The Failed Pacifist

"Oh Come On!"

2011-04-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Reached by telephone and asked if she thought the email was appropriate, Davenport said, "Oh, come on! Everybody who knows me knows that I am not a racist. It was a joke. I have friends who are black. Besides, I only sent it to a few people--mostly people I didn't think would be upset by it."

There's Always Hope

2011-02-19T07:29:00.001-08:00

There's Always Hope, originally uploaded by ~db~.

Tacit America

2010-07-04T07:07:00.001-07:00

Tacit America, originally uploaded by ~db~.

Happy 4th of July

Distress

2010-07-02T20:38:00.001-07:00

Distress, originally uploaded by ~db~.

Broadway, Downtown LA.

Noordin Mohammad Top Reported Killed

2010-01-15T07:26:00.001-08:00

Reuters is reporting that Indonesian police have killed Noordin Mohammad Top in Central Java. He was a prime suspect in the recent attacks on the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta.

Army Suicides > Combat Deaths

2009-02-13T20:55:00.000-08:00

Really incredibly sad.

Peanut Corp Owner Won't Eat Peanuts

2009-02-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

Stewart Parnell, owner of Peanut Corp. of America, declined the request of Congressman Walden, citing fifth-amendment protections. It's no wonder.

Charles Deibel, president of Deibel Laboratories Inc., said his company was among those that tested Peanut Corp. products and notified the Georgia plant that salmonella was found. Peanut Corp. sold the products anyway, according to an FDA inspection report.

White House Live-Blogs Obama

2009-02-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

The White House live-blogged President Obama's recent speech in Fort Myers Florida.

-- 12:30 pm: (Blogger) A moment of candor: "No plan is perfect. I can't tell you with one hundred percent certainty that everything in this plan will work exactly as we hope." But, that said, "doing nothing is not an option -- you didn't send me to Washington to do nothing."

-- 12:55 pm: (Blogger) President pauses the Q&A to announce some breaking news: the Senate has passed the (economic stimulus plan). And there was much rejoicing.

-- 12:58 pm: (Blogger) A woman in the crowd asks for assistance, President embraces her.

Congressman Twitters @ Secret Trip

2009-02-10T10:08:00.001-08:00

Today's congressional trip to Iraq was supposed to be secret. Oops!

That was, until Rep. Peter Hoekstra twittered his arrival into Baghdad. "Just landed in Baghdad. I believe it may be first time I've had bb service in Iraq. 11th trip here," he sent from his BlackBerry.

The Nasty, Impolite Justice Scalia

2009-02-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

It seems he doesn't like being asked about cameras in the courtroom, especially when he's on a book tour.

How to Get Labeled a Terrorist

2009-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Just disagree with a flight attendant.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

From the NYT:

This is William Kristol’s last column.

Fox: Bush "Inherited" 9/11

2009-01-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

Huh?

Happy Birthday Michelle Obama

2009-01-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Our next First Lady is 45 years old today.

Web Threat Leads to Arrest

2009-01-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

From Reuters:

Authorities on Friday arrested a U.S. man on suspicion of threatening to kill President-elect Barack Obama based on statements he posted on a website about UFOs and aliens, the Justice Department said.

BART's Killer Cop is Caught

2009-01-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

He was apprehended in Nevada.

Friedman Supports Terrorism

2009-01-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

At least when it's done by Israel. Except he calls it education.

Abolish the Media

2009-01-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

"Joe the Plumber" doesn't like reporters.

"Now everyone's got an opinion and wants to...down soldiers. You know, American soldiers or Israeli soldiers...I think media should be abolished from, uh, you know, reporting. You know, war is hell. And if you're gonna sit there and say, 'Well, look at this atrocity,' well, you don't know the whole story behind it half the time. So I think the media should have no business in it."

The New Fail Whale

2009-01-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

Karl Rove is the latest to Twitter.

Last Bush Presser Padded With Interns

2009-01-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

It would be sad except for all the damage he's done.

The White House had high expectations for yesterday's final, historic news conference. "ONE CORRESPONDENT PER ORGANIZATION," proclaimed the bulletin sent to reporters. "STANDING ROOM ONLY FOR NON-SEAT HOLDERS." But when the appointed hour of 9:15 a.m. arrived, the last two rows in the seven-row briefing room were empty, and a press aide told White House interns to fill those seats.

Olmert Drives U.S. Policy

2009-01-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Well, isn't that this special?

