A Three Way Split
There seems to be a three way split in congress on what to do about the war in Iraq. Some of the democrats that we are against the idea of passing a bill that would put a time limit on the fundind available to the troops in that are still in Iraq. Some of the democrats want to take away the funding and some now are leaning away from that approach.
Rice: Congress Shouldn't Micromanage War
I was intrigued by the discussion in class about Congress's rights and abilities when it comes to foreign affairs. The nonbinding resolution stuff seems very ineffectual and petty, but nothing is not an option. Congress must work within it's limitations, and the sooner the better. Vietnam took a very long time for there to be enough nonbinding resolutions to make things different. It still looks like Congress is not ready to be really brave and impose money restrictions. Risky strategy for the war or for getting reelected????
Will Gore Run for President after his Oscar Nod?
Ever since An Inconvenient Truth was nominated for an Oscar there has been buzz that Al Gore would announce his bid for 2008 Democratic Party President in his acceptance speech. He did win but he didn't announce anything. Officially he stated that he hasn't ruled out running but I don't think he will. I just don't think there is room for him anymore, not between Hillary and Obama. He had his chance and some would argue that he did win, but now he needs to step aside. Theres always the Nobel Peace Prize Al.
Govenors See Influence Wane In Race For Presidency
This is an interesting artcile that was published in the Washington Post over the weekend pointing out the obvious lack of governors in the "race for presidency" and the alarming dominance of senators. The most recent event highlighting this lack of governors in the race was the announcement that Former Governor of Iowa, Tom Vilsack, dropped his campaign for president a mere three months after launching it. I think this lack of governors in the race is very interesting a also pretty rare. I think that it is rather safe to argue that we will see many, if any, governors making it past the primary elections. This is just another issue that I feel is going to make this upcoming election stand out from all previous ones.
CLINTON SEES ROLE FOR HUSBAND
Honey, can I have a job? Hilary Clinton is considering letting her husband back into the White House not only as the first first man if she is elected, but as a potential diplomat. These types of considerations are exponentially crucial 617 days before the election. I'm thrilled to see Clinton so focused on whether or not Al Gore is going to win an Oscar and defending her husband while attending a San Fransisco fund raiser for her presidential campaign. Talk about time-horizons, she will not complete a single senatorial duty that is not a contrived or strategic ploy at securing a potential nomination for the next two years. Not to say everyone else wont be doing the same thing.... it just seems so much more obvious with her.
Supreme Court Possible Veto Actor in Iraq Resolution
The article describes Senators Joe Biden (D-DE) and Carl Levin (D-MI)’s plan for limiting American troop involvement in Iraq. However, the provisions of the bill, if enacted, would infringe upon the Commander-in-Chief’s prerogative to set war strategy, as Congress’ constitutional role in war is to declare it (in the Senate) and to fund it (in the House). The current conservative composition of the Supreme Court is more likely to rule in favor of greater presidential authority over foreign policy. The political reality that the House will have to continue funding war equipment or be alienated from voters (at least until this goes on for another year or so, at which point the majority of the American public might not argue much against de-funding troops, but the Pentagon would still be able to dip into its overdraft funds and fund itself as an executive agency to deploy troops, putting the ball back into the House to fund the troops who the Pentagon continues to send). Most of the 29 Republicans oppose the bill and consequently are with the status quo (presidential position), which the Supreme Court approximates on this issues. Hence, any attempt this quarter to restrict the activities of the troops will ultimately lose despite the Democratic majority due to a range of disagreements about what specific provisions should and should not be preventing a potential override of a presidential veto, with the Supreme Court primed to be a veto actor given the language of the bill.
June Vote Set for Ga. Congressional Seat
There will be a June 19 special election held to fill the vacant House seat of GOP Rep. Charles Norwood, a seven-term congressman, who died last week. The number of terms he served in the legislative branch reminded me of the graph in the Polsby article that looked at the mean percentage of first-term members and how it decreased over time from around 50% in the 1780s to less than 20% by the 1960s.
Because the special election is in June, the candidates who will be running for the seat (3 Republicans and 1 Democrat so far) will have only about 4 months to campaign.
Because the special election is in June, the candidates who will be running for the seat (3 Republicans and 1 Democrat so far) will have only about 4 months to campaign.
Eye to the Telescope.
This is a great article from THE ECONOMIST, it looks at the primaries from a game theory perspective. "It is reasonably clear where the process will end, as the states scramble over each other...", I'll let you read to find out where it leads...
The issue comes into play because
This is a great look at the consequences of our current primaries system, how it will likely change, and a perspective on how it should change...
Vilsack Out.
As I was posting a comment, the news broke that Ex-Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is dropping out of the Presidential race. More on it in 20 minutes or so at a press conference. At least that's what they're saying on MSNBC in between the bizarre Anna Nichole Smith coverage. Literally, the AP wire posted this comment and only this comment.
Democratic Senate Majority in Jeopardy?
Joe Lieberman has not ruled out switching from "I" caucusing with the Democrat's to an "R". "What issue could possibly prompt this?" I can hear you asking yourself. Well, none other than the war in Iraq, of course. You see, Joe is fully committed to supporting the troop surge and is concerned that the Democrats might not fully fund the war effort.
