The Gods, Drums, Echoes (take your pick) of War

This morning two suicide bombers struck northern Kirkuk killing 73 people and wounding 178 more. "The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers frantically dig through concrete and rubble in hopes of finding survivors." The NY Times said: "One bomb severely damaged a headquarters building of one of the main Kurdish political parties, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, but early reports did not indicate how many of those injured were affiliated with the party." The attacks come amid increasing ethnic tensions in Kirkuk, an oil-rich city 150 miles north of Baghdad and 60 miles west of Sulaymaniyah, the largest city in the P.U.K.-controlled region of Kurdistan.

This bombings come as the war debate is heating up. And the drums of war are calling for an attack on Iran. On Wednesday the Senate passed a resolution 97-0 calling for a censure of Iran because of complicity in the killing of U.S. soldiers. Senator Brownback of Kansas declared "I am ready to Strike Iran." Then there is this: Cheney is Winning the Debate on Iraq.

The balance in the internal White House debate over Iran has shifted back in favour of military action before President George Bush leaves office in 18 months, the Guardian has learned. The shift follows an internal review involving the White House, the Pentagon and the state department over the last month. Although the Bush administration is in deep trouble over Iraq, it remains focused on Iran. A well-placed source in Washington said: "Bush is not going to leave office with Iran still in limbo.

It is clear these ass clowns will not let Iran go. They have Lieberman doing their dirty work after funding his reelection in Connecticut, clearly as an independent neocon. Congress has to get tougher to stop these assclowns. If that means impeachment so be it. The Republicans think they have the votes and the power to stop the Democrats in any capacity to defund or pull the troops.

This is a dictatorship, there is no way around it.

but does it go with my dress?

sarah hood's jewelry reminds me of joseph cornell's boxes filled with bric-a-brac and found objects he collected. she works with real natural materials - leaves, pods, seeds - "to create miniature, artificial worlds within the context of jewelry."

now she works with model railroad landscape materials. see bush/branch necklace & summer tree ring above. hmm, while this stuff is pretty cool to look at as a piece of art, the price tag will give you sticker shock (for stuff found free in nature or from train sets!)... and how the hell do you wear that ring?

Indigo Girls: Pendulum Swinger

I love the Indigo Girls. A video entered by common folk in a contest. Here is hoping for a pendulum swing.

Gunmen Killed Another Journalist in Iraq; he was 23.

Gunmen killed an Iraqi journalist from The New York Times as he drove to work Friday, the third staffer of a Western news organization to be killed in the past two days. In his last moments, Khalid W. Hassan called his mother on his cell phone and told her he had been shot.

House Passes Legislation for Loan Repayment

The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, which passed 273-149, in the House of Representatives also calls for investing in minority institutions, controlling repayment rates and creating loan-forgiveness programs, among other actions. The legislation includes items such as:

• Guaranteeing that borrowers will not have to pay more than 15% of their discretionary income in loan repayments
• Increasing federal loan limits
• Providing upfront tuition assistance to undergraduates who commit to teaching in public schools in high-poverty communities or high-need subject areas
• Providing loan forgiveness for first responders
• Allowing public servants to have their loans forgiven after 10 years
• Investing in minority institutions, guaranteeing $500 million over five years
• Increasing Pell Grants
  

This is a huge step forward for college students. The bad news Bush threatened a veto because to put it bluntly there is not much of a payoff to private corporations. The Sallie Mae of the world will not get their fair share. The House did not get enough votes to override a veto.

Personally, for me the loan repayment aspect is great news. The measure would provide loan forgiveness of $5,000 for graduates who go into public service professions. It also would forgive outstanding debt for borrowers who have made 10 years of monthly repayments on their loans while serving in full-time government or nonprofit jobs.

"What we are seeing is increasing debt load for a broader set of graduates," said Max Stier, president of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, on Wednesday. "Unfortunately, people are likely to have debt for more than 10 years. This is a good incentive for people to stay on the public service road."

