Never underestimate the perceptiveness of the American people.
More than half of Americans are angry and disappointed with the nation’s judiciary, a new survey done for the ABA Journal eReport shows.
A majority of the survey respondents agreed with statements that "judicial activism" has reached the crisis stage, and that judges who ignore voters’ values should be impeached. Nearly half agreed with a congressman who said judges are "arrogant, out-of-control and unaccountable."
The survey results surprised some legal experts with the extent of dissatisfaction shown toward the judiciary. "These are surprisingly large numbers," says Mark V. Tushnet, a constitutional law professor at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC (surprising to you maybe, not to many of us)
People see what's going on. They realize the left is attempting to usurp the will of the people via the back door utilization of activist judges and courts and they don't like it....not one bit.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Dem Prosecutor Ronnie Earle Indicts Ham Sandwich
Not an unexpected move from ultra partisan Puke of Earle to indict Tom Delay on one count of conspiracy. Word from sources is the indictment is extremely weak at best a temporary irritant for DeLay.
Sept. 28 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. Representative Tom DeLay, the No. 2 Republican in the House, was indicted by a Texas grand jury on a single count of criminal conspiracy.
DeLay, 58, who faces up to two years in prison, will temporarily step aside as House majority leader, he said in a statement. House Speaker Dennis Hastert said he will recommend that
Representative David Dreier of California replace DeLay, the Associated Press reported.
Two former campaign aides, John Colyandro and Jim Ellis, were also charged with conspiracy by the grand jury in Austin, Texas, according to the indictment.
The indictment stems from a grand jury investigation into alleged use of illegal corporate contributions by DeLay's political action committee, Texans for a Republican Majority, in the 2002 races for the state House of Representatives.
Decide for yourself, the text of the indictment is here
This is the wake of call for Republicans to get agressive and fight back. It's time they realize that the left will stop at nothing to retrieve their power.
Beware, the "bed wetting" Right (you know who you are) already screaming the sky is falling. Don't be fooled, if those on the right don't panic and use their god given spines, they can prove this to be nothing more than petty partisan gutter politics instigated by a frustrated and bitter left.
Update: Mark Levin's take: Here's my first take on this indictment (I've only read the indictment and nothing more for now): The indictment is three pages in length. Other than a statement that "one or more" of 3 individuals, including Tom DeLay, entered into an illegal conspiracy, I can't find a single sentence tying Tom DeLay to a crime. That is, there's not a single sentence tying DeLay to the contribution. The indictment describes the alleged conduct of two other individuals, but nothing about DeLay.
You would think if Ronnie Earle had even a thin reed of testimony linking DeLay to the contribution, it would have been noted in the indictment to justify the grand jury's action. Moreover, not only is there no information about DeLay committing acts in furtherance of a conspiracy, there's no information about DeLay entering into a conspiracy. I honestly believe that unless there's more, this is an egregious abuse of prosecutorial power. It's a disgrace. I understand that not everything has to be contained in an indictment, but how about something! Posted at 01:58 PM
UpdateII: Although I couldn't disagree more, in the interest of fairness I feel it neccessary to provide an opposing view on this matter from Rusty at Jawa.
UpdateIII: It apears the the American people are beginning to pick up on what many of us on the right have understood from the beginning.....
Growing Number Say DeLay Charges Politically Motivated
September 30, 2005--On the second evening following the indictment of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a growing number of Americans believe the charges against the powerful Republican are politically motivated.
On Wednesday night, 43% said the charges were based upon the facts involved while 31% said they were politically motivated.
On Thursday, following a full day of news coverage, 37% said the charges were based upon the facts while 39% said they were politically motivated.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of Americans say that DeLay is about as ethical as most politicians. Seven percent (7%) say he is more ethical than most, 20% say less ethical. Those numbers are similar to perceptions of Bill Clinton in the late 1990s.
Although I am not a huge DeLay fan, I must give him a lot of credit for the politically savvy way he is handling this. He got out in front of this story hitting Hume, Mathews, H&C and the radio circuit before the Dims. He has defined the ground rules and defended himself well. The Bush PR team could take a lesson from him.
There are several blogs who have done an excellent job reporting on this and I suggest you visit them all. Here are a few, they're informative, entertaining and worth the time.
WuzzaDem
My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
WILLisms
CaliforniaConservative
Sept. 28 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. Representative Tom DeLay, the No. 2 Republican in the House, was indicted by a Texas grand jury on a single count of criminal conspiracy.
DeLay, 58, who faces up to two years in prison, will temporarily step aside as House majority leader, he said in a statement. House Speaker Dennis Hastert said he will recommend that
Representative David Dreier of California replace DeLay, the Associated Press reported.
Two former campaign aides, John Colyandro and Jim Ellis, were also charged with conspiracy by the grand jury in Austin, Texas, according to the indictment.
The indictment stems from a grand jury investigation into alleged use of illegal corporate contributions by DeLay's political action committee, Texans for a Republican Majority, in the 2002 races for the state House of Representatives.
Decide for yourself, the text of the indictment is here
This is the wake of call for Republicans to get agressive and fight back. It's time they realize that the left will stop at nothing to retrieve their power.
Beware, the "bed wetting" Right (you know who you are) already screaming the sky is falling. Don't be fooled, if those on the right don't panic and use their god given spines, they can prove this to be nothing more than petty partisan gutter politics instigated by a frustrated and bitter left.
Update: Mark Levin's take: Here's my first take on this indictment (I've only read the indictment and nothing more for now): The indictment is three pages in length. Other than a statement that "one or more" of 3 individuals, including Tom DeLay, entered into an illegal conspiracy, I can't find a single sentence tying Tom DeLay to a crime. That is, there's not a single sentence tying DeLay to the contribution. The indictment describes the alleged conduct of two other individuals, but nothing about DeLay.
You would think if Ronnie Earle had even a thin reed of testimony linking DeLay to the contribution, it would have been noted in the indictment to justify the grand jury's action. Moreover, not only is there no information about DeLay committing acts in furtherance of a conspiracy, there's no information about DeLay entering into a conspiracy. I honestly believe that unless there's more, this is an egregious abuse of prosecutorial power. It's a disgrace. I understand that not everything has to be contained in an indictment, but how about something! Posted at 01:58 PM
UpdateII: Although I couldn't disagree more, in the interest of fairness I feel it neccessary to provide an opposing view on this matter from Rusty at Jawa.
UpdateIII: It apears the the American people are beginning to pick up on what many of us on the right have understood from the beginning.....
Growing Number Say DeLay Charges Politically Motivated
September 30, 2005--On the second evening following the indictment of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a growing number of Americans believe the charges against the powerful Republican are politically motivated.
On Wednesday night, 43% said the charges were based upon the facts involved while 31% said they were politically motivated.
On Thursday, following a full day of news coverage, 37% said the charges were based upon the facts while 39% said they were politically motivated.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of Americans say that DeLay is about as ethical as most politicians. Seven percent (7%) say he is more ethical than most, 20% say less ethical. Those numbers are similar to perceptions of Bill Clinton in the late 1990s.
Although I am not a huge DeLay fan, I must give him a lot of credit for the politically savvy way he is handling this. He got out in front of this story hitting Hume, Mathews, H&C and the radio circuit before the Dims. He has defined the ground rules and defended himself well. The Bush PR team could take a lesson from him.
There are several blogs who have done an excellent job reporting on this and I suggest you visit them all. Here are a few, they're informative, entertaining and worth the time.
WuzzaDem
My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
WILLisms
CaliforniaConservative
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Errr America crashes and burns in a top 5 market
WHAT-AM Philadelphia tells Franken & Co. to go take a flying F$%#.
Cape hurricane evacuee gives birth to a son
Talk about completely missing the point.......
Add another name to the list of residents at the Cape Cod military base where evacuees from Hurricane Katrina are staying. But this one didn't need a plane to get there.
Dionne White of New Orleans gave birth Tuesday at Falmouth Hospital to a boy whom she named Cape Cod Bannister, or C.C. for short. It's the first birth to an evacuee staying at Camp Edwards.
"I named him that because I love Cape Cod," White told The Boston Globe. "Coming here has been a big break for me. It's like Christmas, just a big old miracle. And you don't get that very often."White, 37, has 12 other children, ranging in age from 3 to 21. Four of them with her.Three others, an 11-year-old and 9-year-old twins, were at White's sister's house in New Orleans during the storm.
White says she begged rescuers to take her to her sister's home several blocks away to get her other children, but they could not. Denise Monteiro, spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Department of Social Services, said the children have not been found.
The press has been relentless in promoting the idea that the images from hurricane Katrina have been a wake up call for Americans to recognize modern day poverty. What they won't report accurately are the many systemic causes such as this for being primarily responsible for it.
It reminds me of this little diddy from dfwgator:
There once was an old woman
Who lived in a shoe
She had so many kids
Her uterus fell out
Add another name to the list of residents at the Cape Cod military base where evacuees from Hurricane Katrina are staying. But this one didn't need a plane to get there.
Dionne White of New Orleans gave birth Tuesday at Falmouth Hospital to a boy whom she named Cape Cod Bannister, or C.C. for short. It's the first birth to an evacuee staying at Camp Edwards.
"I named him that because I love Cape Cod," White told The Boston Globe. "Coming here has been a big break for me. It's like Christmas, just a big old miracle. And you don't get that very often."White, 37, has 12 other children, ranging in age from 3 to 21. Four of them with her.Three others, an 11-year-old and 9-year-old twins, were at White's sister's house in New Orleans during the storm.
White says she begged rescuers to take her to her sister's home several blocks away to get her other children, but they could not. Denise Monteiro, spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Department of Social Services, said the children have not been found.
The press has been relentless in promoting the idea that the images from hurricane Katrina have been a wake up call for Americans to recognize modern day poverty. What they won't report accurately are the many systemic causes such as this for being primarily responsible for it.
It reminds me of this little diddy from dfwgator:
There once was an old woman
Who lived in a shoe
She had so many kids
Her uterus fell out
Corruption Charges Beginning To Surface In New Orleans Police Department
I have been referring cryptically to the so- called NOLA "phantom cops" recently. Well it appears to be a great deal more solid than blog scuttlebutt. That bizarro Compass presser is beginning to make a bit more sense now.
New Orleans, Louisiana (AHN) - Fox News reports an investigation is underway by the FBI as agents look into massive corruption on the state and local levels in the New Orleans Police Department.
Police Chief Eddie Compass suddenly resigned on Tuesday asking media interests to respect his right to privacy, but it appears that the former New Orleans cop has a lot of explaining to do.
"It's pretty much always been known, but never openly acknowledged, that NOPD's actual numbers were far below the "official" figure of 1500 - 1700," says the Fox News source.
The number of officers that actually are employed by the department are around 900 to 1,000.
The question now remains...where was all of that salary money going to?
The FBI began investigating the New Orleans police who had abandoned their post during Katrina and of the more than 500 screened so far, 84-percent don't exist.
The investigation is widening on Wednesday to include New Orleans Police Foundation and Elodia Blanco for hiring practices as well.
Update: AHN has pulled this article for reasons unknown. I'm checking into it.
New Orleans, Louisiana (AHN) - Fox News reports an investigation is underway by the FBI as agents look into massive corruption on the state and local levels in the New Orleans Police Department.
Police Chief Eddie Compass suddenly resigned on Tuesday asking media interests to respect his right to privacy, but it appears that the former New Orleans cop has a lot of explaining to do.
"It's pretty much always been known, but never openly acknowledged, that NOPD's actual numbers were far below the "official" figure of 1500 - 1700," says the Fox News source.
The number of officers that actually are employed by the department are around 900 to 1,000.
The question now remains...where was all of that salary money going to?
The FBI began investigating the New Orleans police who had abandoned their post during Katrina and of the more than 500 screened so far, 84-percent don't exist.
The investigation is widening on Wednesday to include New Orleans Police Foundation and Elodia Blanco for hiring practices as well.
Update: AHN has pulled this article for reasons unknown. I'm checking into it.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
US Durable Goods Rise More Than Expected as Demand Surges
Terrific August figures
Sept. 28 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. orders for durable goods rose a greater-than-expected 3.3 percent in August, rebounding from the biggest drop in 18 months, as businesses sought to rebuild stocks depleted by surging sales.
Bookings for expensive items made to last several years rose to $210.9 billion, the fourth increase in five months, after falling a revised 5.3 percent in July, the Commerce Department said today in Washington. Orders rose in all categories except defense equipment, led by aircraft and computers.
After a pause following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, businesses are likely to resume spending and give the economy a lift in 2006, economists said. Shipments rose the most this year and unfilled orders accumulated as companies struggled to meet the jump in demand, a sign that production will accelerate once the disruption from the storms dissipates.
``Spending is likely to slow in the months immediately ahead,'' said Richard DeKaser, chief economist at National City Corp. in Cleveland, who forecast a 3.7 percent gain in orders. ``I don't think it will be long lasting because this is an attractive interest rate environment for business investment and we'll have some catching up to do.''
Economists expected durable goods orders to rise 0.7 percent to $218.2 billion, based on the median of 64 forecasts in a Bloomberg News survey, after a previously reported 4.9 percent drop in July. Estimates ranged from a decrease of 3.2 percent to a 5.7 percent rise.
Sept. 28 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. orders for durable goods rose a greater-than-expected 3.3 percent in August, rebounding from the biggest drop in 18 months, as businesses sought to rebuild stocks depleted by surging sales.
Bookings for expensive items made to last several years rose to $210.9 billion, the fourth increase in five months, after falling a revised 5.3 percent in July, the Commerce Department said today in Washington. Orders rose in all categories except defense equipment, led by aircraft and computers.
After a pause following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, businesses are likely to resume spending and give the economy a lift in 2006, economists said. Shipments rose the most this year and unfilled orders accumulated as companies struggled to meet the jump in demand, a sign that production will accelerate once the disruption from the storms dissipates.
``Spending is likely to slow in the months immediately ahead,'' said Richard DeKaser, chief economist at National City Corp. in Cleveland, who forecast a 3.7 percent gain in orders. ``I don't think it will be long lasting because this is an attractive interest rate environment for business investment and we'll have some catching up to do.''
Economists expected durable goods orders to rise 0.7 percent to $218.2 billion, based on the median of 64 forecasts in a Bloomberg News survey, after a previously reported 4.9 percent drop in July. Estimates ranged from a decrease of 3.2 percent to a 5.7 percent rise.
Democrat Temper Tantrum
The Democrats "boycotting" the House Katrina hearings will prove to be one of their stupidest moves to date. It's a perfect example of "cutting their nose off to spite their face" and illustrates a depth of political tone deafness that surprises even me.
