Citizens For Legitimate Government

October 2002 Archives

October 23, 2002

U.S. Refines Plan for War in Cities The American military is training furiously and polishing a plan for attacking Baghdad that calls for isolating the city and then taking control of it by seizing or destroying Saddam Hussein's pillars of power — but avoiding house-to-house combat in its hostile streets.
[Bush no longer needs Iraq for a mega-pre-election distraction: he has the sniper!]
[Look what slipped in over the wires during 24/7 Sniper TV coverage:] White House Touts Iraq Regime Change The White House said Monday it is unrealistic to think that Saddam Hussein will yield to international demands that he disarm, dampening any suggestion that he could stay in power if he did so. U.S. policy remains to seek a change of leadership in Baghdad, White House spokesman Ari "Goebbels" Fleischer said.
Sean Penn takes on Bush over Iraq Actor Sean Penn on Friday weighed in on the international debate over a possible war with Iraq, paying for a $56,000 advertisement in the Washington Post accusing pResident Bush of stifling debate and threatening civil liberties.
Springtime for Hitler -- by Paul Krugman "Michael Kinsley recently wrote that 'The Bush campaign for war against Iraq has been insulting to American citizens, not just because it has been dishonest, but because it has been unserious. A lie is insulting; an obvious lie is doubly insulting.' All I can say is, now he notices? It's been like that all along on economic policy. You see, some folks must be under the impression that as long as something is repeated often enough, it will become true. That was how George W. Bush got to the top." [a must read]
Bush prepares to launch biowarfare on the American populace (Vancover Indymedia thread) "Death Toll: Saddam Hussein 100,000 -- US Foreign Policy 10 million " -- by Joe 1
The George W Fight Song! (humor)
Pessimism About War on Terrorism Highest Since Sept. 11 Bush job approval rating falls -- Americans have become more pessimistic about the war on terrorism than at any point since military action began in Afghanistan in October 2001. pResident Bush's job approval rating has slipped to 62%, the lowest since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
CIA accused of Eritrea 'coup plot' The Eritrean statement implies that the top 11 Eritrean government officials, including former leaders of the liberation movement, who publicly criticized the Eritrean president after the recent war with Ethiopia, were recruited by the CIA.
Report: Hundreds of Navy PCs missing The U.S. Pacific Fleet's warships and submarines were missing nearly 600 computers as of late July, including at least 14 known to have handled classified data, according to an internal Navy report obtained on Friday.
Partisan-in-chief (The Economist) Brace yourself: George Bush reckons what's good for the Republicans is good for America -- "Mr Bush has used a disputed election victory [sic] to push through a strikingly radical agenda, on everything from tax cuts to military pre-emption. At the same time, he has refashioned the Republican Party in his easy-going image, urging it to swap the angry snarl of Gingrichism for the smiling face of compassionate conservatism."
Blacks Hit by Miami Vote Problems - ACLU Black voters were disenfranchised more than others by snafus when Florida's Miami-Dade County introduced electronic voting equipment for the Sept. 10 primary, the American Civil Liberties Union said on Monday.
Dem Ads to Attack Bush on Economy The Democrats plan to run TV ads in states where pResident Bush is campaigning for congressional candidates between now and Nov. 5, hoping to switch the subject to the stumbling economy — and on their terms rather than his.
Energy industry's dirty little details about to see light -- by David Lazarus "Sources close to the matter say Timothy Belden, who previously ran Enron's trading office in Portland, Ore., is prepared to implicate a number of other industry players in what could shape up to be one of the biggest conspiracies in U.S. corporate history."
Dems Decry Bush Generic Drug Plan Democrats on Monday assailed President Bush's proposal to get low-cost generic drugs to consumers faster, calling it a loophole-laden imitation of the Senate-passed plan that he recently rejected. "It closes one door to the pharmaceutical industry in their attempt to delay generics but it opens up several others," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., an author of the Senate proposal.
Two Dems Accuse HHS of Removing Info Two Democratic congressmen contended Monday that the Bush mis-ministration is putting ideology over science, citing appointments to advisory committees and the removal of information from Web sites. Reps. Henry Waxman of California and Sherrod Brown of Ohio demanded explanations in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson.
Ga. Sen. Angry Over GOP Campaign Ad As a triple amputee Vietnam War veteran, Democratic Georgia Sen. Max Cleland might seem immune to political attacks on national security and fighting terrorism. But his Rethuglican rival, Rep. Saxby Chambliss, is challenging conventional wisdom with a new television ad that features cameo appearances by Osama bin Laden, the fugitive terrorist leader, and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Predators, Snipers and the Posse Comitatus Act -- by Kurt Nimmo "Rummy just shot another big hole in the Posse Comitatus Act. It's looked like Swiss cheese for years, ever since the military was 'enlisted' to combat evil drug dealers. You know, drug dealers who sell CIA certified heroin and cocaine on the streets of American cities." [Posse Comitatus Act]
Divided Court Refuses to Take Case on Execution of Minors A bitterly divided Supreme Court refused Monday to consider ending the execution of killers who were under 18 when they committed their crimes. Currently, states that allow the death penalty may impose it on killers who were 16 or 17 at the time of their crimes.
Brady Campaign/Million Mom March Reveal 2002 Dangerous Dozen: 12 Candidates Who Oppose Sensible Gun Laws, Endanger Public Safety The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence united with the Million Mom March today released its "Dangerous Dozen" list of 12 candidates for the United States Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and state governorships whose election could make the difference between common-sense gun laws and laws that make it easy for children and criminals to get guns.
How agricultural subsidies in rich countries hurt poor nations -- by Wole Akande "While the 2002 farm bill acts as a welfare program for agribusiness, with U.S. taxpayers footing the bill, it also robs the world's poor."
A Fingerprint Replaces Lunch Money (Tolland, CT) Officials at Parker Memorial School are implementing finger-scannings of second-, third- and fourth-graders during school lunches at the cash registers. Last spring, Parker students had both index fingers scanned into the system.
Counties get U.S. monitors for Nov. 5 election U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft announced Friday that the Justice Department will send attorneys from its civil rights division to monitor the Nov. 5 election in Miami-Dade and several other Florida counties. [Hold onto your hats! Here comes Coup 2002!!] Yet, six months earlier, the inJustice Department stated that it found no credible evidence that any Florida residents were intentionally denied their right to vote in the 2000 s-election and that the number of Floridians unable to vote was insufficient to ''cast any doubt'' on pResident Bush's margin of victory. [The quintessential "Hello, McFly?" moment: there could be no "margin of victory" as Bush did not win.]
DNC to Help McBride's Get-Out-the-Vote Bid in Fla. Democratic Party officials have decided to rush additional staff and resources to Florida to bolster the campaign of gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride after an on-the-ground assessment found the challenger's get-out-the-vote operation badly in need of assistance. [Yes, but are those eighteen "missing" voting machines from Broward County setting the stage for Coup '02?]
McBride for governor (St. Petersburg Times) "Bill McBride is the candidate best suited to forge the broad alliances needed to deal responsibly with the challenges facing Florida... The Times recommends Bill McBride for governor."
Sunday's Editorial Cartoon -- by Jim Morin
GOP Is Losing Its Grip on Illinois Governor's Mansion Era of power-sharing in jeopardy as Democrat leads contest for state's top spot -- With less just over two weeks to go before election day, the Republican candidate for governor, state Atty. Gen. Jim Ryan, is low on cash, short on endorsements and down by double-digits in most polls to Democratic challenger Rod Blagojevich.
Poll: Minnesota Sen. Wellstone Leads Challenger Coleman U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, a Minnesota Democrat, has widened his slender lead over former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, his Republican challenger, according to a Minneapolis Star Tribune poll.
Pataki Ethics Ripped in N.Y. Debate George Pataki's ethics were attacked Sunday as Democratic challenger H. Carl McCall and billionaire businessman B. Thomas Golisano used the gubernatorial campaign's second debate to renew charges of wrongdoing in the Republican governor's administration.
N.C. Race Narrows For Dole, Bowles Elizabeth Dole's lead has shrunk from 20 points or more, prior to Erskine B. Bowles's winning the long-delayed Democratic primary on Sept. 10, to single digits in both parties' private polls last week.
Anti-War Web Site Boosts Democrats Democrats who cast what some considered a politically risky vote -- opposing the resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq -- are getting a financial reward for their troubles. MoveOnPAC.org, an Internet site, raised more than $1 million this week for four members of Congress that the group calls "heroes."
Senate: Democratic Donors' Focus Nearly Matching GOP, Activists Pour Millions Into Key Races -- The Democratic donor community's top priority this fall appears to be retaining control of the Senate, as party activists pour millions of dollars into the handful of races that will determine whether Republicans can regain the slim majority they enjoyed two years ago.
Groups Opposed to War on Iraq Plan Rally Thousands Expected for Speeches, March to White House on Saturday -- Thousands plan to rally in Washington this weekend in the capital's first mass protest of a potential war in Iraq. Saturday's protest is set to coincide with marches in San Francisco and abroad, including London and Tokyo. The rally's sponsors predict that hundreds of thousands will participate in all.
Where the world stands on Iraq The US has been trying to build diplomatic support for military action to topple the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Click on the map to find out where key countries stand on the issue.
Saddam frees thousands of political prisoners Iraq started to release thousands of political prisoners yesterday under an unprecedented and unconditional amnesty announced by President Saddam Hussein in an effort to defuse hostility to his regime at home and abroad.
Policies Diverge on 2 in 'Axis of Evil' Diplomacy toward North Korea, which peddles missiles and may have one or two nuclear weapons, along with chemical and biological weapons, but confrontation toward Iraq, which has no nuclear weapons and, depending on the analysis, could be years from obtaining them, though it possesses chemical and biological weapons.
Powell Says Disarming Iraq is Enough Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has spoken of "regime change" in Iraq for at least 18 months, said Sunday the United States might not seek to remove Saddam Hussein if he abandoned his weapons of mass destruction.
Belafonte Remark on Powell Starts Debate James Cone, author of "Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare," said Malcolm X criticized mainstream civil rights leaders and groups as "the black leadership which was chosen by the dominant white society." "Now didn't the Bush administration choose Powell? So what's the difference?" Cone said.
Sen. Graham Seeks to Declassify Key 9/11 Data U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Bob Graham said on Sunday he is seeking to declassify "the most important information" obtained in a congressional probe of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Why U.S. Intelligence Stumbled The monthlong series of congressional intelligence hearings that ended this week produced a detailed and disheartening portrait of the U.S. spy community as it groped its way toward Sept. 11. It also reshaped thinking about the most basic lingering question: Could the attacks have been prevented?
CIA, FBI Directors Warn of New Attacks, Compare Situation to Pre-9/11 Terrorists could try to strike again soon in the United States, FBI Director Robert Mueller says, while offering little assurance the agency can thwart the next attack. CIA Director George Tenet says the current situation is comparable to the summer before Sept. 11. [Yes, "terrorists could try to strike again soon" as Jeb's campaign is in trouble. The Bush junta could be poised to attack as Nov. 5 is just*around*the*corner and Rove needs a big-time diversion!]
Kilimanjaro's snows may soon be history The snows of Mount Kilimanjaro are melting so quickly they could be gone in two decades, researchers report today. As they melt, they take with them a record of 11,000 years of African climate history as well as a vista enshrined in literature and on film.
FDA action on drugs ads declining As drug companies blanket patients and doctors with ads touting their newest prescription drugs, the federal agency charged with keeping them honest and protecting the public appears to be backing off from policing those promotions.
Democrats See a Stealthy Drive by Drug Industry to Help Republicans In important Congressional races around the country, a fierce battle is being waged over what Democrats assert is a stealth campaign by the pharmaceutical industry to help House Republicans. At issue are advertisements being run in 20 Congressional districts by the United Seniors Association, a conservative group that acknowledges it receives some financing from the drug industry's major trade group.
The Bungling FDA -- The Agency Seizes Taurine Capsules Sold for Autism and Finally Admits to Its Major Life-Threatening Screw-Up on Anthrax Vaccine -- by Nicholas Regush "The FDA needs to be re-worked from the ground up. The agency is a disaster and there is no end in sight to its steady decline. Frankly, there are far too many apologists for the FDA - many academic types and weak politicians who don’t like to get too vocal - and not enough strong venom being unleashed about the way this teeter-tottering fool of an organization is going about its business. Consider the FDA’s latest bungle: the seizure of dietary supplements, namely taurine."
Shipping Lines Withhold Key Papers After promising this week to produce proof of a dockworker slowdown at West Coast ports, shipping companies embroiled in a labor dispute with longshoremen again delayed filing the documents with federal prosecutors.
State To Probe Penn. Mine Accident State prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into the accident that trapped nine men underground for more than three days, the attorney general said.
Man Shot Near Richmond; Massive Police Response Although Authorities in Virginia said last night that no witnesses had described a suspect or a vehicle, I-95 was shut down as far away from Washington as Henrico County, south of Richmond. Route 301 and Route 1 also were shut for several hours. In addition to stopping cars on main roads in the shooting area, police threw up roadblocks and checked cars on highways in the immediate Washington metropolitan area, including a checkpoint at Chevy Chase Circle where police looked into car trunks. [Is the Bush mis-ministration poised to close the I-95 corridor to stop the Oct. 26 protest in DC?]
Sniper task force responds to shooting Local police immediately shut down several roadways as well as a long stretch of nearby Interstate 95. The shutdown of Routes 1 and 54 and Interstate 95 was enacted soon after the shooting, following directives created after a meeting of Virginia law enforcement officials as a "sniper response," snarling traffic for miles, with officers checking cars one by one [albeit no vehicle description was provided to authorities].
Online petition draws interest Activist requests Congress to probe Sept. 11 'oddities' -- What has Lori Price done to earn so many enemies? She is an Internet activist who, in the space of a few months, has collected more than 15,000 signatures on an online petition (www.petitiononline.com/11601TFS/petition.html).
Republicans Planning for Full Control Of Congress White House officials and Republicans on Capitol Hill are so optimistic about winning control of both chambers of Congress in next month's elections that they have begun mapping how they would use their new power, including the possibility of speeding up tax cuts that were to take effect gradually.
Corporate corruption and academia: The Bu$h-Harvard-Enron connection Information that has come to light over the past several weeks underscores the extent to which both the Bush mis-ministration and the academic establishment are implicated in the wave of corporate corruption scandals in the United States.
Bush Tapped HHS Funds for Trips The White House has billed the federal Office of Family Assistance $210,000 to help pay for five trips in which pResident Bush promoted welfare reform at official events and made separate fundraising appearances for GOP candidates.
Gov. Bush Reveals Lobby Effort Documents Show Intervention in Trademark Case of GOP Donor -- Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) has released documents outlining a sustained lobbying campaign by his office on behalf of a major Republican donor, which included efforts to get political appointees of pResident Bush to overrule career employees at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
Presidential couple (dad and mom) hit trail for Jeb The governor's parents -- former President George Bush and Barbara Bush -- will host a $25,000-per-couple fund-raising dinner for the state party in Naples. The event should raise more than $500,000 for the GOP. Their arrival follows a Florida visit Thursday by the governor's brother, pResident George W. Bush, who raised an estimated $1 million for Republicans.
Gore Backs Curry At Fund-Raiser Saying Bill Curry can do the same for Connecticut as he did for the White House, President Al Gore endorsed the gubernatorial challenger Friday night as the man who can close the state's looming budget deficit.
Homeland Security Dept. R.I.P.! -- by Dick Meyer "A long running performance just closed in the Senate. It was masquerading as a debate over creating a Department of Homeland Security. The question for the audience is whether to laugh or cry."
Pentagon to train Saddam's opponents The Pentagon will train thousands of opponents of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to help in a possible invasion, under an order signed by pResident Bush, U.S. officials said Saturday.
Iraq war 'unjustifiable', says Bush's church head pResident George Bush's own Methodist church has launched a scathing attack on his preparations for war against Iraq, saying they are 'without any justification according to the teachings of Christ'.
The Soufflé Doctrine -- by Maureen Dowd "The Boy Emperor picked up the morning paper and, stunned, dropped his Juicy Juice box with the little straw attached... The Boy Emperor was starting to feel bamboozled by his war tutors. He needed a fresh perspective."
Bush and Iraq -- by Anthony Lewis "What is President [sic] Bush's ultimate objective in Iraq? Is it to make sure that Saddam Hussein does not have weapons of mass destruction? Or is it to remove Saddam by force and remake the politics of Iraq? And if the latter, would it be the first step toward a new American imperium?"
Unequal Opportunity for Tyrants -- by Mary McGrory "Voters have long been accustomed to living with a double standard from both parties in dealing with troublesome foreigners... But as we barrel down the road to war with Iraq, maybe we ought to quiz our unilateralist president [sic] about why it is necessary for us to bomb, invade and occupy Iraq while North Korea gets the striped-pants treatment. "
Iraq -- Unanswered question (West Virginia Gazette) "Here’s a question nobody in the administration has answered: Iraqi exile groups told The Washington Post that, when Saddam is replaced by White House-approved leaders, America’s oil corporations will have an opportunity to drill into Iraq’s giant reserves. Is the war cry by Bush and Vice President [sic] Cheney designed to help their Big Oil colleagues?" [Uh, that would be a resounding YES!]
Australian government uses Bali atrocity to demand new repressive powers The Australian government has quickly seized upon the atrocity in Bali last Saturday to demand more draconian "anti-terrorism" laws than those introduced since September 11 last year.
Group Sues U.S. Forest Service A conservation group has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the Forest Service is illegally withholding reports on the health of two national forests where logging and forest management have been in dispute.
Black Hall of Fame Lauds Clinton Former president Bill Clinton returned to his home state Saturday night to become an honorary inductee Saturday night to the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. Once described by author Toni Morrison as "our first black president," the former Arkansas governor and two-term president was the first non-black recognized in the hall's 10-year history.
"I'm not sure which planet they live on" Hawks in the Bush mis-ministration may be making deadly miscalculations on Iraq, says Gen. Anthony Zinni, Bush's Middle East envoy. pResident Bush continues to encounter war critics in the unlikeliest of places -- the United States military, for example.
Bush Secrecy Irks Congress N. Korea's nuclear efforts were kept from Dems until after Iraq war vote. The White House withheld North Korea's admission about a nuclear weapons program from key Democrats until after Congress had passed its resolution authorizing war with Iraq, prompting complaints on Capitol Hill that the administration has let politics influence its conduct of foreign affairs.
War Worries Support for Attacking Iraq Begins to Wane Across the U.S. "America speaks with one voice," says pResident Bush. On the streets of America, nothing could be further from the truth. Across the nation, in city after city, ABCNEWS found voices of opposition, and many of them were from military towns.
US forces are 'ready for a land war against Iraq as early as December' The United States already has a force of 60,000 within striking range of Iraq, and would be in a position to launch a land war as early as December, a military think-tank reported yesterday.
Oil Counts in Iraq War Equation Regime change might mean a rise in output. For Russia, that could put prices, deals at risk. The prospect of military action against Saddam Hussein has touched off an international contest for Iraq's vast oil reserves and has complicated U.S. efforts to cultivate Russia as a major future source of oil.
10,000 In Anti-War Protest Thousands of Scots took to the streets yesterday in protest against war on Iraq. Nearly 10,000 people gathered in Glasgow city centre to voice their anger at Britain and America's stance. CND's Scottish co-ordinator John Ainslie said: "This turn out shows the strength of opinion in Scotland..."
Sean Penn takes on Bush over Iraq Actor Sean Penn on Friday weighed in on the international debate over a possible war with Iraq, paying for a $56,000 advertisement in the Washington Post accusing pResident George W. Bush of stifling debate and threatening civil liberties.
Please Help the War Effort -- Ten sticky and nicely blasphemous things true patriots can do right now to help keep America free -- by Mark Morford "It is a time when one single false war against an already decimated ragtag terrorist opponent is not nearly enough to satiate the delirious military-industrial complex and arouse Cheney's defibrillator and hence we must launch another one... And given how it's all for oil and power anyway, and it has almost nothing to do with Saddam being all evil and brutal, even though he is, which is certainly as convenient an excuse as any."
al Qaeda snipers on golf courses [ROFL!!!] U.S. senators were warned earlier this week that those who play golf may be targets of al Qaeda snipers on golf courses. Capitol Police spokeswoman Marcia Krug would not say which agency notified the Capitol Police or when exactly they were told. But she said her department, in turn, notified the sergeant-at-arms, who then notified the senators that al Qaeda snipers might be looming near golf courses, ready to pick them off. [If only cars could get as much mileage as Karl Rove's sniper is getting...]
Big Brother Joins the Hunt for the Sniper For a distinct, vocal minority, the two most innovative responses — using a military surveillance plane to look for the shooter and creating a so-called ballistic fingerprinting system that could have identified the rifle used in the killings (and its first purchaser) — are dangerous overreactions that raise threats even more sinister than the one posed by the sniper.
Bush Seeks to Cut Back on Raise for S.E.C.'s Corporate Cleanup Less than three months ago, pResident Bush signed with great fanfare sweeping corporate antifraud legislation that called for a huge increase in the budget of the Securities and Exchange Commission to police corporate America and clean up Wall Street. Now the White House is backing off the budget provision and urging Congress to provide the agency with 27 percent less money than the new law authorized.
Enron Trader Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy A former senior trader at the Enron Corporation pleaded guilty yesterday to engaging in a conspiracy that illegally manipulated the California power market during the state's energy crisis, driving up prices and generating millions of dollars in excess profits for his employer.
Judge Orders Release of Cheney Energy Papers A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Bush mis-ministration to produce documents from Vice pResident Dick Cheney's energy task force by Nov. 5, rejecting arguments they should stay secret because they relate to top advisers.
Gore urges Maloney supporters to keep the faith President Al Gore urged supporters of U.S. Rep. Jim Maloney to keep up their enthusiasm for the Democrat as he heads into the final weeks of a bitter showdown with U.S. Rep. [lying Rethuglican] Nancy Johnson for the 5th Congressional District.
Black Vote May Be Key in Fla. Race A political neophyte, McBride is working to become better known among blacks and convince them their lives will improve if he beats Republican Gov. Jeb Bush on Nov. 5.
Jensen, Foti charged with felony misconduct (WI) Prosecutors today charged Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen (R-Town of Brookfield) and Assembly Majority Leader Steven Foti (R-Oconomowoc) with felony offenses of misconduct in office.
Marital Twists May Hurt Ark. Senator Republican Sen. Tim Hutchinson's re-election hopes and his party's drive to recapture Senate control may rest on whether conservative Arkansans decide to vote. But his bid for a second term comes after he divorced his wife of 29 years and married a former Senate aide. Shootout among Arkansas Republicans (July 16, 1999). In its July issue, the Arkansas Review revealed U.S. Sen. Tim Hutchinson's upcoming divorce -- two days before his lawyer filed papers -- and suggested that Hutchinson was having an affair with a former staffer. [ROFL, another GOP "Family Values" man, who sat as a House "manager" for the impeachment of President Clinton.]
State Sends Potassium Iodide Pills To Millstone Area (CT) Close to 70,000 households within 10 miles of the Millstone nuclear power plant are expected to get an unusual package in the mail today: tablets that protect the body from radiation released from the plant by accident or during a terrorist attack. [If CT did not have the useless Millstone nuke plant, there would be no need for potassium iodide pills. And, if the US did not have the useless Bush mis-ministration in power, there would also be no need for potassium iodide pills.]
Court Orders Vice pResident Cheney to Turn Over Documents in Energy Task Force Case Cheney lawyer admits Vice pResident's office has not searched for documents despite months of litigation - Judge calls revelation "Startling"
Report: Americans Hit by $200 Billion Corporate Abuse Tax A new report, "The Cost of Corporate Recklessness," claims Americans are now paying in what the report describes as "corporate abuse taxes." According to the report, the real cost of all the recently exposed corporate misbehavior has fallen largely onto the shoulders of ordinary working Americans.
Key Enron Trader Pleads Guilty to Manipulating California Power Market A former Enron trader accused of masterminding a scheme to drive up energy prices during California's power crisis pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.
Bush's 300,000 Phony Construction Jobs The president [sic] says the lack of terrorism insurance has cost 300,000 jobs. Don't believe it. -- by Daniel Gross "This line, in various forms, has become a staple of Bush's non-Iraq-related public utterances. It's effective, because it makes it appear as if there's a plan on the table that will magically create 300,000 jobs—something the entire U.S. economy has failed to do in the past two years."
Different Parties, Different Platforms (op. ed. piece by John Michael, age 16) "Through Enron-type scandals, our government turns its shoulder and suddenly the rich get richer as our environment gets exploited, and consumer investors get shafted."
U.S. Offers Deal on Iraq Resolution Seeking to win a new U.N. resolution on Iraq, the United States has removed language explicitly threatening military action, while making clear Baghdad will face consequences if it fails to cooperate with weapons inspectors, diplomats and U.S. officials said Thursday.
US Offers Compromises on UN Resolution Against Iraq Facing opposition from most countries in the world, the Bush mis-ministration has offered new compromise proposals that would involve U.N. Security Council consultations before any attack against Iraq, diplomats said on Thursday.
Bush Garners Little Support at U.N. for an Attack on Iraq The Bush mis-ministration's push for an early American-led war against Iraq drew broad opposition today in an unusual open debate in the Security Council. Many countries backed weapons inspections, and Arab states said they would not support an attack without United Nations endorsement, considering an attack only as a last resort.
Tail wags the dog, rolls it over U.S. media march to beat of White House war drum -- by Antonia Zerbisias "If war isn't imminent, then how long will MSNBC be 'counting down' to Iraq? Weeks? Months? Or until Nov. 5? ...The White House insists it isn't 'wagging the dog' to divert attention from domestic issues, an accusation that Fleischer and Vice President Dick Cheney have both pooh-poohed as 'reprehensible.' But still, much of the mainstream media is chasing the war ball. After all, it's a lot sexier than discussing how 41 million Americans have no health insurance." [a must read]
In the War Against Iraq, Washington is a Sacrifice-Free Zone -- by Mark Shields "Let us pause on the eve of war to reflect on who the Americans are who will die... If you need further proof of the complete separation of the people in power in Washington from the people at peril in the Persian Gulf, just consider this: Not one of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives has a son or a daughter on active duty in the enlisted ranks of this nation's military."
Stick to Your Facts, CIA (Los Angeles Times) "The Central Intelligence Agency needs to provide decision-makers with the best facts and analysis possible, free of political interference. As the Bush administration prepares for possible war with Iraq, some analysts and members of Congress complain that intelligence officials are being pressured to supply facts that fit decisions already made, not the other way around."
U.S. goal in Iraq (The Atlanta-Journal Constitution) "...what are the reasons underlying the Bush administration's ramped up push to authorize the use of force? Is this really about Iraq, weapons of mass destruction, or terrorism, or Saddam, or U.N. resolutions? Jay Bookman says no. He spent an hour on Monday, Oct. 7, answering questions about his views." [transcript]
Bush briefed on hijacking threat before September 11 Bin Laden 'chatter' since Clinton administration -- pResident Bush's daily intelligence briefings in the weeks leading up to the September 11 terror attacks included a warning of the possibility that Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network would attempt to hijack a U.S.-based airliner, senior mis-ministration officials said Wednesday.
Armey: Justice 'out of control,' violating rights House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, lashed out at the Justice Department Wednesday for what he called its ''lack of regard for personal civil liberties in America'' while combating terrorism. ''I told the president [sic] I thought his Justice Department was out of control,'' the retiring lawmaker told USA TODAY's editorial board.
Al Qaeda detainees to be questioned on sniper United States investigators intend to question al Qaeda detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and elsewhere to see if they have any information about the sniper attacks in the Washington area, government sources said Thursday. [For details on the sniper, troll Karl Rove's covert employee roster. There is no further talk of Enron, the economy, 401K disasters, Cheney's Energy Task Force, the dismantled 9/11 commission, suspension of Posse Comitatus -- it's sniper TV, 24/7! And, if there are more shootings, will Rumsfeld close the I95 corridor into DC for the 10/26 protest?]
Experts Question Legality of Military Involvement in Beltway Sniper Hunt Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga.) warned Cato Institute/Federalist Society forum attendees that citizens must be very careful when asking their government to exercise new authority over them or to exercise existing authority in new ways.
[With the Bush Fourth Reich utilizing the military to hunt for the sniper, is a revocation of Posse Comitatus taking place? Click on link for details of law.]
Graham takes on U.S. over deported Canadian A diplomatic battle has erupted between Washington and Ottawa over the deportation of a Canadian telecommunications engineer by U.S. officials who refuse to explain why he was arrested and sent to Syria.
Without due process (SFGate) "Advocates for 12 Kuwaitis, held among 600 alleged Taliban and al Qaeda fighters in a U.S. stockade at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are continuing a legal and diplomatic effort to have the dozen recognized as innocents who were trapped in the dangerous confusion of the Afghan conflict... To hold a person indefinitely, without regard to guilt or innocence, is not the American way." [Oh, but it's Ashcroft's way, to be sure! He is setting the stage for future detainees to be held indefinitely.]
Smallpox Inoculation Urged for Employees of Hospitals A panel of specialists advising the government on smallpox vaccinations recommended today offering the immunization to an estimated half-million emergency room and other hospital workers because of the possibility of a bioterrorist attack [as well as the Idiot Usurper's immediate cash infusion to one of his installers from Coup 2k: the pharmaceutical industry].
North Korea admits nuclear program North Korea has acknowledged that it has a uranium-enrichment program, which U.S. officials believe would be used only to develop a nuclear bomb, the Bush mis-ministration said Thursday. [i.e., take it with six grains of salt.] U.S. sources told NBC News that Pyongyang reacted angrily to U.S. accusations about the program and declared an anti-nuclear agreement it signed eight years ago to be "nullified."
Firestorm Brewing Over FDA Nominee A physician who pushed the Food and Drug Administration to ban the abortion pill RU-486 is in line to become an FDA advisor on reproductive health, drawing fire from women's groups that urged the Bush mis-ministration Wednesday to retract the choice.
Sen. Fights Congressional Pay Raise For the second time in two years, Sen. Russ Feingold is working to block a pay raise for members of Congress, arguing it would be unseemly as the nation battles a struggling economy and prepares for war.
Whack back on Nov. 5 -- by Stephen Goldstein "Bushwhacked-Floridians are worse off than we were four years ago. Thanks to Jeb Bush's voodoo economics, smoke-and-mirrors education reforms, environmental poison pills and right-wing pandering, the state is in shambles. Florida needs regime change. Here are 24 reasons to vote the governor out of office on Nov. 5."
Clinton to Enter Black Hall of Fame Bill Clinton, once famously described by author Toni Morrison as "our first black president," is being inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame as an honorary member.
Canadians Reject Private Care As Health-System Fix Canadians say their universal public health-care system needs a major overhaul but a majority of them reject U.S.-style private care as a way of fixing it, a survey released on Thursday shows.
Judge sentences Gov. Jeb Bush's daughter to 10 days in jail for drug violation Gov. Jeb Bush's daughter was led away in handcuffs Thursday after a judge sentenced her to 10 days in jail for violating the terms of her drug treatment program.
US Readies New Draft UN Resolution Against Iraq The United States, showing signs of impatience in seeking United Nations backing for action against Iraq, intends to submit a new U.N. draft resolution shortly, diplomats said late on Wednesday.
Bush Signs Iraq War Resolution pResident Bush on Wednesday signed an Iraq war resolution approved by Congress. Bush spoke as the United Nations began a bitter debate over his anti-Iraq resolution.
Britain Preps Tanks for Desert Britain plans to modify more than 200 of its tanks for desert warfare, a senior defense official said Wednesday — raising speculation Britain will follow the United States into war against Iraq.
Rumsfeld's Style, Goals Strain Ties In Pentagon Many senior officers on the Joint Staff and in all branches of the military describe Rumsfeld as frequently abusive and indecisive... seemingly eager to slap down officers with decades of distinguished service. The unhappiness is so pervasive that all three service secretaries are said to be deeply frustrated by a lack of autonomy and contemplating leaving by the end of the year.
I'm an American tired of American lies -- by Woody Harrelson "The fact is that Saddam Hussein was our boy. The CIA helped him to power, as they did the Shah of Iran and Noriega and Marcos and the Taliban and countless other brutal tyrants. The fact is that George Bush Sr continued to supply nerve gas and technology to Saddam even after he used it on Iran and then the Kurds in Iraq. While the Amnesty International report listing countless Saddam atrocities, including gassing and torturing Kurds, was sitting on his desk, Bush Sr pushed through a $2bn 'agricultural' loan and Thatcher gave hundreds of millions in export credit to Saddam."
Whoops! (animated cartoon on US-Iraq history) -- by Mark Fiore
Explosive 'linked to CIA' The explosive used in the Bali bomb attack could have come from supplies handed over to the Mujahideen by the CIA during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.
Plastic explosive clue in Bali bombing Indonesian police investigating the devastating bombing of a nightclub on the island of Bali have found traces of plastic explosive at the site of the attack. Police say C4 explosive was used - a type manufactured mainly in the United States and used widely by military forces around the world.
S.Korea Urges North to Abide by Nuclear Agreements South Korea urged North Korea on Thursday to abide by all nuclear pledges after Washington revealed that the North had acknowledged it was violating a 1994 agreement by operating a secret nuclear weapons program.
Key Enron Trader to Plead Guilty to Fraud Charge A former top Enron Corp. energy trader was scheduled to plead guilty Thursday in federal court to a charge he manipulated California's energy market to drive up power prices, according to sources close to the investigation.
Bush Policy Faulted in IMF Bailouts The Bush mis-ministration has been inconsistent in handling recent financial crises that have engulfed Latin America and Turkey, first declaring opposition to large bailouts only to relent and support record loans from the International Monetary Fund, two Democratic senators said Wednesday.
9/11 Relatives Push for Commission Tearful relatives of Sept. 11 victims urged White House officials Wednesday not to block Congress' plans to create an independent commission to investigate the attacks.
Military to assist in sniper hunt Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has signed a deployment order that allows Army airborne surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to be used in the hunt for the Washington-area sniper. The order, signed Tuesday night, authorizes the use of RC-7 and U-21 aircraft. Law enforcement authorities will request the equipment as needed.
Military Aircraft With Detection Gear to Augment Police Military aircraft equipped with sophisticated sensors far more sensitive than those used by police will join in the hunt for the sniper terrorizing the Washington area, Pentagon officials said yesterday.
Military Helps Hunt Sniper Senior defense officials said Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had approved the unusual deployment of military surveillance aircraft in the search for the gunman who has terrorized the region but was reportedly seen for the first time as he struck on Monday night at a suburban Virginia mall. Officials said there would be no formal announcement of the move by Rumsfeld, who canceled a news conference on Wednesday that was to have addressed the war on terrorism. [Rumsfeld does not want to answer questions on the revocation of Posse Comitatus.]
ACLU Takes On Ashcroft The American Civil Liberties Union announced today plans for its first-ever $3.5 million ad campaign designed to protect America's civil liberties during pResident Bush's war on terror. It also is organizing a grassroots campaign to mobilize its more than 300,000 members to "lobby in defense of liberty."
More Anti-War Activists Snagged by "No Fly" List The No Fly list is still up and running. The FBI and the Transportation Security Administration have a list of suspicious people they distribute to the airlines, and the airlines check the names of their passengers against this list.
Committee Expands Plan for Smallpox Vaccine Recommendations A federal committee voted Wednesday to recommend vaccinating about 510,000 hospital workers against smallpox, bringing its earlier proposal closer to the Bush mis-ministration's suggestion.
Group Retracts Gov. Davis Allegation A group that accused Gov. Gray Davis of illegal fund-raising has retracted the allegation, which Rethuglican opponent Bill Simon briefly made an issue in his campaign then conceded was incorrect. [Simon needs to borrow from the Rove playbook, which was borrowed from the Goebbels playbook.]
Bush's Karen Hughes Leads Nasty, Desperate Republican Campaigns In Texas -- by Jackson Thoreau "Earlier this year, when key Bush babysitter and ghostwriter Karen Hughes left Washington, tearfully saying how much she missed Texas, I was one of the few columnists in the country to call Hughes’ bluff."
Data stolen from Bredesen headquarters (TN) Sensitive campaign material was stolen from the headquarters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Bredesen during a break-in over the weekend, campaign officials said.
New EU rules to end ban on GM food Legislation expected to bring the end of a four-year ban on the sale and use of new genetically modified food products in Britain and the rest of Europe takes effect today.
Conservationists Allege U.S. Research Linked to Beached Mexican Whales Conservationists fear that sound blasts being fired into the Gulf of California to help map the ocean floor may have caused two whales to beach themselves and die.
Smoking is good for you -- by Paul Harris "Well, maybe not for you personally but it is surely good for the economy. It's sure as hell good for Philip Morris. Apparently, it is good for government. At least that is the unequivocal conclusion of a superb study prepared for Philip Morris and presented to the government of the Czech Republic."
The Top Ten Reasons to vote Republican in Nov. 2002 (humor) -- by Jackson Thoreau
October 17, 2002
Military Joins Hunt for Washington Sniper The U.S. military agreed on Tuesday to help hunt for a sniper who has been terrorizing the Washington area as police said new evidence gleaned from the latest murder could help them catch the serial killer. [Good-bye, Posse Comitatus. How convenient for Rove/Ashcroft/Rumsfeld.]
Secret Military Spy Planes Enlisted in Hunt for Sniper The Pentagon agreed today to patrol the skies over the nation's capital with secret surveillance planes — now used to combat drug lords in Colombia and track military movements in North Korea — as part of a broadening effort to catch the sniper in the Washington area.
Sharp rise in favour of war on Iraq There has been a spectacular surge in support among British voters for military action against Iraq in the immediate aftermath of the terror attack in Bali, according to the latest Guardian/ICM poll.
U.S.-French Split on Iraq Deepens The impasse between the United States and France over military action in Iraq has deepened in recent days after an effort to reach a compromise stalled, with the French insisting that the Americans must come back to the United Nations Security Council before they can use force, diplomats said today.
Saudi Minister Says His Country Opposes War on Iraq Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said Monday his country opposed war on Iraq and would not participate in any possible U.S. strike against the kingdom's northern neighbor.
Wall Street/Washington insider spills the dirty secret of Iraq war "Getting control of that oil will make a vast difference" -- A US war against Iraq is "probably the most bullish thing I can think of," William Seidman, a senior economic adviser under four US presidents, told his audience at the posh Peninsula Club. Seidman, a commentator for CNBC, was an adviser to presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Bush senior...
Misleading the Nation to War -- by Sam Parry "...Bush’s belligerence might speed up the timetable for terrorist groups getting their hands on weapons of mass destruction, a point acknowledged in a new CIA threat assessment. Meanwhile, another danger looms – that Bush’s policies will transform anti-Americanism into the world’s common language of protest, what journalist Fareed Zakaria has called the emerging 'default ideology of opposition.' "
Addictions always bite U.S. back -- by David Weintraub "One of the more startling examples of American complicity in shaping international disorder is its incurable addiction to arming dictators. According to the Center for Defense Information, in the 1980s alone, the U.S. and its military contractors exported $175 billion in weapons and training; 40 percent of this went to arm 50 dictators."
U.S. Military Or U.S. Mercenary? -- by Stewart Nusbaumer "The privatization of the military is another way to circumvent the will of the American people. When hospitals are turned into for-profit institutions, should we be surprised that the for-profit world has penetrated our military to make money? Should we be surprised that when culture is dominated by the all mighty dollar, U.S. foreign policy becomes fodder for the all mighty dollar?"
Gore Says Voters Looking at Economy President Al Gore says he's sensing a yearning from voters to "change the subject" on the campaign trail because of a deep unease about the economy. President Gore said the focus on Iraq and ousting Saddam Hussein won't be enough to sway voters in midterm elections just three weeks away.
White House e-mail calls Byrd ‘senile' -- Mistakenly sent message also rips Hispanic leaders A White House intern "mistakenly" forwarded to dozens of Hispanic leaders an e-mail that described the Senate's senior Democrat as "doddering old Bob Byrd, the senile senator from West Virginia," a mis-ministration spokeswoman has told The Denver Post.
Airlines spending millions to influence Congress Airlines are paring flights and employees -- but not their spending to influence Congress. The industry received $15 billion in grants and loan guarantees from Congress after the September 11 attacks and now is looking for more help [corporate welfare].
Smear for Smear Enron Pits 'Times,' 'Salon' Against Freelancer -- by Cynthia Cotts "The more mud that gets flung, the harder it is to see anything clearly. The latest such media match pits Secretary of the Army Thomas White and editors at The New York Times and Salon against freelancer Jason Leopold."
Miami-Dade approves outside monitors for Nov. 5 election Still divided over the issue of election monitors, the Miami-Dade County Commission on Tuesday narrowly voted to hire the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Democracy to oversee the Nov. 5 general elections.
Biased report -- by Sanford Alberts (letter to editor) "The GOP-dominated House Government Reform Subcommittee just released a report on gifts received by the Clintons, which were legally turned over to his presidential library. These neverending investigations of the Clintons are so blatantly biased. Why don't they go after the Bush/Cheney/Harken Oil/Haliburton [sic] dealings?"
For Prosecutors, 1996 Law Is Key Part of Anti-Terror Strategy Some Courts Troubled by Broad Terms of Previously Seldom-Used Law -- Many defense attorneys and civil liberties advocates contend the law is worded so broadly that even unknowing contributions to groups the government labels terrorists can be prosecuted. Two federal judges in Los Angeles, in separate cases, have declared all or parts of the law unconstitutional.
