Breaking News!
White House Burns Midnight Oil As President Loads Up On "Unvarnished Advice"
With Former FEMA Head Set To Testify Today, The Race Is On; Miers Rejects Brown's Request For Exec. Privilege
Pennsylvania Avenue, and surrounding roadways have been gridlocked since late yesterday afternoon, as President Bush and the White House have called in advisors, by the hundreds, to brief the President with "unvarnished advice" before former FEMA Director Michael Brown testifies today in Congress.
It's been a non-stop stream of visitors, brought in to provide briefings and advice to President Bush and key staff members before today's hearing. White House lights were burning throughout the night, as taxis and official government vehicles poured in and out of the White House grounds.
"It's been a madhouse over there," said David Aaronson, editor of 'What Color Is My Coat Today?', the Capital Hill Newsletter that tracks politicians who turn on their own party.
Aaronson says that "around 4:30PM" yesterday, the call went out that Brown's request would not be granted and the calls and emails "began flying", to bring the advisors to the President.
Earlier this week, Brown, who was hailed by President Bush in New Orleans, following Hurricane Katrina, with the non-infamous "You're doing a heck of a job, Brownie", sent a letter to the White House, asking for "presidential support" and the promise of "legal defense" if he refused to testify. The inference there being, Brown would provide the committee with possible damaging and embarrassing testimony about the White House's response and actions in the days following the disaster.
Brown, whose background was that of being director of horse trade group, had been lambasted over the slow response to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina demolished and flooded the area and subsequently resigned from his position as the head of FEMA.
The White House has fought with House and Senate investigative committees looking into the governments response to Hurricane Katrina, refusing to give requested correspondence and making available key aides, citing the 15,000 pages of documents given should be sufficient to their investigation.
In a news conference last month, the President, without naming any specific advisors, defended the White House's actions, saying "If people give me advice and they're forced to disclose that advice, it means the next time an issue comes up I might not be able to get unvarnished advice from my advisers … that's just the way it works..."
Mr. Brown's lawyer, Andrew W. Lester, said, disappointingly, that without such protection Brown "intends to answer all questions fully, completely and accurately."
Aaronson reports unconfirmed rumors that Brown and Miers had a "vicious" argument before having his request rejected.
"According to those who saw it," said Aaronson, "it was pretty heated. Brown was badgering her, rattling off things he would tell the panel. Miers was firing back and then, finally cut him off, allegedly saying "he wouldn’t nominate me to the Supreme Court, you think he's going to save your ass!."
Just what advice the President has been getting throughout the evening is not known.
"We can only speculate, based on who we see going in and out," said Aaronson. "Late last evening, the Republican leadership from Congress was brought in … We've seen other officials that would lead to getting advise on the War In Iraq, the building situation with Iran and Syria, the environment, labor, energy … It looks like the White House is loading up, getting all the unvarnished advice they can, that will carry them to the end of the President's term."
The White House official refused any comment on the all-night advice activity.
When asked by reporters about it, and the pending testimony of Brown, White House Press Secretary reiterated that "this is old news. The President has already accepted responsibility and it's time to move on."
"Right now," added McClellan, "the President is focued on monitoring the Iran-Syria Surveillance Program, and the threats that poses to the citizens of the United States."
No telling what former FEMA Director Michael Brown will have to look over his shoulder for, if he gives the expected damaging testimony today against the Bush Adminstration, to the Congressional Commitee investigating their response to Hurricane Katrina
Friday, February 10, 2006
Breaking News! 10 February 2006
McCain - Obama Feud Update
Obama Grammy Sends McCain Heading Into Studio
Will Record Ashcroft's 'When Eagles Soar"; Says Needs To "Disabuse" Rookie Senator Again
Late Wednesday evening, shortly after the news came that Senator Barak Obama (D-IL) won a Grammy Award, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) conducted a conference call with his staff and set in motion how he will spend his President's Day Holiday weekend.
McCain will be hitting the recording studio.
This comes after days of acrimonious charges, lobbed back-and-forth between the two senators.
McCain accused Obama of "partisan posturing", after receiving a letter from the Illinois Senator, on the issue of lobbying ethics reform. Obama thanked McCain for including him in bipartisan talks on lobbying reform but expressed his concerns and differences on McCain's approach of using a task force.
McCain is sponsoring a bill that would require lobbyists to disclose more information on their activities, including the gifts they give lawmakers, double to two years the waiting period before a lawmaker can take a job as a lobbyist and require members to pay charter rates when they travel on corporate jets.
Obama wrote McCain, advising him that he would be backing a bill backed by House and Senate Democrats that would take similar action on members becoming lobbyists, disclosure and corporate jets.
McCain responded with a stinging letter, that read, in part;
"I concluded your professed concern for the institution and the public interest was genuine and admirable. Thank you for disabusing me of such notions."
Obama called McCain's office, to express his continued willingness to work on ethics reform, however, the two have not connected yet.
McCain make no bones about attempting to one-up Obama.
"I'd like to disabuse again, the junior senator," said McCain, "that he's not the only sitting member of the Senate that know his way around a recording studio. Or that can win a Grammy."
Obama won the Grammy, in the Spoken Word Category, for his recording of his autobiography, "Dreams From My Father."
In the category, Obama faced competition from George Carlin, Garrison Keillor, Sean Penn and Al Franken
McCain says he's got a sure-fire prospect, after receiving word from former Attorney General John Ashcroft, that Ashcroft will allow McCain to record his "When Eagles Soar" royalties-free.
"It is a very gracious act by the Attorney General," said McCain. "It's a great tune and I'm confident that I can do it justice."
