You see, this is what happens when you don't play the Neo-Con Game with Bush.

You get tied up and blindfolded like an animal.

Read the story over at the New York Times:

The Baiji refinery, with its distillation towers rising against the Hamrin Mountains, may be the most important industrial site in the Sunni Arab-dominated regions of Iraq. On a good day, 500 tanker trucks will leave the refinery filled with fuel with a street value of $10 million.

The sea of oil under Iraq is supposed to rebuild the nation, then make it prosper. But at least one-third, and possibly much more, of the fuel from Iraq’s largest refinery here is diverted to the black market, according to American military officials. Tankers are hijacked, drivers are bribed, papers are forged and meters are manipulated — and some of the earnings go to insurgents who are still killing more than 100 Iraqis a week.

“It’s the money pit of the insurgency,” said Capt. Joe Da Silva, who commands several platoons stationed at the refinery.

Five years after the war in Iraq began, the insurgency remains a lethal force. The steady flow of cash is one reason, even as the American troop buildup and the recruitment of former insurgents to American-backed militias have helped push the number of attacks down to 2005 levels.

In fact, money, far more than jihadist ideology, is a crucial motivation for a majority of Sunni insurgents, according to American officers in some Sunni provinces and other military officials in Iraq who have reviewed detainee surveys and other intelligence on the insurgency.

Yeah, them Neo-Conservative, Rockefeller-type, Republicans wouldn’t want those pesky jihadists tapping into their oil profits.

You see, we went into that country, based on totally false intelligence, and now the people that don’t think we belong there. The jihadists, who want to defend their land, is now getting their money supply cut off. Do I defend the one’s who blow up our troops? Hell No. But I am realist, that says, if we’d attacked the RIGHT DAMN COUNTRY IN THE FIRST FUCKING PLACE, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

In case anyone forgot, there was a report this week, that said, despite what the feckless, idiot, bastards on the far right want to believe, that there were NO OPERATIONAL ties between Saddam and Al-Qaeda.

Like I’ve said before, we need change, badly. November 2008 cannot came fast enough for me.

Hillary tries to stall Texas Democrat Convention…

She’s loosing her ass in the Primaries in Texas, So, she wants to stall…

The Story:

Clinton campaign wants Texas to postpone party conventions (via Dallas Morning News)

Quote:

As final results from the Texas Democratic caucus remain unknown, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign wants signatures from the March 4 contest verified before party conventions are held around the state later this month.

In a letter sent to the state Democratic Party late Friday, the Clinton campaign requests the March 29 count and state Senate district conventions be postponed until the eligibility of an estimated 1 million caucus-goers are double checked.

The Clinton campaign wrote they received more than 2,000 complaints of violations following the historic Texas turnout, which was perhaps the nation’s largest caucus ever.

With about 41 percent of precinct caucuses reported, rival Barack Obama was ahead with 56 percent to Clinton’s 44 percent.

"It is the Party’s responsibility to ensure the integrity of the precinct convention process by making sure that the Rules were followed," the letter states.

The letter came after the Clinton campaign said party officials told them this week it would not verify the eligibility of all caucus-goers before March 29. The county and district caucuses will whittle down the delegates before the state convention in June, when the final delegate count for the Texas caucus will be known.

Texas Democratic Party spokesman Hector Nieto said Saturday the party has not yet had the opportunity to make any decisions on the Clinton campaign’s request.

"We’re not surprised Senator Clinton’s campaign has engaged with their attorney, but right now the TDP remains extremely pleased by the record-breaking turnout," Nieto said – Read More

Unbelievable and quite disgusting. I happened to be listening to Stephanie Miller’s radio show, and they had a lady caller the week those primaries went down, and the lady proceeded to tell about how the Hillary supporters were trying to bulldoze the precincts down there. The lady also said, that if Hillary won the Nomination that she would not vote for her.

I mean, it’s pretty damn sad, when someone who knows damn well she’s losing, would try and stall the process.  It shows just how ruthless this woman is, and it is very much going back on her word, that she believes in the election system, and now is trying to fix the process, in her favor. Why not just accept the fact that you lost and move on?

The woman knows no limits. Just ask Peter F. Paul.

A couple good videos that everyone should watch:

 

Others on this: GregsOpinion.com, Burnt Orange Report and Centerpoint Review and more via Memeorandum

Obama Beats Hillary in Iowa Delegates

Ouch! That’ll leave a mark….. Doh

Via Ben Smith’s Blog – Politico.com:

A pretty stunning gain out of Iowa for Obama, where an Iowa Democratic official confirmed to me just now that the county convention results will translate into a 25-14-6 edge for Obama over Clinton and Edwards.

That’s a gain of nine  for the Illinois Senator over the results reported in January, while Clinton lost one delegate. (Edwards lost eight).

It’s a welcome — and meaningful — gain for Obama on a tough weekend, and a result both of his long, hard work in Iowa and of a situation in which Clinton’s attacks seem to be turning off party activists.

Let’s see Hillary try and spin that one. But knowing her, like I do, she will try and put some sort of silly Political Spin on it.

This should be an interesting story to follow.

