My Woefully Unproductive Day

Today has been probably my worst day at work in months. I'm hoping that I can snap out of this right quick, but I'm not going to hold my breath. So, with that, some things that caught my eye today.

First, in case you missed it, the Celtics jumped out to a 1-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals against Detroit, winning 88-79. The C's looked really good, and at one point Van Gundy noted that if you just watched the way the C's played and paid no attention to the score, you'd think they blew Detroit out of the New Garden. Pierce was on point again, KG completely out-played Rasheed Wallace, and Rajon Rondo actually outdueled Chauncy Billups. Still, the Celtics never ran away with it, even with the Pistons playing a sub-par game. Scary.

Next, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that Obama and American Jews have a very uneasy relationship. But, as Thomas Friedman pointed out a few days ago, which would be better for Israel? Competent U.S. foreign policy leadership, even if it is critical of Israel, or four more years of an American president squandering this nation's political capital abroad?

Among the things I'm glad I'm not doing this week: sitting on the R. Kelly child pornography case's jury.

Obama's going to win. What's the next stop for HRC? Some say the Supreme Court. That would give us a second woman justice, and it would give HRC's supporters a reason to vote Obama. But...really? Senate confirmation could be a breeze, but how quickly do you think that Republicans would abandon their "no fillibuster" mantra if she was nominated? She may be a first-rate legal mind, but Justice Clinton might be a stretch. Still, I'd love to see her and Scalia mix it up, majority and dissent style.

Wednesday Woeful Truthiness

I have bought Torq and will be joining the ranks of DJs who have flocked to digital instead of your traditional CDs. No, I'm not the artistic type DJ and mixes his own stuff. I'm just your usual bar DJ who plays what the people want to hear...as long as what they want to hear isn't Miley Cyrus, I have a policy against child porn after all.

Apparently some folks see nothing wrong with depicting Obama as a monkey. The man is right, this isn't the 40s, but that still is one of more blatant racist things I've seen during this election. If I didn't know better, I would have thought this was being sold in West Virginia.

Joe Liberman is still treated like a Dem by the powers in Washington. Now Reid says that they may finally take some action against him, after the election. I don't know if there is any testicular fortitude anywhere in the Dem power structure in the Senate to keep this jackass in check.

The weather vane in Mississippi has pointed in a very bad direction for Republicans this fall. This was the third special election that the Republicans have lost, all traditionally Republican seats.

Let me be blunt, this is a fucking fantastic piece about the downfall of journalism during this election cycle. Style over substance, hair cuts over tax cuts, pundits over facts, it's disgusting.

Apparently the Air Force is drawing a line in the tubz and wants to control the internetz war front. Something tells me that they may not want to enter into this realm, as it could piss off some people who would be much better at this fighting then the Air Force could hope for.

Excuse me Hillary, Obama sees your West Virginia and raises you a Minnesota, doncha know.

Apparently McPOW has a thing for lobbyists with ties to dictators. I can't wait until the Iraqi Press Secretary begins working for McPOW.

Finally, I'm not sure how this helps but it definitely makes me more reassured about voting for Obama. Three former FEC Chairmen will come out today and endorse Obama for President. They believe his the only one of the three that could do any good with the economy and since they have all worked with three former administrations who are all represented by Clinton and McPOW I'm guessing they have an idea of what their plans are.

Bad Ideas by Hillary Clinton

Maybe it's all the whiskey and beer she swilled with the common people of Pennsylvania. Maybe it's the fatty foods she's been eating with people like us common folk impairing her judgment. Maybe it's good old pandering. But something has turned otherwise bright and intelligent Hillary Clinton into a damned fool.

Clinton has joined with John McCain in endorsing a gas tax holiday that would stretch through the summer travel months, an idea that Barack Obama appears to have rejected out of hand. Yes, Barack and a number of leading economists.

