Dr. Bob Terry Laments Lack of Faith in France

Dr. Bob Terry appears in today's Alabama Baptist with "Thoughts: A Religious Heritage Is Not Enough" where he offers up an opinion that the cheese eating surrender monkeys in France, for the record neither his description or mine beyond an effort to be clever, need to get them some Old Time Religion. Thanks to my time in the Bohannon Death March through Early Modern Europe I immediately thought of reasons why Pierre might be a little nervous about faith.

The above image is an effort to describe the St. Bartholomew's Massacre on August 24, 1572. I'll not bother with links as a person can use the Google if they are interested. The Wars of Religion, Thirty Years War, ... were mostly about various groups using the faithful to get or maintain power (damned if that doesn't resonate!) so maybe the French simply wised up. I'm thinking they don't need a fundamentalist from Alabama scolding them. Many Europeans, and apparently a good number of Republicans, simply think you true believers are nuts.

As an aside, Baby Plaid is being baptized this Easter weekend. I'll not attend, as at that church as I'd find not just one but two ex-wives, yet I'll be thinking of him, mostly as relates to the symbolism of the ritual. I've talked to him some about his faith and yet one day I figure we'll be able to share our respective thoughts more completely. I'll hope to not make the mistakes of claiming the truth, or even worse not engaging his ideas, as I'd argue most of my family has often done. I also hope he and I can visit France and the balance of Europe one day. Ought to make for some good conversations.

Vivre et laisser vivre. Paix ... ou Guerre!

Alabama's High End Beer Bill Is Still Alive!

Since my family members nearly stroke out when I scold Bu$hCo and other right wing "thinking" in the form of Letters to the Editor (or merely explaining to my "home church" why I'll no longer attend) I expect I'll need to pass on dropping anything in my local paper about the devil's drink. Posting, where folks have to come looking and there is some measure of anonymity, is another matter. Thanks to a little more digging, I now realize HB 195, the Gourmet Beer Bill, is still alive. Over in the Senate, SB 128 is also pending. Here's hoping we can get merely a reasonable examination of the legislation. After Richard Laird and DuWayne Bridges behaved so stupidly, we've got a good shot at shall we say the more sophisticated set.

My Representative Richard Laird has shown his ignorance so I'll not waste a call. I'll be calling or mailing Senator Benefield however. If you are here in Alabama, all five of you that visit, if you can take time to call your folks on Goat Hill, I'd surely appreciate. However, if you've only got one call in you then please burn it on Constitutional Reform. "Save the Ales!" gets trumped by saving the state. I'll argue protecting our kids requires a new constitution Representative Laird. You and I both know you're more about protecting the Big Mules. Banks, ALFA, Alabama Power ... have you nailed down where it counts so they'll let you get all Christianist on matters like this trivia. Talk about morality when you support immediate and total reform of the 1901 Constitution Sir!

When Alabama's own ABC stores sells everything from grain alcohol to Mad Dog 20/20, plus even has an Official State Spirit (the wonderful Conecuh Ridge brand that I personally can vouch for), there's simply no reason for not voting for this legislation. The only reason would be perhaps fearing the Bible thumpers but there's hope there even. Even a hardshell Baptist will agree high end beer ought to be available for legal purchase by adults once they learn the facts.

Free the Hops Alabama. Peace ... or War!

Washington Post Shills for Bu$hCo/Neo-Cons

Tweety's "it's a neo-con newspaper now" rings especially true today after reading the WaPo Pratfall in Damascus : Nancy Pelosi's foolish shuttle diplomacy editorial. The Boston Globe's take on Speaker Pelosi's work was different and other papers have hardly shilled the GOP and neo-con talking points once they bothered looking at the facts. Simply to bother Bu$hCo believers I'll link across the pond to the cheese eating surrender monkeys. Then again finding a NYT piece in The San Francisco Chronicle might be even more bothersome. Has the WaPo's editorial board become the equivalent to Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network? Peace ... or War!

UPDATE - If you want a solid understanding of the situation then Professor Juan Cole is certainly where I'd suggest a person start. Reckon the WaPo can't find him on the intertubes? Use the Google guys!

"Blame Game" on Educational Software Limitations

The WaPo's Amit R. Paley turns up on MSNBC with "Software's benefits on tests in doubt : Study says tools don't raise scores" that is worth visiting. I'd first point out that scores on many standardized measurements are hardly the whole picture on "learning". As an aside, Baby Plaid is in fact taking his battery of standardized tests this week but he'll do fine. Besides, he is such a neat kid that he sort of enjoys the damned thing. On the software piece, I found the finger pointing especially entertaining.

The article beings with

Educational software, a $2 billion-a-year industry that has become the darling of school systems across the country, has no significant impact on student performance, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Education.

The long-awaited report amounts to a rebuke of educational technology, a business whose growth has been spurred by schools desperate for ways to meet the testing mandates of President Bush's No Child Left Behind law.

My most recent missive on NCLB asked Teddy Kennedy if he had a drinking problem and had links to various other rants. I've long felt like the whole accountability movement had simply gone way beyond what was reasonable as test scores of what little can be measured, via bubbling in a stinking scantron, is hardly indicative of true learning. While certainly it is difficult to cut the NCLB profiteers and Bu$hCo's DOE any slack, especially with all the finger pointing that is going on in the blame game, I'll offer a possible explanation.

It's the kids fault! Blame the little monsters, the twittering tweens, and the angst-filled adolescents. Even the most dedicated educator goes through spells where they do it. However, before you go there full out I'd suggest the proper place to look might be our society as a whole, the parents, and certainly the politicians. I'm willing to give the children a break usually and once I consider what we are asking of them in the current arrangement it is even more easily done.

Our society is just full of much garbage. We seldom if ever celebrate learning much less hard work. We're a fast food nation that is lacking in substance in so many ways. Our celebrity and sports obsessed world has now even gotten to the point where reality is a genre of entertainment. Kids are lazy. Reckon why? They can't think. Surprised? They won't behave. Like our pop tarts do? They can quote rap lyrics but not much else. What's up with that bitches? I could go on and on but I'll just stop.

