wrong? i have said that he needs to be more aggressive, but I have reassess my position. He seems to be saying that he is change and that aggression is just an extension of the business as usual. He could be right. The voters are looking for change and he could very well be that change they seek.

He seems to be gaining in most polls, slowly but slowly. He taunts the experience thing, by saying if you are looking for more of the same, do not vote for me. A bold statement, but it seems to be working.

No one can predict how the people of Iowa, NH and SC will vote. The media is trying to with all the stories on certain candidates, but the people may have a different thought. I will wait and see just how effective the media is and how effective Obama is. It is an interesting election.

A Political Question

Okay, Giuliani is a liberal Republican and then there is Clinton who is a conservative Democrat. Now with that said would not Rudy be more of a Democrat and Clinton more a republican? Someone please explain this sh*t to me. If you have more conservative ideas then go be a Repub and vice versa. I just cannot understand the logic here.

I am a Leftist or an ultra liberal, if you will, nothing about what I believe can be said to be conservative, then why would I want to vote for a conservative Dem? Someone please explain the logic there. My choices in the next election could be a liberal Repub or a conservative Dem. Now that is oxymorons to the enth degree. So where would an ultra-liberal put his vote? Should I settle for one or the other. If I do not agree with either side would I not be pissing my vote away and betraying my principles?

Please! Help a brother out!

CHUQ

Why Are They Pushing?

Clinton that is. Why is all media so certain that Clinton is the nominee? Why are the Repubs so sure? Polls are one thing, but the people voting is another. It seems that the media is dictating to the voter who THEY want to be the nominee. To the point that they are sealing out other candidates.

BTW, they pushing Giuliani just as hard as they are pushing Clinton. My question is, will the public be swayed? Are they as uninformed and as easy as to allow their vote to be dictated for them? The caucuses and early primaries will tell the tale.

Any bets, sports fans?

Were You Expecting A Raise?

Not at work! The US deficit has reached another all-time high. $9 trillion, I believe. That means we are looking at another ceiling raise to compensate for this spending. BTW, the ceiling has been raised 5 times with Bush at the helm. So much for Repubs being for smaller government.

He recently, Bush that is, vetoed a massive water bill because he said it was too expensive. Did I miss something? But yet, the billions upon billions thrown at Iraq and Afghanistan is money will spent? The water bill was probably full of pork in one form or another and I would agree that it that is the case then trim that sh*t and go again. You guys voted for these ass wads, are you happy now?

Yesterday, the Dow lost 360 points, ouch! They say it is because of the sub-prime debacle. Actually the sub-prime lenders are under investigation and the sell off was the hedge funds running for cover. Rats deserting a sinking ship, if you will.

NOTE: There has been a few predictions that inflation will return. First of all, let me give you a little knowledge. The two most important things to the consumer is gas and food. These go up and seldom come down, but when the government figures the inflation rate these two are not part of the equation. Why? They say those markets are too volatile to be used to get an accurate picture of the economy. Really? Those two markets tell the story, these are the things that effect the people more than anything else. But we do not use it to keep the markets stable and profitable.

Just thought you might like to know.

Peace--Out!

CHUQ

The Media Is Anti-war?

I have heard this stated on many occasions, especially by conserv pundits. But I do not see it. They report some things that could be seen as anti-war, but for the most part they do not give these stories much air time.

Why do I say that? look at the anti-war movement; recently there was a massive national protest, but it got a 30 sec spot in most of the mainstream media. Why? well most media outlets are owned by massive conglomerates. as such they will not push anything that could be contrary to the position of the company. Vietnam was a war that could be reported without interference, because at that time most of the media was news oriented, now they are part of an entertainment division. That is why Britney, Lohan, et al get so much play. The media is in it for the ratings, not the truth.

The truth is out there, but you will not find it on TV!

A Safer Iraq?

Seems that things are getting safer in Iraq and Baghdad. Yes, this is good news. For two months in a row the violence figures are down. This could be a trend, we can only hope.

There seems to be a bit of reconciliation going on. That is good! Deaths and suicide bombs are down. That is good. Troop causalities are down. That is excellent news!

For now all seems to be a bit more rosy than in the past. The only concern is that it will continue; that some monumental screw will not return the country to the chaos of the past.

Kids And Policy

The president has vetoed the SCHIP and the Congress cannot override. Congress will send another bill that the president will veto and the Congress will not override. And the cycle continues.

The Dems used a child to taunt the Repubs on the bill. Of course, they jumped all over this and condemned the dems for using a child to sell their message. But come on, asshats! That is what politicians do. The Repubs, most namely the president, uses children all the time, whether it was "no child left behind" or whatever he is trying to sell as rule.

The most famous child being used as a political statement was the 1964 Johson ad which shows a little girl pulling petals off of a daisy and then it morphs into a atomic blast. All used to say that if we elected Goldwater that would be our future.

So the Dems did nothing that the Repubs have not already done, but to fake some outrage is just ignorant. But then, ignorance sells the American people on the bullsh*t that politicians are pushing. The American voter suffers from LBS, Lazy Brain syndrome. Read a book and call me in the morning.

A Spoiled 6 Year Old

bush's boy for the AG job is running into some trouble with his confirmation. Dems are not really pleased with his answers on some things, like is waterboarding torture? looks like he may have a helluva time being confirmed.

Well, Bush has said that if he is not confirmed that there will be NO AG for the rest of his term in office. kinda sounds like the old, "it is my way or I will take my ball and go home". Pouty little sh*t ain't he? I have had enough of this arrogant little turd--IMPEACH his ass!

Are We Hated?

Oh yeah, we be hated hard.

Most Anti-American Nations

Percentage surveyed with an unfavorable view of the US

1. Turkey - 83 percent

2. Pakistan - 68

3. Morocco - 56

4. Argentina - 72

5. Jordan - 78

6. Egypt - 78

7. Malaysia - 69

8. Indonesia - 66

9. Germany - 66

10. Spain - 60

Source: June 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Project (Pewglobal.org)

Take a good look at the figures--most are Muslim countries. 

The US needs to find a new more sane foreign policy.

UFOs A Campaign Issue?

This is by far the dumbest bullsh*t I have ever heard. Kucinich said he saw a UFO and now he believes they exist. This is the dumbest thing I have ever encountered. They are trying to make sure that he stays in the lower tiers. The media is acting as the decider.

He never said he believes in UFOs only that he has seen one. This is a shame that his platform will not get any air time, but an answer to a question, which by the way, had no place in a presidential debate, will be all that is remembered by the micro cephalics that watch the news.

