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Saturday, April 30, 2005

Al Queda Training Video

U.S. forces recently discovered another terrorists training video. Something tells me we are going to be ok...

Training video
Posted by Dingo at 1:31 PM No comments: Links to this post An attempt to hijack Christianity

I found this piece by Jim Wallis via Iddybud. Jim Wallis is a strong support of the notion that religion has been hijacked by politics and that it cannot and should not be owned by either political party. He tries to remind us that there is a lot more to faith/Christianity than just abortion.

Jim Wallis on the Hijacking of Christianity

by Jim Wallis
From: Sojourners

- Jim Wallis
Posted by Dingo at 11:32 AM 6 comments: Links to this post Darfur Part II Labels: Darfur

Friday, April 29, 2005

Follow up: Heating Oil Prices to High? Just Burn Books...

Looks like the nut job Alabaman state legislator is still making waves. I had previously posted on this story(Link). This is the type of law maker that gives Southerners a bad name.

Alabama Bill Targets Gay Authors

CBS) A college production tells the story of Matthew Sheppard, a student beaten to death because he was gay.

And soon, it could be banned in Alabama.

Librarian Donna Schremser fears the "thought police," would be patrolling her shelves.

"And so the idea that we would have a pristine collection that represents one political view, one religioius view, that's not a library,'' says Schremser.

"I think it's an absolutely absurd bill," says Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

First Amendment advocates say the ban clearly does amount to censorship.

"It's a Nazi book burning," says Potok. "You know, it's a remarkable piece of work."

But in book after book, Allen reads what he calls the "homosexual agenda,"
and he's alarmed.

(Full Story)

H/T Objective Justice
Posted by Dingo at 1:37 PM 2 comments: Links to this post Wednesday, April 27, 2005

The Not-So-Different Bush SSI Plan

Posted by Dingo at 2:07 PM No comments: Links to this post American People 1 - GOP 0

GOP to Reverse Ethics Rule Blocking New DeLay Probe

Posted by Dingo at 1:47 PM No comments: Links to this post 
Darfur Part I

Since some of my readers are interested in the topic, I have decided to post the the report our committee published to President Bush and Congress. It really doesn't say much more than what has already been said by other committees on the same topic, but the challenge now is to actually push the U.S. government into some sort of action. The Bush administration is currently dragging its feet on intervention. It is a long report, so I will publish it one section at a time over the next couple of days (there still may be some typos in this copy).

The problems in Darfur are complex and not susceptible of easy resolution. We are absolutely convinced, however, that the foregoing measures, described in greater detail below, can restore an air of sanity to this troubled region if implemented with the urgency required.
Posted by Dingo at 1:36 PM 2 comments: Links to this post 
Bill's Pickle

Frist has dug himself into a hole now, and doesn't seem to know how to get out. Senator Frist, who hopes to one day be President Frist, is in a situation where, if he implements the 'nuclear option' and foregoes 200 years of tradition, his GOP agenda is shut down. But, if he backs down and compromises with the Democrats, he is seen as weak and abandoning his evangelical supporters. He is in a lose-lose situation which is telling of his leadership abilities. If I was a Republican, I would be very disappointed in his stewardship of the Senate GOP. Greed will get you in a bind ever time.

Frist Says He's Not Interested in Deals
By JESSE J. HOLLAND, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Reacting to a Democratic offer in the fight over filibusters, Republican leader Bill Frist said Tuesday he isn't interested in any deal that fails to ensure Senate confirmation for all of President Bush's judicial nominees.

"Are we going to step back from that principle? The answer to that is no," Frist said.

That means he and Reid are still at deadlock, because Democrats have said they would not accept any deals that would permanently ban them from blocking Bush's nominees to the Supreme Court or the federal appellate courts, the top two tiers of the judicial system.

"As part of any resolution, the nuclear option must be off the table," said Reid, referring to the GOP threat to change the filibuster rules.