The bright side for Democrats is that he doesn't want to switch, or is at least saying as much. With the Democratic majority already on shaky ground with the Tim Johnson situation, Lieberman has become a player, dare I say the median voter, at least on Iraq. Sadly, the Democrats need him more than he needs the Democrats. Joe knows that as much as Harry Reid. My prognostication: Joe continues to caucus with the Democrats, at least through 2008. The Democrats will do enough to appease him and the Republicans won't offer him enough to switch. Not to mention the potential problem Lieberman faces in the 33% of Democrats in CT that voted for him in the general. Interesting, if not tricky and kind of scary situation.
The bright side for Democrats is that he doesn't want to switch, or is at least saying as much. With the Democratic majority already on shaky ground with the Tim Johnson situation, Lieberman has become a player, dare I say the median voter, at least on Iraq. Sadly, the Democrats need him more than he needs the Democrats. Joe knows that as much as Harry Reid. My prognostication: Joe continues to caucus with the Democrats, at least through 2008. The Democrats will do enough to appease him and the Republicans won't offer him enough to switch. Not to mention the potential problem Lieberman faces in the 33% of Democrats in CT that voted for him in the general. Interesting, if not tricky and kind of scary situation.
Pelosi tattles on Cheney
I thought this article was pretty interesting after we talked about the relationship between members of Congress and the President. I am interested to know what role the Vice President plays or how he influences the Presidents decision making.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi phoned President Bush to air her complaints over Vice President Dick Cheney's comments that the Congressional Democrats' plan for Iraq would "validate the Al Qaeda strategy."
Pelosi, who said she could not reach the president, said Cheney's comments wrongly questioned critics' patriotism and ignored Bush's call for openness on Iraq strategy.
"You cannot say as the president of the United States, 'I welcome disagreement in a time of war,' and then have the vice president of the United States go out of the country and mischaracterize a position of the speaker of the House and in a manner that says that person in that position of authority is acting against the national security of our country," the speaker said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi phoned President Bush to air her complaints over Vice President Dick Cheney's comments that the Congressional Democrats' plan for Iraq would "validate the Al Qaeda strategy."
Pelosi, who said she could not reach the president, said Cheney's comments wrongly questioned critics' patriotism and ignored Bush's call for openness on Iraq strategy.
"You cannot say as the president of the United States, 'I welcome disagreement in a time of war,' and then have the vice president of the United States go out of the country and mischaracterize a position of the speaker of the House and in a manner that says that person in that position of authority is acting against the national security of our country," the speaker said.
Where did the issues go?
It seems to be that the race for president has become more of a "look at who I can get on my side!!!" Now I know what you are thinking, "yeah it has always been that way..." I agree that popularity is what gets you elected, but back in the day it was the senators or house reps that were on your side. Maybe a well known public figure who had a good moral standing with the voters. However, today it has become who knows the most famous people in Hollywood. Hollywood...where the people are paid to be different then who they are. Most people couldn't tell you how Brad Pitt feels about the national debt, but since he is voting for Obama then so will they. I know that most of you who are reading this are smarter than to fall for they hype, but think of all those people who read US as their source of news. Don't get me wrong it is a very smart strategy to get a vote, but maybe this is what is meant when the framers look at the mob theory...
Committee approves 'informed consent' abortion bill
Here is an interesting article. A bill requiring doctors to tell pregant woman seeking abortions made it out of the Senate committe and now will go for debate on the floor. Basically, the committe members are trying to change the status quo and tell woman that life begins human life begins when the spream reaches the egg. It will be interesting to see how the debates go on the floor of the senate and if the bill will pass.
Committee approves 'informed consent' abortion bill
Here is an interesting article. A bill requiring doctors to tell pregant woman seeking abortions made it out of the Senate committe and now will go for debate on the floor. Basically, the committe members are trying to change the status quo and tell woman that life begins human life begins when the spream reaches the egg. It will be interesting to see how the debates go on the floor of the senate and if the bill will pass.
McCain wants to overturn Roe v Wade
John McCain, looking to improve his standing with the party's conservative voters, said Sunday the court decision that legalized abortion should be overturned. This is interesting considering that most Republicans planning to run for president are pro-choice, and McCain is boldly reminding conservatives that he is way on one side of the spatial model.
"I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned," the Arizona senator told about 800 people in South Carolina, one of the early voting states.
The landmark 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade gave women the right to choose an abortion to terminate a pregnancy. The Supreme Court has narrowly upheld the decision, with the presence of an increasing number of more conservative justices on the court raising the possibility that abortion rights would be limited.
Keating told the crowd that McCain is the "only candidate who is a true-blue, Ronald Reagan conservative."
"I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned," the Arizona senator told about 800 people in South Carolina, one of the early voting states.
The landmark 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade gave women the right to choose an abortion to terminate a pregnancy. The Supreme Court has narrowly upheld the decision, with the presence of an increasing number of more conservative justices on the court raising the possibility that abortion rights would be limited.
Keating told the crowd that McCain is the "only candidate who is a true-blue, Ronald Reagan conservative."
