Obama Challenges Lobbyist to Legislative Duel

President Barack Obama challenged the nation’s vested interests to a legislative duel Saturday, saying he will fight to change health care, energy and education in dramatic ways that will upset the status quo.


'The American People's Swordsman'

"The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long," Obama said in his weekly radio and video address. "But I don’t. I work for the American people."

He said his ambitious budget plan, unveiled Thursday, will help millions of Americans, but only if Congress overcomes resistance from deep-pocket lobbies.

DRAW YOUR SWORDS



"I know these steps won’t sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they’re gearing up for a fight," Obama said, using tough-guy language reminiscent of his predecessor, George W. Bush.

"My message to them is this: So am I." said Obama

The funny thing though is we remember a lot of things our George Bush our departed leader said...and he never rattled his sword at lobbyist and the GOP...or the Saudis like he should have after September 11th, 2001.

Some analysts say Obama's proposals are almost radical says a writer for the Boston Herald. Truly, but I respond clearly to those who would think this that we voted for them, and him, and knew about all this impending sword play right from his campaign playbook. I was listening. Were you?

This is going to be a fight that makes Lord of the Rings look like a Saturday morning cartoon I am afraid. Fighting lobbyists? Remember they still control many in Congress who will be voting on the changes President Obama proposes. They aren't going to want their deep pockets dried up. Too many politicians have a way of putting their futures and revenue sources before the best interest of their country. We pay the final price. I expect a pretty furious fight here. I can see Ole McCain sharpening his swords around the clock.


"One of the leaders of the opposition."

Here is what is at stake:
How about OUR COUNTRY for one.....Insurance companies will of course dislike having "to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that’s how we’ll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs," the president said. "I know that banks and big student lenders won’t like the idea that we’re ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that’s how we’ll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won’t like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that’s how we’ll help fund a renewable energy economy."

Passing the budget, even with a Democratic-controlled Congress, "won’t be easy," Obama said. "Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington."

Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans are doing what they know only how to do, continue to bash Obama’s spending proposals and his projection of a $1.75 trillion deficit this year.

Almost every day brings another "multibillion-dollar government spending plan being proposed or even worse, passed," said Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who gave the GOP’s weekly address. Listen Senator Burr, if you hadn't spent it before it was there to spend we wouldn't be in the hole we find ourselves. Burr like his collegues in the GOP keep singing that campfire song....Obama is pushing "the single largest increase in federal spending in the history of the United States, while driving the deficit to levels that were once thought impossible."

I get to sing the chorus here though, President Clinton balanced the budget do-da, do-da, and what did you and Bush do but run us back into the ground. Do-da, Do-da, Day.

President Obama's Weekly Address - 02-28-09

Earth's Polar Shift In 2012 - The End of Time - You Decide

So I was watching the History Chanel the other day and a program came on that talked about the Solar Polar Shift which took place in 2001 and the next shift which according to Scientists XYZ will take place in 2012. But they add that that is when the Mayan Calender ends and they predict a catastrophic Earth polar shift. Kind of a dooms day scenario. I will let you be the judge.



Here is the History Channel snippet. Evidently it only happens every 25,800 years. We are due December 21, 2012



Here is the second part of the first video for your review. There are always people looking for the signs of the end of times. I don't consider myself and end of time believer. But I am open to other people's interpretations of scientific phenomenon.

Schultheis: HIV Testing For Pregnant Women Rewards Sexual Promiscuity?

How many in the Colorado GOP Think

Someone in the Colorado Legislature has gone in and done it again. Something that you would think legislators would vote for in the name of humanity? For the protection of a little human life? That's what these Conservative Republican Wing-nuts talk about all the time....well then again maybe we aren't listening closely enough. Here is another example this week in the Colorado Legislature.

GOP Mark Schultheis,R-Colorado Springs

Democrats were outraged Wednesday morning when Republican state Sen. Dave Schultheis said he planned to vote against a bill to require HIV tests for pregnant women because the disease “stems from sexual promiscuity” and he did’t think the Legislature should “remove the negative consequences that take place from poor behavior and unacceptable behavior.” The Colorado Springs lawmaker then proceeded to cast the lone vote against SB 179, which passed 32-1 and moves on to the House.


Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs

“HIV does not just come from sexual promiscuity, it comes from many other things — contaminated blood, for one,” fired back one of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Lois Tochtrop, after Schultheis spoke on the Senate floor.

“What this bill will do and why it’s so important to test the woman when she is pregnant — if she is HIV-positive, treatment is started immediately to protect the baby, the unborn baby,” the Thornton Democrat, who is also a nurse, said.

Reaction to Schultheis’ remarks rippled through the Capitol as well they should have.

“Sen. Schultheis drew the conclusion that anyone who may have HIV is sexually promiscuous,” said Sen. Jennifer Veiga, a Denver Democrat and the Legislature’s only openly lesbian member. “I find that offensive in the context of this bill and I find it offensive in the context of the gay community.”

“I think [Schultheis] owes the [Legislature] and the public at large an apology,” Veiga said.

She castigated the GOP for staying silent when its legislators make outrageous statements during debates on bills. “Republicans continue to allow comments like this to go unchecked,” she said, referencing statements made Monday when Republican Sen. Scott Renfroe compared homosexuality to murder in a debate over a bill sponsored by Veiga to expand health benefits to same-sex partners of state employees. “They quietly sit by and acquiesce.”

The Colorado Republican Party didn’t return a call seeking comment on Renfroe’s and Schultheis’ remarks.

“They absolutely should call Sen. Schultheis on his comments and the inappropriateness of his comments, as they should have done with Sen. Renfroe two days ago,” Veiga said. “Even Gov. Owens distanced himself and called to task members of his own party” when they go over the line, Veiga said.

Here’s a transcript, prepared by The Colorado Independent, of what Schultheis said:

Thank you, Madam President. You know, this was a difficult bill for me. I voted yes in committee on it because of discussions surrounding the fact that — well, let me just basically say this, it basically modifies the communicable disease laws and it requires the health care providers to test pregnant women for HIV unless they opt out. And that’s basically, that’s the main part of this bill. I voted yes on it. I was a little bit troubled with my vote and was just wondering what was bothering me. I woke up the next morning — Thursday morning — at 5 a.m. and I wrestled with this bill for another hour from 5 to 6 and finally came to the conclusion I’m going to be a no vote on this. I’m trying to think through what the role of government is here. And I am not convinced that part of the role of government should be to protect individuals from the negative consequences of their actions.

Sexual promiscuity, we know, causes a lot of problems in our state, one of which, obviously, is the contraction of HIV. And we have other programs that deal with the negative consequences — we put up part of our high schools where we allow students maybe 13 years old who put their child in a small daycare center there.

We do things continually to remove the negative consequences that take place from poor behavior and unacceptable behavior, quite frankly, and I don’t think that’s the role of this body.

As a result of that I finally came to the conclusion I would have to be a no vote on this because this stems from sexual promiscuity for the most part, and I just can’t vote on this bill and I wanted to explain to this body why I was going to be a no vote on this.


Did Republican state Sen. Dave Schultheis of Colorado Springs even consider for one second that pregnant women who have HIV are not necessarily sexually promiscuous and even if they are, it's none of his goddamned business? No, he did not. He concluded that pregnant women with HIV were indeed sexually promiscuous and voted against a bill that would "reward" such sluts with a free HIV test.

Wait. It gets even worse. He went on to tell the press that HIV babies are a punishment for promiscuous sex:

“What I’m hoping is that, yes, that person may have AIDS, have it seriously as a baby and when they grow up, but the mother will begin to feel guilt as a result of that,” he said. “The family will see the negative consequences of that promiscuity and it may make a number of people over the coming years begin to realize that there are negative consequences and maybe they should adjust their behavior.”

Really? Sorta like Abstinence working, huh?

This is the type of ass backwards thinking that keeps our country in the 18th century. He is probably one of those legislators that opposes contraception because he feels a woman should always be punished with a pregnancy for her promiscuity. It all boils down to misogyny and there should be no room for it in any of our legislatures. It's one thing to have a prehistoric opinion about an issue and it's another thing to have the power to vote on bill when you are so sadly misinformed and jaded that it hurts the brains of most sensible people to even attempt to understand it.


