Oil is 120% more affordable than it was in 1980.
In 1980, the average American's inflation adjusted annual disposable income could buy 180 barrels of oil.
In 2005, the average American's inflation adjusted annual disposable income can buy 400 barrels of oil.
In 1980, disposable income per person was $16,940.In 2004, disposable income per person was
$27,230.(Constant 2000 dollars)
In 1980, a barrel of oil cost $94.
In 2005, a barrel of oil costs $68. (Constant 2004 dollars)
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
EPA Waves Rules on Gasoline Products
Aug 30 - EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson has determined that the impact of Hurricane Katrina created an “extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstance” in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. The situation will prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of fuel to consumers that is compliant with the Clean Air Act. This is “a natural disaster, that could not reasonably have been foreseen or prevented and not attributable to a lack of prudent planning on the part of the suppliers of the fuel to these affected States,” according to a fuel waiver granted to the states by the EPA today.
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA will temporarily allow all parties in the fuel distribution system, including refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and retail outlets (regulated parties) to supply gasoline meeting a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) standard of 9.0 psi in areas of the affected states where a lower RVP is required.
Further, because of the expected shortage of motor vehicle diesel fuel meeting the 500 parts per million (ppm) sulfur standard, EPA will temporarily allow regulated parties to supply motor vehicle diesel fuel to affected states having a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm.
This waiver is effective immediately and will continue through the remainder of the high-ozone period, through Sept. 15, 2005. However, retail outlets or wholesale purchaser-consumers that receive motor vehicle diesel fuel having a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm, under the terms of this waiver may continue selling or dispensing this fuel after Sept. 15, 2005, until their supplies are depleted.
They have now revised this action to apply to all 50 states. Good common sense move. Look for substantial breast beating from the environmental crowd.
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA will temporarily allow all parties in the fuel distribution system, including refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and retail outlets (regulated parties) to supply gasoline meeting a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) standard of 9.0 psi in areas of the affected states where a lower RVP is required.
Further, because of the expected shortage of motor vehicle diesel fuel meeting the 500 parts per million (ppm) sulfur standard, EPA will temporarily allow regulated parties to supply motor vehicle diesel fuel to affected states having a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm.
This waiver is effective immediately and will continue through the remainder of the high-ozone period, through Sept. 15, 2005. However, retail outlets or wholesale purchaser-consumers that receive motor vehicle diesel fuel having a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm, under the terms of this waiver may continue selling or dispensing this fuel after Sept. 15, 2005, until their supplies are depleted.
They have now revised this action to apply to all 50 states. Good common sense move. Look for substantial breast beating from the environmental crowd.
The Grinch Who Stole New Orleans
I feel for the people who have lost their lives, loved ones and have had their lives turned upside down from the devastation of hurricane Katrina, I really do. But I am going to pi$$ quite a few people off and be accused of being a heartless SOB for what I'm about to write. So be it, someone needs to address this angle.
We have become sheep in this country, completely dependent on the government for things it cannot nor was it ever was ever intended to provide. I am referring to the perception of cradle to grave protection for the totality of our existence.
We can build our homes or businesses on a tectonic fault, an island of Mississippi muck 10 feet below sea level, or on the side of an active volcano. No worries, the government won't let anything bad happen to us or our property, that just wouldn't be fair. We have become so completely dependent on the government for conscience that as long as they say it's OK, it must be the right thing to do. I don't need to use my personal God given sense anymore because the collective intellect of the government is far superior.
Every major life decision we make carrries with it a benefit/risk ratio. And oftentimes with a greater benefit also comes an increased risk. So it goes concerning where a man chooses to reside. Florida's ocean front is wonderful, mild climate, no snow, fantastic views, gentle ocean breezes, and........HURRICANES. California, also great, exceptions..... EARTHQUAKES/MUDSLIDES.
Do the people that choose to live in these high risk areas not bear some of the responsiblity for the plight many will inevitably find themselves in? After all, with several areas of the country it's not a matter of if a certain natural phenomenon will occur, but when. There are a few dozen areas on the southern coast that get dinged by hurricanes practically every year, I mean they know they're coming. Whether these people who live in these "high risk" areas choose to accept it or not, they are rolling the dice, betting their life that the big one won't happen to their particular slice of paradise. A risky wager for sure, but that's not how many perceive it. The omnipotent all seeing all saving government is there to protect them.
If nothing else this is a wake up call for those who adhere to this deluded rational. The choices we make do have consequences and the government is not always in a position to insulate us from the bad ones.
