blogolodeon

testing testing

2011-07-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

for Tanya's question, this is the link,

and this is what it links to:

Obamacare - Would You Like a Pony?

2009-12-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Nothing shows how far the United States has fallen from its promise more than healthcare. People in this country literally live or die depending on their class.

The aristocrats get the real ponies, and we get the worthless, pretty simulacrum

Change we can believe in!

Is President Obama Wearing Clothes?

2009-10-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

Journalism committed in Britain.

Poor George W. He lost his mojo when he invade Iraq. Everybody knew the war was personal, based on lies and avarice.

W wanted the war so he could prove to Daddy (maybe to Mommy, too) that he was a man.

Cheney wanted the war so he could feed the Beast.

Still, it was an Emperor-has-no-clothes moment because everybody knew the above facts and nobody was willing to say so.

President Obama is in the midst of the clothes-or-no-clothes moment with health care.

Everybody knows the Senate Finance Committee is full of prostitutes.

Everybody knows that single-payer, Medicare for all, is the only just, efficient, beneficial way to provide health care to all citizens.

"Everybody" includes President Obama.

If a strong health care bill does not pass -- one that provides a way to break the hold insurance companies have on health care -- then Obama will have failed the clothes test.

He can say he's fixed health care all he wants. Everybody will know it isn't true. Everybody will know he isn't wearing clothes.

And they'll know it every day. The emperor has no clothes. Obama is all talk. His father's name wasn't Jor-El. And no, we can't.

(Breaking: Obama fails to bring the Olympics to Chicago.)

Eccentric vs Whacked Out

2009-09-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

Now that she's no longer wanted in the world that made her a gazillionaire, she's ready for "public service."

I mean really. What further evidence do we need? America (insert air quotes) is so 19th Century.

Pay no attention to the fact Meg Whitman never gave a fkadoodle-do for government till she made her fortune (off the common people) and now she wants the power to keep that money from going to taxes (supporting the infrastructure that created all that wealth she then scooped up).

It's not just her. Arnold. Poizner. Issa -- there are tons of members of the I-got-mine/fk u crowd in there, making laws to cement their dynasties.

I don't fault these jokers for running. My contempt is for the people who vote for them.

How To Fix California's Budget

2008-12-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

Knock knock

Who's there?

Employment

Employment wha????

Here is how to fix California's budget deficit, almost immediately and for the long term:

Make it a condition of all state contracts that the labor performed to satisfy said contracts be done in California.

The minimum-wage call center action alone will get some cash circulating in the economy and contributing to the workers compensation/unemployment funds.

Why should our state money be siphoned off by jobs, services, and products out of state?

Nooner Deep Thought

2008-10-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

Peggy Noonan has a jar.

It contains Words and Phrases.

She stuffs them in her mouth before a gig, and when the camera light blinks, the Words and Phrases spill out.

I think Peggy Noonan's Words and Phrases are made out of pretzels and coated with waxy pink and white frosting, covered with pastel sprinkles.

Call Them On it

2008-09-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

For a list of Republican Senators who are plunging the State of California into the abyss, click here.

For a list of Republican Assemblymembers who are plunging the State of California into the abyss, click here.

Call them, and tell them what you think of their selfish, closed-minded, juvenile, dangerous, and offensive behavior. Then demand that they follow the governor's advice.

Maybe it's time to get rid of the super-majority requirement for a budget. If the people wanted what the minority want, the minority would be in the majority. A super-majority requirement is really a mechanism for ensuring tyranny by the minority.

Northern Lights

2007-12-24T17:33:00.000-08:00

Now I'm afraid to see The Golden Compass.

I just finished the book, which I've been meaning to read for years. It blew my mind!

I don't see how any piece of "entertainment" marketed to Americans can possibly be as subversive as this book. I am sure I will be disappointed in the film.

I've moved!

2007-01-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

On a learning curve, but temporarily maybe here.

Political Fast

2006-11-19T17:44:00.000-08:00

I'm going on a fast from politics for a while. The last several months have taken their toll, and I'm empty. Mentally and spiritually. I'll be playing with my other, inconsequential blog.

D (for Democrat) Day?

2006-11-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

From The Comments

2006-11-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

(I've always wanted to post that):

Hi Everyone... The video of my interview this weekend with Charlie Brown is posted on my site now. This video is for all his supporters. He points out some last minute advice for all of us.

Here was my letter to BlueAmerica sites about it.

It was 10:30pm Saturday night, sitting at the kitchen table at the house of Brown family friends. The day was non-stop campaigning with Paul Hackett and then a swing by the airport to pick up Charlie's son just in from Iraq by way of Germany. His daughter flew up from Southern California and yet he still took the time to sit down and chat with me. In December his son rotates back to serve his FOURTH TOUR as a combat pilot in Iraq and I was honored to be invited to such a private family gathering.

He is genuine and forthright and sitting and talking with him makes you believe wholeheartedly that there are better days ahead for America. The momentum is completely behind Charlie and people are starting to realize that a vote for him today could save California tens of millions of dollars in a special election when John Doolittle is indicted in the next few months. The ground game here is
strong even though the territory is so large. There are active and outspoken supporters turning out everywhere for Charlie. We need a final push and my last question to Charlie was what people could do in the final 36 hours until the polls close. He is holding no funds back and is still buying radio time and will until the final hour of vote casting. If we can do one more BlueAmerica push, he can borrow against the final total in order to make radio spot buys down to the wire.

Watch Nate's great video interview with Charlie Brown here.

Win or lose, this district will never be the same again. It has been proven to be completely competitive and it will stay that way for a long time to come. Let's save some serious California tax dollars and get Doolittle out now so we don't have to bother with a special election after the whole felony prosecution thing.