I've had to work with some teens (plus parents or caregivers) that were simply asses. I know nearly every kid that was a real pain got at least some sympathy after meeting the parent(s). More than once I said, "Ya know ___ is doing OK all things considered." Some families have been truly pitiful in their ignorance. Generational poverty on steroids. Some just didn't have the skills and/or smarts to make things work. They'd try some yet struggled with the work over time. A few kids, often now with grandma, had past experiences that had gotten them in a real bind so they found it difficult to catch up. Lots of kids were in situations where alcohol and drugs were a problem. Many were in homes where the parent(s) worked around the clock to keep up in today's GOP economy. Some were lazy. Others were too cool for school. Raging hormones. Over stimulated from the cradle yet now sitting in a desk in a concrete block room was hard for many. Reading for content learning was tough for plenty of kids. Now I'll stop. I really mean it this time.

But here's the bottom line ... what goes on at home, and this includes a blend of economics and culture and attitudes and ..., is the main influence on what goes on at school. Some research suggests "home" might be over 80% of what will result in "learning". Welcome to the jungle educational software providers. At least y'all aren't treated like teachers. Yet?

Truly we're at the point where the politicians and profiteers are running our schools. "Learning" is struggling on despite NCLB and the accountability movement. Yet, studies like what we've learned about today show the reality. What are we going to do about it? I'll continue to raise hell about today's bizarre flawed educational policy. Molly Ivins taught me that. As far as society, I'll just do the best I can for me and mine. That brings me to another idea for a post yet I'll want to stew on it for a few days. Stay tuned. Peace ... or War!

President Pelosi and an end to "Cowboy Diplomacy"? Would that it were!

In deciding on a title for this post I recalled John Kerry's "Would that it were." moment on The Daily Show and simply shuddered. I believe that was the first time I got a little shaky on his chances. Before long the GOP had him windsurfing and ... I'll always wonder about the what if and if only but these times they are a changing.

Matt Stoller nails an analysis on Nancy Pelosi's recent work in the Middle East with

... Pelosi is acting as a real Secretary of State or President would in foreign affairs. She is negotiating and representing an America that offers itself as a trusted partner for peace and collective security.

Much of what America did in international affairs prior to the Bush Presidency was to act as sort of buoy, or a neutral third party in negotiations, a bulwark that other nations could broadly trust. America didn't always keep its word, and it wasn't always a perfectly done role, but there really was no alternative. And I think what the Iraq war has shown is that the alternative really is total chaos, and that means that America can reclaim a leading role in global affairs if we begin to rebuild our credibility. ...

If there's a way forward it will be with our nation showing real leadership, although unfortunately that might let Dubyah fade away rather than make he and his answer for their crimes. Might be worth it yet I hope we, and that means the Big Mules and various right wing nut jobs that brought us this disaster of a Presidency, have learned our lesson. We, and that's without my vote for the record, sent a boy and his Mayberry Machiavellis to do a job that has proven simply more than they could or would accomplish. Peace .. or War!

The Boy King Breaks One Off In Congress

The image is from when George Bush was the Governor of Texas, not much more than a figurehead in their system. Ever the towel snapping frat boy, Dubyah was joking around with his staff according to my recollection.

Today we learn that Bu$hCo has used recess appointments to install St. Louis moneyman Sam Fox, one of those funding the Swift Boat Liars, as the Ambassador to Belgium plus privatization advocate Andrew Biggs in as a Deputy Director of the Social Security Administration. For more info on the Swift Boaters drop by here. For more on Sam Fox and sons try here. For more on Andrew Biggs go here.

Seems to me to be a very dangerous move to give the finger to Congress. If I were advising him, I'd try to tell him to play nice. However, I'm rather pleased he's showing his tendency to act like the spoiled boy that he is. Fussing, pouting, holding his breath ... go for it King George. The gig's up soon. If President Bush wants to demonstrate his willingness to work with a new Congress this is hardly a good way to accomplish the same. If he want to play hardball, and I figure the handlers figure that's the only way to get this poorly prepared and wrong tempered man through their/our long nightmare, then I expect Democratic leaders to meet him halfway. No need to act ugly but certainly keep up the pressure. Oversight is here yet it is going to get especially hot and heavy the more King George shows no willingness, much less capacity, to work with Congress.

Worst administration ever. Peace .. or War!

Outlander of the Day ~ Rep. Richard Laird

While we could go with Rep. DuWayne Bridges just as easily, that Christian Soldier was named OOTD some days back. Both Richard Laird and DuWayne Bridges are quoted in the reporting of AP's Bob Johnson regarding the failure of Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, to get a vote on his legislation which would allow gourmet beer to finally be sold in Alabama. Since Alabama currently limits alcohol content to 6% for beer, these expensive beers are hard to come by here in Alabama.

I'll share some quotes from Mr. Johnson's reporting but I'll point out that DuWayne is a Republican rather than a Democrat. While Richard Laird is officially a Democrat most everyone knows this is in name only. DINO is certainly applicable.

I can't see us doing something that's going to encourage people to drink more and get drunk faster," said Rep. DuWayne Bridges, D-Valley. Bridges said the measure would increase the problem of teenagers drinking by making more potent brew available to them. "Our children don't need to increase their alcohol consumption," Bridges said.

Jackson said the bill would allow the sales of gourmet and imported beers, but would not change the alcohol content in most American made beers."Budweiser will still be Budweiser. Miller will still be Miller. That's what the kids drink," Jackson said. He said most of the beers that would be affected are expensive, costing as much as $7 a beer.

But Rep. Richard Laird, D-Roanoke, said young people would still find a way to drink the stronger beer."The only thing this bill will do is just get our young people dead a whole lot faster," Laird said.

Here's the link to some audio of these two moral and intellectual giants of East Alabama. The link also shows some stubborn facts that destroy what Laird and Bridges are claiming. Listening is good but listening while you read is even better. The Laird-Bridges "reasoning" goes something like this:

Laird: Prohibition was bad. Those antiquated laws have a foundation in the law ... That's the Bible ... It's bad enough we have beer sales even at 6%. I haven't read the proposed legislation.

Bridges: 30% of fatalities in Alabama are alcohol related and if this passes it could go up to 60%. Why do we have to be like forty six other states? Being backwards is a positive. I don't know what you said but you're wrong.

First of all, that 30% figure that Rep. Bridges is using seems to have been pulled out of his behind. I can find little that would suggest that's anywhere near accurate yet maybe he's talking of traffic fatalities. I figured tobacco and obesity and cancer and ... might be a larger concern for our state. Wonder if DuWayne sells cigarettes and greasy food at his truck stop? I think all but the most reactionary of Alabama's citizens know there is plenty that other states are doing that we ought to emulate. Many have for instance have a lower alcohol fatality figure and have gourmet beers available. Facts are truly stubborn things!

