Political Notes

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Fri, 02 Aug 2002 10:47:00 +0000

Dangerous Propoganda

Apparently the Bush Admin is so desperate to build support for a war against Iraq, that they are willing to use very questionable propaganda, regardless of hard evidence according to this story which says "Despite deep doubts by the CIA and FBI, the White House is now backing claims that suspected Sept. 11 skyjacker Mohammed Atta secretly met five months earlier with an Iraqi agent "

There have already been claims that this didn't happen, but instead of waiting to find out the truth, this admin is willing to spread a possible lie in order to get the American people behind the Shrub and his much needed war. Dubya's poll numbers are dropping and the Republicans are in full panic mode with the upcoming elections. This is really disturbing, that they would take such an approach. As an average citizen, I realize the possible threat that Iraq poses, especially to his neigboring countries. And I can see where in the future they might obtain long range nuclear capabilities. But I really don't think that Sadam would unleash a nuke on another country, or at us, knowing that they would be instantly annihilated. Same as the cold war with Russia, the deterrent effect of knowing that the US would respond to any type of nuclear attack in kind, and with much greater force would prevent Iraq from actually using any nukes.

But here is what I think is really happening here. Dubya wants to finish his father's war, it's personal with the Bushies. It's also political, because in wartime, patriotism outweighs good sensibilities, and therefore shores up the public support behind whoever the president is. And Dubya fears that if Iraq acquires nuclear weapons, we wouldn't be able to just waltz in there any time we feel like it ( the deterrent effect of nukes goes both ways you know ) and that is the real fear. Not that they would use them against us, but that it would prevent us from attacking them. Once Sadam has nuclear capability, if we were to strike first, there is no doubt in my mind that Sadam would use whatever means necessary, from nukes to biological weapons of mass destruction. But I don't really think that he would use them unprovoked, they would just be a way for him to secure his power, much like the many other countries that have nukes.

So I guess for me, in order for me to support an all out pre-emptive strike against Iraq, and putting hundreds of thousands of our men into harm's way, I would need to know what threat does Sadam pose aside from aspiring to have a strong defense, and insuring his dictatorship. I am not saying there isn't a good reason, but I haven't heard one, because all this admin talks about is that they are trying to acquire these weapons. That can't be our only basis for going after them, there has to be real convincing evidence that their goal is to try to destroy the US and allies at any cost, a suicide mission in effect. And I don't see Sadam as a suicide bomber, like we see with a lot of these terrorist, who are willing to do so, because they have nothing to lose.

We also must think about the consequences of toppling Sadam. What happens after we do so? Do we install a government of our liking? Or do we turn it over to their people, and let them choose their own leader since we believe in democracy? If we do, I'm sure that they will elect leaders who are as anti-American, if not more, than Sadam. Will it fuel even more hate towards the US in surrounding arab countries? These are things we must consider, because that is where the real threat lies. Terrorists are born out of hate, and despair. And the more despair we reign down on these countries, the more terror will be reigned down on the rest of the world. We are afraid to face cold hard facts, it's easier just to use our muscle, and try to force these countries to like us, than to use our brains and figure out what truly needs to be done to eliminate terrorism. I don't think we can simply just wipe all terrorists off of the face of the earth by killing or incarcerating them. Sure, we'd get rid of a lot of them, but as quickly as we do, more will be born to carry on where the others left off.

I don't have all the answers, and I realize that we do have to use force sometimes in this battle against terrorism. But I would feel much better, if someone was willing to really think about the cause and effect here, and start working towards a real solution. It's isn't an easy thing to do, we need leaders who are not simple minded and only know one way (war). We need leaders who really understand foreign policy, and the depth of the situation in the middle east and around the world. It's not as simple as good and evil. Dubya seems to think it is, and that's why I think he is going to lead us on a dangerous path, and if we continue in this bull-headed direction, our future will be in jeopardy.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Thu, 01 Aug 2002 14:15:00 +0000

Much Ado About Nothing

From CNNFN:

"Aug. 14 is the day by which the Securities and Exchange Commission is requiring the senior executives of 947 companies with 2001 revenues of at least $1.2 billion to take an oath certifying that their financial statements are correct"

"Companies simply are aping what the SEC told them to say -- to the best of their knowledge. "

So as anyone can see, this is basically a farce. It would change nothing, since the same defense they would currently use, which is to simply say they weren't aware of what some people in the company were doing, would be used even if they sign this supposed iron clad guarantee of responsibility at the top.