The only possible rational would be an attempt to delegitimize the hearings due to their lack of participation. This has thusfar not been accomplished, most Americans are not paying close enough attention. It will as so many of the congressional dog and pony shows be reduced to a set of daily soundbites, ie. Brown: "The Louisianna government was dysfunctional".
What it will accomplish is give the Republicans pretty much free reign to choreograph the show. The truth alone would prove to be bad enough for the La. state and local officials but add a room full of Republican congressman hammering the negatives and you have the makings of a massacre.
The Dims took their football and most of their players and went home but the other team has a football and the game continues. With the Rs having 12 players and the Ds 2, the left has done nothing but assure itself of getting blown out.
The only possible rational would be an attempt to delegitimize the hearings due to their lack of participation. This has thusfar not been accomplished, most Americans are not paying close enough attention. It will as so many of the congressional dog and pony shows be reduced to a set of daily soundbites, ie. Brown: "The Louisianna government was dysfunctional".
What it will accomplish is give the Republicans pretty much free reign to choreograph the show. The truth alone would prove to be bad enough for the La. state and local officials but add a room full of Republican congressman hammering the negatives and you have the makings of a massacre.
The Dims took their football and most of their players and went home but the other team has a football and the game continues. With the Rs having 12 players and the Ds 2, the left has done nothing but assure itself of getting blown out.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
N.O. Police Say 249 Officers Left Posts
Contrast this with the performance of NY police and firefighters during and after the 9-11 attacks.
NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans police chief says 249 officers — nearly 15 percent of the force — could face a special tribunal because they left their posts without permission during Hurricane Katrina and the storm's chaotic aftermath.
Police Superintendent Eddie Compass plans to assemble a tribunal of four of his assistant chiefs to hear each case and sort the outright deserters from those with a legitimate reason for not showing up for work.
Lt. David Benelli, president of the Police Association of New Orleans, the union for rank-and-file officers, said true deserters should be fired.
"For those who left because of cowardice, they don't need to be here," Benelli told The Times-Picayune in Tuesday's edition. "If you're a deserter and you deserted your post for no other reason than you were scared, then you left the department and I don't see any need for you to come back."
Related: New Orleans Police Superintendent Eddie Compass announces his retirement in New Orleans.
NOPD Superintendent Eddie Compass resigned from his position at a 2 p.m. press conference Tuesday.
Associated Press
Police Chief Eddie Compass steps off the podium after resigning his position at a Monday press conference.
No details were given and no questions were answered including who would become the next superintendent.
Compass, in his announcement, said he had always wanted to be police chief and that he had led the city through some of its toughest times, including Hurricane Katrina.
Anyone think the timing of this has anything to do with the increasing scuttlebutt concerning NOLA "phantom cops" that's permeating the blogospere?
NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans police chief says 249 officers — nearly 15 percent of the force — could face a special tribunal because they left their posts without permission during Hurricane Katrina and the storm's chaotic aftermath.
Police Superintendent Eddie Compass plans to assemble a tribunal of four of his assistant chiefs to hear each case and sort the outright deserters from those with a legitimate reason for not showing up for work.
Lt. David Benelli, president of the Police Association of New Orleans, the union for rank-and-file officers, said true deserters should be fired.
"For those who left because of cowardice, they don't need to be here," Benelli told The Times-Picayune in Tuesday's edition. "If you're a deserter and you deserted your post for no other reason than you were scared, then you left the department and I don't see any need for you to come back."
Related: New Orleans Police Superintendent Eddie Compass announces his retirement in New Orleans.
NOPD Superintendent Eddie Compass resigned from his position at a 2 p.m. press conference Tuesday.
Associated Press
Police Chief Eddie Compass steps off the podium after resigning his position at a Monday press conference.
No details were given and no questions were answered including who would become the next superintendent.
Compass, in his announcement, said he had always wanted to be police chief and that he had led the city through some of its toughest times, including Hurricane Katrina.
Anyone think the timing of this has anything to do with the increasing scuttlebutt concerning NOLA "phantom cops" that's permeating the blogospere?
Old Grey Lady Bows to Pressure
Granted Geraldo is a monumental a$$, notwithstanding that does not give the NYT a free pass to libel him. It appears that the pressure for them to come clean has led to this.....
The TV Watch column on Sept. 5 discussed broadcast journalists' undisguised outrage at the failings of Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts. It said reporters had helped stranded victims because no police officers or rescue workers were around, and added, "Fox's Geraldo Rivera did his rivals one better: yesterday, he nudged an Air Force rescue worker out of the way so his camera crew could tape him as he helped lift an older woman in a wheelchair to safety."
The editors understood the "nudge" comment as the television critic's figurative reference to Mr. Rivera's flamboyant intervention. (oh puhleeeze) Mr. Rivera complained, but after reviewing a tape of his broadcast, The Times declined to publish a correction.
Numerous readers, however - now including Byron Calame, the newspaper's public editor, who also scrutinized the tape - read the comment as a factual assertion. The Times acknowledges that no nudge was visible on the broadcast.
I suspect that the Times lawyers surmised Rivera could have a case here and suggested the prudence of issuing this pseudo correction. BTW notice there are 18 corrections listed in todays addition. Might be a good idea to print less propaganda and more facts.
The TV Watch column on Sept. 5 discussed broadcast journalists' undisguised outrage at the failings of Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts. It said reporters had helped stranded victims because no police officers or rescue workers were around, and added, "Fox's Geraldo Rivera did his rivals one better: yesterday, he nudged an Air Force rescue worker out of the way so his camera crew could tape him as he helped lift an older woman in a wheelchair to safety."
The editors understood the "nudge" comment as the television critic's figurative reference to Mr. Rivera's flamboyant intervention. (oh puhleeeze) Mr. Rivera complained, but after reviewing a tape of his broadcast, The Times declined to publish a correction.
Numerous readers, however - now including Byron Calame, the newspaper's public editor, who also scrutinized the tape - read the comment as a factual assertion. The Times acknowledges that no nudge was visible on the broadcast.
I suspect that the Times lawyers surmised Rivera could have a case here and suggested the prudence of issuing this pseudo correction. BTW notice there are 18 corrections listed in todays addition. Might be a good idea to print less propaganda and more facts.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Sheehan Arrested for Protesting Without a Permit
Via Reuters/Yahoo: Grieving mother my a$$. Look at her face, it's a freaking game to her.
La. Pol Slams Russert
Finally Mr. Potato head alias Tim Russert attempts to correct the record.
HOUSTON - The Louisiana official who broke America's heart (or more likely "turned Americas stomach") when he wept on TV about the failure to rescue a colleague's mother in a New Orleans nursing home went back on "Meet the Press" yesterday to face questions about discrepancies in his story.
"Man, get out of my face," Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard told NBC host Tim Russert, who had pointed out that Broussard got dates and details of the death wrong."
Somebody wants to nitpick a man's tragic loss of a mother because she was abandoned in a nursing home? Are you kidding? What kind of sick mind, what kind of black-hearted people want to nitpick a man's mother's death?" he said. "Sir, that woman is the epitome of abandonment."
Broussard's emotional outburst Sept. 4 and his accusation that the federal government's hesitance to send in the cavalry amounted to murder became a much-replayed emblem of Hurricane Katrina's ravages.
Nitpickinging????? This man is not only a liar he's a fraud. The entire premise he used to trash the federal governments response was based on this so-called "nit". His attempt to minimalize the distinction is contemptable and the lowest form of intellectual dishonesty.
HOUSTON - The Louisiana official who broke America's heart (or more likely "turned Americas stomach") when he wept on TV about the failure to rescue a colleague's mother in a New Orleans nursing home went back on "Meet the Press" yesterday to face questions about discrepancies in his story.
"Man, get out of my face," Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard told NBC host Tim Russert, who had pointed out that Broussard got dates and details of the death wrong."
Somebody wants to nitpick a man's tragic loss of a mother because she was abandoned in a nursing home? Are you kidding? What kind of sick mind, what kind of black-hearted people want to nitpick a man's mother's death?" he said. "Sir, that woman is the epitome of abandonment."
Broussard's emotional outburst Sept. 4 and his accusation that the federal government's hesitance to send in the cavalry amounted to murder became a much-replayed emblem of Hurricane Katrina's ravages.
Nitpickinging????? This man is not only a liar he's a fraud. The entire premise he used to trash the federal governments response was based on this so-called "nit". His attempt to minimalize the distinction is contemptable and the lowest form of intellectual dishonesty.
Most war casualties white, report says
More talking points from the left debunked........
The majority of soldiers and Marines killed or wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan were young, white, enlisted personnel from active-duty units, according to a study released Friday by the federal Government Accountability Office.
The demographic study involved 1,841 service personnel who were killed and 12,658 who were wounded, as of May 28.
Whites, who constitute 67 percent of the active-duty and reserve forces, accounted for 71 percent of the fatalities. Blacks are 17 percent of the overall force and were 9 percent of the fatalities. Hispanics are 9 percent of the force and were 10 percent of the fatalities.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are 3 percent of the force and were 3 percent of the fatalities. American Indian/Alaskan Natives are 1 percent in each category. The race of the remaining fatalities was listed as "multiple or unknown."
Isn't it refreshing when the press does their homework.
The majority of soldiers and Marines killed or wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan were young, white, enlisted personnel from active-duty units, according to a study released Friday by the federal Government Accountability Office.
The demographic study involved 1,841 service personnel who were killed and 12,658 who were wounded, as of May 28.
Whites, who constitute 67 percent of the active-duty and reserve forces, accounted for 71 percent of the fatalities. Blacks are 17 percent of the overall force and were 9 percent of the fatalities. Hispanics are 9 percent of the force and were 10 percent of the fatalities.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are 3 percent of the force and were 3 percent of the fatalities. American Indian/Alaskan Natives are 1 percent in each category. The race of the remaining fatalities was listed as "multiple or unknown."
Isn't it refreshing when the press does their homework.
Existing home sales rise in August
Sales of existing U.S. homes rose 2 percent in August to the second highest level on record, a trade group said on Monday.
Sales of previously owned homes increased to a seasonally adjusted 7.29 million unit annual rate last month from July's downwardly revised 7.15 million unit pace, the National Association of Realtors said. That figure includes both single-family homes and condominiums.
Hurricane Katrina did have an impact on sales, but NAR said it would not be able to quantify the effect for several months.
Analysts had expected overall sales to fall to a 7.11 million unit annual pace from the originally reported 7.16 million clip in July.
The national median home price rose to $220,000, up 15.8 percent from a year ago, the report showed. That was the largest annual increase in prices since July 1979.
The inventory of homes available for sale rose 3.5 percent to 2.86 million existing homes. August's level equates to 4.7 months' supply at the current sales pace.
Stubbornly low mortgage rates have helped sustain the rally in housing, creating robust demand that has driven prices up by double-digit percentages in some areas and led some analysts to worry that the market was a bubble set to burst.
Curse those stubbornly uncooperative low interest rates!
Sales of previously owned homes increased to a seasonally adjusted 7.29 million unit annual rate last month from July's downwardly revised 7.15 million unit pace, the National Association of Realtors said. That figure includes both single-family homes and condominiums.
Hurricane Katrina did have an impact on sales, but NAR said it would not be able to quantify the effect for several months.
Analysts had expected overall sales to fall to a 7.11 million unit annual pace from the originally reported 7.16 million clip in July.
The national median home price rose to $220,000, up 15.8 percent from a year ago, the report showed. That was the largest annual increase in prices since July 1979.
The inventory of homes available for sale rose 3.5 percent to 2.86 million existing homes. August's level equates to 4.7 months' supply at the current sales pace.
Stubbornly low mortgage rates have helped sustain the rally in housing, creating robust demand that has driven prices up by double-digit percentages in some areas and led some analysts to worry that the market was a bubble set to burst.
Curse those stubbornly uncooperative low interest rates!
Friday, September 23, 2005
Pentagon Blocks Testimony at Senate Hearing on Terrorist
And so the obstruction of Justice continues....
September 20, 2005 Pentagon Blocks Testimony at Senate Hearing on Terrorist By PHILIP SHENON WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 - The Pentagon said today that it had blocked a group of military officers and intelligence analysts from testifying at an open Congressional hearing about a highly classified military intelligence program that, the officers have said, identified a ringleader of the Sept. 11 attacks as a potential terrorist more than a year before the attacks.
The announcement came a day before the officers and intelligence analysts had been scheduled to testify about the program, known as Able Danger, at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Bryan Whitman, a Defense Department spokesman, said in a statement that open testimony about the program "would not be appropriate - we have expressed our security concerns and believe it is simply not possible to discuss Able Danger in any great detail in an open public forum." He offered no other detail on the Pentagon's reasoning in blocking the testimony.
Senator Arlen Specter, the Pennsylvania Republican who is chairman of the committee, said he was surprised by the Pentagon's decision because "so much of this has already been in the public domain, and I think that the American people need to know what happened here."
Weldon is a bulldog, this will not stop him from getting at the truth.
Related: 9/11 relatives charge cover-up
WASHINGTON -- Sept. 11 family members are protesting a reported Pentagon attempt to close this week's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on a claim that military intelligence had lead hijacker Mohammed Atta in its sights as early as 1999.
"They want to sweep it under the rug," said Joan Molinaro, a former Eltingville resident, whose firefighter son was killed at Ground Zero.
Update: This from NRO ABLE DANGER [Kathryn Jean Lopez]In from Specter's committee office:
Washington, D.C.--Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, will hold a second hearing on Operation Able Danger on October 5, 2005. In the initial hearing held on September 21, 2005, the Department of Defense refused to produce five key witnesses relating to the identification of 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta.
The Department of Defense has now changed their position and will make the witnesses available in a public hearing. The Committee will focus on obtaining corroborating evidence as to what occurred with the pre-9/11 charts and information which were allegedly destroyed by order of DoD personnel.
Wonder who busted who's ba!!s on this one. My suspician, it came from the top Bush telling Rummie the way it was gonna be.
September 20, 2005 Pentagon Blocks Testimony at Senate Hearing on Terrorist By PHILIP SHENON WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 - The Pentagon said today that it had blocked a group of military officers and intelligence analysts from testifying at an open Congressional hearing about a highly classified military intelligence program that, the officers have said, identified a ringleader of the Sept. 11 attacks as a potential terrorist more than a year before the attacks.
The announcement came a day before the officers and intelligence analysts had been scheduled to testify about the program, known as Able Danger, at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Bryan Whitman, a Defense Department spokesman, said in a statement that open testimony about the program "would not be appropriate - we have expressed our security concerns and believe it is simply not possible to discuss Able Danger in any great detail in an open public forum." He offered no other detail on the Pentagon's reasoning in blocking the testimony.
Senator Arlen Specter, the Pennsylvania Republican who is chairman of the committee, said he was surprised by the Pentagon's decision because "so much of this has already been in the public domain, and I think that the American people need to know what happened here."