Rep. Laird and Rep. Bridges have simply let their fundamentalism interfere with their functioning. Neither is down in Montgomery to carry out their views on scripture. Even if they would vote against the bill once on the floor to simply help prevent it from coming up for a vote is truly poor form. I'd also expect that their morality as to poor people, fairness, etc. gets put aside when their Big Mule backers need them to vote a certain way. Let's find out where Mr. Laird and Mr. Bridges stand on Constitutional reform. If they are against reform, then we'll know the score.

Also, as a sorry sinner that knows a fair amount about beer and other spirits, plus young folks to boot, I'll guarantee you that their ignorance is stunning. Kids will hardly touch the darker beers that we have now. They'll find gourmet beers very unappealing. I personally drink less dark beer than I might of the watered down versions. The more substantive brews just have more texture or something that fills folks up. If kids want to get drunk there are plenty of far more cheap, powerful options already sold in ABC stores and elsewhere. Also, isn't it illegal for kids to buy alcohol now? What you fundamentalist fools did was simply to limit adults choices via your misplaced understandings of morality and the "devil's drink".

With these men living in and representing East Alabama, don't they know that their own constituents can just drive over to Georgia where this type legislation passed some years back? I live in a dry county anyways yet that's another post on another day.

Finally, a tip of the tam is due Dan at Between the Links for his posting and advocacy on this and many other issues. We'll all soldier on I hope so that perhaps one day this type of "leadership" no longer has a place in Alabama. Peace ... or War!

UPDATE - I just got off the phone with Representative Laird. In fact I rudely hung up on him saying, "I'll do everything I can to retire you. Goodbye!" He'd said he was in favor of the "article by article" approach. He was worried about "the lobbyist". He said folks in Montgomery simply weren't sharp enough to figure out everything at once. I told him I saw that lack of smarts demonstrated by his comments in connection with the beer bill yesterday. My God!

UPDATE #2 - My old computer is acting rather contrary today so the last update prematurely ended. Here's a portion of an email I got the other day on Constitutional reform which sums up what I wanted to tell Richard Laird. Since he's got the Big Mules' talking points ready I'll just share those from the good guys.

Legislators should vote to pass the bill to "Let the People Vote" for a Constitution Convention. They should trust the people enough to let us vote on the question of calling a Constitution Convention.

If the people can be trusted to put them in office, they can be trusted to vote for or against a new Constitution. It is the People's decision!

Tell those who are worried about "special interests" taking over the Convention, that there are safeguards in the Bills. First, 210 delegates (equally divided between men and women) mean that even if legislators or special interest advocates are delegates, they are balanced by other citizens. Secondly, no one can donate more than $100 to any one candidate, so special interest groups can't flood any candidate with influence money. Lobbyists may provide nothing of value and the Media will follow the Convention carefully.

Citizens will have three chances to vote under the Bill. (1) They can vote in February of 2008 to approve or disapprove holding a Convention. (2) They can vote in June of 2008 to elect delegates to a Citizen Convention to write a new Constitution. (3) They can vote for or against the new Constitution in November of 2010.

Tell those who think writing a new constitution is "scary" that Alabama has done this six times and most states have rewritten their constitutions many times. Citizens were trusted to do this before and can be trusted to do this again.

Check out ACCR's website for more information and to get copies of the Bills: www.constitutionalreform.org.

Does U.S. Big Business want a Democratic China?

I'm loving the WaPo this morning. Harold Meyerson reveals how "tepid" reforms relating to "worker's rights" have been significantly weakened. This has apparently occurred after various Big Mules like General Electric, Microsoft, Dell, Ford ... via the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the U.S.-China Business Council worked their magic. Here's his close:

First, about one-fourth of the global labor force is in China. Opposing steps toward the formation of unions there suppresses the wages of so many workers that its effect is felt worldwide. Second, since authoritarian China remains an adversary of the United States and a backer of some genuinely dangerous authoritarian regimes, blocking even the most modest steps toward the development of a civil society and democratic rights there poses a threat to U.S. security interests. Third, since the Bush administration champions the spread of democracy globally, why hasn't it taken America's leading corporations to task for retarding democracy's growth in China? And fourth, since preserving our national security should require executives at companies such as GE to answer for their conduct, where's the House Un-American Activities Committee now that we really need it?

All ate up with populism as of late, I'm hardly surprised how the top uses the bottom. Profits over principles? Perhaps China's totalitarian regime is just the ticket for today's multi-nationals? Here's how it works today: Move the factories to China or anywhere the labor is cheap, get your accounting and much white collar work done in India or another educated yet still rising society, park the HQ in some off-shore tax haven pseudo-office, ... but leave the lobbyists in DC. How's that "invisible hand" looking now free marketeers? Peace ... or War!

So why do we have a "Fox-in-the-Henhouse Gov't"?

The WaPo's Ruth Marcus answers our question with a solid examination of some of Bu$hCo's purely or primarily political appointments. A great reminder of how Bu$hCo routinely puts people in position where truly we've got the foxes guarding the henhouse. She closes with:

It's wrong to paint with too broad a brush here: Most administration officials are decent, honest and hardworking; the Clinton administration, like others before it, had its share of scoundrels and hacks. But there is something in the "loyal Bushies" mind-set of this administration and its fundamental scorn for government that contributes to this arrogant misbehavior.

If your faith is more in the operations of the private sector than in the capacity of government, if you have scant commitment to the laws you are pledged to enforce, if you see government less as a trust to be administered than a force to be used for the benefit of political and ideological allies, then this kind of behavior is the inevitable result.

In short, if you identify so completely with the foxes, it's no wonder that you end up with a henhouse that is so thoroughly, tragically trashed.

Truly the next administration will be critical in restoring some measure of competency and yet that begins with ideology I'd suggest. The conservative view that "government is the problem" is perhaps an invitation for folks like Karl Rove and other operatives to use government for their own ends. The time is long overdue for a proud Progressive occupying our White House. Peace ... or War!

So Matt Drudge Really Does Rule Their World!

On Regular Joe, while discussing "San Francisco liberal" Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Southwest Asia, Pat Buchanan commented on her wardrobe. Never picked you as a fashionista Pat! Mr. Buchanan admitted he'd seen her picture on Matt Drudge's site something like five times today. Can't wait for the transcript. Even though we (Will Bunch for instance) all figured Matt Drudge ruled their world, this confirmation is still appreciated. Peace ... or War!

Newt and Tucker both need more schooling!

