She gave him class

BULLY BOY PRESS & CEDRIC'S BIG MIX -- THE KOOL-AID TABLE   SENATOR BARACK OBAMA IS DAMN LUCKY HILLARY CLINTON PUTS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST.  AFTER ALL THE CRAP SHE TOOK FROM HIS SEWER CAMPAIGN, SHE'S AGREED TO CAMPAIGN WITH HIM IN AN ATTEMPT TO HELP HIM REACH OUT TO WOMEN VOTERS.   NO SOONER DID HE GET HILLARY TO PROP UP HIS LAZY ASS THAN BARACK BEGAN ATTACKING JOHN MCCAIN AS INSENSITIVE TO WOMEN.   THIS WOULD BE THE SAME BARACK WHO SAID LAST WEEK THAT WOMEN VOTERS JUST NEED TO "GET OVER IT" THAT HE STOLE THE NOMINATION FROM THE FIRST WOMAN TO WIN IT FOR A MAJOR PARTY IN THIS COUNTRY.   THESE REPORTERS MET WITH BARACK WHO DECLARED, WHILE PICKING HIS NOSE, OF CLINTON, "I SUPPOSE SHE'S CLASSY ENOUGH.  I MEAN, I DON'T NEED HER.  I DON'T NEED ANYONE.  I'M SAINT BARACK.  I'M CLASSY ENOUGH ON MY OWN."   BARACK PAUSED TO BELCH AND REACH HIS HANDS DOWN THE FRONT OF HIS PANTS FOR A QUICK SCRATCH BEFORE ASKING, "DON'T YOU THINK?"     FROM THE TCI WIRE:     Starting with war resistance.  Stefani E. Barner (Llewellyn Journal) notes, "When Lieutenant Ehren Watada became the first commissioned officer to refuse deployment to Iraq, his cause was met with international support -- and a Court Marshall.  His case ended in a mistrial and at the last update, the Department of Defense was preparing to re-try him on charges of missing troop's movement and conduct unbecoming of an officer.  If the D.o.D. decides to pursue a retrial, Lt. Watada faces up to six years in prison for speaking out against a war that he believes violates the oath he took upon receiving his commission.  While Lt. Watada is not Pagan, his case along with those such as Agustin Aguayo and Camilo Mejia -- both of whom chose to face prosecution and serve jail time rather than participate in a war they opposed -- have inspired some Pagan service personnel to follow suit, and spurred the larger Pagan communtiy to question what role we should play when it comes to the Conscientious Objector."  Pagan resources for Pagan COs and resisters include Sacred Well Congregation, The Covenant of the Goddess, the Military Pagan Network and the Lady Liberty League of Circle Sanctuary.  Barner notes, "In Hanna v. Secretary of the Army (1st Cir., Jan. 9, 2008) the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Army's Conscientious Objector Review Board had no basis for denying CO status to an Army doctor (Capt. Mary Hanna) on the grounds that her beliefs were not gained through 'rigorous training, study, or contemplation.' Because this ruling seems to exclude the need for formal religious instruction such as would typically be obtained through religious classes or from a spiritual authority such as a rabbi or minister, and instead allows individual spiritual and moral authority to influence the decision to seek CO status, Hanna v. Secretary of the Army should be extremely useful in dealing with the confusion that the diversity of Pagan philosophies can often present to organized institutions such as the military."   Last week, outside Fort Knox, war resister James Burmeister's mother held a press conference.  James Burmeister is an Iraq War veteran wounded in the war who went to Canada and came back this year to turn himself in.  Last fall, Maria Hinojosa (NOW on PBS) interviewed him (as well as Agustin Aguayo) and noted, "During his many missions, James was caught in three road-side bombings."  Burmeister explained that after one bombing (which was captured on tape) "I had actually passed out in my room.  Passed out, just hit the floor."   Maria Hinojosa: James says that was the first sign of his post traumatic stress disoreder.  He says doctors thought he also may have sustained a traumatic brain injury, so he was sent to Germany on medical leave.  Two months later, while still on medication, he was ordered back to Iraq.   James Burmeister: They were desperate for people to get back there.  They just needed people in Baghdad.  They just need bodies to man the guns and the equipment.    Maria Hinojosa: James saw only two options: either go back to Iraq . . . or go AWOL, Absent Without Leave, a crime punishable by jail time and even court-martial.    James Burmeister: I got back home -- talked to my wife.  You know, I said, "I think I'm gonna leave."  It was like a 15 minute decision that I'm -- I'm gonna leave -- I'm gonna leave the army."   Saturday, Chris Kenning (Louisville Courier Journal) reported on Helen Burmeister's decision to "demonstrate outside the post [Fort Knox] . . . in hopes of persuading the military to let her take her son home" and quotes her stating, "I'm hoping to take him back to Oregon with me."  Kenning notes that "fiscal year 2007" found desertion had "risen 92 percent since 2004" in the army.   Last week, Helen Burmeister spoke and was backed up by supporters carrying signs.  One read "SHAME, SHAME ON the U.S. Army!" while some of the other signs read "I SUPPORT PFC James Burmeister & family! Let James be free!" and "Combat Troops DESERVE OUR SUPPORT -- Not Court Martials".   Helen Burmeister: I'm Helen Burmeister and I'm here today to support my son Prviate 1st Class James Burmeister.  My son is an Iraq War veteran and I'm very proud of him today.  He fought bravely in Iraq.  He followed orders.  He was wounded in a roadside bomb and he's been diagnosed with PTSD and a possible brain injury.  Our request today is that the army release James.  We want James to be able to put this traumatic experience behind him so he can begin to heal -- both emotionally and physically.  I believe my son has done his part.  Now it's time for him to be given the recognition he deserves.  Short of that, we are requesting that he be allowed to go home to Oregon.  And thank you.  Thank you to everyone for all your support today.     Also showing support was Vietnam Veterans Against the War's Carol Rawert Trainer.   Carol Rawert Trainer: I am a Vietnam Era veteran and my husband is a retired USAF officer and Vietnam Veteran.  We belong to Lousiville Peace Action Community and Vietnam Veterans Against the War, two great organizations that work for peace and justice.  I learned of PFC James Burmeister through my involvement with the GI Rights Hotline.  We are disgusted at the way the government treats our returning war heroes and we will not sit by and watch it happen.  You hear the slogan 'Support Our Troops.'  Well that is why we have come here today.  I have personally heard too many horror stories of veterans in the Lousiville area who return from war and do not receive proper medical care or benefits or counseling for PTSD which is all too prevalent in this war.  The Army seems to care more about their retention at any cost to the soldier and family than they do about the care of the soldiers affected by this war.  Too many soldiers are battling their physical and emotional problems alone.  The suicide rates have risen dramatically.  This is obscene.  We are here today to demand that the army grant James a discharge in lieu of court-martial.  We are watching what the army is doing.  James served honorably in Iraq and carried out his duties as commanded.  He received head injuries and shrapnel in his face in the 3rd attack on his convoy.  He also has PTSD and seizures and is on many medications as a result of his experience.  When he was recuperating in the hospital in Germany he realized that what he was commanded to do -- killing innocent people, sometimes in bait-and-switch schemes, was immoral.  The army trains these troops from basic to kill, kill, kill and does not differentiate between innocent Iraqis or insurgents.  James could not, would not, do it any longer.  