Senate to investigate rendition abuses

Abuses carried out under the CIA's secret programme of extraordinary rendition are to be investigated by one of the Senate's most powerful committees, it emerged today.
The new chairman of the Senate armed services committee, the Democratic senator Carl Levin, revealed that he was "not comfortable" with the rendition system and said it was making the US less secure......more

The election's real winners - us

Finally, it was Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who really won Tuesday with his 50-state strategy. While others in his party wanted to spend money on candidates, Dean insisted on rebuilding the party's infrastructure......more

As one insider put it to me: "Dean's greatest weakness (stubbornness)
became his greatest strength."

Murtha and the FBI: The Director's Cut
Murtha Calls Ethics Reform "Total Crap"

Story And Video....here
Also Check Out "Murtha and ABSCAM: What Really Happened.....here

"eerie, Zen-like calm" had fallen over GOP operatives

In other words, Bush's presidency was in shambles (think Jimmy Carter, circa 1979), yet Time eagerly passed along the transparent spin about how Republican chances were "getting better by the day." Those kinds of simplistic campaign talking points worked wonders with right-wing bloggers and radio talk show hosts who excitedly repeated them as a way to calm their nerves during the campaign homestretch. But Time?......more

America awakes from a corrupt and incompetent nightmare

Finally, yes finally, it seems that America has woken from its slumber. After more than a decade, the hegemony of the right - and not just any old right, but a deeply arrogant, corrupt and incompetent right - appears to be over.....more

Corporate Propaganda (VNR) Still On the News:
Study Finds Local StationsOverwhelmingly Fail to Disclose VNRs

A new study by the Center for Media and Democracy says Americans are still being shown corporate public relations videos disguised as news reports on newscasts across the country.....more

Bill Maher's Farewell Douche Bags

George the Duck
Will Bush the sequel be just as lame?

In the view of many on the right, Bush isn't just a lame duck, but a Roboduk – a motorized decoy despised by purists. By constantly spinning their wings to seem authentic, Roboduks lure real ones to an untimely, unsporting, and unethical demise -- just like the Republican Congress.....more

New Board Members Favor Mass Transit Agenda

During this election season mass transit and specifically light rail figured predominantly in nearly every debate and questionnaire put to all the candidates. We need to be honest, in most cases the strongest advocates for light rail did not win this time around.....more

A Liberal's Pledge to Disheartened Conservatives
Michael Moore

I know you are dismayed and disheartened at the results of last week's election. You're worried that the country is heading toward a very bad place you don't want it to go. Your 12-year Republican Revolution has ended with so much yet to do, so many promises left unfulfilled. You are in a funk, and I understand.....here

DU: Top 10 Conservative Idiots, No. 268
Hate Mailbag Special......here

Tampa Taxi Shots Closing Down Because Of Me
click here

Here is my 15 minutes, I want to apologie to all the Tampa Blab readers for all the Howard Dean posts the last few days. With all the good news coming out about Dr. Dean, i might have gone overboard. The regurgitated Salon article Mr. Fasano is talking about
Howard Dean,vindicated is a excellent piece by Joe Conason at Salon.com.
"Watching The Right Wing"? I cannot do Ronda Storms everyday.
As far as being original, i am not a writer, i am a reader. I did not start my blog for Tampa Blab or to get quoted in the ST. Pete Times. I started it for myself. The Stogie is a political blog, i'll leave the dribble to Mr. Fasano. If he doesnt want to read about Dr. Dean's insanity, dont click. As far as getting all the ball licking activity, that is beyond my control. I am not trying to dominate anything. Maybe Mr. Fasano is a little upset because his side lost. I dont hear him saying anything when "Right Wing Howler" or "HCCC" hog the Blab.
I thought there was room for both of us, i guess i was wrong. sorry to see you go.

PS" Your post of us winning the Vietnam war did it for me. Stay vigilant for those terrorist on Kennedy Blvd.

PEACE

Civic group to file suit vs Rumsfeld

An association of lawyers defending detainees held at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, said Friday it will be filing suit against outgoing US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for his alleged role in sanctioning torture.....more

Dean promises respect for all

"We won in places that some thought we couldn't," Dean said. "We earned the votes of people who may not have voted for a Democrat in a long time ... We also reached out to all Americans, regardless of party or religious affiliation, and we talked about the values and beliefs that we share as Americans."......more

US soldiers become citizens

US soldiers take an oath of citizenship during a naturalization ceremony held in one of ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's former palaces. US commanders in Iraq marked today by presiding over the naturalization of 75 soldiers from 33 different countries......more

Commemorating Veterans Day
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement commemorating Veteran's Day:

"Today, Americans are united in honoring the almost 27 million veterans of our country's Armed Forces. For generations, Americans of all backgrounds, from all across the country have answered the call to service. They and their families have made great sacrifices in defense of our freedoms, serving with honor and distinction. This year's commemoration, like others in recent years, takes on added significance, as our nation continues to ask so much of the brave men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have answered the call, displaying great skill and courage, and demonstrating a commitment to American that makes us all proud. We are all deeply indebted to them, and the brave soldiers who have served before them......more