Newt not only doesn't know his history, he also isn't qualified to discuss matters of education. Neither is Tucker Carlson. He can't dance yet that didn't stop him either. At least he was a good sport on that effort and people knew he was just funning around. When this child of privilege is acting as a "journalist" some people might not see the parallels.

Here's a portion of what Tucker had to say, with some portions emphasized by yours truly, on Monday when he "interviewed" Peter Zamora, regional counsel for MALDEF (the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund) and also the co-chair of the Hispanic Education Coalition.

ZAMORA: Certainly. And there‘s really no dispute about the importance of learning English in this country.

CARLSON: There seems to be.

ZAMORA: There is really not. You know, a study by the Hispanic Center showed 92 percent of Latinos think that learning English is very important. And my, the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, we support the best methods for instructing students in English.
And certainly the English language learners who we are talking here desperately want to learn English, really are into being in the mainstream of American society. And really, bilingual education is the best method of incurring (ph) that that happens.

CARLSON: Well, I think that is indisputably wrong, actually. And let‘s just—before, I mean, I can pull out studies that show that in fact immersion does work better than bilingual education, I‘m sure you have seen them.

ZAMORA: Well, the majority of English language learners are actually native born U.S. citizens. And these are people ... who want to participate in the American society. And there is a clear understanding, and this is a recent study from the Pew Hispanic Center, a very reputable organization, saying that more Latinos than any other ethnic group believe English is essential.
And I think that Newt Gingrich, unfortunately, who is not an education expert, I am a former bilingual education teacher, credentialed in the State of California, that bilingual education is actually the best methodology by which you can teach students English. ...

CARLSON: No, actually, I think that is the wrong analogy. The analogy would be if you are going to learn a foreign language, say, French, you would go to France and speak only French with the people who live there because that is full immersion. That is how you learn a foreign language. If you went to France and hung around Americans you would learn French much less quickly, as you know.

ZAMORA: Certainly. But the education research is really quite clear. And there have been four major studies over the last two years that show that bilingual education is simply the best method if at all...

CARLSON: I categorically disagree. But let me just say. ..

ZAMORA: Are you an expert in education issues? Do you have a credential in education?

CARLSON: Yes, actually, I am an expert on this issue, having.

CARLSON: ...If you are so for teaching people English, and I‘m not sure I believe you, let‘s say you really are though, then why would you be against printing vital documents only in English, wouldn‘t that be the greatest possible incentive to learn English?

ZAMORA: Listen, I was an English teacher in California public schools for several years, that was my job, that was my calling, so it is really kind of inappropriate to challenge me personally on this. ... who are living in this country, who are desperate to participate and who are in schools that are not using the best methods. And part of that is because we have uninformed individuals who are trying to make decisions about education policy that is—Newt Gingrich did that, he is not an expert. ...

ZAMORA: I‘m more concerned of the substance of his comments, where he supports a method of teaching English which has been very clearly shown.

CARLSON: That is a total crock.

ZAMORA: I don‘t consider you to be an education expert.

CARLSON: I don‘t consider you to be one either if you disagree on that point, what I think is very clear.

ZAMORA: And what are you basing that upon, just your gut instinct?

CARLSON: No, not my—sorry, I‘m being told we have to go. ...

When the going gets tough, Tucker gets going. Reckon he has a signal? Mr. Zamora was great to ask if Tucker is merely operating from his gut instinct. That's conservatism isn't it? Just a "gut feeling" on so many principles. Evidence be damned. And if you need some there's usually some wingnut welfare to provide at least enough cover to justify pretty much any position.

I suppose I ought not to expect much from either Newt or Tucker. They are just smart enough where foolishness ought not to come so easy yet their arrogance trips them often. Their behaviors and attitudes are representative of so many on the right. They simply know it all. They are rarely interested in a discussion or even hearing anything beyond what fits in their views. They get to just claim the truth because they think it is the truth.

The bottom line is that immersion hinders the learning of the content until the language learning gets up to speed. Yes, Tucker, pure immersion might be great if it is just about learning the language yet even then it still has to be reciprocal for at least one person in the process. Ideally, we'd have some sort of a reciprocal or dual approach, while always learning the content, yet the resources in teachers and ... just aren't there. More importantly, there is no "one size fits all" approach to learning. I know the pols and pundits struggle with this yet step in a classroom for longer than a photo op and you'll understand quickly. There's also some social justice involved here. Do you just leave those folks not speaking English out of the learning and decision-making processes? Tucker and Newt might yet most Americans are prepared to give young people and new immigrants an opportunity to get up to speed. Peace ... or War!

Mitt Romney and Bu$hCo - Sweet Home Alabama

With Dead Eye Dick in Alabama yesterday raising money for Jeff Sessions while talking up George Bush and after pondering Mitt Romney's massive fundraising for the first quarter I realized something that George and Mitt have in common. It's Alabama. Gosh, this is almost as big an honor as having Jeff Sessions as one of my Senators!

Dubyah used Alabama to safely spend some of the Vietnam War at The Diplomat (an old watering hole down the Atlanta Highway south of Montgomery where lots of the politicos used to hang out) and Massachusetts Mitt used Alabama to launder money in an end run around current campaign finance laws. Mr. Romney also found Michigan and Iowa useful for their lax campaign disclosure laws in the period before he fell under federal limitations but I don't think Dubyah went MIA in either of those states like he did down here.

Both of these righteous Republicans have found Alabama a rather "sweet home" for various ways of ... shall we describe it as "manipulating" the system. "Does your conscience bother you?" Peace ... or War!

Reckon what Wall Street and the "Military-Industrial Complex" Thinks about 2008?

I once claimed to be a "Propservralist" in that includes Progressive, Populist, Conservative, Liberal, and Pragmatist. George Lakoff writes of bi-conceptuals but maybe I'm a quin-conceptual? Perhaps any poor Southern boy is attracted toward Populism and I'm in that frame with this post.

I am inspired by David Sirota's HuffPo post yet will send you to this Politico piece on Hillary Clinton's Wall Street/Hamilton Project connections and this Chicago Independent Media piece on Barack Obama's Crown Dynasty/General Dynamics connections. I report ... you decide?

Seriously, I'm enough of a pragmatist to say that I'd accept Hillary's connections before Obama's. While in the Robert Rumble during the Clinton years I was on the side of Reich rather than Rubin, I'll take Hillary over any GOP candidate. Still, I'm holding out for John Edwards in the current crop as I truly think he's our last best hope. I want Barack Obama to get a little more seasoned but the above angle also gives me concerns.

