First it was really hot, and then it got dusty and windy, and now it has cooled off and it is beginning to rain. Other than that, things are peachy. Time for a run.....
Posted by Andy at June 9, 2005 02:14 AMSpending it trying to figure out how we can make half of the country realize what is going on in their government. Driving me nutso to see my fellow countrymen and women turn into the crowd from that Stepford Wifes movie. AArrgghh!!
Posted by badgervan at June 9, 2005 03:09 AMExcited about today's Downing Street Memo protest here in Tampa. We've gotten lots of publicity the past few days and are expecting a good turnout. Trying to come up with some good chants to use--any ideas?
One of my friends is bringing her five kids (ages 14 through 20) for what she calls a 4F day. I asked what that meant and she replied: "Forced Fun with the Fucking Family."
I'm also thrilled with Bill Scher's post today about supporting Howard Dean:
http://www.liberaloasis.com/
Thanks for asking. Have a good one.
Posted by Susan S at June 9, 2005 04:00 AMKid and I are planning to Metro downtown to take in the National Gallery of Art--because it's there! Next week she'll be in NYC, then I'll have free time to visit more museums, like the US Holocaust Memorial Museum which she finds too intense and terrifying. Congrats to Tampa for your Downing Street Memo demonstration! So when were the rules to impeach the Prez change? How can they spin the memo in their favor?
Posted by Mal Feasance at June 9, 2005 04:30 AMAbsolutely great! Sun is shining... birds are chirping... GOP just stuck their foot in some serious doo-doo once again.
Greatings and good wishes to you too from the (soon-to-be) Blue State of Ohio.
Posted by General Washington at June 9, 2005 04:40 AMIt's sort of difficult to follow the GOP excuses about the Memo.
Posted by Susan S at June 9, 2005 04:59 AMHi Susan.
Don’t know if it will help, but thinking about the crappy memo brought to mind the following chant,
SHITTY MEMO
PISSES DEMOS
STOP THE WAR
NOW! NOW! NOW!
Enjoy the protest—wish I could be there.
Paz,
Quidam
Pretty good so far.
The people of New York aren't going to be financing the most expensive sports stadium in history so that a billionaire who owns an NFL franchise with a multi-year season ticket waiting list can save a few bucks.
But it's early. We'll see haw the day progresses.
Posted by muckcat at June 9, 2005 06:11 AMSo when were the rules to impeach the Prez change?
There have never been any real rules on impeachment, save that a president gets impeached when the Congress thinks it has the political muscle.
Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached for the very dodgiest of reasons. But Nixon? Nope. Reagan, for Iran-Contra? Fuhgeddaboutit. Bush, for telling countless lies leading to nearly countless deaths? It is to laugh.
But if I were a Republican, I'd be a little worried about the '06 elections. Because payback is a bitch.
Posted by Matt Davis at June 9, 2005 06:17 AMthe 9/11 Panel has resurfaced (much to Bush/Rove's chagrin) and stated that the nation is not ready for another attack. So, apparently Bush has not made us safer and Tax Cuts didn't fix the economy, and we're losing the Iraq War. Miserable Failure=George W. Bush.
Posted by T2 at June 9, 2005 06:38 AMQuidam,
Thanks! I'll add your chant to our list. Wish you were here, too.
TOON OF THE DAY: "Kyoto Schmyoto, Right Boys?"
Posted by jjoats at June 9, 2005 06:48 AMWell Mary...thanks to our friends at the Smirking Chimp for the reference to this article..things couldn't be better....have a good day all!
Posted by Goyo at June 9, 2005 07:10 AMHoping for a great sunny weekend. I'll be camping and whitewater rafting with friends in the Great Smoky Mountians, America's most popular national park. Speaking of Koyto, I must add that having spent time in the area before, I hope to not see the evidence of acid rain (300 year old trees sead and dying on the mountiantops) that I've read about. Here's to a good weekend for all. : )
Posted by rlprather at June 9, 2005 07:31 AM.
Posted by . at June 9, 2005 07:40 AM!
Posted by ! at June 9, 2005 08:12 AMExcited about today's Downing Street Memo protest here in Tampa. We've gotten lots of publicity the past few days and are expecting a good turnout. Trying to come up with some good chants to use--any ideas?