Now, aside from the potential for loss of life, let's address the financial consequences of choosing to live in a high risk area. Should the guy who lives in Minnesota who braves vicious winters every year shoveling literally tons of snow and enduring brutal subzero temps for weeks at a time be responsible for rebuilding Joe Gulf Shores home every few years? Should the guy in Oklahoma who pays extra every month for homeowners insurance with a tornado rider routinely bail out the guy who chose to build or purchase his home on a flood plain?
My solution, let these folks who decide to reside in a high risk area self insure. Nothing like personal financial reponsibility to clarify ones mind and sharpen up decision making. My guess, one helluva lot less people would choose to put themselves in harms way if it was clear that they personally were reponsible for the consequences of there choices.
We have become sheep in this country, completely dependent on the government for things it cannot nor was it ever was ever intended to provide. I am referring to the perception of cradle to grave protection for the totality of our existence.
We can build our homes or businesses on a tectonic fault, an island of Mississippi muck 10 feet below sea level, or on the side of an active volcano. No worries, the government won't let anything bad happen to us or our property, that just wouldn't be fair. We have become so completely dependent on the government for conscience that as long as they say it's OK, it must be the right thing to do. I don't need to use my personal God given sense anymore because the collective intellect of the government is far superior.
Every major life decision we make carrries with it a benefit/risk ratio. And oftentimes with a greater benefit also comes an increased risk. So it goes concerning where a man chooses to reside. Florida's ocean front is wonderful, mild climate, no snow, fantastic views, gentle ocean breezes, and........HURRICANES. California, also great, exceptions..... EARTHQUAKES/MUDSLIDES.
Do the people that choose to live in these high risk areas not bear some of the responsiblity for the plight many will inevitably find themselves in? After all, with several areas of the country it's not a matter of if a certain natural phenomenon will occur, but when. There are a few dozen areas on the southern coast that get dinged by hurricanes practically every year, I mean they know they're coming. Whether these people who live in these "high risk" areas choose to accept it or not, they are rolling the dice, betting their life that the big one won't happen to their particular slice of paradise. A risky wager for sure, but that's not how many perceive it. The omnipotent all seeing all saving government is there to protect them.
If nothing else this is a wake up call for those who adhere to this deluded rational. The choices we make do have consequences and the government is not always in a position to insulate us from the bad ones.
Now, aside from the potential for loss of life, let's address the financial consequences of choosing to live in a high risk area. Should the guy who lives in Minnesota who braves vicious winters every year shoveling literally tons of snow and enduring brutal subzero temps for weeks at a time be responsible for rebuilding Joe Gulf Shores home every few years? Should the guy in Oklahoma who pays extra every month for homeowners insurance with a tornado rider routinely bail out the guy who chose to build or purchase his home on a flood plain?
My solution, let these folks who decide to reside in a high risk area self insure. Nothing like personal financial reponsibility to clarify ones mind and sharpen up decision making. My guess, one helluva lot less people would choose to put themselves in harms way if it was clear that they personally were reponsible for the consequences of there choices.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Rebounds in August
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in July, rebounded in August. The Index now stands at 105.6 (1985=100), up from 103.6 in July. The Present Situation Index increased to 123.6 from 119.3. The Expectations Index edged up to 93.7 from 93.2 last month.
The Consumer Confidence Survey is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. The monthly survey is conducted for The Conference Board by TNS NFO. TNS NFO is one of the TNS group of companies (LSE: TNN). The cutoff date for August’s preliminary results was August 23rd.
“Consumers appear to be weathering the steady rise in gas prices quite well,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center. “In fact, consumers’ confidence in the current state of the economy, and particularly in the labor market, has propelled the Present Situation Index to its highest level in nearly four years (125.4 in September 2001). Expectations continue to suggest more of the same for the remainder of this year.”
Keep your fingers crossed that the latest surge in gasoline prices and the disruption of shipping due to Katrina doesn't throw a monkey wrench into this terrific economy.
The Consumer Confidence Survey is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. The monthly survey is conducted for The Conference Board by TNS NFO. TNS NFO is one of the TNS group of companies (LSE: TNN). The cutoff date for August’s preliminary results was August 23rd.
“Consumers appear to be weathering the steady rise in gas prices quite well,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center. “In fact, consumers’ confidence in the current state of the economy, and particularly in the labor market, has propelled the Present Situation Index to its highest level in nearly four years (125.4 in September 2001). Expectations continue to suggest more of the same for the remainder of this year.”
