Bush's inevitable showdown

Chosen to pretend that in failing it has succeeded

It is impossible to guess the consequences of the approaching showdown between the US and Iran. But if the events of the past week are any guide, the future does not look promising. Today positive and negative indicators regarding the nature and outcome of a US confrontation with Iran run together and so forecasting the likely form and outcome of the contest is all but impossible......more

Dear Americans, We Are So Confused ...

The fundamental problem for America and its allies in Iraq is not Iranian interference, it is incoherent US foreign policy in the Middle East. If you think this is just opinion, try comprehending US-Middle East relations......more

Dispatch From the Mexican Border

Why the security fence will never be built

Ever since October 2006, when President George W. Bush signed a bill authorizing the construction of 700 miles of fencing along the border with Mexico, top-ranking Latin American politicians have denounced the plan, calling it unnecessary, offensive, and, in the words of former Mexican President Vicente Fox, "deplorable.".......more

Video: Al-Qaeda Martyrdom Training

Faux News Self-Parody

The premiere tomorrow opens with Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter in a skit set in January 2009. Mr. Limbaugh is the newly elected commander in chief, and he tells his fellow Americans that his Democratic opponent, Howard Dean, is “finally getting the medical attention he has so desperately needed for so long,” which is a strange joke for Mr. Limbaugh to make, given his history of pain killers and prescription fraud.

Growing a Blue Brain in Switzerland

A network of artificial nerves is growing in a Swiss supercomputer -- meant to simulate a natural brain, cell-for-cell. The researchers at work on "Blue Brain" promise new insights into the sources of human consciousness.......more

Democrats Say No Surge

"The stakes in Iraq are too high to recycle proposals that have little prospect for success,"........Nancy Pelosi

The Democratic-controlled House issued a symbolic rejection of President Bush's plan to deploy more troops to Iraq on Friday, opening an epic confrontation between Congress and commander in chief over an unpopular war that has taken the lives of more than 3,100 U.S. troops.......more

Country Music Superstars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

Al Gores "Live Earth Concerts"

Al Gore announced on Thursday a series of worldwide concerts to focus on the threat of climate change with a powerhouse lineup from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Snoop Dogg to Bon Jovi. The concerts on seven continents will bring newfound publicity to Gore, who already is enjoying celebrity status with his Oscar-nominated documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth.....more

Best Of Right Wing Howler:
Typical Liberals

It’s simple, really. Democrats and liberals, for the most part, are at the bottom end of the economic scale. They collect welfare, collect food stamps, and have a mentality that says, “I want you to GIVE me whatever I need.” So is it any surprise they will not buy into the advertising nor buy the books Kos sells? They want it given to them. They just want a place where they can smoke their dope, wear their patchouli, dress in their Birkenstocks and protest the fact no one gives them what they want?......more

In Dixie Chicks Land, A Stand

Those who destroy CDs or books out of spite, and stir up such campaigns...well, I suppose that's free speech, too. But by the way, would that angry reaction to those who voice their dislike of presidents also apply, say, to Rush Limbaugh and his oft-expressed views on President Bill Clinton? Or is that different?......more

After Democrats Pick Obama or Hillary, U.S. Election May Be Over
Will U.S. Democrats tear themselves to shreds deciding who to nominate for President? Will the Republican nominee attack Bush and cause internal Republican Party dissention? Who better to ask that one of the most powerful political parties in the world – the Chinese Communists? According to this op-ed article from China's state-controlled Xinjingbao [Beijing News], the Democrats are in such good shape, there may be little need for Americans to vote........more

A Aussie's View Of America

Medical Proof Homosexuality Is Harmful To Health

A top Moscow official repeated Wednesday that the city will not allow a gay rights parade, echoing the mayor's vocal criticism and saying that homosexuality is bad for people's health......more

Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream

The sweet taste of liberty in your mouth

Stephen Colbert may have no taste for the truth, but he does have a sweet tooth. Ben & Jerry's has named a new ice cream in honor of the comedian: "Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream." It's vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces and caramel.......more

Censored?
Vox found it, Tampa Pirate confirmed it. Story @ Pushing Rope

Britain and US ranked last in child well-being league

The study found Britain lagged behind on key measures of poverty and deprivation, health and safety, relationships, risk-taking and young people's own sense of well-being giving it the lowest overall placing, along with the United States.......more

India, China and Russia meet to counter US power

India, China and Russia account for 40 per cent of the world’s population, a fifth of its economy and more than half of its nuclear warheads. Now they appear to be forming a partnership to challenge the US-dominated world order that has prevailed since the end of the Cold War.......more

Putin 'Tells Off' the United States

Wanted: A Progressive Party
In the past year, and particularly this week it’s occurred to me that we do not have a progressive political party in America; and as the two parties we currently have become more like one another, we desperately need one......more

No Gang Signs

Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007

Please take a moment to watch the video and read the text of the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007, sign on as a citizen co-sponsor, and forward the bill to your personal networks.

Faux News can't refrain from dig at Dixie Chicks

This is a good example of how a piece, at first glance straightforward, promotes the agenda at FOX. First, Smith (or his producers - whatever) chose to highlight the Police, doing a little history of the band and showing extensive footage and snips, even though the Dixie Chicks were the big winners of the night........more

Grammy Sweep by Dixie Chicks Is Seen as a Vindication.......NY Times

The music doctor who revived the Dixie Chicks.......NZ Herald

Dixie Chicks' victory shows country's anti-war turn.......Boston Globe

Protesting the Dixie Chicks

"I'm ready to make nice! I think people are using their freedom of speech with all these awards. We get the message."

The Low Blow From Down Under

Prime Minister John Howard said Obama's plan to withdraw troops by March 2008 would play into terrorists' hands. "If I were running Al Qaeda in Iraq, I would put a circle around March 2008 and be praying as many times as possible for a victory, not only for Obama but also for the Democrats," Howard said. Obama noted that Australia has only 1,400 troops in Iraq. "If he's ginned up to fight the good fight in Iraq, I would suggest that he calls up another 20,000 Australians and sends them to Iraq. Otherwise it's just a bunch of empty rhetoric," Obama said.......more

Joan Baez - We Shall Overcome - Woodstock 1969

The Dixie Chick's Rule The Grammys

And The Grammys Go To.......

Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Country Album, Record of the Year

Country Music Establishment And Wingnuts, Up Yours!

"Well, to quote the great 'Simpsons' — 'Heh-Heh.'

California Dreaming?

The Psycological Chains of Slavery Continues!

Kiri Davis is a young filmmaker whose high school documentary has left audiences at film festivals across the country stunned -- and has re-ignited a powerful debate over race

Excellent Stevie Nicks Concert: Almost 2 Hours

Getting Out Of The Florida State Fairgrounds Parking Lot: Over 2 Hours

Stevie Nicks Can Still Rock