A Loud Talker

OK. I can't stand it anymore!!!! I have to bitch! Somewhere! To someone! (Lucky you)

I sit next to a person @ work who tends to "talk a little loud" when she's on the phone. When I say a little loud, what I really mean is she makes the ears bleed of anyone within about 30 feet of her. I'm going to need hearing aids. I seriously thought about buying duct tape at lunch. But I pussed out. But that's not the only thing. She types like she's working on a type writer from the 1820's. And then she trims her nails...at her desk...which is like nails on the chalkboard to me.

The beauty of it all? If you say anything to her, she gets all offended and upset. Dear God I wish I could have a drink right now.

How much do you think it would cost to soundproof her cube?

Wisconsin Stories & Opinions

Dane101 posting: Lifting the Ban on Gay Marriage. Couldn't agree more.

From The Capital Times: A proposal in Governor Jim Doyle's budget would allow the secretary of the DoA (Department of Adminstration) to transfer state employees from agency to agency "at will." Not sure I'm supportive of this idea. Gut reaction: No. I'd like to hear what AFSCME has to say about it...so far they've been silent.

And today is going to be the warmest day in southern Wisconsin in a very long time, so get out and enjoy it!

The Ides of March

The Roman Calendar names the 15th of March the "Ides of March." This is the date that a soothsayer supposedly warned Caesar about on his way to the Senate after he declared himself dicator for life. Caesar was murdered by members of the Senate on this date in 44 BC.

Wikipedia Entry for Ides of March

At least the Romans stood up to those who would be dictator.

The Paranormal

A little Monday distraction from politics.

I want to hear Ghost Stories. I'm going to go into more than just politics on this blog, in the spirit of "The Truth Is Out There" (aka The X-Files).

I'm a huge fan of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International, and really enjoy that there is reasonable and understandable explanations for a lot of the activity. For instance, at my home, the basement is a place where I "creep out." I feel very uncomfortable, feel like I'm being watched, and sometimes begin to have trouble breathing. After watching GHI for several episodes, I took a look around at the wiring in our basement. The house I live in is ancient (the basement has not been redone as the rest of the house has), and I'm convinced that there is Electromagnetic interference in the basement. Nothing spiritual or supernatural, just old wiring.

I'm going on some haunting trips this summer in the Midwest (mainly Wisconsin). So let's have some story time...

Lifting The Ban on Stem Cell Research

In his own words...

Remarks of President Barack Obama - As Prepared for Delivery
Signing of Stem Cell Executive Order and Scientific Integrity Presidential Memorandum:

####

Today, with the Executive Order I am about to sign, we will bring the change that so many scientists and researchers; doctors and innovators; patients and loved ones have hoped for, and fought for, these past eight years: we will lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic stem cell research. We will vigorously support scientists who pursue this research. And we will aim for America to lead the world in the discoveries it one day may yield.

At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown, and it should not be overstated. But scientists believe these tiny cells may have the potential to help us understand, and possibly cure, some of our most devastating diseases and conditions. To regenerate a severed spinal cord and lift someone from a wheelchair. To spur insulin production and spare a child from a lifetime of needles. To treat Parkinson's, cancer, heart disease and others that affect millions of Americans and the people who love them.

But that potential will not reveal itself on its own. Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research - from years of lonely trial and error, much of which never bears fruit - and from a government willing to support that work. From life-saving vaccines, to pioneering cancer treatments, to the sequencing of the human genome - that is the story of scientific progress in America. When government fails to make these investments, opportunities are missed. Promising avenues go unexplored. Some of our best scientists leave for other countries that will sponsor their work. And those countries may surge ahead of ours in the advances that transform our lives.

But in recent years, when it comes to stem cell research, rather than furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values. In this case, I believe the two are not inconsistent. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research - and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly.

It is a difficult and delicate balance. Many thoughtful and decent people are conflicted about, or strongly oppose, this research. I understand their concerns, and we must respect their point of view.

But after much discussion, debate and reflection, the proper course has become clear. The majority of Americans - from across the political spectrum, and of all backgrounds and beliefs - have come to a consensus that we should pursue this research. That the potential it offers is great, and with proper guidelines and strict oversight, the perils can be avoided.

That is a conclusion with which I agree. That is why I am signing this Executive Order, and why I hope Congress will act on a bi-partisan basis to provide further support for this research. We are joined today by many leaders who have reached across the aisle to champion this cause, and I commend them for that work.

Ultimately, I cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures we seek. No President can promise that. But I can promise that we will seek them - actively, responsibly, and with the urgency required to make up for lost ground. Not just by opening up this new frontier of research today, but by supporting promising research of all kinds, including groundbreaking work to convert ordinary human cells into ones that resemble embryonic stem cells.

I can also promise that we will never undertake this research lightly. We will support it only when it is both scientifically worthy and responsibly conducted. We will develop strict guidelines, which we will rigorously enforce, because we cannot ever tolerate misuse or abuse. And we will ensure that our government never opens the door to the use of cloning for human reproduction. It is dangerous, profoundly wrong, and has no place in our society, or any society.

