Krugman:Terror Wouldn't Mind 4 more Bush years

Krugman: Terror Wouldn't Mind 4 more Bush years

Paul Krugman apparently believes, as I believe and have stated here on Iddybud recently in my "Bush is al-Qaeda's Choice in November 2004" post, that G.W. Bush is allowing our national strategy to fall into the terrorists' willing hands again and again.

In today's column, Mr. Krugman writes:

Mr. Bush's "war on terror" has, however, played with eerie perfection into Osama bin Laden's hands - while Mr. Bush's supporters, impressed by his tough talk, see him as America's champion against the evildoers.

Last week, Republican officials in Kentucky applauded bumper stickers distributed at G.O.P. offices that read, "Kerry is bin Laden's man/Bush is mine." Administration officials haven't gone that far, but when Tom Ridge offered a specifics-free warning about a terrorist attack timed to "disrupt our democratic process," many people thought he was implying that Al Qaeda wants George Bush to lose. In reality, all infidels probably look alike to the terrorists, but if they do have a preference, nothing in Mr. Bush's record would make them unhappy at the prospect of four more years.

[LINK]

John Warner: Big Headline/Little News

BIG HEADLINE
Little News
_____________________

The headline reads:

Warner: New Report Backs Iraq WMD Claims

The news:

"..I'm not suggesting dramatic discoveries," Warner told reporters, but "bits and pieces that Saddam Hussein was clearly defying" international restrictions..."

Can I get a "WOW"?

Moore to Timmins: Stupid, UnAmerican!

Moore to Timmins: Stupid, UnAmerican!

I hope Michael Moore will not object to my posting his letter here:

July 19th, 2004 9:05 pm
Open Letter to Bill Timmins, President Aladdin Casino and Hotel


Bill Timmins
President
Aladdin Casino and Hotel
Las Vegas, NV

July 20, 2004

Dear Mr. Timmins:

I understand from the news reports I've read that, after Linda Ronstadt, one of America's greatest singers, dedicated a song to me from your stage on Saturday night, you instructed your security guards to remove her from the Aladdin, which they did.

What country do you live in? Last time I checked, Las Vegas is still in the United States. And in the United States, we have something called "The First Amendment." This constitutional right gives everyone here the right to say whatever they want to say. All Americans hold this right as sacred. Many of our young people put on a uniform and risk their lives to defend it. My film is all about asking the questions that should have been asked before those brave soldiers were sent into harms way.

For you to throw Linda Ronstadt off the premises because she dared to say a few words in support of me and my film, is simply stupid and Un-American. Frankly, I have never heard of such a thing happening. I read that you wouldn't even let her go back up to her room at your hotel! Are you crazy? For crying out loud, it was a song DEDICATION! To "Desperado!" Every American loves that song! Sure, some people didn't like the dedication, and that's their right. But neither they nor you have the right to remove her from your building when all she did was exercise her AMERICAN right to speak her mind.

Of all the things that go on in Las Vegas, this is what creates the need for serious action? What about the other half of the crowd at the Aladdin who, according to the Las Vegas Sun, cheered her when she made her remarks? Did you throw them out, too?

I think you owe Ms. Ronstadt an apology. And I have an idea how you can make it up to her -- and to the millions of Americans you have offended. Invite her back and I'll join her in singing "America the Beautiful" on your stage. Then I will show "Fahrenheit 9/11" free of charge to all your guests and anyone else in Las Vegas who wants to see it.

Mr. Timmins, as the song "Desperado" says -- "Come to your senses!" How can you refuse this offer? I await your reply.

Yours,
Michael Moore
Director, "Fahrenheit 9/11"

Aladdin Hotel co-owned by Saudi investors

Aladdin Hotel co-owned by Saudi investors

Did I mention that? Yes, I think I did. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal is heavily invested in Planet Hollywood (proud new owners of the Aladdin). The Prince is also the savior of Disney's EuroDisney. You remember Disney--the ones who decided to back out of distributing "Fahreneheit 9/11" at the last moment.

I don't know why the press fails to mention all this. Perhaps it's because they're so used to the fact that Saudi Arabia owns most of the United States that it's not worth the mention anymore.


Quote of the day at Karmalised: "Common sense suggests all that's followed this particular performance was one of the safest bets in Las Vegas last week."

Ronstadt is Moses-Parting Red Sea of Polarization

Ronstadt is Moses-Parting Red Sea of Polarization

Linda Ronstadt has done it again at Humphreys by the Bay in southern California. She is causing audiences to part in the middle. Boos and cheers abounded on either side when she dedicated "Desperado" to Michael Moore at the end of her concert last night. Linda is the pop-Moses, parting the sea of partisanship. When the seas fold back in, who will drown? How long can we convince ourselves that we remain a united and focused nation, knowing what Linda has exposed at these concerts? We blame Linda, but isn't that silly?

There are much stronger forces to blame.

SEE Michael Moore's site for another article about the Humphreys' show.

