Air Force 'Top Guns' Resign

The Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Wynne resigned today. Also asked to resign was Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, after disagreements erupted over the handling of nuclear weapons. The resignations were called for as a result of policy decisions made during the 'mistakenly' loaded and 'lost,' missiles aboard a B-52 flight from Minot AFB N. Dakota to Barksdale AFB Louisiana last August.

The stunning development follows a series of high-profile scandals and disagreements between Air Force leadership and Defense Secretary Robert Gates in the past year, during which both the Pentagon and congressional leadership have increasingly expressed frustration about the Air Force’s top bosses.

The last straw appears to be a report on nuclear weapons handling by Navy Adm. Kirkland Donald, director of naval nuclear propulsion. The critical report convinced Gates that changes must be made.

The disagreements between Moseley and Wynne with the Pentagon and Sec. of Defense Gates, bring into question if the resignees will become whistle blowers. What I glean from several reports, it's hard to tell whether the firings are over incompetence by Moseley and Wynne, or their dissension from Pentagon plans. Former Secretary James Roche also resigned under a cloud of controversy over leasing contracts 3 years ago. Good to know the boys with their toys have things so well in hand.

On Remembering-Memorial Day 2008

May we all take a moment today to remember those we've lost at home and abroad.

"Useful Idiots"

The Fall of the Evangelical Nation is a new book by former Dallas Morning News reporter Christine Wicker. From her site and in her new book, she rips the religious right a new asshole. I listened to an interview with her on Sam Seder's show (which is on it's way out...). Ms. Wicker posts this tidbit from The Tennessean:

“When Christian beliefs become political weapons, the manifesto says, “faith loses its independence, Christians become the ‘useful idiots’ for one political party or another, and the Christian faith becomes an ideology.”

The manifesto seeks to redefine evangelical as a religious term, rather than as shorthand for social or political conservatives.

But Robert Parham, director of the Nashville Baptist Center for Ethics, said the manifesto was too little, too late. Many of the signers were supporters of the Religious Right, he said, and have now changed their tune as conservative Republican political power has waned.

“It’s kind of hard to see how they are now going to advance a kindler, gentler evangelicalism based on their past behavior,” he said. “Had they begun by saying that they were wrong on the war in Iraq, wrong on global warming, wrong on torture, then they might have a little more credibility.”

It would appear from what Wicker says, the the mega-church-going, rabid haters the conservative right touts, are mostly fictitious. The right is smaller than it appears.

Finally, a little good news. I'll post a link to the audio as soon as its up.Audio is up.

McManchurian Candidate

Could John McCain's five year confine- ment in the Hanoi Hilton have really been a Manchurian Candidate indoc- trination?

I love a good conspiracy and seem to have found one over at Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain. From an article at Veterans Dispatch:

For years, the mainstream news media has refused to stop idolizing the so-called straight talking maverick John McCain long enough to question the mental health consequences of the years he spent as a "special" prisoner of the communists in North Vietnam.

McCain, the presumptive Republican candidate for President, who could one day have his finger on the "red button," claims the communists subjected him to 5 ½ years of nonstop indoctrination sessions so intense that he attempted suicide.

Unfortunately for McCain, after his bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire near Hanoi on October 26, 1967, he parachuted into the hands of an evil communist enemy who 7 years earlier had adopted Soviet methods of prisoner interrogation.

At that time, the Soviets were perfecting techniques designed "to put a man's mind into a fog so that he will mistake what is true for what is untrue, what is right for what is wrong, and come to believe what did not happen actually had happened."

Psychiatric Journals are flush with reports concluding that former POWs may remain entangled in "harsh psychological battles" with themselves for decades after returning home including difficulty in controlling intense emotions such as anger and stress.

In political circles, McCain, sometimes referred to as "insane McCain," is well known for having a "volcanic" temper which his colleagues say often erupts into vulgar language and personal insults.

Read the rest of the article and cruise around the VVAJM site and see what you think.

Mr Bush Shut The Fuck Up

K.O. does it again. If you haven't seen it, do. If you have, watch again. Unprecedented.

Quote of the Day

James Carville actually said something relevant yesterday.