Click Here for full story.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Thu, 01 Aug 2002 12:27:00 +0000

Bush And Cheney Unpatriotic

Bush and Cheney both worked for companies that used tax havens via offshore subsidiaries to avoid paying taxes, denying our military of much needed funding according to this article. Bush flat out said yesterday, that he did not approve of the Harken subsidiary, while Ari Fleisher defended the Harken subsidiary saying it "was not designed to avoid paying U.S. taxes". So why would Ari defend the Harken subsidiary, if Dubya says he didn't approve it? Sounds like they haven't had time to "get the story straight" as has happened numerous times with this administration. This will probably turn out to be a flat out lie as well.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Thu, 01 Aug 2002 12:20:00 +0000

Does Cheney Have Anything To Hide?

Jeff Gerth and Richard W. Stevenson have an article in the NY Times, going into more detail about Cheney's tenure, and subsequent problems at Halliburton.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Thu, 01 Aug 2002 12:13:00 +0000

ANWaR

Well, the battle over drilling for oil in ANWR is about to heat up again according to this article in the Washington Times. The Republicans need a bone to throw at their financial supporters, since they have been forced to support a crack down on the corrupt accounting practices, which will hit many corporate donors in the pocket book. This will be a last ditch effort to put more money in the pockets of oil companies, so that they can continue contributing the millions of dollars to the Republican party.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Wed, 31 Jul 2002 17:10:00 +0000

What's taking so long?

I heard that some indictments of Worldcom CEOs was possibly coming soon, and I'm wondering, what about Enron? If they can find enough to indict the Worldcom guys this fast, then I guess nothing wrong happened at Enron, if they haven't found anything by now. We all know that the pResident doesn't want his buddies going to jail, and the only reason we are now getting the Corporate Fraud bill, is because now they have someone else to pick on. You watch, a bunch of guys will be rounded up and hauled off in cuffs, but Ken Lay will not be one of them.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Tue, 30 Jul 2002 01:33:00 +0000

Screw college, just get your ass to work

I can hardly contain myself at this quote from Dubya, who thinks that a college education won't help people get off of welfare:

"Under the way they're kind of writing it right now out of the Senate Finance Committee, some people could spend their entire five years — there's a five-year work requirement — on welfare going to college, Now, that's not my view of helping people become independent" Bush said.

What the .... I guess this is to be expected, when the village idiot is the pResident

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Mon, 29 Jul 2002 01:55:00 +0000

YACS (Yet Another Corporate Scandal)

Qwest admits that they used improper accounting practices to the tune of $1.16 Billion and will restate earnings for 1999-2001.

But this beats all I've ever seen, the Department of Justice recommended Qwest for long distance service just 3 days ago, even though they were under investigation by the SEC.

Arianna Moving Her Column To Bermuda

Arianna Huffington's latest article explains how to get all of the benefits of living and doing business in the US, all for free! My favorite line in this article is:

"Despite the billions being lost to these offshore tax havens, however, the Bush administration has shown little ardor for closing the loopholes. On the other hand, if you’re receiving the traditional sort of welfare, the meager check that arrives once a month for needy individuals, the president is determined to wean you from your bad habits."

Are you better off today than a year ago?

A recent poll shows that many Americans say NO

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Thu, 25 Jul 2002 11:34:00 +0000

My posts are going to be scarce this week due to some other commitments that are demanding my time this week. But be sure and click on the links to the left to some other great blogs.

Also, be sure to tune into the latest Joey Joe Joe Show, your alternative to conservative talk radio. These guys are great, they tell it like it is, and throw in some humour resulting in a very professionally done radio show, that is both entertaining and informative. If you don't listen, you are really missing out. This is a refreshing change from the right wing mumble jumble of the likes of Rush Limbaugh et al. But you can't really compare the two, because these guys give honest, common sense views of the issues of today, with in depth discussions which are backed up with facts and historic background.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:18:00 +0000

Dubya's Corporate Crackdown

SatireWire released a story the other day that was very funny that you should read. Funny, that is, except for the fact that it is largely true. In the story, they say Dubya "promised to strengthen accounting laws, impose long prison terms for executives guilty of fraud, and punish any acts of corporate corruption that didn't happen in 1990" and "Also, it doesn't count if a person's last name begins with the letter 'B".

