six down...

I can't believe it's been 5 days since my last post. To my diligent readers (you two know who you are) I apologize. But I'm back baby!

So, since the last time I posted, 6 cabinet secretaries have resigned, four of which announced their resignations today. They are:

Don Evans
Secretary of Commerce

Evans has been a "ok" Secretary of Commerce being the self-described "voice of business in government", except he is in the pocket of big oil. And since when has business needed a voice in government?

John Ashcroft
Attorney General

What can I really say about General Ashcroft that I haven't already said? Everyone be on the lookout for a Justice Ashcroft in the future...God save us from this Christian Soldier.

Colin Powell
Secretary of State

The one guy on the cabinet I really like...I feel bad for him having to tow the company line these past four years. I'd vote for him.

Rod Paige
Secretary of Education

No Child Left Behind...and he hired Tom Luna...enough said.

Spencer Abraham
Secretary of Energy

He's been the administration's bat boy for Yucca Mountain...and their refusal to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help the out of control price of oil and gas. Gotta love his smile though.

Ann Veneman
Secretary of Agriculture

Her bio has a gem of a policy statement, and I sums her up pretty well: "President Bush has often said that the spirit of the American farmer is emblematic of the spirit of America, signifying the values of hard work, faith and entrepreneurship. Secretary Veneman believes strongly in these principles." Can we say Presidential lackey?

I'm going to go out on one hell of a limb and say President Bush is not going to flood his cabinet with free thinkers and new ideas.

Case in point, White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales has been nominated to be Attorney General. You may have heard about Gonzales the last few years. He wrote a very amusing and devastating memo to President Bush supporting the classification of Prisoners of War as "Enemy Combatants" and denying them Geneva Convention protection. Well done.

Also, their are rumors that National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice will be the next Secretary of State. They are rumors, but if Drudge will report it, it must be true.

--Developing—

Thank You

Although there is great fodder for a partisan post today (Arafat, Gonzales , Fallujah, or HALO 2's $125 million first day), I will restrain myself to say something much more important: Thank You Veterans
and Happy Veterans DaySpecifically, I would like to thank:

my dad...1st Lt. Mike Eslinger, 2nd Armored Division, Vietnam

my grandfathers...Malcom Eslinger, U.S. Army Air Corp, WWII and Major "Tex" Autry, U.S. Army Engineers, WWII

my grandmother...Gladys Autry, civilian w/U.S. Army Air Corps

my uncles...Gerry Autry (Vietnam), Malcom Eslinger (Vietnam)

HALO 2

I apologize to anyone who wanted my 3 cents about burying Yassir Arafat alive, a future "Chief" Justice Clarence Thomas or Operation Phantom Fury...but HALO 2 comes out tonight and I have to get my mojo flowing. I'll catch you all tomorrow. Peace out.

It's only money...

The dollar has hit a record low against the Euro today. $50.00 American is only worth €38.68 (that's Euros). In other words, do not plan on any travel to Europe in the near future.

Here's one bad thing for the French-hating neo-cons out there: It will now cost you more money to buy French wine then pour it in the gutter as protest:

Have a good weekend and GO VANDALS!

+1 Day (a Mandate)

I congratulate President Bush for his victory. It's nice to see the Republican members (My 2 Cents, theANTILiberalBlog) of the "UI Blognet" are gracious with their win.

I would also like to congratulate Hamid Karzai, who was declare the winner of Afghanistan's first-ever presidential election today. It took until now for probe into vote fraud to find no grounds to invalidate his win in the October 9th election.

As I congratulate President Bush and other Republicans for their strong night, I remind them that I am not abandoning my beliefs. I still know that the Democratic principals of equality, diversity, safety, fiscal soundness, quality education, quality healthcare, excellent employment and good international relations will overcome the Republican principals of fear, hatred, warmongering, unilateralism, deficit spending, and unaccountability. I, as a member of the minority, will be ever vigilant in keeping you accountable, fair and just.

Oh, and contrary to what the Lone Ranger said on As many cents as needed, it does not suck to be a Democrat. In fact, it rocks.

Now on a more personal note, I also congratulate my peer over at My 2 Cents on his upcoming enlistment in the United States Navy. How do I know Mr. Johnston will be "Accelerating His Life" by joining the Navy?

Well, he said so in September while he was guest-hosting the Lori Roth Show on national radio (the supposed highest form of national discourse). You can listen here...go to 16 minutes and 50 seconds on the track for his pledge:

Lori Roth Show: September 6, 2004 (Hour 2)

Here is the transcript of what the UI Truth Detector told his national radio audience:

If George Bush is re-elected I will probably join the – join the Navy. Just for the sheer fact that that I want to serve my country…but that I wouldn’t feel comfortable…and if that makes me a coward then then so be it but…I wouldn’t feel comfortable serving under John Kerry. And maybe – And you know that’s the honest truth. That’s the honest truth. I would defend this country in Iraq if I knew George Bush was going to be president again, and you can hold me to that.

Well, just as I'm holding President Bush to govern with moderation and cooperation, I'm holding the nationally syndicated talk-show host over at My 2 Cents to his comments.

And to help the Lone Ranger along, I suggest he visit the Navy homepage to get some more information.

See the world...then vote Democratic in 2008.

0 Days (Kiss Me, I Voted)

It's yet another rainy, cold day in Moscow...but there is a silver lining. IT'S ELECTION DAY! Hopefully you have voted, or are going to vote. And because nothing more can be done to influence voting, enjoy this image of a cute dog that has nothing to do with anything:

1 day (vote...or the terrorists win)

So, it's quite cold and even more cold today (and the damn sun sets at 4:31 pm...thanks to standard time) and the nation will elect the 44th President tomorrow.

Unlike my "Editor & Publisher" counterpart Lone Ranger over at My 2 Cents, I will not waste time writing a fairly obvious and completely immature "endorsement."

I am just endorsing only one position today:VOTE