"The American people want very badly to vote Democrat this time. Let's try to not talk them out of it"

Thanks for that one Singing Troll. Why do the dems want to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? I have a headache.

Not That Anyone Gives A Shit...

With the economy being the number one priority on the mind of most Americans, I don't expect that this item that flew through the MSM will get much attention, but I post it nonetheless. This copy comes via The Stars and Stripes:

Thousands of 'Unfit' Troops Have Deployed

WASHINGTON -- More than 43,000 U.S. troops listed as medically unfit for combat in the weeks before their scheduled deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan since 2003 were sent anyway, USA Today reported Thursday, citing Pentagon records.

The numbers of nondeployable soldiers are based on health assessment forms filled out by medical personnel at each military installation before a servicemember's deployment, the paper noted.

According to the statistics, the number of troops that doctors found nondeployable, but were still sent to Iraq or Afghanistan fluctuated from 10,854 in 2003, down to 5,397 in 2005, and back up to 9,140 in 2007, USA Today wrote.

The Pentagon records do not list what -- or how serious -- the health issues are, nor whether they were corrected before deployment, Michael Kilpatrick, a deputy director for the Pentagon's Force Health Protection and Readiness Programs, told the paper.

read the rest...

One Mississippi, Two Mississippi...

Travis Childers has won in Mississippi's 1st district, a solid GOP stronghold. It don't git no redder than this folks, yet democrat Travis Childers has wrenched the seat away from the appointed Trent Lott-fill-in, Roger Wicker, who appointed a good ole boy, Greg Davis to fill his seat as he took over Lott's.

Lott as you may remember, quit his senate seat soon after re-election to become a lobbyist before the new law which disallows sentators-cum-lobbyists which took effect this past January. Travis beat the tar out of Davis in tonight's special election. As an extra delicious cherry-on-top, darth Cheney campain-gned all day for the rejected republican Davis. Crooks and Liars has the breaking news from Countdown's WV election coverage tonight.

Vet for Obama

Move On's latest ad for Obama

Friendly Fire?

"Friendly Fire" is definitely not the term to be used in relation to Pat Tillman's death, and his mother, Mary Tillman now has a book out that addresses the facts as we know them.

Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman is the chronicle of truth-seeking by a mother who's son was most likely fragged. It appears to be a must-read for those opposed to the war/occupation, and those who believe the rosy picture painted by the Bushies.

The Arizona Republic, a decidedly right-leaning newspaper, has a good read on Mary Tillman's crusade for the facts leading to her son's death, and an attempt to breach the truth/information divide engineered by BushCo. Mary Tillman will appear tonight on 60 Minutes and hopefully the light bulb of knowledge and the rage that follows such enlightenment, will rouse the American ire to at the very least, a dull roar.

UPDATE: Just watched the Mary Tillman segment on 60 Minutes. I sure do dislike Katie Couric, the MSM has it nose so far up the corporate ass they cannot conduct an interview or make an inquiry that questions the BushCo/Pentagon line. The questions were weak with no follow-up and the biggest question wasn't asked, "Who killed Pat Tillman?" Nor was the the fact revealed that Pat Tillman's autopsy showed he had been shot in the head three times at a range determined to be 10-15 yards. Hardly a distance a fellow unit member would be unable to identify Pat or not see the 'cease fire' signal he and other unit members consistently flashed during the "friendly fire" incident. While Couric questioned the newest ass-kisser in the cabinet, Sec. of the Army Pete Gehren, she barely questioned him past his response that, "there was no purposeful deceit or cover-up." Whatever Katie and 60 Minutes, whatever.

I'm Gonna Need a Minute...

So sorry to have been away, I've been super-busy with 'life' as I've come to know it. Not to mention all the nonsense around Rev. Wright v. Obama, etc. I will post later today ands expect to be back in the saddle by Monday.

The South's Gonna Do It Again

One for the AYFKM files: Church Sign Causes Controversy
While even bothering to correct Pastor Roger Byrd's punctuation, WSPA in South Carolina, reports Pastor Byrd-brain has put up this offensive message on his church's sign:

"Obama Osama humm are they brothers?"







