Thursday, April 29, 2004
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/29/politics/trail/29TRAIL-CHICKENHAWK.html?pagewanted=print
An Illustrated Guide to Chickenhawks
By CARL HULSE
As the presidential campaign turned into a brawl this week over John Kerry's stint in Vietnam and what he did or did not do with his medals, some Democrats were actually pretty pleased. They figured that any opportunity to compare Mr. Kerry's military background with President Bush's — not to mention Vice President Dick Cheney's — was welcome and they took advantage of it.
But perhaps none of them could rival Senator Frank Lautenberg, Democrat of New Jersey and a World War II veteran, who appeared on the Senate floor on Wednesday with a poster featuring an illustration of a chicken in a medal-bedecked military uniform.
In a take-no-prisoners display, (Video) the lawmaker lashed out at Republicans critical of Mr. Kerry, calling them chickenhawks. He decried Mr. Cheney, who received deferments from service during the Vietnam era, as the leader of the flock for his criticism earlier in the week that Mr. Kerry was not capable of protecting the nation's security.
"Chickenhawks: they shriek like a hawk but they have the backbone of a chicken," Mr. Lautenberg said. "We know who the chickenhawks are. They talk tough on national defense and military issues and cast aspersions on others. When it was their turn to serve, where were they? A-W-O-L, that's where. A-W-O-L."
Mr. Lautenberg's tough criticism draw a plea from Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona and a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam, for all sides to move past the fight over Mr. Kerry's record as well as Mr. Bush's time in the National Guard. He said such exchanges could actually be damaging to military morale.
"It is time to declare a truce," Mr. McCain said. "At least could we declare that the Vietnam War is over and have a cease-fire?"
Mr. McCain did acknowledge, however, that the picture of the military chicken was "kind of clever. I've got to give it to, hand it to, whoever the artist is."
Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An Illustrated Guide to Chickenhawks
By CARL HULSE
As the presidential campaign turned into a brawl this week over John Kerry's stint in Vietnam and what he did or did not do with his medals, some Democrats were actually pretty pleased. They figured that any opportunity to compare Mr. Kerry's military background with President Bush's — not to mention Vice President Dick Cheney's — was welcome and they took advantage of it.
But perhaps none of them could rival Senator Frank Lautenberg, Democrat of New Jersey and a World War II veteran, who appeared on the Senate floor on Wednesday with a poster featuring an illustration of a chicken in a medal-bedecked military uniform.
In a take-no-prisoners display, (Video) the lawmaker lashed out at Republicans critical of Mr. Kerry, calling them chickenhawks. He decried Mr. Cheney, who received deferments from service during the Vietnam era, as the leader of the flock for his criticism earlier in the week that Mr. Kerry was not capable of protecting the nation's security.
"Chickenhawks: they shriek like a hawk but they have the backbone of a chicken," Mr. Lautenberg said. "We know who the chickenhawks are. They talk tough on national defense and military issues and cast aspersions on others. When it was their turn to serve, where were they? A-W-O-L, that's where. A-W-O-L."
Mr. Lautenberg's tough criticism draw a plea from Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona and a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam, for all sides to move past the fight over Mr. Kerry's record as well as Mr. Bush's time in the National Guard. He said such exchanges could actually be damaging to military morale.
"It is time to declare a truce," Mr. McCain said. "At least could we declare that the Vietnam War is over and have a cease-fire?"
Mr. McCain did acknowledge, however, that the picture of the military chicken was "kind of clever. I've got to give it to, hand it to, whoever the artist is."
Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, April 26, 2004
Re: "We're so small and the country is so big, what can we do?" (pointing out our target is small enough for us to make a difference),
You bet!
And Minnesota is one of those swing states--did anyone join the demonstration yesterday? How did it go?
Judy
You've been out on the edge of the world too long, Judy. The correct term is "You betcha!"
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You bet!
And Minnesota is one of those swing states--did anyone join the demonstration yesterday? How did it go?
Judy
You've been out on the edge of the world too long, Judy. The correct term is "You betcha!"
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Chicago Tribune article April 25, 2004 says:
Kerry Seeks Small Number of Swing Voters
Strategists for Bush and Kerry say the number of swing voters is about 8 percent. More at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/sns-ap-swing-voters,1,1456100.story?coll=chi-electionstop-hed
If anyone is still thinking in terms of "we're so small and the country is so big, what can we do?" it's time to shift mental gears. Since only about a quarter of the states are up for grabs, about 2 percent of all voters will decide the election. If we effectively target that audience or any part of it, as I intend, our effect is multiplied by 50. Does it start to look like the effort could be worthwhile?
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kerry Seeks Small Number of Swing Voters
Strategists for Bush and Kerry say the number of swing voters is about 8 percent. More at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/sns-ap-swing-voters,1,1456100.story?coll=chi-electionstop-hed
If anyone is still thinking in terms of "we're so small and the country is so big, what can we do?" it's time to shift mental gears. Since only about a quarter of the states are up for grabs, about 2 percent of all voters will decide the election. If we effectively target that audience or any part of it, as I intend, our effect is multiplied by 50. Does it start to look like the effort could be worthwhile?
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Published: April 25, 2004 NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/25/national/25MOVI.html?hp
NASA Curbs Comments on Ice Age Disaster Movie
By ANDREW C. REVKIN
Urgent: HQ Direction," began a message e-mailed on April 1 to dozens of scientists and officials at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
It was not an alert about an incoming asteroid, a problem with the space station or a solar storm. It was a warning about a movie.
In "The Day After Tomorrow," a $125 million disaster film set to open on May 28, global warming from accumulating smokestack and tailpipe gases disrupts warm ocean currents and sets off an instant ice age.
Few climate experts think such a prospect is likely, especially in the near future. But the prospect that moviegoers will be alarmed enough to blame the Bush administration for inattention to climate change has stirred alarm at the space agency, scientists there say.
"No one from NASA is to do interviews or otherwise comment on anything having to do with" the film, said the April 1 message, which was sent by Goddard's top press officer. "Any news media wanting to discuss science fiction vs. science fact about climate change will need to seek comment from individuals or organizations not associated with NASA.". . .
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/25/national/25MOVI.html?hp
NASA Curbs Comments on Ice Age Disaster Movie
By ANDREW C. REVKIN
Urgent: HQ Direction," began a message e-mailed on April 1 to dozens of scientists and officials at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
It was not an alert about an incoming asteroid, a problem with the space station or a solar storm. It was a warning about a movie.
