'Time' Puts Horns on the Reverend Billy Graham | NewsBusters.org

'Time' Puts Horns on the Reverend Billy Graham NewsBusters.org:

"MSNBC'S WILLIE GEIST: A guy who has advised presidents, the Reverend Billy
Graham on the cover of Time Magazine this week. I know the media is secular, but
do they have to rub it in? A nice picture there of the reverend praying, but
look at the horns above his head. A not-so-subtle message that maybe he's, well,
Satan incarnate. MSNBC HOST TUCKER CARLSON: That is actually . . .. Have people
complained about that? Because that's unbelievable. GEIST: Yeah, there's some
chatter on the internet right now, and there's sure to be more."

I have that copy of Time Magazine right next to me and I can tell you those are not horns, that is the M from "Time". I don't know how else they would have liked the name to be there, but the M would have been behind his head either way. This is just silly.

lgf: More Nukes for Pakistan:

lgf: More Nukes for Pakistan:

"ISLAMABAD: After the finalization of nuclear deal between India and the United
States, Pakistan has decided to accelerate the development of its nuclear and
missile program and President Pervez Musharraf and the government in this regard
have issued directives to the scientists and engineers of the country. Military
sources said that Pakistan in the time to come would continue the testing of new
missiles. Reliable sources further told Online that in the meeting of National
Command and Control Authority, the matter of disturbance of strategic balance
after Indo-US deal was discussed in detail and it was decided that Pakistan
would continue the development of its nuclear and missile programme. The work on
Khushab reactor would be speedup while new nuclear reactors would also be
installed which number in range of four to five."

I think this is a bigger concern and a more pressing threat to our security than Iran.

Who Is... United States Democratic presidential candidates, 2008 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

United States Democratic presidential candidates, 2008 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Bill Richardson, born November 15, 1947, in Pasadena, California, Governor of New Mexico, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy and U.S. Representative. After reportedly informing party leaders in February 2005 of his intention to run for president, on December 7, 2006, Richardson said "I am running" during his response to a prospective question about the 2008 presidential election by Fox News, however he later retracted the decision and said he would make an official decision by January. Recently on The Daily Show, Richardson stated that he was definitely running for President. On May 21, 2007, he officially declared his candidacy. If elected he would be the first Hispanic American to hold Presidential Office.

Global Warming Deniers Denied Again [Oliver Willis: Like Kryptonite To Stupid]:

Global Warming Deniers Denied Again [Oliver Willis: Like Kryptonite To Stupid]:

"Last night global warming deniers rejoiced (and got the MSM to cover their b.s. yet again) at some incorrect data in measuring climate change, and used that to claim that it disproves global warming. Except it doesn't, cause the data was for the U.S. and not the entire globe. Which happens to be the 'globe' in global warming."

Global Warming is still a threat, the changes that have been talked so much about among bloggers on the right don't upset the apple cart as much as they would have us believe. The science behind global warming is more than just statistics of increased temperature but a number of other factors, and data sets have shown the theory to be strong. In all honesty, this is science not religion, we can't ever prove Global Warming, but all tests done by major scientists have supported the theory.

Margaret Carlson: 'Democratic Base Is Really the Middle American Base' | NewsBusters.org

Margaret Carlson: 'Democratic Base Is Really the Middle American Base' NewsBusters.org:

"Well, you know, the labor and the Human Rights Campaign forums and debates this
week suggest to me that the Democratic base is really the middle American base
now. And if you look at polls on how people feel about things, it’s true. The
fight that was had last time over gays, I don’t think we’re going to have that
this time. I don’t think Bush saying there’s going to be an amendment to
discriminate against gays, I don’t think that’s going to come up with quite that
passion this time around. "

While I think that this is true, I also thought this was true just before the election in 2000. I was so certain that a republican wouldn't win then, I wasn't even concerned who the nominee was. Remember the debates on the left were all about Gore and Nader. Well the left lost in 2000 and it can lose in 2008, and you might to know why. Because Americans are lazy about voting, they love to pontificate about how poorly the country is being run, but find it harder to voice their concerns in a vote. It was pointed out in 2000 that if everyone who didn't vote, voted for Nader, he would have won by a landslide. That is also why all the polls are so pointless, at the end of the day the only count that matters is the election. At the end of the day there is no prediction on who is going to show and vote for whom, and who is going to stay home.

MSNBC's Dan Abrams Tags Rove 'Constitutional Crippler' | NewsBusters.org

MSNBC's Dan Abrams Tags Rove 'Constitutional Crippler' NewsBusters.org:

"DAN ABRAMS: Karl Rove is out. Rove announced this morning he was resigning from
the Bush administration. The man who is sometimes referred to as 'Bush's brain'
will leave the White House on August 31. My take. If Karl Rove had been a
professional wrestler, they might have called him 'the Constitutional Crippler.'
I'll leave his political legacy to others, although I will say I think it's
foolish when searching for explanations for the 2000 Republican rout to blame
Rove, the political operative, as opposed to Rove, the chief policy analyst.
That was the war speaking. How the Republicans talked about it in the campaign
wouldn't have changed a thing. But in terms of his legal legacy, Rove has long
applied basic political strategy to the courts: Accuse your opponents or critics
of engaging in the very behavior that could become your own Achilles heel. Rove
has accused judges of bending the law to fit their personal agenda. It's true,
some do. But I can't think of a federal judge who has done that more than Karl
Rove himself. Rove called the federal judiciary 'fundamentally out of touch with
mainstream America.' A nice campaign slogan, but it demonstrates a fundamental
misunderstanding of the role of judges. They're not supposed to reflect popular
opinion. It also demonstrates some hypocrisy. He cites the will of the people
until, of course, it comes to the people's reaction to this administration's
policy. Then he ignores it. And he even said, quote, 'I'm not going to stay or
leave based on whether it pleases the mob.'"