Thanks everyone for letting me be BlueAmerica's 'guy-on-the-ground' for the CA-04th. I've made lifelong friends and found a leader I'm eager to keep serving and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference... All the way to the victory celebration!

See the comments in the post below for the links in this story.

Depressing Beyond Belief

2006-11-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

See this post to once again experience the contempt our elected leaders have for democracy, the Constitution, in fact the whole idea of the United States of America.

Team Brown 11-04

2006-11-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

charlie-jan rally 11-04
Originally uploaded by blogolodeon.

How proud will we be when CA-04 sends Charlie Brown to Congress!

How Are We Going To Feel Next Wednesday?

2006-11-02T23:51:00.000-08:00

Reading this, I wonder . . . .

2006-11-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

At Last, No Decency

2006-11-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

Who Needs to Apologize?

2006-10-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

Shame on John Doolittle

As Expected, Doolittle Shrieks

2006-10-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

John Doolittle is doing the expected Republican thing: trashing, swiftboating the veteran, Ret. Lt. Col. Charlie Brown, USAF.

For a break from that, see this profile in the Sacramento Bee about Charlie and his wife, Jan.

And click here to see a great ad pushing back against Doolittle's BS.

More Doolittle Lowlights

2006-10-29T01:59:00.000-08:00

From the Sacramento Bee:

The most concrete piece of independent evidence that Doolittle was at least looked at by the Justice Department is in the records of the clerk of the House.

A woman named Tonya Walker, describing herself as a "secretary on behalf of work" but identified elsewhere as working for the Justice Department, went to the clerk's office in August 2005 and registered to review financial disclosure reports Doolittle filed for 2002 and 2003.

Walker also looked at records of other House and Senate members who had been linked to Abramoff, including six years of filings for Doolittle's former chief of staff, David Lopez.

2006-10-29T01:48:00.000-08:00

Veterans Health Care - Doolittle

Doolittle cares only for Doolittle.

How They Are Screwing You

2006-10-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

And not even with a kiss. From TPM Cafe

If the minimum wage had been indexed to CEO's salaries since 1990, it would be would be $23.03.

Oh, yeah, class warfare.

Playing Politics With Lives

2006-10-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Try not to be shocked:

Playing politics with our staffers' lives and security clearances is reckless and compromises the national security mission . . . .

It's time to acknowledge: There is no end, no limit, no place where the Republican Crime Machine is embarrassed to go if it will serve their hold on power.

Power for power's sake.

Don't buy in to the myth of American Virtue. Some so-called Americans are not inherently good. Some don't like the Constitution, don't believe in democracy, don't give a fig newton for equality of access, equality of opportunity (yikes, then they might have to actually work for a living).

They are bullies. They are aristocrats. They are a criminal machine who use power to get what they want because argument and fair play never lead to the things they want. For gawdsakes, middle America, wake the fck up!

GOOGLEBOMBING

2006-10-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Click the name: John Doolittle for the googlebomb effect.

The Name Is All

2006-10-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Consider the story of Rumplestiltskin.

Oh, how the little guy screamed and threw a hissy when his name was exposed! Remember, the name is always significant (if it's a good story). In old mythologies, the way to power over another person is to know that person's name.

The Republican Party is Rumplestiltskin! It's going crazy right now because the world has finally discovered its true name:

Greed
Deceit
Thievery
Slavemonger
Exploiter
Adolescent
Aristocrat
Charlatan
Rumplestiltskin

Wiki Doolittle

2006-10-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Click here for a list of items to easily reference when telling your friends why DJ has to go.

2006-10-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Michael J. Fox

Bleeping George W. Bush

2006-10-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

JOHN DOOLITTLE EXPLAINS IT ALL FOR YOU

from YouTube boboze1989

2006-10-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Blue America Campaign Update (CA-04)

Nate On The Campaign Trail.

No, Mr. Doolittle, it is not Outrageous

2006-10-17T23:39:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: See the comments for more good info on this.

Kos posts about John Doolittle's support and enabling of a sexual predator -- not in far-away Northern Marianas, but right here in CA-04.

Doolittle has been whining about charges made by the Charlie Brown campaign (among others) that he enabled sex slavery and forced abortions in the Northern Marianas. He says it's outrageous to accuse him of this.

Well, excuse me, Congressman Doolittle, but it is not outrageous to suspect these charges might be true. Since you were willing to testify to the character of your friend who drugged women in his dentist chair and molested them, it's not so outrageous for a person to assume you don't find sexual battery that big a deal. At least, not when your friends do it.

We know through your "relationship" with Jack Abramoff, you considered the people in charge of the Northern Marianas sweatshops to be your friends.

Doolittle's lawyers talking to Justice Department

2006-10-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

From The Sacramento Bee:

WASHINGTON - Rep. John Doolittle acknowledged Monday that his lawyer, whom he has paid more than $38,000 in the last two months, is talking with the Justice Department about the congressman's relationship with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

In true Doolittle fashion, he says he's not under investigation -- he's just trying to clear his name.

TPM Muckraker has more.

2006-10-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Doolittle Explains It All For You

[Please see re-tooled explanation above.]

Mercury News Says Dump Doolittle

2006-10-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is from the San Jose Mercury News:

Even gerrymandering can't guarantee the re-election of California Republican Congressmen Richard Pombo and John Doolittle. Many voters have had it with their money-grubbing and their party's influence-peddling. It's about time.

Read the whole thing.

Caption Contest!

2006-10-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, the title of this post is meant ironically. Highly ironically. Should I write Eli Eli lema sabachthani?

What have we done? That's too easy a question to ask.

The right question: What have I done?