McCain added that "anybody can talk into a microphone, I don't see what's so special about that."
When reached, Ashcroft, who once lost an election to a dead candidate, confirmed that he is "donating" the song to McCain.
"I'd like to help my party in the best way possible," said the former Attorney General. "I'd be happy to do more, and have offered the Senator the opportunity to do it as a duet with myself."
McCain says he may consider that, and record multiple tracks "When Eagles Soar", with Ashcroft, as well as in Spanish, so "I can reach all my constituents."
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), who RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman put out an advisory warning this morning that Clinton was "still mad as hell", says she questions McCain doing any recording.
Numerous political pundits are predicting the 2008 Presidential Race will be between McCain and Clinton.
"I've heard him humming little ditties in his office," says Clinton. "With all do respect, his singing that Ashcroft song, or perhaps, warbling would be more apt, may violate his own amendment on torture."
"Have you ever heard that song? Or Ashcroft singing it?" asked Clinton
Top Ten Cloves: Ways Bush Administration Is Dealing With Danish - Muslim Cartoon Controversy
9. White House chefs are now serving only toast or bagels with President's breakfast
8. If there's any oil to drill in Denmark, can make a deal to support them
7. Already blamed Iran and Syria … Might as well throw North Korea into it as well
6. Making sure whoever speaks for the Administration on it has the proper college degree
5. Will have the Joint Chiefs of Staff write another "Letter To The Editor"
4. Considering acknowledging Hamas Party, if they can get violent protests to stop
3. More reasons to bolster Domestic Wiretapping Program - Now have to eavesdrop on Danes
2. Can use this controversy to add banning U.S. editorial cartoons into the Patriot Act
1. Put Condi on getting the Muslims and the Danes to agree to place cartoons in the Adult Swim timeslot
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Thursday 9 February 2006
Cheney, Rice Comments Signal PNAC Back On Track
"Hamas Was A Hiccup"; Steered Danish Cartoon Hubris To Capture February Sweeps For Max Exposure
Comments this week, by Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice indicated that The Project for the New American Century (PNAC) has regained its' footing and is back on track with influencing and directing the Bush Administrations foreign policy.
"The Hamas thing was a hiccup," says Harold "Ace" Larson, an analyst for the counterintelligence think tank, 'Book'em and Beat'em'. "It caused alittle dust-up in the White House but Bill (Kristol) and the boys there got things smoothed out."
Larson says that it is "very likely" the PNAC has had a hand in the Danish Cartoon explosion explosion that has rocked the Muslim world.
"It has their fingerprints all over it. Subtle, very subtle," according to Larson. "It's no accident this thing is mushrooming in February, during the network "Sweeps."
Other Washington sources point to the timing of the Danish Cartoons, citing television's excesses in going after bigger ratings.
By pushing the Danish Cartoon problem into February, the PNAC, working with the RNC, could manipulate the media into getting extra, and at times, extraordinary coverage and support for any pending actions. The cable news shows, in particular, could be counted on to provide hours of coverage, and allow the PNAC and RNC to get their talking points on-air.
Yesterday, the Bush Administration openly accused Iran and Syria of fanning the flames of the Danish Cartoon controversy and inciting the violence that has accompanied it.
"I have no doubt that Iran and Syria have gone out of their way to inflame sentiments and have used this for their own purposes," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told reporters yesterday. "The world ought to call them on it."
Earlier this week, Vice President Dick Cheney, in an interview with Jim Leher on the PBS "Newshour" program, said "when you think about a government like Iran that has a history of sponsorship of terrorist organizations ... a nation that is now governed by a man who has talked repeatedly, for example, about the destruction of Israel, that everybody's concerned that if Iran were equipped with nuclear weapons, that would become a major source of instability in that part of the world."
Cheney reiterated that military option "are still on the table"
In regards to Iran's nuclear program, and the enrichment of uranium, Cheney said that "there doesn't seem to be any doubt of what their intentions are."
"This is classic PNAC work," says Larson. "Put it on the stove and let it simmer."
Larson, and other sources, believe the PNAC "will use much of the blueprints that were developed for the Iraqi invasion."
Acknowledging that revisions have been made, a source close to the PNAC said, the new plans for invading Iran and/or Syria do not contain the caveat that U.S.-led forces will be greeted as liberators.
A White House official, who requested to remain anonymous, indicated there is still much debate between the Administration and PNAC on using the Weapons of Mass Destruction card.
"It's worked pretty good for them so far," said the source. "There are questions if using it again will be going to the well once too often."
Likely, the source said, a new, more alarming threat will be manufactured.
"Nuclear weapons is the stand-by, … always a winner … Can't go wrong with that."
Larson also says that last evenings chemical alert and evacuation of the Senate Office Building may have been a "test run" of the new Iran-Syria program.
"They might have thrown a trial balloon out there. Stir things up alittle bit, lay down some cover."
The White House is working closely with the PNAC, and the Lincoln Group, to come up with a catch-phrase for the Iran-Syria program, similar to their use of "Terrorist Surveillance Program", to cover the possible illegal wiretapping conducted by President Bush.
Early contenders include "No Terrorist Country Left Behind" and a more generic "The Iran-Syria Surveillance Program".
It is also rumored that the White House is looking at, very closely, the gambling scandal of the NHL that broke this week. Sources say that the Administration may attempt to "leverage" it in some fashion in their build-up to invading Iran or Syria
"I not sure what they're up to with that, said Larson. 'It might be someone has some slogans about "putting the terrorists on ice" or some such copy they want to use."