The Hot Ticket in Hollywood: An Evening With Obama
Oh my gosh my Hollywood stars agree with this man so now I am going to vote for him. Personally, I do not care if Jennifer Aniston is voting for Barack Obama. It reminds me of that chappelle standup when after 9/11 MTV got JA Rule on the phone to see what he thought "Somebody get Ja on the phone I don't know what to do." What I do like is that they did not allow the media into this fundraising function, so as to not overhype Obama's connection with Hollywood. Even Hillary has clout in Hollywood (she will be holding her own fund raiser inMarch). After the dinner the people who provided the most money for Obama's campaign will get to have a sit down with him. Please someone get David Schwimmer on the phone because I do not know what to do. It's too bad that Hollywood stars have all the money or else the presidential candidates would'nt have to make connections with them.
WI student lobbies in Washington for more funding
A junior attending UW Stevens Point isin Washington right now with hundreds of other students lobbying for the Student Aid Reward Act. STAR was introduced two years ago but never brought to a vote. Now with the Democrats in control it just might be the year that power and money is transferred to the hands of students. Basicially the bill would cut out the middle man in student loans, private banks, passing the savings onto schools and students. With most students graduating with thousands of dollars in debt I think this bill would help the economy and students. We shouldn't have to live like starving students after we graduate.
Free Trade? At What Cost?
The Chicago Tribune today carried an excellent op-ed piece by William Daley that argues in favor or re-evaluating certain aspects of our current trade policy. With the new Congress controlled by the Democrats (with a base that is heavily controlled by the unions and other anti-free trade groups) it would not be unreasonable to assume that our current trade policies will be certainly reviewed, and quite possibly revised. There are a handful of anti-free trade Republicans who will certainly lend support. This review would be an excellent activity in light of the growing gap between the middle class and the wealthy. What is good for China is probably not in the best interest of the American people (with exceptions), and unless something is done soon, we will have to trade them California to erase our debt.
Senate Gridlocks on Iraq War Resolution
It's amazing how heated a debate this non-binding resolution is. The goal for the Democrats may be to win Foreign relations as a democrat valence issue. The republicans are not looking too hot right now. To top that, Democratic legislation to guarentee minimum protection for soldiers will surely make Bush's job more difficult ($ per soldier will go up), and will be popular with voters. Republicans are preparing to debate against it, that is going to prove to be a tough job.
Senate Belatedly Passes Spending Bill for 2007
The Senate approved a spending bill for the 2007 year that funds almost half of the federal government. While approving this bill is not so interesting in itself, the fact that the Democrats in Congress issued a continuing resolution to ensure that some of their priorities (Pell Grants included) are included in the spending measure has angered some Republicans because they claim they were not allowed to offer amendments to the bill. Sen. Trent Lott claimed that majority leader Harry Reid was "trying to turn the Senate into a mini-House."
My response: WWRD? What would the Republicans do if they still had majority in the House? Enough said.
My response: WWRD? What would the Republicans do if they still had majority in the House? Enough said.
Petri Breaks With GOP on Iraq
"I don't think it's fair to ask our sons and daughters to be policemen in a civil war." If you haven't heard in any of the wall-to-wall coverage on just about any news show, there's a vote coming up to disapprove of the troop surge in Iraq. Well, this is a non-binding resolution, so it's just about as likely as Ralph Nader winning the Presidency, but it's interesting none-the-less. Petri, a semi-moderate Republican was the source of the quote at the top, not a Democrat. Interestingly, Wisconsin's other GOP Reps called the resolution "spineless" and "shameful" or "a slap in the face." Thinking about those weird spatial models we saw in class yesterday with the different congresses, would Petri be an example of that sober guy out in the middle?
House set to OK tax package worth $1.8B
The House has set the line to the left at 1.8 billion in tax cuts. The senate has set the line further to the right at 8.3 billion in tax cuts. The president would prefer even more cuts than the senate, but the tax cuts of the senate far in to his indifference curve, though he might pass the 1.8 billion in tax cuts. So does that make the win set between 1.8 and the status quo? I think so.
Live from MN, it's Al Franken for Senate!
Ok, so this "news" is actually from yesterday, but it's still relevant given it's Congress. Norm Coleman, who was a Democrat, sort of flip-flopped parties because of the Democratic Party's stances abortion and other social issues when he ran for Governor as a Republican, only to lose to Jesse "the Body" Ventura in the general. Anyway...Al Franken, hopefully everyone recognizes the name, has now declared his intentions to run for the Democratic nomination. Spatially, Norm Coleman is much closer to the center than Franken out in left field (speaking of baseball, Brewers pitchers and catchers report on the 17th YEA!). However, it looks as though Democrats in MN are gaining traction statewide and it should be an interesting race.