Yes, it is the stupid people, the rapturized sheep, the stupid, stupid people who made sure George W. Bush was put into power. But what did I really do to stop them?

Another Reminder to Self: On My List

2006-10-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

From Taylor Marsh

It's clear Carville and McCurry had their eyes on something else entirely. With Democrats like Carville and McCurry helping us out on election night we hardly need Karl Rove.

Read her great post.

So Carville and McCurry are on my list. I will never contribute to any politician who hires any of the goons on my list.

2006-10-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Had enough of John Doolittle? Vote Charlie Brown!

very cool

2006-10-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Congressman Doolittle 'tolerated' forced abortions, sex slavery

2006-10-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

'Iraq for Sale' bonus scene: Soldiers outsourced to KBR

Doolittle thinks this is a GREAT idea. Vote for Charlie Brown.

Doolittle's Office Doesn't Know

2006-10-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

I just called John Doolittle's office to ask if the congressman is still supporting Hastert as Speaker, even though the guy covered up Foley's pedophilia for a year. At first the person said that she didn't believe Hastert knew about it. So when I asked if that meant Doolittle does still support Hastert, she said no, no, she would find out and get back to me.

We'll see.

But what is interesting about this is the fact that she didn't just come out and arrogantly say Doolittle is supporting Hastert, end of story. That's how it would have been before Charlie Brown's increasingly successful-looking challenge.

A Comment On the Torture Bill

2006-10-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Betty Cracker has a good post on the torture bill passed by this ignominious congress.

I told Sherrod Brown I want my donation back. Sherrod Brown voted for torture. I can't stand it that I gave him a contribution. Read this, if you can, from the author of Death and the Maiden.

Charlie Brown vs -- Oh, wait . . .

2006-09-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

Doolittle still doesn't show up to defend his sorry arse, but sends reliable Republican hack Doug Ose to lose his battle.

Good interview by KCRA's reporters with video (from the comments -- thanks!). Check it out.

News Weak Pravda

2006-09-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

The further infantilization of the American people. The rest of the world gets the debacle in Afghanistan. The US gets "my life in pictures."

Another Reason to Vote Democratic, No Matter Your Party

2006-09-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

But really, how can anyone with a shred of real morality (as opposed to fake, show morality) want to be a member of the Republican Party, the Torture Party?

This diary at DailyKos is about Paul Krugman's explanation for why George W. Bush wants to torture people, knowing torture doesn't work.

What A Great Guy!

2006-09-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

How can you look at this guy and not be enthusiastic about his candidacy! CHARLIE BROWN FOR CONGRESS!

Guest Commercial

2006-09-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Doolittle Facts

This piece was made by Nate, who is leaving beautiful Hawaii to come work on the Charlie Brown campaign. Ain't citizenship grand!

Same Song Next Verse: Doolittle is Corrupt -- Very

2006-09-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

Who do you think finds himself on the list of the 20 most corrupt in Congress?

Note to Self: Don't Vote For Warner

2006-09-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

I just read something that helped me decide never to vote for Mark Warner. I'm noting it here to refer to in the future, so if the subject becomes germane I can remind myself that Mark Warner is stupid.

Warner Says Kerry Shouldn't Have Targeted Bush Tax Cuts
Mark Warner (D) told Iowans that Democrats "have taken the wrong approach in arguing against tax cuts enacted under President Bush, singling out former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry's campaign as a reason the message did not resonate in 2004," the Des Moines Register reports.

"In order to appeal to more voters, the party ought to avoid alienating wealthier Americans."

Said Warner: "Even though the Bush tax cuts only applied to the top 2 percent of Americans, what I think the Kerry campaign missed was that the other 98 percent of Americans still aspired to get to the point in their life where they could qualify for the tax cuts."

More Weirdness With John Doolittle and Bookkeeping

2006-09-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of John Doolittle's on line reports for salaries paid to his staffers:

Rep. John Doolittle (R-California-4th)
Displaying salaries for time period: 01/01/06 - 03/31/06

Payee Name Start date End date Position Amount Notes
Barton, Cynthia Elaine 01/01/06 01/02/06 Caseworker $211.11
Blackann, Laura Beth 01/01/06 01/02/06 Shared Employee $27.77
Blankenberg, Daniel W 01/01/06 01/02/06 Leadership Director $833.33
Costantini, Danielle R 01/01/06 01/02/06 Staff Assistant $166.66
Dodge, Candace 01/01/06 01/02/06 Staff Assistant $33.33
Franco, Martha L 01/01/06 01/02/06 Executive Assistant $311.11
Goitein, Evan V 01/01/06 01/02/06 Legislative Assistant $178.88
Hansen, Dain 01/01/06 01/02/06 Legislative Assistant $172.22
Harlow, Amy H 01/01/06 01/02/06 Staff Assistant $166.66
Jensen, Brian 01/01/06 01/02/06 District Director $427.77
Larrabee, Jason 01/01/06 01/02/06 Legislative Director $427.77
Lopez, Jodi A 01/01/06 01/02/06 Part-time Employee $33.33
Parilo, Christopher 01/01/06 01/02/06 Field Representative $277.77
Perkins, Alisha 01/01/06 01/02/06 Executive Assistant $305.55
Robinson, Richard J 01/01/06 01/02/06 Chief of Staff $861.11
Stewart, Cody 01/01/06 01/02/06 Shared Employee $55.55
Valuck, Jeffrey 01/01/06 01/02/06 Legislative Correspondent $167.77
17 results

This is supposed to be a report for three months, yet it seems to only cover two days. Is there no end to Doolittle's contempt for the rules?

2006-09-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Barbara Jordan on the Constitution during Watergate

Are you?

We Can't Afford Republican Rule

2006-09-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

Body Armor: How do you think Doolittle voted?

