(Dorine) Did you hear that scenario come up on CNN last night with regards to Stevens dropping/getting kicked out on votes or by Senate and saying Palin could pick herself to replace him? No, but she'll have to select someone. He can't serve from prison. On the news tonight, our governor said that he wasn't interested in taking Obama's seat, but they showed the names of a bunch of political hack possibilities, including the former garbage man-president of the state senate Emil Jones, who is retiring and giving his seat to his son. I swear it never stops... The funny thing about our governor is that the leader of the opposition is his father-in-law, a big-time political fixer. In some respects, the gov the right thing and now he's being crucified.

You know, I always hate it when convicted felons are re-elected. How can people actually do that? How stupid are they? Have they no respect for the law?

Gossip, gossip, gossip!! http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/5/194551/287/976/651932 (Karen) He can't serve from prison. David Gergen said he's got a decent case on appeal. (Maybe not go to prison?) I followed it a bit and it was botched by prosecutors to some degree. Not sure when sentencing is. Gergen I think also said Harry Reid said there's no way Stevens will be allowed to serve when Congress reconvenes should he win. Not sure how that'll work, but maybe in the end won't have to. I'm shocked it's so close as the number showed he was behind by election day. In Alaska, why should they respect the law when their leaders don't seem to?

I'm not singling out Alaskans, as this kind of thing has happened in various other parts of the country.

Oh I know. Not sure why I didn't just generalize. I was thinking about what/who I know about in such situations and the Alaska one obviously popped right into my head.

They haven't decided Minnesota's race with Al Franken yet, have they? I'd like to see him get it. Of course, I don't live in Minnesota. But if they can elect a wrestler, what's wrong with a smart political satirist?

As a diversion.... just WOW! Jogger runs mile with rabid fox locked on her arm Wed Nov 5, 7:51 pm ET PRESCOTT, Ariz. � Authorities in Arizona say a jogger attacked by a rabid fox ran a mile with the animal's jaws clamped on her arm and then drove herself to a hospital. The Yavapai County sheriff's office said the woman told deputies she was on a trail near Prescott on Monday when the fox attacked and bit her foot. She said she grabbed the fox by the neck when it went for her leg but it bit her arm. The woman wanted the animal tested for rabies so she ran a mile to her car with the fox still biting her arm, then pried it off and tossed it in her trunk and drove to the Prescott hospital. The sheriff's office says the fox later bit an animal control officer. He and the woman are both receiving rabies vaccinations.

The group is headed by John Podesta, My son was a paid intern last year at the Podesta Group Lobbying Firm. It belongs to John and his brother Tony. Dorine, you really hate Sarah Palin. After such a misogynist year in politics, I frankly can't be part of it. She's done well enough so far in Alaska and she'll probably be hitting the books and following Int'l politics now. It's time to let the anger go. He's won, feel the love. Kumbaya my Lord.

so she ran a mile to her car with the fox still biting her arm, then pried it off and tossed it in her trunk and drove to the Prescott hospital. Remember those old fox pieces they wore in the '30s and '40s, where the fox was biting its own tail? ;-) Now, that's a woman who should be running for higher office.

she'll probably be hitting the books and following Int'l politics now. I just said to a couple of people yesterday. you really hate Sarah Palin I will answer this later, but I don't hate her, just what she was put up to represent. It's time to let the anger go. I'm gathering this is you speaking in front of the mirror. ;-)

(Moon) she'll probably be hitting the books and following Int'l politics now. ((me) I just said to a couple of people yesterday. Didn't finish my thought. I was saying to them that if she would go out into the world a bit and learn some things, I could see her potentially becoming a very formidable candidate on a more national level by the next election. Depends what's going on with the country by then and how Obama's doing.

(Karen), Now, that's a woman who should be running for higher office. Hell, yes! She can out fox them all! (Dorine), I'm gathering this is you speaking in front of the mirror. ;-) No... I'm feeling the love remember? Must I cue Kumbaya again. My DH is sick of it already, LOL! So I'm alternating with "Can't you feel the love tonight"... There are no winks because it's absolutely true. :-) I too believe that we will be seeing Sarah Palin in the future. She's a good public speaker, she just needs to work on the other stuff which frankly can be learned.

Too funny, both of these... http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/6/153146/946/1019/655973 http://wonkette.com/404231/your-lengthy-guide-to-the-insane-mccain-palin-cold-war

(Karen) They haven't decided Minnesota's race with Al Franken yet, have they? I think I read that it's a likely runoff the way it was going and might not be decided til Dec. Remember those old fox pieces they wore in the '30s and '40s, where the fox was biting its own tail? ;-) I have one in storage that was my grandmother's. A bit worn looking it is. (Moon) Must I cue Kumbaya again. I'd rather you didn't. ;-) Not a big fan of Can You Feel The Love Tonight either.

That story about the rabid fox - discovered that today and sent it to my brother, because Prescott, Az is our hometown. *lol* I wonder if I know that woman?? The Minnesota Senate race is delayed because a count that close triggers an automatic recount. But the Republican candidate was leading by a few hundred votes at the end of the first count. I'd love to see Al Franken win, if only because it would cause Bill O'Reilly's head to explode the first time he had to say "Senator Franken". ;-)

(Dorine), Not a big fan of Can You Feel The Love Tonight either. Neither am I, but I can belt it in true Broadway style. ;-) I'm sure there's a nice Beach Boys song I can replace it with. :-) Franken would be fun to have around DC.

This is for the believers: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/07/AR2008110702896.html?nav=hcmoduletmv And if you want more, the front page of the Wash Post is all about ObamaNation. All yours to check out the love. Kumbaya, my Lord!

Thank you, Moon. ;-) Oh my... http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=palin

Beyond definition 1.1, I'd say they're stretching it. (v) to abandon one's principles for short term gain Shouldn't this be called "to McCain"? Read the misogynistic stuff here: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hillary+clinton

Oh my, again. The first half dozen are from 3-4 years ago. What was going on then for all the hatin'?

If there is one thing I/we have learned from this election it's that in this country, it's OK to be sexist, but it's not OK to be racist. As a woman, I know that we have gone backwards. :-(

I saw Palin's interview with Matt Lauer on the Today Show this morning. I really do think she's been treated poorly by the McCain staff. Even before the campaign ended, saying they had nothing to work with, that she had no knowledge of national or international affairs, calling her a "whack job," likening her to the Beverly Hillbillies at Neiman Marcus. Now they're leaking the stuff about not knowing Africa was a continent, etc., etc. It may be all true, but would they criticize a male running mate so publicly? What back-stabbers. They're all trying to cover their asses about why they lost, scurrying to put the word out that it was her fault, not theirs (or their boss's.) They knew (or should have known) what they were getting. The blame is on whomever chose her, and that starts right at the top. And I don't think she's the only reason they lost.

Just skimmed over a transcript (note spelling of Saks): http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002985073 (Mari) I really do think she's been treated poorly by the McCain staff. Agreed, especially in the final days and aftermath, but my jaw dropped open when I read the comments about how she wanted to speak before McCain's concession speech. Maybe she's never watched election night coverage before? A VP candidate speaking? WTF is she thinking, except possibly one more chance for me to shine. Definitely CYA behavior by the party drones.

