President Obama: Do You Really Want to Be the New War President?

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

President Obama is scheduled to go to West Point tonight to deliver a speech about his decision to escalate American involvement in the Afghanistan war — a war we have been fighting since 2001. Obama’s escalation amounts to a capitulation to Gen. Stan McChrystal, is expected to include a staggering increase of some 34,000 U.S. combat troops. Conditions on the ground in Afghanistan are eerily similar to those U.S. troops encountered in Vietnam more than forty years ago. There is no compelling national security reason for the U.S. to be in Afghanistan.

Please read Michael Moore’s open letter to President Obama.

Dear President Obama,

Do you really want to be the new “war president”? If you go to West Point tomorrow night (Tuesday, 8pm) and announce that you are increasing, rather than withdrawing, the troops in Afghanistan, you are the new war president. Pure and simple. And with that you will do the worst possible thing you could do — destroy the hopes and dreams so many millions have placed in you. With just one speech tomorrow night you will turn a multitude of young people who were the backbone of your campaign into disillusioned cynics. You will teach them what they’ve always heard is true — that all politicians are alike.

Choose carefully, President Obama. You of all people know that it doesn’t have to be this way. You still have a few hours to listen to your heart, and your own clear thinking. You know that nothing good can come from sending more troops halfway around the world to a place neither you nor they understand, to achieve an objective that neither you nor they understand, in a country that does not want us there. You can feel it in your bones.

We the people still love you. We the people still have a sliver of hope. But we the people can’t take it anymore. We can’t take your caving in, over and over, when we elected you by a big, wide margin of millions to get in there and get the job done. What part of “landslide victory” don’t you understand?

President Obama, it’s time to come home. Ask your neighbors in Chicago and the parents of the young men and women doing the fighting and dying if they want more billions and more troops sent to Afghanistan. Do you think they will say, “No, we don’t need health care, we don’t need jobs, we don’t need homes. You go on ahead, Mr. President, and send our wealth and our sons and daughters overseas, ’cause we don’t need them, either.”

What would Martin Luther King, Jr. do? What would your grandmother do? Not send more poor people to kill other poor people who pose no threat to them, that’s what they’d do. Not spend billions and trillions to wage war while American children are sleeping on the streets and standing in bread lines.

When we elected you we didn’t expect miracles. We didn’t even expect much change. But we expected some. We thought you would stop the madness. Stop the killing. Stop the insane idea that men with guns can reorganize a nation that doesn’t even function as a nation and never, ever has.

Stop, stop, stop! For the sake of the lives of young Americans and Afghan civilians, stop. For the sake of your presidency, hope, and the future of our nation, stop. For God’s sake, stop.

Tonight we still have hope.

Tomorrow, we shall see. The ball is in your court. You DON’T have to do this. You can be a profile in courage. You can be your mother’s son.

We’re counting on you.

Yours,
Michael Moore

If you are as opposed to the troop escalation as much as me, please have your voice heard.

Call the White House at 202-456-1111 or email President Obama before it’s too late.

Pastor Rick Warren on Ugandan Law Allowing Execution of HIV-Positive Gay Men: “I Never Take Sides.”

Monday, November 30, 2009

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, is at it again. The man President Obama chose to perform the inaugural invocation back in January, and who supported California’s Proposition 8, which defined marriage as between a man and a woman, was a guest on NBC’s Meet the Press this past Sunday.

Warren was asked about his cozy relationship with Martin Ssempa, an Ugandan pastor who endorsed proposed legislation in Uganda making gay sex punishable by life in prison or even in some cases death. Ssempa has been a guest at Warren’s Saddleback Church where he was was warmly embraced warmly by Warren and his wife, Kay.

In October, Warren distanced himself from Ssempa and the Ugandan legislation, saying, “Martin Ssempa does not represent me, my wife Kay, Saddleback Church, nor the Global PEACE Plan strategy,” but on Meet the Press, Warren refused to condemn the homophobic legislation itself, saying, “As a pastor, my job is to encourage, to support. I never take sides.”

Donald Rumsfeld’s (Lack of) Leadership Allowed Bin Laden to Escape

Sunday, November 29, 2009

In a skewering U.S. Senate report set for release tomorrow, Osama bin Laden was “within the grasp” of American forces in late 2001 but escaped because then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld rejected calls for reinforcements.

The report is intended to help learn the lessons of the past just as President Obama prepares to announce a major escalation of the Afghanistan war — now lumbering into its ninth year, with up to 35,000 additional U.S. troops.

The report points the finger directly at Rumsfeld for turning down requests for reinforcements as Bin Laden was trapped in December 2001 inside caves and tunnels in a remote, mountainous area of eastern Afghanistan known as Tora Bora.