Keep your fingers crossed that the latest surge in gasoline prices and the disruption of shipping due to Katrina doesn't throw a monkey wrench into this terrific economy.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Rep Weldon States Able Danger Records Ordered Destroyed
This is continuing to grow in size and scope folks. There are people going down over this.
From Dom Giordano show (Philadelphia)
Congressman Curt Weldon (R - Pennsylvania) gave another exclusive interview to Dom Giordano this evening (Monday) and broke the news that he will be giving a speech on September 8th (next Monday) during which he will present yet another 'Able Danger' witness.
This new witness will attest (and will swear under oath when called) that he was "ordered to destroy records" relating to the 'Able Danger' program.
This order to destroy the records occurred prior to 9-11-01. Weldon intimated that it happened during the Clinton Administration.
The witness, who Weldon did not name, says that he was ordered to destroy records and was threatened with jail if he failed to comply. Weldon said that he has the names of the people involved, including the person who gave the order, and HE WILL NAME THEM in his speech.
Congressman Weldon also said that his staff has met with Senator Arlen Specter's (R - Pennsylvania) staff regarding the upcoming Judiciary Committee hearings. Weldon wants to be sure that everybody is on the same page. Weldon also said that he will do whatever he has to do to make sure that ALL the facts come out and that the process "is not manipulated".
Curt Weldon expressed disgust with the "incompetence" of the 9-11 Commission and said that the victims of the 9-11 terror attacks deserve answers. Weldon is determined to see that they get them.
Weldon did express confidence in Tim Roehmer and John Lehman and speculated that perhaps the poor job done by the Commission was the result of an incompetent staff. Weldon sounded amazed and disappointed that so much important information was either glossed over or swept under the rug by the Commission.
Via Lancey Howard at FR.
And then there's this.....
The Pentagon appears to have reversed its position on Able Danger, the Army intelligence collection team.
A Pentagon spokesman now says "there's no reason to doubt the specific recollections" of the growing number of team members. The team members say the project had pre-Sept. 11 intelligence on al Qaida, which Defense Department lawyers prohibited them from sharing with the FBI.
Stay tuned, lots more to come.
From Dom Giordano show (Philadelphia)
Congressman Curt Weldon (R - Pennsylvania) gave another exclusive interview to Dom Giordano this evening (Monday) and broke the news that he will be giving a speech on September 8th (next Monday) during which he will present yet another 'Able Danger' witness.
This new witness will attest (and will swear under oath when called) that he was "ordered to destroy records" relating to the 'Able Danger' program.
This order to destroy the records occurred prior to 9-11-01. Weldon intimated that it happened during the Clinton Administration.
The witness, who Weldon did not name, says that he was ordered to destroy records and was threatened with jail if he failed to comply. Weldon said that he has the names of the people involved, including the person who gave the order, and HE WILL NAME THEM in his speech.
Congressman Weldon also said that his staff has met with Senator Arlen Specter's (R - Pennsylvania) staff regarding the upcoming Judiciary Committee hearings. Weldon wants to be sure that everybody is on the same page. Weldon also said that he will do whatever he has to do to make sure that ALL the facts come out and that the process "is not manipulated".
Curt Weldon expressed disgust with the "incompetence" of the 9-11 Commission and said that the victims of the 9-11 terror attacks deserve answers. Weldon is determined to see that they get them.
Weldon did express confidence in Tim Roehmer and John Lehman and speculated that perhaps the poor job done by the Commission was the result of an incompetent staff. Weldon sounded amazed and disappointed that so much important information was either glossed over or swept under the rug by the Commission.
Via Lancey Howard at FR.
And then there's this.....
The Pentagon appears to have reversed its position on Able Danger, the Army intelligence collection team.
A Pentagon spokesman now says "there's no reason to doubt the specific recollections" of the growing number of team members. The team members say the project had pre-Sept. 11 intelligence on al Qaida, which Defense Department lawyers prohibited them from sharing with the FBI.
Stay tuned, lots more to come.
US says air strike kills Iraq al Qaeda fighter
Good kill.....
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military said it had killed an al Qaeda militant named Abu Islam and a number of other fighters in air strikes on Tuesday on Husayba and Karabila, close to Qaim on the Syrian border.
"Intelligence leads Coalition forces to believe that Abu Islam and several of his associates were killed in the air strike," a spokeswoman said in Baghdad.
A hospital official in Qaim told Reuters at least 47 people died in the U.S.-led strikes. Mohammed al-Aani said 35 people died in one house and another 12 in a strike on a second house.
