BRATTLEBORO, VT --
A small Vermont town is mulling the idea of issuing arrest warrants for President Bush and Vice President Cheney.
In the town of Brattleboro, officials will let voters decide if the duo should be charged with war crimes.
On town meeting day, March 4th, people in Brattleboro will vote on whether the President and Vice President should be indicted and arrested for war crimes if they ever set foot in Vermont.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Nelson-Pallmeyer wins senate straw poll
While there has been a lack of polls by the main stream media, this poll is getting a lot of attention. Click here for the story.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
2008 Peace First Precinct Caucus Resolution
PEACE FIRST! Secure-Cut-Convert Resolution
Be it resolved that:
The United States government (1) SECURE funding for bringing
U.S. troops home from Iraq and for necessary national defense,
(2) CUT all further funding for the military occupation of Iraq and
for unnecessary weapons systems, and (3) CONVERT that funding
to Iraqi reconstruction, $10 billion annual increase in funding
for renewable energy and "green collar" jobs in the next 5 years,
Medicare for everyone, access to education from early childhood
through university, and voting access with 100% verified paper
ballot.
[ You may cut out the text and tape it to your political party’s
resolution form. The subject area is national security (in the
broadest sense). ]
Bring this to your party of choice's caucus.
If for example you are DFL, then Jack Nelson Pallmeyer is the only one who supports this.
Be it resolved that:
The United States government (1) SECURE funding for bringing
U.S. troops home from Iraq and for necessary national defense,
(2) CUT all further funding for the military occupation of Iraq and
for unnecessary weapons systems, and (3) CONVERT that funding
to Iraqi reconstruction, $10 billion annual increase in funding
for renewable energy and "green collar" jobs in the next 5 years,
Medicare for everyone, access to education from early childhood
through university, and voting access with 100% verified paper
ballot.
[ You may cut out the text and tape it to your political party’s
resolution form. The subject area is national security (in the
broadest sense). ]
Bring this to your party of choice's caucus.
If for example you are DFL, then Jack Nelson Pallmeyer is the only one who supports this.
What Does It take to start a war? 935 lies.
A recent study found this:
"President George W. Bush and seven of his administration's top officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, made at least 935 false statements in the two years following September 11, 2001, about the national security threat posed by Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Nearly five years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, an exhaustive examination of the record shows that the statements were part of an orchestrated campaign that effectively galvanized public opinion and, in the process, led the nation to war under decidedly false pretenses."
You can read it the rest here: http://www.publicintegrity.org/WarCard/
"President George W. Bush and seven of his administration's top officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, made at least 935 false statements in the two years following September 11, 2001, about the national security threat posed by Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Nearly five years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, an exhaustive examination of the record shows that the statements were part of an orchestrated campaign that effectively galvanized public opinion and, in the process, led the nation to war under decidedly false pretenses."
You can read it the rest here: http://www.publicintegrity.org/WarCard/
Monday, January 14, 2008
Kucinich Slaps Around NBC
LAS VEGAS (AP) — NBC News said Monday it will appeal a judge's ruling rather than include Democratic presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich in a candidates' debate in Nevada.
"We disagree with the judge's decision and are filing an appeal," said a statement provided by Jeremy Gaines, a vice president for MSNBC, sponsor of Tuesday night's debate. Gaines said the parent network would seek an immediate hearing before the Nevada Supreme Court.
Hours earlier, Senior Clark County District Court Judge Charles Thompson ruled that Kucinich, an Ohio congressman, must be allowed to participate. If he is excluded, Thompson said he would issue an injunction to stop the televised debate.
Kucinich's lawyer had argued that MSNBC at first invited him to participate, then last week reversed course and told him he could not.
A lawyer for the network said MSNBC decided to go with the top three candidates after the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries.
Thompson called it a matter of fairness and said Nevada voters will benefit by hearing from more than just top contenders Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards.
The cable network and the Democratic Party have promoted the debate as a chance for the candidates to be questioned about issues from Nevada's minority communities. Tim Russert and Brian Williams are the scheduled moderators.
Kucinich learned of the judge's decision when he was handed a note during an interview with Fox Business Network's Neil Cavuto.
"We disagree with the judge's decision and are filing an appeal," said a statement provided by Jeremy Gaines, a vice president for MSNBC, sponsor of Tuesday night's debate. Gaines said the parent network would seek an immediate hearing before the Nevada Supreme Court.