Entitled: “Tora Bora Revisited: How We Failed to Get Bin Laden and Why It Matters Today,” the report — commissioned by Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says Bin Laden expected to die and had even written a will.

The report says:

“But the Al-Qaeda leader would live to fight another day. Fewer than 100 American commandos were on the scene with their Afghan allies and calls for reinforcements to launch an assault were rejected. Requests were also turned down for US troops to block the mountain paths leading to sanctuary a few miles away in Pakistan. The decision not to deploy American forces to go after Bin Laden or block his escape was made by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and his top commander, General Tommy Franks.”

Rumsfeld’s argument at the time, the report says, was that deploying too many American troops could jeopardize the mission by creating an anti-US backlash among the local populace.

The report dismisses arguments at the time from Franks, Vice President Dick Cheney and others defending the decision and arguing that the intelligence was inconclusive about Bin Laden’s location.

President Obama Gets Punked

Saturday, November 28, 2009

President Obama came face-to-face with the Virginia couple who crashed this week’s state dinner at the White House and all the Secret Service can muster is “We’re deeply concerned and embarrassed” by the breach of security.

The couple, Michaele and Tareq Salahi, lacking a White House invitation to the event, breezed passed two security check points, as well as the president’s bodyguards to enter what is allegedly the most secure building in the world, are wannabe reality TV stars trying to secure a spot on BravoTV’s The Real Housewives of Washington DC.

In a picture released by the White House Friday, Michaele Salahi, a former Redskins cheerleader, is shown clasping President Obama’s hand as he greets guests Tuesday evening in the receiving line in the Blue Room. Her husband, Tareq, is shown looking on. In the same photo, to Mr. Obama’s left, the turban belonging to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh can be seen.

Pictures posted on Michaele Salahi’s Facebook page showed the couple standing next to a smiling Vice President Joe Biden and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Remarkably, at no point during the party was the breach discovered. When they left, it was on their own, officials said. Although the couple went through a metal detector, this alone is not sufficient to protect the president from a determined terrorist who smuggled in a biological weapon(s) or who grabbed a knife or fork to inflict harm.

Catholic Church Slammed by Irish Report for ‘Obsessive’ Cover-Ups of Pedophile Priests

Friday, November 27, 2009

Roman Catholic archbishops in Dublin obsessively covered up widespread sexual abuse of children by pedophile priests until the mid-1990s, according to a report commissioned by the Irish government and released Thursday.

Archbishops in charge from 1975 through 2004 were aware of some complaints and the archdiocese was pre-occupied with protecting the reputation of the Catholic Church above protecting children’s welfare, the report said.

It said the Church was “obsessively” concerned with secrecy and operated a policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell” about abuse.

“Unfortunately, it may be that the very prominent role which the Church has played in Irish life is the very reason why abuses by a minority of its members were allowed to go unchecked,” it said.

The report, designed to show how the Church and state responded to charges of abusing children, said a representative sample of 46 priests against whom complaints were leveled at made it “abundantly clear” that abuse was widespread.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern told a news conference of his revulsion at the findings:

“I read the report as justice minister. But on a human level as a father and as a member of this community, I felt a growing sense of revulsion and anger. Revulsion at the horrible evil acts committed against children. Anger at how those children were then dealt with and how often abusers were left free to abuse.”

The Church in Ireland has been plagued by sex scandals for at least two decades. The disclosures in May of floggings, slave labor and gang rape in much of Ireland’s now defunct system of industrial and reform schools earlier in the 20th century shamed Ireland and further eroded the Church’s moral authority.

“The Dublin Archdiocese’s pre-occupations in dealing with cases of child sexual abuse, at least until the mid-1990s, were the maintenance of secrecy, the avoidance of scandal, the protection of the reputation of the Church, and the preservation of its assets,” Thursday’s report said.

“All other considerations, including the welfare of children and justice for victims, were subordinated to these priorities,” added the report, which was published by the Justice Ministry.

More than twice as many complaints related to boys than girls, but the report also said it was “risible” when an archbishop defended one case by saying it arose merely from a priest’s “‘wonderment’ about the female anatomy.”

Similar abuse cover-up charges have dogged the Catholic Church in other countries, especially the United States. Seven dioceses there have filed for bankruptcy protection to shield themselves from law suits by abuse victims.

Periodically, I report on the culture of pedophile Catholic priest abuse and while the vast majority of my readers have expressed appreciation for my efforts, a small number of Catholic extremists and Catholic apologists have tried to argue that the Catholic Church is being unfairly targeted by this Blog.

I will continue to report on the Catholic Church and its culture of racism, sexism, homophobia, and pedophilia as data and information is made available.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Wishing everyone an enjoyable, safe and splendid Thanksgiving.