Smallpox Vaccine Data Show Small but Serious Risk of Infecting Others A new report on millions of smallpox vaccinations given in the 1960's confirms that there is a small but significant risk that newly vaccinated people can make others seriously ill by infecting them with vaccinia, the virus used in the vaccine.
Tribulation Worketh Patience -- by Maureen Dowd "W.W.J.D. at the F.D.A.? We may soon find out, if W. David Hager becomes chairman of the powerful Food and Drug Administration panel on women's health policy. His résumé seems more impressive for theology than gynecology... Are we so worried about medieval villains abroad that we no longer worry about medievalism at home?"
Bush Seeks to Shift Blame for Economy Bush, beginning three weeks of near-daily campaigning, sought to place responsibility for the faltering economy on Democrats in Congress, calling on them to pass energy and terrorism insurance measures he has proposed. "They need to get moving," he said at an airport rally here before heading to a $1.4 million fundraising reception. [This irony is self-explanatory...]
Gore toughens talk At least one high-level Democrat wants to turn this year's congressional elections into a referendum on pResident Bush's performance in office. "Do you think we're better off now than we were two years ago?" President Al Gore asked Monday afternoon in Mount Vernon. "I know I'm not better off."
Gore Tells Iowans to Turn Anger Into Action President Al Gore made his first visit in a year to the key caucus state of Iowa on Monday and asked voters to turn their anger over the 2000 s-election [coup d'etat] into action on Nov. 5. Gore leveled harsh blasts at George W. Bush, saying he had brought about an "economic catastrophe," and said the Iraq resolution passed by Congress last week was too broad.
Pressure on: White House Concern over Brother Bush; Seen Vulnerable in Election (Drudge) A growing concern that Florida Governor Jeb Bush may be vulnerable in next month's election has become a near-obsession inside of the White House, top sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.
Florida - MSNBC/Zogby Poll - Governor Poll conducted of 500 likely voters statewide Oct. 8-10. Margin of sampling error +/- 4.5%
Poll Shows Growing Gap Between Davis and Simon The new poll shows Simon at 33 percent with Davis at 48 percent.
Listening Device Found on Candidate's Phone Campaign officials for Democratic congressional candidate Dave Thomas told state investigators that a listening device was discovered on one of Thomas' phone lines.
G.O.P. Candidate's Antiwar Vote Proves Popular Representative Jim Leach's decision to oppose pResident Bush on Iraq looks very different here in Iowa's Second District. Calls and e-mail messages to his Congressional offices are running overwhelmingly in support of his stance. Contributions are coming into his campaign headquarters with handwritten notes, thanking him for his vote. Letters to the editor at The Cedar Rapids Gazette are running eight to one against a unilateral strike on Iraq.
1,500 turn out to protest White House Press Secretary Fleischer A lecture by White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer prompted a loud protest that drew as many as 1,500 people.
Fleischer is met with protest pResidential Press Secretary Ari Fleischer was welcomed back to Middlebury College Sunday with large and loud protests outside. Fleischer’s presence on campus sparked a protest march through downtown Middlebury that brought opponents of the Bush mis-ministration’s policy on Iraq from all over Vermont and beyond.
Manatee anti-war voices set rally (FL) The Manatee County Coalition for Peace and Justice and other local groups, like Parents 4 Peace, are giving the anti-war message a voice. The Coalition for Peace and Justice's next rally is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Oct. 26 outside the Manatee County Courthouse.
No easy sentence: Peace protesters do time with hardened cons For years, peace protesters arrested for trespassing at Fort Benning were allowed to serve their sentences at minimum-security federal institutions closer to their homes. Not anymore. Some protesters -- including a priest and a grandmother-to-be -- were sentenced earlier this year to serve their six-month sentences alongside thieves and drug addicts behind razor wire in a rural Georgia jail.
Opposition over Iraq takes rise via the Net This year, for the first time since the advent of the Internet, Americans are engaging in public debate about whether to go to war, and a great deal of the opposition has coalesced online.
Arson Attack at San Jose Recruiting Office Police say someone set two military vehicles on fire just after 4am at the facility on McKee Road and Jackson Avenue. They also found smashed windows and anti-government graffiti on Navy and Air Force offices. The graffiti said, "Pre-emptive Attack."
Congress Lets Slip the Dogs of War -- by Neil A. Lewis "We are giving the president [sic] extraordinary authority," he [Senate majority leader, Tom Daschle, Democrat of South Dakota] said on the Senate floor. And he admonished the president [sic] not to use the resolution to ignore Congress. Whether or not he does, the power to wage war has now passed clearly from Congress to the White House."
US plan for Iraq: Back to colonialism (WSWS) "Bush administration officials let it be known October 10 that the White House was planning to impose US military rule over Iraq following an American invasion. Washington aims to conquer the country and install a military proconsul—perhaps the commander of US forces in the Gulf, Gen. Tommy Franks—who will rule Iraq for months, or even years. Direct military rule is to be followed by a colonial-style regime run by US civilian officials."
Bush's Wanton War Home -- by Michael Hammerschlag "As sad as it is, this conflict is largely driven by politics- the President[sic]’s popularity rests on his martial prowess- without a conflict, the electorate’s attention may turn towards the devastated economy, deficits, and corporate scandals lapping at the feet of the Bush administration. Indeed, without 9-11, his popularity percentage might now be in the 30’s."
Bush's War Drums Have Political Beat -- by Les Payne "...a third of the U.S. Senate and the House are up for election on Nov. 5. Democrats had planned to win by making the case that President [sic] George W. Bush has willfully urinated away the good economic times. 'It's the economy stupid,' however, has been reduced to an unpatriotic rant by a president [sic] got up in feathers and war paint."
Concentration Camp Commander Relieved of Duties The commander of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, concentration camp where suspected terrorists are being detained has been removed from his post, officials said. Brig. Gen. Rick Baccus left the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay on Oct. 9, amid unconfirmed reports he had philosophical differences with those interrogating detainees. Published reports – this past weekend in the New York Post and earlier in The Washington Times – stated that Baccus was undermining interrogators by being too nice [?!?] to detainees.
MainStreet USA Takes on Homeland Insecurity with New Ads Starting October 15, a national advertising blitz will begin reminding voters how the Bush junta's mismanagement of the economy has gutted the robust economy left it by the outgoing Clinton administration.
White House Keeps a Grip on Its News Tensions have escalated far beyond the inevitable grousing between press secretaries and journalists, who said they could not remember a White House that was more grudging or less forthcoming in informing the press. Complaints from the White House press corps ranged from the paucity of pResidential press conferences to fewer briefings from mis-ministration policy experts to instances where they believe they have been frozen out by White House officials when they ask questions considered out of bounds.
Consumer Groups Blame Bush for Large Meat Recalls U.S. consumer advocates on Monday blamed an "industry-friendly" Bush mis-ministration for a series of meat recalls on an unprecedented scale this summer, saying hundreds have fallen ill because Washington eased food safety standards.
Carpenters Union Head Facing Federal Probes Investigation of Insurance Stock Deals Testing Bush's Ties to Labor Leader -- Over the past year and a half, Douglas J. McCarron, president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, has emerged as pResident Bush's closest ally in the labor movement.
Workplace fatalities increased in Florida last year Workplace deaths increased in Florida in 2001 for the first time in three years, the state Department of Insurance reported Monday.
Monumental decision (AL) This week, Chief Justice Roy Moore goes to federal court to defend his display of the Ten Commandments (Part I). Challenging convictions Can Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore knock a hole in the wall separating church and state that the U. S. Supreme Court has been building for the last 50 years (Part II)? Online poll: Should Roy Moore be allowed to keep his display of the Ten Commandments in the Judicial Building rotunda?
Cheney: Investigators, Keep Out The vice pResident blocks an independent commission to investigate 9-11 -- Dick Cheney played a behind-the-scenes role last week in derailing an agreement to create an independent commission to investigate the 9-11 attacks. On Thursday, hours after congressional negotiators hailed a final deal over the scope and powers of a 9-11 panel, Cheney called House Intelligence Committee chairman Rep. Porter Goss, sources told NEWSWEEK.
Police to interfere in Nov. 5 election (FL) County officials called their own cavalry -- the Miami-Dade Police Department -- to "restore order" [In an effort to insure another Bush (Jeb this time) coup d'etat, police will intimidate minorities so that they don't vote] by the Nov. 5 general election.
House Admin Staffers to Observe Florida Elections With Florida set to have its first general election since implementing broad balloting reforms, [?!?] the House Administration Committee plans to send observers to the state to be the "eyes and ears" of Congress on Nov. 5.
Signature salvages vote on monitors for election (FL) A plan to hire election monitors for the county's Nov. 5 vote was revived Friday despite an apparent attempt to foil it by Cuban-American county commissioners this week.
Feeney denies using influence (FL) Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, -- or one of his law partners -- asked the state's top technology official to arrange a private meeting with an Oviedo computer company Feeney is paid to represent, documents and interviews show. Allegations that Feeney used his position as state House speaker to benefit his private client have become the main "issue" for his opponent in a nasty Central Florida congressional race.
America's For-Profit Secret Army Mercenaries are thriving — only this time they are called private military contractors, and some are even subsidiaries of Fortune 500 companies. The Pentagon cannot go to war without them. A few are somewhat familiar names, like Kellogg Brown & Root, a subsidiary of the Halliburton Company that operates for the government in Cuba and Central Asia...
Rumsfeld Favors Forceful Actions to Foil an Attack Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, in a personal set of guidelines for committing forces to combat, wrote that America's leaders must quickly judge when diplomacy has failed, then "act forcefully, early, during the precrisis period" to foil an attack on the nation. If those actions fall short, America must be "willing and prepared to act decisively to use the force necessary to prevail, plus some," he wrote.
Khatami gives Straw a grilling over Iraq's chemical weapons Iran's President Mohammad Khatami has voiced his doubt over the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, and hit out at the West for supplying Iraq with chemical arms in the first place, IRNA reported Thursday. Accusing US leaders of "arrogance and haste", Khatami warned British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw that Washington's "political conduct can only result in the strengthening of extremist movements' activities in the Islamic world."
Bush aiming at wrong target, US critics fear Terrorist groups are not yet defeated, says senior Republican -- The upsurge in terrorist attacks on western targets around the world over the past month, culminating in the bombings in Bali, has fuelled criticism of the Bush mis-ministration that its focus on Iraq has sapped its effort against an undefeated al-Qaida.
Anti-War Protests Get Louder In Calif. Anti-war rallies on two consecutive weekends drew 10,000 people each, and hastily called protests draw several hundred. Unlike the rest of the country -- or even the rest of California -- activists in the Bay Area can boast that most of their elected representatives (10 of 13) heeded their thousands of phone calls and voted against the resolution on Iraq.
The Sun Can't Set on This Empire Too Soon -- The U.S. has no right to indulge in imperialism -- by Robert Scheer "It sure smells like imperialism. That's the word historians use when powerful nations grab control of desired resources, be it the gold of the New World or the oil of the Middle East. Imperialist greed is what 'regime change' in Iraq and 'anticipatory self-defense' are all about, and all of the rest of the Bush administration's talk about security and democracy is a bunch of malarkey."
The voice of America Only his people can stop Bush now - and many are speaking out against war in Iraq -- by Simon Tisdall "Who can stop Bush on Iraq?... Americans can stop America's next war as they have stopped similar planned or actual idiocies in the past."
'62 crisis illuminates flaws of policy on Iraq Conflict: Unlike the Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S. approach to Baghdad seems emotional, ill-conceived and too risky -- By William R. Polk " 'Shooting from the hip,' we may cause the death of thousands of people; spread the very dangers we seek to avoid; give license to repressive regimes that profoundly oppose our way of life; corrupt the wells of our influence throughout the world, causing even our allies to regard us as a 'rogue' state; and, finally, bring about enormous internal damage to our country and particularly to our tradition of civil liberties, democracy and the rule of law."
How the War on Terrorism is Shrinking Congressional Powers: Part One -- by John W. Dean "Not since Richard Nixon's presidency have the powers of Congress been in greater jeopardy... The Bush-Cheney efforts, along with those of the Rehnquist-Scalia-Thomas-O'Connor-Kennedy bloc, are raw power politics and an example of short-sighted decisionmaking."
Conflict confusion -- by Bess Berkowitz (letter to editor) "... Please tell me when the supreme being -- God -- abdicated and appointed Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld his successors. Where was I when this happened?"
The new George W. Bush -- by Sheila Purdy (letter to editor) "I did not vote for George W. Bush, and I do not agree with much of what he stands for, but I am now worried about his mental health."
Wall St Girds for Thousands More Layoffs The paucity of mergers and other deals on Wall Street has traders and bankers spending most of their time these days worrying about their jobs.
Auditors Say U.S. Agencies Lose Track of Billions Year after year, auditors studying the financial records of federal government departments find many of them so disorganized, even chaotic, that the agencies cannot account for tens of billions of dollars.
Army scours sniper-school records in hunt for killer The FBI is investigating the possibility that the gunman terrorising the Washington area could be an army-trained sniper and has asked the Pentagon to check its records for possible suspects, it was reported yesterday.
Court Rejects LDS Plaza Rules (UT) Three judges in Denver voided free-speech restrictions on the LDS Church's Main Street Plaza on Wednesday, reopening the one-block stretch of Salt Lake City's most historic street to sunbathers, pamphleteers and smokers.
President [sic] seems unable to bear the sight or sound of dissent -- By Robyn E. Blumner "President [sic] Bush seems to think bullying is the only way to deal with dissent. Bush has so much trouble articulating a defense for his own policies, so little capacity to formulate a reasoned response, that he resorts to shibboleths, name-calling or worse, using authorities to shut down his critics."
Rumsfeld Orders War Plans Redone for Faster Action Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said today that he had ordered the military's regional commanders to rewrite all of their war plans to capitalize on precision weapons, better intelligence and speedier deployment.
US demands total impunity on war crimes With the Bush mis-ministration gearing up for a "preemptive" war against Iraq, Washington this week dispatched a senior US diplomat, Marisa Lino, to Europe to demand that the governments of the European Union (EU) agree to a blanket exemption of all US citizens from the jurisdiction of the newly formed International Criminal Court.
Army Considering Foreign Recruits Faced with a critical shortage of native Arab speakers, the Army is considering recruiting Middle Easterners into the ranks of its elite Special Forces, defense officials say.
Carter Wins Nobel Peace Prize, Bush Rebuked Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday by a committee whose head called the decision a deliberate slap in the face for the current U.S. government over its policy on Iraq.
JFK Aides Say Bush Is Wrong On Crisis Two top advisers to President John F. Kennedy said pResident Bush is misreading history when he cites Kennedy's actions in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis to justify a preemptive military strike against Iraq. "I would flunk him in history," said Arthur Schlesinger Jr..
Blair Fails to Win Putin Backing for Iraq Move Russia turned down a bid by British Prime Minister Tony Blair Friday to secure backing for a tough U.N. resolution on Iraq and dismissed his charges that Baghdad held weapons of mass destruction.
Opposition to war grows across Europe The imminent war against Iraq has met with rising public opposition in Europe. Large anti-war demonstrations have been held in many cities, as well as protests at the US military outposts, listening stations and airbases that litter the continent.
Seeds of Protest Growing on College Campuses As the threat of military action against Iraq looms, students across the country are talking about the possibility of war. The first stirrings of an antiwar movement are emerging, even as a few conservative students who support the president are starting to organize.
Pentagon Plans Smallpox Shots for Up to 500,000 With the Bush mis-ministration moving closer to military action against Iraq, the Pentagon is expected to begin vaccinating up to half a million troops against smallpox as soon as the vaccine is licensed in mid-November, military and mis-ministration officials said today.
Medical consequences of attacking Iraq -- by Dr. Helen Caldicott "As the Bush administration prepares to make war on the Iraqi people -- and make no mistake, it is the civilian population of that country and not Saddam Hussein who will bear the brunt of the hostilities -- it is important that we recall the medical consequences of the last Gulf War. That conflict was, in effect, a nuclear war."
The Spoils of War Be the First on Your Block to Make a Buck off Iraq -- by James Ridgeway "The doctrine of the preemptive strike is the perfect strategy for ushering in a new century of neocolonialism, unfettered by any need to respect sovereignty or self-determination. Better still, it's going to mean big bucks for whoever gets in on the ground floor."
The profitable side of war -- by Larry Baumwall (letter to editor) "I understand that if Congress rejects Bush's call to war, Fox News is prepared to start the war themselves. An anonymous Fox official explained that 'Without Bill Clinton, we're nothing...' "
Words Of War & Fears Of Disaster -- by Kevin Bowen "For months now, the words have been like a drum roll over the background noise of radio and television... Iraq and Saddam. Iraq and Saddam. Is this true? The CIA says it is not true. Former United Nations Inspectors say it is not true. Generals and military analysts say it is not true. Then why is the country moving forward?" [Uh...oil?]
Sailing into the storm -- by George Lewandowski "We have now begun the long slow process of defeating ourselves from the inside out. We have openly declared our imperial right to strike at will... We no longer pretend to have any respect for the rule of law."
Byrd leads, but too few follow him -- by Jules Witcover "As in the Gulf of Tonkin resolution of 1964 with a Democratic president, Congress has willingly put aside concern over its own prerogatives on the plea of a Republican president [sic] to trust him. Let's hope it's more warranted than the last time."
Regime needs to be changed here -- by Ron Vara (letter to editor) "I find it both repugnant and reprehensible that the warmongers in the Bush administration would put Americans in harm's way for their own political gain. The entire Iraqi imminent danger scenario is a hoax perpetrated on the American public to detract from the disastrous state of our country at election time. A regime change is definitely needed -- in the United States." [Exactly!!]
In the name of war, reports on Cold War testing show dangers of government secrecy (Herald Tribune) "As the United States prepares for war, ostensibly to topple an Iraqi regime for harboring biological and chemical weapons, declassified information has revealed that Americans were exposed four decades ago to similar poisons."
Come clean (Orlando Sentinel) "Americans deserve a full and immediate accounting of weapons tests. Talk about bad timing -- and bad judgment. Amid U.S. warnings to the world about Iraq's biological and chemical weapons, the Pentagon released details this week on 27 biological- and chemical-weapons tests it conducted decades ago on American soil, including in Florida near Yeehaw Junction."
Panel Advocates Blame White House The Bush mis-ministration has quietly sidetracked a bipartisan effort to create an independent commission to examine the Sept. 11 attacks, the commission's advocates charged Friday. House Minority Whip Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., blamed the White House for killing the deal. After an agreement was reached, "almost immediately the invisible hand came down," Pelosi said.
House GOP Stops 9/11 Probe Plan Proponents of Proposal Point to White House Opposition -- A tentative congressional deal to create an independent commission to investigate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks fell apart hours after the White House and House Republican leaders objected to the plan, sources said last night.
Sept. 11 Commission Falls Apart An agreement announced by leading lawmakers to form an independent commission to investigate the Sept. 11 attacks fell apart late Thursday after the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said more details needed to be worked out.
The latest 9/11 dodge (Palm Beach Post) "Like a corporate executive accused of fraud, former FBI Director Louis Freeh went before Congress Wednesday and made the not-my-fault defense."
Is Bush a Liar -- or is memory serving him badly? -- by Ekstra Bladget "Most people will easily remember where they were and what they were doing at September 11th last year. Not President [sic] Bush. At two Town Hall Meetings he was asked about his day, and both times he ended up telling untrue stories about how he learned of the WTC-attacks."
Last Respects for a Litany of Firefighters Legions of white-gloved firefighters, a solemn brotherhood from across the nation and around the world, gathered under weeping gray skies in New York City yesterday for an outpouring of remembrance and farewell for 356 comrades killed in the World Trade Center attack and in other recent tragedies.
New York Honors Fallen Firefighters Thousands of firefighters from around the world packed Madison Square Garden and the surrounding streets Saturday for a solemn memorial ceremony to honor 356 city firefighters killed in the line of duty -- 343 of them at the World Trade Center.
Bank sues over Enron losses (UK) Abbey National bank, which lost more than £50 million by investing in US energy giant Enron, is suing a host of investment banks. It claims they must have known Enron's finances were fatally flawed when the deal was made.
Racicot’s Deregulation, Enron and Chickenhawks -- by Pat Dawson "As this column continues to point out, the utility deregulation bill passed in haste by the 1997 Montana Legislature will continue to wreak economic havoc on this state... All of this carnage could have been stopped by one person: Marc Racicot."
Torricelli's Decision Shifts Race Toward Democrats In the two weeks since Senator Robert G. Torricelli abruptly ended his bid for re-election, the race for his seat has been transformed into a contest that is less predictable, less expensive and more likely to focus on issues favorable to Democrats, officials with both parties say.
Harris campaigns -- for book [Mega barf alert!] Republican [Coupmeister] Katherine Harris interrupted her campaign for the U.S. House District 13 seat this week to hawk her new book about the disputed 2000 presidential s-election [coup d'etat] on the national TV talk show circuit.
Florida Might Edit Death Penalty Law Opponents say the new measure will effectively lower the minimum age at which killers can be put to death to 16 from 17.
28 at Florida A-Plant Exposed to Radiation Federal officials are investigating how 28 nuclear power plant workers were exposed to radiation during a maintenance operation.
Master chefs feed GM foods rebellion Elite three-star chefs have launched a crusade for a Europe-wide ban on genetically modified crops and livestock. They fear that lax controls could threaten cherished ingredients for their famous dishes and lead to an equivalent of 'mad cow disease'.
U.S. Has a Plan to Occupy Iraq, Officials Report The White House is developing a detailed plan, modeled on the postwar occupation of Japan, to install an American-led military government in Iraq if the United States topples Saddam Hussein, senior mis-ministration officials said today. The plan also calls for war-crime trials of Iraqi leaders and a transition to an elected civilian government that could take months or years. [A (legal) regime change is desperately needed in the United States. The nutcases running the U.S. government should be impeached, but they are not elected officials, so the point is moot.]
U.S.-led coalition hits radar site at Iraqi airport U.S.-led coalition aircraft patrolling the southern no-fly zone in Iraq struck a radar installation at the airport in Basra on Thursday, according to Iraqi and Pentagon officials.
Congressman Pete Stark's Statement -- Opposing H.J. Res. 114, Authorization for Military Force Against Iraq October 9, 2002 "...The bottom line is I don’t trust this President [sic] and his advisors."
Graham rips colleagues over Iraq He lashes out after senators reject bid to broaden resolution -- Florida's Sen. Bob Graham Wednesday told his colleagues that ''blood is going to be on your hands'' if action is not taken to foil terrorist attacks in America should the United States invade Iraq.
Congress Must Resist the Rush to War -- by Robert C. Byrd "A sudden appetite for war with Iraq seems to have consumed the Bush administration and Congress. The debate that began in the Senate last week is centered not on the fundamental and monumental questions of whether and why the United States should go to war with Iraq, but rather on the mechanics of how best to wordsmith the president[sic]'s use-of-force resolution in order to give him virtually unchecked authority to commit the nation's military to an unprovoked attack on a sovereign nation."
Senate Roll Call The 77-23 roll call by which the Senate voted Friday to authorize pResident Bush to use military force, if necessary, to disarm Iraq.
Senate, in 77-23 Vote, Passes Iraq Resolution The Senate voted overwhelmingly early this morning to authorize pResident Bush to use force against Iraq, joining with the House in giving him a broad mandate to act against Saddam Hussein.
Congress authorizes use of force Byrd fights to the end, but Senate backs Bush by big margin -- The Senate joined the House on Friday morning in voting solidly to give pResident Bush the authority to use force against Iraq, approving a resolution endorsed by the pResident and leaders of both parties.
Roll Call Vote in House on Iraq Resolution The 296-133 roll call Thursday by which the House voted for a resolution to authorize pResident Bush to use military force in Iraq. Voting yes were 81 Democrats and 215 Republicans. Voting no were 126 Democrats, six Republicans and one independent. (Including, Democrats: Harman, Y; Waxman, Y; Meehan, Y; Markey, Y. Republicans: Hostettler, N; Leach, N; Morella, N; Houghton, N; Duncan, N; Paul, N.)
House Resolution Authorizes Use of Force Against Iraq The House voted 297 to 132 this afternoon to give pResident Bush authority to use military force against Iraq. The resolution gives Bush the authority to use military force as he determines is appropriate to "defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq" and to "enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions against Iraq."
House OKs use of force against Iraq Most Democrats oppose; Daschle throws support to Bush -- House lawmakers voted solidly Thursday to grant pResidential authority to use force against Iraq, approving a resolution endorsed by pResident Bush and House leaders from both parties. The Senate was prepared to act in chorus, rejecting by a 75-25 vote a bid by opponents to slow down a final vote.
Oil, war and the future of Iraq -- by Michael Moran "Oil: the ultimate conspiracy theory. Forget 'wag the dog' electoral explanations for George W. Bush’s determination to go to war in Iraq; put aside the idea that he is 'avenging his father’s honor,' or the alleged al-Qaida bigwigs in Baghdad, or even the need to divert public attention away from Osama bin Laden’s next move. Nothing animates Bush’s critics more effectively than the suggestion that our Texas oilman president and his ex-Halliburton CEO sidekick are plotting to turn Iraq into America’s strategic petroleum reserve."
Revolving-Door Monsters -- by Nicholas D. Kristof "President [sic] Bush and Vice President [sic] Cheney portray Saddam Hussein as so menacing and terrifying that one might think they've lain awake at night for years worrying about him. But when Mr. Cheney was running Halliburton, the oil services firm, it sold more equipment to Iraq than any other company did."
Congress Wraps in Flag, Turns Back on Country -- by Sheryl McCarthy " 'This is the eve of an election, and the president [sic] is wrapping this issue up in the flag,' [Congressman Charles] Rangel said. 'To be honest, even the Democrats are saying where are the Democrats?'... The collective lack of courage about a gratuitous and potentially disastrous war is mind-boggling."
Focus on War Talk Hampers Democrats The prospect of war with Iraq is dealing Democratic candidates a triple blow. It's pushing their best issues, such as health care and the economy, into the background, while also damaging two crucial campaign operations -- fundraising and voter turnout -- among key liberal constituencies disillusioned over the party's failure to challenge pResident Bush more forcefully on his bellicose posture toward Baghdad.
Press should crash war party -- by C.B. Hanif, Palm Beach Post Ombudsman " 'He continues to make fascinating comments that reveal who he really is,' but aside from The Post's reporters and a couple of others, 'the capital press corps (in Tallahassee) has become so lazy that they don't even go after this stuff anymore.' That was state Sen. Ron Klein, D-Delray Beach, commenting to the paper's editorial board this week about Gov. Bush's 'devious' gaffe." [lp@pbpost.com]
The Ombudsman: Readers complain Bee Iraq coverage is inadequate (Sacramento Bee) With the current debate over a war with Iraq heating up in Congress, and around the world, several requests were for more information on the details and background of everything about that divisive and hotly debated issue. [ombud@sacbee.com]
War protesters hole up inside Sen. Clinton's New York office Five demonstrators staged a peaceful protest for nine hours Thursday inside the midtown Manhattan office of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, demanding she vote against authorizing a U.S. strike against Iraq.
Thousands march against war (WA) Candlelight vigil, procession again fill Seattle streets Thousands of anti-war demonstrators took to the streets of Seattle last night -- the second time in less than a week -- pounding the pavement in the hope that options for a peaceful resolution in Iraq aren't drowned out by the rising drumbeat for war.
Activists crash MTV's TRL -- Eight NYU students crashed the stage of Total Request Live yesterday, disrupting the show with an anti-war demonstration and angering Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst. The students, clad in white T-shirts with the words "No war on Iraq" stenciled in green and orange spraypaint, hit the stage two separate times, interrupting the broadcast.
House Panel Seeks Release of Presidential Papers A House committee voted without dissent today to overturn pResident Bush's executive order that delayed release of President Ronald Reagan's papers and allowed relatives of future presidents to keep papers secret.
Who makes the vote-counting machines? The largest vote-counting company in the USA was given its grubstake in 1984 when the multi-millionaire Ahmanson family injected enough cash to get ahold of a 68 percent ownership. This wealthy family has been instrumental in making the Republican Party take a hard right turn — pouring money into conservative Christian candidates and right-wing agendas.
No Bush vs. Gore II (Palm Beach Post) "In Florida, Republicans wanted to stop counting votes. In New Jersey, they tried to prevent them from being cast... Although Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in another case, 'The Supreme Court of the United States does not sit to announce 'unique' decisions,' the court did just that in Bush vs. Gore. The majority, including Justice Scalia, said the ruling was for George W. Bush only."
FBI Misused Secret Wiretaps, According to Memo The FBI illegally videotaped suspects, improperly recorded telephone calls and intercepted e-mails without court permission in more than a dozen secret terrorism and intelligence investigations, according to an internal memorandum obtained by a member of Congress.
Democrats Host Forum to Spark Debate on Economy As part of an effort to focus voter attention on the lackluster U.S. economy ahead of the November elections, congressional Democrats on Friday are hosting a economic forum they hope will put the spotlight on pResident Bush's policies.
Labor leaders say port intervention will hurt GOP Labor leaders say the fallout from pResident Bush's move to end a 10-day shutdown of West Coast ports will hurt Republicans in next month's congressional elections. They're using it to rally their members to turn out Nov. 5 and vote Democratic.
States Slash Medicaid Funds As the economy creates more poor, the health care plan they need is cut. Oklahoma will mail letters soon to nearly 79,000 poor residents -- some families that recently left welfare, others people who are disabled or old -- telling them that, as of March, they no longer will be eligible for Medicaid.
HHS Won't Support Pregnancy Bill The Bush mis-ministration says it no longer supports legislation adding pregnant women to a government health care program. It's no longer needed, administration officials say, because they've accomplished the same thing by providing health coverage directly to the fetus.
Moles at Work -- by Paul Krugman "Now we know why it [Harken Energy] recovered. It wasn't just the mysterious invitation to drill for oil off Bahrain. Harken also pulled a trick that would be emulated on a larger scale by Enron: In effect it borrowed money to pay its bills, while using loopholes in accounting rules to conceal the resulting debt."
Aerial Photo Plan Poses $4 Million Ethics Question (CT) Behind-the-scenes efforts by Republican John H. Sununu of New Hampshire are raising questions about a proposal by GOP Gov. John G. Rowland's mis-ministration to create a computerized system of "digitized" aerial photographs of the state. For two years, Rowland's budget office never wanted to spend about $2 million to complete work on an existing DEP aerial photo contract with a Wisconsin firm - and now, in Bush/Rowland-Enron-created state budget crisis, it wants to spend even more.
Vieques Activists Outraged Over Pentagon Revelation About Chemical Weapons Tests on Island in 1960s Revelations that U.S. Marines were subjected to a simulated chemical weapons attack on Vieques Island stirred anger among anti-Navy activists on Thursday.
Harvard Was Unlikely Savior Of Bush Energy Firm Harken University's Endowment Arm Injected Cash Into Off-Balance-Sheet Deals to Save Harken -- When the small company that helped make George W. Bush a multimillionaire verged on bankruptcy in 1990, newly unearthed documents show an unlikely financial archangel came to the rescue: Harvard University.
Bush Oil Firm Did Enron-Style Deal - Report pResident Bush's former oil firm formed a partnership with Harvard University that concealed the company's financial woes and may have misled investors, a student and alumni group said in a report on Wednesday. The partnership between Harken Energy Corp. and Harvard, created with Bush's approval, bore strong resemblance to the partnerships that helped disguise Enron's problems, the report's authors said.
Harvard role in Harken called deeper -- Group says partnership kept Bush firm afloat Harvard University's financial relationship with pResident Bush's former oil company was deeper than previously understood, with the university's management fund creating a separate ''off the books'' partnership with Harken Energy Corp. that helped keep afloat the financially troubled company, according to a report to be released today.
Enron-linked politician accused of lying on oath Thomas White, Secretary of the Army and former vice-chairman of Enron Energy Services, has been accused of lying under oath to the Senate to cover up corporate sleaze allegations, the BBC reported.
FEC Drops Case on GOP-Business Link The FEC decided against penalties in a case prompted by a Democratic Party complaint against a business group alliance called The Coalition, its members, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and 37 candidate committees, among others.
Top Democrats Demand SEC's Pitt Resign Congress' two top Democrats on Wednesday wrote to pResident Bush seeking the resignation of Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Harvey Pitt, and questioning his handling of the creation of a national board to police corporate accounting.
SEC Pittfall (Orlando Sentinel) "Our position: SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt still doesn't have what it takes to run the agency. Even after almost a year of scandals on Wall Street, Harvey Pitt still doesn't get it."
Poll: U.S. Consumer Confidence Sinks to Lowest Level Since January 1996 Consumer confidence in the U.S. economy plunged last week to its lowest level since January 1996, according to an ABC News/Money Magazine poll released Wednesday. The consumer comfort index fell five points to -20 in the week ended Oct. 6, ABC News reported on its Web site. The drop was one of the biggest declines since the survey began 16 years ago, ABC News said.
U.S. stocks dive to fresh multi-year lows The stocks indexes hit fresh multi-year lows on Wednesday, slammed by a gaggle of Wall Street analyst downgrades and ongoing worries about profit growth ahead of the official start of the third-quarter reporting season.
Tokyo stocks dive in morning, U.S. dollar lower against yen After hitting 19-year lows Wednesday, Tokyo shares went into a free-fall Thursday morning, giving up more than 3 percent following losses on Wall Street overnight.
Australian stocks fall, banks in global downdraft Australian stocks fell 0.7 percent by midday on Thursday, near an all-time low, as gains for Telstra, Qantas Airways and Rio Tinto failed to offset the sliding bank sector.
Papers Prepare Scribes For Biochemical War As the United States prepares to invade Iraq, military correspondents are bracing for biological and chemical threats far beyond what they've endured in other war zones, with many training to protect themselves from biochemical weapons on the battlefield. At the same time, many remain frustrated at the continuing lack of cooperation with the Pentagon and fear it will severely restrict their access to information -- and troops -- when the fighting begins.
Wall Street Journal Gets Ready for War, Cedes Battle Lines After George Bush’s Oct. 7 speech in Cincinnati, where he evoked the Cuban missile crisis and laid out his case for waging war on Iraq, newspaper editors were wondering how soon they would need to tell their reporters to unpack their flak jackets and grab a satellite phone.
Sen. Byrd Plans Iraq Vote Delay A jealous guardian of congressional powers, Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia is making sure the Senate takes time to debate war with Iraq and creation of a Homeland Security Department.
Statement of Senator Jim Jeffords, Senate Resolution Authorizing the Use of Force Against Iraq "We owe it to the American people not to rush into a war, but to work with the institutions that we fought so hard to develop for just this eventuality... I cannot support a resolution that puts this nation on a path to war without first exhausting diplomatic efforts. Now is the time to put the international system to work for us, and consider unilateral military action only as a last resort."
Many former warriors in Congress line up as doves Some lawmakers pressing for war with Iraq never saw combat themselves. Some urging caution have fought. In a nation that does not require military service, one distinguishing factor in the war debate is who wore a uniform and who did not.
McDermott accuses Bush of plotting to be emperor U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott broadened his attack on George W. Bush's war plans yesterday, saying the pResident is threatening military action in Iraq as part of a plot to crown himself emperor of America.
C.I.A. Warns That a U.S. Attack May Ignite Terror The Bush mis-ministration pushed Congress today for a broad vote to authorize the president to use force against Iraq. But a new element was injected into the debate by a C.I.A. assessment that Saddam Hussein, while now stopping short of an attack, could become "much less constrained" if faced with an American-led force. [Duh! The quintessential "Hello, McFly?" moment...]
Why is no one talking about casualties? -- by Arianna Huffington "Sitting on a desk somewhere in the Pentagon is a computer printout listing projected American casualties for a range of Iraq invasion scenarios. Unfortunately, these vital figures are the only numbers that haven't been part of the war debate."
US plan for Iraq inspections: invasion under another guise -- by Bill Vann "George W. Bush and his junior partner, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, have repeatedly insisted that their aim is to 'disarm' the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq... The reality is that Washington is straining every muscle to block two United Nations inspection agencies from returning to Iraq, while proposing a new Security Council resolution that is aimed at scuttling the entire process."
Cooked War -- by blah3.com (requires Flash)
Protesters rage against Iraq war (TN) Several hundred people of different voices and different faiths gathered this morning to protest pResident Bush’s call for war against Iraq. In a rally that began about 10:15 a.m., their message was clear: No war.
Texas Hold 'Em With A Stacked Deck -- by Harley Sorensen "These days, with the government lying to us routinely, it's wise to look for the hidden agenda. Last Friday, at the Pentagon press briefing, we were told that our forces in Afghanistan had located and destroyed a buried cache of bombs, the largest such find since that war began. One of the Pentagon reporters had the good sense to ask whether the munitions were aerial bombs. Yes, he was told, they were. But, oops, the people we're fighting in Afghanistan don't have combat aircraft."
Bend Over -- Your New Federal ID Has Arrived Right now the U.S. House of Representatives is debating in committee what could be the single most federal power expanding bill in American history -- HR 4633, the "Driver's License Modernization Act of 2002." Computer Chips in Driver's Licenses and ID Cards? This Bill requires that "a State shall embed a computer chip in each new or renewed driver's license or identification card issued by the State."
FDA tries to remove genetic label before it sticks In an unusual move, the federal government has warned the state of Oregon that it could be interfering with national food producers if voters pass a ballot measure requiring all genetically modified foods sold in the state to be labeled. [Gee, what happened to the "states' rights" mantra of the hypocritical GOP?!?]
The Controversial Smallpox Vaccine: Eighteen Points You Should Consider -- by Meryl Nass, MD "...what does a perpetrator do when the nation is immunized against anthrax or smallpox? He simply picks another agent, like tularemia, plague, ebola, or an encephalitis virus. We have no vaccines for these agents. Mass vaccination simply guarantees that the agent for which you were vaccinated will not be used, and something else will be selected."
Doctors Urge Caution on Smallpox Vaccinations Leading medical groups are urging caution in the use of smallpox vaccine, particularly if no cases of the disease occur. Their concerns stem from the risks of the vaccine, which is significantly more likely than any other vaccine to cause serious side effects.
White House Takes Unprecedented Action in Dockworkers Lockout (AFL-CIO) "The Bush administration has sided with the employer since early in the bargaining process—undermining the incentive for the employer to negotiate. Labor Solicitor Eugene Scalia acknowledged this is the first time a president [sic] has taken such action while workers were not on strike but actually blocked by their employer from doing their jobs. The board is the first at all in nearly 24 years. Scalia previously represented the employer group as a private-sector lawyer. (Eugene Scalia's financial disclosure report [.pdf] PMA reference on last page...)"
White House Joins Fight Against Electric Cars The Bush mis-ministration went to court today to support the automobile industry's effort to eliminate requirements in California that auto manufacturers sell electric cars. pResident Bush's chief of staff, Andrew H. Card Jr., was the chief lobbyist for General Motors, one of the plaintiffs in the case. [Bush needs to keep rewarding one of his principle paymasters, the oil industry.]
Bush Wages Quieter War to Invade Our National Parks -- by Jackson Thoreau "While Bush publicly pushes to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and invade Iraq, he is waging a quieter campaign to invade popular national parks, including Arizona’s Grand Canyon and Texas’ Big Bend National Park, with increased oil and mining exploration."
The Ironic Implication of the New Jersey Imbroglio -- by Ted Rall "In the course of the tortured drama of the New Jersey Senate race, the U.S. Supreme Court has inadvertently confirmed that Al Gore won the presidency in 2000."
Teamsters Endorse Democrat McBride for Florida Governor The Teamsters on Wednesday endorsed Democrat Bill McBride for Florida governor, bypassing GOP incumbent Jeb Bush despite efforts by his brother, pResident Bush, to court the national union.
Regime Change in the US -- Proposal from a Concerned Citizen "A regime change is indeed necessary, but not in Iraq. The primary regime which needs to be changed, is the one found in Washington DC. The greatest tyrant and true threat to world peace who needs to be ousted, is George W. Bush... America is clearly a nation which aspires to global domination, through the use of the most expensive and high tech military the world has ever known."
White House 'exaggerating Iraqi threat' Bush's televised address attacked by US intelligence --pResident Bush's case against Saddam Hussein, outlined in a televised address to the nation on Monday night, relied on a slanted and sometimes entirely false reading of the available US intelligence, government officials and analysts claimed yesterday. Officials in the CIA, FBI and energy department are being put under intense pressure to produce reports which back the mis-ministration's line, the Guardian has learned.
October 10, 2002
America's great misleader Bush's arguments strain the limits of plausibility to justify war on Iraq, and this, says Simon Tisdall, means regime change is imperative - in Washington "In his speech in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr Bush employed what might in British parlance be termed the kitchen sink approach. In other words, he threw just about everything he had at the target, including domestic appliances."
Is the President [sic] Nuts? Diagnosing Dubya -- by Carol Wolman, M.D. "Many people, inside and especially outside this country, believe that the American president is nuts, and is taking the world on a suicidal path. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I feel it's my duty to share my understanding of his psychopathology. He's a complicated man, under tremendous pressure from both his family/junta, and from the world at large. So the following is offered with humility and questioning, in the form of a differential diagnosis..."
Roast the chicken hawks -- by John Sugg "As you read this, Congress is being bullied into granting aspirant world emperor George Bush a blank check to go to war with Iraq and against any other "threat." For senators and representatives, the club cynically wielded by the White House is the dilemma of either handing Bush what amounts to dictatorial power or being subject to charges of lack of patriotism."
