Turkey--Between Iraq And A Hard Place

The US had a vote on a genocide resolution, Turkey amassed a huge force on the Iraqi border, PKK is defiant and Iraq warns of no cross border movement. The Us has been trying everything to prevent the Turks from acting.

Will The Turks cross the border? That my friends is the $64 question. Turkey is not ignorant! They know that the PKK will have the advantage because of the terrain. Turkey has the advantage in fire power, but it will be uselass if there is no one to use it on. Turkey is in a precarious position, if they cross the border going after the PKK and fail, they will empower the Islamists even more than now. If succeed they will set a precedent of the region and would go further into help destabilize an already unstabled area.

Either way the USA is in a lose-lose scenario. Iraq is in a lose-lose scenario. Then what is up with the war drums from Turkey? That is simple! The genocide thing is going away. Turkey is applying pressure on Iraq and the US to take action against the PKK. They will act if they have to, but would pretty much prefer the others to act and act in Turkey's favor.

Just some thoughts we had at this week's meeting of the Inkwell 3.

CHUQ

A Serious Look At Iran

The Bush Boyz have ratcheted their rhetoric up a couple of notches, to the point that many think that some form of military action will soon follow.

Let us look at Iran. 2/3 of the population is around 30 years old. These Iranians are more moderate than the older ones. They appreciate the west and its liberties. Many of these are children that grew up in the years of war with Iraq. they recall the destruction and the death. They do not like the idea of war with the west.

The mullahs represent the past, a shining symbol for the elderly, that recall the oppression that they suffered at the hands of the Shah and of course, the Shah was very close with the US. Bush and his entourage with all their saber rattling is just empowering the mullahs more and more. This is the past for Iran.

The young are more moderate and appreciative of the West, they are the future and as such all should be done to help empower them. They could bring about a change in leadership.

All this is working under the assumption that the Bush Boyz truly desire a diplomatic solution to the situation. If it is just another of their lies, then the US has a long drawn out war in the Middle East that it cannot win. The cost in money is not important, but the cost in lives will be devastating. Someone has got to have a level head, it not there is no way to avoid war.

CHUQ

New Sanctions For Iran

Bush and his Boyz have announced more sanctions against Iran, especially anyone dealing with the Revolutionary Guard. He talks tough! But the all his talk is putting the US on a military footing. It is a preparation of action and all his rhetoric and that of his subordinates are saber rattling.

This could very well backfire on the administration. Iran could harden even further its international stands and demands. Which in turn will harden the resolve of the US govt to prevent Iran from doing whatever is they are doing. The Bush stand is a unilateral motion. The UN failed on tougher sanctions against Iran, so the US will go it unilaterally. Is this good? If you are part of the military-industrial complex, you will be jerking off at the prospect of an armed conflict. For the rest of the country, it will be devastating.

All the rhetoric coming from the administration is pro-war, nothing they are saying sounds like they are even considering a diplomatic solution to the Iranian situation.

I suggest that you just take the time and put your head between you knees and.........you know the rest.

Where Have All The Leaders Gone?

Leaders? What leaders? The US has not had a "real" leader in 50 years or possibly more. The are non-existent. What you have is a bunch of politicians that play games with people's lives. Not one is capable of leading, only to be a mouthpiece.

Americans are graping for a strong leader from within the "traditional" 2 party system. Sorry, guys, you are fartin' into the wind! Voters give this party or that the opportunity to be a leader and at every turn they are disappointed. Then with the next election, they give the other party and chance. Same outcome. And then they give.........the moronic cycle never ceases!

Now I ask, why keep the repeating nightmare alive? I cannot understand the embracing of a system that does nothing to better the lives of normal individuals. It is so frustrating to watch. Einstein said that insanity was doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. He nailed that one!

So why do the voter keep playing this dangerous game? It is bred into them, that the 2 party system is the only system. From middle school civics through high school they are indoctrinated into the beliefs they hold. History classes do not help! They teach the awful parts of other systems and leave out any positives.

It is up to people like myself, to point out the options and to hopefully, get the people thinking and acting in their best interests. A slow, frustrating process, but one that needs to be pursued.

CHUQ

Bhutto Returns Home

We at the Inkwell have been watching the development of the political situation in Pakistan and the return of Benazir Bhutto. After much negotiating between her and the Musharaf people, she returned to her homeland. She said before the return that there were rumors that she was to be assassinated.

