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Third Quarter of 2008 July 2008 ... August 2008 ... September 2008
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07/12/08 'If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a
state of civilization, it expects what never was and never
will be.' -- Thomas Jefferson" Appologies to everyone, last weeks post was not made.
I was ou a vacation, of sorts. Here are a couple of quotes: "Every tick upwards in
the price of oil says no. Every day that passes makes an
attack on Iran harder to pull off" and "even where
there's a will, there may not be a way." These
in a nutshell sum up the article's purpose, that any attack
on Iran could be far to costly to bear and unlikely to
render any beneficial result. (071108f) Then
too, frighteningly and not surprisingly the concluding line
is "And yet, of course, for the maddest gamblers and
dystopian dreamers in our history, never say never" The
war on terror's home front gets some practice in
(071008l) You
Tube users are targeted for "data collection" who is next?
(071008n) Shane, of The New York Times: "The military trainers
who came to Guantanamo Bay in December 2002 based an entire
interrogation class on a chart showing the effects of
'coercive management techniques' for possible use on
prisoners, including 'sleep deprivation,' 'prolonged
constraint,' and 'exposure.' What the trainers did not
say, and may not have known, was that
their chart had been copied verbatim from a 1957 Air Force
study of Chinese Communist techniques used during the Korean
War to obtain confessions, many of them false, from American
prisoners." (071008g) How
the US does a "practice run" for anti-terrorist
activities-throw out a net fine enough and you'll
find those with tickets, parole violators, illegal
immigrants and such like and so forth-everyone gets to be a
suspect in this scenario (063008d) A very broad overview
of the interlaced crises that are forming a deadly web that
threaten humanity as a whole. One way or the other
time grows short. (062808c) A few stories about the
interface between returning veterans and the society they
fought to protect. (062808d) Jason Straziuso, of The Associated Press:
"Militants killed more US and NATO troops in Afghanistan in
June than in Iraq for the second straight month, a grim
milestone Europe: The
housing bubble's deflation in Merry Olde Englande seems to
be getting underway. Their downturn may be
larger that that in the US but less than that of Japans
which saw a 70% decline over a period of 10 years or so.
(071208d) Poland and the US "get together" on missile defense.
But there is also a sweetener involved, the
US and Euroland want to keep an eye on Russia
(071008w) "Muddle East" Central Theater: Gaza-Israel -
Jordan-Lebanon-Palestine-Syria The saber rattling is amplified, this
article suggests that "time is running out" for a preemptive
attack on Iran both in the US and Israel for political
reasons. I believe that, if a war is to
erupt, it will be full of surprises. I fear that it will
spread and, as in WW1, nearly a century ago, grow large,
involve sets of nations in opposition to each other and
result in considerable changes in the world's political
map. (071108a) Israel: Maybe
one does not need bombs to kill. Is this the next
adaptation? (071008j) A brief on a book by a CIA agent who calls the shots
as they appear … so of course his ideas will go
nowhere. (071008a) Israel
and the US do not have identical interests. Greater Islamic Region: Eastern Theater:
Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia Another
report of an impending US attack on Iran,
this one is slightly different and so it gets some
coverage; all I can say is "time will tell"
(063008d) While this story has a focus on Iran-it is in context
with the wider concerns of the region and the "war on
terror". Much
is covered, the covert and special ops ongoing in Iran and
the nature of the US "allies" inside Iran
(062908c) Meanwhile an
Iranian military official talks about shutting off the oil
flow in the event of an attack among other
options (062908d) Afghanistan: One person's good news is another's bad news.
The
stalemate in this country has its benefits.
(071208c) Iraq: There may be signs that the Iraqi government,
something of an Iranian surrogate, is
now making its own moves and demands which the US will have
to listen to, maybe even accede to?
(071208d) The old song went "should
I stay or should I go now?" Well it seems Iraq has an answer
for us and it is not the one Bush the dumber
wants. (071108g) Hey,
there may be even MORE oil in Iraq than previously
thought, and despite counter claims OIL is
the reason we are there and, well, guess what, US plans,
goals, benchmarks and oil companies are all still messed
up (071108b) We have ended terrorism in Baghdad was, in sum,
what the Iraq government declared one day, but the next,
well there was a lack
of proof for that, to say the least.
(071008s) Do we, supporters of Democracy and an Independent Iraq,
want a
referendum on the presence of US forces in that
country? (071008c) For some time now the "news" has been about the success
in Iraq. The violence being down, IED's down, attack numbers
are also down. As has been mentioned before the surge is
given credit even though many other factors, equally or more
important, are given short shrift. This
article takes a closer look at the "urge to surge" and what
"success" looks like today (063008b) Iran: We
will NOT let Iran shut the Persian Gulf down.
That is the word, not unexpected, however.
(071008o) CIA
agent reports that "the agency" stifled itself
regarding reports that Bush the dumber, it would
seem, would not like. (071008d) The
US gets help from a group allied to Al Qaida in its efforts
to "deal" with Iran's government (062808) Pakistan: A set of tales in the post 9/11 "Pakistan front" in
the GWOT. How
infighting inside or between US agencies have muted the
effectiveness of the "war effort"
(062808) Although there is a story about a Pakistani army
attack in the Khyber agency, this
story shows that serious problems exist in the city of
Peshawar (062808b) Here
is more on the government attacks in the Khyber area.
Militants say they'll suspend their peace talks
… one wonders about the prospect of escalation but only
time will tell. (063008a) Nicaragua: Peru: Everything
is fine at a large plant in California, no
problems, nothing at all is wrong here, move along, move
along. (071008r) Drought,
wildfires, global warming and water supply … an
emerging concern that may only grow worse?
(071008f) Bad,
bad economy, very bad, but you know you have to smile when
you say that (071008q) This story has us being reassured that the Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac system is OK. The
track record for this past week show double digit losses in
the value both their shares and both are down more than 50%
in YTD figures-not at all inspiring (071108h)
My question is this if they down continue to spiral down
… what happens because of their losses, which would be
measured in trillions? The
rescue is made for Fannie and Freddie but for how
long and will this be the answer every time a
financial crunch hits-some kind of government guarantee?
(071208b) McStain has pain, if Zogby is accurate. He
is losing in his home state of AZ. Maybe he's seeing "shades
of Gore" who lost his home state and the general election,
well he sort of lost it, you know
(071108c) How to steal an election, we see at least one detail
that takes us back to Ohio, 2004. What portends this time
around? Will
we again have several millions of voters have their votes
tossed as before? Maybe the strategy, this time around, will
be to not let them in the door in the first
place; it worked in Florida in 2000
(071008x) The
machines we use to vote on are not safe, for voting that is
and so therefore there is a problem in our electoral system
that needs to be rooted out. No matter, however,
it won't be. (071008m) Repuglican,
attack machine gears up for the election: the talking point,
now get this, voter fraud will be used to
"explain" the "surge" of Democratic registrations and vote
tallies (071008k) Some
work on Obama and the FISA bill, silly stuff this world of
ours. (071008d) Here is more on that FISA bill, typical of many
aspects of this administration and its
supporters,
the
bill certainly was poorly named in that it had a raft of
other items, which had nothing at all to do with FISA, and
the telecom attached to it. (071008h) And
here is what Obama could have said; it was said by
someone else so read it and "feel the rage"
(071108d) US Knew of Mass Korean Killings: the Associated
Press reports: "The American colonel, troubled by what he
was hearing, tried to stall at first. But the declassified
record shows he finally told his South Korean counterpart it
'would be permitted' to machine-gun 3,500 political
prisoners, to keep them from joining approaching enemy
forces. In
the early days of the Korean War, other American officers
observed, photographed and confidentially reported on such
wholesale executions by their South Korean ally, a secretive
slaughter believed to have killed 100,000 or more
leftists and supposed sympathizers, usually
without charge or trial, in a few weeks in mid-1950."
(071008t) Why
this person is not too "celebratory" on the Fourth.
(071008b) A
backlash against the feminist movement is underway in Merry
Olde England, one wonders what the writer would
be saying if she were in the US? (063008g) Polarizing our society? The
role that taxes play in structuring how US society has
become separated into the haves and have-nots.
(063008f) Public
housing and governmental programs and policies that affect
it have had at best a checkered history; this is
a good portrait of how things have been going
(052808e) A
judge rejects Bush the Dumbass' view on wiretaps,
of course it is a California judge, but still
some offer of hope is here (071008p) You know, it is not as if the ideas and solutions, at
least in part, are not already here. The
problem is taking those
solutions and or ideas and USING them.
(062908e)
'If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a
state of civilization, it expects what never was and never
will be.' -- Thomas Jefferson" An
example of how a US citizen was dispossessed of rights
anyone who knows the constitution would think were among
our inalienable (071808d) Bolton,
gets is right on Iran, and is unhappy about it, that is a
good thing (071708d) The
current "thinking" on getting our man, as Bush the dumber
once put it (071508q) So
there appears to be a difference of opinion between the US
and Israel regarding the "threat" Iran poses. Rumors
fly, as do theories as to why the two intelligence
communities seem to be diverging as to their views.
(071408a) I think that my "designated villains" in this
era would be pleased to have either or, ideally both, the US
and Israel attack Iran. That would work well for them. The FISA flap: And another report on
the FISA thing, the TeleCom thing and the torture thing. It
seems that there is plenty of blame, read guilt, to go
around just s it is unlikely that Bush or his cronies will
EVER be held accountable for any of their crimes
(071508p) The
recent FISA law, signed by the great dumbbell himself, is
challenged in court (071508i) A
new book, "The Dark Side" exposes the "torture scandal"
the author answers six important questions relevant
to the whole shit-mess. Read all you can stand and then go
have some intoxicants. (071508e) The
predicted effect of the "Bush Wars" in creating a huge
number of PTSD cases is coming to pass. US societal
institutions, law enforcement, the courts and other
community organizations are "working on it" but the raw
numbers are daunting and there is more to come.
(071408c) There have been crimes committed by US troops in Iraq.
That much has been in the news, what has also been in the
news, well sort of, was the lowering of the bar used in
accepting civilians for duty. It
seems crime follows criminals into the service-I might add
that this has an effect on the US war effort.
(071408b) Some time ago, months now, we heard that Canada was not
going to provide the kind of refuge it did during the
Vietnam War,
well, one seeker has had something of a reprieve but only
time will tell if "all is well" (071308b) Europe: Nuclear
moves ahead in England, eight new plants are
planned. (071308q) "Muddle East" Central Theater: Gaza-Israel -
Jordan-Lebanon-Palestine-Syria As
if to exemplify the apparent impossibility of resolving the
differences between Israel and its opponents, this story
shows much. After a prisoner exchange between
Israel and opposition forces in Lebanon, the manner in which
each side treated its dead and talked about each other shows
how painful and deep the divide that so far has prevented
any peace (071708) Israel: A
rather odd but seemingly "practical" manner in which an
Israeli attack upon Iran would "work"
(071308p) Lebanon: The
current status of Hezbollah has opportunities and perils.
As with so many aspects of the Muddle East"
only time will tell. (071408d) Syria: Greater Islamic Region: Eastern Theater:
Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia Iran
puts a front of "good works" in Afghanistan. All to the
good? Well, maybe but the US watches
nonetheless-because it has to (071708e) Afghanistan: Fighting
and in-fighting and violence is scattered across a wide
area. (071908a) A
large battle brewing in the border areas between this
country and Pakistan? A confident al Qaida and a
fractious alliance between the US and Pakistan? Time will
tell-I know that I keep saying that, but it's all that can
be said. (071608f) A
US outpost is attacked, 9 US personnel die and 15 are
wounded. Violence is on the up tick and the
end is not in sight. (071308m) It is later
abandoned. An
interview with a reporter who has been on the
ground … (071508f) Iraq: The stumbling way forward,
one wonders what any military agreement being formed will
really say and or what it will mean to them
and to the US (071808g) The
SOFA negotiations seem dead. This means that
some agreement must be made to allow US forces to continue
operations in Iraq after the deadline of 12/31/2008. What
will that look like? (071408i) As has been the case for some time now "the surge" has
been hailed as a success. However
attacks on US troops and violence may be down, the stated
purpose of the surge, the meeting of benchmarks, sectarian
integration and reconciliation, an oil law and the SOFA,
which was tossed on later, all have not been met.
So, yes some positive change but no it hasn't achieved
what it set out to do. (071808e) "falling
fig leaves" the rationales for "staying the course"
leave the naked truth exposed and it is not news
to me (071808f) A
measure of good news here, jobs are being created.