He had to live with himself and his actions for the rest of his life.  The army does not care about the lifelong problems these honorable soldiers face.  In fact they were going to send James back to Iraq even though he was on medications for high blood pressure, depression, sleep problems and more.  At least James is one of the lucky ones who realized he needed help before it was too late.  Going back to Iraq would be dangerous to his life as well as to those who served with him.  We are here today to support James and his family in their struggle for justice!  James' family has suffered through other family circumstances that dictate that James be home to help them.  We hope the army will grant James an immediate discharge not only for his own personal needs but for his families' needs.  Even though he would not receive medical benefits which he needs, he would be home in a safe and loving environment.  This is what is fair.  This is what is just.  James was there when the army needed him.  Now the army must be there for James and the countless other heroes who need assistance and support as they cope with their war-induced problems.      A video of the press conference can be found here.   Meanwhile US war resisters in Canada continue to fight for safe harbor.  Henry Aubin (Montreal Gazette) offered Saturday, "The federal government has ordered a deserter from the U.S. Army to return to the United States by July 10. If he doesn't leave voluntarily, the government will deport him.  Either way, Corey Glass, a former sergeant, would become the first Iraq war resister to be booted out of Canada - thereby setting a precedent for other U.S. war resisters who are seeking refuge in this country.  A majority of the House of Commons voted 137-110 two weeks ago in favour of a motion urging the government to refrain from ousting war resisters; about 100 of whom are believed to be in the Canada. All three opposition parties supported the measure, sponsored by the New Democrats' Olivia Chow. The Conservatives dissented.  Yet the motion seems futile. Nothing obliges Prime Minister Stephen Harper to respect it - it's non-binding." To pressure the Stephen Harper government to honor the House of Commons vote, Gerry Condon, War Resisters Support Campaign and Courage to Resist all encourage contacting the Diane Finley (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration -- 613.996.4974, phone; 613.996.9749, fax; e-mail finley.d@parl.gc.ca -- that's "finley.d" at "parl.gc.ca") and Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, 613.992.4211, phone; 613.941.6900, fax; e-mail pm@pm.gc.ca -- that's "pm" at "pm.gc.ca").  Courage to Resist collected more than 10,000 letters to send before the vote.  Now they've started a new letter you can use online here.   In addition, War Resisters Support Campaign announces  "Rally to Stop the Deportation of Parkdale Resident Corey Glass" which is July 3rd, begins at 7:00 p.m. (with doors opening at six p.m.) at the May Robinson Building, 20 West Lodge, Toronto: "In 2002, Corey joined the Indiana National Guard.  He was told he would not have to fight on foreign shores.  But in 2005 he was sent to Iraq.  What he saw there caused him to become a conscientious objector and he came to Canada.  On May 21, 2008, he got his final order to leave Canada by July 10, 2008.  Then on June 3 Parliament passed a motion for all the war resisters to stay in Canada.  However the Harper government says it will ignore this motion."   In addition, the Vancouver branch of the War Resisters Support Campaign needs help housing war resisters in that area.  (And we'll note that in more depth -- hopefully in full -- in tomorrow's snapshot.)     Back to the US, Iraq Veterans Against the War Matthis Chiroux announced June 15th that he would not report to duty (as he'd stated he wouldn't on May 15th).  Chiroux served his time and was honorably discharged.  Then the army decided to 'recall' him and to send to Iraq.  Chiroux knows the Iraq War is an illegal war and will not take part in that.  On the 15th of this month, he explained, "Today I stand in resistance to the occupation of Iraq because I believe in our nation, its military and her people.  I resist because I swoare an oath to this nation that I would not allow it to fall into decay when I may be serving on the side of right.  . . . I stand here to make it known that my duty as a soldier is first to the higher ideals and guiding principles of this country which our leaders have failed to uphold. I stand here today in defense of the US Constitution which has known no greater enemy, foreign or domestic, than those highest in this land who are sworn to be governed by its word."  Matthis' father Robert Chiroux told The Huntsville Times, "It was tough for me to get up where the cameras could see me . . . I don't agree [with his son]" but "[i]f a man can't stand up for his son, how can he stand up for his country?"  And Ellis Eskew (WHNT, CBS) quotes Matthis explaining, "I choose to remain in the United States to defend myself from charges brought by the army if they so wish to pursue them.  I refuse to participate in the Iraq operation."     There is a growing movement of resistance within the US military which includes Megan Bean, Chris Bean, Matthis Chiroux, Richard Droste, Michael Barnes, Matt Mishler, Josh Randall, Robby Keller, Justiniano Rodrigues, Chuck Wiley, James Stepp, Rodney Watson, Michael Espinal, Matthew Lowell, Derek Hess, Diedra Cobb, Brad McCall, Justin Cliburn, Timothy Richard, Robert Weiss, Phil McDowell, Steve Yoczik, Ross Spears, Peter Brown, Bethany "Skylar" James, Zamesha Dominique, Chrisopther Scott Magaoay, Jared Hood, James Burmeister, Jose Vasquez, Eli Israel, Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Clara Gomez, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Agustin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Abdullah Webster, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder, Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Stephen Funk, Blake LeMoine, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Logan Laituri, Jason Marek, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Dale Bartell, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Chris Capps, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Kjar, Kyle Huwer, Wilfredo Torres, Michael Sudbury, Ghanim Khalil, Vincent La Volpa, DeShawn Reed and Kevin Benderman. In total, at least fifty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum. Information on war resistance within the military can be found at The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline [(877) 447-4487], Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters. In addition, VETWOW is an organization that assists those suffering from MST (Military Sexual Trauma).   [. . .]   Turning to the US race of president and moving quickly.  Barack Obama continues to lie and break promises.  Joseph (Cannonfire) explores the thinking of the Cult of Obama, their "gift for self-deception" which allows them to say the sky is blue when Barack says so and insist it is a purple when Barack changes his mind.  He does this with various examples including NAFTA.  Time permitting, we'll return to Joseph's findings tomorrow (but who knows what's going to be happening tomorrow) -- in the meantime, you can use the link to explore his writing.  The perfect book-end to that piece is Glenn Greenwald (Salon) on Barack's broken promise to fight for the Constitution and against illegal spying on American citizens and the reaction to it from the Cult of Saint Obama: "In the past 24 hours, specifically beginning with the moment Barack Obama announced that he now supports the Cheney/Rockefeller/Hoyer House bill, there have magically arisen -- in places where one would never have expected to find them -- all sorts of claims about why this FISA 'compromise' isn't really so bad after all."  