Clipmarks | masbury's Comments

Understanding the "Predator State"

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:54:00 GMT

clipped by: masbury
clipper's remarks: Full of thought-provoking analysis of how corporate America gained control of government. Lots to think about here. Looks like a must-blog piece. The clip is only intro to the good stuff.

Clip Source: www.atimes.com

Economist Jamie K Galbraith's recent book [1] describes modern (Bush-Cheney) Republicanism as creating a "predator state". Its predatory aspects are starkly visible in the gangs of corporate lobbyists who roam Washington DC, the Halliburton Iraq war procurement scandal and the corruption and incompetence that surrounded the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

the predatory nature of contemporary US governance is quintessentially linked to corporations, and it is also a uniquely American phenomenon

That complex has captured politics and corrupted the business of government

social origins

trace back to the military-industrial complex that president Dwight Eisenhower warned about

on January 17, 1961

American worship of business

privileges business over thought

"if you're so smart, how come you're not rich?"

tendency to conflate profit with free markets. That means the distinction between fair competition (which is good) and fat profits (which are bad) is lost, thereby providing cover for predators

Tags: corruption, corporatocracy

Obama Says Single-Payer Health Care Makes Sense

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:38:54 GMT

clipped by: BobbyDelray

Clip Source: blogs.wsj.com

Barack Obama said he would consider embracing a single-payer health-care system sometime in the future as his plan for broader health coverage evolves, the WSJ’s Amy Chozick reports from the campaign trail.

“If I were designing a system from scratch, I would probably go ahead with a single-payer system,” Obama told some 1,800 people at a town-hall meeting on the economy in
Albuquerque, New Mexico.

But critics, including every Republican we can think of, cringe at the elimination of competition and deep government involvement in the private sector.

“People don’t have time to wait,” Obama said. “They need relief now. So my attitude is let’s build up the system we got, let’s make it more efficient, we may be over time—as we make the system more efficient and everybody’s covered—decide that there are other ways for us to provide care more effectively.”

McCain selects running-mate

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:52:59 GMT

clipped by: kkcapricorn
clipper's remarks:

Unconfirmed Sources political satire and news story parodies as represented above are written as satire or parody. They are, of course, fictitious

Clip Source: www.unconfirmedsources.com

While on the podium with rival Barack Obama McCain announced that Bigfoot would be his running mate. Bigfoot then joined the two men onstage for a rousing round of applause and adulation.

While the timing of the selection was certainly a master stroke, some experts are wondering if the selection itself was as masterful, politically speaking, as Bigfoot is a bit of an unknown.

"I figure Bigfoot has a several strong positives and just a few weaker negatives." says has Republican operative Sasha Quatch, of the American Institute, a Republican think-tank. "He is a strong vital character, which any VP of John McCain must be, he is also a political outsider which should help McCain with voters suspicious of his long 'inside the beltway' career. The only negatives are that he is a bit on an unknown and his speaking style is a bit gruff to be a great communicator in the television age. But I have to say that On the whole I think he is a solid choice."

Tags: satire

Can We Really Risk Trusting Obama?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:35:40 GMT

clipped by: BartendingBear
clipper's remarks: I don't, but...

Clip Source: www.salon.com

My wife

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:22:06 GMT

clipped by: cabanaben
clipper's remarks: I could never have a heart as big as you, I am trying.

Clip Source: www.youtube.com

[Video]

State of Hawaii confirms Obama birth certificate

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:45:15 GMT

clipped by: masbury
clipper's remarks: From Politifact.com: Hawaii Department of Health confirms it is exactly as Obama campaign represented it.

Clip Source: www.politifact.com

SUMMARY: For months we've been asking for a birth certificate to sort out rumors about Barack Obama's real name. Confirmed by the state of Hawaii, here it is.

See it for yourself here.

Shortly after we posted this document on June 12, 2008, some PolitiFact readers questioned its authenticity.

To verify we did indeed have the correct document, we contacted the Hawaii Department of Health, which maintains such records.

"It's a valid Hawaii state birth certificate," spokesman Janice Okubo said June 13, 2008, after we e-mailed her our copy.

Tags: obama, birth certificate

Nepal court scraps 'living goddess' tradition

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:34:08 GMT

clipped by: wiccantexan

Clip Source: www.guardian.co.uk

A centuries-old tradition in Nepal of worshipping a virgin girl-child in a palace as a "living goddess" has been scrapped after it was condemned as outdated by the country's supreme court, which has ruled that the supposed deity must go to school.

Earlier this year, religious authorities started a search for a new Kumari, chosen from a handful of three-year-olds, after it was revealed the current living goddess is going to retire later this year.