Without going back to search, did someone here call possible Sec. of State for HRC?

Yep, that was me, a couple of months ago. He owes her. Plus, she'd do a superb job. IMO, State is the highest profile appointment. Not sure if I'd want that job, these days anyway, but what a outstanding choice she'd be.

State is the highest profile appointment Exactly! It would be almost like being President, on foreign policy. I'm curious if that's the deal they made. ;-)

From the No S**t, Sherlock! Dept: AP NewsBreak: Gulf War vet health research lacking http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081114/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/gulf_war_illness;_ylt=AnSC_UhMX1yIquZQNBGEtsSs0NUE

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/us/politics/15clinton.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin I would Hill as Sect. of State, it is the most important cabinet post, IMO. I see O is also meeting with McCain, would love him as Sect. of Defense, what an improvement over that maniac Rumsfeld. There is also talk of making Howard Dean Sect. of Health (guess he'll take care of the healthcare revolution), and Donna Brazile as the DNC Chair.

Independent scientists have declared that the symptoms of veterans of the 1991 Gulf War do not constitute a single syndrome. They have pointed to pesticide, used to control insects, and pyridostigmine bromide pills, given to protect troops from nerve agents, as probable culprits for some of the varied symptoms. That's disgusting. They are used as guinea pigs. The WW2 Vets, have they suffered as much?

what an improvement over that maniac Rumsfeld. Did you miss something, Moon? I think he resigned awhile ago. ;-) the symptoms of veterans of the 1991 Gulf War do not constitute a single syndrome. They have pointed to pesticide, used to control insects, and pyridostigmine bromide pills, given to protect troops from nerve agents, as probable culprits for some of the varied symptoms. Chemical weapons, too.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War_syndrome (scroll down to Chemical Weapons section)

(Moon) The WW2 Vets, have they suffered as much? As I recall, WWI was far worse in sheer numbers of casualties and medical/psychological impact.

(Dorine), Did you miss something, Moon? I think he resigned awhile ago. ;-) I know that, and it was a happy day, but he was still a maniac, and we are still suffering for his shortcomings.

he was still a maniac, and we are still suffering for his shortcomings. Can't disagree.

Frank Rich: Election junkies in acute withdrawal need suffer no longer. Though the exciting Obama-McCain race is over, the cockfight among the losers has only just begun. The conservative crackup may be ugly, but as entertainment, it�s two thumbs up! http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/opinion/16rich.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Hillary Clinton accepts role of Secretary of State, according to the Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/hillary-clinton-secretary-of-state

So the Guardian has the *inside* word? Hmmmm Saw a piece on TV about how difficult it will probably be to vet her and Bill for the office, especially given the foreign donations to his Global Initiative foundation. There was a specific dealing involving a Canadian mining guy and Kazakhstan that looks like it will likely cause huge problems, plus some Saudi ones. However, if the Saudi connections didn't bother anybody about the Bush administration, I don't know...

Obama can easily fill that promise to have a Republican in his administration by giving the Treasury job to Volcker.

Hey, the lady who ran with the rabid fox is going to be on Letterman next. Can't wait!

(Karen) Saw a piece on TV about how difficult it will probably be to vet her and Bill for the office, especially given the foreign donations to his Global Initiative foundation. Saw similar in the NYT this morning. For real about the fox woman?!

Vetting The Clintons by Scout Finch Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 01:50:04 PM PST Talk is heating up that Hillary Clinton may become the next Secretary of State. Since word leaked out Obama and Hillary met in Chicago, neither camp has moved to dispel the rumors. Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton have kept their conversations tightly held, but that silence has only convinced some associates that the prospect is serious. �No one has called to say, �Don�t get too far on this,� � said James Carville, a longtime Clinton friend and adviser. �A silent phone�s sometimes as much of an indication as a ringing phone.� The NYT also reports Team Obama is vetting Bill Clinton. Obama advisers are discussing what Mr. Clinton would need to do to avoid a conflict of interest with the duties of his wife, who is said to be interested in the post. �That�s the first and most important hurdle,� said a senior adviser to Mr. Obama. �He does good work. No one wants it to stop, but a structure to avoid conflicts must be thought of.� Bill Clinton seems to be encouraging the idea: Speaking at an economic conference in Kuwait, Mr. Clinton openly acknowledged the possibility. �If he decided to ask her and they did it together, I think she�ll be really great as a secretary of state,� he said. �She worked very hard for his election after the primary fight with him, and so did I, and we were very glad that he won.� Hillary Clinton as SoS is a win-win. And given the fact Obama has repeatedly talked of admiring Lincoln's ability to bring even his most bitter rivals into his administration, it makes perfect sense. It gives her an important role in the Obama administration, continues to build her foreign policy cred, and will keep her out of Senate meddling and Obama's hair. As Bill Clinton notes, Hillary worked hard for Obama after the primary and would be a great Secretary of State. But, he also sneaks in a comment about how hard he worked... apparently angling for his own reward. It would seem the only thing standing between Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State is... Bill Clinton. Update with clarification: I do not believe that Bill Clinton is angling for any sort of a formal job with the administration. I do believe it is possible some symbolic gesture may be made toward him by the Obama administration. That is all. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/17/0279/4449/967/662119

Hey Karen, What was the name of the woman with the rabid fox? That's my home town (Prescott, AZ - actually, I heard it was in the Chino Valley, which is nearby), so I'm wondering if I might know her... ;-) Personally, I'd love to see Bill Clinton as Australian Ambassador, but then, I'm a bit biased. ;-) The Aussies absolutely adore him, though. Wonder if they'd consider divorce for her to get SoS? Do you think that would be enough "distance" between them?

There's a small edited version up at the Late Show site: http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/dave_tv/highlights/index/php/bigshowhighlight.phtml When Animals Attack! Fox attack survivor Michelle Felicetta tells her true story while Emma Thompson just fakes it. It's a shame as they cut out the blow-by-blow account of what happened, although they have included Emma Thompson's entrance later. She never mentions specifically the place, only that it was a canyon area. Prescott was mentioned at one point. Maybe when she talked about going to the hospital. Think I'll check YouTube to see if anyone has the whole thing up. Found a reference to the attack occurring at Granite Mountain.