Upon receiving word that the US was planning to vote in favor of the resolution - viewed by Israel as impractical and failing to address its security concerns - Olmert demanded to get Bush on the phone, and refused to back down after being told that the president was delivering a lecture in Philadelphia. Bush interrupted his lecture to answer Olmert's call, the premier said.

Isreal Bans Arab Political Parties

2009-01-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

That's democracy for you.

Parliament spokesman Giora Pordes said the election committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the motion, accusing the country's Arab parties of incitement, supporting terrorist groups and refusing to recognize Israel's right to exist. Arab lawmakers have traveled to some of Israel's staunchest enemies, including Lebanon and Syria.

Suicide Hotline Calls Increase

2009-01-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

They say the reason is the bad economy.

It's unknown if the economic meltdown will lead to more suicides, says Lanny Berman, executive director of the Washington-based American Association of Suicidology. "Maybe the fact that so many are calling is a positive sign. They're seeking help."

Teen Dead After Being Tasered

2009-01-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

The list of people who died after being Tasered just keeps growing.

17-year-old Derrick Jones of Martinsville was pronounced dead at a local hospital following an encounter with a police officer that ended in a Taser blast and immediate attempts to revive him by the officer, and later paramedics.

Illegal for UAW to Strike GM

2009-01-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

From Raw Story:

A little-noticed provision buried in the Bush Administration's $13.4 billion loan package to General Motors will prohibit the United Auto Workers from launching a strike as long as the company receives funds from the federal government.

Army Apologizes for "Dear John" Letters

2009-01-08T13:16:00.001-08:00

They were sent to thousands of families of dead soldiers.

The letters also had improper address information at the top of the correspondence. Instead of the receiving family's name and home address, the letters said "Army Long Term Case Management."

Hackers Target Progressive Blogs

2009-01-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

They were all published using the same framework, making them all susceptible to the same attack.

Cherry-Picking Science

2009-01-08T11:18:00.001-08:00

It's a G.O.P. specialty.

LAPD Tried to Sway Coroner

2009-01-07T13:35:00.000-08:00

From the L.A. Times:

The Los Angeles Police Department waged an aggressive behind-the-scenes campaign to convince coroner's officials to change their finding that a SWAT officer's bullet killed a 19-month-old girl held hostage by her father three years ago, according to records reviewed by The Times.

Wiretap Lawsuit Continues

2009-01-07T12:51:00.001-08:00

From Wired:

A federal judge ruled Monday that "sufficient facts" exist to keep alive a lawsuit brought by two U.S.-based lawyers for a Islamic charity who say they were eavesdropped on without warrants.

T-Shirt Leads to $240K Settlement

2009-01-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

Harassed because he wore a T-shirt saying "We Will Not Be Silent" in English and Arabic, Raed Jarrar has now reached a $240,000 settlement with Jet Blue and the TSA.

"The outcome of this case is a victory for free speech and a blow to the discriminatory practice of racial profiling," said Aden Fine, senior staff attorney with the ACLU First Amendment Working Group and lead attorney on the case. "This settlement should send a clear message to all TSA officials and airlines that they cannot discriminate against passengers based on their race or the ethnic content of their speech."

No Purple Hearts for PTSD

2009-01-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

The Pentagon has decided it will not award the Purple Heart to military service members suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"It’s not a qualifying Purple Heart wound," said Defense Department spokeswoman Eileen Lainez, although she added that "advancements in medical science may support future re-evaluation."

"Islamic Militants" Mock Dead Cat

2009-01-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

They have now stepped over the line.

Legal if Not Impeached

2009-01-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

This seems to be the argument when Cheney compares Bush to Lincoln.

Bill Richardson Withdraws

2009-01-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Bill Richardson has withdrawn his nomination as the next commerce secretary. In a statement, he says an investigation into a contract awarded to a campaign donor would be too much of a distraction.

"I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process," Richardson said. "Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the president-elect and his administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done."

"Stunningly Superficial"

2008-12-31T11:04:00.000-08:00

Zbigniew Brzezinski called out Joe Scarborough yesterday, as Mika Brzezinski did her best to end the discussion.

Gonzales Plays the Victim

2008-12-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

Yea, what dday said:

Alberto Gonzales, a guy who wrote memos calling the Geneva Conventions quaint, who barged into John Ashcroft's hospital bed to sign off on illegal wiretapping of Americans, who aided in the authorization and direction of torture, who watched as the Justice Department under his tenure became a politicized mess, just can't seem to figure out what made him the bad guy.