First of all click on the link to read the rest of this great piece.

Like him or not, Rove has changed the face of American politics, and it will never be the same. His greatest secret to power may in the end be that we don't know what effect he had. We know for sure that he was key to getting many of the things this administration wanted, done. What we don't know that much about is how involved he was in some of the most controversial topics in Washington. He was a political machine, it has been said that he lived to win elections. He was very good at winning elections, and in doing so I believed he changed the ways that elections are fought.

ABC: Crooks Bilk Hospitals to Protest State of Health Insurance | NewsBusters.org

ABC: Crooks Bilk Hospitals to Protest State of Health Insurance NewsBusters.org:

"According to ABC’s John Berman, one reason that crooks in Texas have been
bilking hospitals out of money is because they’re 'fed up' with the health care
system. During a segment on Wednesday’s 'Good Morning America,' the
correspondent filed a report on successful, financially stable individuals who
pretend to be poor in order to avoid paying their health insurance related
hospital fees. "

This is wrong, while I agree that the system needs change, this is the wrong way to produce change. The right way is to talk to the public, talk to your leaders in congress and the White House. Medical care is a touchy subject and the debate on it is heated. It should be an honest and open debate, efforts of this nature work to undermine the debate and corrupt the issue.

Seattle Times Editor Scolds Staffers For Cheering Rove Resignation | NewsBusters.org

Seattle Times Editor Scolds Staffers For Cheering Rove Resignation NewsBusters.org:

"It seems that some folks at the Seattle Times got a bit giddy when they heard
news of Karl Rove's resignation. The paper's David Postman clarified in an
August 14 'Postman on Politics' blog post that while it 'sounds like a
conservative's parody of how a news meeting would be run... It was only a couple
of people who cheered [Rove's resignation] and they, thankfully, are not among
the people who get a say in news play.' Nevertheless, Postman noted that
executive editor David Boardman has issued a warning to Seattle Times staff"

If I understand this right, the first amendment doesn't apply to journalists. Once you walk into the office of a news source as an employee you are not allowed to express your personal views. I just think this is silly, there is a clear difference between what is expressed off air/out of print and what is expressed on air and in print. Journalism is changing and the old school theory of objective journalism is getting weaker, I think that is a good thing. The new idea is that you take someone from each side, and allow them each to have their say. Journalist by nature are informed, educated, curious people and to expect that they don't have opinions is wrong. Would I support the same actions taken by a journalist on air, no. Inside the newsroom though there should be enough freedom of expression to cheer or boo.

Scarborough Swipes: Fox News All Republicans, Except Colmes 'Kept Locked in a Cage' | NewsBusters.org

Scarborough Swipes: Fox News All Republicans, Except Colmes 'Kept Locked in a Cage' NewsBusters.org:

"I'm going to get into this. If 'Editor & Publisher' wants to write
something about this, and editorialize about it, that's one thing. But I don't
think Bill O'Reilly has any place to pass judgment on a news organization for
being biased. Bill O'Reilly brings his opinions to his show every night, and
there's nothing wrong with that. Fox News, I did some guest-hosting at Fox News,
was up there. [Snickers] Those people, from the second you walk in, from the
person who takes you to the elevator, the person who briefs you, they're all
Republicans, they're all conservative except for poor Alan Colmes -- they keep
him locked up in a cage."

The right to produce shows as they see fit is a right that I think Fox News has, its viewers will think for themselves and choose what they want to watch. Even Bill O'Reilly has the right to his own brand of journalism, which some find to be harsh and biased. However, it is his brand of journalism that makes this statement something like the pot calling the kettle black.

Kansas City Homicide: Media Reports U.S. Health System to Blame | NewsBusters.org

Kansas City Homicide: Media Reports U.S. Health System to Blame NewsBusters.org:

"'Man charged with killing wife over health costs' - Reuters 'Balcony
homicide blamed on medical bills' - UPI 'Drowning in medical bills, man kisses
ailing wife before throwing her off balcony' - Ottawa Citizen 'US health care
costs blamed for wife's murder' - The Scotsman 'Uninsured Missouri Woman Killed
By Husband Unable To Pay Her Medical Bills' - AHN "

This is a sad story, and I am sure that it is a lot easier for those of us who aren't in the postition this man was in to talk about. However I find it hard to believe that there were no other options for this man and his wife for getting her medical assistance. He may or may not have had his wifes best interests at heart, but I think that he made the wrong choice. We will hear more about the case in the days to come, and maybe more information will become available. The womyns family is saying that they had concerns about the husband, and his treatment of her.

