IWR News

Iraq Body Count: 6/28/08
Americans Killed: 4113
Americans Wounded: 40,000
http://icasualties.org/oif/
Iraqis Killed: 1,000,000+
http://www.thelancet.com
"...a small price..." Rep. John Boehner
----------------------------
Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Staff Sgt. Du Hai Tran, 30, of Reseda, Calif.,died Jun. 20 in Baqubah, Iraq.

*Capt. Gregory T. Dalessio, 30, of Cherry Hill, NJ died June 23 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Spc. Joshua L. Plocica, 20, of Clarksville, TN died June 25 in Baghdad, Iraq.

* Pfc. Bryan M. Thomas, 22, of Lake Charles, LA died June 23 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Sgt. Alejandro A. Dominguez, 24, of San Diego, CA died June 25 in Mosul, Iraq.

*Spc. Joel A. Taylor, 20, of Pinetown, NC died June 25 in Mosul, Iraq.

*Pfc. James M. Yohn, 25, of Highspire, PA died June 25 in Mosul, Iraq.

*Chief Warrant Officer Robert C. Hammett, 39, of Tucson, AZ died June 24 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Maj. Dwayne M. Kelley, 48, of Willingboro, NJ died June 24 in Baghdad, Iraq.

* Lt. Col. Max A. Galeai, 42, of Pago Pago, American Samoa died June 26 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

*Capt. Philip J. Dykeman, 38, of Brockport, NY died June 26 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

*Cpl. Marcus W. Preudhomme, 23, of North Miami Beach, FL died June 26 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.


Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

The Observer

It’s not often that one blogger takes the time or the space to sing the praises of another but that is what this post is about. Recently, I have been totally blown away by the combination of literary talent and insightful commentary that is ”The Observer” I am also embarrassed to say that it has taken me far too long to stumble upon its existence.

Dave Aldrich

The Observer is the product of Dave Aldrich (currently a Commissioner on Board of the Snohomish County PUD) and has been around the county in one form or another since 1994. From the author:

”The Observer began publication in 1994 as a printed monthly tabloid, reaching an initial list of over 5,000 people, mostly Snohomish County residents. Thereafter, only five percent subscribed; the Observer accepted no advertising. It ceased operations in early 1995, but was resumed—as a much smaller magazine—in 1999. Upon election to public office, the publisher discontinued the written Observer in January 2003…”

In addition to the current writings from Dave’s Progressive perspective, he also provides an archive of .pdf’s of his previously printed work. “The Observer” brings posts on current affairs as well as an offering on the issues of local governance and Dave’s particular pre-occupation with issues of energy use (Aldrich is the county’s strongest advocate for energy conservation and will talk to anyone; anytime on the subject.)

I first met Dave when he came to a meeting of Democracy for Snohomish County one night in 2006 to give us a Power Point presentation on Energy Conservation and his vision of where he thought energy use in the county might be in the coming years. His views on renewable energy and conservation were refreshing to hear from a public official in Snohomish County back then and he is a respected leader on the subject today. Since then, we have exchanged emails on a variety of subjects in addition to energy issues. It wasn’t until around a month or so ago that he sent me a link to The Observer and I have been hooked ever since.

Click on the link (appropriately) to your left and enjoy “The Observer.” Then drop Dave a line and let him know you are a new reader.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

McSame Says Drilling Off The Coast Would Make Us Feel Better

John McSame's latest bit of policy genius would have us risk environmental catastrophe, promote increased global warming, and continue to line the pockets of the Big Oil executives and Speculators while giving Americans a "psychological impact."

It seems Senator John McSame has decided to derail the "Straight Talk Express" yet again by changing his long-held position against off-shore drilling. Once again, the "principled Maverick" is betting that pandering addressing the voters' angst over high fuel costs with empty promises can be an electoral plus for him.

Unlike his goofy "Gas Tax Holiday" scheme plan which might have saved some motorists up to a whopping $35 over some three month period, McSame's call for off-shore drilling provides little or no financial relief to the masses for at least a decade according to most everyone; INCLUDING McSAME HIMSELF:

In case you missed it:

"I don’t see an immediate relief. But I do see that exploitation of existing reserves that may exist, and in the view of many experts that do exist off our coasts, is also a way that we need to provide relief. Even though it may take some years, the fact that we are exploiting those reserves would have a psychological impact that I think is beneficial."