Weldon is a bulldog, this will not stop him from getting at the truth.
Related: 9/11 relatives charge cover-up
WASHINGTON -- Sept. 11 family members are protesting a reported Pentagon attempt to close this week's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on a claim that military intelligence had lead hijacker Mohammed Atta in its sights as early as 1999.
"They want to sweep it under the rug," said Joan Molinaro, a former Eltingville resident, whose firefighter son was killed at Ground Zero.
Update: This from NRO ABLE DANGER [Kathryn Jean Lopez]In from Specter's committee office:
Washington, D.C.--Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, will hold a second hearing on Operation Able Danger on October 5, 2005. In the initial hearing held on September 21, 2005, the Department of Defense refused to produce five key witnesses relating to the identification of 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta.
The Department of Defense has now changed their position and will make the witnesses available in a public hearing. The Committee will focus on obtaining corroborating evidence as to what occurred with the pre-9/11 charts and information which were allegedly destroyed by order of DoD personnel.
Wonder who busted who's ba!!s on this one. My suspician, it came from the top Bush telling Rummie the way it was gonna be.
Quote of the Day
"What most of our leadership realize and the average American and the press don't is that it is virtually impossible to effectively evacuate a major city. Always has been, always will be."
Me
Me
Gov. Blanco's Approval Rating in Free Fall
The fact that K Blanco is way over her head is being recognized.
The bottom has fallen out of Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco's poll numbers, with her approval rating tumbling sharply in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina crisis.
While President Bush's approval rating has fallen by two or three points in most polls, Survey USA found that Gov. Blanco's favorability rating has dropped by a whopping nine points among Louisianans, from 50 to 41 percent since the last survey in August.
Gov. Blanco's negative numbers have shot up by an even higher margin - 13 points. In August, 43 percent disapproved of the way she was doing her job. Now, 56 percent give her a thumbs down.
And rightly so.
The bottom has fallen out of Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco's poll numbers, with her approval rating tumbling sharply in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina crisis.
While President Bush's approval rating has fallen by two or three points in most polls, Survey USA found that Gov. Blanco's favorability rating has dropped by a whopping nine points among Louisianans, from 50 to 41 percent since the last survey in August.
Gov. Blanco's negative numbers have shot up by an even higher margin - 13 points. In August, 43 percent disapproved of the way she was doing her job. Now, 56 percent give her a thumbs down.
And rightly so.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Feds Investigate Dems' Obtaining Steele's Credit Report
BALTIMORE -- Federal prosecutors have opened an inquiry into allegations that two Democratic National Committee employees illegally tapped into Lt. Gov. Michael Steele's credit history.
WBAL-TV 11 News reporter David Collins reported the workers obtained the report in July while executing opposition research on the lieutenant governor.
In June, the Republican lieutenant governor announced he had established an exploratory committee to explore a candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
"Lt. Gov. Steele was extremely disturbed to learn about the alleged criminal identity theft of his personal finance records by (a staff member of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.,) at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
The million dollar question...will the Democrats and particularly Chuckie Schumer pay a political price for this. They are spinning it as two inexperienced rogue employees being totally responsible, we all know better. It's amazing how an indictment can loosen up ones lips, hopefully the person(s) who are truly behind this can be identified.
Update: Katie Barge, one of the senior research officials with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee who resigned after it was discovered that she and another woman may have illegally obtained the credit report of Maryland Lt. Governor most recently worked at Media Matters for America. She is a seasoned political operative also having worked for the failed presidential campaign of John Edwards.....this according to Source Watch.
WBAL-TV 11 News reporter David Collins reported the workers obtained the report in July while executing opposition research on the lieutenant governor.
In June, the Republican lieutenant governor announced he had established an exploratory committee to explore a candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
"Lt. Gov. Steele was extremely disturbed to learn about the alleged criminal identity theft of his personal finance records by (a staff member of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.,) at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
The million dollar question...will the Democrats and particularly Chuckie Schumer pay a political price for this. They are spinning it as two inexperienced rogue employees being totally responsible, we all know better. It's amazing how an indictment can loosen up ones lips, hopefully the person(s) who are truly behind this can be identified.
Update: Katie Barge, one of the senior research officials with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee who resigned after it was discovered that she and another woman may have illegally obtained the credit report of Maryland Lt. Governor most recently worked at Media Matters for America. She is a seasoned political operative also having worked for the failed presidential campaign of John Edwards.....this according to Source Watch.
Storm Donations Found at Official's Home.
Wonder how they're gonna blame this on the fed.
BATON ROUGE, La. - Police found cases of food, clothing and tools intended for hurricane victims at the home of the chief administrative officer for a New Orleans suburb, authorities said Wednesday.
Officers searched Cedric Floyd's home because of complaints that city workers were helping themselves to donations for hurricane victims. Floyd, who runs the day-to-day operations in the suburb of Kenner, was in charge of distributing the goods.
Police plan to seek a charge of committing an illegal act as a public official against Floyd, and more charges against other city workers are possible, police Capt. Steve Caraway said.
BATON ROUGE, La. - Police found cases of food, clothing and tools intended for hurricane victims at the home of the chief administrative officer for a New Orleans suburb, authorities said Wednesday.
Officers searched Cedric Floyd's home because of complaints that city workers were helping themselves to donations for hurricane victims. Floyd, who runs the day-to-day operations in the suburb of Kenner, was in charge of distributing the goods.
Police plan to seek a charge of committing an illegal act as a public official against Floyd, and more charges against other city workers are possible, police Capt. Steve Caraway said.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
"Liberals Under My Bed”
LOVE IT!...more hypocrisy from the left
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 20, 2005 –- Liberals all over the country are up in arms over a new children’s book that portrays cartoon versions of left-wing icons Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy taxing and regulating a lemonade stand.“Help! Mom! There Are Liberals Under
My Bed” (Kids Ahead; hardcover: $15.95; hits bookstore shelves today, but author Katharine DeBrecht has already found herself under fire from liberals. MSNBC host Ron Reagan was incensed over the book and scolded DeBrecht on his cable television show. Fox News host Alan Colmes claimed the book exists for the purpose of “brainwashing.” Democratic Underground, a popular liberal Web site, named DeBrecht to its “Top 10 Conservative Idiots” list. And Daily Kos, the most trafficked left-wing blog, likened the book to Nazi propaganda.
In spite of the unflattering comparisons to Hitler, “Liberals Under My Bed” author DeBrecht is nonplussed by the allegations. “What else would you expect from liberals?” shrugs DeBrecht, a mother of three and former co-captain of Security Moms for Bush. “Liberals have been foisting their ideological agenda on our kids for years, and now they’re beside themselves that someone would stand up to them. Evidently books about socialist fish and gay kings are OK, but a story about hard work and self-reliance is too extreme.”
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 20, 2005 –- Liberals all over the country are up in arms over a new children’s book that portrays cartoon versions of left-wing icons Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy taxing and regulating a lemonade stand.“Help! Mom! There Are Liberals Under
My Bed” (Kids Ahead; hardcover: $15.95; hits bookstore shelves today, but author Katharine DeBrecht has already found herself under fire from liberals. MSNBC host Ron Reagan was incensed over the book and scolded DeBrecht on his cable television show. Fox News host Alan Colmes claimed the book exists for the purpose of “brainwashing.” Democratic Underground, a popular liberal Web site, named DeBrecht to its “Top 10 Conservative Idiots” list. And Daily Kos, the most trafficked left-wing blog, likened the book to Nazi propaganda.
In spite of the unflattering comparisons to Hitler, “Liberals Under My Bed” author DeBrecht is nonplussed by the allegations. “What else would you expect from liberals?” shrugs DeBrecht, a mother of three and former co-captain of Security Moms for Bush. “Liberals have been foisting their ideological agenda on our kids for years, and now they’re beside themselves that someone would stand up to them. Evidently books about socialist fish and gay kings are OK, but a story about hard work and self-reliance is too extreme.”
"Stuck on Stupid"
From a presser by Nagin and Gen. Honore. Terrific line, 90% of the time it fits the EM perfectly.
Male reporter: General, a little bit more about why that's happening this time (evacuation), though, and did not have that last time...
Honore: You are stuck on stupid. I'm not going to answer that question. We are going to deal with Rita. This is public information that people are depending on the government to put out. This is the way we've got to do it. So please. I apologize to you, but let's talk about the future. Rita is happening. And right now, we need to get good, clean information out to the people that they can use. And we can have a conversation on the side about the past, in a couple of months.
Read entire transcript here
Male reporter: General, a little bit more about why that's happening this time (evacuation), though, and did not have that last time...
Honore: You are stuck on stupid. I'm not going to answer that question. We are going to deal with Rita. This is public information that people are depending on the government to put out. This is the way we've got to do it. So please. I apologize to you, but let's talk about the future. Rita is happening. And right now, we need to get good, clean information out to the people that they can use. And we can have a conversation on the side about the past, in a couple of months.
Read entire transcript here
CHARITY BOOTS KIDS' CLUB OVER AIR AMERICA SCANDAL
As we expected, the Bronx GWBGC is toast for unethical possibly illegal loans to Air America.
September 21, 2005 -- The embattled Gloria Wise Boys & Girls Club in The Bronx — under investigation for taking $875,000 from programs for kids to help fund the start-up of Air America radio — was booted yesterday from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
The national board of the Boys & Girls Clubs voted to yank Gloria Wise's charter, barring them from using the much-heralded organization's symbols and fund-raising clout because of a breach of ethical standards and failing to file audits.
Evan McElroy, a spokesman for the national organization, said officers at Gloria Wise had ignored repeated...
Half the participants in the scheme are confronting the consequences of their actions, now it's time the others to get theirs.
September 21, 2005 -- The embattled Gloria Wise Boys & Girls Club in The Bronx — under investigation for taking $875,000 from programs for kids to help fund the start-up of Air America radio — was booted yesterday from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
The national board of the Boys & Girls Clubs voted to yank Gloria Wise's charter, barring them from using the much-heralded organization's symbols and fund-raising clout because of a breach of ethical standards and failing to file audits.
Evan McElroy, a spokesman for the national organization, said officers at Gloria Wise had ignored repeated...
Half the participants in the scheme are confronting the consequences of their actions, now it's time the others to get theirs.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Press Conference of Rep Curt Weldon: 9/11 Conmission and Operation "Able Danger"
Selected quotes, entire transcript here.
I'm Curt Weldon, and I'm here to provide a response to the 9/11 Commission in their statements this week about Able Danger and the outrageous statement made by Slade Gorton that it just didn't exist.
It's absolutely unbelievable to me that a commission would come out and say that this program just didn't exist.
The Pentagon has acknowledged now, publicly, that they have identified five defense employees who either vividly remember identifying Mohammed Atta prior to 9/11 or seeing his name linked with a Brooklyn cell prior to 9/11.
WELDON: We've identified the woman at the FBI who set those three meetings up. She will testify under oath at the Senate hearing next Wednesday that she actually organized three meetings. She knew the topics of the meetings because there had been other discussions that occurred prior to the attempt to set up those three meetings.
And in each of the cases of those three meetings, they were abruptly canceled by Pentagon lawyers hours before those meetings were to take place.
I asked the Pentagon had they talked to that FBI person. They said, "No."
WELDON: I think my own perception is the 9/11 Commission staff did not want this story to be pursued. As John Lehman and Tim Roemer told me, I don't think this was ever briefed to 9/11 commissioners.
I think, for some reason, there was a staff effort deliberately put forward not to allow this information to be brought forward.
Now, a couple of strange things have happened during this time period, and one thing I've never mentioned publicly.
The first week the story broke in the New York Times, I was in Pennsylvania that Friday doing district work and I got a call at my office. My chief of staff took the call, and it was from a person I'd never met in my entire life. I'd never mentioned her name. She was on vacation and asked my chief of staff for me to call her back.
Her name was Jamie Gorelick.
I said, "What does she want, Russ? I don't know the woman." I said, "I'm tied up. Would you please call her back and ask her what she wants?"
WELDON: Russ called her back on her cell phone. She was on vacation. And her response to my chief of staff was, "Please tell Congressman Weldon I've done nothing wrong."
Roccus believes.....the "Gorelick Wall" was put in place so the DOJ could not garner any information that the DOD had gleaned as to Clintoons campaign financing scandals. The fact that the DOD, which had made the link between Atta (and other perps?) and AQ, was forbidden to give this info to the DOJ was an unintended consequence. IOW, the means used to cover up Chinagate, Riady, etc. also (inadvertently) covered up the Atta-AQ link and that he was in this country.
HMMMMMMM
I'm Curt Weldon, and I'm here to provide a response to the 9/11 Commission in their statements this week about Able Danger and the outrageous statement made by Slade Gorton that it just didn't exist.
It's absolutely unbelievable to me that a commission would come out and say that this program just didn't exist.
The Pentagon has acknowledged now, publicly, that they have identified five defense employees who either vividly remember identifying Mohammed Atta prior to 9/11 or seeing his name linked with a Brooklyn cell prior to 9/11.
WELDON: We've identified the woman at the FBI who set those three meetings up. She will testify under oath at the Senate hearing next Wednesday that she actually organized three meetings. She knew the topics of the meetings because there had been other discussions that occurred prior to the attempt to set up those three meetings.
And in each of the cases of those three meetings, they were abruptly canceled by Pentagon lawyers hours before those meetings were to take place.
I asked the Pentagon had they talked to that FBI person. They said, "No."
WELDON: I think my own perception is the 9/11 Commission staff did not want this story to be pursued. As John Lehman and Tim Roemer told me, I don't think this was ever briefed to 9/11 commissioners.
I think, for some reason, there was a staff effort deliberately put forward not to allow this information to be brought forward.
Now, a couple of strange things have happened during this time period, and one thing I've never mentioned publicly.
The first week the story broke in the New York Times, I was in Pennsylvania that Friday doing district work and I got a call at my office. My chief of staff took the call, and it was from a person I'd never met in my entire life. I'd never mentioned her name. She was on vacation and asked my chief of staff for me to call her back.
Her name was Jamie Gorelick.
I said, "What does she want, Russ? I don't know the woman." I said, "I'm tied up. Would you please call her back and ask her what she wants?"
WELDON: Russ called her back on her cell phone. She was on vacation. And her response to my chief of staff was, "Please tell Congressman Weldon I've done nothing wrong."
Roccus believes.....the "Gorelick Wall" was put in place so the DOJ could not garner any information that the DOD had gleaned as to Clintoons campaign financing scandals. The fact that the DOD, which had made the link between Atta (and other perps?) and AQ, was forbidden to give this info to the DOJ was an unintended consequence. IOW, the means used to cover up Chinagate, Riady, etc. also (inadvertently) covered up the Atta-AQ link and that he was in this country.