In "The Day After Tomorrow," a $125 million disaster film set to open on May 28, global warming from accumulating smokestack and tailpipe gases disrupts warm ocean currents and sets off an instant ice age.
Few climate experts think such a prospect is likely, especially in the near future. But the prospect that moviegoers will be alarmed enough to blame the Bush administration for inattention to climate change has stirred alarm at the space agency, scientists there say.
"No one from NASA is to do interviews or otherwise comment on anything having to do with" the film, said the April 1 message, which was sent by Goddard's top press officer. "Any news media wanting to discuss science fiction vs. science fact about climate change will need to seek comment from individuals or organizations not associated with NASA.". . .
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, April 23, 2004
Here's something from Gary:
From: "Veterans Against the Iraq War"
Subject: Veterans United For Kerry
VAIW Members:
We are pleased to announce a brand new veterans' website in support of John Kerry's bid for the presidency.
Veterans United For Kerry was started by several of the folks who are involved in VAIW. Please come take a look at it and then join us, as we seek to remove George Bush from the White House.
The website will organize veterans to speak out for John Kerry and be a source of campaign information on veterans' benefits and health care, as well as military issues.
Check it out now!
www.veteransunitedforkerry.com
Sincerely,
VAIW
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Veterans Against the Iraq War"
Subject: Veterans United For Kerry
VAIW Members:
We are pleased to announce a brand new veterans' website in support of John Kerry's bid for the presidency.
Veterans United For Kerry was started by several of the folks who are involved in VAIW. Please come take a look at it and then join us, as we seek to remove George Bush from the White House.
The website will organize veterans to speak out for John Kerry and be a source of campaign information on veterans' benefits and health care, as well as military issues.
Check it out now!
www.veteransunitedforkerry.com
Sincerely,
VAIW
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, April 22, 2004
What's with the archives?
I just checked the archives and had no problem.
April 22 to April 1
March 31 to March 1
February 29 to Feb 27 before that was doodling around testing the blog and was deleted.
Could it be you are running out of memory space when you add them? I have 512MB and usually have over 300 left when I start working on something. Or maybe the Bushies are on to us and are sabotaging our site. 8-)
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just checked the archives and had no problem.
April 22 to April 1
March 31 to March 1
February 29 to Feb 27 before that was doodling around testing the blog and was deleted.
Could it be you are running out of memory space when you add them? I have 512MB and usually have over 300 left when I start working on something. Or maybe the Bushies are on to us and are sabotaging our site. 8-)
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Poll Shows New Gains for Bush
Washington Post -- Tuesday, April 20, 2004
President Bush holds significant advantages over John F. Kerry in public perceptions of who is better equipped to deal with Iraq and the war on terrorism, and he has reduced the advantages his Democratic challenger held last month on many domestic issues, according to a Washington Post-ABC News Poll. . . .
Despite signs of concern among Americans about the violence in Iraq, the poll showed Bush's approval ratings holding steady and Kerry's slipping on a variety of issues and attributes.
By 49 percent to 44 percent, Bush was viewed as better able to deal with the country's biggest problems. Five weeks ago, those numbers were reversed. . . .
On the economy, Bush has erased Kerry's 12-point edge. . . .
For more details: http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W3RA05893E46132700A573E01808D
Maybe we'll have to work harder.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington Post -- Tuesday, April 20, 2004
President Bush holds significant advantages over John F. Kerry in public perceptions of who is better equipped to deal with Iraq and the war on terrorism, and he has reduced the advantages his Democratic challenger held last month on many domestic issues, according to a Washington Post-ABC News Poll. . . .
Despite signs of concern among Americans about the violence in Iraq, the poll showed Bush's approval ratings holding steady and Kerry's slipping on a variety of issues and attributes.
By 49 percent to 44 percent, Bush was viewed as better able to deal with the country's biggest problems. Five weeks ago, those numbers were reversed. . . .
On the economy, Bush has erased Kerry's 12-point edge. . . .
For more details: http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W3RA05893E46132700A573E01808D
Maybe we'll have to work harder.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, April 18, 2004
One Thousand Reasons
Relentlessly Documenting the Failures of the Bush Administration
http://www.thousandreasons.org/the_top_ten.html
The Top Ten Reasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of us don't have the time to read 1,000 reasons (although it's a good idea) so this summary of the major categories will give you an overview. All the details and support are here: html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honesty
Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about his sex life. George Bush is applauded for overthrowing two governments (three, if you count Haiti) based on deception. He lied about the threat of Iraq, he lied about the cost, and he lied about the expected outcome. He lied about the purpose of his tax cuts, he lied about education, the environment, energy, and his own past. He lied about the cost of Medicare. Everything he says is choreographed to achieve political gain. In Bush's administration, truth takes a back seat to power every time.
War
History will not be kind to George Bush. In two years he overthrew two governments, and has his eyes on several others. He has ignored the UN, the US public, and 90% of the rest of the world, including millions who protested in the streets. He has violated the US Constitution and international law by attacking Iraq when it was not a threat to anyone. In his empire-building march across the Middle East, he has wasted the lives of thousands. History will wonder why no one stopped him.
Economy
As soon as people saw that Bush might get elected in 2000, the economy started to fall, helped by Bush's talk of recession. He, of course, tried to blame Clinton. Since then, the economy has dipped in and out of recession, over two million jobs have evaporated, deficits are soaring, and Bush's only response is to cut taxes for the wealthy. Every few months he promises that jobs are just around the corner -- if Congress will only approve my tax cuts -- but month after month job statistics give substance to the lie. Bush seems bent on destroying the very institution he heads.
Liberties
Yes, we need to catch terrorists, but we don't need a police state to do it. Ashcroft has no concern for personal liberties, only catching the bad guys. Is it really necessary for the government to know what books you read? Is it necessary to read your e-mail? Must librarians be gagged? This slide toward Fascism is as scary as anything else Bush does. And rather than scale back the most egregious aspects of the act, Bush wants to make it even more intrusive.
Taxes
No one likes taxes, but we all pay them in hopes that the government will provide the services we need and want: schools, highways, bridges, and security. Bush, like Reagan before him, intends to choke the government down to size. By cutting taxes, primarily for the wealthy, deficits soar and nothing is left for education, the environment, social programs (including Social Security) or necessary regulation of corporations. After spending $800 billion a year (by independent estimates) on an obscenely bloated military, there is no money for books, no money for highways, not even money for the soldiers who must fight his wars. There is no money. But schools must remain open, roads must be repaired, and the sick must find treatment; all this is left to the state and local governments, which are now raising taxes, firing teachers, and cutting services.
