HOW TO KNOW WHEN A DEMOCRAT GOES WRONG

THE U.N. HAS 5 SEATS TO FILL

The United Nations security is composed of 4 permanent members (China, France, Russia, and the U.K.-also known as the "nuclear club"), and 10 nations who are voted in for two year terms, and are not subject to immediate reelection. The Belgium, Indonesia, Italy, South Africa and the Panama will serve until December 31st, 2008, which leaves the UN with the ultimate question of who to replace outgoing countries Qatar, Slovakia, Peru, Ghana and the Congo. Moreover, the U.N. has also been pressured for years to adopt additional permanent members, two of which are India and Japan.

Who cares, you might ask. Remember (present current events aside), the U.N. Security Council is the only body which can grant permission to violate a country's sovereignty against the will of that country. If the council votes to allow an invasion of country X, for whatever reason, there is no recourse, no court of appeals. Country X can do nothing but complain and prepare for the military attack. The council can also authorize other violations of sovereignty short of invasion: sanctions, no-fly zones, inspections, etc. This is an enormous amount of power.

Also keep in mind that just because the council is the only group with the treaty authority to do these things, it doesn't mean individual countries and groups of countries won't also do things like invade or impose sanctions. The recent incursion of Ethiopian troops into Somalia was not authorized by the Security Council. Sanctions on Iraq, the no-fly zones, and the inspection of suspected weapons facilities in Iraq were all blessed by the world through the Security Council. The U.S. invasion of Iraq, however, was not.

The trouble comes when attempting to get the 15 members to agree on any given action is quite difficult. Especially since the five permanent members (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States) all have veto authority.

Any one of them can single-handily stop any given action.

And that is the power of being a permanent member.

So reform of the existing council is clearly seen as important to the world and to America. But plans for doing so have come and gone for years. The most realistic ones include expanding the number of total seats, creating some permanent seats without veto power, and imposing various limits on the existing veto. Critics argue that each continent should be represented. Among the countries vehemently campaigning for a spot on the security council are France, Japan, India, Mexico, among others. Next year the security council will include 4 from Europe alone, and Panama will stay another year as its sole Latin country.

Obviously Mexico is almost a shoo-in for a spot (and made a very strong case for election on Wednesday). But who to replace Qatar from the Middle East (Arab League)? Egypt, Brazil, Germany, Vietnam, and the Saudis are all candidates who would achieve a number of votes among the general assembly for admission.

Think the U.N. Security Council is a powerless body? Remember, they were making real progress with their inspections of Iraq (Blix) before we invaded. Hussein was finally cooperating, and the inspection report was no proof of weapons of mass destruction, a finding disputed by the Bush administration, although the test of time has proven Mr. Blix absolutely correct (for the most part). One has to wonder what the course of history would have been if the Bush administration had stayed the course and let the U.N. inspectors complete their assignment.

The results would be one less war, a continuation of our anti-terrorism work in Afghanistan (which was working), and around 4,000 soldiers who would be happily alive today.

ANOTHER SHANGHAI SURPRIZE

The latest piece of crap made in China designed to kill....Cub Scout badges. Somehow those crafty Chinese found a way to put lead based paint on damn near everything they export into our country. They are being recalled, along with toys, etc. that have been found to have lead based paint on them. The joke on them is that technology into paint systems have made water based materials cheaper to manufacture, easier to use, and much, much less toxic. They knew this. They are no fools. They just don't give a shit. Or they know we are fools. Fools willing to buy based on price alone, and are willing to sacrifice quality (and country) in doing so.

Don't be an idiot. Look to see where the products you are buying are made.

And whenever possible, buy American.

The life you save may be your childrens.

2 NON ISSUES FOR THE DAY

Senator Obama quits wearing an American flag lapel pin.

Senator Craig decides not to quit his job,

despite the judge refusing to discount his guilty plea.

BUSH LEAGUE

Today, the President in his typical stunningly ignorant fashion, used only his 3rd veto against a bill which would provide health insurance to 10 million children who could not otherwise afford it. The Bill, known as the SCHIP bill, is for families who make too much money to receive Medicaid, but still cannot afford health insurance. This program would mean a family of 4 earning less than $60,000.00 would qualify.

Despite overwhelming support of both sides of the congressional aisle, the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society, the American Association of Pediatrics, and a majority of all state Governors, Democrats and Republicans, King George II somehow found his way to veto a very popular (and much needed) bill to help our children. Apparently, this is an extension of his "No Child Left behind" program, which has by the way.

Stating that the SCHIP bill was a first step towards socialized medicine, Bush actually misstates the very nature of the bill. Apparently, "the Decider" would do well to become "the Reader." Participants in the program would be able to pick from different competing private health insurance providers, certainly not anywhere near socialized medicine as being bandied about by the Democrats.

In the past two years alone, one million more children have joined the ranks of the uninsured, up to a present day total of nearly 9 million children, and that does not count the children trying to stay healthy under a dismal Medicaid system for the truly indigent families.

How much would this cost? Seven billion a year for the next 5 years. A pittance compared to the money he is squandering in Iraq. Hell, I bet they have lost that much in money Iraq through poor accounting and leadership, not to mention how much we have been over billed for in Iraq by his "no bid" buddies.

Veto one was for stem cell research (which promises to save lives through medical research), and veto two was against a timetable for withdrawal of troops in Iraq (which would save lives), and now veto three is against a children's health care insurance program, which (again) would potential save lives.

It seems our leader, our "decider" can't pony up any funds when it comes to saving lives....maybe we should have told him it was money allocated towards the elimination of children, something he could get up for.