Bill Richardson Pushes to Implement N.M.'s Medical Pot Law - TalkLeft: The Politics Of Crime

Bill Richardson Pushes to Implement N.M.'s Medical Pot Law - TalkLeft: The Politics Of Crime:

"I am writing to raise my deep concern about the White House Office of National
Drug Control Policy's misguided priority and wasted resources spent to
intimidate states trying to implement medical marijuana programs that provide
relief to citizens suffering from the pain of severe illness or injury. 'At a
time when the scourge of meth is coming across the border, and cocaine and
heroin use continues to ravage our communities, the federal government should be
cracking down on real criminals---not people who are trying to help those in
pain.'"

This is such an interesting issue. Because as conservatives, who are for states rights over the rights of the Federal Government, they should support Medical Marijuana, but they aren't. The concern seems to be that since it is a street drug that some people will use the prescription as an excuse to do drugs. That once you allow it to be used for medical purposes you lose control of how it is used in the general population. There are a couple problems with that.

One is that there is no control over the way pot is used in the general population. Imagine if you will a sweaty man, in a room full of mosquito's. He is swatting them, and sometimes he gets one, but more often than not he doesn't. Pot use is rampant in this country, I have been across the country a number of times and there really is no place that it isn't easily available.

The concern that it is going to be abused over looks the abuse of current prescription drugs. Pain killers are abused, should they not be sold to people who need it for their pain. I am not suggesting that you subscribe marijuana to someone as a substitute for Advil, but maybe as a substitute for morphine. Morphine is abused as a street drug, so it makes so sense to me to ban marijuana as a prescription drug over concerns of abuse.

I am not advocating drug use, the recreational use of drugs is something that is shameful in my opinion. What I am suggesting is a reasonable drug policy.

The Lost War - washingtonpost.com

The Lost War - washingtonpost.com:

"Despite the presence of 35,000 NATO troops in Afghanistan, the drug trade
there is going gangbusters. According to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC), Afghan opium production in 2006 rose a staggering 57 percent over the
previous year. Next month, the United Nations is expected to release a report
showing an additional 15 percent jump in opium production this year while
highlighting the sobering fact that Afghanistan now accounts for 95 percent of
the world's poppy crop"

While I am strongly against drug use, the drug war has been a total failure. There is little doubt that I could find any drug that I wanted, which means that the supply just is flowing - if not unhindered, unstopped. There isn't an easy solution to the drug problem, because every person who takes drugs, does so for their own reasons. You can't address the supply problem, without dealing with the demand side or vice verse. We have been waging a war against drugs in Columbia for years now, and cocaine is still readily available. How much money, and how many arms should we continue to throw at this problem with such little results.

Gov. Mike Huckabee

Markos Moulitsas from the Daily Kos

Michael Jacobson on Food

Hot Air » Blog Archive » Seven U.S. soldiers in Iraq say: Let ‘em fight it out; Update: Blackfive responds

Hot Air » Blog Archive » Seven U.S. soldiers in Iraq say: Let ‘em fight it out; Update: Blackfive responds:

"The article suggests that the Shi’ites are trying to ‘consolidate their hold
over Iraq,’ but what they really seem to be doing is competing for the right to
consolidate the Shi’ite majority…The EFPs, the murders of Shi’ite holy men who
are not aligned with Iran, these are not the mark of an ungovernable local
situation. They are the mark of intentional troublemaking — proxy warfighting —
by Iran against the United States. The planting of EFPs against American targets
becomes, then, not an expression of native anti-American hatred — a show of
disgust for an occupier — but part of a war fought by Iran to control the Iraqi
state by winning control of the Shi’ites…Rather than engage the political
question of what to do about Iran, I want to point to the military reality that
their involvement creates. What we are seeing here is not a national liberation
movement by Shi’ites against Americans come to be viewed as occupiers. What we
are seeing is a divided Shi’ite Iraq, engaged in deadly infighting; with Iran
backing some of the groups in a bid to control Iraq, and meanwhile also using
them to wage proxy attacks against the United States. A national liberation
movement directed against us would be a cause for despair indeed; less so the
situation as it is. We can debate separately how we deal with Iran, but when we
have dealt with them, a large part of this issue will resolve itself."

This is refering to the Article from the New York Times that I posted earlier today. This isn't a battle that is only between Sunni and Shia inside Iraq, and they are not the only ones who stand to win or lose in this battle. Iran is putting a lot of force into Iraq right now to try and gain power there. Finding a solution to deal with the growing power of Iran in the region is linked to the war in Iraq. If we leave Iraq, it is going to create a vacuum that Iran can use to its own advantage. The only solution to this war that is going to create a lasting settlement is a strong Iraqi government that can protect itself from terrorists, foreign involvement and sectarian violence.

Gates of Vienna: The Islamification of Christ

Gates of Vienna: The Islamification of Christ:

"There was no manger, Christ is not the Messiah, and the crucifixion never
happened. A forthcoming ITV documentary will portray Jesus as Muslims see him.
With the Koran as a main source and drawing on interviews with scholars and
historians, the Muslim Jesus explores how Islam honours Christ as a prophet but
not as the son of God. According to the Koran the crucifixion was a divine
illusion. Instead of dying on the cross, Jesus was rescued by angels and raised
to heaven. The one-hour special, commissioned and narrated by Melvyn Bragg, is
thought to be the first time the subject has been dealt with on British
television. Lord Bragg said: “I was fascinated by the idea … Jesus was such a
prominent figure in Islam but most people don’t know that.”"