Of course what we could see in the short run would be the potential for any number of devastating ecological disasters, an increase in carbon emissions during the exploration and drilling process and, ultimately a continuing dependence on fossil fuels to keep pouring into the atmosphere. Oh, yes, and there would be no guarantee that any of the oil found and produced would ever hit the American market as the oil companies would be free to sell to the highest bidder (read China/India).

If Senator "Straight Talk" wants to help America, he needs to stop with the "pie in the sky" stuff and push harder for a robust renewable energy plan that will eliminate our dependence on foreign oil by helping to eliminate our dependence on ANY oil.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

IWR News

Iraq Body Count: 6/22/08
Americans Killed: 4102
Americans Wounded: 40,000
http://icasualties.org/oif/
Iraqis Killed: 1,000,000+
http://www.thelancet.com
----------------------------
Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Sgt. 1st Class David R. Hurst, 31, of Fort Sill, OK died June 7 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Spc. Thomas F. Duncan, III, 21, of Rowlett, TX died June 9 in Sinjar, Iraq.

*Staff Sgt. Tyler E. Pickett, 28, of Saratoga, WY died June 8 in Kirkuk Province, Iraq.

*Sgt. John D. Aragon, 22, of Antioch, CA died June 12 in Kadamiyah, Iraq.

*Sgt. Steve A. McCoy, 23, of Moultrie, GA died June 10 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX of wounds suffered on March 23 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Lance Cpl. Javier Perales Jr., 19, of San Elizario, TX died June 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

*Lance Cpl. Kelly E. C. Watters, 19, of Virginia Beach, VA died June 11 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

*Pvt. Eugene D. M. Kanakaole, 19, of Maui, HI died June 11 in Balad Iraq.

*Sgt. 1st Class Gerard M. Reed, 40, of Jacksonville Beach, FL died June 11 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Sgt. John D. Aragon, 22, of Antioch, CA died June 12 in Kadamiyah, Iraq.

*Spc. Jason N. Cox, 21, of Elyria, OH died June 16 in Balad, Iraq.


Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

I'm Going to Centerland

Barack Obama, you have just won your party’s nomination for President. Now what?

“I’m going to Centerland!”

At the risk of pissing off some of my very good friends I just cannot sit quietly on the sidelines while the candidate of change and hope keeps shifting into reverse.

From Candidate to Nominee:

During the primary campaign, Obama delighted progressives by staying on the attack against Hillary Clinton’s early support for NAFTA and for her time spent on the board of Wal*Mart. Then on June 9th; less than a full week from locking up the Democratic nomination comes this news:

Obama Names Rubin Ally Furman to Economic Policy Post
By Kim Chipman and Matthew Benjamin

”June 9 (Bloomberg) -- Barack Obama's presidential campaign today named Jason Furman, who worked closely with former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, as economic policy director.

Furman, 37, most recently worked as an economist and budget expert at the Brookings Institution in Washington, where he headed the Hamilton Project, an economic policy research group aligned with the Democratic Party that was founded by Rubin, now chairman of Citigroup Inc.'s executive committee.”

Now just to be underscore the significance of who Jason Furman is and what he brings to Obama’s economic team:

”Furman's appointment allies Obama's campaign with leading economic centrists in the Democratic Party,(That would be abbreviated DLC – tls) foremost among them is Rubin, 69, who helped found the Hamilton Project in 2006 and is on the group's advisory council. Furman is a former adviser to 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.

Rubin orchestrated President Bill Clinton's economic policy of promoting free trade (That would be abbreviated NAFTA – tls) and reducing the federal budget deficit.”

Not quite the change I was hoping for.

Then there is the matter of taking sides in a Democratic primary race between a Georgia Blue Dog and a Progressive challenger.:

Obama cuts an ad to help John Barrow in his primary fight
Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 07:02 PM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

”Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has taped a radio commercial on behalf of U.S. Rep. John Barrow of Savannah, who faces a July 15 primary challenge.

It’s the first case of Obama involving himself in a local race in Georgia.”