Hillary might reject State offer Hillary Rodham Clinton isn�t certain she would accept the Secretary of State post even if Barack Obama offers it to her, several people close to the former first lady say. Press reports that portray Clinton as willing to accept the job � once the Obama transition team vets Bill Clinton�s philanthropic and business ventures � are inaccurate, one Clinton insider told Politico. �A lot of the speculation and reporting is out ahead of the facts here,� said the person, who requested anonymity. �She is still weighing this, independent of President Clinton's work.� Clinton, the person said, remains deeply �torn� between the possibility of serving in Obama�s cabinet and remaining in the Senate to �help pass health care and work on a broad range of domestic issues.� That comment jibes with what others close to Clinton have been saying since the Secretary of State chatter began last week: that Clinton is conflicted and the deal far from done, despite screaming headlines in outlets including the U.K.�s Guardian newspaper claiming the offer was made and accepted. Most of the speculation about Clinton�s frame of mind in the last few days has been off-base, sources say, because she�s played her cards close to the vest, consulting only her husband and two or three kitchen cabinet advisers. �We�ve gotten rid of all the other idiots,� joked one Clinton confidant, a reference to the Clinton campaign�s propensity for leaks. The Clinton camp�s effort to downplay her interest in the post might simply reflect her need to create an alternative storyline if the deal falls apart for other reasons, including the possibility that insurmountable problems arise during the vetting process, Democrats not connected with Clinton cautioned. Another possible motivation: Pushing back against the perception that she�s at the mercy of Obama�s team. �Everybody wants to be perceived as being in the driver�s seat,� said a top Democratic official. �She�s no different.� Obama isn�t likely to make a formal offer of the post to Clinton unless he�s given assurances that Bill Clinton�s global charitable foundation won�t create future conflicts of interest with foreign governments. The Clinton Foundation has earned praise for its efforts to eradicate AIDS, malaria and poverty in Africa. But it could prove problematic if the former president continues to arrange donations from foreign countries at the same time that his wife serves as secretary of state. Obama�s vetting team expressed similar concerns about Bill Clinton�s overseas fundraising when Hillary Clinton was briefly considered for the vice-presidency. http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20081118/pl_politico/15738;_ylt=Ap7VAXmFXGtpbgamD6ysX4Ss0NUE

Obama isn�t likely to make a formal offer of the post to Clinton unless he�s given assurances that Bill Clinton�s global charitable foundation won�t create future conflicts of interest with foreign governments. LOL! He wants her... he wants her NOT. ;-) Saw Letterman last night. The fox incident was worse than I thought. Kuddos to MichelleF. Now Emma Thompsom, did you see her thighs? Very unflattering outfit. Should be discussed at O&E. ;-)

Yeah, Emma looks to have put on a few pounds. Thought I heard on news that Bill has offerred to turn over all the financial records for the foundation.

Bill has offerred to turn over all the financial records for the foundation. I was reading a comment somewhere that Bill knew she was going to run for President so one would think he'd have made sure not to have such issues.

Another FU from BushCo by mcjoan Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 01:42:05 PM PST The Bush administration has given the incoming Obama team (and the American people) yet another middle finger. First they announced--on Election Day, the day the American people decisively rejected "drill, baby, drill"--that they were putting huge swaths of Utah's most beautiful and fragile canyonlands under the auction block. Now they think they've figured out a way to make their policy of "rape the land first, don't bother with the questions ever" permanent. It's hard to come up with a word other than despicable to describe what the Washington Post reports about the outgoing Bushies: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/18/123318/49/279/662807

Karen: Found a reference to the attack occurring at Granite Mountain. Interesting! I've hiked at Granite Mountain heaps of times. (It's not a very big "mountain" - more like a butte, really. I don't ever remember hearing about rabies in any of our wild animals in the area, I hope this isn't the beginning of a trend. There are a fair few bats in that region, though, so they could have transmitted it. Glad I didn't run into any rabid wildlife when I lived there! There are mountain lions in that region, as well as bobcats, raccoons, skunks and of course, a ton of coyotes. I don't remember seeing many foxes, though. Looks like Obama's named Eric Holder for Attorney General: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7736639.stm

(Dorine) I was reading a comment somewhere that Bill knew she was going to run for President so one would think he'd have made sure not to have such issues. When you win an election, you don't have to go before the Senate and get its approval. (Sarah) I don't ever remember hearing about rabies in any of our wild animals in the area The woman mentioned that the fox kind of smelled like a skunk. Could be the fox got rabies from it. She knew something was off because animals generally steer clear of humans. As it showed in the joke animation, the fox was just standing there and, as she tried to back away, it walked up to her and bit her toe first.

Definitely unnatural behavior for a fox not to run away from a human being. Almost always an indicator of some sort of disease - glad to hear the woman was so level-headed. I used to do skunk and bat rescue (in San Diego) and had the series of five (preventative) shots for rabies - it's not that bad these days, you can get it in the arm or hip (as opposed to the stomach, as used to be required), and it's about like a tetanus shot (I actually found it to be less painful than my last tetanus).

(Karen) When you win an election, you don't have to go before the Senate and get its approval. Of course, but things of his would be dug up and used against them both at some point, to at the least distract her (as was done with Clinton/Lewinsky) and taint her as well.

I have a feeling that Hillary would have preferred to be Sect. of Health. The health care issue is so important to her. There was a chance for her to be the health tzar. Obama is playing a game with her. Kumbaya my Lord!

Actually, Moon, I wouldn't mind seeing Hillary as Sec of Health, but Sec of State gives her a much better shot at becoming POTUS later...

Hill would be a great SoS. It is the most prestigious post to be had. I just hope O makes that announcement soon. I don't think Hill will run at 68.

Clinton accepts Obama secretary of state offer: NY Times WASHINGTON (Reuters) � New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has accepted an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become U.S. secretary of state, joining her former Democratic rival to help guide U.S. foreign policy, the New York Times said on Friday. The newspaper quoted two Clinton associates who said she came to her decision after additional discussions with Obama about the nature of her role as the top U.S. diplomat and his foreign policy plans. "She's ready," one of the sources told the newspaper, which posted the report on its website. Clinton emerged as a frontrunner for the secretary of state job late last week, transfixing a country which had seen her compete hard against Obama to win the Democratic nomination for the presidency. Obama clinched that nomination in June and then beat Republican John McCain in the November 4 election. Democratic Party sources have recently said Clinton, was on track to be nominated, with an official announcement expected after the November 27 Thanksgiving holiday. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081121/pl_nm/us_usa_obama_clinton

The NYT story: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/us/politics/22obama.html?_r=1&hp Interesting. I didn't know she was disenchanted to some degree with her role and reception in the Senate.

Considering that most/all endorsed O, I can understand her disenchantment. Reid has been condesending to her now as well. He makes me sick. This country should be happy and proud to have her as SoS.

Here's what I've heard: she wanted to lead the Senate charge on health care, and then Ted "Lazarus" Kennedy said, not so fast, I ain't dead yet, that's my baby. The other day he said he wanted her to head his "working committee" on health care. Gee, thanks a lot. Supposedly BO will announce her as SOS after Thanksgiving. They are still dotting the i's and crossing the t's on vetting Bill C's Foundation's financial arrangements with foreign donors. It will be a shame to see him have to curtail that work; his foundation has done a helluva job, especially in places like Atrica, where a $10 mosquito net makes the difference between a kid living and dying, and putting the strong arm on the U.S. drug manufacturers to donate or sell at very low cost their HIV medications. But Hillary will do a great job. She has her work cut out for her. Lots of fences to mend, and some badly-needed changes in direction to be made. And honestly, with the country just about broke and in debt up to our eyeballs, I have to wonder how much health care is going to be achieved in the next few years.

