Conservatives carp about corporate capitalism

post from The Newshoggers on 07 November 2007 06:27:00 AM. © The Newshoggers

By Libby

I seem to have misplaced my natural empathy and am taking an inordinate delight in this development. It appears some authors discovered that their prime neo-con pulp pusher, Regnery Press, has been cheating them out of royalities.

In a suit filed in United States District Court in Washington yesterday, the authors Jerome R. Corsi, Bill Gertz, Lt. Col. Robert (Buzz) Patterson, Joel Mowbray and Richard Miniter state that Eagle Publishing, which owns Regnery, ?orchestrates and participates in a fraudulent, deceptively concealed and self-dealing scheme to divert book sales away from retail outlets and to wholly owned subsidiary organizations within the Eagle conglomerate.?

Of course, missing from the complaint is any recognition that the only reason the books make the best seller list is because of the book dumping into the afiliated subsidaries but isn't it funny how the same people who sneer at complaints about corporate misconduct when it comes to regulating pollution or the degradation of workers' benefits, suddenly find their inner outrage when it's their own wallets that take the hit.

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Olbermann: Special Comment on Waterboarding

post from The Osterley Times on 07 November 2007 06:25:00 AM. © The Osterley Times

It is a fact startling in its cynical simplicity and it requires cynical and simple words to be properly expressed: The presidency of George W. Bush has now devolved into a criminal conspiracy to cover the ass of George W. Bush.

All the petulancy, all the childish threats, all the blank-stare stupidity; all the invocations of World War III, all the sophistic questions about which terrorist attacks we wanted him not to stop, all the phony secrets; all the claims of executive privilege, all the stumbling tap-dancing of his nominees, all the verbal flatulence of his apologists...

All of it is now, after one revelation last week, transparently clear for what it is: the pathetic and desperate manipulation of the government, the refocusing of our entire nation, toward keeping this mock president and this unstable vice president and this departed wildly self-overrating attorney general, and the others, from potential prosecution for having approved or ordered the illegal torture of prisoners being held in the name of this country.

"Waterboarding is torture," Daniel Levin was to write.

Made you into a liar, Mr. Bush.

Made you into, if anybody had the guts to pursue it, a criminal, Mr. Bush.

Part 1.

video details and more

Part 2.

video details and more

Tags: Olbermann, Bush, Daniel Levin, waterboarding, torture

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Give The Dictator's Money Back, Hillary

post from The Newshoggers on 07 November 2007 06:21:00 AM. © The Newshoggers

By Cernig

As Benazir Bhutto continues her campaign in the US press to force the Bush administration into doing more than just talking the mildest of talk, as she exhorts her people to join protests against Pakistan's martial law that have already been brutally supressed, as Musharaff's regime double-talks about how long they intend keeping their seized power...

...isn't it shameful that the Democratic Party's frontrunner has accepted tens of thousands of dollars worth of campaign contributions from the dictator's Washington lobbyists?

Give the cash back, Hillary.

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BONNIE RAITT AND JACKSON BROWNE CONCERT FOR JOHN
EDWARDS IN IOWA

post from DownWithTyranny! on 07 November 2007 06:19:00 AM. © DownWithTyranny!

A few years ago I introduced Howard Dean to the Flying Other Brothers and they schlepped around in the Iowa snow playing concerts at 8 Dean rallies. As it turned out in those caucuses, the Republicans got their way and Insider Democrats got their man (an overly cautious Insider who forgot how to fight back at least a decade before)-- and American and the world wound up with four more years of you know what.

Almost everyone I know is planning on voting for John Edwards in the Democratic primary, myself included. But almost everyone I know is also resigned to Hillary winning both the Democratic nomination and the presidency. John Edwards isn't-- and "almost" includes neither Bonnie Raitt nor Jackson Browne, two tireless campaigners for progressive values and the American way. A few weeks ago Jackson did a concert on behalf of Rep. John Hall. Today we've learned that Jackson, Bonnie and perhaps another well-known actvist/singer will be doing a big concert in Iowa for Edwards' campaign.

Yes, that's Jackson (along with Bryan Adams, Bruce Hornsby and Kim Wilson) backing her up doing my favorite Bonnie Raitt song:

video details and more

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http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2007/11/bonnie-raitt-and-jackson-browne-conce
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A Memo To The Pantswetters

post from The Newshoggers on 07 November 2007 06:10:00 AM. © The Newshoggers

By Cernig

Guys, when Rick Moran is telling you that you're hyperventilating, listen.

(This has been today's Blog Like Insta-Atrios moment)

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“A vote for Romney is a vote for
Satan”

post from All Spin Zone on 07 November 2007 06:01:00 AM. © All Spin Zone

Mitt Romney is Satan's minion? Who knew? Well, the Republicans know. That must be why they're staying away from him in droves.

