Kerry Statement UPDATE: He Apologizes

...to no one.

Senator John Kerry issued the following statement in response to White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, assorted right wing nut-jobs, and right wing talk show hosts desperately distorting Kerry’s comments about President Bush to divert attention from their disastrous record:

“If anyone thinks a veteran would criticize the more than 140,000 heroes serving in Iraq and not the president who got us stuck there, they’re crazy. This is the classic G.O.P. playbook. I’m sick and tired of these despicable Republican attacks that always seem to come from those who never can be found to serve in war, but love to
attack those who did.

I’m not going to be lectured by a stuffed suit White House mouthpiece standing behind a podium, or doughy Rush Limbaugh, who no doubt today will take a break from belittling Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s disease to start lying about me just as they have lied about Iraq. It disgusts me that these Republican hacks, who have never worn the uniform of our country lie and distort so blatantly and carelessly about those who have…

Bottom line, these Republicans want to debate straw men because they’re afraid to
debate real men…”

Unfriggenbelievable.

Allahpundit has video and more!

Who's Talking Points?

MD Democratic Leaders Endorse Michael Steele

Michael Steele received the endorsement of former Prince George’s County Executive and Democrat Wayne Curry, five Democratic Prince George’s County Council members and several other Democratic community and business leaders at Infusions Tea Café in Largo.

Wayne Curry today said [remarks as delived], “This is obviously a historic occasion and I am very happy to be a part of it. I grew up in Prince George’s County. Michael Steele was born here…I am a lifelong Democrat and I am mindful that our emergence as a community has always come along with struggle and strife…this community has been seriously trivialized. We have been neglected, overlooked and disparaged in the sanctums of the Democratic Party…Prince George’s County has been geographically redlined and stratified. It is the place where there is more Democratic voting than any other place in Maryland…”

“The [Democratic] party acts as though when they want our opinion they will give it to us. It’s not going to be like that no more.

“This occasion is special for those who have sacrificed here. We don’t need any TV celebrities to tell us about politics in Prince Georges County…this isn’t the first time we have charged up a hill.

“The person to elect, who is most responsive to the things that will make our future brighter is Michael Steele…He is a good man with a good plan.”

Michael Steele said, “I am humbled by the support of those in my community who have come together in an unprecedented effort of support for my campaign at an unprecedented time in our nation’s history…I said a long time ago that I never wanted this to be so much about party that it forgets people.

“Folks out there didn’t believe me when I said I really wanted this to be a conversation with Maryland, and that we were going to reach across party lines. We will continue to build that bridge and we will build that bridge all the way to Washington, D.C.; and when I go to Washington, all of you will go with me. Leadership needs to listen. When leadership fails to listen, people become disconnected, disinterested, and nothing gets done. But with this coalition of concerned leaders, we are going to listen and get something done, because at the end of the day, it isn’t about us, it is about the people who have trusted us to get something done for them.

“Next Tuesday, we are all going to make history together. And I will be your next United States Senator.”

Wayne Curry became the first African American to serve in Prince George’s County’s highest elected office where he served two terms as county executive from 1994 to 2002.

Prince George’s County Democrats Endorsing Michael Steele
Wayne Curry, Former Prince George’s County Executive
Councilman David Harrington, District 5
Councilman Samuel H. Dean, District 6 and his wife, Donna Dean
Councilwoman Camille Exum, District 7
Councilman Tony Knotts, District 8
Councilwoman Marilyn Bland, District 9
Major Riddick – former Chief of Staff for former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening
Ron Lipscomb – CEO of construction company
Clayton Duhaney – Prince George’s County businessman
Mike Little, Ph.D., Prince George’s County businessman

The Washington Post Wrote That Curry’s Support Is Critical, And Called Him A “Powerful Voice” And A “Symbol . . . Of Rising Affluence And Education Level.” “The support of Curry, the county's first black executive and a wealthy lawyer, is seen as critical because Curry remains a powerful voice for many residents who see him as a symbol of the county's rising affluence and education level.” (Rosalind S. Helderman, “Glendening Endorses Jack Johnson's Rival,” Washington Post, September 8, 2006)

Curry Previously Warned That Prince George’s County Black Voters Might Not Line Up Behind Cardin, Noting That Steele “Is A Very Attractive Candidate.” “But Wayne K. Curry, a former Prince George's county executive, said Cardin can not assume that the county's black voters will line up behind the Democrat this time. ‘It's going to be a different kind of election,’ Curry said. ‘Steele is a very attractive candidate. Flogging him with partisan labels is not going to be enough.’” (Matthew Mosk, “Black Officials Proclaim Support For Cardin,” Washington Post, September 20, 2006)

Curry Stated In April, 2006, That Black Democrats “Have Somewhere Else To Go” And Steele Could Break The “Vices Grip By Democrats Who Feel Entitled To Black Votes.” “Mr. Curry said Mr. Steele's candidacy presents an ‘enormously historic’ opportunity for blacks that ‘may ultimately break this sort of vices grip by Democrats who feel entitled to black votes regardless of how they treat black voters.’ Mr. Steele, who is black, is a Republican. ‘I've been a loyal and devoted Democratic supporter. ... I've been at it for over 40 years waiting for that bus to arrive ... under the virtual totalitarian leadership of the Democratic Party,’ said Mr. Curry, who is rumored to be on the short list of potential running mates for Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., a Republican. ‘People would say, “You don't have anywhere else to go.” Now we do have somewhere else to go.’” (Jon Ward, “Plans To Knock Steele Labeled As 'Destructive',” The Washington Times, April 7, 2006)

Web Reconnaissance for 10/31/2006

A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.



In the News: (Registration may be required to read some stories)
Black Democrats support Steele “Former Prince George's County Executive Wayne K. Curry and five fellow black Democrats on the county council excoriated their party yesterday and endorsed Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, a Republican, for U.S. Senate.” (READ MORE)

Democrats wait in the wings with subpoenas “Both political parties say America's safety requires the next Congress to improve mass-transit security and intelligence efforts, but Democrats think it must immediately address fraud and waste at the Department of Homeland Security.” (READ MORE)

Former Republicans campaign as Democrats “Call it the year of the former Republican. At a time of widely expected Republican losses in both chambers of Congress, a new breed of politician has emerged: former Republicans challenging Republican incumbents.” (READ MORE)

China cited as N. Korea supplier “China helped North Korea develop nuclear weapons and in the past year increased its support to Pyongyang, rather than pressing the regime to halt nuclear arms and missile activities, according to a congressional report.” (READ MORE)



News From the Front:
Raid kills 80 at Pakistani school “Pakistani helicopter gunships yesterday destroyed a religious school that the military said was fronting as an al Qaeda training camp, killing 80 persons in the country's deadliest military operation targeting terrorism suspects.” (READ MORE)

ISF CAPTURES IED CELL “Special Iraqi Police forces, with coalition advisers, conducted a raid Oct. 29 in al Kut and captured nine members of a bomb-making cell and a cache of weapons, improvised explosive devices and components for making IEDs, which target Iraqi security forces and civilians. Iraqi Police secured and searched multiple objectives and detained the bomb maker and other cell members without incident. The IED cell is responsible for attacks against Iraqi civilians employed by coalition forces.” (READ MORE)

IRAQI ARMY CONDUCTS RAID TO FIND MISSING SOLDIER “Special Iraqi Army forces, with coalition advisers, detained three people during an operation in Sadr City, Baghdad Oct. 31. The purpose of the mission was to search for the missing US Soldier and to capture the leadership of a kidnapping cell reported to have knowledge of the Soldier’s location.” (READ MORE)

Bill Roggio writes A Closer Look at the Chingai Airstrike in Bajaur, Pakistan “Questions over target of strike in Bajaur, who conducted it, and why. Zawahiri may have been a target. As we reported just this morning, there were going to be questions about the air strikes in Chingai that targeted a local madrassa serving as an al-Qaeda and Taliban training camp. Just hours after the strike, questions are arising about who actually conducted the strike, who was the target of the strike, how it was carried out, and why it occurred. Reports are emerging that the U.S. conducted the strike (as we predicted) and Ayman al-Zawahiri was the target.” (READ MORE)

