Good morning, early morning. I'd intended to post early but things got messy with my brother freaking out. Big to do with the family of his wife to be and we all had to attend. He shows up after calling to ask if I'll help him pick out a tie. How bad was it? He brought four shirts. All white. Wasn't a difference between them but just convincing him of the shirt took forever. Then when he's got it and the tie, he pulls on the jacket and decides the suit's all wrong. This is the first time meeting her extended family and he was nervous.
So I get home and have Blogger problems. Can't get in. Call Rebecca and she says, "Oh, I'm not blogging for Friday because I had the same problem. Did you get an e-mail from Betty?" Nope. But Betty's written a post she's pretty pleased with and, if you know how hard Betty can be on herself, you know that's a big, big deal.
She gets it done and it won't post. "She lost it?" I ask. Nope, Rebecca called her. It's saved. She got a message telling her "Blogger is updating . . . Your post has been saved. Please publish in ten minutes." She gets that message everytime she tries to publish. For three hours straight before she gave up. If you know Betty, you know this must have been some post for her to like it because she hates everything she writes. Now she's got something she loves but she can't get it to post. Ain't it that way?
While I'm checking the e-mails, I see Elaine wrote to say she was giving up and going out. Had blogger problems too. Then I see Wally's written and I'm pretty excited because the whole Alito thing and other stuff had him pretty down and C.I. said, "Give him space and nobody pressure him about posting." So I've sent him some joke e-mails that you get, laugh and then pass around to everyone you know. Other than that, I've just been backing off, hoping he's fine and getting some rest and all.
Is he fine? Nope. He's on his way to DC. He should be there by now. In fact, by many hours ago. He wrote me before he left. I am so bummed! Wally, you bastard! :D
Kat was going for the World Can't Wait rally. And no one else was going. C.I. was all "No, don't ask me. I'm tired. I want a weekend to myself." Well that lasted until Friday morning. Wally calls C.I. to see how things are going and C.I. says, "I'm going to DC." Wally was in the mood to start back up the site and thinking of a Friday evening post (good thing he didn't try for that with all the problems) and C.I. goes, "Well, if you're rested, want to go to DC?" So Wally and Kat and C.I. are in DC. I'm so bummed! :D
I mention that to Rebecca and she says, "Holy *****, I don't ******** believe it!" Jim and Dona called her early this evening and said they were going to go and did she want to go? She said no because she was enjoying downtime. She thinks Dona, Jim, Ty, Ava and Jess are in DC too. I e-mailed Cedric but haven't heard from him yet. I wonder if he's gone too?
Rebecca goes, "Well Betty, you, Elaine and I didn't go." Yeah, but you know they are having fun!
Seriously, I hope Wally has a good time. He didn't get to go in September so this will be wild for him. And he needs something because the Alito vote really bothered him. More than any of us in some ways. It bummed him out like crazy.
So that's what's going on. Now let's do Democracy Now! and I'm pretty tired so don't know how much I can offer. Elaine and I picked out the items together but with all her problems trying to blog tonight before she just headed out and said screw it, she may not pick up these items. But you never know, so check her site Like Maria Said Paz. (After I told people to look for someone's review of Brokeback Mountain that, though promised, never posted after 17 plus days and got e-mails saying, "Mike, you said he was going to write about it!" I don't want any more crud from anyone. I thought he was going to write about it because he said he would write about it the next day. I have no idea why he hasn't posted on it or anything else for 17 days, take it up with him. But if you go to the site, you'll still see that old post saying 'I'm posting on the movie tomorrow' from 17 plus days ago.
World Can't Wait Activist Interrupts Rumsfeld Speech
And at the same press event where Rumsfeld spoke, an anti-war activist interrupted his speech. World Can’t Wait's Heather Hurwitz: "You have committed crimes against humanity and BushCommission.org and thousands are coming this weekend to drive you out of office, You and you whole administration. Step down Mr. Rumsfeld, Bush administration step down and take these programs with you. You are torturing people signing off on torture. It's happening. This world needs to wake up, stop this war, this criminal war."
Hurwitz is a member of the group World Can’t Wait. The group is convening a protest in Washington Saturday calling on the Bush administration to step down. Thousands of people are expected to attend.
Get him, Heather! Way to go! Past time he was seriously called out. I was listening to it and you can hear this guy going "shut up" to her and she didn't. And we won't. The summer of protest woke up the country and there's no going back, get used to it. Criminals will be called out. That's the way it's going to be. We're not going to be quiet and wait for Bully Boy to bring the troops home. We're going to demand it. Our numbers have grown and will keep growing and they're going to have to face the fact that they can't shut us up. Way to go, Heather!
Bush Mulled Using Spyplane Painted In UN Colors To Provoke Iraq
In other news, a newly disclosed pre-war memo shows President Bush considered painting a US spyplane in the colors of the UN and flying it into Iraqi territory to provoke Saddam Hussein into war. The idea was discussed at a meeting held with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the White House on January 31st 2003 -- well over a month before the US and Britain invaded Iraq. The memo also adds further credence to accusations the President was set on war regardless of UN authorization and weapons inspections. According to the memo, Bush said "the US would put its full weight behind efforts to get another resolution and would: 'twist arms' and 'even threaten'." The memo continues: “But he had to say that if ultimately we failed, military action would follow anyway.'' The memo says Tony Blair agreed, but argued that "a second Security Council resolution would provide an insurance policy against the unexpected, and international cover, including with the Arabs." The memo was first revealed in the book "Lawless World", written by leading British human rights lawyer Philippe Sands.
Yeah, he lied us into war. Only an ostrich with its head buried in the sand could continue to deny it. The question now is when can we impeach? "War criminal!" Holler it with Heather!
Tony reminded me to throw in some Zirin this week, so here's Dave Zirin's "Super Bowl City on the Brink:"
That's what Washington Post sportswriter Tony Kornheiser called the National Football League's two-week long pre-Super Bowl party binge. Every Super Bowl Sunday, corporate executives and politicians exchange besotted, sodden backslaps, amidst an atmosphere that would shame Jack Abramoff. Only this year the bacchanalia -- complete with ice sculptures peeing Grey Goose vodka and two tons of frozen lobster flown directly to the stadium -- is happening in the United States' most impoverished, ravaged city: Detroit. Detroit's power elites in government and the auto industry are rolling out the red carpet while many of its people shiver in fraying rags. This contrast between the party atmosphere and abject urban suffering has been so stark, so shocking and so utterly revealing that news coverage on the city's plight has appeared in the sports pages of the New York Times and Detroit Free Press, among others.
Only a Bush speechwriter couldn't notice the gritty backdrop while limos clog the streets and escort services are flying in female reinforcements like so much shellfish. Detroit -- and there is no soft way to put this -- is a city on the edge of the abyss. Its 2005 unemployment rate was 14.1 percent, more than two and a half times the national level. Its population
has plummeted since the 1950s from over two million to fewer than 900,000, and more than one-third of its residents live under the poverty line, the highest rate in the nation. In addition, the city has in the past year axed hundreds of municipal employees, cut bus and garbage services, and boarded up nine recreation centers. As the Associated Press wrote, "Much of the rest of Detroit is a landscape dotted with burned-out buildings, where liquor stores abound but supermarkets are hard to come by, and where drugs, violence and unemployment are everyday realities."
That's the Bully Boy economy. The poor get poorer and the rich get tax cuts.
Now go read C.I.'s "On the Dangers of an Unchecked Bully Boy" (it's the thing that motivated Wally). (It'll motivate you too in a non-Tony Robinson way. :D.)
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Saturday, February 04, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Police apologize to Cindy Sheehan, Bully Boy don't believe in clinics and NYT silent on Coretta Scott King
Good evening. Amy Goodman's still in Doha and today's Democracy Now! was devoted to covering the history and present of Al Jazeera so go the website if you missed the broadcast.
Let's kick things off.
Capitol Police Apologize, Drop Charges Over Sheehan Arrest
One day after Cindy Sheehan was arrested for wearing an anti-war T-shirt to President Bush's State of The Union address, Capitol police have dropped her charges and apologized. Sheehan, whose son Casey died in combat in Iraq in April 2004, was removed from the House gallery Tuesday night after unveiling a T-shirt that read: "2,245 dead and how many more?" -- a reference to the number of US service members killed in Iraq. In a statement, Capitol Police Chief Terrance Gainer said Sheehan should not have been arrested. President Bush began his speech shortly after she was removed.
No they shouldn't have arrested her. What was it, C.I. said, "Terrorist with intent to t-shirt"?
She is being targeted and the police had no reason to pull her from the audience, let alone to arrest her. An apology doesn't make up for what they put her through. The officer needs to be disciplined. When he ran over Cindy Sheehan's free speech rights, he ran over all of free speech.
Report: US Far Behind In Reconstructing Iraq Health Clinics
In Iraq, USA Today is reporting the US has failed to open any health clinics in the country -- despite initially promising to open 180 clinics by last December. Iraq's deputy health minister said the US has completed construction on only four clinics.
Hearts and minds, folks, hearts and minds. We're winning hearts and minds. Whose? I guess the corporations we keep giving money to even though they don't do what they're contracted to do. Bully Boy keeps bragging about spreading "democracy" and maybe what he means is: "In America, my policy is you're all screwed so that's what I'm trying to export."
And note something, USA Today ran that story, not the New York Times. That's because the Times can't break stories on Iraq, they're too busy hopping in bed with the military in Iraq. In this country? They're too busy acting like Coretta Scott King was nobody important. From C.I.:
From the war to Coretta Scott King. We have a a highlight but before we get to that . . . Does the New York Times believe that Coretta Scott King's passing didn't matter? This week Wendy Wasserstein passed away and it was a tragedy. On the day the New York Times front paged their article on Wasserstein, they also featured a lengthy editorial (signed by Gail Collins). One would assume, with Coretta Scott King's historical significance (a level few ever reach but she did), that at the minimum she would receive the same level of coverage as a playwright. That still hasn't happened. The Times editorial board either doesn't appear to know King died or they just don't care. In addition to refusing to run an editorial on King's passing, there have been no op-eds on her passing. It's not Bob Herbert's job (as the only African-American columnist on the op-ed pages of the Times) to cover every 'Black' issue so the Times doesn't have to be bothered. Coretta Scott King is historical for every race in this country. And let's not pretend Herbert covers Coretta Scott King today. He doesn't. He opens with a quote by her and she's not mentioned again until the second to last paragraph of a 21 paragraph column. The Times can't pretend that was a column about Coretta Scott King. (Check my math and I'm including the quote that opens the column as a paragraph.)
Exactly when will the New York Times get around to noting that Coretta Scott King passed away. Was she not friends with Gail Collins? Is that the criteria for getting an editorial on your passing written? At present, they have noted her death with only one article (which they did front page) and her passing is mentioned in a column today by Herbert (a column that's not about her life or her passing -- it's a state of the world column).
Now maybe some people missed it, but they want the King Center to be turned over to the government, the paper does. No surprise there, we noted that here before the editorial made it into the paper (ahead of the editorial by many days, I believe five or six days ahead of the editorial being printed). What to do with property, on that they have something to say. With regards to Coretta Scott King, they're strangely silent.
Cedric called me about what I wrote yesterday about the Times and I was kind of embarrassed because I obviously didn't put in "I was talking to C.I. on the phone . . ." I was wondering if it was too soon to expect some statement from the editorials and op-eds and, like any smart person would when needing info on the Times, I called C.I. who explained that the day the paper ran their front page story on the playwright (who C.I. says was talented and nice), they also had a long editorial on her. I remembered seeing it, but I didn't read it. So they could have had an editorial in the paper by Wednesday when they noted Mrs. King's death. They didn't. Nor any op-eds. C.I. had said on the phone, "I'm waiting until tomorrow to see what happens."
So let me clear that up. And let me ask the question of why the paper doesn't think Coretta Scott King is important?
If you can figure it out, let me know. Cedric's going to write about this tonight so check out Cedric's Big Mix and don't forget to check out Elaine's thoughts at her site Like Maria Said Paz. Highlight of my blogging day is going over the headlines from Democracy Now! with Elaine as we try to figure out which ones to note.
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Let's kick things off.
Capitol Police Apologize, Drop Charges Over Sheehan Arrest
One day after Cindy Sheehan was arrested for wearing an anti-war T-shirt to President Bush's State of The Union address, Capitol police have dropped her charges and apologized. Sheehan, whose son Casey died in combat in Iraq in April 2004, was removed from the House gallery Tuesday night after unveiling a T-shirt that read: "2,245 dead and how many more?" -- a reference to the number of US service members killed in Iraq. In a statement, Capitol Police Chief Terrance Gainer said Sheehan should not have been arrested. President Bush began his speech shortly after she was removed.
No they shouldn't have arrested her. What was it, C.I. said, "Terrorist with intent to t-shirt"?
She is being targeted and the police had no reason to pull her from the audience, let alone to arrest her. An apology doesn't make up for what they put her through. The officer needs to be disciplined. When he ran over Cindy Sheehan's free speech rights, he ran over all of free speech.
Report: US Far Behind In Reconstructing Iraq Health Clinics
In Iraq, USA Today is reporting the US has failed to open any health clinics in the country -- despite initially promising to open 180 clinics by last December. Iraq's deputy health minister said the US has completed construction on only four clinics.
Hearts and minds, folks, hearts and minds. We're winning hearts and minds. Whose? I guess the corporations we keep giving money to even though they don't do what they're contracted to do. Bully Boy keeps bragging about spreading "democracy" and maybe what he means is: "In America, my policy is you're all screwed so that's what I'm trying to export."
And note something, USA Today ran that story, not the New York Times. That's because the Times can't break stories on Iraq, they're too busy hopping in bed with the military in Iraq. In this country? They're too busy acting like Coretta Scott King was nobody important. From C.I.:
From the war to Coretta Scott King. We have a a highlight but before we get to that . . . Does the New York Times believe that Coretta Scott King's passing didn't matter? This week Wendy Wasserstein passed away and it was a tragedy. On the day the New York Times front paged their article on Wasserstein, they also featured a lengthy editorial (signed by Gail Collins). One would assume, with Coretta Scott King's historical significance (a level few ever reach but she did), that at the minimum she would receive the same level of coverage as a playwright. That still hasn't happened. The Times editorial board either doesn't appear to know King died or they just don't care. In addition to refusing to run an editorial on King's passing, there have been no op-eds on her passing. It's not Bob Herbert's job (as the only African-American columnist on the op-ed pages of the Times) to cover every 'Black' issue so the Times doesn't have to be bothered. Coretta Scott King is historical for every race in this country. And let's not pretend Herbert covers Coretta Scott King today. He doesn't. He opens with a quote by her and she's not mentioned again until the second to last paragraph of a 21 paragraph column. The Times can't pretend that was a column about Coretta Scott King. (Check my math and I'm including the quote that opens the column as a paragraph.)
Exactly when will the New York Times get around to noting that Coretta Scott King passed away. Was she not friends with Gail Collins? Is that the criteria for getting an editorial on your passing written? At present, they have noted her death with only one article (which they did front page) and her passing is mentioned in a column today by Herbert (a column that's not about her life or her passing -- it's a state of the world column).
Now maybe some people missed it, but they want the King Center to be turned over to the government, the paper does. No surprise there, we noted that here before the editorial made it into the paper (ahead of the editorial by many days, I believe five or six days ahead of the editorial being printed). What to do with property, on that they have something to say. With regards to Coretta Scott King, they're strangely silent.
Cedric called me about what I wrote yesterday about the Times and I was kind of embarrassed because I obviously didn't put in "I was talking to C.I. on the phone . . ." I was wondering if it was too soon to expect some statement from the editorials and op-eds and, like any smart person would when needing info on the Times, I called C.I. who explained that the day the paper ran their front page story on the playwright (who C.I. says was talented and nice), they also had a long editorial on her. I remembered seeing it, but I didn't read it. So they could have had an editorial in the paper by Wednesday when they noted Mrs. King's death. They didn't. Nor any op-eds. C.I. had said on the phone, "I'm waiting until tomorrow to see what happens."
So let me clear that up. And let me ask the question of why the paper doesn't think Coretta Scott King is important?
If you can figure it out, let me know. Cedric's going to write about this tonight so check out Cedric's Big Mix and don't forget to check out Elaine's thoughts at her site Like Maria Said Paz. Highlight of my blogging day is going over the headlines from Democracy Now! with Elaine as we try to figure out which ones to note.
democracy now
the common ills
cindy sheehan
the new york times
coretta scott king
cedrics big mix
like maria said paz
mikey likes it
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Amy Goodman and Democracy Now! in Qatar, Coretta Scott King, Cindy Sheehan and the Bush Commission
Good evening. If you missed it today, Amy Goodman broadcasted from Qatar. "What, what, what!" you say. "Democracy Now! in Qatar?" It's ta-rue! One of my sisters, I won't say which one because I value my life :D, used to say "ta-rue" for "true" when she was little. (I know, you can all guess which one, but I didn't give you a clue!) It was the same with blue or, like she said,
"ba-lue." Let me really make her mad at me, that was for all the "ooo" ending words. You was "ya-ue." It was cute. She was little, and when she's in a good mood these days, we can all laugh about it. So it's "ta-rue," Amy Goodman is in Qatar and she's there tomorrow and, if I understood right, one of the stories is going to be about Al Jazeer. So be sure to listen or to watch or to read. Let's get started with Democracy Now!
Body of Coretta Scott King To Return To Atlanta Today
And the body of Coretta Scott King is expected to return from Mexico today to her family's home in Atlanta. Scott-King -- the widow of Martin Luther King Junior -- died Monday at the age of 78. She had been in Mexico seeking treatment for ovarian cancer. In Georgia, flags at state buildings were flown at half-staff Tuesday while hundreds of people gathered at her husband's tomb to pay tribute. A funeral service is expected later this week.
C.I. noted some of the thoughts from the community today and I'm grabbing Elaine and she's grabbing me and we're dividing up the other two, Rebecca and Cedric. I got Cedric. Here's a part of his "Coretta Scott King, 1927-2006:"
It is so strange and distant to think of Mrs. King not being in this world with us any longer. I grew up hearing about her, reading about her and, honestly, kind of feeling her. There's a sadness that sort of falls today and it's really sad.
Dr. King was taken from us before people my age were even born but we had Mrs. King and she just always seemed like this smiling, kind giant, so strong and so comforting. They killed her husband and she still found her way to love the world. Growing up, I got angry and mad about Dr. King being assassinated and I'm sure she did as well. But she was just this ocean of gentleness.
You knew she could stand up to anyone and would do it. But she just radiated sweetness and kindness. I can't believe she's gone.
That was pretty deep. Cedric really lets stuff just flow. I admire that about him. I tend to go for the joke or funny story. Now let's cut off a slice of Elaine's "She was as actively involved and concerned when we met as she is now:"
Almost a year ago, Brenda noted Coretta Scott King's grace. I think that captures her gift beautifully. Everything she did, she brought grace to it. Both in the sense of doing it with considerable taste and in a spiritual sense. This is the woman who had to face a nation when her husband was assassinated. She inspired then and she continued to inspire. MLK was obviously a strong personality, as any leader has to be, but Coretta Scott King proved she was a strong woman and she personified the legacy.
I could never live up to the standard that she set, but I can take inspiration from it. She truly inspired a nation. There are many fallen leaders who have to wait years for history to revist their legacy. Coretta Scott King's strength and grace prevented that from happening to MLK and don't kid that quite a few would have preferred he be forgotten. I can remember the arguments against a national holiday (Dick Cheney, in fact, was opposed to a national holiday in honor of Dr. King).
Now I'm going to note C.I.'s "Other Items:"
The passing of Coretta Scott King has to compete in the paper this morning with both the State of the Union and Alito's First Day On The Job! Want to guess who comes in third? If you guessed King, give yourself a prize. Suddenly, the Times (in an Adam Liptak article) is concerned with how Alito might rule from the bench. We also get an article on Alito's swearing in because the Times stands on ceremony. And Alito just bubbles throughout other articles. (Or does he seep into them, like raw sewage?)
[. . .]
Many a crooked politican gets days of coverage when they pass, beginning with multiple articles the first day the paper covers their passing. King is reduced to one. Says a great about the priorities of the New York Times.
That really is disgusting. They're "the paper" for the nation and they give one article to Coretta Scott King. In case you missed it, Tuesday they front paged another death, a playwright, and they also gave the playwright an editorial. Mrs. King just got front paged. Says a lot that paper.
Cindy Sheehan Arrested For Wearing Anti-War T-Shirt At Bush's Address
Moments before President Bush spoke, anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan was arrested and removed from the House gallery. Sheehan, whose son Casey died in combat in Iraq, was accosted by police after taking her seat and unveiling a T-shirt with an anti-war message. Referring to the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq, the shirt read: "2,242 and how many more?" California Democratic Congressmember Lynn Woolsey, who invited Sheehan to the event, said: "It stunned me because I didn't know in America you could be arrested for wearing a T-shirt with a slogan on it. That's especially so in the Capitol and in the House of Representatives, which is the people's House.''
Bully Boy, the king of cowards, can't even address the nation without trembling at the thought of Cindy Sheehan sitting in the audience. What a coward. King coward. The only reason the police did that is because Bully Boy's got to be protected in his little bubble at all times. Protected from free speech and protected from reality. Cindy Sheehan in a t-shirt is a national security risk! Bet you they got the NSA spying on Cindy. I hope she does run for Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat and I hope she kicks ass and wins it. Cindy Sheehan is reality.
Now here's how it works at The Third Estate Sunday Review each week when we're picking highlights, someone will toss something out and we'll think about it and usually go with that or something from the same site that we think is stronger or touches on an issues that might not get that much attention. Week after week, C.I. nixes this or that. Not from other sites, but from The Common Ills, C.I. will always say, "Oh go with something else." At the same time, I can post anything from The Common Ills here, C.I.'s cool with that. I don't think C.I. expects me to post an entry in full. :D So here's C.I.'s
"The Bush Commission Part I:"
When we first got there, the people that we were relieving, they gave us a training. They said that those who were in charge were three spooks. For those of you who don't know what a "spook" is -- a spook is someone who belongs in a highlly specialized unit. Could be CIA, perhaps FBI, civilian contractor, maybe special forces. Nobody knows who they are. They wear no name tags, no unit badges. They're basically untraceable. They go by codenames. The ones we had, for instance, were Rabbit, Scooter, the other one, I think, they called him Artie
[. . .]