They are simple but since violence is down now
efforts can be made in this area (071708b) Fallujah back in the news. Violence
this time around, it seems, centers on a conflict between
two US or government backed groups managing the security in
the city and competing for financial rewards
(071608h) A
day in the Iraq war, peace seems so far away
(071508n) this is dated July 15, 2008. Iran: "
… the American administration has effected an
about-face: it agrees to participate in discussions -
although these are presented as preliminary -
even before Iran submits to its conditions … "
(071808) And why just yesterday the idea that US was
sending anyone to meet with the Iranians was denied, loudly
and clearly. Looks
like the meeting, predicted by some to be a "non-starter"
was just that. The word "confrontation" is
used; a two-week "deadline" is mentioned. One wonders, then
what? (071908b) This article includes the text of the
resolution that, if passed, would allow a naval blockade of
Iran. (071308f) In
this article you can see how AIPAC's fingerprints are "all
over" resolution 362. The
current status of the bill is that it has not been passed
but is not dead, by any means. (071308h) At
issue, partly, in this "conflict" are the rights to possess
a set of islands that Iran has occupied for a few
decades. If these were to be "disputed" and
or a blockade enacted, what would the result be if the
Iranian forces on these islands were, in fact, then
isolated? (071308i) Pakistan: The four
crises that afflict this country do not get much coverage.
This article makes suggestions, of course, none of
which will be taken, of course and, in my opinion, if these
crises continue on-they will only feed discontent and
provide cannon fodder for the anti US and government forces
(071408h) The Greater Islamic Southern Theater: Ethiopia
- The " horn of Africa" - Somalia-Sudan An article describing the "gloomy statistics" which face
this continent,
problems abound but the "global warming" clock is ticking
here, faster than in most places, just as the
birth rate is (071308d) Zimbabwe: The Greater Islamic Theater: - India - Russia -
China - South East Asia India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh each have clocks
ticking, each are in the process of using or abusing
democratic ideals-with
the current US administration in the van of "democratic
reform" it is no small matter for the people of these
countries to wonder "where they are headed" much
is at stake. (071608a) China: Although others are just as guilty, China
is the focus, really, of this story illuminating an unsavory
side effect of its prodigious growth.
(071508o) Russia: A
war that need not be? Georgia, Abkhaziia, Russia, NATO, the
US and more! Tensions rise and there is enough
provocation for everyone … what chips will be played,
who has the winning hand? Is this yet another "trigger" for
a wider war? (071508k) Mexico: A wave of violence is described I a
war against drugs and gangs pits tens of thousands of police
and military personnel against a wide variety of "gangs" as
collateral damage takes innocent lives
(071608c) For those who wonder what this story has to do
with Bush, I'll tell you, where are most of the drugs headed
and who helped orchestrate an electoral victory for the
current Mexican government and who has made policies which
have impacted the Mexican population? Says here that warming is a major threat to humans. Says,
also, that politics played no part in this announcement,
yeah, I believe that. Says
that in 20 to 30 years people in DC will "notice a change"
this last despite the consistent studies that are outdated
by the time they area released by which means rational
people would conclude that that prediction will also be
obsolete much, much sooner. (071808b) The
SF Bay Area avoided getting sprayed, here are some of the
eye-opening arguments that were used-an interesting
point was how the meaning of "inert" is, well, twisted
beyond belief. (071308e) Baby
penguins washing up dead in Brazil. One wonders
why? (071908d) Antarctica is changing. The melt is getting underway
and
the life there is suffering for it, however humans are
taking a toll as well, with krill fishing
(071608j) Part two, a
penguin colony dies out and other reports
(071608k) Part three, the
tourists in a snapshot (071608l) Oil stories: If
I understand this epigramic story correctly, it refers to a
recent regulation in which speculation in oil futures is
being limited. Thus, oil drops about 10% in ppb.
Much has been made of the "role of speculators in driving up
the price" now we see what that may be, since it is now
being subtracted out. (071708c) But prices have not
dropped to what they were at the start of this year, or at
the start of GW Jackass' rule. So
WHEN will we have cheaper gas? Not Soon!
(071508m) Despite
the possibility that the peak oil effect is upon us, it may
still be true that oil production is still greater than the
demand, if only by a few percentage points. Why then
do we have the upsurge in ppb prices? Speculators play a
role, but here we see an explication of the effects of
"political instability" (071308k) And another cause, alluded to in other stories is
the
effect of "negative interest rates" a condition that exists
when inflation is larger than the basic interest rate-in
essence loans are then free … well sort of.
(071508j) Here is some support for the main contentions in that
article, that it's "noise"
is a factor in the rising ppb of crude
(071308n) Mortgage and Housing stories A
nice overview of the answers to several basic questions
including how we got into this mess
(071808h) So
they're talking about 5 trillion dollars worth of mortgage
being "in trouble" as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both
struggle. This story is dated 07/13/08, earlier
stories indicated that a fix was in the works or that
assurances have been given. I guess Monday will tell or time
will. It says in the article that the Fed will supply
liquidity, how nice; do they just print more money?
(071308a) Some
other details emerge in this story, options are described
but reassurances are also quoted so we'll know who said what
when it's all said and done. (071308o)
Monday, July 14th will begin the "test period" to see if
investors are willing to buy up debt or if the government
will "step in" one way or another. So
it's Monday and some news is not good. Banks are
troubled, the stock market enters "bear territory" and, it
seems, there is more to come (071408e) So
it is Tuesday and the Fannie Freddie debacle takes a
dramatic turn when both, at one point, lost 25% off their
value on this day. (071508d) So
it is Wednesday and a rescue is in place for Fannie and
Freddie; it seems to have steadied them on. Losses
have not been recouped but the freefall has stopped and
their share value has risen. (071608c) The overall picture is at best muddled, many
many people around the world bought into American housing
debt and its decline has global impact, question is can the
world's financial system, interconnected as it is, "take the
beating that keeps on, well, beating?
(071608e) This article outlines how
the Fed is becoming the "dumping ground" for debt that is
too big to handle. The question is how much debt can
it absorb and still keep itself "in the black", inspire
confidence and keep the dollar worthy? (071608g)
At
last the nitty gritty, what "actions" were taken
(071408f) This
man says that we could be days away from problems if "real
action" is not taken, what it's only 40 billion or
so, what's that? (071608i) Word
for New York is that their new voting machines are
problematical (071508l) Three stories from Florida, all in a mix … one
wonders? Seems
that the Repuglicans are loosing out in Florida voting
drives (071508a) However this story makes us
wonder
if this is a same old … same old …
(071508b) And
then there is this (071508c) Just in case anyone knows banking, this
story talks about billions and trillions that are off the
books and impacting the performance and standing of very,
very large banks (071508h) Why
doesn't anyone just call them "fat lying bastards" and be
done with it-then toss them in a slammer? A memory
problem in this admin? (071508g) Reganomics it was called, globalization it was
called, essentially both of these
meant a stark lack of regulation and oversight of the
economic behavior of capital markets, now we are seeing
their death knell as this administration is busied stomping
out fiscal fires with "guaranteed liquidity"
(071308c) This article follows one from a year or more ago, which
talked about the
movement of the location of the Magnetic Poles. They are
moving farther and faster recently. This one mentions their
history of reversing themselves. I have my own
theory of what that means but if I'm right my whole purpose
in writing this newsletter is moot, as are most everything
anyone does about any issue they are concerned with.
(071308j)
'If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a
state of civilization, it expects what never was and never
will be.' -- Thomas Jefferson" Who
thought up all this crap with regards to the "unitary
presidency", the disregard of the rule of law, the
constitution, the Geneva Convention and such like? Why it's
Mr. PissPants himself, David, the rumphead, Addington.
(072208b) The bonus in this article is
information concerning the Guantanamo prisoners, more than
half of them, according to their case records, did not
engage in any hostile act, only 8 percent are alleged to
have connections to Al Qaida and most all were brought in by
bounty hunters. How
we view our military has an effect; look at how you react to
the words "citizen soldier' as opposed to
"warfighter". You'll se the point of this article
which poses that the language we use and the "creeping
militarism" on the past few years has us view our military
forces much as Germans did theirs with their emphasis on
"being the world's best" and being "warriors" and the like.
It also makes me wonder about the value of the "all
volunteer" force. I mean to say, would we be all so willing
to start wars if we had a draft and our leaders had to be
accountable, if only after a fashion? That last is my
thought (072108a) The two main lies regarding torture are exposed here,
first
we had to in order to prevent another attack falls on the
fact that Zacarias Moussaoui was held for months without
being questioned despite the fact that he had connections to
the "shoe bomber" and we did not "find this out" The
second that we need the "intel" to save lives and this is
"gutted" by virtue of the fact that torture has produced
false information that was used by Bush against the American
people, in the sense that it justified his positions.
(071908h) and that there is absolutely no evidence that
torture has saved lives. A
war update, the Iraqi government has reformed and another
blurb about Al Qaida shifting its focus from Iraq to
Afghanistan. One wonders why this story is
important, at no time in US military analysis has AQ been
credited with being more than a bit player in Iraq, US
military sources have consistently said that AQ represents,
at most, 5% of the opposition forces. (072008b) Europe: Obama is well received and speaks well-it
was nice to see an enthusiastic crowd, waving American flags
and cheering an American in Europe.
(072408b) Spain
joins the US and England in raising a fuss about property
prices crashing. I guess what the US may have
pioneered is yielding its fruit overseas too.
072108b) "Muddle East" Central Theater: Gaza-Israel -
Jordan-Lebanon-Palestine-Syria Israel: Israel
says that Hezbollah is adapting to circumstances and
shifting the positioning of its rockets and military
supplies to villages where they can be "tipped off" before
searchers arrive (071908j) Syria: It
seems Hezbollah is riding high for the moment. However
there are some rumblings, Al Qaida may be helping
Lebanese Sunnis' some of whom want arms, and then there is
the rearming of Hezbollah and Syria beginning to negotiate
with Israel … (071908i) "Muddle East" Western Theater: Egypt -
Kurdistan-Turkey Turkey Why do the
now struggling Neo-Cons get into Turkey bashing?
They want a more "active" Turkey, a more pliable Turkey
and one that will do their bidding it seems
(072508g) Dove tailing nicely with that is this: An
independent Turkey has potential to "go its own way" and be
used for all that by forces beyond its borders against
enemies of someone else's choosing.
(072608g) Greater Islamic Region: Eastern Theater:
Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia Afghanistan: Allied
and Government forces should be winning the "war of words"
but are not (072608e) And
the allied forces have a "man to reckon with" the "hard nut"
as it were and he gathers recruits in large
numbers. (072608f) Mainly
problems are described here, solutions currently being
offered fall into the "surge category" and there are reasons
to doubt the efficacy of this approach. (072508h)
How
clueless ARE our candidates as regards
Afghanistan, according to some experts pretty
DAMNED CLUELESS, that goes for Obama and Flip Flopper
McStain. (072108g) The Narco-State, yup it is still producing bumper
crops of opium, and there
are misconceptions regarding the farmers, who owns the land,
the policies and their implementation-the
solution is at the end of the article but will such ever be
done? (072408e) Per
the New York Times, you'll be glad to know, that the Air
Force has eliminated the risk of civilian
casualties. Of course this ignores the headlines in
other places which provide ample evidence for the opposite
view. (072408d) Some basic statistics, in this article, has one agree
that the
war, as currently being fought, even with 10.000 more US
troops, will continue until, as in Iraq, the US gets "tired"
of the struggle and manages, in some way, to
go home. (072308k) The
small description of a single battle and the resulting
retreat from the scene by allied forces provides a lens
through which the greater Afghan war may be
viewed. We can see why the US is failing.
(072108j) Iraq: A
new election date is planned, or is it? You read it and you
decide. (072308b) Fallujah
back in the news, again, it seems the rivalry between US and
or Iraqi Government backed security forces are making life
dangerous. This article speculates that
another "attack" is being planned (072108h) The
main point of this brief article is that the US no longer
controls events in Iraq, and in fact has not
done so for some time. There is very little likelihood that
any agreement will be reached that will allow unfettered
continuation of US presence/occupation and actions. Time is
running out. (072108e) Al
Sadr seems to be keeping a lid on things in Sadr City.
One wonders what will happen if
circumstances change, such as the US actively drawing down,
a war with Iran, a blow out in Lebanon, Syria, or Palestine.
All of these are of a piece now, the US policy in the region
has seen to that. Now we must wait and see.
(072108f) Iran: The
slow dancing continues as Iran announces a doubling of their
centrifuge number and this AFTER they were told, a week ago,
that you have two weeks to "get serious" or further
consequences are in store. One wonders will they or won't
they "do it" meaning "do Iran" (072608b) Pakistan: Following
up on prior stories, Peshawar, a city of 3 million, is being
put under pressure from within and without.
Allied and Pakistani efforts in the area recently and the
continued efforts of the Taliban portend a showdown at some
point, one would think. (072508f) The Greater Islamic Southern Theater: Ethiopia
- The " horn of Africa" - Somalia-Sudan This article purports to talk about both
candidates approach to the continent of Africa, but they
really focus on Flip Flopper McStain's aid de camp, or
whatever, a Mr. Black, who should be infamous, but is
not. Obama's trip to Africa is offered in
contrast-(072108i) And
there is Africom, the military's central command on the
continent. Something that almost no country wants and most
suspect. Maybe the problem is the unclear message,
and fuzzy concept that is used to describe its function.