The idea is simple enough: during the summer months, you would pay no federal gas tax on your gasoline. The tax works out to a little more than 18 cents per gallon, so, if you pump nearly 11 gallons at a time like me, you'd save a whole two bucks. That two bucks makes a world of difference to Senator Clinton, who touts the plan as a way to cut the burden on us, the underclass. Nevermind the fact that the increased demand on gasoline would, probably, hugely increase already massive oil company profits.

Senator Clinton's idea is dumb, and there seems to be no serious support for it. I'd be mildly shocked if it ever came to fruition, and I say mildly because we do actually live in an era of zero responsible leadership. My problem is what it represents. First, in my mind, it shows no reflection or serious thought on Clinton's part. You endorse this kind of idea when you are thinking of getting votes only, and avoid considering the long-term ramifications of an plan like this. She is a bright person, and when bright people make terrible decisions, you must question their motivation. She's desperate to paint herself as the people's candidate, so desperate that she's willing to eschew reason to get a vote. Poor show, Senator.

Second, this "fix" demonstrates our national ignorance to the energy problem. We're dumb, writes Thomas Friedman. There is no leadership on national energy policy. No one is willing to go out on a limb and explain how we'll reduce our dependence on oil, how we'll reform our industry to address the rising cost of energy, and (inexplicably) no one is touting the benefits that naturally occur when an economy jettisons old tech for cutting-edge tech. Some people, like Vermont Law School's Energy Institute, understand the problem, though it is questionable whether they see the totality of the problem, or whether they only grasp the environmental aspect of it. We clearly need some ideas.

So, I have one. If our government doesn't want the two bucks for each fill-up, instead of cutting the tax, let's redirect it. Take the two bucks from every fill-up and create a giant investment fund. Some non-partisan, government group will administer it. We'll send use the money to figure out what the hell is wrong with us, how to fix it, and to invest in smart companies that can, well, save our world.

But, that'll never happen.

There is only one way...

to settle the Democratic Primary...only one sure fire way...
two candidates enter one candidate leaves...two candidates enter one candidate leaves...

Strangeness

It seems to occur everywhere at all times, but it almost seems like it happens in bunches on rare occasions...

These last few days are probably a great example of just that happening around here and within the national scope...

Take for example the supposed "Unbeatable Obama campaign" machine barreling through each primary taking control of big name endorsements, huge fundraising opportunities and basically making Hillary's (HRC) campaign look like a whiny "hanger-on" that just can't seem to admit when she's lost...

Well, going into Pennsylvania, this perception has the chance to be radically changed, as a source through Drudge has leaked numbers indicating an 11-point lead by the Hillary Campaign in Pennsylvania!

This all coming on the heels of yet another new round of negative campaign ads from both sides in the state, as well as rumors of a push by Democratic Party Chiefs to end this primary before things get too ridiculously destructive:

The party leaders' aim: To thwart the Clinton campaign's vow to fight all summer long to a final, nationally televised round at the Denver convention, so the party can get on with the battle against the likely Republican candidate, Arizona Sen. John McCain. Convention fights in past decades -- notably in 1968, 1972 and 1980 - left deep divisions that contributed to the nominees' losses and hurt lesser candidates on the ballots.

All of this of discourse happening within a party known for disorganization, poor planning and absolutely horrendous nominees of course...

While all of this is going on, McCain has been able to tour the country, speaking often of economic woes, the war, kissing babies, etc, but in addition to all this he now has a new attack vehicle. Connecting Obama to Radicalists:

William Ayers — a former member of the Weather Underground, which embraced bombing in its effort to end the Vietnam War — became an issue in the Democratic nominating race at last week’s debate. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) said Obama’s past meetings with Ayers are part of a “larger set of concerns about how we are going to run against John McCain.” Republican sources said McCain plans to make a major issue of the connection in the months ahead.

Asked by host George Stephanopoulos whether he has any doubt that Obama shares his sense
of patriotism, McCain brought the subject up.

“I'm sure he's very patriotic. But his relationship with Mr. Ayers is open to question,” McCain
said.