No Press Pass for 10 Year Old

2008-12-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

From the Palm Beach Post:

Pint-size TV broadcaster Damon Weaver, 10, has been denied media credentials to President-elect Obama's inauguration - a tough lesson for the local fifth-grader in the competitive game of Washington journalism.

U.S. Spy for Israel Pleads Guilty

2008-12-31T09:20:00.000-08:00

Former U.S. Army mechanical engineer Ben-ami Kadish has plead guilty to one count of conspiracy for spying on behalf of the Israeli government. The classified documents he gave them included information on U.S. nuclear weapons, missiles, and aircraft. The retired 85 year old is not expected to serve any prison time.

Vicki Iseman Didn't Bang John McCain

2008-12-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

And she is suing the NY Times for $24 million to defend her good name.

"That The New York Times would make such aggressive and sensational allegations and insinuations in the face of on-the-record denials by Ms. Iseman and Senator McCain only reinforced the message to readers that The New York Times in fact believed that Ms. Iseman and Senator McCain had indeed engaged in an 'inappropriate relationship,' a relationship that was romantic, unethical, and a conflict of interest," the lawsuit says. "Otherwise, reasonable readers would conclude, The New York Times would never have printed the story at all."

via wonkette

TV News Pulling Out of Iraq

2008-12-30T11:24:00.001-08:00

It seems they are just getting bored covering that war.

"The war has gone on longer than a lot of news organizations' ability or appetite to cover it," said Jane Arraf, a former Baghdad bureau chief for CNN who has remained in Iraq as a contract reporter for The Christian Science Monitor.

Black Male Teen Homicides Spike

2008-12-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

While deaths in Los Angeles and New York are down since last year, deaths in Las Vegas and Houston are up 100% or more. This is consistent with the longer trend.

Among their findings: an increase of more than 39 percent in the number of black males between the ages of 14 and 17 killed between 2000 and 2007, and an increase of 34 percent in the number of blacks that age group who committed homicide.

Israel Rams Relief Boat

2008-12-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

The Dignity was bringing medical relief when it was hit and severely damaged. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor says it's "absurd" that the boat was intentionally rammed. CNN correspondent Karl Penhaul was on board when it happened.

Penhaul said at least two Israeli patrol boats had shadowed the Dignity for about half an hour before the collision, moving around the vessel on all sides. One of the patrol boats then shined its spotlight on the Dignity while the other, with its lights off, "very severely rammed" the boat.

How HP Sells to Iran

2008-12-30T10:16:00.001-08:00

Trade between the U.S. and Iran is banned, yet California-based Hewlett Packard is a big seller there. How do they do that? They use middlemen.

In 1997, two years after President Clinton banned trade with Iran, HP struck a partnership with a newly formed company in Dubai to sell its products in the Middle East. At the time, the company, called Redington Gulf, had only three employees and its sole purpose was to "sell HP supplies to the Iran market," says a history on Redington Gulf's website and Rajesh Chandragiri, the administrative manager in Redington Gulf's Dubai office.

Retaliation For Nativity Complaint

2008-12-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

Tyson Wheeler complained about a nativity scene on exhibit in the Elwood Public Library. The library decided to keep the nativity on display. Now there are claims the library director lied to the press, and that Wheeler and his family are being harassed.

Anime Child Porn is Still Child Porn

2008-12-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

A three judge panel from the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of Dwight Whorley, ruling that drawings of child pornography is still illegal, even if it does not depict actual children or acts which actually occurred.

Virginity Pledges Don't Work

2008-12-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

Teens who make "virginity pledges" have as much sex as teens who don't. But they use condoms less, increasing their chances of unwanted pregnancies and STDs.

The new analysis of data from a large federal survey found that more than half of youths became sexually active before marriage regardless of whether they had taken a "virginity pledge," but that the percentage who took precautions against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases was 10 points lower for pledgers than for non-pledgers.

The Magic Negro Returns

2008-12-26T21:11:00.000-08:00

This time it's Chip Saltsman who has been keeping the hate alive. But don't forget, it's all in good fun.

"The Bush Shoe"

2008-12-21T12:57:00.001-08:00

Is a big seller.

Chertoff Loves Undocumented Workers!

2008-12-12T00:52:00.000-08:00

At least when they're cleaning his house.

via wonkette

Did MRAP Delay Kill Marines?

2008-12-10T23:52:00.000-08:00

From CNN:

The U.S. Marine Corps knew of the threat posed by roadside bombs before the start of the Iraq war, yet did nothing to buy protective vehicles for troops, according to a report to be released by the Pentagon.