Posted by Dingo at 12:38 PM No comments: Links to this post Monday, April 25, 2005

Two Can Play This Game

Now things are starting to get interesting. Bill Frist's attempt to end-run the Senate's long standing tradition of filibuster may be even more counter productive than previously thought. Since Republicans have decided to do away with tradition, so are the Democrats. Traditionally, the agenda of the Senate is controlled by the Senate Majority Leader (in this situation, Bill Frist). Normally, the minority party will defer to the majority party's agenda (a long time tradition). But, the Democrats plan to use a little know (or at least little used) Senate procedure called Rule XIV:

Senate Rule XIV requires that measures be read twice on different legislative days (see "Adjournment and Legislative Days" section) before being referred to a committee. Most bills and joint resolutions, however, are considered as having been read twice and are referred to committee upon introduction. Under Rule XIV, when a Senator demands two readings and there is objection to the measure's second reading, the measure is placed directly on the Calendar of Business (see next section) without reference to committee.

Additionally noted:

The Senate only has two calendars: the Calendar of Business (commonly called the "Legislative Calendar"), and the Executive Calendar. Nominations and treaties are referred to the Executive Calendar. Legislation reported from committee are referred to the Calendar of Business, or placed on this calendar by unanimous consent. As discussed earlier, Rule XIV provides a procedure for placing measures on the Calendar of Business without reference to committee.

Traditionally, bills presented by the minority party would be referred to a committee where it would die an un-eventful death because it would never make it back out of committee (kind of like an alternative filibuster). This little provision will allow Democrats to place bills directly onto the Senate floor where there would be an up or down vote. This means that every bill about health care, veterans benefits, education, etc, that the Republicans have been killing in committee would now have to be voted on. Every time the Republicans vote 'no' on funding head start, health care, etc, there is an official record of their vote that Democrats can use against them in the next election cycle.

As I said before in prior posts, the Republicans are getting greedy in this whole filibuster thing. It may just be there down fall.

Source: House and Senate Rules of Procedure: A Comparison
Posted by Dingo at 12:55 PM No comments: Links to this post Frist's Fight

Yesterday, Bill Frist's video taped speech on "judge bashing" was broadcast to evangelical churches across this country. While I had planned on writing something of my own on this event, Frank Rich said it much better than I ever could.

A High-Tech Lynching in Prime Time

Published: April 24, 2005 Friday, April 22, 2005

An Earth Day Note

Yes, today is the bain of the anti-environmentalists. Today is Earth Day. It is a day to remind ourselves of the stewardship we have been granted for the planet. Over the last 3 decades, the environmental movement has made a lot of progress in cleaning up the water, the air, the sea, etc. It is a movement that has not been without faults and failing of its own, but has overall had a positive impact on the United States and the world as a whole. Long past are the days when rivers caught fire and entire neighborhoods were condemned because of toxic contamination. The Clean Air Act has made the nations air more breathable, and lessened the suffering of thousands of children and elderly. The water coming from our taps is cleaner than it was and corporations are being held accountable to the chemicals they dumped into rivers and streams for decades.

When you think about the environmental movement, it is not all about hugging trees and saving obscure snails from extinction. It is also about being pro-human. Pollution disproportionately affects those who are most vulnerable. The children, the elderly, the poor. As we look back at 30 years of protecting our world, we should be proud of what we have achieved, but at the same time not stop because there is much more to be done. There are sections of the US that have never met the minimum air quality standards. There are sections of the US where ground water is still undrinkable. There are sections of the US where cancer rates are 4 to 5 times higher due to chemical releases.

A flourishing economy is important to maintain and improve the quality of our lives, but the quality of our lives is also dependant on out health and ability to enjoy what we have. Environmental concerns and business do not have to be at odds with one another. America was able to put a man on the moon in less then a decade. We can also developed ways of protecting our health while also protecting out jobs.

Whether you are an environmentalist or not, take this day to celebrate what God has given us and re-dedicate yourselves to doing even the small things that make a difference. Recycle that can, buy the product with less packaging, walk to the neighbors instead of driving. In the end, it makes not only environmental sense, but economic sense.
Posted by Dingo at 12:03 PM No comments: Links to this post 

DeLay Slams Supreme Court Justice

H/T Devil Advocate
Posted by Dingo at 3:45 PM 3 comments: Links to this post Dems Reject GOP DeLay Compromise

The Republicans are trying to spin things again, but it won't work. Yesterday, the GOP offered to set up an inquiry into DeLay's un-ethical behavior, but the Democrats rejected the offer and continued the Ethics Committee boycott that has stopped any further investigation.