I think this is something that can help create unity between the two faiths. While some are going to come out against this as an attack on Christ, I don't think it is. Jesus is not owned by the Christian church, and while it has the clearest claim to be followers of his word, many have had their own views about Christ throughout history. Understanding begins with knowledge, and a project like this is about knowledge, informing Christians about the views that Muslims hold on Christ.

As a last point, if it is ok for Mohammad to be drawn as a dog, which I support the persons right to do, this shows right to be broadcast must be defended. We have to be honest about freedom of speech.

Firedoglake - Firedoglake weblog » Fantasies of the Oh So Serious Set

Firedoglake - Firedoglake weblog » Fantasies of the Oh So Serious Set:

"“Despite arguments by those in favor of partition, “Iraq has no tradition of
being compartmentalized into neat, sectarian entities,” except for a relatively
brief period between 1880 and World War I. “For long periods before the 1880s,
the Ottoman Empire governed these lands as one,” he said. “It is untrue that the
three Ottoman provinces that became Iraq in 1921 were characterized by clear
sectarian identities.”"

I like Joe Biden, but his idea of cutting up Iraq sounds like the solution that parents would use for children who are having problems sharing a room. It doesn't work for children and it works even less for Iraq. Iraq has no history of being divided in the way that Biden speaks and more importantly it has no desire to be divided. Biden has said that we could force such a division on them, but that would be a flash back to the worst of the imperial moves taken by Britain and other countries after World War I in Eastern Europe and later in Africa. It would breed hatred for America that we were forcing our ideas on them, and it would be disastrous.

The article is very good if you want to know more, click on the link.

Daily Kos: Joe Klein says "READ THIS NOW!"

Daily Kos: Joe Klein says "READ THIS NOW!"

As responsible infantrymen and noncommissioned officers with the 82nd Airborne Division soon heading back home, we are skeptical of recent press coverage portraying the conflict as increasingly manageable and feel it has neglected the mounting civil, political and social unrest we see every day. (Obviously, these are our personal views and should not be seen as official within our chain of command.)...
In short, we operate in a bewildering context of determined enemies and questionable allies, one where the balance of forces on the ground remains entirely unclear. (In the course of writing this article, this fact became all too clear: one of us, Staff Sergeant Murphy, an Army Ranger and reconnaissance team leader, was shot in the head during a "time-sensitive target acquisition mission" on Aug. 12; he is expected to survive and is being flown to a military hospital in the United States.) While we have the will and the resources to fight in this context, we are effectively hamstrung because realities on the ground require measures we will always refuse — namely, the widespread use of lethal and brutal force....
Political reconciliation in Iraq will occur, but not at our insistence or in ways that meet our benchmarks. It will happen on Iraqi terms when the reality on the battlefield is congruent with that in the political sphere. There will be no magnanimous solutions that please every party the way we expect, and there will be winners and losers. The choice we have left is to decide which side we will take. Trying to please every party in the conflict — as we do now — will only ensure we are hated by all in the long run....
In the end, we need to recognize that our presence may have released Iraqis from the grip of a tyrant, but that it has also robbed them of their self-respect. They will soon realize that the best way to regain dignity is to call us what we are — an army of occupation — and force our withdrawal.

There are some important points that are brought up here, and some real concerns that should be addressed. If we are in Iraq to settle the civil war, it is not going to happen, we can't stop brothers from fighting and wanting to kill each other. If we are in Iraq to stop terrorists and prevent them from taking advantage of the chaos to recruit to their ranks, train and launch attacks against the west, we must have success. I always feel like I don't want to say much about this war because I am not on the ground and I don't see the reality of the fight. I am not a general, or in the chain of command that sees the statistics that show the progress or lack thereof in the war. There are people on both sides that have their opinions, and my opinion is that now is not the time to pull our troops out of Iraq. It is true that the Iraqis are going to be ready for political change when they are ready. I personally don't believe that Iraqis want their country to descend into chaos and become a base for terrorists, and that they are taking steps to prevent that. Iraqis deserve more of our patience and more of our trust than they have been given by some on the left. It is my believe we should give them more time.

PoliPundit.com » “Dutch Bishop Suggests Calling God Allah”

PoliPundit.com » “Dutch Bishop Suggests Calling God Allah”:

"A Dutch Catholic bishop who once said the hungry were entitled to steal
bread and advocated condom use to prevent AIDS has made headlines again, this
time by saying God should be called Allah. “Allah is a very beautiful word for
God. Shouldn’t we all say that from now on we will call God Allah?” Bishop Tiny
Muskens said in an interview broadcast this week. “God doesn’t care what we call
him.”"

While I understand that it is true that god doesn't care what you call him, that it is the love and the faith that is in a persons heart that matters. I want to point out that it is blind to think that one can tell people just to change the name they use for god. It isn't like changing the name of a street or even changing your own name. Religion has history and culture to it and to attempt to tell people to use someone else's name for god, is to tell them to abandon that history and culture.

PoliPundit.com » “Census wants halt in immigrant raids for survey”

PoliPundit.com » “Census wants halt in immigrant raids for survey”:

"WASHINGTON - The Census Bureau wants immigration agents to suspend
enforcement raids during the 2010 census so the government can better count
illegal immigrants. Raids during the population count would make an already
distrustful group even less likely to cooperate with government workers who are
supposed to include them, the Census Bureau’s second-ranking official said in an
interview with The Associated Press. Deputy Director Preston Jay Waite said
immigration enforcement officials did not conduct raids for several months
before and after the 2000 census. But today’s political climate is even more
volatile on the issue of illegal immigration."