This has been going on all along.  The 2007 year in review contains the following observation: "If independent media went out of their way to avoid Iraq and all Iraq related stories, what did they cover? 2007 was when the bulk of little media enlisted in the Barack Obama presidential campaign -- a Katrina coffee fetcher even went to work for it. Bambi would walk on his own and go to potty all by himself in 2008, indy media insisted, but right now he needed coaxing. And what better way to guarantee that than by lavishing him with non-stop praise.  As they crowded around the potty chair, they produced many embarrassing moments."  It's 2008 and he's still being babied.  While he's stabbing the left in the back.  People need to grow up and, for those doubters who need a reason, as LBJ was leaving the White House, Jules Feiffer looked back on what he had to offer ("LBJ in Caricature," Harper's magazine, February 1968) and included this point, "Defenders of Johnson further assert that had Kennedy lived, and made the same moves in Vietnam as his successor, he would not be subjected to the same sort of vilification.  They are undoubtedly right -- which goes to prove how fortunate, in this case, at long last to have a President whose style coincides with his content.  Kennedy could possibly have convinced us that Vietnam was a just war, and a whole generation of young people, hypnotized by charisma, could possibly have marched proudly off to napalm and defoliate knowing that their country stood firmly behind them."  No, I don't think Barack's JFK.  You can't buy charisma.  But he's something to the Cult -- denied their own Janis Joplin so going ga-ga over Miley Cyrus -- the same sort of desperation/settle for anything that leads them to Barack.  But what Jules is noting JFK could have gotten away with, the left better start realizing applies to Barack as well -- in fact, he's getting away with it right now while the left does and says nothing.   Meanwhile Ralph Nader is a candidate for president and Team Nader notes:   Watch The Nader Challenge. Which Presidential candidate would eliminate the billions of dollars in corporate welfare we pay every year to the ethanol industry? Obama! Wrong. (According to today's New York Times, Obama actually has very close ties to corn ethanol industry - an industry that Ralph Nader has called "a multifaceted monstrosity radiating damage in all directions of the compass.") Many people still consider Obama the progressive candidate in the race. He's not. He's just another corporate candidate. Who's the progressive in the race? Ralph Nader. To drive home the point, today we launch The Nader Challenge. Check out the video here.  Who favors single payer national health insurance? Obama! Wrong. Nader/Gonzalez. Who favors cutting the bloated, wasteful military budget? Obama! Wrong. Nader/Gonzalez. With your ongoing and generous help, we're destined to make a splash in November.  Together, we are making a difference. RECOMMENDED: "Iraq snapshot" "Other Items" "The Baquba bombing" Isaiah's The World Today Just Nuts "Wheel of Greed" "And the war drags on . . . "Matthis Chiroux, Corey Glass, James Burmeister" "Iraq" "Women hurt by 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'" Truest statement of the week A note to our readers Editorial: What's your acceptance level? TV: Breaking what? New York Times, Early Edition Clouds The non-whistle blower Bee-bees and cockle bugs Circling Nader-Gonzalez Highlights "Senator Hopie impersonates and insults" "THIS JUST IN! OFFENSIVE SENATOR HOPIE!"

She gave him class but he's still an ass

BULLY BOY PRESS & CEDRIC'S BIG MIX -- THE KOOL-AID TABLE   SENATOR BARACK OBAMA IS DAMN LUCKY HILLARY CLINTON PUTS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST.  AFTER ALL THE CRAP SHE TOOK FROM HIS SEWER CAMPAIGN, SHE'S AGREED TO CAMPAIGN WITH HIM IN AN ATTEMPT TO HELP HIM REACH OUT TO WOMEN VOTERS.   NO SOONER DID HE GET HILLARY TO PROP UP HIS LAZY ASS THAN BARACK BEGAN ATTACKING JOHN MCCAIN AS INSENSITIVE TO WOMEN.   THIS WOULD BE THE SAME BARACK WHO SAID LAST WEEK THAT WOMEN VOTERS JUST NEED TO "GET OVER IT" THAT HE STOLE THE NOMINATION FROM THE FIRST WOMAN TO WIN IT FOR A MAJOR PARTY IN THIS COUNTRY.   THESE REPORTERS MET WITH BARACK WHO DECLARED, WHILE PICKING HIS NOSE, OF CLINTON, "I SUPPOSE SHE'S CLASSY ENOUGH.  I MEAN, I DON'T NEED HER.  I DON'T NEED ANYONE.  I'M SAINT BARACK.  I'M CLASSY ENOUGH ON MY OWN."   BARACK PAUSED TO BELCH AND REACH HIS HANDS DOWN THE FRONT OF HIS PANTS FOR A QUICK SCRATCH BEFORE ASKING, "DON'T YOU THINK?"     FROM THE TCI WIRE:     Starting with war resistance.  Stefani E. Barner (Llewellyn Journal) notes, "When Lieutenant Ehren Watada became the first commissioned officer to refuse deployment to Iraq, his cause was met with international support -- and a Court Marshall.  His case ended in a mistrial and at the last update, the Department of Defense was preparing to re-try him on charges of missing troop's movement and conduct unbecoming of an officer.  If the D.o.D. decides to pursue a retrial, Lt. Watada faces up to six years in prison for speaking out against a war that he believes violates the oath he took upon receiving his commission.  While Lt. Watada is not Pagan, his case along with those such as Agustin Aguayo and Camilo Mejia -- both of whom chose to face prosecution and serve jail time rather than participate in a war they opposed -- have inspired some Pagan service personnel to follow suit, and spurred the larger Pagan communtiy to question what role we should play when it comes to the Conscientious Objector."  Pagan resources for Pagan COs and resisters include Sacred Well Congregation, The Covenant of the Goddess, the Military Pagan Network and the Lady Liberty League of Circle Sanctuary.  Barner notes, "In Hanna v. Secretary of the Army (1st Cir., Jan. 9, 2008) the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Army's Conscientious Objector Review Board had no basis for denying CO status to an Army doctor (Capt. Mary Hanna) on the grounds that her beliefs were not gained through 'rigorous training, study, or contemplation.' Because this ruling seems to exclude the need for formal religious instruction such as would typically be obtained through religious classes or from a spiritual authority such as a rabbi or minister, and instead allows individual spiritual and moral authority to influence the decision to seek CO status, Hanna v. Secretary of the Army should be extremely useful in dealing with the confusion that the diversity of Pagan philosophies can often present to organized institutions such as the military."   Last week, outside Fort Knox, war resister James Burmeister's mother held a press conference.  James Burmeister is an Iraq War veteran wounded in the war who went to Canada and came back this year to turn himself in.  Last fall, Maria Hinojosa (NOW on PBS) interviewed him (as well as Agustin Aguayo) and noted, "During his many missions, James was caught in three road-side bombings."  Burmeister explained that after one bombing (which was captured on tape) "I had actually passed out in my room.  Passed out, just hit the floor."   Maria Hinojosa: James says that was the first sign of his post traumatic stress disoreder.  He says doctors thought he also may have sustained a traumatic brain injury, so he was sent to Germany on medical leave.  