America sucks! But we hate the Bushies more!
We're a bunch of moonbats, hear us roar!
muckdog,
You're so negative.
Don't you know the American people like a positive vibe? Relax a bit.
Posted by muckcat at June 9, 2005 08:43 AMThe following is an email I received from the people running the Minute Man Project. First thing you should know before I comment on this is that I have no problem with immigration as long as it's legal. I'm not a racist, bigot, or whatever term you choose to use. I also feel that these workers are being exploited by the people that are hiring them. I also believe that anyone that protests what the Minute Men are doing are just plain ignorant or they just don't care about our laws.
Now that being said, I am sickened by this email and the lack of respect this Mayor and the people that support him have for the United States. There is no excuse for Mayor Manuel Lozano to support a monument that says, "This land was Mexican once, was Indian always and is, and will be again." He might as well say screw you American, we are taking back our land. But wait! We still want all the benefits that go along with being American.
Are these people really that ungrateful for what they have? Why would you come to American, reap her benefits and then say "Fuck You!"? It boggles the mind.
It also amazes me how our politicians will go to war to "protect our country" *yea mmm hmm* and yet do very little on our own soil to protect it's citizens.
Does no one see the benefits of fully manning our borders and ports? The only logical complaint is the money it will take to do it. But the politicians have no problem spending Billions on a mistake.
The Battle for Baldwin Park Continues
Save Our State demands removal of seditious monument language
(Baldwin Park, CA) - On June 25th, from 12-2 PM, SaveOurState.org will
protest and demand that the city of Baldwin Park immediately remove
seditious anti-American language from the "Danzas Indigenas" monument at
the Baldwin Park Commuter Rail Station. The most offensive passage is a
quote from Gloria Anzaldua, which reads: This land was Mexican once, was
Indian always and is, and will be again."
On Saturday, May 14, 2005 fifty American Patriots were violently attacked
by the Brown Berets de Aztlan and MEChA resulting in one elderly Save Our
State member spending the night in the Intensive Care Unit with inner
cranial trauma. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Times and the San Gabriel
Valley Tribune failed to report that any injuries occurred. If not for the
fine work of the Baldwin Park Police Department and the 70 officers in
riot gear, the situation could have escalated even further.
Judy Baca, the artist of the monument, Mayor Manuel Lozano, and the city
council members of Baldwin Park insist that this monument was erected as
art and that it does not promote sedition. In fact, the
counter-demonstrators and the video that followed document the
anti-American and "reconquista" sentiments that exist and further prove
the necessity for the removal of the inflammatory and divisive language.
On May 11, 2005, Lora McLaughlin of CBS Channel 2 News in a televised news
interview asked Mayor Manuel Lozano, "Would you like to see this
[language] changed?" The Mayor responded, "Absolutely. But, I don't think
the artist is in concert with us in making that type of change." On May
14, 2005 he roused the swelling ranks of counter-demonstrators by telling
them, "This project will be here 20, 30, 40 years so your grandchildren
will enjoy it." The Mayor has not been held accountable for this flop by
the media.
Joseph Turner, Executive Director of SaveOurState.org states:
"The racial hatred that seethed from the crowd that gathered to protest
against us was stifling. The attack they waged against one of our peaceful
protestors was reprehensible. Their desecration of an American flag was
unforgivable. Everything about that day underscores the simple fact that
the monument is not merely art but a representation of an ideology that
America is stolen land and they intend to reclaim it"
Once again, we implore the city of Baldwin Park to voluntarily remove
these offensive passages by Friday, July 1st, in advance of the American
Independence weekend. They must clearly demonstrate their commitment to
America and their disapproval of treasonous sentiments. If this situation
is not remedied, SaveOurState.org will take additional steps to ensure
that the passages are removed.
But wait! We still want all the benefits that go along with being American.
Oh, yeah, man. Those Native Americans have it SWEET! What a terrific scam, huh?
It's funny how guys like Centrist always preface a bigoted rant with "I'm not a bigot..."
Posted by Matt Davis at June 9, 2005 09:54 AMDear . and !,
Was that intended for me? If so, please elaborate.
