Outlanders of the Day ~ Richard Viguerie and ...

How in the world does Philip Rucker cover the scandals of Roger Chapin's various veterans charities and not mention that Richard Viguerie is a movement conservative that also likes some profiteering with his pandering? I was profoundly shocked that his decades of work for the right didn't merit some ink.

Richard Viguerie is known as the "funding father" of the conservative movement with "direct mail" being his foundation. To make some money and get out the message is killing two birds with one stamp. His Conservative HQ also seems worth noting.

Viguerie is part of this wicked web woven on the veterans charities scandals yet he's also helping Ron Paul out. Paul, long against the invasion of Iraq from his libertarian post inside the GOP, getting Viguerie's support, after Richard has pocketed earning via the Vets, seems a touch twisted.

I also like how Forbes has covered this story. Charitable Taking by William P. Barrett was well written and helped calm me down a touch over former Army General Tommy Franks "earning" 100K from at least one of Chapin's groups. At least General Franks appears to have wiggled away from further involvement. Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Arthur F. (Chip) Diehl III was cashing Chapin checks of Five Grand per month for "consultation and development" as well. I'm hardly a Tommy Franks fan, even naming him as one of my April Fools back in 2006, as he and Rummy and ... helped Bu$hCo goof up pretty much everything they touched in their adventurism in Iraq. He's shown that he is not a complete conservative tool now that he's left the service but his profiteering seems rather shameless. The "paid patriots" movement is another topic for another day perhaps?

Here's hoping the press and politicians will keep pressing for answers as to Chapin and Viguerie and ... yet I do want them to connect the dots and provide better context. P/W

UPDATE ~ January 20, 2008 - I found an email from this joker in my inbox just today. I'd never subscribed to his effort and suppose he vacuumed that address up somehow. I went through the unsubscribe effort yet wanted to drop a nasty comment over his approach in the process. No such luck.

Agreeing with API's Gary Palmer ... Nevermind

I had a bit of a fright in finding and then doing a quick read of Gary Palmer of the Alabama Policy Institute in my hometown Randolph Leader. I've posted on API several times over the years yet their Michael Ciamarra has been a favorite shill to scold. The title Palmer: State's children cheated by unreliable standards had me initially thinking Gary had seen the light over "accountability" measured by high stakes testing. Had he bitten the hands that feed him? Of course not.

Gary is frustrated with some systems fudging the numbers. And he should be. Yet he and his helped bring us No Child Left Behind. Did Gary mention how Bu$hCo's original Department of Education leader Rod Paige had fudged the numbers of the Texas Miracle that got us in this mess? Or dare he mention Paige's profiteering? Nope. Did he offer up that these damnable tests only measure low level learning rather than if a student was taught to think, or marshall evidence, or search for information, or ...? Nope.

The end of the piece had the Alabama Policy Institute identified as "a non-partisan, non-profit research and education organization dedicated to the preservation of free markets, limited government and strong families." Non-partisan? Hardly. Part of the right wing "think tank" or "policy shop" efforts to create seemingly legitimate information and then get the message out to the masses, API is funded by some of the usual suspects like the Bradley money. Note the Jaquelin Hume Foundation as well. They are so "free" market oriented that their Foundation for Teaching Economics will use Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement to then let the markets with their incentive get some credit for ending discrimination. The Hume family also helped take Ronald Reagan from a b-list movie actor to Governor of California and then the White House. Then they helped The Gipper with the Citizens for America outfit that Black Jack Abramoff later was to lead. Nasty bunch with their funneling money to the Contras among their dastardly deeds.

What an opportunity to go after Gary Palmer's API and this radicalism that has become mainstream yet I actually did think for a moment I'd find common cause with Gary. Shame on me. P/W

Another Southern Baptist Nutjob ~ Al Mohler

In line to be President of the Southern Baptist Convention if the Baptists head back to the dark side, and I, like James Evans, hope he's doomed, Al Mohler is finding fault with in-vitro fertilization. Hell, I thought you were frustrated with couples that weren't procreating. Damned if you do and damned if you don't Al? I named him an "Outlander of the Day" back in March for his "is your baby gay" goofiness. I'll certainly not buy his recent book yet I'd like to get a look at his "reasoning". Al is even on the internets and I'm for one hoping we'll hear from him on the 2008 elections. P/W

Outlanders of the Day ~ Mike Huckabee and ...

I previously posted on Huck signing off in 1998 on the wives should submit foolishness of the Southern Baptist Convention yet I note he's now fudging on what that doctrine means. The Huckster and his handlers will try to finesse this really dumb move now but folks like Richard Land and others might be perfectly willing to turn on him if it will stop his populist rhetoric. Some on the right worry Huck will put his Christianity before their Corporatism. P/W

Fumbling Fob's son Tim James to run for Governor of Alabama in 2010

There's Fumbling Fob James right there to the left. As an aside, my father played football for Fob's father down in the Valley before getting old enough to do his part in WWII. I also recall back in sixth grade debating on behalf of Bill Baxley when he and Fob squared off. Fob of course went on to win and I've been bitter ever since. I also recall bumper stickers reminding us of Fob's last day in office during his first term.