Two months later, while still on medication, he was ordered back to Iraq.   James Burmeister: They were desperate for people to get back there.  They just needed people in Baghdad.  They just need bodies to man the guns and the equipment.    Maria Hinojosa: James saw only two options: either go back to Iraq . . . or go AWOL, Absent Without Leave, a crime punishable by jail time and even court-martial.    James Burmeister: I got back home -- talked to my wife.  You know, I said, "I think I'm gonna leave."  It was like a 15 minute decision that I'm -- I'm gonna leave -- I'm gonna leave the army."   Saturday, Chris Kenning (Louisville Courier Journal) reported on Helen Burmeister's decision to "demonstrate outside the post [Fort Knox] . . . in hopes of persuading the military to let her take her son home" and quotes her stating, "I'm hoping to take him back to Oregon with me."  Kenning notes that "fiscal year 2007" found desertion had "risen 92 percent since 2004" in the army.   Last week, Helen Burmeister spoke and was backed up by supporters carrying signs.  One read "SHAME, SHAME ON the U.S. Army!" while some of the other signs read "I SUPPORT PFC James Burmeister & family! Let James be free!" and "Combat Troops DESERVE OUR SUPPORT -- Not Court Martials".   Helen Burmeister: I'm Helen Burmeister and I'm here today to support my son Prviate 1st Class James Burmeister.  My son is an Iraq War veteran and I'm very proud of him today.  He fought bravely in Iraq.  He followed orders.  He was wounded in a roadside bomb and he's been diagnosed with PTSD and a possible brain injury.  Our request today is that the army release James.  We want James to be able to put this traumatic experience behind him so he can begin to heal -- both emotionally and physically.  I believe my son has done his part.  Now it's time for him to be given the recognition he deserves.  Short of that, we are requesting that he be allowed to go home to Oregon.  And thank you.  Thank you to everyone for all your support today.     Also showing support was Vietnam Veterans Against the War's Carol Rawert Trainer.   Carol Rawert Trainer: I am a Vietnam Era veteran and my husband is a retired USAF officer and Vietnam Veteran.  We belong to Lousiville Peace Action Community and Vietnam Veterans Against the War, two great organizations that work for peace and justice.  I learned of PFC James Burmeister through my involvement with the GI Rights Hotline.  We are disgusted at the way the government treats our returning war heroes and we will not sit by and watch it happen.  You hear the slogan 'Support Our Troops.'  Well that is why we have come here today.  I have personally heard too many horror stories of veterans in the Lousiville area who return from war and do not receive proper medical care or benefits or counseling for PTSD which is all too prevalent in this war.  The Army seems to care more about their retention at any cost to the soldier and family than they do about the care of the soldiers affected by this war.  Too many soldiers are battling their physical and emotional problems alone.  The suicide rates have risen dramatically.  This is obscene.  We are here today to demand that the army grant James a discharge in lieu of court-martial.  We are watching what the army is doing.  James served honorably in Iraq and carried out his duties as commanded.  He received head injuries and shrapnel in his face in the 3rd attack on his convoy.  He also has PTSD and seizures and is on many medications as a result of his experience.  When he was recuperating in the hospital in Germany he realized that what he was commanded to do -- killing innocent people, sometimes in bait-and-switch schemes, was immoral.  The army trains these troops from basic to kill, kill, kill and does not differentiate between innocent Iraqis or insurgents.  James could not, would not, do it any longer.  He had to live with himself and his actions for the rest of his life.  The army does not care about the lifelong problems these honorable soldiers face.  In fact they were going to send James back to Iraq even though he was on medications for high blood pressure, depression, sleep problems and more.  At least James is one of the lucky ones who realized he needed help before it was too late.  Going back to Iraq would be dangerous to his life as well as to those who served with him.  We are here today to support James and his family in their struggle for justice!  James' family has suffered through other family circumstances that dictate that James be home to help them.  We hope the army will grant James an immediate discharge not only for his own personal needs but for his families' needs.  Even though he would not receive medical benefits which he needs, he would be home in a safe and loving environment.  This is what is fair.  This is what is just.  James was there when the army needed him.  Now the army must be there for James and the countless other heroes who need assistance and support as they cope with their war-induced problems.      A video of the press conference can be found here.   Meanwhile US war resisters in Canada continue to fight for safe harbor.  Henry Aubin (Montreal Gazette) offered Saturday, "The federal government has ordered a deserter from the U.S. Army to return to the United States by July 10. If he doesn't leave voluntarily, the government will deport him.  Either way, Corey Glass, a former sergeant, would become the first Iraq war resister to be booted out of Canada - thereby setting a precedent for other U.S. war resisters who are seeking refuge in this country.  A majority of the House of Commons voted 137-110 two weeks ago in favour of a motion urging the government to refrain from ousting war resisters; about 100 of whom are believed to be in the Canada. All three opposition parties supported the measure, sponsored by the New Democrats' Olivia Chow. The Conservatives dissented.  Yet the motion seems futile. Nothing obliges Prime Minister Stephen Harper to respect it - it's non-binding." To pressure the Stephen Harper government to honor the House of Commons vote, Gerry Condon, War Resisters Support Campaign and Courage to Resist all encourage contacting the Diane Finley (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration -- 613.996.4974, phone; 613.996.9749, fax; e-mail finley.d@parl.gc.ca -- that's "finley.d" at "parl.gc.ca") and Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, 613.992.4211, phone; 613.941.6900, fax; e-mail pm@pm.gc.ca -- that's "pm" at "pm.gc.ca").  Courage to Resist collected more than 10,000 letters to send before the vote.  Now they've started a new letter you can use online here.   In addition, War Resisters Support Campaign announces  "Rally to Stop the Deportation of Parkdale Resident Corey Glass" which is July 3rd, begins at 7:00 p.m. (with doors opening at six p.m.) at the May Robinson Building, 20 West Lodge, Toronto: "In 2002, Corey joined the Indiana National Guard.  He was told he would not have to fight on foreign shores.  But in 2005 he was sent to Iraq.  What he saw there caused him to become a conscientious objector and he came to Canada.  On May 21, 2008, he got his final order to leave Canada by July 10, 2008.  Then on June 3 Parliament passed a motion for all the war resisters to stay in Canada.  However the Harper government says it will ignore this motion."   In addition, the Vancouver branch of the War Resisters Support Campaign needs help housing war resisters in that area.  (And we'll note that in more depth -- hopefully in full -- in tomorrow's snapshot.)     Back to the US, Iraq Veterans Against the War Matthis Chiroux announced June 15th that he would not report to duty (as he'd stated he wouldn't on May 15th).  