Friday, November 28, 2008
Macy's Parade Rick Rolled!!
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade got Rick rolled yesterday. And for the first time ever, Mr. Astley himself did the deed...
Is Obama the Great Forgiver?
Will Barack Obama really not prosecute for war crimes? According to the AP:
"Barack Obama's incoming administration is unlikely to bring criminal charges against government officials who authorized or engaged in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists during the George W. Bush presidency. Obama, who has criticized the use of torture, is being urged by some constitutional scholars and human rights groups to investigate possible war crimes by the Bush administration.
"Two Obama advisers said there's little — if any — chance that the incoming president's Justice Department will go after anyone involved in authorizing or carrying out interrogations that provoked worldwide outrage."
I get that he wants everyone to come together, but since when is his or anyone's benevolence above the law? Is it morally, or even spiritually, arrogant to forgive crimes perpetrated against someone else? Would it be outrageously politically arrogant as leader of our country to allow torture done in the name of the United States to go unpunished? (We know that G.W. did, but we really didn't like it, did we? We tried to vote for the opposite, didn't we?)
Thomas More said a long time ago, “I would uphold the law if for no other reason but to protect myself.”
"Barack Obama's incoming administration is unlikely to bring criminal charges against government officials who authorized or engaged in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists during the George W. Bush presidency. Obama, who has criticized the use of torture, is being urged by some constitutional scholars and human rights groups to investigate possible war crimes by the Bush administration.
"Two Obama advisers said there's little — if any — chance that the incoming president's Justice Department will go after anyone involved in authorizing or carrying out interrogations that provoked worldwide outrage."
I get that he wants everyone to come together, but since when is his or anyone's benevolence above the law? Is it morally, or even spiritually, arrogant to forgive crimes perpetrated against someone else? Would it be outrageously politically arrogant as leader of our country to allow torture done in the name of the United States to go unpunished? (We know that G.W. did, but we really didn't like it, did we? We tried to vote for the opposite, didn't we?)
Thomas More said a long time ago, “I would uphold the law if for no other reason but to protect myself.”
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Economic Bailout in Perspective
The current economic bailouts cost more than all of the following. Combined.
After all of that is added together there's still enough money left over to pay $1635.30 to all 305+ million people in the United States. And still have some money left over. Think about it.
After all of that is added together there's still enough money left over to pay $1635.30 to all 305+ million people in the United States. And still have some money left over. Think about it.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
You Going to See Sarah?
I totally am. She'll be at the James Brown Arena (he would have wanted it that way) at 8:30 a.m. Monday, December 1. Doors open at 7:30. It's free, but you have to RSVP. Saxby will have your email address, but you'll see HER. I hope she's back in her old Alaska clothes.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
South Carolina GOP Chairman Running for RNC Chair
South Carolina GOP Chair, Katon Dawson, announced his candidacy for RNC Chair Sunday.
He's ready for a national position now that he resigned from Forest Lake Club, a country club with no black members (possibly because of the whites-only restriction).
Monday, November 24, 2008
Chambliss and the Unemployed
Last Thursday, Saxby Chambliss skipped the Senate vote on the Unemployed Compensation Act of 2008. What was he doing while the Senate voted on such an important piece of unemployment legislation? Campaigning to keep the job he was failing to do. Bonus: his campaign speech that day was focused on unemployment and the economy. He was one of only four Senators to skip the vote.
Elsewhere in the state, Wendy Whitaker is filing suit with the state of Georgia in an attempt to be removed from the sex offender list. How did she end up on the list in the first place? Consensual oral sex. When she was in high school.
Finally, outside of the state of Georgia, fivethirtyeight.com is projecting Al Franken to overtake Norm Coleman in their Minnesota Senate race recount by a total of just 27 votes. That's one ten thousandth of a percent! 538's electoral projection was only one vote off. Let's hope this projection is just as accurate.
Elsewhere in the state, Wendy Whitaker is filing suit with the state of Georgia in an attempt to be removed from the sex offender list. How did she end up on the list in the first place? Consensual oral sex. When she was in high school.
Finally, outside of the state of Georgia, fivethirtyeight.com is projecting Al Franken to overtake Norm Coleman in their Minnesota Senate race recount by a total of just 27 votes. That's one ten thousandth of a percent! 538's electoral projection was only one vote off. Let's hope this projection is just as accurate.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Liberals Don't Like Bad Spending Either. Even When They Call it Cultural.
I get the sense that people really see any cuts in funding to the Greater Augusta Arts Council as tragic. Do we like to see tax dollars go to the Arts Council because it's good for business or because it brings culture to the people of Augusta?
How does it help business? As I remember Brenda Durant of the GAAC telling the commission, people go out to eat and drink after the events, thereby boosting the economy. If my tax dollars are going to help businesses, at least them them be businesses that provide their employees with healthcare, retirement, and vacations rather than restaurants and bars that don't even pay minimum wage (and turn drunk drivers out onto the streets- might be better not to rely so much on alcohol taxes).
And what cultural benefit do we get for our investment? The biggest expenditure is Arts in the Heart, which to me is like a county fair- the part where you walk around and buy trinkets and food- except that it charges admission.
If these cultural events are benefitting Augusta, doesn't that mean that the people should get to enjoy them without paying to get into them on top of funding them? Or at least that local talent is showcased? Even the Twelve Bands of Christmas is going with non-local musicians now, and the concert costs $20 advance or $25 at the door.
The biggest cultural splurge last year was on Slow Dancing for Westobou, the super-slow-motion video portraits of non-local dancers projected onto screens in Augusta Common. Brenda Durant of the Arts Council says the funding for Slow Dancing did not go through GAAC, but one of our city treasure chests was dipped into for it.