Top Ten Cloves: Things Overheard At The Grammys Last Night
9. I wonder what record executive Mariah Carey is going to marry now
8. American Idol is probably going to have to stop insulting its' contestants now with Clarkson winning two Grammys
7. I heard Dave Chappelle is taking off again, right after he introduces Sly Stone
6. Is it true the Rolling Stones are going to get a special Grammy, for "Best Five-Second Delay"
5. With Obama winning, you know every hack Senator and Congressman is going to do an album this year
4. I heard Bono is going to contribute his fees to Nicholas Kristof, so he can send Bill O'Reilly to Darfur
3. Do you think, next year, they'll put Jack Abramoff in the "Spoken Word" category or create something special for his singing?
2. Did you see Kayne West come in tonight, dragging a wooden cross?
1. What old geezer is here tonight that will probably end up as next year's Super Bowl half-time show?
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Breaking News! 8 February 2006
Breaking News!
White House: "Eulogies Are Not A Strategy"
Bush Lashes Back At King Funeral Critics; White House To Sponsor Cartoon Contest For Payback
In an early morning Press Briefing, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said that "The President was appalled", in regards to criticism leveled at him during the funeral of Coretta Scott King yesterday, at the 10,000-seat megachurch, the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia.
The ceremony drew dozens of celebrities and former civil rights activists, including Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, television talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, former Atlanta mayor and King lieutenant Andrew Young, the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, poet Maya Angelou and many others who shared their memories of both Mr. and Mrs. King.
"President Bush believes," continued McClellan, "that hindsight alone is not wisdom and eulogies are not a strategy."
McClellan specifically cited Former President Jimmy Carter, the Reverend Joseph Lowery, who co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Mrs. King's husband, Martin Luther King Jr, and Former President Bill Clinton as drawing the ire of President Bush.
"This was a day for responsible debate, not the time or place to bring in the defeatist attitudes of the Democratic party."
With the President's possible illegal NSA Wiretapping Program on the front burner, Former President Jimmy Carter drew wild applause when he made reference to the governments' domestic spying and eavesdropping campaign waged against the Kings back in the 1960's
"It was difficult for them personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated, and they became the targets of secret government wiretapping and other surveillance," Carter said.
Carter also brought up the Bush Administration's response to Hurricane Katrina as evidence that the civil rights for all Americans is not yet complete.
“We only have to recall the color of the faces of those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi who are most devastated by Katrina to know that there are not yet equal opportunities for all Americans,” he said.
"This," said McClellan, "is old news. The President has already accepted responsibility and it's time to move on."
Former President Bill Clinton, also a former Southern Governor, electrified the crowd with a stirring speech, given without notes, saying at one point, "I don't want us to forget that there's a woman in there," Mr. Clinton said, pointing to Mrs. King's coffin. "Not a symbol, a real woman who lived and breathed and got angry and got hurt and had dreams and disappointments."
In his introduction, Clinton offered a very pointed tease, about the possible presidential candidacy of his wife, New York Democratic Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
"I'm honored to be here with my president and my former presidents and ...," he trailed off, motioning in his wife's direction to loud and sustained applause.
"I think," said McClellan, "that Mrs. Clinton may have announced her candidacy. That may be the best news that came out of the solemn occasion. We'll look forward to her defeatist campaign."
McClellan intimated that the Justice Department may seek to interview the Reverend Joseph Lowery.
"We are looking at the transcripts," said the press secretary. "If the Reverend has any information about mass weapons, he should come forward. He has a duty to step forward. The President would be reluctant to think that the Reverend is giving aide to our enemies."
Lowery, with President Bush sitting directly behind him, blasted the President, over both the War in Iraq and the Administration's response to Hurricane Katrina.
"We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there. But Correta knew and we know that there are weapons of misdirection right down here. Millions without health insurance. Poverty abounds. For war billions more but no more for the poor."
Lowery asked, "Our marvelous presidents and governors come to mourn and praise ... but in the morning will words become deeds that meet need?"
Improving from a lyric from a Stevie Wonder's song "A Time to Love, Lowery said "For war, billions more, but no more for the poor," which drew a roaring standing ovation and the shaking of heads from both President Bush and his father.
The former President Bush, not waiting for the official RNC spin, took a swipe at Lowery, suggesting he "keep his day job, don't give up preaching."
McClellan also announced that the White House will soon sponsor an editorial cartoon contest, targeting Carter, Lowery and both Clintons.
"This is purely coincidental," said McClellan. "As you know, there is a raging, and violent debate worldwide, over the issue of free speech. This is at the core of what make America great. The President believes that we should weigh in and take the lead on this, show the world, our friends and enemies, that we stand behind the fundamental right of free speech."
McClellan dismissed reporter's questions, over bashing and striking back at the President critics, citing Republican efforts to the same, at mega churches last year, with their "Justice Sunday' events.
"You're talking about apples and oranges," scoffed McClellan.
"At the Justice Sunday programs, there were many speakers who spoke the truth, presented facts. That's not bashing, that's fair play, honest debate, something the President, and the Administration, believes very firmly in."
Under Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and longtime aide Karen Hughes points out to President Bush those hwo criticized him during the funneral of Coretta Scott King yesterday.