Chiroux served his time and was honorably discharged.  Then the army decided to 'recall' him and to send to Iraq.  Chiroux knows the Iraq War is an illegal war and will not take part in that.  On the 15th of this month, he explained, "Today I stand in resistance to the occupation of Iraq because I believe in our nation, its military and her people.  I resist because I swoare an oath to this nation that I would not allow it to fall into decay when I may be serving on the side of right.  . . . I stand here to make it known that my duty as a soldier is first to the higher ideals and guiding principles of this country which our leaders have failed to uphold. I stand here today in defense of the US Constitution which has known no greater enemy, foreign or domestic, than those highest in this land who are sworn to be governed by its word."  Matthis' father Robert Chiroux told The Huntsville Times, "It was tough for me to get up where the cameras could see me . . . I don't agree [with his son]" but "[i]f a man can't stand up for his son, how can he stand up for his country?"  And Ellis Eskew (WHNT, CBS) quotes Matthis explaining, "I choose to remain in the United States to defend myself from charges brought by the army if they so wish to pursue them.  I refuse to participate in the Iraq operation."     There is a growing movement of resistance within the US military which includes Megan Bean, Chris Bean, Matthis Chiroux, Richard Droste, Michael Barnes, Matt Mishler, Josh Randall, Robby Keller, Justiniano Rodrigues, Chuck Wiley, James Stepp, Rodney Watson, Michael Espinal, Matthew Lowell, Derek Hess, Diedra Cobb, Brad McCall, Justin Cliburn, Timothy Richard, Robert Weiss, Phil McDowell, Steve Yoczik, Ross Spears, Peter Brown, Bethany "Skylar" James, Zamesha Dominique, Chrisopther Scott Magaoay, Jared Hood, James Burmeister, Jose Vasquez, Eli Israel, Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Clara Gomez, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Agustin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Abdullah Webster, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder, Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Stephen Funk, Blake LeMoine, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Logan Laituri, Jason Marek, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Dale Bartell, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Chris Capps, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Kjar, Kyle Huwer, Wilfredo Torres, Michael Sudbury, Ghanim Khalil, Vincent La Volpa, DeShawn Reed and Kevin Benderman. In total, at least fifty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum. Information on war resistance within the military can be found at The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline [(877) 447-4487], Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters. In addition, VETWOW is an organization that assists those suffering from MST (Military Sexual Trauma).   [. . .]   Turning to the US race of president and moving quickly.  Barack Obama continues to lie and break promises.  Joseph (Cannonfire) explores the thinking of the Cult of Obama, their "gift for self-deception" which allows them to say the sky is blue when Barack says so and insist it is a purple when Barack changes his mind.  He does this with various examples including NAFTA.  Time permitting, we'll return to Joseph's findings tomorrow (but who knows what's going to be happening tomorrow) -- in the meantime, you can use the link to explore his writing.  The perfect book-end to that piece is Glenn Greenwald (Salon) on Barack's broken promise to fight for the Constitution and against illegal spying on American citizens and the reaction to it from the Cult of Saint Obama: "In the past 24 hours, specifically beginning with the moment Barack Obama announced that he now supports the Cheney/Rockefeller/Hoyer House bill, there have magically arisen -- in places where one would never have expected to find them -- all sorts of claims about why this FISA 'compromise' isn't really so bad after all."  This has been going on all along.  The 2007 year in review contains the following observation: "If independent media went out of their way to avoid Iraq and all Iraq related stories, what did they cover? 2007 was when the bulk of little media enlisted in the Barack Obama presidential campaign -- a Katrina coffee fetcher even went to work for it. Bambi would walk on his own and go to potty all by himself in 2008, indy media insisted, but right now he needed coaxing. And what better way to guarantee that than by lavishing him with non-stop praise.  As they crowded around the potty chair, they produced many embarrassing moments."  It's 2008 and he's still being babied.  While he's stabbing the left in the back.  People need to grow up and, for those doubters who need a reason, as LBJ was leaving the White House, Jules Feiffer looked back on what he had to offer ("LBJ in Caricature," Harper's magazine, February 1968) and included this point, "Defenders of Johnson further assert that had Kennedy lived, and made the same moves in Vietnam as his successor, he would not be subjected to the same sort of vilification.  They are undoubtedly right -- which goes to prove how fortunate, in this case, at long last to have a President whose style coincides with his content.  Kennedy could possibly have convinced us that Vietnam was a just war, and a whole generation of young people, hypnotized by charisma, could possibly have marched proudly off to napalm and defoliate knowing that their country stood firmly behind them."  No, I don't think Barack's JFK.  You can't buy charisma.  But he's something to the Cult -- denied their own Janis Joplin so going ga-ga over Miley Cyrus -- the same sort of desperation/settle for anything that leads them to Barack.  But what Jules is noting JFK could have gotten away with, the left better start realizing applies to Barack as well -- in fact, he's getting away with it right now while the left does and says nothing.   Meanwhile Ralph Nader is a candidate for president and Team Nader notes:   Watch The Nader Challenge. Which Presidential candidate would eliminate the billions of dollars in corporate welfare we pay every year to the ethanol industry? Obama! Wrong. (According to today's New York Times, Obama actually has very close ties to corn ethanol industry - an industry that Ralph Nader has called "a multifaceted monstrosity radiating damage in all directions of the compass.") Many people still consider Obama the progressive candidate in the race. He's not. He's just another corporate candidate. Who's the progressive in the race? Ralph Nader. To drive home the point, today we launch The Nader Challenge. Check out the video here.  Who favors single payer national health insurance? Obama! Wrong. Nader/Gonzalez. Who favors cutting the bloated, wasteful military budget? Obama! Wrong. Nader/Gonzalez. With your ongoing and generous help, we're destined to make a splash in November.  Together, we are making a difference. RECOMMENDED: "Iraq snapshot" "Other Items" "The Baquba bombing" Isaiah's The World Today Just Nuts "Wheel of Greed" "And the war drags on . . . "Matthis Chiroux, Corey Glass, James Burmeister" "Iraq" "Women hurt by 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'" Truest statement of the week A note to our readers Editorial: What's your acceptance level? TV: Breaking what? New York Times, Early Edition Clouds The non-whistle blower Bee-bees and cockle bugs Circling Nader-Gonzalez Highlights "Senator Hopie impersonates and insults" "THIS JUST IN! OFFENSIVE SENATOR HOPIE!"