The Porter Fleming Foundation donated $25,000 (according to the Augusta Ballet, that's only about one-third the total cost) specifically to Slow Dancing (much, much more on Westobou overall). There is a new block of money since 2005 which is designated specifically for "excellence in the arts," but might they still follow the spirit of the foundation? Here from The Porter Foundation website: "The Foundation directs the Trustees of the Academy to 'contribute annually to the educational,literary, artistic, scientific, historical, musical, and cultural enrichment of the lives of the residents of the City of Augusta and the geographical area immediately adjacent thereto, composed of Richmond, Burke, Jefferson, and Columbia Counties in the State of Georgia, and Aiken and Edgefield Counties in the State of South Carolina.'" Since the videographer and his dancer subjects are not residents, the benefit must have been to the residents in the audience. The admission was free, but what did we get?
The Westobou Festival called the video "Dance," even while the brochure reads, "in a time where less than 8% of the population will see a live dance performance, it is imperative that we consider the best possible means to take dance to the people." Uh, the Augusta Ballet (and Mary Pauline McDowell, curator of the- dance? projected video?) presented the traveling slideshow. Couldn't they have done an actual performance? That would have been of cultural benefit to residents (and maybe the ballet company) of Augusta in a wonderful way. Instead of culture, we got a promo for culture.
Here's another excerpt from the Porter Fleming Foundation that they might want to re-read. "The grant will be made, preferably, to organizations supported by dues or voluntary contributions," (rather than those funded by taxes).
Maybe there were no more suitable candidates. Please, anyone with genuine educational,literary, artistic, scientific, historical, musical, or cultural contributions to make to Augusta, apply for this grant. Applications are due January 31.
How does it help business? As I remember Brenda Durant of the GAAC telling the commission, people go out to eat and drink after the events, thereby boosting the economy. If my tax dollars are going to help businesses, at least them them be businesses that provide their employees with healthcare, retirement, and vacations rather than restaurants and bars that don't even pay minimum wage (and turn drunk drivers out onto the streets- might be better not to rely so much on alcohol taxes).
And what cultural benefit do we get for our investment? The biggest expenditure is Arts in the Heart, which to me is like a county fair- the part where you walk around and buy trinkets and food- except that it charges admission.
If these cultural events are benefitting Augusta, doesn't that mean that the people should get to enjoy them without paying to get into them on top of funding them? Or at least that local talent is showcased? Even the Twelve Bands of Christmas is going with non-local musicians now, and the concert costs $20 advance or $25 at the door.
The biggest cultural splurge last year was on Slow Dancing for Westobou, the super-slow-motion video portraits of non-local dancers projected onto screens in Augusta Common. Brenda Durant of the Arts Council says the funding for Slow Dancing did not go through GAAC, but one of our city treasure chests was dipped into for it.
The Porter Fleming Foundation donated $25,000 (according to the Augusta Ballet, that's only about one-third the total cost) specifically to Slow Dancing (much, much more on Westobou overall). There is a new block of money since 2005 which is designated specifically for "excellence in the arts," but might they still follow the spirit of the foundation? Here from The Porter Foundation website: "The Foundation directs the Trustees of the Academy to 'contribute annually to the educational,literary, artistic, scientific, historical, musical, and cultural enrichment of the lives of the residents of the City of Augusta and the geographical area immediately adjacent thereto, composed of Richmond, Burke, Jefferson, and Columbia Counties in the State of Georgia, and Aiken and Edgefield Counties in the State of South Carolina.'" Since the videographer and his dancer subjects are not residents, the benefit must have been to the residents in the audience. The admission was free, but what did we get?
The Westobou Festival called the video "Dance," even while the brochure reads, "in a time where less than 8% of the population will see a live dance performance, it is imperative that we consider the best possible means to take dance to the people." Uh, the Augusta Ballet (and Mary Pauline McDowell, curator of the- dance? projected video?) presented the traveling slideshow. Couldn't they have done an actual performance? That would have been of cultural benefit to residents (and maybe the ballet company) of Augusta in a wonderful way. Instead of culture, we got a promo for culture.
Here's another excerpt from the Porter Fleming Foundation that they might want to re-read. "The grant will be made, preferably, to organizations supported by dues or voluntary contributions," (rather than those funded by taxes).
Maybe there were no more suitable candidates. Please, anyone with genuine educational,literary, artistic, scientific, historical, musical, or cultural contributions to make to Augusta, apply for this grant. Applications are due January 31.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Remember to Vote
From the AFL-CIO NOW blog:
"Sen. Saxby Chambliss, the anti-worker senator fighting for his career in a tight Georgia runoff election, is facing a subpoena to testify about his relationship with Imperial Sugar. As we’ve noted, Imperial Sugar—an ally and patron of Chambliss—is hoping to evade responsibility for a deadly sugar dust explosion that killed 14 workers last February.
"Yesterday, Chambliss responded to a question about the subpoena by swatting away a camera held by a volunteer (see video). Not only is he dodging a court order, but he doesn’t want to discuss his relationship with the company or his attacks on a whistle-blower who exposed the dangerous conditions at the Imperial plant.
"As Firedoglake reported, Chambliss received $21 thousand in campaign contributions this election cycle from the sugar industry."
Early voting information from the Richmond County Board of Elections:
"Advance Voting Week: Advance Voting will begin on Monday, November 24, 2008 and will run through Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at all three of the Advance Voting Sites in Augusta – the Main Office located at 530 Greene Street, Room 104, the Henry Brigham Center located at 2463 Golden Camp Road, and at the Warren Road Recreation Center located at 300 Warren Road. The hours for Advance Voting will be from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM daily during the time period set for Advance Voting. Voters voting during Advance Voting Week are required to produce one of the six acceptable forms of photo identification in order to vote. Voters will not have to provide a reason for voting. Voting centers will not be open on Thursday, November 27, 2008 and Friday, November 28, 2008 in observation of the Thanksgiving Holidays."
