Skewering the Chimp

Diebold Releases Results of 2008 Election Early

2008-02-26T16:58:00.002-05:00

Free Don Siegelman - Karl Rove Style

2008-02-26T15:10:00.001-05:00

What a pious jerk.

Senator McBush Receives a Thorough Beating from an Iraqnam Veteran

2008-02-25T17:36:00.002-05:00

Wow. I want to find out how to contribute to making sure this ad gets on TV.

More Wingnut Stupidity

2008-02-25T16:03:00.002-05:00

In the Wall Street Journal today, AEI hawks Danielle Pletka and Michael Rubin launch a full-frontal assault on IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, claiming that his approach to non-proliferation “demeans the purpose of his agency and undercuts its non-proliferation mission.” They also claim that ElBaradei “makes military action all the more likely” against Iran. ElBaradei is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient who was right about Iraq’s WMDs, while the Bush administration and AEI were wrong.

This is yet another breathtaking example of incredibly loony and dangerous wingnut RepignoWorld delusion and rectal reasoning: blame ElBaradei IN ADVANCE for any outrageous war crimes likely to be committed by criminal in chief The Chimp and his puppeteer Uncle Dickie.

Bush's Budget and Repigno World

2008-02-25T15:55:00.003-05:00

The following quote from the story below illustrates nicely how things work in "RepignoWorld", a world unencumbered by inconvenient facts and time wasting objective thought.

The biggest cuts to the endangered species accounts would be for recovery and candidate conservation. The administration proposed cutting $2.6 million from the recovery account. Democrats blasted similar proposals in previous years.

First, Repigs cut funding for recovery of endangered species, funding that is already woefully and vastly inadequate. Next, some brilliant Repigs will scream and whine that the ESA needs to be eliminated because it doesn't work! They note brilliantly that no species ever get recovered, so time to get rid of the Act! See? Yep, the Repigs are brilliant, as long as they remain firmly within RepignoWorld, where facts and reasoning, except for rectal reasoning, are not needed!!!

E&E Daily Headlines -- Monday, February 25, 2008
9. WILDLIFE: Two House panels take aim at FWS budget (02/25/2008)

Allison Winter, E&E Daily reporter
House lawmakers will get two opportunities to grill top officials at the Fish and Wildlife Service this week over proposed budget cuts and the pending decision over whether to list the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act.

Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall will appear before a House Appropriations subcommittee Thursday, and his deputy, Kenneth Stansell, will testify tomorrow in front a House Natural Resources subcommittee.

Both hearings are intended to provide oversight of the Bush administration's fiscal 2009 budget request, but the controversial polar bear decision is also expected to play prominently in lawmakers' questioning.

Last month, the Fish and Wildlife Service announced it would delay its decision on the polar bear, giving itself a 30-day extension from its court-ordered Jan. 9 deadline. That deadline lapsed two weeks ago, also yielding no decision. The Interior Department has come under fire from Democrats and environmentalists for the delay, especially because it allowed a Feb. 6 auction of oil and gas leases in Alaska's Chukchi Sea, part of the bear's habitat, to go forward.

Hall said in an interview last week that the final decision on the bear would be "soon" but declined to commit to a date.

If listed, the polar bear would be the first mammal protected under the act because of climate change. FWS proposed listing the bear last year because rising temperatures are shrinking its polar ice habitat.

Endangered species budget cuts
House Democrats are also expected to criticize proposed cuts to the endangered species budget and other popular programs with the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Bush administration proposed $65 million in cuts to the overall FWS budget, for a total budget of $1.3 billion. Endangered species services would bear part of those cuts. The administration proposed $147 million for endangered species accounts, a $3.6 million reduction.

The biggest cuts to the endangered species accounts would be for recovery and candidate conservation. The administration proposed cutting $2.6 million from the recovery account. Democrats blasted similar proposals in previous years.

Within the endangered species account, the listing budget would see a slight boost over last year's request. But the proposed $210,000 increase, for a total budget just over $18 million, does not begin to address the needed amount to address the species backlog. Officials have said it would take $153 million to list the more than 250 species on FWS's "candidate" list, which are all awaiting listing decisions.

