Monday, May 26, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
President Bush to start fundraising for McCain and GOP next week
via USATODAY where you can find the complete article at their website:
Bush quietly raising money for McCain
WASHINGTON (AP) — President George W. Bush starts raising money for John McCain's campaign next week, but the three fundraisers are closed, so there will be no news media cameras photographing the outgoing and incoming Republican party leaders and no reporters observing their joint appearances.
The White House announced Friday that Bush will be the main attraction at three McCain events next week — in Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah. In addition to building up the McCain campaign account, the fundraisers will also benefit the national Republican Party, White House spokesman Tony Fratto said.
All are being held in private residences, and McCain was expected to attend all of them, Fratto said. During the Bush presidency, fundraisers in private homes have almost always been held out of view of the public and the press, and Fratto said it would be no different this time. Former President Bill Clinton sometimes allowed the press into such fundraising settings.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Whoa, I wonder if he told her his views personally...
via NY DAILY NEWS
May 22, 2008
Paterson Sees 'Desperation' By Clinton, Disagrees On Florida And Michigan
Gov. David Paterson, who is right now being interviewed by WAMC's Alan Chartock and taking calls from listeners on "Vox Pop," just disagreed sharply with his presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, on her last-ditch efforts to seat the Florida and Michigan delegations.
While he stressed that he continues to support Clinton and will do so until "she makes a different determination," Paterson, a superdelegate, said he doesn't believe the DNC should change the rules after the fact on Florida and Michigan and added that he's not buying her claims about leading the popular vote if the ballots cast in those states were counted.
"I would say at this point we're starting to see a little desperation on the part of the woman who I support and I'll support until whatever time she makes a different determination," Paterson said, adding: "I thought she was the best candidate and I thought she had the best chance of winning."
Paterson, who is a DNC committee member and was present at the meeting when a vote was taken to penalize Florida and Michigan for moving their respective primaries ahead of the traditional starting contests in New Hampshire and Iowa, said he thought that decision was "a little unfair" and he "didn't agree with it at the time."
But he also noted "nobody was screaming" after that decision was made, although some people were unhappy with it, adding:
"There was a process. I thought at the time everybody agreed to it. I didn't hear any objections from the candidates...So I would think the Democratic National Committee would leave it where it is."
On Clinton's claims regarding the popular vote and likening the fight to set the Florida and Michigan delegates to the civil rights movement, Paterson said:
"You have to rule out the undecideds in Michigan. You have to assume she won 100 percent to nothing in Michigan. I don't think anybody in their right mind would do that, nor would they see it as a civil rights issue."
Paterson's comments came in response to the first question posed to him by a caller named "Casey," who sounded like a supporter of Barack Obama. She asked Paterson whether he would switch his support to Obama since his Oregon win and, if not, if he would "defend" Clinton's argument on Florida and Michigan.
Okay this is funny
but then I like Jimmy Kimmel. I think I watch him the most out of the late guys. David Letterman would be 2nd
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
To Those who have helped us - WE MUST DO BETTER
WE MUST DO MORE and We can so WE SHOULD.
via 60minutes
The List: A Mission To Save Iraqi Lives
Branded As Collaborators By Insurgents, Many Iraqis Who Helped The U.S. Face Grave Danger
(CBS) The refugee crisis in Iraq is among the biggest humanitarian emergencies in the world. Millions of Iraqis have fled the war, many marked for death because they worked for the United States. They were translators, office workers, many other things, but now the enemy has branded them as collaborators.
When that happened in Vietnam, the U.S. brought more than 100,000 refugees to the states. But today, the U.S. government, which was so desperate for Iraqi workers, is not so eager to help them now.
As correspondent Scott Pelley reports, one young American named Kirk Johnson has jumped into this breach. All he wanted to do was rescue one of his Iraqi co-workers. When he did, a thousand more pleaded for help and Johnson began "the list."
"The people on my list have been tortured, they've been raped, they've lost body limbs. There's one guy on my list who's been thrown out of a moving vehicle. And all of this because they helped us. They came every single day to try to pitch in, in our efforts there," Johnson tells Pelley.
Johnson says we owe these Iraqis "speedy resettlement" in the United States.
The U.S. failed to grant that speedy resettlement. So Johnson has taken it upon himself to plead the cases of some of an estimated 100,000 Iraqis who worked for America.