HMMMMMMM
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Afghans vote in historic elections amid attacks
This is Bush's fault and a grand success.
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghans chose a legislature for the first time in decades Sunday, embracing their newly recovered democratic rights and braving threats of Taliban attacks to cast votes in schools, tents and mosques.
Violence in the hours before voting began and during the day killed 15 people, including a French commando in the U.S.-led coalition that is helping Afghans build a democracy after a quarter-century of conflict. But there were no signs of a spectacular attack threatened by Taliban militants to disrupt the vote.
Some 12.4 million Afghans were registered to vote for the 249-seat lower house of parliament, or Wolesi Jirga, and 420 seats on 34 provincial assemblies. Nearly 5,800 candidates — including 582 women — were on the ballots.
A quarter of the seats being voted on were reserved for women, who make up more than 42 percent of registered voters.
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghans chose a legislature for the first time in decades Sunday, embracing their newly recovered democratic rights and braving threats of Taliban attacks to cast votes in schools, tents and mosques.
Violence in the hours before voting began and during the day killed 15 people, including a French commando in the U.S.-led coalition that is helping Afghans build a democracy after a quarter-century of conflict. But there were no signs of a spectacular attack threatened by Taliban militants to disrupt the vote.
Some 12.4 million Afghans were registered to vote for the 249-seat lower house of parliament, or Wolesi Jirga, and 420 seats on 34 provincial assemblies. Nearly 5,800 candidates — including 582 women — were on the ballots.
A quarter of the seats being voted on were reserved for women, who make up more than 42 percent of registered voters.
Shroeder is Likely Toast
Final opinion polls predicted that opposition leader Angela Merkel will form Germany's next government after today's election, while leaving it unclear who she'll form it with.
All six opinion polls in the past week show Merkel's Christian Democratic Union ousting Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. They disagree on whether Merkel will be able to form a government with her chosen ally, the Free Democratic Party, or will be forced into a ``grand coalition'' with Schroeder's Social Democrats.
``The only open question is who Merkel will be able to govern with,'' Manfred Guellner, the head of Berlin-based polling company Forsa, said in an interview.
Polls close at 12:00 ET I'll post updates.
Update: Exit Poll: Germans Oust Schroeder's Party
BERLIN - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's government was voted out of office Sunday as conservative challenger Angela Merkel's party led in parliamentary elections, according to an exit poll.
Update II: It's Official
Merkel Wins Most Votes in Germany Election
BERLIN - Conservative challenger Angela Merkel won the most votes in German elections Sunday, according to official results, but fell short of a clear mandate to govern as Chancellor
Gerhard Schroeder
The inconclusive results made it likely that Germany's next government could be weakened because of the narrow vote margin and difficulties in forming a coalition.
All six opinion polls in the past week show Merkel's Christian Democratic Union ousting Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. They disagree on whether Merkel will be able to form a government with her chosen ally, the Free Democratic Party, or will be forced into a ``grand coalition'' with Schroeder's Social Democrats.
``The only open question is who Merkel will be able to govern with,'' Manfred Guellner, the head of Berlin-based polling company Forsa, said in an interview.
Polls close at 12:00 ET I'll post updates.
Update: Exit Poll: Germans Oust Schroeder's Party
BERLIN - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's government was voted out of office Sunday as conservative challenger Angela Merkel's party led in parliamentary elections, according to an exit poll.
Update II: It's Official
Merkel Wins Most Votes in Germany Election
BERLIN - Conservative challenger Angela Merkel won the most votes in German elections Sunday, according to official results, but fell short of a clear mandate to govern as Chancellor
Gerhard Schroeder
The inconclusive results made it likely that Germany's next government could be weakened because of the narrow vote margin and difficulties in forming a coalition.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Weldon: Atta Papers Destroyed on Orders
Get ready for some fireworks.
WASHINGTON -- A Pentagon employee was ordered to destroy documents that identified Mohamed Atta as a terrorist two years before the 2001 attacks, a congressman said Thursday.
The employee is prepared to testify next week before the Senate Judiciary Committee and was expected to name the person who ordered him to destroy the large volume of documents, said Rep. Curt Weldon, R-Pa.
Weldon declined to name the employee, citing confidentiality matters. Weldon described the documents as "2.5 terabytes" _ as much as one-fourth of all the printed materials in the Library of Congress, he added.
Weldon also stated on C-span today that the Joint Chief of Staffs under Clinton was briefed by AD folks for 3 hours and nothing happened.
Update: Pentagon Wants 'Able Danger' Hearings Closed
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is pressuring the Senate Judiciary Committee to close to the public next week's hearings on a former secret military intelligence unit called "Able Danger," two congressional sources have confirmed to FOX News.
Witnesses from the Pentagon are expected to testify at that hearing; that's why they want it classified. FOX News has learned that committee Chairman Arlen Specter's office is vigorously resisting the request.
Some former Able Danger analysts and Rep. Curt Weldon (search) say the formerly clandestine intelligence unit identified Mohammed Atta (search) and three other of the Sept. 11, 2001, hijackers one year before the attacks that left over 3,000 people dead. They also claim that their repeated requests to turn over the information to the FBI were ignored.
Catching the faint whiff of a Tuna boat here.
WASHINGTON -- A Pentagon employee was ordered to destroy documents that identified Mohamed Atta as a terrorist two years before the 2001 attacks, a congressman said Thursday.
The employee is prepared to testify next week before the Senate Judiciary Committee and was expected to name the person who ordered him to destroy the large volume of documents, said Rep. Curt Weldon, R-Pa.
Weldon declined to name the employee, citing confidentiality matters. Weldon described the documents as "2.5 terabytes" _ as much as one-fourth of all the printed materials in the Library of Congress, he added.
Weldon also stated on C-span today that the Joint Chief of Staffs under Clinton was briefed by AD folks for 3 hours and nothing happened.
Update: Pentagon Wants 'Able Danger' Hearings Closed
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is pressuring the Senate Judiciary Committee to close to the public next week's hearings on a former secret military intelligence unit called "Able Danger," two congressional sources have confirmed to FOX News.
Witnesses from the Pentagon are expected to testify at that hearing; that's why they want it classified. FOX News has learned that committee Chairman Arlen Specter's office is vigorously resisting the request.
Some former Able Danger analysts and Rep. Curt Weldon (search) say the formerly clandestine intelligence unit identified Mohammed Atta (search) and three other of the Sept. 11, 2001, hijackers one year before the attacks that left over 3,000 people dead. They also claim that their repeated requests to turn over the information to the FBI were ignored.
Catching the faint whiff of a Tuna boat here.
Thieves Snort Dogs Ashes in Cocaine Bungle
Too funny
Continuing our across-the-pond coke coverage, a reader sends in this article from a British tabloid......
The burglars thought they had hit the jackpot when the saw the pale-coloured powder marked “Charlie” — slang for cocaine — in a pot on pet-lover Dee’s mantelpiece. But they were unaware the pot was an urn and the “drugs” really the remains of her beloved Newfoundland Charlie, who died in 1997.
Continuing our across-the-pond coke coverage, a reader sends in this article from a British tabloid......
The burglars thought they had hit the jackpot when the saw the pale-coloured powder marked “Charlie” — slang for cocaine — in a pot on pet-lover Dee’s mantelpiece. But they were unaware the pot was an urn and the “drugs” really the remains of her beloved Newfoundland Charlie, who died in 1997.
Leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq Al-Zarqawi Declares "Total War" on Shi'ites,
Excerpts:
"...This battle came at this time in order to cover up the scandal of Allah's enemy, Bush, in dealing with what was left behind by one of Allah's soldiers – the devastating Hurricane Katrina, which revealed to the entire world the great helplessness in dealing with the destruction caused by this hurricane, because of the tremendous attrition of the American army's resources in Iraq and Afghanistan. This hurricane has once again brought to mind the manifestations of racial discrimination among the American people, and has exposed the fragility of the foundations upon which it is structured. The acts of assault and killings have spread, as well as robbery and looting, and what is still to come will be even more terrible, Allah willing..."
"Beware, oh Sunni scholars – has your sons' blood become so cheap in your eyes that you have sold it for a low price? Has the honor of your women become so trivial in your eyes? Beware. Have you not heard that many of your chaste and pure sisters from among the Sunnis of Tel'afar had their honor desecrated, their chastity slaughtered, and their wombs filled with the sperm of the Crusaders and of their brothers, the hate-filled Rafidites? Where is your religion?
Moreover, where is your sense of honor, your zeal, and your manliness?"
"we say to the Crusaders and the Safavid Rafidites: Your crime and cowardly deed at Tel'afar will not go without severe punishment, Allah willing. I challenge the government of the descendants of Ibn Al-'Alqami, headed by Al-Ja'fari the Zoroastrian and 'Abu Righal' Al-Dulaimi, to come out of their lairs in the Green Zone [in Baghdad], and to confront the brigades of the mujahideen.
Yea, and I declare "total war" on China.
"...This battle came at this time in order to cover up the scandal of Allah's enemy, Bush, in dealing with what was left behind by one of Allah's soldiers – the devastating Hurricane Katrina, which revealed to the entire world the great helplessness in dealing with the destruction caused by this hurricane, because of the tremendous attrition of the American army's resources in Iraq and Afghanistan. This hurricane has once again brought to mind the manifestations of racial discrimination among the American people, and has exposed the fragility of the foundations upon which it is structured. The acts of assault and killings have spread, as well as robbery and looting, and what is still to come will be even more terrible, Allah willing..."
"Beware, oh Sunni scholars – has your sons' blood become so cheap in your eyes that you have sold it for a low price? Has the honor of your women become so trivial in your eyes? Beware. Have you not heard that many of your chaste and pure sisters from among the Sunnis of Tel'afar had their honor desecrated, their chastity slaughtered, and their wombs filled with the sperm of the Crusaders and of their brothers, the hate-filled Rafidites? Where is your religion?
Moreover, where is your sense of honor, your zeal, and your manliness?"
"we say to the Crusaders and the Safavid Rafidites: Your crime and cowardly deed at Tel'afar will not go without severe punishment, Allah willing. I challenge the government of the descendants of Ibn Al-'Alqami, headed by Al-Ja'fari the Zoroastrian and 'Abu Righal' Al-Dulaimi, to come out of their lairs in the Green Zone [in Baghdad], and to confront the brigades of the mujahideen.
Yea, and I declare "total war" on China.
ABCs Best Efforts Thwarted by Common Sense
It bears repeating, the EM has lost their credibility, they can't convince anyone of anything anymore.
ABC News producers probably didn't hear what they expected when they sent Dean Reynolds to the Houston Astrodome's parking lot to get reaction to President Bush's speech from black evacuees from New Orleans. Instead of denouncing Bush and blaming him for their plight, they praised Bush and blamed local officials. Reynolds asked Connie London: "Did you harbor any anger toward the President because of the slow federal response?" She rejected the premise:
"No, none whatsoever, because I feel like our city and our state government should have been there before the federal government was called in." She pointed out: "They had RTA buses, Greyhound buses, school buses, that was just sitting there going under water when they could have been evacuating people."
Not one of the six people interviewed on camera had a bad word for Bush -- despite Reynolds' best efforts. Reynolds goaded: "Was there anything that you found hard to believe that he said, that you thought, well, that's nice rhetoric, but, you know, the proof is in the pudding?" Brenda Marshall answered, "No, I didn't," prompting Reynolds to marvel to anchor Ted Koppel: "Very little skepticism here."
Reynolds pressed another woman: "Did you feel that the President was sincere tonight?" She affirmed: "Yes, he was." Reynolds soon wondered who they held culpable for the levee breaks. Unlike the national media, London did not blame supposed Bush-mandated budget cuts:
"They've been allocated federal funds to fix the levee system, and it never got done. I fault the mayor of our city personally. I really do.
Rest of the story and video here
ABC News producers probably didn't hear what they expected when they sent Dean Reynolds to the Houston Astrodome's parking lot to get reaction to President Bush's speech from black evacuees from New Orleans. Instead of denouncing Bush and blaming him for their plight, they praised Bush and blamed local officials. Reynolds asked Connie London: "Did you harbor any anger toward the President because of the slow federal response?" She rejected the premise:
"No, none whatsoever, because I feel like our city and our state government should have been there before the federal government was called in." She pointed out: "They had RTA buses, Greyhound buses, school buses, that was just sitting there going under water when they could have been evacuating people."
Not one of the six people interviewed on camera had a bad word for Bush -- despite Reynolds' best efforts. Reynolds goaded: "Was there anything that you found hard to believe that he said, that you thought, well, that's nice rhetoric, but, you know, the proof is in the pudding?" Brenda Marshall answered, "No, I didn't," prompting Reynolds to marvel to anchor Ted Koppel: "Very little skepticism here."
Reynolds pressed another woman: "Did you feel that the President was sincere tonight?" She affirmed: "Yes, he was." Reynolds soon wondered who they held culpable for the levee breaks. Unlike the national media, London did not blame supposed Bush-mandated budget cuts:
"They've been allocated federal funds to fix the levee system, and it never got done. I fault the mayor of our city personally. I really do.
Rest of the story and video here
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Reuters Says Bush Photo Not 'Malicious,' Reports Wide Interest In it
Well I didn't think it was possible but the EM has surpassed themselves in reporting the most trivial inane nonsense in the history of journalism.
NEW YORK With confirmation today that an accidental photo of President Bush at the United Nations on Wednesday, writing a note to Secretary of State Condeezza Rice about a “bathroom break,” was indeed real, newspapers around the U.S. and abroad are now planning to run it widely. But many, it seems, will treat it as something more than a joke.
A source at the Washington Post tells E&P that the paper is considering it for prominent play tomorrow morning, in the context that, at least in some minds, it raises questions about overall perception of the U.S. at the United Nations, right or wrong. Reuters reports extremely strong interest in the photo today.
The fact is, according to Reuters -- and this has not been widely reported -- President Bush did indeed take a bathroom break after passing the note to Rice. This apparently raised some eyebrows around the room, because American representatives (among others) have a reputation for suddenly bolting, though normally for a far different reason than this latest one.
Fair or not, the European press has already had a field day with the photo, often centering on the notion that Bush had to ask Rice for permission. The headline at the Web site for The Times of London, for example, reads: "Excuse me Condi, can I go to the bathroom?"
Is there any depth to which they won't sink to embarrass, besmirch or otherwise paint our President in a negative light. Well if nothing else maybe this will help prove to the moonbat left that he is not the devil insofar as Satan does not have to bother himself with such mortal concerns as taking care of bodily functions.
