tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100918694206773802024-03-12T21:53:30.634-07:00Ditch Crazy Dana!Consider this to be West Orange County's (and South LA County's) resource for news, opinion, and action for getting Dana Rohrabacher out of Congress... And sending someone to Congress who will truly do what's best for our district and our planet!Andrew Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09939559973353375184noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-4929518587550856672008-10-25T09:12:00.000-07:002008-10-25T09:27:24.566-07:00Closing the dealThese are the last days of the campaign to send Crazy Dana back to the funny farm. However, we must not lose site of the fact that the California <del>Fascist</del> Republican Party has been very good at getting out the vote before any October Surprises can change the course of the election. <br /><br />Be that as it may, we really need to make sure that voters in the 46th have a chance to hear Wendy Dormal. This principled activist for human rights has had a long history of dealing with Crazy Dana. She reminds us now of just what she thinks of this <a href="http://unheardnomore.blogspot.com/2008/10/dana-rohrabacher-five-star-general-in.html">5 Star General in Abramoff's Army. </a><blockquote><a href="http://unheardnomore.blogspot.com/2008/10/dana-rohrabacher-five-star-general-in.html"> </a>I have had a personal battle with this congressman, at times one-on-one. However, my distain for the congressman is a result of his actions in suppressing justice for the foreign contract workers of the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). In 1995 I naively believed that human rights was a bipartisan issue that could not refuted. Jack Abramoff, Congressman Rohrabacher, and their fellow conspirators proved that, in fact, they could make human rights a partisan issue and hurt a great many innocent people in the process.</blockquote> If anyone that you know is sitting on the fence, just get them to read this. If they don't have a computer, use the one at the public library to show them, and then leave it on that page when you walk away. Someone else will see it too. <br /><br />Compare the lack of integrity shown here with the calm, intelligent and principles statement of Debbie Cook as she closed her case in their only debate. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rTSoJ535sFk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rTSoJ535sFk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-7531770009413058522008-10-10T21:35:00.000-07:002008-10-10T21:57:24.369-07:00Rohrabacher in Emergency ModeWell, it must be an emergency when they have to bring in Jon Voight to headline a fundraiser. Now we know that Voight is one of those spreading the word that Obama will <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/28/voight/">usher in a new Socialist regime</a>. Now, when Dana needs Deliverance from Voight, he has to know that he is in the middle of something new... a contested race. <br /><br />I found out about this when I noted it being hyped around Republican circles by <a href="http://www.cagop.org/index.cfm/about_board_of_directors.htm">Ron Nehring</a>. Now Nehring and Dana have a lot in common, especially their <a href="http://www.hispanicvista.com/HVC/Columnist/rcontreras/071507contreras1.htm">friendships with Jack Abramonff</a>. <br /><br />Now, if Obama is expected to answer question about William Ayers who was politically active when Obama was 8 years old, why aren't Nehring and Rohrabacher being asked to explain just how much they have changed since playing footsie with Jack. Fair is Fair.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-92092198146426950892008-10-04T21:11:00.000-07:002008-10-04T21:34:42.264-07:00Dana's sense of strategy seems to be getting tone deaf.Total Buzz at the OC Register had an <a href="http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com/2008/10/04/palin-as-ronald-reagan/">entry</a> about Dana and Sarah Palin. I find it worth quoting. <blockquote>“We remember all the negative things they said about somebody else,” Rohrabacher said to the crowd at the Palin rally in Carson. “His name was Ronald Reagan. I can guarantee that the same way Ronald Reagan saved America in 1982, Sarah Palin and John McCain will save America when they get to the White House.”</blockquote> I think that it is time for Dana to go have his hearing checked. Sarah Palin is to Ronald Reagan as high school garage band is to the Rolling Stones. <br /><br />In fact, if Dana is lining up to join in this game of trivial pursuit, then he is compounding his problem. While Reagan may be a hero, every single person who watched the interview with Gibson or Couric and saw her performance in the debate with Biden must know by now just what she lacks. Here is a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2008/oct/03/sarah.palin.debate.feminism">link</a> to what serious media in the UK said about her. The piece is headlined "Flirting Her Way to Victory". <blockquote>Sarah Palin's farcical debate performance lowered the standards for both female candidates and US political discourse.</blockquote> That was the kind part... <blockquote>Evidently, Palin's pre-debate handlers judged her incapable of speaking on a fairly wide range of subjects, and so instructed to her to simply disregard questions that did not invite memorised talking points or cutesy filibustering. They probably told her to play up her spunky average-ness, which she did to the point of shtick - and dishonesty.</blockquote> Dana, you have to show us better judgment than this. Or, if your ear is really that tone deaf, then I would guess the the Libertarian Troubadour sang off key as well. <br /><br />Maybe Palin can win over all the Joe Sixpacks who will tell their wives to stay at home, keep their mouths shut and let him do the voting for the family. That is not the way to run a campaign when your opponent is an articulate woman with more experience in field of energy than Palin. You know, I have another idea. Why don't you have Palin come down and debated Debbie Cook on <a href="http://www.theliberaloc.com/2008/09/24/debbie-cook-speaking-truth-to-power/">Energy Policy</a>. That should be good for a few laughs.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-5431824896612276442008-10-02T16:03:00.001-07:002008-10-02T16:15:02.684-07:00Up to his old tricksOne of Dana Rohrbacher's favorite tricks is to say or do something so outrageous that totally undercuts any rational discussion of issues in this election. In fact, some of them seem to be designed to prevent Debbie Cook from getting any press mention at all. <br /><br />I noted this before when everyone was talking about the rising prices of oil, Dana makes a big stink about a science fiction scenario of the world being hit by an asteroid. I keep wondering if he got a campaign contribution from Bruce Willis for this.<br /><br />The most recent is his dragging up Sirhan Sirhan again. This was best reported by the <a href="http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/cms/story/detail/a_tale_of_two_sirhans/6414/">Pasadena Weekly</a>. but liberal <a href="http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/breaking-news/rohrabacher-went-in-drag-to-so/">bloggers</a> have had a field day with it. <br /><br />How dumb to you think we all are, Dana?<br /><br />The OC Register ran a story on the assignation of Robert F. Kennedy and never mentioned your name. You probably never go over that, did you. <br /><br />Now, you say you want to get Sirhan Sirhan to explain himself to help bring closure to the Kennedy's. That is another exceedingly callous way of trying to get Democrats to vote for you. I have news for you, Dana. They are not that dumb or they would be Republicans. <br /><br />As Cook appears to be doing better and better, what additional attention getting trick do you have up your sleeve?Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-91012686407222486552008-06-12T13:58:00.000-07:002008-06-12T15:02:38.320-07:00How can you tell when Dana is lying?His lips are moving. <br /><br />I can think of no better example than the speech that he gave recently on the floor of the House, the one that gathered national attention to him since he once again brought up dinosaur flatulence. If you want to read it, he is so proud that he has <a href="http://rohrabacher.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=91424">posted it</a> on his House of Representative Web Site. <br /><br />What you find there is a mixture of a small amount of fact, a lot of conjecture and a huge pile of horse manure. Let's take a good look at his technique. Consider this paragraph. <blockquote>In a September, 2005, article from Discovery Magazine, Dr. William Gray, now an emeritus professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State University and a former president of the American Meteorological Association, was asked if funding problems that he was experiencing and has been experiencing could be traced to his skepticism of man-made global warming. His response: ``I had NOAA money for 30 years, and then when the Clinton administration came in and Gore started directing some of the environmental stuff, I was cut off. I couldn't get any money from NOAA. They turned down 13 straight proposals from me.'' This man is one of the most prominent hurricane experts in the world, cut off during the Clinton-Gore administration because he had been skeptical of global warming.