Now it would be one thing if Senator Obama were helping Barrow (who endorsed Obama before the Georgia presidential primary) against a Republican challenger in November but, according to Howie Klein over at Firedoglake, Obama is choosing sides in a battle pitting a respected Progressive State Legislator against an incumbent Blue Dog:

”… today when I heard that Obama had endorsed John Barrow, the most reactionary Democrat in Congress, in a primary pitting him against Regina Thomas, a progressive state Senator, I wasn't in the slightest bit surprised. No one who recalls Obama's enthusiastic endorsement of Joe Lieberman against Ned Lamont could possibly be surprised. Obama, like McCain and Clinton, is a professional politician. One of their basic tenets is the Incumbency Protection Racket….”

Klein goes on to list some of the ironies in Obama’s endorsement of the Blue Dog from Georgia:

”As far as the current contretemps over retroactive immunity and warrantless wiretaps which Senator Obama opposes, Barrow is a major supporter-- one of the original 22 Blue Dogs who signed the letter to Nancy Pelosi demanding that Bush's policies be adhered to. Of course that forces one to notice that while Obama is refusing the corrupting influence of PAC money-- and insisting the DNC follow his lead-- and then you realize that his endorsee, Rep. Barrow, is a typically corrupt Blue Dog scarfing up whatever he can get from the companies who need his help. So... Obama refuses to take money from the telecoms and he is opposing-- like most Democrats-- granting them retroactive immunity for breaking laws. Barrow, on the other hand counts the telecoms, particularly AT&T, Comcast and Verizon-- the very ones who broke laws and demand immunity-- among his most generous supporters. He's taken tens of thousands of dollars from these shady characters and rather than recusing himself from voting on their special interests, he becomes one of their biggest supports... against Senator Obama's principled stand.

Regina, of course, whose candidacy may be harmed by Senator Obama's endorsement, has been working hard in the Georgia state Senate for the same exact principles and values Obama claims to represent. So while Barrow has publicly bragged about being a rubber stamp for Bush (watch that top video again), Regina has been opposing the war and working hard for the well-being of her constituents. As for the FISA bill Bush and Barrow want so desperately for their campaign donors... Regina and Obama are on the same page. "After reading the bill," she said, "the first thing I thought was that this was not good for any American citizens-- and it seems like a violation of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. It doesn't look like what the Bush Administration wants is just the power to eavesdrop on terrorists-- I think we all agree that's his job-- but to also monitor any communication he wants to between any American citizens he wants to and without any lawful judicial supervision."

Which brings us to the most recent news on said FISA bill.

Yesterday brought news that the US House has passed yet another “bill of capitulation” that all but grants immunity from prosecution to the telecom companies that have aided the Bush Administration in illegally wiretapping American citizens. While this is a House bill and Obama resides in the Senate, it should be expected of a presidential candidate to have some sort of statement in response to this continuing assault on the Constitution. After all, while campaigning for the nomination, he certainly had a position back in October:

”It’s official: Obama will back a filibuster of any Senate FISA legislation containing telecom immunity, his campaign has just told Election Central. The Obama campaign has just sent over the following statement from spokesman Bill Burton:
“To be clear: Barack will support a filibuster of any bill that includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications””

Today’s statement?:

“…It is not all that I would want. But given the legitimate threats we face, providing effective intelligence collection tools with appropriate safeguards is too important to delay. So I support the compromise, but do so with a firm pledge that as President, I will carefully monitor the program, review the report by the Inspectors General, and work with the Congress to take any additional steps I deem necessary to protect the lives -– and the liberty –- of the American people….”

So “Candidate Obama” will support a filibuster while “Nominee Obama” will ‘support the compromise’ even though the most contemptuous part of the bill is virtually unchanged. Folks, just like the Patriot Act, it does not matter to me who the President or Attorney General are, and no one should have the power to eaves drop on American citizens.

And then there is the matter of Public Financing…….

Yesterday we heard from “Nominee Obama” that he has decided that he will drop out of the Public Financing system for the general election season. This comes just over a year since “Candidate Obama” made headlines by challenging whoever would win the Republican nomination to join him in championing that very system. From the March 2, 2007 edition of the New York Times:

”… On Thursday, a spokesman for Mr. McCain said that he would take up Mr. Obama on a proposal for an accord between the two major party nominees to rely just on public financing for the general election.

Such a pact would eliminate any financial edge one candidate might have and limit each campaign to $85 million for the general election. The two candidates would have to return any private donations that they had raised for that period.