Senator Hopie impersonates and insults

BULLY BOY PRESS & CEDRIC'S BIG MIX -- THE KOOL-AID TABLE   BARACK OBAMA WAS BUSTED YESTERDAY FALSIFYING A PRESIDENTIAL SEAL FOR A PUBLIC APPEARANCE.   SAID SENATOR HOPIE, "WHAT?  IT'S NOT OKAY TO IMPERSONATE A PRESIDENT?  IS THAT A LAW OR SOMETHING?  I THINK PEOPLE NEED TO GET OVER IT."   "GET OVER IT"?   BARACK WAS ECHOING HIS REMARKS TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, SPECIFICALLY TO HOUSE REP. DIANE WATSON WHO ASKED HIM HOW HE WAS GOING TO ATTEMPT TO WIN OVER WOMEN VOTERS?   BARACK'S ANSWER INDICATED HE WOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO WIN THEM OVER.   "IF WOMEN," BARACK DECLARED CLEARLY PUSHING THE EMPHASIS ON DEALING WITH HIS CAMPAIGN PROBLEMS ONTO OTHERS, "TAKE A MOMENT TO REALIZE" INDICATING THAT HE DOES NOT THINK WOMEN NATURALLY THINK ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT PROMPTING "THAT ON EVERY ISSUE IMPORTANT TO WOMEN, JOHN MCCAIN IS NOT IN THEIR CORNER, THAT WOULD HELP THEM GET OVER IT."   THE FAILURE OF THE SENATE DETERMINED NOT TO REACH OUT, THOUGH HE DID PROMISE THESE REPORTERS TODAY THAT HE WOULD OFFER TO "KISS A FEW SWEETIES IF YOU THINK THAT WILL HELP MY CHANCES IN NOVEMBER."     FROM THE TCI WIRE:   Starting with war resistance.  Matthew Chiroux was the subject of a broadcast CBS 23 News (WIFR, link has text and video) last night:   Mike Garrigan: 24-year-old Matthis Chiroux says he will not deploy to Iraq.  The young soldier was asked to report to duty June 15th but he refuses, calling the war in Iraq and illegal war.  Chiroux has been in the US army for five years and has completed a tour of Afghanistan; however, he says he has no intentions of returning.   Matthis Chiroux: My decision was entirely based on my desire to no longer continue to violate my core values to support an illegal and unconstitutional occupation.      NBC's WAFF 48 also reported on Matthis last night (link has text and video):    Kimberly Essex: An army Sergeant is refusing to deploy from Iraq and his family is dealing with his decision to do so.  WAFF 48 reporter Eric Sollman joins us now and, Eric, you spoke with the soldier's father.   Eric Sollman: Yes, Kim, and being a military man himself, Robert Chiroux, he has mixed -- mixed reactions to the whole ordeal.  His son Matthis, a military photo journalist, is one of thousands of military ready reserve troops recalled to combat and now, according to army officials, he's one of about 700 called from this group that have failed to report in the last seven years. Last time Matthis Chiroux made local news was when [clip from December 2004 shown] was four years ago.  The story involved his girlfriend at the time and a car break-in.  Now this US army Sergeant is making national headlines for refusing to redeploy to Iraq.  He's not hiding his protest and his family isn't dodging questions either.   Robert Chiroux: My son made the decision not to report.  He feels that the war in Iraq is unconstitutional and unjust.   Eric Sollman: His father Robert is a navy veteran who lives in Huntsville [Alabama].  He said his son was to report to Fort Jackson Sunday for reactivation from the Individual Ready Reserve.  Matthis refused.   Robert Chiroux: My son has certainly indicated that if he had been called back from the Inactive Ready Reserve to active duty to serve in Afghanistan, he would not have hesitated to go.  So I know that my son -- inspite of things that I have heard said of him -- he's certainly not a coward.  He just has decided that he feels this war is illegal and he's taking a stand.   Eric Sollman: While Robert doesn't necessarily agree with his son's stand, he stands by him.   Robert Chiroux: My son asked me to come to Washington [DC] to be with him on Father's Day.  I had some reservations about standing behind my son while he made his statement but he's my son and, of course, I love him and I'm going to stand with him.   Eric Sollman: And Robert says he would gladly take his son's place and serve if he could and, Kim, of course there were a lot of issues that we talked about that we couldn't fit into the story so we put his interview in its entirity on our website at waff.com.   Kimberly Essex: Well your heart just goes out to this father because he really is in a tough position.  He wants to support his son but it doesn't coincide with maybe what he really believes.   Eric Sollman: And he says it's something that only a parent could understand.   WAYYTV's Brett Haas notes, "The 24-year-old is in Washington lining up support from like-minded members of Congress."  AFP explains, "Chiroux served five years in the army, with tours in Afghanistan, Japan, Germany and the Philippines."   There is a growing movement of resistance within the US military which includes Megan Bean, Chris Bean, Matthis Chiroux, Richard Droste, Michael Barnes, Matt Mishler, Josh Randall, Robby Keller, Justiniano Rodrigues, Chuck Wiley, James Stepp, Rodney Watson, Michael Espinal, Matthew Lowell, Derek Hess, Diedra Cobb, Brad McCall, Justin Cliburn, Timothy Richard, Robert Weiss, Phil McDowell, Steve Yoczik, Ross Spears, Peter Brown, Bethany "Skylar" James, Zamesha Dominique, Chrisopther Scott Magaoay, Jared Hood, James Burmeister, Jose Vasquez, Eli Israel, Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Clara Gomez, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Agustin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Abdullah Webster, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder, Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Stephen Funk, Blake LeMoine, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Logan Laituri, Jason Marek, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Dale Bartell, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Chris Capps, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Kjar, Kyle Huwer, Wilfredo Torres, Michael Sudbury, Ghanim Khalil, Vincent La Volpa, DeShawn Reed and Kevin Benderman. In total, at least fifty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum. Information on war resistance within the military can be found at The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline [(877) 447-4487], Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters. In addition, VETWOW is an organization that assists those suffering from MST (Military Sexual Trauma).   [. . .]   