Senate Coalition Prevents Different Median Vote
By filibustering to refuse the bringing if separate pro-escalation and anti-escalation bills to the Senate floor, Republican senators siding with Bush have maintained the distance between the status quo and the bill that has come closest to passing but still failed. This is a wise move on the pro-Bush senators’ part because they know that a division of the issue into separate bills each reflecting the opposite side of the issue would force a more definitive dichotomy in which the anti-escalation bill would have a better chance of passing due to being closer to the status quo of maintaining troop concentrations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Given President Bush’s proposal for at least 21,500 additional troops to be deployed, the pro-Bush senators’ position is farther away from the status quo and hence must be packaged into the same bill as checks on escalation, resulting in a more moderate bill that still advances the escalation agenda if passed. Of potential significance is the Senate scheduling its vote on a bill analogous to the House bill on the issue for this Saturday, as depending on which senators can and cannot make it to the meeting, the veto pivot might be skewed more towards the pro-escalation or anti-escalation side than what has been the case in recent Senate votes.
War at Home: Bush and the Debate
This is classic Bush strategy pulling attention away from the important points. In a speech this morning he spoke about the need to push democracy on that battling region known as Afghanistan. How long do we have to be in Afghanistan until its good and democratized? The issue at hand is the bill in the house dissaproving of the troop increase in Irock. "some House Democrats and others have been circulating ways to limit financing for new troop levels unless military readiness can be proven, (while others are shying away from any notion that might be construed as a lack of support for American troops), " Military readiness? We are not ready because the people of Iraq are not going to ever be ready. In the 1700s being called a tyrant was a bad thing, today somebody saying that you don't support the troops is like saying the holocaust didnt occur. Its safe to say that all sane people support the men and women over in Iraq, but where is the line between supporting your troops and dissaproving of the reason for being there in the first place? Its impossible to support and dissaprove at the same time without pissing somebody off. If legislators truly supported the troops in Iraq they would sacrifice their careers to do the right thing and bring our boys home. Its not an easy thing to do, but I think if done this person would go down in history as one of the saving figures in national politics, whereas Bush will go down as one of the worst presidents in history. His time will come to.
Falwell, Robertson, and Miscellaneous nutjobs
Seems that everyone has to court God these days... even John McCain, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Rudy Giuliani. Doesn't this make one miss the days of the Chicago Riots when all America worried about was keeping law and order (or for that matter, a blue dress)? America's attachment to religious politics is the wonder of the rest of the world, especially those who come from not-so-religious countries (France?). As a mainline Protestant Episcopalian and a left of center Republican (yes- we still exist, but we are protected by the Endangered Species Act), I find this appeal to religious leaders to be just as nauseating as always. Why must we look like a Christian version of an Islamic nation? Instead of focusing on serious issues, such as the need to rectify the situation in Iraq, or the dire need for high protective tariffs for the sake of our working classes, we focus on gay marriage and abortion and whatever else Pat Robertson's "red phone" to God happens to cook up. Seems to me there are better things to worry about.
McCain Tries To Make Amends With Christian Conservatives
Senator John McCain is hoping to regain good working relationships with activists that are Christian Conservatives as he feels he will need their support for the GOP nomination. People question his sincerety due to past statements and congressional bill writing. He has hired people to help reconstruct his relationships with such groups, and has been making many strides in his attempts to make things better.
Pact With North Korea Draws Fire From a Wide Range of Critics in U.S.
The United States has made a pact with North Korea, getting it to agree to freeze its production of plutonium at its five-megawatt nuclear facility and allow international agencies in to see if that is what it is really doing. I thought that this was interesting because it shows the United States government is trying to disarm the nuclear threat that North Korea faced.
California Senate votes to move presidential primary to February
California wants to have the earliest of the early primaries. Believing that California politics such as oil drilling and immigration deserve a larger spotlight, the California Senate has voted to move their primary from June. 3 to Feb. 5.
what life is more important-- a baby or a chicken
A Congressional committee on this past Wednesday decided to vote against an amendment that would prohibit taking teenagers out of state for secret abortions without their parents' knowledge. This seems to be a no brainer for me but who knows in this day in age. The most interesting part though is what follows. The committee eventually decided protecting chickens was more important than protecting children.
The House Judiciary Committee considered a bill to limit animal fighting such as using cockfighters.The bill prohibits transporting the animals across state lines to participate in these fights. During the debate, pro-life Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, tried to attach an amendment to the bill to prevent someone other than a teenager's parents from taking her to another state to have an abortion. Once again, no one other than a teenage girls parents should be helping her make this decision, besides her boyfriend perhaps. But that was not the case with Marcia Carroll.
Sensenbrenner brought up the case of Marcia Carroll, whose 14-year-old daughter was coerced by her boyfriend's family into traveling from her home state of Pennsylvania to New Jersey to have an abortion against her will.
"I recognize we are meeting here today to consider a bill to protect chickens," Sensenbrenner said in a statement given to LifeNews.com. "But isn't protecting our nation's young women, like Mr. Carroll's daughter, and their unborn equally, if not more important, than our dinner entree?"
"Without this amendment, we will be giving more protection to chickens than we will be giving to minor children, their parents and their unborn baby," he said
I do agree with this position, surprise surprise, but I also thought it was a good example for the class where things are either pushed through, or prevented from being passed, by adding different elements to certain bills and amendments.
The House Judiciary Committee considered a bill to limit animal fighting such as using cockfighters.The bill prohibits transporting the animals across state lines to participate in these fights. During the debate, pro-life Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, tried to attach an amendment to the bill to prevent someone other than a teenager's parents from taking her to another state to have an abortion. Once again, no one other than a teenage girls parents should be helping her make this decision, besides her boyfriend perhaps. But that was not the case with Marcia Carroll.