Environment
One of his first acts as president was to raise the allowable level of arsenic in drinking water. Since then, we have seen a continuous assault on the forests, the air, the water, and the land. Global warming threatens to wreak havoc on our economy, our food supply, and our social fabric, but Bush only listens to the scientists on the political right, and they see no reason to panic. Don't worry, be happy.
International Relations
When you're the strongest nation by a factor of ten, you don't need to play nice. You can be a bully, and if other countries don't like it, too bad. Under Bush, we've seen this arrogant attitude regularly. He walked away from Kyoto, from the land mine treaty, from the international women's rights treaty, and the international criminal court. He ignored the pleas of long-time allies to avoid war, insulting them childishly. It will be decades before we can regain the respect of the world.
Secrecy
This is the most secret administration in memory. Decisions are clearly being made by corporations and far-right interest groups, but Bush refuses to admit it or to say who is behind such important policies as energy. Government can only be trusted in the sunlight, and this government hides at undisclosed locations.
Military
We spend more on our military than the rest of the world combined. While most of us appreciate the sense of security a strong military brings, we also question the wisdom of such spending when we have no clear enemy. Iraq was overthrown for about $100 billion. We spend four times that every year. And now Bush wants to build a magical missile shield that no one believes will actually work. Oh, it will cost many billions, and a few select corporations will get rich, but meanwhile we have other needs, desperate needs, that are not being met. We don't even have health care for all our children. We can't even provide breakfast for all our children, or books, or decent schools. But we can kill bad guys better than anyone. And if Bush has his way, we will soon be dropping tactical nuclear bombs on them.
Corruption
The line between corporations and the government has disappeared during the Bush administration. Corporations give money to elect Bush, then Bush forms policies and rules that favor those same corporations. This is nowhere more evident than in the energy industry, which has sent millions to Bush in the form of campaign contributions, then received billions in return. Think Bush, Cheney, Bechtel, Halliburton, Schultz.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Relentlessly Documenting the Failures of the Bush Administration
http://www.thousandreasons.org/the_top_ten.html
The Top Ten Reasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of us don't have the time to read 1,000 reasons (although it's a good idea) so this summary of the major categories will give you an overview. All the details and support are here: html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honesty
Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about his sex life. George Bush is applauded for overthrowing two governments (three, if you count Haiti) based on deception. He lied about the threat of Iraq, he lied about the cost, and he lied about the expected outcome. He lied about the purpose of his tax cuts, he lied about education, the environment, energy, and his own past. He lied about the cost of Medicare. Everything he says is choreographed to achieve political gain. In Bush's administration, truth takes a back seat to power every time.
War
History will not be kind to George Bush. In two years he overthrew two governments, and has his eyes on several others. He has ignored the UN, the US public, and 90% of the rest of the world, including millions who protested in the streets. He has violated the US Constitution and international law by attacking Iraq when it was not a threat to anyone. In his empire-building march across the Middle East, he has wasted the lives of thousands. History will wonder why no one stopped him.
Economy
As soon as people saw that Bush might get elected in 2000, the economy started to fall, helped by Bush's talk of recession. He, of course, tried to blame Clinton. Since then, the economy has dipped in and out of recession, over two million jobs have evaporated, deficits are soaring, and Bush's only response is to cut taxes for the wealthy. Every few months he promises that jobs are just around the corner -- if Congress will only approve my tax cuts -- but month after month job statistics give substance to the lie. Bush seems bent on destroying the very institution he heads.
Liberties
Yes, we need to catch terrorists, but we don't need a police state to do it. Ashcroft has no concern for personal liberties, only catching the bad guys. Is it really necessary for the government to know what books you read? Is it necessary to read your e-mail? Must librarians be gagged? This slide toward Fascism is as scary as anything else Bush does. And rather than scale back the most egregious aspects of the act, Bush wants to make it even more intrusive.
Taxes
No one likes taxes, but we all pay them in hopes that the government will provide the services we need and want: schools, highways, bridges, and security. Bush, like Reagan before him, intends to choke the government down to size. By cutting taxes, primarily for the wealthy, deficits soar and nothing is left for education, the environment, social programs (including Social Security) or necessary regulation of corporations. After spending $800 billion a year (by independent estimates) on an obscenely bloated military, there is no money for books, no money for highways, not even money for the soldiers who must fight his wars. There is no money. But schools must remain open, roads must be repaired, and the sick must find treatment; all this is left to the state and local governments, which are now raising taxes, firing teachers, and cutting services.
Environment
One of his first acts as president was to raise the allowable level of arsenic in drinking water. Since then, we have seen a continuous assault on the forests, the air, the water, and the land. Global warming threatens to wreak havoc on our economy, our food supply, and our social fabric, but Bush only listens to the scientists on the political right, and they see no reason to panic. Don't worry, be happy.
International Relations
When you're the strongest nation by a factor of ten, you don't need to play nice. You can be a bully, and if other countries don't like it, too bad. Under Bush, we've seen this arrogant attitude regularly. He walked away from Kyoto, from the land mine treaty, from the international women's rights treaty, and the international criminal court. He ignored the pleas of long-time allies to avoid war, insulting them childishly. It will be decades before we can regain the respect of the world.
Secrecy
This is the most secret administration in memory. Decisions are clearly being made by corporations and far-right interest groups, but Bush refuses to admit it or to say who is behind such important policies as energy. Government can only be trusted in the sunlight, and this government hides at undisclosed locations.
Military
We spend more on our military than the rest of the world combined. While most of us appreciate the sense of security a strong military brings, we also question the wisdom of such spending when we have no clear enemy. Iraq was overthrown for about $100 billion. We spend four times that every year. And now Bush wants to build a magical missile shield that no one believes will actually work. Oh, it will cost many billions, and a few select corporations will get rich, but meanwhile we have other needs, desperate needs, that are not being met. We don't even have health care for all our children. We can't even provide breakfast for all our children, or books, or decent schools. But we can kill bad guys better than anyone. And if Bush has his way, we will soon be dropping tactical nuclear bombs on them.
Corruption
The line between corporations and the government has disappeared during the Bush administration. Corporations give money to elect Bush, then Bush forms policies and rules that favor those same corporations. This is nowhere more evident than in the energy industry, which has sent millions to Bush in the form of campaign contributions, then received billions in return. Think Bush, Cheney, Bechtel, Halliburton, Schultz.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, April 15, 2004
ANALYSIS: Swaying polarized country is a long shot
Knight Ridder News Service
[Excerpts:]
. . . A presidential election is essentially a referendum on the incumbent, and this incumbent wants this election to be a referendum on his war leadership. He probably has little to fear on the Sept. 11 issue; in polls, most Americans don't believe that he was less than vigilant before the attack.
