End of Summer
Gone fishin' ... until it is time to come inside and put words together again. Be back in a bit.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Omissions and Lies, The EPA IG's Report
This report published Thursday from the EPA Inspector General about White House pressure to change their report to the public after 9/11 is stunning. According to the Associated Press (via The Boston Globe :
"The agency's initial statements in the days following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were not supported by proper air quality monitoring data and analysis, the EPA's inspector general, Nikki L. Tinsley, said in a 155-page report released late Thursday."
An email from the White House on 9/12 said "all statements to the media should be cleared" first by the National Security Council." and we know who is head of the NSC --Condi Rice Our President. As part of the 'clearing' the 1600 Crew "convinced EPA to add reassuring statements and delete cautionary ones." "For example, the report found, the EPA was convinced to omit from its early public statements guidance for cleaning indoor spaces and tips on potential health effects from airborne dust containing asbestos, lead, glass fibers, and concrete."
Just when I think I'm as jaded as I can get there is another surprise waiting for me around the next corner.
Newsday, in a piece about responses to the report quotes Dr. Stephen Levin, director of the World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center, who "called the report "shocking," even though he said he had been suspicious of the EPA's reassurances from the beginning.
"It's an outrageous interference in the role of the public health agencies that were established to protect the people," Levin said of the Bush administration's alleged influence over the EPA.
"He said he has examined thousands of residents and workers with respiratory problems who had returned to work and "failed to protect themselves" because of EPA assurances that the air in lower Manhattan was safe to breathe."
Surely criminal charges can be brought ...
This report published Thursday from the EPA Inspector General about White House pressure to change their report to the public after 9/11 is stunning. According to the Associated Press (via The Boston Globe :
"The agency's initial statements in the days following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were not supported by proper air quality monitoring data and analysis, the EPA's inspector general, Nikki L. Tinsley, said in a 155-page report released late Thursday."
An email from the White House on 9/12 said "all statements to the media should be cleared" first by the National Security Council." and we know who is head of the NSC --
Just when I think I'm as jaded as I can get there is another surprise waiting for me around the next corner.
Newsday, in a piece about responses to the report quotes Dr. Stephen Levin, director of the World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center, who "called the report "shocking," even though he said he had been suspicious of the EPA's reassurances from the beginning.
"It's an outrageous interference in the role of the public health agencies that were established to protect the people," Levin said of the Bush administration's alleged influence over the EPA.
"He said he has examined thousands of residents and workers with respiratory problems who had returned to work and "failed to protect themselves" because of EPA assurances that the air in lower Manhattan was safe to breathe."
Surely criminal charges can be brought ...
Friday, August 22, 2003
Fair and Balanced
is used too often to be trademarked said U.S. District Judge Denny Chin today about the case where Fox News is suing to have their trademarked phrase removed from the title of Al Franken's book. "This case is wholly without merit both factually and legally."
It's nice when they get itright correct.
is used too often to be trademarked said U.S. District Judge Denny Chin today about the case where Fox News is suing to have their trademarked phrase removed from the title of Al Franken's book. "This case is wholly without merit both factually and legally."
It's nice when they get it
A Man of Style
My Local Paper today has an insightful fashion piece on Arnold entitled Lord of the Rings.
Robin Givhan, perhaps my least favorite Post writer, tells us "Schwarzenegger has always worn the clothes of a company man dressed for casual Friday. The bold jewelry, however, suggests that he owns the company.
The gubernatorial candidate does not wear a pinkie ring -- that alone would suggest that he would be better suited for the craps table than the legislature. But he is a man comfortable adorning himself with lapis and sapphire.
Schwarzenegger doesn't wear a traditional wedding band; instead he wears a yellow gold and sapphire ring that was given to him by wife Maria Shriver on their wedding day. One might refer to its carat size as "significant" and its style as MGM Grand.
Complementing the sapphire is a large lapis lazuli ring, particularly prominent when Schwarzenegger is jabbing the air for emphasis the way that politicians do." and
"Wearing a suit jacket, open-collar shirt and silver skull ring on a recent cover of Newsweek, Schwarzenegger had the look of a man who takes meetings, who grabs them in his meaty hands and bends them to his will."
Isn't it nice to know that a man of substance is a likely winner of the recall election? Don't you sleep better at night?
My Local Paper today has an insightful fashion piece on Arnold entitled Lord of the Rings.
Robin Givhan, perhaps my least favorite Post writer, tells us "Schwarzenegger has always worn the clothes of a company man dressed for casual Friday. The bold jewelry, however, suggests that he owns the company.
The gubernatorial candidate does not wear a pinkie ring -- that alone would suggest that he would be better suited for the craps table than the legislature. But he is a man comfortable adorning himself with lapis and sapphire.