As David lamented, with a better media we'd be hearing about where the candidate's first quarter money was coming from rather than just hearing about the horse race. Having the respective candidates positions explained would of course be another grand idea. I'll not hold my breath. Peace ... or War!

Bu$hCo scolds Nancy Pelosi about Syria trip yet ..

Alabama's own Robert Aderholt and two other Republicans from the House, all three hardly ranking anywhere near the Speaker, were in Syria this weekend yet the White House seems to have little trouble with their efforts. Speaker Pelosi arrived in Beirut earlier today and will soon be on her way to Jordan and Syria. Bu$hCo is of course scolding Speaker Pelosi, forgetting not only Alabama's Bob but also their very one Assistant Secretary of State for Refugee Affairs Ellen Sauerbrey who was in Syria just last month. It's diplomacy Dubyah and your team is struggling. Israel seems to support Ms. Pelosi's visit, as do others. Hush, or at least tell the whole story.

As an aside, while out on the Left Coast, I nearly met Nancy Pelosi at an event at Delancey Street in the city yet only managed a polite handshake from her staffer that evening. It was hotter than three hells in the building and the night air in San Francisco was too nice to stay inside. I has the opportunity to talk briefly with Ms. Pelosi's daughter Christina when she dropped by to kick the tires at the campaign HQ. I for one am proud to have this "San Francisco liberal" where she is and have great hopes for her leadership.

As yet another aside from my time in California, I was once invited to briefly speak to a DFA event at Schroeder's German Restaurant. I got a decent laugh reminding them it was not every day that somebody from Alabama came to San Francisco to talk about Progressivism. Peace ... or War!

UPDATE - What Josh Marshall says.

Outlander of the Day ~ George W. Bu$h

Dubyah appeared in the Rose Garden this morning. I heard something like the following, with the caveat that this is the first link I could find, and nearly stroked out. I'll try to get a clip up eventually. Dubyah said

... If Congress did not approve a war funding bill, "if they do not change course in the coming weeks, the price of that failure will be paid by our troops and their loved ones," Bush told reporters.

"The bottom line is this, Congress's failure to fund our troops on the front line also mean that some of our military families could wait longer for their loved ones to return from the front lines," Bush said.

"And others can see their loved ones headed back to the war sooner than they need to. That is unacceptable to me, and I believe it is unacceptable to the American people." ...

If Dubyah believes that the American people will let he and his essentially hold the troops hostage then Bu$hCo is totally gone over the edge. How dare this chickenhawk speak such words to these families and our military after the administration has failed them in so many ways! They know plenty about "the price of failure" Sir! You have no shame!

Those Democrats and Republicans that are trying to find a solution to Bu$hCo's many failures in Iraq and his so called "Global War on Terror" will hardly be blamed by the vast majority of Americans. Lefty types and more sensible Republicans generally don't fall in line with the talking points so it might seem a touch messy yet they are getting there. I'm of course favoring Senator Feingold's most recent effort. RDF is one of the few that has gotten things right on Iraq from the get go plus he has more backbone and brains than pretty much anyone in DC.

Our Outlander of the Day, or decade for that matter, is George W. Bu$h. Peace ... or War!

UPDATE - Kos reminds us that Dubyah didn't mind a delay of 86 and 119 days from the GOP controlled Rubber Stamp Congress on his supplementals yet scolds "the Democrats" over 56 days. Silly man? I'm thinking he's just a political puppet and they really do figure the so called liberal media will just give them a pass with their posturing.

UPDATE # 2 - John Aravosis reminds us that Bush also lied today when he claimed the military commanders on the ground developed this surge strategy. In fact AEI's Frederic Kagan, an armchair soldier of the military historian type, came up with this plan. And Bush then actually dumped several military commanders that didn't fall in line. Ten year old child is being too kind John.

UPDATE #3 - This YouTube clip has most of the comments yet I can't help but wonder about Dick hiding off in the roses. Was he late? Did he have his shotgun stashed over there? I can imagine that even with Dubyah's low numbers the handlers didn't want Dead Eye anywhere up front yet to have him stashed off to the side seems even more of a negative.

Ted Little Gets Little From Lyman Ward yet ...

Alabama Senator Ted Little makes the T-town News today with revelations that he earns almost $6000 a year from Lyman Ward Military Academy and sponsors legislation where the state funds expenditures to this private school. This AP report discloses that Alabama has been providing some funding to Lyman Ward since 1914. Clearly the Senator has done nothing here that violates the ethics rules, and seriously it is a trivial amount, especially when compared to others up on Goat Hill cashing in.

However, I'm not sure about the State of Alabama funding a private institution. I'm aware that $250,000 is not that much in the budget yet it adds up. Most importantly, I know there are plenty of other organizations here in Alabama doing far more good the Lyman Ward that could surely use 250K per year. I understand LWMA is a non-profit effort yet the serious tuition paid by these parents, plus endowments and the like, ought to be what pays their bills. Peace ... or War!

UPDATE - April 5, 2007 - Mitch Sneed's reporting in today's Opelika-Auburn News is solid. He shares the fact that Lyman Ward gets more per pupil from the state than does Auburn or Opelika schools. Senator Little is solid in his reasoning that Camp Hill needs all the help she can get. I wish we could get to the bottom of things this quickly in some other areas. Tip of the tam to both the press and Senator Little for both doing their job.

Tip of the Tam ~ Governor Bob Riley

Damn straight Governor! Brett Blackledge reports, "Interim two-year college Chancellor Renee Culverhouse should welcome information from system employees about possible wrongdoing and she should release to the public as much of it as possible, Gov. Bob Riley said Monday." To fix our JuCo mess will require some serious leadership but what you've said is surely a good start. Dr. Culverhouse has perhaps shown she lacks the proper perspective to remain even as Interim Chancellor. Peace ... or War!

A Case of Misunderestimating George Bush?

Dick Cheney came to Alabama yesterday and managed to help raise $500,000 for Bu$hCo buddy Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III yet spent most of his talking time giving some red meat to the base. Dead Eye knows railing against Democrats is tried and true and of course there's really not much good he can say about either Dubyah or Jeffy B that anybody but "true believers" would accept. I've already scolded Dick for the Iraq related portion of his talk here. Regarding the Democrats plan to "force the President's hand", Cheney claimed,

"They're going to find out they've misread George W. Bush."

