Are You Better Off..?
Rove May Find `It's the Economy, Stupid' Won't Work"In a recent speech, Rove argued that Bush's policies of tax cuts and trade agreements had pulled the nation out of recession, created millions of jobs, boosted productivity and increased disposable income. That record can help lead Republicans to victory in November, Rove said in the May 15 speech at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington."
"In his AEI speech, Rove, 55, emphasized the creation of 5 million jobs in recent years. He also said Bush's tax cuts have stimulated growth, making up for revenue lost with lower rates. A tax reduction on stock dividends to 15 percent from 40 percent prompted the biggest companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index to raise dividend payments on 725 occasions, he said. That money is 'going into retirement funds and individual retirement accounts and people's pocketbooks,' he said." [more]
I am beginning to suspect that Karl has trouble telling the truth.
posted by Patrick J. Fitzgerald at 5/30/2006
122 Comments:
FITZ!!!
"I am beginning to suspect that Karl has trouble telling the truth."
Fitz, it's the one armed bandit defense speech. Now, it the tax cuts that cause the economy to boom in this country all of the sudden. Porkrind and the Gerbil and company have really ran out of trump cards to explain why the economy is growing when we know it is bull. The Administration's mindset are really in Disneyland! Everyone knows that the tax cuts really benefited the wealthy and businesses. People need to look at the portfolio of the oil companies, CEO, businesses, and certain politicans. For 5 years, the Gerbil has always used the Robin Hood strategy: steal from the poor and give to the rich. Porkrind can say all he can about the economy but anyone can see how really this country is doing by the number of people unemployed, the number of job outsourced, number of people with no health insurance, etc. The strategy that the Gerbil Administration and the Gerbil's brain use are no different from the strategy that King George in England used to tax the people.
Yes, I am better off.
I don't think the public is buying it.
What about these factors:
1) As of 05/25/2006 our National Debt is $8,348,185,073,893.70. That is $8.4 Trillion!
2) As of March, 2006 the Nation’s Trade Deficit in goods and services is $62.0 billion
3)We have rising fuel prices and record profits for the oil companies
4)Interest rates are rising
5) In the last year the household savings rate was negative for the first time
6) Escalating health care costs
7) Thirty million American workers, 1 out of every 4, make less than $8.70 an hour. These workers, even the ones who work full time year-round, do not earn enough to lift a family of four out of poverty
8) With a minimum wage at about $5.15, many individuals are forced to work two or three jobs to just get by
I have went to WSJ and found some interesting articles about the verdicts for Lay and Skilling in the Enron trial.
Here is the maximum penaltes for Lay (165 years):
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/LayMaxPenaltiesChart.pdf
Here is Skilling's (275 years but some his charges for inside trading was dismissed which was 80 years knocked off):
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/SkillingMaxPenaltiesChart.pdf
And here were the verdicts of Lay and Skilling:
Lay:
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/VerdictSlipLay.pdf
Skilling:
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/VerdictSlipSkilling.pdf
Several random, but somewhat related comments:
I worked two jobs under Clinton and I work three jobs now under W. Bush. I do not expect anything from Social Security by the time I retire (I thought that under Clinton, too). Now, with everything going on with pensions from Enron and United Airlines to my state underfunding my pension by billions, I no longer expect any pensions either.
All I ask is some hope that whatever it is I paid into something, I can get back. Is that too much to ask?
Forget kids--I cannot afford any kids, just the cat.
Hastert thinks there are a lot of people who do not pay taxes. I think his office needs a mass mailing of photocopies of their 1040s . . .
The national debt scares me. It is way too high and if I recall, there are now a lot of Chinese banks that 'own' it?? Is that correct?
I suppose it would be too much to ask that CEOs *not* be paid more than 50 times more salary than their lowest paid employee. That would be fantasy land.
How can we take back our country and protect our middle and working class poor from the greedy people at the top?
The best thing to do with narcissists like Rove/Bush/Cheney and assorted neocons...is to believe the OPPOSITE of what they are pushing for their own agendas. "Turd Blossum" and "Dubya" might want to read the children's book, "When I was Six" to each other. They might learn something about themselves (or not).
"A tax reduction on stock dividends to 15 percent from 40 percent prompted the biggest companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index to raise dividend payments on 725 occasions, he said. That money is 'going into retirement funds and individual retirement accounts and people's pocketbooks,' he said."
Now, I know that Rove is on acid because the large number of people don't have an IRA or any type of retirement funds. Rove is certain on a another planet. If a person works for a company, the company may provide a 401K plan. But, we do know that a alot of companies are matching less of the employees' 401k or none at all. Many compnies are doing away from a 401k plan.. As far as a IRA, mpost average people cannot afford an IRA especially a Roth IRA. As far as traditional IRA, people can participate in that but as chimpcoulter said is that "in the last year the household savings rate was negative for the first time." So, that speech that Rove gave sounds good to the wealthy but certainly not a topic of discussion to the middle class and the poor. The 2% of the population that are wealthy are financial intelligence. Whereas 98% of the population which represent the middle class and the poor are simply trying to get by and living from paycheck to paycheck. Rove's speech sounds like exactly what Robert Kiyosaki, the author, of Rich Dad, Poor Dad says in his book. Rove wants to continue to program the average American into a poor thinking mentality. But, Rove doesn't understand that people are waking up and not buying the beans that the Gerbil and company have been feeding to the American people for 5 years.
