Warmest January Ever

Once again, another record broken in the warmth of the earth. Read the story.So when will people realize and demand that action be taken? Are you doing your part???



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Star Witness?

Well, it looks like Cheney is going to have to testify in the Libby perjury case. So what could happen if Cheney says something under oath that defies the public record? We know that Fitzgerald will probably be ready to pounce on any inconsistencies. My true question is this: Fitzgerald interviewed Cheney during the CIA Leak Case, and Cheney was not required to be under oath. However, if he says anything under oath that contradicts what he stated in the interview, is that obstruction of justice? I’ve heard “mixed reviews” on this. That yes, it could be, and it is a felony. That Fitzgerald probably wouldn’t pursue it if it happened. Or would he?

And of course, the question above all else is this: if that does indeed happen, and Fitzgerald releases the interview with Cheney, will Congress be able to begin an investigation into Cheney, since the potential for a felony would squarely fall into a “high crime?”

If nothing else, any inconsistency, or the truth itself, could severely damage the White House beyond how damaged it already is. As things continue to deteriorate in Iraq, I believe that when Americans here even more about the false intelligence that led us into the war, their tolerance levels will plummet even further than they have. I think the nation is heading towards a fork in the road, and we, as Americans, have to now decide the course. We took the first steps in November. Now we must hold Congress accountable to us to do the right thing. And that right thing is a thorough, tough look at all that led us into Iraq in the first place, and to take steps to mitigate the damage to our military, our image, and most of all…to support our troops by NOT putting them needlessly in harm’s way.

Its been a long time…

I haven’t made an entry for quite some time, obviously.
I’ve been spending some time reevaluating my political views, and what I want to write about and share with the world. I feel I have a lot of knowledge and strong opinions to share, and to share them in a manner that is open and honest. By doing so, I believe I can contribute to the sharing in this country (and around the world) of ideas and theories, all of which may contribute to a better future for each and every one of us.
We spend so much time thinking about what it is we do not like, and not nearly enough time thinking about what it is that we want, why we want it, and focusing on the changes that are necessary to make those wants become haves.
I was just contemplating my irritation over the Senate closing debate on the Iraq Resolution. For them, it seems to still boil down to those famous ridiculous words “You’re either with us, or against us.” This mentality is getting us nowhere, as is evidenced by 4 years of slaughter in Iraq. The surge won’t work simply because it is not a viable solution to the issues that have created the endless violence in Iraq. So I offer up my theory on the only way to save Iraq, and may not bring about the desired results of the Bush Administration, or of many others.
Divide it. Iraq should become three autonomous nations. One for the Kurds, one for the Sunnis, and one for the Shiites. Baghdad would need to be decentralized, or become a divided city. The only reason Iraq held together after the British left was through pure tyranny. So unless we’re willing to live with Saddam II running Iraq, through tyranny to hold it together, the only other solution is division. Yes, it may bring about unwelcome influence by Iran and Syria, and most definitely will cause friction with Turkey over their opposition to an independent Kurdish state on their borders.
Let an honest debate begin. Only by setting aside that which we do not want can we focus on fixing this issue. Or we can look forward to 4 more years of disaster, destruction, and the hemorrhaging of America’s standing in the world. It is time to fix that standing before it becomes too late for all of us.

-Daniel
Madison, WI
February 6th, 2007

Election 2006

It’s finally here!
We’re all probably sick of the mudslinging, the negativity, and the deceptions that have pervaded the airways for the last several weeks.
The nastiest governor’s race I’ve ever seen is drawing to a close.
In Wisconsin, an amendment to the state constitution is on the table which would institute discrimination into a document that is supposed to be about our freedom and our pursuit of happiness. An advisory referendum is on the table to bring back the death penalty after Wisconsin has successfully survived without one for 153 years (Wisconsin banned the death penalty in 1853, just 5 years after it joined the Union).
In many other states, people get to make their choices for governors, for research that could save untold numbers of lives, and every state has congressional candidates up for election.

The most fundamental freedom we have as Americans is the right to vote. The right to choose who will lead us for the next 2, 4, or 6 years. The chance to express our views on subjects that matter the most to us—not the things that people tell us we should be concerned about. Since 2003, in Iraq alone, 2,875+ Americans have given their lives in service to that freedom, that choice, that constitutional right. Some 15,000+ will never walk again, never understand things correctly again, or never be able to hold their children or grandchildren again. All in the name of our freedom.