The image here is of a fellow that apparently "misread" George W. Bush. He's Matthew Dowd, a former Texas Democratic Party strategist that was seduced by the dark side in 1999. By 2004 he was named as the Bu$h campaign's chief strategist. Jim Rutenberg of the NYT gives us reporting based on an interview he recently had with Mr. Dowd. Indeed this guy has had a rough few years in his personal life yet I don't think we should completely discount what he has to offer. Having a son about to deploy to Iraq certainly gives him plenty of right to share his thoughts.

I noted Mr. Dowd was out in California working for the Governator while I was out there helping the other team. Wish I could have met him then to understand him more yet as an initial reaction I'm merely recalling my thoughts from back in the day, mostly in 1999 and 2000. I remember telling a niece that George W. Bush and Liddy Dole were attractive candidates back before the GOP field was known. He seemed truly somewhat moderate and I never thought Bu$h the Elder was a Reaganite, which was hardly something I wanted. Ms. Dole had her Red Cross background and I'd forgiven Bob Dole for his past attack dog style. I was doubtful I'd vote for the GOP candidate in that I was even then expecting Al Gore would likely be my choice. As the campaign started Dubyah and St. John McCain in fact both seemed tolerable since neither appeared to be total right wing nut jobs.

Then I started looking more closely at "Dubyah" and the situation in Texas. One thing I recall learning is that the Governor in Texas has rather limited power. Not a figurehead but not much better. Then I saw his record of failures in business, although far be it that I should throw the first stone. The Rangers deal was the only one he'd done well on and recall that he did that via taxpayers financing a stadium deal. May pay and a few profit ... he's really a Republican isn't he? Harvard MBA seemed more related to his legacy than capacity. Silver spoon and Skull and Bones and ... He was indeed more Shrub than Bush. We should have listened Molly ... and we miss you!

I was hardly comfortable with the GOP leadership in Congress yet thought some of the moderates up in DC might be able to do something with "a uniter not a divider". The debates sealed the deal for me as Gore simply destroyed him. The Bush/Cheney policy position had me nervous as well. I hate to admit it but Dick Cheny made me feel a little better. I knew he was rather extreme in some areas but fell for the Wyoming angle thinking maybe it was just some of that Mountain West contrariness. I recall thinking when the Veep debate was done that both Dead Eye and Loserman would be good for either of their Presidents.

Early on I was still smarting over the Florida recounts and especially how five conservative Supremes had "reasoned" their decision to stop counting votes. Al Gore courageously took one for the team and told us to stand down. So I did. What else could we do? I was upset over their NCLB and tax policy and ... yet after 9-11 felt like he might actually be able to handle things. How Afghanistan was approached seemed solid enough and yet very soon I lost any comfort with this administration. Seeing how theCongressional Republican "leadership" and Karl Rove and ... manipulated the "Global War on Terror" into political advantage still makes me sick. Then again, simply observing and reading Dubyah butchering the King's English reveals much. "Misunderestimated" is being all too kind.

I have admitted my shock and frustration with the 2004 election. I literally had to beak out the emergency Scotch at around 3:00 AM that next morning as I'd nodded off thinking Kerry had won, despite their dreadful campaign.

I know Mr. Dowd had a large role in keeping Bu$hCo in power. So shame on him! Shame on many in this administration from Condi Rice to ...! Politics and power have been the whole foundation of this foundationally flawed White House and their Rubber Stamp Congress. Many Americans "misread" George Bush so we'll all be dealing with those consequences for many years to come.

I'll at least have the pleasure of knowing that I only "misread" him for a brief period long before I cast my ballot. Peace ... or War!

Bu$hCo's EPA Narrowly Rebuked by Supremes

Dubyah's dynamic duo John Roberts and Samuel Alito joined Uncle Clarence and Antonin Scalia in the minority yet the Supreme Court blasted the EPA today. The WaPo's William Branigin reports, "In reaching its decision, the court's majority ruled that carbon dioxide and other emissions that trap heat in the earth's atmosphere fit the definition of "air pollutants" under the Clean Air Act and that the government thus has the authority to regulate them." Power to the People, and Peace ... or War!

Senator Feingold Seeks Open, Honest Iraq Debate

Senator Feingold, as part of introducing legislation to require the president to begin safely redeploying U.S. troops out of Iraq in 120 days, with redeployment to be completed by March 31, 2008, appears in Salon today. RDF closes with

The debate about the Iraq war is the most important, and the most difficult, issue we face as a country. Any American, including any member of Congress, is entitled to support or oppose Congress' using its constitutional power to end our involvement in this disastrous war. But, in contrast to the 1993 debate about Somalia, today some wrongly suggest that ending funding for the Iraq war is tantamount to ending funding for the troops. That misleading argument makes it harder to have the thoughtful, responsible debate about the war that Congress and the American people so badly need.

Now is no time for phony arguments against ending funding for the Iraq war. There may be big differences between the military missions in Somalia and Iraq, but Congress' constitutional power to end a military mission hasn't changed, and neither has the fact that this power can be used without jeopardizing the safety of U.S. troops. As Congress debates Iraq -- and considers the new Feingold-Reid legislation -- we should remember Somalia, put false arguments aside, and have an open, honest debate about a war that drags on with no end in sight.

Makes sense to me, as does everything from Russ Feingold. Peace ... or War!

Outlander of the Day ~ Dick Cheney

Dead Eye Dick came to Birmingham today to help Bu$hCo BFF Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III raise half a million. Chump Change for these Big Mules yet not a bad day.

Dick's official transcript was provided by The White House. Portions of what he said are as follows:

... Now the Democrats in Congress are working another angle to undercut General Petraeus and the troops. ...

The House bill also mandates that by March 1 of next year, American forces would begin a retreat -- with no regard whatsoever for actual conditions on the ground in Iraq. This action by the House of Representatives is irresponsible, and it sends exactly the wrong message to our enemy. When members of Congress speak not of victory but of time limits, deadlines, or other arbitrary measures, they're telling the enemy to simply watch the clock and wait us out. It's time the self-appointed strategists on Capitol Hill understood a very simple concept: You cannot win a war if you tell the enemy when you're going to quit.

In the Senate, as well, Democrats have passed another bad piece of legislation -- over the strong objections, I might add, of Alabama's two senators. Like the House, the Senate has set an arbitrary deadline for withdrawal. ...

The reality is that, if our coalition withdrew before Iraqis could defend themselves, radical factions would battle for dominance of the country. The violence could spread throughout the country, and be very difficult to contain. Having tasted victory in Iraq, jihadists would look for new missions. Many would head for Afghanistan and fight alongside the Taliban. Others would set out for capitals across the Middle East, spreading more sorrow and discord as they eliminate dissenters and work to undermine moderate governments. Still others could find their targets and victims in other countries on other continents. ...