Fob was back in the saddle in 1994, finally able to admit he was a Republican. Fob was a total nut job. Chain gangs, picking fights with civil libertarians, threatening to call out the National Guard to defend Roy Moore's Ten Commandments, ... Fob's bride Bobbie was likewise geared oddly. When you come across as extreme in Alabama for your "Christianity" you know you're extreme.

Apparently young Tim is going after the Roy Moore vote come 2010. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree also in Tim's hostility to teachers. He thinks adding 20% to the Education Trust Fund wouldn't make a difference in test scores. I'll avoid going after the idea that test scores measure learning. So having the ability to cut class sizes wouldn't influence results? His plan for controlling government by cutting off the money shows how he's bent. Again, how can a person get elected to make government work when they think government is the problem? P/W

Highlanders of the Day ~ Olivia Murphy and family

Olivia Murphy and her twin Isabella are pictured to the left. Their parents allowed research to proceed while Olivia was being treated for childhood Leukaemia. "Olivia's blood stem cells carried a second defect, a missing gene, that switched the cells from a "pre-leukaemia" state into full-blown leukaemia." Because of the Murphy's, gift screening, and perhaps even preventative treatments, can be attempted. There's more work for certain yet this is a major step. This fine British family is surely due our thanks. P/W

If AWOL it's because I'm drinking liberally

I may try to attend DL up at Tacoma's Meconi's Pub tomorrow so perhaps no or light posting. Starts at 1900 and runs until ... Meconi's looks like lovely place to toss back a pint or two or ... yet I've a five mile run on Thursday morn. P/W

UPDATE - Evening of January 17, 2008 - Indeed I did make the scene last night. I met some super nice folks and tossed down a few pints of Jolly Roger Christmas Ale from Maritime Pacific Brewing Company. I'll certainly return and look forward to attending the Olympia Drinking Liberally as well.

Mike Huckabee - Knows God ... and Chuck Norris

Amend our Constitution to bring to God's standards? Huh? A tip of the tam to David Edwards and Muriel Kane for the story. P/W

Outlanders of the Day - Mobile Press-Register

To the left you'll see David Brennan of White Hat Management. He's been to Alabama before in fact and that's where he first put on the "good guy" label. Perhaps they've had enough of him up in Cleveland? As an invitation of sorts maybe to folks like "the man in the white hat", today's Mobile Press-Register, likely the most conservative of Alabama's right leaning papers owned by the Newhouse family, offered an editorial seeking school vouchers as a "reform".

They write, "Instead of limiting their ambition to expanding the highly successful pre-K program, Gov. Riley and school reform advocates also should aim to bring the preschool model to the K-12 system."

I'm somewhat lost. Why? I suspect somebody got a press release and ran with the BS. Or maybe they feel obligated to run with some wingnut wish list ideas at least every few days?

The MPR folks ask if "the excellence of pre-K" programs in Alabama is from "competition and parental choice" provided by a blend of "federal Head Start centers, public schools, private child-care centers and churches" where "parents can choose the program, public or private, they think is best for their children". I'm not so sure the National Institute for Early Education Research, an organization they've actually mentioned in their writing, goes so far as to suggest the blend is nearly so "choice" oriented. Their report is here.

Rethinking Schools is a good place to start on understanding vouchers. EdWeek also has some good material. I've previously posted on Bu$hCo's DOE trying to bury research that suggests public schools do as good or perhaps even better than "charter" schools once poverty is accounted for. I've railed against "accountability" here and NCLB here.

The MPR Editorial ending is "A more entrepreneurial approach could lift the K-12 schools to the heights already achieved by the state's innovative preschool program.." yet they haven't convinced me of squat from either their confusing "writing". They've bent, broken, twisted ... much and yet I fear some will buy into the argument. Where is the solid research that shows "Milwaukee and Cleveland are proving that competition can work in K-12 education"? I'd love you to explain.

Finally, I'm truly in a lather about privatizing and neo-liberalism and Friedmanism and ... from reading Naomi Klein as of late. I'm angry as I've been in some time and yet I'm thrilled to have a new understanding. More to learn and then to apply. So look out MPR, I'm getting schooled up. P/W

W heads East: Don't send a boy to do a man's job!

Daryl Cagle provides the image. McLatchy's Hannah Allam reports on yesterday's efforts by Dubyah with Bush Mideast speech draws cool response.

One portion of the Allam piece reads: "... Bush left out key facts that would have offered a messier — and more true-to-life — portrait of the modern Middle East." Dubyah leaving out key facts? I'm shocked, shocked.

Chris Hedges of TruthDig provides more analysis of Bu$hCo trip into Southwest Asia. He closes with:

It is the end of the road for George Bush. The world takes less and less notice of him. He strutted and swaggered across the stage. He bellowed and raged. He plundered and murdered. And now he wants to be anointed as a peacemaker. His presidency, like his life, has been a tragic waste. But he at least he has a life. There are tens of thousands of mute graves in Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan that stand as stark testaments to his true legacy. If he wants to redeem his time in office he should kneel before one and ask for forgiveness.