Turning to US politics, Barack Obama's decision to opt out of public financing [see Wally's "THIS JUST IN! DNC OR GOP? WHO CAN TELL?," Cedric's "Extreme DNC Makeover!," Mike's "LAT and Barack -- liars liars pants on fire," Ruth's "Barack sells out, Matthis stands firm," Kat's "Glen Ford, Kevin Zeese" and Rebecca's "the liar barack" and  yesterday's snapshot] leads the New York Times to editorialize  "Public Funding on the Ropes" and Team Nader notes: Ralph Nader stands for shifting the power from the big corporations back to the people. Period. Full stop.  End of story.  Contrast that with Senator Obama. The old Obama said that he thought NAFTA was a "big mistake."  The new Obama isn't so sure.  The old Obama said he would abide by public spending limits in this election.  The new Obama he says he won't. The old Obama said he was for a change in foreign policy and surrounded himself with innovative thinkers with a chance to make a difference.  The new Obama has surrounded himself with veterans of the military industrial complex status quo.  The old Obama talked economic populism. The new Obama talks corporate-speak and surrounds himself with economists from the Chicago School. You know where Nader and Gonzalez stand on corporate power. And that isn't changing. We're at six percent nationwide in the most recent CNN poll. We're going to be on ten state ballots by the end of June. And we're shooting for 40 by the end of the summer. Together, we are moving forward. And together, we will make a difference in November. Onward.       RECOMMENDED: "Iraq snapshot" "Other Items" "Amara" "I Hate The War" "Katty and Betsy drop in" "Basic pasta sauce in the Kitchen" "barack insults women again" "the liar barack" "Public finance, Bill Moyers Journal" "Barack sells out, Matthis stands firm" "Backstory" "Glen Ford, Kevin Zeese" "Barack and Bill Moyers -- ugh!" "Pride and shame" "Public financing" "The Nation & Progressive hold a tag sale on beliefs" "LAT and Barack -- liars liars pants on fire" "Extreme DNC Makeover!" "THIS JUST IN! DNC OR GOP? WHO CAN TELL?"

Extreme DNC Makeover!

BULLY BOY PRESS & CEDRIC'S BIG MIX -- THE KOOL-AID TABLE   TODAY, BARACK OBAMA GIGGLED ABOUT PUTTING ANOTHER ONE OVER ON THE VOTERS WHEN HE BROKE ANOTHER PROMISE -- THIS ONE TO ACCEPT PUBLIC FINANCING IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.  SAID BARACK, "I WILL TAKE THIS PARTY SO FAR TO THE RIGHT, NO ONE WILL KNOW WHAT HIT THEM."   THE RESPONSE TO THE BROKEN PROMISE AND TO THE DECISION TO ALLOW BIG MONEY TO BUY ELECTIONS WAS LARGELY POSITIVE.   "WE ARE THE REPUBLICANS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!" EXCLAIMED HOWARD DEAN, CHAIR OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE.   "I ALWAYS KNEW I WAS A REPUBLICAN!" EXCLAIMED THE NATION MAGAZINE'S EDITOR AND PUBLISHER KATTY-VAN-VAN.   FROM THE TCI WIRE:     Starting with war resistance. Matthis Chiroux announced May 15th that he would not deploy to Iraq. Chiroux had served in the army and been honorably discharged.  Then came the 'recall.' The day he was due to report was June 15th and he did not deploy and explained why in a public statement.  Ben Evans (AP) covers Chiroux story today and gives the backstory of being raised in Auburn, Alabama, getting his diploma from Auburn High School, signing up with the army.  Evans reports that the military has not yet contacted Chiroux for refusing to deploy and he quotes Chiroux explaining, "I have just come to the point where I have the strength to stand for what I know is right.  I feel like it's my responsibility as a soldier and keeping with the higher values of this nation to oppose this . . . I'm not going anywhere.  They know where to find me."   There is a growing movement of resistance within the US military which includes Megan Bean, Chris Bean, Matthis Chiroux, Richard Droste, Michael Barnes, Matt Mishler, Josh Randall, Robby Keller, Justiniano Rodrigues, Chuck Wiley, James Stepp, Rodney Watson, Michael Espinal, Matthew Lowell, Derek Hess, Diedra Cobb, Brad McCall, Justin Cliburn, Timothy Richard, Robert Weiss, Phil McDowell, Steve Yoczik, Ross Spears, Peter Brown, Bethany "Skylar" James, Zamesha Dominique, Chrisopther Scott Magaoay, Jared Hood, James Burmeister, Jose Vasquez, Eli Israel, Joshua Key, Ehren Watada, Terri Johnson, Clara Gomez, Luke Kamunen, Leif Kamunen, Leo Kamunen, Camilo Mejia, Kimberly Rivera, Dean Walcott, Linjamin Mull, Agustin Aguayo, Justin Colby, Marc Train, Abdullah Webster, Robert Zabala, Darrell Anderson, Kyle Snyder, Corey Glass, Jeremy Hinzman, Kevin Lee, Mark Wilkerson, Patrick Hart, Ricky Clousing, Ivan Brobeck, Aidan Delgado, Pablo Paredes, Carl Webb, Stephen Funk, Blake LeMoine, Clifton Hicks, David Sanders, Dan Felushko, Brandon Hughey, Logan Laituri, Jason Marek, Clifford Cornell, Joshua Despain, Joshua Casteel, Katherine Jashinski, Dale Bartell, Chris Teske, Matt Lowell, Jimmy Massey, Chris Capps, Tim Richard, Hart Viges, Michael Blake, Christopher Mogwai, Christian Kjar, Kyle Huwer, Wilfredo Torres, Michael Sudbury, Ghanim Khalil, Vincent La Volpa, DeShawn Reed and Kevin Benderman. In total, at least fifty US war resisters in Canada have applied for asylum. Information on war resistance within the military can be found at The Objector, The G.I. Rights Hotline [(877) 447-4487], Iraq Veterans Against the War and the War Resisters Support Campaign. Courage to Resist offers information on all public war resisters. In addition, VETWOW is an organization that assists those suffering from MST (Military Sexual Trauma).   [. . .]   Wall Street: $19,103,119; Big Energy $1,102,918; Pharmaceutical Co.'s $696,063.  That's Barack Obama's "donation" totals and can be found in this Ralph Nader video. Those numbers explain why Barack broke his pledge regarding public financing.  Sam Youngman (The Hill) reports that Barack declared today "that he will not accept public financing for the general election".  As Brian Edwards-Tiekert worded it on the seven a.m. news break on KPFA (first segment of The Morning Show), Barack is "abandoning an earlier committment to use public financing if his Republican rival did as well" and "Today's announcement marks the first time that a presidential candidate has opted out of the public financing system for a general election since that system was created in 1974."  Back in February, Jeff Zeleny and Steven Greenhouse (New York Times) quoted Barack declaring, "If I am the nominee, I will make sure our people talk to John McCain's people to find out if we are willing to abide by the same rules and regulations with respect to the general election going forward. It would be presumptuous of me to start saying now that I am locking into something when I don't even know if the other side will agree to it."  