George Bush's Nuclear Lie Last night, while addressing the nation, Bush forgot the truth about his nuclear lies, which undermines any truth in his speech. -- by Frederick Sweet "Before we can believe his other arguments, on chemical and biological weapons, on Saddam Hussein's intentions, our president [sic] must first come clean. He must set the record straight that he has 'misrepresented' the truth about Iraq's nuclear potential."
Few minds change in Mountain State pResident Bush’s speech to the nation on Monday night didn’t appear to change the minds of West Virginia’s congressional delegation about the need for a military invasion of Iraq. "There was a lot of new rhetoric, but no new evidence," said Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., who has criticized Bush for rushing to invade Iraq.
Dissent over going to war grows among U.S. government officials While pResident Bush marshals congressional and international support for invading Iraq, a growing number of military officers, intelligence professionals and diplomats in his own government privately have deep misgivings about the mis-ministration's double-time march toward war.
Byrd threatens to delay vote on Iraq Lawmakers resumed their debate Tuesday on authorizing pResident Bush to use military force against Iraq, but a leading critic said he would use parliamentary tactics to delay a final vote, even as supporters of the resolution compared Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to Adolf Hitler. [Any student of history can draw far more comparisons between George W. Bush and Adolph Hitler.]
Iraq Has a Lot of Nerve! ( Part I ) -- by Tom Flocco "Will Congress Permit Bush 43 to Place Soldiers in Harm’s Way, With Questionable Protective Equipment, Against Same Chemical Weapons that Bush 41 Officials Allowed to be Shipped Illegally to Iraq?"
War Call Meets Sound of Silence -- by Dennis Duggan "The anti-war anvil that glowed a bright red during the Vietnam War is cold to the touch now. But there are signs it's heating up - an anti-war rally in Central Park Sunday and a new poll that shows voters are more concerned with the faltering economy than Saddam Hussein."
U.S. Presses for Total Exemption From War Crimes Court A top State Department envoy left for Europe today to try to persuade several governments to ignore a recent European Union compromise on the international criminal court that would exempt only some Americans from prosecution.
U.S. Conducted Open-Air Biological, Chemical Weapons Tests, Records Show The United States held open-air biological and chemical weapons tests in at least four states - Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Florida - during the 1960s in an effort to develop defenses against such weapons, according to Pentagon documents.
U.S. Troops Were Subjected to a Wider Toxic Testing Acknowledging a much wider testing of toxic weapons on its forces, the Defense Department says it used chemical warfare and live biological agents during cold-war-era military exercises on American soil, as well as in Canada and Britain, according to previously secret documents cleared for release to Congress on Wednesday.
Citing 9/11, Appeals Court Upholds Secret Hearings The federal appeals court in Philadelphia ruled yesterday that the Bush mis-ministration had acted lawfully in holding hundreds of deportation hearings in secret based on its assertion that those detained might have links to terrorism.
Bush Threatens Veto of Defense Bill Bush Wants Disabled Military Pension Benefits Eliminated pResident Bush has threatened to veto the $355 billion defense authorization bill for the new fiscal year if House and Senate conferees do not eliminate new pension benefits for disabled military retirees.
Veterans group is backing Wellstone Conferring a blessing that may offset charges that he is soft on national defense, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ national political action committee on Monday endorsed U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone for re-election.
Ore. Considers Universal Health Plan Every man, woman and child in Oregon would receive full medical insurance — no co-payments, no deductibles — under a measure on the Nov. 5 ballot that would create the first universal health care plan in the nation.
Climate Change Induced Disasters Could Cost $150B Over Next Decade Climate change is causing natural disasters that the financial services industry must address, a group of the world's biggest banks, insurers and re-insurers warned Monday. [Looks like they are trolling for more corporate welfare rather than clamoring for the Bush mis-ministration to stop destroying the environment.]
The dark secret kept hidden for 50 years: how a global media empire was built on a lie The virtuous image of the Bertelsmann media empire has been destroyed by a devastating historical study into the company's Nazi links that exposes its post-war success as built on a lie.
NCC Board Repudiates Falwell's "60 Minutes" Comments on Islam Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican Leaders Call Bush to Condemn Falwell's Remarks -- The Executive Board of the (U.S.) National Council of Churches this afternoon (Oct. 7) voted unanimously to "condemn and repudiate" the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s statements yesterday on CBS-TV’s "60 Minutes" about Islam and the Prophet Muhammed, Islam’s founder, saying Falwell’s statements endangered the lives of Christians around the world. [another Nazi with a media empire: Jerry Falwell.]
Armey Seeks Provision in Bill To Punish Hometown Paper Furious at how the Dallas Morning News covered his son's failed congressional bid this year, House Majority Leader Richard K. Armey (R-Tex.) is trying to insert language in a military spending bill that would force the newspaper's parent company to sell off one of its Dallas media properties.
Lawyer: Close Court for Noelle Bush An attorney for Gov. Jeb Bush's daughter asked a judge Tuesday to close her drug court proceedings, arguing that she has a right to privacy while under that court's supervision.
Blair to order invasion force this month · Threat of war · Tanks will form the core of British contingent -- Tony Blair is expected to order defence chiefs by the end of the month to prepare a significant British force for an attack on Iraq, Whitehall sources said yesterday. They said that to be "legitimate" such an attack would not necessarily have to be supported by a UN mandate. Britain's contribution to an American-led invasion of Iraq would be substantial and include heavy armour.
Support for Iraq action at new low of 32% (UK) Support for military action against Iraq among British voters has fallen to 32%, the lowest level recorded during the five weeks that the Guardian/ICM weekly tracker survey has been running.
Kill first, ask questions later The black holes in Bush's logic might suck us all in, writes Robert Manne. "At the centre of the doctrine, a huge conceptual hole appears. Does the US, as the world hegemon, alone possess the sovereign right to act unilaterally against a supposed threat to its security by prosecuting a preventive war, or does an identical right exist for other states?"
Oil has always been top of Bush's foreign-policy agenda The White House decided that diplomacy was not an option in the Middle East, writes Ritt Goldstein. "As the United States prepares for war with Iraq, a report commissioned early in George Bush's presidency [sic] has surfaced, showing that the US knew it was running out of oil and foreshadowing the possible need for military intervention to secure supplies. The report forecasts an end to cheap and plentiful fuel, with the energy industry facing 'the beginning of capacity limitations'."
The Anti-W-ar Movement's Response to George W. Bush's Televised Speech: Thousands Will March Against War With Iraq on October 26 in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Cities Around the World
Hundreds of protesters gather shortly before Bush speech Hundreds of protesters marched Monday night toward a former railroad terminal where pResident Bush planned to speak on Iraq. Many carried signs with slogans such as, "War is a failure of government." Some chanted "If we attack Iraq, we create more enemies."
Thousands in U.S. Rally for Peace (CA) Thousands of anti-war protesters took to the streets throughout the state Sunday, beating drums, hoisting signs and proclaiming their opposition to a potential war with Iraq. Protesters jammed Union Square in San Francisco and a lively demonstration also took place at the Federal Building in west Los Angeles.
Thousands at Central Park Rally Oppose an Iraq War Several thousand people filled the park's East Meadow yesterday afternoon, taking in the sun that bathed the slight slope facing a stage where speaker after speaker — from activist actors to relatives of people killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to high school students — strode to the microphone.
Protesters Overflow NYC’s Central Park Sunday in New York City, 15,000 determined demonstrators said no to war with Iraq. More than the feel of a Vietnam anti-war protest, the history of that movement was present in Central Park.
A Report from the Scene Central Park Peace Rally: Sunday, October 6 -- by David Cogswell
Thousands walk for peace Mile-long procession to Westlake Center protests Iraq policy (WA) A crowd estimated by march organizers at 6,000 to 8,000 people registered their dissent yesterday, rallying and marching in a nearly mile-long procession from Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill to Westlake Center as part of a nationwide anti-war protest.
Protesters arrested at congressman's office (Troy, NY) Seven anti-war protesters were arrested Monday after they refused to leave a district office of U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty, officials said. Peace activists have been stepping up anti-war activities as Congress prepares to vote on resolutions authorizing force against Iraq.
Some administration officials expressing misgivings on Iraq While pResident Bush marshals congressional and international support for invading Iraq, a growing number of military officers, intelligence professionals and diplomats in his own government privately have deep misgivings about the administration's double-time march toward war.
A few Democrats standing tall (San Francisco Chronicle) "For the last month, Democrats have been mostly missing in action, allowing the president to shape the terms of debate on Iraq... It is heartening to see that a disproportionate number of the elected officials who have resisted a 'rush to judgment' represent California and the Bay Area."
Democratic Senators Vow to Override Veto of Bill Strengthening Veterans Benefits A Senate Democratic leader dared pResident Bush on Monday to veto a bill that would allow disabled veterans to collect their full military pensions. "We'll override the veto," said Assistant Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on the Senate floor. "Let everyone here in the Senate decide who they want to support: the president [sic]'s people or the veterans of their states."
High Court Declines to Intervene in Election Dispute The Supreme Court refused Monday to be drawn into an election fight that resurrected memories of the court's contentious intervention [the coup d'etat] in the presidential s-election two years ago. Democrats may now go ahead with plans to replace Sen. Robert Torricelli with former Sen. Frank Lautenberg on the Nov. 5 ballot in their effort to retain their one-seat hold on the Senate.
Report Blasts Enron Errors All Watchdogs Failed Investors, Probe Finds -- Federal regulators and Wall Street watchdogs were entangled in a web of "systemic and catastrophic failure" in the Enron collapse, a failure that meant "investors were left defenseless," maintains a scathing Senate committee staff report that will be released today.
Stick to the A-list choice to oversee accountants (Palm Beach Post) "Accountants, who didn't want anyone looking over their shoulders, are trying to block John Biggs from running the oversight board they don't want. They have been lobbying Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Harvey Pitt, who all but gave the jobs to Mr. Biggs."
Two Fights Could Produce a Big Winner -- by Dana Milbank "...but in a broader sense, Bush is demanding -- and the House has approved -- powers to rearrange the federal bureaucracy in ways not seen since Congress passed the Pendleton Act in 1883."
Ex-FBI Director to Face Grilling on Hill Former FBI director Louis J. Freeh comes before Congress in what could be a contentious and wrenching appraisal of his record on counterterrorism, widely viewed as one of the triumphs of his tenure when he departed in June, 2001. As the clues the FBI missed have become widely known, Freeh's tenure is now being reassessed in light of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Pediatricians Urge Smallpox Limits The American Academy of Pediatrics says the nation's smallpox plan should involve limited vaccinations if a case occurs, not universal inoculations before there's even an attack. Potential side effects are too severe, and available vaccines have not been tested on children, who may be at higher risk for bad reactions, the academy said in a policy statement released Monday.
Canada’s elite clamours for huge increase in military spending Canada’s Liberal government is under intense pressure from big business and the political establishment to dramatically increase military spending.
Global crash fears as German bank sinks Stockbrokers around the world are braced for a potentially calamitous week as alarm mounts over a looming, Thirties-style global financial crisis. A leaked email about the credit-worthiness of Commerzbank, Germany's third largest bank, yesterday increased fears of the international stock market malaise exploding into a fully-fledged banking crisis.
Japan's Nikkei Has Biggest Slide in 3 Months (Bloomberg) -- Japanese stocks fell, with the Nikkei 225 Stock Average having its biggest drop in more than three months.
CEOs Say They're Concerned U.S. Recovery Is Stalling (Bloomberg) -- America's top corporate executives, cloistered at a West Virginia resort, said they're concerned the U.S. economy's recovery has stalled and investors may have to wait more than a year for stronger growth.
Public Says Bush Needs to Pay Heed to Weak Economy A majority of Americans say that the nation's economy is in its worst shape in nearly a decade and that pResident Bush and Congressional leaders are spending too much time talking about Iraq while neglecting problems at home, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. [Yikes! I hope Bush doesn't ponder more terrorism to get the public's mind off of the economy. Hopefully, Karl "PowerPoint" Rove will *not* see this poll!]
Democrats Sharpen Attack on Bush Economic Policy A Democratic cartoon depicting pResident Bush pushing wheelchair-bound seniors down a sliding stock market chart to highlight the risks of individual Social Security investment accounts has Republicans fuming. [Insert "Awe, too bad, corporate weasels! The truth hurts, doesn't it?" comments here.] Click here or on cartoon below for animated ad (Requires Flash).
Time for some political courage -- by Bob Ray Sanders "Thank God for Al Gore. Finally, someone in America has the guts, and the heart, to stand up and articulate what many people are thinking but what most so-called leaders are afraid to say."
Make jobs, not war! -- by Yusuf Agha "At the precise moment President [sic] Bush was admonishing the United Nations on Iraq, another of the nation's icons was unveiling plans to disrupt the lives of thousands of Americans... With massive layoffs, business foreclosures, exhausted unemployment benefits, a diminishing job market, shrinking 401(k) plans, non-existent health care benefits and increasing fuel costs - there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel for today's unemployed in America."
Kucinich Heads Anti-War Coalition in Congress "Let's stop wasting American lives," reads an old anti-war flier kept as a memento in the office of Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio. Thirty years after handing out copies of this leaflet during his first run for Congress as a young foe of the Vietnam War, Kucinich is rallying opposition to a possible U.S. attack on Iraq.
American Academy Inducts Fellows; Kennedy Uses Ceremony to Call Bush Doctrine 'imperialism' Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was among more than 100 politicians, scientists, authors and academics inducted into The American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also used the opportunity to criticize pResident Bush's plans for military action against Iraq, calling the administration's doctrine of preventive war "21st century American imperialism."
Rallies change Italy on Iraq? -- by Eric J. Lyman "More than 1.5 million Italians took to the streets of dozens of cities Saturday afternoon and evening to protest possible U.S. military action against Iraq -- a surprise show of discord that could be fervent enough for the Italian government to re-think its support of Washington."
New York to California -- Tens of thousands in US rally against war on Iraq On the eve of pResident Bush’s televised address to the nation urging support for a war of aggression against Iraq, tens of thousands turned out at demonstrations from New York to California to oppose US military action.
War With Iraq: Americans In No Hurry Americans generally support military action against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, and while most think war is inevitable, there is no rush to begin it. The public overwhelmingly wants to get the United Nations' weapons inspectors back into Iraq and allied support before taking any military action.
Chickenhawks -- Armey shouldn't criticize (West Virginia Gazette) "Bush’s chickenhawks shouldn’t question the patriotism of men and women who experienced war first-hand, and now want to make sure the United States sends more young men and women into harm’s way only as a last resort." [a must read]
Seeking Terrorist Plots, F.B.I. Is Tracking Hundreds of Muslims The Federal Bureau of Investigation is trying to make an open book of the lives of hundreds of mostly young, mostly Muslim men in the United States in the belief that Al Qaeda-trained terrorists remain in this country, awaiting instructions to attack. Senior law enforcement officials say the surveillance campaign is being carried out by every major F.B.I. office in the country and involves 24-hour monitoring of the suspects' telephone calls, e-mail messages and Internet use, as well as scrutiny of their credit-card charges, their travel and their visits to neighborhood gathering places, including mosques. [Insert Roger Waters' Waiting for the Worms quote here.]
Riddle in Seattle: Is Man Held by U.S. a Terrorist or Just a Hustler? While conceding that James Ujaama has become a follower of a militant brand of Islam, his family and friends say the activities that the government views as criminal have an innocent explanation. Some prominent blacks in Seattle support Mr. Ujaama, saying he appears to be the victim of the persecution that black leaders endured in the past.
Fed court wades into NJ dispute Attorneys for GOP Senate candidate Doug Forrester are to go to federal court Monday to argue that the Voting Rights Act was violated when Democrats were allowed to switch nominees for a U.S. Senate seat after a deadline specified in state law had passed. [ROFL!! Republicans complaining about "voting rights," after Coup 2K!! "Hello, Pot? This is Kettle. You're Blaaaccckkk."]
Crucial Issues Wait in Wings for the Justices The Supreme Court has already accepted 45 cases for decision — and is likely to produce important decisions on criminal law, immigration, federalism, copyright law, hate speech and health care, among other topics.
Kill the Energy Bill (The New York Times) "Both [House and Senate versions of a multibillion-dollar energy bill] are also suspect on environmental grounds... the bill points in exactly the wrong direction, enriching industries that already have plenty of investment capital while doing relatively little to encourage newer technologies that could lead the way to a less oil-dependent energy future."
Bush and business: Fast success, brushes with mystery It was 1991, dad was in the White House, and Jeb Bush was hopscotching through Nigeria in a corporate jet, on his way to meet government officials he hoped would buy $74 million worth of water pumps from his South Florida business partner.
'Kill all the niggers you can,' said the cop. So they made him mayor Ex-policeman on trial for complicity in murder during American race riots -- Charlie Robertson's arrest in May 2001 came just before primary elections that would almost certainly have led to a third term in office. [Maybe he can get a job with AshKKKroft.]
Bush: 'Devious Plans' To Counter Class Size Amendment Bush told a delegation of lawmakers he has "devious plans" to circumvent a state amendment to cap class sizes if voters approve the initiative in November. Bush, in a meeting with five Panhandle lawmakers, said he would try to kill the amendment outright along with other costly initiatives that might strain the budget. He didn't know a reporter from Gannett Regional Newspapers of Florida was in the room recording the meeting. Hear the audio clip (requires RealPlayer)
Bush would seek to kill class-size amendment Governor cites his own 'devious plans' to squash unfunded proposal if it passes and he is re-elected. Gov. Jeb Bush and other Republican leaders, fearful that Florida voters one month from now will pass a constitutional amendment to limit class size, are struggling for a counter offensive. For Bush, the plan is to kill the amendment outright, along with other budget-unfriendly initiatives. "I have a couple of devious plans if this thing passes," the governor told Panhandle lawmakers at a meeting in his office earlier this week. Bush discusses his intent to kill the ballot initiative if it passes (mp3 format -- 182 K)
Court Mulls Taking N.J. Senate Case The Supreme Court is considering whether to intervene in a fight over New Jersey's Senate race, a case with similarities to the 2000 presidential s-election dispute. ["Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -- George Santayana]
Report from the Boston front! -- by Robyn Su Miller reports "from the First Amendment Zone" on the October 4 anti-Bush protest: "We had some amount of hundreds present---I estimate six hundred at least."
Groups Protest Iraq War Plans Chanting "no more war," an estimated 5,000 people rallied in the city's downtown Saturday against possible U.S. military attacks on Iraq, one of a number of such protests planned across the nation this weekend. In Texas, the chant by hundreds who flocked to the state capitol was "No more blood for oil." In Manchester, N.H., about 50 demonstrators protested outside as pResident Bush stumped for Senate candidate John Sununu.
An Open Letter to the Members of Congress (The Nation) "Members of Congress! ...Show respect for your constituents--they require your honest judgment, not capitulation to the executive. Say no to empire. Affirm the Republic. Preserve the peace. Vote against war in Iraq."
Senate Debate Heated On Iraq Military Action Democrats Urge Delay Until Security Council Vote -- On Friday, Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.), Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) led the opening day opposition to the White House-backed resolution.
US asks Turkey permission to use air bases The United States has formally asked permission from Turkey to deploy more warplanes and use its air bases for a possible military operation against Iraq, a television station reported yesterday. According to private NTV television, the United States asked Turkey permission to deploy more warplanes in southern Incirlik air base, which has hosted some 100 US and British warplanes since the Gulf War.
U.S. Bolstering Forces in Gulf Pentagon Says It Is Not Preparing a Surprise Attack on Iraq -- The Pentagon is taking steps to prepare for a rapid massing of U.S. forces around Iraq in the weeks ahead, bolstering stocks of military equipment and ammunition in the Persian Gulf, expanding command facilities and readying Navy aircraft carriers in U.S. ports to steam to the region.
U.S. To Begin War Games Near Iraq The U-S is already holding war games in one country bordering Iraq, and will soon begin more in another. On Sunday, a three-week exercise called "Early Victor '02" starts in Jordan. It will involve more than 1,400 American troops plus 300 to 400 Jordanian soldiers.
U.S. forces get OK to use CIA methods American commandos hunting Taliban and al Qaeda guerrillas in Afghanistan have gained permission to employ new clandestine tactics that typically are confined to the CIA in the shadows of war. Mis-ministration and military sources said that in recent weeks the covert warriors received authority from commanders in the United States to conduct "source operations," a special-operations term for a number of classified war tactics.
Iraq War May Be Unavoidable if Inspections Fail, Bush Says Declaring Iraq's weapons program a "grave and growing" threat to the United States, pResident Bush said on Saturday war might be unavoidable if Baghdad refuses to disarm.
Congress Seeks F.B.I. Data on Informer; F.B.I. Resists The Federal Bureau of Investigation had a confidential informer who rented rooms in California to two of the Sept. 11 hijackers, but the bureau is resisting a request from the Congressional committee investigating the attacks to interview the informer and his F.B.I. handler, government officials said.
Who Mailed The Anthrax? -- by Pete Velis "One effect of the anthrax mailing was that we went on a complete wartime footing with an incredible host of domestic security/control initiatives cemented into place, including new Justice Dept. wartime powers."
Bush Fourth Reich Considering Vaccinating Entire Country Against Smallpox The Bush mis-ministration is considering a daunting decision to vaccinate the entire country against smallpox before an attack occurs, a choice that would strain local health resources and could kill or sicken thousands from the side effects. It's an abrupt policy switch from earlier this year, when federal advisers were recommending that only select hospital workers get the smallpox vaccine, maybe 20,000 people total.
Smallpox Vaccine Backed for Public It was the first time federal officials have said that the public should have access to the vaccine, which carries significant risk of serious side effects. The vaccine can also cause many non-life-threatening complications such as blindness. Thirty to 50 million Americans might be disqualified from getting the vaccine because their immune systems have been weakened by cancer, AIDS or other diseases, or because they have two common skin conditions, eczema and atopic dermatitis, which increase the risk of complications.
Democrats Focusing on Coming 401(k) Jolt Democrats are attempting to use the imminent mailing of millions of dismal investment statements to return voters' attention to the struggling economy before next month's midterm elections. In the coming weeks, investors will receive statements for the quarter, ended Monday, in which the S&P 500-stock index and the Dow Jones industrial average dropped 18 percent, the worst in 15 years.
West Coast Port Shutdown Continues A weeklong shutdown of the West Coast's major ports has left stacks of market-bound farm produce to rot on the docks and in the holds of ships that can't reach shore. Each day it continues, the shutdown is costing the U.S. economy an estimated $2 billion, and for many farmers, it comes at the worst possible time - the peak of the fall harvest.
Leftist 'Lula' poised take Brazil election Leftist candidate Luiz Inacio da Silva, known by his fellow Brazilians simply as Lula, appears poised to win the presidency on his fourth try as up to 115 million people in Latin America's largest country go to the polls Sunday. Lula's election could also have an impact on U.S.-Brazil relations. He has criticized a proposed hemisphere-wide free trade zone, backed by pResident Bush. [Uh-Oh. Next, the Idiot Usurper will have Ari try to link Lula to Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.]
Boxer Calls For Probe of Mine Permit Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) yesterday called for an investigation of possible conflicts of interest in a recent Interior Department decision that removes a major hurdle to development of a large open-pit gold mine in a rocky section of the Southern California desert.
White racist hunted after sniper attacks Police across three US states were searching yesterday for a 33-year-old whitesupremacist from North Carolina who they believe may be linked to the shocking series of random killings that have terrorised the Washington area over the past few days.
Met launches new 'sus' patrols (UK) Britain's biggest police force is to launch controversial new 'stop-and-search' patrols in the new year, despite concerns from many black leaders that they will lead to increased persecution of ethnic minorities.
DeKalb voters file suit to throw out results of McKinney-Majette primary Five DeKalb County voters today filed a federal lawsuit seeking to throw out the results in the Aug. 20 Democratic primary that handed Denise Majette a victory over incumbent Cynthia McKinney in the 4th Congressional District. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, says "malicious crossover" voting by Republicans in the primary violated the Voting Rights Act.
New Poll Finds Lautenberg with New Jersey Lead A Democratic poll released on Friday showed new Senate candidate Frank Lautenberg, whose placement on the New Jersey ballot has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, with an 11-point lead over his Republican opponent. [Well, the Less-Than-Supreme Court has not spoken yet.]
N.J.'s Lautenberg is eager to run again Frank Lautenberg did not need a guide when he visited the U.S. Senate on Thursday afternoon. The man picked by New Jersey Democratic leaders to replace Sen. Robert Torricelli on the Nov. 5 ballot served 18 years in the upper house of Congress.
Clinton Has the Vision Bush Lacks (Mirror.co.uk) "What a performance. What a politician. What a superstar. Bill Clinton played the parts of elder statesman, philosopher and world leader at Labour's conference and played them to perfection... In place of the gung-ho 'Let's go get 'em' rhetoric of George Bush, Mr Clinton spoke with insight and common sense while still recognising the menace of Saddam." [a must read]
Bush veto on Middle East talks Humiliating rebuff for Blair initiative -- Tony Blair's drive for Middle East peace talks has suffered an embarrassing setback at the hands of pResident Bush, only days after the prime minister flagged up his plan at the Labour party conference in Blackpool. The Guardian has learnt that Mr Bush has blocked the initiative and has made it clear to Mr Blair that he does not want such talks to be held in the near future.
No nation can stand alone, Graham warns (Canada) On the same day that the U.S. warned it could attack Iraq even without United Nations backing, Foreign Minister Bill Graham warned that unilateralism will never win against terrorists whose existence is "an affront to the very principles of international law."
Address by Senator Robert C. Byrd: Rush to War Ignores U.S. Constitution -- October 3, 2002 "Before risking the lives of American troops, all members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans alike -- must overcome the siren song of political polls and focus strictly on the merits, not the politics, of this most serious issue."
U.S. troops ill-prepared for Baghdad street fighting U.S. troops who may be ordered to capture Baghdad in the next few months are insufficiently trained for the bloody chaos of city street-fighting, or dealing with nerve gas or germ agents, according to Pentagon sources. General William Kernan, head of the U.S. joint forces command, said yesterday: "Fighting in a city is probably the most complex environment for military operations... Casualties in the average rifle company can run as high as 30%."
Veterans Group Calls for Rumsfeld Resignation (Press release) "The American Gulf War Veterans Association (AGWVA) now calls for the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. In response to questioning by Sen. Robert C. Byrd, (D-WV), Rumsfeld denied any knowledge that the United States had shipped biological weapons to Iraq during the 1980’s. Rumsfeld was addressing the Armed Services Committee last week, when he stated that he '…had no knowledge of any such shipments and doubted that they ever occurred.' "
U.S. president [sic] is greater threat than Iraq's leader to the world -- by Kurt Berggren "By some accounts we have already killed millions of Iraqis by our 10-plus year brutal economic sanctions and our self-imposed no-fly zone bombing. Yet, we seek more dead Iraqis and destruction of that country. How can that proposed course of action be in harmony with American values? What kind of government could even consider such subhuman conduct, which is illegal and in clear violation of international law?"
Bush Should Accept Saddam's Challenge to Duel (Petition) "To: White House, U.S. Congress -- On Oct. 3, Iraqi Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan offered that President [sic] Bush and Vice President [sic] Cheney should each take one weapon and take on both Saddam Hussein and himself in a duel on neutral territory, with Kofi Annan as referee."
Rev. Jerry Falwell Calls Islam's Prophet Muhammad 'Terrorist' The Rev. Jerry Falwell says "I think Muhammad was a terrorist" in an interview to be broadcast Sunday on the CBS program "60 Minutes." The conservative Baptist minister tells correspondent Bob Simon he has concluded from reading Muslim and non-Muslim writers that Islam's prophet "was a — a violent man, a man of war." Falwell stood by his opinion in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.
6 indicted in Ore. for al-Qaida links Six U.S. citizens have been indicted in Portland, Ore., for suspected links to the al-Qaida terrorist organization, NBC News has learned. The six are accused of signing up to fight against the United States after the Sept. 11, 2001, hijacked plane attacks, the officials said. [We need an URGENT legal regime change in the United States.]
Bush Fundraising Shatters Records pResident Bush is expected to bring his record-shattering fundraising tally above $140 million this weekend in a pair of luncheons for Republican candidates as Bush begins a New England weekend of politics and relaxation.
Another Sell-Off Gives Shares a Sixth Week of Losses Stocks fell sharply yesterday, dragging the Dow Jones industrial average to its lowest point in almost five years and pushing the Nasdaq composite index to its lowest point in six years. The sell-off came after a mixed report about the job market and more corporate earnings disappointments.
My Economic Plan -- by Paul Krugman "Although other news has been drowned out by the barking of the dogs of war, something ominous is happening on the economic front. It's not dramatic, but month by month the numbers keep coming in worse than expected. Let's put politics completely aside for once, and review where we are and what should be done."
Frontline: 'The Man Who Knew' Producer/Director, "Frontline" Friday, Oct. 4, 2002; 11 a.m. ET When the Twin Towers fell on Sept. 11, 2001, among the thousands killed was the one man who may have known more about Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda than any other person in America: John O'Neill.
Health Officials Say Smallpox Vaccine Should Be Rolled Out Slowly Just a year ago, the nation only had 15.4 million doses of vaccine in hand, but there now is enough for every American, thanks to fast-track purchasing, studies that found the existing vaccine can be watered down [?!?] and a drug company that discovered 86 million doses in its freezer. [OK, how do you "find" 86 million doses of *anything* in your freezer?? This *purchase and pushing* of the deadly smallpox vaccine is transpiring so that Bush can repay of one of his larger group of installers in 2000: the pharmaceutical industry.]
In Spain on September 25, actress Jessica Lange weighed in forcefully against the American government and its plans for Iraq. (scroll down) "As far as the political situation in the US is concerned, we are facing a dangerous and extremely unfortunate administration. The way I see it, the presidential election was stolen by George W. Bush and ever since we have all been suffering the consequences." -- Jessica Lange
What Spies Beneath (Your PC) -- by Chris Taylor "Chances are you haven't read the Bush Administration's 'National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace.' Since it weighs in at a hefty 65 pages, who can blame you? Still, a surprising amount of the draft report is aimed at home-computer owners... Spyware is any kind of program installed in your computer without your consent to gather information about you or your organization."
GOP appeals to U.S. high court to stay ruling for Democrats Republicans appealed to the Supreme Court Thursday in hopes of keeping New Jersey Democrats from substituting another candidate for Sen. Robert Torricelli on the November ballot. [Heads up! Republicans are poised to steal another election!!]
G.O.P. Looks to Supreme Court for Delay in Torricelli Ruling Rebuffed in their own state, Republicans from New Jersey looked to the United States Supreme Court today to delay a crucial ruling that Democrats can replace Senator Robert G. Torricelli's name on the Nov. 5 ballot.
US role in creation of Iraqi bioweapons becomes issue Iraq's bioweapons program was started with help from Uncle Sam two decades ago, according to government records that are being reexamined in light of the discussion of war against Iraq.
U.S., UK Planes Drop Leaflets Warning Iraqis, Bomb Air Defense Operations Center In a direct message to Iraqi troops, allied forces dropped thousands of leaflets over the southern no-fly zone in Iraq warning gunners to stop firing on U.S. and British patrol planes. Iraqi forces responded by firing on aircraft delivering the leaflets. That led allied forces to bomb an air defense operations center, U.S. Central Command officials said.
Senators Say CIA Withholding Info The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said Thursday the CIA has not provided information sought by the panel on Iraq, impeding Congress' ability to consider the need for military action.
Canada-U.S. gulf widens over Iraq MP's 'bizarre, paranoid, [and oh-so-accurate] anti-American rant' sets off storm in Commons - PM accuses Bush of 'wrapping himself in the flag' to stifle dissent - Liberal MP compares attack to Nazi aggression, Pearl Harbor - Second MP blames Gulf War coalition for destroying 'progressive' Iraq - Foreign minister insists 'we do not have the right to invade'
Wag the War Bush hopes talk of Iraq will help the GOP reverse the tides of history. But on the ground, the fight is as much about financial jitters and the country’s changing contours -- by Howard Fineman "The widespread assumption in Washington is that Bush has masterfully cornered the Democrats with 'national security,' pumping the bellows of war in a classic wedge-issue move that is dividing the opposition and changing the central topic of the election from the economy and health care (the Democrats’ strongest suit) to the one that highlights the president[sic]’s popular role as commander in chief."
Wisconsin Votes 'No!' to War (Madison Capital Times) "They spoke in different voices and from different perspectives. But the dozens of Wisconsinites who addressed Monday's extraordinary legislative hearing on whether the United States should attack Iraq delivered a single message: The Bush administration's attempt to fake up a case for war has not succeeded in convincing the people of this state that there is a need to go to war."
'Assassination' Is Four-Letter Word -- by Paul Vitello " 'The cost of one bullet, if the Iraqi people take it on themselves, is substantially less than going to war ...' - Ari Fleischer, White House press secretary, asserting Tuesday that the Bush administration would welcome the assassination of Saddam Hussein... This is the language of fanatics. Thugs. Racists. The insane. Yet it is coming from a person who speaks in the voice of what is known around the world, for better or worse, as the voice of America, the president[sic]'s spokesman."
Senate to Debate Possible Strike on Iraq The Senate opens debate Thursday on pResident Bush's call for authority to launch a U.S. strike on Iraq, which Congress is expected to grant overwhelmingly despite some Democrats' misgivings that the war powers are too broad and premature.
Drudge: REV. Jerry Falwell Calls the Prophet Mohammed 'a terrorist' Many Fundamentalist Evangelicals believe there will be catastrophic events on earth, some occurring already, including the turmoil in the Middle East, culminating in the Battle of Armageddon in which Christ will triumph and begin ruling the earth. At this point, they believe, non-believers will be destroyed, good Christians saved and any remaining Jews converted to Christianity. Says Ed McAteer, a founder of the Moral Majority and known as the godfather of the Christian Right, "I believe that we are seeing prophecy unfold so rapidly and dramatically and wonderfully, and, without exaggeration, [it] makes me breathless."
G.I.'s Enter the Colombia Fray to Protect a Vital [LOL! Are you ready?--] Oil Pipeline The 500-mile pipeline, which snakes through eastern Colombia, transporting 100,000 barrels of oil a day for Occidental Petroleum of Los Angeles, is emerging as a new front in the terror war. Potentially one of Colombia's most valuable assets, the pipeline has long been vulnerable to bombings by Colombia's guerrilla groups, which along with the country's paramilitary outfits are included on the Bush mis-ministration's list of terrorist organizations. [Is there ONE action implemented by the Bush terrorist team that does *not* involve corporate oil addiction as the impetus?]
Guantanamo detainees attempt suicide The number of detainees scooped up in the "war on terror" who have tried to commit suicide in their wire-mesh cells is increasing, military officials said Wednesday. But they declined to say at what pace.
Markey releases study showing big drop in EPA policing Enforcement of the nation's environmental laws has fallen precipitously under the Bush mis-ministration, US Representative Edward J. Markey, Democrat of Malden, (MA) said yesterday.
Town's Lawsuit Seeks To Link Enron, Rowland (CT) The state trash authority's failed contract with Enron Corp. was the result of a secret deal under which Enron got the lucrative contract in exchange for contributions to Gov. John G. Rowland's campaign and the Republican Governors Association, of which Rowland is chairman, a new lawsuit contends. The class-action lawsuit, prepared by the town of Rocky Hill, alleges in unusually provocative language that Rowland and other Republicans benefited politically as a "quid pro quo" for Enron getting the deal. The deal resulted in the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority's loss of $220 million in public funds last year when Enron went bankrupt. Poll Shows Rowland Building On His Lead A Quinnipiac University gubernatorial poll released Wednesday: Democrat Bill Curry trails Republican Gov. John G. Rowland by 22 points. [CT residents? HELLLOOOO!!!!]
Jeb Bush Takes Heat From Gay Rights Groups for Offering "juicy Details" in Missing Girl Case Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told a delegation of lawmakers that he had "some juicy details" about the sexual orientation of a missing Miami girl's caretakers... Joshua Fisher, Pamela Graham's attorney, called the governor's comments "outrageous" and "disgusting." Fisher said he is trying to get paperwork, including birth certificates, that will prove the women are sisters, not a couple.
Film director Spielberg lines up with Bush war drive At a September 26 press conference in Rome US film director Steven Spielberg, echoed by actor Tom Cruise, spoke out in support of the Bush mis-ministration’s war drive against Iraq. The pair were in Italy to promote the release the following day of the Hollywood blockbuster Minority Report, directed by Spielberg and featuring Cruise.
Matching Our Nation's Economic Course to Our Current Realities Remarks at the Brookings Institution -- October 2, 2002, by President Al Gore (transcript) "President [sic] Bush believes that it is urgent that the Congress act on the issue of Saddam Hussein prior to the election on November 5th. I think it's even more urgent that both he and the Congress take action to strengthen our economy prior to the election. Is it really essential that the Congress authorize war prior to the election, but can wait until after the election to deal with the economy?"
Gore: Bush Lost on the Economy President Al Gore said Wednesday that George Bush is lost in an economic wilderness, "racing in the wrong direction" while critical domestic issues are drowned out by international affairs in the final weeks of the midterm campaign.
Gore: Bush Should Focus on Economy Gore Says U.S. Suffers 'Crisis of Confidence' -- Warning that the economy "is in big trouble," President Al Gore upbraided George W. Bush for ignoring the problem and urged Bush to meet with congressional leaders to begin drafting a new economic plan before the November election.
War 'may become unavoidable', says Bush Bolstered by a deal with House leaders authorising him to use force against Baghdad, pResident Bush today said that attacking Iraq "may become unavoidable" if Saddam Hussein failed to disarm.
US hardline on Iraq leaves full-scale invasion a 'hair-trigger' away Washington last night revealed its intention to use UN weapons inspections as a possible first step towards a military occupation of Iraq by sending in troops, sealing off "exclusion zones" and creating secure corridors throughout the country.
Bush snaps: Iraq edict to UN The Bush mis-ministration has confronted the United Nations with the most important test of its credibility since its inception, rejecting its deal on weapons inspections with Iraq and demanding that it back moves for Saddam Hussein to surrender unconditionally to its demands.
US moves to 'thwart' weapons inspectors America is pressing strongly to slow the momentum behind UN weapons inspectors' preparations to re-enter Iraq following the deal that was struck with Iraqi negotiators in Vienna yesterday.
Bush, House Leaders Reach Iraq Deal Unswayed by a new U.N. plan for arms inspections, pResident Bush and House leaders agreed Wednesday on a resolution for dealing with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein "diplomatically if we can, militarily if we must."
C.I.A. Rejects Call for Iraq Report The Central Intelligence Agency has refused to provide Congress a comprehensive report on its role in a possible American campaign against Iraq, setting off a bitter dispute between the agency and leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Congressional leaders said today.
Democrats Defend Visit to Iraq Two Democratic congressmen, brushing off criticisms they were aiding the enemy, said Wednesday their mission to Iraq succeeded in impressing on Iraqis that war was likely if they did not agree to unfettered inspections of weapons stockpiles.
Vatican Says Preventive Strike Raises Ethical, Legal Questions; Majority of Italians Oppose War on Iraq The Vatican renewed its opposition to war in Iraq on Wednesday, saying military action would only make matters worse and that a pre-emptive strike raised serious ethical and legal problems.
US gets Franco-German snub on Iraq France and Germany are opposed to any UN resolution that makes military action against Iraq "automatic" from the start, French President Jacques Chirac has said.
War is hell, revolting, unholy, evil -- by Tom Blackburn "Gutless politicians abolished the draft, and the military leaders, to their surprise, found they get along better without us. So there now exists what the Founding Fathers feared: a standing army that the president can order into action."
Ex-Enron CFO Fastow Charged in Fraud The former chief financial officer of Enron Corp. was charged Wednesday with securities, wire and mail fraud, money laundering and conspiring to inflate Enron's profits and enrich himself at the company's expense.
Court: Torricelli Can Be Replaced The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Democrats can replace Sen. Robert Torricelli on the November ballot with former Sen. Frank Lautenberg, even though the deadline for making such a change has passed. Republicans vowed to take the case to federal court.
Democrats Tell Court There's Still Time to Replace Torricelli With the outcome of a key race for control of the Senate on the line, Democrats told the New Jersey Supreme Court today that there was still time to replace Robert G. Torricelli on the Nov. 5 ballot without conflicting with the intent of a state election law. Republicans, however, argued that the deadline for a switch had passed. [Republicans are poised to steal another election!!]
Did D.C. Police Go Too Far? Legal Experts Debate Legality of Mass Arrests -- Legal experts differed yesterday on whether police exceeded their authority by arresting a large group of anti-capitalist protesters for the actions or threats made by a few.
What Did Happen to Flight 93? -- by Richard Wallace "...of the four aircraft taken on September 11, the exact fate of Flight 93 after its two-hour journey is proving difficult for US officials to explain. What was the white jet doing there and why won't they admit to its presence? Why did other witnesses see smoke and flames trailing from Flight 93 as it fell from the sky, indicating a possible explosion aboard? Or - and this is proving to be the most uncomfortable question of all - in the moments before the airliner piled into the black, spongey earth at 575mph did an American fighter pilot have to do the unthinkable and shoot down a US civil airliner?"
Arctic pollution causing polar bears to change sex Polar bears, Arctic foxes and Inuit peoples are under threat from man-made toxins such as polychlorinated byphenyls (PCBs) that build up in the food chain, new research reveals. Some scientists believe the PCBs are leading to "gender-bender" polar bears in Norway and Greenland, after the discovery of a number of female bears which had both male and female sexual organs.
October 3, 2002
Questions in Noelle Bush Drug Case Noelle Bush's drug treatment workers may not be forced to tell police officers about whether she had cocaine in her shoe - but nothing is stopping investigators or anyone else from learning more details in open court.

