Number of days after the article outing Ambassador Wilson's wife appeared that the White House required its staff to turn over evidence relating to the leak: 85
Approximate hours between then-White House Counsel Alberto Gonzalez's advance notification to White House Chief of Staff Andy Card that he would require staff to turn over evidence relating to the case and formal notification to staff of that requirement: 12
Minimum number of times an Administration official leaked classified information about the identity of Ambassador Wilson's wife: 11
Minimum number of times after the beginning of the Justice Department's investigation that White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan claimed Karl Rove was not involved: 5
Number of press conferences since evidence linking Karl Rove to the leak was made public where Press Secretary McClellan has refused to comment on the case, citing an ongoing criminal investigation: 7
Minimum number of hearings held by Senate Republicans to investigate accusations against President Clinton involving the "Whitewater" case: 20
Total hearings held by Senate Republicans to investigate the leak of the covert identity of Ambassador Joseph Wilson's wife: 0
Say what you will about "Whitewater" but it didn't put damage national security. And if the GOP is the "National Security Party" shouldn't they be deeply disturbed by Karl Rove's actions? Shouldn't they be investigating this to help prevent future leaks? Or was the Republican's talk about security just politics?
Monday, July 25, 2005
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Ethics are for Others
Well it turns out that Mitch's "RV1" isn't just a mobile office. It's also a nifty campaign gimmick.
"A story on the fundraising event published Wednesday in the Evansville Courier and Press said that the governor "stopped by in his RV1 to stump for" Woodruff.
"People who made the $25 per family donation to get into the Woodruff fish fry on Tuesday lined up to shake hands and get pictures of the governor (and) tour RV1," the article stated."
State law is fairly clear on this, and for that matter so was Mitch supposedly. But perhaps the best quote is from the deputy Inspector General before the incident:
"Deputy Inspector General Jeff Gill -- speaking before the Democratic Party asked for the investigation -- was asked in general whether a state office or vehicle could be used for political fundraising. While stressing he was not giving an official opinion, Gill said no.
"Unless it's permitted by a general written agency policy, it looks to me like it would be prohibited," Gill said."
It really is about the arrogance with Mitch, he lays down a set of ethics rules that he thinks he's above. But we shouldn't care cause he's just a "good ole boy" like us. It's makes you wonder what the next thing he thinks he's above.
"A story on the fundraising event published Wednesday in the Evansville Courier and Press said that the governor "stopped by in his RV1 to stump for" Woodruff.
"People who made the $25 per family donation to get into the Woodruff fish fry on Tuesday lined up to shake hands and get pictures of the governor (and) tour RV1," the article stated."
State law is fairly clear on this, and for that matter so was Mitch supposedly. But perhaps the best quote is from the deputy Inspector General before the incident:
"Deputy Inspector General Jeff Gill -- speaking before the Democratic Party asked for the investigation -- was asked in general whether a state office or vehicle could be used for political fundraising. While stressing he was not giving an official opinion, Gill said no.
"Unless it's permitted by a general written agency policy, it looks to me like it would be prohibited," Gill said."
It really is about the arrogance with Mitch, he lays down a set of ethics rules that he thinks he's above. But we shouldn't care cause he's just a "good ole boy" like us. It's makes you wonder what the next thing he thinks he's above.
Monday, July 18, 2005
(Fast) Food for Thought
Here are some chilling stats:
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the US has lost 3.4 million high-paying jobs between 2000-2003 (the last year they have statistics). Comprising that total are:
100,000 Information and data processing jobs
200,000 Broadcast and telecommunications jobs,
205,000 Computer System Designer jobs,
2.8 million manufacturing jobs and
121,000 publishing jobs which include software.
When the GOP talks about the jobs created by the Bush administration they never mention the fact that these jobs are seldom described as "high-paying." Instead we have people losing jobs at factories like Trellborg and having to take work at McDonald's and Wal-Mart. Work that is often without benefits, and part time, causing a decrease in the size of the middle class, a dependence on the welfare system (because you can have a job and still need welfare,) and delivering a body blow to communities like Logansport and Cass County.