I wish the American voter would learn how to read and then take that ability and search for the candidate that best represents them and stop letting the media decide for them. Gramsci was right! The mass media is the new hegemony.

CHUQ

Anti-War Protests

On 27 Oct 07, a massive war protest was to take place in 11 cities across the US. The movement is trying to gain the clout it had during the Vietnam era. It has been a slow trip back to the forefront for the anti-war movement but they have been making slow but slow progress in the years past.

Here is just a sampling of how the protests went.

10,000+ march in San Francisco

5,000 in Chicago

2,000 in Seattle

1,000 in Orlando

That was just a sampling of the support the movement is getting. There were also demonstrations in Little Rock, Philly, etc. The movement is growing and is strengthen. I expect to see more and more demos called, just to keep pressure on the government.

I wish them luck and be vigilent--we can win this confrontation.

Talk Show Editorializing

I have listen to many talk show hosts and their take on the fires in Calif. Some compared to Katrina, which is bullsh*t. Others talk about the memories lost and the lives destroyed and.......you pick it they talk about it.

recently, the Lt. Gov of Calif made a anti-war comment about the fire; saying that if the troops were home there would be more resources available (a paraphrase). One morning host got indignant with the Lt Gov's comment and ranted for about 5 minutes on "how dare he make a political statement at a time like this". I will agree it was in poor taste, but why not? The Repubs are gonna get mileage out of the successes, is that not politically motivated?

All these indignant hosts want to look as if they are moderates, they are NOT! If they were conserv 5 yrs ago they are conservs now. I do not mind that these blow hards continue their crap on the air, but please do not blow smoke up my butt about how moderate and fair you are.

If it is news you want to give the people, then do so, but if you want to spout partisan bullsh*t become a politician and let someone who is truly impartial take your place.

Enough said? YEP!

Federal Aid Is On The Way

I am truly sorry for the devastation that the fires are causing in S. Calif, but I sincerely pray that with the Federal govt showing up they will give more to them than they did to the Katrina people.

As a side note, they probably will get all they need. After all it is a very affluent area, way more so that the New Orleans areas, or those on the Gulf Coast. They will get all they need, after all Orange County is a very influential area.

It will be interesting to see if insurance companies find as many reasons for not paying as they did with Katrina. Personal opinion, they will not hesitate to pay out for the damages.

Socialized Medicine

If you are silly enough to actually listen to the Repubs, then you are convinced that most of the Dems health plans are in reality socialized medicine. Am I right?

Well sports fans, you are WRONG! I would say mistaken, but that would imply that you are smart enough to see a difference and you are NOT!

ALL, democratic plans are still health care for profit, none are in reality a single pay system with the government as the holder. Socialize medicine would be where it is a right to have healthcare simply because you are a citizen. None of the Dems are calling for this. At least, none of the so-called frontrunners.

As a confirmed Leftist, I support the right part. I am not for letting a bunch of money grubbing health professionals to make more money than they make now. I say do the research and stop listening to people like Tucker, O'Reilly, Back and the rest of the "entertainers" that bleed into the media. Ask the ones in your area that are calling it socialized to explain why they say that. I would bet that you will get a confusing diatribe that will not answer your question, but you will just nod and think because they use ig words they know what they are talking about. THEY ARE LYING TO YOU!

Look beyond your next meal. Will you have the means to pay for any serious medical probs you will have in the future? Make no mistake, YOU WILL have them!

Clinton Speaks On Iran

In the last couple of days, Clinton has gone on the tube and said that nothing in the Revolutionary Guard resolution would authorize war with Iran. Well said, but I ask what was the vote for then? Why did you waste valuable time on something as trivial as this vote?

This statement is from Lieberman's website and I would say that it leaves the door wide open.

"It is vital to the national security interests of the United States that the Iranian government not be allowed to prevail in its proxy war against us in Iraq," said Lieberman. "This amendment makes it clear - both to our enemies and our friends - that the United States will not retreat in the face of Iranian terrorism."

One more question before I let this go--Have you noticed that the "war" rhetoric has moved up a notch since the passage of the resolution? Another coincidence? Please!

I think that Clinton is just trying to smooth over the fact that her vote is helping the authorization of military action against Iran. What is next? Will she say, "it I knew then what I know now"? Stop It! She is authorizing military action--plain and simple!

CHUQ

"Value" Voters

There is a meeting in Washington this weekend of the "religious" right and they will entertain the GOP candidates to see which one will get their support, if any. I listened to one of the biggies of this conference on TV saying they want to hear what all of the candidates have to say. And that they were looking for those candidates that held a Judeo-Christian belief which is the bedrock of American society.

I found amusing. Why? Look at abortion, the fetus is a major player in their platform; it is very important. But once the child is born their concern seems to be non-existent. They are against a health plan for children because it would cost money. Where is the concern? Does not the child deserve as much if not more attention than the fetus?

Move on! Liars! This group of voters is strongly behind the war, for the most part, even though it was consummated with lies. Seems to me that I recall something in the Christian belief about lies. But I guess that political lies are not covered in that commandment.

Shall we go on? How about that honor for mother and father? But yet they want to dismantle a government retirement system that benefits their parents. Where is the commandment there?

I will cease now. My point is that there stances are no more based in Christian beliefs than those of Mao. Their positions on issues are self-serving, not what is best for the people. They should have NO say in the political future of the US.

Pissed? Good! Now go away!

CHUQ

Who Ended The Cold War?

If you are a moron, you will say the Reagan did. He did not! He just happened to be the Pres when the end came around.

When the crash of the USSR came about everyone was dancing in the streets; it was the end of communism. Sorry, to inform but communism is still alive and well. But the end brought about one thing--the break up of the USSR into separate little countries. Some went with democracy, well a form of democracy but a far cry from real thing. Most of the Central Asian Republics still have an authoritarian government, they just hide it in the illusion of democracy. There are few others like Georgia that are not faring so well with democracy or even their neighbors. Silly silly people.

The Cold War was NEVER over, it just took a long overdue rest. IT has returned! Russia, without the drag of all those other little insignificant republics, is returning with a vengeance. It has started developing weapon systems again and selling arms on the world market. It has started, quietly, confronting the US on the world stage. Russia is employing all the tactics it used before in its dealing with the US and the world.

SO--merry xmas--the Cold War is heating up and the outcome will be something to behold! I find it amusing that the party that was at the helm when the USSR collapsed is the same party that is at the helm of the Russian resurgence. Two thumbs up, GOP! BTW, in Arabic countries two thumbs up means F*CK YOU! And I mean it!

