So, in a well-recommended and highly-commented upon diary ThereIsNoSpoon, having faith in the workings of the American government, implores everyone to Calm the Fuck Down Already. Things will sort themselves out! Democrats will get elected! The Supreme Court will overturn it! And anyway, they're already torturing people! There's no need to get all emotional over it!
Have you been paying attention? How can you be so completely fucking naive?
If there were ever a moment worthy of taking to the streets of Washington D.C. armed, this is that moment. An emotional response to an outrage such as this is not only justified but is demanded. There are times in history when outrage is the rational response to have. Calm the fuck down? Not only no but hell no. The fires should be stoked, not smothered. Don't you dare stand in the way.
Would you like to do some internet outreach on a different message board? One that is basically progressive-friendly? But one that has been overrun by "minimum wage is a bad thing" libertarians?
Well, now's your chance. I've been fighting with these guys for months now and need some help. Economics is not my specialty. It's a good message board, and the coversations can be both extremely heated and extremely intelligent, depending.
One big caveat should be mentioned, though: the site is NSFW. Despite this the discussions on the politics forum are surprisingly intelligent, even with the heavy libertarian presence.
If you decide to do this I have two pieces of advice for your: 1) prepare to be shocked, and 2) take your time. These guys are absoulutely ruthless to new users.
Friends, we must circle the wagons and defend our dearly beloved fellow Republican, the right honorable Rep. Tom DeLay, from the indictment that has been handed down against him and his associates. Here is the game plan:
I went to Crawford, Texas yesterday to add my voice to the protesters. It was exciting, enlightening, and all together satisfying. I met Cindy, sweated a lot, laughed, and wept.
The recent efforts in Ohio's special election for district 2 have been amazing and heroic. The netroots has once again put their money and bodies where their mouths are, in the process putting a worthy candidate into play in a heavily Republican district. We should all feel proud of what we have done, and take comfort in the power of our collective strength.
With the coming of every rosy-fingered dawn there are always those cynics like myself who are quick to point out "yeah, but the heat will make the smog worse." This special election is no different. Yes, the netroots made this campaign a competitive one. Yes, the netroots raised impressive amounts of bank to get a veteran into office. Yes, we're all very proud, and justifiably so.
But if we know what's good for us we'll keep our stinking mouths shut.
I am that which you fear, loathe, and denegrate. I am that which you tell you children not to be, terrified that they may become. You lie, cheat, steal, vote Republican, and listen to Sean Hannity every day of the week in a vain hope that I will go away. I'm a monster, a boogeyman, a big fat scary monster who makes you whine and whine and oh boy whine some more. This is my biography.
While I appreciate your forwarding an email written by Patton's ghost, it was mindless jingostic crap and full of ouright lies. I love you, because you're family, but I refuse to quietly hit "Delete" and forget about it. Your email said "OK you whining, panty-wasted, pathetic Maggots, it's time for a little refresher course on exactly why we Americans occasionally have to fight wars. See if you can tear yourself away from your 'reality' TV and Starbucks for a minute, pull your head out of your flabby ass - and LISTEN UP!"
I listened. Now it's your turn. So sit down, turn off Fox News, and listen to the truth, for the preacher is on a roll.
The government of North Carolina is seeking the power to sue citizens, media outlets, and other parties who seek government records, according to the Raleigh News & Observer:
State law gives you the right to see public records and attend government meetings. But now the government wants the power to sue you for asking.
North Carolina's cities and other government agencies are pursuing that authority in two ways:
First, lawyers for local governments and the University of North Carolina are talking about pushing for a new state law allowing pre-emptive lawsuits against citizens, news organizations and private companies to clarify the law when there is a dispute about providing records or opening meetings.
Second, the city of Burlington is appealing a ruling last year by the state Court of Appeals that said the government can't take people to court to try to block their access to records or meetings.
Citizens can sue the government over records, the court said, but not the reverse. The state Supreme Court takes up that case next month and is expected to settle the issue.
Salon had an article yesterday by editor David Talbot about the pro-democracy movement in Ukraine. I would like to take a moment to express solidarity with all those who agitate for the people's voice to be heard, and to encourage each and every American who feel similarly to ready themselves to take to the streets.
It is with the greatest pleasure that I write to you today. Our successes of late have been many and profound, and your advice has helped further our cause immensely. As Our Father Below requested, I have compiled a list of our recent successes and victories. It is difficult to express in words how excited I am at our prospects.
Here's a list of current and completed investigations into criminal activity by the GOP over the past four years. And for those that think "they're all corrupt", there are no similar charges or investigations against any Democrat at the national level. Anywhere. Yes Virginia, the GOP is criminal and the Democrats are not. The facts are so startling that it is almost impossible to believe.
The conclusion reached, however, goes against the conventional wisdom of "they're all corrupt", so I know full well that only a very few will even contemplate the possibility that Republicans are far more criminal.
Don't believe it? Do your own damn research. My sample group is comprised of members of Congress and their staff, the Administration, the Supreme Court, and state governors. It was not limited to Republicans, and in fact I actively sought out Democrats who are under investigation or were indicted. I found one, and only one:
* In 2002 Democratic Senator Robert Torricelli was indicted on fraud charges, and pressured to leave the Senate.
That's it for the Democrats. Now on to the Republicans.
Christian Reconstructionism is a little heard of religious philosophy that preaches that every aspect of society must come under biblical law. In their view, secular governments are in opposition to the word of God, and therefore they seek to eliminate all legal barriers between church and state. Founded in 1973 by R.J. Rushdoony, it has had wide influence in the modern Republican party. The overriding goal of Reconstructionism is the absolute control of the reigns of government so that the world may be properly prepared for Jesus's return, and that achieving this goal will demonstrate the fulfillment of God's will. (Link)
My friends, you are good, proper Americans. You are what is best about this, the greatest of all nations. You are patiotic, unwavering in virtue, godly, and loyal. You are aware of the great enemies that lie within our very borders, eager to destroy us all within and without the system. Liberals, terrorists, and other criminal types are eager to see the Lord's work thwarted, and indeed the Bible tells us that they will be successful. But only for a time, friends! Only for a time! We know that the Lord will come forward to smite the infidels, and deliver the Kingdom to his flock! There will be much tribulation ahead, for the Lord thy God is a jealous god! But know this! In the end, we will prevail. We are the vessel through which the Lord works, and our faith shall see his deeds accomplished.
I and a couple of my friends are planning on driving to Arkansas from Texas two weekends from now and do some agitating for the good guys. I would like to get some flyers printed up to distribute in the state. Does anyone know of a source of such things? I have an abundance of statistics available on the web, but I'm not a visual-arts kinda guy.
From the "What the hell?" file, Lubbock, Texas, dateline 8/28/04:
An unknown suspect stole $80,000 worth of Iraqi currency Aug. 28 after she used the victim's motel room telephone.
The victim told police a woman came to his room about 2:15 a.m. She sat in a chair near his pants and wallet and made a phone call. After she left the room, the victim found his cash was missing.
He then attempted to find the woman but was unable to locate her. The victim returned to the room and awoke his sleeping wife.
The victim told police his wife assaulted him for allowing a prostitute into the room.
