It's just a joke

You would think that after the November election where the republicans got their racist bigoted asses handed to them on a platter that they would starting thinking about not offending people with their racist bullshit. Apparently not. To celebrate the birth of Jesus the RNC Chairman candidate, Chip Saltsman, created a CD full of wonderful songs with titles such as:

Barack the Magic Negro
Star Spanglish Banner
Ebony and Ivory

This is satire? Just a lighthearted joke? Sorry fucktwads, you don't get it. You are racist scum.

The Entrenchment of Ignorance

It seems Bush is bound and determined to make his disastrous policies last far beyond his time in office. He is entrenching many of his ignorant political appointees into permanent positions within the government. You can read about it in this story from the Washing ton Post. This is scary enough but it is most scary when done with positions that require a high level of education like working for scientific agencies. Like this wholly unqualified person:

In one recent example, Todd Harding -- a 30-year-old political appointee at the Energy Department -- applied for and won a post this month at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. There, he told colleagues in a Nov. 12 e-mail, he will work on "space-based science using satellites for geostationary and meteorological data." Harding earned a bachelor's degree in government from Kentucky's Centre College, where he also chaired the Kentucky Federation of College Republicans.

Really? Someone who's resume amounts to chairing a group of college republicans is qualified to work at NOAA? Give me a break, George!

The list goes on and on . .

*sigh*

Representative Carlson says we Democrtats are to blame

At least it seems that way from his statements today in the Bismarck Tribune.

N.D. GOP names leaders

Nov 13, 2008 - 06:45:42 CST
By BRIAN DUGGAN
Bismarck Tribune
Republican House and Senate members tapped their legislative leaders for the 2009 session Wednesday night, which was marked by a changing of the guard in the House leadership while the Senate's stayed the same.

Fargo Rep. Al Carlson is now the House majority leader after earning the unanimous support from his fellow House Republicans at their caucus meeting at the Doublewood Inn.

"The people have elected us as Republicans to be the responsible majority," said Carlson, a House member since 1993 who served as chairman of the government operations appropriations standing committee. "They put us back in a year when the Democrats took this country and tore it upside down."

Just what does he mean by that? does Al really think Democrats have ripped apart America? At a time when we need more than ever to work together, his divisive and outlandish comments are not welcome.

Joe got it right

by Bruce Plante at Tulsa World

At least Joe got one vote right. Don't get me wrong. I'm delighted as all heck that Obama won in a landslide victory. But I can't help but feel trepidation about some of the not so good votes that happened yesterday.

Ted the convicted felon was elected in Alaska.
Michelle Bachmann the neo-McCarthyist was elected in Minnesota.
Norm Coleman may eek out a win in Minnesota.
Proposition 8 looks like it will pass in California.
Antigay measures have passed in Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida.

We may have elected our first non-white president but that does not mean racism and bigotry in America is dead. Far from it. There's plenty of work left to do.

Take a day or two off but then think about how we can help Obama really change this country.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

A message for Prop 8 supporters

Please listen to Roy on the subject.

vOte

A Republican Stands up for What is Right

Republican Mayor of San Deigo, Jerry Sanders, gives an emotional press conference to explain why he is supporting same sex marriage in his city.

McCain wouldn't do this. Palin certainly wouldn't do this. Obama and Biden didn't do this. They balked. Hillary Clinton didn't do this either. A white male republican from San Diego had the courage.

Separate Church and State - Vote no on Prop 8

Californians, you need to get out and vote. There has been a lot of discussion about Proposition 8 that would take away rights from thousands of Californians. You better believe this is exactly the kind of church/state issue that many of us worry about. THis kind of discrimination does not belong in any state constitution.

This is one of the better ads I've seen against Prop 8.

A Hockey Mom with a darn good voice

It's worth it to listen to the end . . .

Don't Vote!

McCain-Palin? Bipartisan?

I don't think so! They don't even want to talk to anyone who is a democrat.

McCain-Palin Campaign Snubs Penn State President

"He's a big Democrat. Why would he want to meet Palin?" campaign aide Russell Bermel allegedly asked a school employee who was hoping to make arrangements for president Graham B. Spanier to meet Palin, according to Spanier's office.

"I welcome eminent visitors to our campus everyday, including lots of Republicans, but [the McCain-Palin campaign] didn't want me to greet her or even attend the event," said Spanier.

Well, it seems they don't want any young people attending their rallies either. Even if you do vote for McCain.

Obama's Long List of Antisemetic Friends

October Surprise

Surprise! Obama has climbed higher in the polls and is sweeping more states than anyone ever imagined.

Please don't take these encouraging polls as a reason to let your guard down. You still need to GO VOTE!!!

Science Café in Fargo - TONIGHT!

The NDSU College of Science and Mathematics announces Science Cafe

A first ever Science Cafe will be held on Thursday, October 30th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Stokers Lounge located in the lower level of the Hotel Donaldson, downtown Fargo.
Dr. Benton Duncan, Professor of Mathematics, will host the discussion, entitled "North Dakotans Matter More than Californians: Your Power and the Electoral College."

Abstract:
Is it fair that California has 55 electoral votes and North Dakota has 3.
We will examine a mathematical measure of voting power which suggests that it isn't fair--to Californians.
We will also discuss the practical aspects of this measure of voting power.