(072108k) In
poor nations, such as Burkina Faso in the heart of West
Africa, mealtime conspires against women. They grow
the food, fetch the water, shop at the market and cook the
meals. But when it comes time to eat, men and children eat
first, and women eat last and least.(072008a) Nigeria: Somalia: The Greater Islamic Theater: - India - Russia -
China - South East Asia China: Here
are some specifics on China's "me first" and "get me what I
want" foreign policy, not that the US can point fingers
understand. It's just that their transparent use of
their Security Council veto is easier to see since the US
media can, from time to time, criticize it.
(072308d) And
it seems that the "stretching out" of the Chinese "tiger"
includes taking action in the South China Sea,
especially the Spratley Islands, which China overran years
ago and over which Vietnam and China fought a naval battle.
Other nations want in on this potential bonanza but China
has the upper hand for now. (072308e) India: It
may be that incidents such as this one with many casualties,
which followed a similar attempt on the previous day, may be
the "tipping point" (072608a) Update, 45 are
declared dead and the number of wounded rose also. This
story could be put under the category, "The results of Bush
putting foxes in charge of the hen houses", but
that's too long, so here it is another case where Bush let
Big Biz have its smarmy way and people suffered, died to
tell you the truth, for it. (072508) Jellyfish
in the Med making a mess of things. This is the 8th year in
a row when the usual frequency is less than a 10th
that. Partly due to global warming, partly due to
over fishing and I'll bet some pollution could be playing a
role, though the article does not mention that.
(072308m) A
"new" disease is ravaging Florida's state tree, a palm.
However the story also talks about troubles in the state's
citrus orchards as well. No end in sight for either
circumstance-(072308f) It
seems that weather change is arriving in what is reputedly
the "wettest place on earth" that place of legendary
rainfall statistics is seeing change. (072108c) This story is making the rounds, but not on large news
fronts apparently. Crazy
Mukasey wants to keep illegal things that were made legal,
legal, using a new declaration of war. I know I
know, but read on (072508b) Here
is some "conventional" coverage of the story, looks like the
making of an escape hatch and a fishnet at the same
time. (072508c) Ford, losing billions this past quarter alone,
now
shifts gears from big trucks to more fuel efficient
vehicles-no pain no gain?
(072408a) US
army has its own "shoot em up" game and guess what, it's
free for the asking. It makes its debut at a
computer gaming convention in LA so that the kids can see
all that action they want to. (072308j) "Department
of Labor have been given the go-ahead to change workplace
risk assessment regulations without consulting scientists
and safety experts within OSHA and the Mine Safety and
Health Administration. ((072308a) At
least there is some push back in this arena
though (072508) Like
prognostications of economic peaks and troughs?
Well feast on this article which runs a speculative line out
to 2012 and beyond. Not easy sailing and saving will be a
saving grace. (072208h) You know it is not enough that the "social safety net"
has been rent and holed by this barbaric and incompetent
administration (072108d) but
this Jackass for brainless, Peter Peterson, is going to put
a billion dollars into an effort to destroy them once and
for all. As for oil prices you hear the companies talk about
"increasing production" and the government is toying with
the idea of opening up the national reserves, but what
is actually happening is that oil companies are boosting the
value of their stock and mailing those dividend checks-very
little money is spend on exploration or
infrastructure (072208e) This talks about how hunger
is a manipulated side effect of deregulation and market
forces that are running unchecked. (072608d)
Commodities speculation is viewed as a "main player" in this
situation. Election McStain
says "if we'd done what Obama wanted we wouldn't have seen
the surge work" Well, McStain thought that there was
progress in Iraq and did not think the Surge was necessary,
also, if we'd done what Obama wanted we wouldn't
have gone into Iraq. Mcstain has other memory problems too
but well … (072408f) Not
only has Maliki of Iraq latched onto Obama's 16 month plan
but so has Britain, this must make Dumbell McStain
look vie einen grossen dumberaisel sheisskoph
(072308l) With
the catchy phrase "landslide denied" the heart of this
article is the evidence that the 2006 election had results
that were skewered when 3 million votes nationwide were,
effectively "undercounted. In one case the an
election "swung" over 14 points, overnight, that is to say
by election night. Exit polls provide the evidence as do
public records. But this goes nowhere fast as my mom used to
say. (072308i) Looks
like there are problems, with the "purging of voter rolls"
in several states which do not seem to be following
the proper guidelines. (072508e) and so this makes
"sense" No
paper trail for you, it seems, congress says so.
(072208a) McStain's "Virgata moment" when
asked why should health insurance plans cover Virgata but
not birth control pills? He fumbled and bumbled.
Where IS all that STRAIGHT TALK? (072107j) Money: Money
and politics, when we ever learn? Well, probably not
soon, if the past be any guide to what we'll do in the near
term. (071908f) Housing The FDIC, has about 50 billion on hand to "handle"
bank defaults. The
Indymac failure will gobble up about a quarter of that this
article says; it also says that there are a few dozen other
banks out there that are "on a list". So do we have a
problem Houston? (072008c) And
it looks like the Freddie and Fannie "mess" will take about
25 billion off that 50, so that leaves us with what? 12
billion or so for any other major bailout? Or will
we just start printing money and keeping it something of a
secret? (072208c) Here
are some figures to mull over on bank losses this
week (072208d) The
housing mess in Australia has caused bank problems too, the
virus spreads (072508) Now
here is a story everyone could sink their teeth into,
billions being stolen by greedy millionaires with the
connivance of foreign and "transnational" banks. But
no one is taking the story up-despite the Senate's
attentions (072308p) This story could be put in different sections as it
involves Russia,
Venezuela and Cuba. It may belong in this section because of
the rumor that the Russians want to base nuclear capable,
strategic bombers in Cuba-shades of the missile
crisis, no? (072308n) And
here is more on the "issue" (072308o)
07/19//08
07/26/08
08/02/08 At the highest levels of our govt. they
float ideas like killing our own troops to create a
flashpoint for a war with Iran. Yes, the idea was
not acted upon, but it DOES illuminate what passes for
"creative, out of the box" thinking (080208i) Richard
Perle, a war hawk, seems to be making progress getting a
slice of the Kurdish oil prospects early on, even while the
status of such agreements are "ambiguous" Well, not
if you think that resources in Iraq should belong to the
Iraqi government as US policy states, as common
international practice dictates, as true Iraqi sovereignty
would demand, is profiteering a strong term?
(080208k) You'll remember the anthrax attacks subsequent to 9/11.
You'll recall a Mr. Hatfill, who was a suspect and hounded
but proven innocent and given nearly 6 million as
compensation. Now
it seems there was, recently at least, another suspect, who
was hounded and harassed, normally mind you, and now who has
committed suicide. One wonders about how this
chapter in US history will be "closed". Do we believe our
dearly beloved government? (080108b) So now, let us go back in time, and see that the US media
frenzy at the time, had us being told that the "secret
sources" of information which led reporters to believe that
the anthrax came from Iraq, was sourced at the same base
where Ivin's worked. So,
let's see, the anthrax killed, the base where it came from
harbored the sources that led a complicit media to report
Iraq as a culprit and then, years later, the prime suspect,
also at that base, commits suicide before being arrested.
Sound like suspicious to you? (080208) Thus
the question becomes, who obviously lied to the US media?
Who then is complicit in the anthrax attacks which not only
killed US citizens, but contributed to a war which has been
an unmitigated disaster? Who are the four sources? Well,
some people at ABC know, for example????????? A
bit of a follow up on that story. Again, being
familiar with this administration, I am suspicious that a
"key" person is now dead. (080208h) The headline of this article reads: "Warmongering
Loses Ground in Washington" but a reading of the article
only makes it clear that although
that may be true; it's not over until its over"
until this wastrel's presidency has been concluded,
I would not relax (073108a) War
with Iran is on, casualties are being suffered by Iranians
in Iran, guns and ammo move across the border from Iraq into
Iran and one wonders what is up with that? So, on
the other hand we have this continuing attempt to "make the
case" against Iran and it involves the US supported and US
identified terrorist group the MEK, a corrupt agent of the
IAEA, again a lapdog media and Bush the dumber's lackey's
(073108b) We
hear one side of what Bush and the Pakistani Prime Minister
talked about. (073008n) Them
thar neo cunts sure do like they wars
(073008o) But
they cannot do it alone, no they need the help of true
zealots (073008p) Remember your coloring books children? Well,
now a days our color is Yellow, repeat, Yellow. POHA, find
out just what that means from Homeland Security.
(072908d) This article exemplifies Brady's fifth conundrum, to
wit: "Twisted
minds create twisted rationales to make reasonable the
treasonable" and here we talk of torture
(072908h) Since we have problems recruiting new volunteers
we have a
system that "gets them when they're young and innocent
enough to be scared by lies and deceit. Rather than
fixing the problem, which received national attention,
perpetrators, military recruiters, can be rewarded
instead, read on: (072908i) "Muddle East" Central Theater: Gaza-Israel -
Jordan-Lebanon-Palestine-Syria This story goes here because it involves the US
reassuring Israel that a military attack is still "in the
mix" as the kids say these days. (073008a)
Such an attack would effect all the nations in this theater
and many of those beyond. "Muddle East" Western Theater: Egypt -
Kurdistan-Turkey Turkey: A bombing attack in Istanbul, perhaps
associated
with a controversial trial that pouts the governing party on
trial. (072708a) The
ruling party of this nation is being taken to court to see
if it will be allowed to stand, more instability in
the region? How wonderful! (072808a) Well
a bullet dodged is a bullet dodged, what can you
say. This looks like a fat lady singing and all is
well with the ruling party? (073008f) Greater Islamic Region: Eastern Theater:
Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia What's this reports
of shelling, rifle fire and so forth along in
Kashmir. Not probably helpful, overall, yes?
(073108n) Afghanistan: As
the ground becomes less safe, a shortage of
helicopters have the Brits considering renting them
(073108e) It
is nice to be reminded that "the good war" on this country
is simply not. It is illegal and unsanctioned by the
UN and is a relic of the "cowboy" diplomacy of Bush the
Dumber. (072908a) The
"Baghdad strategy" of the Taliban (072808i)
Part two, the
tactics and the warnings (072808j) Part
three, people
making escape plans, the rich send their money
out students want to leave too (072808k) Afghanistan's drugs are not only for export, it seems
there
is also quite a domestic "consumer base" for opium or
heroin. (072808l) Iraq: Oy, Kikurk,
that "unshapely body, sticking in the craw of several
important processes in Iraq. Tensions are high and
something has to give. (080208f) Sadr
says a SOFA is not a good idea and sets his political will
against it, Guns, for the time being, are on the
rack (073108d) Mahdi
Army is weakened in its control of its former stomping
grounds? That's the gist of this article
(072708b) A counter to that article has it
that there
are three possible "blow ups" in the offing, any one of
which would be very bad - all are simply ticking away at
this time and neither McPain or Obama's current
stated plans will address these. (072808e) For
example here is a story that illustrates the difficulties in
Kikurk (072808f) And
then we read this, that security forces control virtually
all of Iraq (072808g) The upshot from both those
articles is that, well, one is wrong. And then this, bombers, violence and instability are
evidenced. Why
it almost seems like the "resistance" is reading the news
and responding to it in a sort of "point - counterpoint"
style (072908c) This story has more of the
details on Monday's events. Iran: A bit of a political coup for the country as some
100
nonaligned nations endorse a statement supportive of Iran's
right to enrich uranium. (073008e) But who
cares? Pakistan: Some
indications of military fighting and "culture
wars" (080208g) Meanwhile , in the lawless
borderlands, "frustrated"
is the keyword in how the US operatives and agencies
describe their status. (072708d) So the
Paki PM meets "the great hole" and reassurances and promises
are made, so it is "same old, same old" is it
not? (072908b) The Greater Islamic Theater: - India - Russia -
China - South East Asia China: Kyrgyzstan,
is "under the influence" economically speaking and the other
central Asian "stans" are following suit? Again,
China, makes the moves and the US stands by and watches.
(073108k) Just near to all the "fancy new" Olympic claptrap is a
burned palace. It
reminds of a particularly foul chapter of Western and
Chinese history, the Opium Wars they were called.
(073108l) Russia: Russia
too is "active" in the central Asian region, taking
Turkmenistan's gas output and marketing it "for them" how
nice. Where is the US in all of this? Nowhere to be
seen, that's where. (073108m) What is the buzz regarding those annoying bee die offs
that have cost you, the consumer, much in terms of food
prices, cost bee keepers their hives, investments and
livelihoods? Made a good number of researchers spend
time researching? Well, the word is that in 1999 the
French found out and in 2002 and took action. However,
the
US and its EPA, apparently did not ask them about a pair of
pesticides called Gaucho and Pancho, nor is it clear if
these rowdy boys were tested or how or by whom, before they
were given, essentially, a pass in 2002. .Another
Bush Admin "oopsie"? Anyone going to be hung out to dry?