Mr. President, on October 18th, you are going to be bitch slapped with a veto override from both sides of the aisle. You are about to find out that even the mindless sheep of the conservative party can't stomach this outrage. On October 18th, you are going to see just how many friends you have in Washington. You lost the American people along time ago. Now you are going to see how many members of your party you have lost.

If only we could pass a Hate Crimes Bill so we could charge you under it. You have obviously started waging a war against your own people, sir. You are waging a war against our countries children, an action all the spin doctors in the world cannot justify.

And that is the world...according to Kimba

Thanks for reading

THE DECIDER

DECLARE WAR ON IRAN? FOX NEWS HAS ALREADY STARTED

A BILL OF (VERY) PARTICULARS

Ever wonder what gets attached to a bill in Congress?

Here is what is (so far) attached to H.R. 1585, the

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.

An Amendment authorizes free mailing privileges for family members of servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

An Amendment sought to prohibit funds authorized in the bill from being obligated or expended to plan a contingency operation in Iran.

An Amendment sought to add language to clarify that no previous authorization constitutes an authorization to use force against Iran; and make certain that no funds would be used to take military action against Iran in the absence of specific congressional authority or a direct attack.

An Amendment, as modified, requires the Department of Defense to transport the remains of service members by air to the military or civilian airport nearest to the place selected by the family.

An amendment sought to reduce Missile Defense Agency funding by $1.084 billion.
An amendment sought to increase funding for ballistic missile defense by $764 million.

An amendment to clarify that nothing in this legislation would prevent the United States' missile defense capabilities from being placed on operational alert to respond to an immediate, threat posed by ballistic missiles.

Amendment sought to add language to clarify that the prohibition on establishing permanent military bases in Iraq will not prevent the United States and Iraq from entering into military basing rights agreements for the establishment of temporary bases in Iraq.

Amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to submit to the congressional defense committees a report that contains a plan for the transfer of each individual presently detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, under the control of the Joint Task Force Guantanamo, who is or has ever been classified as an "enemy combatant".

Amendment sought to require the video recording of interrogations and other pertinent interactions between U.S. military personnel, or contractors, and detainees arrested and held.

To restore habeas corpus for those detained by the United States.

To limit the length of deployment of members of the Armed Forced for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

To strike section 1023, relating to the granting of civil rights to terror suspects.

To provide for a reduction and transition of United States forces in Iraq.

To express the sense of the Senate that it is in the national security interest of the United States that Iraq not become a failed state and a safe haven for terrorists.

To require a report on the planning and implementation of the policy of the United States toward Darfur.

AND numerous place holders for Senators to come back and add amendments to the bill.

Mind numbing isn't it?

No wonder each Senator has a staff to actually read these things.

WAR SPENDING? LET'S PLAY HARDBALL

King George is asking for more billions (230 at last estimate) to continue the war in Iraq. And, although the liberals are being admonished by their constituents to deny the money, insiders know the painful truth...if we do, the President will not bring our troops home, he will continue what he did at first, namely fight the war on the cheap. Not enough Kevlar vests, practically open air Humvee offering no protection...well, against anything, etc.

So, what do we do? Vote against it and be called traitors or enemies of the troops, or pass it, and suffer increasingly plummeting poll numbers from our voting base? Clearly, we have to give the $$$. We cannot turn our backs on the unfortunates over in the Middle east fighting this war. To do otherwise would further jeopardize the troops (whether "phony" or not, as Rush "Vicodin" Gasbag has clearly identified them).

So, we vote for the bill, BUT NOT UNTIL WE ATTACH WHAT WE WANT. Hate crimes legislation, increases in the minimum wage, recension to the rich mans tax cut, etc. We get what we want, or you can shove your war spending act up your filibuster. Go ahead and veto it, smart guy. Spin it anyway you would like.

Yes, I have heard the criticism of the Hate Crimes Bill...you cannot change the penalties for what people think, it is the thought police, Orwellian nightmare, etc. I have even heard the actual hate crimes are all trumped up to make it look like there is a problem that just plain old does not exist (I love that one). But can you look at these instances and tell me an extra penalty shouldn't be levied against the people who committed these crimes (there are many, many more, folks)?

On October 6, 1998, 21-year-old college student Matthew Shepard was tied to a fence in Laramie, Wyoming, pistol-whipped, then left for dead in the freezing night. He died six days later.

Born Teena Brandon and raised as a girl, he was living as a man known as Brandon Teena in Falls City, Nebraska, when he was murdered at age 21. In December of 1993, two men who discovered his gender raped him. His attackers later shot and killed him after learning Brandon had reported the rape and was to help police in the investigation.

On September 22, 2000, a man looking to "waste some faggots" entered a gay bar in Roanoke, Virginia and opened fire, killing Danny Overstreet, and injuring 6 others.

On the fourth of July, 2000, JR Warren, 26, who was black and gay, was beaten to death by three men in West Virginia, then run over by a car to make it look like a hit and run

Pfc. Barry Winchell, 21, was beaten to death by fellow service members while sleeping in his cot on July 5, 1999 at Fort Campbell, Ky. His Army colleagues thought (correctly) that he was gay, so they killed him.

Billy Jack Gaither, 39, of Sylacauga, Alabama was bludgeoned to death by two men on Feb. 19, 1999, then set on fire with automobile tires because he was gay.

On May 8, 1995, Bill Clayton, 17, committed suicide after having been brutally assaulted for being bisexual.

On August 7, 1995, Tyra Hunter died after DC fire department emergency medical technicians called her epithets, backed away, and refused to render treatment on discovering that she was a transgendered woman.