The Science Cafe is sponsored by the College of Science and Mathematics and the Hotel Donaldson, and attendees must be 21 or older.

Oil companies DESPERATELY need more tax breaks

You HAVE to vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin. The oil companies are in desperate need of tax breaks. With this kind of financial crisis, they won't be able to lower your price of gas. Help bail them out, now! Vote McCain!

EXXON MOBILE makes LARGEST PROFIT in US HISTORY! $14.83 Billion.

Hey! You!

Watch this:

John the Comedian - on the Bridge to the 13th Century

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

This is good!

Redistribution of Wealth

There's been a lot of right wingers attacking Obama's comments about redistributing wealth in this country. They are pulling the wool over your eyes. Wealth IS being redistributed now - from the working families of middle America to the rich and super rich. Not only is the tax burden unduly favorable to the super rich but the growing disparity in fair taxation can be correlated with the growing debt.

Let's get this straight. Middle class Americans pay a higher percent of their income in taxes than the rich and super rich.

Wealth from the Middle Class is unfairly being redistributed to the rich.

Even Warren Buffet complained about the tax disparity when he announced that he pays only 17.7% tax on his $46M income while his receptionist pays about 30% tax on their income.

Yes, we need redistribution of this unfair tax system. Obama is 100% right to rebalance the tax burden to lift the middle class up from this oppressive taxation.

His plan will let those who make their money keep more of their money.

Religion is Dangerous

Regardless of whether it is Islam, Christianity, Judaism, or flying spaghetti monsterism, extremism in faith is dangerous.

Dems going to far

This is just going to far. And this time it's a democrat. Hanging a Palin dummy by a noose crossed the line. No political figure should be hanging from a noose. That is not what we are about. This is simply disgusting and does no one any good. It only fuels hatred and divisiveness. Halloween or not, this does not belong in a civilized society.

Real American Wasilla Values

You gotta love the Daily Show!

Let's compare

I found this posted on a blog today . . .

"Let me see if I have this straight....

If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're 'exotic, different.' Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American story.

If your name is Barack, you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim. Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

Graduate from Harvard Law School and you are unstable. Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.

If you spend 3 years as a community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience. If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian. If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, left your wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society. If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.

If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America. If you're husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now. "

Liberals hate REAL AMERICANS

At a McCain rally last Saturday, North Caroline Republican Representative Robin Hayes told the crowd "Liberals hate real Americans that work and accomplish and achieve and believe in God." He has flatly denied saying that. His campaign has denied he said it. But here the audio recording of him saying it!

You have to ask yourself, who are the haters?



If you are in North Carolina's 8th district, please go support Democratic challenger Larry Kissell and get Hayes OUT OF OFFICE>

If you vote, you are a lying cheater

Unbelievable the ignorance of the McCaniacs. Listen to the guy about 3 minutes in saying the folks who are voting are 'cheating'! Yes, dammit. How dare you cast a ballot and . . steal our election from McCain.

ACORN fraud? You decide.

Here's another piece of the story.

Racist Repuglican of the day

Hat tip to Progressive Alaska for this. Racism is alive and well in Ohio. No wonder this election is still so close. I had forgotten it's a white xtian nation, not the United States of America.

Fan the flames and you get a fire

More lunatic racist bigots flocking to see McShame and Failin.

Liberals also stretch the truth

I hate to see this. A Halloween display depicts Senator McCain in KKK robes chasing after Obama. Sorry, turnabout is not fair play. Although I have seen lots of racist garbage coming from people attending McCain/Palin rallies, there is no evidence McCain is now, or ever has been, a member of the KKK. I don't believe McCain is racist. I think this display is as equally inappropriate as the Obama/Noose poster.

Court of law rules that it is impossible to contact God

According to this article from Nebraska, the Douglas County District Court in Omaha, Nebraska has said that you can't sue God. The reason? It is impossible to contact God to serve him a summons. The plaintiff makes the case that God is omnipresent so of course he was served. But the judge disagrees. I disagree too.

Prevaricating Mendacious Truthstretcher

Well, Yes. Sarah Palin is a much better liar than even John McCain. Not only is she a liar, she's such a skilled bald faced liar she will lie about what is plainly in black and white and expect you to believe her.

John McShame, you're a damn liar

Show us one video or audio recording of someone at an Obama rally yelling for your death. Show us one piece of evidence that someone at an Obama rally called you a terrorist? You really do live in a fantasy world.

Repuglican Bigot of the Day

Looks like this will turn out to be a regular feature of my blog. Sad.

Obama edges ahead in NORTH DAKOTA

Graphics from The Forum

In a new poll commissioned by the Fargo Forum, Obama is leading McCain by 2 points. (MOE ±4) This puts them in a statistical dead heat today. Quite a change from the last polling done in North Dakota a few weeks ago which had McCain leading by 10-13 points. Even though the Obama staffers left North Dakota a couple weeks ago, the momentum of the grass roots organizations here in the state have carried it forward. Good job everyone! This is good news.