She returned. Her convey or parade, if you will came under attack from some suicide bombers and 120+ people were killed and many more injured. Amazing just as she had said would happen if she returned.

Before I go further, her administration was riddled full of corruption; her husband wrangled a 10% finders fee out of every investment in the country under her leadership.

With that said, let us look at the assassination attempt. It has been reported that she deviated from the planned route so that she could greet well wishers. And that she just happened to be on the phone to security when the attack occurred.

Now how did the attackers know she was gonna deviate? All this is a bit coincidental for my liking. As I have said many times in the past, I do not believe in coincidence in politics, everything happens for a reason. This assassination attempt is no exception to the rule. This sounds more like drumming up sympathy for Peoples Party. And of course, to help get US support it had to be al-Qaeda that carried out the attack. All this is just too pat for my liking.

There is more to this incident than is being reported. I suggest that everyone keep an eye on the political horizon in Pakistan. This will soon play out and the real reason for this attack will become known.

CHUQ

Protest In Switzerland

Huh? Switzerland? Who could make of this stuff?

Recently at a get together of the ultra-Rightist part, Swiss People's Party, the party faithful were spreading there racist diatribes to the public. Racist? Yes, racist! Their most popular campaign protest is a flock of white sheep expelling a black sheep. Does that sound like a racist organization? You bet you ass!

Back to the meat of the post. During this campaign rally, it was reported, that masked leftist broke into the meeting and ripped down banners, posters, threw rocks and such. The biggest thing was that these "leftist" made victims out of the fascist. And that it would strengthens there position in the upcoming election.

Well as an update, apparently the attack gave them the sympathy they searched for and they were elected into the government.

I am one of those "leftist" and I say it was not the work of the Left, but rather an orchestrated attack done by the SPP, to gain an upper hand. Why do I say that? Well. it seems that no one stepped up to stop the rampage. Why? There were no physical attacks on the SPP. Why? The Left and the ultra-Right in Europe have had a long history of attack on each other and most of them ended with blood being spilt. Why not this time?

I recall another fascist that used a similar tactic in Germany and he did real well in the elections. As did the SPP. History does repeat itself! IMO, this was a planned "attack" by the SPP to gain the upper hand in the elections. BTW, it worked!

CHUQ

An American Paradox

I do a lot of reading and research on political stuff. I spend too much time reading, writing and ranting, but I love my job. We at the Inkwell have been tracking the thoughts of the American people for a couple of months and we have found a paradox.

Huh? A paradox? Yeah, something contradictory or an enigma. I know there is a wealth of that type of stuff out there. But the one that impressed me and the others of the Inkwell 3 was in a political nature. I know, get to the point!

About 66% of the American people see the country sliding in the wrong direction. They have lost all confidence in their President and their Congress. Approval ratings are in the toilet; the Pres is at 24% approval and the Congress really sucks their approval rating is at 11%. The news that people see daily is crammed with stories of sexual depravity, war deaths, crime and bitter international conflicts.

But with all the bad news most people, 56%, say they are satisfied with their lives. This leads to the question, why? If they have no faith in the leaders, but they are happy with their lives, how does this come about? I think this can only be answered by the individual. There is no one size fits all type of answer. Some of it is probably that the economy seems to be performing good. On the other side of that consumer prices are up, gas is up and going higher, wages are stagnant, even with the new minimum wage law. So where is this paradox going?

I say it will go south. The next time all this is analyzed it may not be as cheerful as it was this month. It is a day to day thing for the people. There is no good explanation, that is why it is called a paradox or an enigma.

Only time will tell if this optimism will continue--fascinating stuff none the less.

CHUQ

Is World War III Approaching?

Recently, the President said when talking at a news conference about Iran. “We got a leader in Iran who has announced that he wants to destroy Israel,” Mr. Bush said at a White House news conference, referring to a remark by the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, that Israel “will disappear soon.” Mr. Bush said he had “told people that if you’re interested in avoiding World War III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them from having the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon.”

This was just at best one of his more stupid statements. He was once again using his old reliable tactic--the Fear Card. Unfortunately, it works. The American people are so afraid of the nuke thing that it is used to sell them on ALL military actions in the past couple of decades. It was used by George I as a way to sell the action of Desert Storm. It was used by George II as a pretense to go into Iraq, again. It is a very useful tool when selling the American people on military action. Americans will accept it without reservation.