I think there is good logic behind this request, and though it is going to be thrown back and forth in this heated immigration debate, it helps both sides. Understanding how many people are here is key to any solution that we are going to come to on this issue. In counting we may find that the numbers that we have been using are grossly over or grossly under the actual total. It makes sense to take a break for a couple months, so that a clear data set can be developed.

PoliPundit.com » Science catches up with PoliPundit

PoliPundit.com » Science catches up with PoliPundit:

"It sounds counterintuitive, but burning oil and planting forests to compensate
is more environmentally friendly than burning biofuel. So say scientists who
have calculated the difference in net emissions between using land to produce
biofuel and the alternative: fuelling cars with gasoline and replanting forests
on the land instead"

Bio-Fuels at the end of the day are not a sustainable solution. At some point in the future new technology make change the dynamics of bio-fuels to make them more efficient but right now they are not. You put almost as much energy into ethanol as you get out of it, which is not a good sign of sustainability. The side effects make ethanol even less appealing. Everything from increased land usage to produce more ethanol, to increases in food prices as corn is taken off the food market and giving more power to corporate farmers versus family farmers.

Melanie Morgan: "You're going to look super in a burka."

KARL ROVE MEET THE PRESS AUG 19, 2007

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The Strata-Sphere » Blog Archive » Iranian Forces Enter Iraq

The Strata-Sphere » Blog Archive » Iranian Forces Enter Iraq:

"This kind of incursion and exposure shows more desperation on the part of
those hoping the US will falter in Iraq. The only reason to make this kind of
reckless move is to stop huge reversals. The fact Iran is Persian and Iraq is
Arab is not to be lost on the dynamics of these kinds of situations. With
Iranian/Persian mortars raining down on Iraqi children (most likely Arab) the
region could easily turn against Iran. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq
could decide Persians should not be killing Arab children. That would pretty
much seal Iran’s fate. Both al-Qaeda and Iran are making serious mistakes,
showing they are getting worried and reckless. "

This raises a solid point, like Al Qaeda which lost public favor because of its killing of other Muslims, could Iran face a backlash for getting too involved in Iraq. The majority of Muslims in the world are of the Sunni branch, that Iran is supporting attacks against in Iraq. By becoming part of the conflict, could Iran change the nature of the conflict, where even Shia Arabs feel betrayed and more threaten by a Persian Iran than they friendship with a Shia Iran? If Iran is seen as attacking and killing Arabs in Iraq, that might engage more of the region to unite against Iran in its play for power in the middle east.

The Strata-Sphere » Blog Archive » Petraeus The “Betrayer”?

The Strata-Sphere » Blog Archive » Petraeus The “Betrayer”?:

"AFTER being hailed as King David, the potential saviour of Iraq, the US
commander General David Petraeus is facing a backlash in advance of his report
to Congress in September on the progress of America’s troop surge. Critics,
including one recently retired general, are privately calling him “General
Betraeus” on the grounds that he is too ambitious to deliver a balanced report
on the war."

While I hear so often that the war is going badly, and that the surge isn't working - what I am not hearing is proof of this. When ever a report or an article comes out talking about the war going well and the surge working it is attacked as being lies. The left attacks anyone who dares to say that the war is going well, calls them a list of dirty names, but what it doesn't do is come forward with a case explaining why they want us to believe the war is going badly.

Watching Those We Chose: Debate Blogging

Watching Those We Chose: Debate Blogging:

"Hillary, too, is well scripted and polished and on-message. Of course, being able to control a message the way she does is a good quality in a lot of ways when it comes to selecting a president. She seems to be flirting with an apology for her vote on the AUMF.

John Edwards is forthright with his apology, and that plays well in a country that is sick to death of this war. He seemed to hit a lot of the right notes, and at times seemed downright presidential. At other times, he seems to flirt with schmaltz and that makes me roll my eyes.

Joe Biden amuses me. He always has, actually. I’m not sure what he is running for, certainly not president, most likely a cabinet position, and I think that would be just fine and dandy.

Chris Dodd is having a blast! He is having more fun than any candidate on the stage. That is because he might as well just come out and say “Hey, I’m running for Secretary of State!” And if we can’t get Bill Clinton, then Chris Dodd would be a good alternative.

Mike Gravel is clearly nuts. In his lucid moments, he says some things that need to be said, and makes some sense. But the rest of the time – that is to say most of the time – he’s the crazy uncle that you were afraid would send your significant other running for the exits when they met him. After one of his outbursts of unspeakable truth, my husband said “He’s insane. I love him.”

Dennis Kucinich – what the hell? He sure does say a lot of the things I want to hear, damn him anyway. Why does the Rob Schneider candidate have to be the one getting so much right?"

I will be watching the video of the debate later today and I will bring my perspective on the debate to you after that. I wanted to share these thoughts from WTWC though, for more click on the link.

Are You Sure You Want An Islamic Reformation?

Captain's Quarters: Are You Sure You Want An Islamic Reformation?