The U.S. military said in a statement it had carried out three separate strikes, initially dropping four bombs on a house in Husayba.
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military said it had killed an al Qaeda militant named Abu Islam and a number of other fighters in air strikes on Tuesday on Husayba and Karabila, close to Qaim on the Syrian border.
"Intelligence leads Coalition forces to believe that Abu Islam and several of his associates were killed in the air strike," a spokeswoman said in Baghdad.
A hospital official in Qaim told Reuters at least 47 people died in the U.S.-led strikes. Mohammed al-Aani said 35 people died in one house and another 12 in a strike on a second house.
The U.S. military said in a statement it had carried out three separate strikes, initially dropping four bombs on a house in Husayba.
Monday, August 29, 2005
It's Bush's Fault!!
Ran across this moonbattery. Never hurts to see the latest nonsense being offered up by the nimrod Kool-Aid crowd.
So far today, I've looked at Global Warming and Katrina and the crisis resulting from Lousiana's National Guard being in Iraq instead of defending their state.
Will Bush stay on vacation? At this point, it doesn't really matter. Because Bush has been asleep at the wheel for four years. From the Houston Chronicle in 2001:
New Orleans is sinking.
And its main buffer from a hurricane, the protective Mississippi River delta, is quickly eroding away, leaving the historic city perilously close to disaster.
So vulnerable, in fact, that earlier this year the Federal Emergency Management Agency ranked the potential damage to New Orleans as among the three likeliest, most castastrophic disasters facing this country.
The other two? A massive earthquake in San Francisco, and, almost prophetically, a terrorist attack on New York City.
The New Orleans hurricane scenario may be the deadliest of all.
So far today, I've looked at Global Warming and Katrina and the crisis resulting from Lousiana's National Guard being in Iraq instead of defending their state.
Will Bush stay on vacation? At this point, it doesn't really matter. Because Bush has been asleep at the wheel for four years. From the Houston Chronicle in 2001:
New Orleans is sinking.
And its main buffer from a hurricane, the protective Mississippi River delta, is quickly eroding away, leaving the historic city perilously close to disaster.
So vulnerable, in fact, that earlier this year the Federal Emergency Management Agency ranked the potential damage to New Orleans as among the three likeliest, most castastrophic disasters facing this country.
The other two? A massive earthquake in San Francisco, and, almost prophetically, a terrorist attack on New York City.
The New Orleans hurricane scenario may be the deadliest of all.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Third Source Backs 'Able Danger' Claims About Atta
Like a water torture, more evidence just keeps dribbling out giving "the Commission" increasing levels of anxiety and heartburn. In particular Ms. Gorelick likely won't be sleeping as well.
WASHINGTON — A third person has now come forward to verify claims made by a military intelligence unit that a year before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, it had information showing that lead hijacker Mohamed Atta and other terrorists were identified as being in the United States.
J.D. Smith, a defense contractor who claims he worked on the technical side of the unit, code-named "Able Danger", told reporters Friday that he helped gather open-source information , reported on government spending and helped generate charts associated with the unit's work. Able Danger was set up in the 1990s to track Al Qaeda activity worldwide.
"I am absolutely positive that he [Atta] was on our chart among other pictures and ties that we were doing mainly based upon [terror] cells in New York City," Smith said.
"What's the Sept. 11 commission got to hide?" Weldon asked. "The commission is trying to spin this because they're embarrassed about what's coming out. In two weeks with two staffers, I've uncovered more in this regard than they did with 80 staffers and $15 million of taxpayer money."
WASHINGTON — A third person has now come forward to verify claims made by a military intelligence unit that a year before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, it had information showing that lead hijacker Mohamed Atta and other terrorists were identified as being in the United States.
J.D. Smith, a defense contractor who claims he worked on the technical side of the unit, code-named "Able Danger", told reporters Friday that he helped gather open-source information , reported on government spending and helped generate charts associated with the unit's work. Able Danger was set up in the 1990s to track Al Qaeda activity worldwide.
"I am absolutely positive that he [Atta] was on our chart among other pictures and ties that we were doing mainly based upon [terror] cells in New York City," Smith said.
"What's the Sept. 11 commission got to hide?" Weldon asked. "The commission is trying to spin this because they're embarrassed about what's coming out. In two weeks with two staffers, I've uncovered more in this regard than they did with 80 staffers and $15 million of taxpayer money."