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:12:00 +0000

Gun Nut News

A wacko in Williamsburg Virginia opened fire with an assault rifle on a helicopter trying to land to pick up a businessman who lived nearby. Thinking it was a helicopter with terrorists, the man said it was just a natural reaction. I don't know about you, but it's scary to think that there are people like this roaming the streets and even worse, carrying guns. Read Story

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:06:00 +0000

Market Mayhem

The DOW has lost more than 1200 points in the past 2 weeks, so today has everyone on edge, wondering if the free fall will continue, or if we'll get a bit of a bounce that often follows heavy selling, even if it's short lived. But the Worldcom bankruptcy announcement is setting the stage for a lower opening. Right now about the only thing that can offset all of the bad news, is that there may be a sense that some of these beaten down stocks are now at bargain prices. More earnings come out this week, which could add to the pain, or maybe some surprise results will give a glimmer of hope.

One rule to always remember when it comes to stocks, and trying to guess the bottom, is "never try to catch a falling knife". If you aren't in, you may want to think about waiting for the market to stabilize before jumping in and doing some bargain hunting. For those already in, it's a tough call, if you sell now, you lock in your losses. But if you stay in, there could be more substantial downside. In any case, today will certainly be another interesting day on Wall Street.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Mon, 22 Jul 2002 10:58:00 +0000

There was no there, there

Last year a shareholder lawsuit against Worldcom for allegedly cooking the books was thrown out by a Reagan appointed judge who basically declared that there was no there, there (remind you of another story?). We now know different, but it goes to show how corporate and political ties can even corrupt the judges who oversee these cases.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Thu, 18 Jul 2002 23:30:00 +0000

What's Wrong With This Story?

Newsmax reports that Clinton Admin expected a 9-11 style attack. Then they ask, why didn't they do anything about it?

Why didn't they do anything about it? Well, I don't remember a 9-11 style attack happening when Clinton was president. They did do something, they started focusing like a laser beam on terrorism, and unless I managed to miss a huge news story by sleeping for a few years, I don't remember a massive attack the scope of 9-11 happening on Clinton's watch. The problem is, when Dubya took over, Ashcroft had other priorities, like bustin prostitutes. The terrorist saw an opening because Ashcroft was busy fighting his own holy war, and they managed to strike us when we weren't looking.

So Newsmax, Rush Limburger, and all you Repugs who can't let go of Clinton, get a freaking life, you sound like a broken record with your "Clinton's fault" for everything that happens in the world today.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Thu, 18 Jul 2002 11:54:00 +0000

Inside the Poll Numbers

A CBS/ NY Times extensive poll has been conducted, and it doesn't look good. While Dubya's overall job approval rating remains high, when you get down to specific issues, most noteably the economy, this administration and the Republicans are in big trouble. The economy is the second most important issue (terrorism tops the list), so the scandals and the stock market are certainly having a very negative effect.

One of the more interesting numbers here, is that only 38% of the people have even heard about Bush's past business dealings, and only 28% have heard about Cheney's. This would seem to indicate, that as the fall elections get near and more people start paying attention, and the ads start running, that these poll numbers will likely drop even further in respect to the Bush Admin and the Republicans.

When asked which party is most influenced by big business, 53% said Republicans, and only 17% said Democrat. So as you can see, this issue is most likely going to be the deciding issue in the coming elections.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Wed, 17 Jul 2002 17:47:00 +0000

The Fix Is In

Dubya says that the SEC will clear Cheney of any wrongdoing. So you people working for the SEC, when the boss says he will be cleared, he will be cleared (wink wink). Got that?

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Wed, 17 Jul 2002 01:04:00 +0000

Kudos to Lou Dobbs

When it comes to the corporate scandals and the economy, there are a lot of reporters, columnists and pundits who have come out and finally spoke honestly about Dubya, his administration, and the corporate greed that is tearing our country apart. After 9-11, we needed solidarity in this country, and criticism was almost non-existent. Even though I think dissent is good and healthy, I can understand why this was so. But now that some time has passed, and other issues besides the war on terrorism have made it back into the national debate, most noteably the economy and corporate scandals, there are many people that I admire who aren't afraid to speak out.