Mr. Obama laid out his proposal last month to the Federal Election Commission, seeking an opinion on its legality. The commissioners formally approved it on Thursday.” “…Mr. Burton added that if nominated Mr. Obama would “aggressively pursue an agreement” with whoever was his opponent.”

What changed? While the senator tells us that the very system he presented to the FEC is now broken, I simply don’t see the evidence. While he claims that the current system leaves him open to unmatched attacks from under-regulated 527’s, there really is no evidence at this time that there is any significant activity in the 527 department. What I see is the vast sums of money that Obama has been able to raise via the Internet; amounts I’m sure he had no concept of in February of 2007. He now makes the argument that, since all of this money comes from individual “small dollar donors”, he has somehow created a “parallel system” to the current public financing system. Well yes and no. If you are of the opinion that public financing only exists for the purpose of restricting Corporate, PAC, or “Special Interest” money from campaigns then you should be satisfied. However, if you believe like I do that the sheer amount of money involved in political campaigns is also an issue then you can’t be satisfied with this reversal of position. In 2007 alone, Obama and Hillary Clinton raised over $100 MILLION EACH! The pace has not slowed down in 2008. That is enough money to run my hometown (Everett, WA - pop. 100,000) for almost six months! By taking this step backwards, Nominee Obama, rather than leading the fight for change simply reinforces the notion that money trumps all.

Now I know that Senator Obama’s strongest supporters will say that ‘we must be pragmatic’ and ‘everyone moves to the center in the General’ but I have to say, if this is the change we are in for, it is no change.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Impeachment is "Off The Table" Because......

...we don't want to interfere with the other important work of the Congress:

H RES 1029 2/3 YEA-AND-NAY 19-Jun-2008 8:21 PM

QUESTION: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended

BILL TITLE: Congratulating and recognizing Mr. Juan Antonio “Chi-Chi” Rodriguez for his continued success on and off the golf course, for his generosity and devotion to charity, and for his exemplary dedication to the intellectual and moral growth of thousands of low-income and disadvantaged youth in our country

Yeas: 415
Noes: 0
NV: 19

H CON RES 318 2/3 YEA-AND-NAY 10-Jun-2008 5:31 PM

QUESTION: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended

BILL TITLE: Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Year of Sanitation

Yeas: 411
Noes: 0
Present: 1
NV: 22

H RES 1243 2/3 YEA-AND-NAY 9-Jun-2008 7:03 PM

QUESTION: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and AgreeMbr>
BILL TITLE: Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father’s Day

Yeas: 373
Noes: 0
NV: 60

H RES 1144 2/3 YEA-AND-NAY 20-May-2008 1:37 PM

QUESTION: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended

BILL TITLE: Expressing support for designation of a “Frank Sinatra Day” on May 13, 2008, in honor of the dedication of the Frank Sinatra commemorative stamp

Yeas: 403
Noes: 3
NV: 29

Yep, I guess we shouldn't interupt this busy schedule.

"...After years of disclosures by government investigations, media accounts, and reports from human rights organizations, there is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes. The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account…” Major General Antonio Taguba (US Army (Ret.)

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

An Open Letter to My Congressman

Congressman Rick Larsen
U.S. House of Representatives
107 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Congressman Larsen:

I write to you today to ask if you are still of the mind that you can find no evidence that either George W. Bush nor Dick Cheney have committed any offense that rises to the level of “high crimes or misdemeanors” and, therefore should be impeached and tried in the United States Senate. I ask this today because, as you well know, one of your colleagues in the House, Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio has brought forward two separate resolutions that present specific charges against both Bush and Cheney.

I ask because, as you know, George W. Bush has publicly admitted that he ordered the wiretapping of American citizens without first seeking a warrant; a specific violation of the FISA ACT and the 4th Amendment of the US Constitution.

I ask because, as you know, the Senate recently released a finding that specifically stated that both Bush and Cheney either manipulated or misrepresented intelligence in such a way as to lead this country into the invasion of a sovereign nation. I ask today because of the recent report by the organization “Physicians for Human Rights" which documents specific abuses of US detainees that by any rational definition rises to the level of torture. I write because of the following statement which is included in the preface to that report by retired Major General Antonio Taguba:

”…In order for these individuals to suffer the wanton cruelty to which they were subjected, a government policy was promulgated to the field whereby the Geneva Conventions and the Uniform Code of Military Justice were disregarded. The UN Convention Against Torture was indiscriminately ignored. And the healing professions, including physicians and psychologists, became complicit in the willful infliction of harm against those the Hippocratic Oath demands they protect.