A lot has been said about his statement, but the part that few speak of is the fact he said it while chuckling and smirking. What kind of megalomaniac talks about a possible WW III while laughing? Did it miss something? Is a possible world war a joking matter? Maybe to someone who would profit from the war, but not to "normal" Americans.

I just cannot understand how Americans can look at this clown and give him the power to control the world. It amazes me, the stupidity of the people.

CHUQ

Genocide?

Genocide! Genocide! Where is the genocide?

The Senate has passed the Armenian genocide resolution, but it seems to be losing support in the House. The term genocide is a delicate one at best. Turks say it was not, Bush says it was not, Armenians say it was, but what would you expect them to say?

So, sports fans, who is right? Was it genocide? If you say yes, then is Darfur genocide? If you say yes, then what a bout Tibet? HUH, you may ask. In the 1950's China invaded a free country of Tibet and since then has set about killing people, destroying culture and remaking the country into a Chinese province. Is this genocide?

To the Tibetan people it is! But why has not the present and past Administrations not labeled it as so?

Ask yourself, who is the US largest trade partner? Thinking.....thinking.....CHINA? Nothing gets past you guys, does it? If you think that the US will jeopardize that partnership, you are being delusional.

Genocide is a horrible violation of human rights; no matter who does it. But to pick and choose who will be labeled a genocidal state is pathetic. As long as we are talking about it, what about Serbia and the Balkans, all those deaths, were they from a genocide?

My point is, pick a definition of genocide and stick with it, no matter who you offend--genocide is genocide--it should never be a political hot button for discussion--it should be condemned on all fronts.

CHUQ

Airlines--A Service industry

The US airlines have been on the skids now for many years and there is no sign of them slowing down. It is sad when the Congress has to step in and pass a airlines passenger bill of rights. The industry should be policing itself, but it has not. Why? The three magic words--PROFIT! PROFIT! PROFIT!

As with many corporations and industries in the US, it is all about profitability, not customer satisfaction. The US has wonderful hotels, clubs, etc, but for some reason airlines suck! Why? It is all about the investors. If the climate for investment is good, then they will continue to receive financing in the form of investors gambling on the industry.

Americans are mobile and as such it makes the airlines a given and they can pretty much do what they want without any repercussions. The industry will not police itself and will do only what it must to stay ahead of the federal government. They do not care what the people have to say for they will continue to fly regardless of the treatment they get at the hands of the airlines. They will bitch and moan and come back next week for another shot in the ass.

Americans feel they have no choice but to accept the treatment and bitch about it later. eventually, someone will come along and set the industry on its ear and maybe then some changes that are beneficial to the customer will occur. I am not holding my breath; only hoping that someone will wake them up.

CHUQ

An Environmental Prediction

At the October meeting of the Inkwell 3, we talked about many issues that will effect the American people. But the one we decided on for our monthly article is the environment.

Al Gore has won the Nobel Peace Prize for his cause of bring truth to the world when talking about the environment. Congrats, Al!

An "Inconvenient Truth", an excellent title. The story of the environment is just that. Everyone talks a good game but NO ONE wants to act. There is more to it than just global warming. A recent report says that about 50% of liquid waste is going into the environment, to include sewage.

The big thing now is to control and lessen emission from cars by 2025. That gives plenty of time for adjustments to the program, extensions and such. Americans will spend $60,000 for a luxury SUV, but will not buy a $5 light bulb that reduces the amount of electricity that is used to light it. Americans are all for the saving of the environment as long as they do not have to sacrifice anything. This attitude, without a major adjustment, will help end this world.

Let us look at water. A drought in Georgia has a water source so low that without rain, parts of Atlanta will be out of water in 3 months. The Southwest USA is already out of water. Even a presidential candidate, Richardson, has proposed a national water policy. It is not real popular with states who have an abundant water supply, like Michigan. To add to this problem the water supply is becoming more and more polluted. Thanks in part to lax environmental laws that allow the polluters to take years upon years to do something to help control the pollution.

The climate is in control. An we as stewards of the environment had better wake up or suffer the consequences. In 50 years, without proper controls, the environment will degraded to the point that Americans will be fighting each other for water. I will long be dead, and would like to see the reaction of the silly group of people unknown as Americans and how they will cope with the lack of a natural resource.