The White House announced this morning that they will be sponsoring an Editoral Cartoon contest, to fire back at Former Presidents, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton and Reverend Joseph Lowery
Top Ten Cloves: Ways NHL Plans On Handling Gambling Scandal
9. Recommending to authorities that all involved get 10:00 Major Penalties and suspended for 5 games
8. In the spirit of the late Johnnie Cochran, if the puck don't slide, you must push charges aside
7. Will release any photos of President Bush with Gretzky's wife, Janet Jones, and/or Assistant Coach Rick Tocchet
6. To save his wife, Gretzky will let media call retiring Mario Lemieux "The Great One"
5. Bringing in Michael Jordan and David Stern as advisors on what to do
4. Asking that no editorial cartoons be drawn, to ward off any rioting at the leagues arenas
3. Since the fans love it, can settle this with a Shoot-Out
2. Might have to just let it go; As President Bush said, hindsight is not wisdom and second-guessing is not a stragegy
1. One thing, for sure, will let Senator John McCain write all correspondence related to matter
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Tuesday 7 February 2006
Nagin Takes Back Apology; Sets Sights On Building Imported Chocolate City
New Orleans Seeking International Funds To Rebuild; Mayor Now Mad At "God And Bush"; May Annex itself From U.S.
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin confirmed this morning that he is still "mad as hell" and will will bypass the U.S. Government, rebuilding the famed city with "imported chocolate".
This comes on the heels after last Friday's meetings with French Government officials and Jordan's King Abdullah
Mayor Nagin, in a wide-ranging press conference this morning indicated that "I'm taking my apology back."
Back on January 16, a frustrated Nagin said that "surely God is mad at America. He sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane, and it's destroyed and put stress on this country".
"That's right, I'm taking it back," Nagin fired back to a reporter. "God can go back on my you-know-what-list".
Nagin apologized for the remarks two-days later, but stepped into another controversy when he promised that New Orleans will be a "chocolate" city again.
"It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans -- the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," the mayor said.
Today, Nagin defended his "chocolate city" comments, blasting President Bush.
"It's going to be chocolate all right," said Nagin. "Imported Chocolate, the good stuff from France and other places over there. President Bush can kiss my Hershey ass if he wants."
"The man comes down here," Nagin continued, "and he promises all kinds of money, like it's some kind of drunken Mardi Gras game … Well, we're not going to sit around waitin' for his ass to be impeached. We're going to move forward with partners that want to see New Orleans shine again."
Hurricane Katrina flooded 80 percent of the city and killed more than 1,300 people in Louisiana and Mississippi.
In a September 15 address to the nation from Jackson Square in New Orleans, President Bush pledged "we will do what it takes, we will stay as long as it takes", referring to rebuilding the city.
"Just in case he doesn't hear me today," said Nagin, addressing President Bush, "go back through your NSA Wiretaps, 'cause I've been saying it over and over, to anyone that will listen."
Nagin scoffed at having any concern, as to the backlash from taking assistance and funds from the French.
"What are they going to do? They going to start calling it "Freedom Gumbo?"
Nagin made a veiled reference to possibly having New Orleans withdraw from the state and United States, possibly making a deal with the French, to be annexed by them.
It wouldn't be France first ruling of the city. The French founded New Orleans back in 1718
French Transport Minister Dominique Perben, who led the French delegation in New Orleans last week said that "France wants to be a long-term partner for Louisiana and New Orleans."
"This catastrophe has deeply upset the French people and the French government, " added Perben.
King Abdullah of Jordan said that he would work with Mayor Nagin, to encourage foreign interests in helping redevelop some of the areas hardest hit by the storm.
Any foreign interest, except Denmark.
"The King," said a Jordanian spokesperson, "would also like to see some schools open up here in New Orleans. One's that would teach young Jordanians and other Muslims the craft of editorial cartooning."
Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) is said to be ready to endorse the propsed resolution of "Odd-Even" days of legal/illegal wiretapping and said he will attach an admendment to it, extending it to the sale of stocks as well
Bush Wiretapping Update 7 February 2006
Senate Republicans, GOP In Discord Over Bush's Possible Illegal Wiretaps
Moderates Of Party Suggesting Odd-Even Day Schedule of Legal/Possible Illegal Eavesdropping
A day after contentious testimony and head butting between the Senate Judiciary Committee and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, a test of wills, and political clout is brewing.
With RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman preoccupied with the beginnings of a smear campaign against Senator Hillary Clinton, Congressional GOP members, in both the House and Senate, are privately complaining the party is not giving them enough direction in the matter.
Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, is working with hardliners Sens. Orrin G. Hatch (Utah), John Cornyn (Tex.) and Jeff Sessions (Ala.) to dampen the hearings and is against taking any action against President Bush and his administration.
"It's full speed ahead for those guys," said one Senate staffer. "As far as they're concerned, there's not enough wiretaps on-line right now and not nearly enough U.S. citizens being eavesdropped on. They want bodies and heads, something to make their case that the program is working."
Judiciary Committee Chairman, Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), who sparred with Gonzales in yesterday's hearing, is teaming up with Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) to put together a "comprise resolution".
Reaching back into the 1970's, during the nation's first energy crisis, Specter and Graham are proposing an "Odd-Even" day schedule of wiretapping.
"The way it would work," offered Graham, "is that on odd days, the President would continue what he is doing, ignoring the Congress and the FISA Court, and conduct his wiretaps. On even days, the Administration will follow the FISA statute."
Graham says that a task force will be drawn up to monitor the results and report back to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee of which day the program was more effective.
"If it turns out the even days work better, than we'll make recommendations to the President, " added Graham.
"And if the odd days are more effective, then, I suppose we'll have to change the laws, so he can keep on doing it."
In a related matter, Washington Post reporter, and author, Bob Woodward, said this morning that he is "well aware of the wiretapping program an controversy" but that " I doubts I'll be writing about it anytime soon."
