Where’s the Outrage?

I will admit I know little or nothing about his Senator. He flew under the radar. My deepest sympathy to his family.

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From WaPo:

Wyoming Sen. Craig Thomas, a three-term conservative Republican who stayed clear of the Washington limelight and political catfights, died Monday. He was 74.

The senator’s family issued a statement saying he died Monday evening at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He had been receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.

Tags: Congress by ecthompson
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Did you see this article?

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From WaPo:

A U.S. military judge dismissed all charges yesterday against a Canadian detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ruling that his war-crimes trial cannot move forward under the current military commissions law, a decision that could delay future legal proceedings at the U.S. detention facility.

Army Col. Peter Brownback’s decision suspended the case against Omar Khadr, a 20-year-old detainee who allegedly killed a U.S. serviceman during fighting in Afghanistan in 2002. Khadr, whom the military has labeled an “enemy combatant,” was scheduled to be arraigned yesterday in what was to be the second case to go before a military commission at Guantanamo Bay. (more…)

Tags: Al Qaeda, Bush Administration by ecthompson
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Keith Olbermann is in some weird studio.  Anyway, he did a report on the nexus of fear and terror 6 or 8 months ago.  Because of the latest terror plot which under the light of day isn’t holding water either, he reviewed the 13 terror alerts and seem to be associated with bad news for the White House.  Therefore the terror alert will do 2 things it will squash any other news that is coming out that day and it will cause the American public to be less critical of the White House.

 

 Nexus of terror and fear [16:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Al Qaeda, Bush Administration, Countdown by ecthompson
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Although this is a nice answer, it really isn’t the right answer.  The “right” answer is gas prices are now high and the Congress should do everything that it can to lower prices.  As President I will begin the long process of decreasing our dependence on foreign oil.  Switch grass and corn are only temporary solutions.  Electric cars can be here tomorrow, all we need is the will.

 

 Chris Dodd on Gas Prices [2:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Election 2008 by ecthompson
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This show is inverted.  I start with an interview with Garrett Epps because I have over slept.  The Epps interview was pre-recorded.  This is a great interview.  His Salon.com article is here.  I then explain why I was late.  I try to discuss why we are in the morass in Iraq but I don’t really have enough time because of my long explanation.  I then interview Elise Gould about her recent post on the EPI web site.

 

 The Errington Thompson Show 5-11-07 [49:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Domestic Issues, Economy, Podcasts, US Attorneys by ecthompson
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Wow.  This isn’t a parking ticket.  94 count indictment.  I’m wondering why Louisiana re-elected Mr. Jefferson.  Just wondering.

From House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office:

“The charges in the indictment against Congressman Jefferson are extremely serious.  While Mr. Jefferson, just as any other citizen, must be considered innocent until proven guilty, if these charges are proven true, they constitute an egregious and unacceptable abuse of public trust and power. 

“As we have demonstrated in implementing tough ethics reforms and passing tough lobbying reforms already this year, Democrats are committed to upholding a high ethical standard and eliminating corruption and unethical behavior from the Congress.”

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From WaPo:

Rep. William J. Jefferson was indicted today in a longstanding FBI corruption probe centering on allegations that he took bribes to promote high-tech business ventures in Africa.

The Louisiana Democrat faces charges that include racketeering, money laundering, wire fraud and conspiracy to solicit bribes by a public official. The 16-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Alexandria. (more…)

 

 Jefferson indicted [1:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Congress, Ethics by ecthompson
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I recently read historian Richard Hofstadter’s The Idea of a Party System: The Rise of Legitimate Opposition in the United States, 1780-1840. 

Hofstadter wrote that George Washington had a difficult time understanding the rise of political parties during his presidency.

Washington felt he stood above party concerns and that his proposals should be seen as national in character and not the product any faction or party. Washington saw the formation of parties as an insult to his leadership.

We all have assumptions about ourselves (often wrong) that impact our political lives. We may think we are better than other people or we may feel bad about ourselves. We may feel something in common with certain types of people or we may not want anything to do with certain types of people. [Read more →]

Tags: Books, Other Political Thoughts by Texas Liberal
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I’m not much for the “group” grope that is called the Debates.  The voter can’t get any meaningful policy information from a 2 minutes sound bite.  Governor Richardson does a good job explaining the problem.  He solution is a little rushed. Why?  Because there isn’t enough time.

In my opinion, America has to face reality.  We can’t send 12 million people back.  So, what do we do?  First, crack down on any company that hires non-citizens (economic refugees).   Increase the number of agents that will enforce this law and increase the fees against these companies until it hurts.  Secondly, increase the number of border patrol agents.  Third, tear down that stupid wall.  Walls have never worked.  Fourth, economic refugees who are in this country must pay a fine for breaking the law.  Fifth, the process of becoming a citizen should take no more than 5 years.  This means that we have increase the government workers to handle the case load. Sixth, we have to improve conditions in Mexico.  People will not come here if there was a great job in Mexico that they could get that would support their family.

 

 CNN - Richardson on Immigration [2:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Election 2008 by ecthompson
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Joe Sample has been around a very long time.  He was first introduced to me (his music rather) when I was in college.  He was the center piece of mainstream jazz band called The Crusaders.  Only later did I figure out that this band came for the Jazz Crusaders which were more hard bop.  The Crusaders were more of the Jazz fusion/funk mode.  For lack of a better term his solo music for the last ten years has been very low key.  I’m not sure that there is a good transition from one CD to another.

This tune U-Turn is Joe Sample at his best.  He uses the acappella group Take 6 for vocals.   Take 6 was very hot in the early to mid 90’s.

 

 Joe Sample - U Turn [3:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Music by ecthompson
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