What is even more interesting, if you look at some of the breakdowns of support by party affiliation it is striking. More strong republicans are supporting Obama than week or independent republicans. And all republicans have a significant fraction supporting Obama. He gets an edge, too, with the independents but there are still a lot of undecided going into the election. Overall it looks like the Obama sweep of the country may just include North Dakota. For more graphics from The Forum, click here (PDF).

War against Halloween has begun

Well, it has started already. I usually don't see these letters showing up in the local paper until about October 20 or so. I guess the fundie nutjobs are worried they will be overshadowed by talk of a huge Obama victory that they will fly under the radar. Yes, the war on Halloween has begun.

From the Fargo Forum, Oct 12, 2008:

Jessica Fercho, Fargo, Letter: Halloween’s roots deep in pagan rituals

Published Monday, October 13, 2008

Witches, ghosts, pumpkins and bonfires. Halloween is just around the corner, but where did this holiday actually come from? Halloween is also called All Hallows’ Eve or the Eve of All Saints’ Day, which is supposed to be a Christian name.
However, Halloween dates back to a time before Christianity, to a Celtic celebration called Samhain, meaning “summer’s end.” This celebration was the beginning of the new Celtic year. They had bonfires that were supposed to frighten away evil spirits.

During this festival, it was believed that the human and supernatural worlds parted and spirits roamed the Earth. Families would put out food and drinks because they thought their dead would return to them that night and cause them misfortune if there was nothing put out for them.

However, in Ecclesiastes 9:5, the Bible states that “the dead are conscious of nothing at all.” Bobbing for apples is a practice of divination that originated from the Celtic celebration.

In 1 Samuel 15:25, the Bible talks about the “sin of divination.” Although most people see Halloween as a Christian holiday, its origin is from pagan religions. So, before your children go out trick-or-treating from house to house, remember that they are re-enacting the ancient rituals of Samhain, a pagan festival.

I guess it won't be long before the letters against those pagan decorated evergreen trees start to show up. Oh, wait. I guess it is ok to celebrate saturnalia since it's much closer to Jesus' birthday than the Celtic new year. Of course it was the early Christian church that set the celebration of Christmas to coincide with the pagan winter solstice to woo new believers. Anyway, remember, Halloween is bad and only invites the devil into your heart.

Sunday Palin Accomplishments

Today Sarah Palin had a good day. She managed to whip up the frenzy of a crowd of bigots in Ohio. She was clearly successful as she was greeted with shouts of "Obama loves terrorists" and "Killer" referring to Obama. Good job, Sarah. I'm sure some of your gun-toting devotees will soon set their sights on the first black president of the United States. You should be proud of yourself. And on the Lord's day, too. You get extra points for working on the day of rest. Onward Christian Soldiers, I say.

Racist Repuglican tries to hide after being caught

From CBS News' Scott Conroy comes more affirmation of the deep-seated racism that is rampant in the frothing hateful crowds at the McShame/Failin rallies. A man at the Palin rally in Philadelphia yesterday was grinning and waving a monkey doll with an Obama sticker attached to its head. Once he realized he was being watched on camera he tore the sticker off, tried to hide behind a sign and pretended to be a nice guy by giving the monkey doll to a kid next to him. No wonder Palin was booed at the Flyers hockey game.


Watch CBS Videos Online

Update: The monkey's name is "Little Hussain" according to this racist bigot who was caught on video in line before the rally.

Even Obama has to admit the Surge is Working

See for yourself!


Obama's surge of ground troops across the country are having an amazing affect. Remember a month ago when we were worried about Michigan being a battleground state? Well, today the projections are looking better and better. The race is even getting closer in, of all places, West Virginia! Imagine! Red states are turning to purple American states all over the place. Read more at fivethirtyeight.com and MyDD. Could it be true? The latest poll has Obama up by 8 points there - a 16 point swing from the last poll (McCain +8). We haven't had a poll here in ND for close to a month. I wonder if the same surge is being felt here.

McCain to take on Obama on the Ayers association in the next debate

I'm listening live to McCain at a town hall rally in Waukesha, WI. Someone just begged him to go on the attack against Obama at next week's debate and to hit him hard about his associations with Bill Ayers and ACORN. McCain said emphatically "I will!" I can't wait to see it on national TV next Wednesday!

Seething with hatred

The geriatric old party is just filled with hate. It oozes from their pores and it blinds them from the real issues that are hurting them and all Americans.

How did I miss this?

Bringing the white hot tapable bitch from Wasilla to clean up gay Washington. Hey, their words, not mine.

My Friends

No Contest. McShame is finished. All he has left is smear and lies and he will use it over the next few weeks. Obama clearly dominated the debate and McShame did not deliver the knockout he needed to remain a viable contender.

McCain Campaign inciting violence against Obama

And they stand there saying nothing.

First, McCain gets the crowd riled up to shout that Obama is a terrorist.



Then, Gov. Palin basically calls Obama a terrorist for serving on a board together with Bill Ayers. This encouraged the audience to call for the death of Obama flat out. People shouting "Kill Him".

Read it for yourself.

You've got to ask yourself, WTF? Has the GOP turned into the KKK? This is a racist lynching if I ever saw one.

So much for straight talk and ethics.

I would think the majority of the American people are tired of the guilt by associate McCarthyistic tactics and will not respond to this garbage. Certainly the polls keep climbing in Obama's favor.