Further, for marriage advocates the measure would also correct "a severe marriage penalty" by combining the incomes of both spouses so that the amount the borrower must pay may increase vastly. The bill would attribute only half of a couple's income to each spouse. Maybe marriage could be worth it?

But, listen to George Miller a great democrat from California who gives the real reason the Corporate Republicans and the administration is against the bill. The administration's criticism said that the bill would increase financial aid expenses by $20 billion. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., said the measure actually would be cost-neutral, because the money would come from cuts to what he called "excessive subsidies" to financial institutions participating in the student loan program. You know the people currently resigning and under investigation throughout the country.

This is a bill that is fair and well overdue. George Miller said "the legislation as the biggest investment in students since President Franklin Roosevelt signed the GI Bill into law in 1944, enabling 7.8 million veterans of World War II to participate in education or job training programs.

See a very good analysis of the bill here.

The Feel Good Policy in Iraq

A little light humor for a serious subject.

N E W A R K M U S E U M T R E A S U R E S

last weekend my partner and i visited the newark museum for the glass exhibit. amazing! check out some of what we saw up close. well worth the visit.

at right, William Morris, United States, Suspended Artifact, 1995, blown and enameled glass. unbelievable. you'd swear the objects were not glass but tusk, ivory and wood.

at left, Stanislav Libensky and Jaroslava Brychtova, Czech Republic, Cross Composition, 1986, cast glass.

below, from the quiet gesture exhibit on recent chinese art, Lu Shengzhong (born Dayujishan Village, Shangdong, China, 1952). "For generations, richly patterned, lacelike tissue-paper cut-outs have been used in Chinese ceremonies and rituals. In his series Human Bricks, Lu Shengzhong carefully cuts his signature human figures out of red tissue paper and arranges thousands of them, sewing them in place. The repetitive figures suggest presence and absence, the role of the individual among the greater society and the relevance of long-standing traditions to today's art practice."

l a s t i n g s i s b a c k & k i c k i n g a s s ! !

lastings milledge is back from binghampton & batting for the mets. of his past troubles and image issues, he says, "I play the game with passion. I wouldn't say that I'm flashy, it's just players are more colorful now. The game is changing. That's just what it is. People aren't used to colorful guys, so it's kind of tough for people to accept that. I don't think anything I do is disrespecting the game."

and last nite he proved it against the reds. he daringly dashed from first and slid into home, scoring the go-ahead run (see photo above) & ultimately winning the game.

check out lastings' cool style as he leaves binghampton, recalled by the mets -- louis vuitton luggage! i love him...

The day my teachers cried

I studied at Sylvan school, around the block from my house, until fifth grade. It was so easy to run for two minutes, and be at school. I could here other kids yelling and playing from my bedroom every day. I could even see the playground from my window. It was so close, and seemed almost a part of my backyard. The outside world, beyond my quiet suburban block in Rutherford, hardly entered. Until one day in 1986.

I used to go home for lunch every afternoon, since I lived so close to home. One day, everything felt different. I ran back to class, after a sandwich and juice for lunch, and when I got close to the school building, I realized that something was going on. First of all, a hush has descended upon the place. The shouting, laughing, and normal sounds of childhood couldn’t be heard. My classmates were not playing, or even outside. They has all gone inside, or were being called inside. I wasn’t late, and so this was really disturbing to my 10-year-old mind. Then I noticed my 5th grade teacher, and he was crying. Not sobbing, but his eyes were clearly red, and he looked shocked as he waved straggling students into the school. I started to feel a chill down by spine. I remember thinking: “Teachers aren’t supposed to cry. What happened?”

What happened was that the Challenger had just blown up, killing the crew, and devastating all who watched the horrific scene. I was ten, and couldn’t really understand, but I knew that this was bad. Everyone just looked so dumbfounded. The news kept showing the scene again and again. The whole student body sat transfixed, silent, and shocked. And my teachers, unashamed, let the tears run down their cheeks.

Those tears shocked me the most. My little world had been ripped open by a much darker reality. Life, was, of course, much bigger than my block. It just hadn't really occurred to me that often.