Don't make me laugh. (080208c) Another
chunk of ice breaks off, but of the details
presented in this article the oddest one is that of an
icebreaker not encountering any ice.
(073008d) Misremembering
is the by word for the EPA these days, it seems the
agency's head cannot recall conversations with Bush when
"the great hole" succeeded in pressing him into "changing
his mind" regarding CO2 regulation for one thing.
(072908f) Maybe
if he read the emails and other documents his department
passed around it would help him recall better?
(072908g) This story is about water. Bottled water.
Expensive
bottled water that comes in plastic or glass containers and
can cost anywhere from 240 to 10,000 times what it costs
when you draw it from a tap. There are all sorts of
ecological factors involved in buying "premium" water,
consequences this article hardly hints at, but it is an
introductory expose' nonetheless. Do you have a drinking
problem? (072708f) How
high can "big oil's" profits go? The sky seems to be the
limit! (070808a) Haitian
Hunger, the worlds food price increases have caused
widespread starvation (073008c) This quote, one of several, that stands out, in an
article that talks about the
military industrial complex, as Eisenhower once knew it and
compares it to what it has become today. In an
apparent bow to what one Fascist philosopher called
"corporatism" we see an discomfiting portrait of its failure
as it is being applied in the US "if a foreign espionage
service wanted to penetrate American military and
governmental secrets, its easiest path would not be to gain
access to any official U.S. agencies, but simply to get its
agents jobs at any of the large intelligence-oriented
private companies on which the government has become
remarkably dependent" (072808d) The
"new trend" of younger adults leaving the US for greener
pastures. (073008j) Here
are some of the reasons why (073008k)
So
is it a win-loose-or draw for the good old USA? I
think that although its to early to tell, it will not be
"good" fur the US, long-term (073008l) Also
visitors to the US is down costing a pretty penny in losses
to the tourist trade (073008m) Campaign
issue anyone? This would be good to use against Gbush Light,
J. McStain, that is. (080208c) This
article talks about the inequality in life expectancy saying
that in 50 counties the LE of men have declined while in
about 900 that of women has declined. It analyzes
why this is so and covers ground that includes the nature of
our democracy, our social and psychological values, our
historical and sociological structures that make the
inequality related to poverty, gender and race.
(072908e) How
to steal votes by the hundreds of thousands, there are lots
of ways and they are effective. Keep up the good
work, it's all in a day's pay. (072908o) Irrationality is the key to this election it seems;
(surprise, surprise) polls
show that many voters, disagree with McStain on central
issues, such as Iraq, only to support him because of his
"experience" whatever that means. (073008b) Candidates Here is the flip flopper McStain story, how he
WAS against torture but "caved" to "the great hole" for
whatever reason to submit to giving a "thumbs up" to
torture. (072908p) And
here is back up o that, from another source
(080108c) Bait
and switch Obama? What will he do in Afghanistan?
Pakistan? (072708g Obama
promises a full review of all Bush the dumber's executive
orders nice! (073008g) Down the drain with John McCain. McPain
wants it both ways, no kidding, first he criticizes
Obama for not having experience with foreign affairs and
keeps a tally of how long its been since he'd been to
Iraq-but when he GOES, well, there is just to much coverage
and the coverage is unfair and to top it all off, the media
"sees" McStain's point of view.(072708h) McStain,
and what passes for campaign adverts
(073108h) And here is why such "adverts" are coming to
the fore-Bush's
own campaign people are in the van of his effort
(073108i) Now
he's for it now he's not or something, can't "the stain"
make up his alleged mind? (073008h) Housing: Debtor's
Death, maybe that is what will be written on this woman's
gravestone. She decided to kill herself just as
hours before her home was to be auctioned. In India some
150,000 farmers have done the same in response to
international commodities practices which have driven them
to penury and which, this week, derailed trade talks.
(072908j) Here
is the WTO story re farmer suicide in India vs US deals on
trade or some such. (072908n) Related to housing, this
story talks about a half trillion budget deficit in the next
year, Bushwhackoff, leaves office with that as a
"legacy" (072808h) The mortgage rescue package may be a "drop in the bucket"
when it plans
to rescue some 400,000 cases out of a probable total of 5.5
million. Still it is a step. (072708c) Some more details on that, the figures are in 95% of
those in need will not be helped under this plan.
Then
too a key is that foreclosed mortgages will be refinanced at
85% of their value, but what if the housing market continues
to dive and well things are worse than that?
(072808b) Representative Raœl Grijalva
has a solution that is simple to understand, easy to apply
and costs virtually nada while putting lenders on notice
that they will suffer for any similar future errors-oh, and
people get to stay in their homes. The housing mess, opinions vary in the comments given to
this article, but the article itself makes a good point:
if
a nonprofit organization can work with 20,000 persons in
need of mortgage help, in a single day, why oh why did it
take DC a year to pass something that will not help most of
those in trouble? I mean the "happening" was blocks from the
WH, no one from there showed, blocks from congress, no one
from there showed, AFL/CIO, blocks away-no shows and no one
from Freddie or Fannie either, imagine that.
(072708e) Justice Money
is magic and it now pours into state Supreme Court races and
other contests for electing justices-I wonder who is
"pouring it on" and what they want? Care to guess?
(072808m) It
seems that persons of the executive branch CAN be
subpoenaed! Imagine that! (073108.c)
"We
simply want to place as many of our Bush loyalists as
possible," the White House And that shows just why
more "looking into" is needed (073108f) Here
is more on that (073108g) Some may remember the revolution in Iran way back in the
late 70's deposing the Shah, well,
it seems that the US and its allies helped that long,
provided support, after a fashion, mainly to keep the Soviet
Russian influence from getting any traction and to keep the
oil flowing to the west. (073108j) Kerry
proven right and Bush the dumber proven wrong, oh well, just
a few years to late and who is listening? Certainly not the
"great hole himself" (073008i) Here
is a criticism of Klein's "Shock Doctrine"
(072908l) This
is the counter point, the analysis which puts that dimwad,
Chait, in his fascist place, in a corner, on a stool, with a
dunce cap on while he diddles himself silly.
(072908k) And
an interview with Klein, just for kicks
(072908m) Hope
for an HIV cure? Seems like a team in Houston is hot on its
trail, and now, now, is when "good money has to be thrown
after good" as a twist on the old saying would have
it (080208e) A
solar power system that "translates" the sun's energy into
convenient and cheap power has been discovered and, guess
what, it's simple! We may be 10 years out from
massively applying this technology,
but the lab work and excitement are here!
(080108a) There
is at least some organization trying to get "US war crimes"
on the table (072808n)
You know, it's not just the FBI that f- - - - up,
after 9/11 many were arrested, improperly as it turns out,
mistreated, and had rights violated- to no apparent end,
apparently. This is our BEST? (080608b) Going back to how this whole mess started. This
article describes the allegation in a book which has our
dearly beloved dumbbell "cooking up" false intel used to
deceive the congress and the nation and so foment
his war. (080508a) A
portrait of a hero whose untiring efforts have brought to
light the worst aspects of the torture scandal. The
article has some "juicy" tidbits and is worth the read
(080308j) Naomi Klein gives a bit of an update on
Disaster Capitalism as
it applies to the highly ironic and bizarre state of affairs
that is the Iraqi Oil law and no bid contracts.
(080408g) "Muddle East" Central Theater:
Gaza-Israel-Jordan-Lebanon- Plestine-Syria Long on prose this article's point is that this region
is experiencing a slide toward Islamic revival.
This
would portend a larger and more general war that would
involve Israel and other western backed states or
rulers. Preemption, knocking back Iran's nuclear
program may be, as dangerous as it is, the lesser of two
disasters. I cannot say I agree with the assessment but the
region is not "going Israel's way" that seems clear.
(080408d) Gaza: Heavy
fighting between Hamas and Fatah has Fatah followers escape
into Israel. (080208r) "Muddle East" Western Theater:
Egypt-Kurdistan-Turkey Turkey: Rebel
groups take a lesson from each other, it seems.
Kurdish rebels seem to imitate the successful operation
of Nigerian rebels. (080808d) Theater: Afghanistan - Iraq -
Iran - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia Afghanistan: The central questions in this article are:
can
we afford to lose or win in this country?
(080808i) Then too, are we ready for a long war?
Meaning
25 years or more of "effort" before things are "cool"
I would guess, here are the details
(080808j) Refugees come to Kabul as fighting in the south of the
country spreads and gets heavier. Many
complain about being bombed by coalition forces, most want
order and they are not to particular as to who should
provide that as long as somebody does. Anger finds
various targets, but the coalition is "loosing in the
polls" (080308m) Iraq: Not
passing an election law may create problems; here is the
overview (080808h) Sadr
plays a role in the SOFA talks by setting the conditions for
his disarmament (080808g) Where does all that Iraqi government money earned from
the sale of oil go? Come
to think of it where does all the US money go when it goes
for reconstruction and so forth?
(080708g) It is easier to avoid issues rather than deal with them.
The
main purpose of the surge, the one that was made the "real
reason", originally you'll recall, was that a reduction in
violence would allow reconciliation, an electoral system to
flourish, power sharing to evolve, and much, much more,
however, these "payoffs" have failed to materialize,
yet no one is calling the surge a failure
(080708e) Iran: The
"deadline" has passed. It seems that the "west" keeps asking
the same question and the Iranians give the same
answer, has been for years now, so the dance
continues, but for how long? I wonder if Bush is hearing any
voices in his head these days. (080208q) Pakistan: A
double-edged blade, the Paks want to impeach Mr. M. More
instability? Is it a right move? Only time will
tell. (080708d) Fighting
continues, so does a blame game, so does instability and a
measure of chaos. (080308h And
this overview off the current situation, the "confused"
influences on Pakistan's ISI, its conflicted roles
and well that measure of chaos we mention from time to time.
(080308) The Greater Islamic Southern Theater: Ethiopia
- The " horn of Africa" - Somalia- Sudan Nigeria: A
secessionist movement gathering various groups?
(080308c) History has the Ibbo's of Nigeria originally
putting down the Biafran attempt at secession decades ago.
Now, as a slice of Nigeria is being handed over to Cameroon
the people living there are resisting being handed over
along with it. (080208c) Here
is some of the legal wrangling that is going on.
(080308d) Somalia: The Greater Islamic Theater: - India - Russia -
China - South East Asia Burma: My,
my, my we must be might proud of how we stand up for
democracy, challenge oppression and undo dictators …
not! The news must be disappointing to anyone
who knows what is going on (080708m) China: A
crackdown on any sort of protest or "troublemakers" in China
may involve the jailing of thousands. Now, who in
their right mind, thought that the promises China made, in
order to get the Olympics, would be kept and who, in their
right mind is surprised at this development? No I.
(080308a) Interesting
story, Uighur militants attack a Chinese police post what
was salient was that the story mentions the group has
support from inside Pakistan and have been taking
lessons from Al Qaida (080308n) Russia: This article gives some details concerning the
sequence of events and the motives of the different players;
the comments are worth a read as well.
(080908c) Apparently
"diplomacy has failed". A war is underway; Russia is
involved and one wonders what the main ally of Georgia will
do, meaning the US. Hmmm. Time will tell. (080808a)
Sounds
like this is a "shootin' war" to me. Both sides
blame the other, Georgia seems to have begun the massive
military action but Russia is quite active in the field at
this time (080808c) "The
crisis, the first to confront Medvedev since he took office
in May, has flared in a region emerging as a key energy
transit route, and where Russia and the West are vying for
influence" Need I say more? (080808f) Here
we hear that Russian air forces have attacked Georgian
targets in several areas outside of South Osetia, that
Abkhazia, another break away Russian backed zone is also
making forays against Georgian forces. Lastly a
bombing attack on a "vital oil pipeline" failed
"miraculously" and one wonders about that. So far the US is
letting Georgia go it alone, save for "calls to have forces
stand down" and the like. (080908a) Apparently
the Georgian forces have advanced upon the capital of South
Ossetia. (080708i) Russians
test a submarine launched missile and talk is about getting
a "serious" blue water navy, including aircraft
carriers. (080208s) And this page has some
coverage of other Russian military developments
(080208t) and remembers this is Pravda. A
follow up on the jellyfish phenomenon, apparently it is
global. Apparently warming, hypo-oxygenated,
polluted seas, over fishing of their predators are providing
these animals with everything they need to breed, breed, and
breed! The seas are changing and this is like unto the
fainting canary. (080308g) The blame game for the WTO's failure. Oh
well, everyone has their reasons and maybe no deal is better
than the bad deal- that's the way I read it.
