Why the waving of the flag doesn't impress me anymore...

It breaks my heart... I feel like I'm letting down people who I respect and admire deeply... but I can't stand the hypocrisy anymore...

"Support the troops" means "sacrifice more Americans"...
"God is on our side" means "I don't care if the government lied..."
"Look, I am wearing a flag pin!" means "I don't have to do anything else!"
"I'm a Republican" means "My head is up my tailpipe and I don't have to pay attention!"

Is anybody paying attention??? Idahoans don't seem to give a rat's ass about our Congressmen and how they FAIL to support our veterans...

Good grief, Senator Larry Craig (formerly Chair of Veterans Affairs) was given consistently FAILING grades by various veterans' associations for the past ten years... did anybody notice?? NO! As long as he was a Republican, Idaho trusted him... as offensive as his betrayal to our veterans should have been, people supported him... until he started playing footsie in a mens' restroom!

And now... their President who shall only be spoken of in reverent tones (or one shall be not "supporting our troops" or is "unAmerican") has committed yet another betrayal to the men and women who are risking their lives for his war...

During the State of the Union, to thunderous applause, Bush fed out more BS to America by stating that:

"Our military families serve our nation,
they inspire our nation,
and tonight our nation honors them."

That would be wonderful... IF HE ACTUALLY MEANT IT!!

He said that in reference to his proposal to allow our military men and women the ability to transfer their unused educational benefits to their family members.

Does anybody care that he neglected to include it in the budget he sent to Congress? How about a press conference where he can explain this to America, okay?? (He can add it to his explanation of all of the lies, where is bin Laden, and how does he define "Mission Accomplished" today.)

May I suggest that you contact your representives and ask them "WTF?"

No, don't do that...
Just ask them if how they plan on addressing this issue... if at all.
If you are an Idahoan, you know you're just going through the motions... but do it anyway!! Save their response letter for their next campaign!

Larry Craig: The Man With The Miracle Cure

Larry Craig has always known what really is causing America's economic woes...

The war in Iraq? Nope.
The lack of jobs which pay a living wage? Nope.
Increased cost of health care and related bankrupticies? Nope.
Credit companies sucking the blood out of struggling Americans? Nope.
Corporate CEOs who rape the retirement funds of their employees? Nope.
The increased cost of gas? food? utilities? Nope. Nope. Nope.

It's ALWAYS been the housing market.

And Larry boy has always known that. He's so smart! And polite too! He didn't want to be rude and point out the obvious a few months ago... it would have embarrassed the Republican presidential nominees who all claimed that our economy was doing SO well! He didn't want to point it out last year... or the year before...

But now it is the right time for Larry Craig to not only explain to America what the real problem is but to also offer the miracle solution!

Are you ready?

No, no, he doesn't support the economic stimulus bill that the House and Senate passed February 7 because it did not address the housing problem.

He also opposed the bill because he felt that it was "fiscally irresponsible to increase our budget deficit by $150 billion just to give everyone a few hundred extra bucks to spend."

Fiscally irresponsible?! I didn't realize he even knew what those words MEANT!! (I happen to agree with him... as much as I will appreciate the money to catch up on our outstanding bills, I know we'll be paying for it later.)

No, Larry's magic potion consists of providing a $5,000 tax credit "to buy homes sitting on the market".

That will not help those who are losing their homes right now... or are behind on their payments.

That will not help the folks who are struggling to pay rent.

That will not help the families living in substandard housing.

That will not help the families who use their full paychecks to pay for gas, food, and medical bills.

That will not help the families whose credit is already so damaged due to wages that can't keep up with the cost of living that they would never be able be approved for a loan.

That will not help the families who haven't even been able to set aside money for a down payment (they put it in their kids' college fund instead... ha ha ha!).

So... who does this help?

• The banks... who have foreclosed on many homes.
• The people who want to sell their $200,000 home to buy a $300,000 home.
• The developers who got greedy and built more homes than the market could absorb.
• The families who need to sell their $200,000 home so they can move into a $100,000 home because they can no longer afford to pay for their $200,000 home.
• The wealthy who need a second/third/fourth vacation home, and another tax break like I need another dog.