In an interview on Fox News Channel, House speaker Hastert noted:

that DeLay had said he was open to an investigation by the ethics panel. But, Hastert said, "as long as the Democrats won't let the Ethics Committee form, they have it both ways" — continuing to criticize DeLay without giving him a chance to clear his name.

This is completely untrue. Since the GOP changed the rules, the investigation would not go forward unless Republicans also voted to further investigate DeLay. If no Republicans voted to further investigate, the matter would be dropped within 45 days.

Hastert suggested that Democrats may fear that a working ethics panel would train a spotlight on ethics violations by their own members.
There are "probably four or five cases out there dealing with top-level Democrats," Hastert said. "There's a reason they don't want to go to the ethics process."

Completely untrue. The Democrats want to go back to the old rules which ensure that party politics cannot stop ethics violations. If the Democrats got their way, there would be no chance of them protecting their own party members from further investigation. If the Democrats get what they want, it would only ensure that any misdeeds done by Democrats are also investigated. It would make no sense for Democrats to go back to the old rules if they wer trying to protect their own memebers.

This is just another instance of the GOP trying to protect DeLay and spin the story. The fact remains that the GOP changed the ethics rules so DeLay could escape further investigations.

GOP's DeLay Inquiry Offer Rebuffed

Update: Here is a nice little quote from Tommy boy from a1995 House floor speech. Wednesday, April 20, 2005


I am in meetings the rest of the day, but please join the crowd over at Sigmund, Carl and Alfred for a great debate on "politics cannot hide the truth" here and here. See the first one for the topic. The socond one is part duex. Its a really great read and debate.
Posted by Dingo at 12:23 PM No comments: Links to this post Its Denzel Day Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Pot, Kettle... Hello?

Talk about a situation of the pot calling the kettle black. Tom DeLay sent out letters to his supporters where he stated:

DeLay has built his entire career on the politics of personal destruction. There is a reason he got the nic-name "hammer." Now that the table have turned, he is complaining about it? He also said:

I'm sorry, but Tom DeLay is no Ronald Reagan Republican. I was not a big fan of Reagan, and I even find this to be an insult to Reagan.

Full Story: DeLay Letter Cites Democrats' 'Hate'
Posted by Dingo at 1:04 PM 2 comments: Links to this post Hail To Mistress Ann

All across the right wing blogs, I have see the buzz about the Time interview with the Mistress of the Dark, Ann Coulter. I cannot see the fascination with her. What bothers me even more is that they can pay homage to this woman and then justify their own attacks on left wing "lies and deceit." The NYT has and interesting op-ed on the Time cover story.

The Conservative Pin-Up Girl

A couple of quotes of hers

On the Oklahoma city bombing:

About women serving in the military:

"I would like a United States military capable of winning wars, which will not involve sending girls to do fighting." Coulter concluded: "And, yes, I think it's appalling that these women are mud wrestling, but I think it's appalling that they are in the military."

On 9/11:

On Democratic women:

"the corn-fed, no make-up, natural fiber, no-bra needing, sandal-wearing, hirsute, somewhat fragrant hippie-chick pie wagons they call 'women' at the Democratic National Convention."

When debating a disabled Viet Nam vet:

"People like you caused us to lose that war."

On how to deal with liberals:

On women:

"I'm so pleased with my gender. We're not that bright." and "women, though they're not as bright, don't want to die any more than men."

yeah, a real patriot.
Posted by Dingo at 11:30 AM 1 comment: Links to this post Monday, April 18, 2005

Is the Sky Falling?

CEI's press release
Posted by Dingo at 10:32 AM 2 comments: Links to this post 
Thinking Experiment The Times I Wish I Could be More Hypocritical When Republicns Attack - Check Your Local TV Listings for Details

Conservatives are pulling out all stops in their war on the constitution. I hate to uses these stupid terms like "war on." It is cliché and childish, but it really can't think of any other way of putting it. You have these Christian groups who warn of "liberal activist judges" who "thwart the will of the people." Even though the will of the people is firmly against these groups, not the judges, the role of judges is not to cater to the will of the people. The role of judges is to protect minority groups from the will of the people.