(080308l) Another
and larger wave of delinquencies are on the horizon or
already showing up. One wonders (080408c) In a poker game you bet on cards to win chips and reap
profits,
modern day investors gamble with the price of food, it
seems, exacerbating the difficulties of impoverished
people's world wide. (080408d) Super Bugs, and I don't mean the bunny. I mean infectious
agents that resist the medical treatments or have adapted to
them. The
notion is that research is being directed to anthrax, for
example, or terrorism, not towards an ongoing search for a
means to take out the Super Bugs.
(080708) The Anthrax Attack! Some "evidence" is released. Reading
the article you have to see the idea that they, the FBI,
were clearly reaching to make a square peg, Ivins, fit in a
round hole, being guilty of the attack.
(080608e) Another
take on the "evidence", oh well (080708j) The
investigation of Bruce Ivins as the suspect in the anthrax
mailings has some doubters and they raise
concerns about his being targeted. (080308e) Part two of this story. (080308f) has
some information from friends and a therapist, who makes the
kind of claims the government would like to
hear. Here is more, the
debunking of the woman who is the source of Ivins
rumors and more questions for the persons who
have sources that "knew" the anthrax had to come from
Iraq (080408a) And here is an interview with the writer of that article
and
it seems doubt is the order of the day when it comes to
considering the FBI's "prime suspect"
(080408b) Regarding Ivins, if the Federal
Bureau of Idiots would quit their Keystone ways, maybe
they'd find their "men" but not now a days, that's for
sure (080508b) And
finally, driving nails into the "case" against
Ivins. (080508c) Economics 101; If
you would enjoy a fairly comprehensive overview of our
circumstances read this, unless you've just eaten
or had good news. Don't spoil a good day. (080908d) The economic quagmire,
a concise article which ends with the reasonable idea that
changes be made and that those responsible for the housing
meltdown be held to account. Ok, Ok stop laughing, I said
stop … please???? (080708f) Fannie
Mae posts losses and braces for more uncertainty-
maybe the elevator is still going down, even if it
stops occasionally (080808e) Waaaaay back on 9/10/01, the day before "everything
changed" Rummy
"the dummy," said that, somehow we couldn't account for some
2 trillion dollars of pentagon spending. That is a
whale of a lot of money; it might have sparked controversy,
had not 9/11 happened the next day (080708a)
This
has a slightly different figure but provides some detail,
from 2003 (080708b) "Follow the Dime" a nice enough article that gives a
quick, and therefore pleasant, overview
of the tide of corruption that this administration and its
muddling minions have bemired our government
with. (080608c) Let's see, jobs are down, unemployment up, the dollar is
down, inflation is up, the budget deficit is booming,
housing continues to decline- but
this is not a recession. Oh thank God, for a moment I WAS
worried. (080208n) Big
ticket items, cars for instance, are not selling
well, even the "good cars" are not selling well and
losses mount into the billions for several companies.
(080208o) Candidates It seems John "Homer Simpson" McPain and Obama both like
the nuke idea as a "solution to pollution" but they
differ, Obama
wants clean up built in, McPain says he wants 45 new plants
built. He also has some "interesting" characters on his team
whose presence should be "alarming" to any with safety
concerns. (080708c) Who
pays for all the hoopla? Corporations do and they get theirs
for it! (080808b) Sometimes
local stories are instructive of larger issues. Read
on and see what you think about character assassination,
neighborhood activism, corporate concerns and food.
(080608d) Taking
care of the homeless, incredible dedication and unstinting
effort allows success in this case. Hurray!
(080308k)
This story has it that the
US has what I would call a "limited toleration" for an
Israeli attack on Iran; this article implies that
the US is NOT "gong for it" at this time
(081308h) So much is here on the lead page of Asia
Times dated 08/15/08. Troubles mount it seems and one or
more hot spots get a bit hotter.
(081408j) Europe: And how useless is Europe? This
article paints a picture of a declining region.
(081508i) Part
of the fallout from the Russo-Georgian includes Poland
getting off the fence and goes for allowing
US missile shield to be based there. (081408i So then,
The
Russian response was not long in coming and the language is,
well, meant to be frightening. (081508c) And this
is A
brief interview tying the strands together, nicely at
that. (081508d) Greater Islamic Region , Eastern
Theater: Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi
Arabia Afghanistan: Is
the capital coming under threat? Certainly its surround is
less secure, allied data show that much
(081508a) Inside
Kabul the situation better, but still more of a struggle
than the allied forces want, perhaps way more.
(081508b How
NOT to win hearts and minds, save a penny ... loose a
pound? (081008b) Iraq: Kikurk,
oh Kikurk, wherefore art thou, dear city? The "slow-mo"
crisis continues, simmering as it has for nearly two
years - only time will tell. (081508) Looks
like they want a very clear time line for the withdrawal of
US troops. Is that clear? (081008a) Iran: How
is Iran treating the Russo-Georgian war? With kid gloves, it
seems. (081508h) Pakistan: Fighting
continues (081008h) Even as Mushmouth "stands
tall" against impeachment. Africa: The Greater Islamic Southern Theater: Ethiopia
- The " horn of Africa" - Somalia- Sudan Somalia: This war continues on and on as well, with
the
Ethiopians playing the role that the US plays in
Iraq, lots of shoot 'em ups" making lots of
enemies. (081508m) Asia: The Greater Islamic Theater: - China - India -
Russia - South East Asia One has to fact check this article, but the
salient point is the movement of four US nuclear carriers
into the Persian Gulf region. (081008o)
arguments Here
is some information regarding the "frightening".
I archive this article with the hope that not only is it
not true but will only be an example of the "wave" of this
zeitgeist. (081008p) And Some
few years ago the pipeline problem was given an overview,
and so it is relevant now (091008q) Russia: If
you listen to what the great dumbbell says you'd think he's
going to "do something" about Russian intransigence in
Georgia. The French agreement is cited in the
article but does not mention the "huge loophole" that it
contains, which, essentially, gave Russia very much a free
hand - not that I agree with them or the US attacks on
Afghanistan and Iraq for that matter. (081608a) In a
later development Georgia, France and the US revised and
signed another "agreement" and before Russians have seen or
signed on CondiGirl is demands they act in accord with it.
Some
of the "forgotten" lessons from the Russo-Georgian
war. (081508l) There
are reports of continued movement of Russian military units
(081508f() As
well as those of US aid being handed out in Gori, a Russian
occupied town. (081508g) Regarding
reports of a cyber war that preceded the "real" war between
Georgia and Russia (081508e) Some of this is recap, some is new.
Fighting has ceased overall, but Russian forces are seen to
be searching out and destroying Georgian military
assets, sitting at many strategic points and US aid
has begun to arrive. (081408) In what is, in my opinion, a related story,
Serbia
wants the UN to review the independent status of
Kosovo. (081408g) A
review of what is being said today, and a recap of some
point-counterpoint from the last day or so. Seems as
though there is a plateau of conditions that are mostly
quiet. My guess is that "behind the curtains" a good deal is
going on. (081408f) and
an opinion piece that sees the potential for conflict
erupting, especially as US politicians, McPain in
particular, get bellicose and brag (081408h) No
military action by the US, maybe we have the cooling off
period before the annoyingly hard negotiations.
(081408e) Other articles point to Russians holding
out on negotiations with the Georgian leader, thus holding
such talks hostage to the prospect of him stepping down or
not The
"Sarkozy Agreement" has a weak point, point five as a matter
of fact, (081408d) Provocative headline reads
Russia says "forget Georgian territorial integrity"
However while retreats by Russians seem unconfirmed, so do
any new advances, since yesterday that is.
(081408a) Some
further details which bolster that assessment
(081408c) A
wide range of "considerations" viewpoints which seem mostly
"anti-Russian" and not all too kindly to the US or
Georgia for that matter. (081308l) Aid
begins to arrive, both Russia and the US helping out the
side they choose to. Maybe the fighting is over, for
now. (081308h) Some
poignant commentary regarding the war.
(081308j) Some
long range considerations and the tri-polar world
(081308g) US
aid arrives and talk and counter talk are given
air - but has fighting stopped? (081308f) Been out of touch for two days, and it seems that the
Russians
have an upper hand and hold territory outside of the "break
away" areas. The US is sending some aid and
military personnel? That is what the story says, but it is
not a "full scale" military assistance. So, what is it then?
(081308a) Some "slow down" this is.
An agreement seems to be announced but action on the
ground continues (081308b Gori
seems to be in Russian hands and this report
mentions the cease-fire being accepted by both sides.
(081308c) It seems that Georgia
may have withdrawn, but some fighting continues, at
sea, via the air and on the ground. (081008d) This article says has it that the
Russians say the Georgians have not given up and mentions a
Russian incursion into Georgia proper that was called back.
(081008i) Some
indications that Russian military forces have entered
Georgia proper, though not yet dramatically, and it
depends on what you consider "Georgia proper" I guess.
(081108a) Some
thoughts on the war and, in the comments section, details
about US military and Israeli involvement just prior
to the war. (081108b) Other
brief thoughts on the war (081308e) Some further accounts, and we may still
be in the "gray zone" as regards how obvious Russian intent
is by virtue of the "facts on the ground".
(081108c) Here
we have what may be the first shots on a second front
(081008m The salient point, for me, is what
will happen to the US airplanes carrying Georgian troops
from Iraq to Georgia if the Russians don't want them
to deliver? (081008n Another article covering the same
ground but with additional
details and some background. (081008e) This
article mentions the "pipeline" part of the story. Makes it
a "hot button issue' (081008l) More
on the pipeline connection and how Israel, Turkey and others
are involved. Did I mention that Turkey has naval
forces in the Black sea, no surprise, but that they are "off
the Georgian coast" (081008q) Apparently
Russia is still sending in troops after the Georgian's have
been defeated in and around South Ossetia's capital.
(081008f) And this has a bit of "frightening speculation" but one
has to wonder where
will the Russians draw the line?
(081008g) A
good overview of the long, medium and short-term history of
this event (081008h) Voting, not as easy or as simple as it once was.
Now
we have grass roots groups taking up the cause, but I
believe that fraud will mount an even larger toll than in
previous elections. (081008j) Economics 101; Foreclosure
rates increase (081408b) Candidates What's
sex got to do with it? I mean is "being bad" worse than
ruining a nation? (081008c) The US media's coverage of Edward's affair and the
Russo-Georgian War have one thing in common, they
display the lack of independence in the US media and its
bias as well. (081308) Is this just a romance story gone bad? Korea of post WW2
has many ghosts to tell tales, if they could. Another
example of how a people's aspirations were thwarted in the
global struggle for ... well for dominance, certainly not
truth, justice and some kind of "way"
(081608b)
House
Resolution 342 is full of errors, and calls for an act of
war, essentially, against Iran. So what gives
with Demnocrapic support? (082108a) From this story we see the grumblings and mumblings
regarding the
Amero-Israeli hawk's urge for a war on Iran
continue, as do hints and rumors of preparations.
Time will tell, it always does, even if it takes a long,
long time. (081608f) How
to play with nuclear fire. Ask "the brainless one", stupid
old John McStain. (081908e) Well, I guess we
have a "second front" in this a "second great war" which
pits the US against the Russia. This article
reports and misreports threats Russia is making, which are
not unlike the threats US "mouths" have made over the past
years. The new wrinkle: Syria may provide Russia with a
foothold in the ME. So maybe this is a conflation of the old
and new "great war" (082008h) Europe: The
"New Cold War" is here, and, just like the old one, it will
have hot spots. (082008b) "Muddle East" Central Theater: Gaza
- Israel - Jordan - Lebanon - Palestine - Syria
Israel: Talk, talk, talk, when will the "tension" end?
High placed Israeli leaders feel time is against them - but
in their desire to "deal a blow" to Iran they seem to be
alone, save for the nut job neo-cons over in the US.
(081908o) Lebanon: Some
places there is an "underground" civil war, that sometimes
becomes "aboveground" (081608i) Greater Islamic Region, Eastern
Theater: Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi
Arabia Afghanistan: It
is air strikes such as this one, killing many innocents,
which drive a significant portion of the
resistance. (082308a) Some
striking attacks telegraph that the resistance is bolder
these days (081808g) Iraq: Still
working out how the US forces can remain in Iraq after 2008
closes out. (082108g) The
time may be running out on Sunni patience with the Iraqi
government reneging on US promises that the
Awakening groups or Sons of Iraq, Sunni groups credited with
significant help in lowering violence, are NOT being given
positions in the security forces of Iraq - this is a
problem. (082108a) Here
is more on that Sunnis being dissed story
(082208c) Here
is more of "the Maliki Message" to the Sunni's
(082308b) The
"Awakening Groups" once touted and hailed are now routed and
jailed. (081808n) Further
"contact" occurs and gun battles ensue.
(081908a) If you want to see "the
depths" to which human depravity can plunge read this
article, no it won't give you nightmares but it will let you
see the consequences of G.W. Numbnut's disastrous
misadventure in Iraq. (081608h) Pakistan: Africa: The Greater Islamic Southern
Theater: Ethiopia - The " horn of Africa" - Somalia-
Sudan Algeria: Al
Qaida is active here about. Bombings tell the story
(081908g) Asia: The
first new communist led country in decades. Certainly is
something for the history books. Nepal. Amazing. As
a legend comes to life and 80 percent of the people find
hope, one wonders what our great dumbbell will be thinking.
