Fake Acorn Pimp now a “Watergate” Protege
“I am a journalist,” and “The truth shall set me free.” - James O'Keefe III tweeted shortly after being arrested for planting bugs in Louisiana Democratic Sen Mary Landrieu's office.
This is the same guy who secretly recorded Acorn employees telling him how to set up a brothel.
Could the Republicans be reopening their "rat-fucking" program from the Nixon era.
Also, there is a local news moment in all of this. Joseph Basel, one of Mr. O'Keefe's co-defendents, went to college at UofM Morris where he started a conservative newsletter in reaction to what he thought was overwhelming liberal presence on campus.
Schwarzenegger wants to build jails in Mexico
So Arnold wants to build jails in Mexico to hold illegal immigrants who commit crimes in California.
Why not? It is a great place to start rebuilding the broken Californian society.
Another thing he could do is privatize the judicial system. Court buildings and employees cost California a hell of a lot of money. He could also bring in private security forces to replace state police. Why should crime cost citizens even a dime? Really when it comes down to it why should society have to get mixed up in crime and justice at all? We are the victims after all.
original article via the Sac Bee
The Never-Ending Election
Comic book legend Drew Friedman throws in a genius view of the Minnesota Senate election debacle.
via Drawger
Minneapolis Gaza Protest Video
Fri, 3pm in NE Minneapolis.
I was driving down Central Ave and spotted this protest. I joined in and got a little footage on my phone.
My list of 2008 Election Favorites
California is going to get high speed rail between LA and San Fran. I'm usually against constitutional amendments as a rule, except when it grants more freedom to people who have been unfairly limited by legislation. This one at least does something very positive.
Newsweek's behind the scenes election roundup. 7 parts and 50 pages of meaty details.
Bible beater turns spoiler in the heart of MN Christian country. Democrat Lisa Fobbe wins MN Senate seat. Mark Olson's write in candidacy played perfectly into the hands of the DFL.
The reversal of many many Bush executive orders. also here. I personally think they should all be overturned. This act skips the legislative process and gives direct unchecked power to the President.
Massachusetts' passes laws to reduce marijuana offender punishment. This should be looked at on a national level. Unfortunately California defeated a similar amendment. Again this should be state legislation and not an amendment.
Will Henry Paulson Pay For His Part in Our Financial Crisis
Here is an article from Businessweek Magazine that ran in its June 12, 2006 issue. The article chronicles Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's journey to the Executive Department. The article describes the former CEO of Goldman Sachs in this way:
Think of Paulson as Mr. Risk. He's one of the key architects of a more daring Wall Street, where securities firms are taking greater and greater chances in their pursuit of profits.
Now Paulson wants to bail out his buddies just as he will go back to the sector that created him.
My favorite quote regarding all of this is from Wandy Sykes,
Every morning they should have to go down to social services and pickup their paycheck. They should stand in line, pick up their checks and they can only cash them at the check cashing place next to the liquor store."
Minneapolis Council Member Ostrow’s Responds to Artist/Jounalist Detention
I appreciate your passion and concern on this issue, Bill, but I would urge you not to jump to conclusions about how the police will conduct themselves during the RNC. I believe their preparation and planning has been outstanding and I do believe they are taking very seriously first amendment freedoms. This particular incident involved the possible trespass on railroad land which especially given hazardous materials at the railyard is taken seriously.
You should also know that we anticipate an after action report to the Council on how the RNC is handled so we can learn from this experience and make sure there is both credit for what is done well and accountability for what is not done well.
The reason for this letter is to express my outrage at the detention and seizure of items from the three artists/journalists. The rights of people to be protected from unwarranted searches and seizures is a cornerstone of our democracy. As my elected council person I hope you have the opportunity to voice this opinion and share it with the police department.Does the police department intend to abuse the heavy handed security powers handed to them by the Bush Administration? Hopefully this incident is a mistake that is quickly rectified. If the police continue with these tactics through the convention it is going to be a disgrace to both our city and the principles that we stand for.
Update on Minneapolis Police Seizing Artists Belongings
Great posting by rphaedrus including a letter from Minneapolis City Council member Cam Gordon.
I have yet to hear back from my Council Member, Paul Ostrow.
Minneapolis police seize artists video equipment
On Tuesday, August 26th the Minneapolis Police questioned 3 artists from New York and seized their videos, cameras, computers and notebooks.
The Uptake has press conference video.
Related Links:
Glass Bead Collective
Star-Tribune article
Minnesota Independent article
Twin Cities IndyMedia article
March on the Denver Democratic Convention
If you are interested in the protesting going on in Denver than you should read Colorado Indynews. Indynews has constant updates and first person accounts of the goings on around Denver.
When the convention shifts to St. Paul and Minneapolis just shift your focus to Twincities IndyMedia.
Another great source it The Uptake. At the Uptake you will find articles, video and live blogging from both conventions.
Other non-mainstream news can be found at the Nation, Minnesota Independent and Colorado Independent.
also:
The UpTake gives a tour of Denver Gitmo. Oh, I mean detention center.
City Pages 2008 Comix Issue
The CP's website contains many comics not published in the paper. Quality stuff all around.
All Time Greatest Champions
If you love winners, and I know you do, then you will love this short film. It contains the highlights of the greatest champions of all time. I broke down and wept just watching it. This is truely beautiful.