"font-weight:bold;">"These are the names, the supporting documents, the recommendation letters, the cell phones, every bit of information that we could compile to help the government live up to their obligation to these people and help resettle them," he says.
A binder holds the list of nearly 1,000 Iraqis Johnson is trying to get into the U.S. He gets Iraqis free lawyers, helps them navigate the system, and pleads their cases to the State Department, with praise from their former American employers.
And the binder is filled with the threats written by the enemy that make life in Iraq impossible.
"In the name of Allah, who kills the tyrants. This is your last warning," Pelley reads from one warning.
"Yeah, 'And to all those who work or cooperate with the pagan occupation forces we are running out of patience and our hearts are full of hatred,'" Johnson adds.
Threats like that have pushed four million Iraqis from their homes. About a million of them are hiding in neighboring Jordan, where 60 Minutes traveled to meet some of the people sending Johnson desperate e-mails by the thousands.
"The most common subject line that I get is simply 'Help,'" Johnson says.
"You know, I wonder how you feel when someone sends you an e-mail that says 'My life is in your hands,'" Pelley asks.
------
Please take the time to read about this in its entirety. We must honor our commitment to those who did risk their life to help us. We also need to help our Veterans more when they come home. It seems somehow we can find a balance.
I am glad President Bush apologized
The military is there as representatives of our country so I feel the apology is necessary.
via BBC News
'Bush apology' for Koran shooting
US President George W Bush has made a personal apology over the shooting of a Koran by an American soldier, Iraq's government has said in a statement.
Prime Minister Nouri Maliki's office said Mr Bush had promised to send the accused American sniper to trial.
The soldier was sent home by the US military after the Muslim holy book was found riddled with bullet holes at a shooting range by Iraqi police.
The White House did not immediately comment on Mr Bush's reported apology.
The US military said last week that the soldier had been removed from his unit, sent home, and would be disciplined.
He was unnamed, but was said to be a staff sergeant in a sniper section.
'People's anger'
Mr Maliki's office said in a statement that Mr Bush had made a personal apology in a telephone call to the prime minister.
"The American president apologised on behalf of the United States... promising to present the soldier to the courts," Reuters news agency quoted the statement as saying.
Mr Maliki had expressed the anger felt by the Iraqi people and the nation's government, his office said.
A US military spokesman last week described the shooting as "both serious and deeply troubling", but stressed it was an "isolated incident and a result of one soldier's actions".
Monday, May 19, 2008
New Deployments Announced
I knew there would be more soon. Never prepared for the announcement. I do have family in the military so I often check to see what is new. Pray for all involved - families, military, civilians , emotional health, mental health, physical health, finances, wisdom.
via Iwon - complete announcement found at this link but here is a bit of information about who is going over:
Currently there are 155,000 troops, including 17 combat brigades, in Iraq.
The seven Army combat brigades and one division headquarters units that would be sent to Iraq later this year are:
- 25th Infantry Division Headquarters
- 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, from Fort Carson, Colo.
- 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
- 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan.
- 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg, N.C.
- 172nd Infantry Brigade from Schweinfurt, Germany
- 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas.
- 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, from Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
The four National Guard brigades being alerted for Iraq duty are:
- 72nd Brigade Combat Team, Texas National Guard
- 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard
- 256th Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana National Guard
- 278th Brigade Combat Team, Tennessee National Guard
The unit told to prepare for deployment to Afghanistan was the 86th Brigade Combat Team from the Vermont National Guard. There are currently 33,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, including 15,000 serving with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, and 18,000 in the U.S.-led effort to train the Afghan Army and conduct counterinsurgency operations.
The Good that People Do
I really enjoy reading about things like that. There are truly many people who do so many unselfish acts daily and it is nice to be reminded of them. Please take time to read the entire story at the CNN website - it will make your heart smile.
via CNN:
Soldiers shave heads to support cancer kids
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Under a huge tent just outside the medical unit at Camp Liberty, shielded from the blazing sun, soldiers watch and cheer as two men at a time get their heads shaved. Clumps of hair fall to the hot sand below.
But they're not just fighting the Iraqi heat. They're showing solidarity with sick kids they don't even know.
It started with a dare on St. Patrick's Day 2000, when two guys shaved their heads to support children with cancer. Thus was born the St. Baldrick's Foundation. In eight years, the awareness and fundraising organization says, events have taken place in 18 countries and the United States, "raising over $34 million and shaving more than 46,000 heads."