The planet is dying! The one subject that no one wants to talk about will be the final chapter of this world. Overpopulation, something no one wants to face, will be the final chapter. Without limitations and at the rate it is growing the population will be factor that sends this worlds into the tail spin that cannot be stopped.

If the American people are going to be stupid, they have got to be tough. The egotistical, shallow and unmotivated attitudes of the people is the cause and the end. I suggest you put your head between your knees and kiss your ass goodbye. Next time you are in the bathroom, take a look in the mirror--that is the face of a KILLER!

We have spoken!

CHUQ

When Is It Genocide?

That is the question. Where does killing stop and genocide begin? Who defines what is genocide? The simple definition is, the systematic killing of a people. That is the simple one. But who decides when it is genocide or just killings?

Six million deaths of a people in WWII has been called genocide. What about the approximately 15 million Russian deaths? Was that a genocide? The 1.5 million deaths in Cambodia has been labeled a genocide. OK, how many deaths must there be for it to be labeled as a genocide? Darfur has been called a genocide by the US, but most other countries do not call it as such. So is it genocide?

I bring this up because of the recent vote in the Congress that has labeled the deaths of Armenians in 1915 as genocide. The country of Turkey has condemned the vote and now has warned of dire consequences if the vote was in favor of calling it a genocide. The vote has been taken and it is genocide in the eyes of the Congress. Now the consequences will be whatever happens.

The deaths of many people is not something that is a good thing, but to call something genocide should be a decision by the UN or a world body similar. I do not think that one country declaring it as a genocide is necessarily the final word. For most times these things are done as a special favor to a huge campaign contributor.

I am not saying that the deaths of the Armenian people was anything but a tragedy, but who is the US to declare it so over the rest of the world?

I ask again, when is it genocide? And who is the one to label it as such? When is it official? Does the deaths of American Natives count as genocide? Congressional person, Boehner, you gotta love a guy named Boner, you remember him he is the one that cries at the drop of a hat. Anyway, he has said that the vote was a waste of time and that the decision should be left to historians. Who is paying him?

This subject is something that we can debate until the cows come home and never find a spot where we can agree. Genocide is a horrible technique used on a people and it should be condemned and reported. The problem is there is NO good definition for the act. Until there is, any discussion is just purely an argument.

Enough said? you bet!

CHUQ

Racism--Alive And Well

I would bet that you thought that racism was pretty on the wane. Damn! were you mistaken!

Last year a white school bus driver in Louisiana made Afro-American students sit in the back of the bus. Then it was Imus and his mouth. And then nooses show up in Jena. O'Reilly makes his lame ass comments, which by the way, none of the big mouth pieces of the Afro-American community has come out and condemned. On that I would like to know what is up. Why did O'Reilly get a free ride? And later nooses started showing up in North Carolina and now at Columbia University in NYC.

Think about it! this is just in the last 12 months or so. Do you still think racism is not a big deal. It is! If you do not see it you are either blind or part of problem!

Come on! look at the immigration thing; it is lead by fear. Fear that white people will become a minority in the entire country not just in certain parts. The opponents of the immigrants have sold the drain theory to a gullible public. You want more proof? Fine! Recently there was an operation in LA to round up Latin gang members to either deport or inter. It was heavily reported by all TV media. What about the say Russian gangs and thugs that operate in NYC and the Northeast? When was this a story? Could be they are white and blonde hair?

Stop! It is racism and no matter how you trey to paint it, it will still bleed through.

CHUQ

Justification Of War With Iran

JUSTIFICATION OF WAR WITH IRAN

Recently the US administration has spent a bunch of time and effort to reassure the American people that there was no intention of going to war with Iran. Or at least, for the time being there is no desire to act. They, the Administration, say that all options are still on the table, that nothing is being discounted. But they reassure too much for my tastes.

Sens. Kyl and Lieberman have entered a measure into the Senate that would designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. They base this measure on reports from the recent past that the Guard is training and supplying the guerillas in Iraq. But I ask on what do they base this assumption? On the Intel that is given by the President and his entourage? Would that be the same people that gave them the Iraqi WMD information? Are they basing their accusations on the Intel of known and proven lairs? Yes, they are. But in their defense, I am not privy to all the Intel and I may be lacking a critical part of the puzzle, but from all the info I have at my disposal, this is a piece of bovine fecal matter.