Make it happen, people. Get Saxby out and Jim Martin in.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Obama on Unions
Senator Obama last year in Chicago:
"It's time we had a president who didn't choke when he said the word union. It's not that hard. Union. Union. Nothing happens when you say it--other than give people some inspiration and some sense that maybe they've got a fighting chance...
"That's why I was one of the leaders fighting to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. That's why I'm fighting for it in the Senate, and that's why I will sign that bill when I become president of the United States of America."
"I've walked picket lines before. I've got some comfortable shoes at home. If it's hot outside, then I've got a hat. If it's cold outside, I've got a jacket. But if you are being denied your rights, I don't care whether I'm in the United States Senate, or in the White House, I will make sure I am marching with you on the picket lines, because that's what I believe in--making sure that workers have rights."
In response to a question about EFCA from a worker, Obama replied, "I won't just wait for the bill to reach my desk. I will work actively as part of my agenda to make sure that it reaches my desk...
"Everybody talks a lot about unions when they're trying to get the union endorsements. And then the general election comes, and then there's not much mention of unions. And then you win the presidency, and then you just stop talking about unions at all.
"And as a consequence, you've got a lot of people all across America who could use a union, but they're never hearing about it, they're never encouraged to join, they're never given a sense that being part of a union--that's as American as apple pie.
"That's the reason we've got the minimum wage. That's the reason we've got the 40-hour workweek. That's the reason we've got overtime. That's the reason workers are treated fairly and safely on the job. Our children have to hear that. Everybody's got to hear it.
"And that's what the president can do is use the bully pulpit: 'Join the union--there's nothing wrong with it.' That's number one, because that sets the context for the debate in Washington."
"It's time we had a president who didn't choke when he said the word union. It's not that hard. Union. Union. Nothing happens when you say it--other than give people some inspiration and some sense that maybe they've got a fighting chance...
"That's why I was one of the leaders fighting to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. That's why I'm fighting for it in the Senate, and that's why I will sign that bill when I become president of the United States of America."
"I've walked picket lines before. I've got some comfortable shoes at home. If it's hot outside, then I've got a hat. If it's cold outside, I've got a jacket. But if you are being denied your rights, I don't care whether I'm in the United States Senate, or in the White House, I will make sure I am marching with you on the picket lines, because that's what I believe in--making sure that workers have rights."
In response to a question about EFCA from a worker, Obama replied, "I won't just wait for the bill to reach my desk. I will work actively as part of my agenda to make sure that it reaches my desk...
"Everybody talks a lot about unions when they're trying to get the union endorsements. And then the general election comes, and then there's not much mention of unions. And then you win the presidency, and then you just stop talking about unions at all.
"And as a consequence, you've got a lot of people all across America who could use a union, but they're never hearing about it, they're never encouraged to join, they're never given a sense that being part of a union--that's as American as apple pie.
"That's the reason we've got the minimum wage. That's the reason we've got the 40-hour workweek. That's the reason we've got overtime. That's the reason workers are treated fairly and safely on the job. Our children have to hear that. Everybody's got to hear it.
"And that's what the president can do is use the bully pulpit: 'Join the union--there's nothing wrong with it.' That's number one, because that sets the context for the debate in Washington."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Appeals Court to Hear Troy Davis Case
On December 9, a federal appeals court in Atlanta will hear arguments for and against allowing Troy Davis to fight his death sentence in what is widely believed to be a case of mistaken identity. Read about it at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Urban Legend Haunts Michele Bachmann
236.com gets to the bottom of the urban legend that Michele Bachmann is Joe McCarthy's ghost.
Bill Clinton Campaigns for Jim Martin
Bill Clinton stopped in Atlanta today at get-out-the-vote rally for Jim Martin. The former President, after what seemed like forever, got on stage and spoke about his relationship with Jim Martin and the importance of getting out to vote in the run-off election on December 2nd (there is early voting too, so check with your local election officials for polling times and locations).
He framed it not as a choice between Republicans and Democrats, and not as a battle to get to 60 Senate seats, but as a choice between building a bridge to a future, or building a "firewall," to use the Chambliss phrase, in front of that bridge. Despite some of his appearances earlier in the primary campaign season, at this event he seemed to be at top Bill Clinton form, the Bill Clinton that we grew to admire. So everyone, please get out and vote for the bridge, not the wall, and lets husk some corn together.Cheney Indicted for Organized Crime
This is almost as good as Karl Rove in handcuffs. (Thanks for the world's funniest link, Josh.) Cheney has invested $85,000 in private prisons?! Can that be true? How much money does this guy have to put toward these good works?
Ted Stevens is O U T
The Associated Press says so and then The Nation said so, so it's true, right? Bittersweet but almost completely and absolutely sweet that Sarah Palin won't have a crack at squirming her way into Ted Stevens' empty-because-he's-in-prison senate seat. Welcome Senator Begich!
Emancipate the White Man
I'm not sure how Commissioner Brigham came to the conclusion that there are "black bigots" on the commission as he stated last night after the 2009 budget approval. Is Commissioner Beard racist when she defends the Lucy Laney Museum the same way that Brenda Durant defended the Arts Council- by saying it draws money to the town? (Deke Copenhaver joined her in saying that African-American history is the fastest growing segment in tourism.) The Arts Council and Laney Museum, after the compromise Commissioner Hatney suggested, came out even. Is that what Commissioner Brigham considered racist? Was it racist when Commissioner Johnson wanted to save Dowdy and Johnson Parks? I will assume that those parks are used by mostly black people in a mostly black district represented by a black commissioner. Is it racist of him to advocate for his own district?
