Senate passes $70 billion tax-cut bill - Politics - MSNBC.com

Senate passes $70 billion tax-cut bill - Politics - MSNBC.com

More of that fantastic Republican leadership! Let’s hear it for the Contract With America!

USATODAY.com - Bush to propose trimming Army Reserve

USATODAY.com - Bush to propose trimming Army Reserve

And now for the ultimate insult; is Bush kidding? Cut the Army Reserve? Is he living in the same world as the rest of us? A very scathing report (two actually) just detailed how the U.S. Army is on the razors edge of desegregating because of ongoing and continuing operations, 30% (and rising) of which is made up of Army Reserve and National Guard units, how can any sane Commander-n-Chief think of cutting forces? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS ADMINISTRATION?

Try using some of that tax cut money to boaster the nation’s defense in a time-o-war! We are at war aren’t we?

Audit: Funds for Iraq rebuilding squandered - Politics - MSNBC.com

Audit: Funds for Iraq rebuilding squandered - Politics - MSNBC.com

Dealing with the Bush Administration and its ever growing record of ineptitude is troubling for We The People and the world. WHAT IS GOING ON? Has an administration ever been this unethical, immoral, and totally without leadership? Bush makes Nixon look like a Teletubby, the pink one. How could we have elected this simpleton a second time?

Exclusive: Direct Talks?U.S. Officials and Iraqi Insurgents - Newsweek Politics - MSNBC.com

Exclusive: Direct Talks?U.S. Officials and Iraqi Insurgents - Newsweek Politics - MSNBC.com

So much for the proclamations that the United States does not negotiate with terrorists, a label the Bush Administration has used to describe the Sunni insurgency. And yet another lie told to the American people and the world, and yet another betrayal of our trust. It’s a terrible thing to mistrust your government…

Pharmacists sue Walgreen over contraceptives - Women's Health - MSNBC.com

Pharmacists sue Walgreen over contraceptives - Women's Health - MSNBC.com
Here’s hoping they lose! Does that sound mean? I don’t know about you but I am tired of Christians foisting their (alleged) morals on the rest of us. I steadfastly oppose the Pharmacists’ assertion that they should be able to refuse treatment to those with legitimate prescriptions from their doctors. And who are they—the Pharmacists—to interfere in the doctor/patient relationship?

They were given an out, but in their arrogance refused to take it. Why not work a shift where they were not the only Pharmacists on duty, so they could refer the patient/customer to a collogue? Or why not accept Walgreens offer to move to another Pharmacy out of state? I can hear the argument: why should they have to move, but turn it around; why should a patient be denied legitimately prescribed medication? Keep faith out of the workplace, out of government, and out of licensed professions.

Hamas captures election majority, officials say - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com

Hamas captures election majority, officials say - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com

The Middle East just got a whole lot more interesting…

CNN.com - Army stretched to breaking point, report says - Jan 25, 2006

CNN.com - Army stretched to breaking point, report says - Jan 25, 2006

I wondered how long it would take before a report like this hit the streets. Of course it will make few waves in the ocean of the American publics’ opinion of the war, or their attention span. There will be no public outcry, nor demonstrations on the streets of campuses of our nation; everyone is too preoccupied with themselves to care about the nations soldiers.

I have long advocated the creation and staffing of at least two new Army Corps each in Iraq and Afghanistan; an Army Corp consists of between 20,000 and 45,000 men. But what is really needed is a whole new theater Army consisting of 50,000 men plus, just in Iraq alone.

This of course would mean re-instituting the draft which no one in Congress or the Bush Administration has the courage or leadership to propose, let alone act on. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army fight for it life, and will be left ill-prepared to fight an all out war for years to come. Iran can breathe easy; the U.S. will not be invading anytime soon, thanks to Bush and his crooked little war.

The strange, sad, maddening, and increasingly puzzling thing is that the military by-and-large still support Bush (scratching head).

Rove: War on terrorism central in elections - Politics - MSNBC.com

Rove: War on terrorism central in elections - Politics - MSNBC.com
The groundhog has emerged from his hole—ahead of schedule I might add—but just in time to spew his lines of lies and slander for the up-coming elections. Who is this seriously troubled man anyway, that any American should give him heed?

“Republicans have a post-9/11 view of the world. And Democrats have a pre-9/11 view of the world…That doesn’t make them unpatriotic, not at all. But it does make them wrong — deeply and profoundly and consistently wrong.”

Yes, the Republicans have a post-9/11 view of the world, and in it America is no longer a Democratic Republic, for, by, and of We The People, but a country slowly turning towards dictatorship and radical Christian fundamentalism. The Republican view of America sees the Constitution discarded to be replaced by the absolute power of the Executive Branch cheered on by the Christian Right. The Republican view of America would see the populace ruled by fear; fear of terror and fear of their own government. The Republican view of America would see trust in government by the People replaced by the mistrust, deceit and the erosion of our once lauded Civil Institutions. The Republican view of America would see Common Law replaced by the God’s law with the Holy Bible at its center.