"SPB..."beans"?....more like baloney!" I can think of another word than baloney but I am not going to go there...
In other news: art imitating life.
From Thinkprogress.org:
"Lex Luthor's approval ratings are set for a nosedive. Comic books are now “tackling topics such as terrorism, war, and civil liberties as a heavy dose of 21st-century reality seeps into their alternate universe.” For example, “Superman and archvillain US President Lex Luthor tangled in 2003 over plans to invade the imaginary Middle Eastern country of Qurac, which was linked to weapons of mass destruction.”
Here is more about the comic books:
Superheroes Span Red-Blue Divide
Comic Book Icons Like Superman & Spiderman Are Tackling Politics
"In "Civil War," a sprawling new Marvel series, superheroes like Spider-Man and Captain America must choose sides over whether the government should be allowed to register them. In a comic book called "Ex Machina," a 9/11 hero-turned-mayor copes with political hot buttons and his own superpowers. Not too long ago, Iron Man became secretary of defense under President George W. Bush. In a separate comic, Superman debated the invasion of a dangerous Middle Eastern country."
"Comics have always had one foot in reality, but it's probably been more so in recent times," says Alex Segura, spokesman for DC Comics."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/26/entertainment/main1660039.shtml
Folks,
Someone passed along an article about the Gerbil implanting fake news. This is whatI found interesting is the sponsor of the commericals and T.V. station involved in the fake news. And I am not surprised:
"The range of Video News Release (VNR) is wide. Among items provided by the Bush administration to news stations was one in which an Iraqi-American in Kansas City was seen saying "Thank you Bush. Thank you USA" in response to the 2003 fall of Baghdad. The footage was actually produced by the State Department, one of 20 federal agencies that have produced and distributed such items."
"Many of the corporate reports, produced by drugs manufacturers such as Pfizer, focus on health issues and promote the manufacturer's product. One example cited by the report was a Hallowe'en segment produced by the confectionery giant Mars, which featured Snickers, M&Ms and other company brands. While the original VNR disclosed that it was produced by Mars, such information was removed when it was broadcast by the television channel - in this case a Fox-owned station in St Louis, Missouri."
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article621189.ece
In regards to the economy, Pinocchio, chew on these numbers:
From American Research Group, Inc.
"A total of 75% of Americans rate the national economy as bad, very bad, or terrible, up from 67% in April, while 59% say the national economy is getting worse and 60% say the national economy will be worse a year from now.
When it comes to assessing their personal financial situations, 61% of Americans say their personal financial situations are getting worse and 54% say they expect to be worse off a year from now."
http://www.americanresearchgroup.
com/economy/
From Washington Post-ABC News poll:
"By 2 to 1 or better, the public preferred Democrats to handle gas prices and health care. And by double-digit margins, they preferred Democrats to deal with education (23 percentage points), the budget (20 points), the economy (18 points) and protecting privacy (15 points)."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
wpdyn/content/article/2006/05/16/
AR2006051601264.html
To add on Chimpcoulter's comments. That is why the Gerbil's "no child left behind program" is full of it. Kids and students are becoming uneducated in life because the Gerbil decided to chip away at the one thing that parents want for kids: a good education. With the one who who come out of school, a majority of them are still uneducated of life:
"Nearly 90% of college grads surveyed in 2004* reported that they were “prepared” for the responsibility of credit cards… over half (56%) of them didn’t know the APR (annual percentage rate of interest) on those cards."
Sources: Student Monitor research; MBNA and Capital One Financial reports; The New York Times
It puts the slogan "a mind is a terrible thing to waste" into shame.
In other news:
Developing story from Raw Story:
"Report reveals Bush tax plan gives $200m to oil execs... Ex-Exxon CEO's family could get $160m... Developing..." Now, what did Rove say in his speech again??
More names are coming out on certain politicans that committed graft:
May 30, 2006, 10:48AM
Former Lobbyist Testifies Against Official
By MICHAEL J. SNIFFEN Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press
"WASHINGTON — A former congressional aide and lobbyist described Tuesday how he obtained advice, insider information and help from Bush administration procurement chief David Safavian to advance two projects being promoted by Republican influence peddler Jack Abramoff."
"The aide, Neil Volz, who was a partner of Abramoff's at the time, also outlined how they received assistance from several Republican congressmen including, Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, and Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/politics/3914656.html
"Are you better off..?"
The answer to that question is NO!
Who benefits from the Criminal Bush Administration?
All the F*****G Bush Asskissers and Scum.
http://wakeupfromyourslumber.
blogspot.com/
Bush hires LIARS with our tax dollars
It's not bad enough that the man lies US into wars which he regularly sends our children and neighbors to die for, he has the gall to use our tax dollars to pay hired-liars to do his dirty work while he's busy playing golf.
[T]he U.S. hired a number of public relations companies to put a positive face on the reconstruction effort [in Afghanistan]. One of them is the Washington, D.C.-based Rendon Group, which the report says has “close ties to the Bush Administration.”