The Beginning of the End

2006-09-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with these people. By these people, I mean Republicans. I truly don't understand how they could actually mean it when they say nice things about the likes of George W. Bush and John Doolittle.

Then something happens to renew my hope for my fellow citizen.

TPM reader to kos to *xyz to firedoglake to blogolodeon

2006-09-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

to you:

Responding to the coming GOP smear campaign
by kos
Mon Sep 11, 2006 at 04:07:02 PM PDT
Every Democrat in a rough race, and even those in less competitive contests, are about to get hit by the greatest slime wave of Rove’s career. They’ve got nothing to lose at this point.

A TPM reader has the perfect Dem response:

Stay focused on one and only message — “You — the Voters — have ONE DAY to hold the Bush Administration accountable for what’s happened in Iraq, and here at home. ONE DAY — election day. If you like the way things are going, vote Republican. If you think things need to change, VOTE DEMOCRATIC. Seize the day. It’s your very last chance.”

At the end of the day, it’s really that simple.

TPM reader to kos to *xyz to firedoglake to blogolodeon

Also: In Memorium

Jesus' General Explains It All For You

2006-09-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Propagandists

Why It Matters

2006-09-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a post by Taylor Marsh about the Raytheon vs Trophy fiasco that will result in more death and maiming of our troops.

Is there no limit to what this Republican Congress will accept in the name of corporate profits?

It matters who wins in the CA-04 this November. Charlie brown will not stand for this kind of crap.

UPDATE: Check out this link of a diary at DKos re some important programs coming up on PBS. The first, October 4, will be about the Abramoff scandal. Bill Moyers is once again on the job!

For Your Research Pleasure

2006-09-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

. . . or disgust, as the case may be. Feeling better, but not quite back. Meanwhile, here is some work Think Progress has done on the links between John Doolittle and Jack Abramoff.

Hope It's the Good Guy Flu

2006-09-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry no posts recently. I've caught some creeping crud. Laying on couch with tea and rewatching entire Battlestar Galactica series. . . Will report for duty ASAP.

Dishonest John Has the Bad Guy Flu!

2006-08-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

It's Hard to Help a Bad Guy

2006-08-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

Olbermann Eviscerates Rumsfeld; Defines True Courage

The Human Cost of War

2006-08-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Charlie Brown has another great diary up at Daily Kos today.

How is it possible there is even a contest between this man and the slimy John Doolittle?

One thing we can know without question: When Charlie Brown is in congress, defense contractors won't get away with killing our troops with greed and neglect. Charlie talks about some friends of his who died when he and they were stationed in Vietnam:

You can find the names of Brian Rye, Larry Froelich and the others who died with them on the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. Go down to the `V' where the two sides come together, then go up a few names on the left side. These men weren't killed by hostile fire--they were killed by poor management of government contractors, and those who put profit ahead of "supporting the troops."

Citizen Ad Campaigns -- Anti-Bush Interlude

2006-08-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Mother in Park - Bush - Seriously

Fantastic Diary

2006-08-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

by Future Congressman Brown at Daily Kos today.

Click and go!

Yer Luvly Interlude

2006-08-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Part of what makes John Doolittle a dangerous member of congress is his kind of religion. Now, I don't mean the fact that he is a Mormon. I mean the fact that he wears his religion, whatever brand, like armor, like righteousness -- like it gives him the right to judge us all and confers goodness on him even as he does evil.

In the spirit of preserving spirituality as a private concern that each American has the right to create for herself or himself, here is a great article from Salon magazine (you can read it free after watching an ad). An excerpt:

I believe in the indomitable human spirit and the amazing capacity we have for understanding the world; for love, joy and happiness. Science not only does not take away any of those things, it adds to the sum of human knowledge. When I look through my little telescope in my backyard at the planets, moon or Andromeda galaxy that is 2.9 million light-years away, I can enjoy the beauty of the night sky and appreciate it on an emotional level. Then I can think that the photons of light that are landing on my retina left 2.9 million years ago, when we were just barely bipedal hominids in Africa, and are just now arriving tonight. Boy, that's just awe-inspiring.

To me, that's what it means to be spiritual -- what makes your spine tingle. It's what gives you a sense of awe and wonder and transcendence. It doesn't matter to me if you call it God or the cosmos. We're all talking about the same thing, whether it's religious people or New Age spiritual people or Buddhists or scientists. We're all talking about having a sense of awe and wonder at something grander than ourselves.

Chickenhawk Doolittle Still Chicken

2006-08-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a great question from the Charlie Brown campaign website.

Stupid

2006-08-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

DK subbing for Josh at TPM says:

Putting self above party at the expense of party should have consequences. But at what cost? I part ways with those wanting to enforce party discipline even as they admit it might cost Dems a Senate majority. As I have said before, a Democratic Senate with Lieberman in it far surpasses a GOP Senate without Lieberman.

First of all, no one admits it might cost Dems a Senate majority if they actually back the Democratic nominee instead of The Kissable Ego. This is just Washingtonspeak for "Eek! The peasants are voting the wrong way! Well, we will just let them see how far that gets them!"

But this last sentence is what is so stupid. A Democratic senate with Lieberman is not going to be a Democratic senate if Lieberman is the 51st "Democrat." Think about it.

Joe Lieberman has become last night's fish. He's stinking up the place, and he's got to go.

A Good Time to Donate a Little $$

2006-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Running my morning errands, I heard one of the new Charlie Brown radio ads! It was so much fun to hear an ad for a candidate I love against John Doolittle. I'm sure everyone knows by now that John Doolittle is a terrible representative. He voted against extension of the Voting Rights Act, crissake!