I understand that you will always have a number of elected officials who are on the fringe. That is too be expected. But now, it is the Republican leaders of both the House and Senate that have declared jihad.

You have Tom DeLay, who doesn't even try to hide the fact that he believes this country should be a Christian Theocracy. DeLay has publically stated he wants to take away your right to privacy, protections for minorities and the seperation of church and state.

And, you have Bill Frist, who claims to want an independent judiciary, but then plans speeches at evangelical conferences titled "The filibuster against people of faith." Frist is playing the "religion card" and portraying Democrats as being anti-Christian. The flier from the conference (pictured below) show a boy holding a gavel and a bible and asking if he must choose between the two. What's wrong with this pitcute The answer is yes. If a judge must choose between using State or Federal law to decide a case, or using the bible, then he must choose State or Federal law and not the bible. Now, lets examine this further. Remove the bible from the boys hand and replace it with a Torah. Not so bad, right? Still Judeo basis. What about Buddhist prayer beads? Are you still happy? What about a Koran? Are you starting to get a little nervous? How about a dagger for Satanic Sacrifice? Is it ok for a Satanist to sit on the bench and use their faith as a basis for deciding cases? If a judge cannot sit on the bench and seperate your religious beliefs from the law, the judge has no business being there. A evangelical judge who can put down the bible when he puts on the robe will have my full support.

So, the question becomes, are Democrats becoming anti-Christian, or are the extreme Christian Republicans becoming anti-American?

Frist Set to Use Religious Stage on Judicial Issue
Anti-'Activist' Activism
Posted by Dingo at 10:58 AM 3 comments: Links to this post 
DeLay Rejects Right to Privacy

(Full Interview)
Posted by Dingo at 10:43 AM 2 comments: Links to this post Wednesday, April 13, 2005


Typical of many Republicans today - when you screw up, blame the dirty 'liberals' for your problems. I especially like how DeLay claims "Democrats have no agenda other than partisanship." This is coming form a man nic-named The Hammer.

DeLay Urges GOP to Blame Dems Over Ethics
By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent

DeLay also thanked Sen. Rick Santorum (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., for his recent comments and said the news media had twisted them to make them sound critical, the officials added, all speaking on condition of anonymity.

In an appearance on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, Santorum said DeLay "has to come forward and lay out what he did and why he did it and let the people then judge for themselves. But from everything I've heard, again, from the comments and responding to those, is everything he's done was according to the law."

The officials who described DeLay's brief remarks noted that the session, a regularly scheduled weekly lunch, was held under rules of secrecy. Dan Allen, DeLay's spokesman, declined comment.

DeLay's case is at the heart of a broader controversy in the House, where Democrats accuse Republicans of unilaterally changing ethics committee rules to prevent any further investigation of DeLay. Republicans have denied the allegation.

Posted by Dingo at 10:57 AM No comments: Links to this post Nutty Wingnut Lawyers

I have read over and over on conservative blogs about the ACLU and their "outlandish" arguments. I will agree, some ore over the top. But, I have never heard of anything like the stupidity coming from this oral argument by wingnut lawyers in front of an appeals court.

Attorneys [for the gun lobbyists] said so-called "activist judges" shouldn't interfere with the law as passed by the legislature.

The Judges replied in their written opinion:

Now, what the judges said is quite true, but how stupid do you have to be to as a lawyer to 'warn' the judges you are arguing in front of 'activists.' That's like saying, "dad, don't be an asshole while making your decision on whether or not I, your 16 year old son, can go to that unsupervised keg party." Usully dad won't be as nice in saying, "your a freak'n idiot," as the judges were.