Our Congresscritters in Colorado

In good news, the bill passed 32-1. Democrats however are wondering why the sane Republicans didn't admonish Schultheis for his "opinion." I am going to stop wondering anymore.

So far this week we have heard pretty hateful misdirected crap come out of the mouths of our representatives from Colorado Springs, Greeley and Grand Junction.

These are indeed interesting, angry times in the Colorado Legislature.

Russian Tupolev Strategic Bomber Greeted by Canadian F-16's Before Obama's Visit

On the eve of Barack Obama's visit to Ottawa, a Russian strategic bomber approached Canada's Arctic air space and had to be turned away by Canadian F-16's, Defence Minister Peter MacKay.

Big Russian Bird

In Saskatoon, Stephen Harper had some tough words for the Russians, who confirmed a heavy bomber carried out an air patrol near Canada earlier this month within 24 hours of the U.S. president's trip.

"I have expressed at various times the deep concern our government has with increasingly aggressive Russian actions around the globe and Russian intrusions into our airspace," the Prime Minister said at a news conference. "This government has responded every time the Russians have done that. We will continue to respond, we will defend our airspace."

With Obama poised to leave American soil for the first time as President on Feb. 19, the joint Canada-U.S. aerospace command, N.O.R.A.D., detected the Russian jet.

"There was a flight on February 18," Vladimir Drik, an aide to the Russian chief of staff, was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency. "The Tupolev-160 (bomber) fulfilled all its air patrol tasks, it was a planned flight."

Spying on a schedule are we?

But he added that the crew acted solely within the limits of international air agreements and did not violate Canadian airspace.

Yeah right. We all have watched Top Gun...LOL!

Two of Canada's CF-18 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the bomber, Mr. MacKay confirmed.

At the time, Canada's was preparing to host the world's most popular politician on what would be his first international trip after weeks of preparation that included some of the tightest security ever. Indeed, the airspace over Canada's capital was temporarily closed to all planes but Obama's own Air Force One, which arrived and then departed after the seven-hour visit.

Mr. MacKay said he did not want to accuse the Russians of making mischief while Canada's security focus was further south. Which is code for WTF are you doing flying over our airspace with a Tupolev Bomber? "It was a strong coincidence, which we met," Mr. MacKay said. In Saskatoon, Harper said Canada will continue to fulfill its obligations to defend North America's continental airspace.

"We will respond every time the Russians make any kind of intrusion on the sovereignty of Canada's Arctic," he said. "That's our obligation and that's what we'll do." Gen. Natynczyk told reporters that the incursions started about one and a half to two years ago "when we had not seen anything for decades."

In 2007, Russia planted its flag on the seabed below the North Pole and resumed flights of strategic bomber jets over the Arctic Ocean, a practice that stopped after the fall of the Soviet Union. The Harper Conservatives have since unveiled an Arctic strategy to assert Canadian sovereignty, and spur economic and social development in the Far North.

"We're obviously very concerned about much of what Russia has been doing lately," Mr. MacKay said last August. "When we see a Russian bear approaching Canadian air space, we meet them with an F-18," added Mr. MacKay, referring to Arctic patrol flights by Russian bombers. "We remind them that this is Canadian air space, that this is Canadian sovereign air space, and they turn back. And we are going to continue to do that, to demonstrate that we are watching closely their activities here."

N.O.R.A.D. is the jewel of Canada-U.S. military relations, and it celebrated its first half century in existence last year. Norad was conceived in the Cold War to serve as an early warning system against a nuclear missile attack from the then Soviet Union.

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks it remains a major tool in the defence of North America.

A Canadian officer permanently holds the No. 2 position at Norad headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo. On the morning of 9/11, it was a Canadian General who was on duty and who ordered the closure of North American airspace, and who dispatched Canadian and American warplanes into the continent's skies moments after New York and Washington were attacked by hijacked commercial airliners.

Really. Doess it somehow bother anyone that we had a Foreign General react to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, while our Comander in Chief sat in a kindergarten. Kinda scary thought.