Today congress halved the money allotted to brain injury research for veterans! Does this seem possible in a sane world? Do you think Lt. Colonel Charles Brown, US Air Force, Retired would have voted for that?

Don't you want to remove John Doolittle from congress, a man who thinks profits are more important than sexual slavery and forced abortion?

You can do it. I know we are all bombarded by requests for money, and it's not going to go away in the next couple of months. And I'm asking you now for money for Charlie Brown so he can put as many of these ads on the radio as possible.

Here is why: CA-04 is a huge district northeast of Sacramento. People are in their cars for a long time every day. Radio is the best way to reach them. Doolittle has had a lock on the seat by virtue of the R that comes after his name, but the people of the CA-04 are not evil and they don't want evil done in their name.

They need to know they have a good -- in fact a wonderful -- alternative in Charlie Brown. Here is another ad, one I like very much, that the Brown campaign wants to run on the more conservative stations. Yes, the speaker is Max Cleland. Listen to Charlie's voice at the end -- I have met him, and he's just as nice and straightforward as his voice sounds.

Read this conversation held at firedoglake where Charlie and his wife Jan answered questions for two and a half hours.

And then click this link to give a little something -- as we all know, even $5 adds up -- to help the Brown campaign keep these ads on the air. I personally believe radio will be the key to reaching the voters of the CA-04. In this market, $500-$1000 buys a :60 AM Drive Time slot on our most popular local radio stations, and $250-$500 buys a PM Drive Time slot.

John Doolittle is an insider in the Republican slime machine, as dangerous and as damaging to us all as Tom DeLay was and the whole Newt Gingrich legacy continues to be.

Piss off the GOP -- give a little $$ to Charlie Brown.

UPDATE: See this story in the Sacramento Bee

You Decide

2006-08-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

corrupt or ineffective?

Cross-Post with Daily Kos

2006-08-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well, my brilliant take on "How To Win" flew out the window of my mind, so the immortal Digby will have to suffice.

Meanwhile, I have a new diary up at Daily Kos on the further dastardliness of Mr. Doolittle.

Meanwhile, I don't know how long this will be available, but it's devastating.

How To Win

2006-08-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

More on this post by Digby when my toobz are clear.

Dump Doolittle

2006-08-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

There will always be suffering in the world, so the conventional wisdom goes. And lately, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of destructive human folly all around us, permeating the planet. What can one person do to stop the Bush juggernaut? It's too much! To preserve sanity, we almost have to give up, turn our face from the horror, go to a movie, eat some ice cream.

But when the horror has a source closer to home, can we really turn away? When an "evildoer" walks among us, speaks directly in our name, is our individual voice in congress, we have no right. We have no right to be stupid when our stupidity enables the suffering of our fellow human beings.

Getting rid of John Doolittle is a moral call to action. John Doolittle's work in congress has allowed misery and cruelty to flourish in our name. He has to go.

Doolittle's Pathetic Tactics -- He Must Be Getting Nervous!

2006-08-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Read this letter and laugh! Dishonest John is coming out of the gate with phasers on kill. Is he afraid of something? Like a real challenge for the first time in his 26 years of "public service"?

Click for a sneak preview of Republican attack phrases that will come as no surprise. It's a wordfest of their generic blather:

liberal media -- eek!
most liberal opponent EVER!!
liberal agenda!
higher taxes!
amnesty for illegal aliens!
GAY MARRIAGE!!!
ACLU !!
hater of the Boy Scouts and God!!!!
Impeachment of Bush!
extreme!!
Barbara Boxer!
Hillary Clinton!
HOWARD FUCKEN DEAN!!!! [okay, I added the middle word]
Nancy Pelosi!
culture of corruption smear campaign!
Washington leftists [sheesh, that's a new one]
my poor wife!!

So what are the comebacks to these stupid stock phrases?

Wesley Clark

2006-08-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

From Daily Kos:

Wes Clark on "Being Strong on National Security" Hotlist
by kos
Wed Aug 09, 2006 at 11:13:54 AM PDT

Wesley Clark came out strongly for Ned Lamont today, but it's this passage that particularly caught my attention:

You see, despite what Joe Lieberman believes, invading Iraq and diverting our attention away from Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden is not being strong on national security. Blind allegiance to George W. Bush and his failed "stay the course" strategy is not being strong on national security. And no, Senator Lieberman, no matter how you demonize your opponents, there is no "antisecurity wing" of the Democratic Party.

Well said. That's the Democratic message on National Security this year, and it works. That's why Republicans are freaking out.

Of course, remember Wes Clark has endorsed our guy, Charlie Brown.

Republicans Ridiculans

2006-08-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

I like to think of metaphors. People (FDLers excepted) don't seem to want to think about long, complicated expositions of the flaws in today's Republican Party. But a good metaphor can slip in under the force field of willing bamboozledom.

Metaphor 1: For a long time, I've likened the Republicans to Hans Gruber, the guy who speaks so eloquently about political philosophy -- but really just came for the money.

The Hans Grubers of the world are scary, evil, damaging, all bad things, and we should want to rid ourselves of their influence and divest them of their power. People don't want that, though. People are attracted to power, even when it's malignant, even when it will kill them or theirs.

People don't renounce the powerful. They renounce the ridiculous.

Joe Lieberman was powerful for the last time last night, when he gave his "concession" speech. But even as the little outrageous bubbles of delusion floated out of his mouth, his power floated away, popping on the sharp reality of the people's votes. He will be forever ridiculous not by The Kiss Float, which raised the idea, but by his own folly now in trying to keep hold like Gollum of the precious which the voters have already taken away.

