Say It Ain't So, Theo

More gloomy news from Fenway Park. Tonight, Theo Epstein resigned as General Manager after not being able to come to terms with management over a new contract. Won't be long till everyone from 2004 has hit the road, eh? Sad.

Theo, if you don't have anything else to do, I'd like to introduce you to my niece, Molly. Just leave me a comment and I'll make it happen.

Bill's New Family

Today the Chimp nominated a new right-wing nutjob to the Supreme Court vacancy left by soon-to-be-sainted Sandra Day O'Connor (I'm kidding, I'm kidding about Justice Sandy, but she's getting some damn good press these days, wouldn't you say?). HOWEVER, one of the funniest pictures taken at the White House was this picture - of Sam Alito's family under the watchful gaze of Bill Clinton. And, don't look now, but I think Bill's hand is resting on the teen-aged daughter's shoulder. Har har!



OK, I have one comment about "Scalito" and that is this. If the man is beyond reproach, a wonderful nominee with the best possible background that makes him a PERFECT Justice of the Supreme Court, why didn't the Chimp nominate him a few weeks ago when he had the chance? I'm just sayin'....

Clinton vs. the Chimp

In recent days, we'll all heard various members of the Administration (including the Chimp himself...especially the Chimp himself) say, "We have to get back to the people's business." All the commentators say Bush is taking a page out of the Clinton playbook during the impeachment. At first blush (if you'll pardon the pun), this seems like a common sense strategy. But John Podesta, Bill's chief of staff, has this response, from the Washington Post.

"John D. Podesta, who was chief of staff to Clinton, said Bush may be more constrained by his troubles than Clinton was by his. Noting that Clinton's approval ratings remained above 60 percent throughout the impeachment battle, while Bush's are in the low 40s, Podesta said, "When Clinton said, 'I'm going back to do my work,' people cheered," Podesta said. "When Bush says, 'I'm going to do the job I've been doing,' people say, 'Oh, no.' "

Ha! What a great response, and I'm glad Mr. Podesta is saying it. I also heard him say it on CNN last night and it made me literally stand up and applaud. Say what you will about Clinton, it's been proven time and time again that he (to quote a famous phrase) "did a helluva job!"

Looking back, remember when we had peace, jobs, low interest rates, decent oil prices, and a president who could actually speak without a script? Hard to believe how much could be ruined in 5 short years.

Indictment Day

Five felony counts for Scooter Libby today, which you've all heard by now (perjury, lying and obstruction of justice). While I was hoping for more people to be indicted today, I guess it's enough for now.

Just about a year ago, following the election results, we would never have expected as much fall-out in the Chimp's administration as we've seen recently. But now that so many shoes have fallen (Katrina mess, Harriet Miers fiasco, ridiculous gas prices, the ungodly contination of the WAR) that I'm beginniing to think Imelda Marcos lives in Washington.

But even so, it's time to remind everyone that W came to the presidency saying he was going to restore "dignity" to the capital city. While all of us were disappointed in Clinton's personal sexual picadillos, the rest of his conduct and his administration's was nowhere near what we see today.

Here's Paul Begala's take on the comparison between the two via Huffington Post:

"The plain fact is that after a seven year non-stop investigato-rama, no senior Clinton White House official was ever even charged with wrongdoing. Much less indicted. Much less convicted. In fact, the highest-ranking Clinton official to be convicted of wrongdoing in connection with his public duties was the chief of staff to the Agriculture Secretary. Betcha five bucks you can't even name the Clinton Agriculture Secretary in question, much less his chief of staff. Unlike Nixon (whose Watergate crimes were manifest), unlike Reagan (whose White House was corrupted by the Iran-Contra crimes), unlike Bush 41 (who pardoned White House aides and Cabinet officers before they could testify against him), Bill Clinton presided over the most ethical White House staff in decades."

Read more, it's a good one.

But what about Rove? Fitz says the investigation isn't over. We'll keep our fingers crossed that he, too, will join Libby in the defendant's chair someday soon. Stay tuned.

Rest in Peace, Rosa Parks

At the risk of sounding like a true geezer, I hope today's young women understand what a huge risk it was for Rosa Parks when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man back in 1955.

This important woman passed away yesterday. Rest in peace, Rosa.

