Monday, May 31, 2004

Will the ads work?

This article from the WP outlines the negative air war this campaign season. It particularly sites Bush's overly negative tone. My question is how effective are the ads? Especially, ads that seem to make outrageous charges?

In my opinion both candidates are missing a key component. Why vote for you? I know why I should not vote for your opponent. I hope John Kerry starts specifically laying out his plans for the country.

Sunday, May 30, 2004

R have trouble raising 527 money...

I am posting this article not because of the possible violations of the law, but because it curious that Republican donors are not giving to 527s. I wonder why this would be? Could they just be tapped out or does it speak more to lack of intensity? The Democrats are unified and motivated this year. I think the Republicans maybe a little demoralized at the moment. Only time will tell....

Thursday, May 27, 2004

What a bunch of liars!

I think the current administration is the most crassly political in recent memory. Don't get me wrong, I know the Clinton Administration was political, but they were hemmed in by Republican attacks and a watchful press. The press seems to let W and crew get away with saying that he doesn't make decisions based on politcal considerations or polling. Bullshit! This article shows the true face. They know that they cannot be Republicans in an election year. Quick guys switch back to compassionate for the rest of the year.

I wish I could find the article from last year that outlined the money spent on polling by the RNC under Bush, it was a record amount.

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

The biggest fascist of them all...

It is amazing to me that John Ashcroft can find time to interfere with terminally ill people trying to ease their suffering when he is fighting so hard to stop future terror attacks :)

You keep hearing Republicans complaining about so called 'Activist judges' ruling on issues that should be dealt with by the legislature. How about an unelected stooge overrulling not only the legislature, but the people of state.

Here it is

How could so many smart people be so stupid....

Here is an article from the NY Times (registration required) that discusses their failings when reporting on weapons of mass destruction before the Iraqi war.

I do not understand how so many people got this so wrong. I do not think that it takes a lot knowledge or common sense to realize that after 10 years of sanctions that Iraq's capabilities would be dimished. For me, this is not hindsight, I said it at the time. I did not expect no WMDs, but I did not think they had major capabilities. How could any self-respecting reporter not take Chalabi's info with great skeptism.

Futhermore, anyone who has watched the Middle East for anytime should realize that nothing comes easy in that region. Given all of the possible variablity in the region and our own admission before the war that our intel capability within Iraq was limited, How could anyone believe the Bush Administration's line on the cost and timeline? The scariest thing is that I believe the Administration really believed it.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Interesting albeit nutty idea...

This site shows just how far apart Christian conservatives and progressives have moved. Obviously, this is just one point of view on the right, but I expect things to get more volatile on the right over the next few decades. Whether the right likes it or not, they will increasingly become a minority. That does not mean that democrats will take over, but it does mean that more people will become tolerant of other lifestyles. Just look at the support for gay marriage among 18 to 29 year olds.

What will happen when Christian conservatives realize that our nation is heading in a direction that is antithetical to nearly everything they believe? Will they acquiesce or will there be violence, something in between? How will two sides that are increasingly isolated and see each other in the most stark negatives terms cooperate as a nation?

Sunday, May 23, 2004

Great article about Delay and the house

This article
is great. It really shows how the Republicans have abandoned everything that they believe in the interest of power. I do not agree with most R policies, but at least I could respect their view point. Now their only view purpose is power preservation.

How could anyone have believed this putz?

Chalabi is clearly a self-interested snake oil salesman. How is it possible that the Bush admin did not see this? It just shows how ideology trumps facts among this group.

Chalabi story

Saturday, May 22, 2004

Maybe if he says it enough people will believe....

I still do not think that the economy is recovering in a healthy manner. A lot of the growth is driven by war and Homeland Security spending. I do not think that the current 'recovery' is sustainable. Sorry guys deficits and bad fiscal policy do matter. I think growth will slow considerable to low single digits long term.


Bush Says U.S. Job Engine 'Running Strong'

The days of Dukakis are gone...

I am glad that both Howard Dean and John Kerry opted out of matching funds. I originally supported Howard Dean, but supported Kerry later partially because he opted out of the matching system. Any candidate other than D or K would have been seriously hurt by now.

Democrats need to learn to be realistic, this is a move in the right direction.

I am glad to see Kerry making another good choice here.
Kerry Ponders Delay in Party Nod
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45476-2004May21.html
(Registration required blah, blah, blah)

Friday, May 21, 2004

This is the first post

I am creating this blog to express my views on politics and chronicle my personal travails and hopefully be funny occasionally. I have to warn you that I frequently forget words. What can I say about that? I promise I am not stupid. More to come...