UPDATE II - Winning the War on Terror

President Bush "expanded" today on his "I don't think you can win it [the war on terror]" statement he made yesterday. See, when John Kerry changes his mind or says different things about whether or not he owns an SUV, it's a flip-flop. When the Commander-in-Chief says something much more serious about our ability to prevail in the war on terror, it's because he didn't have the opportunity to explain himself.

I, like Mr. Watson-Crick, had lunch with the Lone Ranger today. Mr. Ranger told me that the President (the most powerful man in the history of the world) had been pushed around by a reporter and that's why he said what he said...and not just any reporter, Matt Lauer of NBC's Today Show. Is it just me, or is it as incredibly alarming to everyone that the Commander-in-Chief of the United States can be intimidated by Matt Lauer?

Anyway, back to the President's "expansion" of his thoughts. To the American Legion's 86th Annual National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, the President said:

We meet today at a time of war for our country, a war we did not start, yet one that we will win.

and

In this different kind of war, we may never sit down at a peace table. But make no mistake about it, we are winning, and we will win. We will win by staying on the offensive. We will win by spreading liberty.

On the Rush Limbaugh "Excellence in Broadcasting" Show, President Bush discussed his comments. Here is the exchange:

RUSH: Let's talk about the American Legion convention. I watched your speech there this morning, and the Democrats are harping on something you said yesterday, or that was aired yesterday on the Today Show with Matt Lauer about your comment about we can't win it, meaning the war on terror. I think I know what you meant but John Edwards is out there saying (paraphrased), "A-ha! Bush is now flip-flopping, and we, John Kerry and I, we can win this, and Bush is..." What did you mean by this?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I appreciate you bringing that up. Listen, I should have made my point more clear about what I meant. What I meant was that this is not a conventional war. It is a different kind of war. We're fighting people who have got a dark ideology who use terrorists, terrorism, as a tool. They're trying to shake our conscience. They're trying to shake our will, and so in the short run the strategy has got to be to find them where they lurk. I tell people all the time, "We will find them on the offense. We will bring them to justice on foreign lands so we don't have to face them here at home," and that's because you cannot negotiate with these people. And in a conventional war there would be a peace treaty or there would be a moment where somebody would sit on the side and say we quit. That's not the kind of war we're in, and that's what I was saying. The kind of war we're in requires, you know, steadfast resolve, and I will continue to be resolved to bring them to justice, but as well as to spread liberty. And this is one of the interesting points of the debate, Rush, is that, you know, I believe societies can be transformed because of liberty, and I believe that Iraq and Afghanistan will be free nations, and I believe that those free nations right there in the heart of the Middle East will begin to transform that region into a more hopeful place, which in itself will be a detriment to the ability to these terrorists to recruit -- and that's what I was saying. I probably needed to be a little more articulate.


RUSH: Well, it's like saying that they're all over the world. You're not fighting a country here, a series of countries. You're fighting a movement that will hide out anywhere it can, and you're always going to have a renegade terrorist. Even if, let's say, we wipe out Al-Qaeda. There's some other group or individual that may spring up and blow up a bomb somewhere. That's always going to happen because it always has.

THE PRESIDENT: Right. Really what I was saying to Lauer was, is that this is not the kind of war where you sit down and sign a peace treaty. It's a totally different kind of war. But we will win it. Your listeners have got to know that I know we'll win it, but we're going to have to be resolved and firm, and we can't doubt what we stand for, and the long-term solution is to spread freedom. I love to tell the story, Rush, about a meeting with Prime Minister Koizumi. He's my friend. He's the prime minister of Japan. It wasn't all that long ago that my dad, your dad, and others dads were fighting against the Japanese, but because after World War II we believed that Japan could self-govern and could be democratic in its own fashion, Japan is no longer an enemy; it's a friend, and so I sit down with him to help resolve issues like the North Korean peninsula. In other words, we're working together to keep the peace. The same thing is going to happen in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that's when I say the transformational power of liberty. That's what I'm talking about.

RUSH: Well, I remember you also said in one of your first speeches after the 9/11 attacks that this is going to go maybe beyond one or even two terms that you might serve.

THE PRESIDENT: I think so. On the other hand, we're making great progress. Today at the Legion I said, "We're winning the war on terror, and we will win the war on terror." There's no doubt in my mind, so long as this country stays resolved and strong and determined, and by winning, I just would remind your listeners that Pakistan is now an ally in the war on terror. Saudi now takes Al-Qaeda seriously, and they're after the leadership. Libya is no longer got weapons of mass destruction. Afghanistan, I don't know if you've discussed this on your program, but there are over ten million people who have registered to vote in Afghanistan, which is a phenomenal statistic when you think about it. And then of course Iraq is now heading toward elections as well, and we're making progress. (bold italics my own)

Ok, I read those things, and I still don't know why, when asked "Can we win?" by Matt "the Intimidator" Lauer, the President didn't answer:

"Matt, you have to understand that this a new and different type of war. There will not be a peace treaty or armistice signed. Terrorists do not represent a nation in the traditional sense. Nevertheless, we will win this war. We have liberty, freedom and democracy on our side. We have history on our side. And we will prevail against those who would destroy us. Thank you for letting me explain. Oh, and by the way Matt, you aren’t as intimidating as Karl made you off to be. *wink*"

I guess we will never know. Let us never "misunderestimate" the intimidation factor of Matt Lauer ever again...