On the Web:
Common Freaking Sense writes Are Ya Kiddin' Me Right Now? “OK, so as referenced last night, Netscape has taken to using bloggers as anchors for the news on their homepage. The link will take you to a column in the Philly Enquirer by James Lileks. It's a funny little read about the first hundred days, if the dems take control on Nov. 7. Well, the Ultra-Super-Lefty-Bloggers-Of-Doom did not like that Netscape let something that poked fun at the Donkey-People through. Heaven forbid... Oh wait, can't say Heaven..... Promised-After-Life-of-Your-Choice forbid we have a little chuckle in these times of impending "disaster" as one of the USLBD's so quaintly put it.” (READ MORE)

Victor Davis Hanson writes The Dark Ages: Live From the Middle East “The most frightening aspect of the present war is how easily our pre-modern enemies from the Middle East have brought a stunned postmodern world back into the Dark Ages.
Students of history are sickened when they read of the long-ago, gruesome practice of beheading. How brutal were those societies that chopped off the heads of Cicero, Sir Thomas More and Marie Antoinette. And how lucky we thought we were to have evolved from such elemental barbarity.” (READ MORE)

Allahpundit writes Zawahiri was target of Pakistan madrassa airstrike “The ostensible target was Faqir Mohammed, an al-Zawahiri deputy who hosted a meeting of Taliban and AQ fighters two days ago in Bajaur. They fired four or five missiles into the building, though, according to the Pakistani military, killing approximately 80 jihadis. Which sounds like an awful lot of firepower to be using for an aide-de-camp.” (READ MORE)

Hugh Hewitt writes John Kerry's Contempt For The American Military “John Kerry's contempt for the American military was on display in an appearance at Pasadena City College yesterday. Keep in mind he was the Democratic Party nominee, and keep in mind that the Democratic leadership and the MSM shares this contempt, but are usually much better at disguising it.” (READ MORE)

Dafydd writes Time Flies When Killing Nothing But Innocent Bystanders “By now, everybody and his unkie's monkle knows about the Lancet survey that purports to show that the Iraq invasion has killed about 655,000 extra Iraqis -- nearly all of them innocent. Actually, since the Lancet's survey only went through July 2006, and assuming the rate is unabated, a total of more than 704,000 "extra deaths" should have occurred by now, the end of October 2006. I shall accordingly use this figure hence.” (READ MORE)

Captain Ed writes John Kerry Supports The Troops As Special-Education Cases “John Kerry has never hidden his contempt for the armed forces very well, not even when he served as an officer in the Navy. Yesterday the mask slipped a little bit, as John Ziegler at KFI notes on his website, and Allahpundit mirrors at Hot Air. At a political rally for California's Democratic challenger to Arnold Schwarzenegger for governor, Phil Angelides, Kerry told the Pasadena City College crowd to study hard and get an education -- or wind up like the losers in the military:” (READ MORE)

John Hawkins writes George Soros Feels No Guilt About Profiting From The Holocaust “If you ask me, this excerpt from an interview with George Soros is a little bit creepy and cold blooded, especially coming from a guy who could just as well have been a target of the Nazi death squads instead of making money off of them. …If that's the environment in which his, "character was made," that really doesn't say much for his character.” (READ MORE)

Sgt Hook writes Army’s Wounded Warrior Symposium “A group of some 55 of your wounded warriors and their families met lat week in Arlington to discuss the Army’s Wounded Warrior program. The intent of this symposium – the second one in the last six months – is to understand and prioritize these issues as families navigate the maze of benefits throughout hospitalization, recovery, rehabilitation and transition back into the Army or their civilian community. The discussions were undoubtedly helpful to improving how we assist our injured Soldiers to adapt and overcome, but to learn the stories of these young heroes is humbling.” (READ MORE)

Cassandra writes KerryWatch: Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Soldiers “America. It's a great country. The land of the free and the home of the brave. Here, we have the freedom to do, or be, or even say anything we want. America is a land filled with opportunity; a land of plenty, and peace. A land where a young boy or girl can grow up to be an astronaut, a doctor, an engineer, an exotic dancer, or even a United States senator who gratuitously insults the men and women who gave him the precious freedoms enjoyed by every American:” (READ MORE)

Andi writes Connecting with Other Milspouses “Since I began blogging, there have been three experiences that were so large, and so important, that it was impossible to capture the sentiment through a keyboard. The first large experience was my first trip to Walter Reed. The second experience was the MilBlog Conference and the third experience took place this past weekend in Killeen, Texas when SpouseBUZZ went live. Click here to read the Killeen Daily Herald story about SpouseBUZZ LIVE. I’m an Army wife, I know this community. I’ve held the hands of wives at Walter Reed. I’ve let them cry on my shoulder and I’ve watched them face incredibly difficult obstacles with grace and dignity.” (READ MORE)

Chickenhawk Express writes Appeal For Redress Can't Verify the Signatures - Surprise, Surprise “No surprise at all here - The Australian Sun Herald is reporting that the anti-war group, Appeal for Redress, is having difficulty verifying that all the signees are truly in the US military. (hat tip to Sweetness & Light) A group claiming earlier this week to represent 65 "active-duty" troops opposed to the war in Iraq acknowledged Thursday it cannot validate the number or the authenticity of all the names it claims to have gathered.” (READ MORE)

Stop the ACLU has ACLU & Hispanic Groups Files Suit Against Hazelton, PA “Cross Posted from Revealing The ACLU: If you remember from past posts, Hazelton PA has taken a strong stand against Illegal immigration. A city ordinance, passed on September 11th, imposes fines on landlords and employers who rent to or hire illegal immigrants.
Well, the ACLU, after a month of posturing finely filed a suit yesterday and is seeking a temporary restraining order to stop this law from taking being enforced, as plan, on Wednesday.” (READ MORE)

Kerry Belittles the Military (VIDEO)

Valour-IT 2006 Challenge Daily Update

Day 2 and Team ARMY is showing that they are ARMY STRONG having collected 10% of their total goal already. But that doesn’t mean we can slack off; there is still a long way to go, so lets Ruck Up and Move Out!

The other teams are on the move and gaining;
Marines: $2880
Air Force: $2456
Navy: $2702

Remember though the real winners are the wounded troops who are receiving the laptops that help them assimilate back into society and gain their independence back.

Tuesday Morning Memorial

Photo by David M (GNMP) Shutter Speed 1/400 F Stop 5.0, ISO Speed 80

Valour-IT 2006 Challenge

Look to the right, do you see it, the Valour-IT Team ARMY challenge graphic? Good, cause I'm going to ask you to do something completely painless and wonderful, I want you to click on that make a donation link in the graphic, and donate to Valour-IT.

Why? Because giving to Valour-IT gives wounded warriors with hand and arm injuries access to a computer that supports their healing and puts them back in touch with the world. Its that simple. Captain Ziegenfuss of TC Override writes after his injury:

"At that time I had no use of either hand. I know how humbling it is, how humiliating it feels. And I know how much better I felt, how amazingly more functional I felt, after Soldiers' Angels provided me with a laptop and a loyal reader provided me with the software. I can't wait to do the same, to give that feeling to another soldier at Walter Reed." - Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss at TC Override (wounded in Iraq)

It was that simple act that got Valour-IT off and running.

Valour-IT provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the 'Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field without having to press a key or move a mouse.

Its simple and its a good thing to do so Donate NOW!!!

It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for specifics).

The mailing address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check):
Soldiers' Angels
1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248

Come on friends, its the least we can do, after all some have given their all for this, in more ways than one.

Steele: "Ready to Change Washington"

Steele Campaign Manager Michael Leavitt released the following statement on Michael Steele’s debate with Congressman Ben Cardin this morning on Meet the Press with Tim Russert:

“This morning, Michael Steele spoke passionately about the need for change in Washington, D.C. and his commitment to working above partisan labels and Washington finger pointing to get something done for Maryland.

“Congressman Cardin, however, delivered yet another disappointing debate performance – stumbling on Iraq, flip-flopping on parental notification and questioning the benefits of stem cell research. Evidently, skipping the NAACP debate with Michael Steele on Thursday still did not give the Congressman enough time to study the issues.

“Congressman Cardin should have an interesting time explaining to Marylanders how he voted against stem cell research legislation the senate voted unanimously to approve because he thought it would do, ‘nothing at all to advance stem cell research.’

“Maryland voters deserve the Congressman’s explanation on why he would vote to cut off funding for American troops if he thought the political winds were blowing in the right direction. Maryland voters deserve an explanation on how Congressman Cardin can tell Tim Russert this morning that he doesn’t think there should be a ‘time schedule’ for troop withdrawal, but yet he supports withdrawing troops from Iraq at 10,000 a month no matter the effect. If that’s not a timetable, Congressman Cardin should tell us what is.

