What Would You Have Said To The Man From Great Britain?

"The very purpose of existence is to reconcile the glowing opinion we hold of ourselves with the appalling things that other people think about us."

-Quentin Crisp

The other day, while in Golden Gate Park, I had an extraordinary experience happen to me, one the solidifies my belief that once in a while, one must venture out into the world, rather then veg in front of the computer, because out in the world is where you find life, opinion, and experience. You see, the other day, I met a tourist, a world tourist really, who makes London his permanent home, but who is currently touring the world, and who just happened to be in San Francisco on the same day I was.

The British man with the brown shoes had an easy smile, and talked about how much he was enjoying America, but that he hadn't been fond of Monterey. He shared that he thought the Oregon coastline was stunning, and that he would like to see it in winter sometime. We talked about how lucky he was to be in the Bay Area, during a week when there was hardly any fog, a rarity really, and then we paused, as the conversation lulled a bit.

The British man broke the silence by asking me a question that I should have been able to answer without hesitation, but instead I answered with great embarrassment, "How do you feel about George Bush?" He asked. I was taken aback for so many reasons. First of all, I have never been asked that question by someone who lives outside the United States. In all the time I have spent in the city, and all the folks I have talked to with all the many languages, not one person has ever asked by opinion about Bush. In the moment I had to think about it, I considered apologizing for Bush's actions, I considered being offended by the smirk on the man's face, but in the end I merely muttered, "I am looking forward to him leaving office." It was as honest as I could be in that moment.

"Do you think he will leave office?" Asked the man. "Yes" I replied, "according to our Constitution he has to." The man simply widened his smirk and said, "But hasn't he pretty much made your Constitution into rubbish?" Sigh. I felt sad as I realized the man's opinion of the U. S. politics, the president, and of Americans as a whole. It made me sad, and a little defensive to think I had to somehow justify the mess we are in around the world to a total stranger in the park. "Well," I said, "he has taken some liberties I believe, but he will be leaving office soon, and then we can set about rebuilding America's reputation, hopefully." The man said nothing for a long time. "Well, what do you think about John McCain, and Sarah Palin? Asked the man after a moment. I simply smiled and said, "Actually, I am supporting Barack Obama, and Joe Biden." Again the man said nothing.

A long quiet rested between us, and after a little while I got up to leave. I wished the man a safe journey. He smiled a polite smile, and shook my hand. "Good luck with your elections," he said. I just smiled and then I turned and walked away a little shell shocked. Why hadn't I told him that I think John McCain would bring nothing but further humiliation to America? Why hadn't I mentioned how embarrassed I was by Sarah Palin's speech the other night? How can the GOP on one hand be touting change, when their speeches were filled with the same belittling rhetoric that they have been spouting for years? How can they on the one hand, call young people to think about serving something greater then themselves, and on the other hand, mock Obama for his community service and leadership? But then again, how would I explain that to a total stranger, from another country, when I don't understand it myself?

So tell me, if you had met the man from Great Britain, what would you have said?

-OndineMonet
"The Man From Great Britain With The Brown Shoes"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
September 4, 2008
Afternoon

On An Average Tuesday

"I think it's about time we voted for senators with breasts. After all, we've been voting for boobs long enough!"

-Clarie Sargent

Today is the California Primary, as well as in 24 other states. I have already cast my ballot, but Alan will cast his vote a little later today. It promises to be a nail bitting day on the Democratic side of things, while Romney is the front runner here in California, for the Republicans.

I am hoping when all is said and done, Hillary Clinton will take California for the Democratic nomination. I believe in her, and what she's trying to accomplish. I watched her, Town Hall Meeting, last night on the Hallmark channel, and I continue to be impressed by not only the answers she gives to the questions facing our country, but also the viability of her solutions to our many difficulties. I hear the word "CHANGE" a lot, we all want CHANGE, so I have to ask, does CHANGE really get anymore profound then letting a woman lead the country for the first time?

There is just 349 Days to go, until the collective sigh of relief is heard round the world! NOW GO VOTE! :)

-OndineMonet
"Decision 2008"

And Now A Word From The Resident Of The United States

"This morning I was with the vice president. I was asking him what costume he was planning. And he said, 'I'm already wearing it.' The he mumbled something about 'the dark side of the force."

-George W. Bush, October 31st 2007

Tonight is President Bush's last State of the Union address. WOOHOO! I can't tell you how absolutely thrilled I am to have that little piece of knowledge. SIGH OF RELIEF. Honestly, aren't you just thrilled about the invention of the term limits? Well, on the other hand, maybe you believe George Bush is the best thing since term limits, and if so, ok. Personally, I don't understand your devotion, but I will agree it's your right to feel that way. But I have to ask... why? What do you feel his strongest points have been during his time in office, and what, if any were his weaknesses? I am not sure I will hear very many opinions in favor of Bush, not because there is no one out there who still believes in him, but rather because I don't think I have any conservative readers. It's ok, but if you feel like playing "Devil's Advocate" go for it!