</blockquote> First, he references an article in Discover<u>Y</u> Magazine. Now, if you check things out, <a href="http://www.discoverymagazine.com/">Discovery Magazine</a> is for Kids. We all know that the triplets are far ahead of their dad, so maybe he was reading one of their subscriptions. <br /><br />Well, actually, it was <a href="http://discovermagazine.com/2005/sep/discover-dialogue/?searchterm=William%20Gray">Discover Magazine</a>, but the error is so prevalent on the internet that we know no one actually fact checked his speech. If they can't get the little stuff right, how can they be trusted with big ideas.<br /><br />The circumstances behind this article are well documented by <a href="http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2007/06/storm-world/">Chris Mooney</a> in his book Storm World. Gray is a skeptic about man made causes of global warming, but not about the fact that it is occurring, nor about the fact that it will make fundamental changes in life until it starts to cool again.<blockquote>I’m not disputing that there has been global warming. There was a lot of global warming in the 1930s and ’40s, and then there was a slight global cooling from the middle ’40s to the early ’70s. And there has been warming since the middle ’70s, especially in the last 10 years.</blockquote> Here is more of the non-story. <blockquote>On April 26, 2006, RealClimate.org, which describes itself as "a commentary site on climate science by working climate scientists for the interested public and journalists," responded to a paper written by Gray by detailing "the <a href="http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2006/04/gray-on-agw/">fundamental misconceptions</a> on the physics of climate that underlie most of Gray's pronouncements on climate change and its causes" and "the gaping flaws" in his "scientific argument." A June 11, 2006, article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Judith A. Curry, chair of Georgia Tech's School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, said that "Gray's message that global warming is a hoax is being heard because of his media connections, but she [Curry] points out he has not published any research to back it up."</blockquote> If you want more, then here it is... <blockquote>Additionally, a May 28, 2006, Washington Post Magazine article by Joel Achenbach reported that Gray "concede[d] that he hasn't published the idea [his theory about recent warming trends] in any peer-reviewed journal." Achenbach also noted that Gray's rejection of climate models puts him "increasingly on the fringe" in the field of meteorology. When Achenbach "ask[ed] Gray who his intellectual soul mates are regarding global warming," Gray responded, "I have nobody really to talk to about this stuff.'"</blockquote> (Source: <a href="http://mediamatters.org/items/200710150009">Media Matters</a>). <br /><br />What Dana did is to take a string a "facts" and to imply a causality that does not exist. Gray makes the same argument that just because atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures move up and down together does not mean that one caused the other. The work cited above points out the errors in Gray's understanding and methodology when it comes to climate. He is nothing more than a damned good weather man, but the basic scientific understanding has gone far beyond what he knew or is willing to learn. He is left like the Pope arguing that the sun revolves around the earth, unwilling to change. <br /><br />But, this is Dana's champion. I could go through the rest of Dana's talk. You can take it all apart and be left with not much but the enjoyment of discovering another charlatan. With his talent, Dana should put on a rubber nose and join Barnum & Bailey.<br /><br />As long as Charles Krotch is paying for Dana to blather away, telling us to go use all the energy that Charlie can provide, then I guess that we will have to put up with Dana's blathering. Unfortunately, <a href="http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/2008/06/inconvenient-truth.html">some people</a> believe this sh**.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-42870796843381426982008-04-17T08:23:00.000-07:002008-04-17T08:48:10.785-07:00Figuring out DanaI have long had a problem with trying to understand how Congressman Rohrabacher, ostensibly an intelligent man, could go in for such stunts as his frequently ridiculed <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthinkprogress.org%2F2007%2F02%2F10%2Fdino-flatulence%2F&ei=DWwHSIGSGaaYgAOSqtihCg&usg=AFQjCNHSW5icADgbflCg6EyIA6m1DmSYoQ&sig2=poEX7dsZYs_bKx274T7ZFA">dinosaur fart comments</a> about global warming. I think that I finally got it. <br /><br />We have all know that much of Dana's historic campaign funding has come from Libertarian leaning Energy Executive, Charles Koch. What most do not connect is the fact that the Koch family, owners of the largest privately held Corporation in America, Koch Industries. Charles Koch and his brother David are both listed (19) among the top 20 Richest Americans by <a href="http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/54/biz_06rich400_The-400-Richest-Americans_Rank.html">Forbes Magazine</a>. That spread their wealth around and are the source of funds for a few of the think tanks that have grown up around Washington. They contributed heavily to the start of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cato_Institute#Foundation_support">Cato Institute</a>.<br /><br />One of Charles Koch's more recent activities involves a new organization called <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americansforprosperity.org%2F&ei=Lm8HSJjFG6bogwON2qShCg&usg=AFQjCNE6JOJ_glEO7FpDXcL8UFQzKKv3hg&sig2=KHyR15HvEaBpREH3cIgwJw">Americans for Prosperity</a>, a group that professes to be a grassroots organization but is heavily funded by Koch. Guess what, they are playing the same type of games over global warming with the latest stunt being the use of a hot air balloon to signify that global warming is just a bunch of "hot air". <br /><br />Now, in case you have not heard of <a href="http://www.kochind.com/default.asp">Koch Industries</a>, they are a really big deal in energy production. <br /><br />So, what we really have from Dana Rohrabacher is the vocalization of a puppet, with Koch pulling the strings to make sure that the word gets out. The vaunted independent streak of Crazy Dana is a sham. He is more dependent than independent, dependent on Koch for support.<br /><br />When we look at the way most people have to struggle to get by, at the way that our government is pushing us into selling America to pay for an ill-advised war while we wonder how we can pay the mortgage, it is hard to see Crazy Dana as one of the common folks like us, not when he has Koch's $ Billions behind him. The only American Prosperity that Rohrabacher wants is for his buddy Charles and the hope that soem trickles down to himself.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-89270143836095912282008-03-28T09:38:00.001-07:002008-03-28T10:53:23.935-07:00Dana Rohrabacher vs. Shell OilWe all know where Crazy Dana stands on the question of <a href="http://crazydana.blogspot.com/2007/04/understanding-science.html">Global Warming</a>. One can only ask "why?"<br /><br />In an interview with Charlie Rose this week, <a href="http://www.charlierose.com/guests/john-hofmeister">James Hofmeister</a>, President of Shell Oil Company, made the point that "the debate is over." If even the president of one of our largest petroleum companies can make that statement, you wonder why the likes of Sen. Inhofe(R - OK) and Dana continue to chant the mantra of denial. <br />What to they have to gain? <br /><br />While I don't agree with all of what Hofmeister said, especially about where we need to go in the future, there are two points that become clear... especially if you listen to the entire interview. The first is that Hofmeister is not talking from his personal viewpoint. Under questioning from Charlie, he made it clear that his statements are completely in line with the positions of the Board of Royal Dutch Shell (the parent company) and it's CEO, Jeroen van der Veer. <br /><br />Hofmeister went on to explain that the only thing accomplished by such denial is to delay arriving at the solutions we will ultimately be forced to accept. We will all have to pay the costs of such delay, both in terms of the implementation of new solutions and in terms of the mitigation of the effects of global warming that could, possibly, have been prevented by prompt action now. <br /><br />The only thing that I can see is that Dana thinks he benefits at the polls by continuing this charade, that the voters have been sold this crap for so long that they think it smells sweet, that they are the ones who know better in the face of this "vast left wind conspiracy". <br /><br />What they will find is that those like Dana and Senator Inhofe have been selling snake oil and the sickness is getting worse. Of course, when we could have stayed at home and taken an over-the-counter remedy, now, because of people like Dana who have abused their access to the media, we may need major, expensive surgery.