“We have enough partisanship, double-talk, spin and lies in Washington, D.C. today. It’s time for change, not another 20 years of Congressman Cardin’s all-talk-but-no-action approach to addressing the challenges we face.”

To see the complete “MEET THE PRESS: Setting the Record Straight” document, please visit: http://www.steeleformaryland.com/meetthepress.htm.

Web Reconnaissance for 10/30/2006

A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.



In the News: (Registration may be required to read some stories)
Democratic majority ready to go to war over Iraq “The Next Congress: Capitol Hill may soon swell from speed bump to stumbling block for an embattled President Bush, depending on which levers the voters pull in the congressional midterm elections a week from tomorrow.” (READ MORE)

Steele regrets the race issue not mentioned in Cardin debate “Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele and Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin debated yesterday on national television about the Iraq war, the Republican Party and stem-cell research, but the decisive role that black voters will play in Maryland's U.S. Senate race was not mentioned.” (READ MORE)
U.S. tries to cut off terrorists' cash flow “The U.S. military is not only trying to stop terrorists and arms from leaking into Iraq from Syria and Iran but also another just as dangerous commodity -- cash.” (READ MORE)

U.S. tries to cut off terrorists' cash flow “The U.S. military is not only trying to stop terrorists and arms from leaking into Iraq from Syria and Iran but also another just as dangerous commodity -- cash.” (READ MORE)Colorado faces gay split decision “Colorado voters can decide next Tuesday whether to support a constitutional amendment affirming traditional marriage or an initiative allowing same-sex couples to register as domestic partners.” (READ MORE)
Gallaudet's board ousts Fernandes “Gallaudet University's Board of Trustees voted yesterday to terminate the appointment of Jane K. Fernandes, whose hiring in May as the next president sparked months of bitter protests.” (READ MORE)


News From the Front:
Gunmen kill 19 Iraqis from cop academy “Gunmen killed 17 Iraqi police instructors and two translators as they traveled home from work at a British-run training school near the southern Iraqi city of Basra yesterday, a senior Iraqi officer said.” (READ MORE)

Bandit 36 writes One Day Closer “…In much more significant news ... when was the last time you heard a civilian body count? I sure haven't been hearing those headlines of "Hundreds die every day in Baghdad" like I used to. Could that maybe be because civilians aren't being killed by the hundreds? ... curious. Maybe it has something to do with the Iraqi Security Forces. Listen to what MG Caldwell had to say about them:” (READ MORE)

Bill Roggio writes Airstrikes on Bajaur Training Camps “Bajaur madrassa and training camp hit by helicopter assault; up to 80 killed. Just two days after Faqir Mohammed held a tribal meeting in Bajaur to express support for the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and vowed to fight the West, the Pakistani government conducted a major strike against a madrassa being used as a terror training camp. Up to 80 were killed in what appears to be a helicopter assault on the camp in the Bajaur town of Chenagai. Pakistan's The News reports ‘the operation involved army helicopter gunships and precision weapons.’” (READ MORE)


On the Web:
Crazy Politico writes Good Reading “If you wonder what may transpire in an Democratic controlled Congress, Opinion Journal has a wonderful piece in this weekends Hot Topic Column called ‘The Non-Contract With America What Democrats aren't saying about their agenda, so we will.’A lot of people, the folks who I bitch about who aren't informed enough to understand, will ask ‘how does any of this affect me?’, so I'll answer how a few of the issues they are talking about affect Mr. and Mrs. Joe Average.” (READ MORE)

Ian of HotAir writes Video: Murtha Madness “How many silly things can one congressman say in one clip? Several. In this clip, the man who slipped Abscam manages to say that: Iraq will get better once our troops leave. Iraqi troops will have an easier time hunting down al Qaeda once our troops leave. Whether they’re actually ready for the job or not, apparently.” (READ MORE)

Dean Barnett writing at Hugh Hewitt writes The Snapdigger Theory “For those of you with the good sense to not peruse the comment boards here, “Snapdigger” is the handle of a frequent liberal commenter who has charitably dedicated his on-line existence to our education. He figures that, cemented as we are in our right wing echo-chamber, we don’t hear his hackneyed liberal views often enough. To rectify this situation, he has launched a single-handed campaign to enlighten us. Actually, his campaign is far from single-handed. The comment boards here are oddly dominated by liberals who feel the need to take time out of their busy lives to express their outrage at my or Hugh’s latest depredations.” (READ MORE)

GayPatriot writes US Soldier Argues Against “Cut & Run” Conservatives “Last week, PatriotPartner made his views known about conservatives sitting out the Congressional election next week. And I agree, the stakes are too high when the opposition party refuses to acknowledge our nation is at war. Stanley Kurtz at the National Review Online received similar sentiments in an email from a most important source — a US Solidier fighting the War on Terrorism on the ground.” (READ MORE)

Captain Ed writes Palestinian Jihad Part Of Iraq Insurgency “A new document translated by Joseph Shahda indicates that the Saddam Hussein regime agreed to allow the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) to stage suicide operations within Iraq in the opening days of the American invasion. Document CMPC-2003-015588 is a handwritten memo from the Foreign Ministry's Arabic Department recounting the meeting between PFLP officials and representatives of the Iraqi government. It also makes a reference to a neighboring country as having given permission for the PFLP to make these arrangements:” (READ MORE)

Web Reconnaissance for 10/29/2006

A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.


In the News: (Registration may be required to read some stories)
Iraqi leader critical of U.S. envoy “A festering grievance between Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the United States escalated yesterday with Mr. al-Maliki telling President Bush that America's ambassador in Baghdad acts like a viceroy instead of a diplomat.” (READ MORE)

Bush rallies base to 'just say no' “President Bush yesterday yelled himself hoarse in his first public political rally of the 2006 election campaign, whipping thousands of supporters into chants of "USA!" as he criticized Democrats for being weak on national security.” (READ MORE)

Fueling U.S. adversaries “Special Report: These are flush times for some of America's most determined adversaries.” (READ MORE)

Reforms roiling Eastern Europe “Anti-government rallies rock Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Political intrigue in Poland holds up new roads and housing. Populists take power in Slovakia, vowing to undo economic reforms.” (READ MORE)


On the Web:
Captain Ed writes Strange Resignation Talk “Jules Crittendon, one of my favorite columnists, usually has a gimlet-eyed bead on the truth and excellent analysis, which is why he should be a must-read for anyone interested in national politics. Every once in a while, and less often than I do, Jules throws a shoe -- and today's the day. Jules demands Bush administration resignations in order to rescue the war in Iraq, and he wants them in the next week ... from Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney?” (READ MORE)

Crazy Politico writes Politics and Reality, The Minimum Wage “In his newest effort to attract votes after another fund raiser plead guilty Friday, Gov. Blagojevich of Illinois decided he not only wants to raise the minimum wage to $7.50 per hour, but also have it annually indexed for inflation. I've never quite figured out why politicians spend so much time on an issue that it about as irrelevant as it gets for affecting actual voters.” (READ MORE)

Some Soldier’s Mom writes Waiting on the World to Change “When Noah graduated from high school, one of his (many) graduation gifts was 4 second row tickets to the John Mayer concert at Jones Beach on Long Island. He told me many times that it was the best graduation present he received (he took 3 girls along.) I like John Mayer's music, too. I know -- I’m the wrong demographic. He’s not my favorite artist, but I think his music is pleasant: he has an easy style and the musicianship is very good. I don’t listen to his music because it is thought provoking nor because it rocks. It’s just good listening music.” (READ MORE)

Ian of HotAir writes Video: O’Reilly asks Letterman if he “want[s] the US to win in Iraq”, no straight answer “T-warrior Bill O’Reilly was interviewed by argued with David Letterman on last night’s Late Show, where the two friends (according to O’Reilly) sparred over Fox News’ credibility. What a surprise, a liberal knocking Fox News. The discussion soon turned to Iraq; as he did with Rosie last week, O’Reilly responded to Letterman’s criticism of the mission by asking him if he “want[ed] the United States to win in Iraq.” Like Rosie, Letterman also had problems answering the question. It’s a simple yes or no — do you want us to win or not? How dare we question their patriotism if they don’t answer yes.” (READ MORE)

Web Reconnaissance for 10/28/2006

A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.


