Via The moderate Voice
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Condoleezza Needs To Look In The Mirror
What always amazes me about the President and administration officials is how they can be critical of other world leaders or movements without first taking a long look into the mirror. It's an ugly American form of implied self righteousness. We know best. We are better then you.
Yet we certainly don't have any right to speak from the moral high ground given our track record these days with the rest of the world. Everyone else in the world sees it but not our government. It only reinforces the belief in other countries of how delusional and out of the loop our leaders are.
Immediate case in point is Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s criticism of what she called power hungry chief executives with unchecked authority when referring to Russia Vladimir Putin.
Hello to you Miss Queen of the Imperial Presidency.
Bush and Cheney have worked tirelessly since coming to power to centralize their power in the executive branch of government. By doing so they have in fact weakened the demoratic power of the other institutions and branches of government. The weakening of Congressional power has been almost a daily goal of Bush administration usurpers.
They often brand others as religious fanatics (which in many cases they maybe). While failing to see their own Christian fanaticism and self-righteousness running amok.
Welcome to the continuing episodes of the Bush administration's Twilight Zone.
Yet we certainly don't have any right to speak from the moral high ground given our track record these days with the rest of the world. Everyone else in the world sees it but not our government. It only reinforces the belief in other countries of how delusional and out of the loop our leaders are.
Immediate case in point is Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s criticism of what she called power hungry chief executives with unchecked authority when referring to Russia Vladimir Putin.
"In any country, if you don't have countervailing institutions, the power of any one president is problematic for democratic development,"
Hello to you Miss Queen of the Imperial Presidency.
Bush and Cheney have worked tirelessly since coming to power to centralize their power in the executive branch of government. By doing so they have in fact weakened the demoratic power of the other institutions and branches of government. The weakening of Congressional power has been almost a daily goal of Bush administration usurpers.
They often brand others as religious fanatics (which in many cases they maybe). While failing to see their own Christian fanaticism and self-righteousness running amok.
Welcome to the continuing episodes of the Bush administration's Twilight Zone.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Artistdogboy Daily Observations
Police defuse homemade bombs in Fife
You thought Sound Transit was bad? How about trying a bus ride in Delhi as year to date death toll reaches 97
Dead Head News Psychedelic mushrooms to be band in Netherlands
German Foreign Minister says US and France guilty of hypocrisy on Iran trade sanctions because US and French companies actually continue hidden trade deals
138 of world's top Muslim leaders call for better relations with Christian world
New trend yuppies living in containers
You thought Sound Transit was bad? How about trying a bus ride in Delhi as year to date death toll reaches 97
Dead Head News Psychedelic mushrooms to be band in Netherlands
German Foreign Minister says US and France guilty of hypocrisy on Iran trade sanctions because US and French companies actually continue hidden trade deals
138 of world's top Muslim leaders call for better relations with Christian world
New trend yuppies living in containers
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Government is Good
For years right wing neo-conservatives have droned on about all government being a bad thing for America. A evil force that interfers with the daily life of all citizens.
Of course this made it difficult for the right to govern when they became the majority party in the early nineties. We have seen attempts to dismantle many government programs and agencies that protect and helped the middle class prosper and grow.
Now we have a website created by Douglas J Amy, Professor of Politics at Mount Holyoke College that argues that Government actually is good for America. It offers compelling arguments for sound government taxation, programs and safeguards.
Of course this made it difficult for the right to govern when they became the majority party in the early nineties. We have seen attempts to dismantle many government programs and agencies that protect and helped the middle class prosper and grow.
Now we have a website created by Douglas J Amy, Professor of Politics at Mount Holyoke College that argues that Government actually is good for America. It offers compelling arguments for sound government taxation, programs and safeguards.
Artistdogboy Daily Obsessions
Photos of Havana from underground outlaw blog
Opinion polls in Iraq and Afghanistan show Muslim's approval of al Qaeda slipping badly
Millions of young middle eastern girls self images to be manipulated by invention of Muslim-style Barbie
Right attacks 12 year old for supporting health coverage for kids and Rahel Maddow responds
Opinion polls in Iraq and Afghanistan show Muslim's approval of al Qaeda slipping badly
Millions of young middle eastern girls self images to be manipulated by invention of Muslim-style Barbie
Right attacks 12 year old for supporting health coverage for kids and Rahel Maddow responds
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Artistdogboy Not So Daily Observations
Selecting the safest meat and the most and least reliable labels
Help is here for Americans who lack the attention span to care about US and British oil companies plans to get their hands on Iraqi oil reserves
The new Iraqi front opens as Turkey bombs Kurdish rebels
Arguments why the farm bill should be dumped
Loopy protesters build Buddha outside Pelosi's house.