Ari "Goebbels" Fleischer Backs Assasination of World Leader 'One Bullet' Less Costly Than War, Bush Spokesman Says -- The White House press secretary yesterday said the Bush mis-ministration would welcome the assassination of Saddam Hussein by his countrymen, arguing that "one bullet" would be a cost-effective way of removing the threat the Iraqi leader represents. [It is time for a legal regime change within the United States.]

White House: Dead Saddam Is Cheaper Commenting on the cost of a war in Iraq, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Tuesday it would be cheaper if Saddam Hussein simply were assassinated.

U.N. inspectors reach agreement with Iraq U.N. inspectors reached agreement with Iraq today about a new mission to reassess Saddam Hussein's alleged arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. Iraq said it expected an advance party in Baghdad in two weeks.

Deal Complicates U.S. Plans With Iraq's decision yesterday to agree to new weapons inspections, the mis-ministration faces difficult choices and complex diplomacy as it races to complete action on a U.N. resolution and congressional authorization for military action.

Rice and Rumsfeld "discover" Al-Qaeda in Baghdad -- by David North "Ten days before the date Hitler had set for the planned invasion of Poland, he told a meeting of military commanders and chiefs of staff that the regime would find a 'propaganda pretext' for war... What brings these words to mind is last week’s announcement by Defense Secretary Donald von Rumsfeld, supporting a claim made by National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, that there existed 'bullet-proof' evidence of close ties between Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda members."

Bush Rejects Hill Limits on Resolution Allowing W-ar pResident Bush yesterday rejected congressional efforts to limit his options to confront Iraq, part of what is shaping up as a successful though contentious campaign to win unfettered power from lawmakers to strike Saddam Hussein [and to get that oil to hit 100 dollars a barrel, ASAP].

Democrats are finally opposing Bush’s drive to invade Iraq; why, then, are they also preparing to give Bush authority to invade Iraq? -- by Regis T. Sabol "While Senate and House Democrats may attempt to attach some parameters to Bush’s war lust, the resolution will, in the end, become another 'Gulf of Tonkin' resolution, giving Bush all the power he needs."

Bush Administration raises stakes for critics of government policy (YellowTimes.org) "By arresting over 30 percent of protesters on Friday, along with scaring others by having the military film and gather intelligence on citizens merely exercising their Constitutional rights to free speech and assembly, the Bush Administration is increasing the risks for any citizen who disagrees with government policy."

The Top 10 Reasons for Invading Iraq (humor -- by four veterans at Intervention Magazine.)

Terror Detainee Held Without Bail A federal magistrate Tuesday ordered an American Muslim held without bail on charges of trying to establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon, saying it was the only way to ensure his appearance at trial. U.S. Magistrate John Weinberg noted James Ujaama's previous work as a community activist in Seattle. "He was a fine citizen over those years,'' the magistrate said, "but people change." [?!?]

Military activates NORTHCOM Anti-terrorist command center to open today at Peterson Air Force Base -- The command's area of responsibility will include all approaches to the United States and North America, extending 500 miles out from the coastlines.

Longshore Union Walks Out of Mediation Talks Efforts to start federal mediation for a U.S. port dispute that has stranded mountains of cargo on West Coast docks collapsed Tuesday after the longshoremen's union stormed out of talks, accusing port employers of bringing "gun-toting thugs" to the meeting. A federal mediator later rebuked the port employers for bringing armed security guards to the talks, calling it inappropriate and a breach of bargaining protocol.

Empty store shelves, quiet factories could be result of lengthy West Coast port shutdown pResident Bush urged West Coast longshoremen Tuesday to "get back to work," saying the labor dispute that has shut down ports from San Diego to Seattle threatens the nation's economy. [Helloooo!!! Anyone home? Can someone please define the term "LOCKOUT" to the Idiot Usurper?!?]

White House intervention possible in port dispute -- pResident worried shutdown could hurt economy [Gag me with a chainsaw!! This "economic worry" from a man (and I use that term loosely) whose mere utterances provoke a mega-Dow-meltdown on a daily basis!] pResident Bush is concerned that a prolonged shutdown of West Coast ports would harm the nation's beleaguered economy and may step in to prevent it, a White House spokesman warned Monday. [(((Shudder)))]

Dealing With W -- by Paul Krugman "Of course, the worst thing of all would be if our leadership decides that economics is not its thing, if it simply tries to distract the public from rising unemployment and plunging stocks by going off and invading someone. But we don't have to worry about that, do we?"

Firms list donations unreported by Bush Gov. Jeb Bush and the Republican Party have not reported as much as $221,000 in donated corporate airplane flights it provided his campaign, despite a state law requiring that such gifts be listed. [Oh, that's OK. It's Republican law-breaking. No worries, Senator Torricelli.]

