Looking Left-Political Screamings

2003-10-25T10:35:00.000-04:00

Kerry news

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Kerry links Bush with corporate greed at old Tyco offices.
"In the process of incorporating their businesses outside of the United States , companies can avoid pay certain taxes to the federal government. This scheme, Kerry argued means that all other taxpayers, in particular he argued the middle class, are forced to pay more in taxes to make up the revenue that these companies are no longer paying.

“This is really about fundamental fairness,” Kerry said."

We need a president who'll come clean. Kerry is the man to do that.

2003-10-20T17:30:00.000-04:00

Zobgy horse race

Bush vs. Kerry
10/15-18/03 45 41
9/22-24/03 47 37
3/03 49 36
1/24-26/03 53 34
1/4-6/03 54 31
Kerry has gained 10 points this year.4 points shy of a tie. Not within the MoE, but its becoming close.

Bush vs. Lieberman
10/15-18/03 46 38
9/22-24/03 49 37
3/03 50 38
1/24-26/03 52 35
1/4-6/03 55 31
Lieberman 8 points shy of a tie. Gained 8 points.

Bush vs. Dean
10/15-18/03 47 39
9/22-24/03 47 37
9/03 47 37
3/03 52 31
1/24-26/03 55 25
8 points shy.

Bush vs. Clark
10/15-18/03 46 37
9/22-24/03 45 35
3/14-15/03 52 28
1/24-26/03 56 24
9 points out.

Bush vs. Gephardt
10/15-18/03 47 38
9/22-24/03 49 37
3/03 50 38
1/24-26/03 52 32
1/4-6/03 55 31
9 points out.

Margin of error for all is +/- 3.3

What this means is:

Kerry's margin is smaller by 4 points (larger than the MoE, mind you), which means he is likely doing better nationally among voters. This is meaningless in the nomination fight.

As usual, I hope Kerry wins.

2003-10-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

Civilian deaths not documented, HRW says
Human Rights Watch documents 20 civilian deaths in postwar Baghdad; dozens more reported
KAREN MATTHEWS, Associated Press Writer Monday, October 20, 2003

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(10-20) 11:57 PDT NEW YORK (AP) --

A human rights organization says it has confirmed 20 civilian deaths under questionable circumstances in Baghdad since May 1, when President Bush declared an end to major combat operations in Iraq, and has received credible reports of dozens more.

In a report released late Monday, Human Rights Watch also accused the U.S. military of failing to conduct proper investigations into excessive or indiscriminate use of force in the Iraqi capital.

"It's a tragedy that U.S. soldiers have killed so many civilians in Baghdad," said Joe Stork, acting executive director of the Middle East and North Africa division of the New York-based group, which monitors human rights abuses around the world.

"But it's really incredible that the U.S. military does not even count these deaths," Stork said. "Any time U.S. forces kill an Iraqi civilian in questionable circumstances, they should investigate the incident."

Lt. Col. George Krivo, a spokesman for the U.S. command in Baghdad, said Monday that he had not seen the report, but added that "we do take investigations very seriously."

Human Rights Watch said it was able to confirm 20 civilian deaths caused by U.S. forces in Iraq's capital between May 1 and Sept. 30, based on interviews with witnesses and victims' relatives. The organization also said it received "credible reports" that U.S. forces killed another 74 civilians under questionable circumstances during the five-month period.

The organization recommended better language and cultural training, as well as more accountability for soldiers who now operate "with virtual impunity in Iraq."

In compiling its report, Human Rights Watch said it conducted more than 60 interviews, reviewed police records and media accounts, and collected information from the military and human rights groups.

As of Oct. 1, the organization said, U.S. forces had acknowledged completing five investigations above the division level into alleged unlawful killings of civilians. In four of those incidents, soldiers were found to have operated within rules of engagement. In the fifth case, a helicopter pilot and his commander face disciplinary action for removing a Shi'a banner from a tower, which led to an altercation with demonstrators in which one or more civilians may have been killed.

Krivo said investigations are ongoing into two fatal incidents. One centers on the Sept. 12 killing of eight Iraqi police officers and one Jordanian guard by soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division. The other involves the killing of an Iraqi, he said, but no other details were provided.

The deaths Human Rights Watch documented fall into three categories: those that occurred in raids; those in which the group alleges that soldiers responded disproportionately and indiscriminately to attacks; and those of Iraqis who failed to stop at checkpoints.

"U.S. checkpoints constantly shift throughout Baghdad, and are sometimes not well marked, although sign visibility is improving," the report said. "A dearth of Arabic interpreters and poor understanding of Iraqi hand gestures cause confusion, with results that are sometimes fatal for civilians."

The report's author, Human Rights Watch consultant Fred Abrahams, said the report was limited to deaths in Baghdad because it was "the natural place to begin."

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Hmm. The DoD isn't even documenting civilian deaths?

2003-10-11T15:09:00.000-04:00

Texas Redistricting, Chapter Something

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Another twist!

"Texas Republicans' hopes of adopting a new congressional map have been pushed back by yet another Democratic walkout.
Although the House passed a compromise bill on the redistricting plan Friday, Senate Republicans refused to vote on it later in the day until the House passed an unrelated measure.

When word of the Senate plan began to spread, most House Democrats bolted before a vote on the other bill was called banking on enough Republicans leaving town for the Texas-Oklahoma football game to break quorum."

Pretty much says it all. Democrats run, Senate Republicans screaming at House Republicans, and they went to the Texas-Oklahoma football game. Some people say politics is boring.

This whole gerrymandering plan is really an attempt to override the real issues. Rather than worry about their party, they should worry about their state. The Democrats should receive a round of applause for this.

Please stop this insanity.