Friday, August 26, 2005
12% Say US Troop Withdrawal Will Stop Terror Attacks
Looks as though "Momma" Sheehan doesn't even have a respectable minority that agree with her Iraq stance.
August 26, 2005--Just 12% of Americans believe that withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq will stop terror attacks like the summer bombings in London. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 71% disagree and say that troop withdrawal will not lead to an end of terrorist attacks.
The survey also found that 54% of Americans believe the situation will get worse in Iraq if U.S. troops are withdrawn. Twenty percent (20%) believe the situation will get better in Iraq if American troops leave, while 15% believe that bringing home the troops will have no impact.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) of men believe a troop withdrawal will make the situation worse. That view is shared by 48% of women.
There is a sharp partisan difference on this question. By a 4-to-1 margin, both Republicans and those not affiliated with either major party say that the situation will get worse in Iraq if U.S. troops are withdrawn.
Typical of the Dims, out in left field......again. Pretty low percenatge really when you consider that at least 12% of the population believe they've been abducted by aliens.
August 26, 2005--Just 12% of Americans believe that withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq will stop terror attacks like the summer bombings in London. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 71% disagree and say that troop withdrawal will not lead to an end of terrorist attacks.
The survey also found that 54% of Americans believe the situation will get worse in Iraq if U.S. troops are withdrawn. Twenty percent (20%) believe the situation will get better in Iraq if American troops leave, while 15% believe that bringing home the troops will have no impact.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) of men believe a troop withdrawal will make the situation worse. That view is shared by 48% of women.
There is a sharp partisan difference on this question. By a 4-to-1 margin, both Republicans and those not affiliated with either major party say that the situation will get worse in Iraq if U.S. troops are withdrawn.
Typical of the Dims, out in left field......again. Pretty low percenatge really when you consider that at least 12% of the population believe they've been abducted by aliens.
Commission Votes to Keep S.D. Base Open
Excuse me for being gratified about this. It's a real feather in Thunes cap for having done something it's likely Daschle could not.
WASHINGTON - The base closing commission voted Friday to keep open Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
The surprise decision was a setback for Pentagon leaders, a blessing for South Dakotans who feared losing some 4,000 jobs, and a victory for Sen. John Thune and the state's other politicians who lobbied vigorously to save the base. Thune, a freshman Republican, unseated then-Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle partly on the strength of his claim that he would be better positioned to help save the base.
"Oh my, God. It's a fantastic day," said Pennington County Commission member Mark Kirkeby, who had tears in his eyes as he watched the vote on television in Rapid City, S.D.
A politician actually keeping a promise made to voters, go figure.
WASHINGTON - The base closing commission voted Friday to keep open Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
The surprise decision was a setback for Pentagon leaders, a blessing for South Dakotans who feared losing some 4,000 jobs, and a victory for Sen. John Thune and the state's other politicians who lobbied vigorously to save the base. Thune, a freshman Republican, unseated then-Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle partly on the strength of his claim that he would be better positioned to help save the base.
"Oh my, God. It's a fantastic day," said Pennington County Commission member Mark Kirkeby, who had tears in his eyes as he watched the vote on television in Rapid City, S.D.
A politician actually keeping a promise made to voters, go figure.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Katherine Kersten: The big picture in Iraq tells quite a different story
Bestill my heart, a rational and well reasoned article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The Crawford campout a quintessential media event. Its purpose is to gain attention for a small group of people, far out of proportion to their numbers or their knowledge of conditions in Iraq. While protesters win headlines, soldiers with on-the-ground experience have no forum to express their strong support for our cause there.
The major media's love affair with the Crawford protest is no surprise. It's consistent with the focus on body counts and funerals we've come to expect: "Troop Carrier Flips; Four Dead,"Roadside Bomb Kills Two." The media rarely give us the context we need to understand the fighting that produces these casualties -- the purpose and outcome of the missions the lost soldiers were engaged in. When that information is given, it's often buried in articles that focus on death.
Without this big picture, any war would appear a meaningless disaster. What if Americans had seen the casualty lists from Omaha Beach or Okinawa -- hills of sand -- without hearing about the objectives for which those bloody battles were fought? (A truer statement was never made)
To evaluate the war in Iraq, like any war, we need to understand what our troops are attempting and achieving, as well as how many of them are being killed. Take the 14 Marines who died in Haditha in early August in a much-publicized roadside bombing. Army Lt. Colonel Steve Boylan, a military spokesman I contacted in Baghdad, explained that they were laying the groundwork for Operation Quick Strike: a campaign to destroy the insurgency by depriving it of its bases and shutting down its "rat lines" -- infiltration routes running from the Syrian border to the heart of Iraq.