Others: D-Day, Eschaton, The Jed Report and The Page and more via Memeorandum

HUH?!?!… Writers Strike……at DailyKOS?

I know, that’s what I said too.

Yes sir, It seems that the Pro-Hillary people over at DailyKOS are not happy with the Blog’s Pro-Obama Coverage.

Quote:

This is an open letter to the progressive Blogosphere…

I’ve been posting at DailyKos for nearly 4 years now and started writing diaries in support of Hillary Clinton back in June of last year.  Over the past few months I’ve noticed that things have become progressively more abusive toward my candidate and her supporters.

I’ve put up with the abuse and anger because I’ve always believed in what our on-line community has tried to accomplish in this world.  No more.  DailyKos is not the site it once was thanks to the abusive nature of certain members of our community. 

I’ve decided to go on "strike" and will refrain from posting here as long as the administrators allow the more disruptive members of our community to trash Hillary Clinton and distort her record without any fear of consequence or retribution.  I will not be posting at DailyKos effective immediately.  I will not help drive up traffic or page-hits as long as my candidate – a good and fine DEMOCRAT – is attacked in such a horrid and sexist manner not only by other diarists, but by several of those posting to the front page.

Of course the Owner of the DailyKOS is saying:

His response: "First, these people should read up on the definition of ‘strike.’ What they’re doing is a ‘boycott.’ But whatever they call it, I think it’s great. It’s a big Internet, so I hope they find what they’re looking for."

Of course, he might not feel the same way, if his advertising revenue goes down.

The digital equivalent of taking your ball and going home. How quaint.

Others: The Caucus, Don Surber, Political Punch, Centerpoint Review, NYCweboy, The Mahablog, BlueOregon, Pat Dollard, The Confluence, Political Byline, Sister Toldjah, JammieWearingFool and skippy the bush kangaroo and More via Memeornadum

Saturday Short takes

I am going to be away from the Computer and Blog, and basically news coverage for the rest of the afternoon.

So, here are your Saturday Political and News Short takes…..

Chick that was being "Pimped Out" to Governor of New York, is now mad because her photos got out to the press.

Obama Pastor-Gate continues on Saturday, I can’t believe people are still writing about this.

Living proof that far right wingers should not drive cars, Much less write Blogs and magazine articles.

A fine example of the legal system being abused…..in DAKAR.

There is progress in Iraq, or as this guy puts it, "The Surge is Working"… Some disagree, But I digress. Funny thing is, they put this story on page A13 in the Washington Post.

The Michigan and Florida Delegate-Gate Battle Continues. 

The House votes to tell President George W. Bush to kiss their collective backsides, in regards to telecom immunity. 

Oh Yeah and Obama Resko-Gate Continues as well.

These stories and more are available over on the best source for the pulse of the Blogosphere, and that’s Memeorandum.com

See you all either Tomorrow or much later tonight.

Breaking News: Controversial Minister leaves Obama campaign

This story in from MSNBC:

Minister leaves Obama campaign – Decision ’08- msnbc.com

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., condemned racially charged sermons by his former pastor Friday and urged Americans not to reject his presidential campaign because of “guilt by association.”

Obama’s campaign announced that the minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., had left its spiritual advisory committee after videotapes of his sermons again ignited fierce debate in news accounts and political blogs.

Obama did not clarify whether Wright volunteered to leave his African American Religious Leadership Committee, a loose group of supporters associated with the campaign, or whether the campaign asked him to leave.

 

Here is the Interview by Keith Olbermann, from Countdown on MSNBC:

 

No Transcript Available at this time, one will be posted when it becomes available at MSNBC’s site.

I think Obama has done a good job on dousing this fire. Keith Olbermann actually came in, on a day off to get this story and interview Obama himself, as to get the story straight.  That says much about Olbermann. I commend him for doing that.

Hopefully this will die down, Because I think it’s a little overblown, myself. However, realistically, I do know that some idiotic 527 group will try their best to "swiftboat", Obama on this issue. You can bet on that.

More on Obama's Pastor-Gate

As I previously reported, Senator Barack Obama’s Pastor, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr has made some seriously flammable statements.

Well, the story has caught on like wildfire in the MSM. The Wall Street Journal, who is, by the way, owned by Rupert Murdock, An Republican Operative, has done a rather damaging piece on Barack’s Pastor.

True to form and very well done, Senator Barack Obama has issued a very well worded statement at the Huffington Post:

The pastor of my church, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who recently preached his last sermon and is in the process of retiring, has touched off a firestorm over the last few days. He’s drawn attention as the result of some inflammatory and appalling remarks he made about our country, our politics, and my political opponents.

Let me say at the outset that I vehemently disagree and strongly condemn the statements that have been the subject of this controversy. I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies. I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it’s on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. In sum, I reject outright the statements by Rev. Wright that are at issue.

Because these particular statements by Rev. Wright are so contrary to my own life and beliefs, a number of people have legitimately raised questions about the nature of my relationship with Rev. Wright and my membership in the church. Let me therefore provide some context.