Republican Party "Reason"

So, I was perusing the web site for the Republican National Convention this morning. While I was trying to find the list of Idaho delegates, I came across the best graph I have ever seen in my entire mortal existence. I mean, this graph is awesome.

First, let me give you some context. The Republicans are touting an increase in ethnic minority delegates as evidence they are the party of tolerance and diversity. You can check out their special "Delegate Diversity" site here. This is how they begin:

When the Republican Party hosts its first-ever national convention in New York City next month, it will welcome the most diverse group of delegates in party history.

Under the steady and optimistic leadership of President George W. Bush, the Republican Party is celebrating a milestone achievement in our party's connection with America's minorities. Since the 2000 convention, there has been an estimated 70 percent increase among minority delegates. (bold original)

The site goes on to show how the Republican party is crawling up slowly from it's segregationist past. It's fun to see how they are able to spin the fact that they had nowhere to go but up when it comes to diverse delegate participation:

President Bush's policies are producing results for all Americans and minority voters are joining the ranks of Republicans across the nation working to re-elect our president. Republican minorities make up a record 17 percent of total delegates and alternates, up from 10 percent just four years ago. (bold original)

Ok, now for the amazing graph I hinted about earlier. Here is how the Republicans set up the graph:

Unlike the Democrat's quota system, the Republican Party's open process has garnered a percentage increase 4 times greater than the percentage increase of minorities at the Democrat Convention since 2000.

In comparison, the well documented Democrat Party quota system and slight increase in minority representation at the 2004 Democrat National Convention (as compared to 2000) also illustrates that minorities are connecting with the Republican Party. (bold original)

Here is that graph:
Percentage Increase Of Ethnically Diverse Delegates
between the 2000-2004 National Conventions
Wow. This graph really makes the Republicans seem diverse. It also makes the Democrats appear to be an old white male club. That is unless you use an once of common sense when looking at this graph.

Yes, the Republicans have had an increase of 70% the number of ethnic minority delegates from their 2000 convention. Of course, that massively huge increase (70%) means only 17% of delegates this year are ethnic minorities.

For all you common sense conservatives out there, the reason that graph is misleading is because the Democratic party was and has been incredibly diverse. It's one of the party’s strongest attributes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the Republican Party is diversifying it's delegates. But don't try passing your party off as the champion on minorities. Remember, in 2000, a mere one in ten delegates was an ethnic minority; you could only improve (and congratulations to Minnesota's first Hispanic delegate, an example of the most diverse Republican party convention in history).

UPDATE - Winning the War on Terror

Scott McClellan, White House Press Secretary, commented during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One about President Bush's comment:

I don't think you can win it [the war on terror]. But I think you can create conditions so that the - those who use terror as a tool are - less acceptable in parts of the world.

You can read my take on the President's change in position below.

Here was the exact exchange between a reporter and Mr. McClellan (from WhiteHouse.gov:

Q: Do you want to expand at all on the President's comments this morning on the "Today Show," about the war on terror?

MR. McCLELLAN: What about them?

Q: He said -- I'm paraphrasing here -- he said that it, specifically, could not be won, but you could make conditions safer for Americans.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he was talking about winning it in the conventional sense. That's what he was talking about. I mean, this -- you've often heard him talk about how this is a different kind of war. We face an unconventional enemy. And it's -- I don't think you can expect that there will ever be a formal surrender or a treaty signed, like we have in wars past. That's what he was talking about, when he was talking about that. It requires a generational commitment to win this war on terrorism. I think you heard him talk about his two-prong strategy, that we must continue to stay on the offensive and bring the terrorists to justice before they harm us. We also must work to advance freedom to defeat the ideologies of hatred and tyranny. So that's what he was talking about. You can't put a time frame on it, per se.

Let the spinning begin!

Winning the War on Terror

President Bush, in an interview with NBC's Today Show, broadcast to coincide with today's start of the Republican National Convention in New York, was asked:

Can we win [the war on terror]?

Here was the president's response:

I don't think you can win it. But I think you can create conditions so that the - those who use terror as a tool are - less acceptable in parts of the world.

So, the President of the United States does not believe we can win the war on terror. That's a little disconcerting, don't you think, for a President to say a war in unwinnable?

It is also terribly confusing when you consider that National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice said to the Institute of Peace on August 19th, 2004:

The values of freedom and democracy -- as much, if not more, than economic power and military might -- won the Cold War. And those same values will lead us to victory in the war on terror.

That is why it is President Bush's strong belief, and his strategy. America will fight and win the war on terror, because freedom is worth defending. (italics my own)

Or when President Bush said at a rally in Springfield, Missouri on July 30th, 2004:

We have a clear vision on how to win the war on terror and bring peace to the world. (italics my own)

Or when President Bush said in his weekly radio address on June 1, 2002:

Earlier today, I spoke to the graduating cadets of West Point, who will provide the ultimate service to our nation as we fight and win the war on terror. (italics my own)

Or when President Bush said to a rally in Charleston, West Virginia on January 22, 2002:

But I told the families that I've spoken to, by word and written letter, that this nation is doing the right thing, that we're seeds in history; that we refuse to be shaped by terror; that we will win the war on terror; and the cause of sacrifice is noble and it is just. (italics my own)

Or when President Bush said in a prime time press conference on April 13, 2004:

I plan on telling the American people that I've got a plan to win the war on terror. (italics my own)

I could go on and on and on...(these are from a simple Google search for bush "win the war on terror" and a WhiteHouse.gov search for "war on terror".

