4
POPSTHE Bigot is Dead Jesse Helms was a disgraceful representation of an elected official in our country. He despised blacks, gays, lesbians, hispanics and everyone who did not look like him or believed as he believed. While I never take pleasure in the death of another human being, it is my sincere hope that with his death, another layer of bigotry in the U.S. is buried with him. I have to think that maybe seeing Obama on the brink of the presidency may have been just too much for his aging heart to take.
6
POPSFormer Speaker Hastert's Congressional Seat is Lost to a Newbie Democrat! If this is any indication of things to come, and it is, the Republicans have a lot to worry about come November. This seat has been reliably Republican for decades. The Democrats didn't even contest a couple of elections in Hastert's area. Just two weeks ago it appeared the Democrat didn't stand a chance. I really believe the country has finally awakened to the facts that the Bush administration, and their supporters in Congress has taken the country in a terribly wrong and deadly direction.
3
POPSOur Brave Democrats Are As Fearful As Ever Once again, the Democrats, who so many of us put into power in order to change the direction of the Iraq policy and to bring our troops out of the hell hole, are going to give Bush his blank cheque to continue his war. Even though better than 72% of the country want this war to end, the Dems continue to be chicken to do anything tangible about it for fear the nasty Republicans, whom the U.S. electorate have all but totally abandoned, might call them soft of terror. Oh come on! This is getting to be not only ridiculous, but criminal. We the people have had our say, and our representatives are ignoring us for their own cowardly political reasons.
12
POPSPetraeus/Betray Us Ad Results in A Deluge of Support for Moveon.org Moveon.org really started something with its Petraeus/Betray-Us ad. It actually was able to move the congress into introducing and voting on legislation condemning the organization for running the ad, which is the first bit of activity we have seen there in a while. While war rages and blood flows the most important thing on the minds of our legislators was to codify censorship. We must never speak poorly, especially of a military man in uniform. The Republicans were especially outraged. Yes, the same Republicans who swift-boated John Kerry and Max Cleland who were both Viet Nam vets and heroes. I guess it depends on who is wearing the uniform at the time when we condemn an attack. Anyway, Moveon.org has received a tremendous increase in donations since congress condemned them, so as far as they are concerned, keep the complaints coming Congresspersons.
0
POPSCongress Has Betrayed-Us All To my way of thinking, whether one approves or disapproves of the MoveOn.Org ad is immaterial. What is at stake here is our democratic right to freedom of speech, which is a part of our Constitution. And yet, congress decided it was necessary for them to vote on a newspaper ad in order to condemn a groups very freedom to express itself. Remember the statement "I might not agree with what you say, but I will defend with my life your right to say it?" What happened to that belief in our country? Can anyone now deny that our country is taking a turn away from what it was founded to be? How dare we send our youngest and finest off to war in order to protect democratic liberties around the world, while we vote down those same liberties and rights in our own country. This was a cheap political trick instigated by the Republican right who has fallen out of favour with the American public for supporting Bush's illegal war, by trying to play on a faux patriotism.
0
POPSDean Makes Promises I am Not Sure Will Be Respected There is not doubt in my mind that the Democratic party is far more sympathetic to gay issues than are Republicans. That being said, however, when push comes to shove, the Democratic candidates for president, and those serving in Congress, still seem to cater to the Christian right when it comes to key issues. Not one Democrat with the exception of Dennis Kucinich and former Senator Gravel, have openly endorsed same-sex marriage. They try to equate civil unions with same-sex marriage, but they really are totally different when it comes to Federal benefits and protections. It was a Democratic president by the name of Clinton who accepted 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the "Defense of Marriage Act." So I really have to wonder just how much better, in the long run, the Dems will be on the very important issues pertaining to total equality.
1
POPSIs Chertoff Another Liar for Bush? Rumour has it that Michael Chertoff may be in the offing as the nominee to replace Al Gonzalez as Attorney General of the United States. There is much to question concerning Mr. Chertoff's veracity as this article explains.
13
POPSAri Fleischer and his crew are dripping with panic Fleischer and his group Freedom's Watch are not only using the overworked and phony connection between the Iraq war and the 9/11 attacks, but they are aiming at their own Republicans who are fleeing the president's Iraq strategy. They are so panicked that Bush is going to be forced into a corner in September, that they are actually trying to intimidate members of their own party with the same bullshit rhetoric and advertising they used to manipulate and scare voters in the past two elections. Ari and his group should be totally ashamed to exploit our wounded and killed vets in such a crass political game.