Just wondering (humm) if the righteous wrong-reverend and cracker-boy here are related:

Excellent Blogger Award

What a great way to start the week. My blogger-buddy Jolly Roger over at Reconstitution was awarded an "Excellence in Blogging Award." One of the requirements for accepting this award is that you pass it forward, and JR has deemed my rambling missives here for that same honor. Thank you Jolly, and the feeling is mutual. I am pleased to humbly accept this award.

While looking over his post on this merited acknowledgement of excellence, I read at the other blogs he nominated. I recommend a read at them all. The blogosphere is an amazing new frontier in which I am happily engaged.

In accordance with the "rules," my own recommends for "Excellence in Blogging" or my own The Dirty Dozen are as follows:

Les Enragés.orgThe Unruly Mob's take on politics is always insightful, often touching, ever-germane. One of J.R.'s picks as well.

folo An intelligent, biting, informative look at politics from the point of view of a "flowah on a Florida pond." A concentration, but not exclusively, on the politics of the South.

Adored by Hordes Marc Lord's brilliantly written, deconstruction and bold reiteration, of all things political. I♥ABH.

Slobber and Spittle Cujo's always beefy commentary on the misdeeds and injustices we find ourselves embroiled in on a daily basis.

Dependable Renegade Watertiger's sparkling wit dazzles the newsworthy photos of the day with captions that captivate while holding your sides from laughter.

Jon Swift Another Reconstitution entry and I cannot improve on JR's description:"The blogosphere’s Stephen Colbert. 'Conservative' politics that hit the spot."

Beggars Can Be Choosers Marc MacDonald's straightforward critical eye on politics.

Alternate Brain The American Patriot Institute blog-team committed to the very essence of patriotism--dissent and the questioning of authority.

All Hat No Cattle Author Lisa Casey's no-nonsense round-up of the news from the personality-descriptive moniker for the chimp-in-charge's perspective.

Sideshow Avedon Carol, an American in London's sharp round-up of the best of the left. Always relevant, sometime irreverent.

Freeway Blogger The infamous, or is it notorious message blogger that reaches millions with his messages that inspired a movement.

Broadcatching Tully's best-of video site, culls the funnies and the frowners with important links and the "Tullycast."

As to this award, take yours and pass the rest, the only rule for awarding this distinction to deserving blogs, is as follows:By accepting this Excellent Blog Award, you have to award it to 10 more people who’s blog’s you find Excellent Award worthy. You can give it to as many people as you want but please award at least 10.
Thank you to all the above people who take the time, energy and passion it takes to 'do' a blog with the unselfish motive of informing the people (torches and pitchforks optional).

Chimpy Rambles On

At the Paris talks on Climate Change, Jr's U.S. plan was deemed "disastrous," and "Neanderthal" by other world leaders. From the Australian Broadcasting Corp.:

A new plan from US President George Bush which aims to cap greenhouse gases by 2025 has been dismissed as "disastrous" and "Neanderthal" by a group of ministers at a climate change meeting in Paris.
[ ]
In a statement called "Bush's Neanderthal speech," German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said: "His speech showed not leadership but losership. We are glad that there are also other voices in the United States."

Excellent example of that clever German engineering.

Big Night In Pennsyltucky

The site 23/6 has a great one minute round-up of the bitter battle royale in PA. H/T to Littledog for the linky.

Pop Quiz

What are the I.Q. test results of modern day American Presidents you ask? Just so happens I have that information here, via the Lovenstein Institute:

The Presidential IQ Report

WASHINGTON --In a published report, the Lovenstein Institute of Scranton, Pennsylvania has detailed findings of a four month study of the intelligence quotient of President George W. Bush. Since 1973, the Lovenstein Institute has published its research to the education community on each new president, which includes the famous "IQ" report among others.