Credit to Bonddad at MyDD for finding the stats.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the US has lost 3.4 million high-paying jobs between 2000-2003 (the last year they have statistics). Comprising that total are:
100,000 Information and data processing jobs
200,000 Broadcast and telecommunications jobs,
205,000 Computer System Designer jobs,
2.8 million manufacturing jobs and
121,000 publishing jobs which include software.
When the GOP talks about the jobs created by the Bush administration they never mention the fact that these jobs are seldom described as "high-paying." Instead we have people losing jobs at factories like Trellborg and having to take work at McDonald's and Wal-Mart. Work that is often without benefits, and part time, causing a decrease in the size of the middle class, a dependence on the welfare system (because you can have a job and still need welfare,) and delivering a body blow to communities like Logansport and Cass County.
Credit to Bonddad at MyDD for finding the stats.
Karl Rove: What We Know
Here is a synopsis of what is known so far about Karl Rove's involvement in the outing of a CIA agent.
1. Rove in fact was Time journalist Matthew Cooper's source. Rove, through his lawyer, has admitted that he spoke with Cooper and disclosed that "Wilson's wife (Valarie Plame) was a CIA agent working on WMD. The GOP is trying to weasel out by saying that Rove "was only trying to dissuade Cooper from writing a bad story," except that:
2. Rove in fact violated Executive Order 12958, which clearly states: "I will never divulge classified information to anyone" who is not authorized to receive it"
It goes on to also state: "Before ... confirming the accuracy of what appears in the public source, the signer of the SF 312 must confirm through an authorized official that the information has, in fact, been declassified. If it has not, ... confirmation of its accuracy is also an unauthorized disclosure"
Rove did not confirm through an authorized official.
3. The GOP doesn't see this as a problem. The man outed a CIA agent, and broke an Executive Order signed by President Bush, and instead they see it as a joke. To them as Rep Peter King put it "No, in fact, I think Karl Rove should get a medal..."
1. Rove in fact was Time journalist Matthew Cooper's source. Rove, through his lawyer, has admitted that he spoke with Cooper and disclosed that "Wilson's wife (Valarie Plame) was a CIA agent working on WMD. The GOP is trying to weasel out by saying that Rove "was only trying to dissuade Cooper from writing a bad story," except that:
2. Rove in fact violated Executive Order 12958, which clearly states: "I will never divulge classified information to anyone" who is not authorized to receive it"
It goes on to also state: "Before ... confirming the accuracy of what appears in the public source, the signer of the SF 312 must confirm through an authorized official that the information has, in fact, been declassified. If it has not, ... confirmation of its accuracy is also an unauthorized disclosure"
Rove did not confirm through an authorized official.
3. The GOP doesn't see this as a problem. The man outed a CIA agent, and broke an Executive Order signed by President Bush, and instead they see it as a joke. To them as Rep Peter King put it "No, in fact, I think Karl Rove should get a medal..."
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Why We Need Stem Cell Research
The above link will take you to a partial list of diseases that researchers believe can be treated by treatments from stem cell research. I say partial because due to the limitations placed on the research by the Bush administration we don't know the full impact yet.
Among the list are the following diseases:
Asperger Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus, Rett Syndrome, Type 1 Diabetes, Leukemia.
What do they have in common? They affect children. When President Bush and his supporters talk about potential for life in frozen embryos they forget the potential for saving lives that these stem cells contain. Let's be clear, we're talking about using embryos that are going to be destroyed, literally thrown out with the trash. These cells have the potential for saving the lives on countless children. Children who aren't potential life, but are actually alive, isn't that what a "culture of life" should be about?