Interesting also.... "Talking Points Memo has an interesting take on the Clinton nomination. Hillary still owes $7.5 million to various vendors for her campaign.....$5.4 million of that is owed to Mark Penn for services rendered. While she has nearly cut her debt in half since June, all fundraising would have to end if she accepts the position. Obama is considering Clinton for secretary of state. As a Cabinet member Clinton would face fundraising restrictions to retire her vendor debt. A 2001 advisory opinion by the federal Office of Special Counsel said a federal employee who still had a campaign debt would be prohibited from "personally soliciting, accepting or receiving political contributions." Clinton could name an agent from her campaign committee to continue to organize and hold fundraising events to retire the debt. Clinton would be limited to attending a fundraising event and simply stating her appreciation to donors." http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/21/18312/761/285/664851

Thank you, Dorine. I hope I'm not the only one here thinking that BO still hates her. He owes her and will offer SoS, but don't you believe it would have been his first choice. They are still dotting the i's and crossing the t's on vetting Bill C's Foundation's financial arrangements with foreign donors. Double standards. Bill Clinton's organization has been doing outstanding work, as Mari said. BO has yet to release anything on his foreign contributions. He wants to put his cabinet through an ethics standard that he himself can not pass. But what the hell, he's got the power, he knows how to use it. Kumbaya and all that jazz.

(Moon) but don't you believe it would have been his first choice. May be, but really, so what? She'll get it in the end and I think she's a fabulous choice. I'm certain that was part of a deal struck way back when, when it came up here before. I don't expect them to be best buds or even like each other. Politics make strange bedfellows. As long as they're effective, they could poke each other with pins daily for all I care.

LOL, what? Take out the voodoo doll, you think? ;-) Frankly, I don't care either, just make the bloody announcement already.

Have you seen this? http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081120/od_afp/ushistoryeducationoffbeat You can take the quiz here: http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx I did pretty well. Only missed 3. A little too esoteric for me. ;-)

I saw the story, but didn't have time to take the quiz at the time.

It's multiple choice, not essay. ;-)

Interesting quiz! I missed 6. Most were questions about the economy. My brain must be on economic overload from reading too much recent news.

vg, Marlene! Well above average, that's for sure. BTW, there are a couple of reasons why I would do well on this quiz, one being I majored in History. ;-)

I'm not sure how his charitable Foundation is working, but if well, I hope these arrangements don't become detrimental to the work and those who benefit from it. Officials: Obama set to introduce Clinton Monday * Buzz Up * Send o Email o IM * Share o Digg o Facebook o Newsvine o del.icio.us o Reddit o StumbleUpon o Technorati o Yahoo! Bookmarks * Print By BETH FOUHY, Associated Press Writer Beth Fouhy, Associated Press Writer � 17 mins ago Featured Topics: * Barack Obama * Presidential Transition Obama: 'Coming together to overcome adversity' Play Video AP � Obama: 'Coming together to overcome adversity' * Hillary Clinton Slideshow: Hillary Clinton * Obama to name Clinton secretary of state on Mon. Play Video Video: Obama to name Clinton secretary of state on Mon. AP * With Obama, will the US turn green ? Play Video Video: With Obama, will the US turn green ? AFP In this Nov. 21, 2008 file photo, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., attends AP � In this Nov. 21, 2008 file photo, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., attends a memorial ceremony for � A deal with Bill Clinton over his post-White House work helped clear the way for Hillary Rodham Clinton to join President-elect Barack Obama's national security team as secretary of state, reshaping a once-bitter rivalry into a high-profile strategic and diplomatic union. Obama was to be joined by the New York senator at a Chicago news conference Monday, Democratic officials said, where he also planned to announce that Defense Secretary Robert Gates would remain in his job for a year or more and that retired Marine General James M. Jones would serve as national security adviser. The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly for the transition team. To make it possible for his wife to become the top U.S. diplomat, the officials said, former President Clinton agreed: _to disclose the names of every contributor to his foundation since its inception in 1997 and all contributors going forward. _to refuse donations from foreign governments to the Clinton Global Initiative, his annual charitable conference. _to cease holding CGI meetings overseas. _to volunteer to step away from day-to-day management of the foundation while his wife is secretary of state. _to submit his speaking schedule to review by the State Department and White House counsel. _to submit any new sources of income to a similar ethical review. Bill Clinton's business deals and global charitable endeavors had been expected to create problems for the former first lady's nomination. But in negotiations with the Obama transition team, the former president agreed to several measures designed to bring transparency to those activities. "It's a big step," said Sen. Richard G. Lugar of Indiana, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who said he plans to vote to confirm Clinton. The former president long had refused to disclose the identities of contributors to his foundation, saying many gave money on condition that they not be identified. Lugar said there would still be "legitimate questions" raised about the former president's extensive international involvement. "I don't know how, given all of our ethics standards now, anyone quite measures up to this who has such cosmic ties, but ... hopefully, this team of rivals will work," Lugar said. Obama's choice of Hillary Clinton was an extraordinary gesture of good will after a year in which the two rivals competed for the Democratic nomination in a long, bitter primary battle. They clashed repeatedly on foreign affairs. Obama criticized Clinton for her vote to authorize the Iraq war. Clinton said Obama lacked the experience to be president and she chided him for saying he would meet with leaders of nations such as Iran and Cuba without conditions. The bitterness began melting away in June after Clinton ended her campaign and endorsed Obama. She went on to campaign for him in his general election contest against Republican Sen. John McCain. Advisers said Obama had for several months envisioned Clinton as his top diplomat, and he invited her to Chicago to discuss the job just a week after the Nov. 4 election. The two met privately Nov. 13 in Obama's transition office in downtown Chicago. Clinton was said to be interested and then to waver, concerned about relinquishing her Senate seat and the political independence it conferred. Those concerns were largely resolved after Obama assured her she would be able to choose a staff and have direct access to him, advisers said. Remaining in the Senate also may not have been an attractive choice for Clinton. Despite her political celebrity, she is a relatively junior senator without prospects for a leadership position or committee chairmanship anytime soon. Some Democrats and government insiders have questioned whether Clinton is too independent and politically ambitious to serve Obama as secretary of state. But a senior Obama adviser has said the president-elect had been enthusiastic about naming Clinton to the position from the start, believing she would bring instant stature and credibility to U.S. diplomatic relations and the advantages to her serving far outweigh potential downsides. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the Clintons will have to tread carefully to avoid the appearance of conflicts. "The presumption will be that both Secretary of State Clinton and former President Clinton will be very judicious in what they take on, because there's a new dimension here," Reed said. Lugar and Reed both spoke on ABC's "This Week." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081130/ap_on_go_pr_wh/clinton_secretary_of_state;_ylt=Ag2vSeEUprsMExJdb7U.oeWs0NUE

Wow, talk about being half awake and poor copyediting on my part.... :-((

As I've said before, Obama has not been put through what he's doing to Bill Clinton. Kumbaya! The former president long had refused to disclose the identities of contributors to his foundation, saying many gave money on condition that they not be identified. OK, I was one of them. ;-) I want to know about Kumbaya's foreign donations, who are they, which countries are they from... double standards. But I knew that. Clinton's organization has done so much good in the world, and Kumbaya is putting a big dent in what he can do. F total power freak, but I knew that.

Footage of Hillary's SOS acceptance speech: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4640300n&tag=centerColumn;centerColumnContent

Ah, there was speculation about whether he'd give her time to say something as he hasn't for some of his other picks, but I couldn't see how he couldn't, her of all people. Yay for the official nomination.

Thank you Mari. She's so well spoken and so "presidential."

(Moon) As I've said before, Obama has not been put through what he's doing to Bill Clinton. A president doesn't have to vetted by a Senate subcommittee.