I also hold this up as an example of how Bush's policies so
distractive and myopic have ignored this nation. Certainly
the conservatives in the US must chafe at the loss that
their bungling bumpkin did nothing to amend.
(081808c) The Greater Islamic Theater: -
China - India - Russia - South East Asia China: I cannot now think of China without thinking of Tibet.
Here is a story posted from there, not by-lined from some
place in China or India. (081908k) Part
two (081908l) India: Considerations
on the US - Indian nuclear deal - as it might be
provocative to Pakistan and, unstable as it is, this might
be ill advised. (082008c) Russia: More
on the Russian withdrawal, as it might be called
(082308f) Well
a pull out is happening but the port of Poti (yes, say that
fast and laugh) has Russian check points leading into it and
Russian mouths saying that it's OK for them to stay
there; Georgia should be on the "fast track" to NATO
membership western mouths say. (082308c) Another
deadline for withdrawal from the Russian, tomorrow, Friday,
well, we'll see won't we? (082108e) Russia makes new moves, digs in and blocks a
port.
US naval vessels are transiting the Bosporus to bring aid,
which until now, has been delivered by air. Russian
ships currently blockade the port of Poti.
(082108b) Here
are some details about the ships themselves.
(082108b) Some
halt to cooperation with NATO? (082008e)
Here
is more on that and the "freeze" zone expands
(082008g Some
military assets are moved out, but mainly empty
trucks, what may be captured tanks and not really
anything significant. (082008d) Something
of a flare up in rhetoric with Ukraine regarding porting
rights, and this country's siding with Georgia in
the contra tempts (081908h) NATO
"suspends contact" with Russia.
(081908b) One wonders if the
paltry signs of mixed signals could be considered "progress"
in the eyes of the West. (081908f) Well
maybe paltry is to strong a term, resolution of the
situation via the UN is not likely, NATO has just been
ignored, so ... (081908p) A
look at the behind the scenes items that led up to the
conflict. (081808l) More
Russian military activity and what would be called build
up. What's up with this? What's up with the west?
(081808k) Don't
we just love "spheres of influence" and their return
calls for a new or old way of thinking, depending on one's
perspective. (081808g) Still
no apparent, organized and verifiable Russian withdrawal.
The test for the west is on. (081808d) Another article with other sources verifying what the
prior article says but adding Ossetia's
request for a Russian base, and its leader saying they'll
not be part of Georgia. (081808f) More reports of actions either today or recently that
point to a
strategy the goal of which may be regime change.
(081708e) More
indications that "the bear" is settling in, maybe
gathering up all the bargaining chips it can before whatever
negotiations may happen begin. (081708d) Well
it's Monday, over there anyway, and the US and EU have, in
sum, told Russia to move out "or else". They don't
say what, of course, so my guess is that they're waiting to
see if "anything" forceful is going to appear on the horizon
and that if nothing does then the Russians will redraw
Georgia's borders at the least and at the most, well it will
be what the traffic will bear. (081708b) EU
leaders want a quick withdrawal, but that is not forthcoming
then what? "Consequences" say some EU leaders.
(081708c) It
is 8/16/08 and still the situation remains unchanged.
Understandably many onlookers are questioning the
Russian "approach" to the agreement they signed.
(081708a) Not long after the signing there are some "questionable
signs and uncomfortable rumors. Still ... time will
tell. (081608g) Well this seems to be much more than a rumor.
I mean moving the tanks one way is retreating and going the
way they went, well, is advancing. This is AFTER
the treaty (081608k) And here is more indications that the
"full retreat to pre-war status is simply not
happening. (081608j) Bolivia: Bolivia's
new leader does very well in blowing past a recall
move (081608d) Cuba: How the Russo-Georgian War plays out in the Caribbean
as
Cuba warms up with its cold war ally Russia
(082208d) Paraguay: Yet another nation going 'away" from the USA.
Bush's
South American policy, whatever it was, seems to have "lost"
the US good standing in the continent.
(081608e) Water
crisis leads to the food crisis (082008i) From Merry Olde Englande, they are getting underway
with planning
for coastal changes due to global warming.
(081808a) Dead Zones in the ocean. A
problem that is expanding. A possible connection
to global warming. (081808i) They
are dumping touch screen voting machines. Still,
I'll be that millions will use them - despite them being so
crappy. (082208a) For
example here is a story about a "vote loosing" bug in the
machine's software" that has been around for ten
years. (082208b) 600,000
voters in Ohio may be in for a surprise this coming
election. The voter rolls are being "worked on"
again. When will this stop? (081808b) Here is more: the
voting machines that are proven to have problem will be used
anyway. (081808h) The Anthrax Attack! Some
interesting questions regarding this issue that is still
unsolved (081908i) Economics 101 Fannie
and Freddie still have troubles and further plans are
needed. Their collapse would be "not good" to say
the least. (081808e)So
a load of investors dump Fannie and Freddie?
(081908n) The
scary speculation of current fiscal decline going global
(081908m) And
maybe this is GOOD news; we have even MORE bubbles to come!
Hurray! Historic highs in energy and commodities
are not the product of supply and demand (081908d) The
"bear's eye view" of the economy. The problems
that the US faces may be severe, just around the corner and
still mainly out of sight. (081808j) Candidates Obama
Kennedy? Sound good? Read the public letter suggesting
it. (082008j) Down the drain with John McCain. McStain
is so perceptive, why just over 5 years ago he declared
victory in Iraq, just as he is now saying
victory is ours. Same war two victories? Now that's
something. (081908c) McJackass
opens up a 5 pt lead in the latest monthly poll.
This is the first time the relic has managed any sort of
substantial lead. (082008f) Solar
plants are being built in California. Some sign that solar
is getting a bit of a leg up. (081808m)
An
interesting analysis of what a "Byzantine" course might look
like for the US vis a vis its opponents in Asia. Of
course the assumption that a rational approach would be
considered. We'll have to wait for who ever is next in the
White House for that, unless, of course it is Lame Brain
McStain. (082508k) Europe: One wonders, after reading this, if the CIA, the US
government and our overseas allies are all on the same side,
page or whatever. Atomic
secrets being passed about, records being destroyed so that
persons investigating just cannot find what they
need. (082508a) The
list of foreign policy failures this week is
breathtaking,'' noted a statement released Friday by
the National Security Network (NSN) (082508g) "Muddle East" Central Theater: Gaza
- Israel - Jordan - Lebanon - Palestine - Syria
Gaza: Happy
Gazan's in the news as a blockade-runner reaches their
shore. Comments to this story are interesting
- worth the read. (082508j) Syria: Syria
taking advantage of the "Russo-Georgian War" and has
new, or old, cards to lay on the table. (082408f) Maybe
a change for the better as Syria recognizes Lebanon
(082408b) "Muddle East" Western Theater: Egypt - Kurdistan -
Turkey Turkey: Turkey's decisions and plans for relating to its
neighbors are given an overview, but the, of course,
there
are some juicy details about the relationship between the
results of the Russo-Georgian war, oil transport and the
neo-cold war (082708k) Greater Islamic Region, Eastern
Theater: Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi
Arabia Afghanistan: Poppy
production is down Mother Nature and Western efforts combine
to create "good news" Time will tell if this is a
watershed moment of momentum. (082608c) Edging
the surround of Kabul, the Taleban make their presence
known. History gives insight as to their
"game plan. (082508f) And
the Taleban builds a "parallel" system that wins over many
and brings them both support and legitimacy.
(082508h) Iraq: The
Shia government wants an end to Sunni Awakening
groups. This portends trouble, perhaps on a
large scale. (082608f) Some further thoughts show Maliki with an apparent
edge, but
if push does come to shove, which side will the US be on, we
built both of them you know. (082608g) Word
is that the US is handing over security in Anbar province to
the Iraqi army. Now this should also mean US
air support and such like continues. I find it interesting
that as Maliki "goes for the Sunni" The awakening and so
forth that the security is being handed over. It may
backfire. (082708a) Some
bit of a gun battle between Shia and Sunni is implied here,
certainly the arrests, beatings and shootings of
Sunnis organized by the US in the Awakening Movement would
have that effect (082708j) Related to that story is the US politics behind
the
SOFA that has not yet happened and, well, may be a bit of a
problem (082608b) Goalposts
and haggling regarding troop pullouts and SOFA
(082608e) The
agreement on how US forces will remain is close or not, done
or not, real or not and dangerous or not as this brief
article points out (082508e) Pakistan: Oh boy, just what we need
a three way race for the presidency portending dissent and a
measure of chaos at a time when national unity should be
paramount in order to deal with the resistance.
(082508c) And
this is related but unsung For
extra measure: there will be some bitterness in the contest
after all. (082708c) Asia: The Greater Islamic Theater: -
China - India - Russia - South East Asia Koreas: Will
Russia find support from the SCO? They meet
soon and a "vocal" and positive response from them seems
unlikely, given the nature of the issue at hand (082708h)
Update: turns out they did not give loud support, to say
the least, for now, it seems everyone's concern for their
own internal dissention trumps any "anti-west stance. The
"New Cold War" spreads and "thickens the
suspense" Thanks to George, the dumbass
dimbulb jerkwater dumbass, Bush (082708g) What's
this the North saying they are going to ramp up their nuke
facility? Doesn't that make a mess of the "Great Hole's"
"policy"? (082608a) My wondering and
wandering mind considers this: what if Russia is whispering
supportively in the "dear leaders" ear? My speculation alone
on that. Russia: Russians
give "Georgian hints" to another breakaway region
(082608h) Perhaps
related is Dick "old scattershot" Cheney's itinerary in the
weeks to come (082608i) Russia
recognizes both break away regions, the West avoids conflict
in Poti, and Saakashvili, keeps up his rhetoric claiming
that "the sky is falling" when in fact it has only
been the ceiling of the room he has build for himself.
Everyone is watching however (082608d) and then this:
Jerks
and hopheads on both sides of the Russo-Georgian war seem
keen on passion if light on facts and logic. It seems that the Russians
will "accept" the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia
no matter what NATO might or might not do.
(082508b) Still some reports of "problems"
in Georgia with demands being make of Russia and no real
satisfaction on the part of the US, its allies and
Georgia. (082408g) Apparently, since
the Georgian port of Poti is blocked by Russian vessels the
US ships delivering aid to Georgia are docking in the
alternate Batumi. (082408c) The
Arctic's permafrost locks up far more carbon than once
thought, or other global warming gasses, so even
small changes in the region's status as a sink or source
could have a significant effect on climate
(082708d) The arctic keeps of fading away even for example,
this
not quite record-breaking loss is in keeping with the
trend (082808n) What kind of jackass runs this war? We
are sending cripples back to the front line and doctors who
are classifying these veterans not fit are being over ruled
and well, tragedy awaits (082608b) Economics 101 The figures are titanic,
trillions are involved with the housing mess and the
devaluation of both housing and the dollar make a
continued flow of credit, well, less and less likely
(082708i) The
economic problems spawned in the US have migrated overseas
and now that "escape route" for capital is becoming
"soft" (082408d) Down the drain with John "scatter brain"
McStain: He
knows what he wants, has said as much and it means a
lot: more war, more confrontation, less of everything
everyone needs to receive from our government to make life
worthwhile and the US a livable place (082708e)
Now he has a woman as a vice presidential candidate and as
she is governor of Alaska, a state with a good deal of
corruption boiling up these days, it is not surprising that
she is currently under investigation, that's not in this
story but well it was worth the mentioning. Justice: Will
we see justice before The Great Asshole's term runs out?
We can only hope (082708f) How do Repuglicans win? Go
back to the thrilling days of Vietnam and learn how Nixon
scuttled the peace negotiations for electoral
gain. (083008a) How
the poorest of the poor are securing clean water and
combustible gas for power in the slums of the third world -
clue: both are remarkably simple and inexpensive.
Why did something like this take so long?
(082408a)
08/09/08
08/16/08
08/23/08
08/30/08
09/06/08 American
radicals had "party plans" for the RNC. Would that
we had some of that action to prove to the world there is
some active resistance to the insanity McCain't represents
(090308e) Europe: Looks
like we may get to see some of the "sexing up" that was done
to the Brit's intel and which resulted in war and a
"whistle blower's death (090408a) The EU makes some tough remarks but also mentions sending
"civilian monitors" while Russia
says it wants an embargo to arms and supplies being sent to
Georgia and would like a change of leadership in
Tiblisi. (090108j) In
England time is running out for the government's hiding of
Extraordinary Rendiditon evidence, papers or what
have you. (090108c) "Muddle East" Central Theater: Gaza
- Israel - Jordan - Lebanon - Palestine - Syria
As has been mentioned before there
is something of a divergence in the Israeli and US
approaches to dealing with Iran. The "window of opportunity"
is closing, perhaps fast on any sort of military
action. That is reassuring, thought the
article ends by saying that the policy makers in both
nations are not the brightest bulbs in the marquee
(090108e) That previous article is then followed by this
one: "the
dream is alive" No Israeli government would tolerate a
nuclear armed Iran. (090108f) Syria: StarKrazy of France visits here and makes talk.