So, I would (accurately) describe this as a massive change in position by the president...or to use the neo-conservative lingo, a FLIP-FLOP.

But no, we should instead (according to the neo-cons) focus on Kerry saying "I own a SUV"..."I don't own a SUV"..."My wife owns a SUV." Which is more important to the United States I wonder?

"I'm a uniter, not a divider"

So, President Bush is a “uniter”...is that why 100,000+ people were in the streets of New York today protesting the president's policies and positions?

Well, Mr. President, you were right...you sure united those people (and millions more) in a common belief: John Kerry in 2004

Tone

President Bush was asked by USA Today yesterday:

What has been the biggest disappointment of your time in the White House?

Here was the president's response:

I think the most disappointing thing has been that Washington is a harsh environment. It's very political, and it is very much dominated by special interests, much more so than I envisioned when I went to Washington. I pledged to work to change the tone in Washington, and I'll continue to pledge to work to change the tone in Washington. (italics my own)

So, President Bush pledges to change the tone in Washington, and to continue to change the tone in Washington. That's very admirable...if only it was true. Let me give you a recent example:

Yesterday, Senator John Kerry invited President Bush to a series debates (beyond those of the Commission on Presidential Debates) this fall to be held every week from now until the November 2nd election. The debates would cover a new issue each week; from education, health care and homeland security to social security, tax cuts and the war in Iraq. Back to the issues...what a great idea (regardless of your political ideology).

My friend Doc over at As many cents as needed hit it right on the head today with his post Swift Boat Veterans for Truth: "I am asking that everybody focus back on the issues and start talking about the issues that matter to the future of the United States." Doc, John Kerry agrees with you and has offered a great way to discuss the issues that effect us all.

Now, one would think, since President Bush wants to "change the tone" and focus on the issues, he would be gung-ho about...I don't know...changing the tone and focusing on the issues. Well, here is the response Bush-Cheney campaign spokesman Steve Schmidt gave to the weekly debate idea:

There will be a time for debates after the convention, and during the next few weeks, John Kerry should take the time to finish the debates with himself.

This election presents a clear choice to the American people between a president who is moving America forward and a senator who has taken every side of almost every issue.

You know, I just don't have the energy anymore to point out or make fun of the president's hypocrisy about his tone. Luckily for you, it's so blatantly obvious that I'm sure you can make up your own joke, bit, gag or ode to the president’s two-facedness. I encourage anyone who thinks of a great rib-tickler to comment on the post, and share the laughter with everyone.

The hypocrisy of it all...

My 2 Cents, First you say, "I don't question Kerry's military service." Then you question his military service and the valor attached to his Silver Star Award. The hypocrisy of it all...

For those of you who are interested in knowing what the Lone Ranger is rambling about, you can read the form in question here.

My 2 Cents, let me answer your three questions now:

(1) how did the "v" get behind the silver star on Kerry's DD-214

I'm going to go out on a limb and offer a common sense answer: T. VANSTIYDONCK (the officer who wrote up the form) screwed up on the DD214. He probably just copied the WITH COMBAT "V" from the line above. Easy to do…and guess what, there's no malicious intent.

(2) if it was forged and now found out, why has Kerry allowed it to remain

First, it wasn't forged (and you have absolutely no support or evidence backing that claim (except your morbid hope of a scandal or conspiracy).

Secondly, it is not an issue. Senator Kerry's bio on his campaign web site doesn't list a 'V' with his Silver Star.

Third, the service member has nothing to do with what goes on his/her DD214, that form comes from official records. Either the citation was fouled up or the person who prepared his DD214 fouled up. In either case, it isn't John Kerry's error and he's never claimed the COMBAT "V."

Finally, I hope you don't expect other people (besides you and Drudge) to remove things from their sites after they are questioned. Case in point, I questioned your two posts titled "KERRY LIED" and "HE LIED AGAIN..." on Tuesday and now they are gone. Where did they go Lone Ranger? They were there, now they arn't.

(3) why hasn't any national media besides G. Gordon Liddy picked this up? I would think that if this were George Bush the story would be all over...

I think you answered your own question their. G. Gordon Liddy is an ideological hack and it about as incredible (and I don’t mean extraordinary, I mean unbelievable) a source as one can come up with (besides maybe the Center for Reclaiming America). What would the story be?

"32 years ago, a yeoman accidentally copied WITH COMBAT "V" on a form after an award John Kerry did earn for valor. In addition, Senator Kerry has never claimed to have earned a Silver Star with Combat V. Besides the Silver Star, Senator Kerry has earned a Bronze Star with Combat V and three Purple Hearts."

Give me a break.

My 2 Cents, if your original post, "KERRY LIED" (which has now been deleted), was not from the Drudge Report, why was it formatted in the exact way Drudge formats his lies? Why was is posted mear minutes before another of your posts, "HE LIED AGAIN..." (which has now also been deleted)? The second post had an identical format to the first, and was citing the Drudge Report specifically.