Joe Lieberman is rendering himself ridiculous. What metaphor or association will render the Republican Party ridiculous? I think of Paul Ford in The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming. He plays a silly man convinced of the venality of all things Russian and nearly starts World War III after the entire town has come to a more enlightened place. But that metaphor is too old and too distant, I think, to work today.

What is a good metaphor for the ridiculousness of Today's Republican Party?

What Does John Doolittle Have To Do With Sex Slavery and Forced Abortion?

2006-08-07T23:45:00.000-07:00

Think Progress has the story.

How long can the supposedly upright Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn, Loomis, Tahoe, Granite Bay, Truckee, and Lincoln stand to have this person speak for them in congress?

For us, he votes against the Voting Rights Act.

In our name, he keeps workers in virtual bondage and subject to forced abortions.

The question is not whether John Doolittle has any shame; we know he does not. The question is, have we no shame?

People Are Sick of the Usual Suspects

2006-08-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

From Bob Herbert's column in the NYTimes:

This was a war that never should have happened. There was a legitimate war for the United States to fight in Afghanistan, but that was not enough for the administration. The Bush gang wanted a war with Iraq, and less-than-courageous politicians like Mrs. Clinton and many others lined up as enablers to help make that war happen.

There is a lot of tea leaf reading going on over what a Ned Lamont win on Tuesday will mean big picture-wise. My reading is, it will mean the Merkun Peepul are done with enablers. For a few years now, my lament has been: The worst isn't that George W. Bush is so horrible. It's that people are letting him get away with it. Throwing sadsack Joe Liberman under the wheels on Tuesday will auger the beginning of the end of all that. It will mark the first day of the peasant revolt of 2006.

Have you had enough?

It's A Charlie Brown Blue America!

2006-08-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hey, good news! Charlie Brown is now on the Blue America Communities page -- woohoo! Contribute here today!! Every little bit helps, and it will be fun to move Charlie up the list of candidates.

Also, Charlie will be visiting the Lake this Saturday at 11 a.m., so stop by for the converstion.

Will the Breeze Become a Wind?

2006-08-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

I feel the breeze of change in the CA-04. The LA Times reports:

Doolittle and Pombo, who normally would be shoo-ins for reelection, are facing tougher challenges mostly because of questions raised about their relationship with disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and other ethics issues. Both survived primary challenges in June, but they remain on the Cook Report's list of the 42 most vulnerable GOP incumbents.

Doolittle has agreed to debate Charlie Brown -- but he has not agreed to set a date! He is acting like Mr. Gibson in He Knew He Was Right who engages himself to Miss French but, out of terror, just cannot bring himself to the altar. Mr. Doolittle has long held the reputation for being a bully. Now we see the underlying character imputed to bullies generally -- that of cowardice -- demonstrated in our soon-to-be erstwhile congressman.

The Republicans Really Have to Go Part X

2006-07-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

CSNY Freedom Of Speech Tour 2006

via Down With Tyranny

What Good is a Phone When the Matrix is Rigged?

2006-07-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Do you read articles on the web? Some people don't. Lots of people surf, skim the waves, look at the seafoam, and feel the ocean breezes blow between their legs and through their hair. It's fun.

Sometimes you want to know what lies beneath. Read this post by Matt Stoller to understand some things about telephones, and managers, and where you have to be at noon.

You are living a reality the powers that be left years ago. In the long run, it will destroy everything we ever thought The United States of America stood for.

And the difference between them and you,
And I'll argue you are wrong
Is they would read this entire post and then read it again.

And act on it like effective bullies.

I have decided that, from today forward, I will give no money to a campaign that hires any of these sellout corporate asskissers.

Why Republicans Should Vote Democratic This Fall

2006-07-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it takes tough love to let someone know they've gone the wrong way. Even political parties. It's time for this iteration of the Republican Party to go; for the good of the nation, this party must die. Read why honorable Republicans must vote for Charlie Brown over John Doolittle here.

That's the buzz, I tell ya, it's happening.

Charlie Brown for CA-04.

Look For the Union Label

2006-07-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Remeber that song? Apparently, Joe Lieberman did not. I love stories like this. I love it when sell-outs get busted for their selling out.

I can't tell which age ours most closely represents: Pre-revolutionary France or pre-Reform England, with its corrupt pocket boroughs. So many of our elected officials seem to think they "own" a pocket borough, people like Joe Lieberman and John Doolittle. It's not a party phenom, it's an aristocracy phenom.

The Southern (Enlightenment) Strategy -- Through Music

2006-07-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

Do you like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill? The Mavericks? Nancy Griffith?

Here is a great website/group people need to know about. Find out more by reading this diary at Daily Kos.

It's like seeds are being planted -- and nurtured -- yanno?

Joe Lieberman Sux

2006-07-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Another one from the trenches at YouTube.

oh, dearie me. What we gonna do when the kids get hold o' the Ministry O' Truth?

Lutrine Prestidigitation

2006-07-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Aww, how cute!

From YouTube, a time-out from our political dead-earnestness!

Doolittle Spending Priorities -- Trash the Other Guy

2006-07-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

An article in today's Sacramento Bee says John Doolittle had to spend a million dollars to win his primary this year -- in a seat that has been one of the safest in the country for ages. While the article goes into the ongoing troubles of the scandaliferous Doolittle, one paragraph is interesting not for Doolittle muck but for Doolittle style.

A spokesman explains that the Doolittle campaign has spent that million bucks wisely and really on the general election:

"We have spent money all along to be successful in the general election, as well as the primary," Robinson said, citing as an example $5,438 paid to an Arizona company for opposition research on Brown, a retired Air Force officer and pilot.

We are not surprised when the Doolittle campaign brags about spending money to dig for dirt on its opponent. But it is truly creepy when you know the history of Charlie Brown, the retired Lt. Colonel running for the CA-04 seat.

