AM Feed - May 4: Sham Ethics Bill Passes House
Hot Topics
- The Republican leadership in the House of Representatives had to hold open a voting session yesterday (again), but they eventually twisted enough arms to secure the passage of the weak “lobbying reform” package by a 217-213 margin. The bill mainly focuses on increased disclosure for lobbyists, but it does not offer much in the way of real reforms to clean up the culture of corruption that has flourished on Capitol Hill. The House quickly backtracked away from initial proclamations to enact real changes, and instead settled on this watered-down substitute, which fails to even take basic steps like outlawing privately-funded travel for lawmakers. [link]
- The Senate could gear up for another showdown over two more of President Bush’s ultra-conservative judicial nominations. Bush has tapped Terrence Boyle and Brett Kavanaugh to fill judgeships, but questions linger about both men. Reports indicate that Boyle has held stock in companies whose cases came before his bench, while Kavanaugh’s rating from the American Bar Association has slipped recently. [link]
Quote of the Day
“No legitimate interest is served when oil and gas become tools of intimidation or blackmail, either by supply manipulation or attempts to monopolize transportation…And no one can justify actions that undermine the territorial integrity of a neighbor, or interfere with democratic movements.” – Vice President Cheney, warning Russia about the need for reform.
Morning Snark
- Is Vice President Cheney finally admitting that Halliburton is not a legitimate interest?
Comment
- Dick Cheney admits to nothing !!! Who’s gonna make him, eh?
And I finally figured it out… we’re not in Iraq for the oil (maybe some of it)... we’re there to build a huge center of protection for Israel.
That will make it easier for Israel to eradicate the Palestinians and whoever else Israel feels threatened by.
I do not think the US would do anything to stop Israel from completely wiping out the Palestinians.
— MO May 4, 12:37 # - It has recently come to my attention that the Department of Defense is planning to test a 700 ton non-nuclear “bunker buster” bomb in Nevada. The test has been assigned the goofy name “Divine Strake” by some PR hack and will affect the Western Shoshone Nation on whose lands the tests are to be conducted. I am absolutely furious at this blatant racism against our red brothers and sisters. The Western Shoshone Defense Project is campaigning against “Divine Strake” with the backing of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Let’s have a “All-Hands-On-Deck” response to stand up with the Shoshone to repel this repugnant action by our out-of-control government!
— John May 4, 12:38 # - It always amazes me that Cheney and the other Repugs can make statements like that one without breaking into hysterical laughter.
No one can match their ability to keep a straight face while chastising others for actions the likes of which the Repugs are by far the world’s worst offenders.
— Reep Daggle May 4, 12:39 # - Your comments are right on the money, MO! But be prepared for some robotic regressive to accuse you of anti-semitism. This is the primary tactic they use to stifle discussion that even hints at the enormous sway AIPAC and other pro-Israel lobbies have on U.S. politicians. Funny thing is, in Israel they can have more freedom to mull these issues over, but here this issue is taboo. Bear in mind MO that most Jews in the U.S. are not in agreement with AIPAC’s agenda.
— John May 4, 12:47 # - John-
I expect some folks might want to call me anti-sematic but that is only because they associated being Jewish with the political state of Israel.
I personnally do not associate the two. I am talking about politics and governmental aggression. I am NOT talking about folks of the Jewish faith.
So they can call me any names they want but I believe that would be a reflection of their own prejudices.
— MO May 4, 12:55 # - Reep Daggle, that amazes me too – I don’t think these cretins have any idea of the mind-boggling hypocrisy they exhibit constantly, but this is the way decadent royals have always behaved. They are not bound by norms of civilized behavior, morality or decency. This is why throughout the history of humankind they have been such a bane to we, the people. Their most fervent desire is drag us back to pre-Magna Carta times. We must resist their efforts with every fiber of our being.
— John May 4, 13:08 # - It’s just another GOP attemp to save face , and not lose in the elections. The damage is already done. they need to go. So vote Blue. Let s get some new people in there with no ties to the oil industry,big business, the credit card companys. the Drug manfuctors. and such.
— Gregory A Reece May 4, 13:26 #
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