Hours earlier, Senior Clark County District Court Judge Charles Thompson ruled that Kucinich, an Ohio congressman, must be allowed to participate. If he is excluded, Thompson said he would issue an injunction to stop the televised debate.
Kucinich's lawyer had argued that MSNBC at first invited him to participate, then last week reversed course and told him he could not.
A lawyer for the network said MSNBC decided to go with the top three candidates after the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries.
Thompson called it a matter of fairness and said Nevada voters will benefit by hearing from more than just top contenders Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards.
The cable network and the Democratic Party have promoted the debate as a chance for the candidates to be questioned about issues from Nevada's minority communities. Tim Russert and Brian Williams are the scheduled moderators.
Kucinich learned of the judge's decision when he was handed a note during an interview with Fox Business Network's Neil Cavuto.
Dennis Kucinich, Willie Nelson and Me
Attorneys for Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich filed notice Monday they are appealing a judge's ruling allowing the Democratic Party to impose a loyalty oath on candidates who seek to be on the Texas ballot.
Kucinich and singer-supporter Willie Nelson are pressing the case, objecting to the Texas Democratic Party's oath that a presidential candidate must "fully support" the party's eventual nominee.
Judge Lee Yeakel ruled Friday the state party has the right to require the oath. Lawyers for Kucinich and Nelson had argued it violated Kucinich's First Amendment right to free speech.
"This case is important because it is about the right of a candidate to speak out on issues that are important to the public ... like health care, like war and peace and jobs," said Kucinich's lawyer, Donald McTigue. "We don't think you can require this oath of silence as a qualification to be on the ballot."
Texas Democratic Party spokesman Hector Nieto said state chairman Boyd Richie must enforce the rules approved by the party's governing body.
"We will wait to hear what happens with the appeal," he said.
The Texas primary is March 4. The Texas Secretary of State's Office has said it needs the ballot question resolved soon because ballots going to out-of-state military members need to be printed and mailed by Saturday.
McTigue and attorney Joe Turner filed the notice of appeal with Yeakel and asked for a temporary injunction allowing Kucinich on the ballot pending a hearing of the case by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.
The attorneys say they expect an expedited hearing by the appeals court. But a court can take all the way until the election to make a decision if it chooses, McTigue said.
Kucinich and singer-supporter Willie Nelson are pressing the case, objecting to the Texas Democratic Party's oath that a presidential candidate must "fully support" the party's eventual nominee.
Judge Lee Yeakel ruled Friday the state party has the right to require the oath. Lawyers for Kucinich and Nelson had argued it violated Kucinich's First Amendment right to free speech.
"This case is important because it is about the right of a candidate to speak out on issues that are important to the public ... like health care, like war and peace and jobs," said Kucinich's lawyer, Donald McTigue. "We don't think you can require this oath of silence as a qualification to be on the ballot."
Texas Democratic Party spokesman Hector Nieto said state chairman Boyd Richie must enforce the rules approved by the party's governing body.
"We will wait to hear what happens with the appeal," he said.
The Texas primary is March 4. The Texas Secretary of State's Office has said it needs the ballot question resolved soon because ballots going to out-of-state military members need to be printed and mailed by Saturday.
McTigue and attorney Joe Turner filed the notice of appeal with Yeakel and asked for a temporary injunction allowing Kucinich on the ballot pending a hearing of the case by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.
The attorneys say they expect an expedited hearing by the appeals court. But a court can take all the way until the election to make a decision if it chooses, McTigue said.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Kucinich Demands Recount In NH
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Democrat Dennis Kucinich, who won less than 2 percent of the vote in the New Hampshire primary, said Thursday he wants a recount to ensure that all ballots in his party's contest were counted. The Ohio congressman cited "serious and credible reports, allegations and rumors" about the integrity of Tuesday results.
Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan said Kucinich is entitled to a statewide recount. But, under New Hampshire law, Kucinich will have to pay for it. Scanlan said he had "every confidence" the results are accurate.
In a letter dated Thursday, Kucinich said he does not expect significant changes in his vote total, but wants assurance that "100 percent of the voters had 100 percent of their votes counted."