CHUQ

THe US Reputation

It has been reported in today's USA Today issue that the US is losing its reputation across the world. They no longer see the US as a transparent society, they see it as not an open society, but rather becoming closed one. And most of all the economic outlook is becoming extremely poor.

I watched a few morning shows and they were reporting on this story, but most of the host did the same thing--they wrapped themselves in the flag and indignity. Such moronic stuff as, "I hope one day to wake up and the US is as free as China". A stupid comment. An arrogant comment! How dare the world not think that America is the best!, was their attitude. No one really talked about what was causing this lack of confidence in the US. WHY?

America's decline has nothing to do with a moronic president or a lame war fought on lies and deception and a Congress that cannot do anything but what the President wants. None of that could possibly be the cause of the lack of respect for the US, huh?

A typical "red-neck" way of looking at the world. The US is always right and no matter how many rights its people lose it will always be right. That is bullsh*t and they know it!

Armenian Genocide

I have blogged a bunch on this issue and now I want to ask a few questions.

Support for the genocide resolution is waning; 6 House members have fallen off the bandwagon. just a couple of days ago it looked as if it might pass the House as it did the Senate. What happened to eliminate the support?

Some say it is Turkey's pivotal role in the Middle east. And then it is their support for US forces by letting 70% of thew supplies move through Turkey. But then it is the whole terrorist thing. The PKK is a world known terrorist organization, but for some reason the US ignores that fact. It operates out of North Iraq, in the Kurdish zone. Yet they rattled sabers over the Revolutionary Guard. Special treatment for a special country?

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 — Since leaving Capitol Hill in 1999, former Representative Robert L. Livingston has been the main lobbyist for Turkey in blocking Congressional efforts to pass an Armenian genocide resolution.

After succeeding twice before — and collecting more than $12 million in fees for his firm, the Livingston Group — he is pushing once again for his client.

In recent months, Mr. Livingston, a Louisiana Republican who was once speaker-designate of the House, has consulted with Vice President Dick Cheney and with Karl Rove, when he was still the top White House political strategist. He escorted Turkish dignitaries to Capitol Hill to warn that the resolution threatened to destroy a strong Iraq war alliance.

I believe here is your answer of why the House is losing interest in the resolution. One of their own is lobbying against it. I love what lobby money can buy--VOTES!

CHUQ
17 Oct 07

Who Will Be The Unifier?

Much has been postulated about the next president, whether he/she will be a unifier or a divider. This is a good question because of the moronic partisanship here in the US and the overall acceptance of US policies in the rest of the world.

To begin with the American people are morons. They allow party bullsh*t replace commonsense. They let a hatred of another political ideology replace the desire for the betterment of the people. They let media entertainers decide their political stances and buy into the insults of people who do not agree with them politically. It is all so pathetic!

Back to the election and the next president. Which of the ones in the race for the presidency will be the uniter. I will start with the Repubs--Giuliani will be a divider both in the US and across the world. The same for Romney. Actually all but one of the Repubs will be dividers. The only one that has an outside chance of being a uniter is Paul. Personally, I think that the only stance he has that would unite the American people is the opposition to the war. His other stances are up for grabs.

Now let us move on to the Dems--Clinton is just a divider in Dems clothing. Her stances are more in line with Repubs than she wants to admit, especially on the war thing. Biden, Dodd will be no better their stances will not uniter the American people. Kucinich is a likable stand on issues, but it will not unite the country. And then there is Obama--this is possibly the only candidate on both sides of the political spectrum that could possibly be the uniter that all are looking for in this campaign season.

Why? He can be seen as the only one that does not have the political agenda the rest do. He is a calm and well read individual and will be the one who compromises and one who will think with a clear head. At least that is the way it appears. But we all know the person we vote for and the person we elect are seldom the same person.

But all this depends on whether the American people are truly searching for someone to unite the country politically. I have my doubts! I think that the political name calling and political insults is something the American people have become accustom to and will take more than an election to break the cycle of STUPIDITY!

CHUQ
16 Oct 07

The Division Of Iraq--Follow-Up

The vote for the division of Iraq is over and the US is calling for a "soft" partitioning of the country. First of all, the US is coming up with solutions for a country; that should be left to the people of said country. In this case, the Iraqis, and I have not seen anything that would lead me to believe that a division is what they actually want. Most of these solutions are for the benefit of the US not for the Iraqis. This division will make the rape of the natural resources a little more easy.

The concept of the division of Iraq seems to me be be an imperialistic move.

Even the so-called opponents on the Sunni-Shi'a conflict are not liking the idea. While the Kurds seem to think it is a good idea. The Kurds like it because it is a step closer to a free and independent Kurdistan, which has been their goal the whole time. The worst thing that could happen is a unified Iraq.

I originally had mixed emotions about the division of Iraq, but the more I research it the more I see it as a solution for the US and their problems and not something the Iraqis want or need. This could be a unifying condition that will make Iraqis work together politically and even a possible reconciliation that they have sought for some 5 years or more.

Time will tell and the US will be there.

What Is Up With Kurdistan?

Good question. They have let the PKK run operations out of the North and into Turkey, whi by the way are really pissed. At that and the most recent Congressional BS of calling the Armenian genocide a genocide. this was done without any concern of what was gonna happen, IMO.

The Turkish army is massing on the border with Northern Iraq and seem to be waiting to enter, but first they are shelling into Iraq. A typical ploy before invasion.

let us move on to the Biden bill calling for the division of Iraq into 3 states.

The "carve-up" lobby may think that it is destined to make bundles of money out of easy oil deals with the Kurdish autonomous government that is offering them terms that the central government in Baghdad could not even contemplate.

However, the "carve-up" lobby and its paymasters may burn their fingers. Any oil produced in the landlocked Kurdish autonomous region would have to be exported either through Iraqi itself or via Turkey and Iran. It is certain that the Iraqi central government will not allow foreign companies to operate in part of the national territory without obeying the laws of the country as a whole.

It is also clear that neither Iran, regardless of who rules in Tehran, nor Turkey would allow the emergence of an independent Kurdish state in any part of Iraq. In fact, the passage of Biden's "carve-up" resolution by the US senate immediately triggered the creation of a joint Irano-Turkish security commission to prevent Kurdish secessionism in Iraq. The two neighbors had been discussing the scheme since the 1980s. It took the move by the US senate to force them to clinch the deal. At the same time, Iran closed its border with the autonomous region in Iraqi Kurdistan, threatening it with serious economic problems.