Sensenbrenner brought up the case of Marcia Carroll, whose 14-year-old daughter was coerced by her boyfriend's family into traveling from her home state of Pennsylvania to New Jersey to have an abortion against her will.
"I recognize we are meeting here today to consider a bill to protect chickens," Sensenbrenner said in a statement given to LifeNews.com. "But isn't protecting our nation's young women, like Mr. Carroll's daughter, and their unborn equally, if not more important, than our dinner entree?"
"Without this amendment, we will be giving more protection to chickens than we will be giving to minor children, their parents and their unborn baby," he said
I do agree with this position, surprise surprise, but I also thought it was a good example for the class where things are either pushed through, or prevented from being passed, by adding different elements to certain bills and amendments.
Australian leader: Al-Qaida wants Obama
Australia' Prime Minister John Howard announced that the Al-Qaida wants Senator Obama and the Democrats to win the 2008 race for President. Its interesting that Howard would say this as he is a staunch Bush ally and a conservative who also has an election campaign underway. I thought that the whole fear of Democrats being too easy on terrorism had gone away with the 2006 election. Obama's reply that Howard should send more troops was probably the perfect reply if not completely politically correct.
States and U.S. at Odds on Aid for Uninsured
Many states are saying on health care and the uninsured, "If you want something done at all, we will have to do it ourselves." Washington is lagging behind on what is growing into an even more desperate situation across the country. There is reportedly close to 47 million Americans without health insurance, and the federal government is squeezing coverage programs instead of expanding them right now. Many states are forced to take matters in their own hands because little is being done federally.
War at Home: In the People’s House
This proposal is very short and to the point. We support the troops, but we do not want anymore troops sent over to Iraq. I like the fact that the republican minority in the house does not have enough power to push this bill into a procedural death. This new found democratic power in the white house will certainly allow us to see changes in what types of bills we see proposed. Also, many of the republicans in the house will be siding with the democrats on this one. It is unclear whether the democrats will allow a alternative plan, but I feel that they should not. They have already fouled up so many bills, it is someone elses turn to make a decision on the quagmire across the ocean. Of course, the republicans whine about bi-partisan campaign promises, but they will not be heard, they do not have the power.
Former Pentagon official defends report on Iraq, al Qaeda.
Former Pentagon policy chief Douglas Feith defends the intelligence the CIA presented them. He states there was a relationship, but does not say there was an operational relationship. The acting Inspector General Thomas F. Gimble's report said the policy chief "advanced unsupported theories", of a "mature symbolic relationship." Much of this is he said she said playground crap, however, this is really important information. The basis of the Pentagons' report was what was told to the President and to the American people. This administration has really given America a black eye, in the eyes of its proponents. I really hope the truth comes out about all the controversial issues surrounding this war and this administration. The longer this drug out the more likely it will be buried in the ruble of Iraq.
Congressional Circumvention of Lobbying Laws
Although new lobbying payment rules are in place for the 110th Congress, senators and representatives are still using freedom of association to get quality time with their lobbyists. Despite lobbyists being unable to directly fund congressmen’s social outings, lobbyists may donate to their congressman’s political action committee, which then foots the bill. This is important for centralizing control of lobbying activities closer towards the purview of the political action committee (hence making that PAC’s oversight of lobbying activities easier and more comprehensive) as well as for increasing turnout at expensive fundraising dinners and luncheons that lobbyists might otherwise discount as a diminishing return on assets. Some have criticized this mere shifting of donations from politician to PAC as a token accountability measure, but at least it encourages lobbyists and politicians to keep their relationships and funding activities in the open. If restrictions were to become more draconian, the integrity of the official lobbying-campaign funding system would be further jeopardized.
Committee chairman: Homeland protected 'on the cheap
In this article, a house committee chairman accused the Bush administration of protecting the
Advice for Hillary from one of the greatest political minds of our time...
Donatella Versace is precisely the person I'd take advice from, seeing as though she has so much influence with world leaders. I know I already posted one today, but I saw this. Her "trouser" ditching strategy, while catchy and somewhat risky, will fail when Mike Huckabee does the same. Honestly, why is this in the politics section on CNN. Who cares what Donatella Versace has to say about anything? Maybe I'll consult Paris Hilton or Mario Lopez on my investment portfolio. Shame on you Reuters.
Wait...There was no conclusive link between Osama and Hussein?
Well, that's what the report says. While not admitting any illegal action, the report says that they Pentagon may have manipulated the intelligence to show a link between Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. Senator Carl Levin, that kindly old Michigander who frequently pops up on Meet the Press glaring over the glasses that have slid uncomfortably down his nose calls this report "very damning." With the White House linking the two countless times, it's no wonder the American public went along with it. Finally, I can tell off all those people who were absolutely convinced that a religious fundamentalist and a secularist, albeit of Sunni upbringing and a semi-religious end, teamed up in some crazy Odd Couple sort of way. I guess we'll hear more about it later today. Until then...