And for the record, House Bill 810 which would amend the law to allow for funding stem cell research at the federal level passed with broad bipartisan support. Just not the support of Rep. Chocola (R-himself.)
Among the list are the following diseases:
Asperger Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus, Rett Syndrome, Type 1 Diabetes, Leukemia.
What do they have in common? They affect children. When President Bush and his supporters talk about potential for life in frozen embryos they forget the potential for saving lives that these stem cells contain. Let's be clear, we're talking about using embryos that are going to be destroyed, literally thrown out with the trash. These cells have the potential for saving the lives on countless children. Children who aren't potential life, but are actually alive, isn't that what a "culture of life" should be about?
And for the record, House Bill 810 which would amend the law to allow for funding stem cell research at the federal level passed with broad bipartisan support. Just not the support of Rep. Chocola (R-himself.)
The Cost of the War in Iraq on National Security
The strength of our national security rests squarely on the shoulders of our volunteer armed forces. And while the military remains the most respected institution in the country we now see a sharp decline in the willingness of parents to allow their children to join the military, down to 51% from 65% in 1999. Why?
"Deb Morris, who already has one son serving in Iraq, had a quick answer when his brother talked about joining the military. "I said, 'No way.' "
The Beech Grove mother said she supports the troops but wants them home. "I'm not proud that we invaded Iraq."
Combined with the consistent inability of the Army and Marines to meet their recruiting goals we are setting ourselves up for some very unsavory choices. We have a long term/ high troop count involvement in Iraq, we find ourselves faced with difficult choices if Al Qaeda takes root in a new country, or returns to an under staffed Afghanistan.
"Deb Morris, who already has one son serving in Iraq, had a quick answer when his brother talked about joining the military. "I said, 'No way.' "
The Beech Grove mother said she supports the troops but wants them home. "I'm not proud that we invaded Iraq."
Combined with the consistent inability of the Army and Marines to meet their recruiting goals we are setting ourselves up for some very unsavory choices. We have a long term/ high troop count involvement in Iraq, we find ourselves faced with difficult choices if Al Qaeda takes root in a new country, or returns to an under staffed Afghanistan.
Some Good Question
I know that this article is about the House race in Ohio, but the Democratic candidate, Paul Hackett, asks some excellent questions.
“Ask yourselves these questions,” he urged the 300 in attendance at the debate: “Are you better off in the past five years? Is your job safer? Do you even have a job? Are you paying more for health care? How about gasoline? If you send me down there, I’ll fight for you. If you want a rubber stamp to represent you, then I’m not your candidate.”
How would you answer those questions? What would you say that Rep. Chocola (R-Himself) has done to make those questions easier to answer? For that matter what has the GOP done to make those questions easier to answer?
“Ask yourselves these questions,” he urged the 300 in attendance at the debate: “Are you better off in the past five years? Is your job safer? Do you even have a job? Are you paying more for health care? How about gasoline? If you send me down there, I’ll fight for you. If you want a rubber stamp to represent you, then I’m not your candidate.”
How would you answer those questions? What would you say that Rep. Chocola (R-Himself) has done to make those questions easier to answer? For that matter what has the GOP done to make those questions easier to answer?
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Big pharma links are close to home
onlinejournal.com
June 21, 2005—A controversial plan to screen all Illinois school children for mental health disorders is set to become a reality on June 30, if the governor accepts the final proposal from the Illinois Children's Mental Health Partnership (ICMHP).
Illinois became the first state to hop on the bandwagon for President Bush's New Freedom Commission's (NFC) plan to subject all American school children to mental health screening. In 2003, Illinois lawmakers passed the $10 million Illinois Children's Mental Health Act (ICMHP), creating a Children's Mental Health Partnership, which many expect to become a model for other states.
The final report by the Illinois Children's Mental Health Task Force was released in April 2003 and it is filled with intrusive and expensive recommendations. The ICMHP held hearings in various locations across the state in 2004 to gather public feedback on the plan.
