Blog @ MoreWhat.com

Romney Wants Anti-Gay Marriage Initiative
Outgoing Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney wants the state’s
highest court to order an anti-gay marriage amendment onto
the ballot if lawmakers don’t vote on the issue in January.

Ok, Mitt Romney for President as a single issue candidate.

Pentagon: No Easy Answers For Iraq War
A secret military review of the Iraq war commissioned by the
Joint Chiefs of Staff has devised three alternative strategies: put
more troops in Iraq, take some out but stay longer, or pull out,
according to a newspaper report.

Someone needs to write better headlines. Even with that the story
is rather absurd. Translation from the paragraph above should
read ” more troops, less troops and stay or leave.” Isn’t that what
has been the argument now for months? Maybe we should send
Michelle Kwan to Iraq to do some PR. Why is the US developing
the habit of starting things and not finishing? Maybe the remainder
of the world is right, we’re all screwed up.

GOP Fundraiser Gets 18 Years In Prison
Former Ohio GOP fundraiser Tom Noe was sentenced to 18
years in prison for embezzling from a state investment in rare
coins, part of a scandal that contributed to Republican Party
losses in the midterm elections.

And Jack Abramoff got what?

Kerry Says He’s Not Out Of The ‘08 Race
Sen. John Kerry said he is still considering another run for the
White House. The 2004 Democratic nominee said he won’t decide
until early next year whether to run for president, adding, “Right
now, my focus will be what happened on Election Day.”

Fortunately, Kerry is not the one that decides whether he’s in or not.

Welcome To Hazleton
The real battle over illegal immigration is not at the Mexican
border, it’s in small cities like Hazleton, Pa., where Steve Kroft
finds a town divided over its new Spanish-speaking residents.

Hazelton is my kinda town.

Protests Mark Bush Visit To Indonesia
President Bush’s unpopularity in the world’s most populous
Muslim nation made security jitters and angry protests the
hallmarks of his six-hour trip to Indonesia. Mr. Bush shrugged
off the demonstrations, saying it was a sign of a healthy
democracy.

Like this is a big surprise. It has been mentioned often enough
that radical islam, or whatever you want to call it, demands sll
convert to islam or face death. So why is the reaction to a visit
by the US President making headlines other than anything any
Presdient does will make headlines. SSDD

Rangel Will Push To Bring Back The Draft
“I don’t see how anyone can support the war and not support
the draft,” says Rep. Charles Rangel. The New York Democrat
believes a draft would force decision makers to think twice
before putting people from their own communities at risk.

The party power brokers should put a muzzle on this. What an
idiotic political move to discuss the draft during a time overloaded
with hot button issues. I no longer wonder about Rangel.

U.S. To Unveil New Citizenship Test
Starting this winter, the U.S. government is throwing out the
boring historical questions (like, “What color are the stars on
the flag?”) on its citizenship test and is introducing questions
about American ideals instead.

New citizenship test: if you can get in undetected, you’re in.
Period!!!!!!!!!

GOP Picks Boehner As House Leader
House Republicans elected Ohio Congressman John Boehner
as minority leader, succeeding Speaker Dennis Hastert in the
top GOP leadership post for the new, Democratic-controlled
House.

Too proud to pick a new leader after getting your ass kicked?

Gonzales Attacks Anti-Wiretap Ruling
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales contended Saturday that
some critics of the Bush administration’s warrantless surveillance
program were defining freedom in a way that poses a “grave
threat” to U.S. security.

Does your mother know what you do for a living? So Alberto,
how goes the rest of the security effort? That would include the
borders and immigration. Understand you toured the border but
only the northern one. Why’s that? Race card works both ways.

McCain Vs. Giuliani: Tale Of The Tape
They’re emerging as the two heavyweight contenders for the 2008
Republican presidential nomination. How do Sen. John McCain
and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani stack up?

Contest cancelled due to lack of interest. For both of them the best
days are gone.

Back later with some more, we know you can’t wait.

Stanford Matthews & C. Harris
MoreWhat.com

Michelle Kwan Accepts Job As Diplomat
The mission for Michelle Kwan in her new job as goodwill
ambassador, says a longtime Bush advisor, is to reach the
world’s young people, many of whom “are being exposed
to hate and propaganda directed against our country.”