Regular posting will resume tomorrow.

President Obama Capitulates to Gen. McChrystal, Will Send 34,000 to Afghanistan

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

This is not good. President Obama met Monday evening with his national security team to finalize a plan to send 34,000 additional U.S. troops next year to what he’s called “a war of necessity” in Afghanistan U.S. officials told McClatchy News.

Obama is expected to announce his long-awaited decision on Dec. 1, followed by meetings on Capitol Hill aimed at winning congressional support amid opposition by some Democrats who are worried about the strain on the U.S. Treasury and whether Afghanistan has become a quagmire, the officials said.

The U.S. officials all spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the issue publicly and because, one official said, the White House is incensed by leaks on its Afghanistan policy that didn’t originate in the White House.

Gen. Stan McChrystal, could arrive in Washington as early as Sunday to participate in the rollout of the new plan, including testifying before Congress toward the end of next week.

Presidente Luiz Dobbs?

Monday, November 23, 2009

Former CNN personality and raging xenophobe, Lou Dobbs, told WTOP radio in Washington DC that he’s thinking of running for president in 2012.

Dobbs, who is no fan of Mexican immigrants, is serious and is even reaching out to Latino groups to see if he can mend fences.

Dobbs told WTOP radio about his presidential aspirations:

“It’s one of the discussions that we’re having. For the first time, I’m actually listening to some people about politics. We’ve got to do something in this country and I think that being in the public arena means you’ve got to be part of the solution. I feel liberated. I feel emancipated. I’m exhilarated.”

Perhaps, Dobbs could ask the equally delusional Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate? Estos conservadores están locos! Ole!

Martha Stewart on Sarah Palin: “boring,” “confused,” “a dangerous person”

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Martha Stewart was asked by CNN why Sarah Palin is such a polarizing figure and the original domestic Diva went all gangsta’ on the reporter.

M-Wart called Palin “boring,” “confused,” “a dangerous person,” and a “real problem,” and ended the Q&A with, “I wouldn’t watch her if you pay me.” Ouch!

Watch it:

Trump to Carrie Prejean: Try Porn

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The disgraced and dethroned former Miss California Carrie Prejean has reportedly been seeking out Donald Trump’s counsel on how to rehabilitate her sullied reputation following revelations about her porn tapes.

Trump was all-too-happy to give Prejean some career advice:

“Prejean, a Christian who was vilified because she opposes gay marriage has lost all credibility and her reputation has been blown to shreds. Maybe, she should become a major porn star, make millions of dollars, and give it to worthy causes.”

And to think, I’ve been saying precisely this all along? GMTA, Donald.

Levi Johnston Delivers Butt, No Peen

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The long awaited and much (over) hyped Levi Johnston Playgirl photo spread is here and while Levi delivers butt, he’s saving peen for the rumored porn film debut.

The first of the 20-odd Playgirl images of Bristol’s baby daddy have started to make their way to the internets, however for anything more revealing you will have to part with a $19.95/month fee.

Based on what I’ve seen so far, it’s not worth the charge. But, of course, the choice is yours.

Sarah Parasite

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Sarah Palin’s future literary presidential career hit a major road bump yesterday in Noblesville, Indiana when the local Borders Books handed out 1,000 wristbands to fans of the former Alaska governor for a spot online to buy a copy of “Going Rogue” and a treasured autograph from Palin. But dozens of people were summarily turned away as Palin was whisked out of the store and onto her rented “Going Rogue” bus without obtaining the coveted autograph.

Not everyone who braved the cold rain for as long as 24 hours were happy.

“I’m very disappointed. I think it was very rude. She could have at least apologized, and she didn’t even do that,” said Teresa Hedrick.

“We bought two books from Borders to have our receipt and our wristband to get it signed tonight,” said one woman. “My books are going back to Borders tomorrow.”

“We gave up our entire workday, stayed in the cold. My kids were crying,” said one man. “They went home with my wife. She was out here in the freezing cold all day. I feel like I don’t want to support Sarah.”

The angry mob turned on Palin as she climbed aboard her ride. The video shows people booing and shouting “Sign our books Sarah!” as the engine revved up and Palin vanished into the night.

FOX Noise Screws Up Again, Shows ‘Going Rouge’ Onscreen Instead of ‘Going Rogue’

Friday, November 20, 2009

FOX Noise screws the pooch again. Producers put “Going Rouge,” a book written by editors at The Nation up on the screeen instead of “Going Rogue,” Sarah Palin’s ghostwritten, mavericky roll out for her 2012 presidential run.