Bush says he wasn't tipped off at debate Democrats have been buzzing since Friday's gubernatorial debate about a response from Republican Gov. Jeb Bush that seemed to suggest he knew in advance what videotaped questions were going to be asked by Florida voters.

US refuses visa to Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami Internationally acclaimed Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami was recently denied a visa to enter the United States, having applied in response to an invitation from officials at the New York Film Festival to attend this year’s event (September 27-October 13). After an appearance at the festival screening of his new film Ten, he was scheduled to lecture at Harvard and Ohio State universities.

*****

CLG News Archives



Citizens For Legitimate Government™ is a multi-partisan activist group established to expose and resist US imperialism, corpora-terrorism, and the New World Order.
	October 2002 Archives October 23, 2002 U.S. Refines Plan for War in Cities The American military is training furiously and polishing a plan for attacking Baghdad that calls for isolating the city and then taking control of it by seizing or destroying Saddam Hussein's pillars of power — but avoiding house-to-house combat in its hostile streets. [Bush no longer needs Iraq for a mega-pre-election distraction: he has the sniper!] [Look what slipped in over the wires during 24/7 Sniper TV coverage:] White House Touts Iraq Regime Change The White House said Monday it is unrealistic to think that Saddam Hussein will yield to international demands that he disarm, dampening any suggestion that he could stay in power if he did so. U.S. policy remains to seek a change of leadership in Baghdad, White House spokesman Ari "Goebbels" Fleischer said. Sean Penn takes on Bush over Iraq Actor Sean Penn on Friday weighed in on the international debate over a possible war with Iraq, paying for a $56,000 advertisement in the Washington Post accusing pResident Bush of stifling debate and threatening civil liberties. Springtime for Hitler -- by Paul Krugman "Michael Kinsley recently wrote that 'The Bush campaign for war against Iraq has been insulting to American citizens, not just because it has been dishonest, but because it has been unserious. A lie is insulting; an obvious lie is doubly insulting.' All I can say is, now he notices? It's been like that all along on economic policy. You see, some folks must be under the impression that as long as something is repeated often enough, it will become true. That was how George W. Bush got to the top." [a must read] Bush prepares to launch biowarfare on the American populace (Vancover Indymedia thread) "Death Toll: Saddam Hussein 100,000 -- US Foreign Policy 10 million " -- by Joe 1 The George W Fight Song! (humor) Pessimism About War on Terrorism Highest Since Sept. 11 Bush job approval rating falls -- Americans have become more pessimistic about the war on terrorism than at any point since military action began in Afghanistan in October 2001. pResident Bush's job approval rating has slipped to 62%, the lowest since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. CIA accused of Eritrea 'coup plot' The Eritrean statement implies that the top 11 Eritrean government officials, including former leaders of the liberation movement, who publicly criticized the Eritrean president after the recent war with Ethiopia, were recruited by the CIA. Report: Hundreds of Navy PCs missing The U.S. Pacific Fleet's warships and submarines were missing nearly 600 computers as of late July, including at least 14 known to have handled classified data, according to an internal Navy report obtained on Friday. Partisan-in-chief (The Economist) Brace yourself: George Bush reckons what's good for the Republicans is good for America -- "Mr Bush has used a disputed election victory [sic] to push through a strikingly radical agenda, on everything from tax cuts to military pre-emption. At the same time, he has refashioned the Republican Party in his easy-going image, urging it to swap the angry snarl of Gingrichism for the smiling face of compassionate conservatism." Blacks Hit by Miami Vote Problems - ACLU Black voters were disenfranchised more than others by snafus when Florida's Miami-Dade County introduced electronic voting equipment for the Sept. 10 primary, the American Civil Liberties Union said on Monday. Dem Ads to Attack Bush on Economy The Democrats plan to run TV ads in states where pResident Bush is campaigning for congressional candidates between now and Nov. 5, hoping to switch the subject to the stumbling economy — and on their terms rather than his. Energy industry's dirty little details about to see light -- by David Lazarus "Sources close to the matter say Timothy Belden, who previously ran Enron's trading office in Portland, Ore., is prepared to implicate a number of other industry players in what could shape up to be one of the biggest conspiracies in U.S. corporate history." Dems Decry Bush Generic Drug Plan Democrats on Monday assailed President Bush's proposal to get low-cost generic drugs to consumers faster, calling it a loophole-laden imitation of the Senate-passed plan that he recently rejected. "It closes one door to the pharmaceutical industry in their attempt to delay generics but it opens up several others," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., an author of the Senate proposal. Two Dems Accuse HHS of Removing Info Two Democratic congressmen contended Monday that the Bush mis-ministration is putting ideology over science, citing appointments to advisory committees and the removal of information from Web sites. Reps. Henry Waxman of California and Sherrod Brown of Ohio demanded explanations in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. Ga. Sen. Angry Over GOP Campaign Ad As a triple amputee Vietnam War veteran, Democratic Georgia Sen. Max Cleland might seem immune to political attacks on national security and fighting terrorism. But his Rethuglican rival, Rep. Saxby Chambliss, is challenging conventional wisdom with a new television ad that features cameo appearances by Osama bin Laden, the fugitive terrorist leader, and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Predators, Snipers and the Posse Comitatus Act -- by Kurt Nimmo "Rummy just shot another big hole in the Posse Comitatus Act. It's looked like Swiss cheese for years, ever since the military was 'enlisted' to combat evil drug dealers. You know, drug dealers who sell CIA certified heroin and cocaine on the streets of American cities." [Posse Comitatus Act] Divided Court Refuses to Take Case on Execution of Minors A bitterly divided Supreme Court refused Monday to consider ending the execution of killers who were under 18 when they committed their crimes. Currently, states that allow the death penalty may impose it on killers who were 16 or 17 at the time of their crimes. Brady Campaign/Million Mom March Reveal 2002 Dangerous Dozen: 12 Candidates Who Oppose Sensible Gun Laws, Endanger Public Safety The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence united with the Million Mom March today released its "Dangerous Dozen" list of 12 candidates for the United States Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and state governorships whose election could make the difference between common-sense gun laws and laws that make it easy for children and criminals to get guns. How agricultural subsidies in rich countries hurt poor nations -- by Wole Akande "While the 2002 farm bill acts as a welfare program for agribusiness, with U.S. taxpayers footing the bill, it also robs the world's poor." A Fingerprint Replaces Lunch Money (Tolland, CT) Officials at Parker Memorial School are implementing finger-scannings of second-, third- and fourth-graders during school lunches at the cash registers. Last spring, Parker students had both index fingers scanned into the system. Counties get U.S. monitors for Nov. 5 election U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft announced Friday that the Justice Department will send attorneys from its civil rights division to monitor the Nov. 5 election in Miami-Dade and several other Florida counties. [Hold onto your hats! Here comes Coup 2002!!] Yet, six months earlier, the inJustice Department stated that it found no credible evidence that any Florida residents were intentionally denied their right to vote in the 2000 s-election and that the number of Floridians unable to vote was insufficient to ''cast any doubt'' on pResident Bush's margin of victory. [The quintessential "Hello, McFly?" moment: there could be no "margin of victory" as Bush did not win.] DNC to Help McBride's Get-Out-the-Vote Bid in Fla. Democratic Party officials have decided to rush additional staff and resources to Florida to bolster the campaign of gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride after an on-the-ground assessment found the challenger's get-out-the-vote operation badly in need of assistance. [Yes, but are those eighteen "missing" voting machines from Broward County setting the stage for Coup '02?] McBride for governor (St. Petersburg Times) "Bill McBride is the candidate best suited to forge the broad alliances needed to deal responsibly with the challenges facing Florida... The Times recommends Bill McBride for governor." Sunday's Editorial Cartoon -- by Jim Morin GOP Is Losing Its Grip on Illinois Governor's Mansion Era of power-sharing in jeopardy as Democrat leads contest for state's top spot -- With less just over two weeks to go before election day, the Republican candidate for governor, state Atty. Gen. Jim Ryan, is low on cash, short on endorsements and down by double-digits in most polls to Democratic challenger Rod Blagojevich. Poll: Minnesota Sen. Wellstone Leads Challenger Coleman U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, a Minnesota Democrat, has widened his slender lead over former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, his Republican challenger, according to a Minneapolis Star Tribune poll. Pataki Ethics Ripped in N.Y. Debate George Pataki's ethics were attacked Sunday as Democratic challenger H. Carl McCall and billionaire businessman B. Thomas Golisano used the gubernatorial campaign's second debate to renew charges of wrongdoing in the Republican governor's administration. N.C. Race Narrows For Dole, Bowles Elizabeth Dole's lead has shrunk from 20 points or more, prior to Erskine B. Bowles's winning the long-delayed Democratic primary on Sept. 10, to single digits in both parties' private polls last week. Anti-War Web Site Boosts Democrats Democrats who cast what some considered a politically risky vote -- opposing the resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq -- are getting a financial reward for their troubles. MoveOnPAC.org, an Internet site, raised more than $1 million this week for four members of Congress that the group calls "heroes." Senate: Democratic Donors' Focus Nearly Matching GOP, Activists Pour Millions Into Key Races -- The Democratic donor community's top priority this fall appears to be retaining control of the Senate, as party activists pour millions of dollars into the handful of races that will determine whether Republicans can regain the slim majority they enjoyed two years ago. Groups Opposed to War on Iraq Plan Rally Thousands Expected for Speeches, March to White House on Saturday -- Thousands plan to rally in Washington this weekend in the capital's first mass protest of a potential war in Iraq. Saturday's protest is set to coincide with marches in San Francisco and abroad, including London and Tokyo. The rally's sponsors predict that hundreds of thousands will participate in all. Where the world stands on Iraq The US has been trying to build diplomatic support for military action to topple the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Click on the map to find out where key countries stand on the issue. Saddam frees thousands of political prisoners Iraq started to release thousands of political prisoners yesterday under an unprecedented and unconditional amnesty announced by President Saddam Hussein in an effort to defuse hostility to his regime at home and abroad. Policies Diverge on 2 in 'Axis of Evil' Diplomacy toward North Korea, which peddles missiles and may have one or two nuclear weapons, along with chemical and biological weapons, but confrontation toward Iraq, which has no nuclear weapons and, depending on the analysis, could be years from obtaining them, though it possesses chemical and biological weapons. Powell Says Disarming Iraq is Enough Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has spoken of "regime change" in Iraq for at least 18 months, said Sunday the United States might not seek to remove Saddam Hussein if he abandoned his weapons of mass destruction. Belafonte Remark on Powell Starts Debate James Cone, author of "Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare," said Malcolm X criticized mainstream civil rights leaders and groups as "the black leadership which was chosen by the dominant white society." "Now didn't the Bush administration choose Powell? So what's the difference?" Cone said. Sen. Graham Seeks to Declassify Key 9/11 Data U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Bob Graham said on Sunday he is seeking to declassify "the most important information" obtained in a congressional probe of the Sept. 11 attacks. Why U.S. Intelligence Stumbled The monthlong series of congressional intelligence hearings that ended this week produced a detailed and disheartening portrait of the U.S. spy community as it groped its way toward Sept. 11. It also reshaped thinking about the most basic lingering question: Could the attacks have been prevented? CIA, FBI Directors Warn of New Attacks, Compare Situation to Pre-9/11 Terrorists could try to strike again soon in the United States, FBI Director Robert Mueller says, while offering little assurance the agency can thwart the next attack. CIA Director George Tenet says the current situation is comparable to the summer before Sept. 11. [Yes, "terrorists could try to strike again soon" as Jeb's campaign is in trouble. The Bush junta could be poised to attack as Nov. 5 is justaroundthecorner and Rove needs a big-time diversion!] Kilimanjaro's snows may soon be history The snows of Mount Kilimanjaro are melting so quickly they could be gone in two decades, researchers report today. As they melt, they take with them a record of 11,000 years of African climate history as well as a vista enshrined in literature and on film. FDA action on drugs ads declining As drug companies blanket patients and doctors with ads touting their newest prescription drugs, the federal agency charged with keeping them honest and protecting the public appears to be backing off from policing those promotions. Democrats See a Stealthy Drive by Drug Industry to Help Republicans In important Congressional races around the country, a fierce battle is being waged over what Democrats assert is a stealth campaign by the pharmaceutical industry to help House Republicans. At issue are advertisements being run in 20 Congressional districts by the United Seniors Association, a conservative group that acknowledges it receives some financing from the drug industry's major trade group. The Bungling FDA -- The Agency Seizes Taurine Capsules Sold for Autism and Finally Admits to Its Major Life-Threatening Screw-Up on Anthrax Vaccine -- by Nicholas Regush "The FDA needs to be re-worked from the ground up. The agency is a disaster and there is no end in sight to its steady decline.* Frankly, there are far too many apologists for the FDA - many academic types and weak politicians who don’t like to get too vocal - and not enough strong venom being unleashed about the way this teeter-tottering fool of an organization is going about its business. Consider the FDA’s latest bungle: the seizure of dietary supplements, namely taurine." Shipping Lines Withhold Key Papers After promising this week to produce proof of a dockworker slowdown at West Coast ports, shipping companies embroiled in a labor dispute with longshoremen again delayed filing the documents with federal prosecutors. State To Probe Penn. Mine Accident State prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into the accident that trapped nine men underground for more than three days, the attorney general said. Man Shot Near Richmond; Massive Police Response Although Authorities in Virginia said last night that no witnesses had described a suspect or a vehicle, I-95 was shut down as far away from Washington as Henrico County, south of Richmond. Route 301 and Route 1 also were shut for several hours. In addition to stopping cars on main roads in the shooting area, police threw up roadblocks and checked cars on highways in the immediate Washington metropolitan area, including a checkpoint at Chevy Chase Circle where police looked into car trunks. [Is the Bush mis-ministration poised to close the I-95 corridor to stop the Oct. 26 protest in DC?] Sniper task force responds to shooting Local police immediately shut down several roadways as well as a long stretch of nearby Interstate 95. The shutdown of Routes 1 and 54 and Interstate 95 was enacted soon after the shooting, following directives created after a meeting of Virginia law enforcement officials as a "sniper response," snarling traffic for miles, with officers checking cars one by one [albeit no vehicle description was provided to authorities]. Online petition draws interest Activist requests Congress to probe Sept. 11 'oddities' -- What has Lori Price done to earn so many enemies? She is an Internet activist who, in the space of a few months, has collected more than 15,000 signatures on an online petition (www.petitiononline.com/11601TFS/petition.html). Republicans Planning for Full Control Of Congress White House officials and Republicans on Capitol Hill are so optimistic about winning control of both chambers of Congress in next month's elections that they have begun mapping how they would use their new power, including the possibility of speeding up tax cuts that were to take effect gradually. Corporate corruption and academia: The Bu$h-Harvard-Enron connection Information that has come to light over the past several weeks underscores the extent to which both the Bush mis-ministration and the academic establishment are implicated in the wave of corporate corruption scandals in the United States. Bush Tapped HHS Funds for Trips The White House has billed the federal Office of Family Assistance $210,000 to help pay for five trips in which pResident Bush promoted welfare reform at official events and made separate fundraising appearances for GOP candidates. Gov. Bush Reveals Lobby Effort Documents Show Intervention in Trademark Case of GOP Donor -- Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) has released documents outlining a sustained lobbying campaign by his office on behalf of a major Republican donor, which included efforts to get political appointees of pResident Bush to overrule career employees at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). Presidential couple (dad and mom) hit trail for Jeb The governor's parents -- former President George Bush and Barbara Bush -- will host a $25,000-per-couple fund-raising dinner for the state party in Naples. The event should raise more than $500,000 for the GOP. Their arrival follows a Florida visit Thursday by the governor's brother, pResident George W. Bush, who raised an estimated $1 million for Republicans. Gore Backs Curry At Fund-Raiser Saying Bill Curry can do the same for Connecticut as he did for the White House, President Al Gore endorsed the gubernatorial challenger Friday night as the man who can close the state's looming budget deficit. Homeland Security Dept. R.I.P.! -- by Dick Meyer "A long running performance just closed in the Senate. It was masquerading as a debate over creating a Department of Homeland Security. The question for the audience is whether to laugh or cry." Pentagon to train Saddam's opponents The Pentagon will train thousands of opponents of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to help in a possible invasion, under an order signed by pResident Bush, U.S. officials said Saturday. Iraq war 'unjustifiable', says Bush's church head pResident George Bush's own Methodist church has launched a scathing attack on his preparations for war against Iraq, saying they are 'without any justification according to the teachings of Christ'. The Soufflé Doctrine -- by Maureen Dowd "The Boy Emperor picked up the morning paper and, stunned, dropped his Juicy Juice box with the little straw attached... The Boy Emperor was starting to feel bamboozled by his war tutors. He needed a fresh perspective." Bush and Iraq -- by Anthony Lewis "What is President [sic] Bush's ultimate objective in Iraq? Is it to make sure that Saddam Hussein does not have weapons of mass destruction? Or is it to remove Saddam by force and remake the politics of Iraq? And if the latter, would it be the first step toward a new American imperium?" Unequal Opportunity for Tyrants -- by Mary McGrory "Voters have long been accustomed to living with a double standard from both parties in dealing with troublesome foreigners... But as we barrel down the road to war with Iraq, maybe we ought to quiz our unilateralist president [sic] about why it is necessary for us to bomb, invade and occupy Iraq while North Korea gets the striped-pants treatment. " Iraq -- Unanswered question (West Virginia Gazette) "Here’s a question nobody in the administration has answered: Iraqi exile groups told The Washington Post that, when Saddam is replaced by White House-approved leaders, America’s oil corporations will have an opportunity to drill into Iraq’s giant reserves. Is the war cry by Bush and Vice President [sic] Cheney designed to help their Big Oil colleagues?" [Uh, that would be a resounding YES!] Australian government uses Bali atrocity to demand new repressive powers The Australian government has quickly seized upon the atrocity in Bali last Saturday to demand more draconian "anti-terrorism" laws than those introduced since September 11 last year. Group Sues U.S. Forest Service A conservation group has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the Forest Service is illegally withholding reports on the health of two national forests where logging and forest management have been in dispute. Black Hall of Fame Lauds Clinton Former president Bill Clinton returned to his home state Saturday night to become an honorary inductee Saturday night to the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. Once described by author Toni Morrison as "our first black president," the former Arkansas governor and two-term president was the first non-black recognized in the hall's 10-year history. "I'm not sure which planet they live on" Hawks in the Bush mis-ministration may be making deadly miscalculations on Iraq, says Gen. Anthony Zinni, Bush's Middle East envoy. pResident Bush continues to encounter war critics in the unlikeliest of places -- the United States military, for example. Bush Secrecy Irks Congress N. Korea's nuclear efforts were kept from Dems until after Iraq war vote. The White House withheld North Korea's admission about a nuclear weapons program from key Democrats until after Congress had passed its resolution authorizing war with Iraq, prompting complaints on Capitol Hill that the administration has let politics influence its conduct of foreign affairs. War Worries Support for Attacking Iraq Begins to Wane Across the U.S. "America speaks with one voice," says pResident Bush. On the streets of America, nothing could be further from the truth. Across the nation, in city after city, ABCNEWS found voices of opposition, and many of them were from military towns. US forces are 'ready for a land war against Iraq as early as December' The United States already has a force of 60,000 within striking range of Iraq, and would be in a position to launch a land war as early as December, a military think-tank reported yesterday. Oil Counts in Iraq War Equation Regime change might mean a rise in output. For Russia, that could put prices, deals at risk. The prospect of military action against Saddam Hussein has touched off an international contest for Iraq's vast oil reserves and has complicated U.S. efforts to cultivate Russia as a major future source of oil. 10,000 In Anti-War Protest Thousands of Scots took to the streets yesterday in protest against war on Iraq. Nearly 10,000 people gathered in Glasgow city centre to voice their anger at Britain and America's stance. CND's Scottish co-ordinator John Ainslie said: "This turn out shows the strength of opinion in Scotland..." Sean Penn takes on Bush over Iraq Actor Sean Penn on Friday weighed in on the international debate over a possible war with Iraq, paying for a $56,000 advertisement in the Washington Post accusing pResident George W. Bush of stifling debate and threatening civil liberties. Please Help the War Effort -- Ten sticky and nicely blasphemous things true patriots can do right now to help keep America free -- by Mark Morford "It is a time when one single false war against an already decimated ragtag terrorist opponent is not nearly enough to satiate the delirious military-industrial complex and arouse Cheney's defibrillator and hence we must launch another one... And given how it's all for oil and power anyway, and it has almost nothing to do with Saddam being all evil and brutal, even though he is, which is certainly as convenient an excuse as any." al Qaeda snipers on golf courses [ROFL!!!] U.S. senators were warned earlier this week that those who play golf may be targets of al Qaeda snipers on golf courses. Capitol Police spokeswoman Marcia Krug would not say which agency notified the Capitol Police or when exactly they were told. But she said her department, in turn, notified the sergeant-at-arms, who then notified the senators that al Qaeda snipers might be looming near golf courses, ready to pick them off. [If only cars could get as much mileage as Karl Rove's sniper is getting...] Big Brother Joins the Hunt for the Sniper For a distinct, vocal minority, the two most innovative responses — using a military surveillance plane to look for the shooter and creating a so-called ballistic fingerprinting system that could have identified the rifle used in the killings (and its first purchaser) — are dangerous overreactions that raise threats even more sinister than the one posed by the sniper. Bush Seeks to Cut Back on Raise for S.E.C.'s Corporate Cleanup Less than three months ago, pResident Bush signed with great fanfare sweeping corporate antifraud legislation that called for a huge increase in the budget of the Securities and Exchange Commission to police corporate America and clean up Wall Street. Now the White House is backing off the budget provision and urging Congress to provide the agency with 27 percent less money than the new law authorized. Enron Trader Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy A former senior trader at the Enron Corporation pleaded guilty yesterday to engaging in a conspiracy that illegally manipulated the California power market during the state's energy crisis, driving up prices and generating millions of dollars in excess profits for his employer. Judge Orders Release of Cheney Energy Papers A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Bush mis-ministration to produce documents from Vice pResident Dick Cheney's energy task force by Nov. 5, rejecting arguments they should stay secret because they relate to top advisers. Gore urges Maloney supporters to keep the faith President Al Gore urged supporters of U.S. Rep. Jim Maloney to keep up their enthusiasm for the Democrat as he heads into the final weeks of a bitter showdown with U.S. Rep. [lying Rethuglican] Nancy Johnson for the 5th Congressional District. Black Vote May Be Key in Fla. Race A political neophyte, McBride is working to become better known among blacks and convince them their lives will improve if he beats Republican Gov. Jeb Bush on Nov. 5. Jensen, Foti charged with felony misconduct (WI) Prosecutors today charged Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen (R-Town of Brookfield) and Assembly Majority Leader Steven Foti (R-Oconomowoc) with felony offenses of misconduct in office. Marital Twists May Hurt Ark. Senator Republican Sen. Tim Hutchinson's re-election hopes and his party's drive to recapture Senate control may rest on whether conservative Arkansans decide to vote. But his bid for a second term comes after he divorced his wife of 29 years and married a former Senate aide. Shootout among Arkansas Republicans (July 16, 1999). In its July issue, the Arkansas Review revealed U.S. Sen. Tim Hutchinson's upcoming divorce -- two days before his lawyer filed papers -- and suggested that Hutchinson was having an affair with a former staffer. [ROFL, another GOP "Family Values" man, who sat as a House "manager" for the impeachment of President Clinton.] State Sends Potassium Iodide Pills To Millstone Area (CT) Close to 70,000 households within 10 miles of the Millstone nuclear power plant are expected to get an unusual package in the mail today: tablets that protect the body from radiation released from the plant by accident or during a terrorist attack. [If CT did not have the useless Millstone nuke plant, there would be no need for potassium iodide pills. And, if the US did not have the useless Bush mis-ministration in power, there would also be no need for potassium iodide pills.] Court Orders Vice pResident Cheney to Turn Over Documents in Energy Task Force Case Cheney lawyer admits Vice pResident's office has not searched for documents despite months of litigation - Judge calls revelation "Startling" Report: Americans Hit by $200 Billion Corporate Abuse Tax A new report, "The Cost of Corporate Recklessness," claims Americans are now paying in what the report describes as "corporate abuse taxes." According to the report, the real cost of all the recently exposed corporate misbehavior has fallen largely onto the shoulders of ordinary working Americans. Key Enron Trader Pleads Guilty to Manipulating California Power Market A former Enron trader accused of masterminding a scheme to drive up energy prices during California's power crisis pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. Bush's 300,000 Phony Construction Jobs The president [sic] says the lack of terrorism insurance has cost 300,000 jobs. Don't believe it. -- by Daniel Gross "This line, in various forms, has become a staple of Bush's non-Iraq-related public utterances. It's effective, because it makes it appear as if there's a plan on the table that will magically create 300,000 jobs—something the entire U.S. economy has failed to do in the past two years." Different Parties, Different Platforms (op. ed. piece by John Michael, age 16) "Through Enron-type scandals, our government turns its shoulder and suddenly the rich get richer as our environment gets exploited, and consumer investors get shafted." U.S. Offers Deal on Iraq Resolution Seeking to win a new U.N. resolution on Iraq, the United States has removed language explicitly threatening military action, while making clear Baghdad will face consequences if it fails to cooperate with weapons inspectors, diplomats and U.S. officials said Thursday. US Offers Compromises on UN Resolution Against Iraq Facing opposition from most countries in the world, the Bush mis-ministration has offered new compromise proposals that would involve U.N. Security Council consultations before any attack against Iraq, diplomats said on Thursday. Bush Garners Little Support at U.N. for an Attack on Iraq The Bush mis-ministration's push for an early American-led war against Iraq drew broad opposition today in an unusual open debate in the Security Council. Many countries backed weapons inspections, and Arab states said they would not support an attack without United Nations endorsement, considering an attack only as a last resort. Tail wags the dog, rolls it over U.S. media march to beat of White House war drum -- by Antonia Zerbisias "If war isn't imminent, then how long will MSNBC be 'counting down' to Iraq? Weeks? Months? Or until Nov. 5? ...The White House insists it isn't 'wagging the dog' to divert attention from domestic issues, an accusation that Fleischer and Vice President Dick Cheney have both pooh-poohed as 'reprehensible.' But still, much of the mainstream media is chasing the war ball. After all, it's a lot sexier than discussing how 41 million Americans have no health insurance." [a must read] In the War Against Iraq, Washington is a Sacrifice-Free Zone -- by Mark Shields "Let us pause on the eve of war to reflect on who the Americans are who will die... If you need further proof of the complete separation of the people in power in Washington from the people at peril in the Persian Gulf, just consider this: Not one of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives has a son or a daughter on active duty in the enlisted ranks of this nation's military." Stick to Your Facts, CIA (Los Angeles Times) "The Central Intelligence Agency needs to provide decision-makers with the best facts and analysis possible, free of political interference. As the Bush administration prepares for possible war with Iraq, some analysts and members of Congress complain that intelligence officials are being pressured to supply facts that fit decisions already made, not the other way around." U.S. goal in Iraq (The Atlanta-Journal Constitution) "...what are the reasons underlying the Bush administration's ramped up push to authorize the use of force? Is this really about Iraq, weapons of mass destruction, or terrorism, or Saddam, or U.N. resolutions? Jay Bookman says no. He spent an hour on Monday, Oct. 7, answering questions about his views." [transcript] Bush briefed on hijacking threat before September 11 Bin Laden 'chatter' since Clinton administration -- pResident Bush's daily intelligence briefings in the weeks leading up to the September 11 terror attacks included a warning of the possibility that Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network would attempt to hijack a U.S.-based airliner, senior mis-ministration officials said Wednesday. Armey: Justice 'out of control,' violating rights House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, lashed out at the Justice Department Wednesday for what he called its ''lack of regard for personal civil liberties in America'' while combating terrorism. ''I told the president [sic] I thought his Justice Department was out of control,'' the retiring lawmaker told USA TODAY's editorial board. Al Qaeda detainees to be questioned on sniper United States investigators intend to question al Qaeda detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and elsewhere to see if they have any information about the sniper attacks in the Washington area, government sources said Thursday. [For details on the sniper, troll Karl Rove's covert employee roster. There is no further talk of Enron, the economy, 401K disasters, Cheney's Energy Task Force, the dismantled 9/11 commission, suspension of Posse Comitatus -- it's sniper TV, 24/7! And, if there are more shootings, will Rumsfeld close the I95 corridor into DC for the 10/26 protest?] Experts Question Legality of Military Involvement in Beltway Sniper Hunt Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga.) warned Cato Institute/Federalist Society forum attendees that citizens must be very careful when asking their government to exercise new authority over them or to exercise existing authority in new ways. [With the Bush Fourth Reich utilizing the military to hunt for the sniper, is a revocation of Posse Comitatus taking place? Click on link for details of law.] Graham takes on U.S. over deported Canadian A diplomatic battle has erupted between Washington and Ottawa over the deportation of a Canadian telecommunications engineer by U.S. officials who refuse to explain why he was arrested and sent to Syria. Without due process (SFGate) "Advocates for 12 Kuwaitis, held among 600 alleged Taliban and al Qaeda fighters in a U.S. stockade at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are continuing a legal and diplomatic effort to have the dozen recognized as innocents who were trapped in the dangerous confusion of the Afghan conflict... To hold a person indefinitely, without regard to guilt or innocence, is not the American way." [Oh, but it's Ashcroft's way, to be sure! He is setting the stage for future detainees to be held indefinitely.] Smallpox Inoculation Urged for Employees of Hospitals A panel of specialists advising the government on smallpox vaccinations recommended today offering the immunization to an estimated half-million emergency room and other hospital workers because of the possibility of a bioterrorist attack [as well as the Idiot Usurper's immediate cash infusion to one of his installers from Coup 2k: the pharmaceutical industry]. North Korea admits nuclear program North Korea has acknowledged that it has a uranium-enrichment program, which U.S. officials believe would be used only to develop a nuclear bomb, the Bush mis-ministration said Thursday. [i.e., take it with six grains of salt.] U.S. sources told NBC News that Pyongyang reacted angrily to U.S. accusations about the program and declared an anti-nuclear agreement it signed eight years ago to be "nullified." Firestorm Brewing Over FDA Nominee A physician who pushed the Food and Drug Administration to ban the abortion pill RU-486 is in line to become an FDA advisor on reproductive health, drawing fire from women's groups that urged the Bush mis-ministration Wednesday to retract the choice. Sen. Fights Congressional Pay Raise For the second time in two years, Sen. Russ Feingold is working to block a pay raise for members of Congress, arguing it would be unseemly as the nation battles a struggling economy and prepares for war. Whack back on Nov. 5 -- by Stephen Goldstein "Bushwhacked-Floridians are worse off than we were four years ago. Thanks to Jeb Bush's voodoo economics, smoke-and-mirrors education reforms, environmental poison pills and right-wing pandering, the state is in shambles. Florida needs regime change. Here are 24 reasons to vote the governor out of office on Nov. 5." Clinton to Enter Black Hall of Fame Bill Clinton, once famously described by author Toni Morrison as "our first black president," is being inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame as an honorary member. Canadians Reject Private Care As Health-System Fix Canadians say their universal public health-care system needs a major overhaul but a majority of them reject U.S.