Hey W, Security requires a secure White House staff, too

In the radio address today, Chimpy pontificated about what it takes to be secure, but neglected to mention the total failure of national security on his staff:

Our security at home is directly linked to a Middle East that grows in freedom and peace. The success of the new Iraqi government is critical to winning the war on terror and protecting the American people. Ensuring that success will require more sacrifice, more time, and more resolve, and it will involve more risk for Iraqis and for American and coalition forces.

Our security at home is directly related to having a White House that doesn't harbor treasonous traitors. Read More......

Saturday night open thread

I've got some posts saved up, ready to be posted. But it's Saturday night, I'm heading to a Halloween party in a bit, and figured it would be a lot more interesting for folks to chat. So chat. Read More......

Tamiflu, Relenza and the avian flu vaccine

Roche recently met with Senator Schumer and they are now finalizing meetings for as soon as next week to review outsourcing possibilities with four generic drug manufacturers that could help increase production of the antiviral Tamiflu. Tamiflu is not a cure but so far has been the most effective weapon against avian flu.

GlaxoSmithKline is prepared to start testing a vaccine next year though it is likely two years away from availability to the market. Meanwhile Glaxo is increasing production of Relenza, their antiviral drug and I have heard that Glaxo is also discussing outsourcing production.

The administration and the GOP love to talk about "market forces" so considering the fact that the avian flu has been widely discussed for at least the last five years, are they really taking full advantage of "market forces" with their last minute buying spree, which only provides medicine for a couple percent of the US population? Who is profiting here and why? Sure, the US government is funding vaccine projects today but this is not a quick-fix solution and it will take time. It's anyone's guess just how much time we have to solve this problem. Read More......

Open thread

Ok, I want to know what people are wearing for Halloween. Seriously, any cool costume ideas? Read More......

Amb. Joe Wilson speaks out about all the president's men

Read it.

The grand jury has now concluded that at least one of the president's men committed crimes. We are heartened that our system of justice is working and appreciative of the work done by our fellow citizens who devoted two years of their lives to grand jury duty.

The attacks on Valerie and me were upsetting, disruptive and vicious. They amounted to character assassination. Senior administration officials used the power of the White House to make our lives hell for the last 27 months.

But more important, they did it as part of a clear effort to cover up the lies and disinformation used to justify the invasion of Iraq. That is the ultimate crime.

The war in Iraq has claimed more than 17,000 dead and wounded American soldiers, many times more Iraqi casualties and close to $200 billion.

It has left our international reputation in tatters and our military broken. It has weakened the United States, increased hatred of us and made terrorist attacks against our interests more likely in the future.

It has been, as Gen. William Odom suggested, the greatest strategic blunder in the history of our country.

We anticipate no mea culpa from the president for what his senior aides have done to us. But he owes the nation both an explanation and an apology.

Read More......

Authorities Ignore Clear Warnings Of Terrorist Attacks

This time, it's the 1993 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the authorities are the Port Authority responsible for security in the buildings. A jury just found them negligent for avoiding obvious security measures.

During the four weeks of testimony, the trial focused on a 1985 report by the Office of Special Planning, an antiterrorist task force convened by Peter Goldmark, who was the executive director of the Port Authority from 1977 to 1985.... After a visit to Scotland Yard in London that year, he wrote a memo saying that Scotland Yard was "appalled" that there would be public transient parking beneath a facility like the World Trade Center.

The report concluded: "A time-bomb-laden vehicle could be driven into the W.T.C. and parked in the public parking area. The driver would then exit via elevator into the W.T.C. and proceed with his business unnoticed. At a predetermined time, the bomb could be exploded in the basement. The amount of explosives used will determine the severity of damage to that area."

Naturally, the PA ignored the report, the major recommendations and most of the compromise recommendations. Wow, top officials ignoring reports spelling out what could happen if they don't take precautionary measures. Sound familiar? Read More......

Bush Watched TV!

Yes, in an effort to portray the President as taking this scandal very, very seriously, CNN reported that White House sources told them Bush actually watched 20 minutes of the Fitzgerald press conference...while eating. Yes, Bush looking at the TV while dining is considered a telling sign of Presidential concern. Golly, maybe when Rove is indicted Bush will pick up the Washington Post and read the stories on the front page. Any suggestions for Bush on what to do to indicate he really, really takes this scandal seriously? Read More......

Open thread

Man what a week. Read More......

Big win on gay rights in Alaska Supreme Court

An equal protection victory:

Gay rights advocates claimed a major victory after the state Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to deny benefits to same-sex partners of public employees.

In overturning a lower court ruling, the state high court said Friday that barring benefits for state and city employees' same-sex partners violates the Alaska constitution's equal protection clause.

And although this is just a quick synopsis from the AP, the court had a very interesting rationale:

In the 2001 Superior Court ruling overturned Friday, Judge Stephanie Joannides said the state and city did not have to extend benefits to same-sex couples, equating them with unmarried heterosexual couples who also are not eligible.

The high court said that comparison failed to acknowledge the fact that heterosexual couples can choose to get married, while homosexual couples cannot.

AP also reported that Alaska's butthead Governor, Frank Murkowski, was "outraged." Read More......

Well, then, keep up the good work, Karl Official A

Apparently, everyone at the White House is breathing easier now that Karl hasn't been indicted. They're also claiming that the scandal never ever interfered with his work:

Although Mr. Rove had reportedly been distracted by the investigation, several of his colleagues said Friday that in fact he had been engaged in his work all along. They denied that the case had caused any preoccupation contributing to the two central political disasters of recent weeks: the federal response to Hurricane Katrina and the crash-and-burn of Harriet E. Miers's nomination to the Supreme Court.

So Karl's been engaged all along, and had a hand in both Katrina and Miers debacles. Then, keep it up, Karl. See if you can match your work product on those two stellar performances. See how much lower you can get the approval rating...you're already in record low territory.

But, don't get too cocky. Fitz is still watching you, "Offical A." Read More......

Libby just can't remember

I'm having flashbacks to Reagan and Iran-Contra already. I recently watched a great BBC series on the rise of the neocons and the parallel rise of the radical Muslim extremists and the neocons have been manipulating information and fighting with the CIA since the 1970s so it's no wonder he's going with the "I can't remember" defense. There have been so many incidents, it's probably hard to remember every time they smeared someone and lied about national defense. At least it's a change from the "I didn't do it"/Bart Simpson defense that they usually deliver. Read More......