Yes, things have gotten better. Social acceptance is evolving. But, as long as there is one instance of a bigoted, depraved hate crime killer out there, then this legislation if necessary. Will it be used often? Probably not. Will it deter crimes of this nature? Probably not, these people do not care about anything but their own hate. But we need to lock these people up for life when proven in a court of law. When the motive is hate, then extra penalties must be judiciously applied. And all of our citizens must be protected. I leave you with some quotes from a woman who knows the environment, and realities of being a minority in this culture and suffering for it.....

Make Room At The Table for Lesbian and Gay People
Coretta Scott King, speaking four days before the 30th anniversary of her husband's assassination, said Tuesday the civil rights leader's memory demanded a strong stand for gay and lesbian rights. "I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice," she said. "But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'" "I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people," she said.

Homophobia is Like Racism and Anti-Semitism
Coretta Scott King, the wife of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called on the civil rights community to join in the struggle against homophobia and anti-gay bias. "Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and person hood," King stated. "This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all too easily to victimize the next minority group."

"Freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation is surely a fundamental human right in any great democracy, as much as freedom from racial, religious, gender, or ethnic discrimination." - Coretta Scott King

OBAMA LINES IT OUT FOR US

OBAMA-ble has done it again folks. Runnin' his mouth off and stepping in it. Obama, an admitted former cocaine user himself in his published books is recommending a change in the criminal sentences in regards to crack and powdered cocaine.

"If you're convicted of a crime involving drugs, of course you should be punished," Obama said at Howard University's opening convocation. "But let's not make the punishment for crack cocaine that much more severe than the punishment for powder cocaine when the real difference is where the people are using them or who is using them."

Well, let see...does he want to increase the penalty for powdered cocaine, the white man's choice of the drug, or does he want to decrease the penalties on crack cocaine, the economical choice of his own people? Hint: He was speaking at Howard University.

Folks, I know the judicial inequities in the law, and how it is racially slanted towards the whites. I also know we continue to live in an unfortunately biased and bigoted world.

But, why even bring this up except to pander to get minority votes? For a man still wet behind the senatorial ears, he is learning fast, isn't he? Of course, he is being programmed by the best money can buy, and he has plenty of that. On call to Oprah, and he is bathing in money. One estimate is he has received donations from 75,000 donors in the past 3 months, out shadowing all candidates on either side.

Trouble is, if this man gets elected, he will be the most inexperienced president ever, in arguably the most difficult time to run this country ever. I hate to say it, but this man has all the potential to be a black Jimmy Carter style President. Woefully inexperienced and lacking the political savvy to run a country, let alone deal with a critical time in foreign relations, he could spell disaster.

Eight years of stupidity and four years of inexperience could definitely set us on an irreversible course. Elected out of spite amid glaring differences with the previous administration, they will settle for the worst option we have, a romantic, racially progressive choice, yes. But if you are looking for romance, vote for Bush again. He's been screwing you for seven years now.

Wise up America....this is no time for rookies.

This job is not posted as "President wanted...no experience necessary."

HUCKABEE FINDING HIS STRIDE-TELLS IT LIKE IT IS

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee leveled some of the harshest criticisms of the Bush administration’s foreign policy yet from the GOP presidential field, saying it has mismanaged relations with Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Huckabee said the U.S. is ignoring options besides armed conflict with Iran, has trusted the Saudis too much and has allowed Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to go back on his commitment to allow American forces to root out terrorism within his borders.

“Just like Musharraf, since 9/11, the Bush administration has played both ends and the middle, assuring the American people that it’s doing everything it can to protect them, while tiptoeing around our supposed ally,” Huckabee said. “It’s been afraid of upsetting the apple cart, even though the cart contains poisoned apples destined for export to the United States.”

Huckabee said the United States (BUSH) has trusted the Saudis and made them rich, only to see the funds used as “seed money for terrorism,” and that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will ultimately back whoever can win.

He said the U.S. is headed down one track with Iran and ignoring options besides war — a result he said would greatly please Osama bin Laden.

ANOTHER ATTEMPT FROM THE RIGHT TO ALIANATE THE LEFT

Stolen cartoon from a friendly adversaries blog.

Just another stupid attempt from the right to make the left look like traitors, like enablers of dictators, like the best friends of all terrorists. They said Iran's number 2 man (pictured above), could / should run for the Democratic ticket. Now they are saying we are in bed together.

Nice try. We are going to miss you.

HOW ABOUT ANOTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTION, NOW?

Quoted from the latest edition of The American Conservative.......

"David Petraeus is a political general. Yet in presenting his recent assessment of the Iraq War and in describing the “way forward,” Petraeus demonstrated that he is a political general of the worst kind—one who indulges in the politics of accommodation that is Washington’s bread and butter......."
"Critics have questioned the data that Petraeus offered to substantiate his case. They charge him with relying on dubious statistics, with ignoring facts that he finds inconvenient, and with discovering trends where none exist. They question whether to credit the much-touted progress in Anbar province to American shrewdness or to the vagaries of Iraqi sectarian and tribal politics. They cite the pathetic performance of the corrupt and dysfunctional Iraqi government. They note the disparity between the Petraeus assessment and those offered by the intelligence community, by the Government Accountability Office, and by congressionally appointed blue-ribbon commissions. They point out that other highly qualified and well-informed senior military officers—notably, Gen. George Casey, the army chief of staff, and Adm. William Fallon, commander of United States Central Command—have publicly expressed views notably at odds with those of General Petraeus.

The critics make a good case."

Now do not get me wrong, or good Lord forbid, take these excerpts as the general thesis behind the article. The article (available on line) , or on your newstand, is devoted to the thesis that if the general truly believes he has put the U.S. on the right course (or "roadmap", as they so eliquently have put it), then it makes absolutely no sense to draw back military forces, yet any reasonable person would conclude that the General should have declared the progress, and taken advantage of the situation, the willingness of the administration to comply, and the impending doomed political climate for the copnservatives, and request, nay, demand more troops to finish what he has so successfully started. Although on the subject of Iraq I have flip-flopped more than the best of the presidential hopefuls (seeing the futilityand the wrongful way we were duped into going into this mess vs. our ultinmate responsibility now to the Iraqi people), I will return the favor to this thoughful, albeit politically and diametrically opposing publication to me...