2,000

Today, the 2,000th American service person died in Iraq in a war of choice. Now how does that make you feel? Makes the post below even more important and the events that will take place over the next few days will truly be historic.

Bring the rest of the troops home now, put the crooks in jail, and perhaps the families of the troops will forgive us all one day.

Worst.Administration.Ever.

Twas the Night Before Fitzmas...

Have you got your Fitzmas shopping done? What will you make for Fitzmas dinner? How will you celebrate?

Here's one way: Fitzmas Bingo, and "backupbrain.com" offers you your own card! You can place your marker on any of the names shown on the card and see how well you do.

And although I've linked to this already, Georgia10's diary at dailykos, is worth a new link today: 10 Tips for Dealing with Fitzmas!

Anx, here's the latest news from The Washington Note:

1. 1-5 indictments are being issued. The source feels that it will be towards the higher end.

2. The targets of indictment have already received their letters.

3. The indictments will be sealed indictments and "filed" tomorrow.

4. A press conference is being scheduled for Thursday.

Scowcroft Takes Bush 43 Apart (with the help of 41)

Here's a link to some of the money excerpts from the New Yorker article about Brent Scowcroft (former National Security Advisor to GHWB). We need a few more of these people to talk.

Revenge is Ugly

Unhappy with how well the Bug Man looked in his mugshot? Try these out for a laugh. You'll thank me for it later.

Will the Grinch Steal Fitzmas? Read Billmon.

A favorite blogger (Billmon) presents another option open to the special prosecutor, delivered by none other than John Dean of Watergate fame. Dean knows a lot about these things and thinks that there may be no indictments next week. However, I agree with Billmon that Dean might not be right.

Here's Billmon's take:

"But I think Dean is wrong this time, even though he's right to warn against the overheated rumors now chasing each other through both Left and Right Blogostan. I think Fitzgerald is poised to indict, and while the list of defendants may be short -- Rove, Libby plus a few lower-level munchkins -- I think the charges will be both broad and numerous, including unauthorized disclosure of classified information, theft of government property, conspiracy, obstruction and some combination of perjury and/or false statement charges. I wouldn't even be surprised if the Intelligence Identities Protection Act rears its serpentine head after all -- depending on the means, motives and opportunities of Bob Novak's second source."

Cannot wait.

How Much is Left Curve Worth?

My blog is worth $31,049.70.
How much is your blog worth?

Anybody buying?

The Worm Is Turning

Look for the next issue of "The New Yorker" to outline Brent Scowcroft's unhappiness with the current admnistration and its foreign policy. It is often said that the Bush family places a high value on loyalty, so this can't be good news for the Chimp. Could happen to a nicer mammal.

Oh, I'm looking forward to next week! Fitzmas is coming early this year (I hope)! I think my favorite Fitzmas carol is "Joy to the World!" Happy days are here again!

Raw Story Leading the Way

Plame-gate central for anyone is a junkie like me: Raw Story. They today reported that there is a second Cheney aide who is working with special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald. This is like watching "All the President's Men" in real time. Love it, love it, love it.

Stay tuned to Raw Story - it's the real deal, folks.

What Did He Know and When Did He Know It?

Did the Chimp know Rove's role two years ago? And did both (or one) of them lie about it?

The New York Daily News has the story here.

So when is Fitzmas? Not till next week, unfortunately. I'm all a'twitter! How 'bout you? Happy days are here again (I hope)!

The Day Beignets Saved My Life

It was a rainy and cold January Sunday afternoon in New Orleans. We were walking through the French Quarter dodging the raindrops, listening to the sounds from a street performer's saxophone. I looked up and saw a cafe offering cafe au lait and one of the most wonderful food items ever invented: the beignet. If you haven't been to New Orleans, you may not have had the opportunity to taste this decadent little desert: a deep friend piece of dough, covered with powdered sugar. We were lucky enough to find a little table in the window of the cafe, where they served us fresh-from-the-oven, still warm beignets. While the rain continued to fall, I went from a sad, cold, hungry tourist to the happiest person on earth, and we happily faced the rest of the day.

And that's how beignets saved my life.