According to statements in the report, there have been twelve presidents over the past 60 years, from F. D. Roosevelt to G. W. Bush who were all rated based on scholarly achievements, writings that they alone produced without aid of staff, their ability to speak with clarity, and several other psychological factors which were then scored in the Swanson/Crain system of intelligence ranking. The study determined the following IQs of each president as accurate to within five percentage points:

147 Franklin D. Roosevelt (D)
132 Harry Truman (D)
122 Dwight D. Eisenhower (R)
174 John F. Kennedy (D)
126 Lyndon B. Johnson (D)
155 Richard M. Nixon (R)
121 Gerald R. Ford (R)
176 James E. Carter (D)
105 Ronald W. Reagan (R)
98 George H. W. Bush (R)
182 William J. Clinton (D)
91 George W. Bush (R)


The six Republican presidents of the past 60 years had an average IQ of 115.5, with President Nixon having the highest IQ, at 155. President G. W. Bush was rated the lowest of all the Republicans with an IQ of 91.

The six Democrat presidents had IQs with an average of 156, with President Clinton having the highest IQ, at 182. President Lyndon B. Johnson was rated the lowest of all the Democrats with an IQ of 126.

No president other than Carter (D) has released his actual IQ, 176. Among comments made concerning the specific testing of President GW Bush, his low ratings were due to his apparent difficulty to command the English language in public statements, his limited use of vocabulary (6,500 words for Bush versus an average of 11,000 words for other presidents), his lack of scholarly achievements other than a basic MBA, and an absence of any body of work which could be studied on an intellectual basis.

The complete report documents the methods and procedures used to arrive at these ratings, including depth of sentence structure and voice stress confidence analysis. "All the Presidents prior to George W. Bush had a least one book under their belt, and most had written several white papers during their education or early careers.

Not so with President Bush," Dr. Lovenstein said. "He has no published works or writings, so in many ways that made it more difficult to arrive at an assessment. We had to rely more heavily on transcripts of his unscripted public speaking."

The Lovenstein Institute of Scranton Pennsylvania think tank includes high caliber historians, psychiatrists, sociologists, scientists in human behavior, and psychologists. Among their ranks are Dr. Werner R. Lovenstein, world-renowned sociologist, and Professor Patricia F. Dilliams, a world-respected psychiatrist. This study was commissioned on February 13, 2001, and released on July 9, 2001, to subscribing member universities and organizations within the education community.

Not sure the above numbers are right, 'cause I think Jr. is actually retarded.

Intelligence Quotient Test Ratings Source: The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale:
Score Classification
132 and above Very superior
121-131 Superior
111-120 High average
89-110 Average
79-88 Low average
68-78 Slow learner
67 or below Mentally retarded

Debacle on Parade

It seems as if yet another neocon-bush-flunky has had a visit from his conscience or at least a lawyer. In an effort to either extricate himself from the bush-designed web of deception that leads to a war crimes tribunal, or at least repentant enough in an effort to attain his golden ticket to heaven, Joseph Collins, former Rummy aide, Pentagon official and DoD kiss-ass, decries the "we are winning" strat-er-gee in Iraq.

McClatchy News reports:

The war in Iraq has become "a major debacle" and the outcome "is in doubt" despite improvements in security from the buildup in U.S. forces, according to a highly critical study published Thursday by the Pentagon's premier military educational institute.

read the rest...

Another 'duh' moment barely reported in the mainstream media. Duh.

California Caucus

Today (Sunday April 13) is the day for all registered California Democrats to caucus for Clinton/Obama congressional-level delegates election. Show up at yur local caucus today at 2 PM (must be there before 3 PM) and pledge your presidential delegate. Locations are listed by district and candidate at The California Democratic Party website. You must be registered to vote in California--if not registered, show up, get registered and get active! I'll be there, will you?

Hump Day is Over

Quote of the Day:

"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years. These nations have progressed through this sequence: from bondage to spiritual faith, from spiritual faith to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependency, from dependency back again into bondage." -Sir Alex Fraser Tyler, 1742-1813, Scottish jurist and historian

[h/t to Sarah fer digging this one up]

Wednesday Open Thread: Tell me about your day. Mine was long. And yours?

Why I Despise John McLame

Despite His Votes To Cut Veterans Funding, McCain Says We Owe Vets ‘A Debt We Can Never Repay’




Think Progress has the dirt on the back-stabbing, pandering, flip-flopping, hypocritical, senile old bastard McCain. Definitely watch the video, and then remember why we need a Dem in the WH. On the intemperance of McLame, Watertiger posts, "Campaigns for the McAncient," and more on the "Real McCain"