What the French are back on the International scene all of a
sudden? (090308d) Greater Islamic Region, Eastern
Theater: Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi
Arabia Afghanistan: The current crisis involves the deaths of civilians in
attacks.
The NATO forces seem to be on the "short end of the stick"
when it comes to popular perception. The
truth does not matter, overmuch. The US has lost its
"Teflon" and now receives anger (090108g) Iraq: The
Iraqi armed forces ARE feeling their oats. They
want to make a move on the Kurds, which are in their way ...
heheheheheheh (090308g) Maliki
shows how he is "feeling his oats" with the Kurds
too. Maybe he has never heard of "over reach"?
(090208) The
news says Anbar is being "handed over" to the Iraqi forces,
well yes and no. Yes, that is the official
word and no, not with 25,000 US troops on call and stationed
there. (090208e) The
issue of the "Awakening Councils" and the "Sons of Iraq" is
one of reconciliation. Time will tell on this
(090108d) Iran: War-games
amid the speculative atmosphere in which war is seen to
loom (090608d) Pakistan: We
have US troops crossing the border and killing civilians
oops (090308b) Some
fall out from that event, but maybe the outrage in the Govt.
is "for show"? (090408f) Looks
like the "furor" is real enough. (090608a)
Maybe
Pakistan is going to "take on" the insurgents with real
force. This would mean a real battle. They intend to
mimic the Anbar Awakening. (090208a) Asia: The Greater Islamic Theater: -
China - India - Russia - South East Asia India: Some
few begin to think the unthinkable, letting Jamu and Kashmir
"go their own way. I've long thought that would be
the way to go, why not? (083008c) And we hear that
the nuke club has given the OK to the Indian US deal on
nukes. Indians are happy on that account. Russia: Dick
"breath" Cheney rumples up in Georgia and the "resolution
process" seems to be in the talking phase
(090408d) Cheney
brings "the word" to Georgia and the region
(090308f) Russia
pours on "the love" aid flows to the break aways
(090308c) Russian
"reasonableness" and European patience may have paved the
way for a stop gap resolution that allows
"normalcy", we shall see what takes hold.
(090208b) Russia
to arm the break away regions while accusing
the US, essentially of doing the same fpr Geprgoa
(083008f) Russia
does get some support and the US must be somewhat
"upset" by the wording and the roster of those
expressing support or "understanding" (083008g) Part two,
the
Black Sea as a NATO lake is "not happening"
(083008h) Russia
and Cuba together in the news again, how
nice, can we call G.W. Jackass a jackass yet?
(083008i) Venezuela
invites the Russian navy and air force to make themselves at
home. G.W.Dumbell sure has done well down in
this part of the globe (090608e) America's "selection of 2000", current
elections and future: Bush
recently said, "everything's fine in America" well he hasn't
been to school recently has he? The housing mess is
making a mess there to, as are other factors, the recession
(which does not exist, officially) and fuel prices part of
the "falling dollar" conundrum. (090108a) Economics 101 Here
is an indication that the housing mess is continuing.
Now previous articles talked about Fannie and
Freddie holding some 6 to 7 trillion in loans. So is there
enough money for that? (090608f) Part two, So my question is this: if
the value of the shares in Freddie and Fannie are off 90%
from about a year ago, why would anyone want to invest in
such a venture, especially when the US government is
moving in to manage them (090608g) Down the drain with John "scatter brain"
McStain: Looks
like the "Obama hate fest" has begun, with lies
and misrepresentation on a large and sweeping scale.
(090608b) John
McCain't and the alternate world of "throw the bums
out" when he has been "one of the bums" that need
to be thrown out. (090608c) Slate for
this date: 09/03/08 gives a run down of the current RNC crap
(090308h) So,
McBrainless says Palin was vetted properly, so
now, any shit that hits the fan will be "fair game" for the
press, no? (090208c) So,
I would guess that he knows about her secessionist
proclivities and lying? (090208c) And
speaking of lying here is a sampler of that from "the
mistress of lies" Palin (090408b) And
here is a bit more on "pimpin' pumpin' Palin" and the
environment. (090408c And her "experience" in executive affairs and military
command are limited, well, very limited, in fact hard,
darned hard to find. What
DID she do with, for the Alaskan National Guard?
(090408d) McStain
on Katrina flip flopper, penny pincher, and jackass, with
apologies to the Jackasses (090108k) So
even the usually blind press members see the Palin thing as
a big fat stupid "OOPSIE" I mean, saying that
since Alaska is close to Russia she has "experience"?
(090108b) And
well she's a flip flopper to boot, regarding the "bridge to
nowhere". Also, she is one the least
experienced candidates in the modern era. So much for
McPain's creds that bashed Obama for the same reason.
(090108i) Justice: The
politics of law enforcement, immigrants, unions labor and so
forth and so on. (090108l) C02
sequestering for coal fired power plants? The Germans are
trying it out (090308i)
Maybe the "great war" is not so great after all.
The US "mission" is in tatters and no where near being
successfully completed, in fact the enemy has made gains
(091108e) Europe: "Muddle East" Central Theater: Gaza - Israel -
Jordan - Lebanon - Palestine - Syria Lebanon: Just
an update, some violence and some exterior players mixing it
up (091108j) Greater Islamic Region, Eastern Theater:
Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia Afghanistan: Fallout
continues from a bombing raid gone awry
(091208h) I
guess if you wait a few days or so you can find out how the
usual cover story for a "bombing gone bad" falls apart,
unique in this one is the role of the "upstanding character"
Ollie North. This dickless wonder must feel mighty
proud of the shit-mouthed "reporting" he made about a
"bombing massacre" in this country. Yup that is the way to
win hearts and minds. (091108c) Pakistan: Pakistan's
military says it will protect its borders against incursions
by foreign troops? (091208g) It seems that US
plans to "deal with" the "Pakistan Problem" have
unraveled and only made matters a bit worse, for the
US and for the Paks (090908g) If you ignore the multiple errors in the first
paragraph, which hope to support the idea that the
Russo-Georgian war was a net loss for Russia and benefited
the US, the
rest is interesting reading about aid to
Pakistan. (090908h) Asia: Bush,
the great dimwad himself, ordered the incursion into
Pakistan that has caused all the fuss; while
it might be understandable, considering the tough situation
in Afghanistan, it may prove out that its cost outweighs any
benefits. (091008f) And
here is the idiot savant's thinking
(091008g) Azerbaijan's
leaders did not particularly take to Cheney, who was being a
dick again, and now seem just that much more
remote from US interests and just that much closer to
Russia's, The "little link" is doing a heckofajob, yopu
betcha (090908f) The Greater Islamic Theater: - China - India -
Russia - South East Asia India: Here is the news that "India is jubilant" well, if
the writer says so, turns out it is certain
business groups who are jubilant. Meanwhile: India unlike
Iran has not signed the NNPT, India has tested weapons while
Iran has not, both countries engage in terrorism Iran with
its opponents, India with elements in Pakistan, and yet
India has become the exception to the rule and all is
well. We play the India card versus both China and
Russia. The deal will allow India to increase its production
of nuclear weapons by allowing it to buy supplies on the
open market and not have to "go on its own".
(090708c) Here
is some more on that (090708d) Then
there is unexpected good news from Pakistan's new leader,
there is hope that Kashmir will have a new chance. I
wonder if, as in a previous article, he is also thinking the
unthinkable? (091208b) Russia: What
does a flash point look like before the flash? Well it could
be what the Black Sea looks like now. It seems
Russian naval forces have withdrawn from the Port of Poti as
US vessels are docking there, while relocating to nearby
Abkhazia. (090808i) Russians
agree to "pull back" or something like that
(090808g) Russia/Ukraine: But they are not alone "a
growing number of traditional US allies may be concluding
that their best interests are not served by being too
closely identified with Washington."
(090808k) Africa and the Sub Sahara Theater The Greater Islamic Southern Theater: Ethiopia - The "
horn of Africa" - Somalia - Sudan Somalia: Is
it any wonder that the US has "lost" South
America? No it is not. (091108b) Bolivia: It
is not surprising that the US government and that of Bolivia
have poor relations. After the recent election the
country is more divided and now violence has caused death
(091108g) Well
here are some details regarding that
(091208e) And
some "carbon terrorism" is making the situation spicy
(091108h) Seeems like there is some reason,
more than SOME actually for suspecting that US tax dollars
are funding anti-government groups in Bolivia and
beyond which have now turned violent. (091208a) Apparently
as the globe warms Antarctica will keep "its cool on" for
some time; that's inline with the warming models
that have been used (091208g) "When
people attack the free circulation of ideas, it's ultimately
democracy that is endangered," he says. "Now,
democracy is a process, not a stationary state, and, in
order to continue to advance, it requires more transparency
and open debate." A plus that is obtained with one tried and
true recipe: light, lots of light, which is ultimately the
only means to fight against the dark. (091008c) Bush the "ball less wonder", Bumbling Dumbsfeld, and
Feith "the thief" have had their chance, now that their plan
has "gone up in smoke" what
remains is a challenge no one running is
addressing (091008c) Run
on the issues? Heaven forbid that is a "formula for failure"
Obama had better learn quick. And some one should
tell him not to talk so smart. (091108c) Money
goes missing, but who knows, really, how much is involved
here? (091008e) Dick,
"fatboy" Cheney does not want anyone to think he is in the
executive branch of the government nor does he expect to
hand over any records to anyone for any reason
(090808d) Perhaps
600,000 votes to be challenged in Ohio? This is not
the only state where this is happening I would venture, but
what is happening now, just before the election may impact
its results (090708a) A
brief overview of the "battleground states" where "any
outcome may be possible (090908e) And here
is the kicker, leave
it to Mississippi to come up with bad shit regarding voter's
rights (091108h) But
it's not just in the Ol' Jim Crow stronghold, voter ID laws
are popping up everywhere fighting a problem that
does not really exist, compared to the voter fraud that the
voting machines, tallying machines, challenges and other
impediments are (091208d) More
on the "top ten" reasons why the will of Ohio' The Anthrax Attack: Evidence points to cover up, or obfuscation or
criminal negligence or conspiracy …
amazing that we STILL don't know what the HELL went on with
this crap (091208c) Well, the evidence is in, or is it? Skeptics remain
unconvinced and the
investigation is not closed as it would be if they were
absolutely certain that they had "gotten" their man.
(090809a) Economics 101: This "puff piece" says all the nice things.
However the basic problem is that the amount of money needed
to make the insolvent solvent may be very, very
large and there may be problems when so much
"capital" is printed up. (090808b) Here is something of the "naysayer's" view point.
Can
the Fed fight a loosing battle and pull out a win? Or can
they simply just not loose it? (090808e) Down the drain with John "scatter brain"
McStain: John McCain't has nothing left and so he
does what he does, only to win, that is the only thing
(091008b) Why do lies work? This
is a small article, but the comments are worth the read,
really (091108i) Pimpin'
and Pumpin' Palin pales for want of it … She drools
with its excess. What DOES she want? (091108a) Pimpin' Palin lies: she
DID charge rape victims for the cost of the rape
kits that are used during examinations for the
gathering of evidence. (091108f) Well,
"cover up" and not "make up" is the call for Palin to make,
but then we already know what she's decided to do
with "trooper gate" (090808c) Well,
looky here, the portrait of a Bimbo Bitch, "penis poppin'
Palin has her "favorite" views given an airing. If
this is the kind of filth you want go ahead and vote for
"the thing that won't die" (090908a) "Pimpin"
Palin promotes pickles pandering politely
(091008d) And
she gets caught lying. With a capital L. I mean can you
spell flip flopper? (091208f) John
"the jackanapes" McCain't says this country was founded as a
Christian nation, well, read your history John, it
was not. Meanwhile Penis Pakin' Palip pants political prose
while admitting "I have friends who are gay …"
(090908d)
Is
there an expansion of the war into Pakistan? Do we have a
problem there? (091708d) Something
for everyone in this page from Newsday.com dated
09/18/08. Korea starts it nukes, Gorbachev gives
Rice warnings, Pakistan "insists" upon diplomacy, the US
offers "help" to another spot along the Russian periphery,
McStain holds up dog tags, the middle east is at yet another
cross roads and "something must be done"(gee we've not heard
that EVER before), Greater Islamic Region, Eastern Theater:
Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia Afghanistan: The
"build up" in Afghanistan portends a "boots on the ground"
build up. (091508i) More
troops are wanted than are likely to be sent,
changes are in order and a continued presence of the
resistance in the areas immediate to Kabul, things get dicey
what is next? (091908) The senate is more than miffed at the bombings gone
badly. They've
about had it with US, but what CAN they do?