But one person has really gotten my attention, and I think the reason that I am taking the time to single him out, is because I never expected him to say what he is saying. Lou Dobbs is one of the leading business journalist in the nation. Call me cynical, but I usually don't exactly trust these business news shows, because I feel that a lot of what is reported is mostly one sided, usually painting as rosy a picture as possible, since so many of these people are investors, and have a stake in the economy doing good. The best example of this, is Kudlow and Cramer, who gushed over Bush's speach last week, and have consistently through these economically troubled times, touted the stock market and economy as being something that it obviously isn't. I can't even watch their show, because I just sit there and wonder "what planet are these guys from?"

I certainly haven't viewed Lou Dobbs in the past as someone I admired, nothing personal, to be honest, I really never paid him much attention. I just assumed he was like the rest. But lately he has really spoke strongly and honestly about what is going on in this country in respect to the corporate scandals, and is the first prominent business journalist who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. While I don't agree on his views on a lot of other issues, I think he is dead on right about what's going on in regards to corporate corruption.

Here are a few choice quotes from him, that I think will show what I am speaking of:

"There's a great deal of talk in Washington, and frankly, here about a crisis of confidence in the markets. But we also have another crisis, one that could be called a crisis of accountability. Not only do we, according to every poll I've seen, have a lack of confidence in the integrity of corporate America and the markets... we have a growing lack of confidence that anything will be done to punish those individuals who break the law"

"SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt pointed out here last night that he's demanded the 1000 largest companies must have their CEOs sign their financial statements within the next month. But almost nine months after the Enron scandal broke, no Enron executive has been charged with even a civil complaint, let alone a criminal charge"

"And who among you had the bright idea of creating another task force? There's already one task force working in Houston... it's called the Enron task force, and we haven't seen any results in seven months. Will you all finally figure out that the Justice Department and SEC have spent too many months investigating Enron, without any action? That the time for action is now? That the president's next speech on corporate ethics will have more power if it's preceded by indictments and arrests of, not a few bad apples or bad actors, but an ever growing list of corporate crooks? I can't wait for that next speech"

"There has been a culture of infectious greed in corporate America. It does not mean that people have been necessarily criminal in their behavior or necessarily unethical in their behavior but their behavior certainly has not been of the highest standards we expect from our business leaders, our government leaders, our political leaders"

"Stock options are a cause and they are a symptom. This excessive corporate compensation under which we are all living and is adjusting, but only slowly, is horrible. The average CEO in this country makes 500 times what the average employee in his or her company makes. That's horrible. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the military, for example, earns only 5 times what the average enlisted person makes. We have some serious adjustments to go through here"

Thank you Lou, for being a beacon of hope, that for those of us who work hard for an honest living, there is a voice out there on behalf of what really built this country and this economy. We understand that those at the top, usually deserve to be there and be compensated above the average worker. But the class envy isn't so much because they make more, it's because they make obscenely more at the expense of those of us who struggle to make ends meet, to provide for our family, and to pay for a decent education for our kids. For a country of such wealth, way too many people are seeing the American Dream disappear before their very eyes, wondering how this could happen in our great nation.

Check out the Dobbs Report web page, and tune into his show Moneyline on CNN

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Tue, 16 Jul 2002 12:28:00 +0000

A Man of His Word

"George W. Bush signed a letter in 1990 saying he wouldn't sell any stock for at least six months in the struggling Texas oil company where he was a director. But 2 months later, with Harken Energy Corp. hit by a sudden financial crisis, Bush cashed out his shares for $848,560" says this article from the Associated Press.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Tue, 16 Jul 2002 11:48:00 +0000

Another Wild Day On Wall Street

Futures are down, indicating that the markets will open lower and continue it's downward slide unless something good comes from Greenspan today. Dow futures are down -150 points.

Check the Futures at cnnfn.com

Since Dubya's speech last week, the market has gone into pretty much a free fall. Yesterday, after Bush spoke again in Alabama, the DOW dropped 430 points (ouch), but a late rally likely spurred by shorts covering ahead of Greenspan, pared the losses and the DOW closed only down -45.

Some Key earnings will be released this week that will also help push the markets in one direction or the other. Among those reporting will be Microsoft, Intel, IBM, GM, and Daimler Chrysler.