“He became friends with him and spent time with him while the guy was unrepentant over his activities as a member of a terrorist organization, the Weathermen,” McCain said. “Does he condemn them? Would he condemn someone who says they're unrepentant and wished that they had bombed more?”

Look, the "Weathermen" were a radical organization in a time when there were thousands of desperate radicals trying to find a way to end what they viewed as an incredible waste of human life brought on by ideals they did not support. It was a different time period altogether...

That being said, we are going to have a lot of political leaders for the next 10-20 years that could have been connected to some radical idea or another. Obviously the Weathermen used bombs and terror as part of their "message", but are we going to automatically rule out future leaders because of a possible connection to a group that may have had some strange ideas while said leader was probably getting high in college?

C'mon people, we just elected someone that had a history of chemical abuse and now that leader's own party is using the past to sink another candidate? Its a tired line guys, you need new material...

Dews Tuesday Rundown...

Interesting twist of fate in New York for Mr. Spitzer obviously...

If you get a chance, read Dana Milbank's article in the Washington Post about "Client 9" and his adventures including such lines as "ask you to do things that, like, you might not think were safe."

Mr. Spitzer, you dog....

The HRC vs Obaminator debate continues to rage away within the democratic circles, without a clear winner it seems. On the one hand Obama is labeled as not being qualified to be president (from the HRC folks), but on the other he would make up the VP end of a "Dream Ticket"???

I must say I'm pretty torn on this issue as I really dislike both these candidates (and can't possibly vote for a spineless party lap-dog like McCain at this point), but if I had to vote, I think Mickey Mouse would again be my write-in candidate (or perhaps a last second Gore - Hagel ticket???? PLEASE???).

Finally, in all seriousness, it seems that with all the tense political drama in our own nation, South America seems on the brink of something even more catastrophic.

No, I am not speaking of the supposedly solved border issue between Colombia and Venezuela, I am speaking more about the Travelocity Gnome going renegade...

A town in South America is living in fear after several sightings of a
'creepy gnome' that locals claim stalks the streets at night.

The midget - which wears a pointy hat and has a distinctive sideways walk - was caught on video last week by a terrified group of youngsters.

Our hopes and prayers go out to our brothers in Argentina...

Can you argue with Jack?

Jack Nicholson on Hillary
Uploaded by MistyJones

Nicholson Debuts New "3AM" Commercial In Support of Clinton
Uploaded by Potfry

Five for Friday

I have been scouring the interwebs for literally minutes, and I've come up with five blog-worthy things to share with you. In no particular order:

First, my boy Krugman at the NYT writes about the effect John Edwards had on this campaign. Without Edwards, and I think everyone who writes for the blog hit on this in one way or another, the Democrats would not be talking about actual ideas and concrete policy initiatives. Instead, the nominee would John Kerry version 2.0. So, if you see him, thank John Edwards.

Second, Gene Upshaw is prepared for an NFL players strike if the owners decide to opt out of the current contract after the Super Bowl. Owners say they're broke, but Upshaw isn't buying what they're selling.

Third, we've all heard by now that Microsoft has made a bid to buy Yahoo!. The bid, however, is likely to go hostile. Here's some more on the could-be takeover. If there's a request, I'll post a blog soon explaining the mechanics of a hostile takeover. Question is, can Microsoft make my Yahoo! mail suck more? I'm betting on yes.

Fourth, in news from my hometown of Barre, Vermont, it looks like a property management company has taken a bunch of its tenants for a ride. Why is this news? Well, it's looking like I'm one of them (maybe, I must throw in the allegedly cause I don't know all the facts).

Fifth, and finally, in a sign that Hillary cannot, and should not, under any circumstances, be allowed to win the Democratic nomination, there's news that she's earned Ann Coulter's endorsement (and probably the endorsement of the Horsefaced Women's Alliance - HWA for those of you not in the know).

That's it. Have fun in Vegas, WTFers.