Luckily, the most popular outpost of the beignet in the French Quarter reopened today - the Cafe du Monde, which is open every day of the year (except Christmas), 24/7. I look forward to visiting the French Quarter soon - and hopefully I'll get the beignet before I'm a starving and wiped out mess.

Latest Jib-Jab

Enjoy Jib Jab's take on the recent presidential election? If so, you'll love their new video on "Big Box Mart" and how damaging this type of store is to our economy. Not so funny as their previous stuff, as it's way too true. But, join everyone on the web and see it here.

O'Reilly On The Daily Show

Hate Bill O'Reilly? You must see his recent appearance on 'The Daily Show'. Jon was surprisingly soft with him, but the audience booed like hell. My kind of audience.

Here's a link to the video, via "Crooks and Liars"

More Fun with Dick and Scooter

From the Illustrated Daily Scribbler.

Harriet Has A Blog

Of course, the latest Supreme Court nominee has a blog, and you're going to love it!

Red Sox Post Mortem

I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for my reaction to the Red Sox loss in the ALDS - in a sweep, no less. Well, it was a bummer. But, when you actually think about it, we in New England have literally experienced a non-stop, two year baseball season in which the Sox players, management, field and everything else that could be attached, were so over-exposed, over-hyped that I think people were actually a bit fed up. (Interestingly, the Patriots won 2 Super Bowls during the same time period and don't actually get the same kind of air time.)

Nevertheless, I was disappointed in the way they ran out of steam, but I was highly delighted when the MFY's managed to screw up their series as well. We've been enjoying watching the games since then - without the emotional toll, and lack of sleep. I personally am rooting for the Astros - probably because they've never been in the World Series. But, it's also because I'd rather that the world champ be from the National League so we don't have to face them regularly next year and get as sick of them as everyone else was of the Red Sox this year. If you follow that logic, I applaud you.

Here's my hope for the off-season: get some PITCHING. And, keep Johnny Damon on the team. Please. And, just because I can, here's a relic of last year for you:

Merry Fitzmas!!!

One of the funniest things I've ever read on Daily Kos was added this evening. It's perhaps a bit early to say that there will be indictments this week of the Chimp and/or his cronies. But, it may be time to stop and think about what it must be like in the White House this eveing. And this writer at Daily Kos has dubbed the coming events "Fitzmas" and provides a list of ways to celebrate. A great read.

The Leak Probe Continues

(that kinda sounds dirty, doesn't it?)

Anyway, while I've been on a bit of a vacation with a visiting niece, politics continues as usual. The Wall Street Journal reports that the CIA leak case may actually be broadening:

"There are signs that prosecutors now are looking into contacts between administration officials and journalists that took place much earlier than previously thought. Earlier conversations are potentially significant, because that suggests the special prosecutor leading the investigation is exploring whether there was an effort within the administration at an early stage to develop and disseminate confidential information to the press that could undercut former Ambassador Joseph Wilson and his wife, Central Intelligence Agency official Valerie Plame."

More to come!

The Hammer Gets Hit...Again

DeLay indicted for money laundering...how sad!

Administration of Screw-ups

Here's a great, funny post about the Chimp and his pals. Love. TBogg!

Where Do You Fit on the Political Spectrum?

Here's a fun test to see where your opinions fit on the range of political options, from anarchist, to conservative, to regular ole' Democrat or Republican. For the record, I came up as a "Socialist." Surprise Surprise!

Justice?

I hate to be so very shallow, but this woman needs a makeover.

Sox Clinch Wild Card

The President is a Crook

According to Think Progress today, the Chimp is actually involved in the conspiracy to defame Ambassador Joe Wilson:

"Near the end of a round table discussion on ABC’s This Week, George Stephanopoulos dropped this bomb:

Definitely a political problem but I wonder, George Will, do you think it’s a manageable one for the White House especially if we don’t know whether Fitzgerald is going to write a report or have indictments but if he is able to show as a source close to this told me this week, that President Bush and Vice President Cheney were actually involved in some of these discussions.

This would explain why Bush spent more than an hour answering questions from special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald. It would also fundamentally change the dynamics of the scandal. President Bush could no longer claim he was merely a bystander who wants to “get to the bottom of it.” As Stephanopoulos notes, if Bush played a direct role it could make this scandal completely unmanageable."



Impeach Bush.