While its proposals seem harmless enough at first glance, comments from parents during the hearings raised many valid concerns. The state, critics said, no longer assumes that Illinois children are mentally healthy, it presumes all children need mental health screening.
The task force report calls for a comprehensive, coordinated children's mental health system comprised of prevention, early intervention, and treatment for children ages 0–18 and for a statewide data-reporting system to track information on each person, and social-emotional development screens with all mandated school exams (K, 4th, and 9th).
The task force wants to: Start early, beginning prenatally and at birth, and continue throughout adolescence, including efforts to support adolescents in making the transition to young adulthood.
Karen Hayes, associate director of Concerned Women for America-Illinois, published an op-ed in the Illinois Leader on July 23, 2004, and had a great idea. She said maybe the legislators should be mentally evaluated.......
......Other drug companies besides Janssen were involved in the creation of the list. And drug company money was also used to grease the palms of politician who would ultimately have to approve the TMAP scheme.
For instance, Eli Lilly helped fund the guidelines and also has well-known ties to both Bush administrations. After Bush Senior left the CIA in 1977, he became a member of Lilly's board of directors. When he left the company to become Reagan's vice president in 1980, he forgot to mention that he still owned stock in the company at the same time that he was lobbying for tax breaks for Lilly, even though it manufactured drugs in Puerto Rico.
Bush Junior made Eli Lilly CEO Sidney Taurel a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, and George W.'s former director of the Office of Management and Budget, Mitch Daniels, was also a former senior vice president of Lilly.
In the 2000 election, the company contributed over $1.5 million to political candidates, with over 80 percent going to Bush and the Republican Party.....................(continued at above link)
If you might be a little concerned about your children or grandchildren and what they could be subjected to in the school system, this may be a time to call your congressman about this issue. Our representatives need to be told what we think about mandatory psychological screening of our children in the school system. Enough said? If you don't know how to contact your representative, just go to congress.org and do a search for your representatives. It's that easy. It provides e-mail access, phone numbers, fax numbers, and addresses for each one. I've found that e-mailing is not as effective as a phone call or a written letter.
June 21, 2005—A controversial plan to screen all Illinois school children for mental health disorders is set to become a reality on June 30, if the governor accepts the final proposal from the Illinois Children's Mental Health Partnership (ICMHP).
Illinois became the first state to hop on the bandwagon for President Bush's New Freedom Commission's (NFC) plan to subject all American school children to mental health screening. In 2003, Illinois lawmakers passed the $10 million Illinois Children's Mental Health Act (ICMHP), creating a Children's Mental Health Partnership, which many expect to become a model for other states.
The final report by the Illinois Children's Mental Health Task Force was released in April 2003 and it is filled with intrusive and expensive recommendations. The ICMHP held hearings in various locations across the state in 2004 to gather public feedback on the plan.
While its proposals seem harmless enough at first glance, comments from parents during the hearings raised many valid concerns. The state, critics said, no longer assumes that Illinois children are mentally healthy, it presumes all children need mental health screening.
The task force report calls for a comprehensive, coordinated children's mental health system comprised of prevention, early intervention, and treatment for children ages 0–18 and for a statewide data-reporting system to track information on each person, and social-emotional development screens with all mandated school exams (K, 4th, and 9th).
The task force wants to: Start early, beginning prenatally and at birth, and continue throughout adolescence, including efforts to support adolescents in making the transition to young adulthood.
Karen Hayes, associate director of Concerned Women for America-Illinois, published an op-ed in the Illinois Leader on July 23, 2004, and had a great idea. She said maybe the legislators should be mentally evaluated.......
......Other drug companies besides Janssen were involved in the creation of the list. And drug company money was also used to grease the palms of politician who would ultimately have to approve the TMAP scheme.