You can read the official scoop per Condoleezza Rice and Karen
Hughes plus new diplomat Michelle Kwan in the press release at
Michelle Kwan As Diplomat? The Bush Administration continues
to struggle in finding new ways to accomplish tasks for which a
reasonable method already exists. Three or four years of failed
“cowboy” strategy and tactics has reduced effective foreign policy
to enlisting the aid of former professional athletes for State Dept.
assignments. International cheerleaders hardly seem an effective
alternative to well executed foreign relations objectives. Excuse
the insensitive inclusion of Michelle Kwan to make this point. It
demonstrates the continuation of disappointing results at all levels
of government and not just in the United States. And Michelle
Kwan accepted scrutiny and criticism along with the position. A
decision to join the State Dept is capable of providing current and
future benefits for which the cost may be some unpleasant press
along the way. The sotry is more about the condition of foreign
relations than Michelle Kwan. One should be skeptical of success
in convincing the rest of the world’s youth on any topic involving
the United States, or for that matter any other country. PR has its
limitations and we would be better served with competetn and
sincere leadership across the board.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

U.S. In Greenhouse Doghouse
Sweden, Britain and Denmark are doing the most to protect
against climate change, while the United States ” the world’s
biggest emitter of greenhouse gases ” ranks near the bottom
of the list, according to a report.

The headline above led to the one’s below. Anyone with sense
enough to come out of the rain will understand that the issues of
environmental concern deserve attention and effort to avoid any
disasters due to our negligence or inability to respond properly.
This post is at the least an attempt to promote discussion or even
participation on this too often dismissed subject….the planet on
which we live.

US pours scorn on international greenhouse tax proposal
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia -
… The Prime Minister, John Howard, has claimed strong and
unanimous support for his greenhouse policies from the summit
of 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation …

With China, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia the only countries that
are claimed to produce more greenhouse emissions than the US,
it would be a safe guess that they are not in favor of a tax either.

Pressure grows on US to curb greenhouse gases
Indianapolis Star, United States -
… and politics may push the world’s biggest emitter to join the
Europeans and other industrial countries committed to reducing
their emissions of greenhouse gases …

There is plenty of blame to go around. Recent reports indicate EU
countries are not meeting goals for self-imposed or Kyoto protocol
specifications for reducing greenhouse emissions. Would it not be
more productive to do as some and just adopt measures to reduce
emissions voluntarily. Arguing just seems a delaying tactic. Delays
in addressing environmental problems is not responsible. Obstacles
like economic effects can be overcome as demonstrated by those
actively pursuing improvements.

Xcel Energy CEO calls for greenhouse emission cuts
MyWestTexas.com, TX -
DENVER — Xcel Energy is positioning itself as a national leader
among utilities in calling for action on greenhouse gas emissions
and global warming. …

As above, there are companies who promote and/or practice good
environmental conservation. This would be one indication success
can be achieved without the dire consequences expressed by either
side of the issue. It is not necessary to endorse hugging trees or the
scorched Earth policy. A balanced approach and intelligent action
can avoid disaster either to the environment or corporate wallet.

G-20 Chiefs Discuss Climate Change
Houston Chronicle, United States -
… Australian Treasurer Peter Costello, the meeting’s host, said
there had been “a lot of” discussions about greenhouse gas
emissions by the officials. …

It is a topic even down under. It’s not just on Cspan or Fox.

City joins effort on climate
Boston Globe, United States -
… after the United Nations adopted a declaration that called for
the establishment of a worldwide movement of local governments
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions …

Green spaces in urban redevelopment are just one practical idea
for local communities to share the burden and enjoy the benefits.

Warning signs
Quesnel Cariboo Observer, Canada -
… change. The planet is getting warmer 20 C every year. It’s due
to 7.5 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases produced yearly. Fifty
-eight …

It is also wise not to casually dismiss the passion of science. How
does it happen we embrace ideas in science that support our own
personal opinions but quickly judge without pursuing the truth if
the information is unduly unpleasant? When instant remedies are
not forthcoming the public memory will focus on errors in science
as an argument for dismissing conclusions right or wrong.

Climate issues move to centre stage in the US
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 8 hours ago
… The US, like Australia, has no set limits on greenhouse gas
emissions yet makes up 25 per cent of the world’s total, by far
the largest of any nation. …

Center stage might be optimistic.

Al Gore: My Ally Is Reality
Political Cortex, NY - Nov 17, 2006
… cited Mr Gore’s film An Inconvenient Truth as one factor in
raising public consciousness of the risk posed by mounting levels
of the greenhouse gases blamed …

Solely based on past difficulties, environmental advocates might
do well to replace Al Gore as the Environmental Savior. Rightly
or wrongly associated with the invention of the internet, sharply
criticizing election results and generating conspiracy theories has
done some damage to Al’s credibility.