The Pentagon has awarded Rendon more than $56 million in contracts [!!!] since September 11, 2001, “as part of a coordinated effort to disseminate positive press about America and its military in the developing world.”
The contracts call for “tracking foreign reporters” and “pushing (and sometimes paying) news outlets worldwide to run articles and segments favorable to United States interests.”
These people are S-H-A-M-E-L-E-S-S - utterly, and irredeemably.
Yup, Teak,
And there is much much much more of special favors for certain companies by King Gerbil that will come out!
If anyone has better information on this topic:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13047151/
that would be great. I do have access to the 'cheap' version of LexisNexis, so I can wait until the real stuff gets posted there.
Hi everyone -
Very interesting stuff today.
Obviously the smoke and mirror platform is beginning to dissolve. I'm sure that "on paper", things can be made to appear good for the economy however, there are HUGE deficits (read: debt) to be paid off.
Overall the economy gives the appearance of being good, solid growth, etc. Again, this is all smoke and mirrors.
Numbers can be manipulated to appear any way you want them to. Rover is a master at the fine art of double-speak (well ok, so is Bush, it's just no one can understand him).
Our economy appears good however, 401(k)'s that dropped 75% have only regained approximately 35-40% of their value. That is just the tip of the iceberg.
Someone (our chldren/grandchildren) will be saddled with this huge uncontrolled mess and of course, permanent bases in Iraq AND those pesky little internment camps that Haliburton is building in the US of A.
Because Bushie/Rover/Cheney/and Condilocks will be gone and their messes will remain.
So - on paper, those of you that feel rich or good about Bush's economy? It isn't real - you've lost value, we've lost jobs (sure we've also grown jobs, but NOT what would be expected over the timeframe studied).
Perhaps, instead of contributing to a pension, we should be buying Euros? And stuffing them under the mattress?
I retired in 2000 anticipating a Bush Presidency knowing that Bush would bring the economy back from the impending recession that was coming due to the Clinton faux economy. It has been all for the better ever since Bush took office. His tax breaks have created one of the strongest economies known to man. Hell, the economy is so good the Democrats are suggesting we can't get enough workers without importing them from Mexico. I just heard the other day that 4.7% unemployment is full employment. My stock market portfolio has almost doubled in the last 5 years. Even $3 a gallon gasoline can't even seem to dampen this roaring economy. Yes, Bush has done a fine job bringing us out of recession territory to the booming one we have now. Thank you Mr. Bush, job well done.
...and to top it off, the Army is now having to buy their own uniforms. (Since we're sending more than 3500 additional troops to IRAQ TODAY)
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Army_forcing_soldiers_to_pay_for_0530.html
basheert, you had better get another financial advisor. My stock portfolio has almost doubled and far execeeds pre 9/11 levels. Of course I didn't panic and sell off at losses. I knew Bush was the MAN to bring things back around and he has. I look at my numbers and other investors I know. The economy is in fine shape. Even you doom and gloomers can't disprove what I know personally to be true.
anon -
Again, smoke and mirrors.
The economy is NOT a strong one. It is lopsided and the only thing roaring are oil futures.
The only thing that will prove how wrong you are, is the passage of time. Unfortunately in the meantime, many many people in this country are hurting badly.
Tax cuts ARE nice sure, but not at the expense of breaking the back of everyone else.
Bush is evil - it has been speculated that John Bolton is the anti-Christ (altho I'll vote for Cheney).
Money is NOT what made our country strong - and it is not the same for everyone. One of these days dude, I'll happily talk money to you. Those who have it, don't talk smack about it little man.
I was in the Army almost 40 years ago and we bought our own uniforms too. Nothing knew about that as far as I know.
Montel Show is having discussions on Mr. Bush, the war in Iraq, voting, Iran, forced DNA taking for any crime, fear mongering by BushCo., how the country is being run....
Usually don't pay attention to him, but good for Montel.
The government has actually taken in more revenue with the tax cuts. It isn't tax cuts that have hurt us, it is run away spending by congress. It is a proven fact that with tax breaks, especially capital gains tax cuts, the government takes in more money. We just spend more as we take in more.
Night Owl,
I did read about the decision by the judges to limited the rights for lawsuits for whistleblowers. It is truly ashamed that the whistleblowers not to be protected. The judges have allowed big businesses to rule the school. But, I am not surprised by this. Certain judges were put in to chip away on certain issues by the Gerbil and company. The Gerbil is trying to chip away on the rights of journalists and reporters and not the whistleblowers.. This also makes it differcult for ex-CIA officer and a whistleblower named "John Doe" to fight his lawsuit against former CIA director Porter Goss. Goss has tried to get this man's lawsuit dimissed more than 3 times.
The ecomomy is extremely weak and if the Republicans think that they can campaign on that alone they are kidding themselves.
Night Owl,
I would be interested in more info on this SCOTUS ruling too. This is going to hurt government whistleblowers, and it will keep workers from speaking out. Heck it's hard enough on whistleblowers as it is.
I agree with Justice John Stevens who wrote: “Public employees are still citizens while they are in the office. The notion that there is a categorical difference between speaking as a citizen and speaking in the course of one’s employment is quite wrong.”
"Those who have it, don't talk smack about it little man."