Minnesota Appeals Court, Warned By Gun Lobby Allies Not to Be 'Activist,' Deactivate CCW Law That Police Opposed

On a related note, the Tom DeLay minions are coming out of the wood work. The Federal courthouse in Brooklyn had to beef up security because of a slew of death threats targeting Federal judges. Its good to know that DeLay's call for a war on the constitution is being taken to heart.
Posted by Dingo at 9:48 AM 2 comments: Links to this post Tuesday, April 12, 2005

When I pick'em, I pick'em good

Rep. Christopher Shays of Connecticut was the first Republican to break ranks and call for Tom DeLay to step down as Republican leadership. Shays was the lone Republican I voted for in the last election. I voted for him with great trepidation because of the current direction of the Republican party as a whole, but a vote should be about the person who will hold the office, and not the party. Congressman Shays is for many of the same things I am. I am glad that the Republican I voted for has the courage to be independently minded and not march in lock step with the other minions. Congressman Shays is jeopardizing his standing within his own party, but by taking a stance against DeLay's corruption, he will probably make the party stronger as a whole (much to my chagrin).

Kudos to you Congressman Shays.

Shays Says DeLay Should Step Down
By LOU KESTEN, Associated Press Writer

"Tom's conduct is hurting the Republican Party, is hurting this Republican majority and it is hurting any Republican who is up for re-election," Shays told The Associated Press on Sunday.

Rick Santorum, the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, said Sunday that DeLay needs to answer questions about his ethics.

"I think he has to come forward and lay out what he did and why he did it and let the people then judge for themselves," Santorum told ABC's "This Week." "But from everything I've heard, again, from the comments and responding to those, is everything he's done was according to the law.
Posted by Dingo at 9:48 AM No comments: Links to this post Monday, April 11, 2005

The Theocrats Strike Again

Michigan Preparing To Let Doctors Refuse To Treat Gays

H/T Devils Advocate
Posted by Dingo at 3:55 PM 3 comments: Links to this post DeLay Declares War on the Constitution

Republican House Leader, Tom DeLay, had gone over the edge again. DeLay spoke in a video taped speech to one of his uber-conservative support groups. The speech titled "Confronting the Judicial War on Faith" delivered nice little tid-bits of his advanced knowledge of the constitution. First of all, what he calls a judicial war on faith, I call defense of the 1st amendment. But, then again, I am rather partial to the idea of freedom in this country, so I tend to be a little biased.

"Judicial independence does not equal judicial supremacy"

Nor does Congressional independence equal Congressional supremacy. Do I really need to explain what checks and balances mean? I thought it was fairly self evident, but I always liked 9th grade civics class, so I kind of paid attention.

Apparently, Mr. DeLay, you've forgetting that third section of the constitution where it creates a separate and independent judiciary. I know... I know, it is a long document with all those words, but keep reading. I promise you it is there. And if you don't have a copy, the national archives is right down the street. There is often a long line out front, but I am sure you can pull some stings. There is a specific reason the Founders created it this way, and it was so arrogant legislators, like you, Mr. DeLay, could not proclaim yourself Supreme Ruler of the Universe (besides, that's my job title).

Hmmm.... The will of the people. Now, when you say, ignoring the legitimate will of the people? Do you actually mean your will? Because if that is what you mean, then I will have to agree. The courts have overruled your will. As for the will of the people, not so much. Depending on what poll you look at, between 70-77% of the American people wanted congress to stay out of the Schiavo case. I know that polls are unreliable, but unless the plus/minus on those polls were +/- 50%, I am going to have to say the will of the people was against you, not the courts.

And, I know this is a little nit-picky, but the whole idea behind life time appointments for federal judges was so they would not be pressured to bend the the will of the people. I know this is a complex idea, but try to stay with me Tom. The Congress is there to answer to the people. The courts are there to ensure the will of the people does not infringe on the rights of the minority. Got it?

The only thing that 'Run Amok' is you, Mr. DeLay.