One last thing. How dare you, an "auxiliary member of the Vietnam Veterans of America," question the valor, heroism or service of someone who served in the U.S. Navy for four years, and who served in Vietnam for six months?

The hypocrisy of it all...

"BREAKING NEWS" and Liars

The last two posts of My 2 Cents have stated: "KERRY LIED" and "HE LIED AGAIN..." about his distinguished record in Vietnam. Henry "Lone Ranger" Johnston used the Drudge Report as his one and only source for those statements. Let me explain something to Mr. Ranger:

Matt Drudge, threw the Drudge Report, does not need to provide evidence for any of his "breaking news" or "flash" claims. I understand that breaking news is empirically inaccurate, it's just a fact of life. However, Drudge can just make sh** up with no evidence whatsoever. All Drudge has to say is "...Developing..." at the end of a story and he say say anything and get away with it. It's free speech, but it's sleazy to claim it's news.

For example, take the two posts made on My 2 Cents. The first one...

BREAKING NEWS... Kerry may have forged PDF document of DD-214 on official campaign website... according to sources there is "no way in hell" that anyone would ever be awarded a "V" for valor with a silver star... Developing...

...does not even appear on the Drudge Report anymore. Why is that? Because it was full of sh**.

The second one...

FLASH: 'SWIFT BOAT VETERANS FOR TRUTH' RAISED $1,764,000 IN DONATIONS ON WEBSITE IN PAST 2 WEEKS, SOURCES TELL DRUDGE...

Kerry's campaign now says is possible first Purple Heart was awarded for unintentional self-inflicted wound...

Kerry received Purple Heart for wounds suffered on 12/2/68...

In Kerry's own journal written 9 days later, he writes he and his crew, quote, 'hadn't been shot at yet'... Developing...

...gives no evidence nor any supporting facts. There is a claim, but no warrant, and no evidence.

My 2 Cents, it's fine for you to read Drudge, and it's fine for Drudge to write whatever the hell he wants. You cross the line when you pass the Drudge Report off as news, or use unsubstantiated claims as evidence.

These are those superior debating skills you trumpet? Give me a break...I ain't buying it.

Capitalism

I'm pleased to announce the 3rd cent store! Now you can spend all your hard earned money on crap that says the 3rd cent (as opposed the beer you would have bought). You can check it out at the link to the right -->

Just think, in 10 minutes you could be the proud owner of a 3rd cent thong! How can you live without one? I know I can't...ugh. Sorry. Anyway, you should get one right now!

On a political note, I would like to point out to my detractors (including Henry "Lone Ranger" Johnston) that I am, in fact, a capitalist and I've priced the merchandise at the 3rd cent store above the base cost price. So much for socialism..

Another look at "American" Brand Freedom

Here is another photo of the United States Freedom Squad (U.S. Air Force) blowing up that building in today in Najaf:
Behold the Awesome Power of Freedom

Grade-A "American" Brand Freedom

So, my conservative blogging counterparts at My 2 Cents and theANTILiberalBlog 10th Cent continue to believe and spout on about the situation in Iraq. Let's take a gander at what they are saying:

"Troops in Iraq is helping create Democracy." - theANTILiberalBlog, yesterday

"We liberated 50 million Iraqi citizens, removed a brutal dictator, and neutralized the threat that he represented." - My 2 Cents, last week

Huh, that is interesting. Here is a photo, from today, which shows a building being blown apart by an American air strike...is this part of our effort to "create Democracy?":

In addition, here are other developments in Iraq from the last day (from CNN.com):

▪The United Nations Thursday held events in several nations in memory of victims of last year's terrorist bombing of U.N. headquarters in Baghdad. Thursday is the anniversary of the attack, which killed 22 people, including top U.N. envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello, and injured more than 100 others. In addition to Baghdad, U.N. officials held observances in New York, Switzerland and Jordan.

▪A mortar Thursday struck the roof of a building housing the office of John Negroponte, U.S. ambassador to Iraq, wounding two people, a U.S. Embassy spokesman said. Negroponte was not in the building at the time, said spokesman Bob Callahan. The building is in Baghdad's Green Zone, a compound of governmental headquarters.

▪Two Polish soldiers were killed and five injured when their vehicles crashed early Thursday as they were trying to escape an ambush in the central Iraqi city of Hillah, a military spokesman said. (Full story)

▪Armed militants Wednesday said they would kill a Western journalist who was kidnapped in Iraq if U.S. forces do not withdraw from Najaf within 48 hours. In a videotape aired on Al-Jazeera, journalist Micah Garen, 36, was surrounded by five armed, masked militants. Garen was kidnapped last Friday in the southern city of Nasiriya while working on a documentary on antiquities in Iraq. (Full story)

▪A U.S. soldier was killed Wednesday when a patrol was attacked in eastern Baghdad and a Marine died after a vehicle accident in western Iraq's Al Anbar province, the U.S. military said. The number of U.S. troops killed in the Iraq war stood at 951 as of Wednesday. Of those, 709 have died in hostile action and 242 from nonhostile activity, according to the U.S. military.

