Joe Biden: Biden Bill Granting Nationwide Subpoena Power to 9/11 Victims Heads to the President

All American Patriots

Apparently Joe Biden has a bill that just passed the House of Representatives: Procedural Fairness for September 11th Victims Act (H.R. 3921, S. 2106) "which ensures that those 9/11 victims and their families who opt out of receiving compensation through the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund and bring civil suits instead, have access to all the information relevant to the case".
This is a fantastic revelation. Definitely progress for those victims, and citizens in general, who have been denied information consistently about the attacks on 9/11. My question is......Why Biden? Is he trying to whip up some exciting internet support/publicity (see Ron Paul)? Or is Biden honestly trying to help this movement, though in an indirect manner? We'll see what Bush will do with it. Do we even need to guess?

The Tim Russert Interview He Doesn't Want You To Hear

Jack Blood interviews Tim Russert back in June 2006. This is one of the most interesting and telling interviews I've ever heard. Russert seems nervous at the end of this one when the questions get to 9/11 inconsistencies. He gets into some interesting information about Bush and Kerry being in Skull and Bones, Bohemian Grove, and the run up to the Iraq War. But the manner in which this interview ends is priceless.

New Ron Paul Ad: "Awesome"

Edwards gets New Hampshire SEIU Endorsement

This is big news. Per the SEIU's rules, this means that 90,000 SEIU members from neighboring Massachusetts, who already endorsed Edwards, can join the 10,000 SEIU members in New Hampshire to campaign for him. And perhaps more importantly, it means that SEIU members from other neighboring states are barred from campaigning in NH for a different candidate.

Edwards has now wrapped up the coveted SEIU endorsements in Iowa and New Hampshire, but also California, Washington, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, Minnesota, Michigan, West Virginia, Ohio and Oregon.

Of course the reason why we're counting state endorsements instead of one National endorsement is because the SEIU members in Illinois and New York were afraid of alienating their would-be patrons Obama and Clinton. Illinois SEIU and neighboring Indiana endorsed Obama, as expected, but the big state to watch now is New York. NY's 300,000 members of SEIU 1199 were enough to stop a national endorsement, but will they actually end up endorsing Clinton, or will they endorse no one? Anything but a Clinton endorsement (including no endorsement) has to be seen a huge strike against Clinton.

It's no wonder Edwards is the natural choice for Labor. Edwards is the only candidate who has consistently fought for America's working families. He's been outspoken on NAFTA and more recently he's publicly come out against the CAFTA test balloon of the Peru trade deal.

For those inclined and able to do so, you should contribute to Edwards today to make the latest matching fund deadline.

While Clinton triangulates, and Obama talks abstractly about hope, Edwards continues to be the moral voice of this Primary, making clear that this election is about more than rhetoric.

Just Watched Ron Paul on The Tonight Show...

Ok so that was pretty surreal. I just watched The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to see him interview Ron Paul. First of all, when Jay announced during his monologue that Ron Paul was there, the crowd completely erupted. That was pretty cool. Anyways, the guests on the show were Tom Cruise, Ron Paul, and the fucking Sex Pistols. Ok, so I'll let you choke down that wtf sandwich for a second.....Now, Ron Paul was pretty good, he stuck to his message and seemed to really take the interest of Jay. And to Leno's credit, he asked some pretty specific questions about income tax so Paul could clarify, and I think Paul did a fairly good job. Anyway, the best/most fucked up part was watching the end of the show after the Sex Pistols played "Anarchy in the UK". There it was. Right on my television. Ron Paul shaking hands with Johnny Rotten. I think its safe to say that the tide is turning. I mean...What the fuck was that?

Kucinich and surprisingly attractive spouse, Elizabeth, question Bush's mental health

Kucinich: totally psyched that his wife is smokin'.

Considering his zealous remarks about World War III darkening our nation's doorstep, it's no surprise that the President's mental health is called into question by Rep. Dennis Kucinich. What is surprising is Kucinich's super hot wife, Elizabeth. Dang, dude!

******UPDATE******

Elizabeth Kucinich is British. That explains a few things. Cheerio!

Tasered student avoids criminal charges?

Wha?