We can be confident in the outcome of this struggle. America is a good and an honorable country. We serve a cause that is right, and a cause that gives hope to the oppressed in every corner of this earth. We're the kind of country that fights for freedom, and the men and women in that fight are some of the bravest citizens this nation has ever produced. The only way for us to lose is to quit. But that's not an option. We will complete the mission, and we will prevail. ...

Not even addressing the fact several Republicans voted with those on "the left", I guess Dick didn't catch Andrea Mitchell reporting that General Petraeus has been meeting with Republicans and them telling him they'll give Bu$hCo until this August or September. Even the "Defeatocrats" let y'all have until 2008 Dick.

Only way to lose is to quit? Do you really expect anyone to believe one damn thing you claim? Last throes Dick? Where's the WMD? What coalition? Enormous success story? You guys couldn't even bother with post-conflict planning beyond making sure the ideologues got their place at the table.

They'll go to Afghanistan? Might find it wide open since you and Dubyah pulled troops from there to invade Iraq? Of course they'll likely find Pakistan friendlier territory. Of course our "ally" Pervez Musharraf is truly a friend of our "a cause that is right. About those "moderate governments", how many of those are democracies Dick? We're spreading what exactly? I know what you are spreading but using the blood and treasure of ours and theirs is just plain criminal.

Once again, very few, if any, "jihadist" were in Iraq until after your war of choice based on mistakes and/or lies was started. How many more lives Dick? How much more money? Bu$hCo can't even provide solid care for our wounded yet you want to talk about "winning"? How much damage will you do to what was once perhaps at least arguably our generally good and honorable country? All but yourtrue believers know Bu$hCo had squandered the good will of the world extended to us after 9-11. This administration will be be looked at as the worst ever but "if only"and "opportunity lost" will be common themes.

I've avoided even touching your lies regarding the GOP tax cuts and other foolishness you and yours have brought us. Feeding your GOP garbage might work for this true believer base yet the rest of us know you're full of it. Of course choosing a friendly forum to shill their swill is classic Bu$hCo. Finally, you were able to work the talking points and at the same time raise some money for one of the major apologist for your White House. About the only thing you guys get right is the politics. Peace ... or War!

T-town News ~ Proposed school legislation is wrong

Pictured to the left is Florida's young gun Tim Tebow. This rascal is a seriously talented QB that was home schooled yet played sports at a public school. Alabama might be at the bottom in many areas yet this can't be tolerated as to football. So some pols up on Goat Hill got to work and came up with several proposals to allow kids that are home schooled or attending private schools to participate in extra-curricular activities at public schools, one bill being dubbed the "Tim Tebow Act".

The Tuscaloosa News thinks all are a bad idea, as do I. The money quote is, "Parents make a choice to keep their children out of public schools; any lack of extracurricular enrichment comes with the territory." The link to Florida Baptist Witness reveals how the Tebow family got an apartment, presumably in a location where the football program was already solid, so one could also fear some shopping about, especially by the more affluent parents. Also, if I'm a kid involved in the academics of a school I'm not so sure I'd want to have a stud or studette come in just for sports, band, debate team, etc. As an educator, I generally believe the collective good of the school is best served by not allowing interlopers, even big, fast, smart kids with a cannon arm, to drop in for the fun stuff.

This "Gator Hater" talking up Florida and agreeing with something out of Tuskerlooser ... Who'd have thunk it. Still, tonight I'll be pulling for Billy the Kid and his hoopsters. Figure this might be his last Florida game as the Kentucky job is his if he wants it. Alabama got their man and UK will likely get theirs. Peace ... or War!

A blast from the past answers "Why do I blog?"

Yesterday I was cleaning out some old files, from a teaching job I left two years ago. I found David Sirota's The Democrat's Da Vinci Code. In those days of shock, regret, and anger after the Kerry defeat, I had printed off this piece. I read it over and over as a way to try to get past Bu$hCo staying put. I shared an email and link with some of my few lefty friends since I though so much of what David wrote made perfect sense plus it gave us a way to look forward.

I also shared with my Bu$h loving buddy there at that school. She and I had a running friendly feud so I thought she might appreciate. Not sure she read from start to end, since like her hero she's not much for reading and details, yet I do recall her saying it made some sense to her ... and then getting in another body blow. Heifer!

So why do if blog? My blog lets folks come to me. "Build it, and they will come." might apply? I have had a few visitors from Europe and Asia and Canada and ... which is real exciting for this country boy. Not much traffic and yet I get to suggest a point of view, inform, share, encourage, lament, weep and gnash my teeth, encourage, scold ... without spamming friends with an email. The blogging is also a creative release. I told several folks I worked with in the fall on that Congressional campaign that I felt so uninformed during that period. Being so busy was the main cause yet the process of posting requires one to seek out information.

And about that seeking ... David Sirota's been a real treasure for me. His Hostile Takeover angle is one of my favorite ways of looking at how government, especially but not exclusively the GOP's version of government, frequently lets regular folks down while almost always taking care of the Big Mules.. I've linked to him often and there are also other super sharp thinkers/writers that I regularly read. I'm so much more informed and aware now. Seek and you shall find?

So why do I blog? Mostly because it makes me a better person. I also appreciate the feedback, excepting of course when my family is displeased and I thus wind up in their collective doghouse. Peace ... or War!

Governor Riley, What about your "The Right Track"?

In today's B'ham News, Lori Chandler reports Alabama is backing up according to the latest New Economy Index study "which measures how well states are transitioning from a manufacturing to a more high-tech economy with more white-collar, well-educated workers". This study is administered by the nonprofit Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology and Innovative Foundation. Their actual 2007 report plus more information explaining the rankings is available here. Ranking 44th in 1999, then 45th in 2002, Alabama is at 46th now.

Perhaps Bob Riley might have been merely in campaign mode with his "right track" PR effort? Now I'll give the Governor some credit and accept it could be a whole lot worse. He's no Fumbling Fob or Goofy Guy for instance! I'll also agree The Don let us down, although this most recent DOJ scandal (You USAs better prosecute Democrats or else!) does makes a fellow ponder.