Dixie Chicks diss George Bush, Donald Rumsfeld
At Vancouver concert

"Either the beer is free or you're happy that Donald Rumsfeld resigned today,"

click here

James Carville on crack

"Suppose Harold Ford became chairman of the DNC? How much more money do you think we could raise? Just think of the difference it could make in one day. Now probably Harold Ford wants to stay in Tennessee. I just appointed myself his campaign manager.".....more

Howard Dean to Mr. Carville.....here

Howard Dean, vindicated

The DNC chairman's "crazy" strategy of rebuilding the Democratic Party across all states helped it ride the national wave against the GOP.....more

Jon Stewart And Howard Dean



"I know half your audience wants us to impeach the president"-- this drew wide cheers -- "but it's not going to happen."

A Letter From Ned Lamont

Dear Stogie, We didn't win, but we made a difference; tomorrow we start again. Don't stop now, we're just beginning. It starts with one person standing up and speaking out, and then a lot of people, powered by grassroots and netroots and a passion to do better. That's what I heard all over the state: we can do better.....more

Embarrassed Florida Voters Send Incoherent Man To U.S. House

click here

A Hot Oily Substance Greets Pombo In Hell

You embodied the cozy corruption, utter fealty to big industry, and mendacious faux conservatism of the 109th Congress. And now? Now you're gone. See Ya.......more

Saddam: Let's now charge the accomplices
Why isn't Donald Rumsfeld being charged?

In December 1983, Rumsfeld was in Baghdad to signal America's approval of Iraq's aggression against Iran. Rumsfeld was back in Baghdad on 24 March 1984, the day that the United Nations reported that Iraq had used mustard gas laced with a nerve agent against Iranian soldiers. Rumsfeld said nothing......more

Unemployed Republicans flood the market

The hundreds of Republican staffers — not to mention more than a few Members — who will lose their jobs in the next few weeks are going to face a hostile marketplace on K Street as unemployed Republicans flood the market......more

McGovern says Dems need to end Iraq war

If Democrats don't take steps to end the war in Iraq soon, they won't be in power very long, McGovern told reporters before a planned speech at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "I think the Democratic leadership is wise enough to know that if they're going to follow the message that election sent, they're going to have to take steps to bring the war to a conclusion,".....more

Scott Cochran's
Letter to the Tribune: A Step Backward

On Tuesday, America took a step forward while Florida, and Tampa Bay in particular, took a step backward. It's as if a new leadership across the United States is pulling the country into the 21st century, while Florida voters are still trying to drag us back to the 19th. Particularly puzzling is that Ronda Storms will actually be a part of our state government, no doubt pushing the same old gay-bashing, anti-science, hard-right social agenda.
And people in U.S. House District 9 should be downright embarrassed to be sending Gus Bilirakis, who can barely understand the simplest issues or organize a coherent thought, to Washington. If we don't want to be viewed by the rest of the country as a bunch of backward simpletons, we have a lot of work to do. 2008 starts now.
SCOTT COCHRAN

Howard Dean April 17, 2003

When Congress approved the President’s authorization to go to war in Iraq – no matter how well-intentioned – it was giving the green light to the President to set his Doctrine of preemptive war in motion. It now appears that Iraq was just the first step. Already, the Bush Administration is apparently eyeing Syria and Iran as the next countries on its target list. The Bush Doctrine must be stopped here.....more

Harry Reid Speaks

Harry! Harry! Harry!

With the election giving Democrats control of the Senate following four years of GOP dominance, the gold miner's son from tiny Searchlight, Nevada, is in line to become majority leader......more

http://www.giveemhellharry.com/

DFA Victory!

Democracy for America members played a critical role in the successes of November 7. No national grassroots organization put more boots on the ground than DFA. Together, we took our country back!......here

DFA Tampa Bay

Governor Dean's
50 State Strategy Worked

In the wake of Democratic victories in all 50 states, Governor Dean sent out the following message today...more

Howard Dean, April 17, 2003......Bush: It's Not Just His Doctrine That's Wrong

Harris' House seat appears headed for recount

The touch-screen voting machines Katherine Harris championed as secretary of state after the 2000 presidential recount may have botched this year's election to replace her in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it's likely going to mean another Florida recount......more

How Can 149,394 People Be So Wrong?
Click Here

As They Listen For An Echo, I Hear Only A Roar

This is the beginning of the end of Bushism. The near-end of “rollback” as an ideology. The end of blowing up countries for the sheer thrill of it. Republicans weep tonight not for their actual losses but because they know they’ll not have a blank check again for perhaps a generation......more

If Democrats Win Senate, Will McCain Suicide?