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http://allspinzone.com/wp/2007/11/07/a-vote-for-romney-is-a-vote-for-satan/

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Gas up and google

post from The Newshoggers on 07 November 2007 05:53:00 AM. © The Newshoggers

By Libby

This looks like a pretty good idea. For all those who are too embarrassed or stubborn to ask for directions, (read that as every man I've ever dated), you'll be able to spare yourselves the indignity of asking a live person and just google up a map.

As part of a partnership to be announced Wednesday, the online search leader will dispense driving directions at thousands of gasoline pumps across the United States beginning early next month.

The pumps, made by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, include an Internet connection and will display Google's mapping service in color on a small screen. Motorists will be able to scroll through several categories to find local landmarks, hotels, restaurants and hospitals selected by the gas station's owner.

After the driver selects a destination, the pump will print out directions. Eventually, Gilbarco Veeder-Root hopes to enable motorists to type in a specific address and get directions.

Sounds like an entirely useful function but it won't be nearly as much fun as getting convoluted directions from some fast talking local character.

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The Pakistan problem

post from AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth on 07 November 2007 05:42:00 AM. © AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth

My impression of the situation in Pakistan is similar to that of Matt Yglesias, who writes this morning, "I keep veering between a sense that since this Pakistan business is one of the most important things going on right now I should write about it, and a sense that there's no reason for me to play fake Pakistan expert." I share that perspective; on the other hand, I've also been reading as much as I can and talking to actual Pakistan experts, having greater access to this rare breed than the average news junkie, and I think there are a few clear elements amidst a general sea of uncertainty.

First, "President" Musharraf claims the declaration of a "state of emergency" in Pakistan -- which is for all intents and purposes an imposition of martial law -- is due to terrorist threat. This, by all credible accounts, is false. Musharraf is reacting to approaching elections, an impending supreme court decision on his role in the government, and the ascension of opposing political groups, highlighted by the return of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. While there are certainly extremist elements in Pakistan, they're by no means a majority or a major threat to the military (and therefore Musharraf himself).

A persuasive (if scary) analogy is to the Shah in Iran, circa 1979, a comparison which Vali Nasr made yesterday but which people have been making for months. On that note, the idea that this was some big, out-of-nowhere surprise is also totally false. Foreign policy observers have been worrying about this for a while.

Unfortunately, according to WaPo, there's literally no one at the wheel with this issue:

"The problem is exacerbated by a dramatic drop-off in U.S. expertise on Pakistan. Retired American officials say that, for the first time in U.S. history, nobody with serious Pakistan experience is working in the South Asia bureau of the State Department, on State's policy planning staff, on the National Security Council staff or even in Vice President Cheney's office."

The article says "even in" the VP's office, of course, because that's where US foreign policy is run, so apparently it's the most important place to have experts.

Two more quick notes: First, there seems to be widely differing opinions on the nuclear issue. The administration is saying that there's no chance of nukes (or nuclear materials) getting out of Musharraf's control . . . but that's exactly what they'd say even if there was a concern about it, simply as a CYA measure in the wake of yet another foreign policy failure. My friends who know Pakistan well, *especially* those in the Middle East and subcontinent, have some concerns. My best understanding is that it's not an immediate problem, but one that could be should things take a turn for the worse.

Finally, the alliance of pro-democracy forces and violent religious extremists is, obviously, a complicated and worrying thing. The most vocal protesters thus far have been attorneys and judges committed to rule of law and . . . Islamic fundamentalists. Musharraf remains very popular among the middle class, which you might not expect given this paranoid crackdown, and his grip on the military is reportedly tight, so it's not like he's on the verge of being toppled. But it seems to be an issue of bend versus break: if he had given up some power, he probably could have maintained virtually the same level of control as before. Having refused to make any concessions, however, he's now facing a serious opposition and a fairly horrified international community.

Not good all around, and I'll continue to try to watch and synthesize as things develop.

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American Ayatollah Chooses Rudy

He was a Republican candidate for president in 1988, winning the Iowa caucus. An influential evangelical guru to the religious fundamentalist movement who espouses the "dominion" mandate.... that Christians are called on by spiritual warfare to "Christianize" the country's social and political institutions.... his fevered vision as laid out in his book The New World Order.

And, that barely scratches the surface of the Old Testament Biblical law agenda of this seemingly grandfatherly founder of the Christian Coalition of America.... Pat Robertson.

Today, Robertson endorsed the candidacy of GOP former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani.... who, ironically has broken many of the Biblical laws Robertson says are so important to him. But, not as important, evidently, as standing front and center with the perceived Republican nominee for the presidency.... power trumps all.