Yes, I’ve got strong convictions. But today is not about what I think. Today is about what you think.
Please, vote.
Express your right as an American.
Whether you’re change the course, stay the course, or somewhere in between, vote.
See you at the polls,
Daniel

Mark Foley on The Child Safety Act of 2005

Below is the text of what Mark Foley (R-FL, former) said during open debate on September 14th, 2005, during the introduction of H.R. 3132. Text from the Library of Congress. A shining example of hypocrisy.

Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).

Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Chairman, as co-chairman of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus and an original author of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification measure included in this bill, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3132, the Children's Safety Act of 2005.

Mr. Speaker, we have all heard the names: Jessica Lunsford, Jetseta Gage, Sarah Lunde, Megan Kanka, Jacob Wetterling, just to name a few. All beautiful children carrying with them the hopes and dreams of every young child in this country. All taken away from their parents and their futures, killed by sex offenders.

This is an important piece of legislation we are faced with today. It is probably one of the most tragic things any family will ever deal with. While Katrina, the hurricane, and Judge Roberts are much in the headlines, below the fold seems to be daily an occurrence of a violent act against our children. It is time we get tough.

I have said repeatedly that in this country we track library books better than we do sex offenders. This bill, thanks to the good efforts of the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and others, seeks to correct that.

This bill is not a knee-jerk reaction. We have worked over 1 year on this legislation with the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other Federal agencies.

It is horrific that in this country we are experiencing these untold tragedies throughout our Nation; but we can do better, and in this bill we will do better.

I would like to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and his staff, Mike Volkov, for working tirelessly to produce this comprehensive child protection legislation. This bill has indeed many fathers and mothers. It is for the children, though, that we work and we labor.

I have often said this bill is a labor of love. Yet it is a labor of shame that we have these kinds of incidents of violence and tragedies affecting our kids.

I would like to thank Bradley Schreiber, my legislative director, who has worked so many hours in trying to perfect and work alongside staff to make this legislation possible; Ernie Allen from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; John Walsh from America's Most Wanted, who has led a crusade for well over 20 years since the death of his beautiful son Adam in Florida. John Walsh has brought a scrutiny to child protection legislation unlike any other human being.

Finally, and most important, I want to recognize the victims' parents. It is their hard work and determination, their tears and their frustration, and their fears for their other children that has brought this bill to the floor so quickly. They took away from their own tragedies a chance to help fellow Americans protect other children; and for that we are entirely grateful.

Mr. Chairman, these are not petty criminals. These are sex offenders, and they must be dealt with accordingly.

Medicare Part D: Built to Fail?

An article in The Capital Times of Madison, Wisconsin suggests that the Medicare Part D Program was built to fail...to make the road to privatization easier to justify. And I agree. The great insight on this program is available here.

To me, it shows even more how the Republican majority (and even some Democrats) find a convenient use for senior citizens...knock them down to further their own goals and ambitions to live up to the campaign dollars contributed by major Pharmaceutical companies. Once again, another reason to change course on November 7th.

Talking to a Bush

Vote For Change This November 7th. American Freedom Is On The March...right here at home.

And It All Came Tumbling Down

If the Democratic Party had its own “Project for the New American Century,” they would have just achieved receiving their “Pearl Harbor Event.” But unlike PNAC, who needed the deaths of thousands of Americans to rally the nation to its cause, the Democratic Party only needed one Republican pervert, the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back.”

The GOP (Grand Old Perverts) are losing their death-grip on American power. Scandal upon scandal seemed to leave them unscathed. Until one man’s “love” for young Congressional Pages became headlines. The events of the past week have initiated the sea-change tidal wave that will most likely swamp the already leaking SS Republicana.