Top Ten Cloves: Reasons GOP Senators Wouldn't Put A.G. Gonzales Under Oath At Hearings
9. Only had a Gideon Bible
8. Wasn't completely sure he hasn't taken Jack Abramoff money and didn't want to paint him in a corner
7. Gonzales contends that one party to the swearing in needs to be here in the U.S., the other abroad, for it to be legal
6. Since the Hearing is being televised, panel couldn't come to agreement if there should be a five-second delay
5. Wanted to see if they could get Hillary Clinton angry
4. Some concern that our enemies would be listening to the swearing in
3. No money for it, under President Bush's new budget
2. Need to clarify for the Attorney General, will it be a "domestic swearing in" or an "international swearing in"
1. Bush Administration worried that Tom Toles might do a swearing in cartoon
Monday, February 06, 2006
Monday 6 February 2006
Joint Chiefs Release Other Complaint Letters
American Idol, Oprah Targeted For Criticism Over National Defense, Recruiting, Intelligence Issues
The White House, this morning, released new information that the Joint Chiefs of Staff also sent out additional complaint letters last week, to the producers of American Idol and Oprah Winfrey.
Previously, it was only disclosed that a letter was sent by the Joint Chiefs to The Washington Post, to protest the editorial cartoon of Tom Toles published Sunday.
The Toles cartoon depicted a heavily bandaged soldier in a hospital bed as having lost his arms and legs, while Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, in the guise of a doctor, says: "I'm listing your condition as 'battle hardened.' Earlier last week, Rumsfeld had answered critics, rejecting warnings by a Pentagon-sponsored study that the Iraq war risks "breaking" the Army. Secretary Rumsfeld said the U.S. military is "battle hardened" and an "enormously capable force."
The caption for the cartoon, in smaller type, had Rumsfeld saying: "I'm prescribing that you be stretched thin. We don't define that as torture."
White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, responding to reporters questions in a Press Briefing this morning, announced that additional complaint letters were sent.
"The Joint Chiefs had some additional concerns, beyond the Washington Post cartoon," said McClellan.
In the producers of "American Idol", the Joint Chiefs are concerned about that overall "mean-spiritedness of the program this year" and that "these men and women and their families are owed the decency".
"These contestants, brave men and women with a sense of purpose and selfless commitment, deserve better treatment".
The Joint Chiefs also expressed concern the harsh, mean-spirited treatment of contestants mimics basic training rituals and is having an impact on the U.S. Military's recruiting efforts.
They also chided the American Idol producers to have "more contestants singing patriotic songs" and have the would-be stars "give an occasionally shout-out to the troops"
The letter to Oprah Winfrey was more confrontational,
Now that letter James Frey is working for the Department of Defense, the Joint Chiefs were forced to defend his work, saying that Oprah is a "defeatist" and that her grilling of Frey falls into the category of "second-guessing" which President Bush in his State of the Union Address clearly indicated "this was not a strategy"
"As the joint chiefs, we rarely put our hand to one letter," they wrote to Ms. Winfrey, "but we cannot let this reprehensible action you undertook to go unanswered."
Both letters were signed by all five Joint Chiefs of Staff.
McClellan said that he could not "rule out" more complaint letters from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and would not confirm or deny that the complaint were written by James Frey or the Lincoln Group
Thousands of Muslims are flocking to art schools, to learn the trade so they can return the favor and defame and insult Denmark's Queen Margrethe II
Breaking News! 6 February 2006
Breaking News!
Art Schools, On-Line, Matchbook, "Learn To Draw" Courses Flooded With New Muslim Students
Some Say Alternative To Building Burning; Caricature of Danish Queen Most Requested Program
As the furor and violence over the of printing of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad continues to grow, Art Schools and other learning organizations are reporting a "flood of applications and inquiries" coming from Muslims all over the world.
From some of the most prominent universities and museums, to on-line, self-taught and matchbook cover programs, Muslims are requesting information on "how to draw cartoons", with an overwhelming number of inquires specifically asking about learning to draw Denmark's Queen Margrethe II.
Officials from the "Learn To Sketch" correspondence course that appears on millions of matchbook covers and in the back of comic books said they are being besieged with applications.
Administrators for the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Art Institute of Chicago and California Institute of the Arts all report that they website and switchboards "have been completely overwhelmed" since last Friday.
One official for the Museum of Fine Arts indicated that "nearly every one of the thousands of inquires we received about courses asked, specifically, on being taught to draw or sketch Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.
Outraged Muslims are protesting the reprinting of cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad, with outbursts of violence in India, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Indonesia, Kashmir, with with thousands jamming the streets and the burning of Danish embassies.
Per Stig Moeller, the Danish Foreign Minister has called the backlash "shocking".
"We were all surprised, also the leaders of the region, that's why these embassies were not correctly protected."
Danes in Syria and Lebanon have been ordered to leave the region or stay indoors.
The cartoons, one showing Muhammad wearing a bomb for a turban, first appeared in a Danish daily, Jyllands-Posten, last September.
After the initial Muslims protesting began last week, newspapers in Germany, France Spain, Switzerland, Hungary and Norway reprinted the cartoons, a series of 12 cartoons Jyllands-Posten commissioned in September to directly challenge Islam's ban on depicting the prophet. calling it an issue and matter of free expression. On Saturday, two New Zealand newspapers reprinted the cartoons.
U.S. Sides With Muslims; Okays Lincoln Group To Write Anti-Danish, EU Propaganda
State Department spokesperson Kurtis Cooper said ""We all fully recognize and respect freedom of the press and expression, but it must be coupled with press responsibility. Inciting religious or ethnic hatreds in this manner is not acceptable."