Of course, there are some parts of America where the McShame/Failin racist message resonates. Deep in the heart of Kentucky.

Obama Tax Fact Check

Palin's assertion that Obama voted to raise taxes 94 times was very misleading.

Read more here.

Obama did NOT vote 94 times to increase taxes and NEVER voted to increase taxes for middle class Americans.

Palin's flag is bigger than Biden's

Actually, Palin's pin is the size of Texas!

Just a quick note with some thoughts . .

I think both candidates did exceeding well. Both performed above expectations. Palin certainly showed she had done her homework and could talk on point with no gaffes whatsoever.

I think Biden showed he was eminently more qualified to step into a presidential position if necessary.

I was confused when Palin started talking about taxes when questioned about something completely different early in the debate. It seemed awkward to all of a sudden to start that topic when it wasn't the topic she was supposed to answer but that is the nature of debates - to turn the discussion to things you want to talk about. She did that ok and it wasn't bad.

It was DEFINITELY a much more exciting and lively debate than the first presidential debate.

If one is to follow CNN's Ohio men and women real time response tracking, Biden had an advantage of positives over Palin.

I think the polls will end up being more favorable to Biden.

I think Palin did an admirable job - especially compared to most people's expectations.

I think Palin did not do quite as well as Biden.

I think the VP debate will not really affect the polls or election outcome significantly in any direction because neither candidate screwed up.

And she did say "talibani". I laughed when she said it. I don't think it was a killer to her though.

I think her comments about Biden's dead wife getting her 'rewards in heaven' were not really appropriate. I wonder how that will resonate later.

It was fun and lively. I hope the future presidential debates have as much vigor.

Oh, Sarah looked hot and Biden showed some wrinkles. :)

I like the roundup on Huffington Post.

She has opposed a supreme court decision

I'm sure most of you have already seen Sarah Palin with Katie Couric not being able to recall a supreme court decision that she has opposed. If not, here it is again.



I am actually somewhat surprised at Governor Palin's gaffe here. She spoke at length just last June about the Supreme Court's decision to reduce the Exxon Valdez settlement to Alaska by $2.5 billion. She obviously opposed the court's decision.

Take a look.



It is interesting that Governor Palin is 'against' the oil companies when it means billions of dollars for Alaska. I don't know that this position would sit well with the 'drill, baby, drill' crowd. Regardless, I want to know why she couldn't answer Katie Couric's question with this example since she was obviously very much involved with it just a few months ago.

Hat tip to my new favorite blog, Progressive Alaska.

Obama takes the high road

Here's some constructive criticism to the McCain campaign. See the new ads.


Obama Runs Constructive Criticism Ad Against McCain

Ifwill should not moderate

Can I tell you a secret?

I'm going to vote for Barack Obama this November.

These days I am about as partisan as one can become because I am upset with the direction of this country. But, I will call foul on Democrats when I see it. And I think Gwen Ifill moderating the vice presidential debate tomorrow evening is a mistake. She is obviously solidly in the Obama camp and even if she can maintain a fair and balanced moderator position, it does not look good. I agree with Michelle Malkin that a moderator should be nonpartisan. Gwen is anything but.

I would rather see someone on the right lobbing softballs to Palin than have someone who is obviously left putting into question the credibitily of a fair debate.

The gift that keeps on giving

Watch and weep with tears of laughter.

Straight from the Pit Bull's Lipstick Covered Mouth

Sarah Failin thinks Joe Biden is one experienced guy. (And she has a new face.)

Alaskans fed up with McSame/Failin

It has becoming increasingly clear that the lipstick is beginning to rub off and Alaskans are not liking what they see. It appears much of the executive branch of Alaskan government is now being controlled by the McCain campaign and Ms. Failin is using Rovian tactics of ignoring subpoenas and keeping quiet.

Disney Movie Indeed

This would be pretty funny if it were not so utterly possible.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Those racist repugs

"We don't want (Hispanics) to become the new African-American community," Lima told The Associated Press. "And that's what the Democratic Party is going to do to them, create more programs and give them handouts, food stamps and checks for this and checks for that. We don't want that."

"I'm very much afraid that the Democratic Party is going to do the same thing that they did with the African-American culture and make them all dependent on the government and we don't want that."

This from Didi Lima, Clark County GOP Communications director in McCain's Nevada campaign.

Of course damage control was immediately enacted and she was let go.

Full article from the Las Vegas Sun.

This is the second person in Republican Party to be removed from campaign activities due to racist remarks.

The chairman of the Republican Party in New Mexico's most populous county resigned Thursday, nearly a week after saying "Hispanics consider themselves above blacks" and won't vote for Obama.

Keep on playing the race card and see where it gets you.

More of McSame

Pray for McShame/Failin

McCain's answer to the financial crisis debt?

Turn off the government.

Shut down the entire government, stop paying millions of people's salaries, halt education, immediately stop all federally funded scientific research, shut down the national institutes of health, throw out all those cancer patients undergoing trials at the national cancer institute, close down the postal service, close all the airports, stop our trains, . That is what he called for in the debate last night.

When asked how they would deal with the current economic crisis McInsane suggested a freeze on all government spending expect the military, veterans, and critical entitlement programs like medicaid.