Help is here for Americans who lack the attention span to care about US and British oil companies plans to get their hands on Iraqi oil reserves
The new Iraqi front opens as Turkey bombs Kurdish rebels
Arguments why the farm bill should be dumped
Loopy protesters build Buddha outside Pelosi's house.
As Rome Burns Congress Argues Petty Partisan Politics
Lewis Black's humorous video looks at an inept US Congress in action
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Artistdogboy Daily Observations
Why were nukes flown on combat aircraft to Mideast staging area
Somebody better tell Bush that Iraqi officials indicate they are not interested in reconciliation of waring ethnic groups
Thomas Jefferson on heavy rotation in grave
In novel idea Obama proposes capping greenhouse gas emissions and making polluter pay
Somebody better tell Bush that Iraqi officials indicate they are not interested in reconciliation of waring ethnic groups
Thomas Jefferson on heavy rotation in grave
In novel idea Obama proposes capping greenhouse gas emissions and making polluter pay
Worried About US Invasion Of Iran; How About Holland?
Will Bush, Cheney or Rumsfeld every face the International Court of Justice for war crimes? It depends on whether you believe in rules of conduct based on an international system of laws or one based on military power. Could the US end up invading Holland to stop any war crime prosecutions against one of it's citizens.
Connor Foley of the Guardian offers some insights.
Connor Foley of the Guardian offers some insights.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Fake Elvis Profits From Kennedy Assasination In Big D
Down here in Dallas the sweat is running off my forehead in the 90-degree heat. Just a few days ago I was sitting on my porch on Vashon Island watching a downpour in a hailstorm thinking oh yeah it’s time for winter. Well it sure seems like it’s summer here still.I’m retired and unencumbered so when a friend suggested we fly down to Dallas for the weekend I said why not it be nice to see the big D while there’s still time. We also both have a couple of friends that happen to be here right now. We all had one thing in common in that we all quit drinking and drugging at about the same time many years ago in Seattle. We all are still sober today and everyone is doing real well too. Goes to show you that some of the recovery stuff does work. It's not all bullshit like some say. But I don’t mean to sound preachy. Your experience may be different then mine.
I don’t know anything anyway, which is really the big revelation.
My buddy Al is a decorative art designer and dealer. He got married and had a redheaded kid then moved to Dallas. Sells his stuff in all the big retail chain stores. It all about volume I guess. Goes to China all the time to handle the manufacturing end of it. Michael a highend pot and pan salesman extraordinaire who works only three months a year at events like the State Fair of Texas and makes more money then most people working the full 12 months do. Travels the world the rest of the year volunteering his time to improve child literacy. He one of those guys you see hawking stuff in a pavilion at one of the hundreds of fairs all around the country. It really more theater then sales and it’s fascinating to watch him work. Bob is in the construction business in Seattle and believes in giving all his money and stuff away whenever possible. He says you always get back three times what you give away, he says it’s one of the spiritual rules. I don’t quite understand that, but that’s not important. He likes to give those guys who stand at the freeway off ramps cartons of cigarettes just to see the looks on their faces. But sometimes he just gives them a ten or a twenty when he doesn’t have cigarettes. Goes to show you that those folks do make money I guess.
Everybody is a lot more useful it appears these days then when we first meet. God we were a bunch of freaking millstones around the neck of the world and everybody else who happened to come into contact with us back then. It all seemed so black and hopeless back then. We all changed a bit you could definitely say. But we actually had no choice.
We have been driving around Dallas. We went to Daley plaza to see were Kennedy was shot. There was a fake Elvis guy there named Ray playing songs and passing his hat. We took pictures of us hiding in the bushes on the grassy knoll and a couple with the fake Elvis and us together. We all shared our personal Kennedy conspiracy theories with each other over coffee afterwards. I think mine made the most sense. Everybody knows the Teamsters had him killed because Bobby and Hoffa hated each other so much.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
US Military Finds List Of 500 Al Qaeda Members In Iraq Leaks Info to Press Probably Making List Worthless
In a news item seen on CNN The US Military indicates it has found a list containing the names of 500 Al Qaeda Members in Iraq. The question has to be asked why would they reveal this information? Wouldn't it give those named on the list an opportunity to escape or evade capture? Or is it a ploy to support the argument that Al Qaeda presence supports continuing American involvement? Just wondering..