The United States has sided with Muslims outraged that the publications put press freedom over respect for religion.
In Washington this morning, a surprise announcement came from the White House, when it was released that both the State Department and President Bush is authorizing the Lincoln Group, and James Frey, to eschew their normal, pro-American stories for the Iraqi media this week and can spend time writing anti-Danish and European propaganda.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that "we're letting them loose".
Neither the White House or the Department of Defense would say if Reverend Pat Robertson will be joining in the ganging up on of the Danes or Europeans.
"We know that Reverend Robertson is pretty bush with his other work."
When apprised of the flood of applications to art school and courses by Muslims, Boucher indicated that the United States would "do what we can to help these students of art".
Later, Boucher released a statement from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that said "after talks, the Etch-A-Sketch company will be donating and shipping over 25,000 units to the Middle East to get the ball rolling, so to speak"
Top Ten Cloves: RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman Believes Hillary Clinton Is So Angry That …
9. I heard she bet against the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday
8. When she writes her memoir, it will probably contain more lies than the one James Frey wrote
7. There are things she said, so vile, that we got from the NSA Wiretaps, that can't be printed in a family-friendly newspaper
6. She probably bought Cindy Sheehan that t-shirt
5. I'm getting some tips from the American Idol judges on some really good insults I can hurl at her
4. The Swift Boat Vets told me that she always hanging around, dressed provocatively, whenever they came into port
3. I have it on good authority she's having an affair with that defeatist, Jack Murtha
2. Her husband has to take at least three Barbara Bush jokes from her every time he goes to meet with the President's father
1. She's probably the one that drew the outrageous cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Weekend Special - Sautéed Cloves 4 February 2006
An Inspector General's report is critical of the White House, for their pilfering of a State Department's Wide Screen Satellite Monitor, used for live link-ups with ambassadors and envoys overseas, in order for President Bush and other staff members to watch this weekend's Super Bowl
Bullfighting fans are calling for action, as they say the sport have become "a joke" with the rise in use of steroids by matadors
Fox News Host and Westwood Radio personality Bill O'Reilly has unveiled his new "Talking Points Memo Loofa Hat", available in different colors and only at his on-line store.
O'Reilly says all profits will go towards "fighting the scurrilous attacks on me by Keith Olbermann and MSNBC"
Actor Jon Voight has received a "cease-and-desist" letter from the Vatican, directing the actor to "stop walking around, saying your the Pope, offering to perform miracles, and selling sainthoods"
Voight recently portrayed Pope John Paul II in a television movie
The FAA is looking into charges that airlines are filling in unused seats with the transportation of deceased persons, in what one inspector says could be a scheme of trading "bodies for jet fuel"
U2 founder and world activist Bono called a press conference this week to express his "profound disappointment" with being "red-carded" and banned from the upcoming 2006 World Cup tournament
Friday, February 03, 2006
Friday 3 February 2006
Bush Prepares "Brand New Strategy For Victory", Changing, Again, Reasons For Iraq War
New Downing Street Memos, Iraqi Historians Force White House To Give "Something That Will Stick"
The White House this morning, in a hastily called press conference, announced that they will soon release a "Brand New Strategy For Victory In Iraq", coming in the wake of news reports that a new, Downing Street memo shows President Bush and British Prime Minister discussing the invasion of Iraq earlier that previously stated.
In the report, appearing in the British newspaper, The Guardian, as well as on a British television station Channel 4 News, Prime Minister Blair is alleged to have told Bush in January 2003 he was "solidly behind" U.S. plans for military action, despite the continuing negotiations going in in the United Nations, for a second resolution calling for Saddam Hussein to disarm.
The new memo is said to be a record of a meeting between Bush and Blair, at the White House, on 31 January, 2003.
White House Press Secretary refused comment on the report, and, ignoring follow-up questions, defended President Bush's "Terrorist Surveillance Program".
"As the President said on Tuesday, during his State of the Union Address," said McClellan, "Hindsight alone is not wisdom. And second-guessing is not a strategy. We face real threats and the President is taking courageous actions to protect the citizens of the United States so that we are not hit again."
McClellan refused to say what the "Brand New Strategy For Victory In Iraq" would be, but that would be "comprehensive and detailed". McClellan did say that the new plan would not "carry any second-guessing of the first Strategy For Victory In Iraq".
"Our plans have been very solid," said McClellan, "and even the Iraqi media has indicated such."
McClellan refused to clarify his remark, if it was independent Iraqi media that was endorsing President Bush's plans, or if it was the Lincoln Group and Department of Defense-generated media that was doing so.
McClellan did confirm that the "Brand New Strategy For Victory In Iraq" would be incorporated into the Bushapalooza Tour, "right away".
The Garlic has also learned through sources, that the new Iraqi Parliament has been pressuring the Bush White House "for the real reason" of invading and occupying the country, as they want to get there official historians busy and start writing the recent events for posterity.
""We need answers," says one Iraqi politician, who spoke on background only. "They give us many answers on why and then keep changing them. We ask many times to give us something that we can stick to."
The new memo claims that President Bush told Prime Minister Blair that "the diplomatic strategy had to be arranged around the military planning."
So far, the Bush Administration has suggested the reasons to invade Iraq were that the Iraqi's were behind the September 11th attacks, the claims of Weapons of Mass Destruction, further claims that Saddam was planning on building nuclear weapons and ultimately settled on that Iraq is the center of terrorism for the world.
President Bush, in the January meeting with Blair, was searching for a reason to go to war with Saddam, confiding to Mr. Blair that he "hoped" an Iraqi defector would step forward and could "give a public presentation about Saddam's weapons of mass destruction". President Bush also suggested to Blair that there was a possibility Saddam would be assassinated.