-style private care as a way of fixing it, a survey released on Thursday shows. Judge sentences Gov. Jeb Bush's daughter to 10 days in jail for drug violation Gov. Jeb Bush's daughter was led away in handcuffs Thursday after a judge sentenced her to 10 days in jail for violating the terms of her drug treatment program. US Readies New Draft UN Resolution Against Iraq The United States, showing signs of impatience in seeking United Nations backing for action against Iraq, intends to submit a new U.N. draft resolution shortly, diplomats said late on Wednesday. Bush Signs Iraq War Resolution pResident Bush on Wednesday signed an Iraq war resolution approved by Congress. Bush spoke as the United Nations began a bitter debate over his anti-Iraq resolution. Britain Preps Tanks for Desert Britain plans to modify more than 200 of its tanks for desert warfare, a senior defense official said Wednesday — raising speculation Britain will follow the United States into war against Iraq. Rumsfeld's Style, Goals Strain Ties In Pentagon Many senior officers on the Joint Staff and in all branches of the military describe Rumsfeld as frequently abusive and indecisive... seemingly eager to slap down officers with decades of distinguished service. The unhappiness is so pervasive that all three service secretaries are said to be deeply frustrated by a lack of autonomy and contemplating leaving by the end of the year. I'm an American tired of American lies -- by Woody Harrelson "The fact is that Saddam Hussein was our boy. The CIA helped him to power, as they did the Shah of Iran and Noriega and Marcos and the Taliban and countless other brutal tyrants. The fact is that George Bush Sr continued to supply nerve gas and technology to Saddam even after he used it on Iran and then the Kurds in Iraq. While the Amnesty International report listing countless Saddam atrocities, including gassing and torturing Kurds, was sitting on his desk, Bush Sr pushed through a $2bn 'agricultural' loan and Thatcher gave hundreds of millions in export credit to Saddam." Whoops! (animated cartoon on US-Iraq history) -- by Mark Fiore Explosive 'linked to CIA' The explosive used in the Bali bomb attack could have come from supplies handed over to the Mujahideen by the CIA during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Plastic explosive clue in Bali bombing Indonesian police investigating the devastating bombing of a nightclub on the island of Bali have found traces of plastic explosive at the site of the attack. Police say C4 explosive was used - a type manufactured mainly in the United States and used widely by military forces around the world. S.Korea Urges North to Abide by Nuclear Agreements South Korea urged North Korea on Thursday to abide by all nuclear pledges after Washington revealed that the North had acknowledged it was violating a 1994 agreement by operating a secret nuclear weapons program. Key Enron Trader to Plead Guilty to Fraud Charge A former top Enron Corp. energy trader was scheduled to plead guilty Thursday in federal court to a charge he manipulated California's energy market to drive up power prices, according to sources close to the investigation. Bush Policy Faulted in IMF Bailouts The Bush mis-ministration has been inconsistent in handling recent financial crises that have engulfed Latin America and Turkey, first declaring opposition to large bailouts only to relent and support record loans from the International Monetary Fund, two Democratic senators said Wednesday. 9/11 Relatives Push for Commission Tearful relatives of Sept. 11 victims urged White House officials Wednesday not to block Congress' plans to create an independent commission to investigate the attacks. Military to assist in sniper hunt Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has signed a deployment order that allows Army airborne surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to be used in the hunt for the Washington-area sniper. The order, signed Tuesday night, authorizes the use of RC-7 and U-21 aircraft. Law enforcement authorities will request the equipment as needed. Military Aircraft With Detection Gear to Augment Police Military aircraft equipped with sophisticated sensors far more sensitive than those used by police will join in the hunt for the sniper terrorizing the Washington area, Pentagon officials said yesterday. Military Helps Hunt Sniper Senior defense officials said Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had approved the unusual deployment of military surveillance aircraft in the search for the gunman who has terrorized the region but was reportedly seen for the first time as he struck on Monday night at a suburban Virginia mall. Officials said there would be no formal announcement of the move by Rumsfeld, who canceled a news conference on Wednesday that was to have addressed the war on terrorism. [Rumsfeld does not want to answer questions on the revocation of Posse Comitatus.] ACLU Takes On Ashcroft The American Civil Liberties Union announced today plans for its first-ever $3.5 million ad campaign designed to protect America's civil liberties during pResident Bush's war on terror. It also is organizing a grassroots campaign to mobilize its more than 300,000 members to "lobby in defense of liberty." More Anti-War Activists Snagged by "No Fly" List The No Fly list is still up and running. The FBI and the Transportation Security Administration have a list of suspicious people they distribute to the airlines, and the airlines check the names of their passengers against this list. Committee Expands Plan for Smallpox Vaccine Recommendations A federal committee voted Wednesday to recommend vaccinating about 510,000 hospital workers against smallpox, bringing its earlier proposal closer to the Bush mis-ministration's suggestion. Group Retracts Gov. Davis Allegation A group that accused Gov. Gray Davis of illegal fund-raising has retracted the allegation, which Rethuglican opponent Bill Simon briefly made an issue in his campaign then conceded was incorrect. [Simon needs to borrow from the Rove playbook, which was borrowed from the Goebbels playbook.] Bush's Karen Hughes Leads Nasty, Desperate Republican Campaigns In Texas -- by Jackson Thoreau "Earlier this year, when key Bush babysitter and ghostwriter Karen Hughes left Washington, tearfully saying how much she missed Texas, I was one of the few columnists in the country to call Hughes’ bluff." Data stolen from Bredesen headquarters (TN) Sensitive campaign material was stolen from the headquarters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Bredesen during a break-in over the weekend, campaign officials said. New EU rules to end ban on GM food Legislation expected to bring the end of a four-year ban on the sale and use of new genetically modified food products in Britain and the rest of Europe takes effect today. Conservationists Allege U.S. Research Linked to Beached Mexican Whales Conservationists fear that sound blasts being fired into the Gulf of California to help map the ocean floor may have caused two whales to beach themselves and die. Smoking is good for you -- by Paul Harris "Well, maybe not for you personally but it is surely good for the economy. It's sure as hell good for Philip Morris. Apparently, it is good for government. At least that is the unequivocal conclusion of a superb study prepared for Philip Morris and presented to the government of the Czech Republic." The Top Ten Reasons to vote Republican in Nov. 2002 (humor) -- by Jackson Thoreau October 17, 2002 Military Joins Hunt for Washington Sniper The U.S. military agreed on Tuesday to help hunt for a sniper who has been terrorizing the Washington area as police said new evidence gleaned from the latest murder could help them catch the serial killer. [Good-bye, Posse Comitatus. How convenient for Rove/Ashcroft/Rumsfeld.] Secret Military Spy Planes Enlisted in Hunt for Sniper The Pentagon agreed today to patrol the skies over the nation's capital with secret surveillance planes — now used to combat drug lords in Colombia and track military movements in North Korea — as part of a broadening effort to catch the sniper in the Washington area. Sharp rise in favour of war on Iraq There has been a spectacular surge in support among British voters for military action against Iraq in the immediate aftermath of the terror attack in Bali, according to the latest Guardian/ICM poll. U.S.-French Split on Iraq Deepens The impasse between the United States and France over military action in Iraq has deepened in recent days after an effort to reach a compromise stalled, with the French insisting that the Americans must come back to the United Nations Security Council before they can use force, diplomats said today. Saudi Minister Says His Country Opposes War on Iraq Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said Monday his country opposed war on Iraq and would not participate in any possible U.S. strike against the kingdom's northern neighbor. Wall Street/Washington insider spills the dirty secret of Iraq war "Getting control of that oil will make a vast difference" -- A US war against Iraq is "probably the most bullish thing I can think of," William Seidman, a senior economic adviser under four US presidents, told his audience at the posh Peninsula Club. Seidman, a commentator for CNBC, was an adviser to presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Bush senior... Misleading the Nation to War -- by Sam Parry "...Bush’s belligerence might speed up the timetable for terrorist groups getting their hands on weapons of mass destruction, a point acknowledged in a new CIA threat assessment. Meanwhile, another danger looms – that Bush’s policies will transform anti-Americanism into the world’s common language of protest, what journalist Fareed Zakaria has called the emerging 'default ideology of opposition.' " Addictions always bite U.S. back -- by David Weintraub "One of the more startling examples of American complicity in shaping international disorder is its incurable addiction to arming dictators. According to the Center for Defense Information, in the 1980s alone, the U.S. and its military contractors exported $175 billion in weapons and training; 40 percent of this went to arm 50 dictators." U.S. Military Or U.S. Mercenary? -- by Stewart Nusbaumer "The privatization of the military is another way to circumvent the will of the American people. When hospitals are turned into for-profit institutions, should we be surprised that the for-profit world has penetrated our military to make money? Should we be surprised that when culture is dominated by the all mighty dollar, U.S. foreign policy becomes fodder for the all mighty dollar?" Gore Says Voters Looking at Economy President Al Gore says he's sensing a yearning from voters to "change the subject" on the campaign trail because of a deep unease about the economy. President Gore said the focus on Iraq and ousting Saddam Hussein won't be enough to sway voters in midterm elections just three weeks away. White House e-mail calls Byrd ‘senile' -- Mistakenly sent message also rips Hispanic leaders A White House intern "mistakenly" forwarded to dozens of Hispanic leaders an e-mail that described the Senate's senior Democrat as "doddering old Bob Byrd, the senile senator from West Virginia," a mis-ministration spokeswoman has told The Denver Post. Airlines spending millions to influence Congress Airlines are paring flights and employees -- but not their spending to influence Congress. The industry received $15 billion in grants and loan guarantees from Congress after the September 11 attacks and now is looking for more help [corporate welfare]. Smear for Smear Enron Pits 'Times,' 'Salon' Against Freelancer -- by Cynthia Cotts "The more mud that gets flung, the harder it is to see anything clearly. The latest such media match pits Secretary of the Army Thomas White and editors at The New York Times and Salon against freelancer Jason Leopold." Miami-Dade approves outside monitors for Nov. 5 election Still divided over the issue of election monitors, the Miami-Dade County Commission on Tuesday narrowly voted to hire the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Democracy to oversee the Nov. 5 general elections. Biased report -- by Sanford Alberts (letter to editor) "The GOP-dominated House Government Reform Subcommittee just released a report on gifts received by the Clintons, which were legally turned over to his presidential library. These neverending investigations of the Clintons are so blatantly biased. Why don't they go after the Bush/Cheney/Harken Oil/Haliburton [sic] dealings?" For Prosecutors, 1996 Law Is Key Part of Anti-Terror Strategy Some Courts Troubled by Broad Terms of Previously Seldom-Used Law -- Many defense attorneys and civil liberties advocates contend the law is worded so broadly that even unknowing contributions to groups the government labels terrorists can be prosecuted. Two federal judges in Los Angeles, in separate cases, have declared all or parts of the law unconstitutional. Smallpox Vaccine Data Show Small but Serious Risk of Infecting Others A new report on millions of smallpox vaccinations given in the 1960's confirms that there is a small but significant risk that newly vaccinated people can make others seriously ill by infecting them with vaccinia, the virus used in the vaccine. Tribulation Worketh Patience -- by Maureen Dowd "W.W.J.D. at the F.D.A.? We may soon find out, if W. David Hager becomes chairman of the powerful Food and Drug Administration panel on women's health policy. His résumé seems more impressive for theology than gynecology... Are we so worried about medieval villains abroad that we no longer worry about medievalism at home?" Bush Seeks to Shift Blame for Economy Bush, beginning three weeks of near-daily campaigning, sought to place responsibility for the faltering economy on Democrats in Congress, calling on them to pass energy and terrorism insurance measures he has proposed. "They need to get moving," he said at an airport rally here before heading to a $1.4 million fundraising reception. [This irony is self-explanatory...] Gore toughens talk At least one high-level Democrat wants to turn this year's congressional elections into a referendum on pResident Bush's performance in office. "Do you think we're better off now than we were two years ago?" President Al Gore asked Monday afternoon in Mount Vernon. "I know I'm not better off." Gore Tells Iowans to Turn Anger Into Action President Al Gore made his first visit in a year to the key caucus state of Iowa on Monday and asked voters to turn their anger over the 2000 s-election [coup d'etat] into action on Nov. 5. Gore leveled harsh blasts at George W. Bush, saying he had brought about an "economic catastrophe," and said the Iraq resolution passed by Congress last week was too broad. Pressure on: White House Concern over Brother Bush; Seen Vulnerable in Election (Drudge) A growing concern that Florida Governor Jeb Bush may be vulnerable in next month's election has become a near-obsession inside of the White House, top sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT. Florida - MSNBC/Zogby Poll - Governor Poll conducted of 500 likely voters statewide Oct. 8-10. Margin of sampling error +/- 4.5% Poll Shows Growing Gap Between Davis and Simon The new poll shows Simon at 33 percent with Davis at 48 percent. Listening Device Found on Candidate's Phone Campaign officials for Democratic congressional candidate Dave Thomas told state investigators that a listening device was discovered on one of Thomas' phone lines. G.O.P. Candidate's Antiwar Vote Proves Popular Representative Jim Leach's decision to oppose pResident Bush on Iraq looks very different here in Iowa's Second District. Calls and e-mail messages to his Congressional offices are running overwhelmingly in support of his stance. Contributions are coming into his campaign headquarters with handwritten notes, thanking him for his vote. Letters to the editor at The Cedar Rapids Gazette are running eight to one against a unilateral strike on Iraq. 1,500 turn out to protest White House Press Secretary Fleischer A lecture by White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer prompted a loud protest that drew as many as 1,500 people. Fleischer is met with protest pResidential Press Secretary Ari Fleischer was welcomed back to Middlebury College Sunday with large and loud protests outside. Fleischer’s presence on campus sparked a protest march through downtown Middlebury that brought opponents of the Bush mis-ministration’s policy on Iraq from all over Vermont and beyond. Manatee anti-war voices set rally (FL) The Manatee County Coalition for Peace and Justice and other local groups, like Parents 4 Peace, are giving the anti-war message a voice. The Coalition for Peace and Justice's next rally is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Oct. 26 outside the Manatee County Courthouse. No easy sentence: Peace protesters do time with hardened cons For years, peace protesters arrested for trespassing at Fort Benning were allowed to serve their sentences at minimum-security federal institutions closer to their homes. Not anymore. Some protesters -- including a priest and a grandmother-to-be -- were sentenced earlier this year to serve their six-month sentences alongside thieves and drug addicts behind razor wire in a rural Georgia jail. Opposition over Iraq takes rise via the Net This year, for the first time since the advent of the Internet, Americans are engaging in public debate about whether to go to war, and a great deal of the opposition has coalesced online. Arson Attack at San Jose Recruiting Office Police say someone set two military vehicles on fire just after 4am at the facility on McKee Road and Jackson Avenue. They also found smashed windows and anti-government graffiti on Navy and Air Force offices. The graffiti said, "Pre-emptive Attack." Congress Lets Slip the Dogs of War -- by Neil A. Lewis "We are giving the president [sic] extraordinary authority," he [Senate majority leader, Tom Daschle, Democrat of South Dakota] said on the Senate floor. And he admonished the president [sic] not to use the resolution to ignore Congress. Whether or not he does, the power to wage war has now passed clearly from Congress to the White House." US plan for Iraq: Back to colonialism (WSWS) "Bush administration officials let it be known October 10 that the White House was planning to impose US military rule over Iraq following an American invasion. Washington aims to conquer the country and install a military proconsul—perhaps the commander of US forces in the Gulf, Gen. Tommy Franks—who will rule Iraq for months, or even years. Direct military rule is to be followed by a colonial-style regime run by US civilian officials." Bush's Wanton War Home -- by Michael Hammerschlag "As sad as it is, this conflict is largely driven by politics- the President[sic]’s popularity rests on his martial prowess- without a conflict, the electorate’s attention may turn towards the devastated economy, deficits, and corporate scandals lapping at the feet of the Bush administration. Indeed, without 9-11, his popularity percentage might now be in the 30’s." Bush's War Drums Have Political Beat -- by Les Payne "...a third of the U.S. Senate and the House are up for election on Nov. 5. Democrats had planned to win by making the case that President [sic] George W. Bush has willfully urinated away the good economic times. 'It's the economy stupid,' however, has been reduced to an unpatriotic rant by a president [sic] got up in feathers and war paint." Concentration Camp Commander Relieved of Duties The commander of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, concentration camp where suspected terrorists are being detained has been removed from his post, officials said. Brig. Gen. Rick Baccus left the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay on Oct. 9, amid unconfirmed reports he had philosophical differences with those interrogating detainees. Published reports – this past weekend in the New York Post and earlier in The Washington Times – stated that Baccus was undermining interrogators by being too nice [?!?] to detainees. MainStreet USA Takes on Homeland Insecurity with New Ads Starting October 15, a national advertising blitz will begin reminding voters how the Bush junta's mismanagement of the economy has gutted the robust economy left it by the outgoing Clinton administration. White House Keeps a Grip on Its News Tensions have escalated far beyond the inevitable grousing between press secretaries and journalists, who said they could not remember a White House that was more grudging or less forthcoming in informing the press. Complaints from the White House press corps ranged from the paucity of pResidential press conferences to fewer briefings from mis-ministration policy experts to instances where they believe they have been frozen out by White House officials when they ask questions considered out of bounds. Consumer Groups Blame Bush for Large Meat Recalls U.S. consumer advocates on Monday blamed an "industry-friendly" Bush mis-ministration for a series of meat recalls on an unprecedented scale this summer, saying hundreds have fallen ill because Washington eased food safety standards. Carpenters Union Head Facing Federal Probes Investigation of Insurance Stock Deals Testing Bush's Ties to Labor Leader -- Over the past year and a half, Douglas J. McCarron, president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, has emerged as pResident Bush's closest ally in the labor movement. Workplace fatalities increased in Florida last year Workplace deaths increased in Florida in 2001 for the first time in three years, the state Department of Insurance reported Monday. Monumental decision (AL) This week, Chief Justice Roy Moore goes to federal court to defend his display of the Ten Commandments (Part I). Challenging convictions Can Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore knock a hole in the wall separating church and state that the U. S. Supreme Court has been building for the last 50 years (Part II)? Online poll: Should Roy Moore be allowed to keep his display of the Ten Commandments in the Judicial Building rotunda? Cheney: Investigators, Keep Out The vice pResident blocks an independent commission to investigate 9-11 -- Dick Cheney played a behind-the-scenes role last week in derailing an agreement to create an independent commission to investigate the 9-11 attacks. On Thursday, hours after congressional negotiators hailed a final deal over the scope and powers of a 9-11 panel, Cheney called House Intelligence Committee chairman Rep. Porter Goss, sources told NEWSWEEK. Police to interfere in Nov. 5 election (FL) County officials called their own cavalry -- the Miami-Dade Police Department -- to "restore order" [In an effort to insure another Bush (Jeb this time) coup d'etat, police will intimidate minorities so that they don't vote] by the Nov. 5 general election. House Admin Staffers to Observe Florida Elections With Florida set to have its first general election since implementing broad balloting reforms, [?!?] the House Administration Committee plans to send observers to the state to be the "eyes and ears" of Congress on Nov. 5. Signature salvages vote on monitors for election (FL) A plan to hire election monitors for the county's Nov. 5 vote was revived Friday despite an apparent attempt to foil it by Cuban-American county commissioners this week. Feeney denies using influence (FL) Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, -- or one of his law partners -- asked the state's top technology official to arrange a private meeting with an Oviedo computer company Feeney is paid to represent, documents and interviews show. Allegations that Feeney used his position as state House speaker to benefit his private client have become the main "issue" for his opponent in a nasty Central Florida congressional race. America's For-Profit Secret Army Mercenaries are thriving — only this time they are called private military contractors, and some are even subsidiaries of Fortune 500 companies. The Pentagon cannot go to war without them. A few are somewhat familiar names, like Kellogg Brown & Root, a subsidiary of the Halliburton Company that operates for the government in Cuba and Central Asia... Rumsfeld Favors Forceful Actions to Foil an Attack Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, in a personal set of guidelines for committing forces to combat, wrote that America's leaders must quickly judge when diplomacy has failed, then "act forcefully, early, during the precrisis period" to foil an attack on the nation. If those actions fall short, America must be "willing and prepared to act decisively to use the force necessary to prevail, plus some," he wrote. Khatami gives Straw a grilling over Iraq's chemical weapons Iran's President Mohammad Khatami has voiced his doubt over the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, and hit out at the West for supplying Iraq with chemical arms in the first place, IRNA reported Thursday. Accusing US leaders of "arrogance and haste", Khatami warned British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw that Washington's "political conduct can only result in the strengthening of extremist movements' activities in the Islamic world." Bush aiming at wrong target, US critics fear Terrorist groups are not yet defeated, says senior Republican -- The upsurge in terrorist attacks on western targets around the world over the past month, culminating in the bombings in Bali, has fuelled criticism of the Bush mis-ministration that its focus on Iraq has sapped its effort against an undefeated al-Qaida. Anti-War Protests Get Louder In Calif. Anti-war rallies on two consecutive weekends drew 10,000 people each, and hastily called protests draw several hundred. Unlike the rest of the country -- or even the rest of California -- activists in the Bay Area can boast that most of their elected representatives (10 of 13) heeded their thousands of phone calls and voted against the resolution on Iraq. The Sun Can't Set on This Empire Too Soon -- The U.S. has no right to indulge in imperialism -- by Robert Scheer "It sure smells like imperialism. That's the word historians use when powerful nations grab control of desired resources, be it the gold of the New World or the oil of the Middle East. Imperialist greed is what 'regime change' in Iraq and 'anticipatory self-defense' are all about, and all of the rest of the Bush administration's talk about security and democracy is a bunch of malarkey." The voice of America Only his people can stop Bush now - and many are speaking out against war in Iraq -- by Simon Tisdall "Who can stop Bush on Iraq?... Americans can stop America's next war as they have stopped similar planned or actual idiocies in the past." '62 crisis illuminates flaws of policy on Iraq Conflict: Unlike the Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S. approach to Baghdad seems emotional, ill-conceived and too risky -- By William R. Polk " 'Shooting from the hip,' we may cause the death of thousands of people; spread the very dangers we seek to avoid; give license to repressive regimes that profoundly oppose our way of life; corrupt the wells of our influence throughout the world, causing even our allies to regard us as a 'rogue' state; and, finally, bring about enormous internal damage to our country and particularly to our tradition of civil liberties, democracy and the rule of law." How the War on Terrorism is Shrinking Congressional Powers: Part One -- by John W. Dean "Not since Richard Nixon's presidency have the powers of Congress been in greater jeopardy... The Bush-Cheney efforts, along with those of the Rehnquist-Scalia-Thomas-O'Connor-Kennedy bloc, are raw power politics and an example of short-sighted decisionmaking." Conflict confusion -- by Bess Berkowitz (letter to editor) "... Please tell me when the supreme being -- God -- abdicated and appointed Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld his successors. Where was I when this happened?" The new George W. Bush -- by Sheila Purdy (letter to editor) "I did not vote for George W. Bush, and I do not agree with much of what he stands for, but I am now worried about his mental health." Wall St Girds for Thousands More Layoffs The paucity of mergers and other deals on Wall Street has traders and bankers spending most of their time these days worrying about their jobs. Auditors Say U.S. Agencies Lose Track of Billions Year after year, auditors studying the financial records of federal government departments find many of them so disorganized, even chaotic, that the agencies cannot account for tens of billions of dollars. Army scours sniper-school records in hunt for killer The FBI is investigating the possibility that the gunman terrorising the Washington area could be an army-trained sniper and has asked the Pentagon to check its records for possible suspects, it was reported yesterday. Court Rejects LDS Plaza Rules (UT) Three judges in Denver voided free-speech restrictions on the LDS Church's Main Street Plaza on Wednesday, reopening the one-block stretch of Salt Lake City's most historic street to sunbathers, pamphleteers and smokers. President [sic] seems unable to bear the sight or sound of dissent -- By Robyn E. Blumner "President [sic] Bush seems to think bullying is the only way to deal with dissent. Bush has so much trouble articulating a defense for his own policies, so little capacity to formulate a reasoned response, that he resorts to shibboleths, name-calling or worse, using authorities to shut down his critics." Rumsfeld Orders War Plans Redone for Faster Action Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said today that he had ordered the military's regional commanders to rewrite all of their war plans to capitalize on precision weapons, better intelligence and speedier deployment. US demands total impunity on war crimes With the Bush mis-ministration gearing up for a "preemptive" war against Iraq, Washington this week dispatched a senior US diplomat, Marisa Lino, to Europe to demand that the governments of the European Union (EU) agree to a blanket exemption of all US citizens from the jurisdiction of the newly formed International Criminal Court. Army Considering Foreign Recruits Faced with a critical shortage of native Arab speakers, the Army is considering recruiting Middle Easterners into the ranks of its elite Special Forces, defense officials say. Carter Wins Nobel Peace Prize, Bush Rebuked Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday by a committee whose head called the decision a deliberate slap in the face for the current U.S. government over its policy on Iraq. JFK Aides Say Bush Is Wrong On Crisis Two top advisers to President John F. Kennedy said pResident Bush is misreading history when he cites Kennedy's actions in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis to justify a preemptive military strike against Iraq. "I would flunk him in history," said Arthur Schlesinger Jr.. Blair Fails to Win Putin Backing for Iraq Move Russia turned down a bid by British Prime Minister Tony Blair Friday to secure backing for a tough U.N. resolution on Iraq and dismissed his charges that Baghdad held weapons of mass destruction. Opposition to war grows across Europe The imminent war against Iraq has met with rising public opposition in Europe. Large anti-war demonstrations have been held in many cities, as well as protests at the US military outposts, listening stations and airbases that litter the continent. Seeds of Protest Growing on College Campuses As the threat of military action against Iraq looms, students across the country are talking about the possibility of war. The first stirrings of an antiwar movement are emerging, even as a few conservative students who support the president are starting to organize. Pentagon Plans Smallpox Shots for Up to 500,000 With the Bush mis-ministration moving closer to military action against Iraq, the Pentagon is expected to begin vaccinating up to half a million troops against smallpox as soon as the vaccine is licensed in mid-November, military and mis-ministration officials said today. Medical consequences of attacking Iraq -- by Dr. Helen Caldicott "As the Bush administration prepares to make war on the Iraqi people -- and make no mistake, it is the civilian population of that country and not Saddam Hussein who will bear the brunt of the hostilities -- it is important that we recall the medical consequences of the last Gulf War. That conflict was, in effect, a nuclear war." The Spoils of War Be the First on Your Block to Make a Buck off Iraq -- by James Ridgeway "The doctrine of the preemptive strike is the perfect strategy for ushering in a new century of neocolonialism, unfettered by any need to respect sovereignty or self-determination. Better still, it's going to mean big bucks for whoever gets in on the ground floor." The profitable side of war -- by Larry Baumwall (letter to editor) "I understand that if Congress rejects Bush's call to war, Fox News is prepared to start the war themselves. An anonymous Fox official explained that 'Without Bill Clinton, we're nothing...' " Words Of War & Fears Of Disaster -- by Kevin Bowen "For months now, the words have been like a drum roll over the background noise of radio and television... Iraq and Saddam. Iraq and Saddam. Is this true? The CIA says it is not true. Former United Nations Inspectors say it is not true. Generals and military analysts say it is not true. Then why is the country moving forward?" [Uh...oil?] Sailing into the storm -- by George Lewandowski "We have now begun the long slow process of defeating ourselves from the inside out. We have openly declared our imperial right to strike at will... We no longer pretend to have any respect for the rule of law." Byrd leads, but too few follow him -- by Jules Witcover "As in the Gulf of Tonkin resolution of 1964 with a Democratic president, Congress has willingly put aside concern over its own prerogatives on the plea of a Republican president [sic] to trust him. Let's hope it's more warranted than the last time." Regime needs to be changed here -- by Ron Vara (letter to editor) "I find it both repugnant and reprehensible that the warmongers in the Bush administration would put Americans in harm's way for their own political gain. The entire Iraqi imminent danger scenario is a hoax perpetrated on the American public to detract from the disastrous state of our country at election time. A regime change is definitely needed -- in the United States." [Exactly!!] In the name of war, reports on Cold War testing show dangers of government secrecy (Herald Tribune) "As the United States prepares for war, ostensibly to topple an Iraqi regime for harboring biological and chemical weapons, declassified information has revealed that Americans were exposed four decades ago to similar poisons." Come clean (Orlando Sentinel) "Americans deserve a full and immediate accounting of weapons tests. Talk about bad timing -- and bad judgment. Amid U.S. warnings to the world about Iraq's biological and chemical weapons, the Pentagon released details this week on 27 biological- and chemical-weapons tests it conducted decades ago on American soil, including in Florida near Yeehaw Junction." Panel Advocates Blame White House The Bush mis-ministration has quietly sidetracked a bipartisan effort to create an independent commission to examine the Sept. 11 attacks, the commission's advocates charged Friday. House Minority Whip Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., blamed the White House for killing the deal. After an agreement was reached, "almost immediately the invisible hand came down," Pelosi said. House GOP Stops 9/11 Probe Plan Proponents of Proposal Point to White House Opposition -- A tentative congressional deal to create an independent commission to investigate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks fell apart hours after the White House and House Republican leaders objected to the plan, sources said last night. Sept. 11 Commission Falls Apart An agreement announced by leading lawmakers to form an independent commission to investigate the Sept. 11 attacks fell apart late Thursday after the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said more details needed to be worked out. The latest 9/11 dodge (Palm Beach Post) "Like a corporate executive accused of fraud, former FBI Director Louis Freeh went before Congress Wednesday and made the not-my-fault defense." Is Bush a Liar -- or is memory serving him badly? -- by Ekstra Bladget "Most people will easily remember where they were and what they were doing at September 11th last year. Not President [sic] Bush. At two Town Hall Meetings he was asked about his day, and both times he ended up telling untrue stories about how he learned of the WTC-attacks." Last Respects for a Litany of Firefighters Legions of white-gloved firefighters, a solemn brotherhood from across the nation and around the world, gathered under weeping gray skies in New York City yesterday for an outpouring of remembrance and farewell for 356 comrades killed in the World Trade Center attack and in other recent tragedies. New York Honors Fallen Firefighters Thousands of firefighters from around the world packed Madison Square Garden and the surrounding streets Saturday for a solemn memorial ceremony to honor 356 city firefighters killed in the line of duty -- 343 of them at the World Trade Center. Bank sues over Enron losses (UK) Abbey National bank, which lost more than £50 million by investing in US energy giant Enron, is suing a host of investment banks. It claims they must have known Enron's finances were fatally flawed when the deal was made. Racicot’s Deregulation, Enron and Chickenhawks -- by Pat Dawson "As this column continues to point out, the utility deregulation bill passed in haste by the 1997 Montana Legislature will continue to wreak economic havoc on this state... All of this carnage could have been stopped by one person: Marc Racicot." Torricelli's Decision Shifts Race Toward Democrats In the two weeks since Senator Robert G. Torricelli abruptly ended his bid for re-election, the race for his seat has been transformed into a contest that is less predictable, less expensive and more likely to focus on issues favorable to Democrats, officials with both parties say. Harris campaigns -- for book [Mega barf alert!] Republican [Coupmeister] Katherine Harris interrupted her campaign for the U.S. House District 13 seat this week to hawk her new book about the disputed 2000 presidential s-election [coup d'etat] on the national TV talk show circuit. Florida Might Edit Death Penalty Law Opponents say the new measure will effectively lower the minimum age at which killers can be put to death to 16 from 17. 28 at Florida A-Plant Exposed to Radiation Federal officials are investigating how 28 nuclear power plant workers were exposed to radiation during a maintenance operation. Master chefs feed GM foods rebellion Elite three-star chefs have launched a crusade for a Europe-wide ban on genetically modified crops and livestock. They fear that lax controls could threaten cherished ingredients for their famous dishes and lead to an equivalent of 'mad cow disease'. U.S. Has a Plan to Occupy Iraq, Officials Report The White House is developing a detailed plan, modeled on the postwar occupation of Japan, to install an American-led military government in Iraq if the United States topples Saddam Hussein, senior mis-ministration officials said today. The plan also calls for war-crime trials of Iraqi leaders and a transition to an elected civilian government that could take months or years. [A (legal) regime change is desperately needed in the United States. The nutcases running the U.S. government should be impeached, but they are not elected officials, so the point is moot.] U.S.-led coalition hits radar site at Iraqi airport U.S.