Americans, however, seem more focused on post-Sept. 11 events, and that's why Iraq is potentially troublesome. Tuesday night, Bush was reminded that his poll ratings on Iraq have been heading south, but he dismissed it by saying that he doesn't govern according to the polls. That kind of remark is one reason why his supporters like him. . . .
The nation is so polarized that Bush-boosters will still view the president as master and commander, standing firm against terrorists abroad and critics at home. And the Bush-bashers probably surfed to other TV stations, convinced he is incapable of admitting error or recognizing the folly of his adventure in Iraq. . . .
***
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Knight Ridder News Service
[Excerpts:]
. . . A presidential election is essentially a referendum on the incumbent, and this incumbent wants this election to be a referendum on his war leadership. He probably has little to fear on the Sept. 11 issue; in polls, most Americans don't believe that he was less than vigilant before the attack.
Americans, however, seem more focused on post-Sept. 11 events, and that's why Iraq is potentially troublesome. Tuesday night, Bush was reminded that his poll ratings on Iraq have been heading south, but he dismissed it by saying that he doesn't govern according to the polls. That kind of remark is one reason why his supporters like him. . . .
The nation is so polarized that Bush-boosters will still view the president as master and commander, standing firm against terrorists abroad and critics at home. And the Bush-bashers probably surfed to other TV stations, convinced he is incapable of admitting error or recognizing the folly of his adventure in Iraq. . . .
***
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Public's Focus Shifting Toward Terrorism, Poll Finds
Public's Focus still on the dollar, I find
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20040413033909990003
"The American public has shifted its attention toward problems like terrorism and war since last summer when more people said the nation's top problems were economic, an Associated Press poll found."
When asked in an open-ended question last July and this April to name the most important problems facing the United States, these were the responses [my tabulation]:
------------July 2003 -- April 2004
War----------------9---17%
Terrorism---------14---21
The war in Iraq-----2---10
Economy & jobs---47---37
Economy----------31---18
Energy, gas-------10---20? [ambiguous reporting]
So people are still more concerned about the economy, jobs, and gas prices (75%) than about war and terrorism (48%). The one booklet that's going to come out of this conspiracy will focus on war and terrorism. Anybody for the $ubject that count$ mo$t to voter$?
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public's Focus still on the dollar, I find
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20040413033909990003
"The American public has shifted its attention toward problems like terrorism and war since last summer when more people said the nation's top problems were economic, an Associated Press poll found."
When asked in an open-ended question last July and this April to name the most important problems facing the United States, these were the responses [my tabulation]:
------------July 2003 -- April 2004
War----------------9---17%
Terrorism---------14---21
The war in Iraq-----2---10
Economy & jobs---47---37
Economy----------31---18
Energy, gas-------10---20? [ambiguous reporting]
So people are still more concerned about the economy, jobs, and gas prices (75%) than about war and terrorism (48%). The one booklet that's going to come out of this conspiracy will focus on war and terrorism. Anybody for the $ubject that count$ mo$t to voter$?
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, April 12, 2004
http://www.searchenginejournal.com/index.php?p=443
John Kerry vs. George Bush in Google Race 2004
[ Search Engine Marketing ] 4/9/2004
Ever wonder how well the presidential candidates are doing not only in the national polls, but also in search engine results? Why not, with the upcoming election close election and the recent study by Nielsen/NetRatings reporting that 1 in 3 Americans (or 110 million of them) use search engines in their daily lives, search engines may play a very important role in many electorial decisions. . . .
. . . Running some tests on Google Race, let’s rank results:
Liar :
George W. Bush beats out John Kerry in this Google query, meaning there are more sites indexed in Google which associate President Bush with the search term “liar” than do for John Kerry.
Sexy:
For some odd reason, the sexiness of a candidate seems to come up in almost every Presidential election. Using Google Race for a search for “sexy,” the top result is for the Reverend Al Sharpton- can’t argue with that one! However, of the top Presidential candidates, George W. Bush is ranked sexier than John Kerry.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Kerry vs. George Bush in Google Race 2004
[ Search Engine Marketing ] 4/9/2004
Ever wonder how well the presidential candidates are doing not only in the national polls, but also in search engine results? Why not, with the upcoming election close election and the recent study by Nielsen/NetRatings reporting that 1 in 3 Americans (or 110 million of them) use search engines in their daily lives, search engines may play a very important role in many electorial decisions. . . .
. . . Running some tests on Google Race, let’s rank results:
Liar :
George W. Bush beats out John Kerry in this Google query, meaning there are more sites indexed in Google which associate President Bush with the search term “liar” than do for John Kerry.
Sexy:
For some odd reason, the sexiness of a candidate seems to come up in almost every Presidential election. Using Google Race for a search for “sexy,” the top result is for the Reverend Al Sharpton- can’t argue with that one! However, of the top Presidential candidates, George W. Bush is ranked sexier than John Kerry.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, April 09, 2004
carol sullivan > wrote:
Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2004 13:39:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: carol sullivan
Subject: no-carb diet
You owe it to your fellow Americans to go on the
No-CARB Diet in 2004
No Cheney
No Ashcroft
No Rumsfeld
No Bush
(and no RICE either)
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2004 13:39:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: carol sullivan
Subject: no-carb diet
You owe it to your fellow Americans to go on the
No-CARB Diet in 2004
No Cheney
No Ashcroft
No Rumsfeld
No Bush
(and no RICE either)
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Create Your Own Bumper Sticker!
http://democrats.com/display.cfm?id=338
Bush Cheney Fun
Create Your Own Bumper Sticker!
1. Rightclick on the logo below and copy the image (or save it to your disk)
2. Open your favorite graphics program (or word processor) and paste the image (or load it from your disk) if you use a word processor, change the "page setup" to "landscape" first
3. Add your own message above the image (we used the "Impact" font here):
4. Print it on your own color printer (or e-mail it to a friend or take a disk to Kinko's)
5. Cut out your bumper sticker and:
tape it to the inside of the back (or side) window of your car
tape it onto your bumper by covering it completely with clear packing tape
Most Popular Slogans
1 Billion Whoppers Served.........................Leadership Without A Doubt
Apocalypse Now........................................Leave No Billionaire Behind
Asses Of Evil.............................................Lies And Videotape But No Sex
Because Dictatorship Is Easier...................Miserable Failures
Because I'm President, That's Why.............Or Else
Because The Truth Just Isn't Good Enough..Osama Thanks You
Compassionate Colonialism.........................Putting The "Con" In Conservatism
Deja-Voodoo All Over Again.........................Resistance Is Futile
Don't Change Whores In Midstream.............Tested and Failed
Don't Think, Just Vote.................................Thanks For Not Paying Attention
Every Vote Counts - For Us.........................The Buck Stops Over There
Fire the Liars..............................................The Economy's Stupid
Four More Wars.........................................This Time, Elect Us
Gas = $5 per Gallon....................................We Has Incumbentory Advantitude
Get Used To It.............................................We're Gooder
Iraq: The 51st State.....................................Who Would Jesus Bomb?