House Votes to End the War

By a vote of 223 - 201 the House of Reps. voted to end the war. According to the bill the troops would be home by Spring. The vote generally followed party lines: 219 Democrats and four Republicans in favor, and 191 Republicans and 10 Democrats opposed. Some quotes after the bill passed:

The report makes clear that not even the White House can conclude there has been significant progress," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"It is time for the president to listen to the American people and do what is necessary to protect this nation. That means admitting his Iraq policy has failed, working with the Democrats and Republicans in Congress on crafting a new way forward in Iraq and refocusing our collective efforts on defeating AL-Qaida," said Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

and then an idiot:

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, said Congress has already decided it will be September before the administration's strategy can be evaluated properly. "Certainly the young soldiers and Marines risking their lives today on the streets of Baghdad and Ramadi would agree and they deserve our patience." Ugghhhh!!!!!!!

The bill will likely be held up in the Senate on a filibuster. We must make it known to our Senators that the policy is unacceptable, however as usual, Bush will veto the bill even if it passes the House.

But, see here for the Iraq moratorium pledge. On the third Friday of every month beginning September 21, 2007 millions will stand up in protest. You can go sign the pledge. The idea is obviously to end the war, but to do it in protest along with our brothers and sisters in arms.

People will:Wear and distribute black ribbons and armbands; buy no gas on Moratorium days
Pressure politicians and the media
Hold vigils, pickets, rallies, and teach-ins
Hold special religious services
Coordinate events in music, art, and culture
Host film showings, talks, and educational events
Organize student actions: Teach-ins, school closings, etc.

It is time to end this disastrous war (do I sound like a broken record). A report yesterday said that Al Qaida is stronger than ever. That is what this entire six and half year nightmare has been about and we can't even get that right. It is time to stand up. Let us strike at those that make policy.

'Principle, Not Politics'

This man is Richard Lugar, a man who has really used "principle, not politics" in his recent criticism of his party chief, George Bush. He has shown that the war in Iraq is so much more than a party, or political, situation. The question is a moral one. When Bush was questioned yesterday by the press about this break, or schism, he said that Lugar was "a good, honest man." He completely avoided the question, in other words. He then went on to use the aforementioned phrase about why he went to war in Iraq. He almost tried to sound the victim, saying that he was just like any politician: "who just wants to be loved, but makes decisions that sometimes don't get him loved."


Are we supposed to feel bad for a man that deceived his country in numerous ways, and sent 3,700 Americans to their death, while making the world more dangerous?


In the same NPR report, I listened to a "brain" from The American Enterprise Institute claim that progress is impossible if the Iraqi government believes that the US will leave in a year. According to him, the country can only move forward with a commitment of around 20 years. This type of talk is truly frightening, and reflects the viewpoint of the neocon think tanks that advised people like Cheney, and hold way too much power in Washington.


We, the people, and not think tanks, must force our leadership, to change course, and end the death in Iraq.

We're Making Progress

Excuse me for perseverating about Iraq. But, it is really starting to piss me off. This is a quick video about the ridiculousness of progress in Iraq.

Bush is Delusional

"The same folks that are bombing innocent people in Iraq are the ones who attacked us on Sept. 11."

That is an absolutely delusional comment. As was the entire press conference. See here for excerpts at Rawstory. Click and go to the bottom for the video. Raw story said: The president was responding to a question from NBC correspondent David Gregory, who asked why Americans shouldn't believe he is "stubborn or in denial." Gregory was referencing a report in Thursday's Washington Post that indicated CIA Director Michael Hayden saw as "irreversible" the lack of progress in Iraq.

Then, he came out with it. Utterly preposterous. This administration has to be stopped and it is only going to happen through the true will of the people. Get ready for a fight because he is laughing in our face and cares not about what we think.

The Next Assclown?

A member of the House of Representatives and the McCain Campaign co-chair of Florida was arrested yesterday soliciting a male undercover police officer. The Titusville police say Mr. Allen was arrested on second degree charges for solicitation for prostitution. Officers say they noticed Allen acting suspicious as he went in and out of the men's restroom three times. Minutes later, he solicited an undercover male officer inside the restroom, offering to perform oral sex for $20. Allen was arrested at Veteran's Memorial Park, which was under surveillance by "a detail of undercover policeman."