What does Larry see that I'm missing???


Larry closes with this:
"It may help some, but it won't be enough. I believe that because Congress didn't address the housing market this time around, we will be back in a few months doing this again. Next time, I hope Congress gets it right."

Why do I feel like throwing up?

Check out his E-Newsletter... and don't forget to answer his survey question:

Would you or someone you know use

a $5,000 tax credit to purchase a home this year?

Personally, just about everyone I know would is struggling to hold on to the house they already have...own or rent.

Bad Larry! No more bones for you!

I don't have much to say regarding the Larry Craig incident... which is a good thing, since so many others have already said as much or more than I could (and so much better as well!)... but my main frustration is that, as a mother, I'm sick to death of the criticism of law enforcement and their "sting operation".

If law enforcement is aware of public sexual behavior in places which my children can access--whether in a men's bathroom or in the bushes at the park, whether homosexual or heterosexual -- then I sure as hell expect them to do whatever they need to do in order to get it stopped. I cannot be everywhere with my kids and I do not appreciate ANYBODY having sexual activities in a public area.

This is not about homosexuality... it's about common decency and appropriate behavior. It is my expectation that law enforcement would act upon citizen complaints about illegal behavior... and I would be furious if my children were exposed to public sex and I learned that the authorities had prior knowledge and hadn't done anything.

Can people please get their priorities straight? How can someone say that homosexuality and gay marriage threatens "family values" but get their panties in a twist because their good ol' boy got busted by our LAW ENFORCEMENT doing their jobs???

To the police officer: THANK YOU.
To Larry: GET A ROOM!

A lot of talk, a lot of BS

Support the troops, support the troops, support the troops...

It's on bumper stickers and car magnets, t-shirts and hometown banners...

I even see it on corporate advertisements... "We Support The Troops!!!"

When certain individuals want to condemn me for my beliefs and opinions, one of the "bullets" they shoot me with is how THEY support the troops and I don't... (Of course, these are the same people who elect representatives like Larry Craig, Mike Simpson, and Mike Crapo (who SAY they support our veterans but have failed them miserably!) ...

And now this...

Army Suicides Highest in 26 Years

WASHINGTON -- Army soldiers committed suicide last year at the highest rate in 26 years, and more than a quarter did so while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a new military report… Last year, "Iraq was the most common deployment location for both (suicides) and attempts," the report said.

Why Isn’t the Press on a Suicide Watch?

You’d never know that at least 3% of all American deaths in Iraq are due to self-inflicted wounds. And that doesn’t include the many vets who have killed themselves after returning home.

{Thank you, Caro from MakeThemAccountable.com, for sharing this...}

I won't hold my breath waiting for mainstream media to provide coverage... not when "Support the Troops" is such a popular bumper sticker... but doesn't really mean anything real to the average American... who seem to follow the mindset of Barbara Bush:

“Why should we hear about body bags and deaths and how many, what day it’s going to happen, and how many this or what do you suppose? Oh, I mean, it’s, not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?” (ABC/Good Morning America)

UPDATE 8/17/07

The Times-News (local Magic Valley regional daily paper) DID insert an AP article in today's issue. Section C, Page 6.

On one hand, KUDOS for publishing this article and informing Americans about the tragic and painful consequences experienced by our brave men and women for serving our country.

On the other hand, SECTION C?? PAGE 6?? Personally, I consider our military men and women and their issues a HUGE priority for America, considering we are AT WAR and they are risking and sacrificing their lives for our country. Put the four losers who murdered their friend in the back pages -- they are NOT worthy of front page news. Yes, they are also someone's loved ones, but they chose to rob and murder others rather than bravely serve our country. Who do YOU think deserves the front page?

My opinion: If it has to do with our troops, it needs to be on the front page. Every time. No matter what.

Dropping the ball in Idaho...

Letter to the Editor sent to Times-News, March 21, 2007 originally posted March 2007.

Representative Simpson recently stated that “We must continue to support the troops and provide them with the resources they need to do the job so they can return home safely.”

However, this week he joined other Republicans opposing a requirement for our troops to be properly prepared for their mission and protected with armor.