Strong words and yet I think they apply. Worst administration ever! P/W

Outlanders of the Day ~ The World Bank

Daniel Howden of The Independent reports World Bank pledges to save trees... then helps cut down Amazon forest: A month ago it vowed to fight deforestation. Now research reveals it funds the rainforest's biggest threat. I'm about half way through Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine, and I, like these folks, have much good to say about her work. The World Bank has lots of 'splaining to do about this and plenty else. P/W

Highlanders of the Day ~ Rickey Johnson and the Innocence Project

After over a quarter of a century in Louisiana prisons for a rape he did not commit, Rickey Johnson was freed today thanks to DNA evidence obtained through the advocacy of the Innocence Project. Counselor Vanessa Potkin reminds us of others there in Louisiana that are also awaiting DNA testing. I'll remind you again of Alabama's own Tommy Lee Arthur. P/W

AWOL - Blame it on Tom, Julia, and Phillip

Sunday was a rare sunny day around Puget Sound and I'll admit that being out and about was better than posting. I saw Charlie Wilson's War and really enjoyed the film. I'd read up on some of the truth behind the movie/book via Larry Johnson's No Quarter. A clever film with great actors and a relevant history to our messes today. I graduated from high school in '84 and then Auburn in '87 so I enjoyed seeing how back in the day was presented. P/W

Barbara Ehrenreich ~ Recession ... Who Cares?

Via HuffPo I found Barbara Ehrenreich's recent thoughts on the looming recession. She closed with some words that I'll share below. Barbara Ehrenreich is a writer that I really need to read. Her work on the realities of working in today's wealth for the few economy is superb. Again, so many tasks and so little time. She wrote:

... the mantra of growth has deceived us for far too long. What it translates into is: Don't worry about the relative size of your slice, just concentrate on growing the pie! Now, with a recession threatening even more suffering for those who are already struggling, may be the perfect time to get out the pie-cutter again. Too bad that the one leading Democratic candidate who promises to do so now appears to be on the ropes."

I'm hoping John Edwards isn't on the ropes yet I do fear he has a long row to hoe to get the nomination. Her thoughts tie in nicely with some of what Naomi Klein examines on the power of the multinationals to drive profits through the roof despite what it does to the little guy. P/W

Mike Huckabee and Save Our Nation's Jay Cole

I stumbled across Jay Cole's Save Our Nation in connection with the pardon of Wayne Dumond by then Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Tristero via Digby's Hullabaloo has collected plenty on the pardon, plus other facets of Huckabee's long, strange trip. The Murray Waas reporting on the Dumond pardon from way back in the day is classic investigative journalism.

Running a search on the internets via the Google sent me to yesterday's Washington Monthly piece The Real Mike Huckabee by Max Blumenthal. Some scary stuff here folks, especially if Mr. Cole is actually BFF with Huck. If in fact Mr. Cole is such good friends with the Huckster then the saying of "with friends like these ..." surely applies. The same goes for another Huck backer named John Hagee, another wingnut I've posted on before. Sheesh!

I'll be interested in how Huck's handlers handle Hagee and Mr. Cole and ... P/W

Will "Generation Next" step up to the plate?

The Pew Research Center's A Portrait of "Generation Next": How Young People View Their Lives, Futures and Politics effort will likely be an interesting read. I'm saving and will try to follow up on as able. I missed the PBS series on "Generation Next" as well from which I borrowed our image and will need to try to view as able. So many tasks and so little time. I worry that these kids will be consumed by the market and other distractions rather than getting engaged or even merely marginally informed. P/W

Highlander of the Day ~ Donna Edwards

Donna Edwards is I hope on the verge of beating Albert Wynn in Maryland's 4th Congressional District Primary on the 12th of February. She's clearly the Progressive in this race. Show her some love if you've got some spare change about your place. FDL, Kos, Matt Stoller, MoveOn, .... have all been trying to help her. Electing true Progressives will go a long way toward restoring the Democratic Party to a position where the DINOs can't derail real reforms. P/W

Outlander of the Day ~ Phyllis Schlafly

I'll not hand a tip of the tam to the B'ham News for scolding JeffCo's Commissioners for handing Eagle Forum 15K as they say no non-profit with a political agenda can provide educational services. That seems to be painting with too broad a brush to suit me. However, they do point out the bizarre beliefs of folks like Miss Phyllis and her Eagle Forum.

I recall way back in the early eighties listening to Schlafly and other wingnuts when I lived with a sister in South Alabama where "christian conservative" radio had gained an early foothold. Even as a mere pup I was uncomfortable with their "morality" yet Phyllis seemed especially extreme.

I'd missed her response to the Virginia Tech massacres where she asked "why taxpayers are paying professors at Virginia Tech to teach worthless and psychologically destructive courses" as she went after Nikki Giovanni and other academics toiling at VT. University is about stretching minds you twit! And taking this tragedy to spin out your anti-modernity views seems like especially poor form. Then again, it's "movement conservatism" so they are always on offense.

I also found it ironic that Phyllis is going after the World Trade Organization when I opened up Eagle Forum today when reactionaries and operatives like her have managed to keep the GOP in power for so long. The corporatists have kept their folks in DC and many states by letting you and yours rally the base around various distractions like same sex marriage and abortion and ... Y'all are in no position to complain now Phyllis.

