Michael Lyons - King of the IBL jungle

You may not be aware, but the game of baseball is gaining popularity around the world and this month marks the beginning of a brand new baseball league. The IBL, Israeli Baseball League has begun it's first season and already one American player is standing out. Michael Lyons, a Southridge (Miami) High School and Tallahassee Community College star, has set the new baseball league on fire and helped his team, Beit Shemesh, remain undefeated. I will follow this new baseball League and Lyons (who obviously inherited some terrific genes) as they bring the game of baseball to a new corner of the world.

America Under Attack

Sheer frustration has caused me to hesitate writing anything about the latest rape of our constitution by the Bush Administration. Namely, the claim by Vice President Cheney that he is not part of the Executive branch and, in fact, outside the bounds of any part of government. I could write pages about this shocking attack on America, but it is not worth the time. Vice President Cheney, even as his office has been forced to back of his claim, has shown his hand. He is a fascist. He is un-American and he should be impeached immediately. Until this occurs, I will probably be writing less about “left/right” politics. Why? Because to “debate” Republicans at this point would only serve to legitimize them. If the America people want to save this nation, they have to remove the current regime. Until then, I will decline, as much as possible, to even acknowledge the legitimacy of the President and Vice President. Not only do they support failed conservative policies, not only are they incompetent in protecting our nation and her people, but clearly they have total disregard for American law and the US Constitution. I’ve had enough of trying to reason with them and their supporters. I’m fed up with pretending that their ideas for this nation are sincere or stand any chance of helping average Americans and I’m fed up with the “liberal” media allowing this assault on our nation to continue. Unless and until the Bush regime exits the White House, I have no choice but to consider us under attack by domestic (political) terrorists.

An offer you can't refuse!

Ben & Jerry's is big in New York and I have found a flavor that is just unbelievable. It's called "The Gobfather". A pint of it goes for about 2 bucks and you can get 3 or 4 good servings from it. The Gobfather is described on the carton as Chocolate Ice Cream with Fudge covered Almonds & a Nougat swirl. It's amazing, I guarantee it! In fact, if you buy a pint and don't like it - send me the receipt and I'll pay you back.

Red Supremes Speak for Themselves

The John "Crazy Eyes" Roberts' Supreme Court is back at it again: ruling against free speech, unless of course it can help Republicans gain office or serves to merge Church and State. It's a Red Americans wet dream come true. Now we will have a lifetime of this "conservative" legacy to deal with, watching helplessly as they set precedent to favor the most powerful and oppressive forces in America over that of the meddlesome individual.

Red Revenge on 911 Hero

A man who helped at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks is now being investigated by the Bush Administrationfor for traveling to Cuba with filmmaker Michael Moore.

Cartoon Commentary

Happy Friday

If you haven't seen this video from the UK television show "Britains Got Talent" then check it out. This contestant had never performed professionally before and he really surprises the panelists and audience with his unique style of singing.

Red on Black (with update)

If trends continue and America turns away from Red leaders we can expect a lot more of this type of story. The more the American people take political power away from Reds, the more they will turn to threats and violence.

A white-supremacist Web site angered by a Leonard Pitts Jr. column alluding to the murder of a white couple, posted The Miami Herald writer's home address and phone number -- leading to threats against the 2004 Pulitzer Prize winner.When Herald Managing Editor/News Dave Wilson asked Overthrow.com to delete the address and phone number, site editor Bill White replied: "We have no intention of removing Mr. Pitts' personal information. Frankly, if some loony took the info and killed him, I wouldn't shed a tear. That also goes for your whole newsroom."
UPDATE: This is a different story, but also an example of the embrace of domestic violence by Red Americans. Believe it or not, some of our conservative friends are planning a big event to celebrate Paul Hill, the right wing hero that killed an abortion doctor ten years ago. I wish this story was not true - but it is - and just the tip of the iceberg of the domestic terrorist groups that scheme among us.

Hillary Clinton Sopranos Spoof

This is a great video from Hillary Clinton introducing her theme song (Celine Dion You and I). If you are familiar with the Sopranos season finale brew ha ha, I'm sure you'll get a chuckle out of this.

By the way I saw the Sopranos finale and thought it was fine. I interpreted it as a happy ending: Tony looking up and seeing his daughter and having his whole family around. Most other people saw something else but that's what came to my mind at the time. I did not think my cable went out and I did not get upset. Actually it was very suspenseful waiting for something to happen. The fact that nothing did - didn't spoil it at all and kind of proved the point of suspense. Because it's the ANTICIPATION of something bad happening that makes for a good suspense, you can still have a happy ending.

Pass the Mike

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg changed his party affiliation on Tuesday from Republican to "unaffiliated". It suits him because that's the way he governs. If he ran for President as things stand right now, it would almost certainly result in a Republican President. Bloomberg, as well as most other people I know do not want that. It's a shame though, Bloomberg would make a GREAT President. He is innovative, intelligent, practical and much more than competent. Right now he says he is not running. One of his aids however says that if these four criteria are met, Bloomberg will throw his hat into the ring.

