Politics Plus

Yesterday I actually returned about three days of visits, but I’m still up against the wall with unabated craving.  I’m up to date with comments.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:56 (average 4:45).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From The Australian: Iran’s first attempt in decades to send warships through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean on NATO’s southern flank could further destabilise the Middle East as it reels from a wave of anti-government rebellions.

The passage of two Iranian navy ships, the frigate Alvand and support ship Kharg, through the Suez Canal has been delayed until tomorrow, a canal official said.

Iran’s lone destroyer would certainly present no threat to the US 6th Fleet, but it’s presence in the Med could well put Israel’s panties in a bunch.

From Think Progress: Now, as tens of thousands of union members and other Wisconsin residents are taking to the streets to protest against Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) attempt to abolish collective bargaining rights for most public workers, a leader of Egypt’s largest umbrella group of independent labor unions is praising the Wisconsin movement. In a videotaped statement, Kamal Abbas, the General Coordinator of the Centre for Trade Unions and Workers Services, tells the Wisconsin protesters, “We stand with you as you stood with us.” He says “no one believed” that the revolution against the Mubarak regime would succeed, yet they were able to bring the dictator down within 18 days. He encourages demonstrators to stay strong, saying, “Don’t give up on your rights. Victory always belongs to the people who stand firm and demand their just rights”.

Thank you so much, Mr. Abbas!  Workers of the world need to stand together against autocrats like Scott Mubarak and Hosni Walker.

From News Hounds:

This is music to my ears!

Cartoon:

Let’s remember what Washington and Lincoln stood for.

Yesterday went on for ever.  I could not concentrate, and trying do routine tasks, I felt like I had to focus on even the simplest things.  Nevertheless, I am up to date on comments.  Today I have to go out to do errands, including a trip into a store.  The temptation will be huge.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:16 (average 5:52).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Legal Times: Facing the prospect of draconian budget cuts, the National Labor Relations Board warned today that it would be forced to furlough all 1,665 employees for nearly three months between now and the end of September if a House of Representatives funding proposal passes.

Agent Orange says, “So be it!”

From AP/Google: House Republicans on Thursday moved to block the Federal Communications Commission from enforcing new rules that prohibit broadband providers from interfering with Internet traffic on their networks.

With a 244-181 vote, Republican leaders succeeded in attaching an amendment to a sweeping spending bill that would bar the FCC from using government money to implement its new "network neutrality" regulations.

This helps transfer wealth to criminal corporations.

From McClatchy DC: A leaked manuscript by one of Sarah Palin’s closest aides from her time as governor charges that Palin broke state election law in her 2006 gubernatorial campaign and was consumed by petty grievances up until she resigned.

The unpublished book by Frank Bailey was leaked to the media and widely circulated on Friday.

What we already knew about Blood-libel Bitch is confirmed.

Cartoon:

Support Unions and Women’s rights from predatory Republican corporate plutocratic fascists.  Day 5.

Yesterday my trip to the doctor showed me I’m still not ready for prime time.  Just getting there and back, normally an easy trip was grueling.  I’d like to do some visiting today, but I feel pretty weak and tired, so we’ll see.  I am up to date on comments.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:59 (average 4:43).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Salon: Here’s an update on the unfolding story of the trio of technology firms that hatched a plan to attack WikiLeaks and their supporters in the press — including Salon’s Glenn Greenwald. The plan was apparently prepared at the behest of Hunton and Williams, a large law firm working for Bank of America, which is worried because it is reportedly the subject of a future WikiLeaks document release.

BoA is obviously too lame to take responsibility for their own attacks.

From Washington Post: Three months after losing his improbable campaign for U.S. Senate, Alvin Greene is on the ballot again in South Carolina.

This time, the 33-year-old is trying to win the Democratic nomination for a state House seat anchored in his central South Carolina hometown of Manning.

This Republican financed fool needs to be defeated soundly.

Cartoon:

Have you blasted a Republican today?

This morning I overslept, so I running several hours behind.  I’ll put this Open Thread up now, and the other three stories as I finish them.  Tomorrow I have a routine medical appointment, so if I don’t finish on time in the morning,  there may be no articles until mid to late afternoon.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:35 (4:58 average).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From NY Times: A week from Tuesday, when the Supreme Court returns from its midwinter break and hears arguments in two criminal cases, it will have been five years since Justice Clarence Thomas has spoken during a court argument.

From a racist Republican perspective, he’s a perfect African American Justice. He keeps his mouth shut and obeys Scalia.

From Christian Science Monitor: Thousands of Algerian protesters marched amid massive police presence in their nation’s capital Saturday to demand the government’s ouster, echoing the events in Egypt that ended the decades-long authoritarian rule of former President Hosni Mubarak.

Kudos to the protesters.  Where next?

From Washington Independent: Further fueling the speculation that U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) may be making a bid for the White House in 2012, she handed out jerseys with “Bachmann” on the front and “12″ on the back at a reception Thursday evening. As promised, Bachmann also gave away vouchers for free drinks as she collected information from attendees at CPAC, an annual gathering of conservatives which has drawn over 11,000 attendees this week.

Given that she is a staunch supporter of the Theocon wing of the party that demonizes alcohol almost as much as LGBT rights, why is Batshit passing out drinks?

Cartoon:

I miss football!