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-61997310931001333852008-03-11T07:15:00.001-07:002008-03-11T10:17:45.145-07:00Waxman expands Blackwater InvestigationRep. Henry Waxman is making a name for himself as the guy in Washington who keeps asking questions about ethical behavior, especially in the executive branch of government. One of his more recent targets seems to be Blackwater, a company that is either a loose committee of super patriots of a bunch on down on their luck Rambo's looking for a thrill while getting paid for it. <br /><br />I am not sure how this will affect Dana, but we do know that he has been a big supporter of Eric Prince, Blackwater CEO. In fact, Prince once worked as a aide to Dana in Washington and I am sure that the connection is just too lucrative for it to have gone away. <br /><br />The question here is whether the "contractors" who work for Blackwater are really that, independent contractors working for themselves, or whether they are employees. It would seem that Blackwater wants to have it both ways. They are contractors when it comes to the point that Blackwater may have to pay the same employment taxes that every other company has to pay. This is the question the Waxman is trying to answer. If they were to be considered employees, then Blackwater owes a bundle of money plus penalties for the Social Security taxes that they did not pay. If they are determined to NOT be employees, then I wonder how many of these well armed, happy go lucky chaps have been paying their self-employment taxes. It might be that a number of them have run afoul of the law. <br /><br />Oh yeah, it was tax evasion that send Al Capone to Alcatraz, wasn't it. <br /><br />An <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21086476/">Associated Press story</a> questioned the quality of people that Blackwater has been hiring anyway. <blockquote>Private security contractor Blackwater USA has had to fire 122 people over the past three years for problems ranging from misusing weapons, alcohol and drug violations, inappropriate conduct and violent behavior, according to a report released Monday by a congressional committee.<br /><br />That total is roughly one-seventh of the work force that Blackwater has in Iraq, a ratio that raises questions about the quality of the people working for the company. <br /></blockquote><br /><br />But, they are employees when it comes time to discuss the protection of their behavior in Iraq by the State Department.<br /><br />So, Dana, just how close are you to your one time aide. Did he learn all the secrets of maneuvering through government contracts from his one time boss?Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-37957933583982150092008-03-04T21:40:00.000-08:002008-03-04T21:52:27.297-08:00Is Rohrabacher in favor of imeachment?I doubt it.. but still you can't tell from some of the speeches he has been giving lately. For example, from his <a href="http://www.fas.org/sgp/congress/2008/rohr022608.html">February 26, 2008 speech</a> as reported in the Congressional Record. <blockquote>In my tenure as a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, both as chairman and ranking member of an investigative subcommittee, I have witnessed firsthand behavior by the Bush administration which I find deeply troubling.<br /> The disdain and uncooperative nature that this administration has shown toward Congress, including Republican Members, is so egregious that I can no longer assume that it is simply bureaucratic incompetence or isolated mistakes. Rather, I have come to the sad conclusion that this administration has intentionally obstructed Congress' rightful and constitutional duties.</blockquote> Now, I am beginning to see a bit of Dana's re-election strategy. He is trying to distance himself from Bush about as far as he can go. Still if the truth were known about just what he thinks of this administration, he might even come up with a couple of Republican Challengers. There must be a few who still trust Dick Cheney with a loaded shotgun.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-51601987764982373352008-02-26T07:42:00.001-08:002008-02-26T08:31:32.895-08:00Just when you thought it was safe...That must be what Dana is thinking, as he contemplates his next run for Congress. It has been a very long time since he faced criticism from inside the Republican Party, as the comments from Mississippi blogger <a href="http://crazydana.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-does-conservative-belle-think-of.html">Conservative Belle</a> laid out.<br /><br />Her criticism was a mild one. It was an effort to point out just how much earmarks and their use as a campaign tool give a lie to the conservative rhetoric about controlling spending and lowering taxes. If you can not control the amount of pork that is shipped to your own district, what gives you the right to talk about controlling big government. Maybe this should have been levied at Alaska's Senator Stevens or Representative Don Young. Both abuse the system much more that Dana. But Dana is the one that opened his mouth and gave her a good target for her scorn.<br /><br />Now Dana has more than an irate Mississippi Belle to worry about, he has opposition in the Republican Primary in his own district. According to the Daily Pilot, Ronald R. St.John has actually decided to challenge Rohrabacher for the Republican nomination. You can check the status of all party candidates <a href="http://www.ocvote.com/election/pri0608/lookup.asp">here</a>.<br /><br />Now, I don't know much about St. John. Neither, apparently, do the folks at Red County blog where he is only a side comment in a <a href="http://www.redcounty.com/orange-county/2008/02/cd46-watch-debbie-cook-bringin/">post about Debbie Cook</a>.<br /><br />Am I beginning to see parallels between what happened to Richard Pombo in 2006 and what is happening to Rohrabacher now? Like Dana, Pombo had a safe district. Like Dana, Pombo had surprising opposition in the Republican Primary. Like Dana, Pombo had an opponent with a reasonable base. Will Dana have to actually dig into his bank account and do some real campaigning this time? It is too early to tell, but Red County bloggers found that the speed with which Debbie Cook gathered signatures on her nomination papers to be "impressive."<br /><br />Here are some things to watch.<br /><ul><li>In CA-11, Jerry McNerney was able to pull in grassroot contributions from all over the country. The average contribution to his campaign was small, but he had a lot of them. </li><li>What will the environmental community do? McNerney had strong backing from national environmental organizations, so does Cook locally. I have not heard that any of the bid spenders (Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife) are willing yet to pour money into this campaign. It will probably take several positive polling results to make that happen.</li><li>Will Dana face more opposition from veterans? The war issue is a Republican strength but also a weakness. Treatment of veterans will make a difference. A Tom Lash issue now.<br /></li><li>Will Dana run a smart campaign? Pombo ran a campaign from a position of over-confidence, doing all of the same old things he always did. But, the times had changed and many actions backfired. The times have changed even more now and that can not be good for doing the same old things in the same old way.</li></ul>This race is beginning to have the feel that the Pombo race had in early 2006. All it needs is for Rohrabacher's opponents to start believing that they can win.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-91508529580682073482008-02-24T20:34:00.000-08:002008-02-24T20:47:33.118-08:00What does a conservative belle think of Dana?Well, one <a href="http://conservativebelle.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-does-it-take.html">Conservative Belle</a> is not too happy with him. I quote from her <a href="http://conservativebelle.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-does-it-take.html">post</a> today. <blockquote>They frantically scramble for pork projects like they are starving and looking for bread crumbs to lap up. Greedy and desperate. But they have all the justification in the world when they need to defend their own projects, while hypocritically pointing fingers at other.<blockquote>"I think the whole earmark debate has to be looked at with a skeptical eye on the part of the public," said Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach, whose district covers parts of Long Beach.<br /><br /> Rohrabacher, who helped secure $16.9 million in earmarks, said he favors cutting spending and stronger disclosure rules.<br /><br /> But, he said, he does not want the administration to make the final decision about the flow of all federal dollars.<br /><br /> "If all we're doing is shifting the power to spread a certain amount of money from elected officials to un-elected officials ... that's no great benefit to the taxpayers," he said.<br /> [...]<br /> Waxman said he already has begun informing Los Angeles municipalities, hospitals, nonprofits and other groups that he will not be seeking money for them this year.<br /><br /> The 15-term lawmaker said he doesn't believe the decision will hurt his re-election efforts.<br /><br /> But some other local lawmakers said they don't intend to follow Waxman's lead and give up pet projects.<br /><br /> Rohrabacher, for one, called Waxman's decision "meaningless" unless Congress decreases the overall level of government spending. <span style="font-style:italic;">Source: Long Beach Press-Telegram</span></blockquote>Right. By all means, do not lead by example, Mr. Rohrabacher. This 'do as I say, not as I do' rhetoric and behavior have nothing to do with the pitifully low ratings of Congress, of course. Americans have to be angry about something else, like how many steroids are being injected into sports players. Meaningless things like that provoke our ire.</blockquote> And, as her final jab, our Conservative Belle lays it on the line like Scarlett O'Hara. <blockquote>Hasn't Rep. Rohrabacher recognized that taxpayers are disgusted with their behavior? For crying out loud, even Henry Waxman gets it. Sheesh.</blockquote> I guess Conservative Belle is not used to California ways and Ronnie's 11th Commandment. <span style="font-style:italic;">That is Reagan, not Nehring. The latter has not learned to count to 11 as his finances seem to indicate.