This shouldn’t be surprising considering his record of supporting veteran issues and concerns. In 2006, Simpson received a “C” from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and a 66% rating from Disabled American Veterans. (He improved from 2003-2005--where he was rated ZERO each year.)

Senator Craig recently published a statement distancing himself from the Walter Reed situation. After reading it, one might conclude Craig is committed to veteran’s issues. It might be shocking to learn IAVA gives Craig a D- last year. DAV rated him 20% (2005 = 42%, 2004 = 0%). The Retired Enlisted Association also gave Craig a 0% rating for 2004.

Unfortunately, Senator Crapo repeats the pattern. In 2006, IAVA gave Crapo a D. Crapo followed Craig’s footsteps, earning the exact same scores from DAV during 2004-2006. Another repeat in 2004 with a 0% rating from TREA.

Idahoans need to ask themselves if this is acceptable. As our troops return from the Middle East, they will need our support. We cannot continue to slap happy yellow ribbons on our cars and claim we’ve have done our duty for our military. The Walter Reed situation proves that Americans have dropped the ball. We need to be involved, informed, and vigilant. We need to demand accountability from our representatives. If we fail that, we have failed our country and the men and women who so bravely and faithfully give so much of their lives in our name.

They deserve better from us.

Interesting poll at KMVT (local CBS affilliate)

Last night I checked our local media websites to see if there had been any coverage of our demonstration in front of Senator Crapo's office. Even though I had been told that a KMVT representative had briefly stopped by, there wasn't anything on their website.

However, I found the results of their poll VERY interesting--considering the red/conservative/"Bushie" mentality that pervades the Magic Valley...

QUESTION:
Do you agree with President Bush in commuting the sentence of Scooter Libby?

RESULTS:
Yes 26%
No 74%

Hmmmmmm.... even if people are afraid to publicly stand up and speak out, perhaps they are at least THINKING clearly! Now if we can only get them to speak up... Hey, Crapo/Simpson/Craig... are you listening???
The opinions expressed in this poll do not necessarily represent the collective views of our community, this station or its management.

Letter to Crapo, Craig sent today

March 26, 2007

Dear Senator,

I'm writing to urge you to support the Defense supplemental bill that contains benchmarks and a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. As you might expect from me, I firmly believe that this bill does not do ENOUGH, however it still is critical as a first step toward getting us out of Iraq.

Across the country INCLUDING Idaho, it is obvious that “we the people” are in support of a timely withdrawal from Iraq. It is my understanding that this bill utilizes President Bush's own benchmarks to determine when or if we start redeploying.

I realize that over the years you have been committed to following your party line and have supported President Bush through your past legislative votes—but at some point in time, you need to recognize that your obligation to the citizens of Idaho and America should take precedence over the GOP expectations. Even Sen. Hagel has realized that changes must be made by stating on ABC’s This Week: "I will not continue to support with my vote the status quo.”

You and your fellow Republicans need to see how badly change is needed. You need to support this bill. Do NOT remove the deadlines from the bill. Even though I (and many others) would prefer stronger and earlier deadlines to be established, I am willing to compromise AT THIS TIME. I hope you are willing to compromise as well with this bill so we can begin to move forward.

As you know, I oppose the war in Iraq. I oppose any and all funding to continue the war -- although I support funding to properly arm, protect and train our currently deployed troops. I understand that demanding all or nothing isn't going to end the war, or get any troops home. This bill is a first step in the process to ending the war. There is a long-term strategy at work here and I realize that getting every single thing I want isn't possible. TOGETHER, we must reach a compromise.

This should not be about being a Republican or a Democrat.

This should not be about personal pet projects or campaign fund-raising.

This should not be about re-elections.

This should not be about ego or power or “who supports the troops more” arguments.

This is about acknowledging the reality of the situation.

This is about recognizing what needs to be done and doing it.

This is about listening to the people across America and responding to their cries.

This is about supporting a bill that contains benchmarks and a timetable for withdrawing from Iraq.