The budget request would also eliminate funding for two programs, popular among lawmakers, that give voluntary grants to help landowners restore habitat and species on their land. The administration proposed to zero out the Landowner Incentive Program and Private Stewardship Grants Program. A similar proposal last year did not gain traction in Congress.

A major controversy in last year's FWS budget -- the National Wildlife Refuge system -- may not make as big of a stir this year. Last year the White House proposed to flat line the budget at $394 million and consolidate staff and resources to live within the smaller number. Operations costs have been outpacing the modest increases in the refuge budget, as energy prices rise and 60 percent of the refuge staff reach a senior level with a higher pay grade.

Congress gave refuges a boost in their 2008 appropriations bills in an effort to triage against the proposed staff cuts. The administration proposed repeating that budget amount, $434 million, in its fiscal 2009 request.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is not the sole focus of the hearings: Del. Madeleine Bordallo's (D-Guam) Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans subcommittee hearing will also review the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration budget at its hearing (see related story). And Rep. Norm Dicks's (D-Wash.) appropriations panel will also review the U.S. Geological Survey at its hearing.

Overall, the Bush administration budget proposal calls for $10.7 billion for the Interior Department, a slight decrease from last year.

Schedule: The Natural Resources Committee hearing is tomorrow at 2 p.m. in 1334 Longworth.

Witnesses: Kenneth Stansell, deputy director of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Schedule: The Appropriations Committee hearing is Thursday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. in B-308 Rayburn.

Witnesses: FWS Director Dale Hall and USGS Director Mark Myers.

McBush's Other Scandal is Criminal

2008-02-24T20:57:00.003-05:00

When John McCain's campaign was strapped for cash John McCain opted into the campaign financing system by requesting certification that he was eligible to collect federal money. As the New Hampshire primary approached and John McCain was broke he took material advantage of the system by using the promise of matching funds to borrow money to keep his campaign afloat. And he took advantage of a rule that gives candidates who take public financing automatic ballot access on ballots in several states. (Governor Dean estimated that he spent 3 million dollars in 2004 getting on ballots in states because he had opted out of the public financing system.

At least we know that if McBush wins or steals the election this fall he'll be able to continue many of the illegal actions and outlooks of our current Failure in Chief. I'm resting easier now knowing that nothing will change.

Why Someone Needs to Slap Some Sense Into Billary

2008-02-24T19:40:00.001-05:00

Retirement Planning Advice

2008-02-24T18:02:00.002-05:00

If you had purchased $1000.00 of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be worth $49.00.

With Enron, you would have had $16.50 left of the original $1000.00.

With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left.

If you had purchased $1000 of Delta Air Lines stock you would have $49.00 left.

But, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214.00.

Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-Keg plan.

Turkish Helicopter Down in Northern Iraqnam

2008-02-24T12:15:00.003-05:00

CUKURCA, Turkey - A Turkish helicopter went down in Iraq and eight soldiers were killed during a cross-border ground operation that has drawn criticism from the Iraqi government, Turkey's military said Sunday.

Kurdish rebels said they shot down a Turkish military helicopter near the Turkish-Iraqi border.

I could have sworn on a stack of Koran's that George Bush said his illegal and poorly-executed invasion and occupation of Iraqnam was going to be a stabilizing influence in the Middle East.

You don't think George lied to us do you?

Senator Wide Stance Craig (R-ID) Receives Standing Ovation

2008-02-24T11:05:00.003-05:00

A standing ovation for Sen. Larry Craig’s service to Idaho was the highlight of the Mini-Cassia Lincoln Day Luncheon presented by the Republican Party committees of Cassia and Minidoka counties Friday afternoon at Morey’s Steakhouse in North Burley

The only reason Senator Wide Stance received a standing ovation was because all of the men in the audience preferred that position to being in a squat on their chairs while Larry was around.