The author makes a good case.

So do I...Congress must vote to declare this article a disgrace, and as unamerican much in the same way it responded to the ad by Move On.org (another organization I do not wholeheartedly agree with either), or be shown as the weak kneed hypocrites they will have proven themselves to be. Fair is fair.

ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD--A GREAT IDEA

Our mission is to provide a means for learning, self-expression and exploration to the nearly two billion children of the developing world with little or no access to education. While children are by nature eager for knowledge, many countries have insufficient resources to devote to education—sometimes less than $20 a year per child. Imagine the potential that could be unlocked by giving every child in the world the tools they need to learn, no matter who they are, no matter where they live, no matter how little they may have.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS....FOR $400.00 YOU GET ONE, AND A NEEDY CHILD GETS ONE.

HERE'S THE LINKAGE.

OF COURSE SHE ISN'T....SHE'S HAPPILY MARRIED

On newstands now.....The Advocate, the only magazine with the balls enough to get in Senator Clinton's pie hole and ask her what some people have privately questioned for some time now...

"Senator, are you a lesbian?" And here is her reply...

“People say a lot of things about me, so I really don’t pay any attention to it,” Hillary tells him blithely. “It’s not true, but it is something that I have no control over. People will say what they want to say.”

Although a stong critic of gay marriage, her responses to questions such as these lead gay voters to believe deep down inside she may think otherwise.

COOKING THE BOOKS, OR STIRRING UP THE POT OF PUBLIC DEBATE?

By now, you probably have seen, or at least heard of this advertisement by the liberal group Move On.org. The President saw it, and called it yellow and cowardly, and used the opportunity to call the left his usual bowl full of shit...the latest version of "you are either with ME or against me", or "you are the terrorists best friend", "you are against the troops" or "Al Quida votes Democratic."

He even went so far as to have the conservative sheep of congress draft a meaningless, time consuming piece of fluff in order to condemn Move On.org. Give them credit, they even got 22 liberals to vote for it.

The question bares repeating...did the General betray us? I say NO. Just because he gave up his military command just long enough to be the President's PR man in congress? NO. He didn't betray us by mis-communicating the amount of casualties in Iraq, he didn't betray us by trying to sell the American people on the mistaken notion that the surge is working all over Iraq; he betrayed his soldiers. He betrayed himself. Because by allowing himself to be the Presidents lap dog, he crossed the line between being military and being political; something his predecessors never would.

Can you imagine Patton, Eisenhower, et al being used as a propaganda tool? Hell no. They would rather quit the military than appear weak. The truth? The Pentagon has come up with fuzzy statistics to attempt to justify troop surge, and paint a rosy picture in Iraq. The truth is, the daily number of civilian deaths is almost twice the average pace from last year. The truth is, the good and brave General is known for misstating the truth...such as when he said just before the 2004 election, "The Iraqi leaders are stepping forward," "Iraqi security elements are being rebuilt" or when he said in 2005, "Enormous progress is being made with the Iraqi security forces." The only thing I have heard the good General say which even remotely resembles the truth is when he stated recently

"The U.S. will be in Iraq in some way for the next 9 or 10 years."

LIKE IT..... OR NOT, BELIEVE IT ....OR NOT, AGREE WITH IT .....OR NOT,

FREEDOM OF OPINION AND THE PRESS STILL FLORISHES IN THIS COUNTRY.

AND THERE ISN'T A DAMN THING KING GEORGE II CAN DO ABOUT IT.

I BET THAT'S ENOUGH TO KEEP HIM UP NIGHTS.

GREENSPAN DEVALUES HIS OWN GOP PRESIDENTS

On last nights 60 Minutes episode, there was an interview by Leslie Stahl of the ex-Federal Reserve Board head / Economics guru and stout supporter of the GOP, Alan Greenspan; a person who holds the unique position of having the inside knowledge to adequately and fairly efvaluating the past Presidents he had worked extremely closely with, and here is the scorecard....

Nixon: "A very profane man"...held many bigoted views towards Jews, Italians, etc.

Ford: "not the smartest, but a very normal, ethical man"

Reagan: "possessed an odd form of intelligence"

King George I: utilized improper attempts at publically pressuring specific actions by the Fed

King George II: "never specifically endorsed the tax cuts""used massive overspending eliminating vast surplusses" Cheney stated "surpluses don't matter"

Bill Clinton: "highly intelligent" "an extraordinarily effective President"

Hillary Clinton: "very smart" "unquestionably capable of assuming the role of President"

The official conservative response to the Greenspan interview should be forthcoming, although they will struggle, as their usual tactic of criticizing the interviewee and throwing them under the bus will be extremely difficult as Greenspan was the GOP darling, thus his continued employment under 5 Republican Presidents.

Guess they will just have to read it, and let the truth sink in.

I suppose they will be calling their travel agents for a lengthy (and typical) trip to "DeNile."

And that is "The World According to Kimba"

Thanks for reading

SMELL THE COFFEE, JOHN

AM I IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE?

What do you do when you realize that combat unit terms are about to espire in April, you have no combat units to replace them, and deploying additional reservists would threaten national security?

You go in front of the American people, insult their intelligence and try to snowball them into thinking that they will be going home in July...first, because it is my (Bush's) idea, and

THE REDUCTION IS BASED SOLELY on the "recent success acheived in Iraq."