Read the entire article, this gal absolutely nails it.
The Crawford campout a quintessential media event. Its purpose is to gain attention for a small group of people, far out of proportion to their numbers or their knowledge of conditions in Iraq. While protesters win headlines, soldiers with on-the-ground experience have no forum to express their strong support for our cause there.
The major media's love affair with the Crawford protest is no surprise. It's consistent with the focus on body counts and funerals we've come to expect: "Troop Carrier Flips; Four Dead,"Roadside Bomb Kills Two." The media rarely give us the context we need to understand the fighting that produces these casualties -- the purpose and outcome of the missions the lost soldiers were engaged in. When that information is given, it's often buried in articles that focus on death.
Without this big picture, any war would appear a meaningless disaster. What if Americans had seen the casualty lists from Omaha Beach or Okinawa -- hills of sand -- without hearing about the objectives for which those bloody battles were fought? (A truer statement was never made)
To evaluate the war in Iraq, like any war, we need to understand what our troops are attempting and achieving, as well as how many of them are being killed. Take the 14 Marines who died in Haditha in early August in a much-publicized roadside bombing. Army Lt. Colonel Steve Boylan, a military spokesman I contacted in Baghdad, explained that they were laying the groundwork for Operation Quick Strike: a campaign to destroy the insurgency by depriving it of its bases and shutting down its "rat lines" -- infiltration routes running from the Syrian border to the heart of Iraq.
Read the entire article, this gal absolutely nails it.
Anti-war protesters defied by supporters
The silent majority is silent no more.
Anti-war protesters camped outside U.S. President George Bush's Texas ranch are being confronted by military families who claim they are disrespectful.
The war's opponents are led by California activist Cindy Sheehan, who blames Bush for her son's death in Iraq. Since Aug. 6, a group called Veterans for Peace has begun placing crosses bearing the names of dead soldiers outside the ranch.
But the crosses are being taken down by the dead soldiers' family members, the Washington Times said Thursday.
anti-war protesters "never asked for my permission to put up a cross for my son for their cause," said Gary Qualls, whose son was killed in Iraq. "They are not respecting our sons and daughters."
Anti-war protesters camped outside U.S. President George Bush's Texas ranch are being confronted by military families who claim they are disrespectful.
The war's opponents are led by California activist Cindy Sheehan, who blames Bush for her son's death in Iraq. Since Aug. 6, a group called Veterans for Peace has begun placing crosses bearing the names of dead soldiers outside the ranch.
But the crosses are being taken down by the dead soldiers' family members, the Washington Times said Thursday.
anti-war protesters "never asked for my permission to put up a cross for my son for their cause," said Gary Qualls, whose son was killed in Iraq. "They are not respecting our sons and daughters."
Bush backers give speech 20 standing O's
The Entrenched media is shilling for the Dims by heralding selected poll numbers and trumpeting declining support for the war in Iraq. The heartland tells a different story.
NAMPA, Idaho - In a bid to shore up support for the war in Iraq, President Bush gathered an arena full of men and women in uniform and loyal Republicans to hear his speech.
They didn't disappoint.
The standing-room-only crowd punctuated the president's 40-minute address regularly with applause and nearly 20 standing ovations. Bush used his friendly audience as a backdrop for comments aimed to turn flagging public support for the war and beating back questions from skeptics, including some soldiers' relatives.
"A heavy burden falls on our military families. There are few things in life more difficult than seeing a loved one go off to war. They miss you and love you," the president said. "By standing behind you, the families are standing up for America."
The president's speech Wednesday at the Idaho Center, an indoor rodeo and concert arena, capped two days of mountain biking and fishing at the Tamarack Resort, about 90 miles north of Boise. He flew to Idaho after a speech Monday before the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Salt Lake City, where he sounded many of the same themes.
The author can't resist interjecting is own dour sentiments however, later in the article.
NAMPA, Idaho - In a bid to shore up support for the war in Iraq, President Bush gathered an arena full of men and women in uniform and loyal Republicans to hear his speech.
They didn't disappoint.
The standing-room-only crowd punctuated the president's 40-minute address regularly with applause and nearly 20 standing ovations. Bush used his friendly audience as a backdrop for comments aimed to turn flagging public support for the war and beating back questions from skeptics, including some soldiers' relatives.
"A heavy burden falls on our military families. There are few things in life more difficult than seeing a loved one go off to war. They miss you and love you," the president said. "By standing behind you, the families are standing up for America."