Artistdogboy Daily Observations
Major Democrat candidates respond to Bush SCHIP veto
When the rich donate money is it really charity?
Pakistan losing war against Taliban and al-Qaida
Former NATO commander says Rush should be kicked off Armed Forces Radio
Online petition proposes Nobel Peace prize for Burmese Monks
Jimmy Carter in throw down with Darfur Officials
When the rich donate money is it really charity?
Pakistan losing war against Taliban and al-Qaida
Former NATO commander says Rush should be kicked off Armed Forces Radio
Online petition proposes Nobel Peace prize for Burmese Monks
Jimmy Carter in throw down with Darfur Officials
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Mariners Phony Rightwing Family Values Image Keeps Them From Winning
One thing really bugs me about the Seattle Mariners. It’s not the bad trades; bad draft choices, signing of washed up free agents, lack luster starting pitching, bullpen meltdowns, non-production of slugger Richie Sexson or retaining ineffective general managers.
It’s the phony rightwing family values image promoted by Mariner management that permeate every decision and move the club makes.
The annoying happy talk pre game code of conduct announcement you hear when you entering the ballpark is indicative of the problem.
“The Seattle Mariners are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for our guests at Safeco Field. Our staff will proactively intervene to support an environment where guests can enjoy the Safeco Field experience free from unacceptable behavior, including the following:
Any guest not adhering to the above code or behaving in an unruly manner will be removed from the ballpark. The Seattle Mariners and Safeco Field management reserve the right to determine what is unruly or unacceptable behavior, warranting removal
If anyone is interfering with your enjoyment of our facility, please contact the nearest Safeco Field Host for assistance”
We own the ballpark not you! So get over the mind control tactics and phony family values flag waiving crap you subjected everyone to when we go to OUR ballpark. Remember this is a park we built mostly with taxpayer money and rented to the Mariners at sweetheart rates.
If your like me you’ll say who the hell are you to tell me I can’t kiss my significant other in public and who made you the judge of obscene or indecent clothing and who gave you the right to determine just what constitutes unruly and unacceptable conduct. People are capable of policing their own behavior thank you.
The most well known enforcement of these rules is when the Mariners refused to allow fans wearing a “Yankees Suck” tee shirt into the park in May of 2002. A ban that was later removed after a backlash from the likes of the ACLU and season ticket holders who felt that that Mariner management was infringing on everyone’s first amendment rights. At the time M’s management said the word suck “was offensive and had no place in a family atmosphere”. Really! This is the same type of self-righteous crap that helps create sexually suppressed types who feel the need to seek anonymous sex in public restrooms.
No I’m not saying that anything should go at the ballpark.
But I don’t need the thought police telling me how to act or that I can’t yell “hey you suck” at the player of my choice if I feel like it. That type of behavior is part and parcel of normal baseball fan behavior from the beginning of time. Except maybe in stodgy overly PC Seattle.
What surprises me is most of the attendees at the park go along with it like the bunch of no nothing johnny come lately Seattle baseball fans that they are. They’re more interested, most of the time. in getting the god dam wave started then paying attention to what’s happen on the field of play.
I’m convinced it's because they really go to the games to be seen, eat garlic fries or those nauseating shishkaberries and NOT actually watch the game. Something that's hard to do when some yahoo is doing the wave with the bases loaded and the batter facing the pitch of decision. If they were truthful they’d admit they find the game itself quite boring but it's real fun to do the distracting wave to keep their peabrains occupied. Try doing the wave at Fenway Park in Boston or Wrigley Field in Chicago because someone may hit you up side the head.
Go to a football game for Christ sake to do that shit. The wave does not belong in baseball period.
But I regress.
The flag waiving and feel goodliness family values atmosphere goes on unrestricted at Safeco whenever possible. I’m convinced it led to the eventual demises of the most successful manager in M’s history Lou Piniella. I should also add the demise of general manager Pat Gillick here too. No matter what was said in the MSM at the time. Piniella’s fiery personality and on field antics were looked upon unfavorably by Howard Lincoln and Chuck Armstrong and the rest of the powers to be in Mariner Management. This is of course the same Sweet Lou who just led the lowly Chicago Cubs to the central division pennant. Gillick is the GM of the Philadelphia Phillies who just won the National League East title.
It’s not hard to see the hand of the family values types running this ball club behind all this. Eagle scoutmaster Howard Lincoln, chief operating officer of the team, apparently carried his rightwing family values agenda into adulthood. Now he is trying to indoctrinate all of the rest of us.