Pelosi and the Plane
Tony Snow is an amazing press secretary, isn't he? He will not budge, he will make you look stupid for expecting him to budge, and many that thought they have gotten him to budge have actually walked out of the press conference more lost than when they entered.
Except this time, he actually budged and leaked some information on, probably, the least thing I could possibly care about as far as the haps of my representatives are concerned. All aboard!
Except this time, he actually budged and leaked some information on, probably, the least thing I could possibly care about as far as the haps of my representatives are concerned. All aboard!
To the highest bidder goes the Presidency
How many millions of dollars does it take to get elected President? Do mud slinger commercials really cost that much? What about the little guy, the work horse, who doesn't have the ability or the means to collect that much money? They may make it so that the individual person is able to contribute only a certain amount to each candidate, but what about a cap on the amount that a candidate can have totally? In my mind that could create an even playing field for those candidate who could possibly be a better one to vote for.
Global warming ethics, pork and profits
In our rush to protect the planet from global warming we may want to make sure that politicians aren't exploiting our fears to line their pockets. Global warming proposals are going to have a ton of pork attatched. What politician is going to vote against ending the great evil of our time?
Going the Way of the Buffalo...Social Security
Many people have different views on what should be done with Social Security just as they do with what should be done about the taxes that we pay. However, I am sure that we all can agree that if Social Securtiy is something that is left to die, that we will all suffer in the long run. I feel that even thought I probably won't ever recieve much in the amount of Social Security, something is better than nothing. Private accounts that the President has proposed would allow younger workers that ability to save their own money pre-tax and allow them to set up a fund which they would be able to utilize when they are able to collect Social Security, or what is left of it. Possibly a good idea for younger generations, who are less likley to receive any Social Security at the rate we are going today, and a bad idea for those who are already collecting.
Run, Al, Run
A very interesting article from Rolling Stone. It follows how Al Gore would be the perfect candidate for the Democrats and why he's got what it takes to be the next president. While Gore says he doesn't have plans for running in 2008, he doesn't outright deny that he might. If he ran for nomination it would be an extremely interesting race. He could follow in the path of Nixon in the 1968 election. Either way, he's definitely worth watching.
Giuliani Announces He's In '08 Presidential Race
Well here is another candidate to add to the list. I think Giuliani will be a very interesting candidate to follow. If he were to make it past the primary election, which I think very unlikey due to his liberal views on social issues, it would be interesting to see two presidential candidates that have the same opinions concerning abortion and gay rights. That would sure make for stimulating arguments during the debates!
Smoking Ban in Shorewood Defeated
Well, I finally see that some governments have finally seen the light and haven't forgotten what the term "private property" means. In Shorewood yesterday the village council voted to table the proposed ban on smoking in indoor public areas. Now, not being a smoker myself, I fully understand that horrible smell that permeates ones clothing after being in a bar (not to mention the health risks), but the last time I checked, taverns were still private property and it should be up to the owners whether smoking should be allowed. If there was such a demand for smoke-free bars then a plethora of them would exist, but off the top of my head, I cannot think of one in Milwaukee. I tend bar for 4 or 5 shifts per week and all the baloney about protecting the health of those poor bartenders doesn't add up either. Most of the bartenders that I know smoke. If the government wishes to ban smoking in public buildings (IE: offices, police cars, other government owned property) then so be it, but as long as those bar owners meet their tax obligations and make reasonable efforts to not serve minors, then leave them alone! This is the United States, not the Soviet Union. If all those who whine about smoking in bars actually went to one every now and then, maybe a smoke-free bar would exist. Until then, stop the complaining, as smokers are tax-paying citizens as well!
Bush sends $2.9 trillion plan to Congress
WASHINGTON- (AP)---President Bush is sending Congress a $2.9 trillion budget that would provide billions of dollars for the war in Iraq, make his first-term tax cuts permanent and achieve a budget surplus three years after he leaves office. The massive four-volume set of budget books, featuring two-tone green covers, was headed to Congress today, where the plan will receive a decidedly mixed reaction from Democrats. They have made clear that they plan to push their own budget priorities after regaining control of the House and Senate for the first time in 12 years.
House to Take Up Iraq Resolution Debate
"WASHINGTON — While the Senate's Democratic majority failed to shut off debate on a non-binding resolution that "disagrees" with President Bush's troop surge in Iraq, House Democrats say they think they have a better shot of getting something passed.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Tuesday that House Democratic leaders are drafting their own non-binding resolution on Iraq that signifies opposition to troop escalation.
The resolution is being written by Reps. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Tom Lantos, D-Calif., chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Amendments will not be permitted on the resolution, to be debated over three days and wrapped up before the President's Day recess on Feb. 19, Hoyer said."
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Tuesday that House Democratic leaders are drafting their own non-binding resolution on Iraq that signifies opposition to troop escalation.
The resolution is being written by Reps. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Tom Lantos, D-Calif., chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Amendments will not be permitted on the resolution, to be debated over three days and wrapped up before the President's Day recess on Feb. 19, Hoyer said."
Wash. initiative would require married couples to have kids
Obviously Initiative 957 is never going to pass, but same-sex marriage proponents get their point across in this hilarious attempt at giving some perspective to what was an equally ridiculous ban on same-sex marriages that occurred in Washington last summer.