NEW YORK With confirmation today that an accidental photo of President Bush at the United Nations on Wednesday, writing a note to Secretary of State Condeezza Rice about a “bathroom break,” was indeed real, newspapers around the U.S. and abroad are now planning to run it widely. But many, it seems, will treat it as something more than a joke.
A source at the Washington Post tells E&P that the paper is considering it for prominent play tomorrow morning, in the context that, at least in some minds, it raises questions about overall perception of the U.S. at the United Nations, right or wrong. Reuters reports extremely strong interest in the photo today.
The fact is, according to Reuters -- and this has not been widely reported -- President Bush did indeed take a bathroom break after passing the note to Rice. This apparently raised some eyebrows around the room, because American representatives (among others) have a reputation for suddenly bolting, though normally for a far different reason than this latest one.
Fair or not, the European press has already had a field day with the photo, often centering on the notion that Bush had to ask Rice for permission. The headline at the Web site for The Times of London, for example, reads: "Excuse me Condi, can I go to the bathroom?"
Is there any depth to which they won't sink to embarrass, besmirch or otherwise paint our President in a negative light. Well if nothing else maybe this will help prove to the moonbat left that he is not the devil insofar as Satan does not have to bother himself with such mortal concerns as taking care of bodily functions.
Talabani: Iraq ready to replace some foreign troops
Iraqi troops are making major improvements just under the radar. Expect to hear more of this type of talk soon.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Home-grown units could replace some of the foreign troops in Iraq by the end of this month but no timetable exists for a pullout of U.S.-led forces, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Thursday.
Talabani caused controversy last week when he first told the Washington Post the United States could withdraw as many as 50,000 troops by the end of the year and then aligned himself with President George W. Bush's view that a withdrawal deadline would only fan the insurgency.
Asked about the 530 Danish troops in Iraq, Talabani said, "I think, we will be able at the end of this month to replace many units from the allied forces, but we must have a common agreement between your government and our government for the timetable of the removal forces."
Talabani repeated that Iraq did not want to set a timetable on any major withdrawals.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Home-grown units could replace some of the foreign troops in Iraq by the end of this month but no timetable exists for a pullout of U.S.-led forces, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Thursday.
Talabani caused controversy last week when he first told the Washington Post the United States could withdraw as many as 50,000 troops by the end of the year and then aligned himself with President George W. Bush's view that a withdrawal deadline would only fan the insurgency.
Asked about the 530 Danish troops in Iraq, Talabani said, "I think, we will be able at the end of this month to replace many units from the allied forces, but we must have a common agreement between your government and our government for the timetable of the removal forces."
Talabani repeated that Iraq did not want to set a timetable on any major withdrawals.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
CONDI straight talk.
In an interview with Bill O'Reilly Condi was was asked.... What do you think about other blacks accusing you of selling out and being a Bush shill (Auntie Tom) her response:"I've been black all my life. No one needs to tell me how to be black."
Damn I love that women.
Damn I love that women.
Poll you Won't See the EM Pushing
GALLUP POLL:
Initial Response (total good) 44% (good)
George W Bush 39% (good)
Residents of New Orleans 38% (good)
State and local officials in Louisiana 36% (good)
36% (good) FEMA/federal agencies
Note the President's INITIAL response to Katrina was rated higher than ANY of the other options
Recent Response (total good) 58% (good)
George W Bush 59% (good)
Residents of New Orleans 57% (good)
State and local officials in LA 56% (good)
FEMA/federal agencies 56% (good)
Federal Government: Despite the best efforts of the Dims and EM , Gallup discovered that 60% of repondents still had confidence in the federal government's ability to handle natural disasters and 63% had confidence in the government's ability to handle terrorist attacks. The President's Job Approval: 46% approve [UP from last week's 45% and last month's 40% . . . similar to Rasmussen's 48% approval (50%/likely voters) and significantlyhigher than the BOGUS numbers recently published by AP, Newsweek and ABCNews/WashPost] which ABP has shown were flawed at their core due to substantial oversampling.
The Blame Game:
49% of Americans say the media are spending too much time trying to affix blame
48% say the same about Democrat leaders in Congress
31% say the same about Republican leaders in Congress
Public: Response to Katrina Better Now Than Just After Hurricane Hit Most Americans were not impressed with the initial response to Hurricane Katrina, but according to the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup survey, majorities of Americans now say that the people and officials involved in the rescue effort are doing a good job. Most Americans believe that government agencies in New Orleans should have been better prepared, and they support the proposal for an independent investigation into the problems with the government's response. But they reject the notion that race or poverty were reasons why the government was slow to respond.
Initial Response (total good) 44% (good)
George W Bush 39% (good)
Residents of New Orleans 38% (good)
State and local officials in Louisiana 36% (good)
36% (good) FEMA/federal agencies
Note the President's INITIAL response to Katrina was rated higher than ANY of the other options
Recent Response (total good) 58% (good)
George W Bush 59% (good)
Residents of New Orleans 57% (good)
State and local officials in LA 56% (good)
FEMA/federal agencies 56% (good)
Federal Government: Despite the best efforts of the Dims and EM , Gallup discovered that 60% of repondents still had confidence in the federal government's ability to handle natural disasters and 63% had confidence in the government's ability to handle terrorist attacks. The President's Job Approval: 46% approve [UP from last week's 45% and last month's 40% . . . similar to Rasmussen's 48% approval (50%/likely voters) and significantlyhigher than the BOGUS numbers recently published by AP, Newsweek and ABCNews/WashPost] which ABP has shown were flawed at their core due to substantial oversampling.
The Blame Game:
49% of Americans say the media are spending too much time trying to affix blame
48% say the same about Democrat leaders in Congress
31% say the same about Republican leaders in Congress
Public: Response to Katrina Better Now Than Just After Hurricane Hit Most Americans were not impressed with the initial response to Hurricane Katrina, but according to the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup survey, majorities of Americans now say that the people and officials involved in the rescue effort are doing a good job. Most Americans believe that government agencies in New Orleans should have been better prepared, and they support the proposal for an independent investigation into the problems with the government's response. But they reject the notion that race or poverty were reasons why the government was slow to respond.
Pledge of Allegiance Unconstitutional
A federal judge has ruled that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional.
I'll post the dimwits name and further details when available. I'm giving 5 : 1 this is comong out of the 9th circuit.
Update: Suspicians confirmed, 9th circuit.Senior District Court Judge Lawrence K. Karlton (LKK)
Born 1935 in Brooklyn, NY
Federal Judicial Service:U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California Nominated by Jimmy Carter (big surprise) on June 5, 1979, to a seat vacated by Thomas J. MacBride; Confirmed by the Senate on July 23, 1979, and received commission on July 24, 1979. Served as chief judge, 1983-1990. Assumed senior status on May 28, 2000.
Now the big question is how this will play for the rest of the Roberts hearings. If the Republicans are smart they will adeptly weave this judicial travesty into their questioning of Roberts.
I'll post the dimwits name and further details when available. I'm giving 5 : 1 this is comong out of the 9th circuit.
Update: Suspicians confirmed, 9th circuit.Senior District Court Judge Lawrence K. Karlton (LKK)
Born 1935 in Brooklyn, NY
Federal Judicial Service:U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California Nominated by Jimmy Carter (big surprise) on June 5, 1979, to a seat vacated by Thomas J. MacBride; Confirmed by the Senate on July 23, 1979, and received commission on July 24, 1979. Served as chief judge, 1983-1990. Assumed senior status on May 28, 2000.
Now the big question is how this will play for the rest of the Roberts hearings. If the Republicans are smart they will adeptly weave this judicial travesty into their questioning of Roberts.
Blanco Refused To Act...
Governor’s Indecision Cost Precious Time:
Just before midnight on August 26, three days before Katrina was to make landfall, Kathleen Blanco received a phone call from George Bush. The president had been through a series of briefings from Deputy Chief of Staff Joe Hagin and knew the potential dangers to New Orleans and the surrounding area from a storm the size of Katrina. Now he was attempting to convince the Governor of Louisiana that she needed to take immediate action. His pleas fell on deaf ears. It seemed that the Governor was more concerned with the legalities of accepting federal assistance, and the appearance that her office could not handle the emergency.
Despite Governor Blanco’s reluctance to coordinate the state’s efforts with federal assistance, President Bush declared a state of emergency for Louisiana two full days before Katrina hit the Louisiana coast. The move allowed FEMA to begin staging relief supplies for immediate distribution in New Orleans once the storm had passed. The president's emergency declaration also allowed FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and to provide appropriate assistance in a number of Louisiana parishes. All that was left to do was wait for Kathleen Blanco to request Federal assistance. Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which was revised after 9/11, the Federal Government and FEMA are not allowed to interfere with local operations unless they are authorized by state and local leaders.
Meanwhile Blanco had her own advisors insisting that the President was actually making a request for federal takeover of the Louisiana National Guard, and asking to put Louisiana State Police under federal control. They were concerned that this would be the same as martial law and lead to abuse of power by the federal government.
The next day, August 27, Bush called Blanco again and urged her to order a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans, she refuses.
Read the rest. If your not familiar with the "real" chain of events, this timeline should provide you with a major eye opener.
Just before midnight on August 26, three days before Katrina was to make landfall, Kathleen Blanco received a phone call from George Bush. The president had been through a series of briefings from Deputy Chief of Staff Joe Hagin and knew the potential dangers to New Orleans and the surrounding area from a storm the size of Katrina. Now he was attempting to convince the Governor of Louisiana that she needed to take immediate action. His pleas fell on deaf ears. It seemed that the Governor was more concerned with the legalities of accepting federal assistance, and the appearance that her office could not handle the emergency.
Despite Governor Blanco’s reluctance to coordinate the state’s efforts with federal assistance, President Bush declared a state of emergency for Louisiana two full days before Katrina hit the Louisiana coast. The move allowed FEMA to begin staging relief supplies for immediate distribution in New Orleans once the storm had passed. The president's emergency declaration also allowed FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and to provide appropriate assistance in a number of Louisiana parishes. All that was left to do was wait for Kathleen Blanco to request Federal assistance. Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which was revised after 9/11, the Federal Government and FEMA are not allowed to interfere with local operations unless they are authorized by state and local leaders.
Meanwhile Blanco had her own advisors insisting that the President was actually making a request for federal takeover of the Louisiana National Guard, and asking to put Louisiana State Police under federal control. They were concerned that this would be the same as martial law and lead to abuse of power by the federal government.
The next day, August 27, Bush called Blanco again and urged her to order a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans, she refuses.
Read the rest. If your not familiar with the "real" chain of events, this timeline should provide you with a major eye opener.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Bush: 'I take responsibility'
This is our Commander and Chief, and the President of the United States. A leader who does not shrink from reponsibility but rather embraces it as an opportunity for improvement. The American people should applaud this attitude, I know I do.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush took responsibility on Tuesday for failures in the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
"Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government, and to the extent that the federal government didn't fully do it's job right, I take responsibility," Bush said. "I want to know what went right and what went wrong."
He pulled "The buck stops here placard" from the desk drawer in which it had resided during the entire Clinton presidency. It will come out in due time that he actually has very little to worry about. Nagin and Blanco, that's another story.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush took responsibility on Tuesday for failures in the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
"Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government, and to the extent that the federal government didn't fully do it's job right, I take responsibility," Bush said. "I want to know what went right and what went wrong."
He pulled "The buck stops here placard" from the desk drawer in which it had resided during the entire Clinton presidency. It will come out in due time that he actually has very little to worry about. Nagin and Blanco, that's another story.
Iraqi TV airs video footage of children mutilated by gunmen in Tal Afar
Dante' had no level of hell deep enough for these people.
BAGHDAD, Sept 12 (KUNA) -- Al-Iraqiya satellite television channel on Monday aired video footage showing dead bodies of Iraqi people, including children, mutilated by gunmen in the city of Tal Afar, northern Iraq.
It showed photos of Iraqi children between the ages of six and 17, with their bodies and faces mutilated while lying down in their bedrooms, in addition to other photos of demolished and looted houses.
The station also aired video footage of Tal Afar residents in camps outside the city, as they were forced to leave due to bombings and terror threats.
The Iraqi forces, with US forces' support, launched a wide-scale military campaign to strike insurgents and foreign fighters in the city.
Freedom fighters my a$$.
BAGHDAD, Sept 12 (KUNA) -- Al-Iraqiya satellite television channel on Monday aired video footage showing dead bodies of Iraqi people, including children, mutilated by gunmen in the city of Tal Afar, northern Iraq.
It showed photos of Iraqi children between the ages of six and 17, with their bodies and faces mutilated while lying down in their bedrooms, in addition to other photos of demolished and looted houses.
The station also aired video footage of Tal Afar residents in camps outside the city, as they were forced to leave due to bombings and terror threats.
The Iraqi forces, with US forces' support, launched a wide-scale military campaign to strike insurgents and foreign fighters in the city.
Freedom fighters my a$$.
Monday, September 12, 2005
We had to kill our patients
One of the more overused terms over the last two weeks post Katrina has been "gut wrenching". If the story proves accurate I can state without hyperbole, this most definately is.
Doctors working in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans killed critically ill patients rather than leaving them to die in agony as they evacuated hospitals, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
With gangs of rapists and looters rampaging through wards in the flooded city, senior doctors took the harrowing decision to give massive overdoses of morphine to those they believed could not make it out alive.
In an extraordinary interview with The Mail on Sunday, one New Orleans doctor told how she 'prayed for God to have mercy on her soul' after she ignored every tenet of medical ethics and ended the lives of patients she had earlier fought to save.
Her heart-rending account has been corroborated by a hospital orderly and by local government officials. One emergency official, William 'Forest' McQueen, said: "Those who had no chance of making it were given a lot of morphine and lain down in a dark place to die."
I am not real sure what to think about this. Viscerally it makes me angry. Not really at the medical personel but rather at Hip Hop Nagin who waited untill the last minute to evacuate and then made a less than concerted effort after the decision was made. Ditto with Blanco who's indecision and ineptness gave these doctors little option.
One thing sticks out; Nowhere in this article is the term "terminal" used when referring to the euthenized patients. That fact makes this entire exercise beyond abhorrent.
Doctors working in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans killed critically ill patients rather than leaving them to die in agony as they evacuated hospitals, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
With gangs of rapists and looters rampaging through wards in the flooded city, senior doctors took the harrowing decision to give massive overdoses of morphine to those they believed could not make it out alive.
In an extraordinary interview with The Mail on Sunday, one New Orleans doctor told how she 'prayed for God to have mercy on her soul' after she ignored every tenet of medical ethics and ended the lives of patients she had earlier fought to save.
Her heart-rending account has been corroborated by a hospital orderly and by local government officials. One emergency official, William 'Forest' McQueen, said: "Those who had no chance of making it were given a lot of morphine and lain down in a dark place to die."