"The Protestant Reformation did precede the things these men admire about
modernity in the West, including women's emancipation, political liberty,
scientific breakthroughs, the wealth and opportunity created by the Industrial
Revolution, and permission to think freely regarding God. But all this came
later, and the Reformation was only part of what brought them about. The
Reformation was a time of intense focus on God and what He requires of people.
As a movement, it was enthusiastic, narrow and far from tolerant. It and the
Counter-Reformation brought two centuries of repression, war and massacre to the
West. It's unlikely that anyone who lived through it would consider wishing a
Reformation on Muslims."

Change wasn't easy for the west as the church went through its reformation. It isn't going to be easy for Islam and the nations of the east. Following the reformation, what should follow next as Ed points out in his blog, is a Islamic Enlightenment that changes the nature of religion from political to personal. If the Christian reformation was inevitable, then perhaps the Islamic reformation is equally inevitable.

Poll: New Jersey voters say make marriage equality the law - AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth

Poll: New Jersey voters say make marriage equality the law - AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth:

"* By 63% to 31%, New Jersey voters say they'd be fine with the state
legislature upgrading civil unions to marriage equality. * By 72% to 21%, New
Jersey voters say state legislators would be in no electoral danger if they
enacted marriage equality. * By 61% to 29%, New Jersey voters say they expect
the state to enact marriage equality within just a couple of years. Zogby asked
the baseline question - do you favor marriage equality versus civil unions - in
two ways. Results are 48% to 45% for marriage equality in one question, 48% to
30% in another. And a significant 35% of respondents said they would be less
likely to do business with a company that denies equal benefits to gay
employees. 20% said 'much less likely.'"

Time for change, there is no reason that anyone should be denied the right to express love in an equal fashion. This is a humyn rights issue, the belief that homosexuality is a sin, is a right that is protected by the constitution. That right does not give Christians or the government the right to force that belief on those who do not believe. The right to civil marriage should be protected under the law, allow churches the rights to grant ceremonies as they see fit. The people are leading on this issue, and the politicians are being dragged kicking and screaming along.

National Black Justice Coalition launches NBJC-TV - AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth

National Black Justice Coalition launches NBJC-TV - AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth:

"In addition to the damage that gay marriage does to the black family structure
that is already under stress, legalization of gay marriage has the potential of
endangering the next generation. -- Bishop Harry Jackson, in a March 12 Town
Hall column, ' Black Gays Aggressively Enlist in the Culture War' You got blood
vessels and membranes in your behind. And if you put something unnatural in
there, it breaks them all up. No wonder your behind is bleeding. It's destroying
us. Can't make no connection with a screw and another screw. The Bible says God
made them male and female. The Hebrew word Negade, which means complimentary
nature - there is something unique to man and unique to woman and it takes those
two things to compliment each other. You can't make a connection with two
screws. It takes a screw and a nut! (shouting)...' -- pastor of Union Temple
Baptist Church in D.C. (and former mayoral candidate) Rev. Willie Wilson during
a recorded sermon (there was applause from the pews)."

You know this is exactly the kind of thing you would think you would hear from a TV channel that proclaims to be about justice and equality. Ok, that was sarcasism.

Gwen Stefani Can't Wait to Get Pregnant Again

Gwen Stefani Can't Wait to Get Pregnant Again

Calling herself "a geeky Orange County girl, a chola girl, a rasta girl and an
English girl – all mixed together," Gwen Stefani has no mixed feelings about one
thing: producing a sibling for her 1-year-old son Kingston.
"Obviously I'm in a race to have another, but I don't want to do it while on tour," the singer,
37, tells InStyle for its September issue (on sale Friday). "But I can't wait to get pregnant again. It's so fun and consuming and romantic."

Gwen actually seems to have something that is rare in Hollywood. That's a happy healthy relationship with her husband and a solid family. I think that another child would be great for her and her family.

» Michael Jackson Doesn’t Pay His Bills - Mocksie.com

» Michael Jackson Doesn’t Pay His Bills - Mocksie.com:

"Though his legal team earned every penny when they got Michael Jackson
acquitted on his molestation charges, they’re being forced to sue MJ for not
bothering to pay their fees. Michael Jackson’s former entertainment lawyers have
filed a lawsuit claiming the pop star owes them more than $113,000. The law firm
Lavely & Singer of Los Angeles says Jackson agreed in arbitration last year
to pay them $180,000 in three installments. Jackson failed to make the final
payment of $113,750 before the July 31, 2007, deadline stipulated in the
settlement, the firm alleges in a complaint filed Tuesday in Los Angeles
Superior Court."

I wonder if Michael is ever going to make headlines for his music again. Is his career over? Maybe if he put out a hit record, he would be able to pay the bills to his lawyers that saved his ass from the slammer. Can you imagine what they would have done to him in jail.

10 reasons why Paris Hilton is a business genius - Times Online

10 reasons why Paris Hilton is a business genius - Times Online

1. When she met the CEO of the Guess fashion line, she wooed him by recounting
an encyclopaedic knowledge of company’s history.

2. Parlux Fragrances have described her as “a marketers’ dream” and estimated that by signing up her to endorse a perfume range they tripled the company’s value.

3. She got paid $1million to fly to Austria, wave at a crowd and tell them she loves
Austria.

4. She's lucky. When footage of her having sex leaked onto the internet, propelling her into the headlines, the silver lining was it's timing.