Ocean - Musical Interlude

Sometimes our eyes are not only mirrors to our souls, but as deep as the ocean. This is an exquisite video with great pictures which underscore this wonderful treasure in both nature and humans.

Enjoy

Rocky Mountain News Stops It's Presses Friday

The Rocky Mountain News, the oldest newspaper in Colorado, will publish its final edition on Friday, the E. W. Scripps Company said, adding Denver to the long list of American cities with just one daily paper.

Founded in 1859 — it would have celebrated its 150th birthday in April — The Rocky News claims to be not just the oldest newspaper in the state, but the oldest continuously operating business. The journalistic reputation of the paper, which Scripps has owned since 1926, has risen in recent years. It won four Pulitzer Prizes in this decade, including three for photography, and it was a finalist for two others.


The Founder of The Rocky Mountain News - William N. Byers

Denver's First Paper

Scripps said the paper had lost $16 million in 2008, and no buyer had emerged in the almost three months since the company publicly acknowledged that it wanted to sell the paper. The close comes as a blow to employees and readers, but not a surprise. Scripps executives have said that if they could not find a buyer, they might close the tabloid.

Newspapers around the country are suffering from falling advertising, tight credit and declining circulation, but papers are in particular trouble in the few metropolitan areas that still have more than one daily. One of Seattle’s papers, The Post-Intelligencer, might close soon; the two Detroit papers have decided to stop home delivery some days of the week; and the owner of the two Philadelphia papers recently filed for bankruptcy, as did one of the two papers in the Twin Cities.

Since 2001, The Rocky, which has weekday circulation of 210,000, has had a joint operating agreement with its rival, The Denver Post, owned by MediaNews Group. They have shared business expenses like printing and delivery, while competing in journalism.



Two pictures from the past at The Rocky Mountain News

Having two papers in Denver has always helped with a better balance in the telling of news and politics in the Rocky Mountain Region.

It will be sad to see a piece of Colorado history die with tomorrow's final issue.

I am sorry to see the Rocky Mountain News go.

Jindal: Heads to Disneyworld After Lying To America

After Lying About High-Speed Rail Line From Disneyland, Jindal Leaves For Disney World (Seriously)

BOL! You can't make this stuff up!

After offering-up the latest GOP lie that $8 billion of the stimulus was line-itemed for "a ‘magnetic levitation’ line from Las Vegas to Disneyland" in last night's widely-panned speech, you'll never guess where Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) travels today:

After giving one of the biggest speeches in his time as a politician, Gov. Bobby Jindal is heading to Disney World.



Jindal's office says the governor and his family leave for the Orlando vacation resort today.

A perfect punctuation mark to the idiocy of last night's GOP response.

I just died laughing over this one....snark!

Jindal Goes To Disneyworld

Sierra Leone 'Blood Diamond' Rebels Found Guilty

Sierra Leone's war crimes tribunal has found three former rebel leaders guilty of war crimes committed during the 1991-2001 civil war. The three senior commanders of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) have been on trial for over five years for ordering and carrying out a spree of killings, rapes and mutilations including the recruitment of child soldiers. Issa Sesay, Morris Kallon and Augustine Gbao faced 18 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Blood Diamonds



The charges included murder, rape, sexual enslavement, cruelty, using child soldiers and attacks on UN soldiers during the civil war.Other counts included involvement in a joint criminal enterprise with former Liberian president Charles Taylor to control the diamond fields of Sierra Leone to finance their warfare.

They all denied having ordered and carried out a spree of killings, rapes and mutilations. But the court did not agree, finding Sesay and Kallon guilty on 16 counts and Gbao guilty on 14.



About 120,000 people were killed and tens of thousands mutilated in the civil war of 1991-2001.

Palestinians Seek 2.8 Billion For Rebuilding Gaza

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad says he is seeking $2.8 billion in foreign aid for rebuilding Gaza Strip.

Palestinians Looking For Handouts

The damage resulted from Israel's three-week offensive against Gaza's Hamas rulers that ended in mid-January. Representatives from dozens of donor countries are meeting in Egypt on Monday for a Gaza pledging conference. The United States is expected to give about $900 million.