It Takes A Village Idiot
It's A No-Brainer
It's the Dynasty, Stupid
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://democrats.com/display.cfm?id=338
Bush Cheney Fun
Create Your Own Bumper Sticker!
1. Rightclick on the logo below and copy the image (or save it to your disk)
2. Open your favorite graphics program (or word processor) and paste the image (or load it from your disk) if you use a word processor, change the "page setup" to "landscape" first
3. Add your own message above the image (we used the "Impact" font here):
4. Print it on your own color printer (or e-mail it to a friend or take a disk to Kinko's)
5. Cut out your bumper sticker and:
tape it to the inside of the back (or side) window of your car
tape it onto your bumper by covering it completely with clear packing tape
Most Popular Slogans
1 Billion Whoppers Served.........................Leadership Without A Doubt
Apocalypse Now........................................Leave No Billionaire Behind
Asses Of Evil.............................................Lies And Videotape But No Sex
Because Dictatorship Is Easier...................Miserable Failures
Because I'm President, That's Why.............Or Else
Because The Truth Just Isn't Good Enough..Osama Thanks You
Compassionate Colonialism.........................Putting The "Con" In Conservatism
Deja-Voodoo All Over Again.........................Resistance Is Futile
Don't Change Whores In Midstream.............Tested and Failed
Don't Think, Just Vote.................................Thanks For Not Paying Attention
Every Vote Counts - For Us.........................The Buck Stops Over There
Fire the Liars..............................................The Economy's Stupid
Four More Wars.........................................This Time, Elect Us
Gas = $5 per Gallon....................................We Has Incumbentory Advantitude
Get Used To It.............................................We're Gooder
Iraq: The 51st State.....................................Who Would Jesus Bomb?
It Takes A Village Idiot
It's A No-Brainer
It's the Dynasty, Stupid
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, April 08, 2004
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0409/p01s04-uspo.html
Support eroding for Bush on Iraq
By Liz Marlantes | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor from the April 09, 2004 edition
WASHINGTON – As violence and US casualties mount in Iraq, President Bush is facing a precarious political situation at home - and a potentially critical moment in the presidential campaign.
Current polls suggest that public opinion on the conflict could be approaching a tipping point. While Americans have always been divided over the war, a majority has consistently held that the US made the right decision in deposing Saddam Hussein. But some polls now find a majority disapproving of Mr. Bush's handling of the situation in Iraq, and, according to a recent Pew survey, a sizable margin believes the administration does not have a plan to bring the conflict to a successful conclusion. The number of Americans calling for the troops to come home is rising, with just a bare majority now favoring keeping US troops in the region. . . .
. . . Majority now thinks Bush is handling Iraq poorly
How would you grade President Bush's performance in handling the Iraq situation?
January 2004 April 2004
Excellent 29 % 21 %
Good 24 21
Average 16 15
Poor 13 15
Unacceptable 16 28
Source: Christian Science Monitor/TIPP polls
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support eroding for Bush on Iraq
By Liz Marlantes | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor from the April 09, 2004 edition
WASHINGTON – As violence and US casualties mount in Iraq, President Bush is facing a precarious political situation at home - and a potentially critical moment in the presidential campaign.
Current polls suggest that public opinion on the conflict could be approaching a tipping point. While Americans have always been divided over the war, a majority has consistently held that the US made the right decision in deposing Saddam Hussein. But some polls now find a majority disapproving of Mr. Bush's handling of the situation in Iraq, and, according to a recent Pew survey, a sizable margin believes the administration does not have a plan to bring the conflict to a successful conclusion. The number of Americans calling for the troops to come home is rising, with just a bare majority now favoring keeping US troops in the region. . . .
. . . Majority now thinks Bush is handling Iraq poorly
How would you grade President Bush's performance in handling the Iraq situation?
January 2004 April 2004
Excellent 29 % 21 %
Good 24 21
Average 16 15
Poor 13 15
Unacceptable 16 28
Source: Christian Science Monitor/TIPP polls
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More from Gary: Intervention Magazine
[ I liked this one so well, I emailed it to a rural relative who spams me and 20 others with the kind of conservative propaganda that's camouflaged behind righteous flag-waving and bible-thumping to convince half the country that the Republicans own God and patriotism. I challenged him to pass it along. Got any friends like that? Dennis ]
If Bush wants to compare flip-flops with Kerry—Bring it on!
By Mick Youther
The Bush Attack Machine started to define John Kerry as “a captive of special interests”. Then it came out that Bush had received more campaign contributions from Enron alone, than Kerry had received from lobbyists during all his years in the Senate! So the attack moved on to Plan B— defining Kerry as a flip-flopper and Bush as “steady and steadfast”.
They know that anyone who has been in the Senate for eighteen years will have a voting record that can be distorted to look bad. If a Senator voted against a bloated spending-bill that contained funding for breast cancer research, they can claim that Senator is against breast cancer research. Ask John McCain—they pulled that one on him in the 2000 primary.
Now their problem is that the attack on Kerry has resulted in lists of Bush flip-flops popping up everywhere. This is just a sampling of what's coming to light:
. . . followed by an interesting list of Bush's "steady and steadfast" flip-flops at:
www.interventionmag.com
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ I liked this one so well, I emailed it to a rural relative who spams me and 20 others with the kind of conservative propaganda that's camouflaged behind righteous flag-waving and bible-thumping to convince half the country that the Republicans own God and patriotism. I challenged him to pass it along. Got any friends like that? Dennis ]
If Bush wants to compare flip-flops with Kerry—Bring it on!
By Mick Youther
The Bush Attack Machine started to define John Kerry as “a captive of special interests”. Then it came out that Bush had received more campaign contributions from Enron alone, than Kerry had received from lobbyists during all his years in the Senate! So the attack moved on to Plan B— defining Kerry as a flip-flopper and Bush as “steady and steadfast”.