I don't talk "smack" either. I'm just saying the people I know who have invested well have done ok for themselves. If you are a part of the investor class and haven't done well the last 5 years then you are not getting good investing advice.
I happen to know one person that blogs here runs a multi-billion dollar business from a home office and is a mulit-millionaire and talks freely about it in a boisterous sort of way.
Folks,
Here is a followup to the developing story from Raw Story that I posted earlier:
Dems say oil execs, Bush Admin set to gain from estate tax repeal
"Pointing to data indicating that 99 percent of the estate tax is paid by the highest-earning 5 percent of Americans, a report released by the Democrats indicates that CEO's of major oil companies stood to gain significantly from a repeal. Democrats' estimates put oil company gains at at least a "$200 million windfall." The family of one oil executive, Lee Raymond (the former ExxonMobil CEO, pictured above left), alone stood to receive a tax break worth over $160 million."
"Democrats have also once again issued a 2005 Government Reform Committee report indicating that repealing the estate tax repeal would save the President, Vice President, and 11 cabinet members anywhere from $91 - 344 million.
The estimated cost of the repeal, according to Democrats, is $1 trillion for the years 2011-2021."
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Dems_say_oil_execs_Bush_Admin_0530.html
And here is the report:
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/oilexecsestate.pdf
You may convince some that the economy is weak, but that BS will not fly except to the weak minded.
The death tax should have been repealed ages ago. It is an unfair tax and is no more than double taxation. Why should someone work all their lives only to cash it all into the govenment when they die?
And folks,
People that are living abroad now get hit with a tax surprise:
Americans Living Abroad Get a Nasty Tax Surprise
"HONG KONG, May 29 — In an effort to raise revenues, tax writers in Congress added a last-minute provision that retroactively increased taxes for Americans living abroad. But the sudden imposition of new taxes has surprised overseas taxpayers, and it has employers concerned about the added cost."
"The increase for Americans abroad was added at the last minute to the $69 billion tax cut legislation that was signed last week. Americans living overseas paid almost $3.5 billion in United States income taxes in 2001, the latest year for which data is available, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
The change, which is retroactive to the beginning of 2006, is expected to raise taxes on Americans abroad by $2.1 billion over the next 10 years."
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/30/business/30tax.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1149014187-M5yQTI8wdzVIMsH/YF+2RA
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/comment
This cartoon may cause a lot of anger, but it is the truth.
Heckuva job, Rummy.
Bush Caught In Lie About Snow Resignation
Roger, no new indictments this week, no target letters, no press conferences. Dream on. Just as when the Dems were saying it was the worst economy since Herbert Hoover during the '04 elections was a lie, so goes the latest economy detractors. If this was the Clinton economy it would be the best in history. Go Figure.
Economy 101:
Date: 09/29/2000 Debt:$5,674,178,209,886.86
Current:5/26/2006
Debt:$8,348,362,162,627.35
Any questions??
To both Anon:
The picture speaks the truth. The truth hurts but the picture tells it all!
And the Gerbil caught in another lie again.. And how many times and counting for the Gerbil? He must have been yearning for the bottle when he made that slip!
Cheers!
Hi SPB:
Yes, I have a question. When does an investigation into Bush & Cheney's connection to Enron fraud begin? Also, those 'secret' meetings between Cheney and Ken Lay??
Dream on, oh ye faithful.
Bill Clinton lied for over a year until a blue stained dress appeared from the closet of Monica. He even wagged his finger in our faces as though we were peasants to be scolded.
S-Q,
First, there needs to be a Special Counsel or Special Prosecutor assigned to that case.. But, there should definintely be an investigation in that matter. I would love to see Sean Berkowitz and his team assigned to that job since they did an outstanding job convicting Lay and Skilling. Remember, the Gerbil and Kenny Boy connection with Enron goes deeper than those two. We are talking about Darth Cheney, Lieberman, the "Collectinator" of Kalifornia and others. But, good question..
Yes, SPB, Sean and Team would do a great job!! However, don't you personally have authority to indict in any of the States? (That is my understanding, from our previous communications.)
Are you on East coast or West coast today? :)
I will let that for Sean to finish the job in the Enron matters. He is a sharp person and I am confident that he would do a wonderful job if he was appointed Special Counsel for an investigation into the Gerbil/Kenny Boy connection. As I far as my agenda, I am going refrain telling you anyone my agenda. Since, this blog is being monitored and we have Dear Al that has hijacked this blog, I will not say. DOJ office rules. But, I will say that I will be off the blog tomorrow since I will be traveling and I have no idea when I will be on the blog tomorrow due to a busy day.
Damn that Al anyway! He points out that SPB is a blow hard and all of a sudden he has hijacked the blog. Go Figure. Who invited his sorry ass here anyway. Any guesses?
SPB at 3:39
I wouldn't have called you know what Dear. We all know what this creature is.
Gotcha SPB! I understand and I will ask those questions only in private emails, in the future.
I assumed you would be very busy tomorrow. :)
Uhm, that would be 5Million jobs created 'offshore'
and a whopping, never-before-seen acceleration into debt,
a contrived war,
unprecedented corruption in the Administration, Oval, Cabinet and Congress.