When we were receiving this training we saw that there was this soldier who was yelling at the detainees telling them to stand up and sit down, telling them to turn around, to roll, to get up, to sit down again. And we asked how come these people understood? Because they did not speak English. And they said "Well if you yell at them enough, they're kind of like dogs, you yell at a dog enough, and the dog will get it. And its the same with these people. You just yell at them enough and they'll get the point."
The above is from Camilo E. Mejia's testimony to the Bush Commission conducting. Mejia gave that testimony in October. Huh? The Bush Commission just happened, right? This was the second of three planned hearings. The first was in October. The second was this month. In fact the verdicts for the second hearing will be announced this week: Thursday, February 2nd.
What's the purpose of the Bush Commission? It's a citizen's tribunal much like the World Tribunal on Iraq. It gathers testimony, it raises awareness. It does so without the aid of the press, in case you missed that. The New York Times hasn't been interested in covering the tribunal, but they weren't interested in covering the Bertrand Russell World Crimes Tribunal in 1967. If they had been, Americans would have been less shocked when ugly truths about Vietnam were later revealed.
Camilo Mejia, a name well known in this community, in the first hearings of the Bush Commission underscored this with his own testimony about what he saw in Iraq as well as in detailing his Conscientious Objector application:
In that application I spoke about the abuse of prisoners, I wrote about the abuse of prisoners, and this application was submitted to the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division which was in Ft. Stewart, Georgia. No investigation was conducted at that time. There was no Abu Ghraib scandal back then.
This is an echo of a time before, a time when it was possible to know what was happening but the press wasn't interested. Which is why we need to be interested. But to underscore a point Mejia made, let's note that Congress was aware of what Mejia saw. Their reaction (in the pre-Abu Ghraib days)? They "declined" and and preferred "to wait for the Pentagon to conduct an investigation."
So what do you gain by being aware of the Bush Commission? You gain information, you gaininsight and you raise your own awareness.
You know that Mejia testified, "We started conducting mission in cities. There's no such thing as a trench line in Iraq. This war is being fought in every corner of that country, not in the desert not in the vallies not in the mountains but next to schools, neighborhoods, mosques."
In the most recent set of hearings (January), independent journalist, Dahr Jamail testifited about "War Crimes and crimes against humanity in Iraq committed by US forces, acting on orders from their commander-in-chief, George W. Bush."
We'll focus on some of his remarks regarding Falluja because Dexter Filkins may have won an "award" but he seems to have missed everything that happened in his rah-rah reporting (a journalistic war crime).
Jamail: Collective Punishment. I'll use Falluja for the model city for Bush policy in Iraq. The US caused actions to be taken in Falluja in violation of the laws of war. For example,targeting by snipers of children and other civilians, targeting of ambulances, the placement of snipers on the roofs of hospitals and prevention of civilians from getting there for medical attention and also illegal weapons used. Article 48 of the Geeneva Conventions states that the basic rule regarding the protection of the civilian population provides QUOTE "in order to ensure respect for and protection of the civilian population and civilian objects the party to the conflict shall at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives and accordingly shall direct their operations only against military objectives." Article 51 on the protection of the civilian population provides "the civilian population and individual civilians shall enjoy general protection against dangers arising from military operations. To give effect to this protection, the following rules, which are additional to other applicable rules of international law shall be observed in all circumstances.It also notes the civilian populations, as such, as well as individual civilians shall not be the object of attack. Acts or threats of violence the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population are prohibited. It also notes indiscriminate attacks are prohibited. It should also be noted that the US military, again following orders from their commander-in-chief, declared the entire city of Falluja, a city with a population of over 350,000 civilians, a "free fire zone" meaning once that operation began in November of '04 anything in the city was to be targeted by the US military. [. . . ] It should also be noted that approximately 70% of the entire city of Falluja was bombed to the ground during the US assault on that city in November of '04 which left dead estimates of between four and six-thousand civilians. Water, food and medical aid were cut off from Falluja both before and during the seige of that city. This form of collective punishment, which I've seen first hand in Ramadi and Sumara as well has even led the UN to declare in October of last year that this was QUOTE "a flagrant violation of international law.
Barbara Olshansky, who testified at the first installment, focused on two areas in her testimony for the second round in January. Speaking of Alberto Gonzales' involvement in devising the torture loophole, she noted that:
What becomes torture in the eyes of the administration, if they follow this memo, is really only that which brings a person to the brink of complete organ failure and/or death. So everything that they know, in their mind that does not accomplish that end, is not torture. So even the water boarding torture technique where people think they are about to drown and it's done repeatedly [isn't torture] because from the point of the view of the intent of the torturer they know they are not about to bring about the immenent death or organ failure of the individual and so therefore it does not constitute torture. That is the understanding of that memorandum.
So are you interested? You should be.
Speaking on the first day of the second rounds of hearings, Michael Ratner addressed Bully Boy's signing statement of the torture amendment:
It makes three points and I'll paraphrase. First, speaking as the president, 'My authority as commander in chief allows me to do whatever I think is necessary in the war on terror including use torture. Second, the Commander in Chief cannot be checked by Congress. Third, the Commander in Chief cannot be checked by the courts.' There it is. There you have it. That boring stuff I learned, as a junior high school student, about checks and balances or about limited law or about authority under law? Out the window. Gone. In other words, the republic and democracy is over. In Germany, what did they call that? They called that "the fuhrer's law." Why? Because the fuhrer was the law. That's what George Bush is saying here.
Interested? Grasping the importance?
The Bush Commission is something that the community's interested in (and something some members have already been following). We're going to cover it it a series of installment. The plan was to do it in one entry but I'm running behind due to depression over Coretta Scott King's passing. So we'll focus on getting a series of entries up to explain the importance of the commission.
bush commission
camilo mejia
dahr jamail
barbara olshansky
michael ratner
iraq
Where you gonna go now? You know it Like Maria Said Paz. Go see what Elaine's
got to say.
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amy goodman
democracy now
the common ills
coretta scott king
cindy sheehan
cedrics big mix
like maria said paz
mikey likes it
sex and politics and screeds and attitude
the third estate sunday review
the new york times
"ba-lue." Let me really make her mad at me, that was for all the "ooo" ending words. You was "ya-ue." It was cute. She was little, and when she's in a good mood these days, we can all laugh about it. So it's "ta-rue," Amy Goodman is in Qatar and she's there tomorrow and, if I understood right, one of the stories is going to be about Al Jazeer. So be sure to listen or to watch or to read. Let's get started with Democracy Now!
Body of Coretta Scott King To Return To Atlanta Today
And the body of Coretta Scott King is expected to return from Mexico today to her family's home in Atlanta. Scott-King -- the widow of Martin Luther King Junior -- died Monday at the age of 78. She had been in Mexico seeking treatment for ovarian cancer. In Georgia, flags at state buildings were flown at half-staff Tuesday while hundreds of people gathered at her husband's tomb to pay tribute. A funeral service is expected later this week.
C.I. noted some of the thoughts from the community today and I'm grabbing Elaine and she's grabbing me and we're dividing up the other two, Rebecca and Cedric. I got Cedric. Here's a part of his "Coretta Scott King, 1927-2006:"
It is so strange and distant to think of Mrs. King not being in this world with us any longer. I grew up hearing about her, reading about her and, honestly, kind of feeling her. There's a sadness that sort of falls today and it's really sad.
Dr. King was taken from us before people my age were even born but we had Mrs. King and she just always seemed like this smiling, kind giant, so strong and so comforting. They killed her husband and she still found her way to love the world. Growing up, I got angry and mad about Dr. King being assassinated and I'm sure she did as well. But she was just this ocean of gentleness.
You knew she could stand up to anyone and would do it. But she just radiated sweetness and kindness. I can't believe she's gone.
That was pretty deep. Cedric really lets stuff just flow. I admire that about him. I tend to go for the joke or funny story. Now let's cut off a slice of Elaine's "She was as actively involved and concerned when we met as she is now:"
Almost a year ago, Brenda noted Coretta Scott King's grace. I think that captures her gift beautifully. Everything she did, she brought grace to it. Both in the sense of doing it with considerable taste and in a spiritual sense. This is the woman who had to face a nation when her husband was assassinated. She inspired then and she continued to inspire. MLK was obviously a strong personality, as any leader has to be, but Coretta Scott King proved she was a strong woman and she personified the legacy.
I could never live up to the standard that she set, but I can take inspiration from it. She truly inspired a nation. There are many fallen leaders who have to wait years for history to revist their legacy. Coretta Scott King's strength and grace prevented that from happening to MLK and don't kid that quite a few would have preferred he be forgotten. I can remember the arguments against a national holiday (Dick Cheney, in fact, was opposed to a national holiday in honor of Dr. King).
Now I'm going to note C.I.'s "Other Items:"
The passing of Coretta Scott King has to compete in the paper this morning with both the State of the Union and Alito's First Day On The Job! Want to guess who comes in third? If you guessed King, give yourself a prize. Suddenly, the Times (in an Adam Liptak article) is concerned with how Alito might rule from the bench. We also get an article on Alito's swearing in because the Times stands on ceremony. And Alito just bubbles throughout other articles. (Or does he seep into them, like raw sewage?)
[. . .]
Many a crooked politican gets days of coverage when they pass, beginning with multiple articles the first day the paper covers their passing. King is reduced to one. Says a great about the priorities of the New York Times.
That really is disgusting. They're "the paper" for the nation and they give one article to Coretta Scott King. In case you missed it, Tuesday they front paged another death, a playwright, and they also gave the playwright an editorial. Mrs. King just got front paged. Says a lot that paper.
Cindy Sheehan Arrested For Wearing Anti-War T-Shirt At Bush's Address
Moments before President Bush spoke, anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan was arrested and removed from the House gallery. Sheehan, whose son Casey died in combat in Iraq, was accosted by police after taking her seat and unveiling a T-shirt with an anti-war message. Referring to the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq, the shirt read: "2,242 and how many more?" California Democratic Congressmember Lynn Woolsey, who invited Sheehan to the event, said: "It stunned me because I didn't know in America you could be arrested for wearing a T-shirt with a slogan on it. That's especially so in the Capitol and in the House of Representatives, which is the people's House.''
Bully Boy, the king of cowards, can't even address the nation without trembling at the thought of Cindy Sheehan sitting in the audience. What a coward. King coward. The only reason the police did that is because Bully Boy's got to be protected in his little bubble at all times. Protected from free speech and protected from reality. Cindy Sheehan in a t-shirt is a national security risk! Bet you they got the NSA spying on Cindy. I hope she does run for Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat and I hope she kicks ass and wins it. Cindy Sheehan is reality.
Now here's how it works at The Third Estate Sunday Review each week when we're picking highlights, someone will toss something out and we'll think about it and usually go with that or something from the same site that we think is stronger or touches on an issues that might not get that much attention. Week after week, C.I. nixes this or that. Not from other sites, but from The Common Ills, C.I. will always say, "Oh go with something else." At the same time, I can post anything from The Common Ills here, C.I.'s cool with that. I don't think C.I. expects me to post an entry in full. :D So here's C.I.'s
"The Bush Commission Part I:"
When we first got there, the people that we were relieving, they gave us a training. They said that those who were in charge were three spooks. For those of you who don't know what a "spook" is -- a spook is someone who belongs in a highlly specialized unit. Could be CIA, perhaps FBI, civilian contractor, maybe special forces. Nobody knows who they are. They wear no name tags, no unit badges. They're basically untraceable. They go by codenames. The ones we had, for instance, were Rabbit, Scooter, the other one, I think, they called him Artie
[. . .]
When we were receiving this training we saw that there was this soldier who was yelling at the detainees telling them to stand up and sit down, telling them to turn around, to roll, to get up, to sit down again. And we asked how come these people understood? Because they did not speak English. And they said "Well if you yell at them enough, they're kind of like dogs, you yell at a dog enough, and the dog will get it. And its the same with these people. You just yell at them enough and they'll get the point."
The above is from Camilo E. Mejia's testimony to the Bush Commission conducting. Mejia gave that testimony in October. Huh? The Bush Commission just happened, right? This was the second of three planned hearings. The first was in October. The second was this month. In fact the verdicts for the second hearing will be announced this week: Thursday, February 2nd.
What's the purpose of the Bush Commission? It's a citizen's tribunal much like the World Tribunal on Iraq. It gathers testimony, it raises awareness. It does so without the aid of the press, in case you missed that. The New York Times hasn't been interested in covering the tribunal, but they weren't interested in covering the Bertrand Russell World Crimes Tribunal in 1967. If they had been, Americans would have been less shocked when ugly truths about Vietnam were later revealed.
Camilo Mejia, a name well known in this community, in the first hearings of the Bush Commission underscored this with his own testimony about what he saw in Iraq as well as in detailing his Conscientious Objector application:
In that application I spoke about the abuse of prisoners, I wrote about the abuse of prisoners, and this application was submitted to the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division which was in Ft. Stewart, Georgia. No investigation was conducted at that time. There was no Abu Ghraib scandal back then.
This is an echo of a time before, a time when it was possible to know what was happening but the press wasn't interested. Which is why we need to be interested. But to underscore a point Mejia made, let's note that Congress was aware of what Mejia saw. Their reaction (in the pre-Abu Ghraib days)? They "declined" and and preferred "to wait for the Pentagon to conduct an investigation."
So what do you gain by being aware of the Bush Commission? You gain information, you gaininsight and you raise your own awareness.
You know that Mejia testified, "We started conducting mission in cities. There's no such thing as a trench line in Iraq. This war is being fought in every corner of that country, not in the desert not in the vallies not in the mountains but next to schools, neighborhoods, mosques."
In the most recent set of hearings (January), independent journalist, Dahr Jamail testifited about "War Crimes and crimes against humanity in Iraq committed by US forces, acting on orders from their commander-in-chief, George W. Bush."
We'll focus on some of his remarks regarding Falluja because Dexter Filkins may have won an "award" but he seems to have missed everything that happened in his rah-rah reporting (a journalistic war crime).
Jamail: Collective Punishment. I'll use Falluja for the model city for Bush policy in Iraq. The US caused actions to be taken in Falluja in violation of the laws of war. For example,targeting by snipers of children and other civilians, targeting of ambulances, the placement of snipers on the roofs of hospitals and prevention of civilians from getting there for medical attention and also illegal weapons used. Article 48 of the Geeneva Conventions states that the basic rule regarding the protection of the civilian population provides QUOTE "in order to ensure respect for and protection of the civilian population and civilian objects the party to the conflict shall at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives and accordingly shall direct their operations only against military objectives." Article 51 on the protection of the civilian population provides "the civilian population and individual civilians shall enjoy general protection against dangers arising from military operations. To give effect to this protection, the following rules, which are additional to other applicable rules of international law shall be observed in all circumstances.It also notes the civilian populations, as such, as well as individual civilians shall not be the object of attack. Acts or threats of violence the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population are prohibited. It also notes indiscriminate attacks are prohibited. It should also be noted that the US military, again following orders from their commander-in-chief, declared the entire city of Falluja, a city with a population of over 350,000 civilians, a "free fire zone" meaning once that operation began in November of '04 anything in the city was to be targeted by the US military. [. . . ] It should also be noted that approximately 70% of the entire city of Falluja was bombed to the ground during the US assault on that city in November of '04 which left dead estimates of between four and six-thousand civilians. Water, food and medical aid were cut off from Falluja both before and during the seige of that city. This form of collective punishment, which I've seen first hand in Ramadi and Sumara as well has even led the UN to declare in October of last year that this was QUOTE "a flagrant violation of international law.
Barbara Olshansky, who testified at the first installment, focused on two areas in her testimony for the second round in January. Speaking of Alberto Gonzales' involvement in devising the torture loophole, she noted that:
What becomes torture in the eyes of the administration, if they follow this memo, is really only that which brings a person to the brink of complete organ failure and/or death. So everything that they know, in their mind that does not accomplish that end, is not torture. So even the water boarding torture technique where people think they are about to drown and it's done repeatedly [isn't torture] because from the point of the view of the intent of the torturer they know they are not about to bring about the immenent death or organ failure of the individual and so therefore it does not constitute torture. That is the understanding of that memorandum.
So are you interested? You should be.
Speaking on the first day of the second rounds of hearings, Michael Ratner addressed Bully Boy's signing statement of the torture amendment:
It makes three points and I'll paraphrase. First, speaking as the president, 'My authority as commander in chief allows me to do whatever I think is necessary in the war on terror including use torture. Second, the Commander in Chief cannot be checked by Congress. Third, the Commander in Chief cannot be checked by the courts.' There it is. There you have it. That boring stuff I learned, as a junior high school student, about checks and balances or about limited law or about authority under law? Out the window. Gone. In other words, the republic and democracy is over. In Germany, what did they call that? They called that "the fuhrer's law." Why? Because the fuhrer was the law. That's what George Bush is saying here.
Interested? Grasping the importance?
The Bush Commission is something that the community's interested in (and something some members have already been following). We're going to cover it it a series of installment. The plan was to do it in one entry but I'm running behind due to depression over Coretta Scott King's passing. So we'll focus on getting a series of entries up to explain the importance of the commission.
bush commission
camilo mejia
dahr jamail
barbara olshansky
michael ratner
iraq
Where you gonna go now? You know it Like Maria Said Paz. Go see what Elaine's
got to say.
qatar
amy goodman
democracy now
the common ills
coretta scott king
cindy sheehan
cedrics big mix
like maria said paz
mikey likes it
sex and politics and screeds and attitude
the third estate sunday review
the new york times
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Coretta Scott King, Halliburton, Bully Boy & gatekeeping
Good evening and let's get things started with Democracy Now!
Coretta Scott King, 79, Dies
In Georgia, Coretta Scott King - the widow of Martin Luther King Junior - has died at the age of 79. She had spent her life fighting for civil rights and preserving her late husband's legacy. In April of 1968 she led a march through Memphis just days after Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated. Later that year she led the Poor People's March in Washington, D.C. She continued working for equality, peace and economic justice for the remainder of her life, both in the United States and abroad.
On campus someone said, "You know Henry Kissinger will probably live to be a 120, it's just not fair." It's not fair.
Back on September 28th, Betty was nice enough to let me interview her for this site and one of the topics she brought up was Coretta Scott King.
[Mike]: I'm going to wind down with this question: other than the war and the hurricanes, what news topic has touched the most this summer?
Good one. I'd say the death of John H. Johnson because he was a big figure in publishing and proof that, if we get the breaks and work hard, we can achieve. And then I'd say, and I won't go into this too much because I honestly will cry, Coretta Scott King's stroke. She's a beacon and . . . Trying not to cry. MLK died before I was born. I think she's done as much as humanly possible to carry on his work and to keep his name alive. And she is someone that I really admire and respect. She is someone who means so much to so many and the thought of her in faltering health is just incredibly sad. I hope she recovers and I'll stop because I am tearing up.
Sorry.
No, it was a good question and that's the sort of thing, her stroke, that is a clue to black people. Is it dealt with, is it noted? If not, the site's not really for us. They may throw out a TD Jakes and think, "He's black so black people will just love me for this!" but if they can't acknowledge Coretta Scott King's stroke, they aren't really interested in black readers. Those were the two biggest stories in my church, Johnson and King. And it's interesting how they weren't big online with few exceptions. With Coretta Scott King I can be more understanding because my reaction is not to want to talk to much about it or I'll lose it. So I can understand more on that. Maybe someone else didn't acknowledge it because it was painful for them as well. But if they ignored Johnson as well . . . They're not for me. They're off in their own little gated community and they didn't bother to give me the code to get inside.
This was very sad news today. People would start to talk about it on campus and just stop. One of my professors said that was because she did carry on MLK's legacy and kept it alive so it's like losing her and also losing a part of him. She was a really strong and brave woman and I think anyone with any sense at all feels the loss today.
Halliburton Stock Reaches New High
In other business news, the stock value of Halliburton reached a new all-time high on Monday following the report that Halliburton had its most successful year in its 86 year history.
I'm not sure that they have any sense at Halliburton other than the sense of greed. One thing we've been studying is how in WWII companies weren't supposed to profit from the war. Haliburton does and they do it openly. They know they can get away with it because they're buds are in the White House.
The Palace Revolt Against Bush
Newsweek has revealed that there have been deep divisions within President Bush's own Justice Department over the legality of the administration's tactics since 9/11. In a major piece titled The Palace Revolt, Newsweek reports a group of conservative attorneys stood up to the hard-liners led by Vice President Cheney over whether the president can assume near unlimited powers in the so-called war on terror. According to Newsweek, these attorneys fought to bring government spying and interrogation methods within the law. Some were so concerned over the legality of the administration's eavesdropping program that they lined up private attorneys in case the program even drew the scrutiny of Congress or prosecutors.
Does Bully Boy want to lie again that he didn't break a law? Of course he wants to. He can't help lying. And he knows he usually gets away with it. So he'll keep lying and we'll all be cheapened and disgraced by it if we don't stand up to the lies.
He got his victory for tonight, didn't he? Because Congress won't stand up to him. They gave him Alito. They includes Democrats and not just the four who should be termed out right now for voting for Alito. They also includes every Democrat that wouldn't stand with John Kerry and Ted Kennedy to support a filibuster. That's not forgotten.
On campus, Rebecca's "dear katrina" drew loud approval and C.I. really helped by posting it in full at The Common Ills. Elaine got a rude e-mail about that post and so we're both noting it tonight.
Here are my thoughts. I like Vanden Heuvel's writing. I didn't like one thing about her post. I thought Rebecca made strong points throughout. To me, the post by Vanden Heuvel was embarrassing. If it had come from the mainstream media, we would have thought, "What a moron." Vanden Heuvel is someone a lot of us read and we don't read her for suggestions about what to write about. I'm not sure if she was having a bad day or what, but that was embarrassing. Reading it, you felt embarrassed for Vanden Heuvel while you thought, "Is this the real Katrina Vanden Heuvel?" You hope not. You hope like hell.
That's the sort of thing that C.I. would call "clutch the pearls journalism" and it should be left to the likes of Cokie Roberts. We're not here to be ordered around. I've figured out how to run my site without any help from anyone at The Nation. Intended or not, the piece sounded arrogant, dismissive and uninformed.
Ma (Trina's Kitchen, remember to check out her site) is probably the biggest fan of Katrina Vanden Heuvel's writing and she said it was embarrassing to read. C.I.'s made the point that anyone can have a bad day and that may be all that was.