In the News: (Registration may be required to read some stories)
U.S., Iraq affirm 'good, strong' ties “The American ambassador and Iraqi prime minister issued a rare joint statement yesterday in which Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to a "good and strong" relationship with Washington.” (READ MORE)

Suit against Air Force Academy dismissed “A federal judge yesterday threw out a lawsuit against the U.S. Air Force that contended evangelical Christian values were illegally pushed on Air Force Academy cadets.” (READ MORE)

DNC wooing black voters “The Democratic National Committee is hiring more black advertisers, pollsters and grass-roots operatives in a revamped effort to increase turnout by black voters on Election Day.” (READ MORE)

France's Separate Peace “Scattered incidents of violence mark one-year anniversary of incendiary youth protests.” (READ MORE)

Cardinals Win World Series “St. Louis exploits Tigers' errors, wins first World Series in 24 years: Cardinals 4, Tigers 2.” (READ MORE)



News From the Front:
Omar at Iraq the Model writes The Battle for the Middle East “I had read some arguments about how the war in Iraq and the war on terror in general are as critical as WWII or the cold war were to the western world. Of course the differences between those conflicts are numerous and obvious but they all are the same when it comes to the threats they carried/carry to the present and future of our world, and in all three wars the conflict was about eliminating the threat of extremely dangerous doctrines; fascism, Nazism, communism and now violent religious extremism and tyranny.” (READ MORE)

T.F. Boggs writes All You Ever Wanted To Know And More “So here it is in all it's glorious longness. I was vain enough to interview myself and will probably have other milbloggers thinking about me as they always have: "Yeah he is all right I guess but I think he is stuck on himself." I hope you enjoy.” (READ MORE)

Bill Roggio writes Bajaur: An al-Qaeda Command Center “An al-Qaeda command center is uncovered in Bajaur, Zawahiri is believed to be in the region, and Pakistan still wants to cut the Bajaur Accord. As we noted earlier this week, the release of nine al-Qaeda suspects in Bajaur is just the precursor to Pakistan surrending the tribal agency to the Taliban and al-Qaeda. According to an American intelligence source, the released al-Qaeda weren't just 'family members of Maulana Faqir Mohamed, they are actually staff members and functionaries of the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammed (Movement for the Enforcement of Islamic Sharia), a radical Islamist group with close ties to the Taliban and al-Qaeda that sent Pakistanis to fight the Americans during Operation Enduring Freedom.” (READ MORE)

ANP, U.S. Security Forces Stop Drug Smugglers “QALAT, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police seized a record amount of illegal drugs on Oct. 15 at a police check point on Highway 1, in Zabul province.” (READ MORE)



On the Web:
Toni of Bear Creek Ledger writes Survey from American Muslim Organization “This survey is a small sample size but some of the percentages are astonishing. Especially those questions relating to 911. There is very little that American Muslims have done to convince me they aren’t a group of brain washed religious zealots. Their efforts to alienate themselves by shouting discrimination only further solidifies my opinion.” (READ MORE)

Captain Ed writes Isn't This What We Want In The Senate? “Rick Santorum is facing the fight of his life to win re-election to the US Senate, against Bob Casey, Jr, his Democratic challenger. He has struggled to get himself back into position to compete against Casey after starting off twenty points behind. Recently, Casey delivered a horrendous performance in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, which has helped put some wind behind Santorum's sails; Casey gave an incoherent dissertation on terrorism that had jaws dropping across Pennsylvania and the nation. I've put the passage in the extended entry, and the most disturbing part of it is that the Inquirer endorsed Casey anyway.” (READ MORE)

Dafydd writes Morton's Monstrous Dilemma “Today, Republican Michael Steele slapped back at his opponent in the Maryland Senate race, Ben Cardin...with a sledge hammer.
Michael J. Fox has been running a tear-jerker ad in numerous venues, in which we discover that the Republican in the race, [Jim Talent Michael Steele Tom Kean, jr. Mark Green Peter Roscam], is a heartless bastard who doesn't care about sick people, and who actually wants to see Michael J. Fox suffer and die; whereas the Democrat in the race, [Claire McCaskill Ben Cardin Bob Menendez Jim Doyle Tammy Duckworth], is a bold visionary who supports scientific research and actually cares about suffering people... and if we elect the Democrat, then Michael J. Fox will be cured of Parkinson's Disease.” (READ MORE)

Blonde Sagacity writes Dear Mother Sheehan: Take Notes “I haven't lost a son in Iraq (which is the reason I "glorify" those that are there), and some may say it's not fair to make comparisons…and everyone grieves in their own way...But in a perfect world the grief would reflect the spirit of the lost loved one. If Casey Sheehan had been against the war and sent to Iraq against his beliefs, I would totally understand how Cindy has politicized his death. But Casey re-upped after the war began. Casey knew he was going. Casey wanted to go...and that must burn her up more than anything Bush could do. Gina Barnhurst won't ever get the on-air time Sheehan has, but the loss of her son was no less tragic. And she's handling it with grace, in a way I can only assume would make him proud as hell...” (READ MORE)

Kobayashi Maru writes What Osama Wants “Occasionally--very occasionally--the Grey Lady (NYT) allows common sense and clarity to grace its pages. We'll let go the fact that it had to come from someone with anti-war credentials. It's the forward-looking ideas that matter and op-ed writer Peter Bergen delivers:” (READ MORE)

Marine Corps Moms writes Lessons of Love and Loyalty “When a hero is taken from us, the world is diminished for us all. It seems that tragedy brings out extreme emotions in ordinary people; emotions that trigger actions both negative and positive. People like Fred Phelps rejoice in the tragedies of war, pushing forth their own perverted agenda of hate. People like Cindy Sheehan twist the memories of our fallen heroes into a distorted view of world events. But evil is overbalanced with good. People like Patriot Guard Riders and those with no connection to the military, but who stand in support of heroes who gave up their lives for our freedom. And, people like Emily Dieruf, Mike and Terrie Thorpe, Paula Zwillinger, Scott & Candy Wasser - spouses and parents who have had their lives shattered yet rebuilt a positive future.” (READ MORE)

Major Pain writes Marines make Iraqi’s ‘A’ list “MUDIQ, Iraq - Marines of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment found out they are on the local Iraqis’ "A" list when they went house-to-house recently. An Iraqi college student told Marines they were making the grade. He was at home with his family, spoke English well and said the locals were pleased with the troops’ regular presence and performance here.” (READ MORE)

Sgt B writes What Are They Dying For… “What’s the American casualty number for the month of October? What’s the total casualty figure for all American war-fighters since we invaded Afghanistan? The numbers are staggering, indeed… 2792 Americans in Iraq alone. 491 in Afghanistan…And the numbers climb everyday…“What are they dying for?” is the question asked by anyone who contemplates these numbers.” (READ MORE)

Allahpundit writes Video: Lynne Cheney asks Blitzer, “Do you want us to win?” “Hugh Hewitt’s already demanding a blogswarm about this. I can’t show you most of it, including the contentious exchange about her husband’s alleged waterboarding comments, but I did include her response to Jim Webb — whom the Traditional Values Coalition is now calling upon to withdraw from the race.” (READ MORE)

Wretchard of The Belmont Club writes Who goes there? “Fred Ikle has a serious resume. He was a Commissioner on the National Commission on Terrorism, which produced the Report of the National Commission on Terrorism in June 2000 for US President Bill Clinton and Undersecretary of Defense for Policy under Reagan. His recent book, entitled Annihilation from Within and published by Columbia University Press presents an interesting thesis.” (READ MORE)

Four Firefighters Killed in Suspect California Wildfire Arson

Four fellow Firefighters died yesterday when they were overcoem by a wall of flames after the wind shifted on them and drove the fire towards them.

Fire officials were mourning the deaths of four U.S. Forest Service firefighters killed while attempting to protect a home close to where the fire began in Cabazon. The flames came so quickly the five-person crew had no time to retreat to its engine or use portable fire shelters.

Authorities said a $100,000 reward would be offered for information leading to the arsonist's arrest.

It appears that a fifth firefighter on the crew is critically injured after being trapped in the fire. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families as well as their fellow firefighters.

Read the story here or watch news reports here.

Camp Lejeune’s Ballerinas

Pam of Iraq War Today is asking if we can Help Support Camp Lejeune’s Ballerinas!