</span>Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-60503506558885618822008-02-23T13:31:00.000-08:002008-02-23T14:49:57.817-08:00Ho-dadI just found what purports to be the official Rohrabacher Website... or at least one that says it was paid for by the Committee to ReElect Congressman Rohrabacher. So, here is if folks: <a href="http://">http://www.surfdana.org/</a> Even got a picture of someone on a surfboard. However based on his current official House of Representative web site photo, this must have been taken a while back. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyRE0rdMga5hnNpB-V2iWwKfu9QKyAXpZ0WhboFliZH6X6wdJGiu7eRP8RCpHZldaKlJlt-nzso6NVJk02r7Tu9Ll7_-XySlYgGAsEbXmmmTQA4aqhGQTEioY7q_F3sIynGoPfY-1VS71/s1600-h/Surf_Dana.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyRE0rdMga5hnNpB-V2iWwKfu9QKyAXpZ0WhboFliZH6X6wdJGiu7eRP8RCpHZldaKlJlt-nzso6NVJk02r7Tu9Ll7_-XySlYgGAsEbXmmmTQA4aqhGQTEioY7q_F3sIynGoPfY-1VS71/s200/Surf_Dana.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170301590832639410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rohrabacher.house.gov/images/Chairman.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://rohrabacher.house.gov/images/Chairman.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Now, I talked about Dana with a surfer called "Birdlegs". Some of you from the Surfrider Foundation may know him. He called called Dana a "ho-dad". Must be something pretty bad.<br /><br />Another thing I noticed is that the Surf Dana site looks pretty cheap. All three of the challenger sites look better. But, there have been rumors that the California Republican Party is having financial problems under the leadership of Ron Nehring. Could it be that Dana is having similar problems and has to rely on some middle school student volunteer to keep the site going?<br /><br />Well that is about right. Ho-dad instead of surfer. Amateur web site instead of professional. Wonder how he is at being a congressman.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-3525188338428337072008-02-16T08:56:00.000-08:002008-02-16T10:32:57.169-08:00Debbie Cook Joins the RaceAccording to the <a href="http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2008/02/14/politics/dpt-cook021508.txt">Daily Pilot</a>, Huntington Beach Mayor <a href="http://www.debbiecookforcongress.com/">Debbie Cook</a> wants to get Dana talking. That should be easy. The problem may be to get him to shut up. He seems, with surprising frequency, to have foot in the mouth disease. <br /><br />Unfortunately, that is also what makes him such a dangerous opponent for Cook, who can be a bit of a policy wonk at times... and the global warming / energy nexus is where she is far ahead of Crazy Dana. Dana, however, has managed to come off as being charmingly quirky rather than just _________: dumb? ideologically inflexible? in the pay of the bad guys... fill in the blanks yourself. <br /><br />Now, we need to see just what kind of campaign Cook can wage. Maybe she should call <a href="http://saynotopombo.blogspot.com/">Jerry McNerney</a> for advice. Yeah, I know that the linked blog has not been active for a long, long time, but it is still around and show everyone that astounding things can happen when people get together to take back control of government. <br /><br />Lincoln acted so that "Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth." Crazy Dana claims to be from the party of Lincoln. You couldn't tell by what he is willing to do to the earth. I would think that Lincoln might given him to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Know-Nothing_movement">Know Nothings</a>. With Dana's anti-immigrant rhetoric, he would have been right at home.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-41390960748092586012008-01-11T15:07:00.000-08:002008-01-11T15:20:56.785-08:00Soldiers of MisFortuneThe <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/world/middleeast/10blackwater.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print">NY Times</a> ran this story. I wonder is the OC Register will touch it.<br /><blockquote><br />January 10, 2008<br /><br />2005 Use of Gas by Blackwater Leaves Questions<br />By JAMES RISEN<br /><br />WASHINGTON — The helicopter was hovering over a Baghdad checkpoint into the Green Zone, one typically crowded with cars, Iraqi civilians and United States military personnel.<br /><br />Suddenly, on that May day in 2005, the copter dropped CS gas, a riot-control substance the American military in Iraq can use only under the strictest conditions and with the approval of top military commanders. An armored vehicle on the ground also released the gas, temporarily blinding drivers, passers-by and at least 10 American soldiers operating the checkpoint.<br /></blockquote><br /><br />You can read the rest of it at the Times. Not only did this group of renegade Rombo wannabes get upset at Iraqi's for clogging up an intersection and casually killed 17, now they start on our own troops. We hear all about supporting the troops. Does this me to gas them? <br /><br />I would guess that the OC Register owes too much to Dana Rohrabacher to even mention the story. Just because Blackwater's CEO Erik Prince used to be an aide to Rohrabacher should not make these gun happy goons immune. <br /><br />It is time to shut them down and to retire those who support them. Otherwise, we might begin to think that the OC Register is a bunch of hypocrites, talking about supporting out troops and then dropping the ball when our hired hands screw up. That is OK. Keep your public in the dark. We will continue to shine the light of truth on this until the Dept. of Defense decides to fire Blackwater. Then we will fire Rohrabacher.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-42551232071069821202007-12-12T08:33:00.001-08:002007-12-12T08:44:45.704-08:00Blackwater Bogged DownEven with support from Crazy Dana, it seems that Blackwater could not convince the good people of Potrero, CA from <a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20071212-0112-bn12potrero.html">slapping them down</a> a peg or two. <blockquote>EAST COUNTY – Five members of the Potrero planning group were voted off the panel Tuesday night in a recall election that served as a symbolic referendum on a controversial training camp proposed by Blackwater Worldwide.<br /><br />The five incumbents all supported the proposed facility.<br /><br />As the five were ousted, five candidates on an anti-Blackwater slate were voted in to replace the incumbents on the rural town's planning group. </blockquote> I wonder what group of "outsiders" Rohrabacher will blame for not <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/rohrabacher-blackwater">supporting his friends</a>. <br /><br />OOOPS. I forgot, Rohrabacher <span style="font-weight:bold;">is</span> an outsider.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-34556822145961347002007-12-08T20:43:00.000-08:002007-12-08T21:07:29.288-08:00California Energy Commission vs Dana Rohrabacher.I would love to see that in court, or even in a good debate. But then, it would hardly be fair. To paraphrase Rush, the Commission could win that debates "Half theit brain tied behind their back just to make it fair."<br /><br />We all know that Dana is so certain that Global Warming comes from dinasaur flatulence. However, the Energy Commission, all but one of which were appointed by Schwarzenegger, just took the most important action against Global Warming that could be taken. In a unanimous decision, they approved a new 2007 Integrated Energy Policy Report (<a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/2007publications/CEC-100-2007-008/CEC-100-2007-008-CTF.PDF">PDF</a> - 301 pages). <br /><br />One key element in this is that it opens the door for communities to change their current permitting and planning processes for new buildings and major renovation. In fact, the targets that the Energy Commission set are the most stringent in the nation. <br /><br />I am just waiting to hear Dana and the various Chambers of Commerce cry about their being too stringent and that it will hurt growth in California. Well with our water problems now, that might not be all bad. <br /><br />Now, I wonder when the Republicans down here recognize that the real dinosaur is name Dana. Dana the Dinosaur. It is just like the Republicans in Richard Pombo's district who didn't like him, thought he was out of touch, but would not take a stand against him because the didn't want to lose that district. So, they kept Pombo and the lost the district because of it. <br /><br />The time will come when that is true of Rohrabacher also. Maybe this year?Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-7895682111598463382007-07-12T18:52:00.000-07:002007-07-12T18:59:41.449-07:00Take This Last Chance for DFA Training!What are you looking to do over the next year or so? Want to organize for universal health care? Want to campaign for your favorite Democratic Presidential Candidate? Want to manage your best friend's campaign for Congress? Want to just know what all your friends at DFA are talking about whenever election time approaches? Whatever you plan to do in politics, you need to learn how to be better at it by joining us at <a href="http://www.dfa-link.com/event.php?id=17215">DFA Training Academy on July 21-22 in Irvine</a>!<br /><br />Oh yes, and I should say this. If you haven't registered yet, <strong>this is your last chance to <a href="http://www.dfa-link.com/event.php?id=17215">sign up to attend</a></strong>! We're nearing our maximum attendance limit of 150, and the actual training is barely more than a week away. If you're in Southern California and you haven't yet signed up, <strong><a href="http://www.dfa-link.com/event.php?id=17215">take this last opportunity</a> to learn how progressives can win, and how YOU can be a part of it</strong>!