Like most of us I’m a long-suffering Seattle Baseball fan. In 1995 the ball club finally made it to the post season after years of losing. Much of the success of the 95 season was due to the aligning of the baseball planets and not anything that Mariner Management really had done up to that time except for the hiring of Lou Piniella to manage the baseball team. It’s pretty much a given that Seattle wouldn’t have a major league baseball franchise today had it not finally made the playoffs in 1995. The team suddenly became the toast of the town which created a political climate that favored approval of funding for a new stadium. This took two elections in the fall of 1995 (the first election rejected the stadium proposal before it was resubmitted to voters and finally approved) to get the voters to agree to fund a baseball park for the M’s to play. During this time the M’s also build up their fan base that has pretty much guaranteed the financial success of the team every since.
After 1995 the M’s continued to be competitive and under Piniella, appearing in the playoffs in 97, 2000, and 2001. The M’s won 93 games in 02 but missed the playoffs. Piniella was fired and the end of the 02 season. The Bob Melvin era began and the team missed the playoffs in 03 even though they again won 93 games. The slide continued until this year when it appeared the club would make the post season until it's end of season collapse. In spite of this Mariner management decided to stand pat and retain unproductive GM Bill Bavasi and rookie manager John McLaren for another year.
Even though M's management says they want to win a world series their actions would indicate otherwise. I think they are more interested in ticket sales (which remain good) then winning. Until Mariners fans realize this and start not going to the park or at least make some display of objecting there is little reason for M's management to change things.
Also I think most of the more colorful and talented people in baseball are not acceptable to Mariner management because their not the YES men goodie-goodie types that fit the family values M's philosophy and agenda. This restricts them from hiring controversial baseball people. Many of whom are just the people in the game that are also the most talented and ultimately could be better at fielding a winning team.
It’s the phony rightwing family values image promoted by Mariner management that permeate every decision and move the club makes.
The annoying happy talk pre game code of conduct announcement you hear when you entering the ballpark is indicative of the problem.
“The Seattle Mariners are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for our guests at Safeco Field. Our staff will proactively intervene to support an environment where guests can enjoy the Safeco Field experience free from unacceptable behavior, including the following:
- Foul/abusive language or obscene gestures
- Intoxication or other signs of impairment related to alcohol consumption
- Displays of affection not appropriate in a public, family setting
- Obscene or indecent clothing
- Any disruption of the game or event, including throwing of objects or trespassing on the playing field or in restricted areas
- Sitting in a location other than the guest's ticketed seat
- Fighting, taunting, or making threatening remarks or gestures
Any guest not adhering to the above code or behaving in an unruly manner will be removed from the ballpark. The Seattle Mariners and Safeco Field management reserve the right to determine what is unruly or unacceptable behavior, warranting removal
If anyone is interfering with your enjoyment of our facility, please contact the nearest Safeco Field Host for assistance”
We own the ballpark not you! So get over the mind control tactics and phony family values flag waiving crap you subjected everyone to when we go to OUR ballpark. Remember this is a park we built mostly with taxpayer money and rented to the Mariners at sweetheart rates.
If your like me you’ll say who the hell are you to tell me I can’t kiss my significant other in public and who made you the judge of obscene or indecent clothing and who gave you the right to determine just what constitutes unruly and unacceptable conduct. People are capable of policing their own behavior thank you.
The most well known enforcement of these rules is when the Mariners refused to allow fans wearing a “Yankees Suck” tee shirt into the park in May of 2002. A ban that was later removed after a backlash from the likes of the ACLU and season ticket holders who felt that that Mariner management was infringing on everyone’s first amendment rights. At the time M’s management said the word suck “was offensive and had no place in a family atmosphere”. Really! This is the same type of self-righteous crap that helps create sexually suppressed types who feel the need to seek anonymous sex in public restrooms.
No I’m not saying that anything should go at the ballpark.
But I don’t need the thought police telling me how to act or that I can’t yell “hey you suck” at the player of my choice if I feel like it. That type of behavior is part and parcel of normal baseball fan behavior from the beginning of time. Except maybe in stodgy overly PC Seattle.
What surprises me is most of the attendees at the park go along with it like the bunch of no nothing johnny come lately Seattle baseball fans that they are. They’re more interested, most of the time. in getting the god dam wave started then paying attention to what’s happen on the field of play.