I am not real sure what to think about this. Viscerally it makes me angry. Not really at the medical personel but rather at Hip Hop Nagin who waited untill the last minute to evacuate and then made a less than concerted effort after the decision was made. Ditto with Blanco who's indecision and ineptness gave these doctors little option.
One thing sticks out; Nowhere in this article is the term "terminal" used when referring to the euthenized patients. That fact makes this entire exercise beyond abhorrent.
Some 471,000 Still Lack power in U.S. after Katrina
To me this is amazing. Out of 4.5 million people less than half a million remain without power. Salute to all involved, especially the light and power guys.
NEW YORK -- Less than 471,000 electricity customers still lacked power 14 days after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the U.S. Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Mississippi, according to area utilities and the U.S. Department of Energy.
About 384,000, or 35 percent, of the homes and businesses in Louisiana remained without power, while Mississippi had about 86,000 customers with no service.
Katrina initially left more than 4.5 million homes and businesses without power when it struck early last week.
Entergy Corp., which restored power to all customers who can receive power in Mississippi over the weekend, still has about 278,000 customers out in Louisiana, primarily in the heavily damaged parishes in and around New Orleans.
NEW YORK -- Less than 471,000 electricity customers still lacked power 14 days after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the U.S. Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Mississippi, according to area utilities and the U.S. Department of Energy.
About 384,000, or 35 percent, of the homes and businesses in Louisiana remained without power, while Mississippi had about 86,000 customers with no service.
Katrina initially left more than 4.5 million homes and businesses without power when it struck early last week.
Entergy Corp., which restored power to all customers who can receive power in Mississippi over the weekend, still has about 278,000 customers out in Louisiana, primarily in the heavily damaged parishes in and around New Orleans.
Iraqi army kills up to 200 in rebel town
The Iraqi military forcers appear to be improving by the day.
TAL AFAR, Iraq (Reuters) - The Iraqi army has killed up to 200 insurgents in the northern town of Tal Afar, commanders said on Monday.
The major assault is causing dismay among some of the country's Sunni Arab minority and comes just a month ahead of a vote on a constitution which is already dividing the country.
Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari defied a $100,000 bounty placed on his head by a militant Islamic group to visit the scene of the insurgency, while a senior officer in Tal Afar said he expected the fighting to be over by Thursday.
The Iraqi army, backed by U.S. troops, launched an assault early on Saturday against an estimated 350-500 insurgents in the town near the Syrian border.Iraq's Third Army Brigade launched a fresh offensive on Monday, killing 40 insurgents and arresting 21 "terrorist emirs," or senior insurgent leaders, the brigade's media officer said, in an operation ending at around 5.15 p.m. (1415 BST).
"We also seized a cache of heavy weaponry, including mortars, artillery, explosives, TNT, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades," he told Reuters
TAL AFAR, Iraq (Reuters) - The Iraqi army has killed up to 200 insurgents in the northern town of Tal Afar, commanders said on Monday.
The major assault is causing dismay among some of the country's Sunni Arab minority and comes just a month ahead of a vote on a constitution which is already dividing the country.
Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari defied a $100,000 bounty placed on his head by a militant Islamic group to visit the scene of the insurgency, while a senior officer in Tal Afar said he expected the fighting to be over by Thursday.
The Iraqi army, backed by U.S. troops, launched an assault early on Saturday against an estimated 350-500 insurgents in the town near the Syrian border.Iraq's Third Army Brigade launched a fresh offensive on Monday, killing 40 insurgents and arresting 21 "terrorist emirs," or senior insurgent leaders, the brigade's media officer said, in an operation ending at around 5.15 p.m. (1415 BST).
"We also seized a cache of heavy weaponry, including mortars, artillery, explosives, TNT, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades," he told Reuters
The federal response to Katrina was not as portrayed
It is settled wisdom among journalists that the federal response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina was unconscionably slow.
"Mr. Bush's performance last week will rank as one of the worst ever during a dire national emergency," wrote New York Times columnist Bob Herbert in a somewhat more strident expression of the conventional wisdom.
But the conventional wisdom is the opposite of the truth.
"The federal government pretty much met its standard time lines, but the volume of support provided during the 72-96 hour was unprecedented. The federal response here was faster than Hugo, faster than Andrew, faster than Iniki, faster than Francine and Jeanne."
For instance, it took five days for National Guard troops to arrive in strength on the scene in Homestead, Fla. after Hurricane Andrew hit in 2002. But after Katrina, there was a significant National Guard presence in the afflicted region in three.
Journalists who are long on opinions and short on knowledge have no idea what is involved in moving hundreds of tons of relief supplies into an area the size of England in which power lines are down, telecommunications are out, no gasoline is available, bridges are damaged, roads and airports are covered with debris, and apparently have little interest in finding out.
It's called "spin" folks and I take my hat off to the Dims, they did a masterful job of it this time even enlisting what Tony Snow calls the "bed wetting right".
"Mr. Bush's performance last week will rank as one of the worst ever during a dire national emergency," wrote New York Times columnist Bob Herbert in a somewhat more strident expression of the conventional wisdom.
But the conventional wisdom is the opposite of the truth.
"The federal government pretty much met its standard time lines, but the volume of support provided during the 72-96 hour was unprecedented. The federal response here was faster than Hugo, faster than Andrew, faster than Iniki, faster than Francine and Jeanne."
For instance, it took five days for National Guard troops to arrive in strength on the scene in Homestead, Fla. after Hurricane Andrew hit in 2002. But after Katrina, there was a significant National Guard presence in the afflicted region in three.
Journalists who are long on opinions and short on knowledge have no idea what is involved in moving hundreds of tons of relief supplies into an area the size of England in which power lines are down, telecommunications are out, no gasoline is available, bridges are damaged, roads and airports are covered with debris, and apparently have little interest in finding out.
It's called "spin" folks and I take my hat off to the Dims, they did a masterful job of it this time even enlisting what Tony Snow calls the "bed wetting right".
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Far Fewer Dead in NOLA than Expected
Good news for sure!
The sweep of New Orleans to get voluntary evacuees out is nearly complete, and far fewer bodies than expected or feared have been found. "I think there's some encouragement in what we've found in the initial sweeps that some of the catastrophic deaths that some people predicted may not have occurred," said Terry Ebbert, New Orleans homeland security chief.
ie. Mayor (my heads exploding) Nagin for one.
Update: Louisiana - The official death toll from Hurricane Katrina has risen to at least 372, with 154 confirmed dead in and around the flooded city of New Orleans, officials said on Saturday.
At this time, officials working in conjunction with coroners from local parishes have confirmed 154 deaths," the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals said, raising Thursday's state toll from 118.
The death toll in Mississippi rose to 211 on Saturday from 204, according to the state's Emergency Management Agency, bringing the total toll in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida to 372.
The sweep of New Orleans to get voluntary evacuees out is nearly complete, and far fewer bodies than expected or feared have been found. "I think there's some encouragement in what we've found in the initial sweeps that some of the catastrophic deaths that some people predicted may not have occurred," said Terry Ebbert, New Orleans homeland security chief.
ie. Mayor (my heads exploding) Nagin for one.
Update: Louisiana - The official death toll from Hurricane Katrina has risen to at least 372, with 154 confirmed dead in and around the flooded city of New Orleans, officials said on Saturday.
At this time, officials working in conjunction with coroners from local parishes have confirmed 154 deaths," the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals said, raising Thursday's state toll from 118.
The death toll in Mississippi rose to 211 on Saturday from 204, according to the state's Emergency Management Agency, bringing the total toll in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida to 372.
Friday, September 09, 2005
University panel recommends full investigation of Churchill
DENVER (AP) - A University of Colorado panel recommended a full investigation Friday of research misconduct allegations against a professor who triggered a national outcry for likening some Sept. 11th victimes to a Nazi
The faculty committee called for investigating Ward Churchill on seven allegations involving plagiarism, misuse of others' work and falsification and fabrication, interim provost Susan Avery said.
The committee recommended dropping two other allegations, that Churchill falsely claimed to be an American Indian and that he infringed on a copyright.
Churchill and his attorney did not immediately return phone messages.
For cryin out loud, I thought that's what they had been doing all this time.
The faculty committee called for investigating Ward Churchill on seven allegations involving plagiarism, misuse of others' work and falsification and fabrication, interim provost Susan Avery said.
The committee recommended dropping two other allegations, that Churchill falsely claimed to be an American Indian and that he infringed on a copyright.
Churchill and his attorney did not immediately return phone messages.
For cryin out loud, I thought that's what they had been doing all this time.
Clueless Blanco
As I've said from the very beginning, this women is in waaaaay over her head. A perfect walking talking illustration of the Peter principle.
As criticism of the response to Hurricane Katrina has mounted, one of the most pointed questions has been why more troops were not available more quickly to restore order and offer aid. Interviews with officials in Washington and Louisiana show that as the situation grew worse, they were wrangling with questions of federal/state authority, weighing the realities of military logistics and perhaps talking past each other in the crisis.
To seize control of the mission, Mr. Bush would have had to invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows the president in times of unrest to command active-duty forces into the states to perform law enforcement duties. But decision makers in Washington felt certain that Ms. Blanco would have resisted surrendering control, as Bush administration officials believe would have been required to deploy active-duty combat forces before law and order had been re-established.
In an interview, she acknowledged that she did not specify what sorts of soldiers. "Nobody told me that I had to request that," Ms. Blanco said. "I thought that I had requested everything they had. We were living in a war zone by then."
Somebody please send her a copy of "Governing for Dummies".
As criticism of the response to Hurricane Katrina has mounted, one of the most pointed questions has been why more troops were not available more quickly to restore order and offer aid. Interviews with officials in Washington and Louisiana show that as the situation grew worse, they were wrangling with questions of federal/state authority, weighing the realities of military logistics and perhaps talking past each other in the crisis.
To seize control of the mission, Mr. Bush would have had to invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows the president in times of unrest to command active-duty forces into the states to perform law enforcement duties. But decision makers in Washington felt certain that Ms. Blanco would have resisted surrendering control, as Bush administration officials believe would have been required to deploy active-duty combat forces before law and order had been re-established.
In an interview, she acknowledged that she did not specify what sorts of soldiers. "Nobody told me that I had to request that," Ms. Blanco said. "I thought that I had requested everything they had. We were living in a war zone by then."
Somebody please send her a copy of "Governing for Dummies".
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Blanco Prevented Red Cross From Bringing Food and Water To Superdome
It appears that Nagin's hysterical rant should have been directed at his own governor.
The Red Cross is confirming to Major Garrett of Fox News that it had prepositioned water, food, blankets and hygiene products for delivery to the Superdome and the Convention Center in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, but were blocked from delivering those supplies by orders of the Louisiana state government, which did not want to attract people to the Superdome and/or Convention Center.
Garrett has no paper trail yet, but will follow up on his verbal confirmation from sources at the highest levels of the Red Cross.
Hugh Hewitt interviewed Garrett after he broke the story. Transcript here
The Red Cross backs up Garrett's story on their website here
Update: Video confirmation from a senior Salvation Army official in Washington, D.C. that the Salvation Army was also blocked repeatedly from providing relief and supplies to the beleaugered people sufferingin the Superdome and Convention Center.
HH: And what did the Salvation Army tell you?
MG: The Salvation Army basically said look. We...first of all, both agencies also want to let people know that they've served the needs of thousands of people who got out, and who got out just a little bit to high ground, north of New Orleans. But they couldn't get in to meet those needs. They asked to get in. They were prepared with their...the Salvation Army has these ever-familiar portable kitchen canteens, is what they call them. They can actually make food, produce food on spot, and distribute it there. People line up. We've seen that at hurricanes and other natural disasters. They were ready. Not allowed in. At first, it was this idea that we don't want to create a magnet at the evacuation site. Secondarily, it became an issue of well, there's lots of water, and we can't assure your safety, so on and so forth. Here's another key point, Hugh. I was very specific with the American Red Cross, president and CEO Marty Evans, and said wait. Tell me clearly. Were you prepared to go in before the levees broke? Before water became an issue of any kind? She said absolutely. Were you denied access before the levees broke? She said we were denied access from minute one.
Captains Quarters has the relevant portions of transcript here
The Red Cross is confirming to Major Garrett of Fox News that it had prepositioned water, food, blankets and hygiene products for delivery to the Superdome and the Convention Center in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, but were blocked from delivering those supplies by orders of the Louisiana state government, which did not want to attract people to the Superdome and/or Convention Center.
Garrett has no paper trail yet, but will follow up on his verbal confirmation from sources at the highest levels of the Red Cross.
Hugh Hewitt interviewed Garrett after he broke the story. Transcript here
The Red Cross backs up Garrett's story on their website here
Update: Video confirmation from a senior Salvation Army official in Washington, D.C. that the Salvation Army was also blocked repeatedly from providing relief and supplies to the beleaugered people sufferingin the Superdome and Convention Center.
HH: And what did the Salvation Army tell you?
MG: The Salvation Army basically said look. We...first of all, both agencies also want to let people know that they've served the needs of thousands of people who got out, and who got out just a little bit to high ground, north of New Orleans. But they couldn't get in to meet those needs. They asked to get in. They were prepared with their...the Salvation Army has these ever-familiar portable kitchen canteens, is what they call them. They can actually make food, produce food on spot, and distribute it there. People line up. We've seen that at hurricanes and other natural disasters. They were ready. Not allowed in. At first, it was this idea that we don't want to create a magnet at the evacuation site. Secondarily, it became an issue of well, there's lots of water, and we can't assure your safety, so on and so forth. Here's another key point, Hugh. I was very specific with the American Red Cross, president and CEO Marty Evans, and said wait. Tell me clearly. Were you prepared to go in before the levees broke? Before water became an issue of any kind? She said absolutely. Were you denied access before the levees broke? She said we were denied access from minute one.
Captains Quarters has the relevant portions of transcript here
Pelosi Nuttier Than Usual
They're losing it folks.
(Paraphrased) Pelosi was being interviewed live on CNN , she was spewing the standard Dim rhetoric concerning the Bush failures..The CNN anchor Kyra Philips was asking a few tough questions, stopping Pelosi from filibustering and not allowing the more ridiculous of these charges be go unchallenged, when Pelois, obviously annoyed, said "Well, why don't you quit your job ( at CNN) and got to work for the Bush White House?"
Careful Nancy, better not be biting the hand that feeds you.
I'll post the transcript URL when available.
(Paraphrased) Pelosi was being interviewed live on CNN , she was spewing the standard Dim rhetoric concerning the Bush failures..The CNN anchor Kyra Philips was asking a few tough questions, stopping Pelosi from filibustering and not allowing the more ridiculous of these charges be go unchallenged, when Pelois, obviously annoyed, said "Well, why don't you quit your job ( at CNN) and got to work for the Bush White House?"