EarthTalk: Individual Actions to Help Stop Global Warming.
Kansas City infoZine, MO -
… So if you can opt for other forms of long-distance travel, you
can reduce your contribution of greenhouse gases significantly-
-provided, of course, that at …

This is probably only true in terms of aggregate demand being
met by industry. If we require less energy as a nation and the
trend can be maintained, over time this would be beneficial. At
least it would buy time to develop practical alternatives while
lowering adverse effects on the planet and incentives to scorch
the Earth for more profit.

Clean Air Act treats Canadians like ‘idiots,’ says author Monbiot
Canada.com, Canada -
But for British journalist George Monbiot, who examines ways
to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions in “Heat: How to
Stop the Planet from Burning,” it …

Just threw this last headline in for the sake of humor.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

U.S. lawmakers: EU dragging heels on biotech trade

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States must pressure the
European Union to stop dragging its feet on approving new imports
of bioengineered food, senior U.S. lawmakers said in a letter
released on Wednesday.

Biotech Rice Saga Yields Bushel of Questions for Feds
USDA Approval Shortcut Emerges as Issue
By Rick Weiss, Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 6, 2006; A03
When the biotech company Bayer CropScience AG requested
federal permission in August to market a variety of gene-altered
rice, it assured itself a small, unwanted place in history: the first
to seek approval for a genetically engineered food that was
already — illegally — on the market.

GMO ban ordinance eyed
Visayan Daily Star, Philippines - Nov 12, 2006
Oriental Negros Vice Gov. Jose Baldado said he will work for
the passage of an ordinance banning genetically-modified
organisms in the province. …

Cognis launches 3 natural, non-GMO health ingredients …
SpiritIndia, India - Oct 30, 2006
… West trade show is expected to be brisk as dietary supplement
and functional food manufacturers discover the benefits of three
new, non-GMO natural health …

Seems to be a great deal of quiet discussion on GMO foods. What
is the upside? What do we really know about GMO foods? Is it
reasonable to blindly accept GMO as healthy without valid data on
long term probability or potential of future health problems? What
about causing unexpected changes in natural food sources? Is the
United States the only country promoting GMO foods? There is a
large enough reference to reports around the world that suggest an
uneasy climate toward these foods. Why is it the job of government
officials to influence or intimidate other countries to comply with the
US government’s agenda? Especially when it appears to merely be
on behalf of corporate America and not based on the well-being or
benefit of all affected parties.

C. Harris
MoreWhat.com

Some of the people pushing for the EU to accept US GMO:

Tom Harkin

Collin Peterson

Saxby Chambliss

Bob Goodlatte

Susan Schwab USTR

Canice Nolan

It is bipartisan. It is international. And it is suspicious. There are too many countries opposed to believe that accepting GMO without proof of concept is not right.

U.S. Commerce Secretary urges China to open markets
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China must open its motion picture, financial services and other markets to foreign investors, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said on Wednesday during a visit to drum up business for U.S. firms.

34 years ago President Richard Nixon achieved a first. There, of course, would be a few more. However he must still hold some kind of record for opening China from a self-imposed and long standing isolation. Some in this country may regret that now but these demands countries try to place on each other must be for show. They can’t be serious. With the situation in our financial markets, if China owns a majority stake in U.S. debt instruments this may be our quaint way of hollering uncle.

Pressing flesh and developing photo ops. Do you suppose this is entirely an American invention? Maybe not but we may use it more often if not more effectively than others. It makes for a nice picture and a touch of human interest in an otherwise murky realm of foreign policy. Not like domestic policy deserves an applause in comparison. Whatever happened to the term statesman. There once was a distinction between politicians and statesman. The statesman category was preferred by most sincere people. It would be refreshing to use the benefits of statesmanship to genuinely solve critical and delicate differences within the species. The other species on the planet might enjoy that too. For now deceptive “game on” may be the only strategy employed.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Arizona’s Giffords Prepares to Serve in House

Melissa Block talks with Gabrielle Giffords, representative-elect
from Arizona’s 8th district. She’s a Democrat elected in a
conservative-leaning district; Giffords ran as a moderate. At 36,
she will be one of the youngest House members on Capitol Hill.