13
POPSChristians Only In Congress, Please Republican Congressman Bill Sali says having a Muslin in the House of Representatives and a Hindu prayer being offered in the Senate just goes too far. The only way to maintain the U.S. is to stand by its founding Christian principals and to ask for the grace of the Christian God. The Hindi and Muslim Gods are different and do not count in our political system. Are we still wondering why the rest of the world is laughing at us and why the Muslim world hates us?
8
POPSCindy Sheehan Really Means It Cindy Sheehan and her fellow protesters really want to see Bush and Cheney impeached, and every day, increasing numbers of Americans are beginning to feel the same way. I am so glad she decided to rescind her retirement from the anti-war movement. She is a hero to many, and an inspiration to those of us who feel congress is simply not doing enough to end this war, and bring Bush and Cheney to justice for the lies they told the American people in order to get our support for this war, as well as their trampling of our Constitution.
17
POPSBush's Compassionate Conservatism Does Not Include Sick Kids George W. Bush was literally strong armed into signing legislation while he was governor of Texas that protected poor kids from going without health care. Now that he is president, he is trying to prevent helping poor kids on a national level. Has this man no shame?!?
6
POPSBush and Cheney Will Walk Away Smirking The most upsetting aspect of everything this administration does is that there is little to know doubt that they WILL get away with it in the end. Unless the congress is willing to actually force Bush, Cheney et al to face the consequences of their actions, nothing at all will happen. The dems have already announced, loud and clear, that impeachment is off the table. So, in that case, why all the hollering and shouting if we're just wasting our sweat and energy? Let's face it. The people have lost control of this government. Perhaps we should all just figure out a way to start this whole political process all over again.
2
POPSConyers May Be Growing A New Set It looks like John Conyers, and ordinarily brave congressman, might break with Speaker Pelosi and actually come out in endorsement of impeaching Bush and Cheney. We can only hope.
6
POPSCindy Speaks Out and Leaves the Dems Cindy Sheehan makes some excellent points in this open letter to Congress. The Democrats were put into power after 6 years of total Republican control of the House and Senate primarily because the voters wanted them to end this war honourably. They have the vast majority of the country on the side of ending the war and cutting off Bush's blank check. Now that they had the chance to do it, they flubbed it and gave Bush what he wanted with the suggestion of "wait 'til next time." The public, I sense, is tired of waiting, and they do not see why the Democrats folded like a house of cards when they finally have the power to do something towards bringing this war to a close.
1
POPSThe Witch Hunt Continues I keep hearing that Don't Ask, Don't Tell is under pressure to be repealed. But then I see stories about continued witch hunts and ridiculously dangerous dismissals of valuable soldiers serving in war zones because they are gay. Israel, the worlds most macho army has no problem with gays openly serving, but the U.S. cannot get is puritanical and Christian right-wing beliefs under to control to bring our military into the 21st century. We must put our personal prejudices a side for the good of the country as well as for the purpose of living up to our belief that ALL persons are considered equal.
5
POPSIs It Possible That Bush is Sociopathic?
I am beginning to believe that George W. Bush is sociopathic. After knowing that the story of the Gonzalez bed side harassment of former Attorney General Ashcroft, and all the other evidence piling up against this man, Bush can actually stand there and say that Gonzalez has done nothing wrong and that the Democrats are engaged in political Theatre. This is a truly disturbing situation that goes way beyond politics as usual. I can understand if Bush tried to spin the bedside visit to Ashcroft, but to just ignore it as if it had never happened, and to say he did absolutely nothing wrong demonstrates a complete lack of comprehension between right and wrong. But then again, why am I surprised. This is a man who claims to always be on the side of life and yet officiated over the largest number of executions in any state, including that of a retarded man and a teenager. He also is capable of discussion the carnage in Iraq with a sickening smirk on his face. This man is terribly sick.
14
POPSThe American Public is Sick of Bush's False Bravado The public wants Bush to be accountable and to hold the Iraqi government accountable. They are tired of having the president permit more of our brave service people killed or maimed, and our treasury being depleted indefinitely while the Iraqi government does nothing to reach any benchmarks, and actually plan to go on vacation for two months as our soldiers continue to bleed and die in the stinking heat of Baghdad and the rest of Iraq, I really hope the public stands firm and strong, and insists that the congress force a meaningful set of benchmarks with real consequences for the Iraqi government failing to meet them. They should also tell them that if the Iraqi government takes the summer off, so are our troops. They need the rest far more than the politicians do.