Kucinich alluded to online reports alleging disparities around the state between hand-counted ballots, which tended to favor Sen. Barack Obama, and machine-counted ones that tended to favor Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. He also noted the difference between pre-election polls, which indicated Obama would win, and Clinton's triumph by a 39 percent to 37 percent margin.
Candidates who lose by 3 percentage or less are entitled to a recount for a $2,000 fee. Candidates who lose by more must pay for the full cost. Kucinich's campaign said it was sending the $2,000 fee to start the recount.
Scanlon said his office had received several phone calls since Tuesday, mostly from outside the state, questioning the results. New Hampshire's voting machines are not linked in any way, which Scanlon says reduce the likelihood of tampering with results on a statewide level. Also, the results can be checked against paper ballots.
"I think people from out of state don't completely understand how our process works and they compare it to the system that might exist in Florida or Ohio, where they have had serious problems," he said. "Perhaps the best thing that could happen for us is to have a recount to show the people that ... the votes that were cast on election day were accurately reflected in the results. And I have every confidence that will be the case."
Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan said Kucinich is entitled to a statewide recount. But, under New Hampshire law, Kucinich will have to pay for it. Scanlan said he had "every confidence" the results are accurate.
In a letter dated Thursday, Kucinich said he does not expect significant changes in his vote total, but wants assurance that "100 percent of the voters had 100 percent of their votes counted."
Kucinich alluded to online reports alleging disparities around the state between hand-counted ballots, which tended to favor Sen. Barack Obama, and machine-counted ones that tended to favor Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. He also noted the difference between pre-election polls, which indicated Obama would win, and Clinton's triumph by a 39 percent to 37 percent margin.
Candidates who lose by 3 percentage or less are entitled to a recount for a $2,000 fee. Candidates who lose by more must pay for the full cost. Kucinich's campaign said it was sending the $2,000 fee to start the recount.
Scanlon said his office had received several phone calls since Tuesday, mostly from outside the state, questioning the results. New Hampshire's voting machines are not linked in any way, which Scanlon says reduce the likelihood of tampering with results on a statewide level. Also, the results can be checked against paper ballots.
"I think people from out of state don't completely understand how our process works and they compare it to the system that might exist in Florida or Ohio, where they have had serious problems," he said. "Perhaps the best thing that could happen for us is to have a recount to show the people that ... the votes that were cast on election day were accurately reflected in the results. And I have every confidence that will be the case."
Thursday, January 10, 2008
John Kerry endorses Obama
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, gave Barack Obama a timely endorsement Thursday, snubbing Hillary Rodham Clinton as well as his own vice presidential running mate.
Kerry came to South Carolina to embrace Obama, two weeks before the state's primary and with Obama needing a boost after Clinton's emotional victory over him in New Hampshire.
Quoting a black American hero in endorsing the man who hopes to be the first black president, Kerry told a cheering crowd, ``Martin Luther King said that the time is always right to do what is right.'' Now is the time, Kerry said, to declare ``that Barack Obama can be, will be and should be the next president of the United States.''
The Massachusetts senator said there were other candidates he had worked with and respected but Obama was best able to bring Americans together.
``Who better than Barack Obama to turn a new page in American politics so that Democrat, independent and Republican alike can look to leadership that unites to find the common ground?'' Kerry said. ``That's what this is about.''
Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, the third contender in the Democratic presidential race, was Kerry's vice presidential running mate in 2004. Despite their political alliance, the two men were not close personally and differed behind the scenes on campaign strategy in a race that President Bush won.
Edwards responded to word of the endorsement with a diplomatic statement: ``Our country and our party are stronger because of John's service, and I respect his decision. When we were running against each other and on the same ticket, John and I agreed on many issues.''
Edwards later said he had known for months that Kerry would support Obama.
Edwards defeated Kerry in the 2004 South Carolina Democratic primary. Kerry had considered running again but decided a year ago he would not.
Kerry dismissed Obama critics who say the Illinois senator lacks the experience to be president. And he took a swipe at Clinton, saying, ``Some have suggested in this campaign that Barack is guilty of raising 'false hopes.' ... My friends, the only charge that rings false is the one that tells you not to hope for a better tomorrow.''
In a debate in New Hampshire, the New York senator said in comparing her ability and Obama's to fulfill pledges to bring about change: ``I think it is clear that what we need is somebody who can deliver change. And we don't need to be raising the false hopes of our country about what can be delivered. The best way to know what change I will produce is to look at the changes that I've already made.''