Bob Allen (R) of Florida is according to McCain a respected member of the community and is proud of the support he received. Mr. Allen has a strong conservative record and "between 2003 and 2006 Allen voted with the Christian Coalition over 90% of the time. Allen has been endorsed by the Florida Right to Life Committee and this year he voted to impose a 24-hour waiting period on third-trimester abortions. "

What is going on in Florida and why are these morons such hypocrites?

Nineteen Percent Believe Surge is a Success

Nineteen percent believe surge a success. I ask what success? More soldiers have died in this quarter alone than any other quarter since the war began. Yet, our beloved President is set to declare the surge a success. The report set to be released in the middle of a debate in Congress says that while success is beginning and 8 out of 18 benchmarks have been met it is too early to tell. Now, that Lugar, Domenici, Voinovich and other Republican Senators are leaving the President it is time for the Democrats to make true on the November 06 promise of a pull-out. This is another PR campaign by this dreadful administration and if the Democrats by it - there is simply no hope for them.

CNN's Michael Ware (in Iraq) reacts to Sen. Lieberman

Lieberman is so out of touch...Michael Ware puts him in his place.

Christianity and Politics

My partner asked me the other day when did Hillary become so Christian? Hillary has recently been quoted, saying that faith helped her through her marital strife. Isn't that sweet? In fact a belief in religiosity, specifically Christianity, has increased in the last eight years, this identity with faith. Not long ago this was not an issue; a Presidential debate between Gore and Bill Bradley in early 2000 just before the NH primary election, a questioner asked Bradley about his faith and he said something to the effect that he does not belong to any faith or religion. End of sentence. Not a peep from the questioner, nor a sentence in the paper the next day. Can we imagine that today? How did this happen and can we get back there?

According to a recent poll Americans are a very religious country. "86 percent of Americans believe in God - only 6 percent 'don’t believe.' 75 percent describe Christianity as their 'religious preference' - only 11 percent say they have 'none.' A large percentage of U.S. Christians profess fundamentalist beliefs: 43 percent of Protestants describe themselves as 'born-again or evangelical' Christians. Typically, they have dogmatic, conservative beliefs: the Bible is literally true; the end times are coming soon; and the United States must become a Christian nation." Ahhh scary?

A recent column from James Robinson is worth noting about a John Edwards comment to embrace religious diversity. “So while some candidates profess to be true Christians, they feel a responsibility to embrace Islam, Atheism, Scientology, the New Age movement and every other belief (or at least select portions of them). Their wisdom holds that their leadership role demands a dualistic split between attitudes and actions. They personally want moral legislation, as defined by most mainstream Christians, but feel duty-bound to not provide it.” Robinson invoked “true Christian believer” imagery: the notion that real Christians don’t accept theological diversity; for them there is only one source of truth, the Bible.

Sam Harris on the other hand linked those who profess to know the written word of God are not far off from the Islamic inspired terrorism attacks on 9/11. He argued those that inspired the attacks of 9/11 are similar to the central tenets of ultra-conservative Christianity: there is one true religion; anyone who does not accept that religion is, by definition, an infidel; unbelievers will not get into heaven; and, for those who are shown the truth, the ends justify the means.

Personally, I don't believe religion should be discussed in the open sphere whatsoever. It only divides us. And giving power to those who seek to claim this country as a "Christian nation" are dangerous. Recently, however Barack Obama spoke at the Convention of the United Church of Christ. Obama has tended to turn me off when he brings up religion, not because of what he is saying, but at times I feel he is ingratiating himself with the right. Much like Hillary's comments above.

But, I like what he said at this conference: Obama declared that religion has a role to play in politics, but defined it as the role of inclusion. He talked about uniting Americans to deal with poverty and environmental degradation. He said somewhere, somehow faith stopped being used as a way to bring us together, faith started being used to drive us apart, faith got hijacked. And he said the Christian leaders of the right are all too eager to exploit what divides us.