Posted by rlprather at June 9, 2005 09:59 AM! was written to comment on "."
Just thought I was being funny, maybe not
Posted by ! at June 9, 2005 10:13 AMIllegal immigration is a problem but the GOP has made it into a racial issue. By pandering to the lowest common denominator, the GOP has almost made discussion of this issue moot. When you have avowed racists talking about illegal immigration no one listens.
The minuteman group is a bunch of nuts. Surely you don't want to defind them do you?
Posted by ga6thdem at June 9, 2005 10:33 AMMatt,
Is calling me names the extent of of your debating skills?
I expected as much.
Centrist, I also have sarcasm:
Oh, yeah, man. Those Native Americans have it SWEET! What a terrific scam, huh?
Aside from that, I didn't call you any names. I said that you said you weren't a bigot; I also said that your rant was bigoted. (And I'm not stepping back from that one.)
Posted by Matt Davis at June 9, 2005 10:44 AMThere is no excuse for Mayor Manuel Lozano to support a monument that says, "This land was Mexican once, was Indian always and is, and will be again."
Well we did forcibly take it from them didn't we? It's a bit presumptuous to think that it will without question be "American" in perpetuity.
So when exactly did the Minuteman Project go from being a border protection effort to seeking the suppression of Hispanic and Native American self expression?
And Centrist, one in seven Americans is now Hispanic so perhaps you should resign yourself to accepting the fact that Hispanic culture is going to become more and more visible in 'Merika.
Posted by muckcat at June 9, 2005 10:45 AM
I wonder how many of the Minutemen get themselves worked up over some good old boys flying the treasonous Confederate flag?
Posted by muckcat at June 9, 2005 10:49 AMga6thdem,
I don't see how a group of people that want to uphold our laws and protect our citizens can be considered nuts. By your comments, I must assume that you do not support our immigration laws and you don't support protecting our borders.
Can no on here debate this subject with out labeling people. I think not.
I'll make this easy for you.
Do you want an open border policy with Mexico & Canada. Y or N
Do you want an open border policy with Mexico & Canada. Y or N
How are you defining 'open border'? And was someone here calling for such a thing?
I'll repeat my question;
So when exactly did the Minuteman Project go from being a border protection effort to seeking the suppression of Hispanic and Native American self expression?
And Centrist, one in seven Americans is now Hispanic so perhaps you should resign yourself to accepting the fact that Hispanic culture is going to become more and more visible in 'Merika.
Fine by me as long as they come legally.
Why should I resign myself from this topic because 1 in 7 are Hispanic? Why would that matter?
Posted by Centrist at June 9, 2005 11:14 AMWhy should I resign myself from this topic because 1 in 7 are Hispanic? Why would that matter?
I didn't write 'resign yourself from'. I wrote 'resign yourself to'. There's a difference. LOL. Wasn't the point of your sharing your email with us that there are uppity Hispanics who have designs on repossessing this land? The demographic trend is going their way so get used to it amigo.
Posted by muckcat at June 9, 2005 11:22 AMseeking the suppression of Hispanic and Native American self expression?
There is a fine line between "expression" and sedition. Would you support this "expression" if these people decided not to obey our laws anymore because America stole their land 200 years ago?
You read what free expression got the Saveourstate.org people. Beat up and in the hospital.
Apparently free speech and free expression only count if your a minority.
Posted by Centrist at June 9, 2005 11:33 AMThere is a fine line between "expression" and sedition.
Yes there is and if you knew anything about the history of seditious speech and the Supreme Court you'd realize that what is written on that monument is not seditious.
Would you support this "expression" if these people decided not to obey our laws anymore because America stole their land 200 years ago?
Has anyone suggested such a thing or is that just a straw man?
You read what free expression got the Saveourstate.org people. Beat up and in the hospital.
Well that's something that law enforcement and the courts will sort out.
Apparently free speech and free expression only count if your a minority.
Did I say that?
Posted by muckcat at June 9, 2005 11:41 AMmuck,
sorry, I misread that part.
Wasn't the point of your sharing your email with us that there are uppity Hispanics who have designs on repossessing this land?
Partly. But all this disrespect and hostility that no one cares about is what pisses me off. You get Bush & Co. to vent about 24/7. I'm taking my turn on other matters.