Sometimes it is best to NOT tempt fate. On October 19th, Buckdog carried the story of Senator John McCain saying that he would 'commit suicide' if the Democrats take control of the United States Senate......more

"Blizzard of Subpoenas"
Democrats 'have a little list'

The Democrats' takeover of the House of Representatives will give the party more power on Capitol Hill than it has enjoyed since 1994, including control of powerful committees, responsibilities for the federal budget and the opportunity to investigate the White House......more

Thank You, Ned

You've given us all hope for the future, and it was a real honor to help with your efforts to take back America from the conservatives.....more

Meet John Conyers Jr.
The new chairman of the Judiciary Committee

Which has the authority to begin hearings and an investigation into whether the planning and selling of the Iraq war was a constitutional crime......click here

LANDSLIDE! ...a big thanks from Michael Moore

Now the real work begins. Unless we stay on top of these Democrats to do the right thing, they will do what they've always done: Screw it up. Big Time. They helped Bush start this war, and now they should make amends......more

Start spreading the news

New Yorkers cheered and downed tequila shots last night as news of Democrat victories filtered through. Today though, the hangovers kick in and the results tell a different story......more

Democrats’ Takeover in House Transforms Washington Overnight

Voters across the country dispatched Republican lawmakers Tuesday in favor of Democrats, ending four years of total GOP control in Congress and giving voice to a party that has challenged President Bush’s leadership of the war in Iraq......more

Nancy Pelosi

Are our priorities for the 109th Congress. We are committed to building an America where all families can live and prosper in diverse, safe, and vibrant communities.

Gore Vidal: 'The Most Important Election in My Lifetime'

Kathy Castor
For Congress

Kathy also shares my belief that the war in Iraq is drawing attention and resources away from the search for "Osama bin Forgotten” and from securing America's points of vulnerability.....Senator Bob Graham

Click Here

Samm Simpson


Thank You Ms. Simpson

Mary Mulhern
Hillsborough County Commission, District 1

Mass Transit - That works for working people. Light rail and expanded bus system
Environment - Responsible growth to protect water and air quality. Sustainable, energy-
efficient building and transportation
Fiscal Responsibility - Public dollars for sensible priorities - safety, transportation, education
Code of ethics for county government

Independent Public Servant who answers to the voters, not special interests.

click here

Brian Moore
“You’re like two peas in a pod.”

I have decided to pursue the candidacy for United States Senator of Florida in the November 2006 general elections. I will run as an independent candidate. I will speak out forthrightly against the war in Iraq and for the need to bring our troops home immediately....more

April Griffin
Hillsborough County School Board District 6

April has been a member of the PTA, a classroom volunteer, a substitute teacher in the Hillsborough County School System, and has been active in her children’s schools for many years. A lifelong Hillsborough County resident, she has worked in the Hillsborough County School District’s Public Affairs Office and PACE Center for girls, an all-girl’s school for at-risk teenage girls......more

JOE REDNER
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 5

"The Most Progressive Candidate this fall on the ballot is Joe Redner!" - WMNF

Joe Redner

Betty Reed
Florida House of Representatives - District 59

I have lived in Florida all of my adult life. I have been married to James Reed for 49 years. We are the proud parents of five children, all college graduates, and nine grand-children. I am a member of Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace. I have a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from National-Louis University, Florida. I am a recently retired educator, and have been involved in grassroots campaigns as well as volunteered to serve on numerous city, county and school advisory boards......more

Phyllis Busansky
Democrat U.S. Congress District 9

Phyllis, served on the Hillsborough County Commission from 1988 to 1996. The Tampa resident won national acclaim for her leading role in creating the county's indigent health care program. In Congress, she would continue to focus on health care and promote programs and funding for helping local government provide more health care......The Times recommends Phyllis Busansky. ....more

Third-Party MILF
And I have a few final requests

And she is. But in revisiting the column in my mind, I realized I didn't go beyond that description to say how surprised I was when I met her to find a well-informed and serious candidate -- if a very inexperienced politician -- who deserves more attention than she got during this campaign......more

The Couch Potato's Guide to Election Night

If you have a political bone in your body -- even if you're usually a cynic about elections -- you're undoubtedly holding your breath right now. With the 2006 midterm elections upon us, the question is: Will the Democrats recapture at least the House of Representatives and maybe even take the Senate.....more

“Triple Venti, no fat, no foam, extra hot, with pink sugar.”

Katherine Harris has a very, very specific Starbucks order. It is her fuel, it is what keeps her going. If she doesn’t get it, she gets angry.......more

Vote....Brain Moore

Insulting Our Troops, and Our Intelligence

Every time you hear Mr. Bush or Mr. Cheney lash out against Mr. Kerry, I hope you will say to yourself, “They must think I’m stupid.” Because they surely do.They think that they can get you to overlook all of the Bush team’s real and deadly insults to the U.S. military over the past six years by hyping and exaggerating Mr. Kerry’s mangled gibe at the president......more