Maj. Stephen Roberts knows a lot about bald heads. He's a pediatric oncologist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. And he's seen a lot of his young patients lose their hair to chemotherapy.
The kids he guides through treatment don't seem fazed by it. "They're just amazing, inspiring kids," Roberts said. "They're going through something more difficult than most of us can imagine and they do it with a level of grace and strength that I don't think I could match."
This year, Roberts planned to participate back home in Washington, but he deployed to Iraq. So he organized the shearing on the base
Mike Huckabee
I am glad that Mr. Huckabee apologized. I actually that often he has a great sense of humor. Just this time it didn't hit the mark - or should I say it hit the wrong mark. Again, at least he apologized. I respect that and I am glad he did.
Thinking Out Loud
Because the 9/11 attack by a group that has EXTREME ideas. (ones which I find wrong) Am I now suppose to hate or demonize ALL MUSLIMS? Some people, including some of my fellow Christians, feel that I should. Maybe I should re-read my Bible. - AThinkingMind
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Actions like these are ridiculous and ALWAYS UNACCEPTABLE.
You can't say you are there to protect if you can't respect. We have a problem with demonizing people and religions that differ than ours. I respect our soldiers but not all soldiers deserve that respect. Here is an example of one who doesn't.
via CNN:
U.S. soldier uses Quran for target practice; military apologizes
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.S. military on Saturday formally apologized to an Iraqi village after a soldier admitted using the Quran -- Islam's holy book -- for target practice.
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Hammond, commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, apologized to the Radhwaniya tribe for the staff sergeant, who was a sniper section leader assigned to the headquarters of the 64th Armored Regiment. He also read a letter of apology by the shooter.
"I come before you here seeking your forgiveness," Hammand said to tribal leaders and others at the apology ceremony. "In the most humble manner I look in your eyes today and I say please forgive me and my soldiers."
Another military official kissed a Quran and presented it as "a humble gift" to the tribal leaders.
The shooter, whose name was not released, shot at a Quran on May 9, villagers said. The Quran used in the incident was discovered two days later, according to the military.
A tribal leader said "the criminal act by U.S. forces" took place at a shooting range at the Radhwaniya police station. After the shooters left, an Iraqi policeman found a target marked in the middle of the bullet-riddled Quran.
Copies of the pictures of the Quran obtained by CNN show multiple bullet holes and an expletive scrawled on one of its pages.
I understand the weather affects people
Out here in California the heat is reaching triple digits. Sometimes the heat affects people in various ways. Still, I don't know what got into Mike Huckabee when he made this ridiculous "joke". I do think we all suffer from lapse in judgement. I am glad he apologized. Still, what is going on.....
Is There any Doubt Kevin James doesn't know what the Heck he is talking about
He is just rambling on and on. He is unprepared and he comes off as a loud talking idiot. All he does he keep saying "appeaser", "appeasement" blah, blah, blah... Sadly there are too many who hear this and will say yeah Kevin. Kevin may have a point in some things but in here he is over his head and too cocky and ignorant to admit he doesn't know what he is talking about. DUMMY!
I bet he gives his wife, if he has one a headache. He fusses but doesn't bring up any point with backup. This Kevin James guy is practically foaming at his mouth while sounding like a complete raving maniac.
Again, people do critical thinking. Now, I am rambling but really people like this piss me off
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Reminder: 1st Class Stamp Price increase - 5/12/2008
from a nice USATODAY reminder:
Stamp prices go up Monday
WASHINGTON (AP) — The cost of mailing a letter goes up a penny to 42 cents on Monday, the latest in what are expected to be annual price adjustments by the Postal Service.
A new law regulating the post office makes it easier to raise rates as long as the agency doesn't exceed the rate of inflation. Rates are to be adjusted each May.
But the post office also has introduced a way for people to save money when the price goes up, the Forever stamp, which remains valid for first-class postage regardless of any increases.
With the rate increase approaching, sales of the Forever stamp reached 64 million-a-day in April, postal officials said.
Forever stamps currently sell for 41-cents, but can be used after the rate increase without any additional postage. However, when the rate goes up, so does the price of Forever stamps.
Unlike the Forever stamps, other 41-cent stamps will require additional postage under the new rates, and postal officials said they printed an additional 1.5 billion 1-cent stamps in anticipation of the demand.
Also, for the first time the agency has stamps available at the new rate before the change takes effect.