<br /><br />Follow me down below to find out why you shouldn't pass up on this last chance to learn how to be a force for change in your community...<br /><br />(Cross-posted at <a href="http://www.obamaoc.com/ourblog/2007/07/12/take-this-last-chance-for-dfa-training/">Obama OC</a> and <a href="http://nomoredirtygary.blogspot.com/2007/07/take-this-last-chance-for-dfa-training.html">Trash Dirty Gary</a>)<br /><br />So what will we be learning about at <a href="http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training">DFA Training Academy</a>? Take a look at the <a href="http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training/curriculum">curriculum</a>! Learn how to fund raise! Learn how to target voters! Learn how to use the media to your advantage! Find out all the new organizing tools available that are easier than ever to use! And find it all at the training academy!<br /><br />OK, so there's plenty of serious stuff to learn. How much fun can one have here? Well, plenty! We have a very special social night ready for you on Saturday, the 21st. What do we have planned? Well, sign up for the training and get ready for a pleasant surprise! And oh yes, don't forget how much fun you'll have in meeting new progressive pals from all over Southern California! Who knows? Maybe you'll meet some neighbors who you never thought were also Democrats. ; )<br /><br />So we have a great curriculum and a great chance to meet fellow local activists. Where the heck can one stay for the night? And what about food? Don't worry. If you're coming in from some far away location like Santa Barbara or San Bernardino or San Diego, <a href="http://www.dfa-link.com/event.php?id=17215">there's a hotel room reserved just for you</a>. And lunch is provided for Saturday AND Sunday. But again, this is only available for a limited time!<br /><br />So what more can you ask for? You have a hotel room (if you need one). You have lunch plans. You have trainers ready to help you become a campaign rock star. And you have a whole lot of progressive activists who want to meet you. What more can you ask for? <strong><a href="http://www.dfa-link.com/event.php?id=17215">Take this last chance to sign up for DFA Training!</a></strong><br /><br />Trust me, you won't regret it. ; )Andrew Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09939559973353375184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-48038261346129256672007-07-05T12:06:00.000-07:002007-07-05T18:13:18.529-07:00Another Groovy Surf City Independence Day!<em>(Cross-posted at <a href="http://www.obamaoc.com/ourblog/2007/07/05/another-groovy-surf-city-independence-day/">Obama OC</a> and <a href="http://www.calitics.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3207">Calitics</a>)</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgGa9PrYfVFbJKPKohP9fnXT-_OfswlkutO0BT5Vi7kpLLEMe6QJX2IBgeEaXVQk19KiQ8IN-OiPgY_Jm6jKgXHNvOpH_DzoV1UD_li9TMRXrDcq5bgvBDL_CgUrvKSASSxVPFKHFq4o/s1600-h/101_6649.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgGa9PrYfVFbJKPKohP9fnXT-_OfswlkutO0BT5Vi7kpLLEMe6QJX2IBgeEaXVQk19KiQ8IN-OiPgY_Jm6jKgXHNvOpH_DzoV1UD_li9TMRXrDcq5bgvBDL_CgUrvKSASSxVPFKHFq4o/s320/101_6649.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083822068296157634" /></a><br /><br />History was made again yesterday. <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5450627">Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to Huntington Beach</a> once again for the <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/huntingtonbeach/article_1754353.php">Fourth of July Parade</a>. And once again, the <a href="http://www.ocdemocrats.org/">OC Democrats</a> had a fantastic time being a part of the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi River. And the party didn't stop when the parade ended, as local activists pitched up tent by the pier to wake up the neighbors, and let them know about the importance of next year's election. All in all, we all had a great time!<br /><br />Follow me down below as I take you on a tour of the biggest and best party one could be at on the Fourth of July! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9EPmrVLBfZC0byEClW6LHibJ2akSUC6d9dLePXOk_EmZeiSAhyphenhyphenVlk9HOrw4SriM73iEMzKmJF5RWHrQRNl9Qd6y0Kj10iJoppYDeyj56kZKMPeODaapAW23XZjUhEeYvliwNRYRfw2o/s1600-h/101_6653.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9EPmrVLBfZC0byEClW6LHibJ2akSUC6d9dLePXOk_EmZeiSAhyphenhyphenVlk9HOrw4SriM73iEMzKmJF5RWHrQRNl9Qd6y0Kj10iJoppYDeyj56kZKMPeODaapAW23XZjUhEeYvliwNRYRfw2o/s320/101_6653.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083826238709402066" /></a><br /><br />For twenty-five years, the Democratic Party of Orange County has been a part of the parade. And every year, we continue to delight the crowds with our rockin' music and jubilant marchers. This year's theme of our float was "Opportunity, Diversity, & Freedom", and boy could everyone see all that and more yesterday! We had young Democrats and long-time Democrats who are still young at heart. We had gay Democrats and straight Democrats. We had black Democrats, brown Democrats, and white Democrats. We had Democrats supporting Barack Obama, Democrats supporting John Edwards, Democrats supporting Hillary Clinton, and Democrats supporting other Democratic Candidates for President. And what brought all us Democrats together yesterday was that we're all part of the Democratic Party of Orange County, and that we all stand for the right of working families in Orange County to have that opportunity to succeed.<br /><br />So who was there yesterday? Here I am (left to right) with our newest OC Democrat Mitch Star, the one & only Mike Lawson of <a href="http://www.theliberaloc.com/">The Liberal OC</a>, and Elizabeth and Jason of <a href="http://www.ocyd.org/">Orange County Young Democrats</a> (OCYD).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-0qKU709SqkHvX20kzkL5gk0_fu2gMQbDfCtl5Ub4GMJEaoz7IB7610YRAckWOa_5MR92Zp7T4fhc4heTXtSSDjKo6PmMRrOdoVzkfLKsOkrfULkzIMTPNUAcqa7znWm9i6S8u1KgCQ/s1600-h/101_6651.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-0qKU709SqkHvX20kzkL5gk0_fu2gMQbDfCtl5Ub4GMJEaoz7IB7610YRAckWOa_5MR92Zp7T4fhc4heTXtSSDjKo6PmMRrOdoVzkfLKsOkrfULkzIMTPNUAcqa7znWm9i6S8u1KgCQ/s320/101_6651.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083821527130278322" /></a><br /><br />Here I am with (left to right) Garden Grove City Council Candidate Paul Lucas, Mitch, and Mike.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihysjg7lAgesfCa9Kxdb51RaAeDsdM8ihEnF3KaqCcPWkwnGoagqslgN6binb_ENLCewWPrNf8r8CgI3BK8W6U2Y7bJTQlLutqvx_xmQgYjqI8HjHytcSrevtQooGHo2YLPk1JlYLtuhI/s1600-h/101_6655.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihysjg7lAgesfCa9Kxdb51RaAeDsdM8ihEnF3KaqCcPWkwnGoagqslgN6binb_ENLCewWPrNf8r8CgI3BK8W6U2Y7bJTQlLutqvx_xmQgYjqI8HjHytcSrevtQooGHo2YLPk1JlYLtuhI/s320/101_6655.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083821140583221666" /></a><br /><br />Here's Former State Senator & <a href="http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/372">Current California Medical Association CEO Joe Dunn</a> with some young Democrats as they prepare for the moment of truth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-BX_r3_LZYNhjFonCHyJsfxj08loKMv702cdErMyrmP7HbHNSJo5pwaSlZpY-UnzN3OmVi2E_YPNhpp89X6bmpdkTv4CAYoyeR5vkvx7aXNjJO97M7U7lKp7QNumS2Zp91F9KrlUnqE/s1600-h/101_6656.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-BX_r3_LZYNhjFonCHyJsfxj08loKMv702cdErMyrmP7HbHNSJo5pwaSlZpY-UnzN3OmVi2E_YPNhpp89X6bmpdkTv4CAYoyeR5vkvx7aXNjJO97M7U7lKp7QNumS2Zp91F9KrlUnqE/s320/101_6656.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083820440503552402" /></a><br /><br />Here I am with the great Vern Nelson, the fearless Orange County organizer for <a href="http://www.healthcareforall.org/">Healthcare for All California</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIhhrVkLblBEM8Mr0BByewRBxkn8QmQBnXlXqgvKfHT5xrfX5tl0s6rNAEEJNLyKzHS2ktQqT84vtdzo-Zr9HFNZrCyvgGgXTCBwoV1XsULAJ8RZvNKs5iXbzeUhC4qVqp0QzgXSEGyo/s1600-h/101_6657.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIhhrVkLblBEM8Mr0BByewRBxkn8QmQBnXlXqgvKfHT5xrfX5tl0s6rNAEEJNLyKzHS2ktQqT84vtdzo-Zr9HFNZrCyvgGgXTCBwoV1XsULAJ8RZvNKs5iXbzeUhC4qVqp0QzgXSEGyo/s320/101_6657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083819950877280642" /></a><br /><br />And here's the float in action!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUtt0YqJWosCJY7qUnOK5ZKpbkazFBuOKCkUAvRBqD_oBIMzq-6qJ-8hAh8VQ6ZmOKKAPdyBerGffO70ed7SD03D3NflqNzF6p6sALd7mkA0BRTC7W9ftA3lE_4EiXfWSRJIjRj6F66c/s1600-h/101_6659.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUtt0YqJWosCJY7qUnOK5ZKpbkazFBuOKCkUAvRBqD_oBIMzq-6qJ-8hAh8VQ6ZmOKKAPdyBerGffO70ed7SD03D3NflqNzF6p6sALd7mkA0BRTC7W9ftA3lE_4EiXfWSRJIjRj6F66c/s320/101_6659.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083814337355024738" /></a><br /><br />Now all these great Democrats were a part of the parade, but they weren't the only Democrats busy in Surf City! <a href="http://www.obamaoc.com/">Obama OC</a> laid out some blankets on the beach by the pier, put up a canopy, and got to work registering new voters and letting others in the 'hood know about Barack Obama and the 2008 Election. <strong>We had over 30 new registrations yesterday, including a Republican and a Green who switched to Democrat because they've been inspired by Obama.</strong> And of course, we had dozens more come on over to our beach party, just to talk to us about the election and show their appreciation of us being out in the community.