Augusta either has race problems or it doesn't. If it doesn't, the offense that Mr. Brigham took at yesterday's meeting (his diversity and cooperative color-blind sensitivities were so injured that he refused to go to the legal session with the rest of the commission- I trust with no cut in pay) is groundless, and Administrator Russell was right to eliminate an entire department- the Human Relations Commission which dealt with discrimination.
If Augusta does have race issues, are both races suffering from racism equally or which is suffering more? I assume Mr. Brigham thinks that whites suffer more in the newly-approved budget. Whites are the minority in Augusta, after all. Is Jerry Brigham the last, brave, lonely voice for racial justice for whites in Augusta?
I won't even get into the ridiculous scenario that we have racial injustice favoring whites over blacks. That's just divisive and not good to talk about publicly. It would be pulling the race card.
Augusta either has race problems or it doesn't. If it doesn't, the offense that Mr. Brigham took at yesterday's meeting (his diversity and cooperative color-blind sensitivities were so injured that he refused to go to the legal session with the rest of the commission- I trust with no cut in pay) is groundless, and Administrator Russell was right to eliminate an entire department- the Human Relations Commission which dealt with discrimination.
If Augusta does have race issues, are both races suffering from racism equally or which is suffering more? I assume Mr. Brigham thinks that whites suffer more in the newly-approved budget. Whites are the minority in Augusta, after all. Is Jerry Brigham the last, brave, lonely voice for racial justice for whites in Augusta?
I won't even get into the ridiculous scenario that we have racial injustice favoring whites over blacks. That's just divisive and not good to talk about publicly. It would be pulling the race card.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Budget Day Budget Day!
I, apparently along with seven commissioners and a mayor (if I'm understanding the Spirit's blog on it correctly), missed the final budget hearing last week. I didn't get the memo that it had been moved from Thursday to Wednesday. They discussed law enforcement, the monster that along with the courts uses up seventy-six percent of operating costs according to budget mastermind Administrator Fred Russell. Mr. Russell, for whatever reason, did not discuss law enforcement when it was originally supposed to be discussed two weeks ago. So, the first hearing that promised to cover law enforcement, just didn't, and the meeting which actually did address it was moved up a day. Commissioner Bowles, one of the three commissioners who did make it to the hearing, told me he also almost missed it due to the quiet rescheduling.
What happened at this hard-to-get law enforcement budget discussion? Administrator Russell originally proposed a budget requiring a property tax increase of 1.588 mills and loads of cuts to public services. Mr. Russell said the cuts were regrettable and that the things being cut should not be cut but we are in such a terrible mess that it is unavoidable.
But, according to the Chronicle, last Wednesday, Sheriff Ronnie Strength saved us all from the scary property tax raises by granting his "blessing" to Mr. Russell's new (?,!) plan to make up for a 3.4 MILLION DOLLAR deficit by "adjusting expenses and revenues and throwing in $1 million from the reserve fund." Huh. So if that's Mr. Russell's budget idea, what was that hundred page thing we've all been looking at for the past month? Why was he saving his real plan for the very last meeting that no one went to?
Ok. Three and a half million dollars just got saved by adjusting expenses and revenues and using a million dollars of reserve funds. And where was that reserve fund when we needed it for public transportation and mosquito control and the battered women's shelter and health clinics? It was unavailable then, as I remember. It wouldn't be good management, as I remember. Well, now it's brilliant.
He has other amazing money-finding tricks. Here's one: move inmates out of Richmond County Correctional Institution and into Phinizy Road and Walton Way. That saves $780,000 a year. So why did we ever put inmates into RCCI? Was there a reason? If so, how is it ok to move them now? And if not, why did we ever do it the expensive way?
Here's another budget trick people may want to use at home: lowering fuel cost projections can save $723,000 a year! That's right, just assume things will be cheap and there's you a pile of money what you didn't have before. That is some high level outside-the-box city management thinking. Russell advises cutting public transportation by pretty much the same amount that was "saved" by adjusting fuel costs estimates and moving prisoners around. Why were those options not occurring to Mr. Russell then?
Oh, here's one more. "Projections for pay increases were also lowered by $343,120. Mr. Russell said he'd previously over-estimated the number of deputies due for raises." Oh. How is that? What is this man's job? How did he not know the correct number? And when did he learn it? Isn't Mr. Russell really kind of supposed to know these numbers? Isn't that very much his responsibility? Or did the sheriff's department supply the wrong numbers? As Sheriff Strength told me, "We're not in the studying business. We're in the locking-up business." What business is Fred Russell in?
Is this a political stunt or is this incompetence? It's worth watching either way. Go watch the commissioners vote this beauty in. I believe it's being voted on today, Tuesday November 18 at 2:00. Sure, you're supposed to be working then, but it'll be worth the afternoon off. Fred Russell will be drinking a Diet Coke and pacing around the room telling jokes like it's his party. Deke will be grunt-smiling. The commissioners will be confused. Augusta will be screwed. And you may get on TV!
What happened at this hard-to-get law enforcement budget discussion? Administrator Russell originally proposed a budget requiring a property tax increase of 1.588 mills and loads of cuts to public services. Mr. Russell said the cuts were regrettable and that the things being cut should not be cut but we are in such a terrible mess that it is unavoidable.
But, according to the Chronicle, last Wednesday, Sheriff Ronnie Strength saved us all from the scary property tax raises by granting his "blessing" to Mr. Russell's new (?,!) plan to make up for a 3.4 MILLION DOLLAR deficit by "adjusting expenses and revenues and throwing in $1 million from the reserve fund." Huh. So if that's Mr. Russell's budget idea, what was that hundred page thing we've all been looking at for the past month? Why was he saving his real plan for the very last meeting that no one went to?