This pretty much wraps up Robertson's ayatollah-take on governing... "Individual Christians are the only ones really -- and the Jewish people, those who trust God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- are the only ones that are qualified to have the reign, because hopefully, they will be governed by God and submit to Him." (Robertson in his address to his American Center for Law and Justice, November, 1993.)

Ah... but not just any Christians.... "You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that and the other thing. Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist." (Robertson on his "The 700 Club" program,January 14, 1991.) He doesn't like Masons either, referring in The New World Order to freemasonry as a Satanic conspiracy.

After the 2004 election, Robertson proclaimed that "George Bush has the favor of heaven." And he recently reaffirmed his belief that judges appointed by Democrats are a greater threat to the United States than Al Qaeda, Nazi Germany, or the Civil War.

And, this from a fundraising letter, 1992.... "The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians."

Robertson's take on marriage.... God's pattern is for men to be the leaders, both in the church and in the family.... "Women should listen and learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them." (From his book Bring It On, quoted in the New York Times, February 28, 2004.)

Just in case you're still not scared, here is Robertson's "law" in action regarding what should happen if a Christian blows up an abortion clinic or kills a doctor who performs abortions. In a September 1984 edition of The 700 Club, he suggested that a special church tribunal should be called, and if it could be determined that the perpetrator had received an authentic word from God which compelled him to break the civil law, then the church tribunal would have the civil authority to provide immunity from prosecution.

This is the arguably dangerously-unbalanced religious fanatic who today endorsed Giuliani. Really, Rudy, you have no shame.

The next chapter of this political season's endorsement farce, failed Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback.... who espouses creationism and champions homophobia.... is slated to endorse GOP candidate John McCain today.

Supporting these wingnut panderers in their crawl toward the presidency will only encourage this theocratic nonsense. We can do better.

Read The Full Article:
http://whathappenedtomycountry.blogspot.com/2007/11/americas-ayatollah-chooses-ru
dy.html

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America's Ayatollah Chooses Rudy

He was a Republican candidate for president in 1988, winning the Iowa caucus. An influential evangelical guru to the religious fundamentalist movement who espouses the "dominion" mandate.... that Christians are called on by spiritual warfare to "Christianize" the country's social and political institutions.... his fevered vision as laid out in his book The New World Order.

And, that barely scratches the surface of the Old Testament Biblical law agenda of this seemingly grandfatherly founder of the Christian Coalition of America.... Pat Robertson.

Today, Robertson endorsed the candidacy of GOP former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani.... who, ironically has broken many of the Biblical laws Robertson says are so important to him. But, not as important, evidently, as standing front and center with the perceived Republican nominee for the presidency.... power trumps all.

This pretty much wraps up Robertson's ayatollah-take on governing... "Individual Christians are the only ones really -- and the Jewish people, those who trust God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- are the only ones that are qualified to have the reign, because hopefully, they will be governed by God and submit to Him." (Robertson in his address to his American Center for Law and Justice, November, 1993.)

Ah... but not just any Christians.... "You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that and the other thing. Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist." (Robertson on his "The 700 Club" program,January 14, 1991.) He doesn't like Masons either, referring in The New World Order to freemasonry as a Satanic conspiracy.

After the 2004 election, Robertson proclaimed that "George Bush has the favor of heaven." And he recently reaffirmed his belief that judges appointed by Democrats are a greater threat to the United States than Al Qaeda, Nazi Germany, or the Civil War.

And, this from a fundraising letter, 1992.... "The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians."

Robertson's take on marriage.... God's pattern is for men to be the leaders, both in the church and in the family.... "Women should listen and learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them." (From his book Bring It On, quoted in the New York Times, February 28, 2004.)

Just in case you're still not scared, here is Robertson's "law" in action regarding what should happen if a Christian blows up an abortion clinic or kills a doctor who performs abortions. In a September 1984 edition of The 700 Club, he suggested that a special church tribunal should be called, and if it could be determined that the perpetrator had received an authentic word from God which compelled him to break the civil law, then the church tribunal would have the civil authority to provide immunity from prosecution.

This is the arguably dangerously-unbalanced religious fanatic who today endorsed Giuliani. Really, Rudy, you have no shame.

The next chapter of this political season's endorsement farce, failed Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback.... who espouses creationism and champions homophobia.... is slated to endorse GOP candidate John McCain today.

Supporting these wingnut panderers in their crawl toward the presidency will only encourage this theocratic nonsense. We can do better.

Read The Full Article:
http://whathappenedtomycountry.blogspot.com/2007/11/americas-ayatollah-chooses-ru
dy.html