0
POPSThe White House Feels the Pain The Bush White House is getting very nervous about the open revolt that is beginning to take form against the president. It will be interesting to watch as spring turns to summer; summer turns to fall, and fall turns to complete open revolt against the president's audacious refusal to face the facts about his Iraq misadventure.
11
POPSThe Navy Sees Value in Gay Service Members The hypocrisy of "Don't ask don't tell" shows itself as the Navy recalls a sailor it discharged after he came out to his commanding officer as being gay. What happened to the argument about unit cohesion? I guess when someone is really needed, who they have sex with really doesn't matter in the least. Now, will congress PLEASE repeal that stupid, insulting policy preventing gay people from serving openly and proudly in our military?
2
POPSTenet Shouls Be Investigated and Hopefully Face Charges I sincerely hope more and more House members demand an investigation of Tenet's involvement in the road leading up to the war in Iraq. This man not only help perpetrate a fraud on the American people and Congress, but he is now reaping a fantastic fortune over his malfeasance.
5
POPSMore and More Americans Want A Timetable for Withdrawal. The numbers of American citizens who want Bush to set a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq is increasingly constantly. And yet, the president insists that it is Congress who is holding up the funding for the troops by demanding the president pay attention to the will of the people. At this point, I believe Americans are going to squarely place the delay in funding our troops exactly where it belongs; on Bush. He wants to continue to avoid accountability as he has all through the Republican hold on Congress. The people spoke in November when they put the Dems in charge, and they are continuing to speak. But, true to form, our spoiled brat, break whatever he touches and then leave it to someone else to clean up, president refuses to acknowledge the people's wishes.
0
POPSMaliki Wants Us To Butt Out, As Long As We Are Willing to Bleed. I understand Prime Minister Malaki's desire to have his government make their own political decisions and take their own actions without outside interference. But, up 'til now his government has done precious little in moving forward with what they need to do politically. To say he will not tolerate U.S. influence is a bit rich, considering that he is perfectly willing to have our soldiers monitor HIS civil war, and to have them bleed, and die to assist his government in achieving their goals. He has to remember that as long as our men and women are being gravely injured and dying for his country, we do have the right to interfere to a certain point, if in fact, he is unable to bring his government to agreement.
1
POPSW.House slams planned Syria trip by House speaker Ms. Pelosi is going to Syria with a message from Israel's prime minister as well with the intention of "breaking the ice" with President Assad. The Iraq Study Group strongly recommended such outreach to Iraq's neighbours as a way of including them in the development of ideas and strategies to bring a permanent end to the civil war raging in Iraq since our invasion. There is no reason NOT to meet with Syria other than total stubbornness, which of course the Bush administration is noted for. No one expects Speaker Pelosi to broker deals or make promises to President Assad. This is simply a fact finding and outreach activity, which should be applauded. It takes no particular talent to talk with our friends, but it takes leadership to talk with those who disagree with us.
0
POPSWill The ERA Finally Become The Law of the Land? After 2 1/2 decades, will the perfectly sane and fair Constitutional Amendment finally be ratified, or will we sink back into the morass of discrimination and small-mindedness that sunk it 25 years ago? Let's hope we are all a bit more enlightened this time.
2
POPSIn This Case I Prefer the Support of a Jock Strap As a Jew I have a specific interest in Israel, which of course would come as no surprise to anyone. But when I hear Tom Delay saying he gave up his seat in the House of Representatives for Israel, it makes my skin crawl. This sleazy, indicted criminal left the House in disgrace. He cares about nothing but his own self-interest, and if boosting the cause of Israel advances that agenda, he'll shamelessly use it.
2
POPSProtection of Minorities Will Advance Under Dems, Unless the Christian Right Stops It Once again, what seems to me to be basic civil protections for a minority group will come up for votes in the congress, and with the Dems in charge they will probably pass. But the Christian Right has their fangs out for blood if the president dares to consider actually signing such legislation. When will these people learn to live by their own Christian belief of live and let live, and judge not?