<br /><br />OK, so a few of us Obama Girls did manage to get in the parade! ; )<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0c-6sl6t-Mn_hiq2twsSvzDC8HGU84eXPCM2kMYUXy2f1ebt5eJFrqf3Hhdps2cw9_HAe-AMvfWHTCmZPZ9f-p0mZR3ND9MbuTVSgLHlXxUnGPaAKl6fL3y8okq5-BCZkRN_pjkZXEc/s1600-h/101_6667.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0c-6sl6t-Mn_hiq2twsSvzDC8HGU84eXPCM2kMYUXy2f1ebt5eJFrqf3Hhdps2cw9_HAe-AMvfWHTCmZPZ9f-p0mZR3ND9MbuTVSgLHlXxUnGPaAKl6fL3y8okq5-BCZkRN_pjkZXEc/s320/101_6667.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083813375282350418" /></a><br /><br />And here's our great booth!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP-mrJyqF9YQimKMMo14OKS5Ft5GVkEm29YLtWl16cBuaAYN2ysGFudyS-IVxsyW7J6Yp74tk8VKlDcL61Ns9kLCDhfN3ip4AhASaLT05rfOHWlz-GzGGlvfV1CpcanAPK2GAHQCa_ak/s1600-h/101_6679.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP-mrJyqF9YQimKMMo14OKS5Ft5GVkEm29YLtWl16cBuaAYN2ysGFudyS-IVxsyW7J6Yp74tk8VKlDcL61Ns9kLCDhfN3ip4AhASaLT05rfOHWlz-GzGGlvfV1CpcanAPK2GAHQCa_ak/s320/101_6679.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083796242657806658" /></a><br /><br />Oh yeah, and could we have possibly held a beach party at a better location than this? : )<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI6ZQ6gdnNCpixCwG9Rz-SIQoMbKof2NpuFFVShyinK3OSGt6HBRRdlOxhxcad57p6eqGktQ0Jb8JkkjdR0dTwaAzztYV3m36hTcKIjMBablMia1irNo-kAr3MfGtdeZWFQaNe1kQqMQ/s1600-h/101_6692.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI6ZQ6gdnNCpixCwG9Rz-SIQoMbKof2NpuFFVShyinK3OSGt6HBRRdlOxhxcad57p6eqGktQ0Jb8JkkjdR0dTwaAzztYV3m36hTcKIjMBablMia1irNo-kAr3MfGtdeZWFQaNe1kQqMQ/s320/101_6692.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083794928397814066" /></a><br /><br />Yep, I'd say that yesterday was a huge success for OC Democrats! At the parade, we let the community know that we're 454,000 voters strong and we're making a difference for working families in this county. At the beach party, Obama OC showed the folks by the pier that there are progressives who care enough about changing the same old politics of despair and destruction that we get out in the community and let them know that hope is still here. Now what could be more American than this?<br /><br />Perhaps a terrific fireworks show? What the heck, why not! ; )<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTRT-DPToAwdLM6aLwPuWVXCUxf8c8d1_jqq6rLuU5TuMHbbesceXzzwHr8ZM09O4yh6YQTMd9cbIBrzM1NiDIXSgwPzM5wMGMdPoHrTxMuoAoxR-A8OQNoEn2EIT5ESbhFD4KqTNKSs/s1600-h/101_6707.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTRT-DPToAwdLM6aLwPuWVXCUxf8c8d1_jqq6rLuU5TuMHbbesceXzzwHr8ZM09O4yh6YQTMd9cbIBrzM1NiDIXSgwPzM5wMGMdPoHrTxMuoAoxR-A8OQNoEn2EIT5ESbhFD4KqTNKSs/s320/101_6707.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083793249065601314" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCNx5uVFBFCKbB-62_WejLglO9ewUrF-ICHFVulJac5Uu97yMfvdVcvOb7kRI138d0Nna26GNcbkd36tpqp48lZF7hL1BLD1BZnC9-dW4IPEk3Pn-FAFYIGEvum0Cuynk88d844JxY7w/s1600-h/101_6710.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCNx5uVFBFCKbB-62_WejLglO9ewUrF-ICHFVulJac5Uu97yMfvdVcvOb7kRI138d0Nna26GNcbkd36tpqp48lZF7hL1BLD1BZnC9-dW4IPEk3Pn-FAFYIGEvum0Cuynk88d844JxY7w/s320/101_6710.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083792806683969810" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0F61AzHkSLQcXkQUp7xMyxwtK1gb30pnlToenOB9FADOrAKPVtkc0PbHu493gENMlD2wAqMSDSj6kO61oy5O6rfZcOe4RpzehVfmbg5EpKTV99qp_dmEa_PZV6iScahTQ0aKq_AWOS8/s1600-h/101_6723.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0F61AzHkSLQcXkQUp7xMyxwtK1gb30pnlToenOB9FADOrAKPVtkc0PbHu493gENMlD2wAqMSDSj6kO61oy5O6rfZcOe4RpzehVfmbg5EpKTV99qp_dmEa_PZV6iScahTQ0aKq_AWOS8/s320/101_6723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083792626295343362" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFvbJHyR73HeIvt2atHWmsgBVD6kB0-SbsEGk0_FPSQ_-xZIMf1zoGgsp4CWhcIxB7B-5fwFd2BFNdldVhLwMEseqUXSufgIS70its6YDzEskRLs40CsxM-9TB4xn4wItG3G3LZ9uqmI/s1600-h/101_6725.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFvbJHyR73HeIvt2atHWmsgBVD6kB0-SbsEGk0_FPSQ_-xZIMf1zoGgsp4CWhcIxB7B-5fwFd2BFNdldVhLwMEseqUXSufgIS70its6YDzEskRLs40CsxM-9TB4xn4wItG3G3LZ9uqmI/s320/101_6725.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083792450201684210" /></a>Andrew Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09939559973353375184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-19383768162454866972007-07-03T14:43:00.000-07:002007-07-03T14:47:41.893-07:00Wake Up & Smell the Inferno<em>(Cross-posted from <a href="http://www.calitics.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3192">Calitics</a>... This isn't exactly Dana specific, but it is an imporant issue that we need to press Dana on.)</em><br /><br />Have you seen the weather report lately? I guess I shouldn't be surprised when I see <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1751451.php">this in the <em>OC Register</em></a>, but I am. Wow, it gets hot down here... But rarely <strong>THIS HOT</strong>!<p><br /><blockquote>People everywhere were beginning to seek relief Monday from a heat wave that will intensify over the next three days, with temperatures forecast to hit 105 degrees in some inland areas.<p><br />The worst heat will come Wednesday – the Fourth of July – says the National Weather Service. But by mid-afternoon Monday, the temperature had hit 99 in Mission Viejo and 96 in Placentia. In Palm Springs, it was 114.<p><br />The heat wave will be so oppressive the weather service has issued an "excessive heat" advisory for Wednesday and Thursday, meaning that temperatures will be high enough to cause heatstroke and dehydration. </blockquote><p><br />Whoa! That's hot! But wait, why are we having more of these extreme heatwaves? We've had plenty of hot weather in Southern California before, but rarely this much reoccurring throughout the year. Wait, could <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/healthfitness/article_1733339.php"><strong>this</strong></a> have something to do with it?<br /><br />OK, OK, so we've heard all the rhetoric about climate change (aka global warming) causing more severe weather. We've heard all the warnings about future killer hurricanes, massive flooding, lethal heatwaves, and just all around more erratic weather. But wait, what if all of this severe weather isn't waiting for the future? <strong>What if we're experiencing the consequences of ignoring climate change now?</strong><p><br />Remember seeing this in <em><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/03/AR2006080301489.html">The Washington Post</a></em> last August? Well, you should. Oh yes, and would you like some ice water to drink while reading this?<p><br /><blockquote>Heat waves like those that have scorched Europe and the United States in recent weeks are becoming more frequent because of global warming, say scientists who have studied decades of weather records and computer models of past, present and future climate.<p><br />While it is impossible to attribute any one weather event to climate change, several recent studies suggest that human-generated emissions of heat-trapping gases have produced both higher overall temperatures and greater weather variability, which raise the odds of longer, more intense heat waves. [...]<p><br />And researchers at the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., reported this week that nighttime summer temperatures across the country have been unusually high for the past eight years, a record streak.<p><br />"It's just incredible, when you look at this thing," said Richard Heim, a research meteorologist at the center. He added that only the Dust Bowl period of the mid-1930s rivaled recent summers for sustained heat levels.</blockquote><p><br />And my goodness, we're feeling the effects of this here in California! Look at <a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070702-1623-ca-socalwildfires.html">all the wildfires</a> burning around us. Check out <a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070702-1623-ca-socalwildfires.html">the record-breaking heat in the Inland Empire</a>. <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/03/HEAT.TMP">Even parts of the Bay Area may hit triple digits</a> this week. We've had plenty of heat before in California, but never like this before.<p><br />OK, so it's extra hot this week. So what? It's perfect beach weather! Well, that or shopping in a nice, big air-conditioned mall. Well, that may be true. However, heat like this can also be deadly. Remember <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/28/us/28heat.html?ex=1311739200&en=b38fe326ba42890d&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss">all the people who died in last year's heatwave</a>?<p><br />Just take a look at some of <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/healthfitness/article_1733339.php">the nasty health effects</a> of this extreme heat. Bodies get stressed from the extra pressure on the circulatory system. And for people with circulatory problems, this extra pressure can be lethal. Heart-related illnesses escalate, leaving anyone with heart conditions extra vulnerable. And of course, anyone can be susceptible to suffering heat stroke. And if not caught in time, heat stroke can leave one dead.<p><br />So why again are we suffering from this extreme heat? <em><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/healthfitness/article_1733339.php">The OC Register</a></em> actually had a good article a couple of weeks ago that gave a good answer. Basically, it's the climate crisis finally crashing down upon us.