Does anyone remember the First Amendment? I just can't believe this guy has to apologize for being victim of police brutality and censorship in order to avoid criminal charges. Is there a law against breathless ranting or crafting timeless catch-phrases like "Don't tase me, bro"? If so, lock me away. The Constitution doesn't say anything about Speech being well-crafted, audible, or coherent... just free, bro.

At least Ann Coulter will have to apologize when I tase her crazy ass. ZZZZAAAAPPP!

Ron Paul Watch

Ron Paul's got new ads up in NH, and I think the chick who says "Cut Government Spending" is cute, in that mousey, fiscally conservative kind of way. Delicious!



Ok...what was I talking about again? Oh yeah! Ron Paul in New Hampshire.

Todd Beeton has a piece up on MYDD right now talking about these ads and Paul's chances in New Hampshire. Particularly interesting to me was this quote from David Dayen:

Paul's chances rely on the independent vote in the state, and in particular getting them to vote in the Republican primary as opposed to the Democratic one. If I'm an independent and I want an end to neoconservative imperialist policies, it may make sense to me that I'd have a better chance of stopping them by knocking out the neocons in the New Hampshire primary than voting for one of a set of somewhat similar candidates (emphasis on somewhat) on the Democratic side.

His analysis is persuasive.

And Little Miss 'Cut Government Spending" is a dish.

Martin Sheen Questions Official 9/11 Story

Prison Planet
We Are Change L.A.

"Up until last year, I was very dubious," said Sheen, "I did not want to believe that my government could possibly be involved in such a thing, I could not live in a country that I thought could do that - that would be the ultimate betrayal," he added.

"However, there have been so many revelations that now I have my doubts, and chief among them is Building 7 - how did they rig that building so that it came down on the evening of the day?" said Sheen.

Here's the WTC 7 Collapse:

"How Dare You" Speak the Truth to the Elite: Bill Clinton faces 9/11 Truthers in MN.

We Are Change Minnesota


Looks like somebody is getting scared that the New World Order's agenda, specifically 9/11, is being figured out. It also seems like these confrontations are becoming a daily occurrence. I don't think this is ever going to let up until people know the truth. The lies about 9/11 have been so blatant that these people in power have no where to hide, and no way to change their story. So..........looks like "its on"!

Ron Paul's Gambling Odds To Win The Nomination

Looks like as of the beginning of this month, Ron Paul's odds of winning the GOP nomination are 6 to 1. This may have changed since some of the primary rules in some of the states are ever changing, jeez, I wonder why?

Ron Paul's Third Party Candidacy

Last week (or was it the week previous?) the Advisory Board of Crinch Pin (you know, the guys who sometimes post here) had an email volley discussing the possibility of a third party candidacy for Ron Paul. The ARM, Paul's biggest booster in the bunch, didn't think it was likely, but with his amazing Q3 fundraising and gangbusters start to Q4, I thought it entirely possible, especially as he had nearly matched 'top tier' Johnny McMaverick in fundraising. Even more impressive, though, was that for cash on hand Paul had $5.4 million and $0 debt to 'fiscally responsible' McCain's $3.5 million ($1.8 million of which is for the general election) and $1.7 million in debt. Let me do the math for you: 3.5 minus 1.8 = $1.7 million Cash on Hand for the Primary. Oh...and then there's that $1.7 million debt, which makes things look like $0 Million. (I know that's not quite how it will work, but it sure is fun and funny to say $0 Million).

Anyway, I thought the chances of a Paul 3rd party run would be tied to the fortunes of McCain. As McCain fades, and Paul surges, the political establishment will force his hand. No Republican power broker wants to see Paul do well. They're waiting for his Dean-like flame-out. Finding no comfort or succor with the Republicans, but still having a movement and money behind him, a third party run makes perfect sense.

Yesterday I saw this tidbit on the Political Insider, but didn't have time to blog it. Looks like Paul hasn't ruled out a third party run.

I might have been wrong about pegging Paul's fortunes to McCain's, though, because as Jonathan Singer reports, it's Grandpa Fred who he's embarrassing now. In NH, Paul is polling at 7% to Thompson's 5%.

I wonder what the odds are in Vegas. I'd like to make a bet.