This Order is an important step in advancing the cause of science in America. But let's be clear: promoting science isn't just about providing resources - it is also about protecting free and open inquiry. It is about letting scientists like those here today do their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us, even when it's inconvenient - especially when it's inconvenient. It is about ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda - and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology.

By doing this, we will ensure America's continued global leadership in scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs. That is essential not only for our economic prosperity, but for the progress of all humanity.

That is why today, I am also signing a Presidential Memorandum directing the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government decision making.. To ensure that in this new Administration, we base our public policies on the soundest science; that we appoint scientific advisors based on their credentials and experience, not their politics or ideology; and that we are open and honest with the American people about the science behind our decisions. That is how we will harness the power of science to achieve our goals - to preserve our environment and protect our national security; to create the jobs of the future, and live longer, healthier lives.

As we restore our commitment to science, and resume funding for promising stem cell research, we owe a debt of gratitude to so many tireless advocates, some of whom are with us today, many of whom are not. Today, we honor all those whose names we don't know, who organized, and raised awareness, and kept on fighting - even when it was too late for them, or for the people they love. And we honor those we know, who used their influence to help others and bring attention to this cause - people like Christopher and Dana Reeve, who we wish could be here to see this moment.

One of Christopher's friends recalled that he hung a sign on the wall of the exercise room where he did his grueling regimen of physical therapy. It read: "For everyone who thought I couldn't do it. For everyone who thought I shouldn't do it. For everyone who said, 'It's impossible.' See you at the finish line."

Christopher once told a reporter who was interviewing him: "If you came back here in ten years, I expect that I'd walk to the door to greet you."

Christopher did not get that chance. But if we pursue this research, maybe one day - maybe not in our lifetime, or even in our children's lifetime - but maybe one day, others like him might.

There is no finish line in the work of science. The race is always with us - the urgent work of giving substance to hope and answering those many bedside prayers, of seeking a day when words like "terminal" and "incurable" are finally retired from our vocabulary.

Today, using every resource at our disposal, with renewed determination to lead the world in the discoveries of this new century, we rededicate ourselves to this work.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

North Korea has decided to threaten war (yawn....again?) if the US or Japan chooses to intercept the so-called satellite launch that N. Korea intends to carry out shortly. Of course, the US and others in the region believe the real goal is to test a long range missile "capable of striking Alaska." Of course, I do not take their threat all that seriously. If they chose war, they would be crushed. But Kim Jong Il is nothing more than the boy who called wolf, which makes either the laughing stock of planet earth or the most dangerous man alive.
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President Obama stated yesterday that the US is "not winning in Afghanistan." True enough. “There may be some comparable opportunities in Afghanistan and in the Pakistani region,” he said, while cautioning that solutions in Afghanistan will be complicated. And that's probably why we're not winning. "Complicated" solutions just were not Bush's forte. I believe that President Obama's actions so far with increasing troop levels and openly stating that Pakistan must participate is the right start to turn things around so Afghanistan is not a repeat of the Soviet failures for the US.
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It appears that violence in the "Mexican Drug Wars" is beginning to spill across the border into the United States, opening a new front in the battles that have already claimed thousands of lives. The Merida Initiative,a security cooperation between the US and Mexico will flood the region with over a billion dollars in aid and training. Where this ends up going I have no idea.
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In closing...what wars/rumors of wars do you think loom on the horizon for the citizens of planet earth? Are we headed towards a more dangerous time, reminiscent of the beginning of the 20th Century or are we heading towards the end of mankind (as we know it)? I'm an optimist. I think these "upheavals" are a part of a larger change that will end well for all humankind. Not necessarily a utopia, but a state of affairs where we are determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Today's Roundup

I'm finally back. After two years of no posting, I've decided to return to writing.

The times call for as many voices as possible.

Change is here.

But is it good enough? Is it change enough? And is it really the change we need?

More on that in future posts. For now...

An Ex-UN Prosecutor says that Bush should be next up for the International Criminal Court. I don't, even in my greatest of fantasies, ever see this happening. I do find it interesting that it was said at the Human Rights Council on the day that the US finally had observers there after the Bush administration's boycott of the council. 

I find the Royal Rush Limbaugh Saga immensely funny. And so does Stephen Colbert. Of course. The whole mess this is creating in the Republican Party is the reason for the Truth Blog's first poll available on the right hand side of this page. Rush along with the Tennessee Congressman saying that healthcare is "a priviledge" just goes to show what they really think about the middle class and working poor of this country.

Visit the Raw Roundup for your weekly review of stories from the Left.

Still Alive...

Who will you choose?

Check out Glass Booth.Org and let me know who you're the closest match to!

I was closest to Kucinich, a bit surprised in my results...

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???



read more | digg story

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)