But all this disrespect and hostility that no one cares about is what pisses me off.
I know. I don't understand why so many people harbor such disrespect and hostility towards those who are differnet than them or come from somewhere else to try and make a better life for themselves here.
Posted by muckcat at June 9, 2005 11:45 AMI don't see how a group of people that want to uphold our laws and protect our citizens can be considered nuts.
Good strawman argument. Didn't your mother never tell you assume? These are vigilantes and I have no use for vigilantes. These people are another example of the rabid fundamentalism that has overtaken our country.
Protect the borders? Yes, but do it the right way with people trained to do it not with a bunch of nuts.
And you didn't take responsbility for the problem that has arisen regarding discussing immigration. Condemn the tancredos and the buchanans and then maybe the country can have a discussion about this issue.
Posted by ga6thdem at June 9, 2005 11:53 AM"The racial hatred that seethed from the crowd that gathered to protest
against us was stifling."
That line got me. Since when is Hispanic a race? These guys showed their colors with that one.
Simply stationing a line of soldiers at our borders isn't the answer to a question this complex. Illegals come here for many reasons, a big one of which is the fact they know they can find work here. Follow the money trail, vigorously prosecute the employers who hire undocumented workers, and you'll do much to solve the illegal immigration problem; much more than can be accomplished by a bunch of vigilantes.
Of course, if we ever do shut down the influx of illegals, we'll have to find a workforce willing to do the jobs they once did. Good luck to us on that one, considering the wages the illegals are willing to work for.
Posted by Cosrai at June 9, 2005 03:11 PMWell... pretty good. It's raining pretty hard, and I'm at work. Work, work, work. I'm obviously working very hard, aren't I? As far as your little rant, above, Centrist. "...treasonous sentiments." That rhetoric is pretty thick.
Posted by ashideena at June 9, 2005 06:14 PMAndrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached for the very dodgiest of reasons.
If I am not mistaken, it was Jackson, not Johnson. And using British terms just make you look snobbish (!) not necessarily intelligent :)
I agree with Cosrai completely. Any contributer here willing to clean commodes for a living or hoe cotton, pick tomatoes, breathe pesticides, chop vegetables, slaughter animals, wait on a corner in the morning for a job that may or may not pay you for your labor? Please, would one of those "minute men" tell me he wouldn't do anything for his family. They are just fat, spoiled, do-nothing thrill/media couldn't-get-on-a-reality-show-cuz-you-way-too-ugly/stupid worthless types.
I don't feel threatened by immigrants. At times, I do wonder about their motives and can empathise with the feeling that I am no longer valued in my homeland and that my only chance is to leave my home. But so far, I have resisted. . . I am not so desperate yet. But I see the possibility. And if left my home and were met by such a group, I might actually give up and let them mock me.
But I would never forget. Never.
Michelle,
You are mistaken.
Posted by muckcat at June 9, 2005 07:36 PMNo, Michelle. It was Andrew Johnson who was impeached.
Posted by pessimist at June 9, 2005 07:40 PMUsing British terms isn't snobbish, dear. Anybody anywhere can flavor their writing with any term they wish... Dodgy is a precious term! Dodge that! Bush's explanation of his limp dick is a tad dodgy. Flippin' egg is another cute Brit term. Like, Jesus Jumpin' Christ is neat, but not if you're into being a religious SNOB. Michelle, honey, don't you have a sense of humor?
Posted by Mal Feasance at June 10, 2005 05:13 AMMan, the history books would be a little livelier if they had tried to impeach Old Hickory. Jackson was one mean sumbitch.
Posted by Matt Davis at June 10, 2005 06:29 AMEmperor Jackson?
Plausible perhaps but today it sounds more like the name of the spawn of Michael Jackson!
Posted by muckcat at June 10, 2005 06:34 AMSpeaking of Michael Jackson, where are the sensational trials covered on cable TV stations of child sex-abusing Catholic priests? Which is another good reason to never turn the TV on at all!
Posted by Mal Feasance at June 10, 2005 07:09 AMCome on Mal! Don't you know there's a white girl missing?
Posted by muckcat at June 10, 2005 07:13 AM