Pat Boone Hates America

2008-12-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, the religious extremist compared Prop 8 protesters to the Mumbai terrorists.

Divorce Rates Up for Soldiers, Marines

2008-12-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

From USA Today:

Enlisted soldiers and Marines divorced their spouses at a higher rate in fiscal 2008 than at any time in at least 16 years, according to Pentagon data released Tuesday.

Army to Open Second Life Islands

2008-12-04T16:29:00.000-08:00

The virtual islands will be used as recruiting tools.

US Atty Investigated for Privacy Breach

2008-12-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

From Raw Story:

Dunnica Lampton, the US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, is already under investigation for allegations of political prosecutions in his state. According to new documents viewed by Raw Story, Lampton allegedly shared the private income tax records of then-Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Oliver E. Diaz Jr. with the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance and with one of its then-commissioners, his distant cousin Leslie B. Lampton.

Zoo Partners With Creationists

2008-12-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

Oh the stupid, it hurts.

Impeachment Ad to Run in Calif

2008-12-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

From Raw Story:

The National Impeachment Network is planning to run an advertisement on California television during the months of December and January 2009 which advocates for the impeachment of President George W. Bush.

The Tech of Terror

2008-12-01T16:10:00.001-08:00

From Wired:

The Mumbai terrorists used an array of commercial technologies -- from Blackberries to GPS navigators to anonymous e-mail accounts -- to pull off their heinous attacks.

Labor Dept Misled Congress

2008-11-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

Regarding the efficiency of privatizing.

According to the report, the Department of Labor "excluded a number of substantial costs in its reports to Congress -- such as the costs for precompetition planning, certain transition costs and staff time and post competition review activities -- thereby understanding the full costs of this contracting approach."

More Bush Email May Be Lost

2008-11-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

Much of the problem is because the National Archive's plan lacks specifics.

"The American people are at risk of losing the Bush administration’s electronic records," warned Anne Weismann, CREW's top lawyer. "It is appalling that less than two months before the administration ends, the agency entrusted with preserving our nation's historical records still has very little information about what records it will be receiving. True to form, the White House is keeping both NARA and the public in the dark up to the very end."

Dawn of the Robotic Insect Spies

2008-11-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

From the AP:

The next generation of drones, called Micro Aerial Vehicles, or MAVs, could be as tiny as bumblebees and capable of flying undetected into buildings, where they could photograph, record and even attack insurgents and terrorists.

Lieberman Refuses to Apologize

2008-11-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

But he does regret getting caught.

Black and Tan

2008-11-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

Silvio Berlusconi is a confused old man.

Happy Birthday Senator Stevens!

2008-11-19T23:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the 85th birthday of convicted felon Senator Ted Stevens. Today America celebrated when he conceded the Senate race to Anchorage mayor Mark Begich.

Ted Stevens is a Loser

2008-11-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

The AP is calling the Alaska Senate race for Mark Begich.

Newsweek on "Obama the AntiChrist"

2008-11-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

In which the magazine tells us "people who believe Obama is the Antichrist are perhaps jumping to conclusions, but they're not nuts".

Dems Reward Traitor Joe

2008-11-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

Pathetic.

End of The Monster Years

2008-11-05T22:02:00.000-08:00

Krugman is being an optimist.

via C&L

"Impeach Obama"

2008-11-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

What took them so long?

President Obama

2008-11-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

Yes

Voting Machine Failure Update

2008-10-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

On today's edition of Democracy Now, Amy Goodman talks with Brad Friedman about the recent rash of voting machine failures which have been occurring during early voting.

15% Vets Sexually Assaulted

2008-10-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

Is it a surprise that most are women?

McCain Camp Pushed "Mutiliation" Story

2008-10-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

Rather sick and pathetic.

"This Young, Black Adolf Hitler"

2008-10-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

That was part of a letter distributed by Jill Jackson, the County Clerk in Johnson County Indiana. When employees complained to the police, she said it was just a joke. Har har har har har.

The letter does not mention Obama by name but makes references to his ties to a Chicago church whose pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, adheres to black liberation theology. It is heavy with racial references, criticizing the candidate's parentage with such comments as, "He is proud of his 'African heritage' (a father who got a white girl pregnant and deserted her)" and asking, "Where is the pride in his 'White heritage?'"

"Maybe those votes should be discarded"

2008-10-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Why does the GOP hate America?