But as a community, everyone of us is against gatekeepers and people trying to tell Bloggers to watch their "tone."
Rebecca pointed out that Alito wasn't even mentioned in the "Stop writing about Kaine! Write about these four topics!" post. He wasn't. And that doesn't cut it.
I'm proud of Rebecca for writing what she wrote. And her best point, she's got good ones all the way through, may be that if you really feel it doesn't matter who gives the speech, why are you even writing about it?
That's just nonsense. It would be nonsense if Matthew Rothschild did it. It's nonsense when anyone does it. And when they do it, this commmunity will reject it as nonsense.
We have had long talks about this because C.I., Dona and Jim have been very vocal about this "tone" nonsense. There was no concern about "tone" from the mainstream until the left finally said "No more!" Then it became an issue. The right could call Bill Clinton a murderer and make up stories about how he kills everyone who works for him and Jennifer Flowers could go on TV and repeat that but no one in the mainstream cried "tone."
They cry "tone" now because they're thinking, "Oh no, we have to make room for the left too?"
They were happy to do the bidding of the right wing and tilt their coverage.
More important, if someone's speaking in their own voice, get the hell over it. They don't need a lecture from anyone. Not on topic, not on style, not on "tone." The Common Ills remains the community's flagship. And there's hardly ever an e-mail here that doesn't mention something people read at The Common Ills. And C.I. has helped and plugged everyone of the community websites. But we've all had to build up our own audiences. Rebecca and The Third Estate Sunday Review probably are tied for second behind The Common Ills but they'd be the first to tell you, it's a huge gap between their sites and The Common Ills.
C.I. doesn't tell any of us what to write. There are times when C.I. will ask if we're interested in covering something or C.I. will see something, like for me, on recruiting and forward it saying use it if I'm interested in it (because I cover recruiting here). If C.I. told us what to write, we probably would, because, hey, it's C.I. We all love C.I. We're all members of the community. C.I. built that up and we were and are a part of it. But that's C.I. who will and has given anything and then some when asked. And even when not asked. When some members couldn't afford to go to DC for the September protest, and C.I. will be mad that this is in here but Ma said it was past time that it was noted, C.I. arranged it and never wanted a thank you and made a point of saying, "I don't want to hear it" when some brought it up in DC.
If I want to write about something and I just have a vague idea of something I saw or read, I can call C.I. and it will either be, "It's __" or it will be, "Give me an hour to think and I'll call you back with the answer."
Now Katrina Vanden Heuvel, though a good writer, hasn't done any of that for me or anyone else in this community. So no one in this community needs to hear what she thinks we should write about. Or how. Or when.
C.I. offered that she may have thought she was making a point really clear and it might have gotten lost in the writing. I don't know. I just know that if that talks continues, I have no use for it. I have no use for gatekeepers.
Go read my blog twin Elaine! Like Maria Said Paz. You'll find plenty of stuff that's not all over the net. Elaine's got her own voice and she doesn't need anyone telling her what to write either.
democracy now
the common ills
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like maria said paz
mikey likes it
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the third estate sunday review
katrina vanden heuvel
trinas kitchen
Coretta Scott King, 79, Dies
In Georgia, Coretta Scott King - the widow of Martin Luther King Junior - has died at the age of 79. She had spent her life fighting for civil rights and preserving her late husband's legacy. In April of 1968 she led a march through Memphis just days after Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated. Later that year she led the Poor People's March in Washington, D.C. She continued working for equality, peace and economic justice for the remainder of her life, both in the United States and abroad.
On campus someone said, "You know Henry Kissinger will probably live to be a 120, it's just not fair." It's not fair.
Back on September 28th, Betty was nice enough to let me interview her for this site and one of the topics she brought up was Coretta Scott King.
[Mike]: I'm going to wind down with this question: other than the war and the hurricanes, what news topic has touched the most this summer?
Good one. I'd say the death of John H. Johnson because he was a big figure in publishing and proof that, if we get the breaks and work hard, we can achieve. And then I'd say, and I won't go into this too much because I honestly will cry, Coretta Scott King's stroke. She's a beacon and . . . Trying not to cry. MLK died before I was born. I think she's done as much as humanly possible to carry on his work and to keep his name alive. And she is someone that I really admire and respect. She is someone who means so much to so many and the thought of her in faltering health is just incredibly sad. I hope she recovers and I'll stop because I am tearing up.
Sorry.
No, it was a good question and that's the sort of thing, her stroke, that is a clue to black people. Is it dealt with, is it noted? If not, the site's not really for us. They may throw out a TD Jakes and think, "He's black so black people will just love me for this!" but if they can't acknowledge Coretta Scott King's stroke, they aren't really interested in black readers. Those were the two biggest stories in my church, Johnson and King. And it's interesting how they weren't big online with few exceptions. With Coretta Scott King I can be more understanding because my reaction is not to want to talk to much about it or I'll lose it. So I can understand more on that. Maybe someone else didn't acknowledge it because it was painful for them as well. But if they ignored Johnson as well . . . They're not for me. They're off in their own little gated community and they didn't bother to give me the code to get inside.
This was very sad news today. People would start to talk about it on campus and just stop. One of my professors said that was because she did carry on MLK's legacy and kept it alive so it's like losing her and also losing a part of him. She was a really strong and brave woman and I think anyone with any sense at all feels the loss today.
Halliburton Stock Reaches New High
In other business news, the stock value of Halliburton reached a new all-time high on Monday following the report that Halliburton had its most successful year in its 86 year history.
I'm not sure that they have any sense at Halliburton other than the sense of greed. One thing we've been studying is how in WWII companies weren't supposed to profit from the war. Haliburton does and they do it openly. They know they can get away with it because they're buds are in the White House.
The Palace Revolt Against Bush
Newsweek has revealed that there have been deep divisions within President Bush's own Justice Department over the legality of the administration's tactics since 9/11. In a major piece titled The Palace Revolt, Newsweek reports a group of conservative attorneys stood up to the hard-liners led by Vice President Cheney over whether the president can assume near unlimited powers in the so-called war on terror. According to Newsweek, these attorneys fought to bring government spying and interrogation methods within the law. Some were so concerned over the legality of the administration's eavesdropping program that they lined up private attorneys in case the program even drew the scrutiny of Congress or prosecutors.
Does Bully Boy want to lie again that he didn't break a law? Of course he wants to. He can't help lying. And he knows he usually gets away with it. So he'll keep lying and we'll all be cheapened and disgraced by it if we don't stand up to the lies.
He got his victory for tonight, didn't he? Because Congress won't stand up to him. They gave him Alito. They includes Democrats and not just the four who should be termed out right now for voting for Alito. They also includes every Democrat that wouldn't stand with John Kerry and Ted Kennedy to support a filibuster. That's not forgotten.
On campus, Rebecca's "dear katrina" drew loud approval and C.I. really helped by posting it in full at The Common Ills. Elaine got a rude e-mail about that post and so we're both noting it tonight.
Here are my thoughts. I like Vanden Heuvel's writing. I didn't like one thing about her post. I thought Rebecca made strong points throughout. To me, the post by Vanden Heuvel was embarrassing. If it had come from the mainstream media, we would have thought, "What a moron." Vanden Heuvel is someone a lot of us read and we don't read her for suggestions about what to write about. I'm not sure if she was having a bad day or what, but that was embarrassing. Reading it, you felt embarrassed for Vanden Heuvel while you thought, "Is this the real Katrina Vanden Heuvel?" You hope not. You hope like hell.
That's the sort of thing that C.I. would call "clutch the pearls journalism" and it should be left to the likes of Cokie Roberts. We're not here to be ordered around. I've figured out how to run my site without any help from anyone at The Nation. Intended or not, the piece sounded arrogant, dismissive and uninformed.
Ma (Trina's Kitchen, remember to check out her site) is probably the biggest fan of Katrina Vanden Heuvel's writing and she said it was embarrassing to read. C.I.'s made the point that anyone can have a bad day and that may be all that was.
But as a community, everyone of us is against gatekeepers and people trying to tell Bloggers to watch their "tone."
Rebecca pointed out that Alito wasn't even mentioned in the "Stop writing about Kaine! Write about these four topics!" post. He wasn't. And that doesn't cut it.
I'm proud of Rebecca for writing what she wrote. And her best point, she's got good ones all the way through, may be that if you really feel it doesn't matter who gives the speech, why are you even writing about it?
That's just nonsense. It would be nonsense if Matthew Rothschild did it. It's nonsense when anyone does it. And when they do it, this commmunity will reject it as nonsense.
We have had long talks about this because C.I., Dona and Jim have been very vocal about this "tone" nonsense. There was no concern about "tone" from the mainstream until the left finally said "No more!" Then it became an issue. The right could call Bill Clinton a murderer and make up stories about how he kills everyone who works for him and Jennifer Flowers could go on TV and repeat that but no one in the mainstream cried "tone."
They cry "tone" now because they're thinking, "Oh no, we have to make room for the left too?"
They were happy to do the bidding of the right wing and tilt their coverage.
More important, if someone's speaking in their own voice, get the hell over it. They don't need a lecture from anyone. Not on topic, not on style, not on "tone." The Common Ills remains the community's flagship. And there's hardly ever an e-mail here that doesn't mention something people read at The Common Ills. And C.I. has helped and plugged everyone of the community websites. But we've all had to build up our own audiences. Rebecca and The Third Estate Sunday Review probably are tied for second behind The Common Ills but they'd be the first to tell you, it's a huge gap between their sites and The Common Ills.
C.I. doesn't tell any of us what to write. There are times when C.I. will ask if we're interested in covering something or C.I. will see something, like for me, on recruiting and forward it saying use it if I'm interested in it (because I cover recruiting here). If C.I. told us what to write, we probably would, because, hey, it's C.I. We all love C.I. We're all members of the community. C.I. built that up and we were and are a part of it. But that's C.I. who will and has given anything and then some when asked. And even when not asked. When some members couldn't afford to go to DC for the September protest, and C.I. will be mad that this is in here but Ma said it was past time that it was noted, C.I. arranged it and never wanted a thank you and made a point of saying, "I don't want to hear it" when some brought it up in DC.
If I want to write about something and I just have a vague idea of something I saw or read, I can call C.I. and it will either be, "It's __" or it will be, "Give me an hour to think and I'll call you back with the answer."
Now Katrina Vanden Heuvel, though a good writer, hasn't done any of that for me or anyone else in this community. So no one in this community needs to hear what she thinks we should write about. Or how. Or when.
C.I. offered that she may have thought she was making a point really clear and it might have gotten lost in the writing. I don't know. I just know that if that talks continues, I have no use for it. I have no use for gatekeepers.
Go read my blog twin Elaine! Like Maria Said Paz. You'll find plenty of stuff that's not all over the net. Elaine's got her own voice and she doesn't need anyone telling her what to write either.
democracy now
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mikey likes it
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the third estate sunday review
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trinas kitchen
Monday, January 30, 2006
Do nothing Senate Dems cave again
Bad evening. The Senate won't filibuster. The spineless are spineless again. Robert Byrd stood up against the war so we're supposed to give him a pass on everything else? Spineless, spineless, spineless. And they wonder why they lose elections? Could it be because they act like losers in Congress. "Wouldn't be prudent" is a Poppy Bush slogan so why are Dems acting like it's in their codebook? It's disgusting. Spineless cowards. So that's it, we're done with them for tonight. Why? They've made them useless. Let's focus on something useful, Amy Goodman and Democracy Now!
Peace Activist Teresa Grady Sentenced to 4 Months in Prison
In a update to a story we have been following - peace activist Teresa Grady was sentenced Friday for four months in prisons for spilling her own human blood at a military recruiting station in upstate New York to protest the Iraq war. Grady and her three co-defendants, known as the St. Patricks Four, received prison sentences totaling 20 months. They were all sentenced during the same week that a military jury in Colorado decided not to jail an Army interrogator even though he was found guilty of negligent homicide in the torturing and killing of an Iraqi detainee.
Another person sent to prison and no one died because of Teresa Grady. It's funny how "justice" works these days. You get the "few bad apples" who take the blame publicly but there's not any real punishment for their actions. An interrogator killed an Iraqi. He was found guilty of it. I think as long as we pussy-foot around the issue, we're not going to get anywhere. So here's what I think: He should have gone to prison for killing someone. Did he get orders from higher up? You bet he did. Those people should be punished too. But this nonsense of "well he's the fall guy so we won't speak out that he got off" is nonsense. The man was found guilty of killing. If you can't punish those actions on the lower levels (the direct level!) then don't think you'll ever be able to get anything to stick against Bully Boy for torture. It will be, "Well, no one's served time so whether Bully Boy or Rumsfeld ordered it isn't really important." I'm not a law student, but you make a case with what you have. The case for killing an Iraqi was made, the guy was convicted of it. Now he walks.
But peace activists, who kill no one, are sent to jails and prisons. That's screwed up and the left needs to stop trying to prove how wonderful they are by not speaking out and calling this "INJUSTICE!" Say it loud, say it repeatedly. Four peaceful activists will spend 20 months in prison for protesting. One man in the military is convicted of killing an Iraqi and he will walk. That's not justice anyway you look at it.
Veteran Who Spoke Out About War's Psychological Affects Commits Suicide
In Ohio, a 35-year-old veteran of the Iraq war was buried on Saturday - a week after he committed suicide. Army Reservist Douglas Barber was a member of the Iraq Veterans Against the War and had publicly spoken out about the psychological toll war takes on veterans. A month before he died he appeared on Doug Basham's radio show. Barber reportedly spent two years fighting the military to get counseling and for the VA to recognize his disability. Just days before he shot himself, Douglas Barber wrote QUOTE, "We cannot stand the memories and [we] decide death is better. We kill ourselves because we are haunted by seeing children killed and families wiped out." Meanwhile a new report from UPI is estimating 19,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress since 2002. Overall 40,000 veterans from the two wars have exhibited some signs of mental health disorders.
Elaine's writing about this and I just can add to what she talked about on the phone that I think it's really sad that so many on the right and left are okay with only certain kinds of criticism of the war. When someone comes home and wants to share the way Barber did, the right condemns and some on the left recoil out of fear that they may be seen as anti-enlisted if they take part in a discussion.
I don't even want to blog tonight. I'm just not in the mood after the vote. Elaine said if that's how I feel, I should put it up here because a) it's honest and b) someone else may feel the same way and hearing that I'm down may make them see that they're not alone.
I'll be blogging tomorrow night. For those who aren't as depressed as I am, read C.I.'s "NYT: Op-ed News shows NYT how to report on polls" about "OpEdNews.Com/ Zogby People's Poll."
democracy now
the common ills
op-ed news
mikey likes it
like maria said paz
samuel alito
supreme court
Peace Activist Teresa Grady Sentenced to 4 Months in Prison
In a update to a story we have been following - peace activist Teresa Grady was sentenced Friday for four months in prisons for spilling her own human blood at a military recruiting station in upstate New York to protest the Iraq war. Grady and her three co-defendants, known as the St. Patricks Four, received prison sentences totaling 20 months. They were all sentenced during the same week that a military jury in Colorado decided not to jail an Army interrogator even though he was found guilty of negligent homicide in the torturing and killing of an Iraqi detainee.
Another person sent to prison and no one died because of Teresa Grady. It's funny how "justice" works these days. You get the "few bad apples" who take the blame publicly but there's not any real punishment for their actions. An interrogator killed an Iraqi. He was found guilty of it. I think as long as we pussy-foot around the issue, we're not going to get anywhere. So here's what I think: He should have gone to prison for killing someone. Did he get orders from higher up? You bet he did. Those people should be punished too. But this nonsense of "well he's the fall guy so we won't speak out that he got off" is nonsense. The man was found guilty of killing. If you can't punish those actions on the lower levels (the direct level!) then don't think you'll ever be able to get anything to stick against Bully Boy for torture. It will be, "Well, no one's served time so whether Bully Boy or Rumsfeld ordered it isn't really important." I'm not a law student, but you make a case with what you have. The case for killing an Iraqi was made, the guy was convicted of it. Now he walks.
But peace activists, who kill no one, are sent to jails and prisons. That's screwed up and the left needs to stop trying to prove how wonderful they are by not speaking out and calling this "INJUSTICE!" Say it loud, say it repeatedly. Four peaceful activists will spend 20 months in prison for protesting. One man in the military is convicted of killing an Iraqi and he will walk. That's not justice anyway you look at it.
Veteran Who Spoke Out About War's Psychological Affects Commits Suicide
In Ohio, a 35-year-old veteran of the Iraq war was buried on Saturday - a week after he committed suicide. Army Reservist Douglas Barber was a member of the Iraq Veterans Against the War and had publicly spoken out about the psychological toll war takes on veterans. A month before he died he appeared on Doug Basham's radio show. Barber reportedly spent two years fighting the military to get counseling and for the VA to recognize his disability. Just days before he shot himself, Douglas Barber wrote QUOTE, "We cannot stand the memories and [we] decide death is better. We kill ourselves because we are haunted by seeing children killed and families wiped out." Meanwhile a new report from UPI is estimating 19,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress since 2002. Overall 40,000 veterans from the two wars have exhibited some signs of mental health disorders.
Elaine's writing about this and I just can add to what she talked about on the phone that I think it's really sad that so many on the right and left are okay with only certain kinds of criticism of the war. When someone comes home and wants to share the way Barber did, the right condemns and some on the left recoil out of fear that they may be seen as anti-enlisted if they take part in a discussion.
I don't even want to blog tonight. I'm just not in the mood after the vote. Elaine said if that's how I feel, I should put it up here because a) it's honest and b) someone else may feel the same way and hearing that I'm down may make them see that they're not alone.
I'll be blogging tomorrow night. For those who aren't as depressed as I am, read C.I.'s "NYT: Op-ed News shows NYT how to report on polls" about "OpEdNews.Com/ Zogby People's Poll."
democracy now
the common ills
op-ed news
mikey likes it
like maria said paz
samuel alito
supreme court
Friday, January 27, 2006
Frist wants to force a vote on Alito this Monday, Bully Boy says "We don't need no stinkin' laws"
Good evening. It's the weekend and I hope you're ready for it. There's stuff to get ready for so rest but keep your thinking cap on. Let's note Democracy Now!
Sens. Kerry, Kennedy To Lead Filibuster Against Alito
On Capital Hill, Democratic Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy have announced they’ll attempt a filibuster to block the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. In response, Republicans said they will force a vote early next week. Kerry said: "Its our right and our responsibility to oppose [Alito] vigorously and to fight against this radical upending of the Supreme Court."
"Its our right and our responsibility to oppose [Alito] vigorously and to fight against the radical upending of the Supreme Court." Now if you were a reporter and someone said that, wouldn't you want to explore that statement? Go to Alito's record? Well not if you are a reporter for the New York Times. As C.I. noted in "Other Items" this morning, David D. Kirkpatrick decided he was a bookie and not a reporter. So he handicapped the odds. Now the Times whined in an editorial about how Alito was dangerous to the Court but the reporters for the paper aren't interested in covering that.
Here's two activism things. First, from the Feminist Wire, "Group of Senate Democrats Launch Filibuster on Alito:"
A group of Democratic Senators, led by Massachusetts Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, has launched a filibuster to block the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has called for a cloture vote on Monday at 4:30 p.m. to end debate and move to a vote on Alito. To win a cloture vote, Frist has to muster 60 votes in favor of ending debate.
"Millions of people have called and emailed their Senators, urging them to save the Supreme Court for women's rights, civil rights, environment protections, civil liberties, separation of church and state, disability rights, and to stop a Bush power grab. The Democrats have heard this message loud and clear," said Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority. "This filibuster is historically important because it is sending a message to the President -- people will not tolerate his packing of the Supreme Court."
TAKE ACTION Urge your Democratic Senators to filibuster Alito!
GET THE INSIDE SCOOP with The Smeal Report and the New Leif blogs at MsMagazine.com
DONATE Make an emergency contribution to the Feminist Majority's Save Roe Campaign. We must be a strong voice in this crucial fight to save Roe and the Supreme Court for women's rights.
Second, like C.I. noted last night:
Kerry is filibustering Alito! Call Senators Immediately! Call the Senators listed below, as well as your own, and tell them:
* a "No" vote is meaningless without a filibuster
* it is cowardly to only fight a fight when assured victory
* the American people need to see the Senate standing up for separation of powers and against the "Unitary Executive"
Use these toll free numbers to call the Capitol: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/?lvl=C
First: Call the three Democrats (Mary Landrieu, Ken Salazar, and Dianne Feinstein) who oppose Alito but also said they oppose a filibuster.
We must persuade them that a vote against Alito is meaningless if they don't support a filibuster.
Senator Salazar (D-CO) 202-224-5852
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) 202-224-5824
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) 202-224-3841 Second:
Call your own Democratic Senator: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
* If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/?lvl=C
Third:
Unbelievably, three Democrats (Ben Nelson, Tim Johnson and Robert Byrd) support Alito!
Tell them to either support filibuster or at least "don't get in the way."
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) 202-224-6551
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) 202-224-3954
Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) 202-224-5842
888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/?lvl=C
Fourth:
Call the "Red State" Democrats: (Message same as above -- "No" is meaningless)
Tom Carper (DE)
Kent Conrad (ND)
Byron Dorgan (ND)
Blanche Lincoln (AR)
Mark Pryor (AR)
Fifth:
Call these "Blue State" and pro-choice Republicans: (Message: A "Unitary Executive" is dangerous to balance of powers--please do not get in the way of a filibuster.)
Lincoln Chafee (RI)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowsky (AK)
Bob Smith (OR)
Olympia Snowe (ME)
Ted Stevens (AK)
For extra credit, call all of the 2008 Presidential candidates who are sitting Senators--Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Russ Feingold, and John Kerry--and tell them to either LEAD THE FILIBUSTER or KISS YOUR SUPPORT GOODBYE.
888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/?lvl=CYou can also send that message to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (202-224-2447) and the Democratic National Committee (202-863-8000).
Justice Dept. Argued Against By-Passing FISA in 2002
In other news, uncovered statements made by the Justice Department appear to contradict several of the Bush administration’s key arguments in defense of its eavesdropping on US citizens without court warrants. In July 2002, the Justice Department told a Senate Committee the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act -- FISA -- was working well. It said efforts to circumvent FISA would need "serious review." The Justice Department made the statement in an argument against a proposal that would have made it easier to obtain the warrants – something the Bush administration now claims is needed today. The apparent contradiction was first pointed out by Internet blogger Glenn Greenwald, on his weblog Unclaimed Territory.