Arizona is a bit of a mystery. Senator John McCain has always
been something of a question mark. The State developed clean
election methods for leveling the playing field and reducing the
influence of big money contributors. Arizona is often mentioned
as the one that struggles most with the burden of immigraion of
the illegal variety. And yet they elect the opponent of a candidate
vehemently supportive of strict border security and immigration
controls. This is a peculiar set of characteristics that should be at
least entertaining to watch over the next months. Entertaining to
everyone who does not live there.

C. Harris
MoreWhat.com

President George W. Bush meets with, from left, William Clay Ford Jr., Chairman & CEO of
Ford Motor Company; Dieter Zetsche, President & CEO of Chrysler Group; and Richard
Wagoner, President & CEO of General Motors Corp., at the Ford Community and
Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Mich., Monday, April 28, 2003.
White House photo by Tina Hager

Bush: Automakers Face ‘Tough Choices’

Meeting in the Oval Office, President Bush told top executives of
Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler he recognizes they
have “tough choices” in a difficult global environment and
promised a continuing dialogue with the industry.

Do Toyota, Honda and others have the same “tough choices” to
deal with or is this only a problem for American and almost
American clones? Why were the various “partnerships” started
about 25 years ago between American and foreign car makers?
Was it a noble experiment to revolutionize the global market or
an economical entrance to the American market for some and a
bailout of sorts for mismanaged or incompetent manufacturers
in the U.S.? Why would you invite your competition into your
home territory? How bad did you need the engineering to sell
out your company for short term profits? Was it just easier to
cave into union demands only to nearly go bankrupt a couple of
decades later? Maybe the US starts outsourcing entire industries
and the forward thinking morons of the recent past get vindicated
for their rash strategy that we will become a service only economy.
Only to again be impaled in public debate for the self-fulfilling
prophecy.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Florida Recount, 2006-Style

Florida is about to begin its first recount for a federal election
since the botched 2000 presidential contest. This time there will
be no hanging chads. It is the reliability of touch screen electronic
voting machines that will be in the spotlight.

Recount in Conn. Gives Democrat Win

Recount gives Democrat Joe Courtney the win in Connecticut’s
2nd District

Apparently Florida is doing better on dimples, dings and lost or
disqualified ballots. Can’t decide why we’re not hearing much in
the way of whining from people not pleased with the outcomes.
Oh, that’s right, the Dems liked the outcome this time. At least
they liked the majority handed them by inept Republicans from
the House & Senate in Washington, DC. Wonder if there would
have been more wailing and gnashing of teeth had the outcome
been the reverse?

C. Harris
MoreWhat.com

Bush Standing Behind Bolton For U.N. Post

Despite bipartisan opposition to John Bolton’s continuing as
U.S. ambassador to the United Nations when his appointment
expires in January, President Bush is determined to keep him
in the post, say White House aides.

Dems indicated Bolton nomination in January will not work.
This is how the Dems get labeled as weak. An experienced
individual like Bolton, even with baggage, is not necessarily
a bad choice for Ambassador to the U.N.
For the Dems, at least in appearance, to casually dismiss him
as a nominee is not repsonsible. Just another indication of the
load of manure from both parties about playing nice for the
media.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Another comment on Rush Limbaugh’s program of November 17, 2006 must include a reference to his speech on the label “moderate” Democrats. Elected freshmen Dems were characterized as moderate Dems and Rush says there are no moderate Dems, they are all liberals.

My guess is Rush would regard this post as being written by a member of the kook fringe or liberal or some pejorative equivalent. But Rush throws labels around daily and yet when someone else does he takes issue with it.

Must be disappointing to observe others engage in Rush speech. However, using labels is a fundamental tool of party politics as well as politics in general. Even though I have not had an opportunity to describe Rush as a great American or talk to him personally and mention it as being a great honor, I will again offer him some advice. Rush, take a pill.

If you would discontinue bashing anyone who disagrees with you, more people might view your opinions as credible and not just party politics. Conservative, Democrat, liberal and Republican are not all there is to governing or discussing public affairs and politics. Again, take a pill.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Rush Limbaugh’s lambasting of the John Edwards/PS3/WalMart story may be a little premature. Some advice for Rush: Take a pill.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

More evidence of politics as usual is surfacing day by day. Let’s
not waste any more time paying attention to constituents. The mid
term elections are over and all politician sound bites will be formed
for their respective agendas.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

This ought to impress independents who voted for Lieberman.
Lieberman: Call Me A Democrat
Sen. Joe Lieberman, who won re-election as an third-party
candidate a fter a hard race against challenger Ned Lamont,
has a message for his Senate colleagues in the next Congress:
Call me a Democrat.