Why, do I say that? Sens. Kyl and Lieberman are two of the biggest hawks in Congress and as such will rubber stamp anything Bush cares to talk about at anytime. These two will be used by the President to run the end around through Congress. These two are administration tools for their “cowboy” foreign policy.

Here is part of the wording of the proposal:

"Our military leaders, diplomats, and intelligence reports say that there is clear evidence Iran is exerting negative influence in Iraq," said Kyl. "I believe that the Senate's adoption of this measure sends a message to Iran that the U.S. will not tolerate any interference to progress in Iraq. It is now incumbent upon the State Department to add the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to the list of terrorist organizations."

The wording is very precise and to the point. It sounds innocent enough and if proven to be true, then any terrorist group should be added. But there is a hidden agenda in this measure. In my humble opinion, there is more to this than meets the media’s eye. I sat this because the media has focused on the above portion of the measure and has ignored another.

"It is vital to the national security interests of the United States that the Iranian government not be allowed to prevail in its proxy war against us in Iraq," said Lieberman. "This amendment makes it clear - both to our enemies and our friends - that the United States will not retreat in the face of Iranian terrorism."

The above is the key portion of the measure, in my opinion. Why? It leaves the door open for a future action against Iran. It could possibly be used to justify any and every action taken against the country of Iran.

How could this be done? Intel could be cooked to show that Iran was a threat to the world, which is being done as I speak. It is all about justification, not labeling.

CHUQ

Protests In Iran

A news flash----100 Iranian students protest a speech given by Ahmadinejad at a Tehran University. At the meeting of the Inkwell 3, we talked this over and came to a conclusion that I will pass on here.

This was a small protest that was met with a like amount of pro-government protesters. It has been reported that the young are more fed up with the policies than their elders. This was taunted as a good thing on shows like Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer on CNN. I am sure that it will be a major coup by the time it is reported by FOX. But we here are skeptics. One, this , if a true protest will lead to arrests, paper shut downs and like tactics. This story needs to be followed up on regularly to be sure it was a story. It could have been a government protest to show the world that Iran was not a totalitarian state, that they allow anti-government protests.

We here at Inkwell are leaning to the later. Why? Because of his visit to the US and being reaqd a riot act. The world was watching what was going on in Iran. This would help the government appear to be more tolerant than it has been painted. It is true that the young in Iran seem to be more pro-west than their elders, but that does not mean that they are capable of starting a "revolution".

In conclusion, we say that this needs to be watched. It is possible that it was not a major coup, but rather a PR ploy.

Greenspan On The Economy

Since I am a dedicated news geek, I watched Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer on Sunday, when he interviewed Alan Greenspan, former head of the Federal Reserve. He (Greenspan) covered many topics, oil in Iraq, the housing crunch, coming recession, etc. He said there was a better than 50/50 chance that there would be a recession. He also qualified his statement on the oil in Iraq. he said that it was because of the oil that Saddam became a problem. It gave money much money to use to further his agendas.

When asked about the economy in general he began by saying that it was a complex, self-adjusting environment. Once he said that I went numb. I could believe he said such a thing.

To begin with I do not agree that the economy is a self-adjusting environment. Now that that is out of the way. Why do I feel that way? That easy! If the markets were free to seek its own level then we would have had a recession already. The Fed in its attempt to help markets stabilize will cut rates. That is not a self-adjusting technique. Because of the interference in the markets, investors claim down and continue to throw money at the markets. What part of that was done without assistance?

you do not like then let us look at the government--they in essence will bailout the mortgage industry to prevent a collapse of the system. That also, is not self-adjusting. The fact that the mortgage industry was in sad shape was however part of that self-adjusting environment.

Sorry people, but all that is part of an economic system know as "state capitalism". Simply put, it is the involvement of the state in the functioning of the economy. All the incidents described above are examples of state capitalism.

It could also be seen as "State-Monopoly Capitalism". It is where state and capitalist join forces so as to preserve and strengthen the system. It enriches, strengthens , protects and is dominated by capital. This is regulated by state bodies which is used to benefit large corporations by implementing short term fixes and long term programs. Does any of that sound at least somewhat familiar?

Since I am not one of capitalism's best friends, I see that the free market system that all Americans are so damn proud of as, not free in the least. For if it were free their would be no need for the government to intervene to save one industry or another.


CHUQ
08 Oct 07

Burma Shame

BURMA SHAME

Myan……Myna…..May…M…Ma—Damn! Burma!