Gore No More

Greg Palast co-hosting on the Richard Green Show
www.gregpalast.com

Glenn Beck's Own Poll Can't Even Support His Propaganda

Wow.
So you may or may not have seen the clip of Glenn Beck's show the other day where he discusses the 9/11 truth movement disrupting Bill Maher's live taping of his show "Real Time with Bill Maher". Well Glenn the neo-con artist is at it again. He had two guests on his show to talk about this incident and, of course, use it as an opportunity to slam the movement. He went so far as to say that these people are "insane" and "dangerous anarchists", and "the kind of group a Timothy McVeigh would come from". Wow, nice try Glenn. Way to make the good people who just want a fucking truthful investigation of the horrible attacks of September 11th seem like bomb makers intent on committing acts of violence. Glenn has on Michael Shermer (Ex Dir. of Skeptic Magazine) and ......drumroll please............James Miegs from Popular Mechanics. I love it. Meigs is the only shill they can EVER get to "debunk" the claims that are contradictory the the official story. What a douchebag. Anyway, Glenn is really trying too hard to disgrace the movement, so much so that its working to his and his position's disadvantage. For example here's his poll from his website where he's trying to get people to agree with the ridiculous statement that people who believe the gov't is involved in the 9/11 attacks are "insane".

I Am Sure Listening to Giuliani Is Torture

Need some proof that Rudy is a scum bag equal to W?

Here ya go via the NY Times:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/25/in-his-own-words-giuliani-on-torture/

If you are not sure about something Rudy, I suggest you try it out before making any hard decisions.
Democrats said that, the liberal media said this, blah blah blah. And of course the narrow minded lemmings lap it right up and cheer on a torturer.

Juré Duté

After living in Chicago for 17 years, and being eligible to vote here for 14 years, the County of Cook has finally tracked me down: I've been issued my first jury summons. I'm actually kind of excited. I'm sure that will pass very quickly, but having never been called before, my head is still filled with all kinds of exciting scenarios about doing my civic duty. I should have brought a copy of 12 Angry Men to read.

In any case, I will shortly depart to do my part. But where are my fellow Crinchies? I long for your posts and comments!

I Am 2.3% (And So Can You)

Looks like Stephen Colbert has a few fans out there. He's polling at 2.3% in the Democratic Primary. He must be speaking right to the heart of the American People. Now that's what I call Colbert Rapport.

Could Ron Paul Surprise the World in Iowa?

As the only Republican candidate who opposes the war and advocates for withdrawal, Ron Paul the only candidate in synch with 54% or Republican Iowa Caucus-goers. There was an interesting moment in the Republican debate last night when Ron Paul quoted a poll that had "70 Some Percent" of the American People favoring withdrawal, to which the Republican Debate audience Booed. BOOED! That's the kind of Patriotic Americans we're dealing with here, the kind that will boo the facts in the hope of making it not so.

2 + 2 = 4 (BOOOOOOOOO)



These are the same good people who cheered relentlessly as Mitt Romney bravely pledged that as President, he would detain and torture TWICE as many people without any oversight, proof, or habeus corpus.



Not to dis my fellow Americans, but are these people for real?

As we inch ever closer to that fateful midwestern caucus, things seem to get more and more interesting.

On the Democratic side, polling in Iowa has Hillary, Edwards and Obama in pretty much a 3-way tie, though it's important to note that Hillary and Obama are spending millions on TV ads and Edwards has yet to run a single TV spot. Plus, all those Illinois SEIU members who endorsed Obama are barred by Union Rules from campaigning in a state that has endorsed another candidate. Iowa SEIU endorsed Edwards, so would-be Obama campaigners in neighboring Illinois are S.O.L. in Iowa.


Oh, and one more note on the Republican debate last night, every candidate was campaigning against Hillary. Is this because they fear her as the Dem nominee, or because they're taking a cue from Rove's playbook, which is to publicly fret over the difficulty of beating the candidate they know privately will be easiest to defeat? I'm wagering it's not because they fear Hillary.

Lawrence Lessig on Corruption

Lawrence Lessig is a rock star. If you don't know his name, I'd wager you're still familiar with some of his work. He's been a major force in the ongoing debate over Copyright in the digital age, and he chairs the Creative Commons project.

Here is a pretty visually flat but intellectually riveting PowerPoint lecture from Lessig on the subject of "Corruption," his latest passion. It's about an hour, but it's well worth it.

