Al Qaeda Training Manual

being the best terrorist you can be

Every future terrorist's starter- guide on how to be the best terrorist you can be. There are tips on how to operate undetected in a foreign country. The basics of 'Declaration of Jihad' against a country's tyrants (I'm thinking Saddam Hussein would NOT have liked this chapter).
So, you ask where might one find this helpful manual? Well my friend, how about the The United States Department of Justice website? Even better, guess who's name is highlighted in the upper right corner of the page? None other than our very own Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. I'm wondering if maybe he co-authored the chapter on 101 Torture Techniques . Yes, I'm only kidding. Well about the chapter anyway. The rest is all 100% true.
posted by wanda at 3:45 PM

Midweek Round Up

or 'whatever happened to...'

Remember John Bolton? Whatever happened with him? Can the dem's claim a victory on that one? Frankly I'm curious why Bush didn't take the first opportunity and just do an end run around the process and appoint the guy to the UN. I predict such a move is just around the corner. Side-stepping Congress is what Bush is all about. He doesn't give a damn what the people want. If he can't manipulate them with lies, he'll just ignore them completely and do what he wants anyway. What REALLY matters is his loyalty to his buddy Bolton.
What about Iraq? Is the mission still accomplished? Can the U.S. put that one in the win column? It seems I read somewhere just recently that members of the insurgency were infiltrating the Iraqi Army("The enemy is intrinsic," said Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, who heads the 42nd Infantry Division and the Army units attached to it in Iraq. "They're infiltrating the Iraqi security forces as we speak. I don't know how big (the insurgency) is, but I think their capability is constantly replenished.".) Maybe that's what Cheney meant when he said they were in their 'last theroes'. Maybe soon they won't be the insurgency so much as they will be the entire Iraqi Army. That should be interesting. Well unless your an American solider.
Speaking of American soliders. Do we still have a co-alition of troops or is it pretty much just Americans these days?
I see where Germany has refused to turn over a terrorist 'suspect'.[ Source] Does this mean they are going to be the new 'France'?
I also noticed that almost all the people found (or suspected) to be involved in the bombing in London have turned out to be Brits. They were either born and raised in England, or were brought to England as babies by their parents. Kinda gives you pause for thought.
Let's not forget good ole 'Turd Blossom'. It's beginning to look like Karl Rove may have broken the law. The same federal law that got Martha Stewart sentenced to six months in prison. Now I serioulsy doubt ole 'turd blossom' will ever see the inside of even a high class white collar prision, but he just may have to give up that nice comfy office next to Boy George. [ Source]
Moreover, evidence suggests that President Bush was aware as early as October 2003 that Rove and I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, were the sources who leaked Plame’s undercover CIA status to reporters. After the president was briefed about the issue, he said publicly the source of the leak would probably never be found.
A bit of wishful thinking there George?
Anyway, it doesn't look like this one's going away. I,for one intend to keep right on, not just blogging about it, but writing letters, emails, signing petitions, and maybe even making more than a few phone calls.
This administration may shove Bolton down our throats. They may succeed in sweeping the Iraq war under the rug. They may even think they've pulled a slick one with their nomination of John Roberts. But 'Rovergate' isn't going to be that easy. I'm just hoping we can manage do drag it out long enough for it to have a serious impact on the elections coming up in 06. Of course by then there will probably be a few more scandles that have come to light. One can always hope.
posted by wanda at 2:32 AM

The Patriot Act

it's NOT permanent and it's not over, yet...

Shakespears Sister has one of the best posts I've seen on the recent events surrounding The Patriot Act. She points out that the Patriot Act is NOT permanent, nor is it in it's final form. There is still time for all of us to have input on where it goes from here. If your genuinely concerned go over and read her post. Yes, it's long, but the details are important and she provide information oh how anyone who cares can get involved. So, lets put our money (or emails or letters) where our mouths are and GET INVOLVED!!!

[editors note: I thought I'd give 'Rovergate' a rest today. It is Sunday afterall. I'll be back on the job tomorrow.]
posted by wanda at 4:23 PM