PA Senator abuses Non-Profit
Is there such thing as an honest politician? Senator Fumo has been charged with 139 counts of fraud including using Senate employees as campaign aides. The saddest thing is that Fumo used a Non-Profit agency he set up in the neighborhood where he grew up that was designed to make the community a better place. Fumo denies everything but has website announced that he has temporarily stepped down as chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
A Presidential Also-Ran, Kerry Adjusts to What Passes for a Normal Life in the Senate
This article speaks about the fact that presidential also-ran, (meaning he lost an election) John Kerry has been a loner around Capitol Hill. His presidential aspirations are nearly gone, and now he must get back to "normal" senate life. This is proving difficult for the one time presidential candidate. However, I feel that Mr. Kerry is in a peculiar position to make a difference as a lawmaker. Yes, he lost, and as the article says "america does not tolerate losers," but I think that being in this position allows him to transcend the vulnerable politician role that seems to lurk in the shadows of all of our representatives, and make a difference on the senate floor. More incumbents do win the elections, but the name John Kerry puts him in an even more stable position that in essence could bring back his presidential aspirations. The talks about how Richard Nixon lost to JFK and then went on to win presidency. So don't count this old soldier out. And just for fun a joke from the article (“John Kerry walks into a bar,” goes the Washington version of the old joke. “Bartender says, ‘Hey, Senator Kerry, why the long face?)
Groundhog Day
Friday was one of those special holidays that only comes around once a year...Ground Hog Day! It's one of those strictly American holidays that leaves the rest of the world scratching their head and wondering, "What the hell?" As unscientific as these prognostications may seem, I sometimes believe that these lowly little groundhogs have more sense than most of our elected leaders. The one here at the Milwaukee Zoo opted to sleep in for a bit due to the cold and finally refused to come out, while the "famous" Puxatawnee? Phil in Pennsylvania barely came out for more than a minute to proclaim that he had indeed seen his shadow and that Spring would shortly arrive. Now, my logic is that if these intelligent little creatures (I should know... I have been trying to kill the one in my backyard for two years... unsuccessfully) are smart enough to know when not to stick one's neck out, why can't those wise sages in Washington figure out how to get out of this mess in Iraq --quickly and somewhat gracefully? I fully realize that it may seem quite odd to compare the wisdom of a groundhog to that of a supposedly higher life form, but as the mess overseas has continued to drag on, maybe the groundhog has a bit more sense.
PS: Its my favorite holiday because it happens to be my birthday --this has caused me to be the recipient of more than a few comments through the years, and NO I did not see my shadow Friday morning!
PS: Its my favorite holiday because it happens to be my birthday --this has caused me to be the recipient of more than a few comments through the years, and NO I did not see my shadow Friday morning!
McCain blasts 'vote of no confidence'
Does McCain really believe that sending 21,500 more troops to Iraq is going to fix anything? Or is he just lining up behind President Bush because he has his eye on the primaries? McCain also stands behind spending $145 billion dollars on the war in 2008. Luckily, not all Republicans feel this way. Sen Chuck Hagel of Nebraska (also considering a Presidential run in 2008) has openly refered to the problem in Iraq as a Civil War. Frankly, I think that the tagline of "support our troops" is just a way to drum up votes and false patriotism. If we really wanted to support them, we should bring them home.
Senate Hearing on Congressional War Cessation
On January 30th, the federal Senate held a public hearing entitled “Exercising Congress’ Constitutional Power to End a War.” When chair of the hearing, Russ Feingold (D-WI), spun the issue of Congress possibly voting to withdraw American troops, his use of the term “will” rather than the word “preference” was a textbook example of partisan rhetoric implying that fellow party members who vote more moderately than how he votes are weak-kneed and malleable. Although it might silly for Feingold to mock moderate Democrats despite knowing that the median vote gets the victory, it may very well be that Feingold is pushing far left to shift the policy preferences of fellow senators, as hinted at in his statement, “Things are moving in that direction,” referring to the evidenced shift from a Senate zeitgeist of extended deployment towards a sentiment of expedited withdrawal. Moderate Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) echoed the voice of moderation with his statement, “…To the president, he is not the sole decider.”
Minimum wage bill heads to negotiations
The democrats and republicans are getting together to pass a new bill that may increase the federal minimum wage and give 8.3 billion dollars in tax breaks. Does this seem familiar to anyone else. Almost the exact same issue was forced through when the Republicans took control in 1994. This exact scenario is even spelled out in the first chapter of Stewart. You can almost see the indifference circles in this one as well.
US Congress debates rebuke Bush on Iraq
This is an article about Congress sending troops to
"Duke-stir" Not Sunk Enough...Yet.
Corruption topped the list of concerns voters presented in the exit-polling this past November. Besides the whole Mark Foley incident, a B-I-G contributor to that notion was Randall "Duke" Cunningham, who resigned and was imprisoned promptly for shifting contracts to certain companies for a little something extra (to the tune of 2.4 million, a used Rolls, and his infamous yacht, "Duke-stir"). This link is a new article describing potential indictments that could rain down on those Cunningham ratted out in his plea agreement. Again, he has to be at least a source to point out as part of the reason Republicans lost power.