5. She's lucky more than once. In the week she published a book ‘written’ by her famous dog Tinkerbell, the chihuahua went missing for a few days, putting the book into the media spotlight.

6. She knows which opportunities to decline.

7. She's lauded by other businesspeople.

8. How many other ‘dumb blondes’ have seen their book spend five weeks on the New York Times best-seller list?

9. She was reportedly recently offered $1 million by The Learning Annex to teach a 60-minute class on “How to Build Your Brand.”

10. She admits that she encourages people to believe she is dumb and “laughs all the way to the bank” as a result.

Paris is more of a business person than she is given credit for.

LINDSAY FULLY LOADED

Paris Hilton - Kitson Launch (MySpace Exclusive)

Paris Hilton - Kitson Launch (MySpace Exclusive)

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Blonde Hottie Sophie Monk in Stuff magazine

Sexiest Celebrities Blonde Hottie Sophie Monk in Stuff magazine

» Prince William Set to Propose? Bitten and Bound: The Not So Pretty Side of Hollywood

» Prince William Set to Propose? Bitten and Bound: The Not So Pretty Side of Hollywood:

"Desroches is described as the most romantic island in the world. And insiders
reckon the palm-fringed sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean will provide an
irresistible setting for the Prince to propose."

Could the romantic get away be the moment that this attractive couple take their relationship to the next step. I hope that things work out well for them, it takes a lot to be a princess, and I think Kate has it.

Brooke Shields tells it like it is — Top Socialite

Brooke Shields tells it like it is — Top Socialite:

"I always feel like the odd mom out, because, trust me, when I tell you
I’m on my girls,” she says. “And every time I am, I know from the outside it
looks like I’m an overbearing, controlling parent. But I don’t think we have any
responsibility to anybody else but our kids and ourselves.” As told by Redbook
Magazine."

She has a solid point here, we can see clearly enough what attempting to your children's friend has done for Lindsay and Dina's relationship as well as Britney and Lynne's. Parents need to be parents sometimes, and even when the children are older and you can't force their behavior - you can tell them it is wrong and not make excuses for them.

LOVESTRUCK Prince William and on-off girlfriend Kate Middleton

News of the World: LOVESTRUCK Prince William and on-off girlfriend Kate Middleton

"Kate and Wills arrived at the capital, Victoria, from DIFFERENT
countries on Thursday. They then took SEPARATE planes for the short flight to
the exotic and secluded Desroches Island. "

Sounds like the young couple are indeed striking back up their relationship. It must be hard to be the girl friend of the prince. Always knowing that you could one day be Queen, and everyone is watching you knowing that. Also being compared to Diana, who was a beautiful womyn. The pictures of Kate I have seen are wonderful, if she is as strong in spirit as she is beautiful she will do well.

Hayden Is Getting Her Birthday Party Started Early | POPSUGAR - Celebrity Gossip & News.

Hayden Is Getting Her Birthday Party Started Early POPSUGAR - Celebrity Gossip & News.:

"Hayden's 18th Birthday isn't until Tuesday, but she's obviously going to
milk it for all she can (as she should) starting with a Thursday night dinner at
Dolce with friends. And that apparently includes Mario Lopez who has been
spending a lot of time with Hayden's mother these daysHayden's 18th Birthday
isn't until Tuesday, but she's obviously going to milk it for all she can (as
she should) starting with a Thursday night dinner at Dolce with friends. And
that apparently includes Mario Lopez who has been spending a lot of time with
Hayden's mother these days."

This might be the most anticipated coming of age birthday since the Olsen Twins turned 18.

Can Too Much Star Power Spoil "Not That Into You"? | POPSUGAR - Celebrity Gossip & News.

Can Too Much Star Power Spoil "Not That Into You"? POPSUGAR - Celebrity Gossip & News.:

"Yesterday we told you that Jennifer Aniston had joined the cast of He's Just
Not That Into You and now Scarlett has signed on as well. Now don't get us wrong
- we love it when many of our favorite stars team up for a film, but this is
starting to make us a bit nervous about the fate of the movie. What do you think
- can too much star power ruin He's Just Not That Into You?Yesterday we told you
that Jennifer Aniston had joined the cast of He's Just Not That Into You and now
Scarlett has signed on as well. Now don't get us wrong - we love it when many of
our favorite stars team up for a film, but this is starting to make us a bit
nervous about the fate of the movie. What do you think - can too much star power
ruin He's Just Not That Into You?"

As Scarlett Johansson joins the cast of "Not That Into You", some are asking if too much star power will be bad for the movie. I think that a movie can work with an abundance of stars, if it is a good movie. A great example of how a movie can work is Oceans 11 which was a great movie and was packed with stars. Of course an example of a bad movie packed with stars would be Oceans 12.

Brad Pitt Hits the Chicago Runway | Brad Pitt : Just Jared

Brad Pitt Hits the Chicago Runway Brad Pitt : Just Jared:

"Brad and partner Angelina Jolie recently told Total Film magazine that
their kids call them dorks: “Our kids are going to find that funny when they’re
older because they think we’re the dorkiest people on the planet."

Wait, maybe it is the kids who have it right, and the rest of us have been fooled. We all feel under a spell that was cast on us by those sexy lips of Angelina's. What if they really are dorks, and we are the ones who are going to find it funny later.