Fayyad told a news conference Wednesday that he will ask donors to pledge a total of $2.8 billion. Initial assessments put the physical and economic damage at $2 billion.

The reconstruction of Gaza is complicated by an Israeli and Egyptian blockade of the territory following Hamas' 2007 takeover. Aid officials say rebuilding is impossible without open borders.

Wait a tick...I am confused. This just sounds like the Palestinians are not taking responsiblity for their actions again.

I thought President Obama said we aren't going to be making any bad-high-risk loans anymore.

Denver Police Goes After MS-13

Mara Salvatrucha - MS13

SWAT teams swept across Denver Tuesday seizing drugs, weapons and arresting more than a half-dozen men police said are members of a notorious gang. The bust focused on a notoriously violent gang known as MS-13. The FBI said MS-13 operates with a mob mentality, dealing drugs and retaliating against anyone who crosses them.

"Mobsters without borders," Dan Roberts, with the FBI, called the gang.

Police took down eight members of MS-13 Tuesday morning, seven in Denver and one in Los Angeles. Those in custody include Gerardo Lopez, 31, of Denver, and Jose Garcia-Sanchez, 26, of suburban Aurora. Both face charges of conspiracy to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

Denver Police Deputy Chief of Operations Michael Battista said authorities wanted to stop the gang before it sank deep roots in Denver. "In taking down these members of MS-13, we did accomplish that," he said.

This particular gang started in El Salvador and has ties to drug trafficking, according to the FBI. They immigrated to Los Angeles and eventually to Denver because they reportedly viewed Denver law enforcement as "soft."

It has an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 members in 42 U.S. states, said Washington-based FBI Deputy Assistant Director Daniel D. Roberts.

Roberts said FBI agents in El Salvador helped develop intelligence that led to the Denver indictments. The investigation will expand to Belize, Honduras and Guatemala, where the gang also operates, he added.

President Obama Speaks to Congress and Americans

Governor Palin To Repay And Rethink Her Benefits As Alaska's Governor

Palin To Repay Alaska

Gov. Sarah Palin has agreed to reimburse the state an estimated $6,800 to cover assorted costs related to nine trips taken by her children in 2007 and 2008, but she's not admitting that she did anything wrong. Which is usually how these little embarrassments get work out.

Her agreement announced last Tuesday with an investigator for the state Personnel Board settled an ethics complaint filed in October.

It's the latest development related to Palin's expenses and perks. State officials announced Monday that Palin had turned in her state Chevy Suburban after learning she would owe income taxes on any personal use of it, and last week they said she also would have to pay taxes on expense money she received while living in her Wasilla home.

State officials haven't itemized the amounts that Palin will repay in the next four months for the children's travel, but estimated the total at about $6,800. Now that the agreement is finalized, they'll review the nine trips in detail, they said.


Palin said in a written statement. "At the same time, I am blessed to have a large and loving family, and the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them."

Which is all fine and good as long as Alaskans are paying to move Governor Palin and not her brood.

Colorado State Senator Compares Being Gay to Committing Murder

Think Progress

A Colorado State Senator compares being gay to committing murder....are you surprised? The sad thing is I learned about this from an out of state source. It is no where to be found in our papers here.

Hmmm, what does that say?

On the floor of the Colorado State Senate on Monday, Republican Sen. Scott Renfroe from Greeley equated “homosexuality as a sin with murder” during a debate on a bill that would allow same-sex partners of state employees to be covered by health care benefits. “I’m not saying this (homosexuality) is the only sin that’s out there,” said Renfroe. “We have murder. We have all sorts of sin. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those legal, and we would never think to make murder legal.”



Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), said in a statement that Renfroe’s comments were “outrageously offensive” and should “warrant condemnation by all fair-minded people and should be ignored by the Colorado legislature as they move forward in passing overdue protections to state workers.”

Just when you think it can't get more evil in Colorado....there is more today!

A Republican lawmaker voted "no" against a bill that requires pregnant women be tested for HIV. His remarks outraged some Democrats.

"We do things continually to remove the consequences of poor behavior," said Sen. Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs, who also talked about "sexual promiscuity."