Ron Paul Revolution Chicago to be on NBC Nightly News Tonight

So, according to the Ron Paul 2008 Chicago Meetup Group, NBC Nightly News will be airing a segment on the support for Presidential Candidate Dr. Ron Paul featuring many of the groups members. Check it out tonight at 5:30 Central time in the Chicago Market.

nbc nightly news
ron paul 2008

Phil (Not Ted) Nugent on Gore

THIS is an excellent piece.

That's all.

Clarence Thomas: Angry Black Man

I know what you're thinking... I'm in love Jon Swift. I wear his ass as a hat. That may be true, but this is nothing short of genius. I'm sorry Colbert, but you are a Jon Swift wannabe.

Dodd vows to Fillibuster Telecom Immunity

Chris Dodd is not willing to capitulate on this issue.

Where's Hillary on this?
Where's Obama on this?
Where's Biden on this?

For that matter, I must ask if anyone in the Senate who's not running for President will support Dodd in his efforts to protect the constitution. I mean, before you become a Seantor, you have to take an oath to prtoect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, so why is Dodd the only keeping his word?

This bill is shameful, and silence on the issue is tantamount to support of the bill. Hillary? Barack? Joe? You're in the Senate and you're in the position to do something. We're all watching. We're all waiting.

It's a simple formulation, really:

"George Bush and the phone companies broke the law, and you would rather protect them than protect us from terrorists like Osama bin Laden."

Way to go Chris Dodd!

Good Rundown on a Good Week for Edwards

Chuckles1 at DKos has a nice diary on Rec list right now outlining the week in Endorsements for Edwards.

It includes a video of former Georgia Congressman Ben Jones (known to many as Cooter form the Dukes of Hazzard). Word on the street is that Boss Hogg is getting ready to endorse Rude-y Giuliani, which is causing rifts with Roscoe P. Coltrane, because he's leaning towards Grandpa Fred Thompson.

But seriously folks, Edwards had a good week. Seems like the only reason he didn't get the National SEIU endoresement is that the locals in Illinois and New York were playing politics and were too chickenshit to cross their respective Senators. In some ways, it seems like it's playing out nicely for Edwards, though, because everytime a local union endorses him, it's a headline. I'll bethca he's got more SEIU endorsements to come.

***UPDATE***

Per The Arm's query in the comments, here's Edwards on Trade Policies, including NAFTA:

The trade policies of President Bush have devastated towns and communities all across America. But let's be clear about something - this isn't just his doing. For far too long, presidents from both parties have entered into trade agreements, agreements like NAFTA, promising that they would create millions of new jobs and enrich communities. Instead, too many of these agreements have cost us jobs and devastated many of our towns.

NAFTA was written by insiders in all three countries, and it served their interests - not the interests of regular workers. It included unprecedented rights for corporate investors, but no labor or environmental protections in its core text. And over the past 15 years, we have seen growing income inequality in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Well enough is enough. Americans have paid the price long enough. We need to change our fundamental approach to trade. We need to make American values the foundation of our trade deals, and we need to put workers back at their core.

You can read more here.

Attention Al Gore

Hey Al, did you see THIS on TV last night? That solar chick is HOT!!!

Edwards gets Mass. SEIU Endorsement

This could be big in neighboring New Hampshire.

Fair Game: Jon Swift

The good old days.

Gotta love the genius of Jon Swift. He does his homework, supports his arguments with a slew of articles I'm too lazy to read through, and consistently makes a good reasonable conservative case. Much better than I can say for his brethren, especially that Colbert guy.

Anywho, it appears that even the most compassionate conservatives really do have it out for children. I, for one, do not blame them. In fact, I feel quite liberated. Children? The future? Balderdash! What are children really good for? It is illegal to send them to work (unless you're lucky enough to live in Laos), you have to shelter feed and clothe them, they're always gumming up your vintage Lugar, they can't even reach the jib on your sloop, and for some reason one feels that due to the fact they share your genes that you are obliged, nay, honored to love them, or something. Children need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, spit out the teat, and join the millions of passionless drones slaving away to pay down the loan on that Lincoln-Log set or the deluxe Leukemia Treatment they got for Christmas. "I'm just a kid." is a bad excuse for shiftlessness and gluttony. Change your diaper on your own time, mister. You've got microchips to solder.

Is Jimmy Carter raping kittens?

Well...is he?