There is already tensions running high on the border between the Kurds and Iran. Iranians have shelled some border villages and outposts. It is a simmering conflict of the democrats making. The area could morph into a full blown armed conflict. Just like the Northern problem with Turkey. The US will have to decide which side would be the most capital advantageous, if they are forced to choose sides.

The Kurdish problem will become a major problem for the US, not say what it will do to the government in Baghdad. The more I research this call the more I see a major flaw in the thinking of the Congress.

The best description of the whole thing is: incompetent, uninformed and down right stupid! It always amazes me the lengths politician will to, just to pay back those who support them monetarily.

CHUQ

Is It "Socialized" Medicine?

The Dems have offered a wealth of proposals concerning health care. Clinton's proposal's has gotten the moist attention. I guess that is because she is seen as the front runner right now. And the Repubs need someone to attack so they can leave each other alone.

They, the Repubs, have called it everything but a good idea. But the most used term is "socialized" medicine. Good one, dipstick! But is it true? Oh Hell NO! Not one of them is a socialized medicine proposal, Why? But all the conservatives say it is, would they mislead the public? HA! HA! HA! Listen up dipstick.

Not one of them--I say again--not one of them is a proposal for a single payer, government run health care program. Did you understand what I said? Not one of them is a single payer, government run health care program. Is it clear now?

You are being LIED to by your beloved Conservatives. Of course, they will attack it, they have NOTHING to offer in its place. They have to make it appear as if it is not a good idea. They will use the airwaves to sell their idea. They have NOTHING to offer in its place.

If you listen to these pundits, try asking them what they have to offer in its place. Most likely you will some vague bullshit that you will not understand. Then ask them about Medicare. It is a government run program, should it be stopped and all those seniors be without adequate health care?

If you buy any of the "socialized" medicine argument, then I really hate to let you know, but you are an uninformed MORON!


CHUQ

A Recession?

A recent poll has shown that the average American person believes that the country is in a recession. When asked about it in the GOP debate their answers were: markets up, jobs up,etc, etc. All this is really good if you look at indicators. But indicators are manipulated to influence the investment cycles.

All that means absolutely NOTHING to the average worker! For them, they are in a recession! Their mortgages are up, their food prices are up, their transportation prices are up, health care is up, etc. Wages are stagnant; jobs are being lost and replaced with lower wage ones. What part of their daily lives are not a recession?

But because they do not have millions to invest then they are somehow unimportant or do not account for anything. This is where the real agenda is with this system. It is all about who can make the wealth, not about the ones that toil to produce that wealth. It is more about what is good for business, than what is good for the person. The idea that what is good for business is good for America is an accurate statement, but it should say "Corporate America".

CHUQ

Tasers Are Safe, Bro!

The law enforcement people have been catching hell over the use of tasers to subdue law breakers. In the last couple of years they seem to be using them more and more and being caught on film more and more. The public has had an outcry on their use. Seems some people have been hurt seriously and even died because they were tased. The two that come to mind are the one where a student at a Kerry function was tackled by 6 cops and then tased while on the floor. Or the one where the woman was tased and fell into the side of the car. Neither one of these seem to be extremely violent.

Never fear, a new report has tested taser and found them safe. Who did the study? Who else the Dept. of Justice. Now there was an impartial source.

I was never concerned about the safety of the weapon; I am sure it went through extensive testing before it was put into the hands of whackos. My question is are the ones using them safe? I question the judgment used by the officers, not the weapon. The incidents seen on media sites, the officers seem to be quick to use the weapon.

I am so pleased to learn that the Taser is safe. Now they need to do a study and see if the officers are safe to use the weapon. Their actions are the problem, not the weapon itself.

I speak, You listen!

CHUQ

Is It Torture?

Hopefully everyone has learned of the new memos about torture. If not, lay off the booze and read a paper.

The President has said that he would not authorize the use of torture, but apparently it was used. Press Sec, Perino, has said that he would save American lives. She also said that everything was safe and legal.

The US does not torture prisoners, but the people are detainees. Does that make a difference?

The US does not torture, we interrogate. What is their definition of interrogation?

This is all a word game! If you sell that water boarding is an interrogation technique, then it could not possibly be torture.

I guess it is one's view that makes the difference. I mean, I am sure that there were Nazis that thought what they were doing was somehow saving the country. And North Vietnam, the same.

I will put it this way--If it is something that you would not want done to you, then it is TORTURE!

God And Politics

Obama has weighed in on God and politics--he wants a kingdom on earth or some such nonsense. Then Clinton has her say trying to calm the electorate. Conservative Christians are trying to bully someone into embracing their agenda or they will promote a third party. And the tune goes on.......

I have a problem with all this! God and religion have no place in politics. One's belief or disbelief have NOTHING to do with proper and just governance. I still think that there is suppose to be a separation of church and state somewhere in the rules and laws of the land. I guess I could be wrong!

The whole concept that their belief in God will make them a better leader is STUPID! I would say it is ignorant, but that would imply that there would be a possiblity of some enlightenment, but that would be a falsehood as well. The voicing of religious diatribes is just a fade that works. It is easier than confronting "real" issues.

Pleasae Mr. Candidate, leave God where he belongs ....in church. I have a novel idea....why not talk to the people about their concerns and leave the emotional horseshit for blow hards like Falwell? Just a thought.

Lawsuit Lotto

I recently went a bought a cup of coffee. I will not name the place, unless they want to pay me for my endorsement, and the lid on the coffee told me it was HOT! I found it amusing that Americans do not know that coffee is hot.

I got to thinking about other little signs and such that I have seen over the years. On a new ladder I bought, there was a sticker at the top that said STOP! I guess someone did not know that that was as far as you can go, the top. Then there was a visit to a gas station restroom and the hand towel dispenser told me that if I was not careful I could choke myself with the towel. One of my favs is the plastic bag that tells you not to put it on your head, you could die. NO SHIT!

Are Americans just f*cking stupid? Companies are trying to protect themselves from the idiots that screw up and want to blame someone else. Too many Americans refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

Americans have found a new source of income--it is called the LAWSUIT LOTTO!

Diversions From The War

First it was the MoveOn ad and then the Repubs had to pander to Patraeus and the Dems fell in line. It took the story of the testimony of the general and put it in the back burner. Little was said about his hopeless report. Guess what? Limbaugh had to make a statement and then the Dems had a chance to divert attention from their non-successful programs an bills. And the beat goes on!