Al-Qaida Supporters For McCain

2008-10-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

An post on an al-Qaida linked web site is suggesting that a pre-election attack against the U.S. would help the G.O.P candidate get elected, and work in favor of the terrorists.

"If al-Qaida carries out a big operation against American interests," the message said, "this act will be support of McCain because it will push the Americans deliberately to vote for McCain so that he takes revenge for them against al-Qaida. Al-Qaida then will succeed in exhausting America till its last year in it."

"I couldn't agree with him more"

2008-10-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

He really is an old, old man.

Sarah the Clotheshorse

2008-10-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

The RNC has spent more on Sarah Palin's clothes over the last couple months than Joe the Plumber makes in years.

Pants on Fire!

2008-10-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Rep. Robin Hayes edition.

Un-American Activities

2008-10-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Rep. Michele Bachmann doesn't trust Americans.

Bob Grant is a Very Old Racist

2008-10-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

But that's just conjecture.

"Waterboard Barack Obama"

2008-10-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to KKKalifornia.

Diane Fedele Doesn't Know She's Racist

2008-10-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

Which means she must be an ignorant moron.

Too Little Too Late

2008-10-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

After weeks of hate filled rhetoric and whipping up audiences into a violent frenzy, the Wrinkly White Haired Guy^TM has finally tried to rein things in. But when he tried to explain that all that stuff he's been saying is wrong, he gets booed. Indeed, the chickens are coming home.

McKKKain

2008-10-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Indeed, this must stop.

Petraeus: "You have to talk to enemies"

2008-10-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

I guess he's just young and naive.

"My black skin does not make me inferior"

2008-10-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

Let us be clear on the upcoming vote.

Pompous Pronunciation of Pakistan

2008-10-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Mark at BoingBoing is on the case.

"My Fellow Prisoners"

2008-10-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Heh.

"That One"

2008-10-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

As if the violent undertone of the Republican campaign isn't enough, supporters of the Wrinkly White Haired Guy^TM apparently think his "That one" moment is a good thing.

SCOTUS Rejects Abu-Jamal Appeal

2008-10-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

From the AP:

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal for a new trial for death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted in the 1981 killing of a Philadelphia police officer.

"True only in the most technical sense"

2008-10-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Apparently when the Wrinkly White Haired Guy^TM wrote that his first plane crash was because the engine stalled, he neglected to mention it stalled because he screwed up. Just like other crashes and accidents later in his flying career.

The official Navy report into the Corpus Christi accident on March 12, 1960, concludes that the AD-6 Skyraider trainer crashed because McCain failed to "maintain an airspeed above the stall speed." It attributed the accident to "the preoccupation of the pilot coupled with a power setting too low to maintain level flight." The single-engine prop plane sank to the bottom of Corpus Christi Bay. McCain was rescued by a helicopter after swimming to the surface.

Browkaw: 80's Are Ancient History

2008-10-05T23:40:00.000-07:00

But apparently the 60's aren't.

Ralph Stanley's Obama Promo

2008-10-05T23:29:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome endorsement. Really awesome.

Bosniaks

2008-10-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

Apparently Joe Biden knows more about the Balkans than Cokie Roberts.

via tpm

The word I don't use... is "surge"

2008-10-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

That's Gen. David D. McKiernan, head of the NATO coalition in Afghanistan, quoted today in the Washington Post.

No word yet from General McClellan.

Frat Boys For War

2008-10-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

From Sam Stein at HuffPost:

In hopes of organizing a robust demonstration for the vice presidential debate this Thursday in St. Louis, the pro-Iraq War (and ostensibly pro-McCain) organization, Vets for Freedom, is resorting to offering local college fraternities hundreds of dollars if their members come and hold signs.

Arnold To Med. Marijuana Patients

2008-10-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Suffer bitches.

Another Taser Death

2008-10-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

An armed bank robbery suspect died near Vancouver after Mounties used a Taser to subdue him. He had reportedly jumped out of a window "naked and bleeding", but police were unable to catch him. When he headed back for the home, a decision was made.

"At that point, believing that he was a possible armed robbery suspect, the fact that the firearm was unaccounted for and the fact that there was a known female still inside... officers used their [taser] in an effort to restrain this individual, which they subsequently did," the officer said.

Dowd Kicked, Confused

2008-10-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Wrinkly White Haired Guy^TM doesn't want Maureen Dowd traveling on his planes. So now she's claiming it's some kind of First Amendment violation. Huh?

via huffpost