Schwarzenegger doesn't wear a traditional wedding band; instead he wears a yellow gold and sapphire ring that was given to him by wife Maria Shriver on their wedding day. One might refer to its carat size as "significant" and its style as MGM Grand.
Complementing the sapphire is a large lapis lazuli ring, particularly prominent when Schwarzenegger is jabbing the air for emphasis the way that politicians do." and
"Wearing a suit jacket, open-collar shirt and silver skull ring on a recent cover of Newsweek, Schwarzenegger had the look of a man who takes meetings, who grabs them in his meaty hands and bends them to his will."
Isn't it nice to know that a man of substance is a likely winner of the recall election? Don't you sleep better at night?
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
That Damn Liberal Patriot Act
I am sure you know by now that Our Attorney General, John Ashcroft, is on a multi-city tour to promote the Patriot Act. We not only fail to appreciate the value of the one we already have, we clearly do not yet appreciate the compelling need to Close The Loopholes.
The Washington Times, one of those non-American rags so favored by the wingnuts, will help enlighten us. It seems "The legislation, cloaked in the noble objective of "freedom to read," ignores the sinister uses to which terrorists can make of libraries. Not every library user will choose to read "Little Women" or Playboy. For example, most libraries today provide Internet computer access. Such access can bring up information from benign databases, but also guidance in making conventional bombs and weapons of mass destruction. Library computers, like computers generally, can be used to communicate. "
I am shocked! Shocked. Using computers to communicate !! What will they think of next?
Ahh, they know and will tell us. "Excluding libraries and bookstores from the Patriot Act makes no more sense than exempting hospitals, museums, colleges, newspapers, theaters, labor unions and drugstores, none of which is mentioned in the proposed legislation." You see?
Isn't it time to get on board?
I am sure you know by now that Our Attorney General, John Ashcroft, is on a multi-city tour to promote the Patriot Act. We not only fail to appreciate the value of the one we already have, we clearly do not yet appreciate the compelling need to Close The Loopholes.
The Washington Times, one of those non-American rags so favored by the wingnuts, will help enlighten us. It seems "The legislation, cloaked in the noble objective of "freedom to read," ignores the sinister uses to which terrorists can make of libraries. Not every library user will choose to read "Little Women" or Playboy. For example, most libraries today provide Internet computer access. Such access can bring up information from benign databases, but also guidance in making conventional bombs and weapons of mass destruction. Library computers, like computers generally, can be used to communicate. "
I am shocked! Shocked. Using computers to communicate !! What will they think of next?
Ahh, they know and will tell us. "Excluding libraries and bookstores from the Patriot Act makes no more sense than exempting hospitals, museums, colleges, newspapers, theaters, labor unions and drugstores, none of which is mentioned in the proposed legislation." You see?
Isn't it time to get on board?
Roy's Holy Rock
is supposed to be removed by midnight.
The Chief Justice of Alabama's Supreme Court insists on defying the law and keeping this monument in the court in spite of court decisions that ordered it removed. Today the Supreme Court of the United States refused to overturn the decision. My Local Radio tells me that a group of citizens were praying in a circle around The Rock but that police finally forced them to leave the courthouse.
If I recall correctly, Mr. Bush's court nominee, Judge Pryor supports Justice Moore in keeping this symbol in the federal court.
is supposed to be removed by midnight.
The Chief Justice of Alabama's Supreme Court insists on defying the law and keeping this monument in the court in spite of court decisions that ordered it removed. Today the Supreme Court of the United States refused to overturn the decision. My Local Radio tells me that a group of citizens were praying in a circle around The Rock but that police finally forced them to leave the courthouse.
If I recall correctly, Mr. Bush's court nominee, Judge Pryor supports Justice Moore in keeping this symbol in the federal court.
Monday, August 18, 2003
California Class
I've been trying to avoid this California governor mess. Really I have. But the absurdity of it all keeps calling to me.
Even Reuters is reporting that The Game Show Network will be holding a candidate debate. "The winner of the Oct. 1 show, "Who Wants to Be Governor of California? The Debating Game," will get a "campaign contribution prize" of $21,200," which just happens to be the largest campaign contribution permitted by California law. The Associated Press (via My Local Paper) says that Gary Coleman and "adult" film star Mary Carey have joined thecast debaters.
I've been trying to avoid this California governor mess. Really I have. But the absurdity of it all keeps calling to me.
Even Reuters is reporting that The Game Show Network will be holding a candidate debate. "The winner of the Oct. 1 show, "Who Wants to Be Governor of California? The Debating Game," will get a "campaign contribution prize" of $21,200," which just happens to be the largest campaign contribution permitted by California law. The Associated Press (via My Local Paper) says that Gary Coleman and "adult" film star Mary Carey have joined the
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Summer
has been unusually pleasant around here. The temperature that normally hovers in the mid-nineties in the middle of August has been in the low eighties. It is unusually difficult even for a sometimes pasty-faced geek such as myself to stay indoors blogging in this weather. I caught a little bit of Wesley Clark on The Talkies this morning looking for all the world like a candidate, but otherwise I have neglected my bloggish duties.