Returning to the subject, Obama said when he took the microphone from Kerry: ``In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.''
Obama supporters were hoping the timing of Kerry's endorsement could give him a lift as he seeks to put his New Hampshire primary loss behind him. Obama also was endorsed Thursday by South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson.
Obama praised Kerry's Vietnam War service, calling him a patriot and a man of conviction.
Kerry was Obama's political benefactor once before, selecting the relatively unknown Illinois senatorial candidate to deliver the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. It was Obama's first turn in the national spotlight and helped launch him on a remarkable ascent that has made him one of two leading contenders for the party's presidential nomination only four years later.
Kerry had withheld his endorsement, hoping to influence the race and avoid the fate of fellow Democrat Al Gore, the 2000 nominee who endorsed Howard Dean in 2004 shortly before the former Vermont governor's campaign imploded. Gore has made no endorsement so far this year.
While Kerry has been close to Clinton's husband, the former president, he was incensed in 2006 when she chided him after Kerry suggested that people who don't go to school ``get stuck in Iraq.'' Aides said Kerry meant to jab at Bush and say ``get us stuck in Iraq,'' and that he didn't appreciate Clinton piling onto the criticism he already was getting for the remark.
Kerry's own hopes to run for president this year fizzled with that botched comment. For many Democrats, his words revived bitter memories of his missteps in 2004. In another area, he has backed environmental causes, writing a book with his wife on the issue.
Kerry should be able to provide some organizational and fundraising muscle to Obama.
The Republican National Committee was dismissive about Thursday's endorsement, branding Kerry and Obama ``liberal soul mates.''
Kerry came to South Carolina to embrace Obama, two weeks before the state's primary and with Obama needing a boost after Clinton's emotional victory over him in New Hampshire.
Quoting a black American hero in endorsing the man who hopes to be the first black president, Kerry told a cheering crowd, ``Martin Luther King said that the time is always right to do what is right.'' Now is the time, Kerry said, to declare ``that Barack Obama can be, will be and should be the next president of the United States.''
The Massachusetts senator said there were other candidates he had worked with and respected but Obama was best able to bring Americans together.
``Who better than Barack Obama to turn a new page in American politics so that Democrat, independent and Republican alike can look to leadership that unites to find the common ground?'' Kerry said. ``That's what this is about.''
Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, the third contender in the Democratic presidential race, was Kerry's vice presidential running mate in 2004. Despite their political alliance, the two men were not close personally and differed behind the scenes on campaign strategy in a race that President Bush won.
Edwards responded to word of the endorsement with a diplomatic statement: ``Our country and our party are stronger because of John's service, and I respect his decision. When we were running against each other and on the same ticket, John and I agreed on many issues.''
Edwards later said he had known for months that Kerry would support Obama.
Edwards defeated Kerry in the 2004 South Carolina Democratic primary. Kerry had considered running again but decided a year ago he would not.
Kerry dismissed Obama critics who say the Illinois senator lacks the experience to be president. And he took a swipe at Clinton, saying, ``Some have suggested in this campaign that Barack is guilty of raising 'false hopes.' ... My friends, the only charge that rings false is the one that tells you not to hope for a better tomorrow.''
In a debate in New Hampshire, the New York senator said in comparing her ability and Obama's to fulfill pledges to bring about change: ``I think it is clear that what we need is somebody who can deliver change. And we don't need to be raising the false hopes of our country about what can be delivered. The best way to know what change I will produce is to look at the changes that I've already made.''
Returning to the subject, Obama said when he took the microphone from Kerry: ``In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.''
Obama supporters were hoping the timing of Kerry's endorsement could give him a lift as he seeks to put his New Hampshire primary loss behind him. Obama also was endorsed Thursday by South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson.
Obama praised Kerry's Vietnam War service, calling him a patriot and a man of conviction.
Kerry was Obama's political benefactor once before, selecting the relatively unknown Illinois senatorial candidate to deliver the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. It was Obama's first turn in the national spotlight and helped launch him on a remarkable ascent that has made him one of two leading contenders for the party's presidential nomination only four years later.