After years of disclosures by government investigations, media accounts, and reports from human rights organizations, there is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes. The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account…”

“…wanton cruelty…”, “…the current administration has committed war crimes…” – These words are from the very US general that the Bush administration sent to investigate the “situation” at Abu Ghraib. Do you, sir, still believe in your heart and in your mind that Dick Cheney (who has admitted that he sat in on meeting IN THE WHITEHOUSE where specific interrogation techniques were described and authorized) and George W. Bush (who has admitted that he was fully aware of these meeting and the techniques authorized) are not guilty of “high crimes or misdemeanors”?
In case you are not familiar with the report, allow me to introduce you to two of the men who were detained (and later released with NO CHARGES EVER FILED AGAINST THEM). Remember that each of these cases is confirmed and documented by PHR after conducting medical and psychological tests.

Kamal is in his late forties. He served in the Iraqi Army during the 1980s and later became a businessman and Imam of a local mosque. In September 2003 he was arrested by US forces. At the time of his arrest, he was beaten to the point of losing consciousness. After being brought to Abu Ghraib prison, he was kept naked and isolated in a cold dark room for three weeks, where both during and in between interrogations he was frequently beaten, including being hit on the head and in the jaw with a rifle and stabbed in the cheek with a screwdriver. He was then placed in isolation in a urine-soaked room for two months. When Kamal was allowed to wear clothes, they were sometimes soaked in water to keep him cold. On approximately ten occasions he was suspended in a stress position, causing numbness that lasted for a month. He was made to believe that his family members were also in prison and that they were being raped and tortured. He recounted, “[T]hey were telling me, making me hear voices of children and women, and told me they were my children and [wife].” He was eventually transferred to a tent area of Abu Ghraib, where he remained for seven months until his release in June 2004.

Amir is in his late twenties and grew up in a Middle Eastern country. He was a salesman before being arrested by US forces in August 2003 in Iraq. After his arrest, he was forced, while shackled, to stand naked for at least five hours. For the next three days, he and other detainees were deprived of sleep and forced to run for long periods, during which time he injured his foot.
After Amir notified a soldier of the injury, the soldier threw him against a wall and Amir lost consciousness. Ultimately, he was taken to another location, where he was kept in a small, dark room for almost a month while being subjected to interrogations that involved shackling, blindfolding, and humiliation. Approximately one month later, he was transferred to Abu Ghraib. At first he was not mistreated, but then was subjected to religious and sexual humiliation, hooding, sleep deprivation, restraint for hours while naked, and dousing with cold water. In the most horrific incident Amir recalled experiencing, he was placed in a foul-smelling room and forced to lay face down in urine, while he was hit and kicked on his back and side. Amir was then sodomized with a broomstick and forced to howl like a dog while a soldier urinated on him. After a soldier stepped on his genitals, he fainted. In July 2004, he was transferred to the prison at Camp Bucca, where he reported no abuse. He was returned to Abu Ghraib in November 2004 and released two days later.

Congressman, these men were never charged with a crime and were simply released when the US Government decided they had paid a high enough price for merely existing. The Bush administration debated, described and authorized the treatment of these men and George Bush has said that he was fully aware of what was discussed and authorized. While you are busy campaigning for re-election to Congress, please remember that your ultimate duty is to the Constitution of the United States. You should think about Kamal and Amir every day and think on these words from General Taguba:

”…there is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes. The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account.”

Only you can answer that question. You may begin by requesting Chairman Conyers bring Rep. Kucinich's resolutions before the full Judiciary Committee.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

More of the McSame.....

From the folks at Jed Report

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

With McSame; Maybe It's Just a Personality Disorder

**CAUTION: LANGUAGE ALERT**

So here I have been concerned that John McSame might be exhibiting signs of "advanced years" while, according to "jwilkes" over at Eyes on Obama the senator has had quite a history of questionable verbal displays. "jwilkes" gives us a top ten list of McSame moments beginning with an exchange with Senator Edward Kennedy:

"...when McCain began walking toward him from across the Senate floor, mocking the Massachusetts legislator. McCain shouted at Kennedy to "shut up."...".

Along they way are exchanges with fellow members of Congress as well as a former mayor.