I know, Karen. But not even the Media care to put him through it. He's a smart man, right know, the best defense is offense and as long as he keeps scoring, everyone is happy. No questions asked. ;-)

Constitutionally, the Media isn't required to. ;-)

LOL, you're absolutely right. They pick and chose their battles. ;-)

Gosh, it was only yesterday that I remember sitting in a booth at Balthazar's, arguing with someone about whether we were in a recession or not. Seems it officially started last December...

*snort* Believe me, I'd already planned to point that out tomorrow....er, later. ;-D

Finally, banging on these guys' heads with a sledgehammer has paid off or the PR firm they've hired, says cynically me: Ford says CEO will work for $1 to get loans By TOM KRISHER and KIMBERLY S. JOHNSON, AP Auto Writers Tom Krisher And Kimberly S. Johnson, Ap Auto Writers 7 mins ago DETROIT � Ford Motor Co. will tell Congress that it plans to return to a pretax profit or break even in 2011 when the Detroit Three automakers' CEOs appear before lawmakers this week to request $25 billion in government loans. Ford CEO Alan Mulally said he'll work for $1 per year if the company has to take any government loan money. After grilling the CEOs at hearings last month, Congressional leaders demanded plans from the automakers by Tuesday to show that they will survive if they get federal funds. The plan Ford submitted said the company will cancel all management employees' 2009 bonuses and will not pay any merit increases for its North American salaried employees next year. The company also said it will sell its five corporate aircraft. The CEOs of all three Detroit automakers were harshly criticized during last month's hearings for flying to Washington in separate corporate jets. Mulally said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday that Ford will give much more detail to Congress than it did previously, and the company will emphasize the steps it has taken to cut its labor costs with the United Auto Workers union. Mulally said Ford will seek $9 billion as its share of the loan money but may not need to use it. The Dearborn-based company has said it has enough cash to make it through next year without assistance. As part of the plan submitted to Congress, Ford said it does not anticipate a liquidity crisis in 2009, "barring a bankruptcy by one of its domestic competitors or a more severe economic downturn that would further cripple automotive sales." The loan would provide a safeguard against worsening conditions, the company said. The company said it will accelerate plans to roll out electric vehicles as part of its plan. "We are going to do that across our product line," Mulally said in the interview. The first plug-in vehicle will be a Transit Connect small van for commercial use in 2010 and a car the size of the Ford Focus compact the following year. Ford also said it will accelerate plans for hybrid gas-electric vehicles. Mulally said he will encourage automakers and parts suppliers to join forces to develop new battery technologies in the U.S. for future electric cars so the country doesn't rely on foreign batteries. "We don't want to trade oil for batteries," he said. Ford's plan calls for an investment of up to $14 billion to improve fuel efficiency over the next seven years. The company said would improve the overall efficiency of its fleet by an average of 14 percent in 2009. The CEOs of the Detroit Three are scheduled to appear before congressional committees Thursday and Friday. Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp. have said they are perilously low on cash and need the government loans to survive the recession and the worst auto sales environment in 25 years. GM and Chrysler were to submit their plans to Congress later in the day. The CEOs were skewered on their first visit in November, when lawmakers criticized them for high labor costs and products that aren't competitive with foreign automakers. "I think we learned a lot from that experience," Mulally said in the interview, adding that the CEOs were there last time to discuss the progress of the industry, not a plan for viability. Ford's new plan is 32 pages long, plus an appendix, and it includes much detail that was lacking during the first visit. The company says its plan to achieve profitability or break even by 2011 is based on industrywide sales estimates of 12.5 million units in 2009, 14.5 million in 2010 and 15.5 million in 2011. The seasonally adjusted annual sales rate dropped to 10.6 million vehicles in October. Ford shares rose 25 cents, or 9.8 percent, to $2.80 in midday trading. Ford's plan said it will reduce its number of dealers by 606 to 3,790 by the end of the year. It will also trim the number of major sourcing suppliers it uses to 750 from 1,600. Ford reiterated its intention to offload Volvo, by either selling the Swedish automaker or spinning it off into a separate company. Since 2007, Ford has sold its Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover lines. It also sold most of its stake in Madza.

See, to a certain extent PR-driven. But practically, they weren't going to get a dime if they didn't publicly make amends. From another AP article: General Motors Corp., Ford and Chrysler LLC said they would refinance their companies' debt, cut executive pay, seek concessions from workers and find other ways of reviving their staggering companies. The Big Three executives also are offering a series of mostly symbolic moves to burnish their images, badly tattered after they arrived in Washington D.C. last month on three separate private jets to plead for a federal lifeline for their struggling companies. All three companies offered separate plans for hearings that will be held Thursday and Friday. That approach the auto executives took last month led Democratic congressional leaders to declare they didn't come prepared to justify their pleas and they told them to go back home and ready a new plan. This week, the automakers are going out of their way to show deference to lawmakers and a willingness to flog themselves for past mistakes. "I think we learned a lot from that experience," Ford CEO Alan Mulally told The Associated Press in an interview. Mulally said he'd work for $1 per year if his firm had to take any government loan money. The company's plan also says it will cancel all management employees' 2009 bonuses, scrap merit increases for its North American salaried employees next year, and sell its five corporate aircraft. And for this week's appearances here, all three company chiefs will skip the lavish travel arrangements. Mulally is coming by car [Ed note: I believe they got the idea from SNL] from Detroit for this week's second round of congressional hearings on government help for the Big Three. GM Chief Rick Wagoner will drive a Chevrolet Malibu hybrid sedan for the 520-mile trek from Detroit to Capitol Hill, spokesman Tony Cervone said Tuesday. And Chrysler LLC CEO Robert Nardelli won't travel by corporate jet, but a spokeswoman declined to elaborate on his travel plans, citing security reasons. The unions were preparing to make sacrifices as well. United Auto Workers leaders summoned local union leaders from across the country to an emergency meeting Wednesday in Detroit to discuss concessions the union could make to help auto companies get government loans. U.S. automakers are struggling to stay afloat heading into 2009 under the weight of an economic meltdown, the worst auto sales in decades and a tight credit market. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler went through nearly $18 billion in cash reserves during the last quarter, and GM and Chrysler have said they could collapse in weeks. Meanwhile, the auto companies released new sales numbers that underlined the punishing business environment facing the Big Three. Ford said its November U.S. light vehicle sales tumbled 31 percent amid a continued slump in consumer spending and tight credit markets. Sales at Toyota, Japan's No. 1 automaker, fell 34 percent despite its extension of zero-percent financing on a dozen vehicles. Ford's blueprint said it would invest $14 billion over the next seven years to boost its vehicles' fuel-efficiency, and improve the overall efficiency of its fleet by an average of 14 percent next year. And Ford is calling for a new partnership among automakers, parts suppliers and the government to develop new battery technologies domestically, so the U.S. doesn't have to rely on foreign batteries � as it now does on foreign oil � to power its cars. GM will outline efforts to negotiate swapping some of the company's debt for equity stakes in the automaker, either shares or warrants for them, said two people briefed on the company's plan. With eight separate brands, GM will also discuss efforts to shed brands but it would prefer to sell them instead of shutting down Pontiac, Saturn or Saab, said one of the people briefed on the plan. Killing off brands, like GM did with Oldsmobile in 2004, would require cash the company doesn't have, the person said. The people briefed on GM's preparations didn't want to be identified because the plan hadn't been completed. Chrysler is expected to outline changes that would include a swap of debt in the company for equity stakes and reductions in some vehicle models, according to a person who was briefed on the plan. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions were private. GM, according to its quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, owes creditors $45 billion and it must pay more than $7.5 billion early in 2010 to a UAW-administered trust fund that will take over retiree health care payments. Ford owes more than $26 billion, with $6.3 billion due to its UAW trust fund at the end of 2009. Chrysler, a private company, does not have to open its books, but its CEO, Nardelli, has said it would be difficult for the company to make it without federal aid. All three likely are negotiating with the UAW for delays in payments to the trusts. The companies are resisting calls for bankruptcy, arguing that no one would buy a car from an automaker that may not survive the life of the vehicle. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081202/ap_on_go_co/meltdown_autos