Camp Lejeune has a troupe of little Heroines that really need your help.

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune's Community Center offers dance classes to kids ages 3 -10. Instructor Lauren Kelly-Hill contacted local businesses with "we support our troops" signs in their windows, to ask for sponsorship for costumes for the kids' December holiday dance recital, in return for an ad in the recital program.

The kids need a total of $1,200 for their costumes for the December recital. Costumes and other supplies for the larger Spring recital will be about twice that.

Unfortunately, only one business responded - only to report that they were financially committed for the year. I understand that many businesses may have obligations, but I have to say, this is a pretty poor showing for a military town - especially when we're talking about businesses that declare that they "support our troops."

Supporting our troops means supporting their families, too. For many of these girls, it will be a last chance to show off before their Hero deploys - most of these Marines will be away during the Spring recital. So these little ladies really need your help.

Only $1,200 - really not much. I've got a fairly modest readership as blogs go, and if every one of my readers gave only a couple of dollars, we'd have it covered, and then some. A little more than that, and we've got Spring covered, too.

Please consider making a donation to help Camp Lejeune's ballerinas to make their holiday recital special. The donation isn't tax deductible, but as Lauren says, "it IS going for the 40 most beautiful little girls to have an awesome recital with costumes, decorations, and recital photos."

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

You can make your donation here. Mine's already in.

Thank you for any help you can provide to these little girls. It's going to mean more than you can know to them and to their families.

Pam sends this update:

Lauren told me that:

...this afternoon, I called all the parents into the classroom and told them about what you all had done. Their jaws dropped. Some of the moms got all choked up that people who didn't know them wanted to help them out. So it has been awesome that you all have done that!

...today, I showed the little girls the pictures of the costumes for the recital. They were saying things like, "Ooooh Miss Lauren, these are beautiful! We'll be movie stars!" I was just laughing so hard. Then when it got time to get down and rehearse, they were all so serious about doing well, now that they were going to have costumes!

We still have some work to do, so I'm challenging my readers, fellow bloggers, and all those who support our military families to ensure that not only the holiday recital, but the Spring recital as well, will be taken care of. If you can, please donate - even a
dollar will help.

If you're a blogger, or if you have a mailing list, please feel free to swipe my post and put it on your blog, or forward it to your list.

If you know a business that isn't "financially committed for the year," and really wants to support our military families, let them know about this need.

With a total need of under $4,000 to ensure that both of these recitals go off in style, the goal is well within reach.

These little girls are going to dance their hearts out for their deploying parents. Let's
make sure they can do it with all of the flash and glamor these little princesses deserve.

As Pam states, supporting the troops also means supporting their families so come on can't you spare a couple of bucks to help out these little angels of some of our finest Marines?

Web Reconnaissance for 10/27/2006

A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.



In the News: (Registration may be required to read some stories)
Muslim groups' suit over cartoons rejected “A Danish court rejected a lawsuit yesterday against the newspaper that first printed prophet Muhammad cartoons, some of which depicted Islam as a violent religion.” (READ MORE)

Cardin skips debate in Charles County “U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin last night skipped an NAACP-sponsored debate in Charles County, Md., a day after the Democratic Senate nominee stammered and stumbled during a faceoff with the Republican nominee, Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele.” (READ MORE)

Bush signs law to build border fence “President Bush yesterday signed a law committing to build nearly 700 miles of fence along the U.S.-Mexico border -- although less than 24 hours earlier, he told conservative writers that he doesn't see immigration as a major issue in this year's campaign.” (READ MORE)

Rumsfeld Tells Iraq Critics to 'Back Off' “With his chorus of critics expanding deeper into Republican ranks, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told detractors yesterday to pull back as U.S. and Iraqi officials grapple with the uncertainties of laying out Iraq's course.” (READ MORE)



News From the Front:
IPS AMBUSHED BY INSURGENTS, IPS AND CF FIGHT BACK “At approximately 6:30 a.m. Thursday, a Baqubah based Iraqi police unit came under attack by an unknown number of anti-Iraqi forces, in the vicinity of Khan Bani Sa’ad in Diyala Province. The police under fire fought back in intense house to house fighting.” (READ MORE)

FIVE HAQQANI NETWORK TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN KHOWST PROVINCE “Afghan and Coalition forces detained five terrorists associated with the Haqqani network during an early morning operation in the vicinity of Shah Vazir Kala in the Khowst Province today. After requesting a peaceful surrender, in which several occupants came out, the combined force entered the compound. The compound contained several men, women and children, and the combined force secured the area without incident.” (READ MORE)Iraqis, Coalition Unite in Poverty Fight “Diversity is the mark of the Kirkuk province. Arabs, Christians, Kurds and Turkman coexist here with all their attendant cultural and religious nuances. Despite its many differences, however, there is a commonality among many of the region’s people, and that’s poverty.” (READ MORE)

Agha Jon School Reopens After Taliban Torching “Officials from the Gelan District of Ghazni Province, Afghan National Policemen and key Coalition leaders joined around 300 enthusiastic children, elders and area villagers for the reopening of a school in the town of Agha Jon.” (READ MORE)



On the Web:
Oliver North writing at Townhall writes Vietnam and Iraq: Myth vs. Reality “Much is being said and written these days about how the war in Iraq resembles the war in Vietnam. The theme began during the 2004 presidential campaign with Democrat presidential candidate John Kerry describing Iraq as a "quagmire" and demanding a "date certain" for a U.S. pullout. Purveyors of the "news" in our so-called mainstream media picked up the beat -- though many of them are too young to know anything more about Vietnam than what they learned from a movie. The "Vietnam deja vu" howl is now in full cry. But it's a myth.” (READ MORE)

Crazy Politico writes Responsible Voting “Hey, guess what, if you can't tell by the 900 ads a day for candidates, election day is only a little way off. Luckily, like a bad case of gas it will pass. Unfortunately, like herpes it'll pop back up in a few years. Since Election Day is close, and I've had a comment or two here and read many elsewhere on the election, I thought I'd bring up responsible voting.” (READ MORE)

Bruce Thornton writing at Victor Davis Hanson writes The Wolf Pack “Ambrose Bierce once quipped that war was God’s way of teaching Americans geography. He could have said “teaching us history,” for the enemy is emboldened by our ignorance not just of where he lives but of how he lives, his beliefs and values, and to understand these traditions we must understand their history. Unfortunately, in the current war against Islamic jihad we persist in ignoring the documented history of Islam and its beliefs, accepting instead the spin and distortions of various propagandists, apologists, and Western useful idiots.” (READ MORE)

Jay Tea writes The New Bloody Shirt “Back during the Civil War and reconstruction eras, a lot of Republican politicians used a rather deplorable political tactic that quickly became known as "waving the bloody shirt." They would give a fiery speech, and at its climax wave a bloodied shirt they said was taken from a beaten -- or killed -- carpetbagger by unrepentant rebels. This would inflame the crowds, naturally, and sway them to whatever the speaker was espousing. In the last few years, a new trend in political speech has emerged, and I find myself wondering if it might be a return of that practice.” (READ MORE)

GayPatriotWest writing at Gay Patriot writes Nancy Pelosi & the Democrats’ Politics of Obstruction “…In a recent interview with 60 Minutes, potential Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi made clear that should her party win control of Congress next month, she will continue this practice of obstruction. Claiming that the election is about the President and Vice President, she would be satisfied to make ‘them lame ducks.’” (READ MORE)

William Teach writes Changing The Debate On Stem Cells “When the debate on illegal immigration boiled over, those who supported illegal immigration/opposed President Bush attempted to changed the debate to one encompasing all immigration. Now, they attempt to do the same by saying those evil right wingers are against all stem cell research, instead of the embryonic research that Michael J. Fox's three commercials brought up. Leading the way is the official blog of the Democratic Party as written by Tracy Russo…” (READ MORE)

Mohammed of Iraq the Model writes The Amara Lesson “What will happen if the MNF are withdrawn prematurely before the job is done? Perhaps the lesson from the recent troubles in Amara when militias took over large parts of the city gives a clear answer and offers Iraqis and the allies a forecast of what the future holds for us should we make the wrong decisions. I think the decision to announce a phased withdrawal of troops (which is now dubbed as a phased handover of security responsibility) was made without putting in consideration the developments on the ground. And I think pressures on the American and British governments accelerated the process in a reactionary protective manner rather than a rational pragmatic one.” (READ MORE)

Bill Roggio writes The Sadr City Raids “Following up the raids in Sadr City; Maliki did approve of the raids. The primary target of the joint Iraqi and U.S. raid inside Sadr city on October 25 was directed as Mahdi Army commander Abu Dura (or Abu Deraa), a death squad leader believed to be responsible for some of the worst sectarian killing in and around Baghdad. The initial raid led to a follow on operation in Sadr City, after ‘credible intelligence indicating that criminals involved in the kidnapping of a US Soldier were located in a Sadr City mosque’ was although it is unclear if this intelligence was obtained during the initial raid. Note the Coalition now believes the Mahdi Army may be complicit in the kidnapping of an American soldier - an incident that will only increase the pressure on Sadr.” (READ MORE)

Ohio State Prof: "What Terrorist Threat?"