I’m convinced it's because they really go to the games to be seen, eat garlic fries or those nauseating shishkaberries and NOT actually watch the game. Something that's hard to do when some yahoo is doing the wave with the bases loaded and the batter facing the pitch of decision. If they were truthful they’d admit they find the game itself quite boring but it's real fun to do the distracting wave to keep their peabrains occupied. Try doing the wave at Fenway Park in Boston or Wrigley Field in Chicago because someone may hit you up side the head.
Go to a football game for Christ sake to do that shit. The wave does not belong in baseball period.
But I regress.
The flag waiving and feel goodliness family values atmosphere goes on unrestricted at Safeco whenever possible. I’m convinced it led to the eventual demises of the most successful manager in M’s history Lou Piniella. I should also add the demise of general manager Pat Gillick here too. No matter what was said in the MSM at the time. Piniella’s fiery personality and on field antics were looked upon unfavorably by Howard Lincoln and Chuck Armstrong and the rest of the powers to be in Mariner Management. This is of course the same Sweet Lou who just led the lowly Chicago Cubs to the central division pennant. Gillick is the GM of the Philadelphia Phillies who just won the National League East title.
It’s not hard to see the hand of the family values types running this ball club behind all this. Eagle scoutmaster Howard Lincoln, chief operating officer of the team, apparently carried his rightwing family values agenda into adulthood. Now he is trying to indoctrinate all of the rest of us.
Like most of us I’m a long-suffering Seattle Baseball fan. In 1995 the ball club finally made it to the post season after years of losing. Much of the success of the 95 season was due to the aligning of the baseball planets and not anything that Mariner Management really had done up to that time except for the hiring of Lou Piniella to manage the baseball team. It’s pretty much a given that Seattle wouldn’t have a major league baseball franchise today had it not finally made the playoffs in 1995. The team suddenly became the toast of the town which created a political climate that favored approval of funding for a new stadium. This took two elections in the fall of 1995 (the first election rejected the stadium proposal before it was resubmitted to voters and finally approved) to get the voters to agree to fund a baseball park for the M’s to play. During this time the M’s also build up their fan base that has pretty much guaranteed the financial success of the team every since.
After 1995 the M’s continued to be competitive and under Piniella, appearing in the playoffs in 97, 2000, and 2001. The M’s won 93 games in 02 but missed the playoffs. Piniella was fired and the end of the 02 season. The Bob Melvin era began and the team missed the playoffs in 03 even though they again won 93 games. The slide continued until this year when it appeared the club would make the post season until it's end of season collapse. In spite of this Mariner management decided to stand pat and retain unproductive GM Bill Bavasi and rookie manager John McLaren for another year.
Even though M's management says they want to win a world series their actions would indicate otherwise. I think they are more interested in ticket sales (which remain good) then winning. Until Mariners fans realize this and start not going to the park or at least make some display of objecting there is little reason for M's management to change things.
Also I think most of the more colorful and talented people in baseball are not acceptable to Mariner management because their not the YES men goodie-goodie types that fit the family values M's philosophy and agenda. This restricts them from hiring controversial baseball people. Many of whom are just the people in the game that are also the most talented and ultimately could be better at fielding a winning team.
Artistdogboy Daily Observations
Senate approves 150 billion in war funding
Most Americans want war funding cut
People losing faith that US democracy works
UN report says violence in Afghanistan has reached new high point
Benazir Butto says she may allow US attacks to eliminate Osama
NBA continues to implode
Most Americans want war funding cut
People losing faith that US democracy works
UN report says violence in Afghanistan has reached new high point
Benazir Butto says she may allow US attacks to eliminate Osama
NBA continues to implode
Monday, October 01, 2007
Artistdogboy Daily Observations
Former Clinton administration official Robert Reich counters Justice Thomas's 60 minutes attack on Anita Hill and Bill Clinton's claims he was more experienced then Obama when he first ran for white house
Europeans angry after Bush climate change "charade"
American military train Arab pilots for war with Iran
US college students mortgage their future take out loans for pizza and beer parties
99 things real Chicago Cubs fan should know before baseball playoff begin
Europeans angry after Bush climate change "charade"
American military train Arab pilots for war with Iran
US college students mortgage their future take out loans for pizza and beer parties
99 things real Chicago Cubs fan should know before baseball playoff begin
Mario Cuomo Blasts Congress For Abdicating War Making Powers To Bush
In a recent appearance Mario Cuomo blasted Congress for continuing to abdicate it's exclusive and non delegable constitutional powers to declare war to President Bush. It is imperative that the congress not delegate it obligations to vote up or down on any administration plan for a war with Iran.
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