Happy Friday

Happy Friday everyone. Last night was a neat night for me. I got pulled over for speeding, and got off with a warning. What was cool was that the officer that pulled me over was a woman. And hot. I have a buddy on the force. I'm totally getting her number.

Let's see, news for today. First, Randy Moss will be catching balls in the Super Bowl, not answering the battery lawsuit in Florida. That's not totally news, but I love the fact that Randy's lawyer flat out called the suit (in ESPN-speak) "bullsh--." Awesome, counselor Sharpstein. But, really, don't we all want to see Randy hire this guy? (may require you to scroll up)

We all know that politicians should be careful about showing their emotions. A well-placed tear during a moving event or a hearty chuckle with a big lush are okay. Telling your mayoral assistant you're madly in love with her, especially after your city spent $9 million on a whistle blower trial, is not. Also, after you read that, tell me if I had this right: did they actually send 14,000 text messages to each other over two months? Is that even possible?

I'm still pissed about Dana Jacobson (link with vodka-riffic pic). Kelly Tilghman got two weeks for the lynch comment. Jacobson waited two weeks to apologize and was suspended a couple days. Yet another example of ESPN's growing suckage.

The New York Times has endorsed Hillary Clinton in the primaries. It's not a suprise, really, but as the rest of the crew here will tell you, it's not the right choice. The gist of their endorsement: Hillary has the (ugh) experience to hit the ground running and get things done. Fine. I know she will get things done. I question what those things will be if she's elected. She represents an entrenched approach to solving problems, and her presidency would result in the collection of power in the hands of a few. There may be change, but it will only be a switch from the conservative elite to the liberal elite. We need someone else.

Lastly, only 22 days until pitchers and catchers report. That's effing awesome.

Dews Wednesday round-down

Of course the two big stories of yesterday continue to linger.

Between Heath Ledger's death, and Tom Brady's gimpy ankle, the women of the world have been on the edge of their seat for the past 24 hours I'm sure. At least you all will have Project Runway to watch this evening, with hopefully Victoria getting kicked off... But I digress...

(And yes Dewey, I watch Project Runway, and yes I am also ok with my sexuality...)

Leading off we have the rapidly declining chances of Governor Huckabee of Arkansas after a poor showing in South Carolina. A significant portion of his staff is apparently forgoing pay for the time being until the money "Hopefully" starts rolling back in:

The former Arkansas governor promised to remain in the race through next
Tuesday's Florida primary, telling about 50 people, mostly University of Florida
fraternity members: "We are taking a look at everything daily. But we will be
here every day in Florida until next week."

Quite honestly, I think the writing is on the wall for Huckabee's campaign at this point. He captured lightning in a bottle with an impressive showing in Iowa and then an enormous push nationally, but I think the establishment is starting to circle the wagons around McCain. It's pretty much a certainty that Fred Thompson, aka "The Conservative's candidate" will undoubtably endorse McCain shortly to possibly be the VP on the ticket...

>>>>

The crap just keeps getting piled on between the two "Candidates" (according to national media that is). As we've made pretty clear on this site, we've had just about as much as we can take of this behavior, but apparently the American people have not made that leap yet.

The twist (and wild card) in this situation is good ole Bubba, who seems to be helpful, but then horrendous to his wife's campaign.

"I know you think it's crazy, but I kind of like to see Barack and Hillary
fight," he said lightheartedly. "They're flesh-and- blood people and they have
their differences - let 'em at it."

I know this is almost sacrilege to suggest, but I'm honestly getting tired of Bill in this whole thing too. He isn't bringing a tone of civility to this race, but certainly is adding to the strife on both sides...

>>>>

Finally, on a more serious note, when are we going to finally crack down on China for its human rights violations? Every day I read article after article of abuses directed at its own citizens and yet we continue to plug away with our trade agreements as if nothing has happened...

Well, this has gone too far this time:

Chinese police have shut down a Web site selling real-time porn and arrested
33 people, state media said on Wednesday, part of a campaign which led to the
shut-down of 44,000 Web sites and arrest of 868 people last year.