Pombo Cancels Cacino Night

2006-07-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

An alert from SherAn tells us Raw Story says Richard Pombo, "Mr. Anti-Environment," has canceled a planned Cacino Night fundraiser. Apparently, Pombo's ties to the Abramoff scandal made a "casino night" unpalatable to even Pombo's campaign.

Ha! (Said with intonation like Diane Keaton in "Sleeper")

2006-07-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

So the "centrist" Democrats are crying because their funding is going dry!

Democracy Alliance also has left some Washington political activists concerned about what they perceive as a distinctly liberal tilt to the group's funding decisions. Some activists said they worry that the alliance's new clout may lead to groups with a more centrist ideology becoming starved for resources.

[above-linked WaPo article]

For so long now, progressives have been expected to stay in line with our votes and our money and shut up. After all, where else were we going to go? Well, we've found places to go with our money as well as our mouths. The progressive canditates we've longed for are reporting for the long slog.

To the centrists, I say: When you stand for nothing, don't cry when you find out no one stands with you for long.

Doolittle Votes AGAINST Voting Rights Act

2006-07-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Today the historic Voting Rights Act was reauthorized. John Doolittle, who represents us in congress, voted against it.

Do you understand what this means? John Doolittle represents me in congress. If you live in CA-04, he represents you. It means that we voted against the Voting Rights Act. That bastard.

Charlie Brown Challenges John Doolittle to Debates

2006-07-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

From the Charlie Brown For Congress website:

July 10, 2006

The Honorable John T. Doolittle
John T. Doolittle for Congress
4120 Douglas Blvd., #306-283
Granite Bay, CA 95746

Fax To: (202) 225-5444; (916) 786-6364; (916) 200-0328

Dear Congressman Doolittle:

I am looking forward to competing with you for the honor of representing the people of California’s 4th District in Congress. The purpose of this letter is to challenge you to a series of debates in advance of the November 2006 election.

Elections aren’t just about issues—they’re also about leadership, people, and perhaps most importantly, choices. As a 26 year Air Force Officer, a father, and a taxpayer, I know these choices ultimately have profound consequences: lives, jobs, our nation’s security, our children’s future, and our quality of life hang in the balance.

That’s why we have a responsibility to provide voters with an unfiltered examination of the experience, values and vision we offer, and a clear choice with respect to the real life day to day challenges facing our district, our country, and our Congress. Instead of two partisans speaking at each-other through the press, we can meet as two Americans conducting a civil discourse about the best way to move our country forward.

In this vein, topics for our debates might include:

* Iraq
* The War on Terror
* Emerging Threats/North Korea and Iran
* Supporting our Military
* Homeland Security and Emergency Response
* Spending Priorities/Balancing the Budget
* The Economy/Tax Policy/Jobs/Trade
* Education/The Achievement Gap
* Gas prices and Energy Policy
* Healthcare/Access and Affordability
* Retirement Security
* Veterans Aftercare
* Ethics in Congress and Lobbying Reform
* Water Security and Flood Control
* Local Infrastructure
* The Environment, Land Use & Development
* Protecting Constitutional Liberties

During the past several weeks, my campaign has been contacted by numerous television and radio outlets across Northern California, expressing their desire to cover Doolittle-Brown debates. All we have to do is put together a schedule of times and locations, and work out the format for each forum. There are, as you know, many suitable hosts.

Given the broad geographic area covered by the 4th CD, and the diverse array of local concerns faced by its residents, I believe that fairness demands we give as many people the opportunity to witness/participate in the process as possible. I think this objective can be reached if we can agree to at least one forum in each of the following regions: El Dorado County, Western Placer County, Eastern Placer County (Tahoe Area), Nevada County, and a north county forum in Alturas, Susanville, Quincy, or Loyalton—(a minimum of 5 debates in total).

In accordance with the great traditions of our democracy, I would also request that at least one debate be conducted as a town hall meeting, so that the people of the 4th CD can openly ask questions of each candidate on the issues they consider most important. This seems only fair since it is “the people” for whom elected leaders bear the responsibility of service, and the obligation of direct dialogue.

My campaign staff stands ready to work with yours in executing this crucial component of the democratic election process. Please feel free to send your response by mail, or contact my Communications Director, Todd Stenhouse at (916) 397-1131 to begin working through the details.

I look forward to your prompt response and a vigorous campaign in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Lt. Col. Charles D. Brown, USAF Ret.
Democrat for Congress, California 4th District

Will Doolittle Stoop to Swiftboating Charlie Brown? No . . .

2006-07-10T15:33:00.001-07:00

Because he won't have to bend over one degree. But doubt not, dear voter. Doolittle has never been known as a fair fighter. For a taste of what to expect, see this must-read article by Taylor Marsh on the trashing of John Murtha.

Down With Tyranny

2006-07-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

I've added Howie Klein's Down With Tyranny to the blogroll. Go there now for more info re John Doolittle and his ways.

For Charlie Brown vs Against John Doolittle

2006-07-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Charlie Brown is simply a great candidate, and there are all kinds of reasons to vote for him. Come to the campaign grand opening in Roseville Monday and find out more!

But forget for a minute about why Brown is great. What I wonder is: How can someone want to vote for John Doolittle? As with Tom DeLay, what is the breaking point of embarrassment before a Republican says "no more!"? How far can the Republican Party ride on self-delusion?

Wiki Doolittle

2006-07-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: from The Daily Muck
======================

Interestng excerpt from John Doolittle's Wikipedia page:

2004

In 2004, Doolittle's Democratic opponent raised only $2,300 and won only 35 percent of the vote. For that race, Doolittle took in more than $1 million in contributions. (Sacramento Bee, April 9, 2006)

What kind of politician needs more than a million dollars to beat a guy with around two grand? Where did all that money go? I'm just saying. The Wiki page has more interestng information.