Perhaps one of President Bush's more, far-reaching plans to goad Saddam into was his consideration of "flying U2 reconnaissance aircraft with fighter cover over Iraq, painted in U.N. colors."
Minority Senate Leader, Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) said that "the pieces of the puzzle are coming together".
"We can see now, why the President pushed so hard to place John Bolton in the United Nations. He likely wanted him there to start a 'Paint-For-War' scheme. Who better than Bolton to brow-beat some U.N. maintenance man to give him the barrels of paint."
McClellan, responding to a question, if the 'Brand New Strategy For Victory In Iraq' was meant to give the President a a bounce in the poll, which currently show that 52-percent of Americans believe the Bush administration intentionally misled the public in making its case for war in Iraq, said;
"The President doesn't goven by polls. There is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure."
McClellan refused to comment on rumors that, as the Administration rolls out it's "Brand New Strategy For Victory In Iraq", staff members are already working on "An Even Newer - And Better - Strategy For Victory In Iraq".
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said today that "he's ready to rock" with President Bush's "Brand New Strategy For Victory In Iraq"
Top Ten Cloves: Reasons Scooter Libby Is Happy With Trial Date Set For Next January
9. Gets to spend, at least, one more Christmas at home
8. If Republicans can hold the Congress in Fall elections, has a shot at getting case thrown out
7. Can campaign to get his book in Oprah's Book Club, go on Oprah and get public support behind him
6. Figures jurors will be in a good mood after the holidays
5. Confident Dick Cheney will now launch "New Strategy For Victory In Scooter Libby Case" plan
4. Has almost a full year to bury Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in evidence requests that are classified documents
3. NSA has more time to sift through wiretaps on Prosecutor Fitzgerald and Libby's lawyer Ted Wells can plan better defense
2. White House has time to delete even more emails
1. Time to go out, get an iPod, play it really loud to damage his hearing and then claim he's too disabled to stand trial
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Thursday 2 February 2006
White House Besieged With Would-Be Energy Inventors As Bush Backtracks From Pledge
All Looking To Cash In On President's New Energy Initiative - If Only President Meant It
Hundreds, to thousands of would-be inventors have descended into Washington, D.C. this morning, and are camping out in front of the White House, all hoping to get President Bush's attention.
The reason? They all have gadgets, theories and prototypes that will, they say, help America break it's dependence on foreign, imported oil. To use President Bush's words, they want to be part of the team to "break the addiction".
The inventors, men, woman, children, young and old, have been pouring into the city, despite the news today that President Bush really didn't mean it, when he made the energy statements in his State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening.
In his address, President Bush pledged to "move beyond a petroleum-based economy and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past."
However, today, according to his Energy Secretary, Samuel Bodman, what the President said was "was purely an example".
According to Knight Ridder, asked why the president used the words "the Middle East" when he didn't really mean them, one administration official said Bush wanted to dramatize the issue in a way that "every American sitting out there listening to the speech understands." The official spoke only on condition of anonymity because he feared that his remarks might get him in trouble.
Additionally, Knight Ridder reported that "Presidential adviser Dan Bartlett made a similar point in a briefing before the speech, saying "I think one of the biggest concerns the American people have is oil coming from the Middle East. It is a very volatile region."
Both Secretary Hubbard, and Alan Hubbard, the director of the president's National Economic Council, took part in a press conference, via telephone, yesterday, where they laid out the path on which the President could back out of his pledge.
The New York Times is reporting that Bush's call to "break the addiction" to oil may have upset Saudi Arabia, reporting that "in an interview on Wednesday, the Saudi ambassador to Washington, Prince Turki al-Faisal, said he would have to ask Mr. Bush's office "what he exactly meant by that."
The Bush Administration is already mending fences with the Saudis, after yesterday's "riot in Riyadh", following the President alluding in his State of the Union Address that Saudi Arabia was taking steps to switch over to being a democracy.
White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, when questioned about the President backing away from his announced energy pledge, indicated that he could not comment on it.
"This, as many of you may know," said McClellan, "crossed over into areas of Vice President Dick Cheney's Secret Energy Meetings, and those records are classified and private."
McClellan indicated that the White House would have no more comments on the President's backtracking from his energy pledge but that he does understand that "the Lincoln Group and James Frey may be working on something".
The politics of the President, and his administration, hasn't dampened the spirit of the would be inventors.
Folding chairs and rickety card tables are lining Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of, and near, the White House. With Bunsen burners ablaze, and faded and rusted Gilbert Chemistry Sets from their youth opened, many are eager to tell anyone about their solution to the country's dependence on oil.
"I have the easiest formula of all," said Jackson Hosteler, from Maple Grove, MN. "I can't give it to you by the main, active ingredient is Spam."
Hosteler indicated that he has been forced to have a local restauranteur order the industrial-sized cans, after the local supermarkets banned him, for emptying their stock of Spam.
Curtis Madison pulled into the nation's capital on his modified, solar-powered dogsled, using Sony's now discontinued robot dog, Aibo. Madison claims his dogsled can gain speeds of 30-35 MPH and "certainly enough power and speed to run errands around town".
While the atmosphere around the inventors is peaceful, even festive, as some debate their solutions with others, three inventors have been arrested by the Capital Police, for wearing Cindy Sheehan t-shirts.