Still, Governor Riley and perhaps most of Alabama's leaders, on either side of the aisle likely, have hardly made the leap we'll need to change these numbers. Just our JuCo scandals (note the plural as here's just today's outrage) show the sorry state of this state! Ever since George Wallace built the JuCo system, largely for patronage purposes I'd argue, perhaps we were doomed yet few "leaders" have attempted to remedy the situation. A good number have been working both ends or otherwise distracted or ignorant or ...

With NCLB stil on the books and Bu$hCo in office, plus the budget woes due to the GOP's fat cat tax policy and their Iraq fiasco, true progress in education and other critical areas is likely going to be left up to the various states. Can anyone imagine our current crop of legislators will be able to do much? Sure, there are a few down there on Goat Hill that might step up to the plate yet the majority are hardly what I'd describe as courageous innovators. Are many, some might ask any, proud Progressives or even Populists? We've certainly got a good dose of Conservatives and others that are fully or mostly controlled by special interests. We also know that plenty of clearly needed reforms have stalled out once the Big Mules brayed their objections.

Also, what about continued change and the fact that Brazil, Russia, China, India ... will continue to make strides? While I'm hoping "fair trade" will soon replace "free trade" as the dominant frame, globalization is forcing even the middle class to start to ponder the future. David Sirota's idea that we'll perhaps soon have populism becoming more acceptable as the middle class continues to get pinched is rather related to the future facing Alabama and our nation.

Finally, ever the partisan, I couldn't help but notice the states ranking at the top tend to be Democratic Party strongholds yet I'll also admit that wealth, education, history, etc. have much to do with their rankings. Peace ... or War!

An "Amen!" to Alabama League of Women Voters

The Alabama League of Women Voters appears in today's B'ham News opinion section with "Appoint judges, vote to retain". I've posted previously on this reform, mostly often referencing the Alabama State Bar's suggested method. Another reason to call Montgomery y'all Alabama Plaidsters! As good a chance now as ever since perhaps all but the most hardened GOP operatives, even here in Red State Alabama, could figure their brand is a touch tarnished from Bu$hCo. Also, with Judge Cobb whipping Judge Nabors (due in part from the GOP's Chief Justice candidates getting all nasty with other and that wonderful political ad) the GOP powers might accept that they've not got the lock they might have thought on the Appellate Courts. Also, thanks to Reverend Roy and Tacky Tom plenty of regular folks might agree this reform is long, long overdue. Peace ... or War!

MLB ~ Opening Day so ... Go Braves!

To the left is Auburn native Joe Beckwith. I can vouch personally for his wicked curve. I had the honor of catching him when I was helping with the AU baseball team in early 1985. I think Joe was buddies with Coach Hal Baird from their time in KC so he'd drop by and throw some in the winter. If the players were busy I'd help loosen him up. There were many passed balls yet I enjoyed. My knees were never such that I could play catcher but I'd have chosen backstop over any other slot. Opening Day, or I guess more accurately "Opening Night", has the Mets and Cards squaring off. I must pull for Tony and the Redbirds as that will help Atlanta yet both clubs will give us trouble all year. Prediction ... Back to the playoffs this year yet it will be barely so. Go Braves!

Does Ted Kennedy have a drinking problem?

In today's Anniston Star, we are able to read Ted Kennedy using language such as "retreat to mediocrity", "standards, assessments and accountability procedures", "ensure that students have the knowledge and skills necessary for today's knowledge-based global economy", "highly qualified teacher", "struggling schools" ... when he urges the renewal of No Child Left Behind. Somebody please tell Senator Kennedy to stop drinking the kool-aid.

Seriously, some of what the Senator writes is correct and appropriate yet I still think that he, Representative George Miller, and the balance of those on the left that supported NCLB pretty much got played. I have long believed that NCLB was the final hope for some on the radical right to kill off public education. Alternatively, or perhaps additionally, it provided a grand way to make some money for some of the swells. Yes, Senator Kennedy, the funding promised never came and given how dreadfully the deficit has grown under Bu$hCo I'd not hold my breath to see much coming even if and when the GOP is fully a minority party.

I've posted on education and/or NCLB several times so will not try to explain my views in relation to those efforts beyond linking to here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here ... To try to respond briefly to Senator Kennedy, here goes. Yes, the federal gov't should be involved by generous funding, especially in some of the poorer states like my Alabama. I personally think some broad national standards might be wise yet let's be careful by relying on simple standardized testing as that could be the one and only focus for some dreadful schools and/or teachers.

Senator Kennedy wrote, "We need to strengthen our academic standards and assessment methods to ensure that students have the knowledge and skills necessary for today's knowledge-based global economy." So we get this by testing simple recall? Standardized testing is fine for some limited purposes and in some subjects yet NCLB, thus most every public school, especially those serving the truly challenging students, essentially forces teachers to focus on those simple matters that can be measured. And this results in some things that are really important being ignored or at least minimized to the point of no positive result. Taking time to think takes away from the "canned and scanned" we get from "accountablity". The global, knowledge-based economy is going to require thinkers not test takers! Winners in the 21st century are going to need to be able to work with fluid, often copious amounts of information, rather than being able to recall one damn fact after the other. Isn't this rather certain? Tell me where I'm wrong please if you think I'm wrong.

Senator Kennedy also write, "Researchers agree that teacher quality is the most important factor affecting student achievement. Good teachers can make all the difference in closing achievement gaps for low-income and minority students. The same research also shows, however, that our most at-risk students are often taught by the least prepared, least experienced and least qualified teachers.". NCLB had frustrated pretty much every teacher I know and I'll argue the especially creative and passionate teachers find this "accountability on steroids" so frustrating that they often walk away. Those bureaucrat types that might wind up in "leadership" these days might like the legislation however I've found some I've known often lacking in "leadership". Again, if I'm wrong help me understand a better way.

Heck of a job Teddy! Peace ... or War!

Outlander of the Day ~ Barbara Comstock

When your G'ma turns down the sound when you are on the tube that's a good indication a person might be needing a "course correction". I thought the piece rather kind, but John Mintz labeled his 2001 WaPo article on Barbara Comstock One-Woman Wrecking Crew Targets Democratic Leaders : Meticulous Comstock Helps RNC Skewer the Opposition. He's the one that tells about poor G'ma. I feel your pain as most of my family has also embraced the dark side.

After studying up and learning more about Ms. Comstock, Jane Hamsher of FDL needed a shower. I'm heading that way myself but the reason for looking toward today's Outlander is that perhaps Monica Goodling's "mojo" comes from Ms. Comstock rather than from Karl Rove. I figure these GOP operative types are pretty much joined together, sorta like Scooter Libby's aspen roots. Peace ... or War!