Update: The group that DeLay was speaking to supports legislation to ban Fenderal judges from making any rulings on God.
Posted by Dingo at 10:22 AM 3 comments: Links to this post 
Missouri Cuts Medicaid

Mo. Lawmakers Pass Bill Cutting Medicaid

By DAVID A. LIEB, Associated Press Writer

Posted by Dingo at 9:59 AM 6 comments: Links to this post 

DeLay Denounces Report on Payments to His Family

DeLay's Lavish Island Getaway
Posted by Dingo at 5:15 PM No comments: Links to this post Schiavo Memo Put to Bed

Yes, all of you right wing conspiracy theorist can stop your pontifications on which dubious Democrat planted the memo in order to make the Republicans to look bad. As usual, it was a Republican, who made the Republicans look bad. Florida Republican Sen. Mel Martinez has copped to the memo coming from his office.

Martinez: Schiavo Memo Was From My Office

WASHINGTON - Florida Republican Sen. Mel Martinez says an infamous unsigned memo passed around on Capitol Hill emphasizing the politics of the Terri Schiavo case originated in his office.

The memo — first reported by ABC News on March 18 and by The Washington Post and The Associated Press two days later — said the fight going on then over removing Schiavo's feeding tube "is a great political issue ... and a tough issue for Democrats."

"This is an important moral issue and the pro-life base will be excited that the Senate is debating this important issue," said the memo, which was described at the time as being circulated among Senate Republicans while legislation was being considered to place the Schiavo case under the jurisdiction of federal courts.

Martinez said in a written statement that he discovered Wednesday that the memo had been written by an aide in his office.

"It is with profound disappointment and regret that I learned today that a senior member of my staff was unilaterally responsible for this document," Martinez said.

He said he accepted the resignation of the staffer who drafted and circulated the memo. "This type of behavior and sentiment will not be tolerated in my office," he said.

Martinez did not identify the aide, but The Washington Post said he was the senator's legal counsel, Brian Darling.

"Until this afternoon, I had never seen it and had no idea a copy of it had ever been in my possession," Martinez said of the document. He had previously denied knowing anything about the memo and condemned its sentiments.

The memo had been disavowed by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, both primary forces behind Congress passing the bill and sending it to President Bush on March 21.

Posted by Dingo at 10:25 AM 4 comments: Links to this post 
Technos Gone Wild - Now on VHS and DVD

I saw this at a friends place a couple of months ago. LOVED IT!

Perfect for a late in the day chuckle.


P.S. The eyebrow rais is the best part. Make sure to wait for it.
Posted by Dingo at 3:05 PM 5 comments: Links to this post More on Darfur

This is a very poignant Op-Ed about the Darfur situation. I recommend the read.

The Pope and Hypocrisy

Published: April 6, 2005

President Bush and other world leaders are honoring John Paul II in a way that completely misunderstands his message. We pay him no tribute if we lower our flags to half-staff and send a grand presidential delegation to his funeral, when at the same time we avert our eyes as villagers are slaughtered and mutilated in the genocide unfolding in Darfur.

"Throughout the West, John Paul's witness reminded us of our obligation to build a culture of life in which the strong protect the weak," Mr. Bush said. Well, what about that reminder? What kind of a "culture of life" is it that allows us to shrug as Sudanese soldiers heave children onto bonfires?

The latest estimates, from the British government and others, are that 300,000 or more have perished so far in Darfur. Mr. Bush has forthrightly called this slaughter "genocide," but he has used that label not to spur action, but to substitute for it.

These days the Sudanese authorities are adding a new twist to their crimes against humanity: they are arresting girls and women who have become pregnant because of the mass rapes by Sudanese soldiers and militia members. If the victims are not yet married, or if their husbands have been killed, then they are imprisoned for adultery.

Posted by Dingo at 12:44 PM 2 comments: Links to this post 

Yet another questionable trip taken by DeLay and paid for by lobbyists... blah, blah, blah. I think the press should start looking for times DeLay was actually ethical - it would be more of a challenge. So many allegations are building up, listing them is starting to sound like a bad version of the 12 days of Christmas. Seriously, how is he still the Republican leader?