▪Two detainees were killed and five others were wounded Wednesday during a fight involving more than 200 prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison on the outskirts of Baghdad, according to the coalition press office. A news release said "lethal force" was used after verbal warnings and "nonlethal rounds" failed to break up the brawl.

▪An Army report will recommend that approximately two dozen military intelligence personnel face possible disciplinary action in the Abu Ghraib abuse scandal, military sources said. The report, expected to be released as early as next week, will find that the abuse was not ordered by senior commanders as part of approved interrogation practices, the sources said. (Full story)

▪In Mosul, at least six Iraqis were killed and 21 others were wounded Wednesday when a missile struck the main commercial center, police said.

Some peace and freedom. Supporting the troops and supporting the war is one thing, ignoring facts and events for a political soundbite is another.

Know Thy Enemy

Even though I'm 2,000 miles away from Illinois, they senate campaign there deserves attention. Democratic State Senator Barack Obama is running for an open U.S. Senate seat against former presidential candidate Alan Keyes. It is the first time ever that two black men are running against each other for a U.S. Senate seat.

Anyway, Keyes has made truly disgusting comment saying Monday that those who believe in a women's constitutionally protected right to choose are not only evil, but also no different from terrorists.

On May 4th, before he was a senate candidate, Keyes said:

"Now, you think it's a coincidence that on Sept. 11th, 2001, we were struck by terrorists an evil that has at its heart the disregard of innocent human life? We who have for several decades killed not thousands but scores of millions of our own children, in disregard of the principle of innocent human life -- I don't think that's a coincidence, I think that's a warning. I don't think that's a coincidence, I think that's a shot across the bow.

"I think that's a way of Providence telling us, "I love you all; I'd like to give you a chance. Wake up! Would you please wake up?"

On Monday, Keyes explained on that statement saying:

"What distinguishes the terrorist from the ordinary warrior, is that the terrorist will consciously target innocent human life. What is done in the course of an abortion? . . . Someone consciously targets innocent human life.

"As I often point out to folks, the evil is the same. And that means, quite frankly, in fighting the war against terror, as I have often put it to audiences, the evil that we fight is but the shadow of the evil that we do."

Keyes's opponent, democrat Barack Obama, responded:

"I think it's a deeply troubling statement," Obama said. "To suggest that somehow the slaughter of innocent people in New York and in Washington was somehow brought about as a consequence of women exercising their reproductive freedom is not the way most people here in Illinois think."

Well put Mr. Obama.

Let's not forget however, that statements along the lines of Alan Keyes's are not new to Republican and conservative leaders. On April 25, as more than a million women were marching on Washington in support of women's rights, key Bush advisor Karen Hughes said:

"I think that after September 11, the American people are valuing life more and we need policies to value the dignity and worth of every life. President Bush has worked to say, "let's be reasonable, let's work to value life, let's reduce the number of abortions, let's increase adoptions." And I think those are the kinds of policies the American people can support, particularly at a time when we're facing an enemy and, really, the fundamental issue between us and the terror network we fight is that we value every life."

And president Bush supporter and Republican Party activist Rev. Jerry Falwell said on September 13, 2001:

"The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked. And when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen'."

Know Thy Enemy, thy name is "Compassionate Conservatism."

New What the F*** Statements

President Bush was at a Boeing defense plant today in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. Besides talking about his support for the National Missile Defense system which is built at the plant (for my position on NMD, read my post Star Wars: Attack of the Rogue Nations)

During his speech, he said a few things which really confused me, and they are the Bush What the F*** Statements of Tuesday, August 17, 2004:

On NMD, the president said, "we say to those tyrants who believe they can blackmail America and the free world: 'you fire, we're going to shoot it down'."

"They're living in the past. We're living in the future." That is pretty impressive Mr. President considering you don't even own a Delorean.

First, the president said, "And as a result of some brave Americans and coalition troops, the Taliban no longer exists in Afghanistan." Then, two paragraphs later, he said, "They were voter registration people and they got drug off the bus by some remnants of the Taliban..." So the Taliban no longer exists yet the Taliban still kills people?

This last quote isn't quite a traditional what the f*** moment, but it is reveling:

"I realize we didn't find the stockpiles we thought we would find. But I want you to remember, Saddam had the capability of making weapons..."

So, 950 American servicemen/women deaths, 10,000+ Iraqi military deaths, 11,000+ Iraqi civilian deaths and $128 billion to stop Saddam's "capability?" Pardon me while I say WHAT THE F***!

Acting Presidential...it's harder than you think

President Bush was at a "Victory 2004" dinner last Thursday at the Municipal Airport in Santa Monica, California. I here the Municipal Airport is the hottest social spot in Santa Monica, so the President was lucky to get booked there...

Also at the airport dinner was the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. After being introduced, the President said what is quite possibly the most presidential thing ever said by a president who was sitting president at the time.

In other words, it was pretty damn presidential. In fact, it's so presidential, it deserves great praise...here it is:

I'm also proud to be here with the Governor of California. He's a -- because he and I share a lot in common.

Ok, my interest is peaked...I wonder what President Bush and Governor Schwarzenegger have in common?

We both married above ourselves...

Duuuh...funny...I guess?

...we both have trouble with the English language...

That would be funny if it weren't so frightening. May I remind everyone that the Governator is nationalized Austrian who speaks English as a second language...the President is a Yale-educated American. Finally:

...we both have big biceps -- well, two out of three aren't bad.