They know that anyone who has been in the Senate for eighteen years will have a voting record that can be distorted to look bad. If a Senator voted against a bloated spending-bill that contained funding for breast cancer research, they can claim that Senator is against breast cancer research. Ask John McCain—they pulled that one on him in the 2000 primary.
Now their problem is that the attack on Kerry has resulted in lists of Bush flip-flops popping up everywhere. This is just a sampling of what's coming to light:
. . . followed by an interesting list of Bush's "steady and steadfast" flip-flops at:
www.interventionmag.com
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Gary -- you don't have to be a vet to get a lot of good info from:
VETERANS AGAINST THE IRAQ WAR (VAIW) at:
http://www.vaiw.org/vet/index.php
Soldier for the Truth -- Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski
Pentagon 'coup' by neoconservatives, says former insider
"Exposing Bush’s talking-points war. Busting the liars"
By Marc Cooper, L.A. Weekly, February 19, 2004
After two decades in the U.S. Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski, now 43, knew her career as a regional analyst was coming to an end when — in the months leading up to the war in Iraq — she felt she was being “propagandized” by her own bosses.
. . . With master’s degrees from Harvard in government and zoology and two books on Saharan Africa to her credit. . . .
Though a lifelong conservative, Kwiatkowski found herself appalled as the radical wing of the Bush administration, including her superiors in the Pentagon planning department, bulldozed internal dissent, overlooked its own intelligence and relentlessly pushed for confrontation with Iraq. (more)
A sampling of other articles:
Heroes Ask Hard Questions
By Paul Bucha
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient tells vets: “We fought for the right to question."
Military Could Be Swing Vote In '04
By Scott Shepard
There are 1.4 million active-duty personnel in the military. Guard and Reserve forces total 1.3 million. There are about 3.6 million military dependents. And so far, it has been the dependents of soldiers who have been most vocal in their criticism of the president.
Uprising in Iraq Could Derail Bush
"Other members of the president's party raised the alarm over the emergence of the Shia militia and general unravelling of security. Senator Chuck Hagel, told the Washington Post the U.S. was 'dangerously close' to losing control in Iraq."
By Julian Borger, Guardian Unlimited, April 7, 2004
Cross Party Lines For Veep Choice
"A bipartisan ticket, also linking the East and West, would transform the electoral landscape."
By James L. Larocca, NewsDay, April 5, 2004
Independent Journalism Under Occupation in Iraq
"Today in Iraq, like in the U.S., there is a horrendous disparity between what is really occurring on the ground and what the Western corporate media chooses to report."
By Dahr Jamail, Information Clearing House, April 03, 2004
Fourteen `Enduring Bases´ Set in Iraq
"From the ashes of abandoned Iraqi army bases, U.S. military engineers are overseeing the building of an enhanced system of American bases designed to last for years."
By Christine Spolar, Chicago Tribune, March 23, 2004
'Their War Was Based on Lies'
"President Carter savages Blair and Bush."
By Andrew Buncombe, The Independent, March 22, 2004
And more:
US Doubts Resolution Will Keep Spain Troops in Iraq
Thailand Considering Withdrawing Troops
Is America Sending Battle-weary, Clinically Stressed Soldiers Back Into the Heat of Iraq?
Medical Evacuations in Iraq War Hit 18,000
In Army Survey, Troops in Iraq Report Low Morale
Clarke's Public Service
Navy Public Affairs Officer in Iraq Condemns Bush & the U.S. Invasion
Rockefeller Sounds Off On Iraq
Army Surveys Troops Mental Health
US Sent Medically Unfit Soldiers to Iraq, Pentagon Acknowledges
Army Study: GI Suicides In Iraq
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VETERANS AGAINST THE IRAQ WAR (VAIW) at:
http://www.vaiw.org/vet/index.php
Soldier for the Truth -- Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski
Pentagon 'coup' by neoconservatives, says former insider
"Exposing Bush’s talking-points war. Busting the liars"
By Marc Cooper, L.A. Weekly, February 19, 2004
After two decades in the U.S. Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski, now 43, knew her career as a regional analyst was coming to an end when — in the months leading up to the war in Iraq — she felt she was being “propagandized” by her own bosses.
. . . With master’s degrees from Harvard in government and zoology and two books on Saharan Africa to her credit. . . .
Though a lifelong conservative, Kwiatkowski found herself appalled as the radical wing of the Bush administration, including her superiors in the Pentagon planning department, bulldozed internal dissent, overlooked its own intelligence and relentlessly pushed for confrontation with Iraq. (more)
A sampling of other articles:
Heroes Ask Hard Questions
By Paul Bucha
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient tells vets: “We fought for the right to question."
Military Could Be Swing Vote In '04
By Scott Shepard
There are 1.4 million active-duty personnel in the military. Guard and Reserve forces total 1.3 million. There are about 3.6 million military dependents. And so far, it has been the dependents of soldiers who have been most vocal in their criticism of the president.
Uprising in Iraq Could Derail Bush
"Other members of the president's party raised the alarm over the emergence of the Shia militia and general unravelling of security. Senator Chuck Hagel, told the Washington Post the U.S. was 'dangerously close' to losing control in Iraq."
By Julian Borger, Guardian Unlimited, April 7, 2004
Cross Party Lines For Veep Choice
"A bipartisan ticket, also linking the East and West, would transform the electoral landscape."
By James L. Larocca, NewsDay, April 5, 2004
Independent Journalism Under Occupation in Iraq
"Today in Iraq, like in the U.S., there is a horrendous disparity between what is really occurring on the ground and what the Western corporate media chooses to report."
By Dahr Jamail, Information Clearing House, April 03, 2004
Fourteen `Enduring Bases´ Set in Iraq
"From the ashes of abandoned Iraqi army bases, U.S. military engineers are overseeing the building of an enhanced system of American bases designed to last for years."
By Christine Spolar, Chicago Tribune, March 23, 2004
'Their War Was Based on Lies'
"President Carter savages Blair and Bush."
By Andrew Buncombe, The Independent, March 22, 2004
And more:
US Doubts Resolution Will Keep Spain Troops in Iraq
Thailand Considering Withdrawing Troops
Is America Sending Battle-weary, Clinically Stressed Soldiers Back Into the Heat of Iraq?