Nope, I have had no impulse to go to Crawford.
I'll be back in my usual diligent griping soon enough. Enjoy the waning days of summer everybody.
has been unusually pleasant around here. The temperature that normally hovers in the mid-nineties in the middle of August has been in the low eighties. It is unusually difficult even for a sometimes pasty-faced geek such as myself to stay indoors blogging in this weather. I caught a little bit of Wesley Clark on The Talkies this morning looking for all the world like a candidate, but otherwise I have neglected my bloggish duties.
Nope, I have had no impulse to go to Crawford.
I'll be back in my usual diligent griping soon enough. Enjoy the waning days of summer everybody.
Friday, August 15, 2003
Always Fair and Balanced Greg Palast
has discovered the cause of the blackout. Something about the dim bulb in the White House. It is a funny, insightful read.
has discovered the cause of the blackout. Something about the dim bulb in the White House. It is a funny, insightful read.
Fair and Balanced, of course
on a grand scale. Blah3 is making a heroic effort to enumerate the blogs that are Fair and Balanced. There are waaaay to many to count. Visit and if yours isn't listed, add it.
on a grand scale. Blah3 is making a heroic effort to enumerate the blogs that are Fair and Balanced. There are waaaay to many to count. Visit and if yours isn't listed, add it.
Wake-up Call
Our President today said about yesterday/today's blackout "I view it as a wake-up call,"and added that it is "an indication we need to modernize the electricity grid."
The man wasted on the presidency; he is rocket-scientist material. I wonder if he will propose another tax cut to magically fix the nation's infrastructure.
Our President today said about yesterday/today's blackout "I view it as a wake-up call,"and added that it is "an indication we need to modernize the electricity grid."
The man wasted on the presidency; he is rocket-scientist material. I wonder if he will propose another tax cut to magically fix the nation's infrastructure.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Dubya's New Look
As it does with everybody the Presidency seems to be taking a toll of Bush the Younger. His eyes droop in unexpectedly lopsided directions. His once hawk-like nose and mouth begin to flop. But I would swear, as I was struggling to listen to him talk about the blackout, that is hair is developing that weirdly brownish shade that can only come from Grecian Formula. What do you think?
As it does with everybody the Presidency seems to be taking a toll of Bush the Younger. His eyes droop in unexpectedly lopsided directions. His once hawk-like nose and mouth begin to flop. But I would swear, as I was struggling to listen to him talk about the blackout, that is hair is developing that weirdly brownish shade that can only come from Grecian Formula. What do you think?
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Entertainment from California
Quiddity has some swell stuff including Mr. Nader in a less than dignified situation. Go.
Oh, I can't really tease you. Here.
Quiddity has some swell stuff including Mr. Nader in a less than dignified situation. Go.
Oh, I can't really tease you. Here.
Monday, August 11, 2003
My Candidate
Were I a Californian -- and I thank my lucky stars that I am not -- my candidate would be Fr. Guido Sarducci.
After this election we're going to need some solemnity.
Were I a Californian -- and I thank my lucky stars that I am not -- my candidate would be Fr. Guido Sarducci.
After this election we're going to need some solemnity.
Sunday, August 10, 2003
The Psychology of Conservatism
Researchers at Berkeley have waded through 50 years of psychological literature to discern the core qualities of conservatism. It isn't pretty. Among other qualities they find
* Fear and aggression
* Dogmatism and intolerance of ambiguity
* Uncertainty avoidance
* Need for cognitive closure
* Terror management
The press release says "Disparate conservatives share a resistance to change and acceptance of inequality, the authors said. Hitler, Mussolini, and former President Ronald Reagan were individuals, but all were right-wing conservatives because they preached a return to an idealized past and condoned inequality in some form. Talk host Rush Limbaugh can be described the same way, the authors commented in a published reply to the article."
and
"The latest debate about the possibility that the Bush administration ignored intelligence information that discounted reports of Iraq buying nuclear material from Africa may be linked to the conservative intolerance for ambiguity and or need for closure, said Glaser."
I'm feeling much less inclined to try to treat conservatives as just making another political choice these days. I fear that they shouldn't have given me ammunition for my growing distaste.
Via Utne Webwatch.