Sen. Lois Tochtrop, D-Adams County, a nurse, pointed out that people get AIDS from blood transfusions, also. The tests are to help prevent the transfer of HIV from an infected mother to her baby...

Afterward, Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, said she was upset that Republicans - particularly those in leadership - didn't protest his comments. She said Schultheis' comments are "a thing of the 70s."

She complained to the Senate minority leader Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, who later pointed out he co-sponsored the bill. Censure is being discussed. People, the eyes of the Nation are on us. Do you really want to let the wingnuts make are national headlines?

Delerium - Dedication to My Daughter Madison

Go for your dreams my daughter. Be the leader even when society makes it hard for you to do so. Your ambition and talent will make you the victor.

You are like the Goddess Nike....Run with it!

Geronimo's Great Grandson Sues For Ancestor's Skull

Geronimo's Great Grandson Asks Yale Secret Society to Return Ancestor's Skull.

The great grandson of Geronimo says he wants to know whether Skull and Bones secret society at Yale University has the remains of the famous Apache chief and shaman.

It's the stuff of legends: an elite secret society that includes what would become some of the most powerful men of the 20th century allegedly invading the grave of an Apache chief to steal his skull for fraternal rituals. It's also the stuff of a new lawsuit filed Tuesday by descendents of that Apache chief.


Chief Geromino

On the 100th anniversary of the death of Geronimo, 20 of his blood relatives have asked the courts to force Yale University and the school's secret organization, Skull and Bones, to release his remains for return to his native land and a proper burial.

The lawsuit also names President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Army Secretary Pete Geren as defendants because they are responsible for maintaining Geronimo's remains on a U.S. Army base in Oklahoma, the group said.

"I believe it's a good cause because indigenous people over the century have been annihilated, removed from their homeland," said Geronimo's great grandson, Harlyn Geronimo, at a press conference in Washington, D.C.

Skull and Bones has never said whether any of Geronimo's remains are in its possession. The descendants say they are investigating long-held claims that in 1918, members of Skull and Bones, including Prescott Bush, the father of George H.W Bush and grandfather of George W. Bush, invaded Geronimo's grave at Ft. Sill and stole his skull, some bones and other items buried with him.

"In this lawsuit, we're going to find out if the bones are there or not," said the group's lawyer, said the group's lawyer, Ramsey Clark, who was attorney general in President Lyndon Johnson's administration.

Gila Reinstein, a spokeswoman for Yale University, said she is unaware of the lawsuit, but Yale can add nothing to the mystery of the Indian chief's whereabouts.

"To the best of my knowledge, Yale University has no relics or bones belonging to Geronimo," she said, adding that she couldn't speak on behalf of Skull and Bones because it is independent of the university.

Geronimo fought for decades against Mexican and American expansion into tribal lands. He and his small band of Apaches surrendered to U.S. troops in 1886 and were sent to Florida as prisoners of war before being transferred to Alabama.

Five years later, he was sent to Ft. Sill, where he lived the rest of his life as a free-range prisoner. Geronimo became a celebrity in the twilight of his life, appearing at fairs and selling souvenirs and photographs of himself. He died of pneumonia in 1909 at Ft. Sill and was buried at the Apache Indian Prisoner of War Cemetery on the military base.

Three members of the Skull and Bones, including Prescott Bush, served as Army volunteers at Fort Sill during World War I. They are accused of stealing the items which supposedly are used in initiation ceremonies. One alleged ritual includes kissing Geronimo's skull.

Geronimo said he's bringing the lawsuit now after contemplating it over the past decade because he has the time to do it after retiring from a tribal council in
2000. Clark added that at the 100th anniversary of the shaman's death, "We really thought it would be a good time to say enough is enough."

Geronimo said he has appealed to former President Bush for help in returning the remains.

"According to our traditions the remains of this sort, especially in this state when the grave was desecrated, need to be reburied with the proper rituals to return the dignity and let his spirits rest in peace."

Asked why he didn't appeal to Obama first, Geronimo said he thought Obama may be too busy to heed his request.