A set of five 42-cent stamps honoring pioneering journalists went on sale in April, as did a set of four stamps featuring the American flag flying at different times of day.
A 42-cent stamp featuring singer and actor Frank Sinatra will be released Tuesday.
Duhhhhh..... This is stating the OBVIOUS
via Fox28
Boehner says Dems' fight helping McCain
May 10, 2008 00:02 EDT
House Minority Leader John Boehner says the fight will only help likely Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
Boehner was in his southeast Ohio congressional district last night for the Butler County Lincoln Day Dinner, a fund-raiser for the county GOP.
Boehner says the Democrats are doing serious damage to each other and McCain is in a solid position to win this year's presidential election.
He urged those in attendance to get out the vote for the November election and says Ohio will be crucial in 2008, just as it was in 2004 and 2000.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Quote of the Day
A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Personally, since we know John McCain benefits...
I think Cindy McCain should release information. That is just my point of view.
Anyway, via FOXNEWS:
Cindy McCain says she'll never release her tax returns
Thursday, May 08, 2008
WASHINGTON — Cindy McCain says she will never make her tax returns public even if her husband wins the White House and she becomes the first lady.
"You know, my husband and I have been married 28 years and we have filed separate tax returns for 28 years. This is a privacy issue. My husband is the candidate," Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting John McCain, said in an interview aired on NBC's "Today" on Thursday.
Asked if she would release her tax returns if she was first lady, Cindy McCain said: "No."
The Arizona senator released his tax return last month, reporting he had a total income of $405,409 in 2007 and paid $84,460 in federal income taxes. He files his return separately from his wife, an heiress to a Phoenix-based beer distributing company whose fortune is in the $100 million range.
Sen. McCain is routinely is ranked among the richest lawmakers in Congress, but he and his wife have kept their finances separate throughout their marriage. A prenuptial agreement left much of the family's assets in Cindy McCain's name.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Cindy McCain's refusal to release her tax returns gives the appearance of a double standard on the part of her husband
rest can be found on FoxNews website:
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
This irritates me
For the life of me, even though I know it was a "mistake", I do not see why the parents took their children hunting if they were not going to be totally on top of things. Sad, sad, sad but it could be avoided. I know some may differ with my opinion but I do feel it is valid that charges were brought. The complete story is at ABCNEWS. Here's a bit
Dad Who Killed Son in Turkey Hunt Charged
Boy's Death One of at Least Three Fatalities as Wild-Turkey Hunting Season Opens
Do You Think She Will Listen?
CNN posted an article on their website today. I, personally, do not think that Hillary will listen because I truly do not believe that had thought through any other option than being the next president. I'm not sure she knows how to be gracious, yet I hope I am wrong. Anyway, here is a bit of the article which can be found by clicking this link:
(CNN) – Former Sen. George McGovern urged Hillary Clinton Wednesday to drop out of the Democratic presidential race.
McGovern, who had endorsed Clinton, told CNN he was switching his support to endorse Barack Obama.
“It certainly was not out of any less respect for Senator Clinton,” McGovern told CNN in a telephone interview early Wednesday afternoon about his decision to switch his support to Barack Obama. “I think she has waged a really courageous and valiant campaign. She will have my affection and admiration for all of my days.
“But I think mathematically the race is all but won by Barack Obama and the time has come for all of us to unite and get ready for the general election in the fall.”
McGovern also told CNN he had just spoken to former President Bill Clinton about his decision to back Obama – a conversation he described as “very good.”
“I have had many conversations with him over the years, none better than today," McGovern said. "He did me the honor of talking to me about this. There will be no hard feelings with him or Senator Clinton.”
McGovern said he has not spoken to Sen. Clinton today, because he thought she would be too exhausted after Tuesday’s primary but plans to talk to her in the future.”
McGovern is not a Democratic superdelegate, though he is the first major Clinton supporter to publicly suggest the New York senator should abandon her presidential bid following Tuesday night's results.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Lately I've been thinking about
Prejudice....
I am thinking that we are all prejudice about something. We all prejudge. Is prejudging bad? I am challenging myself more and more on this. Today I realized that there are things I have a closed mind about. Some of the things, rightfully so, others I am not too proud about. I can't go into detail about it right now do to legal happenings but I look forward to blogging it out, chatting it out, hearing different sides. Maybe I will change my point of view, maybe it will reinforce the views I have now.
We'll see.
