Ripping off the D's for the SOTU

There was a lot of bullcrap and duplicity in the State of the Union address tonight. It was funny to watch the Democrats sort of stutter standing and soft clapping, not knowing if it is really appropriate to sit quiet when the President hollers "freedom is good!" "If you don't cheer for me right now, you hate freedom!" heh.

All I can add to all the commentary out there is this: A friend of mine works for Nancy Pelosi. She noted that Bush's new "Commitment to Competitiveness" theme sounded eerily familiar. Yes, the Democrats just unveiled that in September!

State of the Union

Pay close attention to President Bush's shift from divide and conquor politics to campaign politics tonight. If you had a chance to watch his interview with Bob Schieffer, the shift was obvious. Rightfully so, you can't win elections doing what he did in the last five years. Actually, call me crazy, but W. came off as pretty genuine and rather unscripted. He actually made sense too, a rarity. Maybe his handlers should let him think on his feet a bit. The interview gave me a sense that he's grown up a bit since taking office. He seems to understand international poltics and policy much better. But lets not forget, this is the Rove strategy, take a look at this TNR article if you have a login. Was I duped?

On that note....

Yo, homey, pass that chron! Can't get enough of the Narnia.

This one's for you, 3GL

Say hello to my little friend.

Jack RepublicansOff.

Every time you hear the Abramoff scandal referred to as a "bi-partisan" affair, you are hearing a flat out lie.

That's right. A lie.

Abramoff, a lifelong Republican activist, never gave a penny to a Democrat.

So, listen carefully. Every time some newsperson recites the Republican spin that both parties were involved in this corruption, you'll hear that person say that both parties took money from "Abramoff or his clients."

Here's the truth. The Indian tribes Abramoff represented have always given money to Democrats. But lookey here

In total, the donations of Abramoff’s tribal clients to Democrats dropped by nine percent after they hired him, while their donations to Republicans more than doubled, increasing by 135 percent after they signed him up.

That answers that. This is Republican corruption. End of story.

Jack Who Off?

By all accounts, Noel Hillman, the chief of the public integrity department at the Justice Department, has been doing a bang up job with the Abramoff investigation. A Patrick Fitzgerald-esque prosecutor, he's turning over every stone, and was able to get Abramoff to cop to a plea.

He's doing such a good job, in fact, that Bush just yanked him out of there.

Will Alice Fisher be his closer?

You remember Alice. Never been a prosecutor before, reported ties to DeLay's defense team, worked with Senate Republicans to go after Clinton over the Whitewater non-scandal, used to lobby for Frist's family company . . . yeah, that Alice. The one Bush had to sneak into the Justice Department via a recess appointment.

Is the administration trying to throw a wet towel on this fire?

Draw your own conclusions.

Oh, those zany law students

Making us proud one act of disobedience at a time...

Georgetown law students snub Fredo.

From important work on asylum cases to overturning wrongful convictions in death penalty cases to here open protest against Alberto Gonzalez, how law students go from doing so much good when they're in school to so much bad when they're out (Gonzalez is a prime example, see Torture memo) is the life of me.

Kudos, kids;)

STR8 TOK

Unless, the Democrats can come up with someone I can get excited about in 2008 (and Hillary isn't doing it for me, folks), I'd consider voting for McCain.

But he's losing me with b.s. like this.

Pizza Privacy

For those of us who are concerned about privacy and consumer rights, this is a great link. HT: Lt. McLaughlin

Update on Texas House Race District 48

Texas Governor and Lt. Governor Dewhurst set a runoff date of February 14 for this open seat. Good thing the special election was not held in December, the GOP would have set the runoff for Christmas Day. What a bunch of bums trying to stifle voter turnout by scheduling the runoff for Valentine's Day.

I Am Certain I Am Not The Only One Fascinated By These Stories

If you are up to date on current events, you certainly have run across this article related to pirates off the coast of Somalia. Watch the video half way down the page, okay for kids, I don't believe it's rated Rrrrrrrrrr.

Sorry, had to...

A Prediction on Mid-Term Elections?

Todd Baxter(R) resigned from Texas House Seat 48 in November 2005 for personal reasons. The Republican dominated state government, in an effort to stifle turnout, rushed to call a special election to fill the vacancy. The special election was held on January 17.

Ben Bentzin, a Dellionare, and GOP darling, lost his previous and only campaign in 2004 for a state Senate seat against Gonzolo Barrientos(D), a veteran and extremely popular State Senator.(Actually drank numerous Miller Lites with him one night two years ago--a story to tell some other time) Bentzin was expected to win easily in this district that was prematurely redrawn by Tom DeLay and Texas Republicans in 2001 to elect a Republican.(Usually redrawn every ten years).