" First, both party's nominees need to have unfavorable ratings at least in the 40s. Second, 70 percent of the nation needs to think the country is headed in the wrong direction, as is the case currently. We're there right now. Third, at least 60 percent of those polled need to have their minds open to a possible third-party bid. Lastly, 20 percent to 25 percent need to be open to the notion of President Mike Bloomberg." ABCNews

Yankees Win!

Went to the Yankees / Mets game last night. We're really on a roll now and definitely back within striking distance of Boston nearing the halfway point of the season. Seems to me this hot streak was started when the "Say Hey" Kid , Alex Rodriguez went "bush league" a few weeks ago. Last night he hit a monster home run that was amazing to see firsthand. That thing just soared. As the Yankees head out west they will really be tested. They always seem to struggle when games start at 10:15.

RED RUMBLINGS:Libby Judge Now Faces Threats

A federal judge showed no sign that he would delay I. Lewis ''Scooter'' Libby's prison term in the CIA leak case Thursday -- even as he reported getting threatening letters and phone calls after sentencing the former White House aide.

''I received a number of angry, harassing, mean-spirited phone calls and letters,'' U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said. ''Some of those were wishing bad things on me and my family.''
Walton made the remarks as he opened a hearing into whether to delay Libby's 2 1/2-year sentence while the former White House aide appeals. Walton heard arguments on the request and was scheduled to continue them Thursday afternoon.

NYTimes

Get well Dave

Went to the taping of The Late Show with David Letterman today and it was a lot of fun. We waited in a line for about an hour to get our tickets, had an hour off and then came back to go to the show. Dennis Leary and The Conchords were the guests. It was so cool see this show right in the sixth row and I was not disappointed. Dave was not sounding right and told us that he was playing with his son and was hit in the nose suffering a deviated septum. Today was the only taping of the day because he was having surgery this evening! Get well Dave.

Watch out Dave, Here I come!

We managed to snag some tickets to tonight's Davide Letterman show. I'm thrilled. I've been watching Dave since he had a daytime show in the late 70's. I was an instant fan. This is something I have been trying to do since I moved up here, but last night the studio called and we FINALLY moved from the waiting list to the audience. In the very unlikely event he comes to the audience and the camera swings my way, I will post it here tonight to warn you.

You are invited to participate...

In a brand new website, which I have started with a Conservative friend of mine. On it we will try to look at both sides of an argument so that even people who disagree can at least better understand each other. This works best with input from readers. Our first topic is a good one : “Is Christianity Under Attack?”. My friend Jeff argues that it is and that the blending of church and state is desirable to keep America a moral nation. I argue that Christians are in no way under attack and the separation of Church and State is best for both. What do you think? We’d love to know.

Cartoon Commentary

The rip in the shuttle

This image made from NASA TV on Saturday June 9, 2007 shows a 4-inch (10-centimeter) gap in a heat-protecting blanket on shuttle Atlantis. The crew of the space shuttle Atlantis, satisfied that the gap in a heat-protecting blanket would not cause any problems, readied themselves for what NASA called a delicate ballet with the international space station.

Paparazzi Television

I saw the most disgusting thing on TV today.

It was the MSNBC coverage of the Paris Hilton circus and the expansion of cable news into Paparazzi Television. Today’s coverage of the mess took cable news to a brand new low. And I watched. I bet the ratings for MSNBC news are through the roof today and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a whole new genre of TV journalism coming out of all this. They worked with a fast rising website TMZ who has absolutely all the inside dirt on everything Hollywood and is now the go-to destination for major news organizations. TMZ pays top dollar for select photos and stories - so they it get all. They also seem to have people so well placed that they break news long before anyone else. They have turned being a paparazzi into a professional, six figure job and they led MSNBC around by the nose all day long.

Even before the Princess Diana car accident I thought that the Paparazzi were menaces to society. Being famous should not disqualify you for having some privacy. No one should be paid big money to humiliate or harass. Paris Hilton has not deserved any of the good fortune in her life, but she hasn’t deserved all this either. But paparazzi television attracts eyeballs as well as they almighty dollar. I predict that TMZ will partner or merge with a TV news network soon, if they don’t start one themselves. I bet right now executives at MSNBC are thinking the same thing I am and will look at today’s ratings very closely.

I could go on and on about the details of the coverage but I won’t. Others will probably write more about it over the next few days. But I really had to roll my eyes when one reporter on MSNBC was in front of the house decrying the circus even as he found himself getting nearly run over by the Sheriff’s car taking Hilton away. It was ridiculous. All day, their anchors and guests hurled really vile statements towards Hilton and anyone who questioned this public scolding, their tone even more severe than right wing radio. It was never ending and it was sickening. Of course Hilton did something wrong and should spend more time in jail, but it’s still possible to feel empathy towards someone clearly having a nervous breakdown. MSNBC took sick pleasure in repeatedly maligning this young woman. I was indifferent about the whole thing but not after this afternoon.

Note: I clicked over to CNN from time to time and they covered it a lot too, but not much after 2 o' clock and generally in an non vindictive way.