Ok. Three and a half million dollars just got saved by adjusting expenses and revenues and using a million dollars of reserve funds. And where was that reserve fund when we needed it for public transportation and mosquito control and the battered women's shelter and health clinics? It was unavailable then, as I remember. It wouldn't be good management, as I remember. Well, now it's brilliant.
He has other amazing money-finding tricks. Here's one: move inmates out of Richmond County Correctional Institution and into Phinizy Road and Walton Way. That saves $780,000 a year. So why did we ever put inmates into RCCI? Was there a reason? If so, how is it ok to move them now? And if not, why did we ever do it the expensive way?
Here's another budget trick people may want to use at home: lowering fuel cost projections can save $723,000 a year! That's right, just assume things will be cheap and there's you a pile of money what you didn't have before. That is some high level outside-the-box city management thinking. Russell advises cutting public transportation by pretty much the same amount that was "saved" by adjusting fuel costs estimates and moving prisoners around. Why were those options not occurring to Mr. Russell then?
Oh, here's one more. "Projections for pay increases were also lowered by $343,120. Mr. Russell said he'd previously over-estimated the number of deputies due for raises." Oh. How is that? What is this man's job? How did he not know the correct number? And when did he learn it? Isn't Mr. Russell really kind of supposed to know these numbers? Isn't that very much his responsibility? Or did the sheriff's department supply the wrong numbers? As Sheriff Strength told me, "We're not in the studying business. We're in the locking-up business." What business is Fred Russell in?
Is this a political stunt or is this incompetence? It's worth watching either way. Go watch the commissioners vote this beauty in. I believe it's being voted on today, Tuesday November 18 at 2:00. Sure, you're supposed to be working then, but it'll be worth the afternoon off. Fred Russell will be drinking a Diet Coke and pacing around the room telling jokes like it's his party. Deke will be grunt-smiling. The commissioners will be confused. Augusta will be screwed. And you may get on TV!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Michael Vick's Sugarloaf House is for Sale
His Gwinnett County mansion and horses and yacht are for sale to pay off debts. Atlanta Falcons owner says Vick won't be returning to the Falcons.
Are You a Knology User?
In Georgia? Did you feel like you were being watched online over the summer? You were. NebuAd paid Knology to install some watching devices so they could target ads more effectively. They're being taken to court now for violating wiretapping statutes. The same wiretapping rules AT&T famously broke.
Read about it at Wired.
Read about it at Wired.
He Says He'll Close Guantanamo
And we get to stop torturing? And we get a puppy? I love New Daddy-elect.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Madame Secretary Clinton?
President-elect Obama apparently has offered the Secretary of State portfolio to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
TSA is a Waste of Money
A few months back, the Transportation Security Administration foiled a terrorist plot. That's right. The author of this post tried to carry two 5-ounce jars of jelly onto a plane in his carry-on bag, but TSA saved America from his nefarious plot to give some friends some huckleberry jelly. Bruce Schneier, a security expert who often discusses the pointlessness of many of TSA's regulations, similarly was plotting to enjoy some spaghetti sauce when he returned from a trip, but thankfully TSA foiled this plot as well. So, TSA is pretty good at foiling these terrorist plots. Thousands are squashed each day. Well then, what about the terrorists that use fake or no IDs, wear Osama bin Laden shirts, and look extremely nervous? “All right, you can go,” he said, pointing me to the X-ray line. “But let this be a lesson for you.”
Friday, November 14, 2008
Bush to Sign Flurry of Executive Orders in Coming Days
Included among them is one set to allow local and state law enforcement to collect intelligence on you, even when there is no suspicion of crime.
Baltic Dry Index Collapses
The Baltic Dry Index has dropped 98% this year. As if the economy wasn't doing badly enough, the world could be in for even rougher times than thought...
Naomi Klein on the Legality of the Bailout
(Here you go, boys. I know this woman is your grown-up version of Princess Leia or something.)
"According to Congressman Barney Frank, one of the architects of the legislation that enables the deals, 'Any use of these funds for any purpose other than lending -- for bonuses, for severance pay, for dividends, for acquisitions of other institutions, etc. -- is a violation of the act.' Yet this is exactly how the funds are being used.
"Then there is the nearly $2 trillion the Federal Reserve has handed out in emergency loans. Incredibly, the Fed will not reveal which corporations have received these loans or what it has accepted as collateral. Bloomberg News believes that this secrecy violates the law and has filed a federal suit demanding full disclosure."
Read it all at Alternet. Or if you're fancy, go to the source- The Nation.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Supreme Court Rules Against Whales
Navy sonar seems to be driving whales crazy and disorienting them. They are beaching themselves with bleeding ears and brains and swimming so crazy they're getting the bends. The Navy was ordered to stop training with the sonar in whale-rich waters, but our friend George W. told them to go on ahead even though he had no legal right to intervene. And now our highest court lifts the ban entirely. Go Navy.