I located this useful examination of Phyllis Schlafly by Abby Scher in the context of a review of Donald T. Critchlow's Phyllis Schlafly and Grassroots Conservatism: A Woman's Crusade. If time and circumstances would ever allow I'd enjoy reading this work as I expect there's plenty to learn. P/W

Outlander of the Day ~ Mike Huckabee

Kevin Drum describes Mike Huckabee's "flat tax" proposal while going after Rudy G for outpandering the Huckster. He writes:

Mike Huckabee currently has the loopiest tax proposal on the table, a 30% national sales tax that he supports because he read a book about it once and thought it sounded kinda neat. It's unworkable, hugely regressive, wouldn't raise half the money Huckabee thinks it would, and would create an underground economy so massive it would make the old Soviet Union look efficient.

And we can't leave off Huck's use of Common Sense Issues to engage in massive push polling in various states about to have their primaries. Add to the fundy take on evolution and the like and Mike's looking like just another wingnut. P/W

Highlander of the Day ~ Mike Huckabee

David Sirota and then Eli via FireDogLake have much to offer on the GOP's reactions to the Huckster. I've gone after Mike Huckabee, mostly for putting the fun back in fundamentalism, yet I've also admitted I sorta kinda like the guy. Many of his policies, especially that foolishness know as the "flat tax", are flawed in my view. David and Eli nail the fact the GOP is terrified that their "flyover strategy" of tricking many evangelicals and "values voters" into voting for the corporate candidate is about to get derailed. Then again, the fat cats can always fall back on Obama and Hillary should Mitt or perhaps even St. John McCain not be able to handle Huck. P/W

Dealing and Wheeling from the Big Johnson

Roy Johnson of Alabama JuCo infamy was the consummate politician and the fact that he was able to rise to lead the two year system as Chancellor is an indictment of the whole state. His hiring of Susan Whaley Salatto to head Southern Union State Community College has now been revealed by Desiree Hunter of the AP to have apparently been at least partly about power and protection. I questioned this hiring a good year and a half ago. That Southern Union academics/employees had their papers and desks searched at night is outrageous. That Big Johnson threatened them is likewise so. There are some high quality folks in the school that could fix this mess and if they aren't inclined to take the lead here's hoping the Board will bring in top drawer talent to get The Onion back on track. P/W

Highlander of the Day ~ Alabama Two Year College Chancellor Bradley Byrne

Chancellor Bradley Byrne is kicking butt and taking names. Today's name is Susan Whaley Salatto, long associated with and now the suspended and about to be fired President of Southern Union Community College. Tin Shop Tartan commented on her hiring way back when.

From news yesterday that Roanoke Mayor Spec Bonner was indicted to getting a call from back East over Susan being told to clean out her desk, I'm starting to wonder what the heck is going on back home. I leave and the powers that be find themselves in the doghouse. Even though I've locked horns with Spec at least once before, I hate he and his have trouble. I've long thought Spec was in the wrong based on what I understood about the Condy/ALCOTE deal but figured it was more about his being contrary than criminal. Here's hoping that Chancellor Byrne is not finished cleaning up the Alabama JuCos. P/W

Mr. President, About those missing emails ...

MoJo's Nick Baumann brings us up to speed on the missing emails from Bu$hCo. Justine Redman of CNN also provides good coverage of District Magistrate John Facciola's order to start 'splaining. Bu$hCo will try to run out the clock until January of 2009 or perhaps even to November of 2008. I only hope the press will press the White House. P/W

Outlander of the Day ~ Congressman Ron Paul

I've somewhat enjoyed having Ron Paul in the GOP race as his allegedly Libertarian views are ones that at times I'm sympathetic to. Also, given the talent and reliable reliance on time tested talking points of the other candidates in the GOP race it has been nice to have Paul in the mix. I am however most intolerant of intolerance. David Neiwart builds off the work of Jamie Kirchick at The New Republic to reveal plenty about Texas Congressman Ron Paul's past and present. I'll save going after the Ludwig von Mises Institute, a libertarian think tank based in my very own Auburn, Alabama, for another day. An earlier post of David's is even more frightening. I'm thinking, or at least hoping, the average Paul pal isn't a right wing racist yet once they become aware of all of this foolishness I'm not sure they ought to continue their support. P/W

Speaking Ill of the Dead ... and the Dumb

There's Dubyah on the left and Milton Friedman on the right. Milton left this earth in late 2006. I'm thinking he didn't have to wait in line if there's a hell given the death and destruction his economic policies caused. This is especially so in places like the Southern Cone, Indonesia, ... And dare I write Iraq?

A report came out today on research that indicates 150,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed as Iraq has been "freed". Here's some language in the WaPo/MSNBC reporting of Thomas Ricks and Karen DeYoung that I noted:

The U.S. occupation authority initially envisioned a free-market paradise for Iraq, with flat taxes and a state-of-the-art stock exchange. Its successors lowered their expectations, seeking a westernized, relatively corruption-free system, gently trying to wrest the economy away from state ownership.