5 million jobs. what BS!
Al is going to be so hurt and feeling left out if everything is done in secret behind his back. Al is a very sensitive guy and this could do permanent emotional damage. Oh the horror!
"SPB at 3:39
I wouldn't have called you know what Dear. We all know what this creature is."
I can give him another word but I want to keep it clean on this blog! And I certainly don't want to stoop that level! And I know what the creature is.. I can say what I know the creature is behind close doors!
It is a shame that Jan had to give her self away and use that "Fritz" thing yesterday. She was the only true friend that Al had. Could Al and Jan have been exchanging photos?
Even "creatures" have feelings too. All of God's creatures need some love.
Has anyone else exchanged photos with Al besides Jan?
Grandmanuk:
Berkowitz is the Director of the Enron Task Force. The Enron Task Force was created a couple of years ago. No one has stepped up to the plate to ask for a Special Prosecutor to investigate in to the President and Lay connection. California has been asking for a while for an invesitgation into the manuipulating of the electricity. But, because the "Collectinator" governor is not doing anything at all, I might ask some my collegues to put a bug in one of candidates that is running in Califonria to look into that matter.. Once the Gerbil is removed, there will be alot more battle cry for more investigations.. But, good question!
anon at 3:09p:
ok, yes, Willie SCREWED one person, MONICA.
and? BUSH? how many has he SCREWED?
25K Iraqis - some innocent children and women
THE ENTIRE MIDDLE CLASS OF AMERICA
feeling the squeeeze ...
better off -- sure if they're on PROZAC
6 miles:
You are back! Where have you been? You have been missed on this blog..
The creature is locked up.
We are safe.
SPB:
Another question, regarding an investigation into Bush's connection to Enron scandal.
Who can ask for this investigation? Can American citizens ask the DOJ to investigate it or does it have to be politcians, Senate, House, etc ??
W"ho can ask for this investigation? Can American citizens ask the DOJ to investigate it or does it have to be politcians, Senate, House, etc ??" Notify your local representatives in your area and demand for an investigation. That is what the politicans are being paid for!!
For example, can the people of California ask for this investigation of Bush and Enron?
I'm not on prozac but I do take prilosec. You need a little prilosec if you read all this doom and gloom on a daily basis. Prozac, NO. Prilosec, definately. I should refrain from eating all that rich food.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, who has criticized Republican ethics, accepted free ringside tickets to three professional boxing matches from Nevada officials who were trying to influence his federal legislation regulating the sport.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A divided Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that government workers who blow the whistle on alleged illegal conduct do not deserve First Amendment protection that would automatically shield them from discipline from their bosses.
The decision creates a higher legal hurdle for the 20 million public service employees nationwide who seek to expose official wrongdoing in the face of possible retaliation.
It was only the second 5-4 opinion issued by the high court since its newest member, Justice Samuel Alito, joined the bench in January. He cast the deciding vote in a case that was argued twice this term, the first time back in October.
S-Q, and folks:
There is someone that is running for office in California for State Treasurer name Joe Dunn who has been investigating the manipulation of the electricity since day one. I was passed long his office number for a his campaign(thanks to my colleague in CA). I spoke with a person in the headquarters concerning Enron. And I ask the question which is one everyone's mind: is there going to be an investigation in California concerning the Bush Administration and Kenneth Lay ties. The answer is yes. I was told by his associate in the office that his goal is try get back the stolen money taking from California from Enron. Yes, Mr. Dunn knows all about the ties with Bush, Lieberman, Arnold, and others. They know! When Dunn gets into office as State Treasurer, that issue in on top of his list. I am now on his distribution list for info. Here is more information about Joe Dunn:
"Joe led California's investigation into the energy crisis, which harmed millions of Californians and cost taxpayers billions. He uncovered how Enron and other energy pirates were gaming the market to rip off California."
"Joe's Senate investigation helped unearth the infamous Enron memo that described in detail how the state was plundered and which led to civil penalties and criminal indictments of rogue energy traders. Joe was dubbed the "Man Who Cracked Enron" by California Lawyer Magazine."
http://www.joedunn.org/
More wishful thinking that doesn't change the final outcome one iota.
MARKET DOWN BIG TIME THIS AFTERNOON AROUND 200 POINTS AT 3:45--THAT WILL MAKE THE INVESTOR CLASS TAKE NOTICE,
No target letters, no indictments and no press conference. Jason Leopold looks more and more foolish as time passes. I hope he doesn't fall back to the sauce.
Truthout just published another story two and a half years before next presidential election: "Wilkie wins Presidency."
This is for Jackie!
You had emailed me about your congressman Ken Calvert. I hate to break it to you. But, you may want to check more into him because he may have ties with Cunningham:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
11:27 a.m. May 15, 2006
"LOS ANGELES – Many of the real estate holdings of Congressman Ken Calvert and his partner are near transportation projects he supported with federal appropriations, it was reported Monday."
"As politicians deal with intensifying scrutiny since the corruption scandal involving former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday that Calvert earmarked funds for Riverside County projects near properties he sold for a profit during the current real estate boom."
"One of those deals involved a four-acre parcel near March Air Reserve Base. Calvert, R-Corona, and a partner paid $550,000 for the parcel before selling it less than a year later for nearly $1 million."