Beware of Google
As a longtime Google user and lover, this is not the most pleasant thing to write, but I know I'm not the first person to say it. Beware of Google. They claim to never collect identifying data from their users, but can they really be trusted? All sorts of sites across the web collect data on their users. Why should we believe Google does not collect everything they possibly can? They thrive on data. So the more they can collect, the better, one could be led to think. All they have to do is start with your IP address, easily collected when you use their search engine (though they say they don't do this). So, let's say they get your IP address when you're searching for puppies. On the surface, who cares? But let's say two days later you go searching for information on how to join the communist party, and that night you use Google to search for websites featuring your favorite fetish. Not that either of those is wrong, but it might not be information you just want floating around out of your control. But it's okay, since all they have is your IP address. They don't really know who you are. Do they? Well maybe, maybe not. See, Gmail, Google's e-mail service could be where you're sunk. If you have an account, maybe you put your real name in when you created it. Next time you log in to check your e-mail they connect your name to your IP address. Now they know that you, John Doe, using X IP address, are interested in the communist party and, despite the fact that you're happily married to your high school prom queen (they own the servers where your e-mail is held, so they figured this out), you happen to have a thing for guys too. Then, after analyzing your e-mail, and comparing it with your IP address, they figure out roughly where you live. A quick search of on online phone book directories, reveals your exact address, and that's where Google's satellite capabilities come in. They can now access satellite pictures of your house and neighborhood. Not only this, but they've got that Streetview van driving around taking pictures of every address, so now they have a picture of the front of your house too.
But now it seems they are going even further. Using "anonymous" aggregate search results, they are able to track the incidence of influenza. Not only are they tracking this, but they are turning the data over to the government. They've come under fire in the past for bowing to Chinese demands that searches in that country be censored.
Let's be honest. Google is a company, and will do what's profitable. And if that means selling your data to the government, what's to stop them? AT&T didn't stand up to the government. Why should we believe Google would be any different?
And don't forget: Google owns Blogspot. They already know you've read this.
But now it seems they are going even further. Using "anonymous" aggregate search results, they are able to track the incidence of influenza. Not only are they tracking this, but they are turning the data over to the government. They've come under fire in the past for bowing to Chinese demands that searches in that country be censored.
Let's be honest. Google is a company, and will do what's profitable. And if that means selling your data to the government, what's to stop them? AT&T didn't stand up to the government. Why should we believe Google would be any different?
And don't forget: Google owns Blogspot. They already know you've read this.
An Observation
You are walking down the street in New York City. A scruffy-looking long-haired, bearded man of Middle Eastern descent carrying a bottle of wine in a brown paper bag comes up to you and tells you to sell everything you own, donate the money to charity, and come live on the streets with him. You notice he's managed to talk a dozen or so other people into doing this. Would you join them? Or do you blow him off as some street urchin nut job? I suspect like most people you would choose the latter. Yet millions of people choose to go to church every weekend and pray to a 2000-years-dead man who matches that description fairly well...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
This One's from Georgia, Too
Take the Saxby Chambliss SAT.
"Obama people" is to minority vote as "our folks" is to _________.
And remember the Alamo. The Cleland Alamo. Vote this guy out December 2.
"Obama people" is to minority vote as "our folks" is to _________.
And remember the Alamo. The Cleland Alamo. Vote this guy out December 2.
Georgia Dominating the News Cycle
Embarrassing us all. This is our man (well, partially our man- only part of Richmond County is in his district, let's go ahead and blame Columbia County and those guys). Representative Paul Broun yesterday warned us of a super scary future with President-elect Obama.
“It may sound a bit crazy and off base, but the thing is, he’s the one who proposed this national security force. I’m just trying to bring attention to the fact that we may — may not, I hope not — but we may have a problem with that type of philosophy of radical socialism or Marxism. That’s exactly what Hitler did in Nazi Germany and it’s exactly what the Soviet Union did. When he’s proposing to have a national security force that’s answering to him, that is as strong as the U.S. military, he’s showing me signs of being Marxist.
"We can't be lulled into complacency. You have to remember that Adolf Hitler was elected in a democratic Germany. I'm not comparing him to Adolf Hitler. What I'm saying is there is the potential of going down that road."
Yes, Mr. Broun, it may sound a bit crazy and off base. But don't let that slow you down. When you have the urge to not compare someone to Hitler, you got to go with it.
Sarah Palin Related to Dinosaurs?
A new study discovered that proteins in human hair are nearly identical to those found chicken and lizard claws. "The structure of our hair and nails may add to the evidence that we are distantly related to dinosaurs and many other creatures, both extinct and living."
Georgia Secretary of State Not Sure How Many Legitimate Ballots Were Thrown Out
Secretary Karen Handel wanted to purge voters over questionable citizenship in October. She was stopped by a judge and ordered to allow the approximately 5000 people to cast provisional ballots which would be counted if the voter provided documents proving citizenship. Now it appears eligible voters were mistakenly flagged and their votes thrown out.
Read about it at Talking Points Memo.
Little-Known Fact
Castleberry's is actually shutting down because the photo displayed on this page is not doctored. The photo was taken shortly after Augusta resident Agnes Copperfield opened the can in hopes of a hot meal. She was sorely disappointed when the can did not contain any chili.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Troy Davis and Georgia Justice
Troy Davis's lawyers will file to a court of appeals tomorrow requesting a hearing to examine new evidence of innocence before Davis is executed. The potential hearing would finally consider witness recantations. Seven of the nine witnesses have recanted their testimony in the case against Davis which relied exclusively on witness testimony.
One of the witnesses, Antoine Williams, has this to say:
"They asked me to describe the shooter and what he looked like and what he was wearing. I kept telling them that I didn't know. It was dark, my windows were tinted, and I was scared. It all happened so fast. Even today, I know that I could not honestly identify with any certainty who shot the officer that night. I couldn't then either. After the officers talked to me, they gave me a statement and told me to sign it. I signed it. I did not read it because I cannot read."
Read others here.
Anne Emanuel counters District Attorney Spencer Lawton's false assertion that the only people speaking out about this case are people opposed to the death penalty. He either didn't know that Libertarian Bob Barr and former FBI Director William Sessions have voiced concern over the case, or he lied in his op-ed for the Journal-Constitution.
Is the man who prosecuted Troy Davis willing to lie when a possibly innocent man's life is at stake? Or is he just so confident in his own hunches that he doesn't feel the need for any investigation into his claims?