Shocking News of the Day: Bush’s Surgeon General Forced to Play Politics

Former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona testified before a House Committee yesterday about how the Bush administration pressured him to put politics over science. Issues such as stem cell research, second hand smoke, the prison health system and sex education were to be downplayed. This doesn’t really come as a surprise to me but perhaps it does to the rest of the country. I am very happy to see him speaking out about it, although doing so while he was Surgeon General may have proven more fruitful.

While the New York Times’ picture byline makes you think all three of the former Surgeon Generals who testified felt equal political pressure while in office, in actuality, Carmona’s was more intense. The article notes, Carmona “eventually consulted six previous surgeons general, Republican and Democratic, and all agreed, he said, that he faced more political interference than they had.” Of course, he did! This administration is a machine. Tow the line or you are out. Screw the public who is getting faulty medical information from the “nation’s doctor.”

I think what just may piss me off the most is finding out that Carmona knew abstinence only education was bad science, our prison health system was in disrepair and second hand smoke kills people, yet he still spread the gospel. Conversely, Dr. C. Everett Koop was told by the Reagan administration not to discuss the AIDS crisis, but he still did it. It seems to me that if you are a physician, it is imperative to protect people's health. Perhaps I am wrong.

Well, there goes my last piece of respect for the system. Thank you, “nation’s doctor!”

Read more about the administration’s continuing disregard for science (registration required).

kids n' coffee

well, the kids just love it. gotta have their starbucks mocha frapps (380 calories!) before and after school. and don't the starbucks execs just love it...

reported in yesterday's article, teens, like adults, love their java jolt, in the new jersey herald, a starbucks spokeswoman said that "As we grow, our customer base has expanded and diversified to include parents, children and teenagers." hhmm, children! over sweetened, sugary drinks hide the bitter, addictive caffeine pull, plied to kids who already have way too much high fructose corn syrup in their diets. so voila, they can now get addicted quicker, younger, for longer. and since suburban kids don't have many accessible places to hang out of which their parents approve, starbucks conveniently supplies & cleverly markets safe, comfy locations in every town and main street where kids crave to spend time & money.

this frightening article focuses on jersey high schoolers (see photo above) who rely on starbucks and dunkin' donuts to get their multiple java hits throughout the day. one student said she started her coffee habit in the sixth grade.

i know we all love and need caffeine to some degree, but here's just another corporate abuse for the almighty dollar... in spite of our health.

a simple choice

while wondering about the million mass of people clamoring to buy the iphone today (and then pitching their current phones), my thoughts returned to the never ending dilemma of buying and discarding water bottles. i'm a regular offender (carbonated h2o is my weakness but i won't buy the pepsi/coke water brands acqufina-- #1 seller & dasani-- #2 seller in the nation). lately, i've really been trying to break the habit. i saw an article today, message in a bottle, from fast company that might just scare me out of my numb complacency enough to commit to tap water. some jaw dropping stats from the article..

• We pitch into landfills 38 billion water bottles a year--in excess of $1 billion worth of plastic.


• 24% of the bottled water we buy is tap water repackaged by Coke and Pepsi.


• Worldwide, 1 billion people have no reliable source of drinking water; 3,000 children a day die from diseases caught from tainted water.
  
• San Pellegrino's 1-liter glass bottles weigh five times what plastic bottles weigh, dramatically adding to freight costs and energy consumption. The bottles are washed and rinsed, with mineral water, before being filled with sparkling Pellegrino--it uses up 2 liters of water to prepare the bottle for the liter we buy. [ouch! i really gotta stop buying this stuff!]

it's time for us all to start making a choice about the luxury of bottled water.

update: how to green your water... lots of tips & plenty of info to help you tackle serious h2o conservation. here's a green guide from treehugger. one tidbit from the EPA: Much of the world gets by on 2.5 gallons of water per day. The average American uses 400 gallons per day, 30% of which is for outdoor uses and half for watering lawns- 7 billion gallons per day. [damn suburbs!] also check out ideal bite for advice on water filters and bottles to tote your l'eau.