My reading of Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine continues. This book is AMAZING! More to follow as time allows. And I'll be dogging on Uncle Milton and his disciples plenty more. And Bu$hCo will get their share as well. P/W

Highlander of the Day ~ Rachel Maddow

A tip of the tam is due Rachel Maddow for calling Tweety out right there on MSNBC. I suppose this and this might be the "they" blaming Chris Matthews yet the Crazy Uncle post might also be relevant. Tweety is becoming a total loon and I've essentially grown unable to stomach watching him. Rachel's work is being noticed more and more. She's a true talent on the left. P/W
UPDATE - 2132 ... This SusanUnPC post on Larry Johnson's No Quarter also takes a look at Amanda Marcotte's reaction to John Edwards' campaigning (and campaigning is I think the right word) by raising strength and all that sort of stuff. He's in a fight and I'll cut him some slack. I hear what Amanda is saying but I'm hardly leaving the Edwards camp even if he was being somewhat sexist. He's heading South and West and needs a win. His record and positions are too strong to not give him a break I'd argue. I also was touched by Ms. Clinton's emotions and intelligence. She's been my second choice of the current candidates and this "emotional moment" makes that even more certain.
UPDATE - January 10, 2007 - Froma Harrop's comments in the Anniston Star adds to my understanding of the above.

Outlander of the Day ~ B'ham's Bettye Fine Collins

Jefferson County Commission's President Bettye Fine Collins will get teh lead but lets not leave off Commissioners Jim Carns, Bobby Humphryes and George Bowman for voting to hand $15,000 to
Eagle Forum of Alabama. This outfit is part of the national Eagle Forum, spawned by the lovely Phyllis Schlafly, one of the original movement conservatives, yet I'll get around to ranting about the group later.

This spending is just after Jefferson County had to carve off $18 million via vacancies, $5 million in cultural arts funding and $4 million from overtime limits as they were upside down $30 million. Now I understand the money is coming from $10,000 from Carns' district funds and $5,000 from Collins' yet damned if I'm not shocked. Fifteen grand is a drop in the bucket but this seems like especially poor form.

"Conservatives" that they are you'd think they'd use the money in other ways, or just hand over for general uses if it would be lost, but then again the walk is often different from the talk. Jim Carns' website actually has the following language ... "Staunch conservative, relentlessly pushing for accountable, fiscally responsible government." Huh? They've simply got to advance the agenda don't they. 24/7 ... it's often all about spreading their gospel of "family values and "free markets" and the like it seems.

The plan is to have Eagle Forum of Alabama "host a forum next month on global warming, immigration, education policy and other politically charged topics" per Barnett Wright's reporting. I noted that Eagle Forum of Alabama's position on "environmentalism" is

We respect all God's creation and His created order.
We acknowledge God's mandate that man has dominion over the earth.
We oppose attempts to restrict private property and national sovereignty through pseudo science.

Wow! Reckon how EFA will handle climate change? Watch out brown people if immigration is discussed. Education policy for the Eagles seems to be about abstinence education, teacher union bashing, and actually killing off the federal involvement in education back in the 80s. These days it might involve vouchers and "standards" with "accountability" but that is perhaps means and ends. Any separation of church and state issues here? Will Eagle Forum invite alternative authorities or is this just going to be their party? I see the list of elected officials is from the GOP. Then again few Alabama Democratic party members are competent to explain progressivism even if invited to participate.

I found it so rich that on their section on family (broken link and all ... c'mon Eagles you're at least partly on the gov't tit so can't you keep your site current yet my gift to you is the right link here) they reference Professor Elizabeth Warren's efforts. I suppose the Eagles aren't up to speed on Dr. Warren's work. She has often been a strong critic of Bu$hCo and general conservative (or even centrist positions) that concentrate wealth via GOP policies. Her Warren Reports on TPM Cafe are regular reads for this lefty blogger.

But the bottom line is how in the hell can these goobers justify this spending? And exactly do they get for this 15K? I'm hoping some capable reporters and/or smelly lefty bloggers will be able to dig a little deeper here. If I were in Alabama I'd surely try to attend the forum. This is frankly an opportunity to expose the level of wingnuttia that invests Alabama and our world. P/W

Outlander of the Day ~ US Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue

Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue threatens to draw blood on any candidate going after the Corporations. Going after those nasty trial lawyers or meddlesome scientists or ... that might threaten the tremendous power of the corporatists that pretty much run the modern world has got to be rewarding work for Mr. Donohue. And profitable too I'd expect. I'm thinking astroturf rather than grass roots but they do such a good job of getting people to vote against their own economic self interests look for a solid effort. P/W

Highlander of the Day ~ Hillary Clinton

I've spent time on Barack Obama and now I've put Hillary out as my HOTD. My own candidate of choice John Edwards will have to accept a promise that I talked him up today with some folks. As for Hillary I'm pleased she won the New Hampshire primary as that will let the race continue with more vigor. I want an exchange of ideas rather than a coronation. Let the people decide and they'll need time and opportunities to do this. I also like the fact so many pundits got this one wrong. John Edwards is still in the game as well. Finally, any admitted political junkie also likes the fix this primary process delivers. P/W

Obama pledge/national anthem/flag pin ... Huh?

August J. Pollak's toon is perfect. While winding up my time at Fort Benning's Infantry training program a photo/video that showed Barack Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the singing of the National Anthem, originally and perhaps even now claimed by some to be during the Pledge of Allegiance, plus news that he was no longer wearing an American flag lapel pin, was briefly covered. Today, I had a discussion where someone raised the issue and darned if I wasn't lost.