By Patrick Poole
FrontpageMagazine Existential Space

With the fifth anniversary of 9/11 now behind us, I'm sure that few of us can forget the horror and uncertainty of that day. But despite the pervasive presence of that event in our collective memory, some in academia say we do not need to fight a war on terror because we are fighting “an enemy that scarcely exists.”

See as Exhibit A the lead article in the September-October issue of Foreign Affairs – published by the Council on Foreign Relations and considered one of the premiere sources of foreign policy for the East Coast Leftist and inside-the-Beltway establishments, where you will find an article by John Mueller, “Is There Still a Terrorist Threat?”, which is summarized as follows:

Read the Rest...

What is Said -v- What is Heard

In the Hands of Children

Congressman Cardin Rewrites History in WJLA Debate

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Setting the Record Straight on Cardin’s Special Interest Connection

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “I have stood up to these interests.”

BEN CARDIN DOES:
Cardin Broke Has Racked Up $4.6 Million In Special Interest PAC Money Since First Running For Congress. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/, Accessed September 26, 2006)

Representative Ben Cardin (D-MD) Has Received At Least $44,400 From Oil And Gas Interests Since 1989. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/, Accessed September 26, 2006)

Since 1989, Cardin Has Received $175,132 From The Pharmaceuticals/Health Products Industry. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/, Accessed September 26, 2006)

Insurance Interests Have Contributed $563,627 To Cardin Since 1989. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/, Accessed September 26, 2006)

Setting the Record Straight on Stem Cell Research

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “I am in favor of moving forward with embryonic stem cell research. He [Michael Steele] opposes it.”

BEN CARDIN DOES:
Cardin Voted AGAINST Expanded Research On Stem Cells That Do Not Destroy Embryos.

Alternate Stem Cell Research Methods – Passage. “Barton, R-Texas, motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would require the National Institutes of Health to conduct and support research on the isolation, derivation and production of pluripotent stem cells that do not destroy human embryos. It would require the Health and Human Services secretary to issue final guidelines for additional stem cell research, with priority for research with the greatest potential to yield benefits in the near future, within 90 days of the bill's enactment.” (S. 2754, CQ Vote #380: Motion rejected. July 18, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

The Senate Voted Unanimously To Pass the Same Bill that Cardin voted AGAINST. Both Senators Mikulski and Sarbanes Voted In Favor Of The Bill.

Alternate Stem Cell Research Methods – Passage. Passage of the bill that would require the National Institutes of Health to conduct and support research to develop techniques for the isolation, derivation and production of pluripotent stem cells that do not destroy human embryos. It would require the Health and Human Services secretary to issue final guidelines for additional stem cell research, including a prioritization of research with the greatest potential to yield benefits in the near future, within 90 days of the bill's enactment.” (S. 2754, CQ Vote #205: July 18, 2006, Sarbanes voted Yea; Mikulski voted Yea)

MICHAEL STEELE’S RECORD ON STEM CELL:
Michael Steele:“I am an enthusiastic supporter of cord blood, adult stem cell and embryonic stem cell research that does not destroy the embryo, and I fully support expanding innovations in technology that make it possible to treat and prevent disease without the willful destruction of human embryos.”

Cardin Flip-Flops on Iraq Troop Withdraw

Cardin Now Calls For The President To Immediately Begin Withdrawing Troops From Iraq. “Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) yesterday called on the Bush administration to immediately begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq and adopt a plan to pull American combat forces out of the country by the end of 2007.” (Steve Vogel, “Cardin Urges Pullout Of Troops By 2007,” Washington Post, June 13, 2006)

But Not That Long Ago, Cardin Rejected Immediately Withdrawing Troops And Setting A Timetable. “Democratic Rep. Ben Cardin, an original opponent of the war, differs from the others. He voted against a resolution calling for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq and rejected calls for a timetable imposed by Congress. . . . But Cardin believes it is Bush who needs to establish the timetable, [Oren Shur, Cardin Spokesman] said.” (Tom Stuckey, “Most Maryland Senate Candidates Want Iraq Timetable,” Associated Press, November 23, 2005)
Cardin “Not Familiar” with Metro Funding

On October 22, 2006, Washington Post columnist Marc Fisher reported: "(Ben) Cardin, who has represented Baltimore his entire adult life, seems to have little interest in Washington area issues. When I asked him what the next move should be..in providing a dedicated source of funding for Metro, Cardin replied that he was "not familiar with that issue." The man who wants to represent all of Maryland was clueless about a 1.5 billion federal funding source that is the No. 1 priority for the transit system serving the state's largest bloc of voters."(Marc Fisher, Washington Post, October 22, 2006)

Cardin Votes Against Increasing Choices in Health Care

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “I am for universal health coverage.”

BEN CARDIN DOES: But Ben Cardin has voted against policies that empower individuals to take ownership over their own health care choices.

Cardin Voted At Least NINE Times Against Health Savings Accounts
(H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #163: Passed 273-152: R 223-0; D 50-151; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay) (H. Res. 638, CQ Vote #158: Adopted 224-203: R 223-0; D 1-202; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay) (H. Res. 638, CQ Vote #157: Motion agreed to 222-202: R 222-0; D 0-201; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay) (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #542: Motion rejected 190-218: R 0-210; D 189-8; I 1-0, October 15, 2003, Cardin voted Yea) (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #533: Motion rejected 181-214: R 0-206; D 180-8; I 1-0, October 7, 2003, Cardin voted Yea) (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #332: Passed 216-215: R 207-19; D 9-195; I 0-1, June 27, 2003, Cardin voted Nay) (H.R. 2596, CQ Vote #328: Passed 237-191: R 222-2; D 15-188; I 0-1, June 26, 2003, Cardin voted Nay) (H Con Res 231). (H.R. 2596, CQ Vote #322: Adopted 221-203: R 219-4; D 2-198; I 0-1, June 26, 2004, Cardin voted Nay) (H.R. 2596, CQ Vote #321: Motion agreed to 226-203: R 225-1; D 1-201; I 0-1, June 26, 2003, Cardin voted Nay)

Cardin Consistently Opposes Legislation To Make Healthcare Affordable For Small Business Owners Despite The Bill’s Bi-Partisan Support. In The Last Six Years, Cardin Has Voted At Least TEN TIMES Against Association Health Plans. (H.R. 2990, CQ Vote #485: Passed 227-205: R 216-5; D 11-199; I 0-1, October 6, 1999, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 2563, CQ Vote #328: Adopted 236-194: R 217-2; D 18-191; I 1-1, August 2, 2001, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 2563, CQ Vote #332: Passed 226-203: R 220-0; D 5-202; I 1-1, August 2, 2001, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 660, CQ Vote #289: Motion agreed to 224-198: R 224-0; D 0-197; I 0-1, June 19, 2003, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 660, CQ Vote #290: Adopted 224-199: R 224-0; D 0-198; I 0-1, June 19, 2003, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 660, CQ Vote #296: Passed 262-162: R 226-1; D 36-160; I 0-1, June 19, 2003, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 4279, H.R. 4280, H.R. 4281, CQ Vote #157: Motion agreed to 222-202: R 222-0; D 0-201; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 4279, H.R. 4280, H.R. 4281, CQ Vote #158: Adopted 224-203: R 223-0; D 1-202; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 4281, CQ Vote #174: Passed 252-162: R 215-0; D 37-161; I 0-1, May 13, 2004, Cardin voted Nay; H.R. 525, CQ Vote #426: Passed 263-165: R 227-0; D 36-164; I 0-1, July 26, 2005, Cardin voted Nay)

Cardin Lies About His Support For Privatizing Social Security

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “He [Michael Steele] supports the President’s plan to privatize social security. I oppose it.”