I am disappointed that the Obamas did not chose to place their girls in public school. There is an excellent one a few blocks from the White House. My friends who have girls at Sidwell were informed that they will have to change their drop-off schedule. No one is allowed to be around when the O girls get dropped off.

What does that mean, no one around? How far is around? I'm surprised by this.... Caroline Kennedy interested in NY Senate seat By DEVLIN BARRETT and BETH FOUHY, Associated Press Writers 1 hr 7 mins ago WASHINGTON � Caroline Kennedy is interested in the Senate seat that would open once Hillary Rodham Clinton becomes secretary of state, according to a close relative who says the powerful Kennedy clan is fully behind her rising to the office previously held by her uncle. "I know she's interested," Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Friday. "She spent a lot of her life balancing public service with obligations to her family. Now her children are grown, and she is ready to move onto a bigger stage." Once Clinton is confirmed to President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet, New York Gov. David Paterson will appoint someone to fill the seat for two years. The Kennedy family's connections and history cannot force Paterson to choose Caroline, who is the daughter of President John F. Kennedy. But the family's strong support could increase pressure on Paterson to choose her above lesser-known contenders. Seeking the Senate seat would also be a significant departure from the life that she has lived until now, zealously guarding her family's privacy � and her own. Robert Kennedy said the family would come out en masse for her if she does get the appointment and has to run for election in 2010. "If she runs, you will see more Kennedys than you have ever seen in your life," he said. An environmental lawyer who took himself out of consideration for the Senate seat earlier this week, Robert Kennedy said he has spoken to his cousin about the position and is one of "many, many people" urging her to seek it. He also offered a policy rationale for her in the role: education. "She's probably one of the leading advocates in the nation on public education. She feels a lot of the issues she's worked on are in danger of being shunted aside because of the economic crisis," he said. Democrats said Caroline Kennedy and Paterson have already spoken about the Senate seat, and she is interested. After two New York Democrats said Kennedy and the governor are expected to meet privately to discuss the matter Saturday, the governor's spokesman said they do not have a meeting planned. Kennedy is the niece of Edward and Robert Kennedy. Robert Kennedy held the New York seat from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. Edward Kennedy has been a senator from Massachusetts since 1963. As a prominent member of the Kennedy clan, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is the kind of high-profile, historic figure who could overshadow many other New York politicians hoping to be Paterson's choice. The governor has said he is in no rush to make a decision, and Clinton is not giving up the seat before she is confirmed as President-elect Barack Obama's secretary of state. "The governor has not yet reached out to any potential candidates," said Paterson's spokesman, Errol Cockfield. "He has been approached by several candidates. Any discussions related to that selection are private and the governor will not comment about speculation before a decision is made." Whoever Paterson appoints would serve for two years and then have to run in a special election in 2010, along with Paterson and New York's senior senator, Charles Schumer. The candidate would then have to run again in 2012. Kennedy has strong connections to incoming Obama administration officials � though Obama transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter insisted they were not involved in any way with the search for the next U.S. senator from New York. As a prominent booster of Barack Obama's presidential bid, Kennedy spent much of 2008 taking bigger steps onto the public stage. As famous as she is, she always has been viewed as almost painfully shy. She met her husband, Edwin Schlossberg, while working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They married in 1986 and have three children. She made a splash in early 2008 by writing an op-ed column for The New York Times declaring her support for Obama, saying he had the potential to be as inspirational to Americans as her father was in the 1960s. She also spoke at the Democratic National Convention. She then hit the campaign trail with Obama, and worked on the vice-presidential search that eventually settled on Joe Biden. Caroline Kennedy is easily the most famous contender for Clinton's Senate seat, but there are plenty of others. New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is widely known in the state. Paterson could also pick Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown or Tom Suozzi, a Long Island elected official. There are also a number of House members in the running, including Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Kirsten Gillibrand, Steve Israel, Brian Higgins, Nydia Velazquez and Jerrold Nadler. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081206/ap_on_el_se/kennedy_senate_seat

Typing Without a Clue By TIMOTHY EGAN Published: December 6, 2008 The unlicensed pipe fitter known as Joe the Plumber is out with a book this month, just as the last seconds on his 15 minutes are slipping away. I have a question for Joe: Do you want me to fix your leaky toilet? I didn�t think so. And I don�t want you writing books. Not when too many good novelists remain unpublished. Not when too many extraordinary histories remain unread. Not when too many riveting memoirs are kicked back at authors after 10 years of toil. Not when voices in Iran, North Korea or China struggle to get past a censor�s gate. Joe, a k a Samuel J. Wurzelbacher, was no good as a citizen, having failed to pay his full share of taxes, no good as a plumber, not being fully credentialed, and not even any good as a faux American icon. Who could forget poor John McCain at his most befuddled, calling out for his working-class surrogate on a day when Joe stiffed him. With a r�sum� full of failure, he now thinks he can join the profession of Mark Twain, George Orwell and Joan Didion. Next up may be Sarah Palin, who is said to be worth nearly $7 million if she can place her thoughts between covers. Publishers: with all the grim news of layoffs and staff cuts at the venerable houses of American letters, can we set some ground rules for these hard times? Anyone who abuses the English language on such a regular basis should not be paid to put words in print. Here�s Palin�s response, after Matt Lauer asked her when she knew the election was lost: �I had great faith that, you know, perhaps when that voter entered that voting booth and closed that curtain that what would kick in for them was, perhaps, a bold step that would have to be taken in casting a vote for us, but having to put a lot of faith in that commitment we tried to articulate that we were the true change agent that would progress this nation.� I have no idea what she said in that thicket of words. Most of the writers I know work every day, in obscurity and close to poverty, trying to say one thing well and true. Day in, day out, they labor to find their voice, to learn their trade, to understand nuance and pace. And then, facing a sea of rejections, they hear about something like Barbara Bush�s dog getting a book deal. Writing is hard, even for the best wordsmiths. Ernest Hemingway said the most frightening thing he ever encountered was �a blank sheet of paper.� And Winston Churchill called the act of writing a book �a horrible, exhaustive struggle, like a long bout of painful illness.� When I heard J.T.P. had a book, I thought of that Chris Farley skit from �Saturday Night Live.� He�s a motivational counselor, trying to keep some slacker youths from living in a van down by the river, just like him. One kid tells him he wants to write. �La-di-frickin�-da!� Farley says. �We got ourselves a writer here!� If Joe really wants to write, he should keep his day job and spend his evenings reading Rick Reilly�s sports columns, Peggy Noonan�s speeches, or Jess Walter�s fiction. He should open Dostoevsky or Norman Maclean � for osmosis, if nothing else. He should study Frank McCourt on teaching or Annie Dillard on writing. The idea that someone who stumbled into a sound bite can be published, and charge $24.95 for said words, makes so many real writers think the world is unfair. Our next president is a writer, which may do something to elevate standards in the book industry. The last time a true writer occupied the White House was a hundred years ago, with Teddy Roosevelt, who wrote 13 books before his 40th birthday. Barack Obama�s first book, the memoir of a mixed-race man, is terrific. Outside of a few speeches, he will probably not write anything memorable until he�s out office, but I look forward to that presidential memoir. For the others � you friends of celebrities penning cookbooks, you train wrecks just out of rehab, you politicians with an agent but no talent � stop soaking up precious advance money. I know: publishers say they print garbage so that real literature, which seldom makes any money, can find its way into print. True, to a point. But some of them print garbage so they can buy more garbage. There was a time when I wanted to be like Sting, the singer, belting out, �Roxanne ...� I guess that�s why we have karaoke, for fantasy night. If only there was such a thing for failed plumbers, politicians or celebrities who think they can write. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/opinion/07egan.html?em