Medical Evacuations in Iraq War Hit 18,000
In Army Survey, Troops in Iraq Report Low Morale
Clarke's Public Service
Navy Public Affairs Officer in Iraq Condemns Bush & the U.S. Invasion
Rockefeller Sounds Off On Iraq
Army Surveys Troops Mental Health
US Sent Medically Unfit Soldiers to Iraq, Pentagon Acknowledges
Army Study: GI Suicides In Iraq
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Looks more and more like we will be sending more troops to Iraq.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59466-2004Apr7.html
The Military Coalition
Some Allies Reconsider Their Occupation Roles
By Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 8, 2004; Page A12
BAGHDAD, April 7 -- The wave of violence in Iraq's southern cities is presenting the United States' coalition partners with the most severe challenge they have faced in 12 months of occupation, and some analysts predict that Washington might have to inject additional U.S. troops into the region. . . .
. . . Others point out that many nations joined the coalition more to curry favor with the U.S. government than to signal strong support for U.S. policy in Iraq, and so should not be expected to conduct extensive combat operations. "I don't think many of these governments have an ideological commitment to the Bush Doctrine and are likely to do little more than the bare minimum to remain on good terms with Washington," said Stephen Zunes, a political scientist at the University of San Francisco. The Bush Doctrine advocates taking preemptive, unprovoked action against emerging threats.
Something to watch for in the next several days is whether the smaller contingents simply stop responding to U.S. orders, said White, the former DIA analyst. It is a real possibility, he said, that "command and control of non-U.S./U.K. forces breaks down, with elements cutting deals with Sadr and hoping to stay out of the fight." . . .
. . . "It really is becoming quite a mess," said retired Marine Lt. Col. Dale Davis, a former Middle East intelligence officer. Unless Wednesday's call by Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, to end the violence has a significant effect on the restive south, "then I see no solution other than a massive infusion of U.S. forces of at least two divisions" -- about 30,000 soldiers.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59466-2004Apr7.html
The Military Coalition
Some Allies Reconsider Their Occupation Roles
By Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 8, 2004; Page A12
BAGHDAD, April 7 -- The wave of violence in Iraq's southern cities is presenting the United States' coalition partners with the most severe challenge they have faced in 12 months of occupation, and some analysts predict that Washington might have to inject additional U.S. troops into the region. . . .
. . . Others point out that many nations joined the coalition more to curry favor with the U.S. government than to signal strong support for U.S. policy in Iraq, and so should not be expected to conduct extensive combat operations. "I don't think many of these governments have an ideological commitment to the Bush Doctrine and are likely to do little more than the bare minimum to remain on good terms with Washington," said Stephen Zunes, a political scientist at the University of San Francisco. The Bush Doctrine advocates taking preemptive, unprovoked action against emerging threats.
Something to watch for in the next several days is whether the smaller contingents simply stop responding to U.S. orders, said White, the former DIA analyst. It is a real possibility, he said, that "command and control of non-U.S./U.K. forces breaks down, with elements cutting deals with Sadr and hoping to stay out of the fight." . . .
. . . "It really is becoming quite a mess," said retired Marine Lt. Col. Dale Davis, a former Middle East intelligence officer. Unless Wednesday's call by Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, to end the violence has a significant effect on the restive south, "then I see no solution other than a massive infusion of U.S. forces of at least two divisions" -- about 30,000 soldiers.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
This rather well describes how we got into the war with Iraq.
http://www.snopes.com/quotes/goering.htm
"Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."
-- Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials
. . . Later in the conversation, Gilbert recorded Goering's observations that the common people can always be manipulated into supporting and fighting wars by their political leaders:
We got around to the subject of war again and I said that, contrary to his attitude, I did not think that the common people are very thankful for leaders who bring them war and destruction.
"Why, of course, the people don't want war," Goering shrugged. "Why would some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best that he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece. Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship."
"There is one difference," I pointed out. "In a democracy the people have some say in the matter through their elected representatives, and in the United States only Congress can declare wars."
"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.snopes.com/quotes/goering.htm
"Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."
-- Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials
. . . Later in the conversation, Gilbert recorded Goering's observations that the common people can always be manipulated into supporting and fighting wars by their political leaders:
We got around to the subject of war again and I said that, contrary to his attitude, I did not think that the common people are very thankful for leaders who bring them war and destruction.
"Why, of course, the people don't want war," Goering shrugged. "Why would some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best that he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece. Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship."
"There is one difference," I pointed out. "In a democracy the people have some say in the matter through their elected representatives, and in the United States only Congress can declare wars."
"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, April 05, 2004
Granma International English Edition
http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2004/abril/lun5/kerry.html
Havana. April, 5 2004
John Kerry has advantage over Bush among Hispanic voters
BY BORIS LEONARDO CARO—Granma International staff writer—
JOHN Kerry, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. presidency, has a higher degree of preference than the current president among Hispanic electors, according to The Miami Herald.
According to a survey by this newspaper, 58% of voters of that origin are backing Kerry, as opposed to 33% who support Bush. Specialists have noted that if this trend continues, the democrats could win in traditionally disputed states such as Forida, New Mexico and Arizona, the daily comments.
In Florida, that state that gave the controversial victory to Bush in the 2000 elections, the vote is polarized among Cuban Americans, in their majority pro-Republican, and Latinos from other countries, whose numbers are higher than the former.
More a cause for concern for the Republican leader is his falling popularity in the Great Lakes region. In states such as Michigan and Ohio, less than 50% of Hispanics trust in Bush’s capacity to revert the unemployment situation. At the same time, 62% believe that a change in the presidency is needed within the country.
Another critical point for Bush in this area is the perception of his leadership. More than 50% of Latinos believe that the nation is advancing in the wrong direction and, likewise, are opposed to the war in Iraq.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2004/abril/lun5/kerry.html
Havana. April, 5 2004
John Kerry has advantage over Bush among Hispanic voters
BY BORIS LEONARDO CARO—Granma International staff writer—
JOHN Kerry, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. presidency, has a higher degree of preference than the current president among Hispanic electors, according to The Miami Herald.
According to a survey by this newspaper, 58% of voters of that origin are backing Kerry, as opposed to 33% who support Bush. Specialists have noted that if this trend continues, the democrats could win in traditionally disputed states such as Forida, New Mexico and Arizona, the daily comments.
In Florida, that state that gave the controversial victory to Bush in the 2000 elections, the vote is polarized among Cuban Americans, in their majority pro-Republican, and Latinos from other countries, whose numbers are higher than the former.
More a cause for concern for the Republican leader is his falling popularity in the Great Lakes region. In states such as Michigan and Ohio, less than 50% of Hispanics trust in Bush’s capacity to revert the unemployment situation. At the same time, 62% believe that a change in the presidency is needed within the country.