White House gambled, and lost, war in Iraq

Letter to the Editor: Times-News

White House gambled, and lost, war in Iraq

Americans must stop enabling this administration's addiction to gambling with America's human and financial resources. We've lost 3,024 American lives while spending $360 billion (that's billion with a "B") on this poorly planned and horribly managed war.

At some point, America must recognize this war as the money pit (and a body pit) that it is and call it a day. We may not have accomplished all that some wished, but there is nothing wrong with acknowledging that the goal of "winning" in Iraq is no longer in America's best interest.

America can no longer continue this gamble. We've experienced a horrific losing streak, our accounts are empty, and we're borrowing from our grandchildren (including borrowing their parents - some which will never be paid back). To continue gambling like this, to throw more of our Americans and our dollars into Iraq, is a desperation play.

Whether with chips or human lives, our country is headed for ruin if we don't wake up and start recovery here at home.

DIANA ROWE PAULS
Gooding
[Published January 18, 2007]

Speak up to Idahoans and our reps:

• Review the escalation tally and see what your representatives had to say
• Write the President and Congress plus MORE
  Letters to the Editor links (South Central Idaho)
  Letters to the Editor general links
• Forward an email to President Bush urging him turn away from this unwise escalation
• Stop the Escalation by contacting your representatives in Congress
• call them again today. Dial (800) 614-2803 to reach the Congressional switchboard and report back on what you learn by e-mailing StopTheEscalation@americanprogressaction.org.
• Please send this message to your Representatives: End War Funding, Begin War Investigations

NOTE: Mike Simpson is "Leaning toward Support" and Mike Crapo has "Refused to Answer". Both Sali and Craig are listed as supporting Bush. Maybe if Idahoans turn out in force and contact them, perhaps Simpson and Crapo may be influenced in making the right decision... I don't have ANY hope for Sali and big doubts for Craig, but it still wouldn't hurt to contact them as well. SAVE THEIR RESPONSES!

For Sale: Idaho

We know that we are in debt... Iraq, Katrina, etc., has immeasurably damaged our country financially in addition to the personal damage to our citizens. I recognize that sacrifices will need to be made in order to get America back into financial shape and stability.

But, as we enter another political season, with some repeat offenders representing us in Boise as well as in Washington DC, we need to remember that some politicians believe that selling off our public lands the answer to their problems.

Is this really in Idaho's best interest? And will we REALLY know what the money will be used for? National debt? Katrina? Iraq?

Simpson's plan seems to be in limbo now, but has it really gone away? Or will new deals be made? Can we trust Otter and Kempthorne to stand up and protect our lands? Simpson tried to sell his project by promising that the money is to be earmarked for "rural schools" --which appeals to many Idahoans considering our concerns about education. But we need to remember that the federal government has already failed to make the originally agreed-upon payments for prior land agreements! They've shown they can't be trusted to pay Idaho's children what they've promised... and we want them to sell our children's heritage? Is this worth it?

For those of us in the Magic Valley, did you know that one of the proposed sections for sale was "the 10,701-acre L-shaped tract [that] runs east from the Little Camas Reservoir and north to Anderson Ranch Reservoir, and then east again to Salix Creek 20 miles west of Fairfield." I can't find a current reference to this parcel, but it was listed at one time. Please don't support any project like this if you don't know which lands are being sold! Or you will end up mapping your future hunting/camping/fishing/etc. trips around private (second) homes and "No Trespassing" signs...

Here are some articles to read... become informed and speak up!
Winston-Salem Journal
Idaho Press-Tribune
Idaho Mountain Express
Western Democrat
New West
Stand Up and Oppose CIEDRA Wilderness Bill
More articles and postings...

Contact your representatives and tell them that Idaho is not for sale!
Write letters to the editor as well. Educate Idahoans about what our government has planned for our recreational lands!

We can't afford to take our eyes off the ball in this game, folks...

Supporting the troops...

On Friday, I was invited to speak to my daughter’s high school Speech class. The topic I chose was “Supporting the Troops”.

I began by mentioning the negative opinion by some regarding the “yellow ribbon magnets” which we see on cars everywhere. Of course, that surprised them … why would that be viewed negatively?