Yes, let us all hail the Republican view of America…

CNN.com - Junk-food suit targets Nickelodeon, Kellogg - Jan 18, 2006

CNN.com - Junk-food suit targets Nickelodeon, Kellogg - Jan 18, 2006

“Wakefield, Massachusetts, mother Sherri Carlson said she tries her best to get her three kids to eat healthy foods…” Questions for Ms. Carlson, and the other plaintiff in this silly case: who is the parent in this situation; who buys the groceries; does your television have an on/off switch and channel changing knob or button; have you ever heard of the word NO?

I have children and they ask for sugary food, and I say NO! And guess what it works for me, Nickelodeon characters notwithstanding. Note to blubbering parents: don’t blame television and a cereal company for your lack of parenting skills! Let’s hope this one gets throw out of court…

CNN.com - High court dodges abortion ruling - Jan 18, 2006

CNN.com - High court dodges abortion ruling - Jan 18, 2006

And so it begins; the slow piece-by-piece dismantling of Roe and the right of American women to have a legal abortion. It continues to dismay me why more women are not up in arms about their continued subjugation at the hand of White American males, God notwithstanding. Women have made tremendous strides in this country to come out from under the thumb of men, but on this pivotal issue famine America is mostly mute. What is at stake here is far more than the right to have an abortion; it is the fundamental right to privacy, and to be secure in our persons…

I can understand abhorring the practice of abortion, I do so myself, but the right to have one should be a personal decision left up the woman who has to carry the baby to term. Who is any male to tell a female that she must carry a baby to term, father or no?

It is interesting, ironic, and disturbing that the interest in sustaining human life by most Christians ends when the baby is born. This is starkly illustrated by the almost fanatical resistance by most Americans—the majority of which claim to be Christians—to socialized medicine, and support for the death penalty.

With the certain confirmation of Sam Alito, American women should prepare themselves for back alley abortion, or be prepared to go to Canada or Mexico for the procedure. It is the beginning of the end, of legalized abortion in the United States.

U.S. fights insurgents? grip on Iraqi oil city - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

U.S. fights insurgents grip on Iraqi oil city - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
This story speaks volumes about the need early on in the Iraq War for adequate numbers of troops. You cannot occupy a country—any country—with air power and smart bombs, you need boots on the group, you need presence. Because the civilian leadership in Washington lead by Bush failed the military, young men and women continue to die unnecessarily, the lesson of Vietnam all but forgotten, but the stain of that war is worn on every American uniform, a vivid reminder of failed and inept civilian leadership.

High court upholds Oregon assisted-suicide law - The Changing Court - MSNBC.com

High court upholds Oregon assisted-suicide law - The Changing Court - MSNBC.com

“authority claimed by the attorney general is both beyond his expertise and incongruous with the statutory purposes and design.” --Justice Anthony Kennedy

Lets here it for states rights, and the right to determine when and where you die! Isn’t interesting and ironic that three Republicans (conservatives) on the court, who are supposed to be champions of states right’s dissented? Once again, Republicans are straying from their stated philosophy and platform?

Abramoff scandal threatens GOP ascendancy - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

Abramoff scandal threatens GOP ascendancy - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

I always wondered when Holier-the-Thou Christian foot shoulder, The Right Hand of God, Ralph Reed would fall from grace and in what form that tumble would take. I thought it would be the usual, sex, but instead it greed (one of the seven deadly sins), and lying (one of the Ten Commandments). It was never a question of if the man would fall, but when; the self-righteous always have something to hide, some darkness lurking in the basement of their lily white personas.

Should I gloat? Not now, but after he loses the Lt. Governors race; then I’ll do a little jig!

Rep. Bob Ney temporarily quits House post - Politics - MSNBC.com

Rep. Bob Ney temporarily quits House post - Politics - MSNBC.com

And oh the wretched wicked, crooked Republicans are falling like leaves from the New England trees in autumn, but they are not nearly as colorful or beautiful, just sad and pathetic.

Support for DeLay erodes at home, poll finds - Politics - MSNBC.com

Support for DeLay erodes at home, poll finds - Politics - MSNBC.com

Tom Delay’s woes only worsen as time spin inexorably towards the mod-term elections in November of this year. Will he remain in office? At one time I would have answered no, of course not, how could he? But now I am uncertain, after all a majority of my fellow citizens thought is wise to elect Bush, not once, but twice! In country filled with such misguided loyalty to Party and willful ignorance of the world anything is possible. We can only hope enough Americans have sobered up to vote for someone else. Someone not so overtly corrupt, and who might actually give a damn about their needs.