If nothing else, the Foley-gate scandal and its apparent cover-up by the Republican Congressional Leadership should serve as a clear warning to all who claim to have a moral fortitude greater than the majority of the citizens of a nation. Their lust for power, their lust for man-boy love, their lust for money and war and death and destruction and perpetual war has undone them. Now, a clear majority of Americans favor the Democrats over Republicans on every single major issue. Homeland Security. Economy. The war in Iraq. Even Moral leadership and values. The latest poll by NEWSWEEK deals the blows:

“While 52 percent of Americans believe Hastert was aware of Foley’s actions and tried to cover them up, it’s part of a larger loss of faith in Republican leadership, thanks mostly to the war in Iraq," Marcus Mabry writes. "For instance, for the first time in the NEWSWEEK poll, a majority of Americans now believe the Bush administration knowingly misled the American people in building its case for war against Saddam Hussein: 58 percent vs. 36 percent who believe it didn’t."

I think we are witnessing the meltdown of a political party, and the erosion of faith in the political ideology of Conservatism. Will it soon go the way of Communism? I doubt it, but Conservatism, for all intensive purposes, is in Intensive Care, on life support… We can bring America back. Back from the brink. And it will all begin on November 7th, 2006, when we inform the nation that sometimes “staying the course” is just pure stupidity.

Green is not for Wisconsin's best interests...

Mark Green (R-WI) is not right for the position of governor of our great progressive state. Green is a Bush lap-dog and nothing more. Mark Green, your application for governor is not accepted.

The State Elections Board ordered that Mark Green return $468,000.00 in donations from PACs that are not registered in the state of Wisconsin. Green refused. This week, a Dane County judge ordered that Green's campaign return the money. Green still refuses. Sounds like something a Bush Republican would do. Mark Green is way out of touch with Wisconsin's values. Wisconsin doesn't want a Busher running the state. We don't want your dirty PAC money, either. Green can't even get real citizens of this great state to be in his ads. Now that's pathetic.

Green has voted alongside Bush's wishes 92% of his time in Congress. Since only about 40% of Americans actually agree with George Bush, Green seems to be on the wrong side of nearly every issue that should be important to the Wisconsin voter. Wisconsin is the world leader in stem cell research, which Mark Green opposes at the wish of the Far Right Christian Conservatives who seem to be unable to vote for their own best interests. Wisconsin workers need a higher minimum wage, which Mark Green was against...7 times.

I, even as a liberal, may not be all that excited about Gov. Doyle's performance over the last 4 years, cannot even fathom that the Republicans would put up such a freak show candidate on their side. If they would've come up with a moderate...one who actually cares about what happens in the state of Wisconsin, one who stands up for the state's best interests and that of its citizens, the Republicans would've had a fighting chance here. Although it appears they're relatively close in the polls, unless there is far right interference in the actual election itself, I don't think Green has a chance in hell here. And that is music to my ears.

I respect those who's views differ with my own, but when they border on insanity or dictatorship supportive views, then there's just no room in my heart for them. Nobody should "have to" sacrifice freedom for safety. No soldier should have to buy their own armor in Iraq. And no Wisconsin Guardsman should have to go back to Iraq more than one tour. That's what our regular military is for. And no Wisconsin veteran should have to stare down the cut in funding for the Veteran's Administration. Not one of them.

Mark Green, you're on the wrong side of the issues that are dear to Wisconsin's present and future. You are wrong for Wisconsin. You are wrong for keeping the $468,000. You are wrong, apparently 92% of the time.

Doyle will win, so this is just an exercise in expressing my views.

It's De Ja Vu all over again

Here we are.
Bush is on vacation at his ranch in Crawford, TX.
Last year he was on vacation when Katrina struck.
2001, he was on vacation when he was warned about a serious threat from Al Qaida.
And now, in 2006, while vacationing...the United States raises the threat level to red for the very first time.

Bush Vacation=Something Bad Happens

Any Questions?

The Heat Wave

The United States has been broiling in a heat wave that began, according to meteorologists on July 5th, 2006. Over 80 record highs have been shattered, with many places in many states setting all-time record highs for the month of July. So, is the heat wave a symptom of global warming?

There’s no evidence that can be pointed to and give a definitive “yes,” however, given the duration, intensity, and scale of the heat wave of ’06, it could very well be a symptom, a result, of human’s pollution of the earth. And, if this is the case, then this type of weather could be “the norm” within the next 10 years. With an antiquated electrical grid, soaring energy prices, and global conflicts, the strain of continued heat of this rate could have disastrous implications for the U.S. economy. Combine the heat wave with war, tensions in the Middle East, the systematic elimination of the middle class by the current administration and Congress, and we have a recipe for disaster. A disaster that we may not see unfolding until it is far too late to do anything substantive enough to mitigate the effects.