China launched a crackdown on online pornography and "unhealthy" Web content
after Chinese President Hu Jintao said the country's sprawling Internet posed a
threat to social stability.

People of China, the time has come for you to rise as one and stop this tyranny!!!

The Only Respectable Candidate

As many have noticed over the holiday weekend, Obama and Shrillary got into a catfight during the South Carolina Democratic debate. I won't bring up the fact that Stephen Colbert was held out of those debates and that Dennis Kucinich is suing over that fact, no the fact I want to bring up is the differences between the two major candidates of the Democratic Party, and the only acceptable choice right now for the party, John Edwards.

While Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton spar each other over their past, who has the charisma, who has the experience (allegedly) and who did or did not lawyer for a sleazy slum lord who was an executive at WalMart, John Edwards has been out there giving his message to those who will listen. His message is one we all can get behind, and with yesterday being MLK day, one that is supported by someone very close to the fallen Reverend.

…I appreciate that on the major issues of health care, the environment, and the economy, you have framed the issues for what they are - a struggle for justice. And, you have almost single-handedly made poverty an issue in this election.

You know as well as anyone that the 37 million people living in poverty have no voice in our system. They don’t have lobbyists in Washington and they don’t get to go to lunch with members of Congress. Speaking up for them is not politically convenient. But, it is the right thing to do.

I am disturbed by how little attention the topic of economic justice has received during this campaign. I want to challenge all candidates to follow your lead, and speak up loudly and forcefully on the issue of economic justice in America...

I believe that now, more than ever, we need a leader who wakes up every morning with the knowledge of that injustice in the forefront of their minds, and who knows that when we commit ourselves to a cause as a nation, we can make major strides in our own lifetimes. My father was not driven by an illusory vision of a perfect society. He was driven by the certain knowledge that when people of good faith and strong principles commit to making things better, we can change hearts, we can change minds, and we can change lives.

So, I urge you: keep going. Ignore the pundits, who think this is a horserace, not a fight for justice. My dad was a fighter. As a friend and a believer in my father’s words that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, I say to you: keep going. Keep fighting. My father would be proud.

The mainstream media would have you believe that John Edwards isn't in this race, but he sure as hell is. I hope to wake up tomorrow morning and have the world rocked that John Edwards has won South Carolina. To have a world who must now actually talk about him in the same sentence. Then I want the young people of America, every single beer pong playing, Oprah watching, crazy game of poker listening, football swearing, cocaine snorting, co-ed sexual escapade having, D&D nut and rainbow warrior alike out there who gives a shit about their country to go out during this primary season and put your vote down for John Edwards.

The time for the media has to end. We have to stop being the lemmings who are so easily led to water by these pundits, who have the vested interest of their corporate slave master, and have them once again decide the election. Other then the folks on Air America (for the most part), bloggers, and Keith Olbermann, no one in the media will give John Edwards the time of day. The time has come for another revolution, much like there was in the sixties. This time though we cannot go quietly into the night, we cannot just accept the way things are. We are more informed now as a s society then ever before, and we mainly have the internet to thank for that.

We cannot have John Edwards win the Presidency if he does not win the Primary. It is time to take out The Family and the man who would be Reagan and insert the South Carolina Gentleman into the conversation. We must insert him into the delegate race. If we truly want this country to change, if we truly want this country to finally shift for the first time in forty years and go back in the direction that great men like JFK, MLK and RFK laid down for us we must elect John Edwards. John Edwards, I feel, is the only candidate out there (save for Ron Paul but that's a frightening change) who will toss aside all those corporations, lobbyists and other type of special interests and get back to saving this great nation from itself. We are getting closer to the edge, that land of oblivion where big brother is constantly watching and you have no more rights, we need John Edwards to steer us away from the abyss.

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.
-Benjamin Franklin

Recount!