Careful Nancy, better not be biting the hand that feeds you.
I'll post the transcript URL when available.
Bi-Partison Congressional Panel to Examine NOLA Response Response
Oh Jeeeeez, just what we need, another political dog and pony show. The Republicans will defend the administrations actions, the Dims will rant and rave about administration failures and absolutely nothing will get accomplished other than plenty of face time for the people involved.
U.S. rejects Iran’s offer of 20 million barrels of oil
In my best Mike Meyer's voice YEEAA.....RIGHT.
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran offered to send the United States 20 million barrels of crude oil in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina if Washington waived trade sanctions, but a State Department official said Wednesday that offer was rejected.
In a gesture that mirrors American aid offers after a devastating 2003 earthquake in Iran, Tehran's envoy to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said his government would ship up to 20 million barrels of oil, state radio reported late Tuesday.
"If U.S. sanctions are lifted, Iran is prepared to send that quantity of oil to America," the radio quoted Hossein Kazempour as saying.
But in Washington, the State Department's executive secretary, Harry K. Thomas Jr., said the offer was rejected because it was conditional.
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran offered to send the United States 20 million barrels of crude oil in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina if Washington waived trade sanctions, but a State Department official said Wednesday that offer was rejected.
In a gesture that mirrors American aid offers after a devastating 2003 earthquake in Iran, Tehran's envoy to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said his government would ship up to 20 million barrels of oil, state radio reported late Tuesday.
"If U.S. sanctions are lifted, Iran is prepared to send that quantity of oil to America," the radio quoted Hossein Kazempour as saying.
But in Washington, the State Department's executive secretary, Harry K. Thomas Jr., said the offer was rejected because it was conditional.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
An Uphill Battle
The Hildebeast has some daunting negatives.
September 7, 2005--Twenty-seven percent (27%) of Americans say they will definitely vote for Hillary Clinton if she runs for President in 2008. The latest Rasmussen Reports poll for the Hillary Meter finds that 38% will definitely vote against her.
Those figures are little changed from our last poll, but are a bit more pessimistic for the former First Lady than poll results from earlier in the year. Related surveys have shown Clinton leading Condoleezza Rice and Laura Bush in hypothetical 2008 match-ups while trailing Rudy Giuliani and John McCain.
September 7, 2005--Twenty-seven percent (27%) of Americans say they will definitely vote for Hillary Clinton if she runs for President in 2008. The latest Rasmussen Reports poll for the Hillary Meter finds that 38% will definitely vote against her.
Those figures are little changed from our last poll, but are a bit more pessimistic for the former First Lady than poll results from earlier in the year. Related surveys have shown Clinton leading Condoleezza Rice and Laura Bush in hypothetical 2008 match-ups while trailing Rudy Giuliani and John McCain.
Who's to Blame?
According to a Gallup Poll, only a small minority believe Bush is to blame for the problems in NOLA.
38% of Americans said no one was really to blame.
13% cited Bush
18% the federal govt.
25% state and local officials.
just 29% say someone should be fired, while 63% disagree.
Again the Entrenched Media fails to move the American peoples opinion to their way of thinking.
38% of Americans said no one was really to blame.
13% cited Bush
18% the federal govt.
25% state and local officials.
just 29% say someone should be fired, while 63% disagree.
Again the Entrenched Media fails to move the American peoples opinion to their way of thinking.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Sentence Enhancers
For the last 7 days by far and away the most overused word in the Entrenched Media's lexicon............FINALLY. Help arrives FINALLY. People are being evacuated from the Superdome, FINALLY. Bush sends more help to beleaugered New Orleans, FINALLY. Bush FINALLY spending time on hurricane relief.
They all did it AP, Reuters, NBC, MSNBC, NPR, even Fox. It was like some sort of bizarre echo chamber inhabited only by aliens from the planet melancholia. It brings to mind something I saw while my 7 year old twins were watching an episode of SpongeBob Squarepants. Spongebob ran across a dirty word scrawlwd on the side of a dumpster. His buddy Patrick explained to him it wasn't a "bad" word but rather a "sentence enhancer". You know, like, what a beautiful $#*in day.
Well the press has definately found their sentence enhancer. Unfortunaely it's more than just a sentence enhancer, it's editorial comment. Finally is an adverb which modifies meaning. It's usage is inherently subjective, thus by definition interjects the users personal opinions into the statement of fact.
Usually the author of a "straight" story waits untill at least the second or third paragraph before editorializing, not so with hurricane reporting. It's clear that in the minds of the Entrenched press, the story was soooo monumentally important that any self imposed restraint should be discarded; Straight reporting just couldn't tell the story. So we got it all, ranting, raging, tears and an unending diatribe of political commentary with a smattering of facts mixed in.
Well, with other big stories looming on the horizon, maybe soon the press will begin to cover a few other subjects.........FINALLY.
They all did it AP, Reuters, NBC, MSNBC, NPR, even Fox. It was like some sort of bizarre echo chamber inhabited only by aliens from the planet melancholia. It brings to mind something I saw while my 7 year old twins were watching an episode of SpongeBob Squarepants. Spongebob ran across a dirty word scrawlwd on the side of a dumpster. His buddy Patrick explained to him it wasn't a "bad" word but rather a "sentence enhancer". You know, like, what a beautiful $#*in day.
Well the press has definately found their sentence enhancer. Unfortunaely it's more than just a sentence enhancer, it's editorial comment. Finally is an adverb which modifies meaning. It's usage is inherently subjective, thus by definition interjects the users personal opinions into the statement of fact.
Usually the author of a "straight" story waits untill at least the second or third paragraph before editorializing, not so with hurricane reporting. It's clear that in the minds of the Entrenched press, the story was soooo monumentally important that any self imposed restraint should be discarded; Straight reporting just couldn't tell the story. So we got it all, ranting, raging, tears and an unending diatribe of political commentary with a smattering of facts mixed in.
Well, with other big stories looming on the horizon, maybe soon the press will begin to cover a few other subjects.........FINALLY.
Fuel Price Backing OFF
As of 10:16 AM CT Oil has declined by $1.77 to $65.80/barrel, Gasoline is down $.08 to $2.12. Lessened demand and refineries coming online quicker than expected is likely the reason.
Don Imus to Tim Russert: Bush Doesn't Care 'Enough' About Black People
Democrats continue to alienate themselves from the mainstream of American thought. They have been so fervent and single minded spewing their pablum that they're beginning to believe their own rhetoric. This serves only to illustrate to the average citizen how deluded and out of touch with reality the left truly is.
Nationally syndicated radio host Don Imus is echoing comments of Bush-bashing rapper Kanye West, telling guest Tim Russert Tuesday morning that President Bush doesn't care "enough" about black people.
"Kanye West said during a concert on NBC that George Bush doesn't care about black people, which I don't believe," Imus began.
"What I do believe is that neither he nor anyone else cares enough about them," he told the NBC newsman. "And if you're a black person in New Orleans, what else are you supposed to think? The facts are the facts."
Imus has an excuse, he likely is significantly deficient in brain cells due to his extended bouts with drugs and alcohol. Many others including much of the black leadership have no such excuse...........or do they?
Nationally syndicated radio host Don Imus is echoing comments of Bush-bashing rapper Kanye West, telling guest Tim Russert Tuesday morning that President Bush doesn't care "enough" about black people.
"Kanye West said during a concert on NBC that George Bush doesn't care about black people, which I don't believe," Imus began.
"What I do believe is that neither he nor anyone else cares enough about them," he told the NBC newsman. "And if you're a black person in New Orleans, what else are you supposed to think? The facts are the facts."
Imus has an excuse, he likely is significantly deficient in brain cells due to his extended bouts with drugs and alcohol. Many others including much of the black leadership have no such excuse...........or do they?
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Michelle Malkin's Fit of Vapors
It's not often I disagree with the first lady of the blogospere but Michelle Malkins rantings concerning the firing of FEMA director Michael Brown couldn't be further of the mark.
He admitted that he didn't act more aggressively because as late as last Sunday he expected Katrina to be a "standard hurricane" even though the National Weather Service in New Orleans was already predicting "human suffering incredible by modern standards."
- He proved himself utterly clueless about the disaster unfolding in New Orleans. He claimed that the federal relief effort was "going relatively well" and that the security situation in New Orleans was "pretty darn good."
- He blamed the flood victims in New Orleans for failing to evacuate on time, even though local authorities failed to make municipal vehicles available to residents who could not drive or did not own their own cars.
Granted he made some ill advised statements that may actually be accurate but would be better left unsaid. Does she suggest that everyone in beltway who has done the same also be fired? That would leave Washington pretty much a ghost town.
I have yet to see Michelle or anyone for that matter actually point to a legitimate bonafide screw up by anyone in the Bush administration that adversely effected the NO operation. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, but to date I have seen no one produce it.
It's human nature to asign blame whenever sonmething doesn't idealy go as it should. Sometime blame is warranted as it appears to be with both Nagin, Blanco and some other local authorities (for which evidence of bonafide screw ups do exist) sometimes it is not.
If anyone needs to be fired it's several people in Bush's press and PR office. Their performance is dismal and has been for the better part of Bush's entire Presidency. That however, I'll leave for another day.
This sort of half cocked, knee jerk reactionism is usually reserved for the likes of the MSM and the Ted Kennedy wing of the Democrat party. To see it exhibited by the usual right thinking Michelle Malkin is both disturbing and perplexing. Conservatives are known for giving people (of either party) the benefit of the doubt. Why she has suddenly donned her cheerleading outfit and jumped on the blame Bush bandwagon has this humble blogster bewildered.
Assuming that Michelle isn't suffering from Arianna Huffington Syndrome, my advice to her and all clear thinking conservatives.....take a long deep breath and think with your brain not your adrenal glands. If anyone in the Bush administration is culpable for less than acceptable performance it will come out in due time and thoughtful appropriate action can be taken. Untill that time let's remain coherent and leave the hyper emotional breast beating to the crackpot left.
He admitted that he didn't act more aggressively because as late as last Sunday he expected Katrina to be a "standard hurricane" even though the National Weather Service in New Orleans was already predicting "human suffering incredible by modern standards."
- He proved himself utterly clueless about the disaster unfolding in New Orleans. He claimed that the federal relief effort was "going relatively well" and that the security situation in New Orleans was "pretty darn good."
- He blamed the flood victims in New Orleans for failing to evacuate on time, even though local authorities failed to make municipal vehicles available to residents who could not drive or did not own their own cars.
Granted he made some ill advised statements that may actually be accurate but would be better left unsaid. Does she suggest that everyone in beltway who has done the same also be fired? That would leave Washington pretty much a ghost town.
I have yet to see Michelle or anyone for that matter actually point to a legitimate bonafide screw up by anyone in the Bush administration that adversely effected the NO operation. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, but to date I have seen no one produce it.
It's human nature to asign blame whenever sonmething doesn't idealy go as it should. Sometime blame is warranted as it appears to be with both Nagin, Blanco and some other local authorities (for which evidence of bonafide screw ups do exist) sometimes it is not.
If anyone needs to be fired it's several people in Bush's press and PR office. Their performance is dismal and has been for the better part of Bush's entire Presidency. That however, I'll leave for another day.
This sort of half cocked, knee jerk reactionism is usually reserved for the likes of the MSM and the Ted Kennedy wing of the Democrat party. To see it exhibited by the usual right thinking Michelle Malkin is both disturbing and perplexing. Conservatives are known for giving people (of either party) the benefit of the doubt. Why she has suddenly donned her cheerleading outfit and jumped on the blame Bush bandwagon has this humble blogster bewildered.
Assuming that Michelle isn't suffering from Arianna Huffington Syndrome, my advice to her and all clear thinking conservatives.....take a long deep breath and think with your brain not your adrenal glands. If anyone in the Bush administration is culpable for less than acceptable performance it will come out in due time and thoughtful appropriate action can be taken. Untill that time let's remain coherent and leave the hyper emotional breast beating to the crackpot left.
Poll: Bush Not Taking Brunt of Katrina Criticism
Despite the most concerted effort by the EM to besmirch the President since the last election, the the American people are having none of it.
Sept. 4, 2005 — Americans are broadly critical of government preparedness in the Hurricane Katrina disaster — but far fewer take George W. Bush personally to task for the problems, and public anger about the response is less widespread than some critics would suggest.
Forty-six percent of Americans approve of Bush's handling of the crisis, while 47 percent disapprove. That compares poorly with Bush's 91 percent approval rating for his performance in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but it's far from the broad discontent expressed by critics of the initial days of the hurricane response. (It also almost exactly matches Bush's overall job approval rating, 45 percent, in an ABC/Post poll a week ago.)
It becomes more evident on a daily basis that the EM no longer has the ability to change peoples opinions about anything
Sept. 4, 2005 — Americans are broadly critical of government preparedness in the Hurricane Katrina disaster — but far fewer take George W. Bush personally to task for the problems, and public anger about the response is less widespread than some critics would suggest.
Forty-six percent of Americans approve of Bush's handling of the crisis, while 47 percent disapprove. That compares poorly with Bush's 91 percent approval rating for his performance in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but it's far from the broad discontent expressed by critics of the initial days of the hurricane response. (It also almost exactly matches Bush's overall job approval rating, 45 percent, in an ABC/Post poll a week ago.)
It becomes more evident on a daily basis that the EM no longer has the ability to change peoples opinions about anything
Putting Ego Ahead of Lives
Blanco had the opportunity to put the ball in the Feds court, she declined.
Shortly before midnight Friday, the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans, a source within the state's emergency operations center said Saturday. The administration sought unified control over all local police and state National Guard units reporting to the governor.
Louisiana officials rejected the request after talks throughout the night, concerned that such a move would be comparable to a federal declaration of martial law.
Louisiana did not reach out to a multi-state mutual aid compact for assistance until Wednesday, three state and federal officials said. As of Saturday, Blanco still had not declared a state of emergency, the senior Bush official said.
This women has been a deer in the headlights for the last 10 days.
Shortly before midnight Friday, the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans, a source within the state's emergency operations center said Saturday. The administration sought unified control over all local police and state National Guard units reporting to the governor.
Louisiana officials rejected the request after talks throughout the night, concerned that such a move would be comparable to a federal declaration of martial law.
Louisiana did not reach out to a multi-state mutual aid compact for assistance until Wednesday, three state and federal officials said. As of Saturday, Blanco still had not declared a state of emergency, the senior Bush official said.
This women has been a deer in the headlights for the last 10 days.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Who's Idea Was it to Evacuate New Orleans?
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin declared a state of emergency on Sunday and ordered a mandatory evacuation of the city as Hurricane Katrina churned toward the city with maximum sustained winds of nearly 175 mph. All of Orleans Parish falls under the order except for necessary personnel in government, emergency and some other public service categories.