<p><br /><blockquote>While experts debate the exact health effects of climate change, many scientists agree that a growth in heat waves is among the most inevitable. In many areas of the United States, Earth's rising temperature will increase the intensity, number and duration of heat waves in the summer and bring more winter precipitation as rain, said Paul Epstein, associate director for the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School in Boston. [...]<p><br />Between 1970 and 2004, greenhouse gas emissions believed to contribute to rising temperatures increased 70 percent, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Scientists have been examining the effects of climate change since the early 1990s, Epstein said. "Finally we're seeing strong signs of it and some of them are way ahead of schedule."</blockquote><p><br />So what can we do now? Aren't we doing plenty already to stop the climate crisis? What about that "<a href="http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/ab32/">Global Warming Solutions Act</a>" that was signed into law last year? Well, <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-air3jul03,0,4658694.story?coll=la-home-center">the Governator has already been working on ways to weaken the implementation of that and other laws to please his corporate sugar daddies</a>. Meanwhile in Washington, <a href="http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dems-home-in-on-energy-policy-during-weeks-recess-2007-07-03.html">Congress is just now beginning to take some real action</a> on finding solutions to the climate crisis. But of course, anything that Congress passes would have to get through George W. Bush, <a href="http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1628024,00.html">who still doesn't seem interested in finding any real solutions</a>.<p><br />So what can we do? What can we do right now? Well, <a href="https://www.environmentcalifornia.org/action/energy/thank-rep-ipod2?id4=ES">we can join Environment California in sending personal messages to our Representatives' iPods</a>, urging them to take action on federal legislation to take on climate change. <a href="http://gov.ca.gov/interact">Send an email to Governor Arnold</a>, and let him know that you don't appreciate him weakening the implementation of the climate change law that he had claimed as "his achievement" last year. <strong>Oh yes, and if you're healthy and able-bodied, do your best to only use the energy that you need. By all of us being more efficient with our energy usage, we're reducing our carbon footprint AND allowing people who really need that air conditioning to use it.</strong><p><br />So go ahead, go to the beach! Just think about riding the bus there, or carpooling with friends. Jump in the pool! Just remember to keep the AC to a minimum when you're not in the house. And please, have a great Fourth of July holiday! <strong>Just remember that there are plenty of things we can do to prevent future Fourth of July holidays from becoming blazing infernos that none of us could ever enjoy.</strong> : )Andrew Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09939559973353375184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-88890223756521664522007-06-30T08:01:00.000-07:002007-06-30T08:17:24.243-07:00March with the Democrats at the Surf City Fourth of July Parade!What do you think of when you think "Fourth of July"? The American flag, perhaps? Fireworks? Independence? Apple pie? Ice cream? The beach? A parade? Well, what if I told you that you can experience all of that AND MORE on Wednesday?!<br /><br />Yes, my friends, this Wednesday is July 4th. And yes, this means it's time for the <a href="http://www.hb4thofjuly.org/">Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade</a>, <strong>THE LARGEST INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER</strong>! And guess what? The <a href="http://www.ocdemocrats.org">Democratic Party of Orange County</a> will once again have a fantastic float in the parade! Oh yes, and our fabulous <a href="http://www.lorettasanchez.house.gov/">Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez</a> will be marching with us! Oh yes, and we need more people to march with us in the parade. Come on now, don't YOU want to be a part of the parade?<br /><br />So would YOU like to be a part of this world-famous All-American celebration? Follow me after the flip for more...<br /><br /><em>(Cross-posted at <a href="http://nomoredirtygary.blogspot.com/2007/06/march-with-democrats-at-surf-city.html">Trash Dirty Gary</a> and <a href="http://www.obamaoc.com/ourblog/2007/06/30/march-with-the-democrats-at-the-surf-city-fourth-of-july-parade/">Obama OC</a>)</em><br /><br />For the past 28 years, OC Democrats have been a part of this VERY OC tradition. We've had local elected officials like Former State Senator Joe Dunn and current State Senator Lou Correa join us in the parade. We always have the Young Democrats dancing on the float. Oh yes, and how about that float? Live music. Festive decorations. The American Spirit. What more could you possibly want?<br /><br />So why NOT go? Join in on the fun. Just remember to <strong>COME EARLY TO FIND PARKING</strong>. Here are some details on what will be happening, courtesy of <a href="http://www.theliberaloc.com/2007/06/29/march-with-the-dems-at-the-huntington-beach-4th-of-july-parade/">The Liberal OC</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>The parade begins at 10:00 A.M. and ends at 12:30 P.M. Democrats begin gathering at 7:30 A.M. to march. We will have shuttle cars to take you to the staging area or to the handicap cheering section.<br /><br />Shuttle Starts: 7:00 A.M.<br />Last Shuttle: 9:00 A.M.<br /><br />Please come early, the traffic gets very busy and we cannot transport everyone at the last minute.<br /><br />For parking and shuttling, drive to Seacliff Village, located at Goldenwest and Yorktown. Look for the Del Taco fast food restaurant. Then look for the signs saying “Democratic Parking.” </blockquote><br /><br />Oh yes, and before I forget, we should all remember that <strong>all marchers with the Democratic Party of Orange County entry must wear red T-shirts or polo shirts and blue jean or dark/navy blue shorts or pants</strong>. Get it? Got it? Good.<br /><br />Well, I'm picking out my red shirt and blue jean shorts. How about you? The Fourth of July Parade may only be once a year, but it's something that give us great memories to last us all year long. Why not be a part of these great memories? <br /><br /><blockquote>To participate, simply show up! <br /><br />If you have any questions, please contact Caren Bolinger at 310-293-8320 or email her at carenbolinger@yahoo.com</blockquote> : )Andrew Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09939559973353375184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-44686209738077276462007-06-26T09:45:00.000-07:002007-06-26T10:08:16.738-07:00They demand a role call. We demand a recall.It is easy to tell when someone in Congress wants to make a political statement regarding a particular piece of legislation, or the procedures to enact that legislation. They demand a role call vote so that they can point to their vote in pride and opposing votes in derision.<br /><br />Such is the point of Rep. Flake's demand for a recorded vote yesterday on his amendment to HR 2771 - a $3.1 billion appropriations bill that funds the legislative branch of government. Congressman Crazy voted "yes" on this amendment, which reduces the amount used to fund the printing of copies of the Congressional Record by $3.2 million. Score one for Republican fiscal responsibility. Score another one for Republican hypocrisy.<br /><br />According to comments reported in the Congressional Record (<a href="http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2007_record&page=H6994&position=all">H6994</a>) this is or is not about what it purports to concern. <blockquote>Mr. Flake. Let me point out, just as with any program that is not an entitlement, everything is subject to appropriation. The Government Printing Office is not bound, no pun intended, to print as many copies as they think they need. They can print as many as they have money for. We were very careful in taking $3.2 million, to take only the printing costs for half of the number that are printed already. I think that is reasonable. <p> Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Chair, I really believe that we should approach this in the appropriate way. If we want to change the statute and go to electronic production of the <em></em><em>Congressional Record</em>, that is what we should do. We should not simply hamstring the GPO by requiring them to print a <em></em><em>Congressional Record</em> and not ensuring they have adequate funds to do that, when they are already in a deficit situation. </p><p> I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment.</p></blockquote><p> </p>What a waste of time over a trivial matter. That $3.2 million pales in comparison the to amounts that the Republicans saved by not adequately funding trauma care for Iraq vets. Yes, Rohrabacher voted to save money there also.<br /><br />Make that score 2 for hypocrisy.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-67030845040811526672007-06-25T09:28:00.001-07:002007-06-25T10:27:46.137-07:00Republicans war on aliens takes a direct hit.What is Congressman Crazy going to do with all of his Republican supporters? I suggest that they should start vetting their party leadership with Homeland Security.<br /><br />While Rohrabacher is whipping up a frenzy about the two Border Agents who shoot people in the back, we find that the California Republican Party leadership likes to hire Aliens, those who come to the US to take jobs that no one else would do.