On an aside, where can I sign up for a cheesy nickname? Randall "Duke" Cunningham, Kyle "Dusty" Foggo, Irving Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Ah well, guess I'm on the wrong side of the isle for that.
On an aside, where can I sign up for a cheesy nickname? Randall "Duke" Cunningham, Kyle "Dusty" Foggo, Irving Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Ah well, guess I'm on the wrong side of the isle for that.
"Duke-stir" Not Sunk Enough...Yet.
Corruption topped the list of concerns voters presented in the exit-polling this past November. Besides the whole Mark Foley incident, a B-I-G contributor to that notion was Randall "Duke" Cunningham, who resigned and was imprisoned promptly for shifting contracts to certain companies for a little something extra (to the tune of 2.4 million, a used Rolls, and his infamous yacht, "Duke-stir"). This link is a new article describing potential indictments that could rain down on those Cunningham ratted out in his plea agreement. Again, he has to be at least a source to point out as part of the reason Republicans lost power.
On an aside, where can I sign up for a cheesy nickname? Randall "Duke" Cunningham, Kyle "Dusty" Foggo, Irving Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Ah well, guess I'm on the wrong side of the isle for that.
On an aside, where can I sign up for a cheesy nickname? Randall "Duke" Cunningham, Kyle "Dusty" Foggo, Irving Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Ah well, guess I'm on the wrong side of the isle for that.
Doyle calls on congress to pass stem cell legislation
Gov. Jim Doyle is calling on Congress to pass legislation expanding government-financed embryonic stem cell research, despite President Bush's promise to veto it.
"I think the president's position is becoming more and more untenable," Doyle said Wednesday after meeting with Senate Democrats on the issue. "The political debate on this is over."
In response to Doyle's comments, the White House referred to a "statement of administration policy" on the stem cell legislation, which said the bill "would compel all American taxpayers to pay for research that relies on the intentional destruction of human embryos for the derivation of stem cells, overturning the president's policy that funds research without promoting such ongoing destruction."
In my personal opinion I do not believe that we should use federal money to fund such a morally controversial issue. I have no problem seeing the private sector develop this, and I believe Wisconsin would be a great place to start this. At this point in time, there are over 100 different cases that have benefited from adult stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research has yet to provide even one case, therefore it is hard to determine the affects it will have.
"I think the president's position is becoming more and more untenable," Doyle said Wednesday after meeting with Senate Democrats on the issue. "The political debate on this is over."
In response to Doyle's comments, the White House referred to a "statement of administration policy" on the stem cell legislation, which said the bill "would compel all American taxpayers to pay for research that relies on the intentional destruction of human embryos for the derivation of stem cells, overturning the president's policy that funds research without promoting such ongoing destruction."
In my personal opinion I do not believe that we should use federal money to fund such a morally controversial issue. I have no problem seeing the private sector develop this, and I believe Wisconsin would be a great place to start this. At this point in time, there are over 100 different cases that have benefited from adult stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research has yet to provide even one case, therefore it is hard to determine the affects it will have.
Speaker Pursues military flights
February 1, 2007
The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pressing the Bush administration for routine access to military aircraft for domestic flights, such as trips back to her San Francisco district, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The sources, who include those in Congress and in the administration, said the Democrat is seeking regular military flights not only for herself and her staff, but also for relatives and for other members of the California delegation. . Mrs. Pelosi's request is not new for a speaker, who is second-in-line in presidential succession. A defense source said the speaker's regular access to a military plane began after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican, who was speaker at the time, started using U.S. Air Force planes for domestic travel to and from his district for security reasons. A former Hastert aide said the congressman did not use military planes for political trips or regularly transport his family.
These requests were sighted for security purposes and good communications to conduct legislative business.
The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pressing the Bush administration for routine access to military aircraft for domestic flights, such as trips back to her San Francisco district, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The sources, who include those in Congress and in the administration, said the Democrat is seeking regular military flights not only for herself and her staff, but also for relatives and for other members of the California delegation. . Mrs. Pelosi's request is not new for a speaker, who is second-in-line in presidential succession. A defense source said the speaker's regular access to a military plane began after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican, who was speaker at the time, started using U.S. Air Force planes for domestic travel to and from his district for security reasons. A former Hastert aide said the congressman did not use military planes for political trips or regularly transport his family.
These requests were sighted for security purposes and good communications to conduct legislative business.
Biden Unwraps ‘08 Bid With an Oops!
It seems funny that this article comes out directly after we read about the growing vulnerabilities of American politicians. Joseph Biden Jr. said one thing that came out wrong and now he has to spend a day, that is a triumph for him (announcing he will run for the democratic ticket), explaining a comment he made that was actually meant to be in acomplimentary manner. Alo, in the article it says that democrats joked that he could be "remembered for the shortest- lived presidential campaign." What a way to be remembered. I would take it though, at least he got there. Mr. Obama jumped at the attention, and now Biden is in trouble amongst the black leaders. All in all this is a very humorous article. Mr. Biden spent most of the day explaining one sentence and not playing the role of the representative because he was worried about higher aspirations.
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