"8. Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson - Newsmax, the "conservative perspective" political publication run by Chris Ruddy, didn't cut McCain any partisan slack in a July 2006 article, in which it recounted a dust-up between McCain and some local government officials in his home state. Speaking at a luncheon at which McCain was in attendance, former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson was among a group of local mayors fielding questions from the Arizona Congressional delegation about local land issues. In the midst of one answer from Johnson, who helmed the city from 1990 to 1994, McCain blurted out, "Hold it a minute. Somebody write down everything this guy has to say. You know what, we need to record him. It's best to get a liar on tape."


Taken aback, Johnson offered the Senator a chance to speak privately, saying, "Senator, if you have a problem with me, why don't we go out in the hallway and talk about it."


McCain fired back: "You're God-damn right I have a problem with you! They've been treating you like a princess in Phoenix while they've been burning me over this damn deal, and I'm sick of it!"

6. Senator Pete Domenici - Newsweek's February 21, 2000 edition highlighted an exchange between McCain and Republican Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico, Chairman of the Budget Committee. In staunch disagreement with a particular portion of a budget amendment, McCain exploded. "Only an asshole would put together a budget like that." Domenici, who'd been in the Senate nearly 30 years by that point, gave a restrained reply, noting that even in the most heated debated throughout his entire career, no one had ever used that kind of language toward him. McCain didn't back down. "I wouldn't call you an asshole unless you really were an asshole."

Oh yeah, and then there is this bit of verbal finery directed toward his own wife:

"1. His Own Wife, Cindy McCain - In his new book, The Real McCain, Cliff Schecter, a journalist and frequent contributor at the Huffington Post related perhaps the most disturbing of McCain's tirades. During his 2000 White House bid, the Senator was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, his aides, and three journalists who spoke to Schecter on condition of anonymity, but independently confirmed each other's accounts of the incident. Cindy McCain playfully ran her fingers through the Senator's hair and teased, "You're getting a little thin up there." McCain reddened and fired back, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollup, you cunt." After he'd cooled down, McCain apologized, saying he'd had a long day."

So if this is how he talks to his wife after a "long day" I can't wait to hear how he would represent our country in negotiations with somebody we don't like. Oh wait, McSame says that's for wusses. After all, his theme song is "Bomb Iran."

For more on McSame's infamous temper, check ou ther rest of "jwilkes'" post at Eyes on Obama

Buy "The Uprising"

If you haven't already bought a copy of Sirota's new book "The Uprising, An Unauthorized Tour of the Populist Revolt Scaring Wall Street and Washington" maybe this interview on PBS Now will motivate you.

Of particular interest to me is Sirota's take on what an Obama presidency means to the grassroots activists. Just as I have been telling my friends who are supporting Obama, Sirota reminds us that his election only marks the beginning of the hard work to acheive the change we seek.

[UPDATE 06-16-08]

Here is a photo of me with David Sirota at Costa's in Seattle on Thursday.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Olbermann Takes Notice

Keith Olbermann's "Special Comment" on Jon McSame's 'not that important' comment. Please note that Keith seems to be paying attention to some of McSame's other problematic "gaffes" as well.

As always, Thanks Keith

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Move-on's New Ad

From our friends at MoveOn dot org:

Help them out Here

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Isn't There Medication He Can Take?

By the way; Putin=Russia? Yep

Putin=Germany? Not so much.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Are You F%^&*NG Kidding ME?!?!

h/t Talking POints Memo

NOT TOO IMPORTANT????

The fact that we have troops stationed in every corner of the world is justification for maintaining a "forever presence" in the heart of the Middle East?

Please send this man to a comfortable home before someone takes him serioulsy and he gets too close to the nuclear arsenal.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

IWR News

Iraq Body Count: 6/09/08
Americans Killed: 4094
Americans Wounded: 40,000
http://icasualties.org/oif/
Iraqis Killed: 1,000,000+
http://www.thelancet.com
"...a small price..." Rep. John Boehner
----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Pfc. Kyle P. Norris, 22, of Zanesville, OH died May 23 in Balad, Iraq.

*Sgt. Blake W. Evans, 24, of Rockford, IL died May 25 in Al Jazeera Desert, Iraq.

*Sgt. Frank J. Gasper, 25, of Merced, CA died May 25 in Najaf, Iraq.