What insanity is that? Does he even realize what kind of harm that would do to our economy? If you think the great depression was bad, this would be ten times worse.

Obama Wins for his Lapel

OK, Tell me. What is wrong with this picture? What's missing?

Let's take a closer look at Senator McSame. Look at his lapel. Something is missing.

Now, let's look at Obama.

Yup! Who's the patriot? McSame must hate this country. He can't even wear his flag pin to such an important event as the presidential debate.

DEM Voter Registration Numbers Soar

Yes, it's true! In key battle ground states especially, democratic registered voters are overtaking republican registered voters by unprecedented numbers. This is good news for an Obama sweep in November.

Make sure YOU are properly registered to vote. You an check on line here:

Who hasn't dreamt of this?

Atheists speak up

According to a recent article from the Courier Journal, Atheists in American are becoming increasingly vocal. It's an interesting read (click the link above). What is more illuminating are all the hate-filled comments from 'religious' folks in the comments.

Don't bother, McCain already won

McCain hasn't even gotten down to Ole Miss yet but he is already declaring he won the debate. Yes, this ad showed up on the Wall Street Journal website today, a day early. Someone grabbed a screenshot of it right away and sent it to the Washington Post.

I guess Obama need not show up now. McSame is the decider and within the span of one hour he has decided to 1) proceed with the debate, and 2) he has won the debate.

Oh, 2008 is such a great year for politics.

Tune in to Obama vs Obama

I wonder who will win?

UPDATE: CNN Breaking news reports that McSame will participate in the debates. Duh!

A heartbeat away?

You decide.


Watch CBS Videos Online

Update: Here's part II of that interview.


Watch CBS Videos Online

It's LARGE all right!

Forbes has been hard at work reporting on the Paulson bailout plan. Here is a very interesting article. One piece of complete idiocy jumps off the page. When questioned about the origin of the $700 billion figure, a Treasury spokesperson said:

"It's not based on any particular data point. We just wanted to choose a really large number."

AAAAAHHHHH! Throw them all out.

Obama - 52, McCain - 43

Obama takes a huge lead in the most recent ABC News/Washington Post poll. This is the first time either candidate has jumped over the 50% mark. Increasing worry about the economy is apparent in this latest poll. It has been said, and it looks like it's true; it is the economy. And America is not stupid.

Free Sarah Palin

Campbell Brown asks for the sexism to end. Let Sarah Palin be free!

“Tonight I call on the McCain campaign to stop treating Sarah Palin like she is a delicate flower that will wilt at any moment,” said Brown. “This woman is from Alaska for crying out loud. She is strong. She is tough. She is confident. And you claim she is ready to be one heart beat away form the presidency. If that is the case, then end this chauvinistic treatment of her now. Allow her to show her stuff. Allow her to face down those pesky reporters… Let her have a real news conference with real questions. By treating Sarah Palin different from the other candidates in this race, you are not showing her the respect she deserves. Free Sarah Palin. Free her from the chauvinistic chain you are binding her with. Sexism in this campaign must come to an end. Sarah Palin has just as much a right to be a real candidate in this race as the men do. So let her act like one.”

When will the repugs stop being racist?

The latest comes from conservative columnist, Cal Thomas. In his recent column, Cal is telling us what McCain needs to do to show he has more substance than Obama in the upcoming debate on Friday. I was struck, however, by the racists comment Cal slipped in there.

"America very much likes the idea of a person of color becoming president if for no other reason than to serve as partial propitiation for our individual and collective sins against blacks. McCain’s job is to project a view that he, too, favors the idea of a black president, just not Obama."

What kind of bullshit is this? Only someone who is racist, and wants everyone else to be scared of a black man, would claim America is only voting for Obama because he is black.

It is also interesting that Cal thinks McCain has to let others know that he would favor a person for office just because he is black too. Yeah, just like McCain is all about women VP's, right? Obviously since Gov. Palin has a womb she's just as good as Hillary. And people only supported Hillary because of America's need for partial propitiation for our individual and collective sins against women.

Let me officially nominate Cal Thomas the fucking racist geriatric white repug of the day.

Have you read the 2008 Republican Platform?

Yes, I'm talking about that platform adopted just a few short weeks ago.

"We do not support government bailouts of private institutions. Government interference in the markets exacerbates problems in the marketplace and causes the free market to take longer to correct itself."

(hat tip to Taegan Goddard's Political Wire)

Priceless, eh? Now Bush and Paulsen want to spend huge buttloads of money to bail out wall street.

Wait, it gets better.

They want Paulsen to have complete authority over the $700,000,000,000.00 and wants to be protected against any legal action in doing so.

Wait, it gets better.

The want to bail out banks that are doing just fine in addition to those that are failing.

And, of course, there's the scare tactics of the Bush Administration: "There's no time to talk about it. We have to pass this now before our 'fundamentaly strong' economy disintegrates."

Rep. DeFazio has a few words to say about all this. I say DEMs, you MUST push back against this fiasco.

Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights is a Farce

And PZ gets it right. These are not human rights at all, they are a set of religious restrictions on humans.

Read more at Pharyngula. I would recommend everyone read the associated links.

Who's the Governor of Alaksa?