"While owning the land, Calvert used the legislative process known as earmarking to secure $8 million for a planned freeway interchange 16 miles from the property, and an additional $1.5 million to support commercial development of the area around the airfield, the newspaper said."
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20060515-1127-ca-congressmaninvestments.html
And:
“Although never mentioning the $400,000 Cunningham accepted for his "help" with getting Bush to promise crooked developer and Republican funder, Thomas Kontogiannis a presidential pardon as he leaves office, Rozen does bring up the Kontogiannis connection. "The third alleged co-conspirator in the Cunningham plea agreement, Thomas T. Kontogiannis, a Long Island–based, Greek-born financier and real-estate developer, was picked up in Athens by the private plane flying Cunningham and [Congressman Ken] Calvert to Saudi Arabia in December 2004. Accompanying the group -- and paying for the trip -- was Ziyad S. Abduljawad, a naturalized American of Saudi origin living in San Diego. Calvert’s press spokesman told the Prospect that no staff members went on the trip, during which the congressmen met with 'the former Crown Prince, who is now King,' as well as several other Saudi ministers and business leaders...”
http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2006/01/ok-we-all-know-republicans-in-congress.html
BTW, America blog mentions Calvert's name to be investigated on.
SPB - thanks for the info on Dunn.
You are quite welcome, chimpcoulter. I will be keeping a real close eye on this issue since this is an important issue as well as any information from Mr. Dunn's office. :)
SPB:
Interesting information on Calvert. The Abramoff and Cunningham tentacles certainly are widely reaching!
Anon,
THE ENTIRE MIDDLE CLASS OF AMERICA is right and that's most of us pal
You ought to have your stupid rich mouth washed out with soap for your lies...and unless you own defense stock you are lying about your own cash.
basheert:
Interesting, huh? Jackie wasn't sure about her congressman is her area.. But, I really suggest everyone who this blog to really do your homework on the candidate that you vote for in November. The Hookergate scandal and other corruptions are much bigger than we think and does involved a large number of politicans directly or indirectly involved in graft. Which one are they? You have to do your homework.
SPB! Flygirls et al
Dad rushed to ER ...
Note to self: don't get sick on a Sunday.... Monday Dr in and pulls all the tubes out..
I digress...
When may we get Karl's sec clearance stripped along w/Cheney's PJF?
06/06/06 .. that's ok, but, well, the natives are a little restless with him still
SPEAKING TO THE PUBLIC ABOUT
.
.
.
POLICY!!!!
The math is simple. The Dow was hovering around 7000 after 9/11, It has been on a slide lately but is still over 11000. Unless you invested in pork rinds you should have done quite well in the past 5 years. If you are a passbook saver then you haven't done quite so well because interest rates have been at an all time low which is good for the borrower but not so good for the passbook saver.
Teak,
Here something for you:
Ex-Kansas GOP Chair Switches Affiliation
http://www.rawstory.com/showarticle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fapnews.myway.com%2Farticle%2F20060530%2FD8HUAFSO0.html
Regarding Karl Rove. Why is that lying son of a bitch not in jail?
Captain Anon
Even Al Gore is making a killing in this economy.
SPB:
And I unfortunately, live in AZ. Yes the land of Kyl and of Hayworth (2nd Highest Abramoff recipient for $$$) last but not least, John "flipflopflip" McCain (who will bring all of you a draft the day after he is sworn in - he REALLY REALLY wants a draft!!!)
We're trying down here - looks like Kyl may actually have some competition which is hurting him. But he's a huge corporate hog so the companies LOVE HIM.
Hayworth is in bed with the tribes. No other way to describe it - (no one else would bed him!)
It's disgusting...but I choose to believe there is hope and will vote Absentee so my vote is counted.
Pray for us Blue States!
basheert,
I forgot that you live in AZ. You got it worse: McCain. From what I heard, the Maverick is not doing good. He is also in hot water.. It is really ashamed about McCain. I had a lot of respect for him. He has turned to buttkisser of the Gerbil and so did Lieberman. And I certainly don't want to talk about the buffoon Lieberman. I have a few friends in Connecticut. If you mention Lieberman's name, you will get a hair cut! And I did hear that Ned Lamont that is rinning against Lieberman is doing well. Hang in there in Arizona. I have a feeling McCain is on his way out..
Al Gore’s fortune and soaring Google stock could help him launch a White House race anytime he likes, Democratic insiders tell the New York Post’s Deborah Orin.
Gore has served as a senior adviser to Google since 2001.
One Democrat says Gore “could wait until a month before and just drop” $50 million “in to launch a race. He’s got way more than enough money to buy this thing at any point in the process.”
SPB
I don't believe McCain runs this year. But he's definitely pulled a Frist (yay). He has lost all credibility in his own state, frankly he makes a lot of people who did support him squirrley!
His alliance with Jerry Falwell killed him, just like Frist diagnosing Terri Schiavo via videotape. Frist will never be able to take that back and I'm hoping that McCain's alliance with Falwell will be his "gettysburg".
Frist is done .. and hopefully McCain finished himself too - I know the blogs have torn him to shreds (you'd be so proud of me, I send them to him all the time...cut and paste all those nasty personal attacks!!!) I do it openly under my own name and he responds to every single email with a letter.