Then you have Gates leak to the media that not only will we be at pre-surge levels by July next year, but we could go from 169,000 troops down to 69,000 by the end of next year.

As if this wasn't enough, you then include in your speech exaggerations on how many countries are in Iraq helping us, and distort many other facts and current conditions there in order to paint a rosier picture, despite two of your Generals appearing in front of congress denying almost everything you claim.

IN THE ABSENCE OF TRUE LEADERSHIP, PEOPLE WILL LISTEN TO DAMN NEAR ANYBODY

And this article in pravda english proves my point......

http://english.pravda.ru/world/americas/11-09-2007/96976-bush_terror_act-0

A former Reagan official has issued a public warning that the Bush administration is preparing to orchestrate a staged terrorist attack in the United States, transform the country into a dictatorship and launch a war with Iran within a year.

Paul Craig Roberts, a former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, blasted Thursday a new Executive Order, released July 17, allowing the White House to seize the assets of anyone who interferes with its Iraq policies and giving the government expanded police powers to exercise control in the country. Roberts, who spoke on the Thom Hartmann radio program, said: "When Bush exercises this authority [under the new Executive Order], there's no check to it. So it really is a form of total, absolute, one-man rule."
"The American people don't really understand the danger that they face," Roberts said, adding that the so-called neoconservatives intended to use a renewal of the fight against terrorism to rally the American people around the fading Republican Party. Old-line Republicans like Roberts have become increasingly disenchanted with the neoconservative politics of the Bush administration, which they see as a betrayal of fundamental conservative values.

The administration figures themselves and prominent Republican propagandists ... are preparing us for another 9/11 event or series of events," he said. "You have to count on the fact that if al Qaeda is not going to do it, it is going to be orchestrated." Roberts suggested that in the absence of a massive popular outcry, only the federal bureaucracy and perhaps the military could put constraints on Bush's current drive for a fully-fledged dictatorship. "They may have had enough. They may not go along with it," he said. The radio interview was a follow-up to Robert's latest column, in which he warned that "unless Congress immediately impeaches Bush and Cheney, a year from now the U.S. could be a dictatorial police state at war with Iran." Roberts, who has been dubbed the "Father of Reaganomics" and has recently gained popularity for his strong opposition to the Bush administration and the Iraq War.

PLEASE REMEMBER

"Never forget" was the call to arms.But many of us have.

Patriot Day, I love the concept.

Yes, Oprah and the news media remembered,

but for the most part, it was just another day.

No flags, no t-shirts, no water cooler conversations at work, nothing.

They forgot.

As I began to poll the crowd today,

I realized that almost everyone forgot.

"Do you know what today is?"

Ahhh, a Jewish holiday?

Close, but no.

I haven't forgotten.

I remember the day like it was yesterday.

The TV was on the news like always for my customers,

and the coffee pot was on.

We stood frozen when the first plane hit.

We stood shocked in disbelief when the second one hit.

This was no accident...we are at war.

God love them,

many of my customers hung out with us watching TV all morning.

I sent someone out for continental breakfast on me that morning.

And the conversations were lively; about all world events,

not just 911, but mostly on the WTC.

They promised they would never forget,

but I am sad to say they have.

I remember.

My flag is flying on my house (the only one out on my block),

and the horrible memories washed over me all day today.

I guess it is only human

to want to block out the memories of that day,

but I can't (and we shouldn't).

Just as the Jews must answer the call to arms to remember the Holocaust,

our responsibility as Americans is to remember this day...

And never, ever forget.

Need a reminder?

Visit my friends blog for a remarkable account from a survivor.

He hasn't forgotten, and I hope you remember 9/11 as well.

You can find it here.

If you are like me,

the survivors account will send chills down your spine,

and waves of partiotism (back?) into your heart.

God bless you, and God bless America.

And that is the (liberal) "World According to Kimba."

But no matter which side of the aisle your beliefs lie,

we can all join together in our rememberances,

and a shared grief for the lives that were lost by a cowardly enemy.

An enemy that better know, this country will never, ever forget.

"SOMETIMES THE TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION"

DEAD CERTAIN BY ROBERT DRAPER

Two compelling quotes from a runaway best seller on bookshelves now....

"I made the decision to lead. And therefore there will be times when you make the decision-one, it makes you unpopular; two, it makes people accuse you of unilateral arrogance, and it may be true"

"I've got God's shoulder to cry on. And I cry a lot. I do a lot of crying in this job. I bet I have shed more tears than you can count as President. I'll shed some more tomorrow."

So will we Mr. President....so will we.

Dead Certain, by Robert Draper

How one man's arrogance and errors in judgement have permanently, and negatively

changed the greatest and most powerful nation on earth.

Of this, we can all be "Dead Certain."

And that is "The World According to Kimba."

Thanks for reading.

FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH

In my humble opinion, these are the best snacking chips on the market today. The mango chips are crispy and chocked full of flavor. They say they are healthy but you really wouldn't know it to taste them.

You would be a bona fide two-faced hypocritical right wing moron not to try these today. See the website and get a dollar off coupon. From us left wing commie pinkos to a store near you. Just a tip to all of you right wingers...they are loaded with fiber to cure the obvious blockages you have developed which prevent you from ridding your systems of the built up crap that plagues you. Papa...buy two bags, please!!!

STARBUCKS: OPPRESSOR OF THE COMMON MAN WITH A DREAM

MY NAME IS KIMBA AND I HAVE APPROVED THIS AD

BEFORE YOU ENTER THIS........
REMEMBER THIS.
Family values?
Corruption, prostitution and lude and lascivious conduct.
Do you really want to vote for the party of Craig, Stevens and Vidder?
If you do, don't forget to flush.

Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) continues to maintain his position on the Appropriations Committee, and has avoided a Senate investigation, despite being the subject of a major criminal investigation, including an FBI raid on his Alaska home. Second, Senator David Vitter (R-LA), who has not been charged, has admitted to the crime of soliciting for prostitution. Senator Vitter remains not only unscathed by his actions, but was greeted with a standing ovation at a Republican conference luncheon shortly after his scandal hit the airwaves.
Both Senators Stevens and Vitter have committed crimes that reflect poorly upon the Senate and should be subject to the same scrutiny as Sen. Craig.

BUT HE MAY HAVE SLEPT WITH WILMA......

BREAKING NEWS STORY

After exhaustive research, DNA sampling has proven positive the claims by Fred Thompson that he is in fact, NOT RELATED to Fred Flintstone.

Thompson, the former Senator from Tennessee was so happy at the news, he was heard to say a very large "Yabba Dabba Doo". Coincidentally, Thompson graduated yabba dabba doo from the University of Nowhere.

MORE WOES FOR THE GOP

The Associated Press is reporting that in light of the recent scandal from stall number three at the Minneapolis Airports men's bathroom, Idaho's Senator Craig will announce his resignation tomorrow.

But that is not the worse news, to go along with the announced departure of Senator Allard from Colorado, comes the death blow....30 year senior Senator from Virginia, John Warner has announced he will likely retire at the end of his term.

Things looked dicey enough as is, having to defend 22 of their Senate seats to the liberals 12, having to explain the actions of the present administration, as well as already feeling the back end of a 51 to 49 Democratic majority (and listening to Ms. Pelosi to boot), but with these departures, things really, really do not look good for the conservatives in the next election.

STUPID QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I am not gay, and I never have been"

Senator Larry Craig

Like people can turn it off and on like a light switch. Interestingly enough, I had a lengthy conversation with a devout fellow employee at work, who thinks homosexuality is a learned behavior ( a result of his religious studies, to be sure). I personally believe it is an innate character trait, and not at all learned. I do realize that I have absolutely no personal knowledge of what it is to be gay, or when someone begins to experience overwhelmingly homosexual leanings, but I cannot imagine someone wanting or desiring to be persecuted and humiliated for your sexual preferences. I say this because of the strong feelings towards quote / unquote "alternative lifestyles" by the straight, and religious communities.

I cannot imagine what is more difficult...feeling like you have to hide your sexual identity, or "come out" as they say, and risk condemnation and ridicule for something I would imagine is well beyond their control.

Nothing more than bigotry in my eyes, and heart.

Hate is such an ugly thing.

Not just in the "World according to Kimba", but everywhere.

Thanks for reading (and commenting if you like)

ANOTHER BUSH BARRISTER SENT DOWN THE BANNISTER IN SHAME

AU REVOIR ALBERTO

Harriet Miers, John Ashcroft and now poor Alberto. Get the feeling the Bush administration can't keep a lawyer? Here are some possible candidates for the recent position opening of Attorney general....Jacoby (or Myers) Larry H. Parker, anyone from L.A. Law or Boston Legal, or how about Michael Brown...he could go from F.E.M.A. to F.E.E.B.L.E.?

But seriously Mr. Bush, how about a lawyer who places more value to upholding his oath, than running legal interference to an oaf ?

HEY, I THOUGHT IT WAS A CONFESSIONAL!!!

Another highly devout conservative arrested for a weird sex-based perverted crime.

Senator Larry Craig, a

'conservative' Republican was arrested for lewd conduct

in a Minnesota airport men's restroom in June.

It marks the second such arrest for a Republican elected official in the past couple of months.
It also marks another amazing example of hypocrisy on the part of the Republican Party.

The Roll Call article describes, in detail, the encounter that resulted in Craig's arrest.

I had no idea there was an entire 'code' for seeking a bathroom encounter.

But it appears that Larry Craig did. He actually plead guilty to lewd conduct and paid a fine.

He remains on probation in the State of Minnesota (and should be).

Personally, I am so sick of every politician claiming to be religious, an active devotee of prayer, and a regular church goer in order to get elected, I could puke.

Can we please just end the hypocracy?

Just one...All I ask is that just one presidential candidate tell the truth.

About anything.

It's not that hard. I do it all the time.

Do it enough and it might just become second nature, even to a politician.

And you know what? The public will be attracted to you.

You would be a rare commodity. You will be a leader.

UPDATE

Senator Craig, now that his secret is out...claims he was not "outed."

He in fact is a full "blown" heterosexual, whose only misgivings was pleading guilty to a melicious charge from those who have "been out to get me."

LAW AND ORDER: FREDDY STYLE

Fred Thompson, the cagey old coot (and two term senator) from Tennessee has effectively found a way to avoid FEC financial reporting issues: submission of financial holdings, as well as reporting his financial contributions towards his non-declared presidential run.

SIMPLY DO NOT ANNOUNCE YOUR CANDIDACY.

The FEC does allow an exemption for someone who wishes to test the waters before jumping into the murky presidential tide pools. The FEC gives clear guidelines for whether someone is "testing the waters", or running an undeclared candidacy in name only. Here is one violation to think about....

A. 11 CFR 100.72(B)(2) -- "The individual raises funds in excess of what could reasonably be expected to be used for exploratory activities or undertakes activities designed to amass campaign funds that would be spent after he or she becomes a candidate."

IS HE RUNNING, OR NOT?

Mr. Thompson is quoted as saying "You're either running or you're not running.

I think the steps we've taken are pretty obvious."