2
POPSAIPAC Continues to Beat the Drums of War AIPAC is lobbying, nay, pressuring congressional representatives and senators to push Bush into bombing Iran's nuclear facilities. Their tactics are identical to those used when instigating war with Iraq. Thankfully, the vast majority of Jews living in America are vehemently against such an action and will not easily fall under AIPAC's sway as they did leading up to the Iraq war. They have learned their lesson, which hopefully will encourage congress to stand-up to AIPAC and tell them know. Their constituents are against attacking Iran, and they will no longer fall for your standard line that not supporting what Israel wants is equivalent to anti-Semitism. It is my sincere hope that congress will have the courage to do this, and to stop permitting AIPAC from essentially blackmailing them with the Jewish vote. Jewish voters will NOT support any member of congress who presses for war with Iran.
7
POPSAn Injured Iraq War Veteran Speaks Out Brady van Engelen is correct. Our brave soldiers who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan make up a very small part of our population. They cannot fight for a change in the veterans medical care system on their own. We must take up their fight as our own. These people are sent into battle in our name, and whether or not we agree with this current war, we must push our government to take proper car of those people who risk their lives to enter the theatre of war on the orders of our elected representatives. Our president and his honchos are constantly screaming about how we must support our troops, and yet have permitted these conditions to fester for years. On top of which, this president wants to cut aid to veterans in his current budget yet to be voted on in Congress. Support is more than a word, it is action, and this president should hold his head in deep shame over his lack of support for the troops he so fervently claims to love.
4
POPSHillary Has Convinced Me: I shall Look Elsewhere Hillary appears to be adopting a very Bush-like attitude towards potential voters. Rather than trying to convince voters why they should vote for her, she seems to be saying if you don't like what I say, well then, go look elsewhere. Such haughty arrogance! I am also very concerned that Senator Clinton is not stressing diplomacy towards fixing the Iran situation. Rather she is intimating a very militaristic attitude. I also get the impression she too, like so many others in congress, is cozying up to AIPAC and catering to their belief that military might against Israel's enemies is the only way to go. This is scary to me. All in all, I think the Senator has already convinced me to take her advice, and look elsewhere. Richardson anyone?
1
POPSThis Time There is Every Reason to Believe Michael Brown Once more time Lieberman is letting the Bush administration off the hook. He screamed loudly when he was on the committee demanding the information from the white house. Now that he was re-elected with strong Republican help, and he is chairman of the committee, he decides to call off the investigation of how the administration failed during the Katrina tragedy, and let the Bushies literally get away with murder. This man is an embarrassment in his complete dedication to his self-serving best interests no matter who he has to screw to remain in power. But this Katrina investigation is truly low, even for Lieberman.
4
POPSStill Spreadin' It Around Is this a classy dame or what (I'm sure using the term "dame" really dates me, eh?) She not only gives up her Congressional seat, to run for the Senate. But after losing big time, she invokes her floor rights, and shows up at the SOTU to pass out business cards. Umm, I wonder what business she's in?
0
POPSD.C.'s Mayor Has Excellent Taste The NY Times report talks about the many changes in Washington since the Dems took over Congress. But I just couldn't help but clip the line about the Mayor of Washington, DC dissing Laura Bush for Speaker Nancy Pelosi. My, my, how the mighty have fallen.
6
POPSGonzales Questions Habeas Corpus Read the rest of this article at http://www.consortiumnews.com/2007/011807.html Mr. Gonzales displays a frightening lack of common sense and honesty by making this claim. Even Arlen Specter, a Senator from his side of the aisle, so to speak, became flustered with disbelief when he came up with this response concerning habeas. It is obvious this attorney general is blinded by his own ideology to the point of trampling on the rights of us citizens whenever the agenda of he and his neo-con brethren dictate it must.
4
POPSOur Troops Are Officially Being Used as Pawns So, finally the White House is showing its real hypocrisy when they talk about supporting our troops. Their way of supporting them is to make sure they are rushed into harms way before Congress can possibly act to cut off the funding necessary to put them there in the first place. This is an ugly and cynical policy that is nothing short of disgusting. Impeachment is too good for this president. He is nothing short of a total war criminal even when it comes to our own troops well-being is concerned.
2
POPSPresidential Priorities vs. Public Concerns Do we need any more proof that yesterday's big announcement by the former governor of Texas was really nothing more than a cheap political ploy to galvanize the bigots in his core constituency? If the numbers are bad, just role out t he hate. That'll cure everything.
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