People who are unable to evacuate were told to immediately report to a designated shelter.
"I wish I had better news for you, but we are facing a storm that most of us have feared," Nagin said. "I do not want to create panic, but I do want the citizens to understand that this is very serious and it's of the highest nature."
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco said that President Bush had called and urged the state to order the evacuation.
Just imagine if he hadn't.
Queer that Bush made the call with his urgent recommendation early on Sat and the decison to act was not untill 24 hours later on Sunday. Nagin's bomb throwing increasingly appears to be a desperate attempt to divert atention from his probable incompetence.
Update: MAYOR CRITICIZED
The criticisms of Nagin came from above as well. Numerous officials urged him to evacuate the city, but he worried about the legality of ordering people out when New Orleans has few safe hurricane shelters. Also, National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield in Miami called Nagin at home Saturday night and told him: Get people out of New Orleans.
''I could never sleep if I felt like I didn't do everything that I could to impress upon people the gravity of the situation,'' Mayfield said. ``New Orleans is never going to be the same.''
It appears that if hadn't been for the urging of Bush, Mayfield and a few others Nagin wouldn't have evacuated and 100s of 1000s would have likely perished.
Update II: On CNN just now, New Orleans Mayor Nagin, in an interview segment, (paraphrasing) said he has been yelling at the President and the Governor, and for all he knows, the "CIA could take me out".
Talk about a textbook example of paranoid narcissism coupled with delusions. Mr Nagin better forget about the CIA and focus his attention on the increasing liklihood of one of his constituents taking him out.
People who are unable to evacuate were told to immediately report to a designated shelter.
"I wish I had better news for you, but we are facing a storm that most of us have feared," Nagin said. "I do not want to create panic, but I do want the citizens to understand that this is very serious and it's of the highest nature."
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco said that President Bush had called and urged the state to order the evacuation.
Just imagine if he hadn't.
Queer that Bush made the call with his urgent recommendation early on Sat and the decison to act was not untill 24 hours later on Sunday. Nagin's bomb throwing increasingly appears to be a desperate attempt to divert atention from his probable incompetence.
Update: MAYOR CRITICIZED
The criticisms of Nagin came from above as well. Numerous officials urged him to evacuate the city, but he worried about the legality of ordering people out when New Orleans has few safe hurricane shelters. Also, National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield in Miami called Nagin at home Saturday night and told him: Get people out of New Orleans.
''I could never sleep if I felt like I didn't do everything that I could to impress upon people the gravity of the situation,'' Mayfield said. ``New Orleans is never going to be the same.''
It appears that if hadn't been for the urging of Bush, Mayfield and a few others Nagin wouldn't have evacuated and 100s of 1000s would have likely perished.
Update II: On CNN just now, New Orleans Mayor Nagin, in an interview segment, (paraphrasing) said he has been yelling at the President and the Governor, and for all he knows, the "CIA could take me out".
Talk about a textbook example of paranoid narcissism coupled with delusions. Mr Nagin better forget about the CIA and focus his attention on the increasing liklihood of one of his constituents taking him out.
Yahoo Crapweasles
Yahoo News excludes Salvation Army from it's listings of Hurricane Donation Links.
Approved links:
* American Red Cross
* Network for Good: Hurricane Katrina
* Habitat for Humanity
* NSALA: Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescue
Who thinks this is just an oversight? Hands?
Approved links:
* American Red Cross
* Network for Good: Hurricane Katrina
* Habitat for Humanity
* NSALA: Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescue
Who thinks this is just an oversight? Hands?
5,000 U.S. and Iraqi Troops Sweep Into City of Tall Afar
Some serious terrorist scumbag a$$ kickin.
TALL AFAR, Iraq, Sept. 2 -- It was a clear and quiet dusk, with only the call to prayer echoing from minarets across this city, when a roadside bomb blasted an M1-A1 Abrams tank, shaking nearby buildings and filling the indigo sky with a plume of black smoke.
Crackling small-arms fire clanged off the damaged vehicle from an adjacent house. U.S. soldiers answered with increasingly violent volleys -- .50-caliber machine gun bursts, tank rounds and a TOW missile -- but the shots from inside the house kept coming. Finally, an ear-splitting succession of five rounds from the tank's big gun reduced the building to flaming rubble and lit the empty streets with white sparks from exploding power transformers.
In the largest urban assault since the siege of Fallujah last November, more than 5,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops entered this northern city before dawn Friday. But the 45-minute firefight at day's end suggested that the insurgents who have controlled much of Tall Afar for almost a year would not relinquish it easily.
"We knew they were going to fight," said Pfc. Johnny Lara, a machine gunner from Blue Platoon, Eagle Troop, 2nd Squadron of the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, who watched the clash with a reporter from a rooftop about 100 yards away. "Now it's a fight."
During the course of the day, at least 30 insurgents were killed as U.S. troops conducted house-to-house searches in the baking sun. Apache attack helicopters that circled the city of 250,000 all day killed 27 people, including eight who were attempting to conceal roadside bombs in old tires, commanders said. No American or Iraqi army casualties were reported.
TALL AFAR, Iraq, Sept. 2 -- It was a clear and quiet dusk, with only the call to prayer echoing from minarets across this city, when a roadside bomb blasted an M1-A1 Abrams tank, shaking nearby buildings and filling the indigo sky with a plume of black smoke.
Crackling small-arms fire clanged off the damaged vehicle from an adjacent house. U.S. soldiers answered with increasingly violent volleys -- .50-caliber machine gun bursts, tank rounds and a TOW missile -- but the shots from inside the house kept coming. Finally, an ear-splitting succession of five rounds from the tank's big gun reduced the building to flaming rubble and lit the empty streets with white sparks from exploding power transformers.
In the largest urban assault since the siege of Fallujah last November, more than 5,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops entered this northern city before dawn Friday. But the 45-minute firefight at day's end suggested that the insurgents who have controlled much of Tall Afar for almost a year would not relinquish it easily.
"We knew they were going to fight," said Pfc. Johnny Lara, a machine gunner from Blue Platoon, Eagle Troop, 2nd Squadron of the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, who watched the clash with a reporter from a rooftop about 100 yards away. "Now it's a fight."
During the course of the day, at least 30 insurgents were killed as U.S. troops conducted house-to-house searches in the baking sun. Apache attack helicopters that circled the city of 250,000 all day killed 27 people, including eight who were attempting to conceal roadside bombs in old tires, commanders said. No American or Iraqi army casualties were reported.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Black Lawmakers Angry Over Relief Response
Idiotic quote of the day.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., said too much focus has been placed on the looting, taking away from what should be the priority: getting food, water and stability to the tens of thousands of displaced victims.
The two are intimately intertwined you perfect horses arse! There would be one helluva lot more priority on " providing food, water and stability" if the people involved didn't have to contend with the violence and looting.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., said too much focus has been placed on the looting, taking away from what should be the priority: getting food, water and stability to the tens of thousands of displaced victims.
The two are intimately intertwined you perfect horses arse! There would be one helluva lot more priority on " providing food, water and stability" if the people involved didn't have to contend with the violence and looting.
Unemployment Rate Slumps to 4-Year Low
Katrina is Bush's fault, but not this....
The nation's unemployment rate dipped to a four-year low of 4.9 percent in August as companies added 169,000 jobs, a sign that the labor market continued to gain traction before Hurricane Katrina struck.
The latest snapshot of the United States' jobs climate, released by the Labor Department on Friday, buttressed observations by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and his colleagues that the hiring situation was gradually improving _ a bit of good news for workers as they headed into the Labor Day weekend.
But the future of the nation's employment picture is murky _ clouded by fallout from the devastating hurricane.
Friday's figures don't reflect the impact of Katrina, which slammed into New Orleans and a swath of Gulf Coast communities, because the employment information was collected before the storm hit.
The 4.9 percent unemployment rate reported for August was down a notch from July's 5 percent rate and was the lowest since August 2001.
btw don't you just love the wording"Unemployment Rate Slumps" It's known as giving a positive development a negative connotation.
The nation's unemployment rate dipped to a four-year low of 4.9 percent in August as companies added 169,000 jobs, a sign that the labor market continued to gain traction before Hurricane Katrina struck.
The latest snapshot of the United States' jobs climate, released by the Labor Department on Friday, buttressed observations by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and his colleagues that the hiring situation was gradually improving _ a bit of good news for workers as they headed into the Labor Day weekend.
But the future of the nation's employment picture is murky _ clouded by fallout from the devastating hurricane.
Friday's figures don't reflect the impact of Katrina, which slammed into New Orleans and a swath of Gulf Coast communities, because the employment information was collected before the storm hit.
The 4.9 percent unemployment rate reported for August was down a notch from July's 5 percent rate and was the lowest since August 2001.
btw don't you just love the wording"Unemployment Rate Slumps" It's known as giving a positive development a negative connotation.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Fats Domino Found in New Orleans
Luckilly he found high ground on Blueberry Hill.
One of rock 'n' roll's chief architects has been rescued from the rubble of New Orleans.
Fats Domino who had been unaccounted for in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, was plucked from the flooded city by a rescue boat.
His daughter, Karen Domino White, who lives in New Jersey, identified her father in a picture taken Monday night by a New Orleans Times-Picayune photographer. The singer is seen being helped from a boat by an emergency crew.
Atta boy Fats.
One of rock 'n' roll's chief architects has been rescued from the rubble of New Orleans.
Fats Domino who had been unaccounted for in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, was plucked from the flooded city by a rescue boat.
His daughter, Karen Domino White, who lives in New Jersey, identified her father in a picture taken Monday night by a New Orleans Times-Picayune photographer. The singer is seen being helped from a boat by an emergency crew.
Atta boy Fats.
Pentagon Finds More Who Recall Atta Intel
I know you have Katrina on your mind but.......
WASHINGTON -- Pentagon officials said Thursday they have found three more people who recall an intelligence chart that identified Sept. 11 mastermind Mohamed Atta as a terrorist one year before the attacks on New York and Washington. But they have been unable to find the chart or other evidence that it existed.
Last month, two military officers, Army Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer and Navy Capt. Scott Philpott, went public with claims that a secret unit code-named Able Danger used data mining _ searching large amounts of data for patterns _ to identify Atta in 2000. Shaffer has said three other Sept. 11 hijackers also were identified.
In recent days Pentagon officials have said they could not yet verify or disprove the assertions by Shaffer and Philpott. On Thursday, four intelligence officials provided the first extensive briefing for reporters on the outcome of their interviews with people associated with Able Danger and their review of documents.
They said they interviewed at least 80 people over a three-week period and found three, besides Philpott and Shaffer, who said they remember seeing a chart that either mentioned Atta by name as an al-Qaida operative or showed his photograph. Four of the five recalled a chart with a pre-9/11 photo of Atta; the other person recalled only a reference to his name.
WASHINGTON -- Pentagon officials said Thursday they have found three more people who recall an intelligence chart that identified Sept. 11 mastermind Mohamed Atta as a terrorist one year before the attacks on New York and Washington. But they have been unable to find the chart or other evidence that it existed.
Last month, two military officers, Army Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer and Navy Capt. Scott Philpott, went public with claims that a secret unit code-named Able Danger used data mining _ searching large amounts of data for patterns _ to identify Atta in 2000. Shaffer has said three other Sept. 11 hijackers also were identified.
In recent days Pentagon officials have said they could not yet verify or disprove the assertions by Shaffer and Philpott. On Thursday, four intelligence officials provided the first extensive briefing for reporters on the outcome of their interviews with people associated with Able Danger and their review of documents.
They said they interviewed at least 80 people over a three-week period and found three, besides Philpott and Shaffer, who said they remember seeing a chart that either mentioned Atta by name as an al-Qaida operative or showed his photograph. Four of the five recalled a chart with a pre-9/11 photo of Atta; the other person recalled only a reference to his name.
Rescuers: Boat operation suspended
Unbelievable........
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- As police and National Guard troops struggled to restore order Thursday in New Orleans, emergency teams suspended boat rescue operations because conditions in the flooded city were too dangerous, rescuers said.
The instructions to stand down came during a meeting with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
CNN's Rick Sanchez reported that authorities were concerned for the rescuers' safety because some people have become violent toward the rescuers.
He said officials were trying to figure out how to safely resume rescues.
Troops and police have been working to evacuate tens of thousands of people, who are growing weaker and more desperate each hour.
Looks like bin-Laden has a fertile area from which to recruit some mercinary thugs.
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- As police and National Guard troops struggled to restore order Thursday in New Orleans, emergency teams suspended boat rescue operations because conditions in the flooded city were too dangerous, rescuers said.
The instructions to stand down came during a meeting with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
CNN's Rick Sanchez reported that authorities were concerned for the rescuers' safety because some people have become violent toward the rescuers.
He said officials were trying to figure out how to safely resume rescues.
Troops and police have been working to evacuate tens of thousands of people, who are growing weaker and more desperate each hour.
Looks like bin-Laden has a fertile area from which to recruit some mercinary thugs.
Forbes predicts oil will drop to $35 within a year
Steve Forbes, the billionaire business publisher, predicted that the oil bubble will burst inside a year and the price will plunge, as the impact of Hurricane Katrina sent the price of oil soaring to new record levels.
He spoke as Katrina shut down almost all the flow from the Gulf of Mexico, which provides over a quarter of the United States' oil. "I'll make a bold prediction. In 12 months you're going to see oil down to $35 to $40 a barrel," he said. "It is a huge bubble, I don't know what's going to pop it but eventually it will pop - you cannot go against supply and demand, you cannot go against the fundamentals forever."
Oil production in the gulf was down by 92pc, or 1.4m barrels, and gas production fell by 83pc as the hurricane threatened severe damage to the installations in the region. In response, the price of Brent in London spiked $3.22 a barrel to a record $68.09 while in New York oil was up $2.65 a barrel to $69.25 during late trading.
A neighbor of mine (an oil man) and I were chatting the other day and he said exactly the same thing.
He spoke as Katrina shut down almost all the flow from the Gulf of Mexico, which provides over a quarter of the United States' oil. "I'll make a bold prediction. In 12 months you're going to see oil down to $35 to $40 a barrel," he said. "It is a huge bubble, I don't know what's going to pop it but eventually it will pop - you cannot go against supply and demand, you cannot go against the fundamentals forever."
Oil production in the gulf was down by 92pc, or 1.4m barrels, and gas production fell by 83pc as the hurricane threatened severe damage to the installations in the region. In response, the price of Brent in London spiked $3.22 a barrel to a record $68.09 while in New York oil was up $2.65 a barrel to $69.25 during late trading.
A neighbor of mine (an oil man) and I were chatting the other day and he said exactly the same thing.
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