Furs Flies Over Marine One

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. listens during remarks of the Fiscal Responsibility Summit, hosted by President Barack Obama Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)

Honestly...I think he looks happy to be a guest at the White House ~ snark

Flown in From AP

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama never had a helicopter, which he says might explain why he's perfectly happy with the current White House fleet and doesn't need a more costly one. At the conclusion of a fiscal summit Monday, Obama faced questions from Republican and Democratic lawmakers, including his former presidential rival, Mr. 'Happy Face' Sen. John McCain.

McCain bemoaned cost overruns in military procurement. The new fleet of 28 Marine One helicopters being built by Lockheed Martin Corp....now over budget at $11.2 billion and will cost more than Air Force One. What he doesn't mention of course is that they are planning on replacing Air Force One. Why would he? He was just trying to embarrass President Obama with his usual half truths and innuendos.

Obama said the helicopter he has now seems adequate, adding that he never had a helicopter before and "maybe I've been deprived and I didn't know it."

It seems McCain is still a little sore over not winning the Presidency. For the record, everyone knew including President Bush who approved the requisition to replace Marine One. Did you see President Bush cancel the order?

Honestly if McCain had been elected, do you think he would have canceled the program on the helicopter? He would have just tucked us all to bed with another 'War on Terror Story.'

I mean really...Boyz will be boyz.

President Obama's Weekly Address 02-21-09

Socks - Clinton's Cat Passes Away

WASHINGTON -- Socks, the cat who won international fame during his years in the Clinton White House, was euthanized Friday after months of treatment for cancer.

Good Bye Sock

Socks, who was born in 1989, was put to sleep about 10 a.m. at Three Notch Veterinary Clinic in Hollywood, Maryland, said veterinary assistant Rae Dera. Veterinarians say he was probably either 19 or 20 years old.

The cat had been losing weight since November and had been treated at the clinic, Dera said. He had been suffering from a cancer in his mouth and jaw.

Since the Clintons left the White House in 2001, Socks had lived with Betty Currie, former President Bill Clinton's secretary. The Clintons were known to have visited Socks, and Currie, when in Washington.

He had been a stray and was adopted by Chelsea Clinton, the Clintons' daughter, when Bill Clinton was Governor of Arkansas.

"Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere," Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a joint statement released by the William J. Clinton Foundation. "We're grateful for those memories, and we especially want to thank our good friend, Betty Currie, for taking such loving care of Socks for so many years."

The black-and-white feline was a fixture at the White House during the Clintons' eight-year run. He was often photographed on the president's shoulder and was given free rein of the presidential residence -- showing up in photos in the Oval Office and White House press briefing room.

He had his own online fan club, appeared at animal charity events and was one of the subjects of now-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's book, "Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets."

There Were Roses

Stop Sectarianian Violence in Northern Ireland.

Stark Difference in President Obama's Visit To Canada

Check Out Think Progress

Then And Now: Canadians welcomed Bush with violent protests....now raise American flags For Obama...


Mr. Wildly Unpopular

Today, President Obama arrived in Canada, his first foreign trip since taking office. Already, the trip is a stark departure from the Bush years. U.S. presidents have traditionally made their first trip abroad to Canada. President Bush, however, broke with tradition and headed south to Mexico.

Already, there’s been a noticeable difference in the way the Canadian public has received the two presidents. Bush was wildly unpopular in Canada. Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who supported the Iraq war (and later admitted it was a mistake), was lambasted by Canadians as supporting “Harper-Bush” policies. Not surprisingly, Bush’s visits to Canada spurred massive protests.

Nearly 5 Million On The Dole

Nearly 5 Million Umemployed

The number of unemployed workers receiving unemployment benefits jumped to an all-time high near 5 million earlier this month, while new jobless claims remain well above 600,000. Both figures were worse than expected and new projections from the Federal Reserve show unemployment rising for the rest of this year.

Meanwhile, inflation at the wholesale level surged unexpectedly in January, reflecting sharply higher prices for gasoline and other energy products. The LabNearly 5 million are getting unemployment benefitsor Department said Thursday that wholesale prices increased by 0.8 percent last month, the biggest gain since last July and well above the 0.2 percent increase that economists had expected.


Is this next?

Depressing.