Terrorist Plot Foiled In Birmingham

MI-5 and other British counter terrorism units foiled yet another terrorist plot today this time in the city of Birmingham. The plot was taken right out of the old IRA playbook, capture a British soldier, however unlike the IRA, these guys were going to capture a Moslem soldier and behead him on the internet. Last week the BBC aired an undercover story about extremists preaching jihad in the biggest mosque in London, the iman in the secret footage preached for an overthrow of British law in favor of sharia, as well as the inferiority of women and the opinion that they should be beaten until they wear the hijib headcovering. This lovely fellow also said it was permissable for older men to marry girls as young as 9. What the hell is going on in dear old Blighty? As a secular nation Britain should do as the French did and ban medieval headscarfs altogether in public schools etc, I have spent a fair amount of time in England, I first went there in 95 when the IRA was still blowing up things in London, and I remember people being kind of nonchalent about the threat, stiff-upper lip and all that. I think that attitude may have led them to be complacent about the extremist that now are plotting their destruction. The IRA only wanted "Brits out of Ulster" these maniacs want to overthrow the British govt and establish sharia in the birthplace of the Magna Carta. It does seem that the intelligence services in the UK are being proactive and are foiling plots, I just hope by Blair supporting W's asinine war, the Brits haven't made themselves more vulnerable at home.

RIP Molly Ivins

Molly Ivins lost her struggle with breast cancer today, the long time columnist from Texas was one of my favorite political satirists and she was a fierce critic of the current administration as well as idiotic politicians of all stripes. She was the first to re nickname W , "Shrub" while he was still Gov. in Texas. Some of her many quotes that I loved were, "Any nation that can survive what we've had lately in the way of government, is on the high road to permanent glory." or this one about growing up in the segregated South, "I believe all Southern Liberals come from the same starting point, race. Once you figure they are lying to you about race, you start to question everything." I loved her Southerisms like "guvment" and "bidness" and her biting intellect. She was like a cool great- aunt that would bake you biscuits and then talk politics with you around the kitchen table. A truly distinctive American voice has been silenced, she will be missed.

Why I Like Chuck Hagel

So today Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel dressed down his GOP colleagues for not supporting the non-binding resolution that goes against W's call up of more troops to secure Baghdad. Hagel's speech took courage and he spoke eloquently as he tried to shame the Senators who have rubber stamped every thing that the White House has sent their way. Even a presidential stalwart like VA Senator John Warner has come out against this hare-brained scheme. The Congress really needs to step up and nip this plan in the bud before it happens, its doomed. Who wants to be the last GI to die in Iraq for W's hubris?

Hell Yeh

I have never been prouder of one of my elected officials than I was tonight by the excellent democratic response speech by Jim Webb. What a brilliant response to W's tripe. Webb brings up great anecdotes about Jackson, TR, and Eisenhower, and called W's war "reckless," while bringing up the contrast between his family and that of the President and VP, he and his son have seen combat. I loved the references to modern day CEO's and the Robber Barons of the Gilded Age. Give em hell Jim!

Its Official

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton annouced today that she is doing what we all know, she is running for President. Now don't get me wrong I like Mrs. Clinton, but I think she is a coward for not recanting her yes vote for Mr. Bush's war, and I think she makes her policy decisions totally based on polls. I like the way she isn't scared to act in a bi-partisan way in the Senate, but she also needs to remember that she is a Democrat sometimes. Right now she's not my cantidate, I'm holding out for Gore and I really like Obama and Edwards, but rest assured if she gets the nomination I will campaign for her like there is no tomorrow. I just really hope she doesn't get the nod.

My Card

Here is my blogs card in the vast library of right-wing incompetence. Hat tip to Snave at http://variousmiseries.blogspot.com/ for this excellent link, go make your own card kids.

Happy MLK Day

On this day as we pause to remember the life and work of a great American, I can't help but wonder what Dr. King would think of our present leader and our current conflict in Iraq. Something tells me he would be a thorn in W's side.

Madame Speaker

Well friends, today was a historic day for the American Republic. Our first female Speaker of the House was sworn in today. Pelosi did a nice gesture when she brought the House to order, she had a whole passel of younguns with her on the podium. As we take control of both Houses of Congress today my wish is that we actually act in the best interests of the nation. If Pelosi's list of what she wants done in the first 100 hours is any indication that is exactly what will happen. Pelosi keeps party discipline with an iron fist, and I think she will keep most of the dems on the reservation, which is easier said than done. For us to show a unified front against the GOP thats exactly the type of leader we need. It reminds me of the old Will Rogers quote "I don't belong to any organized political party, I'm a Democrat." I think Nancy Pelosi may be the party leader that makes that quote an anachronism.