I don't know Mr. President, you could probably hold your own...

Master Debaters Part II

About a month ago I let you all know the schedule for the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates this fall in the post Master Debaters. Today, the Commission on Presidential Debates announced the moderators for those debates. Here are the moderators:
- ELECTION 2004 DEBATE MODERATORS -

First Presidential Debate
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Thursday, September 30

Jim Lehrer
Anchor and Executive Editor, The NewsHour, PBS
----
Second Presidential Debate
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
Friday, October 8

Charles Gibson
Co-Anchor, ABC News Good Morning America
----
Third Presidential Debate
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Wednesday, October 13

Bob Schieffer
CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, and Moderator, Face the Nation
----
Vice Presidential Debate
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH
Tuesday, October 5

Gwen Ifill
Senior Correspondent, The NewsHour, and Moderator, Washington Week, PBS

Democratic Spin Machine

Well, the Democratic Party has done it again. First (at least according to My 2 Cents) the democrats forced the resignation and public outing of New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey to take attention away from the old (and debunked) news of Swift Board Veterans for Truth and their book "Unfit for Command."

Now, (at least according to no one [and no one is just as qualified as My 2 Cents on this matter]) the democrats are at it again. I (as a democrat) give you category 4 Hurricane Charley:
After making Gov. McGreevey "fall on the sword," DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe, Senator Clinton and other top democrats are making Florida "fall on the sword" and get hit by a major hurricane...all in an effort to keep some baseless kooks off Hannity & Colmes.

Mark one up for common sense! Coming up soon in the democratic effort to have media outlets report actual news...the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens:

Smart... Sexy... Liberal...

Like I've said for months on my profile, "There's nothing more fun than a lovable liberal." Ain’t it the truth?

Now there is a chance to complete the second part of my statement, "except two lovable liberals..." Presenting DemDates.com:
The place for "good men" to meet smart, sexy, and liberal gals, and vise versa. Not only is it a dating services, but it is also a forum for forming new friendships, networking and campaigning among "young America."

DemDates.com explains...

Relationships are hard enough! DemDates.com understands that sticking with left-leaners makes everything simpler, but also appreciates the value of political discussion among friends and on dates. CNN quotes college students who put politics "off limits" in their relationships, but DemDates.com encourages friends to motivate each other to take interest in the political process and to recognize the perks of stepping into their Democratic community.

Keep in mind, however, that even though we're all Democrats, we may have differing views. While we encourage free speech, remember, you can safely assume the people you are meeting are on your side of the spectrum. Take a break from defending your beliefs and take the time to browse through the profiles instead.

Let your love flow!

Innocent Civilians

I doesn't take a lot of common sense to know that innocent civilians die in wars. Guess what, the White House is one step away from claiming that the "War on Terror" and the "Liberation of Iraq" produced no innocent civilian casualties. Check it out:

From White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan's August 9th Press Briefing:

Q The President said at the community college that the people who we're fighting are cruel, have no conscience, and kill innocent people. And my question is, during our two wars in the last three years, have we killed any innocent people?

MR. McCLELLAN: The United States military goes to great lengths to make sure that we minimize any loss of innocent human life, and they go out of their way to make sure that that happens. This administration is strongly committed to making sure we do everything we can to minimize the loss of innocent human life.

Q I didn't ask you that. I asked you if we have killed any innocent people.

MR. McCLELLAN: And I would point out that this -- that the war in Iraq was one where we were able to target and remove a brutal regime from power while minimizing any collateral damage --

Q Did we kill any innocent people?

MR. McCLELLAN: -- or loss of innocent human life. We certainly do not target innocent human civilians. And there are terrorists and others in Iraq, former regime elements who do target innocent civilians, innocent Iraqis. They are enemies of freedom and peace. What we have done --

Q Seventy thousand tons of bombs --

MR. McCLELLAN: -- is liberated the Iraqi people and provided hope for innocent Iraqis.

Q How about the people who are dead?

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead [next question]

So, the Bush administration (through Press Secretary McClellan) won't talk about innocent civilian deaths in Iraq? Spin is one thing, but this refusal to tell the truth (a refusal to even admit that Americans have killed Iraqi civilians) is totally irresponsible. To "support" freedom and democracy with one hand while refusing to participate in the most important aspect of democracy (the truthful disclosure of facts to all citizens so they can make informed choices) with the other hand is inexcusable.

Well, for those of you who want to know the truth about Iraqi civilian casualties, here is the worldwide updated number of reported civilian deaths in the Iraq war and the following occupation (from Iraq Body Count)
Min - - - - Max

Now we can wait for the conservatives out there to say I'm "bad-mouthing our troops" and "giving aid to the enemy."

Ask President Bush

An "Ask President Bush" was an event held by the Bush-Cheney campaign yesterday in Columbus, Ohio. Here are some of the hard-hitting and thought-provoking questions asked of our commander-in-chief:

"We wanted to know what you have planned for our generation to stop violence and increase the goodness of our culture?" asked one young man.

"I was just wondering, do you feel that your faith has been beneficial to your decision-making process?" asked another attendee. "And if so, how?"

Another woman wanted to know how people could stop judges "who find in favor of relationships between homosexuals?"