He's FURIOUS with the blogs, Huffpo to begin with because they showed him for the schmaltz he truly is and exposed him. They constantly post the picture of Bush and McCain doing the BIG HUG which is nauseating!
Plus they came out in support of his recent heckler!!!
As for Lieberman, I think he's finished. He isn't a Dem, and pretty much everyone in CT sees that.
What these guys don't see is that people remember lies, and duplicity, and stupidity.
I guess it's the old "what goes around, comes around" theory...amazingly it works!!!
basheert,
Frist been finished ever since he gave that quack so-called examination of Terri Schiavo. That finished Frist. He certainly doesn't have a leg to stand on. And I hope Ford kicks his butt in the election! McCain? Like you said, he is finished! And I know that the Gerbil/McCain and Gerbil/Lieberman hugs were nauseating... Those were brokeback moments for them..
SPB sure can recognize a "brokback moment". How many times has he seen that movie? He seems to be an expert on "brokeback moments. I guess it takes one to know one.
"SPB sure can recognize a "brokback moment". How many times has he seen that movie? He seems to be an expert on "brokeback moments. I guess it takes one to know one." I guess you must be referring to yourself: the expert, Al??
SPB, now come on. You are the one always referring to "brokeback moments" like you can recognize one as though you were looking in the mirror.
Switching gears, folks!
This is truly alarming to hear about this:
2 of 3 college grads go into debt
"WASHINGTON - Nearly two of every three undergraduate students are going into debt to go to college, owing an average of more than $19,000, most often to the government."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060530/ap_on_go_ot/student_loans
What about the "American dream" for these students to get a home in the future???
SBP, you are so right about Liarman and Ned kicking his behind.
It's like a wave all across the lands...former republicans showing up at progressive meetings all over the city in droves, the old, the young, and finally the 30-40 crowd. Oh and they are so angry you would not believe.
I can't wait to see how many show up at the city wide picnic. My neighbor that never does anything just told me he had never written a letter to the editor in his life-but he just did!
Hey anon braggert-here's one for you
"Religion; it's what keeps the poor from murdering the rich"-Napoleon
I figure that when Bush's approval rating goes single digit during his looming encounters with Justice, the Republican Party-you know, those complicit and enabling boys and girls-will suddenly have their revellation to impeach.
Tolerance for fascism is fading and no matter how much some cherry pick the facts, defecation happens.
Most importantly, the commanders will lose their allegiance to a counterfeit and dangerous sociopathic administration.
Without teeth the coup is harmless. I hope the transition back to a Republic is not a bloody one. That is up to the subverter-neocons, who have already been quite provocative.
http://www.light-to-dark.com/mininuke.html
Thank you, SPB! Maybe Kansans will start waking up. I'll have to check this guy out. It is a start!
You are right about the college loans, too.
But don't forget - the BIG push towards the midterms will be on the BIG EVILS!!!
Yes folks, now you have it - THE most important thing to face this country in 2006.
FLAG BURNING and GAY MARRIAGE!!!
That's Rover's plan ... frankly I think it's about done and over with. NO ONE CARES.
ROTFLMAO.
Rove is such a lucking fiar.
See the new additions to my website.
http://actionlyme.org
Rove is completely out of touch with reality or just trying to sell some right-wing propaganda. I don't think he'll fool anybody about the economy. The Federal Reservejust keeps printing more money - no M3 disclosed. The middle-class is disappearing, many people are even losing their homes to foreclosure I've heard. I doubt the Republicans have anything worthwhile to run on.
D
Home ownership is at an all time high.
Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that homeownership is affordable for many – evidenced also by five consecutive record years for home sales.
In the fourth quarter of 2005, the national homeownership rate was 69.0 percent, compared to the all-time high of 69.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004.
In addition, Census Bureau data shows that foreign-born Americans are just as likely to buy homes as native-born Americans, demonstrating that homeownership is a high priority for immigrants as well. In fact, after 30 years in the United States, immigrants have a higher homeownership rate than the national average.
Based on current trends and underlying demand, it’s estimated the overall U.S. homeownership rate could exceed 70 percent by 2013.
Not many people really own their homes. The bank does. And if the real estate bubble bursts, many people will be in real trouble.
D
Doom & Gloomers unite.
The Corporation wants to own you. Thats the bottom line for nationalist socialist in any country in recent history.
BushCo will be glad to put your property in receivership. Theirs.
A New Post-Please!
106 comments and 28 are from Biloxi?
... and 14 mention "brokeback". Go Figure.
Al does like his 'eye candy'; which variety? Scroll on down to the "Male Variety"....by Al Rodgers.
http://www.dailykos.com/
story/2006/4/16/0163/01877
http://www.inthesetimes.com/
site/main/article/2670
In Iraq and Afghanistan, when “suck it up” fails to snap a soldier out of depression or panic, the Army turns to drugs. “Soldiers I talked to were receiving bags of antidepressants and sleeping meds in Iraq, but not the trauma care they needed,” says Steve Robinson, a Defense Department intelligence analyst during the Clinton administration.