Just caught this on CNN: Rep. Kucinich (hereinafter referred to as "The Meddling Elf") has demanded a recount. The Meddling Elf cites to discrepancies between hand-counted ballots in the Democratic primary, which favor Barack Obama, and electronically-counted ballots, which favor Hillary Clinton (hereinafter referred to as "Weepy"), as well as the huge, pre-primary change from polls forecasting an Obama victory to the actual voting, where Weepy one. The Meddling Elf is footing the bill for the recount, so we're for sure going to get one.

More sure to come, stay tuned.

Dews don't know Politics...

Ok... So I was a little off on the Ron Paul prediction, as well as the Obama one.

Basically my assumptions where that A) New Hampshire is the Libertarian headquarters (if there is such a thing) and thusly would vote Ron Paul in as spoiler, and B) Obama would ride a wave of support and fund raising craziness into New Hampshire that would equal a definite win and possible withdrawal of Clinton...

Obviously that didn't happen! :)

I can blame the Wilder (or Bradley) effect for this and make excuses, but it was obviously a bit off.

Also for you Huckabee Fans out there, I think his 3rd place finish still gives him the lead by a considerable margin, just as long as he can continue to figure out the fundraising operations.

Anyway, busy day in Politics though as various talking heads have come forward to bitch and moan about their own reasons for being so off on the polls. My personal favorite talking head is Donna Brazile as she is legendary for losing just about every campaign she was involved in, but still somehow qualifies as a "pundit". I really need that gig...

She apparently is offended by how former President Bill Clinton has been attacking Obama:

For him to go after Obama, using a fairy tale, calling him as he did last
week. It's an insult. And I will tell you, as an African-American, I find his
tone and his words to be very depressing.

She goes on to say that Bill Clinton's involvement in Hillary's campaign is a mistake, which really just puts the cherry on top for me. She obviously didn't learn from Al Gore's mistake in not including ol Bubba in on the fun last time around.

Lets face it, the American people associate Bill with great economic times and it certainly shows that he's rubbed some of that good mojo onto Hillary's camp (whether through his own campaigning for her, or just our association with the name). Judging from the NH polls, the people that cared the most about the Economy and which candidate would be better suited to manage it (though none of them have really dealt with a budget outside of Gov Richardson), it was overwhelmingly in favor of Clinton...

Donna Brazile is a freakin idiot is basically what I'm getting at here... Hillary needs Bill just as much as Al did, but chose not to. I feel better having been so far off on Ron Paul when so-called "professionals" still can't make sense of how valuable Billy boy still is to becoming president.

Wednesday Tidbits

Not much going on on the blog today, so here are four "of the day" stories for you to peruse while you recover from your hangover and get some Advil both for your headache and Guitar Hero III-weary wrists.

Quote of the day: "We're pretty sure this is not the Santa Claus."

Warning of the day: the Canadians are invading.

"The media sucks" award for the day: Hillary and Barack get more press than Joe Biden.

Idiot of the day: Jonathan Papelbon, cause his dog at the WS ball.

Well played, waitress

The NYT Online posted a kinda-interesting article about the presidential campaigns rolling out rapid-response web sites to provide fact checking and rebut stories the campaigns deem offensive or inaccurate. Hillary Clinton's campaign has used it in relation to a story saying that she didn't leave a tip at an Iowa restaurant. Apparently this web site was deployed to counter the notion that Hillary is a cheapskate.

But that's not the best part of the story.

The best part of this article is waitress Anita Esterday's quote at the end: "There’s kids dying in the war, the price of oil right now — there’s better things in this world to be thinking about than who served Hillary Clinton at Maid-Rite and who got a tip and who didn’t get a tip." I hope, really, really hope that there are a lot of Iowans like Ms. Esterday. The folks in Iowa and New Hampshire have the pleasure of more or less choosing the Presidential nominees. As this article shows, instead of the war, the economy, energy, the environment, and a pile of other important issues, our candidates are worried about, well, bullshit. I hope that the rest of Iowa is as good as Ms. Esterday about separating the wheat from the chaff in this election season.