The media has labeled the situation in Myanmar as the Saffron Revolution, because of the color of the robes that the monks wear, since they are the leading force of the protests. Saffron revolution? Why do the media have to tart up everything? Like The environmental revolution, the Green Revolution or the democratic process in the Ukraine as the Orange Revolution? It is like changing a Jungle to a Rain Forest, it is more serene sounding and people will save a rain forest, but not so much a jungle.

Sorry, I digress. Myanmar, then Burma flirted with democracy in 1990, when a democratic election swept into prominence a bunch of elected “democrats”, but as quickly as they were elected the military junta annulled the election to keep power. Since those days Burma has slipped into the darkness of poverty; it is one of the poorest, if not the poorest countries in the world. The country’s major source of income is natural gas and gemstones. About 90% of the world’s rubies come from Burma.

The Myanmar military junta lives in relative luxury compared to their beleaguered people. Price increases have led to the situation now in Burma. Monks began quietly protesting the government’s move and were joined by thousands of Burmese. The government could not tolerate this affront to their authority and sent out security forces to quell the protests. Hundreds of monks and civilians have been detained or just up and disappeared. People beat in the streets, but not as many were killed as there were in 1988, which led to the success of the democracy movement of 1990.

The UN has enacted sanctions against the Burmese government, but what will that mean? Not much! A French company is still using Burmese gas and oil, “blood” rubies will still be bought at Macy’s.

These sanctions are just a way for the world to appear to care what happens to the people of Burma. In reality, they care not. The loophole of the sanctions on rubies is huge. For the US they cannot buy Burmese rubies from Burma, but as long as the stones are cut and polished in another country, it will be legal. The people will continue to suffer and the junta will continue to oppress.

Burma is a good example of why I personally do not like the theory of non-violent action. The people protest peacefully and with conviction and the response will be violence and conviction. Sorry to say, but the violence will triumph every time.

Since the fateful day, much has been said and even street demonstrations throughout the world. People are marching and carrying signs in cities like London, Bangkok and other cities. Everyone is trying to do their part to bring about more democracy for Burma. I would like to point out that a hundred people have died in Burma. But what of Darfur? Thousands have died, millions displaced and yet the world is not up in arms about that, why? A hundred deaths, the people of Darfur would consider themselves lucky if that was the total deaths from the situation with Sudan. Why no more outrage than a whisper for Darfur? Is it because they are black? Are black Africans somehow less important than Asians?

I bring up Darfur, not to lessen the situation in Burma but to bring attention to the fact that there are people all over this world fighting for democracy. No matter where it is, one situation is no more important than another. We stand for democracy for ALL people, no matter where the live, what they believe or who will lead them. If the people do not participate in the country’s government, then it is not a democracy, no matter how hard it is sold. May I suggest that if a person does not embrace “real” democracy then please shut the hell up! If you want to demonstrate for democracy, then do so for ALL oppressed people, or stay home and play HALO 3. Stay out of the way of us who are fighting for ALL humanity, not just the situation du jour.

It was amazing to see the amount of conviction of the Burmese people to demonstrate peacefully, but all they accomplished was a momentary footnote in recent history. Their struggle will soon be forgotten when the story slides from the headlines. I am sorry to suck the life out of the moment, but face reality—POLITICAL POWER GROWS FROM THE BARREL OF A GUN!

You may not like Mao, but he was correct in this assumption. The only way the Burmese will rid themselves of the parasitic junta is through an armed struggle. If they wait for the world to come to their rescue, then they need to see the progress that it has made in Darfur. That is what they will have to look forward to in the future.

We Communists condemn the actions of the junta in dealing with the Burmese people. We stand together with our comrades and demand human rights for all people. We will work with our comrades to bring an end to the suffering of the Burmese people and a return to “real” democracy for all.

WORKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE!

Professor CHUQ

06 Oct 07

The Impeachment Of Bush

Many people are calling for this and that of Cheney. But will it ever happen? Probably not! It is an emotional thing that is being used for political attention.

Impeachment will be a long drawn out affair. It will be all consuming affair. The Congress will come to a stand still, something the Repubs might want, it would give them a little breathing space. After all the President is not up for re-election and will be gone from office before anything substantial can be done.

Dems need to think hard before travelling this road. Look at the polls! Congress approval rating is at 11%, the impeachment process could hurt them even more to the point that they could conceivably be in the minus category. They could already be in trouble in the next election. Do they really want to chance the voter taking back the mandate that they gave last November?