However, that process looks as if it will be halted after the country's highest court accepted the argument from a lawyer that keeping a young girl locked up in a medieval palace in Kathmandu was a violation of her fundamental rights.

The court ruled against the rights of the Kumari being "be violated in the name of culture".

The Kumari was probably doomed the moment the Maoist administration took office.

Tags: goddess, india, culture, legal, tradition, child

JFK talks about being a liberal

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:21:42 GMT

clipped by: kroqben
clipper's remarks: i love it, read the whole thing

Clip Source: www.myleftwing.com

What do our opponents mean when they apply to us the label "Liberal?" If by "Liberal" they mean, as they want people to believe, someone who is soft in his policies abroad, who is against local government, and who is unconcerned with the taxpayer's dollar, then the record of this party and its members demonstrate that we are not that kind of "Liberal." But if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal."

President John Fitzgerald Kennedy

How to Start War with Russia--101 (Lesson from the Neoconservatives)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:34:10 GMT

clipped by: blueridge
clipper's remarks: Bush Implements Neocon Lesson: Have Condi go to all the satellite states and sign missile placement deals about 100 miles from Russia, then sit back and watch Russia "invade or attack its neighbor" to disarm the threat. Meanwhile, this is precisely what the US was provoked by from Russia in the Cuban Missile Crisis!

Purpose? This is part of the neoconservative plan for "global hegemony" which Bush is now implementing just prior to leaving office, ensuring sparked conflict into the next presidency (which would also help McCain, although Obama is a CFR shill too), setting a continuation of the neocon agenda for another four to eight years.

Early in his pResidency Bush met with Putin in blue jeans at his Texas ranch. Now he will stab him in the back as he leaves office.

This is normal if one reviews US foreign policy since the 20th century and sets the stage for WWIII based upon dangerous absolute Alliances, as Condi refers to with Poland "as much as if it was a US territory"

Clip Source: www.breitbart.com

Russia warns of response to US missile shield

MOSCOW (AP) - Russia says its response to the further development of a U.S. missile shield in Poland will go beyond diplomacy.

The United States and Poland signed a deal Wednesday to place a U.S. missile defense base just 115 miles from Russia's westernmost fringe.

WARSAW, Poland (AP)—Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Polish counterpart signed a deal Wednesday to build a U.S. missile defense base in Poland, an agreement that prompted an infuriated Russia to warn of a possible attack against the former Soviet satellite.

Rice dismissed blustery comments from Russian leaders who say Warsaw's hosting of 10 U.S. interceptor missiles just 115 miles from Russia's westernmost frontier opens the country up to attack.

Rice said. "It's 2008 and the United States has a ... firm treaty guarantee to defend Poland's territory as if it was the territory of the United States. So it's probably not wise to throw these threats around."

Tags: bush, condi rice, neoconservatives, russia, nato, cold war, wwiii

SIERRA CLUB against BIG OIL-The Drill of it All

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:15:22 GMT

clipped by: klippety
clipper's remarks: More Drilling, More Profits and More Energy Taxes for Big Oil....STOP this Nonsense, NOW

Clip Source: action.sierraclub.org

The Drill of It All
Did you know that oil companies are already sitting on 68 million acres of leases that they aren't even drilling? Which kind of makes you wonder: Why are Big Oil and its allies suddenly desperate to get their hands on the last few places that are still protected -- our natural treasures, wildlife refuges, and pristine coastlines? They wouldn't use the concerns caused by high gas prices as an excuse to grab it ALL, would they?

Check out our map showing how much of our country Big Oil has already got and spread the word by forwarding it to friends who agree: Enough is enough.

August 19, 2008:

In This Edition of the Insider

Stand Up to Big Oil!

Join the 30% Solution

Clean Energy and Jobs for West Virginia

So far, one woman has stood up to Big Oil. Let's thank Speaker Pelosi for keeping a cool head and holding out for real solutions.

Potential Obama VP Is Pro-War, Pro-Patriot Act Neo-Con

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:53:01 GMT

clipped by: paleblue
clipper's remarks: The man who many are tipping to become Barack Obama's running mate is a pro-war, pro-patriot act, Bilderberg member who was an honorary co-chair of the neocon Committee for the Liberation of Iraq, a group that aggressively propagandized for the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Ladies and gentlemen - meet Senator Evan Bayh.