John Doolittle is awful, and I'd vote against him no matter who was running. But the good news is, Charlie Brown is a cadidate I'm happy to vote for, no matter who might be running against him.

Charlie Brown for Congress

2006-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

[cross-posted in a comment at DailyKos]
Last night I met Jan and Charlie Brown at a house party in Rocklin. (That's me on the right.) What great people.

But beyond being nice, patriotic, progressive Americans, the Brown campaign is for real. Last night, hearing Charlie talk and then answer questions, I changed. I changed from wishing he could win to believing he can win. He has a realistic plan to WIN, even in this district with greater Republican than Democratic registration.

Maybe it's the Air Force background and the discipline which comes from that. Maybe it's having such a supportive family. Maybe it's just who Charlie Brown is as a human being. Well, surely it's a combination of all these things that make it more than a wish that this guy can beat Doolittle. It's a real possibility.

I gave a little more $$ to the campaign last night, and I volunteered to help however else I can. Today is the cut-off day for reporting, so if anybody wants to give $5, $10, whatever -- every dollar is a dollar that says Goodbye John Doolittle -- please click here and go for it!

When Reporters Don't Bother With the Research Thing

2006-06-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Thinking more about the "Seas of David,"

Do you think maybe the poor unfortunate was saying "Seeds of David"?

That would at least make some kind of sense, since the bible is loaded with obsessions on geneology -- the begats and the "branches of" and all.

A Post for Evil Parallel Universe

2006-06-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

Herewith a list of Great Stories From Religious Traditions:

(my favorite) Taoism,from Chuang-tse: Butterfly

Ancient Tribal Hebrew Lore, revenge tale deluxe.

Found in Hebrew Bible, probably old Canaanite fertility poem.

Truly raunchy fertility poem, oops. I mean, the Sacred Marriage of Inanna and Dumuzi

On love and progeny from the Mahabharata.

Christianity -- Jesus goes too far and regrets his frivolous use of power.

Hopi creation story.

African creation story.

Muslim Terrorist, Christian Cultist -- Whatever

2006-06-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

So the Seas of David, those pathetically unintelligent-appearing fellows picked up in last night's "Miami Terror Bust" are not Muslim terrorists after all. They are, according to CNN, "deeply devout followers of the bible." They practice a "biblically based Christian philosophy."

Now, who knows whether these guys were plotting evil? We've all learned, I think, not to believe anything we're told by the MSM in the rush to a good story. But man, I watched the sad, sad interview on MSNBC last night with one of the David dudes and, once again, I was just embarrassed for my country. This young man could hardly utter a complete sentence, and the words that did come out were ofen untintelligible. So naive, so earnest, so uneducated -- so pleased to be a member of something bigger and better than himself, he seemed.

When will we learn? I think of this thread at FireDogLake and the French Revolution. Madame Defarge came from somewhere. These "terrorists/truthseekers/lost souls" come from the same place: despair, sclerotic class boundaries, the knowledge of being not valued by your country.

And another thing, "seas" of David doesn't sound right. Seas? Where does that come from? "Branch Davidians" made sense. David being a branch of Jesse and related to messianic prophecies and all. Seas? And what is it about David that spawns all these sects, anyway? You could do a dissertation on it.

Starting to ramble. Will stop now.

From the Sublime to the Pathetic

2006-06-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

Wonkette -- not to be confused with Wankette -- posts another lovely, heartwarming tale about another lovely, heartwarming scion of the Bush Crime Family.

This reminds me of Jeb's son, George P. Bush who is no doubt being held back for future greatness. By "held back" I mean hidden from public view at this inconvenient moment when someone might ask "Why dear George Bush the next are you not in Iraq?"

Something Different -- Jesus Pictures

2006-06-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

I was searching for Donner's Pieta which is at the Gurk Cathedral and figures one of my novels when I came upon this wonderful compilation of New Testament art.

Even to an atheist like me, it's such a treasure trove, I had to share it.

Look! Look! See Me, Mommy! Look!

2006-06-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

I. Loathe. This. President.

And all who voted for him in 2004.

Why do they let him out? Especially early in the day before his mouth has warmed up? Watching Bush speak this morning, I'm not so much disgusted as mortified. This stupid, stupid person is our face to the world. Babbling, babbling. I always think of him as the Bill and Ted President, and today it just seems worse than usual.

He's like a toddler who's just done his doody: "I went to Iraq! Did you see me! I talked to the army guys! I told them they were good army guys! Did you see!!!

Competence

2006-06-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

The Republican Party should be ashamed to show its face on the basis of its gross corruption alone, but the other, almost equally damning component of Republican Party rule has been its incompentence.

In these bleak years since 1994, I've assumed that the Democratic Party would at least have been able to get the work of governing done. I wonder now if I am wrong to assume this. This post from FireDogLake sent a little warning off in my brain:

On CA-50, Russert, quoting the Los Angeles Times, suggests the Bilbray victory shows Bush’s unpopularity alone won’t translate to Democratic gains in November. Kos points out that the Republicans threw $11 million into the race in a traditional Republican district, but also chastises the Dems for failing to follow the Republican lead and throw everything they had into the race.

If the Democratic Party can't get its act together to get all hands on deck for this one race which was not a primary, and was so crucial to a well-tempered zeitgeist, then why should I think they have any idea what they are doing at all?

Thank the gods for Kos and FiredDogLake and MyDD and all the others. The Democratic Party is like a sickly plant. Let's hope the watering of its netroots has not come too late.