Lane Hudson, of the blog "newsfortheleft.blogspot.com" (make this one a daily read), has thrown down the gauntlet and filed a complaint with the FEC charging the amount of donations he has received (reportedly $3.4million as of July 31st, with $72,000.00 earmarked for the general election), the years lease he has signed a contract for as his official headquarters ($88,789.00), $168,000.00 spent for Internet services, as well as his exemption for $25,000.00 plus in legal fees, make utilization of the "testing the waters" exemption moot, if not an absolute farce. Mr. Hudson, you may recall used his other blogs to expose the Mark Foley sexual advance communiques.

June 4th: Mr. Thompson was quoted as saying "I can't remember exactly the point that I said, 'I'm going to do this, But when I did, the thing that occurred to me: 'I'm going to tell people that I am thinking about it and see what kind of reaction I get to it.' "

August 17th: Mr. Thompson said, "We are going to be getting in if we get in, and of course, we are in the testing the waters phase," he said, adding, "we're going to be making a statement shortly that will cure all of that. But yeah, we'll be in traditionally when people get in this race".

Mr. Thompson should formally announce, and announce today. In not doing so, he has, in effect, thumbed his nose to all existing FEC rules and guidelines for the actions of a pres. candidate.

SO MUCH FOR THE BREATHE OF FRESH AIR PROMISED FROM "THE FRIENDS OF FRED." THAT "FRESH AIR" SMELLS MIGHTY FISHY TO ME.

And that is "The World According to Kimba"

Thanks for reading (and caring)

MR. TOAD'S WILD RIDE

"I think they're in the last throes, if you will, of the insurgency." -- on the Iraq insurgency, June 20, 2005



"Go fuck yourself." --to Sen. Patrick Leahy, during an angry exchange on the Senate floor about profiteering by Halliburton, June 25, 2004




"In Iraq, a ruthless dictator cultivated weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them. He gave support to terrorists, had an established relationship with al Qaeda, and his regime is no more." –Nov. 7, 2003





"My belief is we will, in fact, be greeted as liberators." --March 16, 2003



"I had other priorities in the sixties than military service." –on his five draft deferments, April 5, 1989

THE CULTURE OF STARBUCKS

Just when you thought you have seen everything on the Internet, comes buttafly.com. Click on the link and put in your most oft times ordered Starbucks drink, and up pops a brief description of you, including what other beverage you most often drink, and where you can be found most of the time. great fun....check this out!!!! Here are the descriptions of me based on what I order at the Bucks around the corner from me (@ 4am when it opens).

Behold the Oracle's wisdom: Venti drip with room

Personality type: Ass-clown
You tell people that you're an executive at your company. You think that your repeated references to being "addicted" to caffeine make you seem intriguing and dangerous. People think you're a sucker because you spend 60% of your annual income at Starbucks. Everyone who drinks venti drip with room ends up addicted to crack.
Also drinks: Zima

Can also be found at: Karaoke bars

Behold the Oracle's wisdom: Venti Caramel Macciato

Personality type: Clueless
You don't go to Starbucks much; when you do you just tag along with other people since you have nothing better to do. You would like to order a Tazo Chai Crème but don't know how to pronounce it. Most people who drink venti caramel macchiato are strippers.

Also drinks: Wine coolers

Can also be found at: The mall

TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT

Help Wanted: Bush administration.

Constant openings / opportunities.

Inquire within, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Here is an unofficial list of all those who have gotten smart and resigned.

Unofficial because I must have missed somebody, its hard to keep score.

Paul O'Neill

Rosario Marin

Christie Todd Whitman

Karl Rove

Paul Redmond

Don Rumsfeld

Admiral Poindexter

Jack Pritchard

Larry Thompson

Richard Haass

Victoria Clarke

Mel Martinez

Linda Cavez

T E Novotny

Tom Scully

George Tenet

Billy Tauzin

John Korsmo

Otto Reich

James Baker

Theo Olson

Jesse Robertson

James Pavitt

Richard Perle

Bradley Buckles

Robert Jordan

John Ashcroft

Karen Hughes

Tom Pickard

Louis Freeh

Colin Powell

Rumors have it, legislation will be introduced to legalize lifeboat hanging from the West Wing to be used in emergencies. Oh baby, how the boat is taking on water.

And now, Shelley Winters will sing the National Anthem.

A TEARFUL GOODBYE

The Iowa Straw Poll will take place this weekend, and although they do not usually call the winners of the upcoming elections (Bush in 2000, and Dole in 1996 and 1988), they do serve to show the door to all of those with absolutely no chance of winning.

So, with a tug o' the heart, and a tear in the eye, we say goodbye in advance to all of those Republican hopefuls that have been tilting at windmills hoping for another Ross Perot groundswell of support. These are mostly one topic candidates (illegal immigration), that were running to finish off their resumes.

GOOD BYE TO THE CARTOON CHARACTERS:

Tommy Thompson

Tom Tancredo

NICE TRY BY SOME GOOD MEN:

Mike Huckabee

Sam Brownback

Duncan Hunter

DON"T GO!!! YOU AMUSE US:

Ron Paul

THE SAD THING IS, NO ONE WILL READ THIS AND BE AMAZED

From a headline from the Washington Post.....

Weapons Given by U.S. To Iraq Are Missing
The Pentagon has lost track of about 190,000 AK-47 assault rifles and pistols given to Iraqi security forces in 2004 and 2005, report shows.

Suddenly, I am not so ashamed to be a "cut and runner", as opposed to

the administration, who is "dumb and dumber."

DON'T TELL US WHAT WE NEED

If you read the editorial section of your newspaper, then you have probably read it. Political pundits have been spreading the word as loudly as they can. They say that if the report from General Petraius in September about the state of the Iraqi war is promising, it will be a death blow to the Democratic momentum in gaining back the top job, and the White House. They have even gone so far to say that the Democrats even WISH the war in Iraq goes badly for another year, so they can get elected. The bigger the casualty list, the stronger our chances at election.