With the 2008 presidential primary season at a fevered pitch, both sides of the political noise machine are cranking up the volume, looking for opportunities to slam the other side for bad behavior, bad word choice or bad intentions. Schoolyard-style taunts flung by irrepressible partisans are blown up into national debates.

The Republican side amped up after the left-wing group, MoveOn.org, ran an ad in The New York Times characterizing Gen. David H. Petraeus as "General Betray Us" on the eve of his Congressional testimony about the status of the war in Iraq. Both houses of Congress voted overwhelmingly to condemn the ad.

Then, it was the Democrats' turn to wage all-out noisefare after Limbaugh made his "phony soldiers" remark during an exchange with a caller Sept. 26.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., composed a letter to Limbaugh's boss, Clear Channel Communications' CEO Mark P. Mays, urging him to "publicly repudiate" Limbaugh's comments and to ask the popular talk show host to apologize. Though Reid said he was confident Republicans "would join us in overwhelming numbers" none signed the letter. Of 41 signatures, all were Democrats, including four presidential contenders — Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joseph Biden and Christopher Dodd.

In a written response to Reid, Mays said that he would not intercede since Limbaugh was exercising his right to express an opinion, adding that "if Mr. Limbaugh's intention was to classify any soldier opposed to the war in Iraq as a 'phony soldier,' which he denies, then I, along with most Americans, would be deeply offended by such a statement."

Please, will you f*ckers get down to business the American people are waiting for something, anything, that can be called a success.

CHUQ

A Missing Flag Pin

OK, Obama has taken off his lapel flag pin. It has becoming a burning campaign issue. Why? He was wearing the pin and now it is missing from his lapel. What part of that makes a difference? Well, it goes back to the old Vietnam protest days. Pro-war people wore the flag, anti-war people did not, or they made bandannas out of it and that was a huge no-no, but yet now they are everywhere. But I digress.

My God, are the American people so stupid that they let this minor thing distract them from "real" issues in the campaign? YES, they are! Apparently, it is easier to grasp a missing flag pin than a stand on war. How sad!

Obama has made, IMO, a mistake. If he had not worn it at all, nothing would be said. But since he had and now it is missing it is a major deal in the media. Yes, the media! They are the ones that are fixated on the pin and as such they now have the people fixated on the pin. A clever way to avoid covering issues. Obama cannot win in this case if he continues to not wear it, his patriotism will be questioned. If he puts it back on he will be deceiving the people. So unfortunately, Obama is screwed in this matter.

Sorry, dude, should have just let the damn thing stay on your lapel.

Hypocritical Bovine Fecal Matter

Have you been watching the news? Or maybe reading a newspaper? In case you have missed it, a couple of secret memos have been given to the NT Times which shows that the US was aware and approved of some extreme torture techniques to be done on prisoners held by the US.

In a past news conference Bush was reported as saying, "I do not condone nor would I approve of the use of torture."

OOPS! One of America's biggest hypocrites has spoken again. I am sure that there will be some form of deniability for the president on this subject. It will most likely be laid at the feet of someone who has left the administration. I have heard all the arguments for pro-torture, like if it saves American lives and if it is good for the homeland, etc. But sorry, those arguments sound a lot like some of the ones made back 1934, by Hitler and the boys.

IMO, there is NO excuse for torturing someone, anyone. It should not be allowed, the taking of someone's humanity and dignity. It would save Americans lives is one of my favs. Would the US accept that argument from the Vietnamese that tortured McCain? Or does this imply that others are somehow less human than others?

I realize I am a dreamer, but ALL torture should be outlawed.


CHUQ

Unspecified Espionage

Recently some Iranians were captured in the Kurdish North of Iraq and they were charged with "Non-specified Espionage". Now you know I enjoy political rhetoric as well as the next guy but what the hell is "non-specified espionage"?

I mean, come on, either they were spying or not. That is pretty simple, but to come up with a bullsh*t charge just because they were Iranians and must be up to no good, is just plain moronic. Is the US so desperate for building a file on Iran and its people that we must make up sh*t to justify our stands?

WAIT! Thinking.....thinking.....thinking......Is that not what we did with Iraq? When will you fools wake up to the fact that the government lies, just so their plans can be implemented. Your government at its best (sarcasm intended).

Support The Troops

I have thought about this statement for many many months. I mean everybody has an opinion on supporting the troops. To some it is buying $3 magnets for their car or flying a flag, others it is going on the radio or TV and telling me they support the troops.

I have thought about it. What does it mean? As I see it now, it is a cop out! Of course, no American wants to see any of out troops harmed in any way. So this whole chest thumping done by political pundits is just that chest thumping and does not mean a thing, other than to convince someone, somewhere that they care.

If they really cared, it has come time to prove it! Listening to some high paid dingbat on the radio or TV is NOT support. It is lazy and dangerous! I do not want to see some guy who says he supports the troops walking around some secure area patting people on the back for a job well done. If they truly support the troops then go out where troops are fighting for their lives and get the real story and stop being some tool used to sell a bullshit story.

If everyone REALLY supports the troops then stand up and tell Congress that you are sick of their non-actions; tell them to grow some nuts and fight the Prez tooth and nail. Bring the troops home is the only support that is acceptable now.

Stop talking and DO something.

CHUQ

Pro-Life?

Christian conservatives are not really thrilled with the political crop in the Repub party; they now are making noise about either starting a 3rd party or maybe supporting a 3rd party candidate. Of course the most likely reason is that they do not have anyone that is a staunch supporter of the pro-life position. That would be anti-abortion.

An interesting sell job, Pro-Life. If you are pro choice, you are somehow anti-life.

A spokesman from some "values" institute has stated that if "you are either pro-life or you are not". A statement that will sway a lot of people, but how? How can one group claim to be pro-life when you support war, death penalty or such? I am so sorry, but I do not see the connection between pro life and abortion. I mean they are talking about ONLY one part of a total equation, but yet they have sold the American people on the idea that it is only about abortion. They care about the life of a child while still in the womb and once it is born it is no longer politically correct.

I have yet to meet someone of the pro-life faction that can adequately explain this, they almost always go back to the point of conception and it is a person then. They glaze over the part about once the child is born, they lose interest.

These people, to avoid confusion, should just change the name of the movement to anti-abortion and leave the pro-life stuff out altogether. A better understanding would be help by all.