BEN CARDIN DOES: Congressman Cardin has supported privatizing Social Security for years.

In 1998, During A Forum On Social Security With President Clinton, Cardin Seemingly Embraced The Idea Of “Directing Some Of An Individual’s FICA Payment” Into An Investment Fund. Cardin: “We’ve talked about a lot of proposals here and some that have already been publicly mentioned. But let me just mention one that we talked a little bit about here, and one that we hoped would get some discussion. And that is that we would leverage by directing some of an individual’s FICA payment into a diversified investment fund, provided that the individual employer is prepared to participate by including some private retirement plan within his program. Thus, we will be providing higher retirement income for the individual, greater private savings, and potential savings for the long-term solvency of the Social Security trust fund.” (FDCH Political Transcripts, April 7, 1998)

While Discussing Newt Gingrich’s Plan To Add Personal Retirement Accounts To Social Security, Cardin Offered His Own “Improvements” To The Plan, Adding That He Would Like To Prohibit Anyone Taking Money From The Accounts Until Retirement. Cardin: “These retirement accounts need to be a part of the Social Security system. My improvements would prohibit any taking of money from these accounts until retirement [and] add additional private retirement funds, so they would get more money and have less reliability on Social Security. But any plan for improving the current situation would have to involve increasing private savings, making Social Security more affordable for future generations and keeping in mind the new wave of retirees.” (David Novich, “How Social Security Can Be Made Well Again,” The Baltimore Sun, April 26, 1998)

As Recently As 2002, The Washington Post Reported That Cardin Was Involved With Reforms Allowing Younger Workers To Direct Portions Of Their FICA Taxes Into Private Retirement Accounts. “An expert on Social Security, Cardin is closely involved in proposed national reforms such as permitting younger workers to direct FICA taxes into private retirement-saving accounts or investing a portion of trust funds in private markets.” (Spencer S. Hsu and Christian Davenport, “Host of High-Profile Primaries,” The Washington Post, September 5, 2002)

Cardin Lies About Working With BOTH Political Parties

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “I’ve been able to work across party lines.”

BEN CARDIN DOES:
Cardin’s Party Support Score, An Astounding Average Of 92%, Is The Same Score As The Man Responsible For Keeping Democrat Votes In Line, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD). (“Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D–Md.),” CQ Member Profile, Accessed October 3, 2006; “Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D–Md.),” CQ Member Profile, Accessed October 3, 2006)

Steny Hoyer, The Minority Whip, Is In Charge of Keeping Democrat Caucus Members Voting With The Party. “The name for the position of Whip is derived from the term ‘whipper in’, which is a British term for the person responsible for keeping the foxhounds from leaving the pack. The Whip talks to Democratic Members about their level of support for a piece of legislation before it comes to the Floor for a major vote. The Whip also works with Members to build strong support within the caucus for the Democratic agenda.” (Office Of The Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer’s Website, http://democraticwhip.house.gov/about_the_whip/the_whip_s_role/, Accessed October 6, 2006)

True Bi-Partisan Former Rep. Connie Morella (R-MD) Had A Party Support Score Of 46%. (“Rep. Constance A. Morella (R–Md.),” CQ Member Profile, Accessed October 3, 2006)

Former Rep. And Current Governor Of Maryland Robert Ehrlich, Has A Lower Party Support Score Than Cardin At 89%. (“Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.,” (R–Md.), CQ Member Profile, Accessed October 3, 2006)

Cardin Lies About Support for Tax Relief

BEN CARDIN SAYS TODAY: “The middle income tax cuts I have supported and would like to see made permanent.”

BEN CARDIN DOES:
Cardin Opposed The Original Creation Of The Tuition Tax Deduction:

The Republican Tax Bill Of 2001 Created The College Tuition Tax Deduction. “Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, is responsible for enacting the college tuition tax deduction in 2001 and is working to extend it through legislation as soon as possible.” (Senator Charles Grassley [R-IA], Senate Finance Committee, Memorandum To Reporters and Editors, May 17, 2006)

The 2001 Tax Cuts Included Substantial Deductions For College Tuition. “College Tuition Deductions. Allows a deduction for higher education costs in 2002 through 2005. Individuals with adjusted gross incomes up to $65,000 and couples with up to $130,000 could deduct up to $3,000 per year in 2002 and 2003, increasing to $4,000 in 2004 and 2005. Individuals making up to $85,000 per year and couples making up to $160,000 could deduct up to $2,000 in education expenses.” (“Wide-Ranging Tax Cut Package Provides Relief For All,” Congressional Quarterly Daily Monitor, May 26, 2001)

Cardin Voted Against The Creation Of The Tuition Tax Deduction. Tax Cut Reconciliation -- Conference Report. (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149: Adopted (thus sent to the Senate) 240-154: R 211-0; D 28-153; I 1-1, May 26, 2001, Cardin voted Nay)

And Cardin Opposed The College Tuition Deduction Extension In 2005. Tax Reconciliation – Passage. (H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #621: Passed 234-197: R 225-3; D 9-193; I 0-1, December 8, 2005, Cardin voted Nay)

Rep. Cardin Claimed In May, 2006: “Democrats Want This Credit Extended. And We’ll Do Everything We Can To Get It Extended.” (Democrat Members Of Congress, Press Conference, Washington, D.C., “Democratic Members Of Congress Hold A News Conference On The Republican Tax Bill,” May 17, 2006)

And Cardin Opposed The Extension Of The Tuition Tax Deduction This Year:

When Given The Chance To Put His Vote Where His Mouth Is, Cardin Voted Against The Tuition Tax Deduction Extension:

Tax Package – Passage. (H.R. 5970, CQ Vote #425: Passed 230-180: R 196-21; D 34-158; I 0-1, July 29, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

Cardin Could Have Voted To Extend The Teacher Expense Deduction Earlier This Year But Did Not:

The House Passed Tax Bill That Cardin Opposed Extended The Deduction Teacher’s Can Take For Expenses. “Annual deduction of up to $250 for teachers’ purchases of classroom supplies, regardless of whether the teacher itemizes deductions.” (“House-Passed Tax Package Goes Far Beyond Estate Tax, Minimum Wage,” CQ Today, July 31, 2006)

Tax Package – Passage. (H.R. 5970, CQ Vote #425: Passed 230-180: R 196-21; D 34-158; I 0-1, July 29, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

The Republican Congress Permanently Extended The Small Savers Credit

The “Savers Credit” Was Permanently Extended In August 2006. “The measure also permanently extends the ‘saver’s credit,’ which was enacted in 2001 and was set to expire at the end of 2006. The credit provides a non-refundable credit to taxpayers with incomes below certain levels who make contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs.” (H.R. 4, CQ Bill Analysis, As Signed Into Law By The President On Aug. 17, 2006)

H.R. 4, Which Cardin Voted Against, Makes Permanent The $2,000 Savers Credit For Low – Income Taxpayers. “The bill makes permanent a number of tax incentives aimed at encouraging retirement savings, including the $2,000 saver’s credit for certain low-income taxpayers, as well as increased 401(k) and IRA contribution limits enacted in 2001 and scheduled to expire in 2010. The increased limits would be indexed for inflation, and taxpayers would be given the option of depositing tax refunds directly into an IRA.” (“Highlights Of The House-Passed Pension Bill: Shortfall Coverage And 401(K) Plans,” CQ Today, July 31, 2006)

Cardin Voted Against The Pension Legislation That Extended Permanently The “Savers Credit.” Pension Overhaul – Passage. “Passage of the bill that would overhaul federal pension laws. It would establish a new premium, $1,250 for each participant the company’s pension plan, that employers who terminate their plans must pay the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. It would change the formula for determining whether a pension plan is fully funded, and require employers to meet a 100 percent funding target. Firms that administer 401(k) plans would be allowed to give investment advice to employees with respect to the firm’s own financial products, but it would have to be based on an independently certified computer model.” (H.R. 4, CQ Vote #422: Passed 279-131: R 203-16; D 76-114; I 0-1, July 28, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

Cardin Could Have Voted To Extend The State Sales Tax Deduction Earlier This Year But Did Not:

The Republican Passed Tax Measure That Cardin Opposed Reauthorized The Tax Deduction For State And Local Sales Taxes. “Itemized deduction of state and local sales taxes in lieu of state income taxes, a provision critical to states that lack an income tax.” (“House-Passed Tax Package Goes Far Beyond Estate Tax, Minimum Wage,” CQ Today, July 31, 2006)

Cardin Voted Against The Extension Of The Sales Tax Deduction Earlier This Year. Tax Package – Passage. (H.R. 5970, CQ Vote #425: Passed 230-180: R 196-21; D 34-158; I 0-1, July 29, 2006, Cardin voted Nay)

And Cardin Voted Against Extending The State Sales Tax Deduction In 2005. Tax Reconciliation – Passage. (H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #621: Passed 234-197: R 225-3; D 9-193; I 0-1, December 8, 2005, Cardin voted Nay)

Web Reconnaissance for 10/26/2006

A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.