This is a funny and insightful glance into the rash of hate we have dug up for ol' Jimmy from Only Sayin'.

Dodd's Patriot(ic) Act

Remember the "Emergency" 6-month FISA bill that gave Bush the power to listen to whomever he wants without court approval, no matter if they're US Citizen or not? It was supposed to be temporary, but as the 6 months is almost up, it's time for chickenshit Dems to re-authorize it for 6 YEARS! WTF?

Chris Dodd just put a hold on that terrible FISA Bill, and is showing the kind of leadership that makes him my #2 Candidate in the Race (I'm an Edwards booster).

From Dodd's Site:

The Military Commissions Act. Warrantless wiretapping. Shredding of Habeas Corpus. Torture. Extraordinary Rendition. Secret Prisons.

No more.

I have decided to place a "hold" on the latest FISA bill that would have included amnesty for telecommunications companies that enabled the President's assault on the Constitution by illegally providing personal information on their customers without judicial authorization.

I said that I would do everything I could to stop this bill from passing, and I have.

It's about delivering results -- and as I've said before, the FIRST thing I will do after being sworn into office is restore the Constitution. But we shouldn't have to wait until then to prevent the further erosion of our country's most treasured document. That's why I am stopping this bill today.

Nice work, Chris.

"Are YOU the face of Compassionate Conservativism, Pat Buchanan?" *Milk sprays from nose*

Today on MSNBC's Softball, is Chris Matthews huffing Glade? Nah... most likely he is following the cue cards without any idea what Buchanan is blathering about. Thanks for the insight, Tweety.

News Linx

Congress FAILS to override Bush SCHIP veto. Here's the Roll Call. This bill was ALREADY a compromise. Douchebags all.

Edwards picks up yets ANOTHER Union Endorsement (and it's an IOWA Union).

A Protest Sign That Gets Right to the Point

From the good people over at Silenced Majority Portal

Homeland Security Seizes Death Cab Guitarist's Hard Drive

Way to go Homeland Security. It seems that a courier was bringing a hard drive with the final mixdowns of Death Cab guitarist Chris Walla's new solo album. It was traveling from Vancouver to Seattle when it was seized by border guards and turned over to computer forensics experts for examination. Way to go America! Looks like somebody is taking those "music is a weapon" tshirts a little too seriously.

Co-Founder of DNA claims blacks "Less intelligent"

"It is a shame that a man with a record of scientific distinction should see his work overshadowed by his own irrational prejudices." - David Lammy, British government skills minister

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/10/18/science.race/index.html

Wallet Forgotton, Romney Borrows Cash for Steamer

Romney borrows money for his Cleveland Steamer

No. This is NOT an Onion Exclusive. Romney is a total douche. If you notice, he borrows money twice. once for the steamer and once for the wishing well.


Wed Oct 17, 6:08 PM ET

DEWITT, Iowa - Campaign aide, can you spare a five? Republican Mitt Romney, the wealthiest presidential candidate with assets of between $190 million and $250 million, had to borrow cash from an aide Wednesday to pay for beverages at the Crossroads Coffee.

Romney ordered a vanilla steamer and offered to buy a cup for his host, DeWitt Mayor Don Thiltgen.

The former Massachusetts governor borrowed $5 from an aide, explaining that he didn't have his wallet.

"I only got three (dollars) in my pocket," he told the mayor.

Thiltgen declined the drink, saying he couldn't accept a gift valued at more than $2.99 — a steamer goes for $3.

Later, Romney visited Necker's jewelers, where he asked the owner about a brown obelisk-shaped fountain. They told him it was a wishing well, prompting someone in the crowd to hand him a penny.

"What do we wish for? I just hope I carry Clinton," Romney said, referring to the county he was in.

He then tossed the penny into the fountain.

Brownback Mountain

I wish I knew how to quit you!

Denny "Mark Foley Who?" Hastert to resign this year!

It's just no fun not being in the majority, is it Denny? What's a former Speaker of the House and Friend, Enabler, and Protector of Sexual Predators to do? Why, he'll resign, of course!

Maybe he can take the time to learn the words to the National Anthem.

Super Tuber!

There are some things of which I will never tire. Checking in on Lee Mercer's "Reasons For Candidacy", for example.