As I have written about in my books, I first joined Trinity United Church of Christ nearly twenty years ago. I knew Rev. Wright as someone who served this nation with honor as a United States Marine, as a respected biblical scholar, and as someone who taught or lectured at seminaries across the country, from Union Theological Seminary to the University of Chicago. He also led a diverse congregation that was and still is a pillar of the South Side and the entire city of Chicago. It’s a congregation that does not merely preach social justice but acts it out each day, through ministries ranging from housing the homeless to reaching out to those with HIV/AIDS.

Most importantly, Rev. Wright preached the gospel of Jesus, a gospel on which I base my life. In other words, he has never been my political advisor; he’s been my pastor. And the sermons I heard him preach always related to our obligation to love God and one another, to work on behalf of the poor, and to seek justice at every turn.

The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity or heard him utter in private conversation. When these statements first came to my attention, it was at the beginning of my presidential campaign. I made it clear at the time that I strongly condemned his comments. But because Rev. Wright was on the verge of retirement, and because of my strong links to the Trinity faith community, where I married my wife and where my daughters were baptized, I did not think it appropriate to leave the church.

Let me repeat what I’ve said earlier. All of the statements that have been the subject of controversy are ones that I vehemently condemn. They in no way reflect my attitudes and directly contradict my profound love for this country.

With Rev. Wright’s retirement and the ascension of my new pastor, Rev. Otis Moss, III, Michelle and I look forward to continuing a relationship with a church that has done so much good. And while Rev. Wright’s statements have pained and angered me, I believe that Americans will judge me not on the basis of what someone else said, but on the basis of who I am and what I believe in; on my values, judgment and experience to be President of the United States.

I also overheard on MSNBC, Chris Matthews said that Senator Barack Obama will be appearing on Keith Olbermann’s Show Countdown to give his side of the Story.

I do truly hope that this douses the fire on this rather silly story. Because it does seem to be a bit overblown and it does show the hypocrisy of the MSM. Because in case anyone has forgotten, Senator John McCain was endorsed by Baptist Minister John Hagee and Pentecostal Pastor Rod Parsley. Both of which have been quoted making anti-Islamic statements. But yet, Obama is getting the "White Glove" treatment? I just wonder, is there a racial bias amongst the Main Stream Media?

Further, could it be that the Jewish owned, financed, and backed Main stream media has it out for this Black Christian, whom they feel might be a threat to their way of life? Before anyone accuses me of being anti-Semitic, it is a fact, that if the corporate controlled media decides to make you the new story, it can ruin you. it is also a fact that most of the networks are Jewish owned, controlled and financed. It is not anti-Semitic to ask such questions.

Update: I guess I should point out that John McCain is simply distantly associated with Parsley and Hagee. However, Barack Obama is a MEMBER of this Church, The man married him and his wife and baptized his children, so, it is more than just a casual association, Senator Obama is directly associated with him.  This is why this story is so huge and why the Conservatives and some liberals are up in arms about it.

There are other Bloggers in on this discussion, here’s the one’s that I choose to link to: Washington Wire, The New Republic, The Swamp, The Jawa Report, The Sleuth, The Opinionator, Hot Air, American Street, TPM Election Central, Obsidian Wings, Donklephant, The Caucus and The Page, American Power, Confederate Yankee, Little Green Footballs, A Blog For All, Riehl World View, Hot Air, Gawker, The Field, Dick Polman’s American Debate, Reasoned Audacity, Hugh Hewitt’s TownHall Blog, NO QUARTER, ABCNEWS, Macsmind, Attytood, The Strata-Sphere, Centerpoint Review, BizzyBlog, QandO, Firedoglake, JammieWearingFool, GINA COBB and PrestoPundit and More via Memeorandum

Detroit, Michigan's mayor, A Case Study of Abject Stupidity.

 Check this out…

The Story: Mayor’s Office Defends Use of ‘N-Word’ (via WXYZ.COM)

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR’S OFFICE…
The Mayor acted with courage and conviction in making the public aware of the threats against his life and the lives of his wife and children.  He did so for no other reason than to rebuke the bigots and hate mongers who issued the threats.  As he said in his address; “we must turn to each other, and not on each other.” 
It is not the Mayor who has resurrected the n-word, nor is it the Mayor who inserted race into the discussion. 
The people who are responsible are those who sent the despicable emails, letters, and telephone calls, all of which use the n-word in describing the Mayor and his family.  We urge those criticizing the Mayor regarding this issue to focus their condemnation on those who spewed the hatred rather than the victim of the hatred.
Denise Tolliver
Press Secretary
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick

This is a full glimpse into the idiotic logic of the Mayor of Detroit.

"They called me a Nigger first, I just repeated the term."

What an idiot.

Live by Identity Politics, Die by Identity Politics.

What is it?

identity politics
n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb)

Political attitudes or positions that focus on the concerns of social groups identified mainly on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation: “However, identity politics, whether in the guise of nationalism, feminism, or some other form of political expression is on the defensive these days” (Clarence Lusane).

 

The point I am trying to make is. This man is joke of a Mayor. He will forever be remembered as the Mayor of Detroit, who could not keep his penis in his pants or for his wife. Who was absolutely corrupt and when confronted, he played the race card……towards his own people. 

Quite a Legacy, No Doubt.