Iran And Rhetoric

Let us look at a few things. The Iranian Pres was lambasted by the pres of Columbia university. Not a good move, Mahmoud looked, to the rest of the world, as a respectful leader. He took all the shots levelled at him and smiled. He took all the shots that the Bush Boyz levelled at him with a smile. You may think him a dick but the rest of the world saw it as a leader that was respectful and calm and collected. The protests backfired, Mahmoud came out looking good.

That is old news, let us move on. Do you people realize that he has NO real power, the clerics have all the power, he was approved by them but he has NO individual power in the government. He does have a mouth and a big one at that, but he makes NO policy; he just is a face for the crowds. In other words, he is the face that the US will use to portray Iran as an opponent, it is easier than trying to explain the government to the people. Americans are lapping it up!

Onward again. How about them nukes? OK, Iran says they are looking for commercial nuke power, the US says they want weapons. Who is right? Only the Iranians can answer that question. But let us look at other similar situations from the past. India, Pakistan, China, etc and so on........everything you are hearing in the media about the race for weapons has been said before. And about countries that are now our allies. The only thing new in this debate is the fact that the US is occupying Iraq and that is a sticking point.

Use the google button, since few have enough brains to do it any other way and check the nuke weapon thing from the past. You will be surprised!

CHUQ

A Bi-Polar Government

The US as a government is bi-polar. Why? Well it shows some of the symptoms of the disease, like high energy, irritability, no accomplishments and confusion.

Look at the doings in Washington--lots of activity, no results; the leaders get cranky and the people stay confused. That my friends is a bi-polar government. And the best that they can do is come up with slogans that have no meaning other than to sell a point of view. They keep it simple and pointed so that the people can grasp what they are selling.

My personal fav has always been "stay the course", but there are others just as moronic and simple. "Drugs fund Terrorism", that is a good one, but no, Oil funds terrorism. For the biggest supporters of terrorism are oil producing nations, like Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc.

Another one I really like is the "Axis of Evil", remember that one, it was Iraq, Iran and Syria, oh yeah North Korea was in there somewhere, it is hard to keep up with who is the bad guy from year to year. But really, the real "Axis Of Evil" is 1--the genius of marketing and gullibility of the American people. And there is the real bad guys! You can sell anything to an American if it invokes fear and patriotism, neither of which is the truth.

The Americans want their reps to be team players, you know the old saying there is no "I" in team.....thinking.....they want their reps to be flag wavers, ass kissers and team players......thinking.......they are right there is no "I" in team, but there is in individuality, independence and integrity--those should be the qualities looked for in a leader. Personally, I want someone who is capable of thinking for themselves.

The problem, IMO, is that the American voter CANNOT elect a leader that knows what the truth is and is capable of voice the truth.

Stupidity is the rule in elections and that is just where the two parties want the voter--stupid and lazy! And guess what! They will vote yet another controlling SOB into the White House next election and then will commence to bitch about their leader. All I can say is a quote from a movie that I personally have no time for, Forrest Gump, "Stupid is as stupid does!" A really accurate observation of the American political process.

I am CHUQ and I have DEFINITELY approved this message!


CHUQ

30 Sep 07

Worldpress.org - World in Cartoons

Worldpress.org - World in Cartoons

The Search For Clean Energy

What is this? Solar power? How about wind power? Not really! They are talking about Nuclear energy, at least at the governmental level. Why nuke? To begin with, corporations can control it and make the money. The others could be done cheaply and without corporate interference. Unfortunately the energy game is all about who will make the profits.

Since I am bad mouthing nukes let us look at it. Clean energy they talk about is the emissions from the plant and if that plant is operating properly there would be little emission. A plus, right? Not in my book! Seems that no one wants to talk about the by-product of the nuke plant--radioactive residue which will need to be stored somewhere. But where? Most normally in some salt deposit. You see the by-product has a half life of about 200 yrs, that means it will be a threat to the environment for many generations to come. Not to mention the possibility of the radioactivity would get into the environment, especially the water table.

The by-product of solar or wind power is what? Energy! Gee I wish I could say there was something else that would effect the population, but there is NOT!

Ask yourself, why is nukes so important? Just look at the situation and tell me you do not see the massive profits that companies can make off the plant.

Bush At UN--Part 2

As reported before Bush spent most of his time talking about countries with human rights abuses, Cuba, Sudan, Myanmar, do dah do dah. But wait! What about China, Vietnam and Israel? Say what, Professor? Yeah, Israel has been condemned by the UN for its human rights violations, and in response the Congress has a resolution on the books to condemn the UN for condemning Israel. looks like the AIPAC is getting their money's worth out of their paid representatives. Then there is Vietnam where a House resolution wants to limit aid to the country because of their violations of rights. We would not want to upset our trading partners like China and Vietnam, where US businesses are spending ba-zillions.

Selective bullsh*t! this is guy who does not realize it is Myanmar and not Burma. This was a game! Played by morons. Does anyone really listen to this guy? Apparently not or we would not let him open his mouth and show just how stupid he really is.

Bush At The UN

in the past the prez has talked and talked and talked.....condemning, damning, etc......just about everyone that did not agree with him. But Yesterday he spoke for about 15 minutes....(gasp)....and his two high points were that of Iran and Myanmar. Of course, Iran was a really a bad guy for the nuke thing and so on and so on.

But then he surprised me and probably most of the world by mentioning Myanmar. Does he know where it is? Anyway he said that "the American people were outraged" at the situation developing in the country. Wait!......thinking......thinking......how many Americans give a sh*t about Burma, yes Burma? Absolutely none! Sh*t who can find it on a map?

Anyway, Bush has announced sanctions levelled against the country because of the harsh treatment of the people by the military junta that now rules the country. Why?

The best I can come up with is that it is an attempt to show that the present admin has more on its tiny little brain than the oil in the Middle East. A deversion, if you will. But again, Americans could care less about the occurances in Myanmar. Since the US dropped the ball on the violence in Darfur, it wants to appear that it has learned its lesson. Bullsh*t! I need a nap!

CHUQ

Columbia Blew It!

For days before the visit of the Iranian president, the whole country was bad mouthing Columbia University for their invitation. All newspapers had front pages with derogatory headlines and editorials condemning them for their affront to dignity.

But wait! It was a trap and the president of Columbia spent almost an hour digging, insulting and an assortment of diatribes. Now Columbia is the fair hair boy of the papers, the President and all conservative wannabes. They are semi-heroic for setting the trap and then springing it on national TV. Please!