A 3rd DeLay Trip Under Scrutiny

By R. Jeffrey Smith and James V. Grimaldi, Washington Post Staff Writers

House members bear some responsibility to ensure that the sponsors for their travel are not masquerading for registered lobbyists or foreign government interests, legal experts say. House ethics rules bar the acceptance of travel reimbursement from registered lobbyists and foreign agents.
Posted by Dingo at 10:25 AM No comments: Links to this post 
Gives You A Warm Glowing Feeling... Literally

We have all heard the debate back and forth about using Yucca Mountain as a national depository for nuclear waste. Well, it gets better. Looks like the scientist in charge of the program didn't know exactly what to do, so they just made crap up. Here are some of the released e-mails written by government scientists to colleagues on the Yucca Mountain project between 1998 and 2000.

I don't have a clue when these programs were installed. So I've made up the dates and names. ... This is as good as it's going to get. If they need more proof, I will be happy to make up more stuff, as long as it's not a video recording of the software being installed." — Writer identified as USGS Employee 1.

"Here's my question: When we go to start (quality assurance)'ing the site-scale modeling work, will I get taken to the cleaners because I am not referencing either a tech procedure or a scientific notebook? In other words, would it be cost-effective to create a (scientific notebook) for the site-scale work and back-date the whole thing??" — Unidentified worker.

"This is now CYA and we had better be good at it. I seem to have let this one slip a little too much in an attempt to cover all our work (and get us the hell out of the long-term problem of Yucca Mountain) but now it's clear that we have a little to no choice. In all honesty I've never felt well-managed or helped by the USGS (Yucca Mountain Project) folks. In fact, as you know, I've often felt abandoned. This time it's no different, or worse, and we have to work together to get out of this one." — USGS Employee 2.

"Some nights I have a hard time going to sleep because I realize the importance of trying to get the right answer, and I know how many serious unknowns are still out there, and how many quick fixes are still holding things together." — Unidentified worker.

The Yucca Mountain project "has now reached a point where they need to have certain items work no matter what, and the infiltration maps are on that list. If USGS can't find a way to make it work, Sandia will (but for now they are definitely counting on us to do the job)." — USGS Employee 1.

To read more about the story: Fraud Allegations Probed at Yucca Mountain
Posted by Dingo at 6:19 PM No comments: Links to this post Another Republican Lie

Barton: Gas Prices May Prod Energy Bill
Posted by Dingo at 10:51 AM No comments: Links to this post Monday, April 04, 2005

Poll Results

The polls are in... the people have spoken

Who is the least honest partisan media pundit: Total votes 264

Better luck next time Janeane

It looks like there is hope for us after all.

You guys are so sweet.

Update: for an even better poll results, she this story are Wonkette
Posted by Dingo at 10:59 AM No comments: Links to this post Friday, April 01, 2005

Letter to Tom DeLay

I think this letter does a pretty good job of summing up The Hammer's display of stupidity yesterday. I was unaware of the potential legal implications until I saw this (not that he needs any more). This sums it up quite nicely H/T Rooftop Report

Update: here is a good editorial talking about DeLay's attack on our nations checks and balances
Posted by Dingo at 12:33 PM 1 comment: Links to this post Misleading Again

Once again, the President is trying to mislead the American people by drawing false analogies. He is using the example of the Thrift Savings Plan which is a plan available to federal employees. What he doesn't say is that the Thrift Savings Plan is in addition to Social Security, not in leau of Social Security.

I could actually get behind the idea of a Thrift Savings Plan. It is basically an IRA, but may be more utilized because the funds would come directly from your paycheck.

Bush Social Security Analogy Questioned

By GLEN JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Out on the hustings, President Bush likes to make a case for allowing younger workers to invest some of their Social Security taxes by citing the example of the Thrift Savings Plan, private investment accounts available to members of Congress and other federal employees.

"Doesn't it make sense for members of Congress to give younger workers the opportunity to do the same thing with their money that they get to do in their retirement system?" the president asked this week in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, baiting his congressional opponents. "Frankly, if it's good enough for federal workers and elected officials — putting aside some of your own money in a personal savings account — it ought to be good enough for all workers in America."

What Bush fails to mention is that his accounts differ from Thrift Savings Plan accounts in a key way: They would be carved out of the Social Security taxes nongovernment workers pay. By contrast, federal employees get their accounts in addition to a traditional Social Security benefit check.
Posted by Dingo at 10:58 AM No comments: Links to this post