And now, the best question of the event, asked by the last person called upon:

"Mr. President, I don't have a question." After that amazingly tough inquiry, the Bush fan proceeded to criticize the president, obviously having some deep reservations about his efforts as president. "Thanks for accepting the call and answering the call to work for what's right in the country and in the world."

from the New York Times.

Malapropism (aka Bushism)

mal•a•prop•ism: n, the usually unintentional humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase; especially the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously wrong in the context.

President Bush gave the world another Bushism today during a bill signing ceremony for a new $417 billion defense appropriations bill that includes $25 billion in emergency funding for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. At least, I hope it was a malapropism...

Here is a video capturing the beautiful moment in all its glory (from the smoking gun):

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." - President George Walker Bush

White House press secretary Scott McClellan said the Bushism "just shows even the most straightforward and plain-spoken people misspeak...the American people know this president speaks with clarity and conviction, and the terrorists know by his actions he means it."

Wait, so the terrorists know by Bush’s own actions that the he means it when he says he is thinking up with new ways to harm us and our nation? Well, who am I to question the White House press secretary?

Onward Christian Soldiers...be sure to bring your conviction, common sense, clarity and that plain-spoken style with you as you think "about new ways to harm our country and our people."

Political Clout

Ralph Nader had his hope to get the California Peace and Freedom Party's nomination for president destroyed yesterday. He lost the nomination to someone who is jail (and therefore cannot assume the presidency). Now that's political clout. You can read about it here.

What is the California Peace and Freedom Party and what does it stand for you ask? Well, here you go (from the California Peace and Freedom Party website):

The Peace and Freedom Party of California, founded in 1967, is committed to socialism, democracy, ecology, feminism and racial equality. We organize toward a world where cooperation replaces competition, a world where all people are well fed, clothed and housed; where all women and men have equal status; where all individuals may freely endeavor to fulfill their own talents and desires; a world of freedom and peace where every community retains its cultural integrity and lives with all others in harmony. We offer this summary of our immediate and long-range goals:

• Double the minimum wage, and index it to the cost of living.
• Guarantee the right of all workers to organize and to strike; forbid striker replacement.
• Socially useful jobs for all at union pay levels.
• Equal pay for equal work, and for work of comparable worth.
• A 30-hour work week with no cut in weekly pay; longer paid vacations.
• Guaranteed dignified income for those who cannot work.
• A Universal Basic Income to alleviate poverty and homelessness.
• Tax the income and assets of the rich to meet human needs.
• International trade agreements must guarantee the protection of workers and the environment in all participating countries; abolish NAFTA, GATT and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• End homelessness; abolish vagrancy laws; provide decent affordable housing for all.
• Social ownership and democratic control of industry, financial institutions, and natural resources.

• The United States should take the initiative toward global disarmament (BOLD) by eliminating nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Withdraw U. S. troops and weapons from other countries, and reallocate the resulting "peace dividend" for social benefit.
• Abolish the CIA, NSA, AID and other agencies for interference in other countries' internal affairs.
• Convert from a military to a peace-oriented economy, with jobs for displaced workers.
• Self-determination for all nations and peoples of the world, including Puerto Rico and all U.S. territories.

• Defend and extend liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
• End discrimination based on race, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
• Restore affirmative action, guarantee full education and employment rights for all.

• Abolish the death penalty.
• No prison labor for private profit.

• Support the right of working people to keep and bear arms.
• Democratic elections through proportional representation; full political, social and economic rights for resident non-citizens.
• Honor treaties with Native American nations, recognize California's Native American nations. Defend and extend Native American rights and sovereignty.
• Provide full free quality public education through university level. Teach the history of workers' struggles and labor's creation of society's wealth and progress. Restore and strengthen bilingual education.

• Uncensored government funding for ordinary people to create and enjoy art.
• Scientific and technological research to benefit ordinary people, not the capitalists.
• Free high-quality health care for everyone, including birth control, abortion, pre-natal and childhood health care. No forced sterilizations.
• Legalize marijuana, decriminalize drug use, and make substance abuse treatment freely available.
• Give special attention to preventing epidemics of, communicable diseases such as AIDS. Guarantee the rights of people living with AIDS.

• Restore and protect air, water, land and ecosystems.
• Promote conservation and develop solar and other renewable energy to replace nuclear power and fossil fuels.
• End environmental racism: no toxic dumping in anyone's back yard.
• Massive development of public transportation available free or at nominal fares.
• Outlaw clear cutting and protect remaining old-growth forests.
• Promote an environmentally sound agricultural system which meets human needs and protects farm workers' labor rights and standard of living.

I've think I've been backing the wrong party...wait...no, these people are just kooky...in a red-eyed stoner sort of way. Don't get me wrong, I applaud their right to be kooky. I just can't believe Ralph Nader went whoring to them for signatures. American politics at its finest.

to quote My 2 Cents: "May God Bless the" California Peace and Freedom Party.

Bert & Ernie (not just "roommates" anymore)

You may want to note the change to the Muppet Terror Alert Level on the right side of this blog ->

You can read about the specific threat and the increased alert level at the Department of Homeland Security.
Remember, a frightened nation is a safe nation!