Texas election rules require a runoff election if one candidate does not receive 50% plus of the vote in a special election. Bentzin won 37.8% of the vote in a race against two Democrats and one Libertarian. Democrat Donna Howard won 49.5% of the vote, narrowly missing the opportunity to avoid a runoff election. I followed this race closely and expected the two democrats to split votes and Bentzin to easily avoid a runoff. This did not happen and is a strong sign that Democrats, at least in this district, have been busy at work in the last two years organizing and creating a savvy plan.

Political consultant and lobbyist Bill Miller, a close ally of some Republican leaders, described Tuesday's results as surprising because the seat was drawn in 2001 to elect a Republican. He said it could signal that good times are ahead for other Texas Democrats as they try to pick up seats in a Republican-controlled Legislature this year.
"She still has to win, and you have a runoff," Miller said. "But it's a big warning to Republicans to take a look at the issues that are surfacing in this race and how they play with the electorate."

We will see how this race turns out and whether it is a sign that voters are tired of the GOP thinking they can manipulate rules to gain power. Maybe this is a sign of the Democrats making up ground, maybe not, I report, you decide.

Post Mortem

The biggest weakness the Fighting Irish had last season was clearly their secondary. They were picked apart by everyone from Ohio State to Stanford.

Take a look at their commitments for next year, though: the #3 defensive back in the country; along with the #7 DB and a few other DBs. Exactly what Dr. Weiss ordered.

Not to mention that we just secured a commitment from the #1 offensive lineman.

Next season couldn't come soon enough.

The Big Peach?

(1) The non-partisan Congressional Research Service has determined that the warrantless eavesdropping authorized by President Bush conflicts with existing law and hinges on weak legal arguments.

(2) Sen. Arlen Specter (R - Pa) will soon hold chair Congressional hearings on the warrantless eavesdropping program, and Sen. Specter says that if they determine that Bush's actions were illegal (in other words, if the Congressional Research Service is correct) impeachment is a potential remedy.

(3) According to Zogby, the majority of Americans (53%) would support impeachment under those circumstances.

Just sayin'.

Washer Drier

With the sword of justice trembling over their heads, our Republican friends in Congress are scurrying for lipstick to put on their porcine reputations. In that vein, Speaker Hastert (R) has appointed representative David Drier (R) as the ethics man - the man to clean up the corrupt DeLay machine which has polluted our government.

Wait... you mean the same David Drier who, in 2004, voted to allow Delay to continue as leader of the House even if he was indicted? That Drier?

Yep.

Wait a minute... so now the GOP is looking to Drier to save the day, even after they gave him the cold shoulder when it came time to succeed DeLay because Drier is widely rumored to be a homosexual? That Drier?

Yep.

Ok, so as far as the GOP is concerned - this guy's personal life is immoral (and we should amend the U.S. Constitution to say as much), but because he stuck up for their crooked leader in the past, he's a good pick to bring ethics to the House?

Apparently, but you have to excuse the Republicans for not thinking straight (pun unintended, then realized, now intended - HT T'OD). Their feet are in the flames right now.

Texas Longhorns National Champions!

What a Rose Bowl performance by the fearless Longhorns. Seriously. I have lived in and around Austin for most of my days and this is the best sports experience I have EVER had. No serious, I am not overemphasizing my happiness. Here is to what I compare:

Chicago Bulls win Championship 90-91, at a time when I worshipped MJ.

Texas Beats Nebraska 1996 Big XII Championship on a play simply known by Texas fans as "4th and 1":

Facing a fourth-and-one at their own 28-yard line with 2:40 left in the game, the Longhorns decided to go for it rather than punt. Brown took the snap and found backup tight end Derek Lewis for a 61-yard completion. On the next play, Holmes ran 11 yards for his third TD run and the clinching score.

Close comparison, but a distant second.

Dallas Cowboys win Super Bowl XXVII, first in my cognizant life.

Notre Dame beats #8 Michigan, Sept. 2004, 28-20: no comparison, although a special win for me as it was my first game back since graduation.

2005 Rose Bowl Texas v. Michigan: A great game and win, especially against UM.

Houston Astros win 2005 NLCS

It appears that Mack Brown and Vince Young have secured legendary status in Austin where Longhorn Football is as big as it gets. It was fun to watch the burnt orange on the big stage and it was great to see them win this match up against a USC team that will be remembered as one of the best college football teams ever.