-led coalition aircraft patrolling the southern no-fly zone in Iraq struck a radar installation at the airport in Basra on Thursday, according to Iraqi and Pentagon officials. Congressman Pete Stark's Statement -- Opposing H.J. Res. 114, Authorization for Military Force Against Iraq October 9, 2002 "...The bottom line is I don’t trust this President [sic] and his advisors." Graham rips colleagues over Iraq He lashes out after senators reject bid to broaden resolution -- Florida's Sen. Bob Graham Wednesday told his colleagues that ''blood is going to be on your hands'' if action is not taken to foil terrorist attacks in America should the United States invade Iraq. Congress Must Resist the Rush to War -- by Robert C. Byrd "A sudden appetite for war with Iraq seems to have consumed the Bush administration and Congress. The debate that began in the Senate last week is centered not on the fundamental and monumental questions of whether and why the United States should go to war with Iraq, but rather on the mechanics of how best to wordsmith the president[sic]'s use-of-force resolution in order to give him virtually unchecked authority to commit the nation's military to an unprovoked attack on a sovereign nation." Senate Roll Call The 77-23 roll call by which the Senate voted Friday to authorize pResident Bush to use military force, if necessary, to disarm Iraq. Senate, in 77-23 Vote, Passes Iraq Resolution The Senate voted overwhelmingly early this morning to authorize pResident Bush to use force against Iraq, joining with the House in giving him a broad mandate to act against Saddam Hussein. Congress authorizes use of force Byrd fights to the end, but Senate backs Bush by big margin -- The Senate joined the House on Friday morning in voting solidly to give pResident Bush the authority to use force against Iraq, approving a resolution endorsed by the pResident and leaders of both parties. Roll Call Vote in House on Iraq Resolution The 296-133 roll call Thursday by which the House voted for a resolution to authorize pResident Bush to use military force in Iraq. Voting yes were 81 Democrats and 215 Republicans. Voting no were 126 Democrats, six Republicans and one independent. (Including, Democrats: Harman, Y; Waxman, Y; Meehan, Y; Markey, Y. Republicans: Hostettler, N; Leach, N; Morella, N; Houghton, N; Duncan, N; Paul, N.) House Resolution Authorizes Use of Force Against Iraq The House voted 297 to 132 this afternoon to give pResident Bush authority to use military force against Iraq. The resolution gives Bush the authority to use military force as he determines is appropriate to "defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq" and to "enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions against Iraq." House OKs use of force against Iraq Most Democrats oppose; Daschle throws support to Bush -- House lawmakers voted solidly Thursday to grant pResidential authority to use force against Iraq, approving a resolution endorsed by pResident Bush and House leaders from both parties. The Senate was prepared to act in chorus, rejecting by a 75-25 vote a bid by opponents to slow down a final vote. Oil, war and the future of Iraq -- by Michael Moran "Oil: the ultimate conspiracy theory. Forget 'wag the dog' electoral explanations for George W. Bush’s determination to go to war in Iraq; put aside the idea that he is 'avenging his father’s honor,' or the alleged al-Qaida bigwigs in Baghdad, or even the need to divert public attention away from Osama bin Laden’s next move. Nothing animates Bush’s critics more effectively than the suggestion that our Texas oilman president and his ex-Halliburton CEO sidekick are plotting to turn Iraq into America’s strategic petroleum reserve." Revolving-Door Monsters -- by Nicholas D. Kristof "President [sic] Bush and Vice President [sic] Cheney portray Saddam Hussein as so menacing and terrifying that one might think they've lain awake at night for years worrying about him. But when Mr. Cheney was running Halliburton, the oil services firm, it sold more equipment to Iraq than any other company did." Congress Wraps in Flag, Turns Back on Country -- by Sheryl McCarthy " 'This is the eve of an election, and the president [sic] is wrapping this issue up in the flag,' [Congressman Charles] Rangel said. 'To be honest, even the Democrats are saying where are the Democrats?'... The collective lack of courage about a gratuitous and potentially disastrous war is mind-boggling." Focus on War Talk Hampers Democrats The prospect of war with Iraq is dealing Democratic candidates a triple blow. It's pushing their best issues, such as health care and the economy, into the background, while also damaging two crucial campaign operations -- fundraising and voter turnout -- among key liberal constituencies disillusioned over the party's failure to challenge pResident Bush more forcefully on his bellicose posture toward Baghdad. Press should crash war party -- by C.B. Hanif, Palm Beach Post Ombudsman " 'He continues to make fascinating comments that reveal who he really is,' but aside from The Post's reporters and a couple of others, 'the capital press corps (in Tallahassee) has become so lazy that they don't even go after this stuff anymore.' That was state Sen. Ron Klein, D-Delray Beach, commenting to the paper's editorial board this week about Gov. Bush's 'devious' gaffe." [lp@pbpost.com] The Ombudsman: Readers complain Bee Iraq coverage is inadequate (Sacramento Bee) With the current debate over a war with Iraq heating up in Congress, and around the world, several requests were for more information on the details and background of everything about that divisive and hotly debated issue. [ombud@sacbee.com] War protesters hole up inside Sen. Clinton's New York office Five demonstrators staged a peaceful protest for nine hours Thursday inside the midtown Manhattan office of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, demanding she vote against authorizing a U.S. strike against Iraq. Thousands march against war (WA) Candlelight vigil, procession again fill Seattle streets Thousands of anti-war demonstrators took to the streets of Seattle last night -- the second time in less than a week -- pounding the pavement in the hope that options for a peaceful resolution in Iraq aren't drowned out by the rising drumbeat for war. Activists crash MTV's TRL -- Eight NYU students crashed the stage of Total Request Live yesterday, disrupting the show with an anti-war demonstration and angering Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst. The students, clad in white T-shirts with the words "No war on Iraq" stenciled in green and orange spraypaint, hit the stage two separate times, interrupting the broadcast. House Panel Seeks Release of Presidential Papers A House committee voted without dissent today to overturn pResident Bush's executive order that delayed release of President Ronald Reagan's papers and allowed relatives of future presidents to keep papers secret. Who makes the vote-counting machines? The largest vote-counting company in the USA was given its grubstake in 1984 when the multi-millionaire Ahmanson family injected enough cash to get ahold of a 68 percent ownership. This wealthy family has been instrumental in making the Republican Party take a hard right turn — pouring money into conservative Christian candidates and right-wing agendas. No Bush vs. Gore II (Palm Beach Post) "In Florida, Republicans wanted to stop counting votes. In New Jersey, they tried to prevent them from being cast... Although Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in another case, 'The Supreme Court of the United States does not sit to announce 'unique' decisions,' the court did just that in Bush vs. Gore. The majority, including Justice Scalia, said the ruling was for George W. Bush only." FBI Misused Secret Wiretaps, According to Memo The FBI illegally videotaped suspects, improperly recorded telephone calls and intercepted e-mails without court permission in more than a dozen secret terrorism and intelligence investigations, according to an internal memorandum obtained by a member of Congress. Democrats Host Forum to Spark Debate on Economy As part of an effort to focus voter attention on the lackluster U.S. economy ahead of the November elections, congressional Democrats on Friday are hosting a economic forum they hope will put the spotlight on pResident Bush's policies. Labor leaders say port intervention will hurt GOP Labor leaders say the fallout from pResident Bush's move to end a 10-day shutdown of West Coast ports will hurt Republicans in next month's congressional elections. They're using it to rally their members to turn out Nov. 5 and vote Democratic. States Slash Medicaid Funds As the economy creates more poor, the health care plan they need is cut. Oklahoma will mail letters soon to nearly 79,000 poor residents -- some families that recently left welfare, others people who are disabled or old -- telling them that, as of March, they no longer will be eligible for Medicaid. HHS Won't Support Pregnancy Bill The Bush mis-ministration says it no longer supports legislation adding pregnant women to a government health care program. It's no longer needed, administration officials say, because they've accomplished the same thing by providing health coverage directly to the fetus. Moles at Work -- by Paul Krugman "Now we know why it [Harken Energy] recovered. It wasn't just the mysterious invitation to drill for oil off Bahrain. Harken also pulled a trick that would be emulated on a larger scale by Enron: In effect it borrowed money to pay its bills, while using loopholes in accounting rules to conceal the resulting debt." Aerial Photo Plan Poses $4 Million Ethics Question (CT) Behind-the-scenes efforts by Republican John H. Sununu of New Hampshire are raising questions about a proposal by GOP Gov. John G. Rowland's mis-ministration to create a computerized system of "digitized" aerial photographs of the state. For two years, Rowland's budget office never wanted to spend about $2 million to complete work on an existing DEP aerial photo contract with a Wisconsin firm - and now, in Bush/Rowland-Enron-created state budget crisis, it wants to spend even more. Vieques Activists Outraged Over Pentagon Revelation About Chemical Weapons Tests on Island in 1960s Revelations that U.S. Marines were subjected to a simulated chemical weapons attack on Vieques Island stirred anger among anti-Navy activists on Thursday. Harvard Was Unlikely Savior Of Bush Energy Firm Harken University's Endowment Arm Injected Cash Into Off-Balance-Sheet Deals to Save Harken -- When the small company that helped make George W. Bush a multimillionaire verged on bankruptcy in 1990, newly unearthed documents show an unlikely financial archangel came to the rescue: Harvard University. Bush Oil Firm Did Enron-Style Deal - Report pResident Bush's former oil firm formed a partnership with Harvard University that concealed the company's financial woes and may have misled investors, a student and alumni group said in a report on Wednesday. The partnership between Harken Energy Corp. and Harvard, created with Bush's approval, bore strong resemblance to the partnerships that helped disguise Enron's problems, the report's authors said. Harvard role in Harken called deeper -- Group says partnership kept Bush firm afloat Harvard University's financial relationship with pResident Bush's former oil company was deeper than previously understood, with the university's management fund creating a separate ''off the books'' partnership with Harken Energy Corp. that helped keep afloat the financially troubled company, according to a report to be released today. Enron-linked politician accused of lying on oath Thomas White, Secretary of the Army and former vice-chairman of Enron Energy Services, has been accused of lying under oath to the Senate to cover up corporate sleaze allegations, the BBC reported. FEC Drops Case on GOP-Business Link The FEC decided against penalties in a case prompted by a Democratic Party complaint against a business group alliance called The Coalition, its members, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and 37 candidate committees, among others. Top Democrats Demand SEC's Pitt Resign Congress' two top Democrats on Wednesday wrote to pResident Bush seeking the resignation of Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Harvey Pitt, and questioning his handling of the creation of a national board to police corporate accounting. SEC Pittfall (Orlando Sentinel) "Our position: SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt still doesn't have what it takes to run the agency. Even after almost a year of scandals on Wall Street, Harvey Pitt still doesn't get it." Poll: U.S. Consumer Confidence Sinks to Lowest Level Since January 1996 Consumer confidence in the U.S. economy plunged last week to its lowest level since January 1996, according to an ABC News/Money Magazine poll released Wednesday. The consumer comfort index fell five points to -20 in the week ended Oct. 6, ABC News reported on its Web site. The drop was one of the biggest declines since the survey began 16 years ago, ABC News said. U.S. stocks dive to fresh multi-year lows The stocks indexes hit fresh multi-year lows on Wednesday, slammed by a gaggle of Wall Street analyst downgrades and ongoing worries about profit growth ahead of the official start of the third-quarter reporting season. Tokyo stocks dive in morning, U.S. dollar lower against yen After hitting 19-year lows Wednesday, Tokyo shares went into a free-fall Thursday morning, giving up more than 3 percent following losses on Wall Street overnight. Australian stocks fall, banks in global downdraft Australian stocks fell 0.7 percent by midday on Thursday, near an all-time low, as gains for Telstra, Qantas Airways and Rio Tinto failed to offset the sliding bank sector. Papers Prepare Scribes For Biochemical War As the United States prepares to invade Iraq, military correspondents are bracing for biological and chemical threats far beyond what they've endured in other war zones, with many training to protect themselves from biochemical weapons on the battlefield. At the same time, many remain frustrated at the continuing lack of cooperation with the Pentagon and fear it will severely restrict their access to information -- and troops -- when the fighting begins. Wall Street Journal Gets Ready for War, Cedes Battle Lines After George Bush’s Oct. 7 speech in Cincinnati, where he evoked the Cuban missile crisis and laid out his case for waging war on Iraq, newspaper editors were wondering how soon they would need to tell their reporters to unpack their flak jackets and grab a satellite phone. Sen. Byrd Plans Iraq Vote Delay A jealous guardian of congressional powers, Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia is making sure the Senate takes time to debate war with Iraq and creation of a Homeland Security Department. Statement of Senator Jim Jeffords, Senate Resolution Authorizing the Use of Force Against Iraq "We owe it to the American people not to rush into a war, but to work with the institutions that we fought so hard to develop for just this eventuality... I cannot support a resolution that puts this nation on a path to war without first exhausting diplomatic efforts. Now is the time to put the international system to work for us, and consider unilateral military action only as a last resort." Many former warriors in Congress line up as doves Some lawmakers pressing for war with Iraq never saw combat themselves. Some urging caution have fought. In a nation that does not require military service, one distinguishing factor in the war debate is who wore a uniform and who did not. McDermott accuses Bush of plotting to be emperor U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott broadened his attack on George W. Bush's war plans yesterday, saying the pResident is threatening military action in Iraq as part of a plot to crown himself emperor of America. C.I.A. Warns That a U.S. Attack May Ignite Terror The Bush mis-ministration pushed Congress today for a broad vote to authorize the president to use force against Iraq. But a new element was injected into the debate by a C.I.A. assessment that Saddam Hussein, while now stopping short of an attack, could become "much less constrained" if faced with an American-led force. *[Duh! The quintessential "Hello, McFly?" moment...]* Why is no one talking about casualties? -- by Arianna Huffington "Sitting on a desk somewhere in the Pentagon is a computer printout listing projected American casualties for a range of Iraq invasion scenarios. Unfortunately, these vital figures are the only numbers that haven't been part of the war debate." US plan for Iraq inspections: invasion under another guise -- by Bill Vann "George W. Bush and his junior partner, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, have repeatedly insisted that their aim is to 'disarm' the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq... The reality is that Washington is straining every muscle to block two United Nations inspection agencies from returning to Iraq, while proposing a new Security Council resolution that is aimed at scuttling the entire process." Cooked War -- by blah3.com (requires Flash) Protesters rage against Iraq war (TN) Several hundred people of different voices and different faiths gathered this morning to protest pResident Bush’s call for war against Iraq. In a rally that began about 10:15 a.m., their message was clear: No war. Texas Hold 'Em With A Stacked Deck -- by Harley Sorensen "These days, with the government lying to us routinely, it's wise to look for the hidden agenda. Last Friday, at the Pentagon press briefing, we were told that our forces in Afghanistan had located and destroyed a buried cache of bombs, the largest such find since that war began. One of the Pentagon reporters had the good sense to ask whether the munitions were aerial bombs. Yes, he was told, they were. But, oops, the people we're fighting in Afghanistan don't have combat aircraft." Bend Over -- Your New Federal ID Has Arrived Right now the U.S. House of Representatives is debating in committee what could be the single most federal power expanding bill in American history -- HR 4633, the "Driver's License Modernization Act of 2002." Computer Chips in Driver's Licenses and ID Cards? This Bill requires that "a State shall embed a computer chip in each new or renewed driver's license or identification card issued by the State." FDA tries to remove genetic label before it sticks In an unusual move, the federal government has warned the state of Oregon that it could be interfering with national food producers if voters pass a ballot measure requiring all genetically modified foods sold in the state to be labeled. [Gee, what happened to the "states' rights" mantra of the hypocritical GOP?!?] The Controversial Smallpox Vaccine: Eighteen Points You Should Consider -- by Meryl Nass, MD "...what does a perpetrator do when the nation is immunized against anthrax or smallpox? He simply picks another agent, like tularemia, plague, ebola, or an encephalitis virus. We have no vaccines for these agents. Mass vaccination simply guarantees that the agent for which you were vaccinated will not be used, and something else will be selected." Doctors Urge Caution on Smallpox Vaccinations Leading medical groups are urging caution in the use of smallpox vaccine, particularly if no cases of the disease occur. Their concerns stem from the risks of the vaccine, which is significantly more likely than any other vaccine to cause serious side effects. White House Takes Unprecedented Action in Dockworkers Lockout (AFL-CIO) "The Bush administration has sided with the employer since early in the bargaining process—undermining the incentive for the employer to negotiate. Labor Solicitor Eugene Scalia acknowledged this is the first time a president [sic] has taken such action while workers were not on strike but actually blocked by their employer from doing their jobs. The board is the first at all in nearly 24 years. Scalia previously represented the employer group as a private-sector lawyer. (Eugene Scalia's financial disclosure report [.pdf] PMA reference on last page...)" White House Joins Fight Against Electric Cars The Bush mis-ministration went to court today to support the automobile industry's effort to eliminate requirements in California that auto manufacturers sell electric cars. pResident Bush's chief of staff, Andrew H. Card Jr., was the chief lobbyist for General Motors, one of the plaintiffs in the case. [Bush needs to keep rewarding one of his principle paymasters, the oil industry.] Bush Wages Quieter War to Invade Our National Parks -- by Jackson Thoreau "While Bush publicly pushes to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and invade Iraq, he is waging a quieter campaign to invade popular national parks, including Arizona’s Grand Canyon and Texas’ Big Bend National Park, with increased oil and mining exploration." The Ironic Implication of the New Jersey Imbroglio -- by Ted Rall "In the course of the tortured drama of the New Jersey Senate race, the U.S. Supreme Court has inadvertently confirmed that Al Gore won the presidency in 2000." Teamsters Endorse Democrat McBride for Florida Governor The Teamsters on Wednesday endorsed Democrat Bill McBride for Florida governor, bypassing GOP incumbent Jeb Bush despite efforts by his brother, pResident Bush, to court the national union. Regime Change in the US -- Proposal from a Concerned Citizen "A regime change is indeed necessary, but not in Iraq. The primary regime which needs to be changed, is the one found in Washington DC. The greatest tyrant and true threat to world peace who needs to be ousted, is George W. Bush... America is clearly a nation which aspires to global domination, through the use of the most expensive and high tech military the world has ever known." White House 'exaggerating Iraqi threat' Bush's televised address attacked by US intelligence --pResident Bush's case against Saddam Hussein, outlined in a televised address to the nation on Monday night, relied on a slanted and sometimes entirely false reading of the available US intelligence, government officials and analysts claimed yesterday. Officials in the CIA, FBI and energy department are being put under intense pressure to produce reports which back the mis-ministration's line, the Guardian has learned. October 10, 2002 America's great misleader Bush's arguments strain the limits of plausibility to justify war on Iraq, and this, says Simon Tisdall, means regime change is imperative - in Washington "In his speech in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr Bush employed what might in British parlance be termed the kitchen sink approach. In other words, he threw just about everything he had at the target, including domestic appliances." Is the President [sic] Nuts? Diagnosing Dubya -- by Carol Wolman, M.D. "Many people, inside and especially outside this country, believe that the American president is nuts, and is taking the world on a suicidal path. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I feel it's my duty to share my understanding of his psychopathology. He's a complicated man, under tremendous pressure from both his family/junta, and from the world at large. So the following is offered with humility and questioning, in the form of a differential diagnosis..." Roast the chicken hawks -- by John Sugg "As you read this, Congress is being bullied into granting aspirant world emperor George Bush a blank check to go to war with Iraq and against any other "threat." For senators and representatives, the club cynically wielded by the White House is the dilemma of either handing Bush what amounts to dictatorial power or being subject to charges of lack of patriotism." George Bush's Nuclear Lie Last night, while addressing the nation, Bush forgot the truth about his nuclear lies, which undermines any truth in his speech. -- by Frederick Sweet "Before we can believe his other arguments, on chemical and biological weapons, on Saddam Hussein's intentions, our president [sic] must first come clean. He must set the record straight that he has 'misrepresented' the truth about Iraq's nuclear potential." Few minds change in Mountain State pResident Bush’s speech to the nation on Monday night didn’t appear to change the minds of West Virginia’s congressional delegation about the need for a military invasion of Iraq. "There was a lot of new rhetoric, but no new evidence," said Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., who has criticized Bush for rushing to invade Iraq. Dissent over going to war grows among U.S. government officials While pResident Bush marshals congressional and international support for invading Iraq, a growing number of military officers, intelligence professionals and diplomats in his own government privately have deep misgivings about the mis-ministration's double-time march toward war. Byrd threatens to delay vote on Iraq Lawmakers resumed their debate Tuesday on authorizing pResident Bush to use military force against Iraq, but a leading critic said he would use parliamentary tactics to delay a final vote, even as supporters of the resolution compared Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to Adolf Hitler. [Any student of history can draw far more comparisons between George W. Bush and Adolph Hitler.] Iraq Has a Lot of Nerve! ( Part I ) -- by Tom Flocco "Will Congress Permit Bush 43 to Place Soldiers in Harm’s Way, With Questionable Protective Equipment, Against Same Chemical Weapons that Bush 41 Officials Allowed to be Shipped Illegally to Iraq?" War Call Meets Sound of Silence -- by Dennis Duggan "The anti-war anvil that glowed a bright red during the Vietnam War is cold to the touch now. But there are signs it's heating up - an anti-war rally in Central Park Sunday and a new poll that shows voters are more concerned with the faltering economy than Saddam Hussein." U.S. Presses for Total Exemption From War Crimes Court A top State Department envoy left for Europe today to try to persuade several governments to ignore a recent European Union compromise on the international criminal court that would exempt only some Americans from prosecution. U.S. Conducted Open-Air Biological, Chemical Weapons Tests, Records Show The United States held open-air biological and chemical weapons tests in at least four states - Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland and Florida - during the 1960s in an effort to develop defenses against such weapons, according to Pentagon documents. U.S. Troops Were Subjected to a Wider Toxic Testing Acknowledging a much wider testing of toxic weapons on its forces, the Defense Department says it used chemical warfare and live biological agents during cold-war-era military exercises on American soil, as well as in Canada and Britain, according to previously secret documents cleared for release to Congress on Wednesday. Citing 9/11, Appeals Court Upholds Secret Hearings The federal appeals court in Philadelphia ruled yesterday that the Bush mis-ministration had acted lawfully in holding hundreds of deportation hearings in secret based on its assertion that those detained might have links to terrorism. Bush Threatens Veto of Defense Bill Bush Wants Disabled Military Pension Benefits Eliminated pResident Bush has threatened to veto the $355 billion defense authorization bill for the new fiscal year if House and Senate conferees do not eliminate new pension benefits for disabled military retirees. Veterans group is backing Wellstone Conferring a blessing that may offset charges that he is soft on national defense, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ national political action committee on Monday endorsed U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone for re-election. Ore. Considers Universal Health Plan Every man, woman and child in Oregon would receive full medical insurance — no co-payments, no deductibles — under a measure on the Nov. 5 ballot that would create the first universal health care plan in the nation. Climate Change Induced Disasters Could Cost $150B Over Next Decade Climate change is causing natural disasters that the financial services industry must address, a group of the world's biggest banks, insurers and re-insurers warned Monday. [Looks like they are trolling for more corporate welfare rather than clamoring for the Bush mis-ministration to stop destroying the environment.] The dark secret kept hidden for 50 years: how a global media empire was built on a lie The virtuous image of the Bertelsmann media empire has been destroyed by a devastating historical study into the company's Nazi links that exposes its post-war success as built on a lie. NCC Board Repudiates Falwell's "60 Minutes" Comments on Islam Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican Leaders Call Bush to Condemn Falwell's Remarks -- The Executive Board of the (U.S.) National Council of Churches this afternoon (Oct. 7) voted unanimously to "condemn and repudiate" the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s statements yesterday on CBS-TV’s "60 Minutes" about Islam and the Prophet Muhammed, Islam’s founder, saying Falwell’s statements endangered the lives of Christians around the world. [another Nazi with a media empire: Jerry Falwell.] Armey Seeks Provision in Bill To Punish Hometown Paper Furious at how the Dallas Morning News covered his son's failed congressional bid this year, House Majority Leader Richard K. Armey (R-Tex.) is trying to insert language in a military spending bill that would force the newspaper's parent company to sell off one of its Dallas media properties. Lawyer: Close Court for Noelle Bush An attorney for Gov. Jeb Bush's daughter asked a judge Tuesday to close her drug court proceedings, arguing that she has a right to privacy while under that court's supervision. Blair to order invasion force this month · Threat of war · Tanks will form the core of British contingent -- Tony Blair is expected to order defence chiefs by the end of the month to prepare a significant British force for an attack on Iraq, Whitehall sources said yesterday. They said that to be "legitimate" such an attack would not necessarily have to be supported by a UN mandate. Britain's contribution to an American-led invasion of Iraq would be substantial and include heavy armour. Support for Iraq action at new low of 32% (UK) Support for military action against Iraq among British voters has fallen to 32%, the lowest level recorded during the five weeks that the Guardian/ICM weekly tracker survey has been running. Kill first, ask questions later The black holes in Bush's logic might suck us all in, writes Robert Manne. "At the centre of the doctrine, a huge conceptual hole appears. Does the US, as the world hegemon, alone possess the sovereign right to act unilaterally against a supposed threat to its security by prosecuting a preventive war, or does an identical right exist for other states?" Oil has always been top of Bush's foreign-policy agenda The White House decided that diplomacy was not an option in the Middle East, writes Ritt Goldstein. "As the United States prepares for war with Iraq, a report commissioned early in George Bush's presidency [sic] has surfaced, showing that the US knew it was running out of oil and foreshadowing the possible need for military intervention to secure supplies. The report forecasts an end to cheap and plentiful fuel, with the energy industry facing 'the beginning of capacity limitations'." The Anti-W-ar Movement's Response to George W. Bush's Televised Speech: Thousands Will March Against War With Iraq on October 26 in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Cities Around the World Hundreds of protesters gather shortly before Bush speech Hundreds of protesters marched Monday night toward a former railroad terminal where pResident Bush planned to speak on Iraq. Many carried signs with slogans such as, "War is a failure of government." Some chanted "If we attack Iraq, we create more enemies." Thousands in U.S. Rally for Peace (CA) Thousands of anti-war protesters took to the streets throughout the state Sunday, beating drums, hoisting signs and proclaiming their opposition to a potential war with Iraq. Protesters jammed Union Square in San Francisco and a lively demonstration also took place at the Federal Building in west Los Angeles. Thousands at Central Park Rally Oppose an Iraq War Several thousand people filled the park's East Meadow yesterday afternoon, taking in the sun that bathed the slight slope facing a stage where speaker after speaker — from activist actors to relatives of people killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to high school students — strode to the microphone. Protesters Overflow NYC’s Central Park Sunday in New York City, 15,000 determined demonstrators said no to war with Iraq. More than the feel of a Vietnam anti-war protest, the history of that movement was present in Central Park. A Report from the Scene Central Park Peace Rally: Sunday, October 6 -- by David Cogswell Thousands walk for peace Mile-long procession to Westlake Center protests Iraq policy (WA) A crowd estimated by march organizers at 6,000 to 8,000 people registered their dissent yesterday, rallying and marching in a nearly mile-long procession from Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill to Westlake Center as part of a nationwide anti-war protest. Protesters arrested at congressman's office (Troy, NY) Seven anti-war protesters were arrested Monday after they refused to leave a district office of U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty, officials said. Peace activists have been stepping up anti-war activities as Congress prepares to vote on resolutions authorizing force against Iraq. Some administration officials expressing misgivings on Iraq While pResident Bush marshals congressional and international support for invading Iraq, a growing number of military officers, intelligence professionals and diplomats in his own government privately have deep misgivings about the administration's double-time march toward war. A few Democrats standing tall (San Francisco Chronicle) "For the last month, Democrats have been mostly missing in action, allowing the president to shape the terms of debate on Iraq... It is heartening to see that a disproportionate number of the elected officials who have resisted a 'rush to judgment' represent California and the Bay Area." Democratic Senators Vow to Override Veto of Bill Strengthening Veterans Benefits A Senate Democratic leader dared pResident Bush on Monday to veto a bill that would allow disabled veterans to collect their full military pensions. "We'll override the veto," said Assistant Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on the Senate floor. "Let everyone here in the Senate decide who they want to support: the president [sic]'s people or the veterans of their states." High Court Declines to Intervene in Election Dispute The Supreme Court refused Monday to be drawn into an election fight that resurrected memories of the court's contentious intervention [the coup d'etat] in the presidential s-election two years ago. Democrats may now go ahead with plans to replace Sen. Robert Torricelli with former Sen. Frank Lautenberg on the Nov. 5 ballot in their effort to retain their one-seat hold on the Senate. Report Blasts Enron Errors All Watchdogs Failed Investors, Probe Finds -- Federal regulators and Wall Street watchdogs were entangled in a web of "systemic and catastrophic failure" in the Enron collapse, a failure that meant "investors were left defenseless," maintains a scathing Senate committee staff report that will be released today. Stick to the A-list choice to oversee accountants (Palm Beach Post) "Accountants, who didn't want anyone looking over their shoulders, are trying to block John Biggs from running the oversight board they don't want. They have been lobbying Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Harvey Pitt, who all but gave the jobs to Mr. Biggs." Two Fights Could Produce a Big Winner -- by Dana Milbank "...but in a broader sense, Bush is demanding -- and the House has approved -- powers to rearrange the federal bureaucracy in ways not seen since Congress passed the Pendleton Act in 1883." Ex-FBI Director to Face Grilling on Hill Former FBI director Louis J. Freeh comes before Congress in what could be a contentious and wrenching appraisal of his record on counterterrorism, widely viewed as one of the triumphs of his tenure when he departed in June, 2001. As the clues the FBI missed have become widely known, Freeh's tenure is now being reassessed in light of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Pediatricians Urge Smallpox Limits The American Academy of Pediatrics says the nation's smallpox plan should involve limited vaccinations if a case occurs, not universal inoculations before there's even an attack. Potential side effects are too severe, and available vaccines have not been tested on children, who may be at higher risk for bad reactions, the academy said in a policy statement released Monday. Canada’s elite clamours for huge increase in military spending Canada’s Liberal government is under intense pressure from big business and the political establishment to dramatically increase military spending. Global crash fears as German bank sinks Stockbrokers around the world are braced for a potentially calamitous week as alarm mounts over a looming, Thirties-style global financial crisis. A leaked email about the credit-worthiness of Commerzbank, Germany's third largest bank, yesterday increased fears of the international stock market malaise exploding into a fully-fledged banking crisis. Japan's Nikkei Has Biggest Slide in 3 Months (Bloomberg) -- Japanese stocks fell, with the Nikkei 225 Stock Average having its biggest drop in more than three months. CEOs Say They're Concerned U.S. Recovery Is Stalling (Bloomberg) -- America's top corporate executives, cloistered at a West Virginia resort, said they're concerned the U.S. economy's recovery has stalled and investors may have to wait more than a year for stronger growth. Public Says Bush Needs to Pay Heed to Weak Economy A majority of Americans say that the nation's economy is in its worst shape in nearly a decade and that pResident Bush and Congressional leaders are spending too much time talking about Iraq while neglecting problems at home, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. *[Yikes! I hope Bush doesn't ponder more terrorism to get the public's mind off of the economy. Hopefully, Karl "PowerPoint" Rove will not* see this poll!] Democrats Sharpen Attack on Bush Economic Policy A Democratic cartoon depicting pResident Bush pushing wheelchair-bound seniors down a sliding stock market chart to highlight the risks of individual Social Security investment accounts has Republicans fuming. [Insert "Awe, too bad, corporate weasels! The truth hurts, doesn't it?" comments here.] Click here or on cartoon below for animated ad (Requires Flash). Time for some political courage -- by Bob Ray Sanders "Thank God for Al Gore. Finally, someone in America has the guts, and the heart, to stand up and articulate what many people are thinking but what most so-called leaders are afraid to say." Make jobs, not war! -- by Yusuf Agha "At the precise moment President [sic] Bush was admonishing the United Nations on Iraq, another of the nation's icons was unveiling plans to disrupt the lives of thousands of Americans... With massive layoffs, business foreclosures, exhausted unemployment benefits, a diminishing job market, shrinking 401(k) plans, non-existent health care benefits and increasing fuel costs - there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel for today's unemployed in America." Kucinich Heads Anti-War Coalition in Congress "Let's stop wasting American lives," reads an old anti-war flier kept as a memento in the office of Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio. Thirty years after handing out copies of this leaflet during his first run for Congress as a young foe of the Vietnam War, Kucinich is rallying opposition to a possible U.S. attack on Iraq. American Academy Inducts Fellows; Kennedy Uses Ceremony to Call Bush Doctrine 'imperialism' Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was among more than 100 politicians, scientists, authors and academics inducted into The American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also used the opportunity to criticize pResident Bush's plans for military action against Iraq, calling the administration's doctrine of preventive war "21st century American imperialism." Rallies change Italy on Iraq? -- by Eric J. Lyman "More than 1.5 million Italians took to the streets of dozens of cities Saturday afternoon and evening to protest possible U.S. military action against Iraq -- a surprise show of discord that could be fervent enough for the Italian government to re-think its support of Washington." New York to California -- Tens of thousands in US rally against war on Iraq On the eve of pResident Bush’s televised address to the nation urging support for a war of aggression against Iraq, tens of thousands turned out at demonstrations from New York to California to oppose US military action. War With Iraq: Americans In No Hurry Americans generally support military action against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, and while most think war is inevitable, there is no rush to begin it. The public overwhelmingly wants to get the United Nations' weapons inspectors back into Iraq and allied support before taking any military action. Chickenhawks -- Armey shouldn't criticize (West Virginia Gazette) "Bush’s chickenhawks shouldn’t question the patriotism of men and women who experienced war first-hand, and now want to make sure the United States sends more young men and women into harm’s way only as a last resort." [a must read]** Seeking Terrorist Plots, F.B.I. Is Tracking Hundreds of Muslims The Federal Bureau of Investigation is trying to make an open book of the lives of hundreds of mostly young, mostly Muslim men in the United States in the belief that Al Qaeda-trained terrorists remain in this country, awaiting instructions to attack. Senior law enforcement officials say the surveillance campaign is being carried out by every major F.B.I. office in the country and involves 24-hour monitoring of the suspects' telephone calls, e-mail messages and Internet use, as well as scrutiny of their credit-card charges, their travel and their visits to neighborhood gathering places, including mosques. [Insert Roger Waters' Waiting for the Worms quote here.] Riddle in Seattle: Is Man Held by U.S. a Terrorist or Just a Hustler? While conceding that James Ujaama has become a follower of a militant brand of Islam, his family and friends say the activities that the government views as criminal have an innocent explanation. Some prominent blacks in Seattle support Mr. Ujaama, saying he appears to be the victim of the persecution that black leaders endured in the past. Fed court wades into NJ dispute Attorneys for GOP Senate candidate Doug Forrester are to go to federal court Monday to argue that the Voting Rights Act was violated when Democrats were allowed to switch nominees for a U.S. Senate seat after a deadline specified in state law had passed. [ROFL!! Republicans complaining about "voting rights," after Coup 2K!! "Hello, Pot? This is Kettle. You're Blaaaccckkk."] Crucial Issues Wait in Wings for the Justices The Supreme Court has already accepted 45 cases for decision — and is likely to produce important decisions on criminal law, immigration, federalism, copyright law, hate speech and health care, among other topics. Kill the Energy Bill (The New York Times) "Both [House and Senate versions of a multibillion-dollar energy bill] are also suspect on environmental grounds... the bill points in exactly the wrong direction, enriching industries that already have plenty of investment capital while doing relatively little to encourage newer technologies that could lead the way to a less oil-dependent energy future." Bush and business: Fast success, brushes with mystery It was 1991, dad was in the White House, and Jeb Bush was hopscotching through Nigeria in a corporate jet, on his way to meet government officials he hoped would buy $74 million worth of water pumps from his South Florida business partner. 