I just do not see the Dems making this call. They are trying desperately trying to expand their influence in Congress and I do not see that happening if they chase an impeachment. They already appear to be doing nothing, why would they want to enforce that belief?

I have been wrong before and could well be this time, but I believe that the Dems are more concerned with elections than with the impeachment of the President.

CHUQ

Is Inflation Approaching?

Good question and deserves a good answer. back in the day, when I was in college taking that econ 101, the bane of most average human being, I was amazed at how the "experts" could read a coming disaster.

Alright, let us begin. Gold prices are up, oil futures are up, housing is collapsing faster than a bridge in Minneapolis, food prices up, consumer spending stagnant, income stagnant, so why no recession? all these indicators are poor, at best, but yet the economy is strong. Why?

All economic indicators are used to fuel investments. Investors are optimistic at this time, they are gambling that say 12 months from now all will be good. The government does it's part to stabilize the economy by cutting prime rates and bailing out disintegrating sectors. This is what the investors need to keep pumping money into the system and as long as they do that this economy will appear to be strong and stable.

But on the down side, NO ONE has asked John P. Public what condition the economy is in. There is the true test of how healthy the economy is; if John cannot buy enough food for his family, then this "free market" system is not working.

Nothing I see that pertains to the average Joe tells me this is a healthy environment. The economy is failing, but as long as the wealthy gamble on the lives of normal Americans, there will be no change. Sad that the worker and his family must pay a terrible price for the accumulation of wealth by a few.


CHUQ
04 Oct 07

Professor's monthly Congressional Scorecard

This is the scorecard for September 2007.

Professor's monthly Congressional Scorecard

I started this last month as to inform my readers of the actions within the Congress. My scoring is by steps, forward, backward and no step. Last month, August, the Congress with all its stuff had taken a step backwards since coming to power in January.

This is the scorecard for September.

Pandering to Patraeus--backwards

Failure of the funds measure--backwards

Condemnation of MoveOn.org--backwards

Failure of the representation of DC--backwards

Airline Passengers bill--forward

Feingold's set date for withdrawal measure--forward

SCHIP legislation--forward

Partitioning of Iraq--forward (but I am being polite. I do not see this as a good measure, but at least they are trying.)

Vote on tightening sanctions on Iran--forward

House withdrawal plan that does not require a withdrawal--backwards

Failure of measure to require more time at home for troops--backwards

And the score is! 6 steps backwards, 5 forward.

The Congress has taken yet another step backwards. this is not what they were elected to do

REMINDER: This will be a monthly feature, so watch for it and see just how your Congress is doing. So far, in the two months of analysis the Congress has taken 2 steps backwards! Not what they were mandated to do, right?

CHUQ

01 Sept 07

Professor's Monthly Congressional Scorecard

I am starting a new feature where I score the Congress on a monthly basis. My first one was in August and it was posted on my other blog, Studies and Observations, I will re-post my August scorecard.

Democrats--A Perspective

Last year in November all was well with life, mthe Dems had just got a majority in both Houses and the world would change. A happy time with lots of celebration. How nice. I would like to point out at this time, that I predicted the bullsh*t would go nowhere, right here in my blog. Sorry, just wanted to take this opportunity to TELL YOU SO!

The Dems past a minimum wage, but it was not enough to pull millions out of poverty, but it was a step forward, a small step. Then they passed a farm bill; paying dead guys, that was a step backwards, then they past an ethics reform, some good but not enough, I will give them a small step forward, very small. They were elected to end the war, and all they did was waste time and money and funded the war anyway, a huge step backwards and now I come to the bigeest piece of crap any rep has every pulledon the American people. I am speaking on the warrantless wiretaps. OMG! What happened to protecting the people from their govt? This is another huge step backwards.

Now with these bills in place, has the US moved forward to that new day? If yoiu count the steps we are going in the wrong direction; WE ARE GOING BACKWARDS, NOT FORWARD!

So what now Batman? Grin people you will never get a change as long as you put your trust in these parasites you call representatives. Sorry, to be so blunt, but it is time to flush the toilet known as Congress and start making a new pile of sh*t!

Pull your head out of your ass and do the right thing of ALL Americans not just your little corner of the political process.

I am CHUQ and I damn sure approved every f*cking word of this message. Peace!


CHUQ