Here's what I say, you got a senator who was supporting renewing the Patriot Act, you contact them and tell them Bully Boy doesn't need it. Tell them he doesn't want it. Tell them, "You're either with the White House or you're against it."
Bully Boy gets a little more disgusting every day and that's pretty amazing considering he's in his sixth year of occupation. In January of 2001, he invaded the White House. When will the occupation end? Only Congress can end it.
Be sure to check out Like Maria Said Paz for Elaine's take. She has great advice in addition to running a great site and I hope all my readers got their rest, which was her idea, and that we're ready to fight again. Pace yourself, this is a marathon not the 440.
And be sure to check out Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude because Betty's filling in for Rebecca tonight.
democracy now
the common ills
feminist wire
samuel alito
supreme court
sex and politics and screeds and attitude
thomas friedman is a great man
mikey likes it
like maria said paz
john kerry
filibuster
snoopgate
nsa
fisa
government snooping
government spying
Sens. Kerry, Kennedy To Lead Filibuster Against Alito
On Capital Hill, Democratic Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy have announced they’ll attempt a filibuster to block the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. In response, Republicans said they will force a vote early next week. Kerry said: "Its our right and our responsibility to oppose [Alito] vigorously and to fight against this radical upending of the Supreme Court."
"Its our right and our responsibility to oppose [Alito] vigorously and to fight against the radical upending of the Supreme Court." Now if you were a reporter and someone said that, wouldn't you want to explore that statement? Go to Alito's record? Well not if you are a reporter for the New York Times. As C.I. noted in "Other Items" this morning, David D. Kirkpatrick decided he was a bookie and not a reporter. So he handicapped the odds. Now the Times whined in an editorial about how Alito was dangerous to the Court but the reporters for the paper aren't interested in covering that.
Here's two activism things. First, from the Feminist Wire, "Group of Senate Democrats Launch Filibuster on Alito:"
A group of Democratic Senators, led by Massachusetts Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, has launched a filibuster to block the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has called for a cloture vote on Monday at 4:30 p.m. to end debate and move to a vote on Alito. To win a cloture vote, Frist has to muster 60 votes in favor of ending debate.
"Millions of people have called and emailed their Senators, urging them to save the Supreme Court for women's rights, civil rights, environment protections, civil liberties, separation of church and state, disability rights, and to stop a Bush power grab. The Democrats have heard this message loud and clear," said Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority. "This filibuster is historically important because it is sending a message to the President -- people will not tolerate his packing of the Supreme Court."
TAKE ACTION Urge your Democratic Senators to filibuster Alito!
GET THE INSIDE SCOOP with The Smeal Report and the New Leif blogs at MsMagazine.com
DONATE Make an emergency contribution to the Feminist Majority's Save Roe Campaign. We must be a strong voice in this crucial fight to save Roe and the Supreme Court for women's rights.
Second, like C.I. noted last night:
Kerry is filibustering Alito! Call Senators Immediately! Call the Senators listed below, as well as your own, and tell them:
* a "No" vote is meaningless without a filibuster
* it is cowardly to only fight a fight when assured victory
* the American people need to see the Senate standing up for separation of powers and against the "Unitary Executive"
Use these toll free numbers to call the Capitol: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/?lvl=C
First: Call the three Democrats (Mary Landrieu, Ken Salazar, and Dianne Feinstein) who oppose Alito but also said they oppose a filibuster.
We must persuade them that a vote against Alito is meaningless if they don't support a filibuster.
Senator Salazar (D-CO) 202-224-5852
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) 202-224-5824
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) 202-224-3841 Second:
Call your own Democratic Senator: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
* If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/?lvl=C
Third:
Unbelievably, three Democrats (Ben Nelson, Tim Johnson and Robert Byrd) support Alito!
Tell them to either support filibuster or at least "don't get in the way."
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) 202-224-6551
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) 202-224-3954
Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) 202-224-5842
888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/?lvl=C
Fourth:
Call the "Red State" Democrats: (Message same as above -- "No" is meaningless)
Tom Carper (DE)
Kent Conrad (ND)
Byron Dorgan (ND)
Blanche Lincoln (AR)
Mark Pryor (AR)
Fifth:
Call these "Blue State" and pro-choice Republicans: (Message: A "Unitary Executive" is dangerous to balance of powers--please do not get in the way of a filibuster.)
Lincoln Chafee (RI)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowsky (AK)
Bob Smith (OR)
Olympia Snowe (ME)
Ted Stevens (AK)
For extra credit, call all of the 2008 Presidential candidates who are sitting Senators--Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Russ Feingold, and John Kerry--and tell them to either LEAD THE FILIBUSTER or KISS YOUR SUPPORT GOODBYE.
888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/?lvl=CYou can also send that message to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (202-224-2447) and the Democratic National Committee (202-863-8000).
Justice Dept. Argued Against By-Passing FISA in 2002
In other news, uncovered statements made by the Justice Department appear to contradict several of the Bush administration’s key arguments in defense of its eavesdropping on US citizens without court warrants. In July 2002, the Justice Department told a Senate Committee the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act -- FISA -- was working well. It said efforts to circumvent FISA would need "serious review." The Justice Department made the statement in an argument against a proposal that would have made it easier to obtain the warrants – something the Bush administration now claims is needed today. The apparent contradiction was first pointed out by Internet blogger Glenn Greenwald, on his weblog Unclaimed Territory.
Here's what I say, you got a senator who was supporting renewing the Patriot Act, you contact them and tell them Bully Boy doesn't need it. Tell them he doesn't want it. Tell them, "You're either with the White House or you're against it."
Bully Boy gets a little more disgusting every day and that's pretty amazing considering he's in his sixth year of occupation. In January of 2001, he invaded the White House. When will the occupation end? Only Congress can end it.
Be sure to check out Like Maria Said Paz for Elaine's take. She has great advice in addition to running a great site and I hope all my readers got their rest, which was her idea, and that we're ready to fight again. Pace yourself, this is a marathon not the 440.
And be sure to check out Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude because Betty's filling in for Rebecca tonight.
democracy now
the common ills
feminist wire
samuel alito
supreme court
sex and politics and screeds and attitude
thomas friedman is a great man
mikey likes it
like maria said paz
john kerry
filibuster
snoopgate
nsa
fisa
government snooping
government spying
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Patriot Act Swindle, Terrorist in the United States, BuzzFlash calls out Dems who won't take a stand
Good evening. Starting a little late because I was going to grab something to highlight from The Common Ills and couldn't get anything but an error message. I was on the phone with Elaine and I asked her if it was just me but she couldn't pull up The Common Ills either. Since Ava gave me the password last week to republish so an entry didn't disappear and since it hadn't changed (I checked first), I called C.I. to ask if I could republish the site because if it gets really heavy hits it disappears sometimes until it's republished again. So with permission, I did that. Elaine kept asking "Is it still publishing?" Yes, it was. That thing takes longer to publish than anything I know. My site publishes in less than five minutes. It took over twenty minutes to publish it. Elaine said, "Fix the typos in the first entry while you're in there" so I did that too and that added 20 more minutes. While I'm talking about the community, let me pass on that Rebecca will be on a mini-vacation this weekend starting Friday. But there will be a Friday evening post at her site Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude. Betty's going to fill in for her. Betty blogs at Thomas Friedman Is a Great Man and we know she's funny with her online novel there. Betty's not going to try to crack you up but she's going to talk about some stuff. "I don't know what!" she told me but I know it will be worth reading so make a point to check out Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude Friday night the way you usually would because Rebecca's chosen a great replacement and Betty'll do a great job. Now let's get to Democracy Now!
Report: Gonzales Says Bush Doesn't Need Patriot Act
The Boston Globe is reporting that Bush administration has apparently argued it is free to continue with the broad investigative powers granted by the USA Patriot Act -- even if Congress does not extend the act. The Globe says the argument comes in a footnote in Attorney Alberto Gonzales' 42-page legal memo defending the NSA spy program. According to the Globe, Gonzales wrote Congress already gave President Bush the broad investigative authority when it authorized him to use force against Al Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks. Despite its apparent position, the White House has lobbied intensively for Congress to re-authorize the Patriot Act.
That was in Wednesday's Boston Globe and the article's called "AG'S MEMO RAISES QUESTIONS ON PATRIOT ACT." Charlie Savage is the author. Here's a part of it:
"Under the position they are staking out in the footnote and throughout the memo, the debate over the Patriot Act is superfluous," Fein said. "The president is flailing Congress for refusing to act on a matter that he says is irrelevant to the war anyway, because he can do all of these things under the authorization to use military force."
The Patriot Act has been the subject of intense debate in Congress. It is set to expire Feb. 3 under a new deadline set last month after Congress deadlocked over whether some of its provisions violate civil liberties. Bush has demanded that Congress extend the act, warning that allowing the powers to expire could cost American lives.
Now that's bad enough but get a load of this:
Instead, the memo said, the Patriot Act simply gave the government new investigative powers to use against non-Al Qaeda terrorists and "in contexts unrelated to terrorism."
Did you read that? "In contexts unrelated to terrorism." But that law was supposed to be just to deal with terrorism. This is a power grab and it's saying that even though Americans are fighting to stop these unlawful powers, Bully Boy has them and can use them on anything he wants. "Unreleated to terrorism."
Chew on that.
US Delays Decision on Luis Posada Carriles
This news on the case of detained Cuban exile Luis Posada Carriles -- the US government has announced it will delay a decision on his extradition until April. In September, a U.S. immigration judge ruled Carriles won't be deported to Cuba or Venezuela, where he is wanted for his role in blowing up a Cuban jetliner in 1976 killing 73 people. A US immigration spokesperson said the government has not ruled out deporting Carriles to a third country. Meanwhile, in Cuba Tuesday, hundreds of thousands of Cubans held a rally outside the US interests section in Havana to protest Carriles’ possible release. Venezuela is threatening to cut ties with the United States over its refusal to hand over Carriles.
Now just last week little Scotty McClellan was saying that the United States didn't bargain with terrorists but I guess we harbor them, huh. The man helped blow up a jet and 73 people died. His ass needs to be tossed out of the country. How come that hasn't happened? Who was in the CIA? No, not Bully Boy. If he'd been in the CIA he would have gone AWOL from that too. But Poppy Bush was. They're covering their own crimes.
Be sure to check Like Maria Said Paz to get Elaine's take on events.
Now Rebecca beat us all with noting this from the Feminist Wire "PA: Anti-Choice Democratic Senate Candidate Casey Supports Alito:"
Robert Casey, an anti-choice Democrat who is challenging Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) in November, has outraged women's rights supporters by announcing his support for confirming Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.
"It's very disturbing and should worry, I think, Pennsylvania women and civil rights advocates and people concerned about unchecked executive power to wiretap and eavesdrop on Americans," Kate Michelman, former president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, told the Patriot News.
Casey's decision to support Alito shows that women "cannot count on a Senator Casey to protect our liberties," Michelman continued.
On the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Alito was the lone judge who voted to uphold a spousal notification requirement in Pennsylvania's Abortion Control Act, a bill that Casey's father, then-Governor Robert P. Casey, Sr., had signed into law. The case, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, was decided by the Supreme Court in 1992, which overturned Pennsylvania's harsh restrictions on abortion.
GET THE INSIDE SCOOP with The Smeal Report and the New Leif blogs at MsMagazine.com
TAKE ACTION Call your Senators and urge them to oppose Alito
DONATE Make an emergency contribution to the Feminist Majority's Save Roe Campaign. We must be a strong voice in this crucial fight to save Roe and the Supreme Court for women's rights.
Media Resources: Patriot News 1/25/06; Philadelphia Inquirer 1/25/06
And speaking of Rebecca, she has a great thing to read called "the struggle continues" and Wally, you bastard, you beat me to noting it! :D Scooped by The Daily Jot! I need to stay on my toes! :D
Last night, Rebecca, Fly Boy, T and Lois, and Nina and me went out and just chilled. It was pretty cool. I didn't blog yesterday and that was because, like C.I. pointed out with what I felt was laugher!, Blogger would be down at my usual blogging time. Tony saw that and goes, "Dude, you ain't blogging. C.I. called it." And I wasn't because we had plans for the evening and it was a long evening. I had to get up this morning and go to work and then school. Hope no one was too bummed. Leigh Ann and Cody wrote nice e-mails about it saying they hoped I was getting some rest. But if anyone was wondering, I planned to blog before we started our evening.
Like Wally, I think you should read C.I.'s "NYT Loses Will to Cover the NSA story" this morning and I also think you need to read Cedric and Betty's joint entry which you can read at both their sites, either go to "Alito and Inclusion" or "Found in the paper."
Last thing, and I'm rushing cause I know some might think, "Two nights! Two nights without blogging! That lazy bastard!" But you need to check out the BuzzFlash editorial "This Isn't A "Vote Of Conscience" Concerning A Filibuster; It's A Vote To Save Democracy. And If Reid Can't Cajole And Bluster 41 Democrats Into Saving Democracy, He Should Resign His Position:"
As one of our readers wrote to the BuzzFlash Mailbag, reflecting the current mood of the Democrats who vote (not the ones who are Senate careerists): "I'm getting beyond my 5 year 'blame Bush' mentality, as Bush is doing just what Bush/Cheney wants, and doing it damn well and virtually unopposed. So I blame the enablers; those with the (D) behind their names on the Senate roll. They've gone beyond disappointing their supporters. They are about to bring disgrace onto this country, and they want us all to cheer the 'No' vote they use to camouflage their cowardice."
BuzzFlash has interviewed Harry Reid and found him candid and highly critical of Bush. But talk is cheap. What the Democrats need is a passion to save democracy and the leadership to get their stragglers in line.
As we noted, in 2003, John Kerry, who would like to be president, promised to lead a filibuster on a nominee that fits Sam Alito to a "T." Then, lead, John Kerry, lead, or be a hypocrite and get trounced in the Iowa primaries. If you don't have the 41 votes, get them. If you want to be president, you better be able to secure the backing of your party caucus, because if you can't lead the Democrats, you can't lead the nation.
We haven't heard you publicly call for a filibuster or heard you announce that you'll lead one, but that's what you promised in 2003. Just read your words here, in an article entitled "Kerry says he'll filibuster Supreme Court nominees who do not support abortion rights"
And Hillary Clinton just decided this week that she opposed Alito. What's that about? She should have been leading a national campaign against him the morning after Bush nominated him following the now-forgotten Harriet Miers fiasco. Do you think that they support an imperial presidency and the dismantling of the Constitution in Omaha, Hillary?
democracy now
the common ills
feminist wire
buzzflash
samuel alito
supreme court
sex and politics and screeds and attitude
cedrics big mix
thomas friedman is a great man
the daily jot
mikey likes it
like maria said paz
the third estate sunday review
Report: Gonzales Says Bush Doesn't Need Patriot Act
The Boston Globe is reporting that Bush administration has apparently argued it is free to continue with the broad investigative powers granted by the USA Patriot Act -- even if Congress does not extend the act. The Globe says the argument comes in a footnote in Attorney Alberto Gonzales' 42-page legal memo defending the NSA spy program. According to the Globe, Gonzales wrote Congress already gave President Bush the broad investigative authority when it authorized him to use force against Al Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks. Despite its apparent position, the White House has lobbied intensively for Congress to re-authorize the Patriot Act.
That was in Wednesday's Boston Globe and the article's called "AG'S MEMO RAISES QUESTIONS ON PATRIOT ACT." Charlie Savage is the author. Here's a part of it:
"Under the position they are staking out in the footnote and throughout the memo, the debate over the Patriot Act is superfluous," Fein said. "The president is flailing Congress for refusing to act on a matter that he says is irrelevant to the war anyway, because he can do all of these things under the authorization to use military force."
The Patriot Act has been the subject of intense debate in Congress. It is set to expire Feb. 3 under a new deadline set last month after Congress deadlocked over whether some of its provisions violate civil liberties. Bush has demanded that Congress extend the act, warning that allowing the powers to expire could cost American lives.
Now that's bad enough but get a load of this:
Instead, the memo said, the Patriot Act simply gave the government new investigative powers to use against non-Al Qaeda terrorists and "in contexts unrelated to terrorism."
Did you read that? "In contexts unrelated to terrorism." But that law was supposed to be just to deal with terrorism. This is a power grab and it's saying that even though Americans are fighting to stop these unlawful powers, Bully Boy has them and can use them on anything he wants. "Unreleated to terrorism."
Chew on that.
US Delays Decision on Luis Posada Carriles
This news on the case of detained Cuban exile Luis Posada Carriles -- the US government has announced it will delay a decision on his extradition until April. In September, a U.S. immigration judge ruled Carriles won't be deported to Cuba or Venezuela, where he is wanted for his role in blowing up a Cuban jetliner in 1976 killing 73 people. A US immigration spokesperson said the government has not ruled out deporting Carriles to a third country. Meanwhile, in Cuba Tuesday, hundreds of thousands of Cubans held a rally outside the US interests section in Havana to protest Carriles’ possible release. Venezuela is threatening to cut ties with the United States over its refusal to hand over Carriles.
Now just last week little Scotty McClellan was saying that the United States didn't bargain with terrorists but I guess we harbor them, huh. The man helped blow up a jet and 73 people died. His ass needs to be tossed out of the country. How come that hasn't happened? Who was in the CIA? No, not Bully Boy. If he'd been in the CIA he would have gone AWOL from that too. But Poppy Bush was. They're covering their own crimes.
Be sure to check Like Maria Said Paz to get Elaine's take on events.
Now Rebecca beat us all with noting this from the Feminist Wire "PA: Anti-Choice Democratic Senate Candidate Casey Supports Alito:"
Robert Casey, an anti-choice Democrat who is challenging Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) in November, has outraged women's rights supporters by announcing his support for confirming Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.
"It's very disturbing and should worry, I think, Pennsylvania women and civil rights advocates and people concerned about unchecked executive power to wiretap and eavesdrop on Americans," Kate Michelman, former president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, told the Patriot News.
Casey's decision to support Alito shows that women "cannot count on a Senator Casey to protect our liberties," Michelman continued.
On the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Alito was the lone judge who voted to uphold a spousal notification requirement in Pennsylvania's Abortion Control Act, a bill that Casey's father, then-Governor Robert P. Casey, Sr., had signed into law. The case, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, was decided by the Supreme Court in 1992, which overturned Pennsylvania's harsh restrictions on abortion.
GET THE INSIDE SCOOP with The Smeal Report and the New Leif blogs at MsMagazine.com
TAKE ACTION Call your Senators and urge them to oppose Alito
DONATE Make an emergency contribution to the Feminist Majority's Save Roe Campaign. We must be a strong voice in this crucial fight to save Roe and the Supreme Court for women's rights.
Media Resources: Patriot News 1/25/06; Philadelphia Inquirer 1/25/06
And speaking of Rebecca, she has a great thing to read called "the struggle continues" and Wally, you bastard, you beat me to noting it! :D Scooped by The Daily Jot! I need to stay on my toes! :D
Last night, Rebecca, Fly Boy, T and Lois, and Nina and me went out and just chilled. It was pretty cool. I didn't blog yesterday and that was because, like C.I. pointed out with what I felt was laugher!, Blogger would be down at my usual blogging time. Tony saw that and goes, "Dude, you ain't blogging. C.I. called it." And I wasn't because we had plans for the evening and it was a long evening. I had to get up this morning and go to work and then school. Hope no one was too bummed. Leigh Ann and Cody wrote nice e-mails about it saying they hoped I was getting some rest. But if anyone was wondering, I planned to blog before we started our evening.
Like Wally, I think you should read C.I.'s "NYT Loses Will to Cover the NSA story" this morning and I also think you need to read Cedric and Betty's joint entry which you can read at both their sites, either go to "Alito and Inclusion" or "Found in the paper."
Last thing, and I'm rushing cause I know some might think, "Two nights! Two nights without blogging! That lazy bastard!" But you need to check out the BuzzFlash editorial "This Isn't A "Vote Of Conscience" Concerning A Filibuster; It's A Vote To Save Democracy. And If Reid Can't Cajole And Bluster 41 Democrats Into Saving Democracy, He Should Resign His Position:"
As one of our readers wrote to the BuzzFlash Mailbag, reflecting the current mood of the Democrats who vote (not the ones who are Senate careerists): "I'm getting beyond my 5 year 'blame Bush' mentality, as Bush is doing just what Bush/Cheney wants, and doing it damn well and virtually unopposed. So I blame the enablers; those with the (D) behind their names on the Senate roll. They've gone beyond disappointing their supporters. They are about to bring disgrace onto this country, and they want us all to cheer the 'No' vote they use to camouflage their cowardice."
BuzzFlash has interviewed Harry Reid and found him candid and highly critical of Bush. But talk is cheap. What the Democrats need is a passion to save democracy and the leadership to get their stragglers in line.
As we noted, in 2003, John Kerry, who would like to be president, promised to lead a filibuster on a nominee that fits Sam Alito to a "T." Then, lead, John Kerry, lead, or be a hypocrite and get trounced in the Iowa primaries. If you don't have the 41 votes, get them. If you want to be president, you better be able to secure the backing of your party caucus, because if you can't lead the Democrats, you can't lead the nation.
We haven't heard you publicly call for a filibuster or heard you announce that you'll lead one, but that's what you promised in 2003. Just read your words here, in an article entitled "Kerry says he'll filibuster Supreme Court nominees who do not support abortion rights"
And Hillary Clinton just decided this week that she opposed Alito. What's that about? She should have been leading a national campaign against him the morning after Bush nominated him following the now-forgotten Harriet Miers fiasco. Do you think that they support an imperial presidency and the dismantling of the Constitution in Omaha, Hillary?
democracy now
the common ills
feminist wire
buzzflash
samuel alito
supreme court
sex and politics and screeds and attitude
cedrics big mix
thomas friedman is a great man
the daily jot
mikey likes it
like maria said paz
the third estate sunday review
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
BuzzFlash on "The mugging of democracy"
Those who would shrug off an Alito confirmation with a "No" vote -- without a filibuster -- are giving into the mugging of democracy.
This will not stand.
We will remember those 44 Democrats who would not fight for everything our soldiers throughout our nation's history have died for: our liberty, our freedoms, and our right to an elective government and the rule of law.