Lieberman Reviving Cold War dinosaur

Lieberman Reviving Cold War dinosaur

Sealing his place as a solid conservative-Democrat (well out of touch with the vast majority of his party), Sen Joe Lieberman is involved directly in relaunching the Cold War-era Committee on the Present Danger, a group of citizens of diverse political persuasions who will work to sustain and strengthen bipartisan support for the war on terrorism in Iraq and beyond.

The Committee on the Present Danger was first formed at the dawn of the Cold War in 1950 to "educate Americans about the growing threat of Soviet communism". Democratic senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson had revitalized the group in the mid-'70s; this time it was focused on working for a stronger stance toward the Soviets and the increased defense spending necessary to carry out that policy. Ken ("Iraq'll be a cakewalk") Adelman, Paul Wolfowitz (who was on Team B) and Neocon Richard Perle were among other members of CPD's last reincarnation.

Looking back at the Committee's history in the 70s, I am dismayed to see Neocon Michael Ledeen's direct activity. Israel had built up significant influence in the CPD in its last revitalization. Ledeen was the primary contact person who was connected with Oliver North and the Iran-Contra affair...and who is a hawk on Iran today.

The CPD's rebirth allegedly took place at a gathering of 80-100 of Washington's leading neo-cons who gathered to discuss "Iraq and the War Against Terrorism." (sponsored by Clifford May's group FDD and funded largely by FOX New's commander-in-chief Rupert Murdoch).

Here's the message, basically. (American parents, please have a seat for this one). Here comes the draft. Uncle Sam will require the lives of many of your sons and daughters. The CPD's message will be (skipping over the niceties) "War, war, more war. Kill, kill, kill more Muslims. More more more terror attacks. More more more risk. More Homeland Security. Less safety."

Some say it should not be called a Committee on the Present Danger and that it instead should be called the Committee Committed to Blowing Up the World.

I am so very glad Al Gore helped marginalize Joe Lieberman early in the campaign season by endorsing Howard Dean instead. He let America know which candidate's direction he thought was appropriate for not only his party, but especially for our beloved nation.

2004 Democratic Platform for America

2004 Democratic Platform for America

The 2004 Democratic platform is now available for downloading. (It's a pdf file)

They stress affirmation in their belief in the greatness of a strong, respected America. They also stress that Bush has walked away from more than a hundred years' worth of American leadership in this world, disregarding the value of effective diplomacy.

You should read it. I hope you'll take the time.

Michael Moore: Canadian Criminal!?

Michael Moore: Canadian Criminal!?

Now I've heard everything. A 21-year-old Canadian conservative citizen by the name of Kasra Nejatian is dredging up a draconian gag law to try to get Michael Moore arrested. There is a web site set up to collect petition signatures. Geez, Louise. What won't these people do to shut Mr. Moore's mouth?

Nejatian thinks Michael Moore is an "annoying loudmouth" and, even though Nejatian believes the gag law is probably unconstitutional, he's going to push the envelope anyhow.

To complicate matters for Nejatian and his ilk, a Canadian mayor has offered to possibly make Michael Moore an official "honorary Canadian citizen".

--insert circus music here--

Around the Blogs Today

Around the Blogs Today

I nominated Karmalised in the Underblog 2004 contest.

Thanks to Elayne, I'm working on a photo/essay for A Picture's Worth.

Have you seen the Hyperlincoln blog? I love that name.

Josh Marshall is talking about Sandy Berger.

Sandy Berger articles:

NYT: Mr. Berger removed at least two versions of a memorandum assessing how the government handled intelligence and security issues before the millennium celebrations in 1999.

WP: Berger spent three days at the Archives, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, last summer and fall examining documents to provide the Clinton administration's responses to inquiries from the presidential commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

USA Today: Two of the officials said Berger was reportedly seen stuffing some of the material into his clothing.

DAMAGE: Some folks are bent out of shape that this might not be front-page news. (If the story gets buried on page 2, how will Berger be pressured to distance himself from the Kerry campaign?

DAMAGE UPDATE! Sandy Berger has stepped away from the Kerry campaign in his role as advisor. ___________________


I'm glad Josh Marshall hasn't let Susan Schmidt off easily in her Washington Post coverage of Joseph Wilson.

Kos says Cheney and Halliburton loved Iran. Mmmwaaaah!

Anonymoses has written a thought-provoking piece titled "Democrats Win! World Erupts in Celebration!" at his diary at Daily Kos.

Holden at Eschaton reminds us that William Safire is a bag of hot wind. Regarding the same subject, the "16 words" and the Butler report, a writer to "Outside the Beltway" only known as 'GP' raises common-sense questions and comments. See my own comments from July 14th. The folks trying so hard to make the President appear to have sound reason for saying those 16 words are still wrong, no matter how you slice and dice it. They aren't looking at the full nature of the Butler report. You cannot learn the truth; nor can you make sound and rational judgement about taking a nation to war by only examining drive-by snippets. The relevant argument was not whether or not an attempt was made to purchase uranium, it was whether or not our American president was using incredibly shaky information in his State of the Union speech to promote an unnecessary war.