One of the witnesses, Antoine Williams, has this to say:
"They asked me to describe the shooter and what he looked like and what he was wearing. I kept telling them that I didn't know. It was dark, my windows were tinted, and I was scared. It all happened so fast. Even today, I know that I could not honestly identify with any certainty who shot the officer that night. I couldn't then either. After the officers talked to me, they gave me a statement and told me to sign it. I signed it. I did not read it because I cannot read."
Read others here.
Anne Emanuel counters District Attorney Spencer Lawton's false assertion that the only people speaking out about this case are people opposed to the death penalty. He either didn't know that Libertarian Bob Barr and former FBI Director William Sessions have voiced concern over the case, or he lied in his op-ed for the Journal-Constitution.
Is the man who prosecuted Troy Davis willing to lie when a possibly innocent man's life is at stake? Or is he just so confident in his own hunches that he doesn't feel the need for any investigation into his claims?
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Obama Picks Up One Electoral Vote from NEBRASKA!
For the first time since 1964, an electoral vote from Nebraska will go to the Democratic candidate. This is the first time since 1991, when Nebraska adopted the split electoral vote system, that a Democrat has turned one of the state's districts blue. So, now that Obama has picked up Nebraska's Second Congressional District, which contains Omaha, increasing his electoral vote total to 365, will the city rename itself to Obamaha?
He Can't Be Serious...
"How's that different from welfare? You get a free house, you get free food, and you get rewarded for having children. Oh, wait a minute, hold on a second. There is a difference: The slave had to work for it." -- Jim Quinn
Friday, November 7, 2008
Change Has Come
At the very least, the Office of the President-Elect's new website, change.gov, gives the appearance that Barack Obama means business. He's making me so horny about America all that antichrist nonsense might be for real. I mean, the Pick 3 lottery in Illinois did pop 6-6-6 the day after Obama was elected.....
Red Sex, Blue Sex
"For too long, the conventional wisdom has been that social conservatives are the upholders of family values, whereas liberals are the proponents of a polymorphous selfishness. This isn’t true, and, every once in a while, liberals might point that out."
Georgia's Getting a McVisit
Senator McCain says he'll come to Georgia to "help" Saxby Chambliss in the likely event of a runoff election for the Georgia senate seat.
Jim Martin says he's confident Obama will join him as well.
Save the date for a December 2 vote.
Jim Martin says he's confident Obama will join him as well.
Save the date for a December 2 vote.
Public Challenge to Deke Copenhaver
Mayor Copenhaver will have a hard time keeping his sunny, nice-guy image if he accepts for his office $15,000 as a payroll increase that could instead continue to help people in urgent need. That $15,000, Mr. Mayor, can prevent these proposed budget reductions: a $1000 cut to Safe Homes- the city's only certified shelter for battered women and children, a $3000 cut to court advocates for abused children, the $5000 cut to Miracle Making Ministries which will force them to forgo the expansion of an asthma clinic, and a $5000 cut to Community Medical Outreach, with $1000 left to put toward the $3000 cut to DFACS.
Administrator Fred "I feel their pain" Russell thinks we all have to share the costs of these hard financial times. Well, he thinks that these organizations do anyway, not the mayor (and it's discouragingly difficult to find out exactly what Mr. Russell slates for himself out of our public funds). Some of us may feel that abused children and sick poor people suffer enough. Mr. Russell last night begged and implored the commission for guidance. It's up to us to help Mr. Russell; he does need guidance. Tell your commissioner what you think of this proposed budget.
Go here for the district map and here for phone numbers.
Administrator Fred "I feel their pain" Russell thinks we all have to share the costs of these hard financial times. Well, he thinks that these organizations do anyway, not the mayor (and it's discouragingly difficult to find out exactly what Mr. Russell slates for himself out of our public funds). Some of us may feel that abused children and sick poor people suffer enough. Mr. Russell last night begged and implored the commission for guidance. It's up to us to help Mr. Russell; he does need guidance. Tell your commissioner what you think of this proposed budget.
Go here for the district map and here for phone numbers.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Socialist vs Capitalist
Listen to Senator Bernie Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist from Vermont, speak to Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, husband of Andrea Mitchell, and America's free-market "maestro."
Ok, sorry about that. I got it now. Go here and on the right side click on 10/23/2008 Greenspan Grilling (2003 House Committee Hearing).
Ok, sorry about that. I got it now. Go here and on the right side click on 10/23/2008 Greenspan Grilling (2003 House Committee Hearing).
More on Augusta's Proposed Budget for 2009
Augusta-Richmond County Administrator (yes, we have an administrator and a mayor), Fred Russell, proposes elimination of the Human Relations Commission. Yeah, let's get rid of them. What do they do anyway? Well, here's their mission statement:
To provide a forum to which any person may bring complaints or grievances alleging
discrimination based on race, sex, religion disability, age, creed, or national origin, in which equality of opportunity and equity in employment are advocated and disseminated. This forum will be an instrument that ensures fairness in employment practices and allocation of government resources as far as possible.
To be agents of reconciliation, functioning in the community to resolve conflicts and problems and to promote and maintain harmonious interethnic relations.
To provide citizens, upon request, with training and education on discrimination and on the denial of equal opportunity and/or equal rights.
To research, assess, and publish pertinent data pertaining to minority community problems.
To provide the community with appropriate recommendations for legislative action and
improvements in ethnic, minority, and majority (community) affairs.
What baloney!