The Iranian president wins because it will be broadcast around the world and will be used to show just how much Americans hate Muslims. the US had some small support among the Iranian youth and now that support could be dead. They will portray it as not only is the government anti-Muslim but so are the schools and the people. Well done ass clowns!

The school president should have just said that Columbia and the people of the US are pleased, because of our need to understand all points of view, welcome the president of Iran and look forward to the exchange of ideas.

But instead they acted as if they were an agent of the Bush administration and embarrassed the country and the people to the entire world. Nice going, you moronic dildoes.

CHUQ

How Are Companies dealing With The Environment?

Are they serious about climate change, or anything else that pertains to the environment?

Well, Subaru has a plant in the US that is green. It has a zero landfill requirement and it has been deemed a wildlife preserve.

Let us think about that for a minute! What is their emissions? Did they pay the state for the wildlife designation? Of course they did. What part of this is a positive sign? Nothing, it is a marketing ploy to sell cars.

BP, British Petroleum, has changed its logo to a green and yellow sun burst. Clever huh? They are pushing the BP as Beyond Petroleum, but what has changed. Not much, their core product is the same and their emissions are about the same. It is still is the same company with the same by-products only the logo is more environmentally sensitive. Another marketing ploy!

Companies are not dealing with the real problem, they are just addressing the public face and making it more palatable to the people. None are worried about the short term they will leave the problems for the future generations to deal with, profits must be made and that is the bottom line.

CHUQ

What Is Political Progress For Iraq?

And what is the political progress that they speak of constantly? Is it elections? How about security? Just what is it?

These are pretty good questions and the answers are as about confusing as the questions themselves. Iraq held elections about 1 and half years ago, at that time that was the political progress, but now it was not enough. The passage of the rape of Iraqi oil know as the Iraqi oil Law was at one point a progress, but now it is not. Now Maliki wants to call for provincial elections, that would be a success, at least in the US eyes. But will it really be a success? Not really, just a ploy to placate a growing anti-war movement.

Then what is political progress for Iraq? I am not sure, but the road it is on now is not the road to political success or progress.

Iraqi lawmakers are NOT in control of their own political future, so any progress made will be progress for the US and Iraq is just a footnote in that struggle. I would guess that you would like an example. OK, Blackwater! The Iraqi government told Blackwater that they were no longer wanted in the country, but yet they remain and still work. Why? The US wants it so. They are needed to guard US diplomats in Iraq. But wait! Thinking....thinking.....Is that not the job for the Marines? Do they not protect diplomats in other countries? Then why is a private army needed to do the work? Is it the beginning of out-sourcing diplomat protection?

People! People! A hired gun by another name is still a mercenary! Security consultant is just being PC.

CHUQ


FACTOID!!!!!!!! The security consultant biz is worth $120 billion a year--that could be the big story. But remmeber that only a portion of the money made in Iraq is taxable; another draw in doubt.

The Humor That Is "Trickle Down" Economics

Professor, why humor? Back in the day there was "voodoo" economics and then it was "trickle down" economics, that is, simply put, where you give the rich and corporations heavy tax cuts and the savings will trickle down to all economic strata. The two Bushes are of this thinking.

Let us look at what really happened. Corporate profits have risen by 72% and the income of the richest 0.1% of the population has risen by 51%, while the working class has seen job cuts, stagnate wages, health care cut, etc. That predicted trickle has not made it to the working class; it will NEVER make it to the working class.

The trickle down is a LIE! It will never make it to the point that it was sold to the sleeping public. Where are the realists? Why does not the people have enough sense to see this? Good questions!

First, the realists told the American public it was not a good idea, but they ignored the warnings, just so they could save $7 on the taxes per week. Shortsightedness is the reason; the need for instant gratification is the reason, but the real reason is STUPIDITY! Oh sorry I answered both question with one answer--COOL!

May I suggest that the people spend a little more time educating themselves and a little less time with their butts glued to a sofa. Your only other option is to stay bent over with a jar of vasoline close at hand, that will help make the f*cking by the government a little more comfortable.

Peace, Out

CHUQ

Bush Silent On Syrian Airstrike

CBS/AP) President Bush repeatedly refused to comment Thursday on reports that Israeli planes guided by ground forces attacked an installation - believed to be the beginnings of a nuclear project - in northern Syria on Sept. 6.

U.S. officials have told CBS News that the strike destroyed a building Israeli intelligence believed housed nuclear equipment, and that it was launched three days after a North Korean ship docked at a Syrian port.

Why the silence? What type of equipment? was there any nuke material? These are questions that need answers. But I guess when you do not have the answers it is better to say nothing.

A building that was believed to have nuke equipment.....thinking.....thinking......is that the same belief there was about Saddam's WMD?

I am truly surprised that the President does not draw more flies with all the manure he shovels.

Enduring Relationship

Recently in a speech that Bush made he stated that the US would have an enduring relationship with Iraq.

In ChuqSpeak that means we will be in Iraq forever. like Germany, like South Korea, on and on.....So if you are an anti-war person then I suggest that you find a new hobby for our brave troops will be there for a very very long time.

Stay the course was replaced with a way forward which is being replaced with an enduring relationship.......the selling of an extended war and occupation is being sold to the American people. First it was the use of a general to sell the president's policy to the Congress and the American people--BTW, it worked! You bought the crap hook, line and sinker!

All I can say is that you need to prepare yourself for many more American deaths and injuries. But please spare me the rhetoric of why the war is a bad thing. You have the chance to end this obscenity but you choose to look the other way and let those who are profiting from the war, run the war and your lives.

I want the American public to be personally involved in the war. That alone will bring an end to it! For right now the war is not personal! it has been said the the military goes to war, the American people go to the Mall. If you turn a blind eye to what is going on in Iraq and elsewhere then you are a lazy, ill informed and stupid individual.

Enough said? NO! I will say more, but think about it for awhile.

CHUQ

Capitalism=Democracy

Now here is a concept that has been successfully sold to the world's public. Somehow if their is an open market then there will be democracy. Recently in the magazine Foreign Policy in an article written by Robt. Reich pointed out that the globalization of capitalism is eroding the power of the people around the world. A world where common good and government takes a back seat to big business.

Look around! How about China? It is a huge capitalistic country, but it is governed by communists, well those pretending to be communists. Democratic institutions are lacking in the country. Vietnam is becoming a major player in the world of big business, with Microsoft and others coming to the country in search of cheap labor--oh yeah--IT IS A COMMUNIST country!

Do you really believe that capitalism equals democracy? If so, you are probably a product of the failed Bush educational program of "No Child Left Behind".