Failed policy has led us to wear we are. It is truly that simple. The Bush Administration has rolled back, with frightening speed, many environmental controls designed to prevent this type of “symptom” from ever appearing. It is any coincidence that the growing evidence that Global Warming is linked to the intense wildfires, heat, and hurricanes during the Bush Error? If there ever was a sign from God…

It is “cool” here in Wisconsin today, compared to the heat of the last several weeks. It was “only” 88 (still well above normal) today, with low relative humidity. And this actually felt good to me, compared with the weather we’ve been having. Just like we’ve gotten thankful when gas is “only” $2.95 a gallon, we’re getting thankful when it is “only” 8 or 10 degrees above normal. Guess our desensitizing is going as planned…

Wisconsin Blast Furnace

HOT!!

"Heat, ma'am!" I said; "it was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones."
-Lady Holland's Memoir by Sydney Smith (1771-1845)

Welcome Jesus!

Is it the end of the world as described in the Book of Revelation? Apparently, there's a lot of fundamentalists out there who believe the world is approaching that critical point. As a person who's views used to be on the side of the fundamentalist "End Times" group, I can say that there's some trepidation that comes with the current events, but at the same time, I look at these events in the Middle East and realize that this may be nothing more than a human invented course of events that may lead the world to the brink of the Third World War, possibly in the hopes of some involved to bring about Armageddon. And as a Christian, however, I have to say to these end time believers that man cannot bring about the return of Christ, and point out that the book of Revelation warns against the False Church and those that interpret the words of the Book incorrectly...
Here's a story from CNN on the apocalypse:



And here is Stephen Colbert, welcoming the Third World War:


Nothing wrong with a little bit of levity in light of World War III...

Waiting for the next Lusitania?

Does anyone else find it "odd" that the U.S. State Department is so very, very slow in getting Americans out of Lebanon than any other industrialized nation evacuating its citizens?

Granted, we couldn't get people out of New Orleans last year, so why would we expect that the most powerful nation on earth could actually evacuate its citizens from a rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon (it's so far away! It's "complicated" ). Or could there possibly be something more sinister at work?

The World War III chorus has begun with Newt Gingrich, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, etc. ad nauseum. Bush says Syria needs to get Hezbollah to "stop this shit." Now it is reported that Bush and Blair "explicitly approved" at least a week for Israel to inflict "maximum damage" before we join the world calls for a cease fire. So, what better way to get America involved in World War III (not that we didn't already "start it" with our misguided invasion of Iraq), then to have an event (read: September 11th) to rally support against an all-out invasion of Syria and Iran. The Lusitania was attacked in 1915 by a German U-Boat that fired a torpedo at the ship, bringing great anger and support for our participation in the first World War.

So, here we go with a conspiracy theory...are the neocons hell-bent on implying that the third world war has, in fact, begun, hoping (maybe quietly) that a slow evacuation of American citizens will increase the chance that Hezbollah will attack an evacuating cruise ship, causing massive American casualties? Especially now that Israel has begun a ground incursion into Lebanon and has engaged Hezbollah on the ground...common sense dictates that this will greatly increase the "threat" that Hezbollah will react with a violent lash out on any supporter of Israel.

I'm hoping, of course, the attack does not occur, but as with any actions by this Administration lately, I'm incredibly suspicious of their ultimate goals...

Staying The Course

from: Bring it On!

Let Freedom Ring Anew

A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.
- Thomas Jefferson

Isn't it time we review the Declaration of Independence? It is now my goal to read this at least once per year, on its anniversary 230 years ago today, to reaffirm my allegiance to what is good and right about these United States, and to what is the true good and right nature of the people of these United States and all those who wish to become a part of her citizenry in a legal and fair manner, and to the one true Leader that we must all some day answer to.