The numbers released will undoubtedly be under a cloud of some suspicion, but since these numbers are the only thing investors have to go on, well, I think they will be willing to just take them at face value for now. So if earnings this week are improved, then there might be a bit of a rally, as investors are desperate for any kind of good news these days, regardless of whether the numbers might be a little "fuzzy".

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Tue, 16 Jul 2002 11:35:00 +0000

Quote of the Week

"When George Bush talks, people listen -- and sell"
- Joe Conason

Read Joe's latest article at Salon.com titled "Talk that's not cheap".

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Tue, 16 Jul 2002 11:06:00 +0000

Dubya is for tax cuts unless ...

It appears that Bush got wealthy with assistance from the government. Texas had to increase taxes to help pay for a new stadium, putting up $150 million of taxpayer money to fund the construction. Read Krugman's article and Kristof's article about how Bush got wealthy off of a sweetheart deal, and off the backs of taxpayers.

Another think to note in Krugman's article that should get people's attention, is that when the Rangers team was sold, Bush's stake was $2.3 Million, but other partners of the deal gave some of their shares to Bush netting him an additional $12 Million, a gift, as you will, while he was governor. This makes what Torricelli was investigated for (receiving gifts) pale in comparison. But if you're last name is Bush, apparently you are above the law and any scrutiny.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Mon, 15 Jul 2002 22:38:00 +0000

Like A Rock

Bush Approval Rating drops to 62% according to latest Zogby Poll. Now that the media is no longer doing the bidding for the White House and propping up the Resident, his approval ratings are going down like the stock market. Trust me, the Bush admin is in full panic mode, watch out Iraq ...

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Sun, 14 Jul 2002 16:32:00 +0000

Halliburton CEO says Cheney Knew

Newsweek reports that the current CEO of Halliburton says Cheney knew all about the accounting practices at Halliburton. So Cheney can't play dumb like Dubya (I know what you're thinking...) Read Story

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Sun, 14 Jul 2002 03:03:00 +0000

Deep Pocket Part 3

I'm still trying to figure out, if Lee M Bass is the one who bought out Dubya's Harken stock, why would he do it? And the main reason for asking, is because of the secrecy surrounding the transaction there is something Dubya doesn't want us to know. Not necessarily because there's wrongdoing here, it could simply just be something that would be politically embarrassing. So even if we're barking up the wrong tree, in respect to Mr. Bass, there is a reason to be a bit suspicious, even the broker won't say who it is, and said that we'll never find out.

Now, we already suspect that the reason the SEC didn't pursue the case against Dubya, or even bother to interview him personally, was because his father was President at the time. That's an easy accusation to make. But what if the guy who bailed out Dubya, by buying up enough of his shares for him to get in on the Texas Rangers deal, was doing so as "payback" to Bush Sr. after Harken got exclusive rights to drill in Bahrain in which the Bass brothers helped bankroll the deal. It must be nice to have friends in high places, just ask Halliburton whose KBR unit has received lucrative additional contracts from the government to help fight the "war on terror".

Now, it must be said, that all of this is pure speculation, I'm not an investigative reporter. I have no resources to actually go and and dig up any proof of what I'm saying here. I just hope by bringing up the possibilities, or raising some questions, that someone who does have the resources will at least look into this matter, to see what it is that they don't want us to know.

Some of the timing here, would be pretty important. It appears that Harken got the exclusive drilling rights deal in Jan. 1990, and "Deep Pocket" bought out Dubya's Harken stock in June 1990 . So the "payback theory" sounds like it might have some credibility. Now if this deal was such a good deal, I was wondering why Dubya would want out. But it may be that Dubya might have been planning for life in politics, and baseball would certainly be a good way to get him out in the public spotlight before his run for governor of Texas in 1994.

noreply@blogger.com (adam) — Sat, 13 Jul 2002 20:39:00 +0000

I'm pretty much taking a day off today, but wanted to pass along a couple of links to some good stories, summarizing a terrible week for the prez and for Wall Street:

How Bush's World Turned Upside Down - Time Magazine

And this little nugget from TheStreet.com:

Raiders of the Lost Harken

Also be sure and scroll down on that link above and read the part about Fox News "We Report. You Decide if We're Idiots"