OK, lets respond. This is absolute rubbish!!

The Democrats do not need, or want the Iraq war to stay the same or get worse. We do not need more deaths of our military heroes, we do not need the war to get worse in order to get elected. Anyone who thinks the only thing that went south during the Bush administration is the Iraq war, is either incredibly naive, or criminally insane. We have more ammunition than our servicemen overseas, for God sakes. Let's take a look at the many, many issues to explore...

The pathetic (continuing) response to Hurricane Katrina
A bulging deficit, despite being left a thriving economy and balanced budgets
An administration that prefers to operate under the cloak of darkness
An administration with many secrets of their nefarious dealings across the board
Our education system, which should be called "Our country left behind"
Numerous attacks to our constitution and individual rights
Our standing, and reputation in the world
Our crumbling infrastructure
Our crumbling faith in our government leaders
Government leaders currently, or soon to be found criminally guilty
The complete lack of ethics or morals in our leaders
I could go on and on, and I know you could as well....

You do not have to be a Rhodes Scholar to see more targets for the Democratic hopefuls than at a carnival game booth. It's time the Dem's address all the issues. They are tired of the war. Remind them we need help in many, many areas. And yes, we will cut spending where we need to, and transfer those funds to where we need them, not wasting the revenue on tax cuts for the high and mighty donors to their campaigns. This country needs help, and we Democrats are coming to the rescue. We are just a little busy right now investigating the past sins of the Bush administration. We have to. We can't let future administrations know their actions, possibly criminal actions, will go unheeded. They must answer to the law just like we do. Things are going to get better. Unless the electorate gets stupid again, and votes for four more years of the same old bullshit.

And that is the World According To Kimba. Thanks for reading.

HELP WANTED: PRESIDENT.....SOME EXPERIENCE NECESSARY

Just a quick posting to document the almost daily flubs, gaffes and screw-ups from Senator Obama-nable. What did you expect, he is only a one time Senator for gawd sakes!!! The fact that he is still second in many polls is testiment to the weakness of the rest of the democratic field, especially John "sittin' behind my old lady's apron strings" Edwards.

Obama's biggest gaffes have all been on foreign policy, starting with the first presidential debate in April. Asked how he would respond to a pair of hypothetical Al Qaeda attacks, he talked about disaster response and then "potentially" taking action against the plotters while trying not to alienate anyone. Clinton simply said she would retaliate.
In last week's debate, Obama said he'd talk to any dictator without precondition. Clinton slammed him as "naive."
On Wednesday, days before this weekend's important forum of left-leaning bloggers at a DailyKos convention, he angered anti-war Democrats by saying he'd attack Pakistan to kill terrorists. He compounded the problem yesterday, giving a confused response to whether he'd use nukes to get Al Qaeda, then declared nuclear weapons were "not on the table."
His mistakes haven't all been about national security. He had to apologize to Indian immigrants in June after a campaign research paper on Clinton snidely described her as a "Democrat of Punjab." Indian-Americans then donated at least $2 million to her campaign.
And at a stop in Iowa, he asked folks if they'd checked the price of arugula in their local Whole Foods. The high-end natural foods chain has no branches in Iowa.
Finally, Obama went way overboard in talking about a May tornado that leveled a Kansas town. "Ten thousand people died - an entire town destroyed," he said. Twelve people actually died.

IT IS NO SECRET

The question has been asked of me (paraphrased), "What do you expect to come out of the investigations of the Senate, and specifically, what do you think the testimony of Karl Rove will bring out into the open?

The true answer is I don't know. The Bush administration has clouded itself in a heightened sense of security since day 1 of its administration. The fact that they continually use 9/11 and the continuing fear of terrorist threats to do so, well, sickens me. But it obvious, at least to me and my fellow liberals that this administration is capable of the most nefarious deeds, up to/and including going to the hospital bedside of the (sedated) Attorney General hoping to get him to sign off on illegal wiretapping. A true class act. Here is a very short history of the first few years of the Bush secrecy agenda, courtesy of U.S. News and World Report...

Key Dates: Secrecy and the Bush Administration
Inauguration Day (1/20/01)

Administration freezes Clinton-era regulations, without allowing for public comment.
10/12/01

Attorney General John Ashcroft, reversing Clinton policy, encourages agencies to deny Freedom of Information Act requests if a "sound legal basis" exists.
10/26/01

President Bush signs U.S.A. Patriot Act, expanding law enforcement powers and government surveillance.
2/22/02

Congress's General Accounting Office sues Vice President Dick Cheney for refusing to disclose records of his energy task force; the GAO eventually loses its case. A separate private case is pending.
3/19/02

White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card directs federal agencies to protect sensitive security information.
11/25/02

Bush signs Homeland Security Act. Its provisions restrict public access to information filed by companies about "critical infrastructure," among other matters.
01/3/03

Administration asks, in papers filed before the Supreme Court, for significant narrowing of the Freedom of Information Act.
3/25/03

Bush issues standards on classified material, favoring secrecy and reversing provisions on openness.

How about some more?

The "accidental" deletion of e-mails in the Rove offices.

The 911 report, parts of which are still not public

The strange relationship between the bush and Bin laden families

The doctoring of U.S. intel to justify going into Iraq

U.S. secret torture facilities in foreign lands

The millions of "missing" funds appropriated for the war

The strange relationship between Halliburton and Cheney / Bush

The airplane cockpit tapes from 911

The visitors logs from Bush and Cheney offices

and my list goes on and on...

It is obvious that the administration wants to operate in the black of night, without any freedom of information and/or public scrutiny. The Freedom of Information act has been weakened, as has habeus corpus and individual rights through the patriot act.

We have a right to know, don't we?

The bottom line for me is, "What are they hiding?