Sometimes sleeping pills, antidepressants and tranquilizers are prescribed by qualified personnel. Sometimes not. Sgt. Georg Anderas Pogany told Salon that after he broke down in Iraq, his team sergeant told him “to pull himself together, gave him two Ambien, a prescription sleep aid, and ordered him to sleep.”
Other soldiers self-medicate. “We were so junked out on Valium, we had no emotions anymore,” Iraq vet John Crawford told “Fresh Air” host Terry Gross. He and others in his unit in Iraq became addicted to Valium.
The issues around mental health and medication are exacerbated for the more than 378,000 troops who have served multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) caused by a previous tour are cropping up in later ones.
I'm Laura right now.
Grandmanuk thanks for telling us about your grandson I'm so proud of him. But I'm not surpised because it's part of you and that's the kind of caring person you are.
6 Miles I hope your Dad is ok keep us up dated and my prayers are with him. He has a great daughter in you.
Thanks SPB for answering my email I have my ballot and I need to know who's who before I vote.
As for todays news yes Snow was fired too. As for the US economy we know the truth. The new dude who got Snows job is said to be taking a 10 million dollar cut let's get real this guy is going to make 75 per cent more then he made before and he'll get the money and leave as the rest of the crooks did.
From Truthout.org:
Larry C. Johnson | Howard Kurtz, Unreliable Source
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/053006R.shtml
Larry Johnson says that journalists have an obligation to disclose family connections that cause conflicts of interest. One example is Howard Kurtz, media reporter for the Washington Post, whose wife works as a Republican consultant.
No wonder Washington Post is in the backpocket of the Gerbil!
On a side note: I got an email from blogger, Jan Fallon, who informed that she is leaving the blog because she felt very much mauled from the negative comments to her. It is truly ashamed that she is leaving the blog. I ho[e that she comes bakc to the blog. And I hope the blog will get back to normal and not chase new bloggers off in support of Fitz' case.
Final posting.
This is too funny!
"UGLIER AND UGLIER. The FBI is now saying that during their earlier raid on his house, Rep. Jefferson (D-LA) was on the premises during the raid and tried to hide documents from FBI agents as they were conducting the search. That's not proven. But it's the sworn testimony of one of the FBI agents." -- Josh Marshall
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/
Here is affidavit from the FBI agent:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/docs/jefferson-justiceresponse/?resultpage=36&
Enjoy your evening folks! Signing off!
Sorry to hear that about Jan. I like different comments-except the non-progressives.
Thanks SBP for the email, I get really frustrated at the secrecy and wondering how far W and boys will take this!
6 miles, all the best to you and your dad.
Signing off with
Al's picture for the curious ;-)
AL
SPB:
Have a great day tomorrow! :)
Can you all believe this? Bush found out about the Marine massacre from the press!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060531/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_iraqi_civilians;_ylt=Amm9W9mUfRHujcp4a7VhqdKyFz4D;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA
Well, S-Q:
The Gerbil is certainly a "President left behind"! Good night! Have a good day tomorrow!
The Trolls feed on negative emotions like anger and fear. Did you notice how viciously the subway serenade was attacked?
We can pray for them, but DO NOT get sucked into a conversation with them.
D
Here is a better article on the Supreme Court ruling on speech in regards to whistleblowers:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060530/ap_on_go_su_co/scotus_free_speech
There is a link to the document at the end. Even a Night Owl gets too sleepy to read all that now . . .
I will say that there is not enough whistleblowing and this might reduce it. But, some folks will just have to be more crafty and more professional about how they go about whistleblowing. ;-)
No Target Letters, Indictments or Press Conferences. Go Figure.
The Trolls feed on negative emotions like anger and fear. Did you notice how viciously the subway serenade was attacked?
You call that vicious. Read some of SPB's post about the Gerbil, Little General and Pork Rind.
Roger Rancourt said...
"Al Rogers, leave here immediately. You're not funny and my friend Raven got abused by one of your nice friends in the clinic at school."
Roger, you are so forceful and manly but you give such poor advice.
I have to agree there about the name calling. It's getting repetitious and tiring. Sort of like Imus constantly calling Katie Couric The Little Runt, it's not funny the third time.
What it's really like in Iraq. A 45 min movie shoot by an Iraqi showing all you want see on censored TV channels!
Mission accomplished? Yeah right!
Reviealing look at daily life in Iraq
Just a point about true trolls:
STOP RESPONDING TO THEM!
They are like giant leeches and feed off of negative energy. They disrupt by trying to turn the discussion off topic.
No matter how much they make you angry, do not answer. No answer, no jollies.
They'll provoke and provoke - ignore them. They have nothing interesting to say or add anyway.
I hope Jan comes back. Leaving because of a silly little troll is a shame! Especially when they never outgrew "schoolyard bully".
Yawn!
Trolls have feelings too. Trolls are the most abused creatures in the universe. Trolls unite. Trolls should have rights just like other "A" holes.
...yes, the video. I'm sure the site, referenced by waterflake, will be appreciated by all who view the clip.
Thank you for sharing this input.
Wow, crys us a river Al.
I'm sure you don't get any appreciation from all your fans over at the DailyKOS.
All these trolls have made this place a dump, I say let them talk into the wind and then remove them when they cross the line.
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