Clip Source: www.prisonplanet.tv

Potential Obama VP Is Pro-War, Pro-Patriot Act Neo-Con

Beauty of Iran

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:46:45 GMT

clipped by: Kelika
clipper's remarks: From the site: "Richly-textured land, rarely seen in the West

Outside of politics, this is a fascinating, enchanting world, rarely shown in all its color. Since our first part we received many requests to continue with the series, and in fact, we'll continue to highlight the natural beauty of Near and Middle East countries, such as Armenia, Lebanon and Israel. In our humble opinion, people should learn to appreciate natural beauty and historic customs, without reaching for a "telescopic finder" of a rifle."

Clip Source: www.darkroastedblend.com

"Armenian Church Maryam-e Moghadas (The Holy Mary)", photo by Peter Kerber

"Woods of Mazanderan", photo by Zohreh Ghaemi

"Oroumieh Lake", photo by Hamid Sedghinejad

"Saayeh khosh formations in Southern Iran", photo by Sizif

"A mansion in Uramanat" Photo: paveh2005

"Sobatan Village - Ardebil", photo by Ali Vakilirad

"A Stream in the Golestan Province", photo by Avahid

"In Alam Kooh Mountains", photo by MountainZone

"Emam Mosque - Isfahan", photo by Sergej Marsnjak

Akhavan Residence

Persian Miniature by Bagher Aghamiri

Tags: photos, iran

Who Would Jesus Bomb?

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:28:05 GMT

clipped by: klippety
clipper's remarks: All the answers to Pastor Rick Warrens questions are in the Bible. Mr. McCain failed miserably by Biblical standards and others.

Clip Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Obama vs. "Oh, Bomb 'Em" -- Who's the Christian?

Republicans and self-styled "Christians" are agog over what Andrea Mitchell of NBC characterized as the "crisp, immediate, forceful response" John McCain gave to Rick Warren's question about evil during the forum at the Saddleback Church. They dismiss Barack Obama's "more nuanced approach."

"Sen. McCain was crisp, decisive, knew what he was about, knew his values," Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R, Minn.), who is a favorite of the "Christian Right," proclaimed on Face the Nation on Sunday. "Sen. Obama, I thought, was hesitant, halting, and quite wandering in his answers."

"But I say to you, 'Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.'" (Matt. 5:39)

"A man of quick temper acts foolishly, but a man of discretion is patient." (Prov. 14:17)

"He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." (Prov. 14:29)

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

More On Georgia, Russia and NATO

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:06:57 GMT

clipped by: klippety
clipper's remarks: Self evident. Crack ( The Rear Kind ) or vertical Smile. Much Movement- Mostly Bowel Movement

Clip Source: informationclearinghouse.info

What Were They Smoking in the White House?

By Eric Margolis

The Bush administration appears to have pulled off its latest military fiasco in the Caucasus. What was supposed to have been a swift and painless takeover of rebellious South Ossetia by America’s favorite new ally, Georgia, has turned into a disaster that left Georgia battered, Russia enraged, and NATO badly demoralized. Not bad for two days work. Continue

The New Cold War Turns Hot

How Washington’s encirclement of Russia threatens us all

By Antony Black

The flare-up of hostilities in the Caucasus should bring to mind a similar case of the ‘guns of August’ almost a century ago. Then, a similar flashpoint (in Serbia) signalled the start of WW1. Fortunately, the nightmare conflagration of a WW3 has (hopefully) yet to be similarly ignited - though, truth to tell, it is not for the want of fuel heaped on the geo-political pyre by the global mafia don and its uncritical, cheerleading mass media. Continue

US, Poland Sign Missile Deal

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:50:28 GMT

clipped by: Wisco
clipper's remarks: A few points to consider here:

1. This is being put across as a response to the Russo-Georgian crisis, but dumbass moves like this are actually one of the causes.

2. It's a BS system that doesn't work about 99% of the time.

3. Russia's statement that it would be the target of a nuke attack is a statement of fact, not a threat. If Russia ever feels the need to launch an attack on anyone, they'd take out these missile defense systems first, as ineffective as they are. Poland is foolishly painting a big bullseye on their back.

Clip Source: news.bbc.co.uk

The US and Poland have signed a deal to locate part of the US's controversial missile defence system on Polish soil.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice travelled to Warsaw for the ceremony, after 18 months of negotiations.

The deal has angered Russia, which has warned the base could become a target for a nuclear strike.

Washington says the system will protect the US and much of Europe against missile attacks from "rogue elements" in the Middle East such as Iran.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the presidential palace in Warsaw, she emphasised that the missile system was "defensive and aimed at no-one".

Russia's deputy chief of general staff, Gen Anatoly Nogovitsyn, said last week the plans for a missile base in Poland "could not go unpunished".

"It is a cause for regret that at a time when we are already in a difficult situation, the American side further exacerbates the situation in relations between the United States and Russia," he said.

Tags: news