I think what killed USC was their arrogance. Would Reggie Bush have made a bonehead lateral in the 2nd quarter if his head wasn't swollen from all the accolades? Would Pete Carroll have gone for it on Texas' 17 yard line on 4th and 1 in the 1st quarter, instead of taking an easy field goal, had he not thought his team was unbeatable? I think the early punt return fumble by Texas might have been the best thing for the horns. USC scored easily after this and probably began thinking it would be another win like last year's routing of Oklahoma.

Texas was the better team on the field, yes I said that, but was less poised than USC. This is the truth. And trust me, I am not biased, I have learned to be disappointed in Texas after the many years of choking. I have learned to observe the team objectively and before the season started, I told many friends that if they beat Ohio State at the horseshoe, they would win the National Championship. My logic was that if Texas beat OSU, they, one, would gain confidence and, two, they would finally have that grind it out mentality that a championship team needs, but that Texas has never had. I know Texas Football well and I knew the intangible they lacked because I had seen it many times in an inferior Irish team that knocked off better teams. I also have to give credit to Mack Brown and Vince and the rest of the team for not calling out USC's sometimes classless post game interviews where they still gave little credit to Texas. Leinart said, "I still think we're a better football team. They just made the plays in the end." Dude, that is why they actually schedule football games, sell tickets to fans and broadcast the event on national television. They do this to actually play the game and put to rest the punditry and analysis. There were moments where USC gave credit, but it seemed draped in their obligation to not look like sore losers. Maybe I read too much into these comments, but give credit, admit defeat and walk off the stage.

Regardless, the Longhorns finally won a championship after 35 years and how sweet it was to walk out of a 6th Street bar, holding back the tears of joy watching thousands chant Texas Fight Texas Fight. Texas was good and although Vince Young will get most of the attention, the entire team made unbelievable plays. Consider the interception by Michael Griffin in the 2nd quarter, there are very few defensive backs in the country that could make this play. And we can’t forget about the 4th and 1 stop by the Texas defense in the 4th quarter that kept their hopes alive. Texas played well and got a bit of luck here and there.

I could not understand how a sporting event could make people so damn happy until this win and, although I understand how irrelevant a sports match is in the grand scheme of the world, this was a big deal to this "Austinian". Thanks to the team and staff for a special moment for this town. For those who have seen this Texas town grow to a city over the last two decades, for those who have memories of a Longhorn team that had a tiny following in the 80s, for those who know every nuance that makes this city special and for those who consider themselves Austinites, enjoy this moment where this city is still on cloud nine two days after the fact.

An Exit Strategy of Concrete and Steel

Are we building permanent bases in Iraq? Gary Hart wonders.

Any attempt to find out whether the US is, or is not, constructing permanent military bases meets with frustration. The few who have attempted to get a direct answer to this question are met with evasion and purposeful confusion over what is or is not "permanent". But this is the ultimate test of true Bush administration intentions in Iraq. If we are, in fact, constructing permanent bases, "leaving" simply means a reduction of forces and the permanent stationing of US brigades in Iraq.

Over Christmas I sat down with my aunt and talked about my cousin, who was just re-deployed to Iraq. I asked what he was going to be doing there. She said "building permanent bases." I said "they're building permanent bases there? I didn't know that." She said "yeah, it's not something that is talked about very much, is it?"

So, Senator Hart - there's some anecdotal evidence for you.

The Eeeeeeyes of Texas Are Upoooooooon You....

You may wonder why 3GL, our resident Austinian and Longhorn fanatic, has yet to post about the terrific game last night.

Perhaps this one a.m. message on my cell phone, transcribed directly will shed some light as to what 3GL is up to this morning:

What's up buddy, ummm, well, we just won the championship, man, and lemme just let you know how much of a big deal that is to me.

It's a big deal, ok?

Uh..sittin on sixth street, man, where you and I partied back when [incoherent] and uh, it's *%&$ nuts man, like, uhhh, it's %&$*# unbelievable. Uhhh.. give me a hollaaaaaa.... What a game, man. What a game.

Get your rest, 3GL. What a game, indeed.

Hello 2006

I'll be 32 this year. The Democrats will recover Congress. I'll welcome a new nephew or niece. Notre Dame will have a solid shot at the national title. A sister may move to Chicago. Some folks I know will become engaged. A few more gray hairs will show up.

Here's hoping your past 365 days were prosperous and happy, and here's wishing you a happy New Year.