*Sgt. 1st Class Jason F. Dene, 37, of Castleton, Vt., died May 25 in Baghdad, Iraq.

*Cpl. Christian S. Cotner, 20, of Waterbury, CT died May 30 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

*Spc. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, LA died June 1 in Baghdad Iraq.

*Spc. Christopher D. McCarthy, 28, of Virginia Beach, VA died 1 June 2008 at Forward Operating Base Ramadi, Iraq.

*Spc. Quincy J. Green, 26, of El Paso, TX died June 2 in Tikrit, Iraq.

*Pfc. Joshua E. Waltenbaugh, 19, of Ford City, Pa., died June 3 in Taji, Iraq.

*Sgt. Shane P. Duffy, 22, of Taunton, MA died June 4 in Tikrit, Iraq.

*Spc. Jonathan D. A. Emard, 20, of Mesquite, TX died June 4 in Tikrit, Iraq.

* Sgt. Cody R. Legg, 23, of Escondido, CA died June 4 in Tikrit, Iraq.


Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

McSame's "Judgement?"

h/t Crooks and Liars dot com From the folks at Democrats dot org

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

McSame's Pattern of "Senior Moments"

The list of John McSame’s “senior moments” continues to grow. First there was the whole Al Qaeda / Iran; Suni / Shia thing:

Then, last week, we had the whole, “We have drawn down to pre-surge levels in Iraq…” thing

Now he seems to have a problem remembering when we hold our general elections.

Now once might be a “gaffe”. Twice; some slight confusion. But I am really beginning to detect a pattern here. McSame might be ready to move in to a big white house with men in uniform guarding it but I certainly don’t think it should at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Stoller Calls out Reichert's Sexism at Huffington Post

Political activist and Blogger ( MyDD dot com) Matt Stoller has a post on the Huffington Post about 8th CD Congressman Dave Reichert's overt sexism in his campaign against Darcy Burner. It's a good read and I'm happy to see this race maintaining such a high profile presence. I also agree with Matt's closing challenge,

"If I ran a feminist organization or ran a feminist blog or had a basic sense of fairness or equity, I might demand that Reichert apologize. Or I could keep complaining about Obama or Clinton while ignoring the rampant sexism that keeps female leadership from emerging."

By the way, if you would like to drop a few dollars onto Darcy's campaign just hit my ActBlue link to your left.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Cheryl Crist to Challenge Brian "I Love the Surge" Baird in WA 3

I was pleased to find the following press release in my email today:

****************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crist for Congress Campaign


June 2, 2008


CHERYL CRIST FILES FOR U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RACE

Democrat Cheryl Crist filed papers for the 3rd Congressional District
race today. A group of Crist's supporters gathered on the Capitol
steps holding campaign signs while the candidate went inside to file
with the Secretary of State's office.


"I am refreshed and enlivened to have a candidate that stands for the
common good," supporter Judy Linehan said of Crist.


After filing, Crist made the following statement:


"I see my candidacy as a way for the majority of people to express
themselves. I have drawn a clear distinction between myself and my
opponent on the issue of Iraq. I want to end the occupation and ensure
that the United States does not invade any other countries in the
future.


"This foreign policy of conquest and domination creates enemies for
the United States and keeps us from providing for our own people at
home. The people at home deserve first rate health care, state of the
art transportation, and education unequalled anywhere in the world. I
represent a new direction for the 3rd District and the United States."

Campaign Contact:
Kayla Saville, 360-352-3380
kayla@cristforcongress.us

*****************************

I am happy to be hosting an "Act Blue" page for Cheryl on this Blog. If you believe that we shall only attain peace by electing "Peace Candidates" please put a few dollars into Cheryl's campaign. Whether you make a contribution or not, please visit her website at http://www.cristforcongress.us/

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

McSame Can't Count - What's New?

It should not be forgotten that Sen. John McSame has stated that economics is not his strong suit and that he could use some more education on that subject. That's why it should come as no surprise that his recent claim that "we have drawn down to pre-surge levels" in Iraq is only off by tens of thousands of US troops.

I am so looking forward to the first debate between McSame and Obama. In my mind I envision McSame walking up to the podium and asking, "Who am I and why am I here?"

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

'Che' Sirota on CNN

David Sirota, coming to Seattle on June 12th, discusses his new book, "The Uprising" on CNN:

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue