Olbermann blasts Rummy

Keith Olbermann takes on Rumsfeld on tonight's Countdown show. Here is the transcript but you got to watch this video.

Yes, even those of you on dialup.

The printed words do not reflect the righteous anger of Keith Olbermann.

I want to hear this from the rest of the anchors on the evening newscasts.

I want to see similar words on the editorial pages of every friggin newspaper in this country.

HOW DARE RUMSFELD CALL ME AND THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN'S NAZI'S?

HOW DARE HE!!!

Transcript:

The man who sees absolutes, where all other men see nuances and shades of meaning, is either a prophet, or a quack.

Donald S. Rumsfeld is not a prophet.

Mr. Rumsfeld’s remarkable comments to the Veterans of Foreign Wars yesterday demand the deep analysis - and the sober contemplation - of every American.

For they do not merely serve to impugn the morality or intelligence - indeed, the loyalty — of the majority of Americans who oppose the transient occupants of the highest offices in the land;

Worse, still, they credit those same transient occupants - our employees — with a total omniscience; a total omniscience which neither common sense, nor this administration’s track record at home or abroad, suggests they deserve.

Dissent and disagreement with government is the life’s blood of human freedom; And not merely because it is the first roadblock against the kind of tyranny the men Mr. Rumsfeld likes to think of as "his" troops still fight, this very evening, in Iraq.

It is also essential. Because just every once in awhile… it is right — and the power to which it speaks, is wrong.

In a small irony, however, Mr. Rumsfeld’s speechwriter was adroit in invoking the memory of the appeasement of the Nazis.

For, in their time, there was another government faced with true peril - with a growing evil - powerful and remorseless.

That government, like Mr. Rumsfeld’s, had a monopoly on all the facts. It, too, had the secret information. It alone had the true picture of the threat. It too dismissed and insulted its critics in terms like Mr. Rumsfeld’s - questioning their intellect and their morality.

That government was England’s, in the 1930’s.

It knew Hitler posed no true threat to Europe, let alone England.

It knew Germany was not re-arming, in violation of all treaties and accords.

It knew that the hard evidence it received, which contradicted policies, conclusions - and omniscience — needed to be dismissed.

The English government of Neville Chamberlain already knew the truth.

Most relevant of all - it "knew" that its staunchest critics needed to be marginalized and isolated. In fact, it portrayed the foremost of them as a blood-thirsty war-monger who was, if not truly senile - at best… morally or intellectually confused.

That critic’s name… was Winston Churchill.

Sadly, we have no Winston Churchills evident among us this evening. We have only Donald Rumsfelds, demonizing disagreement, the way Neville Chamberlain demonized Winston Churchill.

History - and 163 million pounds of Luftwaffe bombs over England - taught us that all Mr. Chamberlain had was his certainty - and his own confusion. A confusion that suggested that the office can not only make the man, but that the office can also make the facts.

Thus did Mr. Rumsfeld make an apt historical analogy.

Excepting the fact that he has the battery plugged in backwards.

His government, absolute - and exclusive - in its knowledge, is not the modern version of the one which stood up to the Nazis. It is the modern version of the government… of Neville Chamberlain.

But back to today’s Omniscients.

That about which Mr. Rumsfeld is confused… is simply this:

This is a Democracy. Still. Sometimes just barely. And as such, all voices count — not just his. Had he or his President perhaps proven any of their prior claims of omniscience - about Osama Bin Laden’s plans five years ago - about Saddam Hussein’s weapons four years ago - about Hurricane Katrina’s impact one* year ago - we all might be able to swallow hard, and accept their omniscience as a bearable, even useful recipe, of fact, plus ego.

But, to date, this government has proved little besides its own arrogance, and its own hubris.

Mr. Rumsfeld is also personally confused, morally or intellectually, about his own standing in this matter. From Iraq to Katrina, to the entire "Fog of Fear" which continues to enveloppe this nation - he, Mr. Bush, Mr. Cheney, and their cronies, have - inadvertently or intentionally - profited and benefited, both personally, and politically.

And yet he can stand up, in public, and question the morality and the intellect of those of us who dare ask just for the receipt for the Emporer’s New Clothes.

In what country was Mr. Rumsfeld raised?

As a child, of whose heroism did he read?

On what side of the battle for freedom did he dream one day to fight?

With what country has he confused… the United States of America?

—–

The confusion we — as its citizens - must now address, is stark and forbidding. But variations of it have faced our forefathers, when men like Nixon and McCarthy and Curtis LeMay have darkened our skies and obscured our flag. Note - with hope in your heart - that those earlier Americans always found their way to the light… and we can, too.

The confusion is about whether this Secretary of Defense, and this Administration, are in fact now accomplishing what they claim the terrorists seek: The destruction of our freedoms, the very ones for which the same veterans Mr. Rumsfeld addressed yesterday in Salt Lake City, so valiantly fought.

—-

And about Mr. Rumsfeld’s other main assertion, that this country faces a "new type of fascism."

As he was correct to remind us how a government that knew everything could get everything wrong, so too was he right when he said that — though probably not in the way he thought he meant it.

This country faces a new type of fascism - indeed.

—-

Although I presumptuously use his sign-off each night, in feeble tribute… I have utterly no claim to the words of the exemplary journalist Edward R. Murrow.

But never in the trial of a thousand years of writing could I come close to matching how he phrased a warning to an earlier generation of us, at a time when other politicians thought they (and they alone) knew everything, and branded those who disagreed, "confused" or "immoral."

Thus forgive me for reading Murrow in full:

"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty," he said, in 1954.

"We must remember always that accusation is not proof, and that conviction
depends upon evidence and due process of law.

"We will not walk in fear - one, of another. We will not be
driven by fear into an age of un-reason, if we dig deep in our history
and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men;

"Not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to
defend causes that were - for the moment - unpopular."

It Was 40 Years Ago Today

It was 40 years ago today that I saw the Beatles in their last full concert. I was just starting the 6th grade and used my allowance to buy the tickets. I had to take my little sister (3rd grade) in order to go.

Our parents dropped us off at the front of Candlestick Park and they parked on one of the hills surrounding Candlestick. They had a perfect view of the field, could hear the music and see the fans jumping the outfield fences and run towards second base, where the stage was. I remember getting in the car afterwards to find my parents had just a good time as I did watching those die-hard fans being tackled by the police and security in their futile attempts and could hear the music for free from their vantage point.

I remember the older folks sitting around my sister and I took care of us during the concert, letting us borrow binoculars to see the stage better. We were sitting in the cheap seats but had a great time. I did not know at the time that was going to be the last Beatles concert. It was my first concert and sparked something inside me. I love going to concerts, thanks to this first one, and took my girls to many when they were younger.

I found the picture and the below quoted article in my former local paper. Hope they don't get too upset about my printing it in full.

HELLOGOODBYE
Forty years ago today, Beatles played final concert at Candlestick
By Kerry Keene - CONTRIBUTOR
Inside Bay Area
What occurred at Candlestick Park exactly 40 years ago — on Aug. 29, 1966 — had nothing to do with Willie Mays or the San Francisco Giants.

Rather, it was the occasion of the final full-length concert performed by the Beatles as the band concluded its last tour — a 14-city tour of America.

It was essentially the end of the "Beatlemania" that had begun when the group first came to America in February of 1964 and continued for the next 2 1/2 years.

John, Paul, George and Ringo had grown tired of their image as teen idol "moptops." By mid-1966, the gap between them as live, on-stage performers and as more sophisticated composers and studio artists had grown far too wide for their liking. The novelty had worn off. Fans would scream hysterically regardless of how well they played, and they had become virtual prisoners of their hotel rooms while on tour.

Having played their next-to-last concert the night before at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the Liverpool lads had only one more obligation to perform live as they flew north to the Bay Area.

It was a full moon on that Monday night in late August, and not surprisingly, cold and windy. The Beatles arrived at Candlestick in an armored car amid heavy security that numbered 200 strong. Inside, the park was only slightly more than half-full, with nearly 25,000 fans who had paid between $3.80 and $7 for a ticket. Not everyone on the premises, however, was thrilled with theBeatles' appearance.

More than a dozen protesters marched outside the park carrying signs that were aimed at the Beatles and comments that had been made recently by John Lennon. The outspoken Lennon had told an interviewer months earlier that Christianity was on the decline and that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ.

None of that seemed to matter to the fans inside.

The show began at 8 p.m., and the crowd greeted opening acts the Cyrkle ("Red Rubber Ball" and "Turn Down Day"), the Remains and the Ronettes, led by Ronnie Spector, wife of Phil Spector.

Finally, in the face of the hysteria and pandemonium that had become all too familiar, the Fab Four took the stage at 9:27 p.m. Located just behind second base on the field, the stage was 5 feet high and surrounded by a 6-foot high wire fence. The band kicked off their set with "She's a Woman" as the enthusiasm reached a fever pitch. As the San Mateo Times reported the following day, the Beatles "... sang and strummed while their fans shrieked, cried and groaned, wept, yelled, shouted, and did everything but listen."

Throughout the concert, about a half-dozen young fans rushed onto the field in an attempt to get to the stage. Security set about tackling them one by one to avoid further incident.

Realizing the significance of the event, Lennon had brought a camera on stage, and between songs, both he and McCartney took photos of members of the band.

The group performed a total of only 10 songs, which included popular hits such as "Day Tripper" and "Yesterday." They concluded the show with Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally," climbed back into the waiting armored car, and were out of the park by 10 p.m. The Beatles were paid roughly $90,000 for their efforts.

On the plane leaving San Francisco that night, George Harrison told reporters facetiously: "Well, that's it. I'm not a Beatle any more."

The fact is, though Harrison and his mates were stepping away from live performances, and they were just embarking on their most creative, innovative and influential period.

More Had Enough

Howie Klein, of Down With Tyranny, left me a comment in my Had Enough post. He really tells the story of Had Enough so much better than I could, so I am front paging it here in full. I used to listen to Howie when he was DJing at KSAN in San Francisco. Who wudda thunk it, all those years ago, that we would be connected on the internets toobz.

Here is his comment:

Thanks very much for offering the download. Please accept my gratitude. The whole story of how Rickie Lee Jones and the 2 guys from The Squirrel Nut Zippers (Tom Maxwell and Ken Mosher) came to record the song is here at Down With Tyranny.

We're doing our best to get it on the radio so people start to get familiar with it and we've offered it for free download at MySpace.com/haveyouhadenough/ (and in 2 weeks it will be available for free on all the big digital services). The goal, though is a little more involved. We've made 30 second radio spots out of the song. For targeted districts, with particularly terrible incumbents and particularly excellent challengers (like Jerry McNerney taking on Dick Pombo in CA-11 and Vic Wulsin taking on Mean Jean Schmidt on OH-02) we've replaced the line "it's time to throw the rascals out" with "it's time to throw Pombo out" and "it's time to throw Mean Jean out."

The districts we're targeting can all be called "dollar a holla" media markets. A very little bit of money can go a relatively long way. Our hope is to get our ads up on the radio during October. We're trying to raise $250,000, not just for these two districts but for as many of the Blue America candidates as we can help. The list is here: http://www.actblue.com/page/blueamerica/ And that is also a place where, if you think it's worthwhile, you can chip in some money too. Even $10, if enough people chip in, will be incredibly helpful.

It's been a real grassroots project from Day One and now supporters of candidates are doing remixes and making video clips and spreading it virally. This week a supporter of Coleen Rowley sent me a little video he made, which is up on YouTube. It's cute: http://homepage.mac.com/mmcintee/hadenough/iMovieTheater115.html/

I'm sure you know Bush and his rubber stamp Congress aren't going away of their own accord. We can expect terror alerts and God knows what else from them to sway a voting public that has become increasingly disgusted with them. It makes people feel good to take part in ousting them and freeing themselves. Thanks for any help you can give and please don't hesitate to send me suggestions.

Howie Klein
downwithtyranny@aol.com

--
Posted by DownWithTyranny to TwoTonGreenBlog at 8/26/2006 05:24:21 PM

Lets all help Howie spread the word.

Had Enough?

Memories...

No wonder privacy is such an issue with me!

Suffered a computer crash a while back and my mom and step-dad were so kind as to send me a couple of CD's filled with family pictures.

Found this little gem included.

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted - no needed - alone time. I would take long walks as a kid, returning only at dinner time. Afternoons curled up in a tree where no one could see me reading. After I became a wife and mother, I always looked forward to that wonderful time when everyone else in the house was asleep. I picked a career that gave me many hours of driving solo in a patrol car (unless I was training a rookie).

For years I have said that I live best alone, and in many ways, have turned into quite the hermit.

Now I understand why I am such an introvert! (laughing)

Summer Morning

The play of light in the early morning is today's eye candy. The fog has burned off to reveal bright blue skies. The creek and bridge are still in shadow. You can see the reflection of the sunlight in the creek water but everything is still in shadows.












The path to the steps that lead down to the beach shows the sun's steady progress into the compound, providing a contrast of shadow and light.















Looking down on our private beach, the river is as smooth as glass.

Standing at the top of the steps leading down to the river. The compound is still in shadow but the sun is fast approaching.

Standing in the shadow, looking at the river, I am struck by how mirror like both the river and creek are this morning. Their smooth surfaces belie the downhill flow to the ocean.

A morning for enjoying life's little pleasures as the little cabin by the creek in the redwoods greets the sun.

Had Enough?

Have you had enough?
Are you safer?
Are you better off than you were 6 years ago?

Are our country's resources protected?

Do you remember when civil liberties were protected?

Do you remember when people were hired for their ability to do the job, as opposed to what political platform they support and who they went to school with?

Do you remember when it cost less than a day's wages to fill up the car?

Do you remember not having to choose between food and filling a prescription?

Do you remember Medicare before the donut hole?

Do you remember Hurricane Andrew? Do you remember Florida a year after Andrew?

Do you remember New Orleans? Have you seen New Orleans now a year after Katrina?

Do you remember what it was like to not be spied upon by our government?

Do you remember when America was looked to as a beacon of liberty and freedom?

Do you remember when America had accountability in government?

Do you remember trusting our government to do the right thing?

Do you remember trusting our government on anything?

Do you remember when losing an election, the politician admitted he lost and supported the winner, instead of demanding a do over?

Do you remember when Congress held our government accountable for its actions?

Are you better off than you were 6 years ago?
Are you safer?
Have you had enough?

Listen to this song. Then ask yourself again, Have You Had Enough?

Boulder Creek

Found this great photo of Boulder Creek. It is taken from the south part of town, looking north along Highway 9. To the left, you can see Boulder Creek Drug Store and way far up at the north end of town, you can barely see the big sign for Johnnie's Grocery Store. My little slice of heaven is just outside the northern part of town.

Those looking for more photos of Boulder Creek should check out Boulder~Creek.com, which has a compendium of all things Boulder Creek. Photos of the annual 4th of July Parade and other holiday events and the annual Art and Wine Festival are there, along with links to nearby Big Basin State Park.

Small town living didn't take any time at all for me to adjust to. Still looking for the elusive Boulder Creek, Oregon. I fear it will take me going up there to find a place that touches me the same way.

37 Years Ago Today

By the time we got to Woodstock
We were half a million strong... CSN&Y

Yes, 37 years ago was Woodstock. Found this site (and the great graphic) with lots of Woodstock Festival info, including pictures, musicians, play lists, reunions. I did not know there is now a small park and monument at the location with plans to create a music/arts center. Found that and other memory refreshing info at the same site.

I'm sure there are other sites out there but this one made me chuckle, especially when mentioning Murphy's Law (that rat-bastoid cousin) and the various groups in the audience. And the graphic rocks!

Nothing attempted since has come close to re-creating the magic of those 3 days just outside Bethel, New York, August 15, 16, and 17, 1969.

Dayam, I'm getting old.

Token Tuesday

Ok, its really Token and his sister, Goldie.

They are on one of the chairs out on the deck. Just as I was snapping this picture, Goldie barked and they both jumped off the chair. I think the bark was Goldie voicing her displeasure at my feeble attempt to get them to sit in the chair and pose. It's not easy to get the two of them to anything at the same time, much less look at the camera.

Most people do not think they are brother and sister, much less from the same litter. They look (and act) so different. Goldie's poodle and lhasa apso heritage(from mom) is very noticeable - she looks just like her mom, Pager. Her hair is very curly and looks like crushed velvet after brushing. Token, on the other hand, looks just like Spud, his scottie-yorkie mix father. Straight fine hair and bat ears. All brushing does is make him look fluffier. Their hair is about the same length but Goldie's look so much shorter due to the curl. Their temperaments are different too - she is a Princess and he is a rough and tumble run with the big dogs kinda guy.

The puppies (they are no longer puppies but I suspect they will be called that for many a year) decided several weeks ago to become yappers. We have been teaching them to use their "inside voice" and to not bark at all they see and hear. They are learning, although I suspect they are choosing to be deliberately "slow". Never knew a dog to bark at the wind before.

One of the hardest things about moving is the thought of separating them. They have been never been separated for more than a weekend.

(yes, this is an ignore everything going on and focus on creature comforts post)

Monday Monday Can't Trust That Day

First the answer to yesterday's vegetable question. According to the plant stake, that is the flower of the "Delicato Squash".

Monday, Monday, can't trust that day. Had a rough Sunday - dealing with a family crisis while several states away is difficult. I'm not known for my patience and having to just sit by the phone waiting for news about a loved one is hard.

Today, I feel like this Maxine. Sure do like her. I remember when they were part of the Hallmark Shoebox (?) line, and she was called Aunt Crabby. Or maybe I am confusing things in my old age.

I feel like I at a crossroad in my life and I'm not sure which road to take. I've always been astonished at how little decisions can have such big impacts down the road. Being a close cousin of that rat-bastoid Murphy (screw him and his little law too), in my case the repercussions are usually (1) life changing in ways I had not anticipated and (2) not usually the road that hindsight would have had me take. That's just the little decisions. I'm looking at making huge decisions involving selling the little cabin by the creek, moving out of state, trying to figure out where out of state, huge decisions, and I'm feeling like I am frozen in my tracks. I'm sure that if I were to look in the mirror, I would have that "deer in the headlights" look on my face.

Time is flying. Almost the middle of August already and kids across the country are getting ready for school to start (and in many places it already has). Summer is winding down and fall will be with us before ya know it. Time to be getting settled in for a long winter - not a time to be pulling up stakes and moving - summer is slipping away and soon the rains will be here.

An acquaintance channeled this for me, using my date of birth several days ago. I was amazed at how close it rang true and have been trying to keep these words of wisdom in my head, trying to chase away those worrisome thoughts.

okay, October 15… lots of worrying about stuff that never happens/listen listen to the stream of wisdom that comes through for you/don'’t money panic you have it/boy scout be prepared!/don't listen to fortune tellers gamblers frivolous associates drinking /work is the answer when you get confused/stab in the back? Ignore it and stay away/go for the quiet time all alone to recharge and protect your self /religious leaning for you and ceremonies!/you can write the story!

Had a close friend send me an email about the joy she found in the simplest of chores. She wrote:

In fact, I was so happy about this that I did my entire sofa and two chairs. I got a glimpse of what my whole apartment would look like clean. I looked around at all the things in here and confirmed to myself that everything I have I LOVE. I felt what it would feel like to have everything absolutely clean. It was a wonderful feeling.

I've got a fire going (foggy and damp again) to chase off the damp, the puppies are sleeping (along with my housemates), and I've got the joint to myself. TV on low in the background, coffee in the mug, listening to the occasional car go by on 9. Only thing missing are the sounds of birds chirping or the sound of a gentle rain but it is too early for both of them.

I stepped out on the deck to double check the name of the squash and all I could hear was the gentle sound of the creek on its journey to the Pacific. Wish I could capture that sound for you. So soft, so delicate sounding dispite its strength.

I find peace here at the little cabin on the creek in the redwoods. Wishing you peace and wonderful feelings.

Name This Vegetable

Can anyone name this vegetable? I know what it is (or at least what the little tag that came with it says it is). Just kidding - I would not spring a pop quiz on ya first thing Sunday morning (laughing).

I took the picture yesterday morning, just as the sun was rising. The sky was all grey and foggy but the bright yellow-orange of this flower was glowing, demanding attention be paid to it instead of the wisps of fog dancing in and out of the redwoods.

Lamont is on two of the Sunday Talking Heads shows this morning, including Faux (cough Fox) News. I notice whinny election disregarder Lieberman, also known as Three Time Loserman, is not. Sure was smiling as I typed that.

I still don't understand why Loserman has not been striped of his committee memberships and other perks of being a member of the Democrat Party. Only thing heard coming from the Democrat Leadership about Lieberman's callous disregard of the democratic process is

*crickets*.

Howie Klein has a great post up at his blog, Down With Tyranny, entitled The Saturday Science Lesson - A New Element. I'm posting the beginning of his post here, just to get you in the mood for the rest of the article, which deals with a new study showing how America stands compared with the rest of the world. If nothing else, head over there to see the graphic that goes with this section:

Bushcronium: heaviest element known to science

A major research institution has just announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named "Bushcronium." Bushcronium has one neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, deputy neutrons, and 224 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an Atomic mass of 311. These 311 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. The symbol for Bushcronium is "W". Bushcronium's mass actually increases over time, since each reorganization causes more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron-promotion leads some scientists to believe that Bushcronium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as "Critical Morass." When catalyzed with money, Bushcronium activates Foxnewsium, an element which radiates orders of magnitude, more energy, albeit as incoherent noise, since it has just as many peons but twice as many morons.

Tell me what you think of the Jon Miller of Michigan State quote in the study.

Enjoy your Sunday. The fog has prevented me, once again, from being able to see the Perseid Meteor Shower. On the plus side, I spent a nice, quiet Saturday night with a fire going in the wood stove. Goldie and Token took their evening naps laying in front of the fire, letting the heat chase the dampness away.

1,000 Visits

The ole site meter at the bottom of the page shows I have had (drumroll please) one thousand visitors to TTGB.

The photo was sent in(when asked) by that honorable visitor to accompany this post, identified as Ms. BG. When asked for a comment to accompany this post, BG said "nope".

Kinda says it all, huh?

Token Thursday

Ok, I admit, I got rather carried away celebrating Tuesday and neglected to post a Token Tuesday pic. I dug into my files and found this one taken in January. Isn't he just the cutest dog in the world?

Such a terrible day this is starting out to be. The Bush administration raised the terror level to red, the highest, the first time it has been raised since right before the 2004 Presidential election. Makes me wonder why they want all the press this morning to be focused on the bright, shiny terror rating and what they don't want the media focus on. Of course, now that we can not taking any liquids onto airplanes, how much you wanna bet the airlines charge for water.

TRex wrote a powerful post last night at FDL, entitled "Why It Matters". Very somber post (instead of the usual Late Nite snark) which ends:

A vote for Joe Lieberman? It'’s a vote to kill another American soldier. By not deciding. By "staying the course". By not facing up to the reality that our troops'’ lives and bodies are not to be squandered on corporate wars. The reason the Republicans don'’t want the war to end is because they haven't gotten an adequate return on their investment. That oil'’s not flowing. "If we leave now, things will only get worse." Well, yeah. That'll mean we didn'’t get any oil at ALL!

Bring the troops home.

The funeral for CHP Officer Clearman is today, and the suspected driver of the hit and run vehicle appears in court today.

The creator of "Frank and Ernest" has died. Bob Thaves, whose nationally syndicated comic strip "Frank & Ernest" amused newspaper readers for decades with its quirky observations on life, has died of respiratory failure. He was 81.

Joe Loserman Leiberman went ahead with his giant fuck you to the Democrat Party and the voters of CT by filing the paperwork for his independent run around the democratic process. Hell of a message you are sending to the world about American democracy there, Joe. Why are you the only candidate who does not realize that when the voters speak, you listen and do what they vote? Joe joins Bush Co in pissing on the Constitution. He was a Republican in Democrat clothing and now his true colors are showing.

Loserman

Ha ha!

Check out this Sore Loserman site.

Lamont Wins - Lieberman Withdraws from Dem Party

UPDATED BELOW with letter from Lamont

Lieberloser withdrew from the Democrat Party with his "I'm disappointed by the results.... I cannot and will not let that result stand" speech after losing tonight.

What an asshole! The results are the VOICE of the Connecticut people. He just gave a big "fuck you" to the Democrat Party (not to mention the voters of CT) with his announcement that he will be filing tomorrow to run as an independent in the CT general election in November.

I don't want to see a single Democrat (pay attention here Barbara Boxer) aiding his "independent" run. I guess Lieberloser just doesn't understand that America is a democracy and the people in Washington work for those who elect them. Joe just got handed a pink slip by the people of CT.

Lieberman is willing to cost the Democratic party a seat in the Senate to bandage his wounded ego (now an official three time loser - VP 2000, Pres 2004 and Senate 2006), and is crooked to a fault in the end with his crack about his $15 dollar a month site being "“hacked". Hell, even I know enough not to complain about Blogger like that when it experiences its usual "unanticipated downtime". That old saying about getting what you pay for and Leiberman went for cheap on his site.

Perhaps this really IS the start of Americans taking back America from those summabitches - a 21st century version of the Boston Tea Party.

According to Christy at Firedoglake, word on the street in Connecticut is that Lieberman is running as an independent with Republican backing. She also asks:

"The question is: where will the DSCC and the party leadership
be on this tomorrow? They had better be out in front and
supporting the winner of the Democratic primary."

Yes, Barbara Boxer and Big Dog Clinton, I do believe she was talking to you.

The word on CT streets is not a surprise to anyone who paid attention to Lieberman's "concesion" speech - it sounded as if it was written by Rove himself.

Now is time for Harry Reid to strip Lieberman of all committee memberships, since he is, in his own words, NOT A DEMOCRAT anymore. Click here to send your thoughts to Reid.

UPDATE: Just got this email from Ned Lamont:

Suzanne,

We won!

There's been a lot said in the media about you, about me and about this race. But let me cut right through it and tell you what just happened.

Tonight's results show clearly and overwhelmingly one simple fact: democracy works. Connecticut came alive with participation and passion. Together, Democrats decided that it's time for a change.

It's been a spirited campaign, but today we are all Democrats.

Unfortunately, though, Joe Lieberman has announced his intention to run as an independent.

I've said from the beginning, even when Joe Lieberman had a 50-point lead in the polls, that I would respect the outcome of this race. I even said that if Joe Lieberman won the Democratic nomination, I'd campaign for him through the fall to turn out votes for the Democrat.

We Democrats have a process for choosing our nominee, and we all ought to respect the outcome. I hope that over the course of the coming days, Joe's friends, neighbors and constituents will prevail upon him to reconsider and unite with the Democrats across Connecticut who voted for change tonight.

Joe needs to hear from you. Please send him a message asking him to respect the voters -- we will deliver your note and post it on our web site:

www.nedlamont.com/respectvoters

Victory has never been a sure thing -- not even close. Back when I decided to run, I had no idea how many people felt the same way I did. But there was no choice -- I couldn't sit by while our Senator continued to aid and abet this president, his administration, and its course in Iraq.

When this campaign started, we were just a blip on the radar. We were 50 points down in the polls and our operation was little more than a few card tables and bumper stickers. Just a few months later, we have turned politics on its head.

The establishment and the pundits have their own ideas about this race, but don't forget the real story. It's a story of expanding the political process and demanding a real, substantive debate on the things that matter to real people.

I've met so many people and had so many conversations about their hopes for a better America -- about the war, about their job security, about their children's future. But what's been so special about this campaign is the fact that my conversations are just a tiny fraction of what's happened across Connecticut. People are having these conversations with each other again, and our political process is better for it.

No matter the issue, one thing is clear: we've brought new energy to our democracy. And that's the type of victory where we all win.

Please send him a note asking him to respect the voters now:

www.nedlamont.com/respectvoters

So many people have put so much into this campaign -- on both sides.

I hope that we can persuade Joe to not throw all that work away. The Democratic Party and our democratic process will benefit.

Thank you for all that you have done so far, and I will be in touch again soon.

Ned

Man Surrenders In CHP Killing

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, a 47 year old Oakland resident has turned himself in and told officers where to find the Buick he was driving when he struck CHP Officer Brent Clearman, 33. Russell Rodrigues was booked on charges of felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter.

Officer Down - Oakland CHP

UPDATED BELOW
From the San Jose Mercury News:

"CHP officer dies after hit and run accident in Oakland
POLICE LOOKING FOR TWO VEHICLES IN INTERSTATE 880 INCIDENT
By Leslie Griffy
Mercury News

A California Highway Patrol officer died Sunday after being hit by a driver who left the scene late Saturday night.

The officer, Brent Clearman, 33, was investigating an accident on Interstate 880 in Oakland near the 66th Avenue on-ramp when he was hit around 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

Officials, who announced at a 1 p.m. news conference Sunday that Clearman had died from his injuries, are searching today for two cars they believed were involved in the crash.

Clearman is the third CHP officer to die at work this year. In 2005, four officers died in the line of duty, one of those -- Lt. Michael E. Walkeron -- while investigating a Highway 17 crash on New Year's Eve.

Clearman was a former Marine who served as a sharp-shooter in Iraq.

Police are looking for a silver 2000 Pontiac Grand Am with California license plate number 5GAA778, and a severely damaged late '90s champaign color Buick LaSabre. The Buick hood emblem is missing, and driver's side grill is damaged.

While these type of accidents are uncommon, there is no state law requiring motorists to move to another lane when they see a CHP patrol car with lights flashing in the shoulder.

Nearly three dozen other states have such provisions, but Gov. Arnold Schwarenegger vetoed a similar measure after it passed the state legislature in 2005.

Some safety advocates argue that the laws prevent accidents like the one Saturday. Detractors argue it would do little to protect officers or other emergency workers and would only serve to increase traffic on the state's already impacted highways.

Anyone with information about either car or the accident is asked to call the CHP at (800) 835-5247."

San Francisco PD just buried Officer Nick-Tomasito Birco Wednesday.

I was listening to FireDispatch and heard the New Years Eve "officer down" call involving Lt. Michael E. Walker referenced in the Merc's article. He too was at an accident scene and was struck while laying down flares by another driver.

Damnitalltohell.

UPDATE:


According to the San Francisco Chronicle, " The other vehicle, a silver 2000 Pontiac Grand Am, was located by Oakland police Sunday night, and its driver was taken into custody. The Pontiac had been stolen during a carjacking near the site of the hit-and-run and only minutes before the hit-and-run, CHP spokesman Officer Mike Wright said."

The article has more on Officer Clearman's death, including the photo. The article begins:

"When Brent Clearman was a boy, his sister recalls, he had two dreams: to be a Marine, and to join the California Highway Patrol.

"He always wanted to be a Marine, and he always had this fascination with the CHP from watching TV and movies,'' said Ann Marie Uyematsu. "CHiPs -- that was his favorite show.''

Her brother lived out the first dream and was in the middle of the second when he died Sunday of injuries he suffered in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 880 in Oakland."

Bread Pudding

I just took a bread pudding out of the oven and thought I would share. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 50 minutes in a pre-heated 350 oven. The picture is my first attempt at photographing something I baked.

Here is the recipe:

4 C milk, scalded
4 C dried out bread cubes (It doesn't matter what kinda of bread, tonight's was French but plain ole white bread works well too)


After bringing milk to scald, add the bread and let soak for 5 minutes. While soaking, add together in a bowl:

4 slightly beaten eggs
3/4 C sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 Tablespoons cinnamon (more or less to taste)
dash salt

After 5 minutes, add the egg mixture to the bread and milk.

Add:
1 Tablespoon Butter
1/2 C raisins

Mix well. Pour into greased 2 qt. baking dish and sprinkle top with sugar and cinnamon.

Set dish in a large shallow pan of hot water and bake at 350 oven until firm, about 50 minutes.

After removing from oven and baking dish from pan of hot water (be careful), drizzle top with caramel sauce.

Serve warm.

From My Front Door

This is the view from my front door. You can see the mighty oak surrounded by ferns and moss covered rocks. There are several small redwoods that have sprouted just on the other side of the oak, with one clearly visible just to the right. The dark thing at the top is the back of the name sign that hung at my father's house. It now hangs here at the little cabin by the creek until it is taken down the day I move. It will be one of the first things I do when I find a place in Oregon, along with hooking up the computer and finding the coffee pot.

This is Bailey. She only agreed to let me take her photo if I did so from a distance. She maintains the front yard patrol, keeping us safe from brazen-hussy squirrels and birds. Luckily, the bird feeder is out of her reach (and leap) so I am still blessed with birds. Haven't seen many squirrels this year and tend to think that it has more to do with the woodpeckers in the oak rather than Bailey's prowess.

You can see The Pink House in the background. It is a small vacation house that has been in the same family since the 50's. The blackberry bush trying to take over the little split rail fence belongs to The Pink House but they don't mind my picking the berries.

Early Morning Foggy Eye Candy

Nice and cool this morning, currently 53.3 degrees this grey and foggy morning. Here is some morning eye candy for you, all taken from my deck this morning as soon as it was light enough outside.

This is looking north from my deck towards the wooden bridge. The water is just inches deep now and crystal clear and very, very cold.


This is looking down on the creek from the far right corner of my deck, on the left side of the tree on the far left above.. You can see how clear the water is in the pool to the left, you can clearly see the rocks at the bottom of the creek.



This is looking southwest off my deck, across the creek towards the north end of town. The grey skies and fog just barely visible at the top. I can hear traffic on 9 and depending on the time of year, music playing in Junction Park, the sounds of the 4th of July parade, and Christmas carols at the annual Tree Lighting at the Rainbow; but I can't see town. Only trees, a few rooftops, and one street lamp at night. You can also see my rain gauge and the back of one of my patio chairs on the right and some of my potted plants on the left.

Sure am going to miss this place but hope to find a place in Oregon like it. I refer to my dream spot as "the illusive Boulder Creek, Oregon". I want a place close to a small town for grocery shopping and such but not a lot of traffic. Clean air. Lots of nature around, trees, birds, and (fingers and toes crossed) water. I would prefer to be on a creek or river as I am here, but am willing to settle for an ocean view (laughing, like that will happen with my puny budget). An hour or two away from the "big city" for those times when there is something happening I want to see. I am about that distance from San Francisco (depending on traffic) and it is nice knowing I'm not totally isolated from the bright lights of the big city.

Just found out within the past few days that I can extend my search down as far as the Eugene area. Turns out Eugene is only 45 minutes or so down 5 from Salem and Kaiser has no problem with subscribers living there. Am starting to rule out Astoria (mainly due to the nasty habit rain has of falling sideways there due to the blustery winds and the tsunami danger). Don't want to rule out any towns within around 20 miles or so of the coast (I am presently 13 miles from Santa Cruz) but also would prefer to be in the hills rather than "the flats". On the other hand (can you tell I am a Libra), I don't want to be dealing with lots and lots of snow. An occasional dusting is ok as long as it don't hang around more than a couple of days in my opinion. Rain, well, I like the rain. Doesn't bother me at all to sit inside, with a nice fire going, listening to the rain, watching the rain while I am nice and cozy inside. Not too hot in the summer either (I can be picky - it is my dream), but will be taking the suggestion of TRex and if my new place doesn't have A/C, I will be buying one in December as my Christmas present to myself.

I've got several black and white woodpeckers with red heads hanging around my birdfeeder out front, along with the usual chickadees. Still haven't seen a goldfinch. My fuchsias next to the birdfeeder are recovering nicely from the heat - well, two out of the three of them are doing nicely - one is still "iffy". Everything else handled those hot hot days okay, probably due to the almost daily watering I was giving them. Going to have to get some fertilizer and potting soil next time I head into town. Some of my potted plants need to go up at least one size of pot, and in the case of my white climbing rose that is a baby of a neighbor's old rose, maybe even two sizes.

The birds are chirping away. All the critters around the neighborhood are waking up and the forest is still. No breeze yet to chase away the low clouds and fog.

Token Tuesday

This is Token's usual position when I'm at the computer. He is on my lap, laying on his back, sound asleep. Makes it kind of hard to type at the keyboard but I've learned to work around him.

He is a hefty 8lbs now and knows he is the cutest dog on earth.

When it is cold at night, he sleeps like this under the covers, with just his face and front paws sticking out. He is a true gentleman and never hogs the blankets.

Be wary if wearing a knit cap to bed, however. He is well known as a cap-thief, slipping it off so the now former wearer doesn't wake up, and taking it down to the foot of the bed, where he curls up inside it.

He likes to think he is a big dog and loves hanging out with the various big dogs around us. He keeps up with them when running on the beach. His sister, Goldie, and Token have races around the inside of my cabin, starting between the sofa and wood stove, then under the dining room table, leaping the step up to the kitchen, turning around before doing a face plant into the cabinets, getting as much air as possible while leaping off the step down into the great room, going behind the couch and into the hallway into my bedroom, and then back into the great room where they begin another lap, first one being chased and then the other. Very cheap entertainment.

My housemate, N, is having shoulder surgery tomorrow for a bone spur and possible torn rotator cuff. Please keep healing thoughts headed her way.