Bushhhhhhhhh

I am NOT making this up. The picture is real - taken yesterday in Germany. The story is real - in the news today. I'm not sure what to say. Maybe this is non alcoholic beer and Bush's stomach flu is unrelated but here he is drinking a golden beverage last night and he was late for work today.
President George W. Bush returned to the Group of Eight summit after falling ill earlier on Friday with a stomach ailment, a White House spokesman said. "The White House said he had a good rest this morning. He's feeling better," said White House spokesman Tony Fratto. "He's not 100 percent but he feels good enough to rejoin the meeting. He just left his suite a little while ago and we are back on schedule." story

They all look the same to them

I am always fascinated as to the wide gulf between red and blue America. Here is a little story that shows how subtle racism is still widely used by those on the right to keep that division alive.
UPDATE: Rep John Conyors responds to FOX.

FOX News is so sorry

And the winner is...

I really enjoyed watching the debate last night. It made me understand why I am more inclined to support Democratic politicians than Republicans. The Democrats were thoughtful and practical and seemed to have a serious discussion rather than a contest of who could look tougher or more like Ronald Reagan. I think that last night we saw a debate on substance while Tuesday it will be more a contest on style.

I think Barack Obama won the debate with Joe Biden coming in second. Hillary did well, she is so smart, but I still find her presentation slightly annoying. After 4 or 8 years that slight annoyance has the real potential of becoming huge liability in a presidency. I was impressed with Obama because he really tried to be a uniter and he really showed more depth than he has to this point. He also seemed to control the tempo of the debate jumping in when appropriate and successfully cutting off interrupters. In fact, one of the most impressive surprises of the debate was how ALL the other candidates shut up when Obama simply waved his hand. He has a presence that takes over a room. Much like Bill Clinton in 1992, Obama seems to have that magical mix of intelligence and compassion while also being the alpha male in the room. I'll call it "the right stuff". I had no clear cut favorite in the Democratic primary, but after last night I am all but committed to Barack Obama.

As an example of the "alpha male" thing, the chart above shows how much air time each candidate had during the debate last night. Obama won THAT contest as well - even getting more airtime than Wolf Blitzer. Now that's impressive.

Debate times 7pm

Tonight (Sunday) at 7pm the Democrats will gather to debate on CNN. The Republicans hold their debate on Tuesday - same bat time, same bat channel.

By any means necessary?

One of the issues that first alarmed me to the unique dangers we face from the current "conservative" movement is that of domestic terrorism. Since my first days on radio during the early months of the Clinton administration I learned about the violent tendencies of some on the right. Not only did I hear callers to my station organize militia meetings and talk about their right ... no their duty ... to overthrow the government if they concluded it was not following (their interpretation of) the Constitution. I also witnessed national AM talk show hosts softly peddling this mentality and even worse, shortwave radio hosts making no pretences as to their taste for political violence. Finally, we all saw politicians like Newt Gingrich sowing discontent to pander to these militia types and it worked, as the GOP swept into power in 1994.

Then came Oklahoma City. A former GI, who had been living on a steady diet of "conservative" talk shows and right wing literature, blew up the Federal Building to protest government intrusion. I vividly recall the day after Oklahoma City where the general consensus among the listeners to my station was that it was a terrible tragedy - because of the kids and it was a horrific attack - but understandable given the circumstances.

I have been arguing that this movement still exists and has only gone into latency because their politicians have been winning. Well larger, more well known bloggers are now addressing this issue. One, Digby, sums things up quite nicely

I predict that we are going to see a remarkable resurgence of rightwing violence if the Democrats take full control of the government. These people are always surprisingly cooperative when the government is run by Republicans and then rediscover their "anti-government" beliefs when Democrats share or dominate the government. I can't imagine why that would be. We will also, sadly, see veterans involved in this. Aside from the PTSD they will come home to a world that isn't very understanding. How could we be? They've been in hell. I suspect that some of them will be attracted to the rightwing militia (or worse) unless the government makes some very aggressive moves to help these people out and provide every kind of counselling and support they can think of. The last thing we need are hardened Iraq veterans finding solace with the rightwing terrorists.

To me much of the conservative movement is populated by petulant children who, if they don't get their way, throw a fit. Unfortunately some these children have stockpiles of weapons, generous benefactors to help them organize, a media operation to disseminate their ideology and a willingness to use violence - even domestically - to advance their political beliefs. Oh Hell yes... if the Democrats win we will see these cockroaches crawl back out and terrorize this country. It will happen. Before Oklahoma City they were very open about it. I heard it from their own mouths. They believe that they alone know the real intent of the Constitution and it is their patriotic duty to defend it by any means necessary.

Cartoon Commentary

"Freedom Fry" Congressman hungry like a wolf

Water Jones, a Republican from North Carolina was a vocal pro war proponent and was so mad at France for not joining us in invading Iraq he called for French Fries to be renamed Freedom Fries. Right wing dimwits across the land did what they do best - parrot - and soon it was a test of patriotism how one ordered their pommes. Well, like many on the right, he now realizes he was conned. He's now actually come up with a good idea about Iraq.