For instance, Eli Lilly helped fund the guidelines and also has well-known ties to both Bush administrations. After Bush Senior left the CIA in 1977, he became a member of Lilly's board of directors. When he left the company to become Reagan's vice president in 1980, he forgot to mention that he still owned stock in the company at the same time that he was lobbying for tax breaks for Lilly, even though it manufactured drugs in Puerto Rico.
Bush Junior made Eli Lilly CEO Sidney Taurel a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, and George W.'s former director of the Office of Management and Budget, Mitch Daniels, was also a former senior vice president of Lilly.
In the 2000 election, the company contributed over $1.5 million to political candidates, with over 80 percent going to Bush and the Republican Party.....................(continued at above link)
If you might be a little concerned about your children or grandchildren and what they could be subjected to in the school system, this may be a time to call your congressman about this issue. Our representatives need to be told what we think about mandatory psychological screening of our children in the school system. Enough said? If you don't know how to contact your representative, just go to congress.org and do a search for your representatives. It's that easy. It provides e-mail access, phone numbers, fax numbers, and addresses for each one. I've found that e-mailing is not as effective as a phone call or a written letter.
$1 billion dollar shortfall for VA
" The Department of Veterans Affairs told Congress that its health care costs grew faster than expected and left a $1 billion hole in its budget this year, lawmakers said Thursday."
No kidding, with an active war in Iraq and Afghanistan, plus vets from previous conflicts getting ever older, it seems only the GOP was surprised by this. Take for example the fact that in the spring Sen Patty Murray (D-WA) had urged lawmakers to give the VA an extra $2 billion this spring, while they assembled an $82 billion emergency spending bill on war and homeland security, but the VA said it didn't need any more money.
The fact of the matter is this wasn't an accident, the administration cut VA funding. Which makes you wonder, with the ongoing conflicts, how important is the well-being of our troop, and our safety to them?
No kidding, with an active war in Iraq and Afghanistan, plus vets from previous conflicts getting ever older, it seems only the GOP was surprised by this. Take for example the fact that in the spring Sen Patty Murray (D-WA) had urged lawmakers to give the VA an extra $2 billion this spring, while they assembled an $82 billion emergency spending bill on war and homeland security, but the VA said it didn't need any more money.
The fact of the matter is this wasn't an accident, the administration cut VA funding. Which makes you wonder, with the ongoing conflicts, how important is the well-being of our troop, and our safety to them?
Mitch take his "Blade" to higher education
President Bush is the one who nicknamed Mitch the "The Blade" and now its faculty at IU that are paying the price.
"The College of Arts and Sciences has eliminated 23 full time faculty positions and 35 graduate teaching assistants, and the School of Education cut 10 faculty positions. The Kelley School of Business froze staff hiring, and the Law School and School of Public and Environmental Affairs froze faculty hiring."
Why? Well in part do to:
"IU's budget was further reduced when the Indiana General Assembly cut operating funds for the campus by more than $3 million, Theobald said."
There are two issues here, a decrease in the quality of education and job loss. The job loss is easier to quantify, these are generally good paying jobs that are being removed from the tax base. And while it may be harder to put a price on the loss of these positions from an academic standpoint, it isn't hard to see that they will diminish the quality of education at IU due to higher class sizes, and the loss of academic specialty.
"The College of Arts and Sciences has eliminated 23 full time faculty positions and 35 graduate teaching assistants, and the School of Education cut 10 faculty positions. The Kelley School of Business froze staff hiring, and the Law School and School of Public and Environmental Affairs froze faculty hiring."
Why? Well in part do to:
"IU's budget was further reduced when the Indiana General Assembly cut operating funds for the campus by more than $3 million, Theobald said."
There are two issues here, a decrease in the quality of education and job loss. The job loss is easier to quantify, these are generally good paying jobs that are being removed from the tax base. And while it may be harder to put a price on the loss of these positions from an academic standpoint, it isn't hard to see that they will diminish the quality of education at IU due to higher class sizes, and the loss of academic specialty.
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