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Chafee May Defect From GOP
Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., who lost his re-election bid, said he
is uncertain as to whether he will remain a Republican in the
future. He noted that he hopes to stay active in public life.

It’s a lot cheaper to be Deputy Majority Whip and the party
may not be pleased by his other political aspirations.
Feingold Won’t Run For President
Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold announced that he has decided
against seeking the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.
Feingold is an outspoken opponent of the Iraq war, the Patriot
Act and other Bush administration policies.

Republicans fear stem cell research as a loss of lobbyist money
from the pharmaceutical companies and medical community. Will
the Democrats figure this out and balk also?
Congress’ Sci-Tech Agenda To Shift?
For clues to whether bipartisan cooperation in Washington will
take root or disappear from the table, watch how some key
science and technology issues play out. Divisive topics like
embryonic stem-cell research are on the Democrats’ early agenda.

Bush, Senate Dems Vow Cooperation

President Bush reached out to victorious Democrats for a
second day, meeting at the White House with Democratic
Senate leaders Harry Reid and Dick Durbin. Afterward,
they pledged to put campaign disputes aside and work
together.

To put campaign disputes aside sounds a bit hollow. Truth
could be that President Bush hopes by playing nice at the
outset will lure Dems to the table at least intially. Dems may
be willing to play nice at the outset to avoid proving to the
rest of us that they are as described…..without a plan or clue.

Although it is being repeated again in this post, was anything
about the Democratic majority so successful or encouraging
before 1994 that it allowed the Republican party to regain the
majority? Was the Republican party so successful or likewise
encouraging that the Democrats were able to gain the majority
earlier this month? Obviously not ! The only accomplishment
of party politics is allowing it to continue by clinging to the
hope that now something will change. Even if that were true
it is an incredible amount of time to waste to get there. And
we’re not there, so why not vote out the incumbent of either
party across the board when the public is not being served by
elected officials. The theory seems to be supported again this
election cycle. When voters send a message of their discontent
they oppose every incumbent except their own. Every one else
is wrong except their candidate.

There is still talk of the great Democratic victory. They only
won a majority. Mathematically, a relatively narrow majority
that still speaks to the theory. A change in Congress of 43 seats
would only be about 10%. That leaves 90% untouched and still
in office as incumbents. Nothing much will change. By leaving
90% of incumbents in office it would be no surprise if action in
Congress remains 90% as bad as it was previously.

Will we ever learn? As long as the public relies on two major
political parties for the candidate pool, life will continue as is.
In many ways it is parallel to the situation with the business irony
that Bill Gates and Microsoft have dominated the pc market even
with all the problems and complaints submitted. The majority of
people continue to accept things as they are and complain.

C. Harris
MoreWhat.com

Reid: ‘We Have To Really Do Something’

The Democratic majority is prepared to work with President Bush
in the next two years, says incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry
Reid, who promises that the next Congress will be more active in
its oversight of the government.

Jack Abramoff to Prison, Implicates Harry Reid?
National Ledger, AZ -
… lamenting “this nightmare” political scandal. That may begin
with incoming Senate Majority leader Harry Reid. A source
close to the …
Abramoff Allegedly Names Reid Playfuls.com
Abramoff Reports To Prison; Officials Focus On Reid, Others
abc7news.com

What we have here is two Harrys. The “we have to really do
something” Harry and the Harry allegedly connected to lobbyist
Jack Abramoff. It may take a while for all these reports to get
sorted out as fiction or non-fiction. Any way you slice it, words
like ‘be careful what you wish for’ come to mind. Again, in 1994
the Dems were overpowered by the GOP and now the reverse has
occured. Do you really expect happy times? That is doubtful.
Were we better off prior to 1994 or after? What about now? Ask
that question in 2007.

Democrats back moderate Hoyer as majority leader

By Chris Mondics
The Philadelphia Inquirer
WASHINGTON - In an early test for ethics reform, House Democrats
Thursday selected Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland as the next majority
leader, rejecting a bid by John Murtha, the longest serving House
member from Pennsylvania.

The vote was a rebuke for House Speaker elect, Nancy Pelosi, of
California, who put her prestige on the line by backing Murtha for the
number two post in the House when Democrats take over in January.
But it wasn’t even close.

Dems win, there’s blood. Pelosi becomes Speaker, there’s blood. Ok,
where is the blood about Hoyer. And if Murtha was involved in the
Abscam sting, why is he still in office and not you know where?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com