Democrat says Alito hearings may be pointless - The Changing Court - MSNBC.com

Democrat says Alito hearings may be pointless - The Changing Court - MSNBC.comWhat a pretty impasse we’ve come to as a country, as a Republic. The acrimony is so deep, and the partisanship so thick that our system of governance is breaking down piece by fractured, dysfunctional piece, and We The People are the losers. Speaking on the Today show today Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., stated that, “The system's kind of broken.”

He was of course referring to the Senate’s Constitutional duties of advice and consent, and the current confirmation proceedings of one Samuel Alito. As I have listened to the proceedings, one thing is abundantly clear: the Democrats are asking all of the questions, and the Republicans are making all of the grand speeches and pronouncements in support of Judge Alito. The Republicans are in effect acting as character witnesses for the Judge who would be justice and as such are abrogating their responsibility as impartial Senators. It would actually be amusing the watch and listen to if it were not so sad and wholly predictable.

My respect for the Republican Party never very high to begin with is almost non-existent. Do any of them have a voice of their own? Except for John McCain, they all act like Stepford Wives, acting, speaking, and voting as one. Whatever happened to integrity and loyal to country before Party?

Biden went on to say on the Today show: “Americans should know how a nominee interprets the Constitution on key social views, but since nominees refuse to discuss their interpretations, citing the possibility they’d have to rule on them in the future, the hearings serve no real purpose…”

Sadly I couldn’t agree more with the Senator…The American government under Bush’s leadership continues to decay and fracture. Lets us hope the American people come to their senses and turn the failed Republican leadership team in Congress out at the end of this year; the country and the Constitution can’t take much “Republican leadership and moral suasion.”

States Intervene After Drug Plan Hits Early Snags - New York Times

States Intervene After Drug Plan Hits Early Snags - New York Times
The Bush sponsored Culture of Incompetence that seem to be infecting the federal government, remains on track this year; how refreshing! I have personal experience with this nonsense; I waited over an hour for my mother-in-law to fill her prescription(s) at the local Walgreen’s. She ended up having to pay full price for the medications because the pharmacist could not verify her enrollment information; he kept getting a busy signal when he called the Medicare Help Desk.

Members of Congress should be ashamed of themselves for passing such an outwardly stupid and counter-productive law. Our senior citizens deserve better then this; the program is a national disgrace. How many of us predicted this would happen? If your Congressman voted for this abysmal law, show him, or her, your displeasure by voting them out of office! They are messing with people’s lives here; the free market should be damned!

Analysts: Bush spying rationale legally shaky - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com

Analysts: Bush spying rationale legally shaky - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
“It appears unlikely that a court would hold that Congress has ... authorized the NSA electronic surveillance operations here under discussion.”

Can you say Impeachment? Not while the Republicans are in charge of both chambers of Congress, they lack the political will, moral suasion, and courage. And so too do the Democrats who remained largely silent on this issue of gross Presidential misconduct; oh if they (the Democrats) only had a backbone. My fellow Americans we are losing our Republic, can you hear the sounds of the chains clinking in the hallowed halls of Congress and on the stately benches of the Supreme Court?

While we were shopping the messy aisles of the local Wal-Mart the Republicans were stealing our freedoms, doing from within what Osama longs to do from without. What constitution is this lying on the floor with muddy boot print of Republican oppression firmly affixed to the words We The People?

While We The People cower in fear, the denizens of conservatism draw ever near with hands extended and at frightful leer, they aim to close the door to liberty all to the rousing cheer of the security mom and the NACAR dad guzzling a cold can of beer.

As Detroit falters, Asian makers pick up speed - Road Work Ahead - MSNBC.com

As Detroit falters, Asian makers pick up speed - Road Work Ahead - MSNBC.comWhy are American auto maker so foolishly short-sided? Way back in the later seventies and early eighties the Japanese automakers showed they had what it took to build the cars Americans wanted, and the juggernaut has not stopped since then. Any moron could predict that fuel prices were going to rise once more; oil after all cannot last forever.

With all the cash and engineering talent the Detroit Three have at their disposal, how could they not have come up with at least one decent hybrid vehicle. GM should have devoted Saturn to this cause, with every car they produce a cost conscience, fuel efficient car or truck. How hard can that have been? I mean really?

When will American industry take its eye off the quarter and adopt a five-year plan? How about some vision, some leadership, some INNOVATION! And oh yeah UAW wake and smell the future before you don’t have one! Earth to UAW, ever heard of a partnership, compromise?

Top lobbyist to plead guilty in casino cases - Politics - MSNBC.com

Top lobbyist to plead guilty in casino cases - Politics - MSNBC.comFinally! Now maybe we’ll get some movement on the investigation into crooked members of Congress, no matter what Party they belong to. But honestly I hope this is the beginning of the end of Tom Dely’s career in the U.S. House of Representatives.