Researchers at Berkeley have waded through 50 years of psychological literature to discern the core qualities of conservatism. It isn't pretty. Among other qualities they find
* Fear and aggression
* Dogmatism and intolerance of ambiguity
* Uncertainty avoidance
* Need for cognitive closure
* Terror management
The press release says "Disparate conservatives share a resistance to change and acceptance of inequality, the authors said. Hitler, Mussolini, and former President Ronald Reagan were individuals, but all were right-wing conservatives because they preached a return to an idealized past and condoned inequality in some form. Talk host Rush Limbaugh can be described the same way, the authors commented in a published reply to the article."
and
"The latest debate about the possibility that the Bush administration ignored intelligence information that discounted reports of Iraq buying nuclear material from Africa may be linked to the conservative intolerance for ambiguity and or need for closure, said Glaser."
I'm feeling much less inclined to try to treat conservatives as just making another political choice these days. I fear that they shouldn't have given me ammunition for my growing distaste.
Via Utne Webwatch.
Saturday, August 09, 2003
My Local Paper
is cheating you out of a wonderful photo.
I opened the Style section of The Washington Post this morning to an encounter with Arnold walking on the sand as he looks today. And believe me, it isn't good. Everything except his legs dropped. So wanting to share this moment of schadenfreude with all of you I went to the on-line edition and there, staring out at me accompanying the very same article is a picture of Arnold as his young, long-haired, Mr. Universe self pumping for a number of adoring young ladies (wearing dresses no less). Now this is pretty amusing, but it just isn't the same. If I was just interested in funny pictures of Mr. S, I could have linked to one from the movie where he was pregnant. Sorry people.
is cheating you out of a wonderful photo.
I opened the Style section of The Washington Post this morning to an encounter with Arnold walking on the sand as he looks today. And believe me, it isn't good. Everything except his legs dropped. So wanting to share this moment of schadenfreude with all of you I went to the on-line edition and there, staring out at me accompanying the very same article is a picture of Arnold as his young, long-haired, Mr. Universe self pumping for a number of adoring young ladies (wearing dresses no less). Now this is pretty amusing, but it just isn't the same. If I was just interested in funny pictures of Mr. S, I could have linked to one from the movie where he was pregnant. Sorry people.
Friday, August 08, 2003
Technical Interlude
I've started using the Mozilla Light browser called Firebird. (If you aren't techy, click here then scroll down a bit.) It doesn't include mail or composer; it is just a browser. Some of the (so far) features include very nice, clean pop-up blocking wherein a tiny icon is placed at the bottom when a pop-up is encountered. If you want to see the pop-up, you just click on the icon. Otherwise you browse away. It is only version .6, but it seems quite nice, quick, and clean to me.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled political ranting.
I've started using the Mozilla Light browser called Firebird. (If you aren't techy, click here then scroll down a bit.) It doesn't include mail or composer; it is just a browser. Some of the (so far) features include very nice, clean pop-up blocking wherein a tiny icon is placed at the bottom when a pop-up is encountered. If you want to see the pop-up, you just click on the icon. Otherwise you browse away. It is only version .6, but it seems quite nice, quick, and clean to me.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled political ranting.
Woo Woo!
Another week, another five percent. Our President's job approval rating this week is at 53%, down from 58% last week and the lowest it has been since September 11, 2001. (His all time low was in June of that year at 50%.) And his disapproval percent is at 37, the highest since he was elected.
I wish I knew whether the electorate is just sick of the poor economy and high unemployment or that they've caught on to him. but I'm glad to see they get it.
Another week, another five percent. Our President's job approval rating this week is at 53%, down from 58% last week and the lowest it has been since September 11, 2001. (His all time low was in June of that year at 50%.) And his disapproval percent is at 37, the highest since he was elected.
I wish I knew whether the electorate is just sick of the poor economy and high unemployment or that they've caught on to him. but I'm glad to see they get it.
Monday, August 04, 2003
Our President's Unfavorability
rating seems to be very high. From The Polling Report we see that his "favorability" rating is down to 57%, the lowest since the end of last August. However his "unfavorability" is at 42%, up 10% from last month. The previous high was 36% at the end of last summer. Looks like folks don't appreciate all of the good things that Our President is doing for 'em.
Ingrates!
rating seems to be very high. From The Polling Report we see that his "favorability" rating is down to 57%, the lowest since the end of last August. However his "unfavorability" is at 42%, up 10% from last month. The previous high was 36% at the end of last summer. Looks like folks don't appreciate all of the good things that Our President is doing for 'em.
Ingrates!
Candidate Dean
is really getting on their nerves. The right wingnuts, I mean. I know that he is on the cover of Time Magazine this week, but that isn't enough to account for their vehemence. It is almost starting to sound like that Clinton obsession. Running scared?
is really getting on their nerves. The right wingnuts, I mean. I know that he is on the cover of Time Magazine this week, but that isn't enough to account for their vehemence. It is almost starting to sound like that Clinton obsession. Running scared?
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