We will remember, by the power of one grown into a teeming sea of anger.
Because we cherish this country, and we will not be reduced to a choice of tyrants and enablers.
We will remember.
Good evening. The above is from BuzzFlash's "The Power of One" and if I'm starting with a quote, you know I think it's important. Eight Democrats realized it was safe to vote no on Alito today. We're still a long way from a filibuster but way to go to the people of this country for lighting a fire under the eight Democratic asses and that means if they're your senators or if you had other senators. Your work in the last week showed the cowards that you wouldn't stand for anymore nonsense. C.I. printed an e-mail John Kerry sent out and I agree with C.I. What's the point of sending that out if you don't even mention filibuster? They're still not fighting and it's getting disgusting.
Bush Vows Anti-Choice Movement "Will Prevail"
Back here in the United States, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote today on whether to recommend the confirmation of Samuel Alito as a Supreme Court justice. The vote is expected to be split largely along party lines. Meanwhile on Monday, President Bush told activists who are tying to make abortions illegal that they are pursuing a "a noble cause." To mark the 33th anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade, Bush said "This is a cause that appeals to the conscience of our citizens and is rooted in America's deepest principle. And history tells us that with such a cause we will prevail." Several groups include the National Organization of Women have urged Democratic Senators to filibuster Samuel Alito's confirmation because they fear he will overturn Roe v. Wade. In 1985 Alito wrote that the Constitution does not protect the right to an abortion.
Bully Boy thinks he "will prevail?" Well the Dems certainly seem willing to toss in the towel. But the people aren't going to. We forced eight Dems to stand as one today, we can force them to stand as one on the Senate floor when the full vote takes place.
Military Jury: No Jail Time For Interrogator Who Killed Iraqi
In other Iraq news -- a military jury in Colorado ruled last night an Army interrogator who killed an Iraqi general would not have to serve any time in jail. The interrogator -- Chief Warrant Officer Lewis Welshofer Jr. - killed the Iraqi man after putting a sleeping bag over his head, wrapping him in electrical cord, sitting on his chest and covering his mouth. Over the weekend the military jury convicted Welshofer of negligent homicide which carries a maximum prison term of three years. But the jury chose instead to fine him $6,000 and ordered him to spend the next 60 days restricted to his home, office and church. The Los Angeles Times reports soldiers and officers inside the courtroom broke out in applause after the jury announced Welshofer would not be jailed for the killing.
That's interesting because someone died and there's no jail time. No one died and there is jail time for a peace activist.
Peace Activist Gets 6 Months in Jail For Recruiting Station Protest
In upstate New York, a peace activist has been sentenced to six months in jail for pouring blood inside a military recruiting station in March 2003 in order to protest the invasion of Iraq. The man, Daniel Burns, 45, was one of a group now known as the St. Patrick's Four. The other three members will also be sentenced this week.
Want to explain how that works? One person stood up for peace, one person is responsible for the death of another human being. One walks, one goes to jail. A Bully Boy America.
That's pretty much all I've got to say this evening. I'm betting everyone else is pretty tired too.
We let all the senators, Republicans and Democrats, know, for a full week, that Alito wasn't a done deal. We fought long and we fought hard. And we forced eight Democrats to stand as one. Now we need to get some rest before the next ongoing battle.
Be sure to go to Like Maria Said Paz and check out Elaine's thoughts.
democracy now
alito
buzzflash
the common ills
mikey likes it
like maria said paz
This will not stand.
We will remember those 44 Democrats who would not fight for everything our soldiers throughout our nation's history have died for: our liberty, our freedoms, and our right to an elective government and the rule of law.
We will remember, by the power of one grown into a teeming sea of anger.
Because we cherish this country, and we will not be reduced to a choice of tyrants and enablers.
We will remember.
Good evening. The above is from BuzzFlash's "The Power of One" and if I'm starting with a quote, you know I think it's important. Eight Democrats realized it was safe to vote no on Alito today. We're still a long way from a filibuster but way to go to the people of this country for lighting a fire under the eight Democratic asses and that means if they're your senators or if you had other senators. Your work in the last week showed the cowards that you wouldn't stand for anymore nonsense. C.I. printed an e-mail John Kerry sent out and I agree with C.I. What's the point of sending that out if you don't even mention filibuster? They're still not fighting and it's getting disgusting.
Bush Vows Anti-Choice Movement "Will Prevail"
Back here in the United States, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote today on whether to recommend the confirmation of Samuel Alito as a Supreme Court justice. The vote is expected to be split largely along party lines. Meanwhile on Monday, President Bush told activists who are tying to make abortions illegal that they are pursuing a "a noble cause." To mark the 33th anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade, Bush said "This is a cause that appeals to the conscience of our citizens and is rooted in America's deepest principle. And history tells us that with such a cause we will prevail." Several groups include the National Organization of Women have urged Democratic Senators to filibuster Samuel Alito's confirmation because they fear he will overturn Roe v. Wade. In 1985 Alito wrote that the Constitution does not protect the right to an abortion.
Bully Boy thinks he "will prevail?" Well the Dems certainly seem willing to toss in the towel. But the people aren't going to. We forced eight Dems to stand as one today, we can force them to stand as one on the Senate floor when the full vote takes place.
Military Jury: No Jail Time For Interrogator Who Killed Iraqi
In other Iraq news -- a military jury in Colorado ruled last night an Army interrogator who killed an Iraqi general would not have to serve any time in jail. The interrogator -- Chief Warrant Officer Lewis Welshofer Jr. - killed the Iraqi man after putting a sleeping bag over his head, wrapping him in electrical cord, sitting on his chest and covering his mouth. Over the weekend the military jury convicted Welshofer of negligent homicide which carries a maximum prison term of three years. But the jury chose instead to fine him $6,000 and ordered him to spend the next 60 days restricted to his home, office and church. The Los Angeles Times reports soldiers and officers inside the courtroom broke out in applause after the jury announced Welshofer would not be jailed for the killing.
That's interesting because someone died and there's no jail time. No one died and there is jail time for a peace activist.
Peace Activist Gets 6 Months in Jail For Recruiting Station Protest
In upstate New York, a peace activist has been sentenced to six months in jail for pouring blood inside a military recruiting station in March 2003 in order to protest the invasion of Iraq. The man, Daniel Burns, 45, was one of a group now known as the St. Patrick's Four. The other three members will also be sentenced this week.
Want to explain how that works? One person stood up for peace, one person is responsible for the death of another human being. One walks, one goes to jail. A Bully Boy America.
That's pretty much all I've got to say this evening. I'm betting everyone else is pretty tired too.
We let all the senators, Republicans and Democrats, know, for a full week, that Alito wasn't a done deal. We fought long and we fought hard. And we forced eight Democrats to stand as one. Now we need to get some rest before the next ongoing battle.
Be sure to go to Like Maria Said Paz and check out Elaine's thoughts.
democracy now
alito
buzzflash
the common ills
mikey likes it
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Monday, January 23, 2006
Filibuster!
Good evening. Before we get started with Democracy Now! we'll note this from the Feminist Wire:
Judiciary Committee Votes Tomorrow on Alito; Filibuster Possible, Says Durbin
Tomorrow, two days after the 33rd anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Samuel Alito, a Supreme Court nominee who in 1985 wrote that the Constitution does not protect a woman's right to an abortion. Women's rights leaders and activists rallied last night at the Supreme Court in support of the landmark Supreme Court ruling.
"Since we last gathered to commemorate Roe v. Wade, two seats have opened up on the Supreme Court, and George W. Bush has used both opportunities to nominate judges whose records show a disdain for privacy rights and individual liberties," said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. "The Senate is poised to vote on confirming Samuel Alito, who would replace Sandra Day O'Connor, a justice whose vote has upheld women's rights for nearly 25 years. How quickly the fate of women's reproductive rights could turn in this nation."
Already, at least nine Senators have come out publicly and strongly against Alito’s confirmation, including four who voted in favor of confirming John Roberts as chief justice. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), the Democratic Whip, said that a filibuster was possible.
"A week ago, I would have told you it's not likely to happen," Durbin said. "As of [Wednesday], I just can't rule it out. I was surprised by the intensity of feeling of some of my colleagues. It's a matter of counting. We have 45 Democrats, counting [Vermont independent] Jim Jeffords, on our side. We could sustain a filibuster if 41 Senators ... are willing to stand and fight."
GET THE INSIDE SCOOP with The Smeal Report and the New Leif blogs at MsMagazine.com
TAKE ACTION Call your Senators and urge them to oppose Alito
DONATE Make an emergency contribution to the Feminist Majority's Save Roe Campaign. We must be a strong voice in this crucial fight to save Roe and the Supreme Court for women’s rights.
Media Resources: Feminist Majority; NOW statement 1/22/06; Chicago Sun-Times 1/20/06
So that's not good news, that's great news. Last Monday, what were the chances? Didn't look good. Didn't look like we'd have very many "no" votes. Bill Nelson disgraced himself but he wasn't the only one. Democrats didn't want to stand up and fight. They may not want to now. But people made them do it. We put pressure on them and they realized they better find some kind of spine. Tomorrow's the vote. Keep the pressure on. Be on the phone, be at their offices, let 'em know you want to see some fighting spirit. If you say only one word, make it "Filibuster!"
Now to more news.
U.S. Criticized For Downplaying Threat Of Radical Right
Last year federal investigators told a Senate committee that environmental and animal groups like ELF and ALF represented the nation's leading domestic terror threat. The Southern Poverty Law Center however recently criticized the federal government for underestimating the threat posed by violent right-wing organizations. According to the Center, the radical right has plotted to carry out at least 60 terrorist plots inside the United States since the Oklahoma City Bombing. This includes plans to bomb or burn government buildings, mosques, synagogues and abortion clinics, plans to assassinate government officials and civil rights leaders and efforts to amass chemical and biological weapons arsenals.
Jose Padilla the Bully Boy locks up for years. Muslims get profiled. But the right wingers? Free pass. These are the terrorists that have been in this country. We don't need to go looking far and wide for them. But just like Fox "News" wanted to be sure not to offend their right wing viewers by talking about the criminal Eric Ruldoph, found in the woods, and who might have helped him, Bully Boy gives the real criminals a pass too.
(Note of thanks to C.I. I couldn't remember the criminal's name. C.I. told me it was Eric Ruldoph and that I'm thinking of the June 2, 2003 memo Fox's John Moody sent out and that "I believe" it's discussed in the film Outfoxed.)
New York Times Warns Against Alito's 'Radical' Views
The editorial page of the New York Times came out today in opposition to Samuel Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court. The paper's editors warns "He has a radically broad view of the president's power, and a radically narrow view of Congress's power. He has long argued that the Constitution does not protect abortion rights. He wants to reduce the rights and liberties of ordinary Americans, and has a history of tilting the scales of justice against the little guy."
The little guy? That paper wants to talk about the little guy? Are we supposed to forget their slams at the transist workers? Oh that New York Times is funny! It should put out a comedy album! Grab up some of that Adam Sandler money.
Want to read a real editorial? One with guts? Check out "Editorial: Senate Dems, if you're done enjoying that golden shower . . ."Now be sure to check out Elaine's take on the headlines at her site Like Maria Said Paz. And check out the bottom of C.I.'s entry here for more on the topic of the New York Times. And are you checking out Ma's site? Trina's Kitchen. I need to plug that more a) because it's a great site and b) because she's my mother. So go check out Trina's Kitchen, she posted Saturday with a recipe for creamy fudge and she's talking about Alito and other stuff.
Now here's a taste of Dave Zirin's "The Slave Side of Sunday:"
For most sports fans, heaven would be to play in the National Football League. We see money, fame and no expectations of social responsibility beyond showing up on Sunday ready to play. In the mind of the fantasy sports fan, it means a big house, a garage full of cars and the promise of sexual gratification. The last thing any fan would believe--or want to believe--is that racism is endemic to the culture of the NFL.
That's the contention of NFL veteran Anthony Prior, whose new book, The Slave Side of Sunday, invokes an explosive metaphor to describe life in the NFL. Prior played six NFL seasons with the New York Jets, the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings, and developed a reputation as a cornerback with blinding speed, if not blinding stats.
Prior contends that the NFL is rife with a racism that is both deeply institutionalized and largely unchallenged. "I was frustrated by not seeing the truth in print," Prior told me in a recent interview. "And I believe that if you want to see it, you should write it."
Roundtable tonight for tomorrow's gina & krista round-robin and I've got stuff to do before so let me stop here and add in the thing Maria did for The Common Ills running down the headlines from last week. See how many you knew about and it's in Spanish first, then English.
samuel alito
supreme court
feminist wire
like maria said paz
the third estate sunday review
trinas kitchen
mikey likes it
the common ills
the new york times
dave zirin
Hoy se inicia la Segunda Comisión Investigadora de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad cometidos por el gobierno de Bush
Maria: Hola. De parte de "Democracy Now!" nueve cosas que vale hacer notar este fin de semana. Paz.
Hoy se inicia la Segunda Comisión Investigadora de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad cometidos por el gobierno de Bush
La segunda reunión de la Comisión Internacional de Investigación de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad Cometidos por el Gobierno de Bush comenzará hoy en Nueva York. La comisión investigará una serie de acusaciones de que el gobierno de Bush cometió crÃmenes de guerra y crÃmenes contra la humanidad. Se redactó un borrador de las acusaciones en la primera comisión realizada en octubre. Entre quienes deben declarar ante la comisión se encuentran el ex director de Abu Ghraib, Brigadier General Janis Karpinski; el ex embajador británico en Uzbekistán Craig Murray; el conductor y activista Harry Belafonte, y el ex inspector de armas de la ONU Scott Ritter.
Lideres iraquÃes y musulmanes estadounidenses piden la liberación de Carroll
LÃderes musulmanes iraquÃes y estadounidenses adhirieron a los llamados de familiares y colegas de la periodista estadounidense secuestrada Jill Carroll para pedir que sea liberada sana y salva. Carroll, una periodista de 28 años de edad que trabajaba de forma independiente para el periódico "Christian Science Monitor" en Irak, fue secuestrada en Bagdad a principios de este mes. Integrantes del grupo de apoyo musulmán estadounidense Consejo de Relaciones Estadounidenses-Islámicas (CAIR, por sus siglas en inglés), están viajando a Irak para intentar obtener la liberación de Carroll. Mientras tanto, Muthanna Harith al-Dhari, una destacada figura del grupo sunita iraquà Asociación de Eruditos Musulmanes (MSA, por sus siglas en inglés), dijo: "Todos los secuestros y asesinatos son totalmente rechazados... especialmente cuando se trata del secuestro de un periodista. Los periodistas están aquà para informar al mundo sobre la ocupación, por lo tanto, secuestrar a un periodista es esconder la verdad". Al-Dhari agregó: "La periodista, Jill Carroll... es una de las grandes periodistas que están en contra de la ocupación. Es considerada una de las mejores periodistas que se opuso a la ocupación estadounidense de Irak y centró sus artÃculos en ... contarle al mundo sobre el sufrimiento de los iraquÃes".
Periodistas iraquÃes liberados describen calvario bajo custodia de Estados Unidos
En otra noticia sobre Irak, los dos periodistas iraquÃes que fueron liberados esta semana, luego de estar detenidos sin ser acusados durante más de cuatro meses por las Fuerzas Armadas estadounidenses, describieron su calvario. El periodista de "Reuters" Majed Hameed dijo: "Las fuerzas estadounidenses llevaron a cabo una redada en casa, mi casa, el 8 de agosto (de 2005) y encontraron una cámara con la que yo habÃa filmado enfrentamientos en Ramadi que ocurrieron en la ciudad desde el mediodÃa hasta la tarde. (Filmé) con mi cámara tomas muy sencillas de las fuerzas estadounidenses atacando la mezquita de Haj Maqbulaa, y una de las casas, con vidrios rotos desparramados por el piso. Realizaron una redada en mi casa y vieron estas cosas, yo respondà que sólo eran enfrentamientos y luego de eso inmediatamente tomaron mis cámaras, los dispositivos de comunicación, la computadora y luego me arrestaron". Hamedd fue liberado esta semana luego de estar bajo custodia de Estados Unidos, junto con el camarógrafo de "Reuters" Ali al-Mashhadani, quien fue arrestado en agosto. Ambos estaban detenidos en las prisiones dirigidas por Estados Unidos en la cárcel de Abu Ghraib y Camp Bucca. Al menos otros tres periodistas iraquÃes que trabajan para los medios de comunicación internacionales permanecen bajo custodia de Estados Unidos.
HRW dice que la polÃtica exterior de Bush socava derechos humanos
En Estados Unidos, "Human Rights Watch" dio a conocer su informe anual el miércoles. El informe incluye una dura critica contra el gobierno de Bush, al que acusa de socavar el respeto por los derechos humanos en el mundo debido al modo en que está dirigiendo la llamada guerra contra el terrorismo. Este grupo también pidió al Congreso que establezca un panel independiente para investigar las violaciones de los derechos humanos llevadas a cabo por Estados Unidos. El director ejecutivo de "Human Rights Watch", Kenneth Roth, dijo: "Lamento informar que la defensa mundial de los derechos humanos se ha visto seriamente comprometida por la decisión polÃtica del gobierno de Bush de violar algunas de las normas básicas de los derechos humanos, por creer erróneamente que es la mejor manera de luchar contra el terrorismo. Se sabe desde hace tiempo que no se puede culpar a algunos soldados rasos del turno de la noche por la tortura y los tratos inhumanos aplicados por el gobierno de Bush. Por lo menos, y según lo que sabemos hasta ahora, las decisiones polÃticas tomadas por los de más alto rango crearon una atmósfera de tolerancia hacia las violaciones. Y entre esas decisiones polÃticas se puede citar, por ejemplo, la violación de la Convención de Ginebra en Guantánamo, su extraordinariamente limitada definición de tortura, al punto de que la mayorÃa de los abusos no son considerados tortura".
Estados Unidos se niega a disculparse por bombardeo de la CIA en Pakistán
En otras noticias, el gobierno estadounidense se negó a expresar arrepentimiento por el bombardeo de la CIA de la semana pasada en Pakistán. Según trascendió, el ataque mató a 17 personas, entre las que encontraban mujeres y niños. Estados Unidos no dijo mucho sobre el bombardeo, pero se cree que fue llevado a cabo por un avión Predator a control remoto de la CIA. El martes, el portavoz del Departamento de Estado, Sean McCormack, dijo a periodistas: "Estados Unidos claramente valora las vidas inocentes. Y es por eso que estamos llevando a cabo la guerra contra el terrorismo". Mientras tanto, funcionarios pakistanÃes dijeron el martes que el ataque mató a cinco personas sospechosas de ser militantes.
Senador suizo dice que evidencia confirma traslados de la CIA en Europa
En Europa, un Senador suizo dijo que ya no cabe duda de que la CIA llevó a cabo actividades ilegales en Europa, al trasladar y encarcelar secretamente a sospechosos de terrorismo. El funcionario, Dick Marty, está dirigiendo una investigación europea sobre acusaciones de que la CIA manejaba prisiones secretas en Polonia y Rumania. Marty también dijo que la culpa era de todas las naciones europeas que ayudaron a Estados Unidos a llevar a cabo sus operaciones secretas. El Senador Suizo Dick Marty dijo: "Me gustarÃa que quedara claro que el problema no es sólo de Rumania y Polonia. SerÃa demasiado fácil criminalizar a estos dos paÃses. Creo que la responsabilidad es de toda Europa, que aceptó permanecer en silencio, porque si es cierto que algo pasó en Rumania y Polonia, también paso algo en muchos otros paÃses, y muchos de ellos ciertamente sabÃan lo que estaba sucediendo. Y para mi, en una situación asÃ, saber y quedarse callado es tan malo como tolerar que este tipo de actividades sean llevadas a cabo en su territorio". La semana pasada, un periódico suizo publicó el contenido de un memorando egipcio interceptado sobre los centros de interrogatorio de Estados Unidos en Europa del Este y los Balcanes. El memorando habÃa sido enviado por fax desde el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Egipto a la embajada egipcia en Londres. Pero habÃa sido interceptado por el servicio secreto suizo y luego entregado a la prensa.
Gobierno de Bush demandado por espionaje telefónico de la NSA
En Estados Unidos, el Centro para los Derechos Constitucionales y la Unión Estadounidense por las Libertades Civiles (ACLU, por sus siglas en inglés) están presentando hoy demandas por separado para impugnar la orden del Presidente Bush de que la Agencia de Seguridad Nacional (NSA, por sus siglas en inglés) lleve a cabo operaciones de espionaje a nivel nacional sin las ordenes judiciales que exige la ley.
Al Gore: Bush violó la ley "de forma reiterada y persistente"
El lunes, el ex Vicepresidente Al Gore pronunció un importante discurso en Washington en el que acusó a Bush de violar la ley "de forma reiterada y persistente" al autorizar las intervenciones telefónicas de la NSA. Gore pidió al Fiscal General Alberto Gonzales que designe un fiscal especial para investigar estas violaciones. Gore dijo que el programa ilegal de espionaje de Bush puso en peligró "la propia estructura de nuestro gobierno".
Comisión del gobierno finaliza investigación sobre asesinato de Menezes
En Gran Bretaña, una comisión del gobierno finalizó la investigación sobre el asesinato por parte de la policÃa de Jean Charles De Menezes. La policÃa británica mató a balazos a Menezes, de nacionalidad brasileña, en una estación de trenes subterráneos de Londres, un dÃa después de un atentado fallido con bombas en el sistema de trenes subterráneos británico en julio. En un principio la policÃa dijo que creÃa que Menezes era un bombardero suicida. La policÃa afirmó que Menezes intentó escaparse y que tenÃa puesta una campera abultada. Pero desde entonces, se reveló que Menezes era inocente y que la policÃa mintió sobre las circunstancias de su muerte. El jueves, la familia de Menezes pidió justicia.Alex Pereira, primo de Jean Charles De Menezes, dijo: "Es muy simple, si haces algo bueno no tienes que mentir u ocultar nada; ellos mintieron y ocultaron cosas, y la explicación es que fue un asesinato, ellos (de Menezes) fueron asesinados. ¿Por qué tengo que mentir si hice bien mi trabajo? Creo que es asà de simple".
Maria: From Democracy Now!, here are nine headlines. Democracy Now! provides daily headlines in English and in Spanish, text and audio. Peace.