Here's the deal ... Senator Obama was at Senator Tom Harkin's famous Steak Fry up in Iowa. Somebody was "singing" the National Anthem. Senator Obama, unlike apparently the other Democratic candidates, was just standing there rather than placing his hand over his heart. A YouTube video is here, with the Tuber claiming that he refuses to say the Pledge of Allegiance for religious reasons. I find it classic that somehow emails and some "news" outlets make the leap that Senator Obama is not willing to say or even participate in the Pledge of Allegiance so I ought not to expect more from a dittohead Tuber I reckon. Here's a long video of Obama leading the Senate where he calls on a woman to pray and then (at around 1:40) leads the chamber in the Pledge for example. What was that Tuber claiming?

So let's return to the issue of how he acted during the National Anthem. Slate's Torie Bosch explains the relevant law on how the national anthem is to be handled. I was also fuzzy on the legal requirements ... and I did not come close to editing the Harvard Law Review as did Counselor Obama. Perhaps he was shaken by the singing? In some situations he has placed his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. As for the flag lapel pin issue, Senator Obama explains his decisions rather reasonably. While the following might indicate much that's wrong with both our media and electorate, coverage soon followed showing that several of the candidates wearing various or even no lapel pins.

Finally, the whole idea that Barack Obama is some type of radical Islamist, or even Muslim for that matter, is pure and unadulterated BS. Snopes, CNN, Politico, and even the Obama 08 site can help those who need enlightening. Or you can turn to Faux News, Debbie Schlussel, Reverend Moon's Insight Magazine, and I'm sure plenty of other right wing hacks if that's what you want to be told. There's perhaps even some "on the left" that are hoping to help Hillary or other candidates by these types of dirty tricks.

For the record, I'm not supporting Barack Obama yet. If he's the Democratic nominee I probably will. My concern is that so many people, even decent and smart folks, fall for this type of misdirection or dare I call it plain foolishness. The right has perfected the art of the whisper and initial labeling. Another post for another day. P/W

Highlanders of the Day ~ LSU Tigers

Geaux Tigers! LSU dominates Ohio St. for BCS championship is the headline. This helps show SEC strength once again. I didn't watch the game, partly as I expected this result. My Auburn Tigers gave LSU a tough game this fall (and please recall Les Miles got away with a bonehead call at the end of the game) but I'm pleased to see the other Tigers take the BCS, flawed as it is, this year. I'd still love to see Georgia and USC play. P/W

Outlander of the Day ~ Rep. John Doolittle of CA-4

From my time on the Left Coast in the fall of 2006 I got to know Representative John Doolittle, pictured to the left of Dubyah. Hope George was keeping his cash in his boot around this fellow. Reckon they talked about the fate of Black Jack Abramoff at this appearance? TPMmuckraker can quickly bring you up to speed on Doolittle's dealings should that be needed.

Some of my friends out in California were likely going to be helping Charlie Brown in 2008. Yet brownsox via Daily Kos has me afraid they'll not get the chance to "Kick out the Sell Out" as we did to Dirty Dick Pombo. I agree having Doolittle about will give Colonel Brown a better chance but most certainly John is a poster boy for GOP corruption. Dubyah is going back to Crawford so keeping John Doolittle in the picture is even more helpful. In case he's about to exit stage right he'll do for our Outlander of the Day. P/W

East Coast Elites Control Alabama Newspapers

To the left we have Donald and Susan (presumably his bride) Newhouse via an image I found at some NYC social site of sorts. Actually Mr. Newhouse is rather the philanthropic gem it seems. Yet let's not forget deductions and access and ... also motivates "giving". Anyways, Donald is the President of Advance Publications, Inc. Brother Samuel "Si" Newhouse is the Chairman of Advance and the Chairman and CEO of the magazine unit Condé Nast Publications. Rich as Roosevelt they both are.

The reason for posting on the Newhouse clan is an editorial coming from today's Mobile Press-Register titled Siegelman's jailing backed by legal logic that reads rather contrived. I've mentioned the strange saga of The Don before, here's just one, and I remain troubled by District Judge Mark Fuller's reasoning and potential conflicts or at least the fact he failed to disclose the same. When forced, literally forced, by the 11th Circuit to explain why he failed to cut The Don loose pending his appeal, like nearly every other white collar defendant is given, the Judge finally did explain. So the Press-Register now concludes:

So it's clear that Judge Fuller didn't act capriciously or politically when he ordered Mr. Siegelman and Mr. Scrushy to prison. His decision is backed by sound legal arguments.

Huh? The 11th demanded reasons so he generated lots of paper. "His reasoning makes sense." per the PR. We'll see if the court buys it. And they might go with deference absent obvious error. However, plenty of other questions remain in this curious case and to just offer a ditto for Judge Fuller strikes me as especially odd.

I've been seeing tons of comments about how the Newhouse men control three of Alabama's main papers and have avoided or slanted coverage on this case. I've long thought the three were right leaning, even for Alabama. I'm starting to wonder if there's not some fire here.