Watch it:

Quote of the Day

Friday, November 20, 2009

“Why would anybody stay in Chicago? It’s freezing here, and I have a mansion in Montecito that I haven’t been able to enjoy.” — Oprah Winfrey, explaining why she’s ending her long running TV show and moving to California

Embattled Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner Refuses to Resign

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Facing criticism from the left and the right, embattled Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner today refused to resign during a heated exchange at Thursday’s Joint Economic Committee hearing with ranking Republican Kevin Brady, who suggested that Geithner had “failed” and should reconsider his job.

In recent weeks, Geithner has come under fire from liberals and conservatives over his leadership. A number of lawmakers have questioned whether the Treasury’s recovery efforts have prioritized Wall Street at “Main Street’s” expense.

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) told MSNBC on Wednesday:

“A growing consensus in the caucus believe that Geithner should be removed.”

However, Geithner bristled at any suggestion he should resign and blamed former President George W. Bush’s leadership for the country’s financial woes, saying:

“I agree with almost nothing of what you said. Again, it’s just a basic fact: A year ago, this economy was falling at the rate of 6 percent a year. We were losing between half a million and three-quarters of a million jobs a month.”

But with Congressional confidence in Geithner in the gutter, many wonder how much longer President Obama will allow Geithner to remain at Treasury until he does what seems to be the inevitable and ask for his resignation?

It’s not enough to save Wall Street if it doesn’t include accountability for the huge sums of money the taxpayers were forced to payout back in September, 2008. The American people are patient but we’re not fools. Unfortunately, Tim Geithner doesn’t understand this.

A Bow is Worse than a French Kiss?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, made a fool of himself (again) when he attacked President Barack Obama for bowing Japanese Emperor Akihito.

Cheney told POLITICO.com:

“There is no reason for an American president to bow to anyone. Our friends and allies don’t expect it, and our enemies see it as a sign of weakness.”

However, Cheney (as well as the rest of the rabid rightwing) was silent when his boss, former President George W. Bush, french kissed Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah.

Perhaps, our conservative friends can explain how Obama’s bow to Emperor Akihito is worse than Bush sinking his tongue down Prince Abdullah’s throat because frankly, I just don’t see it.

Palin’s Inflammatory Ghostwriter Traffics in Bizarre Gay Stereotypes

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Sarah Palin’s book, Going Rogue: An American Life, was ghostwritten by World magazine features editor Lynn Vincent. On the surface, the selection of Vincent seemed curious but Vincent’s extremist views on a wide variety of topics are much the same as Palin’s views.

Lynn Vincent has a long record of inflammatory attacks on Democrats and liberals. But greatest contempt is saved for the gay community. Vincent has likened gay people to communists and writes that homosexuality is a mental disorder. In her many columns for World, Vincent has authored several pieces on gay rights issues in which she derided gay men and lesbians as “abnormal and deviant.” Vincent even went so far as to lament the American Psychiatric Association’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

It is curious that Oprah Winfrey, herself a pro gay, liberal Democrat — wasted no time booking Sarah Palin as a guest on her long running TV show and who is usually well prepared vis a vis literary matters, failed to ask Palin about her choice of Lynn Vincent? Perhaps, neither Winfrey or her staff was aware of Vincent’s controversial beliefs about gays and lesbians? On the other hand, at this point in Winfrey’s career, it no longer matters? Peddling fluff with the least amount of controversy to stay-at-home moms translates best to high ratings?

Army Sends Infant to Protective Services, Mom to Afghanistan

Monday, November 16, 2009

America’s antifamily military has reached a new low. U.S. Army Specialist Alexis Hutchinson, a single mother, is being threatened with a military court martial if she does not agree to deploy to Afghanistan, despite having been told she would be granted extra time to find someone to care for her 11-month-old son while she is deployed.

Hutchinson, of Oakland, California, is currently being confined at Hunter Army Airfield near Savannah, Georgia, after being arrested. Her son was placed into a county foster care system.

According to the family care plan of the U.S. Army, Hutchinson was allowed to fly to California and leave her son with her mother, Angelique Hughes of Oakland, but after a week of caring for the child, Hughes realised she was unable to care for Kamani along with her other duties of caring for a daughter with special needs, her ailing mother, and an ailing sister.

In late October, Angelique Hughes told Hutchinson and her commander that she would be unable to care for Kamani after all. The Army then gave Hutchinson an extension of time to allow her to find someone else to care for Kamani. Meanwhile, Hughes brought Kamani back to Georgia to be with his mother.

However, only a few days before Hutchinson’s original deployment date, she was told by the Army she would not get the time extension after all, and would have to deploy, despite not having found anyone to care for her child.

Faced with this choice, Hutchinson chose not to show up for her plane to Afghanistan. The military arrested her and placed her child in the county foster care system.

How much more proof do we need that President Obama must end the protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and bring the troops home immediately?