Kerry had withheld his endorsement, hoping to influence the race and avoid the fate of fellow Democrat Al Gore, the 2000 nominee who endorsed Howard Dean in 2004 shortly before the former Vermont governor's campaign imploded. Gore has made no endorsement so far this year.
While Kerry has been close to Clinton's husband, the former president, he was incensed in 2006 when she chided him after Kerry suggested that people who don't go to school ``get stuck in Iraq.'' Aides said Kerry meant to jab at Bush and say ``get us stuck in Iraq,'' and that he didn't appreciate Clinton piling onto the criticism he already was getting for the remark.
Kerry's own hopes to run for president this year fizzled with that botched comment. For many Democrats, his words revived bitter memories of his missteps in 2004. In another area, he has backed environmental causes, writing a book with his wife on the issue.
Kerry should be able to provide some organizational and fundraising muscle to Obama.
The Republican National Committee was dismissive about Thursday's endorsement, branding Kerry and Obama ``liberal soul mates.''
Monday, January 7, 2008
McGovern urges Bush's impeachment
From the BBC:
Former US presidential candidate George McGovern says the case for impeaching President Bush is "far stronger" than it was against Richard Nixon.
Mr McGovern lost the 1972 presidential election to Nixon, who resigned in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal.
George W Bush is guilty of "numerous impeachable offences", Mr McGovern writes in a Washington Post article.
These include, he says, the Iraq war, the Guantanamo detentions and the neglect of Hurricane Katrina's victims.
"As we enter the eighth year of the Bush-Cheney administration, I have belatedly and painfully concluded that the only honourable course for me is to urge the impeachment of the president and the vice-president," reads the start of Mr McGovern's article.
He stood clear of calls to impeach Nixon, Mr McGovern writes, fearing that it would be seen as an expression of personal vengeance towards the man who had beaten him in the 1972 election.
But now, Mr McGovern says, his choice is different.
President Bush and Vice-President Cheney "have repeatedly violated the Constitution. They have transgressed national and international law. They have lied to the American people time after time".
The case against them is far stronger than the case against Nixon and Vice-President Spiro Agnew, he writes.
Mr McGovern lists a series of events and issues to support his call for impeachment.
Read the rest here.
Former US presidential candidate George McGovern says the case for impeaching President Bush is "far stronger" than it was against Richard Nixon.
Mr McGovern lost the 1972 presidential election to Nixon, who resigned in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal.
George W Bush is guilty of "numerous impeachable offences", Mr McGovern writes in a Washington Post article.
These include, he says, the Iraq war, the Guantanamo detentions and the neglect of Hurricane Katrina's victims.
"As we enter the eighth year of the Bush-Cheney administration, I have belatedly and painfully concluded that the only honourable course for me is to urge the impeachment of the president and the vice-president," reads the start of Mr McGovern's article.
He stood clear of calls to impeach Nixon, Mr McGovern writes, fearing that it would be seen as an expression of personal vengeance towards the man who had beaten him in the 1972 election.
But now, Mr McGovern says, his choice is different.
President Bush and Vice-President Cheney "have repeatedly violated the Constitution. They have transgressed national and international law. They have lied to the American people time after time".
The case against them is far stronger than the case against Nixon and Vice-President Spiro Agnew, he writes.
Mr McGovern lists a series of events and issues to support his call for impeachment.
Read the rest here.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
DFL Senate Now Veto Proof
Burried in the news is the elecion here in Minnesota.
A January 3rd special election resulted in another DFL pickup.
District 25 (Northfield- South of the Metro) had a special election to fill a vacant seat left by a Republican leaving the legislature. This now put the DFL over the top in the Senate for a 2/3rds majority.
Kevin Dahle won with 55.52% of the vote with 100% of the precincts are reporting.
If you are keeping track that means the Minnesota Senate is 45 DFL 22 GOP.
Why this isn't a bigger story in the rest of the MN media is a mystery.
A January 3rd special election resulted in another DFL pickup.
District 25 (Northfield- South of the Metro) had a special election to fill a vacant seat left by a Republican leaving the legislature. This now put the DFL over the top in the Senate for a 2/3rds majority.
Kevin Dahle won with 55.52% of the vote with 100% of the precincts are reporting.
If you are keeping track that means the Minnesota Senate is 45 DFL 22 GOP.
Why this isn't a bigger story in the rest of the MN media is a mystery.
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