Finally, the title of the post is in jest. I really don't care where these particular fatcats reside. I do find it interesting how the right often weeps and gnashes teeth over media ownership from the decadent East Coast. The Newhouse family might be OK with this kind of service to the cause. P/W

Plan B for Sonny - Sending half of ATL back North

If Georgia Governor Purdue's praying for rain doesn't deliver maybe he'll issue deportation orders? He could send the Yankee carpetbaggers home. For the record, this is in jest. What has me pondering this angle is an Edward McClelland piece in Salon (free via a pass) titled How to solve America's water problems. He reminds us that the population shift from up North down South, and out West, has caused at least part of the problem. I'll take exception to the idea that Atlanta straddles the eastern continental divide as nearly all her, and more importantly our, water flows to the Gulf but otherwise he does a fine job. P/W

Highlander of the Day ~ George McGovern

From way back in 1944 we have George and wife Eleanor McGovern pictured to the left. He of course went on to pilot thirty five combat missions over Europe in the B-24 Liberator. He came home to South Dakota, wound up in public service, and was I think falsely blamed (another post for another day) for 1972's throttling by Tricky Dick. Not Dick Cheney but rather Dick Nixon for the unaware yet Dead Eye Dick has gone after this actual military hero as well. The contrast between Dubyah and Dick's record of service with former Senator McGovern is indeed a fertile area as well that I'll pass on for now.

Today Senator McGovern appears in the WaPo's OpEds (can't believe Fred Hiatt and crew let it in frankly) with Why I Believe Bush Must Go: Nixon Was Bad. These Guys Are Worse. His, I ought to use "their" although Eleanor died in early 2007, McGovern Center is another reason for a tip of the tam. P/W

Bama Democrats - Build it and they will come!

Former Bama SOS Nancy Worley is clearly back in the saddle for the Alabama Democratic Party with her comments as "vice chairwomen" quoted in reporting from Challen Stephens of the Huntsville Times that neither the Democrats or the GOP need to expect any visits from Presidential wannabes this spring. Speaking of vice and Nancy, has Prince Troy given up on his efforts to get her charges reinstated? Not the sharpest move, among many, for Nancy yet hardly violating of the statute.

Nancy Worley of course simply squandered her initially promising efforts at SOS which gave bombastic Beth Chapman (not Dog the Bounty Hunter's spouse for those that might follow popular culture more than politics) an opening in her climb up the state GOP ladder. Her being over SOS can only lead to ruin! Beth's a princess of pandering with her infamous speech or a true "true believer". That Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III pays her tribute for a flag day version of Beth's speechifying says enough for me. She's a Christian comedian and motivation speaker that really ought to make that her full time gig. This soldier surely doesn't need her talking on my behalf.

For the record I'm not sure Joe Turnham and the other powers that be in the party made the right call on letting Nancy be a visible part of the team yet Joe's hardly been ideal in language let alone leadership. I also notice this morning that Joe "What's in it for me?" Reed is differing with Arthur Davis as well on the Obama possibilities yet I digress. Nancy, like so much of the Alabama Democratic party, is part of the not so pretty past. Throw in the racial angles of politics in Alabama and factionalism and ... we've got a long row to hoe. And we need some new folks doing the farming.

The bottom line for me is that grassroots building of a Progressive Alabama Democratic Party will be rewarded by politicians of a similar view. That's Grassroots 101. Trying to be Republican Lite isn't going to get us anywhere with the voters in Alabama or retail national politicians of the sort that are being referenced in the article. However, good politicians of the type we need at the national level can and will take care of state and local leaders/activists that do good movement work. Build it and they will come. P/W

UPDATE - January 6, 2007 - Captain Checkered's comment helped me see one apparent flaw in the above. Nancy Worley still has misdemeanor charges out there I believe and the way I wrote the post sugests the whole case is dead. Those misdemeanor cases could proceed I suppose yet I'm thinking Troy King wants to hold off on to try to get the felony cases back on the table.

Outlander of the Day ~ Bama Gov Bob Riley

Starting today's blogging with an Outlander of the Day award is perhaps unwise as surely other outrages will be found yet Alabama Governor Bob Riley seems like a good bet. Turkey hunting (or at least "posing" as face nets or paint plus gloves not to mention a diaphragm call without the need for a caller was how I did it back in the day) to the left, and riding motorcycles here, you'd think Bob would have proven to all the Bubbas and Bubbettes that he was a manly man worthy of his high office.

Not enough for Bob apparently. Texas would be proud of you Bob. Of course they gave us Shrub. And some Alabama citizens might like your hard stand as well. A tip of the tam is due to Robin DeMonia for reporting of past State filings which simply shoot holes in Bob's bogus claim that he can't order DNA testing for Tommy Arthur, a man facing the death penalty whom I've blogged on before. AG Troy King, via Deputy AG Clay Crenshaw, told the 11th Circuit you could do the DNA testing. What gives Bob? P/W

"Bipartisan" as seen by movement conservatives

Digby not only cautions on the LieberBloomer "meet in the middle" approach but also delivers up a great reminder of the Right handled initially widely supported health care reforms proposed in those early days of the Clenis. William Kristol's marching orders to the GOP had slipped my mind. Thanks for reminding me/us Digby.