Shiite Pilgrims Targeted in Attacks

2008-02-24T11:00:00.003-05:00

BAGHDAD - A suicide bomber struck Shiite pilgrims as they were resting Sunday during a days-long walk to a Shiite shrine, killing at least 40 people and wounding 60.

These 100 or so dead and injured people and their families are certainly celebrating today knowing that Dick Cheney determined 2 years ago that the insurgency was in its last throes, if you will.

Governors Say Coal Must Be Part of Green Energy Debate

2008-02-24T10:48:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Governors pushing alternative energy development are not shying from coal, a major culprit in global warming but also a homegrown energy source and an economic lifeline for many states.

Leaders of coal-rich states say clean-coal technology is a must. Governors from states without coal want more evidence the technology works.

What on earth are these fools smoking? Oh, yeah, I forgot - campaign contributions.

My uncle Buck, the famous northern Wisconsin philosopher once described a disease new to medical science. He named it "rectal optilitis." The principal characteristic of this debilitating disease is that your optic nerve gets crossed with your rectal nerve and you get a shitty outlook on life. It seems that the governors have collectively caught this disease and its going to influence all of us.

Nader Announces Third Party Bid - Again

2008-02-24T10:36:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON - Ralph Nader said Sunday he will run for president as a third-party candidate, criticizing the top White House contenders as too close to big business and pledging to repeat a bid that will "shift the power from the few to the many."

Nader, 73, said most people are disenchanted with the Democratic and Republican parties due to a prolonged Iraq war and a shaky economy. The consumer advocate also blamed tax and other corporate-friendly policies under the Bush administration that he said have left many lower- and middle-class people in debt.

This is a classic example of what happens when ego clashes with reality and ego wins.

Nader says that people of both parties are disenchanted with the candidates. That may be the case with the Repignofascists who don't think John McBush is conservative enough for them but its certainly not the case with Democrats and Barack Obama.

It is because of Nader and the 70,000 votes he garnered in Florida in 2000 that we have had 8 years of Dubya Bush in the White House. That should be enough reality to wake up most people.

Nader portrays himself as an "independent" working for middle class Americans. I wonder if he will reveal during this years road to defeat that in the 2000 campaign the Bushies covered something on the order of 70 percent of his campaign costs. In 2004 they covered more than 50 percent of Nader's campaign cost. So much for being an "independent."

It will be enjoyable to watch Nader become even less relevant in 2008 than he has in recent runs for the White House. If memory serves me well the last time Nader accomplished anything was when he brought attention to how dangerous it was to operate a Chevrolet Corvair. And that was in 1962. Hang it up Ralph. Move to the Caribbean and drink boat drinks for the rest of your wretched life.

Anti-Faux "News" Rant on Live Faux "News" Broadcast

2008-02-24T06:59:00.004-05:00

Priceless!!

Billary's Unhinged Attacks on Obama Debunked

2008-02-24T06:57:00.001-05:00

Obama Tells Billary to STFU - But Does It Politely

2008-02-24T06:54:00.000-05:00

See What a Real Leader Looks Like

2008-02-23T19:22:00.002-05:00

Watch Billary Lose What Remains of Her Mind

2008-02-23T19:18:00.001-05:00

Karl Rove's Plans to Blackmail Former Alabama Governor

2008-02-23T19:17:00.002-05:00

I guess this is just another Repignofascist Family Value?

Springsteen, Neil Young Do Anti-War Soundtrack

2008-02-23T19:04:00.003-05:00

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Peal Jam have contributed tunes to the anti-war soundtrack for a documentary about a U.S. soldier paralyzed in Iraq.

The 30-song, two-disc album "Body of War: Songs That Inspired an Iraq War Veteran" will be released March 18 via Warner Music's Sire Records label. All proceeds from the sale of the album will benefit Iraq Veterans Against the War.

Good on ya, Bruce!

If you remember recent Repignofascist history you'll remember that in 2005 Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey introduced a measure in the Senate to recognize all the great work that The Boss has done for humanity. Predictably, the then-majority Repignofascists in the Senate killed the resolution, apparently because the Boss wasn't enough like them to deserve recognition from the US government for all that he has done for humankind.