Second Commission of Inquiry On Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration Opens Today
The second gathering of the International Commission of Inquiry On Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration will begin today in New York. The commission will look into a series of charges the Bush administration has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The indictments were drafted at the first commission held in October. Those scheduled to testify before the commission include the former head of Abu Ghraib, Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski; former British ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray; the entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte, and former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter.
Leading Iraqi, US Muslims Call For Jill Carroll's Release
Leading Iraqi and American Muslims have echoed the calls of family members and colleagues of kidnapped American journalist Jill Carroll to plead for her safe release. Carroll, a 28-year old freelance reporter working for the Christian Science Monitor in Iraq, was kidnapped in Baghdad earlier this month. Members of the Muslim-American advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations are traveling to Iraq to attempt to win Carroll’s release. Meanwhile, Muthanna Harith al-Dhari, a prominent figure in the leading Iraqi Sunni group the Muslim Scholars Association, said: "All kidnappings and assassinations are completely rejected... especially when kidnapping a journalist. Journalists are here to tell the world about the occupation so kidnapping a journalist is going to hide the truth." Al-Dhari continued: "This journalist, Jill Carroll... is one of the great journalists who are against the occupation. She is considered one of the best journalists who stood against the American occupation of Iraq and she focused in her articles on... telling the world about the Iraqi people’s suffering."
Freed Iraqi Journalists Describe Ordeal US Custody
In other Iraq news, the two Iraqi journalists who were freed this week after being held by the US military without charge for over four months have come forward to describe their ordeal.Reuters journalist Majed Hameed : "The US forces raided the house, my house on August 8 (2005) and found a camera with which I filmed clashes in Ramadi that erupted in the city from noon until evening. [I filmed] with my camera very simple shots of the US forces attacking Haj Maqbulaa mosque, and one of the houses, with broken glass scattered on the floor. They raided my house and saw these things, I replied it is only clashes and after that they immediately collected my cameras, communication devices, computer and then they arrested me." Hameed was freed this week from US custody along with Reuters camera operator Ali al-Mashhadani, who was arrested in August. The two were held at the US-run prisons at Abu Ghraib prison and Camp Bucca. At least three other Iraqi journalists working for the international media remain in US custody.
HRW Says Bush Foreign Policy Undermining Human Rights
Here in the United States, Human Rights Watch released its annual report Wednesday. The report includes a scathing critique of the Bush administration, accusing it of undermining human rights around the world by the way its waging the so-called war on terror. The group also called on Congress to set up an independent panel to investigate U.S. human rights abuses.Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth : "I'm sorry to report that the global defense of human rights has been profoundly compromised by the Bush administration's policy level decisions to flout some of the most basic human rights norms out of a misguided sense that is the best way to fight against terrorism. It's long been understood that the Bush administration's torture and inhumane treatment could not be blamed on a handful of low level soldiers on the night shift. At minimum, we understand until now, that policy decisions taken at the top had created an atmosphere of tolerance for abuse. And among those policy decisions that one could cite would be, for example, is the Bush Administration's ripping of the Geneva Convention with respect to Guantanamo, its extraordinarily narrow definition of torture to the point that most forms of abuse are not considered torture."
US Refuses to Apologize For CIA Bombing in Pakistan
In other news, the US government has refused to express regret over last week’s CIA bombing in Pakistan. The attack killed a reported 17 people, including women and children. The U.S. has said little about the bombing but it is believed to have been carried out by a CIA Predator drone. On Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack told reporters only: "The United States clearly values innocent human life. And that is why we're fighting the war on terror." Meanwhile, Pakistani officials said Tuesday the strike had killed up to 5 suspected militants.
Swiss Senator Says Evidence Confirms CIA Renditions in Europe
In Europe, a Swiss Senator has said there is no longer any question that the CIA undertook in illegal activities in Europe by secretly transporting and jailing suspected terrorists. The official -- Dick Marty -- is heading up a European investigation into allegations that the CIA operated secret prisons in Poland and Romania. He also said blame has to be placed on all European nations who have helped the U.S. carry out its covert operations.
Swiss Senator Dick Marty : "I'd like it to be clear that the problem does not only concern Rumania and Poland. It would be too simple to criminalize these two countries. I think it's to whole of Europe that accepted to keep quiet, because if it's true that something happened in Rumania and Poland, something also happened in many other countries, and many of them were certainly aware of what was going on. And to me, in such a situation, knowing and keeping quiet is as bad as tolerating that such activities be led on its territory." Last week a Swiss newspaper published the text of an intercepted Egyptian memo about U.S. interrogation centers in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The memo had been faxed from the Egyptian foreign ministry to the Egyptian embassy in London. But it had been intercepted by the Swiss secret service and then leaked to the press.
Bush Administration Sued Over NSA Wiretaps
Here in this country, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union are filing separate lawsuits today challenging President Bush's order for the National Security Agency to conduct domestic spy operations without legally required court warrants.
Al Gore: Bush "Repeatedly and Persistently" Broke Law
On Monday, former Vice President Al Gore gave a major speech in Washington accusing Bush of "repeatedly and persistently" breaking the law by authorizing the NSA wiretaps. Gore called for Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the abuses. Gore said Bush's illegal spying program threatened "the very structure of our government."
Gov. Commission Completes Inquiry Into Menezes Shooting
In Britain, a government commission has completed its inquiry into the police shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. Menezes, a native of Brazil, was shot dead by British police in a London subway station one day after an attempted bomb attack on the British subway system in July. At first, British police said they believed Menezes was a suicide bomber. They claimed he had run from police and was wearing a bulky jacket. But since then it has been revealed that he was innocent and that police lied about the circumstances of his death. On Thursday, Menezes’ family appealed for justice.Alex Pereira, the cousin of Jean Charles De Menezes : "It is very simple, if you do something good you don't need to lie or hide; they lie they hide, and the explanation is that it was an assassination, they (de Menezes) were murdered. Why do I have to lie if I have done a good job? I think it's that simple."
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Good evening. Before we get started with Democracy Now! we'll note this from the Feminist Wire:
Judiciary Committee Votes Tomorrow on Alito; Filibuster Possible, Says Durbin
Tomorrow, two days after the 33rd anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Samuel Alito, a Supreme Court nominee who in 1985 wrote that the Constitution does not protect a woman's right to an abortion. Women’s rights leaders and activists rallied last night at the Supreme Court in support of the landmark Supreme Court ruling.“Since we last gathered to commemorate Roe v. Wade, two seats have opened up on the Supreme Court, and George W. Bush has used both opportunities to nominate judges whose records show a disdain for privacy rights and individual liberties,” said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. “The Senate is poised to vote on confirming Samuel Alito, who would replace Sandra Day O'Connor, a justice whose vote has upheld women's rights for nearly 25 years. How quickly the fate of women's reproductive rights could turn in this nation.”Already, at least nine Senators have come out publicly and strongly against Alito’s confirmation, including four who voted in favor of confirming John Roberts as chief justice. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), the Democratic Whip, said that a filibuster was possible. "A week ago, I would have told you it's not likely to happen," Durbin said. "As of [Wednesday], I just can't rule it out. I was surprised by the intensity of feeling of some of my colleagues. It's a matter of counting. We have 45 Democrats, counting [Vermont independent] Jim Jeffords, on our side. We could sustain a filibuster if 41 Senators ... are willing to stand and fight.”GET THE INSIDE SCOOP with The Smeal Report and the New Leif blogs at MsMagazine.comTAKE ACTION Call your Senators and urge them to oppose AlitoDONATE Make an emergency contribution to the Feminist Majority’s Save Roe Campaign. We must be a strong voice in this crucial fight to save Roe and the Supreme Court for women’s rights.
Media Resources: Feminist Majority; NOW statement 1/22/06; Chicago Sun-Times 1/20/06
U.S. Criticized For Downplaying Threat Of Radical RightLast year federal investigators told a Senate committee that environmental and animal groups like ELF and ALF represented the nation's leading domestic terror threat. The Southern Poverty Law Center however recently criticized the federal government for underestimating the threat posed by violent right-wing organizations. According to the Center, the radical right has plotted to carry out at least 60 terrorist plots inside the United States since the Oklahoma City Bombing. This includes plans to bomb or burn government buildings, mosques, synagogues and abortion clinics, plans to assassinate government officials and civil rights leaders and efforts to amass chemical and biological weapons arsenals.
Jose Padilla the Bully Boy locks up for years. Muslims get profiled. But the right wingers? Free pass. These are the terrorists that have been in this country. We don't need to go looking far and wide for them. But just like Fox "News" wanted to be sure not to offend their right wing viewers by talking about the criminal found in the woods, Bully Boy gives the real criminals a pass too.
New York Times Warns Against Alito's 'Radical' ViewsThe editorial page of the New York Times came out today in opposition to Samuel Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court. The paper's editors warns "He has a radically broad view of the president's power, and a radically narrow view of Congress's power. He has long argued that the Constitution does not protect abortion rights. He wants to reduce the rights and liberties of ordinary Americans, and has a history of tilting the scales of justice against the little guy."
The little guy? That paper wants to talk about the little guy? Are we supposed to forget their slams at the transist workers? Oh that New York Times is funny! It should put out a comedy album!
Want to read a real editorial? One with guts? Check out "Editorial: Senate Dems, if you're done enjoying that golden shower . . ."
Now be sure to check out Elaine's take on the headlines at her site Like Maria Said Paz. And check out the bottom of C.I.'s entry here for more on the topic of the New York Times.
Now here's a taste of Dave Zirin's "The Slave Side of Sunday:"
For most sports fans, heaven would be to play in the National Football League. We see money, fame and no expectations of social responsibility beyond showing up on Sunday ready to play. In the mind of the fantasy sports fan, it means a big house, a garage full of cars and the promise of sexual gratification. The last thing any fan would believe--or want to believe--is that racism is endemic to the culture of the NFL.
That's the contention of NFL veteran Anthony Prior, whose new book, The Slave Side of Sunday, invokes an explosive metaphor to describe life in the NFL. Prior played six NFL seasons with the New York Jets, the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings, and developed a reputation as a cornerback with blinding speed, if not blinding stats.
Prior contends that the NFL is rife with a racism that is both deeply institutionalized and largely unchallenged. "I was frustrated by not seeing the truth in print," Prior told me in a recent interview. "And I believe that if you want to see it, you should write it."
Hoy se inicia la Segunda Comisión Investigadora de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad cometidos por el gobierno de Bush
Maria: Hola. De parte de "Democracy Now!" nueve cosas que vale hacer notar este fin de semana. Paz.
Hoy se inicia la Segunda Comisión Investigadora de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad cometidos por el gobierno de Bush
La segunda reunión de la Comisión Internacional de Investigación de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad Cometidos por el Gobierno de Bush comenzará hoy en Nueva York. La comisión investigará una serie de acusaciones de que el gobierno de Bush cometió crÃmenes de guerra y crÃmenes contra la humanidad. Se redactó un borrador de las acusaciones en la primera comisión realizada en octubre. Entre quienes deben declarar ante la comisión se encuentran el ex director de Abu Ghraib, Brigadier General Janis Karpinski; el ex embajador británico en Uzbekistán Craig Murray; el conductor y activista Harry Belafonte, y el ex inspector de armas de la ONU Scott Ritter.
Lideres iraquÃes y musulmanes estadounidenses piden la liberación de Carroll
LÃderes musulmanes iraquÃes y estadounidenses adhirieron a los llamados de familiares y colegas de la periodista estadounidense secuestrada Jill Carroll para pedir que sea liberada sana y salva. Carroll, una periodista de 28 años de edad que trabajaba de forma independiente para el periódico "Christian Science Monitor" en Irak, fue secuestrada en Bagdad a principios de este mes. Integrantes del grupo de apoyo musulmán estadounidense Consejo de Relaciones Estadounidenses-Islámicas (CAIR, por sus siglas en inglés), están viajando a Irak para intentar obtener la liberación de Carroll. Mientras tanto, Muthanna Harith al-Dhari, una destacada figura del grupo sunita iraquà Asociación de Eruditos Musulmanes (MSA, por sus siglas en inglés), dijo: "Todos los secuestros y asesinatos son totalmente rechazados... especialmente cuando se trata del secuestro de un periodista. Los periodistas están aquà para informar al mundo sobre la ocupación, por lo tanto, secuestrar a un periodista es esconder la verdad". Al-Dhari agregó: "La periodista, Jill Carroll... es una de las grandes periodistas que están en contra de la ocupación. Es considerada una de las mejores periodistas que se opuso a la ocupación estadounidense de Irak y centró sus artÃculos en ... contarle al mundo sobre el sufrimiento de los iraquÃes".
Periodistas iraquÃes liberados describen calvario bajo custodia de Estados Unidos
En otra noticia sobre Irak, los dos periodistas iraquÃes que fueron liberados esta semana, luego de estar detenidos sin ser acusados durante más de cuatro meses por las Fuerzas Armadas estadounidenses, describieron su calvario. El periodista de "Reuters" Majed Hameed dijo: "Las fuerzas estadounidenses llevaron a cabo una redada en casa, mi casa, el 8 de agosto (de 2005) y encontraron una cámara con la que yo habÃa filmado enfrentamientos en Ramadi que ocurrieron en la ciudad desde el mediodÃa hasta la tarde. (Filmé) con mi cámara tomas muy sencillas de las fuerzas estadounidenses atacando la mezquita de Haj Maqbulaa, y una de las casas, con vidrios rotos desparramados por el piso. Realizaron una redada en mi casa y vieron estas cosas, yo respondà que sólo eran enfrentamientos y luego de eso inmediatamente tomaron mis cámaras, los dispositivos de comunicación, la computadora y luego me arrestaron". Hamedd fue liberado esta semana luego de estar bajo custodia de Estados Unidos, junto con el camarógrafo de "Reuters" Ali al-Mashhadani, quien fue arrestado en agosto. Ambos estaban detenidos en las prisiones dirigidas por Estados Unidos en la cárcel de Abu Ghraib y Camp Bucca. Al menos otros tres periodistas iraquÃes que trabajan para los medios de comunicación internacionales permanecen bajo custodia de Estados Unidos.
HRW dice que la polÃtica exterior de Bush socava derechos humanos
En Estados Unidos, "Human Rights Watch" dio a conocer su informe anual el miércoles. El informe incluye una dura critica contra el gobierno de Bush, al que acusa de socavar el respeto por los derechos humanos en el mundo debido al modo en que está dirigiendo la llamada guerra contra el terrorismo. Este grupo también pidió al Congreso que establezca un panel independiente para investigar las violaciones de los derechos humanos llevadas a cabo por Estados Unidos. El director ejecutivo de "Human Rights Watch", Kenneth Roth, dijo: "Lamento informar que la defensa mundial de los derechos humanos se ha visto seriamente comprometida por la decisión polÃtica del gobierno de Bush de violar algunas de las normas básicas de los derechos humanos, por creer erróneamente que es la mejor manera de luchar contra el terrorismo. Se sabe desde hace tiempo que no se puede culpar a algunos soldados rasos del turno de la noche por la tortura y los tratos inhumanos aplicados por el gobierno de Bush. Por lo menos, y según lo que sabemos hasta ahora, las decisiones polÃticas tomadas por los de más alto rango crearon una atmósfera de tolerancia hacia las violaciones. Y entre esas decisiones polÃticas se puede citar, por ejemplo, la violación de la Convención de Ginebra en Guantánamo, su extraordinariamente limitada definición de tortura, al punto de que la mayorÃa de los abusos no son considerados tortura".
Estados Unidos se niega a disculparse por bombardeo de la CIA en Pakistán
En otras noticias, el gobierno estadounidense se negó a expresar arrepentimiento por el bombardeo de la CIA de la semana pasada en Pakistán. Según trascendió, el ataque mató a 17 personas, entre las que encontraban mujeres y niños. Estados Unidos no dijo mucho sobre el bombardeo, pero se cree que fue llevado a cabo por un avión Predator a control remoto de la CIA. El martes, el portavoz del Departamento de Estado, Sean McCormack, dijo a periodistas: "Estados Unidos claramente valora las vidas inocentes. Y es por eso que estamos llevando a cabo la guerra contra el terrorismo". Mientras tanto, funcionarios pakistanÃes dijeron el martes que el ataque mató a cinco personas sospechosas de ser militantes.
Senador suizo dice que evidencia confirma traslados de la CIA en Europa
En Europa, un Senador suizo dijo que ya no cabe duda de que la CIA llevó a cabo actividades ilegales en Europa, al trasladar y encarcelar secretamente a sospechosos de terrorismo. El funcionario, Dick Marty, está dirigiendo una investigación europea sobre acusaciones de que la CIA manejaba prisiones secretas en Polonia y Rumania. Marty también dijo que la culpa era de todas las naciones europeas que ayudaron a Estados Unidos a llevar a cabo sus operaciones secretas. El Senador Suizo Dick Marty dijo: "Me gustarÃa que quedara claro que el problema no es sólo de Rumania y Polonia. SerÃa demasiado fácil criminalizar a estos dos paÃses. Creo que la responsabilidad es de toda Europa, que aceptó permanecer en silencio, porque si es cierto que algo pasó en Rumania y Polonia, también paso algo en muchos otros paÃses, y muchos de ellos ciertamente sabÃan lo que estaba sucediendo. Y para mi, en una situación asÃ, saber y quedarse callado es tan malo como tolerar que este tipo de actividades sean llevadas a cabo en su territorio". La semana pasada, un periódico suizo publicó el contenido de un memorando egipcio interceptado sobre los centros de interrogatorio de Estados Unidos en Europa del Este y los Balcanes. El memorando habÃa sido enviado por fax desde el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Egipto a la embajada egipcia en Londres. Pero habÃa sido interceptado por el servicio secreto suizo y luego entregado a la prensa.
Gobierno de Bush demandado por espionaje telefónico de la NSA
En Estados Unidos, el Centro para los Derechos Constitucionales y la Unión Estadounidense por las Libertades Civiles (ACLU, por sus siglas en inglés) están presentando hoy demandas por separado para impugnar la orden del Presidente Bush de que la Agencia de Seguridad Nacional (NSA, por sus siglas en inglés) lleve a cabo operaciones de espionaje a nivel nacional sin las ordenes judiciales que exige la ley.
Al Gore: Bush violó la ley "de forma reiterada y persistente"
El lunes, el ex Vicepresidente Al Gore pronunció un importante discurso en Washington en el que acusó a Bush de violar la ley "de forma reiterada y persistente" al autorizar las intervenciones telefónicas de la NSA. Gore pidió al Fiscal General Alberto Gonzales que designe un fiscal especial para investigar estas violaciones. Gore dijo que el programa ilegal de espionaje de Bush puso en peligró "la propia estructura de nuestro gobierno".
Comisión del gobierno finaliza investigación sobre asesinato de Menezes
En Gran Bretaña, una comisión del gobierno finalizó la investigación sobre el asesinato por parte de la policÃa de Jean Charles De Menezes. La policÃa británica mató a balazos a Menezes, de nacionalidad brasileña, en una estación de trenes subterráneos de Londres, un dÃa después de un atentado fallido con bombas en el sistema de trenes subterráneos británico en julio. En un principio la policÃa dijo que creÃa que Menezes era un bombardero suicida. La policÃa afirmó que Menezes intentó escaparse y que tenÃa puesta una campera abultada. Pero desde entonces, se reveló que Menezes era inocente y que la policÃa mintió sobre las circunstancias de su muerte. El jueves, la familia de Menezes pidió justicia.Alex Pereira, primo de Jean Charles De Menezes, dijo: "Es muy simple, si haces algo bueno no tienes que mentir u ocultar nada; ellos mintieron y ocultaron cosas, y la explicación es que fue un asesinato, ellos (de Menezes) fueron asesinados. ¿Por qué tengo que mentir si hice bien mi trabajo? Creo que es asà de simple".
Maria: From Democracy Now!, here are nine headlines. Democracy Now! provides daily headlines in English and in Spanish, text and audio. Peace.
Second Commission of Inquiry On Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration Opens Today
The second gathering of the International Commission of Inquiry On Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration will begin today in New York. The commission will look into a series of charges the Bush administration has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The indictments were drafted at the first commission held in October. Those scheduled to testify before the commission include the former head of Abu Ghraib, Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski; former British ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray; the entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte, and former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter.
Leading Iraqi, US Muslims Call For Jill Carroll's Release
Leading Iraqi and American Muslims have echoed the calls of family members and colleagues of kidnapped American journalist Jill Carroll to plead for her safe release. Carroll, a 28-year old freelance reporter working for the Christian Science Monitor in Iraq, was kidnapped in Baghdad earlier this month. Members of the Muslim-American advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations are traveling to Iraq to attempt to win Carroll’s release. Meanwhile, Muthanna Harith al-Dhari, a prominent figure in the leading Iraqi Sunni group the Muslim Scholars Association, said: "All kidnappings and assassinations are completely rejected... especially when kidnapping a journalist. Journalists are here to tell the world about the occupation so kidnapping a journalist is going to hide the truth.” Al-Dhari continued: "This journalist, Jill Carroll... is one of the great journalists who are against the occupation. She is considered one of the best journalists who stood against the American occupation of Iraq and she focused in her articles on... telling the world about the Iraqi people’s suffering."
Freed Iraqi Journalists Describe Ordeal US Custody
In other Iraq news, the two Iraqi journalists who were freed this week after being held by the US military without charge for over four months have come forward to describe their ordeal.Reuters journalist Majed Hameed : "The US forces raided the house, my house on August 8 (2005) and found a camera with which I filmed clashes in Ramadi that erupted in the city from noon until evening. [I filmed] with my camera very simple shots of the US forces attacking Haj Maqbulaa mosque, and one of the houses, with broken glass scattered on the floor. They raided my house and saw these things, I replied it is only clashes and after that they immediately collected my cameras, communication devices, computer and then they arrested me." Hameed was freed this week from US custody along with Reuters camera operator Ali al-Mashhadani, who was arrested in August. The two were held at the US-run prisons at Abu Ghraib prison and Camp Bucca. At least three other Iraqi journalists working for the international media remain in US custody.
HRW Says Bush Foreign Policy Undermining Human Rights
Here in the United States, Human Rights Watch released its annual report Wednesday. The report includes a scathing critique of the Bush administration, accusing it of undermining human rights around the world by the way its waging the so-called war on terror. The group also called on Congress to set up an independent panel to investigate U.S. human rights abuses.Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth : "I'm sorry to report that the global defense of human rights has been profoundly compromised by the Bush administration's policy level decisions to flout some of the most basic human rights norms out of a misguided sense that is the best way to fight against terrorism. It's long been understood that the Bush administration's torture and inhumane treatment could not be blamed on a handful of low level soldiers on the night shift. At minimum, we understand until now, that policy decisions taken at the top had created an atmosphere of tolerance for abuse. And among those policy decisions that one could cite would be, for example, is the Bush Administration's ripping of the Geneva Convention with respect to Guantanamo, its extraordinarily narrow definition of torture to the point that most forms of abuse are not considered torture."
US Refuses to Apologize For CIA Bombing in Pakistan
In other news, the US government has refused to express regret over last week’s CIA bombing in Pakistan. The attack killed a reported 17 people, including women and children. The U.S. has said little about the bombing but it is believed to have been carried out by a CIA Predator drone. On Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack told reporters only: "The United States clearly values innocent human life. And that is why we're fighting the war on terror." Meanwhile, Pakistani officials said Tuesday the strike had killed up to 5 suspected militants.
Swiss Senator Says Evidence Confirms CIA Renditions in Europe
In Europe, a Swiss Senator has said there is no longer any question that the CIA undertook in illegal activities in Europe by secretly transporting and jailing suspected terrorists. The official -- Dick Marty -- is heading up a European investigation into allegations that the CIA operated secret prisons in Poland and Romania. He also said blame has to be placed on all European nations who have helped the U.S. carry out its covert operations.Swiss Senator Dick Marty : "I'd like it to be clear that the problem does not only concern Rumania and Poland. It would be too simple to criminalize these two countries. I think it's to whole of Europe that accepted to keep quiet, because if it's true that something happened in Rumania and Poland, something also happened in many other countries, and many of them were certainly aware of what was going on. And to me, in such a situation, knowing and keeping quiet is as bad as tolerating that such activities be led on its territory." Last week a Swiss newspaper published the text of an intercepted Egyptian memo about U.S. interrogation centers in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The memo had been faxed from the Egyptian foreign ministry to the Egyptian embassy in London. But it had been intercepted by the Swiss secret service and then leaked to the press.
Bush Administration Sued Over NSA Wiretaps
Here in this country, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union are filing separate lawsuits today challenging President Bush's order for the National Security Agency to conduct domestic spy operations without legally required court warrants.
Al Gore: Bush "Repeatedly and Persistently" Broke Law
On Monday, former Vice President Al Gore gave a major speech in Washington accusing Bush of "repeatedly and persistently" breaking the law by authorizing the NSA wiretaps. Gore called for Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the abuses. Gore said Bush's illegal spying program threatened "the very structure of our government."
Gov. Commission Completes Inquiry Into Menezes Shooting
In Britain, a government commission has completed its inquiry into the police shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. Menezes, a native of Brazil, was shot dead by British police in a London subway station one day after an attempted bomb attack on the British subway system in July. At first, British police said they believed Menezes was a suicide bomber. They claimed he had run from police and was wearing a bulky jacket. But since then it has been revealed that he was innocent and that police lied about the circumstances of his death. On Thursday, Menezes’ family appealed for justice.Alex Pereira, the cousin of Jean Charles De Menezes : "It is very simple, if you do something good you don't need to lie or hide; they lie they hide, and the explanation is that it was an assassination, they (de Menezes) were murdered. Why do I have to lie if I have done a good job? I think it's that simple."
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Judiciary Committee Votes Tomorrow on Alito; Filibuster Possible, Says Durbin
Tomorrow, two days after the 33rd anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Samuel Alito, a Supreme Court nominee who in 1985 wrote that the Constitution does not protect a woman's right to an abortion. Women's rights leaders and activists rallied last night at the Supreme Court in support of the landmark Supreme Court ruling.
"Since we last gathered to commemorate Roe v. Wade, two seats have opened up on the Supreme Court, and George W. Bush has used both opportunities to nominate judges whose records show a disdain for privacy rights and individual liberties," said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. "The Senate is poised to vote on confirming Samuel Alito, who would replace Sandra Day O'Connor, a justice whose vote has upheld women's rights for nearly 25 years. How quickly the fate of women's reproductive rights could turn in this nation."
Already, at least nine Senators have come out publicly and strongly against Alito’s confirmation, including four who voted in favor of confirming John Roberts as chief justice. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), the Democratic Whip, said that a filibuster was possible.
"A week ago, I would have told you it's not likely to happen," Durbin said. "As of [Wednesday], I just can't rule it out. I was surprised by the intensity of feeling of some of my colleagues. It's a matter of counting. We have 45 Democrats, counting [Vermont independent] Jim Jeffords, on our side. We could sustain a filibuster if 41 Senators ... are willing to stand and fight."
GET THE INSIDE SCOOP with The Smeal Report and the New Leif blogs at MsMagazine.com
TAKE ACTION Call your Senators and urge them to oppose Alito
DONATE Make an emergency contribution to the Feminist Majority's Save Roe Campaign. We must be a strong voice in this crucial fight to save Roe and the Supreme Court for women’s rights.
Media Resources: Feminist Majority; NOW statement 1/22/06; Chicago Sun-Times 1/20/06
So that's not good news, that's great news. Last Monday, what were the chances? Didn't look good. Didn't look like we'd have very many "no" votes. Bill Nelson disgraced himself but he wasn't the only one. Democrats didn't want to stand up and fight. They may not want to now. But people made them do it. We put pressure on them and they realized they better find some kind of spine. Tomorrow's the vote. Keep the pressure on. Be on the phone, be at their offices, let 'em know you want to see some fighting spirit. If you say only one word, make it "Filibuster!"
Now to more news.
U.S. Criticized For Downplaying Threat Of Radical Right
Last year federal investigators told a Senate committee that environmental and animal groups like ELF and ALF represented the nation's leading domestic terror threat. The Southern Poverty Law Center however recently criticized the federal government for underestimating the threat posed by violent right-wing organizations. According to the Center, the radical right has plotted to carry out at least 60 terrorist plots inside the United States since the Oklahoma City Bombing. This includes plans to bomb or burn government buildings, mosques, synagogues and abortion clinics, plans to assassinate government officials and civil rights leaders and efforts to amass chemical and biological weapons arsenals.
Jose Padilla the Bully Boy locks up for years. Muslims get profiled. But the right wingers? Free pass. These are the terrorists that have been in this country. We don't need to go looking far and wide for them. But just like Fox "News" wanted to be sure not to offend their right wing viewers by talking about the criminal Eric Ruldoph, found in the woods, and who might have helped him, Bully Boy gives the real criminals a pass too.
(Note of thanks to C.I. I couldn't remember the criminal's name. C.I. told me it was Eric Ruldoph and that I'm thinking of the June 2, 2003 memo Fox's John Moody sent out and that "I believe" it's discussed in the film Outfoxed.)
New York Times Warns Against Alito's 'Radical' Views
The editorial page of the New York Times came out today in opposition to Samuel Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court. The paper's editors warns "He has a radically broad view of the president's power, and a radically narrow view of Congress's power. He has long argued that the Constitution does not protect abortion rights. He wants to reduce the rights and liberties of ordinary Americans, and has a history of tilting the scales of justice against the little guy."
The little guy? That paper wants to talk about the little guy? Are we supposed to forget their slams at the transist workers? Oh that New York Times is funny! It should put out a comedy album! Grab up some of that Adam Sandler money.
Want to read a real editorial? One with guts? Check out "Editorial: Senate Dems, if you're done enjoying that golden shower . . ."Now be sure to check out Elaine's take on the headlines at her site Like Maria Said Paz. And check out the bottom of C.I.'s entry here for more on the topic of the New York Times. And are you checking out Ma's site? Trina's Kitchen. I need to plug that more a) because it's a great site and b) because she's my mother. So go check out Trina's Kitchen, she posted Saturday with a recipe for creamy fudge and she's talking about Alito and other stuff.
Now here's a taste of Dave Zirin's "The Slave Side of Sunday:"
For most sports fans, heaven would be to play in the National Football League. We see money, fame and no expectations of social responsibility beyond showing up on Sunday ready to play. In the mind of the fantasy sports fan, it means a big house, a garage full of cars and the promise of sexual gratification. The last thing any fan would believe--or want to believe--is that racism is endemic to the culture of the NFL.
That's the contention of NFL veteran Anthony Prior, whose new book, The Slave Side of Sunday, invokes an explosive metaphor to describe life in the NFL. Prior played six NFL seasons with the New York Jets, the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings, and developed a reputation as a cornerback with blinding speed, if not blinding stats.
Prior contends that the NFL is rife with a racism that is both deeply institutionalized and largely unchallenged. "I was frustrated by not seeing the truth in print," Prior told me in a recent interview. "And I believe that if you want to see it, you should write it."
Roundtable tonight for tomorrow's gina & krista round-robin and I've got stuff to do before so let me stop here and add in the thing Maria did for The Common Ills running down the headlines from last week. See how many you knew about and it's in Spanish first, then English.
samuel alito
supreme court
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the third estate sunday review
trinas kitchen
mikey likes it
the common ills
the new york times
dave zirin
Hoy se inicia la Segunda Comisión Investigadora de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad cometidos por el gobierno de Bush
Maria: Hola. De parte de "Democracy Now!" nueve cosas que vale hacer notar este fin de semana. Paz.
Hoy se inicia la Segunda Comisión Investigadora de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad cometidos por el gobierno de Bush
La segunda reunión de la Comisión Internacional de Investigación de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad Cometidos por el Gobierno de Bush comenzará hoy en Nueva York. La comisión investigará una serie de acusaciones de que el gobierno de Bush cometió crÃmenes de guerra y crÃmenes contra la humanidad. Se redactó un borrador de las acusaciones en la primera comisión realizada en octubre. Entre quienes deben declarar ante la comisión se encuentran el ex director de Abu Ghraib, Brigadier General Janis Karpinski; el ex embajador británico en Uzbekistán Craig Murray; el conductor y activista Harry Belafonte, y el ex inspector de armas de la ONU Scott Ritter.
Lideres iraquÃes y musulmanes estadounidenses piden la liberación de Carroll
LÃderes musulmanes iraquÃes y estadounidenses adhirieron a los llamados de familiares y colegas de la periodista estadounidense secuestrada Jill Carroll para pedir que sea liberada sana y salva. Carroll, una periodista de 28 años de edad que trabajaba de forma independiente para el periódico "Christian Science Monitor" en Irak, fue secuestrada en Bagdad a principios de este mes. Integrantes del grupo de apoyo musulmán estadounidense Consejo de Relaciones Estadounidenses-Islámicas (CAIR, por sus siglas en inglés), están viajando a Irak para intentar obtener la liberación de Carroll. Mientras tanto, Muthanna Harith al-Dhari, una destacada figura del grupo sunita iraquà Asociación de Eruditos Musulmanes (MSA, por sus siglas en inglés), dijo: "Todos los secuestros y asesinatos son totalmente rechazados... especialmente cuando se trata del secuestro de un periodista. Los periodistas están aquà para informar al mundo sobre la ocupación, por lo tanto, secuestrar a un periodista es esconder la verdad". Al-Dhari agregó: "La periodista, Jill Carroll... es una de las grandes periodistas que están en contra de la ocupación. Es considerada una de las mejores periodistas que se opuso a la ocupación estadounidense de Irak y centró sus artÃculos en ... contarle al mundo sobre el sufrimiento de los iraquÃes".
Periodistas iraquÃes liberados describen calvario bajo custodia de Estados Unidos
En otra noticia sobre Irak, los dos periodistas iraquÃes que fueron liberados esta semana, luego de estar detenidos sin ser acusados durante más de cuatro meses por las Fuerzas Armadas estadounidenses, describieron su calvario. El periodista de "Reuters" Majed Hameed dijo: "Las fuerzas estadounidenses llevaron a cabo una redada en casa, mi casa, el 8 de agosto (de 2005) y encontraron una cámara con la que yo habÃa filmado enfrentamientos en Ramadi que ocurrieron en la ciudad desde el mediodÃa hasta la tarde. (Filmé) con mi cámara tomas muy sencillas de las fuerzas estadounidenses atacando la mezquita de Haj Maqbulaa, y una de las casas, con vidrios rotos desparramados por el piso. Realizaron una redada en mi casa y vieron estas cosas, yo respondà que sólo eran enfrentamientos y luego de eso inmediatamente tomaron mis cámaras, los dispositivos de comunicación, la computadora y luego me arrestaron". Hamedd fue liberado esta semana luego de estar bajo custodia de Estados Unidos, junto con el camarógrafo de "Reuters" Ali al-Mashhadani, quien fue arrestado en agosto. Ambos estaban detenidos en las prisiones dirigidas por Estados Unidos en la cárcel de Abu Ghraib y Camp Bucca. Al menos otros tres periodistas iraquÃes que trabajan para los medios de comunicación internacionales permanecen bajo custodia de Estados Unidos.
HRW dice que la polÃtica exterior de Bush socava derechos humanos
En Estados Unidos, "Human Rights Watch" dio a conocer su informe anual el miércoles. El informe incluye una dura critica contra el gobierno de Bush, al que acusa de socavar el respeto por los derechos humanos en el mundo debido al modo en que está dirigiendo la llamada guerra contra el terrorismo. Este grupo también pidió al Congreso que establezca un panel independiente para investigar las violaciones de los derechos humanos llevadas a cabo por Estados Unidos. El director ejecutivo de "Human Rights Watch", Kenneth Roth, dijo: "Lamento informar que la defensa mundial de los derechos humanos se ha visto seriamente comprometida por la decisión polÃtica del gobierno de Bush de violar algunas de las normas básicas de los derechos humanos, por creer erróneamente que es la mejor manera de luchar contra el terrorismo. Se sabe desde hace tiempo que no se puede culpar a algunos soldados rasos del turno de la noche por la tortura y los tratos inhumanos aplicados por el gobierno de Bush. Por lo menos, y según lo que sabemos hasta ahora, las decisiones polÃticas tomadas por los de más alto rango crearon una atmósfera de tolerancia hacia las violaciones. Y entre esas decisiones polÃticas se puede citar, por ejemplo, la violación de la Convención de Ginebra en Guantánamo, su extraordinariamente limitada definición de tortura, al punto de que la mayorÃa de los abusos no son considerados tortura".
Estados Unidos se niega a disculparse por bombardeo de la CIA en Pakistán
En otras noticias, el gobierno estadounidense se negó a expresar arrepentimiento por el bombardeo de la CIA de la semana pasada en Pakistán. Según trascendió, el ataque mató a 17 personas, entre las que encontraban mujeres y niños. Estados Unidos no dijo mucho sobre el bombardeo, pero se cree que fue llevado a cabo por un avión Predator a control remoto de la CIA. El martes, el portavoz del Departamento de Estado, Sean McCormack, dijo a periodistas: "Estados Unidos claramente valora las vidas inocentes. Y es por eso que estamos llevando a cabo la guerra contra el terrorismo". Mientras tanto, funcionarios pakistanÃes dijeron el martes que el ataque mató a cinco personas sospechosas de ser militantes.
Senador suizo dice que evidencia confirma traslados de la CIA en Europa
En Europa, un Senador suizo dijo que ya no cabe duda de que la CIA llevó a cabo actividades ilegales en Europa, al trasladar y encarcelar secretamente a sospechosos de terrorismo. El funcionario, Dick Marty, está dirigiendo una investigación europea sobre acusaciones de que la CIA manejaba prisiones secretas en Polonia y Rumania. Marty también dijo que la culpa era de todas las naciones europeas que ayudaron a Estados Unidos a llevar a cabo sus operaciones secretas. El Senador Suizo Dick Marty dijo: "Me gustarÃa que quedara claro que el problema no es sólo de Rumania y Polonia. SerÃa demasiado fácil criminalizar a estos dos paÃses. Creo que la responsabilidad es de toda Europa, que aceptó permanecer en silencio, porque si es cierto que algo pasó en Rumania y Polonia, también paso algo en muchos otros paÃses, y muchos de ellos ciertamente sabÃan lo que estaba sucediendo. Y para mi, en una situación asÃ, saber y quedarse callado es tan malo como tolerar que este tipo de actividades sean llevadas a cabo en su territorio". La semana pasada, un periódico suizo publicó el contenido de un memorando egipcio interceptado sobre los centros de interrogatorio de Estados Unidos en Europa del Este y los Balcanes. El memorando habÃa sido enviado por fax desde el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Egipto a la embajada egipcia en Londres. Pero habÃa sido interceptado por el servicio secreto suizo y luego entregado a la prensa.
Gobierno de Bush demandado por espionaje telefónico de la NSA
En Estados Unidos, el Centro para los Derechos Constitucionales y la Unión Estadounidense por las Libertades Civiles (ACLU, por sus siglas en inglés) están presentando hoy demandas por separado para impugnar la orden del Presidente Bush de que la Agencia de Seguridad Nacional (NSA, por sus siglas en inglés) lleve a cabo operaciones de espionaje a nivel nacional sin las ordenes judiciales que exige la ley.
Al Gore: Bush violó la ley "de forma reiterada y persistente"
El lunes, el ex Vicepresidente Al Gore pronunció un importante discurso en Washington en el que acusó a Bush de violar la ley "de forma reiterada y persistente" al autorizar las intervenciones telefónicas de la NSA. Gore pidió al Fiscal General Alberto Gonzales que designe un fiscal especial para investigar estas violaciones. Gore dijo que el programa ilegal de espionaje de Bush puso en peligró "la propia estructura de nuestro gobierno".
Comisión del gobierno finaliza investigación sobre asesinato de Menezes
En Gran Bretaña, una comisión del gobierno finalizó la investigación sobre el asesinato por parte de la policÃa de Jean Charles De Menezes. La policÃa británica mató a balazos a Menezes, de nacionalidad brasileña, en una estación de trenes subterráneos de Londres, un dÃa después de un atentado fallido con bombas en el sistema de trenes subterráneos británico en julio. En un principio la policÃa dijo que creÃa que Menezes era un bombardero suicida. La policÃa afirmó que Menezes intentó escaparse y que tenÃa puesta una campera abultada. Pero desde entonces, se reveló que Menezes era inocente y que la policÃa mintió sobre las circunstancias de su muerte. El jueves, la familia de Menezes pidió justicia.Alex Pereira, primo de Jean Charles De Menezes, dijo: "Es muy simple, si haces algo bueno no tienes que mentir u ocultar nada; ellos mintieron y ocultaron cosas, y la explicación es que fue un asesinato, ellos (de Menezes) fueron asesinados. ¿Por qué tengo que mentir si hice bien mi trabajo? Creo que es asà de simple".
Maria: From Democracy Now!, here are nine headlines. Democracy Now! provides daily headlines in English and in Spanish, text and audio. Peace.
Second Commission of Inquiry On Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration Opens Today
The second gathering of the International Commission of Inquiry On Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration will begin today in New York. The commission will look into a series of charges the Bush administration has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The indictments were drafted at the first commission held in October. Those scheduled to testify before the commission include the former head of Abu Ghraib, Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski; former British ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray; the entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte, and former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter.
Leading Iraqi, US Muslims Call For Jill Carroll's Release
Leading Iraqi and American Muslims have echoed the calls of family members and colleagues of kidnapped American journalist Jill Carroll to plead for her safe release. Carroll, a 28-year old freelance reporter working for the Christian Science Monitor in Iraq, was kidnapped in Baghdad earlier this month. Members of the Muslim-American advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations are traveling to Iraq to attempt to win Carroll’s release. Meanwhile, Muthanna Harith al-Dhari, a prominent figure in the leading Iraqi Sunni group the Muslim Scholars Association, said: "All kidnappings and assassinations are completely rejected... especially when kidnapping a journalist. Journalists are here to tell the world about the occupation so kidnapping a journalist is going to hide the truth." Al-Dhari continued: "This journalist, Jill Carroll... is one of the great journalists who are against the occupation. She is considered one of the best journalists who stood against the American occupation of Iraq and she focused in her articles on... telling the world about the Iraqi people’s suffering."
Freed Iraqi Journalists Describe Ordeal US Custody
In other Iraq news, the two Iraqi journalists who were freed this week after being held by the US military without charge for over four months have come forward to describe their ordeal.Reuters journalist Majed Hameed : "The US forces raided the house, my house on August 8 (2005) and found a camera with which I filmed clashes in Ramadi that erupted in the city from noon until evening. [I filmed] with my camera very simple shots of the US forces attacking Haj Maqbulaa mosque, and one of the houses, with broken glass scattered on the floor. They raided my house and saw these things, I replied it is only clashes and after that they immediately collected my cameras, communication devices, computer and then they arrested me." Hameed was freed this week from US custody along with Reuters camera operator Ali al-Mashhadani, who was arrested in August. The two were held at the US-run prisons at Abu Ghraib prison and Camp Bucca. At least three other Iraqi journalists working for the international media remain in US custody.
HRW Says Bush Foreign Policy Undermining Human Rights
Here in the United States, Human Rights Watch released its annual report Wednesday. The report includes a scathing critique of the Bush administration, accusing it of undermining human rights around the world by the way its waging the so-called war on terror. The group also called on Congress to set up an independent panel to investigate U.S. human rights abuses.Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth : "I'm sorry to report that the global defense of human rights has been profoundly compromised by the Bush administration's policy level decisions to flout some of the most basic human rights norms out of a misguided sense that is the best way to fight against terrorism. It's long been understood that the Bush administration's torture and inhumane treatment could not be blamed on a handful of low level soldiers on the night shift. At minimum, we understand until now, that policy decisions taken at the top had created an atmosphere of tolerance for abuse. And among those policy decisions that one could cite would be, for example, is the Bush Administration's ripping of the Geneva Convention with respect to Guantanamo, its extraordinarily narrow definition of torture to the point that most forms of abuse are not considered torture."
US Refuses to Apologize For CIA Bombing in Pakistan
In other news, the US government has refused to express regret over last week’s CIA bombing in Pakistan. The attack killed a reported 17 people, including women and children. The U.S. has said little about the bombing but it is believed to have been carried out by a CIA Predator drone. On Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack told reporters only: "The United States clearly values innocent human life. And that is why we're fighting the war on terror." Meanwhile, Pakistani officials said Tuesday the strike had killed up to 5 suspected militants.