I implore you to read the entire document presented here today in its entirety. For a nice little twist, try replacing "King of Great Britain" with George W. Bush (Or "King George"). It is interesting how, 230 years on, the words of this document can (unfortunately) be applied to the leadership of this nature. Maybe it is time, once again, to declare our independence from tyranny and reaffirm the true nature of this Republic...One Nation, under God, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies

In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The signers of the Declaration represented the new states as follows:

New Hampshire

Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts

John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island

Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut

Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York

William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey

Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania

Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware

Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland

Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia

George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina

William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina

Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia

Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

All Out War? Israel Raises the Stakes

After the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Corporal Gilad Shilit, Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated that the Israeli government would "go to extremes" to safely bring back Cpl. Shilit to his family. It began with troops amassing along the Gaza Strip, firing rockets and tank shells into parts of the Gaza Strip from which it was believed militant rocket fire was coming from, and the arrest of nearly 1/3 of the Hamas led government of the Palestinian state. Israel reportedly "buzzed" the summer residence of Syrian president Assad in a clear warning regarding is supposed "implicit involvement" with terrorist organizations including Hamas. Now the stakes are going up.

An Australian paper has reported that the Israelis have threatened to assassinate the Palestinian Prime Minister (member of Hamas Ismael Haniyeh) if the soldier is not freed. MSNBC is reporting that Palestinian militants holding Cpl. Shilit have given new demands for the release of 1,000 prisoners and a halt to Israel's military operations in Gaza.

The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the situation. Palestine asked the council to condemn Israel for the Gaza offensive, but no such resolution was circulated, most likely because of U.S. opposition. Once again, the U.S. is bowing to Israel's offensive strategy, and this time, the U.S. could go too far in its implicit support for Israel's actions. I agree that Israel should have recourse for the kidnapped soldier. However, even though they are terrorists, the Hamas leadership was democratically elected, whether we like it or not. We spout off about democracy and "freedom on the march" while at the same time, with our forked tongue, attempt to tell other nations who they can and cannot elect to their leadership.

I disagree wholeheartedly with the Palestinian choice for a government. But, I respect their decisions. Already, to a certain extent, the Hamas leadership in charge in Palestine has began to moderate its views. But with Israel's offensive, there appears to be a backslide towards the more hardline views of Hamas and their previously stated goal of the destruction of the state of Israel. This situation has all the markings of one that could descend Israel and the Palestinians into an all out conflict that could easily draw in Syrian involvement.

If the reported threat from the Australian paper is true, and Israel carries the threat out, the assassination of a democratically elected head of a government (whether or not the U.S. has decided to recognize the government) would be a very serious raise in the stakes of International tensions, and would open a window for other nations to declare opposing country's leaders as "terrorists" and then strike and attempt assassinations. And, in my opinion, the U.S.' bullish attitude towards the United Nations is about to render the U.N. useless. The Right will cheer the downfall, but we'll all pay the price. After all, since its creation, we have not had a global conflict on the scale of the first two World Wars. Without the U.N., the chances of a global conflict, begun in the Middle East (by the U.S.) will greatly increase.

The stakes have been raised. The last card has been drawn. Who will fold first?

American Life

Update 06-24-06--The video is no longer available. It was the Director's Cut version of Madonna's "American Life". If you get a chance to see it, I recommend it...

It Speaks For Itself...

FRONTLINE: The Dark Side

Last night, PBS' FRONTLINE episode was titled "The Dark Side", a look at the struggle for power between the CIA and Vice President over intelligence issues post-9/11. This program was very detailed and rich with insights into the way this power-grabbing Vice President works. It showed how George Tenet, former CIA director, lost his battle when he traded power for access. Subtly, the White House fired shots across the bow at the CIA, from the outing of Valerie Plame to the famous "16 words" in the State of the Union. Tenet ended up resigning, and recieved a Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service...the payoff.

I hope to write more about this episode later. If you saw it, give a shout-out on your thoughts. If you didn't, you can head over to PBS.org and view the program.

US Soldier's Bodies Found (Breaking News)

Tuesday, June 20, 2006: 5:41 AM CST
Breaking... (LINK UPDATED 5:51 AM)

Breaking News out of Iraq this morning:
An Iraqi official (not yet named in news sources) has confirmed that the two kidnapped U.S. Soldiers in Iraq have been found, bodies recovered, apparently killed by their captors. UPDATED: The group was vowing revenge for the June 7 killing of Abu Masab al-Zarqawi. Apparently, they have followed through on their threat. The search had involved 8,000 U.S. and Iraqi security forces. May they now rest with God.

Visit the "Breaking..." link above (MSNBC) for more details.

All this as Cheney says again that the "insurgency is in its last throes."