Digby writes

The LieberBloomer party insists that the only way to get anything done is to reach across the aisle. Back in the day, when the two parties were regionally and ideologically diverse, (and the conservative movement wasn't completely insane) that was certainly true. But it hasn't been that way for a long time now. The new political terrain is to either rule like Republicans, which requires a servile press and mountains of money to spin your undemocratic, plutocratic, imperialism as "boldness", "strength" and "resolve" (which will never be said of Democrats) or you get a specific, detailed mandate from the people and then gather enough legitimate democratic power to enact it. ...

... The country is back to its original equilibrium --- which was always politically at odds.That's America. We've been fighting from the beginning. The good news is that the progressives may be coming back into dominance, which means it's possible for Democrats to actually enact progressive legislation rather than simply stop the bleeding --- if they're willing to take the heat. I think the American people will be with them if the politicians listen to what it is they really want, lay out a program to make it so and then pass their agenda even as the villagers shriek and howl about "partisanship."

Amen! "Backbone", as demonstrated by Russ Feingold for example, counts for way more than building some fantasy of cooperation, especially with movement conservatism still representing much of the GOP's foundation. The American people want results. "Mandate" might be too strong ... yet. However, with the possible economic meltdown and the like looming some might be around the corner. To "make it so" is possible. And we can't get punk'd again.

Finally , the spawning of the Breaux-Lott Leadership Group ties in nicely with the fantasy of unity. The fatcats are perhaps counting on "unity" to hold on to their gains during Bu$hCo's Reign of Error? P/W

Highlanders of the Day ~ South Tacoma Honda

Tip of the tam to Chris and his wrenches at South Tacoma Honda for the wireless link as Raoul got his 90K service today. Great chance to get back to blogging and start preparing for Monday's return to duty. Tolerable coffee and a super solid desk to work at to boot. It really does feel good doing business here! P/W

Outlander of the Day ~ Bill O'Reilly

Billo is alleged to have shoved an Obama staffer named Marvin Nicholson and also called him "low class". Bill would know that status. The Seattle Times is on the story as well. Sue the bastard! He'll then likely rant and rave and then settle and refuse to speak of it again. O'Reilly also got near Hillary and given her frustrations with the fire marshal he's lucky she didn't get Big Fat Idiot's infamous lockbox out. Billo has been lying that Obama is dodging tough interviews so I'm optimistic we'll have even more of his RNC brand of "journalism". P/W

JSU's Harvey Jackson searches for a "family farm"

I've been a Harvey Jackson fan ever since reading his Rivers of History: Life on the Coosa, Tallapoosa, Cahaba, and Alabama some years back. He appears regularly in my hometown Randolph Leader but his recent work bidding farewell to the "family farm" is one of his best. He writes that the "family farm" only "lives on as a political catch-phrase, a buzzword. And saving it has become an issue without an identity." Wishing pretty much every day I could make a living farming I truly concur. P/W

Bellevue's Mastery of Scottish Arts ... and Concert

Bellevue's Mastery of Scottish Arts effort is something I'll need to explore. Benaroya Hall on the 1st of February ought to be a good place to start. I actually met a young piper at Fort Benning over the summer and was pleasantly surprised to learn of the interest in such as this among the young folks. Again, being out here isn't ideal but I'll make the most of it. Cold and wet as it is I suppose Scottish fits. P/W

As for life on the left coast ...

The Washington State History Museum is impressive and then some. My second visit to The Swiss was much better than my first. Tacoma's Museum of Glass was nearly as grand. Harmon Brewery and Restaurant made the day even better. Seattle's Pike Place Market might be the best find so far yet I'm now truly grieving the lack of a good kitchen. Cutters Bayhouse helped soothe my pain. I'm hardly thrilled to be so far from loved ones yet this place might be tolerable. Having wheels out here finally will surely make it possible to explore. There's plenty to see and do, even on a poor soldier's wages. P/W

Creationism Billboard - In Oregon or Alabama?

Spending five days and 3200 miles with Raoul (my trusty little green Honda CRV) might have had me hallucinating. Wrong! Right there on I-5 in Oregon I saw I think at least two of these billboards. I thought I was back "home" for a moment. I suppose up in Minnetonka, Minnesota they figure folks in Alabama are already true believers? I jotted this discovery down in my notebook so as to not forget to post yet Chris McGowan got a post up on HuffPo some weeks back that pretty much covers what I wanted to say.

I'll add that I heard just this morning some neat coverage on a local NPR station (out of the Soviet of Seattle I reckon) where across the pond they are surely noting that Mike Huckabee is all about Adam and Eve. This Independent piece from David Usborne on "Mr. Nice Guy" is worthy of a look even if it might not be the exact coverage referenced on the NPR program.

After Dubyah I'm sure pretty much every responsible citizen of the world is indeed following our election closely. Going with the most fundamentalist seems like hardly the ideal. P/W

I was a very good blogger this past year but ...

Santa brought me a brand new HP Pavillion dv6000 notebook this year. She was far too generous! Nevertheless, going well beyond merely being a grumpy Scot, I was a total heel this morning before I got her on the plane back to Alabama. Thanks and I'm sorry. P/W