Another critical point for Bush in this area is the perception of his leadership. More than 50% of Latinos believe that the nation is advancing in the wrong direction and, likewise, are opposed to the war in Iraq.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, April 03, 2004
Ammo needed: Bush vs Kerry on terrorism
Ann and I are gathering material for our projected work comparing Bush and Kerry. While Ann hits the books, I'll be gathering in ammo from other sources. As information is acquired, the planned emphasis of the work changes. Polls show people are stubbornly convinced Bush will do a better job against terrorism than Kerry, and it's his main selling point. A main point in our projected work is planned to be a comparison of Bush's and Kerry's very different approaches to complex problems like terrorism.
I need material showing how Bush's foreign policy and war on terrorism is simplistic, misdirected, and making the problem worse.
Kerry's campaign seems to be holding off on promoting his strategy on terrorism, but watch for anything that crops up.
Meanwhile, please pick up on anything related to Kerry's intelligence, leadership style, ability and/or propensity to consider all sides of a problem, etc.
In short, give me anything that will support the argument that Kerry would do a smarter job against terrorism, or on foreign policy in general, than Bush.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ann and I are gathering material for our projected work comparing Bush and Kerry. While Ann hits the books, I'll be gathering in ammo from other sources. As information is acquired, the planned emphasis of the work changes. Polls show people are stubbornly convinced Bush will do a better job against terrorism than Kerry, and it's his main selling point. A main point in our projected work is planned to be a comparison of Bush's and Kerry's very different approaches to complex problems like terrorism.
I need material showing how Bush's foreign policy and war on terrorism is simplistic, misdirected, and making the problem worse.
Kerry's campaign seems to be holding off on promoting his strategy on terrorism, but watch for anything that crops up.
Meanwhile, please pick up on anything related to Kerry's intelligence, leadership style, ability and/or propensity to consider all sides of a problem, etc.
In short, give me anything that will support the argument that Kerry would do a smarter job against terrorism, or on foreign policy in general, than Bush.
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, April 02, 2004
http://www.latimes.com/
LATimes April 1, 2004 E-mail story
THE TIMES POLL
Clarke's Charges Gain Acceptance
But a majority also thinks his criticisms of Bush's terrorism record were politically timed.
By Ronald Brownstein, Times Staff Writer
WASHINGTON — Most Americans accept Richard Clarke's key criticisms of President Bush's anti-terrorism record, but a majority also thinks that politics influenced the timing of the charges by the former White House aide, a Los Angeles Times poll has found.
Nearly three-fifths of those surveyed echoed the contention by Clarke that Bush placed a higher priority on invading Iraq than combating terrorism. And a smaller majority agreed with the charge by the onetime White House counterterrorism chief that Bush did not focus enough on the terrorist threat before the Sept. 11 attacks. . . .
. . . The survey found presumed Democratic nominee John F. Kerry holding a 49% to 46% advantage over Bush among registered voters, a difference within the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Adding independent candidate Ralph Nader to the mix resulted in little change. In the three-man race, Kerry drew 47%, Bush 44% and Nader 4%.
The survey also found that Bush could be hurt by attitudes about his handling of the economy, while impressions about Kerry remained somewhat unformed. . . .
. . . By 57% to 37%, those polled agreed with Clarke's contention that "President Bush was more focused on attacking Iraq than dealing with terrorism."
Almost four in five Democrats agreed with the claim, while two-thirds of Republicans disagreed.
In a potentially ominous sign for the White House, most independents agreed with Clarke on both questions. Over three-fifths of independents said Iraq had been a higher priority for Bush than fighting terrorism, while just less than three-fifths said he did not pay enough attention at first to the terrorist threat. . . .
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LATimes April 1, 2004 E-mail story
THE TIMES POLL
Clarke's Charges Gain Acceptance
But a majority also thinks his criticisms of Bush's terrorism record were politically timed.
By Ronald Brownstein, Times Staff Writer
WASHINGTON — Most Americans accept Richard Clarke's key criticisms of President Bush's anti-terrorism record, but a majority also thinks that politics influenced the timing of the charges by the former White House aide, a Los Angeles Times poll has found.
Nearly three-fifths of those surveyed echoed the contention by Clarke that Bush placed a higher priority on invading Iraq than combating terrorism. And a smaller majority agreed with the charge by the onetime White House counterterrorism chief that Bush did not focus enough on the terrorist threat before the Sept. 11 attacks. . . .
. . . The survey found presumed Democratic nominee John F. Kerry holding a 49% to 46% advantage over Bush among registered voters, a difference within the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Adding independent candidate Ralph Nader to the mix resulted in little change. In the three-man race, Kerry drew 47%, Bush 44% and Nader 4%.
The survey also found that Bush could be hurt by attitudes about his handling of the economy, while impressions about Kerry remained somewhat unformed. . . .
. . . By 57% to 37%, those polled agreed with Clarke's contention that "President Bush was more focused on attacking Iraq than dealing with terrorism."
Almost four in five Democrats agreed with the claim, while two-thirds of Republicans disagreed.
In a potentially ominous sign for the White House, most independents agreed with Clarke on both questions. Over three-fifths of independents said Iraq had been a higher priority for Bush than fighting terrorism, while just less than three-fifths said he did not pay enough attention at first to the terrorist threat. . . .
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Alert from Dave H:
Minnesotans for Kerry DFL Unity Organizational Meeting
"Your help is a critical component of our ability to defeat the Republicans this fall. Minnesota is a state that the GOP thinks they can take. The Bush-Cheney campaign is already investing heavily in the state."
Tuesday, April 20th, at Lakes and Plains Regional Council Of Carpenters and Joiners, 700 Olive Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
Session #1: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Session #2: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
Please go to http://johnkerrymn.com/mnmtgform.htm to RSVP for one of the meeting times.
----------------------------------------------
Re: Air America Radio -- "The O'Franken Factor" is on six small stations scattered across the country, compared to 800 stations selling right wing propaganda. Brian Lambert wrote an accurate review at:
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/entertainment/8325035.htm
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minnesotans for Kerry DFL Unity Organizational Meeting
"Your help is a critical component of our ability to defeat the Republicans this fall. Minnesota is a state that the GOP thinks they can take. The Bush-Cheney campaign is already investing heavily in the state."
Tuesday, April 20th, at Lakes and Plains Regional Council Of Carpenters and Joiners, 700 Olive Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
Session #1: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Session #2: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
Please go to http://johnkerrymn.com/mnmtgform.htm to RSVP for one of the meeting times.
----------------------------------------------
Re: Air America Radio -- "The O'Franken Factor" is on six small stations scattered across the country, compared to 800 stations selling right wing propaganda. Brian Lambert wrote an accurate review at:
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/entertainment/8325035.htm
End-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