Because Americans slap those magnets on their cars…and that is as far as they are willing or able to support the troops.

I asked the room (most students, a few adults) if they knew the name of the young man who graduated from their high school and was later killed in Iraq. Only one person raised her hand… my daughter—because it was her uncle, my brother, who was killed. I enlightened the others about their fallen alumni, who he was and who was left behind. I told them that being aware of this loss… to never forget… is one way to support the troops.

I asked them if they knew how many Idahoans were killed in Iraq (16), how many Americans have been killed in Iraq (2,939), and how many have been wounded (21,778)… nobody knew, most were not even close. Again, being aware of the sacrifice being made by our troops… is one way to support the troops.

I discussed the need for citizens to keep open minds about what they hear. I reminded them to research and confirm “sound bites” before believing them. I told them how important it was that they develop their OWN opinions rather than blindly follow others. For an example, I read them the following quote:

“We are also here to ask, and we are here to ask vehemently, where are the leaders of our country? Where is the leadership? … Where are they now that we, the men whom they sent off to war, have returned? These are commanders who have deserted their troops, and there is no more serious crime in the law of war.”

I let them know these words were spoken during Vietnam by a soldier as he testified before Congress, then I asked if they thought the speaker was a traitor to our country… or did he support the troops? They seemed to agree that he sounded like he supported the troops… and seemed to be surprised that the words were spoken by John Kerry.

I also encouraged the students to research candidates and politicians to see how well THEY support the troops. I informed them about Vote-Smart.org and how voters can learn how current politicians vote and how certain issue groups "grade" their actions. For example, I wanted them to know that our esteemed Senator Larry Craig was given a grade of D- from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. I didn’t have enough time to tell them that he only supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 20 percent and the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 42 percent. (And he's the CHAIR of the Veterans' Affairs Committee in the Senate!) I wanted them to know that being aware of how our reprentatives support the troops is yet another way WE support the troops.

I don’t know if I made much of an impact, but I tried.

Senator Larry Craig: Hypocrite?

It is too sad that our fellow citizens are more afraid of homosexuals than they are of hypocrites and liars...

Press Release: Gay activist calls on Idaho Republican Sen. Larry Craig to "be proud of who you are" {gee, I think I missed it being published in the Times-News...}

"...let the people decide on their politicians based on truth, honesty, and openness." {Includes interviews from 1982 scandal news coverage}

It's being discussed everywhere but Idaho, it seems...

"Scads of right-wing bloggers are scandalized and outraged today because it has been reported that GOP social conservative Senator Larry Craig routinely engages in anonymous sex with men. Why, they are just furious that anyone would introduce issues of someone's private sexual affairs into the public arena, and particularly can't believe that someone would try to use a person's homosexuality as a political weapon. Most movingly, they lament that exploiting private sexual behavior this way will drive good people out of political life."

Well, gee, how hypocrital can they get? For more, see what Glenn Greenwald has to say...

In addition, I highly recommend watching the response from Barney Frank (D-MA) when Bill Maher directly asked him about it. It's PRICELESS!! It's also discussed here...}

I've previously posted how I feel about hypocrisy, so this isn't meant to be an attack against Larry Craig specifically... just hypocrites in general:
Family Values? Or Homophobic?
"God's Politics: Why the right gets it wrong, and the left doesn't ...
Heterosexuals ONLY
The Perfect Wife
Politicians: PLEASE prioritize!
Bigots and Hypocrites Don't Represent ME!
Idaho Laws That We Ignore (Part 2)
The Colbert Report: Idaho Known For...
Brokeback Utah

Is it just me or is Senator Craig still missing the point?

Personally, I think he must be drunk... on power? On Bushy love? Who knows, but how can a sober person come up with this garbage?

For example, check out his current newsletter...

Craig starts out with a survey question:
"To help meet increased demand for oil, should the United States expand responsible oil development to areas currently closed (like ANWR, or the coast of Florida)?"

Excuse me??? What "increased demand"? The one in the United States? I thought it was CHINA's increased demand that was causing the problem! Oh, yes, Americans and their gas-guzzling SUVs and Hummers... that doesn't help either. Hey, I have a BRILLIANT IDEA! Let's start CONSERVING our resources!! Can we try THAT, maybe?