The president's speech Wednesday at the Idaho Center, an indoor rodeo and concert arena, capped two days of mountain biking and fishing at the Tamarack Resort, about 90 miles north of Boise. He flew to Idaho after a speech Monday before the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Salt Lake City, where he sounded many of the same themes.
The author can't resist interjecting is own dour sentiments however, later in the article.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
July new home sales rise to record
The economies "stealth boom" continues.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sales of new U.S. homes jumped 6.5 percent to a record high in July, defying economists' expectations for a decline, as purchases soared in the Northeast and West and median prices dropped, a government report showed on Wednesday.
The Commerce Department said new single-family home sales rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.410 million units from a downwardly revised 1.324 million unit rate in June. The July sales pace was 27.7 percent higher than a year earlier.
Economists had expected new home sales to drop to a 1.333 million unit pace from June's originally reported 1.374 million unit pace.
While sales climbed, so did supply. The inventory of homes available for sale at the end of July stood at a record 460,000, up 1.8 percent from June and 15 percent higher than a year ago, the report showed. At the current sales pace, the supply of homes represented 4 months' worth in July.
The housing sector has been on a tear for more than four years, with home sales and construction striking regular records on the back of stubbornly low mortgage rates that drove demand. While economists now expect 2005 to be another record year, the sector began to show some signs of softness last month, as resales of previously owned homes dropped 2.6 percent and supply started to climb.
How dare low mortgage rates be so stubborn.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sales of new U.S. homes jumped 6.5 percent to a record high in July, defying economists' expectations for a decline, as purchases soared in the Northeast and West and median prices dropped, a government report showed on Wednesday.
The Commerce Department said new single-family home sales rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.410 million units from a downwardly revised 1.324 million unit rate in June. The July sales pace was 27.7 percent higher than a year earlier.
Economists had expected new home sales to drop to a 1.333 million unit pace from June's originally reported 1.374 million unit pace.
While sales climbed, so did supply. The inventory of homes available for sale at the end of July stood at a record 460,000, up 1.8 percent from June and 15 percent higher than a year ago, the report showed. At the current sales pace, the supply of homes represented 4 months' worth in July.
The housing sector has been on a tear for more than four years, with home sales and construction striking regular records on the back of stubbornly low mortgage rates that drove demand. While economists now expect 2005 to be another record year, the sector began to show some signs of softness last month, as resales of previously owned homes dropped 2.6 percent and supply started to climb.
How dare low mortgage rates be so stubborn.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Embattled Colorado Professor: Ethnicity Investigation Dropped by University
Prepare yourselves for a whitewash of epic proportions.
DENVER (AP) - The University of Colorado has dropped its investigation into the American Indian heritage of the professor who came under fire for likening Sept. 11 victims to an infamous Nazi, the professor himself says.
A letter from the university dated Friday said a faculty panel decided to drop the matter, Ward Churchill said Monday.
"There's no basis to proceed," Churchill quoted the letter as saying, later adding: "It should have never been an issue".
"It can be taken as that 'we're not functioning as boards of racial purity with a board of white guys that sit around and decide who's an Indian and who's not.'"
University spokeswoman Pauline Hale said the panel's work is confidential and declined to comment on the story, first reported by KUSA-TV. The subcommittee of the Standing Committee on Research Misconduct was close to finishing its work, Hale said.
Churchill, a tenured professor of ethnic studies, wrote an essay shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks comparing some World Trade Center victims to Adolf Eichmann, one of the Nazis who orchestrated the Holocaust. The essay drew scant attention until earlier this year, when Churchill was invited to speak at a college in upstate New York.
So fraud to obtain position is "not an issue" hmmmmmm. Wonder how the thousands of people who have been excluded from a job because of ethnicity feel about that.
DENVER (AP) - The University of Colorado has dropped its investigation into the American Indian heritage of the professor who came under fire for likening Sept. 11 victims to an infamous Nazi, the professor himself says.
A letter from the university dated Friday said a faculty panel decided to drop the matter, Ward Churchill said Monday.
"There's no basis to proceed," Churchill quoted the letter as saying, later adding: "It should have never been an issue".
"It can be taken as that 'we're not functioning as boards of racial purity with a board of white guys that sit around and decide who's an Indian and who's not.'"
University spokeswoman Pauline Hale said the panel's work is confidential and declined to comment on the story, first reported by KUSA-TV. The subcommittee of the Standing Committee on Research Misconduct was close to finishing its work, Hale said.