I hope when Bruce comes to DC to play at Obama's inaugural party he is able to step on the foot of everyone of those petty Repignofascist bastards.

Cut Off Cancer Patient Awarded $9 Million

2008-02-23T18:47:00.004-05:00

LOS ANGELES - A woman who had her medical coverage canceled as she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer has been awarded more than $9 million in a case against one of California's largest health insurers.

Patsy Bates, 52, a hairdresser from Lakewood, had been left with more than $129,000 in unpaid medical bills when Health Net Inc. canceled her policy in 2004.

The greedy fascist bastards who left this lady dangling just so they could save a few bucks now get a supremely deserved reaming. I hope they learned a lesson.

I must be a liberal...I get joy out of watching corporate greed get it's well-deserved due. And I'll bet the management of this insurance company all voted for Bush - probably twice.

Life's Been Good to Bush

2008-02-23T17:50:00.000-05:00

With apologies to Joe Walsh.

Why American Automakers Are Becoming Irrelevent

2008-02-23T13:23:00.002-05:00

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has defended remarks he made dismissing global warming as a "total crock of s---," saying his views had no bearing on GM's commitment to build environmentally friendly vehicles.

Can you imagine this stupid bastard Lutz? His company is going down the tubes, and his view of global warming is exactly why. And on top of that, he tries to deflect attention away from his stupidity by saying we should examine his "actions" at GM, which he apparently thinks reflect something other than his idiotic view of global warming. Well, DUH, Bob, unfortunately, your actions at GM are way too inept, and that's why GM is swirling around the drain, along with all the hapless American GM workers you have butt fucked with your stupidity.

We the people will be more than happy to buy even more Toyota's and Honda's and other cars that get great gas mileage. Does it say ANYTHING to you that the average miles per gallon on American made cars is today essentially what it was in 1970? Does that tell you anything, Mr Klutz?

I hope you go merrily along your way paying off Congressman John Dingell and others who suck at the campaign contribution tit of GM and Ford and that other company. As you buy them so they won't impose realistic gas mileage requirements on you, companies that are making earth-friendly cars will shine.

Maybe its time that Mr Klutz retired and put someone with intelligence and foresight into his position. Michael Moore would be my first choice.

South Florida Gas Prices at All-Time High

2008-02-23T09:01:00.004-05:00

Gas prices in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral survey area spiked nearly 8 cents a gallon in two days, tying a local record high.

The increase was in response to OPEC speculation about decreasing crude-oil production and a massive refinery fire in Texas on Tuesday, according to Greg Laskoski, Tampa-based AAA spokesman.

Here's another reason that a hybrid bicycle is going to be the first thing I buy a week from today when I get to south Florida on a permanent basis!

This quote is so quintessentially American:

Sheila Scott of Fort Myers said she and her husband plan on just taking their lumps as prices continue to drive higher.“You have to buy gas — there’s just no way around it,” she said. “For us, though, we budget for it, so we’re handling it fine.”

Ah, Sheila, there is a way around it. 1) Public transportation if it exists. 2) Selling your unnecessary SUV (come on Sheila - how much snow is there in south Florida in a given year?) and buying a Honda or Toyota that gets 40 some miles per gallon, 3) Walking or riding a bike more than using a car or 4) and heaven forbid, not making 18 trips a day to the mall.

Northern Mockingbird - the Ultimate Mimic

2008-02-23T08:47:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting here watching a male Northern Mockingbird "singing" in the pine tree under which my car is parked. The hilarious thing is and this is why I put "singing" in quotes....one of the "songs" he is doing is a surprisingly clear and accurate imitation of the cell phone ringer on my neighbors cell phone! I didn't pay attention to him at first until it dawned on me that the frequency of the cell phone ring was way too slow for a normal phone.

I remember once in July 1983, in a friend's backyard in Laurel Maryland, we listened to a Northern Mockingbird as it sang the songs of 34 different species including a Western Kingbird. However this is a first listening to one mimic a cell phone.