If you thought it was Sarah Palin, you are right. It WAS! But not anymore. Apparently the McCain Campaign has stepped into that role. You call the Governor you reach McCain campaign staffers in Virginia. Alaskans are asking themselves, WTF is this?

Read more here . . .

Then make sure you vote for real change.

McSame leading in ND, Obama pulls out

Well, the recent polls in ND are swinging John McSame's way. He is leading now by double digits. Not surprising for a state that voted 63% for Bush in 2004. McSame will not win by anywhere close to that margin, which says a lot for the people of ND. However, it is clear that Obama needs to take his resources out of ND and use them in states that will make sure he wins this election. I understand that.

But, don't get discouraged. There are still 43 days left. As we have seen, a lot can happen in just a few days. What the Obama campaign has inspired in ND will not die. There are thousands of local volunteers out there working hard to get Obama elected and to turn ND blue. Activities are happening and you can link in to like-minded people on Obama's web page for North Dakota.

While Obama focuses on Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and the other battle ground states, we can still work here. The most important thing you can do is talk to your friends and neighbors. Counter the lies and smears from the McSame campaign. Know the truth and talk about it to your fellow North Dakotans. Everyone is talking about politics today on the streets and in the coffee shops. Sway their votes with compelling arguments for the economy, health care, environment and common decency. Obama is now counting on you to bring ND home.

John McSame on Health Care

In John McSame's simplistic view of the world everything would just manage itself.

McSame would like to manage health care like we have done the banking industry. As we have seen, nothing is stronger than a deregulated banking industry, right? We should open up health insurance in the same way. So say's McSame.

I am truly frightened by the prospects of this ignoramus as president.

McSame camp backpeddles

According to the McSame campaign he meant to reject a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero.

But if you read the transcript of the reporter's exchange with McSame it looks like he was woefully confused and his head was clearly in the western hemisphere. He mentioned Mexico, drug cartels and a clear record of meeting with leaders in 'this hemisphere'.

Here is the transcript of the radio interview (emphasis mine):

QUESTION: Senator, finally, let's talk about Spain. If you're elected president, would you be willing to invite President Jose Luiz Rodriguez Zapatero to the White House to meet with you?

MCCAIN: I would be willing meet, uh, with those leaders who our friends [sic] and want to work with us in a cooperative fashion, and by the way, President Calderon of Mexico is fighting a very very tough fight against the drug cartels. I'm glad we are now working in cooperation with the Mexican government on the Merida plan. I intend to move forward with relations, and invite as many of them as I can, those leaders, to the White House.

QUESTION: Would that invitation be extended to the Zapatero government, to the president itself?

MCCAIN: I don't, you know, honestly I have to look at relations and the situations and the priorities, but I can assure you I will establish closer relations with our friends and I will stand up to those who want to do harm to the United States of America.

QUESTION: So you have to wait and see if he's willing to meet with you, or you'll be able to do it in the White House?

MCCAIN: Well again I don't, all I can tell you is that I have a clear record of working with leaders in the hemisphere that are friends with us, and standing up to those who are not, and that's judged on the basis of the importance of our relationship with Latin America, and the entire region.

QUESTION: Okay... what about Europe I'm talking about the President of Spain?

MCCAIN: What about me what? (WTF?)

QUESTION: Okay... are you willing to meet with him if you are elected president?

MCCAIN: I am willing to meet with any leader who is dedicated to the same principles and philosophy that we are for human rights, democracy and freedom, and I will stand up to those that do not.

In the end he's left with repeating his memorized talking point.

Sad, really. I think McSame needs a neurological evaluation.

Up, up and away

And Obama is still climbing in the Gallup daily polls now having a statistically significant lead for the first time since the convention bounce.

Morning Java

Here are a few links to start your day . . .

McCain thinks Spain is in Latin America. (another link) (and another link) Scares the shit out of me that a potential president is so ignorant and would take such an abrupt stand against one of our NATO allies. Particularly since Palin thinks Georgia should be a part of NATO.

CBS/NYT poll puts Obama squarely 5 points ahead of McCain.

More North Dakotans worrying about how to pay their bills.

Farmers are worried about a new law for food labeling.

Is Nuclear Power all it's cracked up to be? I'm all for more nuclear power but we do have to take care of the waste.

Sarah Palin takes softballs from Hannity. Is any fossil fuel green if it produces CO2? She certainly has all the McCain talking points down.

Obama edges out McCain for the Gallup Top Spot

Gallup Daily today shows Obama edging out McCain for the first time since the Republican convention bounce with 47% for Obama and 45% for McCain. Since this is a three day rolling average, the effect of the economic crisis that struck on Monday is presumably just showing up in these numbers. According to Gallup daily in individual days for polling on Monday and Tuesday ratings of the US economy have become worse and Obama has had an advantage among registered voters.

These numbers still are within statistical ranges of each other. That is, the numbers show a tie between the candidates. But I predict that tomorrow will show Obama rising ahead of McCain with a statistical advantage.

Race tightens, Obama up a point

In today's Gallup poll daily tracking, Obama rose another point while McCain stayed McSame. The race is a virtual dead heat. I expect the economic woes of yesterday will lift Obama and drop McSame over the next few days. Watch and see.