Churchill, a tenured professor of ethnic studies, wrote an essay shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks comparing some World Trade Center victims to Adolf Eichmann, one of the Nazis who orchestrated the Holocaust. The essay drew scant attention until earlier this year, when Churchill was invited to speak at a college in upstate New York.
So fraud to obtain position is "not an issue" hmmmmmm. Wonder how the thousands of people who have been excluded from a job because of ethnicity feel about that.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Navy Officer Affirms Assertions About Pre-9/11 Data on Atta
A second officer has come forward to cooberate Lt. Col. Shaffer's story. concerning Able Danger and the indentification of Atta.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 - An active-duty Navy captain has become the second military officer to come forward publicly to say that a secret defense intelligence program tagged the ringleader of the Sept. 11 attacks as a possible terrorist more than a year before the attacks.
The officer, Scott J. Phillpott, said in a statement today that he could not discuss details of the military program, which was called Able Danger, but confirmed that its analysts had identified the Sept. 11 ringleader, Mohamed Atta, by name by early 2000. "My story is consistent," said Captain Phillpott, who managed the program for the Pentagon's Special Operations Command.
"Atta was identified by Able Danger by January-February of 2000."
His comments came on the same day that the Pentagon's chief spokesman, Lawrence Di Rita, told reporters that the Defense Department had been unable to validate the assertions made by an Army intelligence veteran, Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer, and now backed up by Captain Phillpott, about the early identification of Mr. Atta.
The Pentagon better come up with something a bit more in keeping with the accumulating evidence.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 - An active-duty Navy captain has become the second military officer to come forward publicly to say that a secret defense intelligence program tagged the ringleader of the Sept. 11 attacks as a possible terrorist more than a year before the attacks.
The officer, Scott J. Phillpott, said in a statement today that he could not discuss details of the military program, which was called Able Danger, but confirmed that its analysts had identified the Sept. 11 ringleader, Mohamed Atta, by name by early 2000. "My story is consistent," said Captain Phillpott, who managed the program for the Pentagon's Special Operations Command.
"Atta was identified by Able Danger by January-February of 2000."
His comments came on the same day that the Pentagon's chief spokesman, Lawrence Di Rita, told reporters that the Defense Department had been unable to validate the assertions made by an Army intelligence veteran, Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer, and now backed up by Captain Phillpott, about the early identification of Mr. Atta.
The Pentagon better come up with something a bit more in keeping with the accumulating evidence.
Constitution Approved
Breaking.......Per Fox, Iraqi draft constitution has been approved meeting the extended deadline. More details to follow.
Update: Reuters article here. AP has this:
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Hours before a midnight deadline, Shiites and Kurds reached an agreement Monday on a draft constitution and were trying to persuade Sunni Arabs to go along with their compromises.
Update II: From Iraq the model .....In a press conference that just ended in Baghdad, Jawad Al-Maliki and Jalal Addin Al-Saghir (CDC members from the United Alliance) said that the Sunni politicians still have reservations on federalism but they expected that the draft will easily get the approval of 2rds of the Assembly members."Frankly speaking, we cannot wait for the Sunni forever; we have a deadline to respect and if they don't agree with what was written in the draft they can say that in the referendum but we're still having talks with the Sunni politicians" said Jalal Addin.
Regarding Islam and the constitution: it was agreed upon that no laws that are against the widely agreed upon values of Islam can be issued and no laws that are against the values of democracy and human rights can be issued. Natural resources according to the draft will be managed in cooperation between the central government and the local administrations of the federal states/provinces.
Update: Reuters article here. AP has this:
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Hours before a midnight deadline, Shiites and Kurds reached an agreement Monday on a draft constitution and were trying to persuade Sunni Arabs to go along with their compromises.
Update II: From Iraq the model .....In a press conference that just ended in Baghdad, Jawad Al-Maliki and Jalal Addin Al-Saghir (CDC members from the United Alliance) said that the Sunni politicians still have reservations on federalism but they expected that the draft will easily get the approval of 2rds of the Assembly members."Frankly speaking, we cannot wait for the Sunni forever; we have a deadline to respect and if they don't agree with what was written in the draft they can say that in the referendum but we're still having talks with the Sunni politicians" said Jalal Addin.
Regarding Islam and the constitution: it was agreed upon that no laws that are against the widely agreed upon values of Islam can be issued and no laws that are against the values of democracy and human rights can be issued. Natural resources according to the draft will be managed in cooperation between the central government and the local administrations of the federal states/provinces.
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