Another thing of which I will never tire, is the bounty of hilarity that surrounds Sen. Larry Craig. Whether it's the fact that his use of the phrase "Wide Stance" has entered the lexicon as a eupehmism for being a closeted gay, or the painful absurdity of Matt Lauer asking Craig if maybe he's bisexual, the fun never ends.

Case in point, Larry Craig's Favorite Dish: The Super Tuber

Ingredients:
1 hot dog, cook's choice
1 Idaho baking potato, 7 to 10 ounces
Mustard for dipping, any style
Other condiments as desired such as cheese sauce, sour cream, chili, chives, bacon pieces or black olives.

Wash and dry potato. Rub with shortening or butter. With an apple corer or small knife, core out the potato center (end to end). Push hot dog through the center. Bake until potato is cooked through.

How long will it be until "Super Tuber" enters the lexicon, joining the ranks of "Dirty Sanchez," "Cincinatti Bowtie" "Alabama Hot Pocket" "Cleveland Steamer" and "Brown Trombone"?

Writer Norman Mailer Hospitalized

The winner of two Pulitzer Prizes and the National Book Award, American writer and icon Norman Mailer is hospitalized with respiratory problems.

Mailer is one of my favorite American personalities, as he constantly defies any categorization or pigeon hole-ing and always does his own thing (although many consider "his own thing" less than savory). My favorite Mailer moment occurred during all of the banning and obscenity discussion surrounding one of his books (The Naked and The Dead, or Armies of the Night, I can't remember). During this period the war in Vietnam was also heating up, and Mailer was on some T.V. talk show. The host asked him what all the controversy was about, was his work obscene? Mailer responded with insane intensity, without skipping a single beat, his words resonating like the rat-a-tat of a machine gun : Can words be considered obscene when taken with the type of obscenity General Westmoreland is witnessing and creating in Vietnam on a daily basis?

All the best, Mr. Mailer. My thoughts are with you.

Ron Paul over $1 million at the beginning of Q4

Looks like Ron Paul is continuing with his astronomical campaign contributions. We're only about two weeks into Q4 and the Ron Paul campaign has already raised over a million dollars!

Whack-A-Murdoch!!!

Franz Ferdinand (not the band, you fucking history illiterate vidiot)

I, for one, have been sick of waiting for a full-blown World War to erupt out of the Iraq fiasco. With any luck, we won't have to wait much longer.

Turkey just approved military incursions into Iraq to deal with those pesky Kurds!

Next we just need to Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran and then, we can really get things moving.

Israel should keep up those rocket attacks on Syria, 'cause we want to be sure they're on board, too.

And with the Caspian States having completed their summit, resolving that "under no circumstances will they allow the use of their territories by other countries to launch aggression or other military action against any of the member states," and Putin becoming ever more troublesome for the US, I'd say the stage is set for one hell of an Amergeddon.

See you in hell!

Co-Winner of the Nobel Prize for Fucking America's Future in the Ass: Al Gore

Al Gore - Ex-Vice-President, America Fucker

See what happens, Al? Do you see what happens? Do you see what happens when you fuck America's future in the ass? This is what happens, Al. This is what happens. This is what happens when you fuck America's future in the ass...

Hillary! Uncensored - Banned By The Media

Google Video


The Roughcut Trailer for- Hillary!Uncensored-the Documentary Using Exclusive Home Videos of Hillary to Expose the Illegalities that Elected Hillary to the Senate and the Obstructions of Justice That Keep Her There- (www.hillcap.org) and (www.peterfpaul.com) to be released on November 1, 2007 by Equal Justice Foundation of America -CONTRIBUTE TO EJFA, NON-PROFIT WHISTLEBLOWER FOUNDATION https://www.registrationfactory.com/v3/?EventUUID=2A54FEC2 TO ADVERTISE AND PUBLICIZE the ONLY Documentary that dares to expose the evidence of Hillary's misconduct to the American people - Banned by the Mainstream Media! .

Crosby, ____, Nash, & ______ plug their "Pray for Peace" concert in DC

Seriously, the Croz is a force of nature, and Nash... well, he's a wanker. But, I'm glad these two gave up the Party Party for the White House and are actually doing something constructive with their considerable talent and artistic clout. And if you haven't lit one up and spun both sides of Deja Vu lately, you're missing out... man.

Finally...a candidate I can support!