Think your vote is safe?

Think again. The republicans will stop at nothing to prevent democrats from going to the polls. They know that is the only way to win an election.

Unfair but “probably” legal, using foreclosure lists provides cheap and effective strategy for McCain campaign

Last week we reported about Republican plans to use home foreclosure lists to block voters from the polls after James Carabelli, chair of the Macomb County Republican Party, told Michigan Messenger that on election day Republican volunteers will “have a list of foreclosed homes and make sure people aren’t voting from those addresses.”

Read more . . .

We know why they've been in power the last eight years. Don't let it happen again.

Clinton and Palin on One Stage Together

SNL got it just right, I think. Hilarious.

McCain's risk of dying in his first term is significant

John McCain is 72 years old. He has had four bouts with melanoma. The last one was taken off in 2002, almost seven years ago. Statistics show that he has a 66% chance of recurrence within 10 years - only three years left based on his last diagnosis.

John McCain has not released his medical records to the public. Doctors are worried. I'm worried.

Listen to what the doctors have to say about it.

Vocabulary Word of the Day

cyn•i•cal |ˈsinikəl|

adjective

1. believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity:

• doubtful as to whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile: Most residents are cynical about whether John McCain will live to complete a first term in office.

• contemptuous; mocking: Rudy Giuliani gave a cynical laugh when talking about Obama's community organizing experience demonstrating what a racist fuck he really is.
  

2. concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them: John McCain demonstrated handily his true cynical nature when he stood by his misleading lying advertisements after being called on them.

I'm John McCain, and I Approve These Lies

Take That Tax and Spend Republicans

Please listen to the whole thing.

Sen. Obama in Dover, NH 9/12/2008.

Help Ike Victims, please

Once again we are facing a devastating storm hitting American soil. Please help if you can.

After you come back from the red cross I'd like you to take a look at the candidate's web pages this morning. I was curious what Obama and McCain were doing for the hurricane victims.

Obama's web site, Saturday, Sep 13, 2008 at 8:00 am:


The first thing one sees is a plea to help those struggling in Ike's path.

Now, how about Sen. McCain?

Hmm. Does the McCain campaign even know there is a major hurricane making landfall right now? Perhaps this is not a hurricane of convenience for them because it is not striking a politically sensitive area? No mention whatsoever of Hurricane Ike only a big fat lying advertisement front and center.

Cheer up Democrats!

All is not lost. The polls are no different than before the conventions. We're tied in a dead heat with promising upswings in the dems favor.

Here's the latest numbers from Gallup on the presidential race. Notice that Obama is beginning to climb after McCain's convention bubble.

McCain trash talks mayoral and governorship experience

From his own lips during the GOP Debate last year:

MCCAIN: I am prepared. I am prepared. I need no on-the-job training.

I wasn't a mayor for a short period of time. I wasn't a governor for a short period of time.

Wow!

Economy? What's that?

I'll let this video speak for itself.

Wazzat Charlie?

Bush doctrine? Bush bad, and American elections and democracy are beautiful. What am I for?

You must be afraid of the big bad wolf

A wolf in sheep's clothing, I think. McCain cannot even come up with new ads to pander his slander.

I Remember

I remember that tragic day seven years ago when America was attacked. I remember the thousands of lives lost and the countless others suffering from the cowardly killing of innocent civilians.

I also remember a president who was not ready to lead. A scared man who thought he would glide through his presidency like he floated through school with a C average. A paralyzed Bush who would rather read The Pet Goat than address the attacks on our nation and our people. So scared he sat there while people were dying trying to decide if he should get up or not. At 9:00 in the morning seven years ago, Al Gore should have been the one to answer that call.

Smack

Tell it, Barack. Smack 'em down. Thank you for telling America that you want to debate the issues, not wallow in the mud.

Miss Piggy

I have to say the mud slinging is getting pretty darn bad. How did politics degenerate to such a low level after the Republican convention? It just doesn't stop sinking into the gutter. The hypocrisy of Senator McCain definitely stinks like a rotten fish.

Take a look at this and ask yourself . .

was McCain FOR sexism before he was against sexism? Or is it not a sexist comment about Hillary (or Palin) at all?



Reporter: I noticed in your speech you avoided any comparison of your plan to Hillary Clinton's plan. I'm curious. Have you or your staff put a price tag on what we see coming out of her campaign for Hillary care?

McCain: No, but I . . the . . that there's many things that concern me about it. It's vaguely . . uh . . not vaguely but eerily reminiscent of what they tried back in 1993. I think they put some lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig.


Update: I was a little surprised but Fox News actually presents Obama's lipstick comment in context. It's clear he was talking about McCain/Bush policies as being the pig with lipstick and not Gov. Palin.

Now, please - let's stop all these distractions and talk about the important issues.

Federal Deficit up $246 Billion in One Year

Federal Budget Deficit is projected to rice to between $407 Billion and $482 Billion by next year.

This constitutes one of the hugest increases in one year ever - up $246 billion dollars.

The Congressional Budget Office says the jump is due to "a substantial increase in spending and a halt in the growth of tax revenues."

So what can we do about this? Both McCain and Obama are talking about cutting taxes. That won't help. Though we do need some tax relief - especially in the income brackets most squeezed by the Bush tax cuts (that McCain was against before he was for).