Craig's next item states that:
"Did you know that if former President Clinton hadn't vetoed drilling in ANWR 10 years ago, today it would be producing 1 million barrels of oil per day? The United States ought to be seeking ways to boost energy supplies, not ignore them."

Ummmm, again, may I suggest that we seek ways to CONSERVE energy supplies instead of wasting them? May we seek ways of protecting our beautiful country rather than raping and pillaging it?

This is what he thinks is good news:
On April 21, the federal Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics release its state-by-state employment figures for March. As expected, Idaho's economy maintained its red-hot pace, with unemployment falling even lower, to 3.2 percent, third-lowest in the nation. Access Details to find out what's driving this remarkable economic expansion.

Isn't it great that so many people in Idaho have jobs? Minimum wage (which Republicans have kept to $5.15/hour), low skill (thank you, Walmart), no benefits, but hey, we have JOBS! Tell us how many Idahoans have health insurance, Craig. Tell us how many native Idahoans can afford college, Craig. Tell us how many Idahoans went BANKRUPT last year, Craig... Yeah, we're in GREAT shape, Craig.

Help EDUCATE Larry Craig!

I wrote a letter to our public servant Larry Craig, asking him to clarify his position on the issue of impeaching Bush and to provide an explanation for his position. His response to me makes it clear that he is:

• drinking the "Kool-Aid".
• living in a bubble.
• as unethical and immoral as the rest of the Bush Administration.
• or all of the above.

According to his letter, it is "clear" to him that he and I have a "fundamental political difference".

DUH!!! I believe in honesty and accountability in politics. I want my politicians to be ethical and moral. I want my representatives to keep their eye on the ball and not be distracted by partisan politics. I want my politicians to represent all of the American citizens, not just those with deep pockets. Craig may SAY those he represents those values, but it is "clear" to me that what he SAYS and what he DOES are not the same thing.

Craig wrote that I want to have Bush impeached because I "disagree with his politics" and not because I have "clear evidence that he lied or manipulated intelligence... or that the President has commited other crimes."

Yes, I disagree with Bush's politics... just like I disagree with Craig's politics. But I'm not asking for Craig's removal from office, only Bush's.

I don't know where Craig has been for the last year or so, but pretty much the rest of the world disagrees with Craig. Of course, I personally do not have "clear evidence"... and it would help all of us if this administration would stop interfering with investigations and would provide a straight answer now and then... and stop distracting the country with "The sky is falling" threats and attacks on our patriotism when we expect accountability and honesty! Is that too much to ask??

Craig finishes up his letter by clarifying that he does not "work for the President". If he wishes to represent Idaho and it's best interests, like he claims to do, then he needs to evaluate his voting record and decisions.

I would like to encourage you, dear Reader, to help Senator Craig escape his bubble and wake up from his KoolAid-induced coma. (We cannot do anything about his morals and ethics.) Contact Senator Craig and educate him about which crimes Bush has committed.

More crawly things under rocks...

Thanks, Alan, for posting this at MREater...

Sunday, March 12, 2006
Craig linked to Duke Cunningham

The Idaho Statesman reported on Friday, and again in more detail on Sunday, how Larry Craig received $43,500 from Brent Wilkes, who bribed Duke Cunningham.

Craig at first insisted that he had done nothing wrong, but Dan Popkey continued to dig and found that two days after Wilkes's staffers visited Craig, Craig introduced an amendment that would have directed a $3 million contract to Wilkes's company. Craig later decided to give the campaign contributions to charity. So, if he did nothing wrong, why did he give up the donation?

On Sunday, the Statesman also reported about flights on corporate jets taken by Sen Crapo, and by two SUVs leases by Rep Simpson at taxpayer expense.

The Statesman didn't dig up any dirt on Rep Otter. I tried to link to the article, but couldn't find it online.

Read the complete article at the Idaho Statesman--talk about flip-flop and coincidence!

I found a website that is doing a "Senator-Watch"... so far, none of Idaho's esteemed gentlemen are listed but it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out!