Capitalism has NOTHING to do with democracy! A true democracy is in search what is best for all the people and is controlled by the people. There is no such government on the face of the earth. Go ahead look around--Find one! Good luck, you will need it!


CHUQ

Is There People Power?

If you want a short answer--then NO, there is no people power. Only the illusion of it. For instance, the immigration bill--they use this to show that people have the power--they point to the flood of emails, faxes, etc in opposition to the latest bill. This was an emotional issue and as such the people spoke out, they are manipulated that way, but let us check reality. The Congress did not have the votes to push it through or those emails would have wound up in the round file.

If they are truly concerned with the power of the people, then why not let them decide all debatable issues? HELL NO! They will only use it when it is too their benefit. The immigration bill is about RACE--white America sees their majority influence in jeopardy and they will speak out and try to prevent themselves from serving from a minority position.

I say if you are so hoped up on people power then put the major issues to them and let them decide--you know like heathcare, abortion, etc? A doubtful occurrance, but it is a thought.

The Best Democracy Money Can Buy

All the news is about this country moving toward democracy, or freedom or...,..you pick an adjective. But is it the will of the people or the money of the candidates that brings about this transformation?

Let us look at the upcoming election in the US; the candidates vying for the presidency combined will spend about $1 billion in the campaigns. Why does that not scare the American people?

Africa has been attempting to establish more democratic governments, especially on the West Coast of the continent. Countries like Sierra Leone and Nigeria and both of these are trumpeted by Washington as positive steps for democracy. Sierra Leone's elections were marred by scandal and violence. Nigeria, now here is a good example of what I am speaking of, the presidential candidates spent more than $100 million each during the campaign. The money was used for institutional graft, buy votes within their parties and journalists. Only about 10% was used for national ad campaigns. This in a country that people regularly starve to death. Money--Oil--Power are the only concerns--that is not DEMOCRACY!

This is a pandemic--Democracy is no longer an ideology it is a commodity!

My conclusion is that everywhere the people get the best government can buy. It is no longer about the will of the people, it is about the will of the wealthy and the corporations.

Disappointing, isn't it?


CHUQ

17 Sept 2007

What Does The Speech Mean?

This is an analysis of the latest Bush speech and it is a dosey.

First the surge was to help the Iraqis to come to some type of reconciliation, Baghdad was to be secured to allow this to proceed. But now the surge is all about the success in Anbar, which really does not have anything to do with the surge. This would have happened without the increase in troops. So this is crap!

Second, The Pres keeps harping on the importance of getting al-Qaeda as the bottom line. But yet the intel agencies say it is about the sectarian violence as the major problem facing Iraq. Bush is selling the AQ thing because it appears that it can be won--at least in his little mind.

Third, Mission Accomplished, Stay The Course, A Way Forward, yada, yada......The Pres keeps changing the mission to suit him politically and his lame ass policies.

Fourth, The draw down of troops will begin soon because the surge is working, Bush's terms, not mine. The surge was sold to the Congress as a temporary deployment from the beginning. So Priscilla is not doing any favors.

Fifth, Bush has stated that he accepts the report given by Patraeus.....thinking.....thinking.....what a breakthrough! Have you been listening to the Pres for the last month? Patraeus said NOTHING that Bush had not already outlined in past speeches. So to believe that the general came up with this plan on his own is just short of STUPID!

Sixth, Victory was never used in the Pres speech, he did however use the term "success" a bunch of times. So, that brings us to the crux of the speech:

The US is in Iraq for about a generation or more. Victory is no longer an option just a success is all the US is looking for. But what is the success? That is to be determined by the Admin--it may have nothing to do with the sectarian violence or homelessness or...........But you can bet your scrawny ass that it will have everything to do with OIL.

CHUQ

15 Sept 2007

Bush Speech Analysis

Did everyone watch the Pres do his thing on the Tellie? No? well we cannot have that so I will analyze it for you.

Troops will stay. How long? who knows! A minute amount will start coming home in the summer. What about the others? Eventually! When will the war end? Eventually! Iraqis have until January to reconcile. Then what? "NO comment"! Is the US safer? Yes it is. Why? (#$%garbled78.....) How long is the US committment to Iraq? Until there is a success! How long is that? (a shit eating smirk) .

There is your expert analysis and if you watched the speech you will agree with me.


CHUQ

A Paradox That Is Iraq

What is a paradox? Something unusual, an enigma. And according to the Patraeus report, Iraq is a paradox. Why?

Ok. if, according to the Report, we leave Iraq, sectarian violence will erupt, security forces will be ineffective,political process will collapse, and progress will cease. Thinking.......thinking......so Iraq is a wormhole! If you leave then you enter from the other side. Would some explain what is happening in Iraq today? Sounds like life as usual, whether the US is there or not. So why would we stay if nothing would change? Surely, you people can see the paradox here. If not, then you are probably a product of the "No Child Left Behind" program. Sad!

CHUQ

Rhetoric Analysis

Gen. Patraeus has made his presentation to the Congress. A helluva salesman! The Pres has chosen wisely, the general was right on target with the Pres. I would like to analyze some of the words, the political rhetoric.

Gen Patraeus--"I want to be completely up front for you." A term he used over and over and over and........But what did it mean? basically, it meant this is my story and I am sticking to it.

Next we have Ambassador Crocker--his catch word for the day was "Federalism" which he used over and over and.......But what did it mean? Glad you asked. Slowly but slowly Iraq is becoming 3 separate states, there will be NO strong central govt. Hell The Kurds are already signing deals with oil companies. Crocker is just setting the stage for the next big confrontation in Washington.


Just listen to the people in Washington--nothing they say is really what they mean!

CHUQ

THe Osama Message

I may enter this into the ASSIE Awards.


"This is a man on the run in a cave who is virtually impotent other than his ability to get these messages out," Townsend said on CNN's "Late Edition." "It is propaganda.


This was stated by White House Aide, Fran Townsend.

For someone who is impotent he sure controls the lives of a lot of people. I would say that he is pretty damn effective, there are many dead bodies to prove the point.

McCain"s Campaign

John McCain has an ad that states, "American Deserves Straight Talk".

Thinking......thinking......when was the last time America got straight talk from a politician?

I will give you a minute to consider the question......................(Pause for effect).......................


time is up! You seldom get straight talk from a politician. They tell you what you want to hear and you devour it and digest it and then make an absolutely disastrous decision based on what these lairs say.


THINK ABOUT THAT!