Stephen Colbert for President

Lincoln Chaffee, Hillary Clinton, and the War

I cheered when Lincoln Chaffee lost his Senate seat to Sheldon Whitehouse. Although he bucked the Republican party in many of his votes, Chaffee, a Republican, voted with the Republicans for Senate leadership, which controls which bills come up, who chairs which committees, etc. In a Senate so closely divided, that's a HUGE vote, no matter how you vote on individual issues. So when Chaffee lost, I lamented the loss of a sensible Republican, but cheered the democratic majority.

As the race for President heated up, and the issue of Senator's votes to authorize the use of force were at issue, John Edwards stepped up and was the first (and still only) candidate to apologize to the American people for such a foolish vote. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has offered a series a weak excuses for why she voted the way she did, but has never said it was the wrong decision.

Among the excuses she has offered (and something I hear over and over again from supporters or sympathizers) is that the Bush Administration ginned up the evidence and wasn't honest with Congress, and therefore this is "Bush's War." Hillary tells us there was not other responsible course given the 'threat' posed by Saddam's Iraq.

Lincoln Chaffee, on the other hand, voted against the use of force. And in this New York Times Op-Ed he lays out his reasons why, but more importantly, he reminds everyone that there was a responsible alternative in the Levin Amendment. Hillary would rather you forgot this.

Well, Lincoln Chaffee is back, and talking Presidential Politics. Could he be nudging toward endorsing Obama?

It's important to remember all of this as we inch ever closer to war with Iran. Hillary, of course, voted to make that war easier, when she voted for the Kyl-Lieberman Amendment expressing the 'Sense of the Senate' that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was a terrorist organization. As we all know, we don't distinguish between Terrorists and the Countries Who Harbor Them, so a this vote was a vote for attacking Iran. Plain and simple.

Is Blackwater training the Chicago Police?

According to rense.com and the Wayne Madsen Report, Blackwater has been involved in training many of our cities police departments, or at least some members of the departments. I tell ya it wouldn't surprise me. The police state seems ever more present in the city nowadays, especially at marches and protests in the loop. I'm waiting for the lockdown on the Farmers Market in Federal Plaza any day now.

Here is an interesting excerpt from the piece:

A number of the police departments that have been trained by Blackwater have abysmal civil rights and police brutality records, most notably the Chicago Police and Illinois State Police, both cited by former Illinois Governor George Ryan as being guilty of police misconduct in his decision to commute the death sentences of Illinois' death row inmates. It was a decision that likely had much to do with his indictment by the Bush administration on corruption charges -- political misuse of the Department of Justice that has been seen in the indictments and investigations of Alabama former Democratic Governor Don Siegelman and HealthSouth former CEO Richard Scrushy, Qwest's former CEO Joseph Nacchio, Democratic campaign contributor Martha Stewart, Coastal Corporation's former Chairman and Democratic contributor Oscar Wyatt, and Democratic-leaning trial attorneys around the United States, as well as the firings of several U.S. Attorneys who refused to engage in political prosecutions, and a Justice Department workup on North Carolina presidential candidate John Edwards in 2004.

WTF Alert: Obama and Cheney are Distant Cousins?

Uhhhhhhh...what?
Well according to Lynn Cheney, the two are eighth cousins.
Why are all of these people related somehow. Ya know, remember GW Bush was a distant cousin to John Kerry? This is just getting spooky.

I almost can't believe it but, hey, Reuters reported on it.

Larry Craig Interview on NBC with Matt Lauer

Ok.
Not that I really give a shit about this Long Legs Larry Craig "scandal", but I did happen to catch his interview with Matt Lauer tonight on NBC. Wow, he sat there with his wife and just denied basically everything. No big surprise here. However, there were some classic moments during the interview. The YouTube clips will be in full force by tomorrow I'm sure, but the best one of all was when Lauer asked Sen. Craig straight up if maybe he was bisexual? Awesome. What an interview.


"I go to bathrooms to use bathrooms" -Sen. Larry Craig

The Historically Difficult First Post

So yeah...here we are in the thick of the 2008 election season, and there's a real lack of political blogs out there. I can't think of a single one.

Enter Crinch Pin.

On the internets there are 4 dedicated Monday Morning Quarterbacks who think they've got the answers, but until now, they've never made their rantings public.

All that is about to change.....