(091708e) Iraq: Bombings back in the news? Word
is we still need political progress.
(091508c) The
main point is that the Kurds have expanded the areas they
"are responsible for" and that Iraqi forces have been sent
to "drive them out" of certain areas. Sounds
like something of a confrontation, albeit on a light scale
at this point. (091508k) Part two, in
this one case the Kurds withdrew but it had to be negotiated
with conditions no real government should have had to
make. (091508l) Part three, the
"men talking" seem to offer no hope of a peaceful solution
(091508m) As if that is not enough
there is "concern" that the "Sons of Iraq" are being
alienated, this can't be a good thing.
(091508n) Pakistan: The Pakistani's are "pissed" at US incursions and
cross border attacks. The
US risks endangering the current government's "stability" if
it decides to continue such activity, especially if
it is done without Pakistan's permission. (091508j)
So
a missile strike is made while we are reassuring the Paks
that we respect their territorial integrity … uh …
ooops? (091708i) Odd
story reporting that Pakistani's fired on American
helicopters to prevent them from entering Pakistan,
the US denies it. I doubt it but the story fires things up
none the less (091508g) Well,
the Paks give the order: "Open fire" if anyone makes
an incursion across their border, that includes US forces
(091608c) Yemen: A
car bomb attack on the embassy is a start reminder "we are
at war" as the article says. (091708a) Asia: Playing
Machiavelli both the US and Russia make their
moves, right now the Russian hand seems
stronger as the US is tied down &endash; all over the
place (091608a) Russia: Georgia
has some NATO visitors; a show of support, Moscow does the
same in the "break away" regions.
(091408a) I
guess you cannot get more supportive than pledging military
commitment to defend someone, can you?
(091708b) Africa and the Sub Sahara Theater Nigeria
faces continued resistance, and maybe a stepping up in
violence? (091408f) Bolivia: Some tensions rise, martial
law is imposed and both sides accuse each other of
organizing para militaries (091508o) More news, an interview, overview, the
upshot is that the situation is "dynamic" and that's not a
good thing. So, push may come to shove.
(091808b) Bush the damned fool of a jackass just keeps surprising,
no not really.
What is science, but what you can buy.
(091808b) Voting
rights under a new assault the same people that brought you
hackable voting machines now have centralized the voting
lists of whole states and well, those lists are what
counts when it comes to allowing you to vote.
(091808c) Voting rights under duress, is
this the excuse that will allow chaos to play her mess with
the system? (091808d) Poor
women are the most under represented group in voter
registration (091508f) Lots
of voting problems persist, painfully so, in some cases
especially in some battleground states.
(091708i) Water wars, as mentioned some time ago, this is
a brief on the current situation the track record of
privatization is at best poor. (091608f) Economics 101: It seems that a big rescue is what may be needed,
are we
talking some 600 billion? (091908i) And here
is why
that money may be "the cheap way out" if it
does do the trick (091908l) It may be that the
800 billion dollar man, may come up a bit short when
it comes right down to it. (091908f) What's
another half trillion dollars at this point? Is it enough?
Do we have that much? Do we just print the shit
up and hope that no one blinks at it, twice? (091908c) I
seem to recall various figures from previous stories dating
back to last year, altogether some two trillion dollars have
now been dumped into the markets globally, while just as
much has been lost, possibly. So that means we are, maybe
30% of the way through the estimated "bad debt" quotes I've
seen. A
look at how AIG was nationalized and why
(091908g) Tent
Cities are springing up in the fallout of this new
debacle (091908d) On
Thursday it was a panic perspective that was dominant
(091908e) So we hear from a
great combination, some one who knows a lot, looks at what
is going on and speaks in a manner that makes the mess
understandable. The very rich got waaay
rich, the poor were hooked on housing and that's gone bust,
and since everyone bet on that well the game may be up, this
may not be the recession part of a cycle but something of a
sea change. (091808g) Then this, when
you loose your house, your fortune, your job, your
retirement plan just think of Alan, "there is no housing
bubble" Greenspan and somehow try to fuck him
with an ungreased splintery bat. (091908b) Looks
like another loser day on Wall St. with a capital L, pardon
the pun (091708d) Say what you want about the cause of it all,
the
press seems to be ignoring the salient consideration that
corruption and greed were essential components of the mix
without which much that is happening now wouldn't be
(091708c) Says
here that the Fannie Freddie problems go way back to poor
regulation, poorer oversight and that many, many warnings
were given, not that anyone listened, not the
least of whom was Alan "there is no housing bubble"
Greenspan. (091408b) Some one who has known S. Palin for a
long, long time writes about the Palin she knows, the good,
bad and the ugly (091508a) A
big oopsie for Wall St as it takes a dive.
We shall see what the coming days bring, besides "all's
well" kind of messages from "the man" (091508b) The
day after the dive the billions are doled out
again. How much money can be given out? I
mean really? What is the limit? (091608b) Creative destruction, that is what bankers and
financiers called it when "old industries" were swept away
and workers got dumped, now
that it's their turn we see them crying for help, how odd is
that? (091608d) Here
is another perspective on the "tough love" of learning
lessons the hard way. (091608e) Candidates: Down the drain with John McStain: More
on "pistol packin Palin" (091408c) Our Presstitutes inaction: Cheney
is THE treasonous bastard of this century, so far that is
read why (091908h) Something's from the past: An
inside scoop on the FISA brouhaha that had Bush change his
mind, he was forced to actually (091508h) Hope Some
people do work against the forces that impale the voting
process (091408g) Green is the newest
thing,
it seems and there is some progress to report as green
recipes are found in many industries. (091508d)
Here
is more on that: the green steel idea gaining
momentum. (091708g)
Is
there an expansion of the war into Pakistan? Do
we have a problem there? (091708d) And
something for everyone in this page from Newsday.com dated
09/18/08. Korea starts it nukes, Gorbachev gives
Rice warnings, Pakistan "insists" upon diplomacy, the US
offers "help" to another spot along the Russian periphery,
McStain holds up dog tags, the middle east is at yet another
cross roads and "something must be done"(gee we've not heard
that EVER before), Greater Islamic Region, Eastern Theater:
Afghanistan - Iraq - Iran - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia Afghanistan: The
"build up" in Afghanistan portends a "boots
on the ground" build up. (091508i) Meanwhile:
More
troops are wanted than are likely to be sent,
changes are in order and a continued presence of the
resistance in the areas immediate to Kabul, things get dicey
what is next? (091908) and the topper: The
senate are more than miffed at the bombings gone
bad. They've about had it with US, but what
CAN they do? (091708e) Iraq: Bombings
back in the news? Word is we still need political
progress. (091508c) The
main point is that the Kurds have expanded the areas they
"are responsible for" and that Iraqi forces have been sent
to "drive them out" of certain areas. Sounds like
something of a confrontation, albeit on a light scale at
this point. (091508k) Part two, In
this one case the Kurds withdrew but it had to be negotiated
with conditions no real government should have had to
make. (091508l) Part three, the
"men talking" seem to offer no hope of a peaceful solution
(091508m) As
if that is not enough there is "concern" that the "Sons of
Iraq" are being alienated, this can't be a good
thing. (091508n) Pakistan: The
Pakistani's are "pissed" at US incursions and cross border
attacks. The US risks endangering the
current government's "stability" if it decides to continue
such activity, especially if it is done without Pakistan's
permission. (091508j) So
a missile strike is made while we are reassuring the Paks
that we respect their territorial integrity
… uh … ooops? (091708i) Odd
story reporting that Pakistani's fired on American
helicopters to prevent them from entering Pakistan,
the US denies it. I doubt it but the story fires things up
none the less (091508g) Well,
the Paks give the order: "Open fire" if
anyone makes an incursion across their border, that includes
US forces (091608c) Yemen: A
car bomb attack on the embassy is a start reminder "we are
at war" as the article says. (091708a) Africa and the Sub Sahara Theater Nigeria
faces continued resistance, and maybe a stepping up in
violence? (091408f) The Greater Islamic Southern Theater: Ethiopia
- The " horn of Africa" - Somalia - Sudan Nigeria: Nigeria's
oil infa-structure has had five straight days of
attacks; I guess peace talks have not even started?
(091608b) Though days later a truce is offered. Asia: The Greater Islamic Theater: - China - India -
Russia - South East Asia Playing
Machiavelli both the US and Russia make their moves,
right now the Russian hand seems stronger as the US
is tied down &endash; all over the place
(091608a) Russia: Georgia
has some NATO visitors, a show of support, Moscow does the
same in the "break away" regions.
(091408a) I
guess you cannot get more supportive than pledging military
commitment to defend someone, can you?
(091708b) Other moves to the east seem to make sense as well,
if
the Taleban make a comeback it would not suit
Russia (091408e) Bolivia: Looks
like slaughter and the national government has gone after
the prefect of the district where it
happened. (091908a) Some tensions rise, martial
law is imposed and both
sides accuse each other of organizing para
militaries (091508o) More news,
an interview, overview, the upshot is that the situation is
"dynamic" and that's not a good thing. So,
push may come to shove. (091808b) Bush the damned fool of a jackass just keeps surprising,
no not really.
What is science, but what you can buy.
(091808b) Voting rights under a new assault the same
people
that brought you hackable voting machines now have
centralized the voting lists of whole states and
well, those lists are what counts when it comes to
allowing you to vote. (091808c) Voting
rights under duress, is this the excuse that will allow
chaos to play her mess with the system?
(091808d) Poor
women are the most under represented group in voter
registration (091508f) Lying
works, that is the "take home" lesson to be sure,
even if the reporting in the story shows a slant
(091408d) Lots
of voting problems persist, painfully so, in some
cases especially in some battleground states.
(091708i) Water wars, as mentioned some time ago, this is a
brief on the current situation the
track record of privatization is at best poor.
(091608f) Economics 101: It seems that a big rescue is what may be
needed,
are we talking some 600 billion? (091908i)
And here is why that money may be "the
cheap way out" if it does do the trick (091908l)
The
800 billion dollar man, may come up a bit short when
it comes right down to it. (091908f), A
look at how AIG was nationalized and why
(091908g) Tent
Cities are springing up in the fallout of this new
debacle (091908d) On
Thursday it was a panic perspective that was dominant
(091908e) A great combination, some one who knows a lot, looks at
what is going on and speaks in a manner that makes the mess
understandable. The
very rich got waaay rich, the poor were hooked on housing
and that's gone bust, and since everyone bet on that well
the game may be up, this may not be the recession part of a
cycle but something of a sea change.
(091808g) Then this, when
you loose your house, your fortune, your job, your
retirement plan just think of Alan, "there is no housing
bubble" Greenspan and somehow try to fuck him with
an ungreased splintery bat. (091908b) What's another half trillion dollars at this point? Is it
enough? Do
we have that much? Do we just print the shit up and hope
that no one blinks at it, twice? (091908c) I
seem to recall various figures from previous stories dating
back to last year, altogether some two trillion dollars have
now been dumped into the markets globally, while just as
much has been lost, possibly. So that means we are, maybe
30% of the way through the estimated "bad debt" quotes I've
seen. Looks
like another loser day on Wall St. with a capital L, pardon
the pun (091708d) Say what you want about the cause of it all, the
press seems to be ignoring the salient consideration that
corruption and greed were essential components of
the mix without which much that is happening now wouldn't be
(091708c) Says
here that the Fannie Freddie problems go way back to poor
regulation, poorer oversight and that many, many warnings
were given, not that anyone listened, not the least
of whom was Alan "there is no housing bubble" Greenspan.
(091408b) Some one who has known S. Palin for a long, long
time writes about the Palin she knows, the good, bad and the
ugly (091508a) A
big oopsie for Wall St as it takes a dive. We shall
see what the coming days bring, besides "all's well" kind of
messages from "the man" (091508b) The
day after the dive the billions are doled out again.
How much money can be given out? I mean really? What is the
limit? (091608b) Creative destruction, that is what bankers and
financiers called it when "old industries" were swept
away and workers got dumped, now
that it's their turn we see them crying for help,
how odd is that? (091608d) Here
is another perspective on the "tough love" of learning
lessons the hard way. (091608e) Candidates: Down the drain with John McStain: Some
one who has known S. Palin for a long, long time writes
about the Palin she knows, the good, bad and the
ugly (091508a) More
on "pistol packin Palin" (091408c) Our Presstitutes inaction: Cheney
is THE treasonous bastard of this century, so far that is
read why (091908h) Something's from the past: An
inside scoop on the FISA brouhaha that had Bush change his
mind, he was forced to actually (091508h) Some
people do work against the forces that impale the voting
process (091408g) Green is the newest thing, it seems and there is some
progress to report as green
recipes are found in many industries.
(091508d) Here
is more on that: the green steel idea gaining
momentum. (091708g)
09/13/08
09/20/08
09/27/08