McCain says he can cut $100 billion in earmarks. Yes, earmarks. That's all we're hearing about these days. Bridge to nowhere and all that jazz.

This article on factcheck.org from last May provides some insight into the feasibility of McCain's claims to cut earmarks. It's definitely not the end all and be all.

No easy answers my friends. Though one thing is clear - we can't continue spending like sailors as we have been for the past 8 years.

Here's more information about the last four administrations as it relates to the federal budgets. Notice, regardless of Sr. or Jr., Bush = MORE SPENDING.

http://www.marktaw.com/culture_and_media/TheNationalDebt.html

Which Candidate Cares about North Dakota?

If you are a North Dakota like me and you wanted to find out how to help your presidential candidate win in North Dakota, wouldn't you go to their web sites and search for their state-specific information?

Here's John McCain's web page:

http://northdakota.johnmccain.com/NorthDakota.htm

It looks pretty. They have bison roaming at the top of the page. But the only contact information listed is for the North Mountain Regional Headquarters in Saint Paul, MN.

McCain has ZERO staff in North Dakota and has ZERO offices in North Dakota.

I think that speaks volumes about his commitment to "small towns" in states like North Dakota.

Now, lets take a look at Barack Obama's web site:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/ndoffices

He has NINE office located from one end of ND to the other! Now that's a commitment to small towns.

Here are the nine Obama campaign offices. Call them today and make change happen in ND.

Bismarck Office
3333 E Broadway Ave, Suite 1206
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: 701-255-1155

Devils Lake Office
303 5th Ave
Devils Lake, ND 58301
Phone: 701-306-7436

Dickinson Office
41 E Villard Street, Suite B
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: 701-200-6365

Fargo Office
107 Roberts St N
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: 701-237-2201
Fax: 701-237-2513

Fargo Office
745 45th St S, Suite B
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: 701-200-6070

Grand Forks Office
2750 Gateway Dr, Suite F
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Phone: 701-746-9158

Jamestown Office
Buffalo Mall
Hwy 281 & 25th St SW
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: 701-200-6292

Minot Office
1602 4th Ave NW
Minot, ND 58703
Phone: 701-852-1198

Williston Office
205 Main Street
Williston, ND 58801
Phone: 701-200-6601

Condi Rice thinks Palin gave a great speech

but that's about all. Not a ringing endorsement, that's for sure.

Small Town Values

We've heard a lot about small town values over the last week. I'm from a small town. I know exactly what it is like in towns like Wasilla, AK. Common sense values are real. But they are not necessarily backwards looking conservative. Anyway, I thought I would share this clip from John Stewart. It's pretty funny no matter what side you're on.

Remember 1000 points of light?

I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. We will work hand in hand, encouraging, sometimes leading, sometimes being led, rewarding. We will work on this in the White House, in the Cabinet agencies. I will go to the people and the programs that are the brighter points of light, and I will ask every member of my government to become involved. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.

~George H. W. Bush inaugural address, January 20, 1989

Look at how far the republican party has progressed in 20 years. They must be blinded by all these points of light. So blinded that they mock and laugh at them. Sad, really. No wonder so many keep looking to the past and not the future. If I were a republican I'd want to go back to a time when the party cared about people too.

Do you have a job?

If the answer is yes, count your blessings. A report out today shows that the jobless rate in America has risen to its highest level in five years.

The big surprise in the report was that the unemployment rate rose to 6.1%, the highest level since September 2003. That's up from the 5.7% rate in July and 4.7% a year ago. Economists surveyed by Briefing.com had forecast the rate would remain unchanged from the July reading.

Read more at CNNMoney

Bush/McCain economic policies sure are working.

John Bush, More of the Same

This video says it all . . . right out of Tom Ridge's mouth

Geriatric Old Party

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z z z z z z z z z z z . . . . . . . .

I actually fell asleep last night during McCain's speech. I won't rehash all the opinions about the speech that I agree with. There's enough of that out on the blogosphere. Let me just say a few words about my observations of the evening.

Did anyone else see a tired old party of white folks (with a few token minorities) trying to get excited about a tired old McCain as he was droning on and on? The only excitement was when he talked about Sarah Palin. That got lots of cheers from the crowd. 

Did anyone else get the feeling they Grand Old Party is just plain old now? They live in the past. They are trying to rest on the laurels of Lincoln and Truman and Reagan as they said repeatedly throughout the week. 

McCain regurgitated the same old party policies that have failed in the past. He told us very sincerely about his POW story. I feel for the guy. He did a lot and endured a lot. But he didn't tell us what he was going to change.

There is a reason I am a democrat. We are progressives. We look to the future with a remembrance of the past. Not look to the past trying to go back.

Sorry GOP, you can't turn back the clock. You can't ignore the last 8 years of your failed policies. It doesn't work that way.

After these two weeks of conventions I'm more convinced than ever that the GOP belongs in the past. I'm looking forward to an Obama/Biden administration that will move us forward into the future. The 20th century is long gone already. It's time we joined the 21st.

John strikes again

John Stewart has a knack for comparison. It just goes to show you all the pundits just say what best helps them on that day.