On the other hand, the administrator advises a $15,000 payroll increase to the Mayor's Office. Now that makes sense. We all know the mayor is vitally important, but what does he do exactly? Here in Deke's own words:
The mayor is responsible for enforcing all ordinances, running commission meetings, helping to set policy and serving as the lead representative of the city. Basically, from a business perspective it would be comparable to the commission serving as the board of directors, the mayor serving as chairman of the board and the administrator serving as the president of the corporation. However, Fred and I work very closely together as a good working relationship between the mayor and the administrator is definitely a plus.
I imagine that good working relationship is a plus. A $15,000 plus, even. And he must be really busy, because the two commission meetings I've been to, Deke was called away for much of them.
Here are all the questions from the Mayor's Office FAQ page:
How does one get a fishing permit to the Mayor's Fishing Hole?
How does the Mayor's Business Incentive Grant (BIG) work?
What is the procedure for obtaining a parade or street closing permit?
Who do I contact about my trash problems?
Remember, Deke is in charge of enforcing ordinances, so when an ordinance is being broken, call (706) 821-1831.
To provide a forum to which any person may bring complaints or grievances alleging
discrimination based on race, sex, religion disability, age, creed, or national origin, in which equality of opportunity and equity in employment are advocated and disseminated. This forum will be an instrument that ensures fairness in employment practices and allocation of government resources as far as possible.
To be agents of reconciliation, functioning in the community to resolve conflicts and problems and to promote and maintain harmonious interethnic relations.
To provide citizens, upon request, with training and education on discrimination and on the denial of equal opportunity and/or equal rights.
To research, assess, and publish pertinent data pertaining to minority community problems.
To provide the community with appropriate recommendations for legislative action and
improvements in ethnic, minority, and majority (community) affairs.
What baloney!
On the other hand, the administrator advises a $15,000 payroll increase to the Mayor's Office. Now that makes sense. We all know the mayor is vitally important, but what does he do exactly? Here in Deke's own words:
The mayor is responsible for enforcing all ordinances, running commission meetings, helping to set policy and serving as the lead representative of the city. Basically, from a business perspective it would be comparable to the commission serving as the board of directors, the mayor serving as chairman of the board and the administrator serving as the president of the corporation. However, Fred and I work very closely together as a good working relationship between the mayor and the administrator is definitely a plus.
I imagine that good working relationship is a plus. A $15,000 plus, even. And he must be really busy, because the two commission meetings I've been to, Deke was called away for much of them.
Here are all the questions from the Mayor's Office FAQ page:
How does one get a fishing permit to the Mayor's Fishing Hole?
How does the Mayor's Business Incentive Grant (BIG) work?
What is the procedure for obtaining a parade or street closing permit?
Who do I contact about my trash problems?
Remember, Deke is in charge of enforcing ordinances, so when an ordinance is being broken, call (706) 821-1831.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Senate Runoff Election Possible in Georgia
Incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss needs fifty percent of the vote plus one to avoid a runoff election against Democrat challenger Jim Martin on December 2. CNN's got Chambliss at 50% right now.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
John McCain has a Mom
And his mom has a twin sister. Roberta McCain's twin sister, Rowena Willis, told The Daily Beast about her nephew,
"I'm hoping he wins, for the country's sake. I figure it will kill him, but he's going to die one day anyway, so he might as well do it there."
"I'm hoping he wins, for the country's sake. I figure it will kill him, but he's going to die one day anyway, so he might as well do it there."
Monday, November 3, 2008
Keep an Eye on Georgia Tomorrow...
Nearly 2 million people have already cast ballots here in early voting. Just over 3 million TOTAL cast ballots four years ago.
Augusta Planning Commission Meeting -- 3 November 2008
I went to the meeting today. The only rezoning request that had opposition was for the site of a proposed Extended Stay hotel on Jimmie Dyess Parkway outside of Fort Gordon. Three residents of nearby housing developments showed up to voice opposition on the grounds that traffic would be a problem and that they wouldn't want Jimmie Dyess to turn into another Gordon Highway. The representative proposing the rezoning countered by saying it would be an "upsacale hotel," there would be a Houlihan's restaurant attached on site, and threw down the military card by saying they had already talked with people at Fort Gordon, who were of course on board. The commission voted unanimously to approve the request. But there was a stipulation: there would have to be a survey to see if a traffic signal would be needed...
One Last Thing on the Wish List
Gwen Ifill let us down on the dinosaur question. Now it's Election Day Eve, and this one has still not released her medical records.
Jesus and Augusta- Part One of Many
I think Jesus wants us to visit people in jail.
Does Richmond County want us to?
Listen, I never memorized the Bible. I'm using a Bible search, and look at the featured verse of the day from that site. Makes me wonder if Romans isn't getting a lot of screen time at some churches here in town... Eek.
Here's an article by Frank Schaeffer, son of the late Francis Schaeffer. They were in on the ground floor of the Religious Right. The article is about Sarah Palin.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Bible Trivia for a Sunday Afternoon
Did Jesus really say, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" as we read in Matthew 19:24? Or was it maybe something a little less trippy?
And is it ok or not ok to worship the Golden Calf?
And is it ok or not ok to worship the Golden Calf?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Wow. Post a Question and Get an Answer.
Mr. O'Keefe, thank you for the link to Brad Hicks in response to my question- why do so many American Christians think they should be anti-gay and anti-abortion. Mr. Hicks writes about a best-selling book from 1964, None Dare Call it Treason, written by Dr. John A. Stormer, a delegate at the 1964 convention for Barry Goldwater. Twelve years later, Dr. Stormer was an administrator at a private Christian school and was teaching a class called, "Principles of Spiritual Growth." The reviewer was a student in that class who asked a question of Dr. Stormer. If a Christian high school student asks the Christian principal why he endorsed secular Gerald Ford for president rather than Southern Baptist Jimmy Carter, his essay on it 30 years later is bound to be pretty thoughtful.
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