In the News: (Registration may be required to read some stories)
Bush backs setting 'benchmarks' in Iraq “President Bush yesterday firmly supported setting ‘benchmarks’ in Iraq to move toward stability and security in the war-torn country, and warned Iraqi leaders that the United States has ‘got patience, but not unlimited patience.’” (READ MORE)

S. Korea official quits over North policy “South Korea's unification minister resigned yesterday, the highest-profile casualty yet in a battle over the government's North Korea policy after an Oct. 9 nuclear test by Pyongyang.” (READ MORE)



News From the Front:
IRAQI FORCES DISRUPT MURDER, KIDNAPPING CELL OPERATIONS “Special Iraqi Police forces conducted an early morning raid Oct. 25 in the al Hillah area to capture members of a murder and kidnapping cell wanted by the Ministry of the Interior. Iraqi forces, with Coalition advisers, arrived at the objective and gained entry to several locations where 11 suspected members of the cell were found and detained.” (READ MORE)

IRAQI FORCES RAID ILLEGAL ARMED GROUP IN DIYALA PROVINCE “Iraqi Army forces conducted an early morning raid Oct. 25 in Khalis in eastern Diyala Province to capture the leadership of an illegal armed group responsible for attacks against Iraqi forces. Iraqi forces, with Coalition advisors, arrived at the objective and gained entry where they were met with small arms fire from a member of the illegal armed group. Iraqi forces returned fire and killed the group member.” (READ MORE)

LOCALS IN DUR BABA GET MEDICAL ATTENTION “The U.S. Bagram Civil Military Action Team, in conjunction with Nangarhar civic leaders, traveled to Dur Baba District in Nangarhar Province to conduct a Medical Civil Action Program, Oct. 17 through Oct. 20. The team, comprised of eight medics, nine interpreters and one veterinarian, treated more than 1,900 locals and over 650 animals in just three days.” (READ MORE)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chuc Choi Earns Citizenship While Serving Country in Iraq “Lance Cpl. Chuc Choi has wanted to say “I’m an American” for almost 20 years. Now, the 21 year-old from Yakima, Wash., finally can. Choi, a food service specialist assigned to the Hawaii-based 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, known as “America’s Battalion,” became an American citizen during a citizenship ceremony Aug. 29, 2006, at Balad Air Force base in Iraq. Choi returned to Haditha the same day he became a citizen to finish the final leg of his seven-month long deployment with his fellow Marines in 3rd Battalion, whom he deployed with to Afghanistan last year.” (READ MORE)



On the Web:
What's at stake in Iraq “President Bush yesterday offered a thoughtful, compelling analysis of the war effort in Iraq and its importance to the larger war against Islamofascism. Noting that Iraq is now the ‘central front’ in the war, Mr. Bush defined victory there as building a country ‘that can govern itself, sustain itself and defend itself and serves as an ally in the war on terror.’ He emphasized that U.S. military forces would remain in Iraq for as long as necessary to train Iraqis to defend their country.” (READ MORE)

Secretary of State ElBaradei “Mohamed ElBaradei, the director general of the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency, is supposed to be the Jack Webb of the nuclear nonproliferation scene, a ‘just the facts’ man who reports his findings to his political superiors in the U.N. Security Council. Lately, however, he's been sounding more like the real life Jimmy Carter than the fictional TV detective.” (READ MORE)

Kobayashi Maru writes The Unknowableness of Global Climate “Months ago I began a post (still in draft form) on how secular belief systems, e.g., faith in global climate change, are virtually indistinguishable in character from religious ones. The more I mull the subject, the more I conclude that the reason the post is still a draft is not that its premise is untrue but that, properly treated, it would easily balloon into a multi-volume treatise. So in the meantime, I note this piece in today's Christian Science Monitor delving into the many complex and still poorly understood variables behind one small aspect of global climate: the summertime interaction between dust blowing off the Sahara and hurricane formation in the Eastern Atlantic.” (READ MORE)

Ian of HotAir writes Audio: ‘Optimistic’ Rove Challenges Bias of NPR Correspondent “NPR’s Robert Siegel spoke with White House political strategist Karl Rove earlier this week on the state of the upcoming mid-term elections. When Siegel said Rove was the ‘optimistic end of realism’, the President’s aide sarcastically remarked that he was not ‘exhibiting bias’ with a made up comment. Full transcript of the exchange below:” (READ MORE)

Jay Tea writes Let's give them a fair trial, then hang 'em “Yesterday was a bad day to be a liberal. First up, it was revealed that the outing (and resignation) of former congressman Mark Foley (R-FL) was done at the hands of a staffer for the "Human Rights Campaign" (one of the George Soros-backed groups with lofty names that keep springing up like cockroaches, and that will be struggling for a purpose to exist once George Bush leaves office), who had done the outing while on the clock at HRC, and apparently used HRC computers and other resources to take down the incumbent sleazeball.” (READ MORE)

William Teach writes Hastert On Illegals: Dems Love Them! “Denny Hastert spoke yesterday on President Bush and his signing of the fence bill today: ‘Our borders constitute the first line of defense in protecting the American people from terrorists. Last July I met with border security agents and other federal and local officials during my visit to the border, and I promised them we would address this national security crisis. The Republican Congress has responded to the American people's demand for a secure border by increasing the physical barriers and infrastructure along the border and by providing state of the art monitoring technology. I look forward to the President signing the Secure Fence Act tomorrow.’” (READ MORE)

Captain Ed writes Is It Time For A Moon Shot On Energy? “On May 25th, 1961, President John Kennedy told the nation that America would go to the moon. The Soviet Union had beaten the US to space, launching its Sputnik satellite in 1957 and stunning Americans, who thought of the USSR as a backwards Asian nation. One month before this joint session of Congress, the Soviets beat us again, sending Yuri Gagarin into orbit in April as the first man in space and the first to orbit the earth. Alan Shepard only made it to suborbital space three weeks before this speech, a sterling achievement but a disappointment after Gagarin's mission. Kennedy faced an anxious Congress and made his bold statement:” (READ MORE)

Neptunus Lex writes Boots on the ground “Here’s another view on the war in Iraq, written by a guy who has a bit more credibility than one of those Green Zone reporters Michael Fumento goes on about - a US Army intel sergeant with dusty boots, operating outside the wire in the thick of the fray responds to James Taranto’s column yesterday, a column in which Taranto unrepentantly repeats his support for the war in Iraq - it might just be the most authentic thing I’ve read this year:” (READ MORE)

John Hawkins writes Muslim "Leaders" In Australia: Wear A Sleeveless Dress And You Deserve To Be Raped “I hate to say it, but unfortunately, this sort of grotesque mentality is all too common in many parts of the Islamic world. Why are women forced to wear burqas and veils? So they won't "tempt" men into raping them. In fact, if you look at Sharia law, it requires 4 male witnesses to any rape, which in effect, makes rape an ‘unprosecutable’ crime. Show me someone who's pro-Sharia and I will show you someone who believes men should be able to get away with raping women.” (READ MORE)

Mel who is guest blogging for Master Gunner writes Just a Thought.... “For once I have chosen to stay quiet on the subject of blogs vs security concerns. To be honest, I don't believe I am knowledgeable enough in this area to comment. However, I will share my opinion on what I believe to be the possible social and emotional ramifications of this decision.” (READ MORE)

Wretchard of The Belmont Club writes Showing his colors “Maliki rejects American pressure to shut down Shi'ite militias: The Iraqi PM publicly denounced American calls for a timetable to shutdown militias and decried US operations against death squads, including operations against Sadr City. ‘We expected it,’ US officials said.” (READ MORE)