'Kill all the niggers you can,' said the cop. So they made him mayor Ex-policeman on trial for complicity in murder during American race riots -- Charlie Robertson's arrest in May 2001 came just before primary elections that would almost certainly have led to a third term in office. [Maybe he can get a job with AshKKKroft.] Bush: 'Devious Plans' To Counter Class Size Amendment Bush told a delegation of lawmakers he has "devious plans" to circumvent a state amendment to cap class sizes if voters approve the initiative in November. Bush, in a meeting with five Panhandle lawmakers, said he would try to kill the amendment outright along with other costly initiatives that might strain the budget. He didn't know a reporter from Gannett Regional Newspapers of Florida was in the room recording the meeting. Hear the audio clip (requires RealPlayer) Bush would seek to kill class-size amendment Governor cites his own 'devious plans' to squash unfunded proposal if it passes and he is re-elected. Gov. Jeb Bush and other Republican leaders, fearful that Florida voters one month from now will pass a constitutional amendment to limit class size, are struggling for a counter offensive. For Bush, the plan is to kill the amendment outright, along with other budget-unfriendly initiatives. "I have a couple of devious plans if this thing passes," the governor told Panhandle lawmakers at a meeting in his office earlier this week. Bush discusses his intent to kill the ballot initiative if it passes (mp3 format -- 182 K) Court Mulls Taking N.J. Senate Case The Supreme Court is considering whether to intervene in a fight over New Jersey's Senate race, a case with similarities to the 2000 presidential s-election dispute. ["Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -- George Santayana] Report from the Boston front! -- by Robyn Su Miller reports "from the First Amendment Zone" on the October 4 anti-Bush protest: "We had some amount of hundreds present---I estimate six hundred at least." Groups Protest Iraq War Plans Chanting "no more war," an estimated 5,000 people rallied in the city's downtown Saturday against possible U.S. military attacks on Iraq, one of a number of such protests planned across the nation this weekend. In Texas, the chant by hundreds who flocked to the state capitol was "No more blood for oil." In Manchester, N.H., about 50 demonstrators protested outside as pResident Bush stumped for Senate candidate John Sununu. An Open Letter to the Members of Congress (The Nation) "Members of Congress! ...Show respect for your constituents--they require your honest judgment, not capitulation to the executive. Say no to empire. Affirm the Republic. Preserve the peace. Vote against war in Iraq." Senate Debate Heated On Iraq Military Action Democrats Urge Delay Until Security Council Vote -- On Friday, Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.), Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) led the opening day opposition to the White House-backed resolution. US asks Turkey permission to use air bases The United States has formally asked permission from Turkey to deploy more warplanes and use its air bases for a possible military operation against Iraq, a television station reported yesterday. According to private NTV television, the United States asked Turkey permission to deploy more warplanes in southern Incirlik air base, which has hosted some 100 US and British warplanes since the Gulf War. U.S. Bolstering Forces in Gulf Pentagon Says It Is Not Preparing a Surprise Attack on Iraq -- The Pentagon is taking steps to prepare for a rapid massing of U.S. forces around Iraq in the weeks ahead, bolstering stocks of military equipment and ammunition in the Persian Gulf, expanding command facilities and readying Navy aircraft carriers in U.S. ports to steam to the region. U.S. To Begin War Games Near Iraq The U-S is already holding war games in one country bordering Iraq, and will soon begin more in another. On Sunday, a three-week exercise called "Early Victor '02" starts in Jordan. It will involve more than 1,400 American troops plus 300 to 400 Jordanian soldiers. U.S. forces get OK to use CIA methods American commandos hunting Taliban and al Qaeda guerrillas in Afghanistan have gained permission to employ new clandestine tactics that typically are confined to the CIA in the shadows of war. Mis-ministration and military sources said that in recent weeks the covert warriors received authority from commanders in the United States to conduct "source operations," a special-operations term for a number of classified war tactics. Iraq War May Be Unavoidable if Inspections Fail, Bush Says Declaring Iraq's weapons program a "grave and growing" threat to the United States, pResident Bush said on Saturday war might be unavoidable if Baghdad refuses to disarm. Congress Seeks F.B.I. Data on Informer; F.B.I. Resists The Federal Bureau of Investigation had a confidential informer who rented rooms in California to two of the Sept. 11 hijackers, but the bureau is resisting a request from the Congressional committee investigating the attacks to interview the informer and his F.B.I. handler, government officials said. Who Mailed The Anthrax? -- by Pete Velis "One effect of the anthrax mailing was that we went on a complete wartime footing with an incredible host of domestic security/control initiatives cemented into place, including new Justice Dept. wartime powers." Bush Fourth Reich Considering Vaccinating Entire Country Against Smallpox The Bush mis-ministration is considering a daunting decision to vaccinate the entire country against smallpox before an attack occurs, a choice that would strain local health resources and could kill or sicken thousands from the side effects. It's an abrupt policy switch from earlier this year, when federal advisers were recommending that only select hospital workers get the smallpox vaccine, maybe 20,000 people total. Smallpox Vaccine Backed for Public It was the first time federal officials have said that the public should have access to the vaccine, which carries significant risk of serious side effects. The vaccine can also cause many non-life-threatening complications such as blindness. Thirty to 50 million Americans might be disqualified from getting the vaccine because their immune systems have been weakened by cancer, AIDS or other diseases, or because they have two common skin conditions, eczema and atopic dermatitis, which increase the risk of complications. Democrats Focusing on Coming 401(k) Jolt Democrats are attempting to use the imminent mailing of millions of dismal investment statements to return voters' attention to the struggling economy before next month's midterm elections. In the coming weeks, investors will receive statements for the quarter, ended Monday, in which the S&P 500-stock index and the Dow Jones industrial average dropped 18 percent, the worst in 15 years. West Coast Port Shutdown Continues A weeklong shutdown of the West Coast's major ports has left stacks of market-bound farm produce to rot on the docks and in the holds of ships that can't reach shore. Each day it continues, the shutdown is costing the U.S. economy an estimated $2 billion, and for many farmers, it comes at the worst possible time - the peak of the fall harvest. Leftist 'Lula' poised take Brazil election Leftist candidate Luiz Inacio da Silva, known by his fellow Brazilians simply as Lula, appears poised to win the presidency on his fourth try as up to 115 million people in Latin America's largest country go to the polls Sunday. Lula's election could also have an impact on U.S.-Brazil relations. He has criticized a proposed hemisphere-wide free trade zone, backed by pResident Bush. [Uh-Oh. Next, the Idiot Usurper will have Ari try to link Lula to Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.] Boxer Calls For Probe of Mine Permit Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) yesterday called for an investigation of possible conflicts of interest in a recent Interior Department decision that removes a major hurdle to development of a large open-pit gold mine in a rocky section of the Southern California desert. White racist hunted after sniper attacks Police across three US states were searching yesterday for a 33-year-old whitesupremacist from North Carolina who they believe may be linked to the shocking series of random killings that have terrorised the Washington area over the past few days. Met launches new 'sus' patrols (UK) Britain's biggest police force is to launch controversial new 'stop-and-search' patrols in the new year, despite concerns from many black leaders that they will lead to increased persecution of ethnic minorities. DeKalb voters file suit to throw out results of McKinney-Majette primary Five DeKalb County voters today filed a federal lawsuit seeking to throw out the results in the Aug. 20 Democratic primary that handed Denise Majette a victory over incumbent Cynthia McKinney in the 4th Congressional District. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, says "malicious crossover" voting by Republicans in the primary violated the Voting Rights Act. New Poll Finds Lautenberg with New Jersey Lead A Democratic poll released on Friday showed new Senate candidate Frank Lautenberg, whose placement on the New Jersey ballot has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, with an 11-point lead over his Republican opponent. [Well, the Less-Than-Supreme Court has not spoken yet.] N.J.'s Lautenberg is eager to run again Frank Lautenberg did not need a guide when he visited the U.S. Senate on Thursday afternoon. The man picked by New Jersey Democratic leaders to replace Sen. Robert Torricelli on the Nov. 5 ballot served 18 years in the upper house of Congress. Clinton Has the Vision Bush Lacks (Mirror.co.uk) "What a performance. What a politician. What a superstar. Bill Clinton played the parts of elder statesman, philosopher and world leader at Labour's conference and played them to perfection... In place of the gung-ho 'Let's go get 'em' rhetoric of George Bush, Mr Clinton spoke with insight and common sense while still recognising the menace of Saddam." [a must read] Bush veto on Middle East talks Humiliating rebuff for Blair initiative -- Tony Blair's drive for Middle East peace talks has suffered an embarrassing setback at the hands of pResident Bush, only days after the prime minister flagged up his plan at the Labour party conference in Blackpool. The Guardian has learnt that Mr Bush has blocked the initiative and has made it clear to Mr Blair that he does not want such talks to be held in the near future. No nation can stand alone, Graham warns (Canada) On the same day that the U.S. warned it could attack Iraq even without United Nations backing, Foreign Minister Bill Graham warned that unilateralism will never win against terrorists whose existence is "an affront to the very principles of international law." Address by Senator Robert C. Byrd: Rush to War Ignores U.S. Constitution -- October 3, 2002 "Before risking the lives of American troops, all members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans alike -- must overcome the siren song of political polls and focus strictly on the merits, not the politics, of this most serious issue." U.S. troops ill-prepared for Baghdad street fighting U.S. troops who may be ordered to capture Baghdad in the next few months are insufficiently trained for the bloody chaos of city street-fighting, or dealing with nerve gas or germ agents, according to Pentagon sources. General William Kernan, head of the U.S. joint forces command, said yesterday: "Fighting in a city is probably the most complex environment for military operations... Casualties in the average rifle company can run as high as 30%." Veterans Group Calls for Rumsfeld Resignation (Press release) "The American Gulf War Veterans Association (AGWVA) now calls for the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. In response to questioning by Sen. Robert C. Byrd, (D-WV), Rumsfeld denied any knowledge that the United States had shipped biological weapons to Iraq during the 1980’s. Rumsfeld was addressing the Armed Services Committee last week, when he stated that he '…had no knowledge of any such shipments and doubted that they ever occurred.' " U.S. president [sic] is greater threat than Iraq's leader to the world -- by Kurt Berggren "By some accounts we have already killed millions of Iraqis by our 10-plus year brutal economic sanctions and our self-imposed no-fly zone bombing. Yet, we seek more dead Iraqis and destruction of that country. How can that proposed course of action be in harmony with American values? What kind of government could even consider such subhuman conduct, which is illegal and in clear violation of international law?" Bush Should Accept Saddam's Challenge to Duel (Petition) "To: White House, U.S. Congress -- On Oct. 3, Iraqi Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan offered that President [sic] Bush and Vice President [sic] Cheney should each take one weapon and take on both Saddam Hussein and himself in a duel on neutral territory, with Kofi Annan as referee." Rev. Jerry Falwell Calls Islam's Prophet Muhammad 'Terrorist' The Rev. Jerry Falwell says "I think Muhammad was a terrorist" in an interview to be broadcast Sunday on the CBS program "60 Minutes." The conservative Baptist minister tells correspondent Bob Simon he has concluded from reading Muslim and non-Muslim writers that Islam's prophet "was a — a violent man, a man of war." Falwell stood by his opinion in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. 6 indicted in Ore. for al-Qaida links Six U.S. citizens have been indicted in Portland, Ore., for suspected links to the al-Qaida terrorist organization, NBC News has learned. The six are accused of signing up to fight against the United States after the Sept. 11, 2001, hijacked plane attacks, the officials said. [We need an URGENT legal regime change in the United States.] Bush Fundraising Shatters Records pResident Bush is expected to bring his record-shattering fundraising tally above $140 million this weekend in a pair of luncheons for Republican candidates as Bush begins a New England weekend of politics and relaxation. Another Sell-Off Gives Shares a Sixth Week of Losses Stocks fell sharply yesterday, dragging the Dow Jones industrial average to its lowest point in almost five years and pushing the Nasdaq composite index to its lowest point in six years. The sell-off came after a mixed report about the job market and more corporate earnings disappointments. My Economic Plan -- by Paul Krugman "Although other news has been drowned out by the barking of the dogs of war, something ominous is happening on the economic front. It's not dramatic, but month by month the numbers keep coming in worse than expected. Let's put politics completely aside for once, and review where we are and what should be done." Frontline: 'The Man Who Knew' Producer/Director, "Frontline" Friday, Oct. 4, 2002; 11 a.m. ET When the Twin Towers fell on Sept. 11, 2001, among the thousands killed was the one man who may have known more about Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda than any other person in America: John O'Neill. Health Officials Say Smallpox Vaccine Should Be Rolled Out Slowly Just a year ago, the nation only had 15.4 million doses of vaccine in hand, but there now is enough for every American, thanks to fast-track purchasing, studies that found the existing vaccine can be watered down [?!?] and a drug company that discovered 86 million doses in its freezer. [OK, how do you "find" 86 million doses of anything in your freezer?? This purchase and pushing of the deadly smallpox vaccine is transpiring so that Bush can repay of one of his larger group of installers in 2000: the pharmaceutical industry.] In Spain on September 25, actress Jessica Lange weighed in forcefully against the American government and its plans for Iraq. (scroll down) "As far as the political situation in the US is concerned, we are facing a dangerous and extremely unfortunate administration. The way I see it, the presidential election was stolen by George W. Bush and ever since we have all been suffering the consequences." -- Jessica Lange What Spies Beneath (Your PC) -- by Chris Taylor "Chances are you haven't read the Bush Administration's 'National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace.' Since it weighs in at a hefty 65 pages, who can blame you? Still, a surprising amount of the draft report is aimed at home-computer owners... Spyware is any kind of program installed in your computer without your consent to gather information about you or your organization." GOP appeals to U.S. high court to stay ruling for Democrats Republicans appealed to the Supreme Court Thursday in hopes of keeping New Jersey Democrats from substituting another candidate for Sen. Robert Torricelli on the November ballot. [Heads up! Republicans are poised to steal another election!!] G.O.P. Looks to Supreme Court for Delay in Torricelli Ruling Rebuffed in their own state, Republicans from New Jersey looked to the United States Supreme Court today to delay a crucial ruling that Democrats can replace Senator Robert G. Torricelli's name on the Nov. 5 ballot. US role in creation of Iraqi bioweapons becomes issue Iraq's bioweapons program was started with help from Uncle Sam two decades ago, according to government records that are being reexamined in light of the discussion of war against Iraq. U.S., UK Planes Drop Leaflets Warning Iraqis, Bomb Air Defense Operations Center In a direct message to Iraqi troops, allied forces dropped thousands of leaflets over the southern no-fly zone in Iraq warning gunners to stop firing on U.S. and British patrol planes. Iraqi forces responded by firing on aircraft delivering the leaflets. That led allied forces to bomb an air defense operations center, U.S. Central Command officials said. Senators Say CIA Withholding Info The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said Thursday the CIA has not provided information sought by the panel on Iraq, impeding Congress' ability to consider the need for military action. Canada-U.S. gulf widens over Iraq MP's 'bizarre, paranoid, [and oh-so-accurate] anti-American rant' sets off storm in Commons - PM accuses Bush of 'wrapping himself in the flag' to stifle dissent - Liberal MP compares attack to Nazi aggression, Pearl Harbor - Second MP blames Gulf War coalition for destroying 'progressive' Iraq - Foreign minister insists 'we do not have the right to invade' Wag the War Bush hopes talk of Iraq will help the GOP reverse the tides of history. But on the ground, the fight is as much about financial jitters and the country’s changing contours -- by Howard Fineman "The widespread assumption in Washington is that Bush has masterfully cornered the Democrats with 'national security,' pumping the bellows of war in a classic wedge-issue move that is dividing the opposition and changing the central topic of the election from the economy and health care (the Democrats’ strongest suit) to the one that highlights the president[sic]’s popular role as commander in chief." Wisconsin Votes 'No!' to War (Madison Capital Times) "They spoke in different voices and from different perspectives. But the dozens of Wisconsinites who addressed Monday's extraordinary legislative hearing on whether the United States should attack Iraq delivered a single message: The Bush administration's attempt to fake up a case for war has not succeeded in convincing the people of this state that there is a need to go to war." 'Assassination' Is Four-Letter Word -- by Paul Vitello " 'The cost of one bullet, if the Iraqi people take it on themselves, is substantially less than going to war ...' - Ari Fleischer, White House press secretary, asserting Tuesday that the Bush administration would welcome the assassination of Saddam Hussein... This is the language of fanatics. Thugs. Racists. The insane. Yet it is coming from a person who speaks in the voice of what is known around the world, for better or worse, as the voice of America, the president[sic]'s spokesman." Senate to Debate Possible Strike on Iraq The Senate opens debate Thursday on pResident Bush's call for authority to launch a U.S. strike on Iraq, which Congress is expected to grant overwhelmingly despite some Democrats' misgivings that the war powers are too broad and premature. Drudge: REV. Jerry Falwell Calls the Prophet Mohammed 'a terrorist' Many Fundamentalist Evangelicals believe there will be catastrophic events on earth, some occurring already, including the turmoil in the Middle East, culminating in the Battle of Armageddon in which Christ will triumph and begin ruling the earth. At this point, they believe, non-believers will be destroyed, good Christians saved and any remaining Jews converted to Christianity. Says Ed McAteer, a founder of the Moral Majority and known as the godfather of the Christian Right, "I believe that we are seeing prophecy unfold so rapidly and dramatically and wonderfully, and, without exaggeration, [it] makes me breathless." G.I.'s Enter the Colombia Fray to Protect a Vital [LOL! Are you ready?--] Oil Pipeline The 500-mile pipeline, which snakes through eastern Colombia, transporting 100,000 barrels of oil a day for Occidental Petroleum of Los Angeles, is emerging as a new front in the terror war. Potentially one of Colombia's most valuable assets, the pipeline has long been vulnerable to bombings by Colombia's guerrilla groups, which along with the country's paramilitary outfits are included on the Bush mis-ministration's list of terrorist organizations. [Is there ONE action implemented by the Bush terrorist team that does not involve corporate oil addiction as the impetus?] Guantanamo detainees attempt suicide The number of detainees scooped up in the "war on terror" who have tried to commit suicide in their wire-mesh cells is increasing, military officials said Wednesday. But they declined to say at what pace. Markey releases study showing big drop in EPA policing Enforcement of the nation's environmental laws has fallen precipitously under the Bush mis-ministration, US Representative Edward J. Markey, Democrat of Malden, (MA) said yesterday. Town's Lawsuit Seeks To Link Enron, Rowland (CT) The state trash authority's failed contract with Enron Corp. was the result of a secret deal under which Enron got the lucrative contract in exchange for contributions to Gov. John G. Rowland's campaign and the Republican Governors Association, of which Rowland is chairman, a new lawsuit contends. The class-action lawsuit, prepared by the town of Rocky Hill, alleges in unusually provocative language that Rowland and other Republicans benefited politically as a "quid pro quo" for Enron getting the deal. The deal resulted in the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority's loss of $220 million in public funds last year when Enron went bankrupt. Poll Shows Rowland Building On His Lead A Quinnipiac University gubernatorial poll released Wednesday: Democrat Bill Curry trails Republican Gov. John G. Rowland by 22 points. [CT residents? HELLLOOOO!!!!] Jeb Bush Takes Heat From Gay Rights Groups for Offering "juicy Details" in Missing Girl Case Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told a delegation of lawmakers that he had "some juicy details" about the sexual orientation of a missing Miami girl's caretakers... Joshua Fisher, Pamela Graham's attorney, called the governor's comments "outrageous" and "disgusting." Fisher said he is trying to get paperwork, including birth certificates, that will prove the women are sisters, not a couple. Film director Spielberg lines up with Bush war drive At a September 26 press conference in Rome US film director Steven Spielberg, echoed by actor Tom Cruise, spoke out in support of the Bush mis-ministration’s war drive against Iraq. The pair were in Italy to promote the release the following day of the Hollywood blockbuster Minority Report, directed by Spielberg and featuring Cruise. Matching Our Nation's Economic Course to Our Current Realities Remarks at the Brookings Institution -- October 2, 2002, by President Al Gore (transcript) "President [sic] Bush believes that it is urgent that the Congress act on the issue of Saddam Hussein prior to the election on November 5th. I think it's even more urgent that both he and the Congress take action to strengthen our economy prior to the election. Is it really essential that the Congress authorize war prior to the election, but can wait until after the election to deal with the economy?" Gore: Bush Lost on the Economy President Al Gore said Wednesday that George Bush is lost in an economic wilderness, "racing in the wrong direction" while critical domestic issues are drowned out by international affairs in the final weeks of the midterm campaign. Gore: Bush Should Focus on Economy Gore Says U.S. Suffers 'Crisis of Confidence' -- Warning that the economy "is in big trouble," President Al Gore upbraided George W. Bush for ignoring the problem and urged Bush to meet with congressional leaders to begin drafting a new economic plan before the November election. War 'may become unavoidable', says Bush Bolstered by a deal with House leaders authorising him to use force against Baghdad, pResident Bush today said that attacking Iraq "may become unavoidable" if Saddam Hussein failed to disarm. US hardline on Iraq leaves full-scale invasion a 'hair-trigger' away Washington last night revealed its intention to use UN weapons inspections as a possible first step towards a military occupation of Iraq by sending in troops, sealing off "exclusion zones" and creating secure corridors throughout the country. Bush snaps: Iraq edict to UN The Bush mis-ministration has confronted the United Nations with the most important test of its credibility since its inception, rejecting its deal on weapons inspections with Iraq and demanding that it back moves for Saddam Hussein to surrender unconditionally to its demands. US moves to 'thwart' weapons inspectors America is pressing strongly to slow the momentum behind UN weapons inspectors' preparations to re-enter Iraq following the deal that was struck with Iraqi negotiators in Vienna yesterday. Bush, House Leaders Reach Iraq Deal Unswayed by a new U.N. plan for arms inspections, pResident Bush and House leaders agreed Wednesday on a resolution for dealing with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein "diplomatically if we can, militarily if we must." C.I.A. Rejects Call for Iraq Report The Central Intelligence Agency has refused to provide Congress a comprehensive report on its role in a possible American campaign against Iraq, setting off a bitter dispute between the agency and leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Congressional leaders said today. Democrats Defend Visit to Iraq Two Democratic congressmen, brushing off criticisms they were aiding the enemy, said Wednesday their mission to Iraq succeeded in impressing on Iraqis that war was likely if they did not agree to unfettered inspections of weapons stockpiles. Vatican Says Preventive Strike Raises Ethical, Legal Questions; Majority of Italians Oppose War on Iraq The Vatican renewed its opposition to war in Iraq on Wednesday, saying military action would only make matters worse and that a pre-emptive strike raised serious ethical and legal problems. US gets Franco-German snub on Iraq France and Germany are opposed to any UN resolution that makes military action against Iraq "automatic" from the start, French President Jacques Chirac has said. War is hell, revolting, unholy, evil -- by Tom Blackburn "Gutless politicians abolished the draft, and the military leaders, to their surprise, found they get along better without us. So there now exists what the Founding Fathers feared: a standing army that the president can order into action." Ex-Enron CFO Fastow Charged in Fraud The former chief financial officer of Enron Corp. was charged Wednesday with securities, wire and mail fraud, money laundering and conspiring to inflate Enron's profits and enrich himself at the company's expense. Court: Torricelli Can Be Replaced The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Democrats can replace Sen. Robert Torricelli on the November ballot with former Sen. Frank Lautenberg, even though the deadline for making such a change has passed. Republicans vowed to take the case to federal court. Democrats Tell Court There's Still Time to Replace Torricelli With the outcome of a key race for control of the Senate on the line, Democrats told the New Jersey Supreme Court today that there was still time to replace Robert G. Torricelli on the Nov. 5 ballot without conflicting with the intent of a state election law. Republicans, however, argued that the deadline for a switch had passed. [Republicans are poised to steal another election!!] Did D.C. Police Go Too Far? Legal Experts Debate Legality of Mass Arrests -- Legal experts differed yesterday on whether police exceeded their authority by arresting a large group of anti-capitalist protesters for the actions or threats made by a few. What Did Happen to Flight 93? -- by Richard Wallace "...of the four aircraft taken on September 11, the exact fate of Flight 93 after its two-hour journey is proving difficult for US officials to explain. What was the white jet doing there and why won't they admit to its presence? Why did other witnesses see smoke and flames trailing from Flight 93 as it fell from the sky, indicating a possible explosion aboard? Or - and this is proving to be the most uncomfortable question of all - in the moments before the airliner piled into the black, spongey earth at 575mph did an American fighter pilot have to do the unthinkable and shoot down a US civil airliner?" Arctic pollution causing polar bears to change sex Polar bears, Arctic foxes and Inuit peoples are under threat from man-made toxins such as polychlorinated byphenyls (PCBs) that build up in the food chain, new research reveals. Some scientists believe the PCBs are leading to "gender-bender" polar bears in Norway and Greenland, after the discovery of a number of female bears which had both male and female sexual organs. October 3, 2002 Questions in Noelle Bush Drug Case Noelle Bush's drug treatment workers may not be forced to tell police officers about whether she had cocaine in her shoe - but nothing is stopping investigators or anyone else from learning more details in open court. Ari "Goebbels" Fleischer Backs Assasination of World Leader 'One Bullet' Less Costly Than War, Bush Spokesman Says -- The White House press secretary yesterday said the Bush mis-ministration would welcome the assassination of Saddam Hussein by his countrymen, arguing that "one bullet" would be a cost-effective way of removing the threat the Iraqi leader represents. [It is time for a legal regime change within the United States.] White House: Dead Saddam Is Cheaper Commenting on the cost of a war in Iraq, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Tuesday it would be cheaper if Saddam Hussein simply were assassinated. U.N. inspectors reach agreement with Iraq U.N. inspectors reached agreement with Iraq today about a new mission to reassess Saddam Hussein's alleged arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. Iraq said it expected an advance party in Baghdad in two weeks. Deal Complicates U.S. Plans With Iraq's decision yesterday to agree to new weapons inspections, the mis-ministration faces difficult choices and complex diplomacy as it races to complete action on a U.N. resolution and congressional authorization for military action. Rice and Rumsfeld "discover" Al-Qaeda in Baghdad -- by David North "Ten days before the date Hitler had set for the planned invasion of Poland, he told a meeting of military commanders and chiefs of staff that the regime would find a 'propaganda pretext' for war... What brings these words to mind is last week’s announcement by Defense Secretary Donald von Rumsfeld, supporting a claim made by National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, that there existed 'bullet-proof' evidence of close ties between Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda members." Bush Rejects Hill Limits on Resolution Allowing W-ar pResident Bush yesterday rejected congressional efforts to limit his options to confront Iraq, part of what is shaping up as a successful though contentious campaign to win unfettered power from lawmakers to strike Saddam Hussein [and to get that oil to hit 100 dollars a barrel, ASAP]. Democrats are finally opposing Bush’s drive to invade Iraq; why, then, are they also preparing to give Bush authority to invade Iraq? -- by Regis T. Sabol "While Senate and House Democrats may attempt to attach some parameters to Bush’s war lust, the resolution will, in the end, become another 'Gulf of Tonkin' resolution, giving Bush all the power he needs." Bush Administration raises stakes for critics of government policy (YellowTimes.org) "By arresting over 30 percent of protesters on Friday, along with scaring others by having the military film and gather intelligence on citizens merely exercising their Constitutional rights to free speech and assembly, the Bush Administration is increasing the risks for any citizen who disagrees with government policy." The Top 10 Reasons for Invading Iraq (humor -- by four veterans at Intervention Magazine.) Terror Detainee Held Without Bail A federal magistrate Tuesday ordered an American Muslim held without bail on charges of trying to establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon, saying it was the only way to ensure his appearance at trial. U.S. Magistrate John Weinberg noted James Ujaama's previous work as a community activist in Seattle. "He was a fine citizen over those years,'' the magistrate said, "but people change." [?!?] Military activates NORTHCOM Anti-terrorist command center to open today at Peterson Air Force Base -- The command's area of responsibility will include all approaches to the United States and North America, extending 500 miles out from the coastlines. Longshore Union Walks Out of Mediation Talks Efforts to start federal mediation for a U.S. port dispute that has stranded mountains of cargo on West Coast docks collapsed Tuesday after the longshoremen's union stormed out of talks, accusing port employers of bringing "gun-toting thugs" to the meeting. A federal mediator later rebuked the port employers for bringing armed security guards to the talks, calling it inappropriate and a breach of bargaining protocol. Empty store shelves, quiet factories could be result of lengthy West Coast port shutdown pResident Bush urged West Coast longshoremen Tuesday to "get back to work," saying the labor dispute that has shut down ports from San Diego to Seattle threatens the nation's economy. [Helloooo!!! Anyone home? Can someone please define the term "LOCKOUT" to the Idiot Usurper?!?] White House intervention possible in port dispute -- pResident worried shutdown could hurt economy [Gag me with a chainsaw!! This "economic worry" from a man (and I use that term loosely) whose mere utterances provoke a mega-Dow-meltdown on a daily basis!] pResident Bush is concerned that a prolonged shutdown of West Coast ports would harm the nation's beleaguered economy and may step in to prevent it, a White House spokesman warned Monday. [(((Shudder)))] Dealing With W -- by Paul Krugman "Of course, the worst thing of all would be if our leadership decides that economics is not its thing, if it simply tries to distract the public from rising unemployment and plunging stocks by going off and invading someone. But we don't have to worry about that, do we?" Firms list donations unreported by Bush Gov. Jeb Bush and the Republican Party have not reported as much as $221,000 in donated corporate airplane flights it provided his campaign, despite a state law requiring that such gifts be listed. [Oh, that's OK. It's Republican law-breaking. No worries, Senator Torricelli.] Bush says he wasn't tipped off at debate Democrats have been buzzing since Friday's gubernatorial debate about a response from Republican Gov. Jeb Bush that seemed to suggest he knew in advance what videotaped questions were going to be asked by Florida voters. US refuses visa to Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami Internationally acclaimed Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami was recently denied a visa to enter the United States, having applied in response to an invitation from officials at the New York Film Festival to attend this year’s event (September 27-October 13). After an appearance at the festival screening of his new film Ten, he was scheduled to lecture at Harvard and Ohio State universities. *** CLG News Archives**



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