(Dorine) I'm surprised by this.... In hindsight though it makes sense, especially when viewed through Machiabellian lenses. ;-)

Jon's automaker/Congress segment last Thursday was priceless. You may need to watch the videoclip from the entire episode, as this is missing is outcry at the very end to give them their money, which apparently is now going to happen from today's headlines: http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=212876&title=Clusterf#@k-to-the-Poor-House---Bean-on-a-Plate-Edition

Iraqi Women, Fighting for a Voice Activists Confront Dual Powers of Religion, Tribalism By Sudarsan Raghavan Washington Post Sunday, December 7, 2008 IRBIL, Iraq -- Hawjin Hama Rashid, a feisty journalist in bluejeans and a frilly blouse, had come to the morgue in this Kurdish city to research tribal killings of women. "A week doesn't pass without at least 10," the morgue director said, showing Rashid pictures of corpses on his computer screen. First, a bloated, pummeled face. Next, a red, shapeless, charred body. "Raped, then burned," the director said. Then, another face, eyes half-closed, stab wounds below her neck. Rashid leaned closer to the screen. It was the bloody corpse of her best friend, Begard Hussein. Hussein had complained to police about her ex-husband, who had threatened to kill her if she refused to annul their divorce. Rashid had wanted to publish a photograph of her friend's body after she was killed in April, but officials said none existed. "They lied to me," Rashid said as she left the morgue, her sorrow fusing with anger. From the southern port city of Basra to bustling Irbil in northern Iraq, Iraqi activists are trying to counter the rising influence of religious fundamentalists and tribal chieftains who have insisted that women wear the veil, prevented girls from receiving education and sanctioned killings of women accused of besmirching their family's honor. In their quest for stability in Iraq, U.S. officials have empowered tribal and religious leaders, Sunni and Shiite, who reject the secularism that Saddam Hussein once largely maintained. These leaders have imposed strict interpretations of Islam and enforced tribal codes that female activists say limit their freedom and encourage violence against them. "Women are being strangled by religion and tribalism," said Muna Saud, a 52-year-old activist in Basra. Read it all here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/06/AR2008120602289.html I have always said that Saddam H was not perfect, but at least Iraq was secular. His cabinet members were mixed religions. Bush was mighty stupid to invade. As usual women are the top victims. :-(

Sounds like Afghanistan.

Exactly. And Iraq was not that way with SH. Bush was very stupid to lessen the US presence in Afghanistan. I feel for those women.

Ill. Gov. arrested in Obama successor probe By MIKE ROBINSON, Associated Press Writer Mike Robinson, Associated Press Writer 13 mins ago CHICAGO � Federal authorities arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday on charges that he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder. Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in the sale of Wrigley Field, according to a federal criminal complaint. In return for state assistance, Blagojevich allegedly wanted members of the paper's editorial board who had been critical of him fired. A 76-page FBI affidavit said the 51-year-old Democratic governor was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps over the last month conspiring to sell or trade the vacant Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife, Patti. Otherwise, Blagojevich considered appointing himself. The affidavit said that as late as Nov. 3, he told his deputy governor that if "they're not going to offer me anything of value I might as well take it." "I'm going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain," Blagojevich allegedly said later that day, according to the affidavit, which also quoted him as saying in a remark punctuated by profanity that the seat was "a valuable thing � you just don't give it away for nothing." The affidavit said Blagojevich also discussed getting a substantial salary for himself at a nonprofit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions. It said Blagojevich also talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director's fees. He also allegedly discussed getting campaign funds for himself or possibly a post in the president's cabinet or an ambassadorship once he left the governor's office. He noted becoming a U.S. senator might remake his image for a possible presidential run in 2016, according to the affidavit. And he allegedly said a Senate seat would also provide him with corporate contacts if he needed a job and present an opportunity for his wife to work as a lobbyist. "I want to make money," the affidavit quotes him as saying in one conversation. The affidavit said Blagojevich expressed frustration at being "stuck" as governor and that he would have access to greater resources if he were indicted while in the U.S. Senate than while sitting as governor. U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said in a statement that "the breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering." "They allege that Blagojevich put a for sale sign on the naming of a United States senator," Fitzgerald said." Among those being considered for the post include U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Jesse Jackson Jr. Blagojevich also was charged with using his authority as governor in an attempt to squeeze out campaign contributions. His chief of staff, John Harris, also was arrested. Corruption in the Blagojevich administration has been the focus of a federal investigation involving an alleged $7 million scheme aimed at squeezing kickbacks out of companies seeking business from the state. Federal prosecutors have acknowledged they're also investigating "serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud" under Blagojevich. Political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko who raised money for the campaigns of both Blagojevich and Obama is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of fraud and other charges. Blagojevich's chief fundraiser, Christopher G. Kelly, is due to stand trial early next year on charges of obstructing the Internal Revenue Service. According to Tuesday's complaint, Blagojevich schemed with Rezko, millionaire-fundraiser turned federal witness Stuart Levine and others to get financial benefits for himself and his campaign committee. Federal prosecutors said Blagojevich and the chairman of his campaign committee have been speeding up corrupt fundraising activities in the last month to get as much money as possible before the end of the year when a new law would curtail his ability to raise contributions from companies with state contracts worth more than $50,000. According to the affidavit, agents learned Blagojevich was seeking $2.5 million in campaign contributions by the end of the year, with a large part allegedly to come from companies and individuals who have gotten state contracts or appointments. Blagojevich took the chief executive's office in 2003 as a reformer promising to clean up former Gov. George Ryan's mess. Ryan, a Republican, is serving a 6-year prison sentence after being convicted on racketeering and fraud charges. A decade-long investigation began with the sale of driver's licenses for bribes and led to the conviction of dozens of people who worked for Ryan when he was secretary of state and governor. FBI spokesman Frank Bochte said federal agents arrested the governor and Harris simultaneously at their homes at 6:15 a.m. and took them to the Chicago FBI headquarters. Bochte said he did not know if either man was handcuffed or if the governor's family was their North Side home at the time of his arrest. He did say Blagojevich and Harris both were given time to get dressed before being taken to the headquarters. He also did not have any details about Blagojevich's arrest, only that he was cooperative with federal agents. "It was a very calm setting," he said. The governor was to appear later Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan to answer the charges. The time was not immediately set. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/blagojevich_corruption_probe

Saw that. Wasn't he just participating at that sit-in at that factory?