Even television and retail queen Martha Stewart showed up in Washington, DC today, trying to promote her "Pumkin Power" plan to President Bush
Top Ten Cloves: Things You Can Wear That Will Get You Arrested By The Capital Police
9. That duck, or whatever-it-was, dress of Bjork's
8. Any kind of suit or outfit made from salami
7. Groucho Marx glasses and nose
6. Dennis Rodman's wedding dress
5. Loofahs (Note: Bill O'Reilly has a waiver)
4. Leather bustier (but only if Justin Timberlake is around)
3. Anything close to resembling Michael Moore
2. Like the gay cowboy from 'Brokeback Mountain'
1. As a compassionate Conservative (though, likely, the Capital Police won't recognize you)
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Wednesday 1 February 2006
Breaking News!
Bush Administration To Tap Punxsutawney Phil To Bolster Foreign Policy
Gobbler's Knob Appearance Tomorrow Will Be Last For Famous Prognosticator
With the negotiations going late into the evening, and not clear enough to announce in the President's State of the Union Address last night, the White House announced this morning that the famous, prognosticating groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will join the White House staff, working to bolster Foreign Policy decisions.
"We've been caught too many times by surprises," offered White House Communications Director Dan Bartlett, "we had to do something to get back on track."
Punxsutawney Phil will report to Washington on Thursday, following his final appearance at Gobbler's Knobb, for, at least, the next few years, to offer this years' prediction on how long winter will last.
The town of Punxsutawney, PA hosts, what has now become an Internationally-celebrated event, Groundhog Day, depicted hilariously in the 1993 film of the same title, starring Bill Murray.
"We feel fortunate that we were able to get Punxsutawney Phil," said Bartlett. "He's got great media recognition and a long, long record of being accurate with his prognostications. We can certainly use some of that to better our policy decisions.
Since taking office in 2000, the Bush Administration has been saddled with a bevy of "surprises".
First was the missed signals of the deadly September 11th attacks.
This was followed by the "faulty intelligence" that led the country into invading Iraq, and yet, more surprises when the U.S. Troops were not greeted as liberators and Iraq quickly degenerated into looting and chaos.
More disappointment followed when the Weapons of Mass Destruction could not be found, Osama bin Laden could not be found and, after Vice President Dick Cheney declared the Iraqi Insurgency to be in "it's final throes" last year, all indications are that the insurgency has gotten stronger.
More unexpected news came, when the Administration, first, were surprised by the strength of Hurricane Katrina, then, even more shocked when the levees burst, flooding the city of New Orleans. The Administration also seemed taken aback, when New Orleans, as well as other areas in the Gulf Coast, expected the Federal Government to come to their aid.
And it the Bush White House thought that being caught off-guard was behind them, 2006 brought the news of the terrorist group Hamas, winning the majority of seats in the recent Palestinian elections.
"We fully expect Punxsutawney Phil to start reversing this trend," said Bartlett.
Bartlett indicated the Punxsutawney Phil will work "primarily, on foreign policy" but will also be employed "to use his expertise of some domestic issues".
Bartlett would not comment if the Bush Administration plans on using Punxsutawney Phil to prognosticate on the outcome of the pending NSA Wiretapping court cases, if President Bush will be declared as having violated the law.
Punxsutawney Phil will be expected to assist President Bush with choosing the right doors
State of Union Fiasco
Saudi Arabia In Chaos Over Bush Remarks; Millions Pour Into Riyadh To Protest Loss of Kingdom
Country At Standstill, Gridlock; Calls For New Referendum To Decide Own Fate; "Don’t Want To Be Another Iraq"
As the sun rose in Saudi Arabia this morning, millions of Saudi were pouring into the capital of Riyadh, to protest what they believe was a "sellout", following President Bush's remarks during his State of the Union Address, where he alluded to the Saudi Kingdom switching over to democracy.
This caught the monarchy by surprise, as they scrambled to get security in place to protect King and Prime Minister Abdallah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud and other members of the Royal Family.
The protests, while very vocal, have been peaceful, with calls for the King Abdallah to reaffirm that Saudi Arabia is, indeed, still a kingdom.
Al-Jazeera is reporting that officials estimate the crowd to be "around two-million".
'We don't want to be another Iraq," offered one protester.
In his State of the Union Address last evening, to a joint session of Congress, President Bush extolled on the spread of democracy and freedom in the Middle East., citing up front, the early success of transforming Iraq, from dictatorship, to democracy.
"In 1945, there were about two dozen lonely democracies in the world. Today there are 122," said the President. "At the start of 2006, more than half the people of our world live in democratic nations."
"Abroad, our nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal: We seek the end of tyranny in our world."
It was his passage, citing Saudi Arabia, that has caused the uproar.
"Saudi Arabia has taken the first steps of reform. Now it can offer its people a better future by pressing forward with those efforts."
Back in 2005, in a speech to the National Defense University
The State Department offered no comment on the President's statement, and declined to answer questions if this signaled a shift in policy, or if the President was setting a new foreign policy agenda.
There are unconfirmed reports the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was being dispatched to Saudi Arabia, but State Department officials there called it off, not wanting to enflame the situation.
"If not sure what that was," offered veteran independent foreign correspondent, Huntley Haverstock Jr.
"It, kind of, comes out of leftfield … It was more like a rock concert, giving a 'Presidential shout out, to my good friends in the kingdom' kind of thing."
The office for King Abdallah has issued statements throughout the morning, telling his citizens that "nothing has changed", and urging them to return to their homes.
A spokesperson for the monarchy said that President Bush's remarks "were not cleared with us"
"We had no warning, no notice," said the spokesperson. 'If, by chance, we were switching over to being a democratic republic, we certainly would work with the Bush Administration. They've had so many surprises with events in this part of the world, we wouldn't want to add to that."