Swiss Senator Says Evidence Confirms CIA Renditions in Europe
In Europe, a Swiss Senator has said there is no longer any question that the CIA undertook in illegal activities in Europe by secretly transporting and jailing suspected terrorists. The official -- Dick Marty -- is heading up a European investigation into allegations that the CIA operated secret prisons in Poland and Romania. He also said blame has to be placed on all European nations who have helped the U.S. carry out its covert operations.
Swiss Senator Dick Marty : "I'd like it to be clear that the problem does not only concern Rumania and Poland. It would be too simple to criminalize these two countries. I think it's to whole of Europe that accepted to keep quiet, because if it's true that something happened in Rumania and Poland, something also happened in many other countries, and many of them were certainly aware of what was going on. And to me, in such a situation, knowing and keeping quiet is as bad as tolerating that such activities be led on its territory." Last week a Swiss newspaper published the text of an intercepted Egyptian memo about U.S. interrogation centers in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The memo had been faxed from the Egyptian foreign ministry to the Egyptian embassy in London. But it had been intercepted by the Swiss secret service and then leaked to the press.
Bush Administration Sued Over NSA Wiretaps
Here in this country, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union are filing separate lawsuits today challenging President Bush's order for the National Security Agency to conduct domestic spy operations without legally required court warrants.
Al Gore: Bush "Repeatedly and Persistently" Broke Law
On Monday, former Vice President Al Gore gave a major speech in Washington accusing Bush of "repeatedly and persistently" breaking the law by authorizing the NSA wiretaps. Gore called for Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the abuses. Gore said Bush's illegal spying program threatened "the very structure of our government."
Gov. Commission Completes Inquiry Into Menezes Shooting
In Britain, a government commission has completed its inquiry into the police shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. Menezes, a native of Brazil, was shot dead by British police in a London subway station one day after an attempted bomb attack on the British subway system in July. At first, British police said they believed Menezes was a suicide bomber. They claimed he had run from police and was wearing a bulky jacket. But since then it has been revealed that he was innocent and that police lied about the circumstances of his death. On Thursday, Menezes’ family appealed for justice.Alex Pereira, the cousin of Jean Charles De Menezes : "It is very simple, if you do something good you don't need to lie or hide; they lie they hide, and the explanation is that it was an assassination, they (de Menezes) were murdered. Why do I have to lie if I have done a good job? I think it's that simple."
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Good evening. Before we get started with Democracy Now! we'll note this from the Feminist Wire:
Judiciary Committee Votes Tomorrow on Alito; Filibuster Possible, Says Durbin
Tomorrow, two days after the 33rd anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Samuel Alito, a Supreme Court nominee who in 1985 wrote that the Constitution does not protect a woman's right to an abortion. Women’s rights leaders and activists rallied last night at the Supreme Court in support of the landmark Supreme Court ruling.“Since we last gathered to commemorate Roe v. Wade, two seats have opened up on the Supreme Court, and George W. Bush has used both opportunities to nominate judges whose records show a disdain for privacy rights and individual liberties,” said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. “The Senate is poised to vote on confirming Samuel Alito, who would replace Sandra Day O'Connor, a justice whose vote has upheld women's rights for nearly 25 years. How quickly the fate of women's reproductive rights could turn in this nation.”Already, at least nine Senators have come out publicly and strongly against Alito’s confirmation, including four who voted in favor of confirming John Roberts as chief justice. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), the Democratic Whip, said that a filibuster was possible. "A week ago, I would have told you it's not likely to happen," Durbin said. "As of [Wednesday], I just can't rule it out. I was surprised by the intensity of feeling of some of my colleagues. It's a matter of counting. We have 45 Democrats, counting [Vermont independent] Jim Jeffords, on our side. We could sustain a filibuster if 41 Senators ... are willing to stand and fight.”GET THE INSIDE SCOOP with The Smeal Report and the New Leif blogs at MsMagazine.comTAKE ACTION Call your Senators and urge them to oppose AlitoDONATE Make an emergency contribution to the Feminist Majority’s Save Roe Campaign. We must be a strong voice in this crucial fight to save Roe and the Supreme Court for women’s rights.
Media Resources: Feminist Majority; NOW statement 1/22/06; Chicago Sun-Times 1/20/06
U.S. Criticized For Downplaying Threat Of Radical RightLast year federal investigators told a Senate committee that environmental and animal groups like ELF and ALF represented the nation's leading domestic terror threat. The Southern Poverty Law Center however recently criticized the federal government for underestimating the threat posed by violent right-wing organizations. According to the Center, the radical right has plotted to carry out at least 60 terrorist plots inside the United States since the Oklahoma City Bombing. This includes plans to bomb or burn government buildings, mosques, synagogues and abortion clinics, plans to assassinate government officials and civil rights leaders and efforts to amass chemical and biological weapons arsenals.
Jose Padilla the Bully Boy locks up for years. Muslims get profiled. But the right wingers? Free pass. These are the terrorists that have been in this country. We don't need to go looking far and wide for them. But just like Fox "News" wanted to be sure not to offend their right wing viewers by talking about the criminal found in the woods, Bully Boy gives the real criminals a pass too.
New York Times Warns Against Alito's 'Radical' ViewsThe editorial page of the New York Times came out today in opposition to Samuel Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court. The paper's editors warns "He has a radically broad view of the president's power, and a radically narrow view of Congress's power. He has long argued that the Constitution does not protect abortion rights. He wants to reduce the rights and liberties of ordinary Americans, and has a history of tilting the scales of justice against the little guy."
The little guy? That paper wants to talk about the little guy? Are we supposed to forget their slams at the transist workers? Oh that New York Times is funny! It should put out a comedy album!
Want to read a real editorial? One with guts? Check out "Editorial: Senate Dems, if you're done enjoying that golden shower . . ."
Now be sure to check out Elaine's take on the headlines at her site Like Maria Said Paz. And check out the bottom of C.I.'s entry here for more on the topic of the New York Times.
Now here's a taste of Dave Zirin's "The Slave Side of Sunday:"
For most sports fans, heaven would be to play in the National Football League. We see money, fame and no expectations of social responsibility beyond showing up on Sunday ready to play. In the mind of the fantasy sports fan, it means a big house, a garage full of cars and the promise of sexual gratification. The last thing any fan would believe--or want to believe--is that racism is endemic to the culture of the NFL.
That's the contention of NFL veteran Anthony Prior, whose new book, The Slave Side of Sunday, invokes an explosive metaphor to describe life in the NFL. Prior played six NFL seasons with the New York Jets, the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings, and developed a reputation as a cornerback with blinding speed, if not blinding stats.
Prior contends that the NFL is rife with a racism that is both deeply institutionalized and largely unchallenged. "I was frustrated by not seeing the truth in print," Prior told me in a recent interview. "And I believe that if you want to see it, you should write it."
Hoy se inicia la Segunda Comisión Investigadora de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad cometidos por el gobierno de Bush
Maria: Hola. De parte de "Democracy Now!" nueve cosas que vale hacer notar este fin de semana. Paz.
Hoy se inicia la Segunda Comisión Investigadora de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad cometidos por el gobierno de Bush
La segunda reunión de la Comisión Internacional de Investigación de CrÃmenes Contra la Humanidad Cometidos por el Gobierno de Bush comenzará hoy en Nueva York. La comisión investigará una serie de acusaciones de que el gobierno de Bush cometió crÃmenes de guerra y crÃmenes contra la humanidad. Se redactó un borrador de las acusaciones en la primera comisión realizada en octubre. Entre quienes deben declarar ante la comisión se encuentran el ex director de Abu Ghraib, Brigadier General Janis Karpinski; el ex embajador británico en Uzbekistán Craig Murray; el conductor y activista Harry Belafonte, y el ex inspector de armas de la ONU Scott Ritter.
Lideres iraquÃes y musulmanes estadounidenses piden la liberación de Carroll
LÃderes musulmanes iraquÃes y estadounidenses adhirieron a los llamados de familiares y colegas de la periodista estadounidense secuestrada Jill Carroll para pedir que sea liberada sana y salva. Carroll, una periodista de 28 años de edad que trabajaba de forma independiente para el periódico "Christian Science Monitor" en Irak, fue secuestrada en Bagdad a principios de este mes. Integrantes del grupo de apoyo musulmán estadounidense Consejo de Relaciones Estadounidenses-Islámicas (CAIR, por sus siglas en inglés), están viajando a Irak para intentar obtener la liberación de Carroll. Mientras tanto, Muthanna Harith al-Dhari, una destacada figura del grupo sunita iraquà Asociación de Eruditos Musulmanes (MSA, por sus siglas en inglés), dijo: "Todos los secuestros y asesinatos son totalmente rechazados... especialmente cuando se trata del secuestro de un periodista. Los periodistas están aquà para informar al mundo sobre la ocupación, por lo tanto, secuestrar a un periodista es esconder la verdad". Al-Dhari agregó: "La periodista, Jill Carroll... es una de las grandes periodistas que están en contra de la ocupación. Es considerada una de las mejores periodistas que se opuso a la ocupación estadounidense de Irak y centró sus artÃculos en ... contarle al mundo sobre el sufrimiento de los iraquÃes".
Periodistas iraquÃes liberados describen calvario bajo custodia de Estados Unidos
En otra noticia sobre Irak, los dos periodistas iraquÃes que fueron liberados esta semana, luego de estar detenidos sin ser acusados durante más de cuatro meses por las Fuerzas Armadas estadounidenses, describieron su calvario. El periodista de "Reuters" Majed Hameed dijo: "Las fuerzas estadounidenses llevaron a cabo una redada en casa, mi casa, el 8 de agosto (de 2005) y encontraron una cámara con la que yo habÃa filmado enfrentamientos en Ramadi que ocurrieron en la ciudad desde el mediodÃa hasta la tarde. (Filmé) con mi cámara tomas muy sencillas de las fuerzas estadounidenses atacando la mezquita de Haj Maqbulaa, y una de las casas, con vidrios rotos desparramados por el piso. Realizaron una redada en mi casa y vieron estas cosas, yo respondà que sólo eran enfrentamientos y luego de eso inmediatamente tomaron mis cámaras, los dispositivos de comunicación, la computadora y luego me arrestaron". Hamedd fue liberado esta semana luego de estar bajo custodia de Estados Unidos, junto con el camarógrafo de "Reuters" Ali al-Mashhadani, quien fue arrestado en agosto. Ambos estaban detenidos en las prisiones dirigidas por Estados Unidos en la cárcel de Abu Ghraib y Camp Bucca. Al menos otros tres periodistas iraquÃes que trabajan para los medios de comunicación internacionales permanecen bajo custodia de Estados Unidos.
HRW dice que la polÃtica exterior de Bush socava derechos humanos
En Estados Unidos, "Human Rights Watch" dio a conocer su informe anual el miércoles. El informe incluye una dura critica contra el gobierno de Bush, al que acusa de socavar el respeto por los derechos humanos en el mundo debido al modo en que está dirigiendo la llamada guerra contra el terrorismo. Este grupo también pidió al Congreso que establezca un panel independiente para investigar las violaciones de los derechos humanos llevadas a cabo por Estados Unidos. El director ejecutivo de "Human Rights Watch", Kenneth Roth, dijo: "Lamento informar que la defensa mundial de los derechos humanos se ha visto seriamente comprometida por la decisión polÃtica del gobierno de Bush de violar algunas de las normas básicas de los derechos humanos, por creer erróneamente que es la mejor manera de luchar contra el terrorismo. Se sabe desde hace tiempo que no se puede culpar a algunos soldados rasos del turno de la noche por la tortura y los tratos inhumanos aplicados por el gobierno de Bush. Por lo menos, y según lo que sabemos hasta ahora, las decisiones polÃticas tomadas por los de más alto rango crearon una atmósfera de tolerancia hacia las violaciones. Y entre esas decisiones polÃticas se puede citar, por ejemplo, la violación de la Convención de Ginebra en Guantánamo, su extraordinariamente limitada definición de tortura, al punto de que la mayorÃa de los abusos no son considerados tortura".
Estados Unidos se niega a disculparse por bombardeo de la CIA en Pakistán
En otras noticias, el gobierno estadounidense se negó a expresar arrepentimiento por el bombardeo de la CIA de la semana pasada en Pakistán. Según trascendió, el ataque mató a 17 personas, entre las que encontraban mujeres y niños. Estados Unidos no dijo mucho sobre el bombardeo, pero se cree que fue llevado a cabo por un avión Predator a control remoto de la CIA. El martes, el portavoz del Departamento de Estado, Sean McCormack, dijo a periodistas: "Estados Unidos claramente valora las vidas inocentes. Y es por eso que estamos llevando a cabo la guerra contra el terrorismo". Mientras tanto, funcionarios pakistanÃes dijeron el martes que el ataque mató a cinco personas sospechosas de ser militantes.
Senador suizo dice que evidencia confirma traslados de la CIA en Europa
En Europa, un Senador suizo dijo que ya no cabe duda de que la CIA llevó a cabo actividades ilegales en Europa, al trasladar y encarcelar secretamente a sospechosos de terrorismo. El funcionario, Dick Marty, está dirigiendo una investigación europea sobre acusaciones de que la CIA manejaba prisiones secretas en Polonia y Rumania. Marty también dijo que la culpa era de todas las naciones europeas que ayudaron a Estados Unidos a llevar a cabo sus operaciones secretas. El Senador Suizo Dick Marty dijo: "Me gustarÃa que quedara claro que el problema no es sólo de Rumania y Polonia. SerÃa demasiado fácil criminalizar a estos dos paÃses. Creo que la responsabilidad es de toda Europa, que aceptó permanecer en silencio, porque si es cierto que algo pasó en Rumania y Polonia, también paso algo en muchos otros paÃses, y muchos de ellos ciertamente sabÃan lo que estaba sucediendo. Y para mi, en una situación asÃ, saber y quedarse callado es tan malo como tolerar que este tipo de actividades sean llevadas a cabo en su territorio". La semana pasada, un periódico suizo publicó el contenido de un memorando egipcio interceptado sobre los centros de interrogatorio de Estados Unidos en Europa del Este y los Balcanes. El memorando habÃa sido enviado por fax desde el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Egipto a la embajada egipcia en Londres. Pero habÃa sido interceptado por el servicio secreto suizo y luego entregado a la prensa.
Gobierno de Bush demandado por espionaje telefónico de la NSA
En Estados Unidos, el Centro para los Derechos Constitucionales y la Unión Estadounidense por las Libertades Civiles (ACLU, por sus siglas en inglés) están presentando hoy demandas por separado para impugnar la orden del Presidente Bush de que la Agencia de Seguridad Nacional (NSA, por sus siglas en inglés) lleve a cabo operaciones de espionaje a nivel nacional sin las ordenes judiciales que exige la ley.
Al Gore: Bush violó la ley "de forma reiterada y persistente"
El lunes, el ex Vicepresidente Al Gore pronunció un importante discurso en Washington en el que acusó a Bush de violar la ley "de forma reiterada y persistente" al autorizar las intervenciones telefónicas de la NSA. Gore pidió al Fiscal General Alberto Gonzales que designe un fiscal especial para investigar estas violaciones. Gore dijo que el programa ilegal de espionaje de Bush puso en peligró "la propia estructura de nuestro gobierno".
Comisión del gobierno finaliza investigación sobre asesinato de Menezes
En Gran Bretaña, una comisión del gobierno finalizó la investigación sobre el asesinato por parte de la policÃa de Jean Charles De Menezes. La policÃa británica mató a balazos a Menezes, de nacionalidad brasileña, en una estación de trenes subterráneos de Londres, un dÃa después de un atentado fallido con bombas en el sistema de trenes subterráneos británico en julio. En un principio la policÃa dijo que creÃa que Menezes era un bombardero suicida. La policÃa afirmó que Menezes intentó escaparse y que tenÃa puesta una campera abultada. Pero desde entonces, se reveló que Menezes era inocente y que la policÃa mintió sobre las circunstancias de su muerte. El jueves, la familia de Menezes pidió justicia.Alex Pereira, primo de Jean Charles De Menezes, dijo: "Es muy simple, si haces algo bueno no tienes que mentir u ocultar nada; ellos mintieron y ocultaron cosas, y la explicación es que fue un asesinato, ellos (de Menezes) fueron asesinados. ¿Por qué tengo que mentir si hice bien mi trabajo? Creo que es asà de simple".
Maria: From Democracy Now!, here are nine headlines. Democracy Now! provides daily headlines in English and in Spanish, text and audio. Peace.
Second Commission of Inquiry On Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration Opens Today
The second gathering of the International Commission of Inquiry On Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration will begin today in New York. The commission will look into a series of charges the Bush administration has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The indictments were drafted at the first commission held in October. Those scheduled to testify before the commission include the former head of Abu Ghraib, Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski; former British ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray; the entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte, and former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter.
Leading Iraqi, US Muslims Call For Jill Carroll's Release
Leading Iraqi and American Muslims have echoed the calls of family members and colleagues of kidnapped American journalist Jill Carroll to plead for her safe release. Carroll, a 28-year old freelance reporter working for the Christian Science Monitor in Iraq, was kidnapped in Baghdad earlier this month. Members of the Muslim-American advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations are traveling to Iraq to attempt to win Carroll’s release. Meanwhile, Muthanna Harith al-Dhari, a prominent figure in the leading Iraqi Sunni group the Muslim Scholars Association, said: "All kidnappings and assassinations are completely rejected... especially when kidnapping a journalist. Journalists are here to tell the world about the occupation so kidnapping a journalist is going to hide the truth.” Al-Dhari continued: "This journalist, Jill Carroll... is one of the great journalists who are against the occupation. She is considered one of the best journalists who stood against the American occupation of Iraq and she focused in her articles on... telling the world about the Iraqi people’s suffering."
Freed Iraqi Journalists Describe Ordeal US Custody
In other Iraq news, the two Iraqi journalists who were freed this week after being held by the US military without charge for over four months have come forward to describe their ordeal.Reuters journalist Majed Hameed : "The US forces raided the house, my house on August 8 (2005) and found a camera with which I filmed clashes in Ramadi that erupted in the city from noon until evening. [I filmed] with my camera very simple shots of the US forces attacking Haj Maqbulaa mosque, and one of the houses, with broken glass scattered on the floor. They raided my house and saw these things, I replied it is only clashes and after that they immediately collected my cameras, communication devices, computer and then they arrested me." Hameed was freed this week from US custody along with Reuters camera operator Ali al-Mashhadani, who was arrested in August. The two were held at the US-run prisons at Abu Ghraib prison and Camp Bucca. At least three other Iraqi journalists working for the international media remain in US custody.
HRW Says Bush Foreign Policy Undermining Human Rights
Here in the United States, Human Rights Watch released its annual report Wednesday. The report includes a scathing critique of the Bush administration, accusing it of undermining human rights around the world by the way its waging the so-called war on terror. The group also called on Congress to set up an independent panel to investigate U.S. human rights abuses.Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth : "I'm sorry to report that the global defense of human rights has been profoundly compromised by the Bush administration's policy level decisions to flout some of the most basic human rights norms out of a misguided sense that is the best way to fight against terrorism. It's long been understood that the Bush administration's torture and inhumane treatment could not be blamed on a handful of low level soldiers on the night shift. At minimum, we understand until now, that policy decisions taken at the top had created an atmosphere of tolerance for abuse. And among those policy decisions that one could cite would be, for example, is the Bush Administration's ripping of the Geneva Convention with respect to Guantanamo, its extraordinarily narrow definition of torture to the point that most forms of abuse are not considered torture."
US Refuses to Apologize For CIA Bombing in Pakistan
In other news, the US government has refused to express regret over last week’s CIA bombing in Pakistan. The attack killed a reported 17 people, including women and children. The U.S. has said little about the bombing but it is believed to have been carried out by a CIA Predator drone. On Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack told reporters only: "The United States clearly values innocent human life. And that is why we're fighting the war on terror." Meanwhile, Pakistani officials said Tuesday the strike had killed up to 5 suspected militants.
Swiss Senator Says Evidence Confirms CIA Renditions in Europe
In Europe, a Swiss Senator has said there is no longer any question that the CIA undertook in illegal activities in Europe by secretly transporting and jailing suspected terrorists. The official -- Dick Marty -- is heading up a European investigation into allegations that the CIA operated secret prisons in Poland and Romania. He also said blame has to be placed on all European nations who have helped the U.S. carry out its covert operations.Swiss Senator Dick Marty : "I'd like it to be clear that the problem does not only concern Rumania and Poland. It would be too simple to criminalize these two countries. I think it's to whole of Europe that accepted to keep quiet, because if it's true that something happened in Rumania and Poland, something also happened in many other countries, and many of them were certainly aware of what was going on. And to me, in such a situation, knowing and keeping quiet is as bad as tolerating that such activities be led on its territory." Last week a Swiss newspaper published the text of an intercepted Egyptian memo about U.S. interrogation centers in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The memo had been faxed from the Egyptian foreign ministry to the Egyptian embassy in London. But it had been intercepted by the Swiss secret service and then leaked to the press.
Bush Administration Sued Over NSA Wiretaps
Here in this country, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union are filing separate lawsuits today challenging President Bush's order for the National Security Agency to conduct domestic spy operations without legally required court warrants.
Al Gore: Bush "Repeatedly and Persistently" Broke Law
On Monday, former Vice President Al Gore gave a major speech in Washington accusing Bush of "repeatedly and persistently" breaking the law by authorizing the NSA wiretaps. Gore called for Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the abuses. Gore said Bush's illegal spying program threatened "the very structure of our government."
Gov. Commission Completes Inquiry Into Menezes Shooting
In Britain, a government commission has completed its inquiry into the police shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. Menezes, a native of Brazil, was shot dead by British police in a London subway station one day after an attempted bomb attack on the British subway system in July. At first, British police said they believed Menezes was a suicide bomber. They claimed he had run from police and was wearing a bulky jacket. But since then it has been revealed that he was innocent and that police lied about the circumstances of his death. On Thursday, Menezes’ family appealed for justice.Alex Pereira, the cousin of Jean Charles De Menezes : "It is very simple, if you do something good you don't need to lie or hide; they lie they hide, and the explanation is that it was an assassination, they (de Menezes) were murdered. Why do I have to lie if I have done a good job? I think it's that simple."
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