U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said in a statement that "the breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering." But one got away... with it... ;-0

Oh, Moon! ;-) Chicago politics is never dull. What's interesting to me is how the other side in this (which now has ALL) the power has gone after him. Yes, this is corruption, but you have no idea how long it took to indict George Ryan and his corruption resulted in the loss of lives.

Karen, all I can is... Al Capone! ;-) Inauguration? Follow All the Bouncing Balls: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/08/AR2008120803769.html Who doesn't love a ball?

*hee hee* As in The Untouchables movie: The Chicago Way

I thought this was a funny post about the Gov from the forum on a real estate site (of all places) I read sometimes.... It's very bipartisan in Chicago - Repub Gov in jail, now the Dem. This quote from the NYTImes article about sums it up: "For example, according to the affidavit, Mr. Blagojevich discussed whether he could strip a Chicago children�s hospital of $8 million in state money after a hospital executive declined to make a $50,000 contribution. He also discussed withholding state assistance from the financially struggling Tribune Company, which owns The Chicago Tribune, unless the newspaper dismissed unfriendly editorial writers." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/10Illinois.html?hp I mean, wow. This is like for a caricature of a bad guy in some disney film. When he laughs, does he go "Muhahahahaha"?

t's very bipartisan in Chicago - Repub Gov in jail, now the Dem. When this one serves his time, it'll be even-Steven: two Dems and two Republicans (Dorine) When he laughs, does he go "Muhahahahaha"? No, actually, he has a very boyish voice. BTW, I just passed by the window factor, as its on Goose Island. On the radio, one of the stations was playing a Blagojevich version of the Lou Bega Mambo No 5 song. It's on YouTube...hysterical http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9eDA4rP_hA

Washington Post Sunday, December 14, 2008; Woman Blinded by Spurned Man Invokes Islamic Retribution TEHRAN -- Ameneh Bahrami once enjoyed photography and mountain vistas. Her work for a medical equipment company gave her financial independence. Several men had asked for her hand in marriage, but the hazel-eyed electrical technician had refused them all. "I wanted to get married, but only to the man I really loved," she said. Four years ago, a spurned suitor poured a bucket of sulfuric acid over her head, leaving her blind and disfigured. Late last month, an Iranian court ordered that five drops of the same chemical be placed in each of her attacker's eyes, acceding to Bahrami's demand that he be punished according to a principle in Islamic jurisprudence that allows a victim to seek retribution for a crime. The sentence has not yet been carried out. The implementation of corporal punishments allowed under Islamic law, including lashing, amputation and stoning, has often provoked controversy in Iran, where many people have decried such sentences as barbaric. This case is different. Tehran journalist Asieh Amini, who writes about human rights and opposes the sentence, said protest has been muted because people have been moved by Bahrami's story. "It's hard not to get emotional over what has happened to her," Amini said. Bahrami, 31, said she has fought long and hard to obtain what she views as justice. "At an age at which I should be putting on a wedding dress, I am asking for someone's eyes to be dripped with acid," she said in a recent interview, as rain poured against the windows of her parents' small apartment in a lower-middle-class neighborhood of Tehran. "I am doing that because I don't want this to happen to any other women." Some officials also said the punishment would be a deterrent. Full article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/13/AR2008121302147.html?nav=hcmodule

Washington Post Foreign Service Sunday, December 14, 2008; 3:04 PM Bush Defends Iraq War During a Farewell Visit Iraqi Journalist Hurls Two Shoes at Bush During Press Conference With Al-Maliki BAGHDAD, Dec. 14 -- Arriving in Baghdad today for a farewell visit, President Bush staunchly defended a war that has taken far more time, money and lives than anticipated, saying the conflict "has not been easy" but was necessary for U.S. security, Iraqi stability and "world peace." But during a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Bush received a taste of the immense resentment many Iraqis feel toward his policies: Just after Bush finished his remarks and said "Thank you" in Arabic, an Iraqi journalist took off his shoes and hurled them both at Bush, one after the other. The incident lent an air of chaos and farce to a trip intended to highlight improving security conditions in the war-torn country. "This is a farewell kiss!" the man, identified as Muntadar al-Zaidi, a reporter with the Cairo-based network Al Baghdadia Television, yelled as he threw the shoes. Bush had to duck out of the way, and narrowly missed being hit, according to on-scene reports. Maliki reached out his hand to shield the president. Zaidi started to yell "Dog, dog!" as he was surrounded by security agents, who tackled him to the floor and began to beat him. Zaidi was later removed from the ornate room where the press conference was taking place. Bush was not injured and joked about the incident. "All I can report is it is a size 10," he said. Zaidi was seated in the second row of seats, about 12 feet from Bush's lectern. Zaidi, colleagues said, was kidnapped by Shiite militiamen last year and was later released. Throwing a shoe at someone is considered the worst possible insult in Iraq, and is meant to show extreme disrespect and hatred towards someone Bush landed in Iraq Sunday under a veil of secrecy for his fourth and presumably final stop as president in a war zone that will be central to defining his turbulent presidency. Air Force One landed in Baghdad at around 4 p.m. local time after a 10-1/2 hour overnight flight from Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington. Bush was scheduled to meet with U.S. troops and Iraqi leaders about a recently completed security agreement, which calls for the withdrawal of U.S. forces by 2011. After meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani at Salam Palace, Bush hailed the security agreement as "a reminder of our friendship and as a way forward to help the Iraqi people realize the blessings of a free society." "The work hasn't been easy, but it has been necessary for American security, Iraqi hope, and world peace," Bush said, adding: "I am just so grateful that I had a chance to come back to Iraq before my presidency ended." Bush's praise for the security agreement is particularly remarkable given that the U.S. administration spent years dismissing proposals for withdrawal timelines as dangerous admissions of defeat. The agreement came after months of hard bargaining by Iraqi leaders, who insisted on a firm date for the removal of U.S. troops. Bush and his aides characterize the agreement as a sign of improvement, and Bush said earlier this week that the fight in Iraq was nearing "a successful end." His last visit comes against a backdrop of declining violence across Iraq, which the Bush Administration attributes to a buildup of thousands of reinforcements last year. U.S. commanders have also credited the lower levels of violence to a ceasefire by anti-American Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr and to the Sunni Awakening, in which former insurgents and tribal leaders turned their weapons against Sunni extremists. Full article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/14/AR2008121401170.html?hpid%3Dtopnews&sub=AR

So according to Islamic Law, Bush will now be able to throw 2 size 10 shoes at the reporter? ;-)