At the LA Times' political blog, trash Amina Khan is an embarrassment -- but that was clear when we said "LA Times' political blog," wasn't it?  And they wonder why so many are about to lose jobs?  At the grown ups table, Perry Bacon Jr. (Washington Post) quotes John McCain (presumptive GOP presidential nominee) declaring, "Senator Obama's reversal on public financing is one of a number of reversals that he has taken.  He said he would stick to the agreement.  He didn't.  This is a big, big deal.  He has completely reversed himself and gone back, not on his word to me, but the commitment he made to the American people."  Jonathan D. Salant (Bloomberg News) quotes Barack explaining, "The public financing of presidential elections as it exists today is broken, and we face opponents who have become masters at gaming this broken system."  How interesting, go back to the February New York Times link and you won't find any of those 'concerns.'  They appear to have sprouted overnight.  No talk of 527s.  This is appalling and you need to see how Panhandle Media plays it because early indication appears to be that our 'left' media outlets are rushing to justify it and, in fact, celebrate the decision.  One more belief tossed on the bonfire for the Cult of Saint Bambi.  Public financing came about for a reason and, while it does need fixing, Barack's not proposed fixing it.  (Like his Iraq War 'plan,' "Details to come later!") He's never voiced concerns for the system.  Now he wants to pretend that anything other than greed is at play here.  And what's Panhandle Media going to do?  Go ga-ga again at the dollar signs?  Do they have even an ounce of integrity left at this point or have they sold it all off as an in-kind-contribution to St. Bambi?   Democracy 21's Fred Wertheimer issued the following on Barack's decision:   Democracy 21 is very disappointed that Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) has decided not to accept public financing for his presidential general election campaign.          We had hoped and expected that Senator Obama would stick with the public pledge he made to accept public financing and spending limits for the presidential general election, if he was nominated, and if his Republican opponent also agreed to accept public financing and spending limits for the general election. These conditions have been met.   We do not agree with Senator Obama's rationale for opting out of the system. Senator Obama knew the circumstances surrounding the presidential general election when he made his public pledge to use the system.        With his decision, Senator Obama will become the first major party presidential nominee to reject public financing for his general election campaign, since the public financing system was established in 1974.           Senator Obama's decision to opt out of the general election public financing system makes it all the more important for Senator Obama to personally make clear to the public in no uncertain terms that if he is elected, one of the early priorities for his Administration will be enacting legislation to repair the presidential public financing system. In the current Congress, Senator Obama is one of the three lead Senate sponsors of the Presidential Funding Act of 2007 (S.2412), legislation to fix the presidential public financing system, particularly the system for presidential primaries. The other lead Senate sponsors of this bipartisan legislation are Senators Russell Feingold (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME).            Revitalizing the presidential public financing system is essential to protecting the integrity and credibility of the presidency and the interests of citizens in fair government decisions.   It needs to be called out.  But watch everyone hope and pray that their past words on the buying of elections is forgotten.  Which is why the really embarrassing trot out an American Enterprise Institute type to praise Barack's decision.  AEI?  That's who the left takes its cues from?  They also made time to slam and slime Ralph Nader.  How very 'left' of them.  Ralph Nader is running for president.  Ballot Access notes Indiana's restrictive laws and that "Indiana is one of only five states in which Ralph Nader has never appeared on the ballot."  They noted yesterday that Nader will be on Arizona's ballot.  Bitchier Than Thou is asking North Carolina residents to sign the petition so that Nader can make the state's ballot.  And Team Nader issued this press release earlier this week from Ralph Nader:   "During his Nobel Laureate acceptance speech in Oslo, Norway, Al Gore laid out in stark terms the single most important act the next President of the US can do to avoid dangerous climate change: 'And most important of all, we need to put a price on carbon – with a CO2 tax that is then rebated back to the people, progressively, according to the laws of each nation, in ways that shift the burden of taxation from employment to pollution. This is by far the most effective and simplest way to accelerate solutions to this crisis.' http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2007/gore-lecture_en.html Senators Obama and McCain both oppose a CO2 tax and instead favor the more politically expedient, manipulatable, evasive cap-and-trade approach. In the last eight years, Al Gore has invested too much in trying to protect our climate to just a write a blank check of endorsement to a candidate on one of the most important perils of our time. I challenge Al Gore, as one of the leading figures in the war on global warming, to uphold the courage of his convictions and demand that Senator Obama support a carbon pollution tax. The people want the next President to take action to reign in global warming. The litmus test for whether a Presidential candidate is serious about global warming is if he or she has the courage to support a CO2 tax. Unlike a cap-and-trade program, which can be easily gamed, a straight-out carbon tax on hydrocarbon production at the production source forces better choices of technology from the get-go.       RECOMMENDED: "Iraq snapshot" "Other Items" "Dems break the piggy banks open for the White House again" "the 2008 vote" "The busy day and Cyd Charisse" "Lee Hamilton back from the dead" "Pride: Tammy Baldwin" "Ralph and the race for president" "War and War Hawks" "A new bully in town" "THIS JUST IN! IT TAKES A BULLY!"