Our Plan for America

Last week, theANTILiberalBlog 10th Cent asked me "Hey Author of the 3rd cent, since you have taken a pledge to vote for Kerry, what does he stand for????" Well, here is the answer (from the John Kerry.com):- Our Plan for America -
Sen. John Kerry & Sen. John Edwards
Restore America's Respect in the World and Make us Independent of Mideast Oil

Today, we face four great challenges above all others - First, to win the global war against terror; Second, to stop the spread of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons; Third, to promote democracy, freedom, and opportunity around the world, starting by winning the peace in Iraq; Fourth, end our dependence on Mideast oil. To meet these challenges, Kerry and Edwards will:

* Launch and Lead A New Era Of Alliances.
The threat of terrorism demands alliances on a global scale - to utilize every available resource to get the terrorists before they can strike us. Kerry-Edwards will lead a coalition of the able - because no force on earth is more able than the United States and its Allies.

* Modernize The World's Most Powerful Military To Meet New Threats.
Kerry-Edwards will ensure that our forces are fully prepared for the dangerous and vital missions they may face, and that America's military always remains second to none. We must extend our capabilities to better face new threats of terrorism, failed states and homeland defense.

* Deploy All That Is In America's Arsenal.
The war on terror cannot be won by military might alone. Kerry - Edwards will deploy all the forces in America's arsenal - our diplomacy, our intelligence system, our economic power, and the appeal of our values and ideas - to make America more secure and prevent a new generation of terrorists from emerging.

* Free America From Its Dangerous Dependence On Mideast Oil.
To secure our full independence and freedom, we must free America from its dangerous dependence on Mideast oil. By tapping American ingenuity, we can achieve that goal while growing our economy and protecting our environment. Kerry-Edwards will create a new energy and conservation trust fund to accelerate the development of innovative technologies, such as more efficient cars and trucks, the development of biofuels, and creating clean, secure, hydrogen-based energy. Kerry-Edwards will also expand the supply of natural gas, assure 20% of electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020, and make clean coal part of our energy solution.

Create New Jobs, Strengthen the Middle Class, and Ensure Educational Opportunity

* Reward Companies that Create Jobs in America.
The Kerry-Edwards plan will end tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas and use the savings to reduce the corporate tax rate by 5 percent, cutting taxes for 99 percent of corporations. The Kerry-Edwards plan also includes a New Jobs Tax Credit for new hiring in manufacturing, other businesses affected by outsourcing, and small businesses.

* Strengthen the Middle Class.
As incomes decline and costs rise, families are having a hard time paying their bills, let alone saving for tomorrow. Health care costs are up by nearly 50 percent, college tuition has increased by 35 percent, and gas prices have skyrocketed. A Kerry-Edwards administration will provide relief to middle class families by cutting taxes and investing in health care and education.

* Invest in the Jobs of the Future.
To keep America competitive for the future, a Kerry-Edwards administration will invest in research and technology and provide tax credits to unleash innovation in broadband, energy and small business. They will also provide a tax credit on up to $4,000 for each of four years of college tuition. And they will work for responsible immigration laws that honor America's promise and strengthen America's economy and security.

* Restore Fiscal Discipline to Washington.
Kerry and Edwards have a record of fiscal discipline that is absent in this administration, and they have promised to live within the budget principles that helped lead this nation to balance the budget. Their plan will cut the deficit in half in four years, increasing economic confidence and keep interest rates from rising.

Provide High-Quality Health Care, Improve Education, and Strengthen Families

* Up to $1,000 of Health Care Premium Relief
The Kerry-Edwards plan will provide relief for employers who offer their employees quality health coverage by helping out with certain high cost health cases - saving families up to $1,000 per year.

* A Health Plan for Every Child
The Kerry-Edwards plan will pick up the full cost of the more than 20 million children enrolled in Medicaid. In exchange, states will expand eligibility for children's health coverage and low-income adults and enroll every child automatically.

* Manage Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
The Kerry-Edwards plan will improve health outcomes while reducing health care costs by cutting administrative costs, waste, fraud, and abuse; enhancing disease management efforts; and reforming malpractice insurance.

* World Class Education
The Kerry-Edwards plan will support more resources and more reform in our schools. The plan will fully fund the No Child Left Behind Act so students have smaller classes and more textbooks. The plan will make reform work for our schools, supporting innovations in public schools like smaller schools, all-girls schools focused on math and science, and charter schools. And the plan will invest in afterschool programs so that 3.5 million children have a safe, quality place to go after school.

* Every Classroom Has a Great Teacher
The Kerry-Edwards plan will raise teacher pay, especially in the schools and subjects where great teachers are in the shortest supply, and will improve teachers' professional development and training opportunities. At the same time, the plan will create rigorous new tests for new teachers; provide higher pay for teachers who have extra skills and excel in helping children learn; and ensure fast, fair procedures for improving or removing teachers who do not perform well on the job, while preserving protections from arbitrary dismissal.

* Every Young Person Graduates
Today 3 in 10 young people do not finish high school, and half of Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans don't graduate. Kerry-Edwards will keep better track of graduation rates to hold schools accountable for raising them; will offer more tutoring and mentoring to at-risk youth; will make big high schools smaller when they are not working for their students; and will strengthen the high school curriculum so all students can graduate with a meaningful diploma.

You can read the entire book here: Our Plan for America.