Gabby Babble: Lily Allen Wants George Bush to F**k Off!

Gabby Babble: Lily Allen Wants George Bush to F**k Off!:

"'This next one is about people who are awkward on the train, U.S. immigration
officials and George Bush in general. Who else can f**k off? People who edit
fashion magazines... that makes us ladies feel awful. We're all beautiful - it's
the heroin addict models who've got the problem.'"

Common don't be a hater Lilly, it isn't the presidents fault that immigration wants to know more about your kung-foo styles. Also I don't think anyone can make a womyn who knows she is beautiful feel ugly, or make a womyn who feels ugly believe she is beautiful. Hopefully we will see you soon in the states.

Best of the Week...Gossip

SUN
Faded Youth Blog » Blog Archive » ANGELINA GIVES UP SNATCH FOR BRAD:

Would you give up your girl friends for a chance to have a relationship with Brad Pitt - Angelina did.

MON
Joe Francis Complains about Hugh Hefner--Bumpshack.com:

Hey Joe in case you haven't heard, you are a bit of a whiner, and no one wants to be friends with a whiner. What do you expect Hef to do, stick his neck out for your lame ass, like your ass wouldn't be running the other way if the tables were turned.

TUE
A Socialite's Life: Anti-Christ To Be Published, Goldman Family Will Benefit

This book was sick when it was OJ and Judith Regan who were selling it. The fact that it is now the family of the victim that is selling it, doesn't make it any less sick in my book. It is good that they are going to get the money for the books sales, well at least better than OJ getting it. Selling a book to make money off the murder of a relative, sounds like America.

WED
Cameron Diaz and John Mayer Dating--Bumpshack.com:

Ok, so is he shared the love with a sugary pop tart, or is he sharing the love with a sour tart of an actress. Maybe he is splitting his time between the two, everyone likes that sweet and sour sauce right? I think both the rumors are doubtful though.

THUR
First Daughter Jenna Bush is Engaged--Bumpshack.com:

Maybe Bush can plug him into one of the openings that he has in his staff. Honestly though, congrats to Jenna and the family, I wish them the best of luck with their new life.

FRI
celebrity nation: Is Ryan upset about Jake?

I don't see how he has any room to be upset. He was the one who broke up the relationship by getting some on the side. Jake is a great guy, its not like Reese is dating some bum. She is a beautiful womyn, there is no reason he should expect that she wouldn't move on with her life.

SAT
Lily Allen Postpones U.S. Concerts Over Visa - Lily Allen : People.com:

Sounds like the rumors of visa trouble were true. Common let the kung-foo princess come to America, who is she going to hurt. Photographers? Hopefully this all gets worked out.

Halle Berry Probably Still Not Pregnant |

Halle Berry Probably Still Not Pregnant :

"A babydoll dress and an unfortunate blast of wind stirred up pregnancy rumors
for Halle Berry. Photographers snapped the actress standing outside the Ivy in
Santa Monica appearing to sport a bit of a bump, but I’m guessing it was just
wind."

Is she even seeing anyone right now? Yeah it doesn't look like she is pregnant in the other pictures.

Hilary Duff’s Drunk Face |

Hilary Duff’s Drunk Face :

"Hilary Duff hung out at Les Deux in Hollywood this weekend, looking a little
worse for the wear. Perhaps homegirl is attempting to drink away the pain caused
by her exboyfriend knocking up Nicole Richie? Or maybe she’s just upset because
her abundant accessories haven’t helped her become the next Mary-Kate Olsen, who
knows?"

I guess that there will always be a fresh crop of club hoppers to keep the tabloids printing. What would I do if the Hollywood set got sober? I guess I could take up knitting.

Buzz Foto LLC - Paparazzi Is An Art Form!

Buzz Foto LLC - Paparazzi Is An Art Form!: "Dave Navarro & his girlfriend Nicole Bennett last night at Koi"

This is what I think a rock star should look like, edgy but still classy - clean but still original.

Federline Does Vegas--Bumpshack.com

Federline Does Vegas--Bumpshack.com:

"The Fed-Ex, reports People, partied like a Brit-Brit at Tao, and had plenty of
liquid refreshment around him — and no shortage of female entertainment. “He was
grinding up on a few of the girls,” says a mag source. “He had a flashlight and
was shining it on some of the girls around him.” What’s more, ever the class
act, Kev held up a cigarette lighter when the DJ spun Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin’.”"

Sounds like he is as big a sleaze as ever. Those poor kids are stuck between madness and pimpin' ain't easy. Probably the best settlement is the current one. I strongly question Kevin's motives, and wonder if once he got full custody he would change his ways and start to party with Britney's money again. Could the whole change of heart over the last couple months just be a show.

Stephen Dorff Attempts a Threesome | Allie Is Wired - The Entertainment Blog

Stephen Dorff Attempts a Threesome Allie Is Wired - The Entertainment Blog:

"As Alana Stewart, Raquel Welch and Jacqueline Bisset looked on, Dorff
cheekily told the unidentified woman, “Hey, if you like my girlfriend so much,
why don’t you come to my house and have a threesome?”"

Better luck next time maybe...

Highbrid Nation » Blog Archive » Look At Who’s On The Cover Of The New King

Highbrid Nation » Blog Archive » Look At Who’s On The Cover Of The New King