<br /><br />This entire debacle starts with the revelation that California Republican Party could not find a reliable political consultant in the entire State and had to <a href="http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/06/14/MNG3DQF4U11.DTL">hire a Canadian</a> names Chris Matthews. No, it is not the <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/">Hardball</a> guy. <br /><br />Of course, this was reported by the "biased" liberal San Francisco Chronicle. That is opposed to the "not biased" Orange County Register, whose lack of bias decided that there is no story here. But, wait a minute, the California Republican Party hit back. According to the political blog at the Chronicle the response came quickly. <blockquote>"The press is trying to portray Republicans as racist (see the "brown menace" quote in the story) when we discuss illegal immigration," Michael Kamburowski, the party's recently hired chief operating officer, said in a letter to the state party's executive board, "yet when we promote individuals who have displayed great skills but who just happen to hail from another country, we are pegged as hypocrites."</blockquote>That was a big mistake, because Kamburowski is himself, not from the good ol' U S of A. He is in fact, an Australian. He is, in fact, here illegally, having been ordered deported in 2001. He is, in fact another hypocrite. Even Michelle Malkin leads her story with "What a feaking mess." That seems to sum up the California Republican Party right now.<br /><br />So, what does Congressman Crazy do? He continues his<a href="http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2007/06/24/news/dpt-weekinreview24.txt"> crusade</a> to free Border Agents Ramos and Compean. Lets all ask the Daily Pilot why one is a story and the other is not. Let's ask the OC Register why they don't consider the resignation of the Chief Operating Officer for the California Republican Party to be a story worth covering.<br /><br />Malkin was right. What a freaking mess.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-32824397269367742242007-06-21T10:07:00.000-07:002007-06-21T10:23:04.008-07:00A new member of the Crazy Dana Fan ClubIt is not often that I post an entire segment from somewhere else. There are copyright issues and all of that, but I think that all of our readers would love these admittedly editorial observations from the <a href="http://thedistrictweekly.com/dwweb/?p=309">Long Beach District Weekly</a>. So, here's the full story regarding our favorite congressman and I hope I got all the bold type in the right place. <blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat | Jun 16</span> I’ve heard that one of the indicators of a <span style="font-weight:bold;">serial killer</span> is that they torture small animals as a child. I’ve also heard that you can tell someone is crazy when they become delusional. Torture? Delusions? This must be about <span style="font-weight:bold;">Dana Rohrabacher</span>. And yes, this is about <span style="font-weight:bold;">Congressman Crazy</span>, who today leads a <span style="font-weight:bold;">rally of outraged citizens</span> in Huntington Beach protesting the <span style="font-weight:bold;">jail sentence of two immigration officers</span> who <span style="font-weight:bold;">shot a guy</span> in the back, then tried to <span style="font-weight:bold;">cover it up</span>, and then claimed they did it because he was an <span style="font-weight:bold;">illegal alien</span>, which they <span style="font-weight:bold;">didn’t know</span> when they shot him. Okay, “rally” is a little bit of a <span style="font-weight:bold;">stretch</span>. Basically, it was a <span style="font-weight:bold;">sad collection</span> of elderly people who get <span style="font-weight:bold;">pissed off</span> listening to talk radio <span style="font-weight:bold;">hunched</span> over and holding some homemade signs that made this look like the <span style="font-weight:bold;">worst church car wash ever</span>. As for delusions, Rohrabacher says at the rally, “the President of the United States, if they <span style="font-weight:bold;">want to be President</span> of the United States, is going to . . . have to get my support,” adding that he would journey far to the <span style="font-weight:bold;">land of the paisley</span>, where he would do battle against the forces of the pale wizard and his army of rainbow-flavored <span style="font-weight:bold;">minions</span>.</blockquote>Ok, tell us how you really feel. What do you expect from a guy who thinks that it is OK for the US to kidnap and torture just anyone with the same name as a possible terrorist just so that we make sure that we get the bad guy. It is like the do not fly list has a block for anyone named <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/05/60minutes/main2066624.shtml">Robert Johnson</a>. Hope Crazy Dana doesn't want to question all the Robert Johnson's in the world to get to the real one.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-65479769684755818612007-06-19T11:47:00.000-07:002007-06-19T12:21:16.877-07:00Is Crazy Dana Pro-Criminal?Did you hear? <a href="http://www.flashreport.org/blog.php?postID=2007061819201995">Crazy Dana won't endorse ANY Presidential Candidate who doesn't pardon convicted Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean</a>.<br />He feels that an injustice has been committed. <br /><br />Now maybe there actually was an injustice. After all, they did shoot a guy who was entering the nation illegally. And yes, this guy was smuggling marijuana across the border. <br /><br />But still, this guy was unarmed. This was a clear violation of Border Patrol policy, as well as federal law. Maybe Dan's right at <a href="http://www.theliberaloc.com/2007/06/19/rep-dana-rohrabacher-is-pro-criminal-with-presidential-pardons/">The Liberal OC</a>. <br /><br /><blockquote>OK, so we have a tough situation here all around. But the United States is a nation of laws and the Bill of Rights applies to everyone in this country even if you are here illegally. The border agents violated department policy and the law. They committed a crime against a person who also committed a crime by entering the country illegally. But as my mom always said, two wrongs don’t make a right.<br /> <br /><br />So why is Rep. Rohrabacher so pro-criminal? [...] Is Dana’s endorsement that critical? </blockquote><br /><br />Good question.Andrew Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09939559973353375184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1110091869420677380.post-66199934862855258602007-06-15T09:53:00.000-07:002007-06-15T10:10:51.394-07:00Earmarks again?We have to give Dana high marks for perseverance and loyalty to friends like Duncan Hunter. Sadly, we once again have to give him low marks for his understanding of science or even for his adherence to the great Republican Virtue of controlling government spending. <br /><br />The case in point is a sci-fi aircraft from Dupont Aerospace. In the last 19+ years the <a href="http://www.aero-news.net/EmailArticle.cfm?ContentBlockID=aa26c6a7-6c0c-4c3d-a3c0-94e9581c34c6">DP-2</a>, a VTOL jet rumored to be able to fly a squad of soldiers and a humvee some 5000 miles at 700 miles per hours. So far, after burning through some $63 million in earmarked spending for friends of Hunter and Rohrabacher, the plane has yet to be able to get more than a couple of feet off the ground before coming back down "hard". <blockquote>John Eney is an aerospace engineer who headed up the aircraft conceptual design group at the Naval Air Development Center Naval Air Systems Command. He led an onsite review of the DP-2 program in 1999.<br /><br />"It's a pipe dream," he said.<br /><br />In order to have the promised VTOL capabilities, the aircraft directs jet exhaust toward the ground. Eney says this would incinerate troops rappelling out of the aircraft.<br /><br />Hunter "failed to understand the basic physics of this situation," he said.</blockquote>So, where is the 46th free thinking Congressman in all of this? <blockquote>California Representative Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican member of the House Science and Technology Committee, hailed duPont president Tony duPont as "a respected engineer" and "a maverick."<br /><br />"When we come to the point where we don't (give) mavericks and free thinkers the chance to prove their theories, we're putting a great limitation on what our potential is for the future," said Rohrabacher.</blockquote>Well, I guess Dana doesn't need to understand physics to be a Congressman. But, he should surely be smart enough to hire some staff who can research a problem and get him the facts. Mission Failed. This is about as bright as his dinosaur flatulence remarks regarding global warming.<br /><br />If Dana wants to be known as a real free thinking radical standing up for what is right, maybe he should start by insisting the any project he supports has some basis in sound science before spending another $63 Million on a project that the military doesn't even want.<br /><br />Is this being a good Republican? Is this being a good, don't like government waste Libertarian? Sorry, I forgot. Dana quit being a Libertarian when he got a real job as a speech writer. In any case, it isn't like he is doing what even the Republicans in his district say they want. <br /><br />The best thing that the Republicans could do to keep this district is to find someone else to run, someone who practices what Republicans preach. Let Dana stay at home and play with the triplets. He can't do as much harm there.Weshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684763427526399228noreply@blogger.com0