I am looking into my hippie, gypsy crystal ball and what do I see. I see Dubya walking up to the microphone in the senate chamber and now he is speaking. (Hold on while I plug the earphones into the crystal ball). I hear him saying that the surge has worked in Iraq, that things are safer then ever. The Iraqi people are beginning to prosper, and things are going well. We can't leave however because it was just reported we lost 5 more American military lives to roadside bombings, so the winning surge must continue. I guess the mission still hasn't been accomplished.

Now he is asking that his education program, No Child Left Behind" be extended. I have to wonder where he gets the nerve on that one. It's a fact Bush himself has failed the program on funding. According to Wikipedia, "President Bush's 2008 budget allots $61 billion for the Education Department, cutting funding by $1.4 billion from last year. 44 of 50 states will receive a reduction in funding if the budget passes as is." The program has received widespread criticism from teachers, parents, and administrators regarding it's fairness in standardised testing. This program needs to be retired, it hasn't and isn't working. Can't we learn that lesson and move on to an education program that does?

I think I am going to turn away. I'm already sad. I thought his last, State of the Union, address would have made me more happy then this. Whoever our new president will be, one things for sure, they will certainly have their hands full. If a Democrat wins, we must be patient. Change will come, but it won't be overnight. Not at all. Especially if we don't unseat a few more republican senators next November. We will have to do our part. If a republican wins, well I don't believe much will change, it will be the same boat, with a different captain in appearance, but with the same narrow minded agenda. War is good, education and health care reform can wait, and who cares what the world thinks of us. Sigh.

And now a poem, comprised entirely of George Bush Quotes...



Make The Pie Higher
By George W. Bush

I think we all agree, the past is over.
This is a dangerous world.
It's a world of madmen
And Uncertainty
And potential mental losses.

Rarely is the question asked
Is our children learning?
Will the highways of the Internet
Become more few?
How many hands have I shaked?

They misunderestimated me.
I am a Pitbull on the pantleg of opportunity.
I know that the human being and the fish can coexist.

Families is where our nation finds hope.
Where our wings take dream.
Put food on your family!
Knock down the tollbooth!
Vulcanize society!
Make the pie higher!
Make the pie higher!

You can read an interesting article about this poem at Snopes.com.

NOTE: If you are a fan of Comedy Central's "Lil Bush" there is some good news! It will be returning with all new episodes, March 13th.


357 Days, 6 hours 16 minutes... and counting!

-OndineMonet

My Flippin' Finger

"The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil, because it isn't angry enough."

-Bede Jarrett

Bother! I mean really, no one knows how to hurt themselves the way I do. LOL. Emotionally, physically, it's all good. LOL. Okay, so here's what happened. As you probably know, Alan doesn't like for me to watch the evening news while I eat dinner. We have learned that stress does bad things to my diabetes, and he worries about me, especially since the news sometimes infuriates me, and I get a little, well, emotional. He usually takes my tantrums with a grain of salt, and then there are times when he absolutely agrees with me and joins me in one or two conversations regarding current events, which usually calms me down, and to be fair, sometimes he gets a little passionate as well, especially when it comes to whatever stupid, embarrassing thing George Bush has done next. But last night, well, the emotions were all mine.

I was in the kitchen making dinner. Since Alan has been home on vacation, we have been experimenting with some new recipes we have always wanted to try, and last night it was Vegetable Beef Soup. I was cutting up some leftover pot roast to put into the soup, as ABC World News Tonight reported a story about how the military is having a difficult time recruiting chaplains. I can't believe just how very badly this country has treated it's military, particularly with George Bush in office. I see all these nifty little signs here and there with the slogan, "Support The Troops," which is a call to encourage America at large to to be supportive of their mission, regardless of what it is, and yet the very government that sent America's finest young men and women to war, has let them down at every turn. Everything from body armor... to military chaplains... to proper health care upon their return. It's shameful.

So, as I watched the report, I got madder and madder... and at one point, my emotion really just turned for anger to sorrow. The Bush administration loves to toss about the idea that we must support the troops or risk empowering our enemies. To not support the troops would send the "wrong message." And then they turn right around and justify the shabby way they have treated our own military. By now you know the laundry list of offenses, I won't go into that, but needless to say as my sorrow grew, my attention span waned, and quicker then you can say, "Cheney is an ASS," I cut my finger with a very sharp knife.

I can laugh now, but at the time I really thought I had done myself in. LOL. Blood squirted large and high. It kind of looked a little like that one comedy sketch on Saturday Night Live, where Dan Ackroyd, as Julia Child, cut his hand during a cooking demonstration, and suddenly there is five minutes of deep red blood squirting to infinity and beyond. Funny because of it's exaggeration. That couldn't really happen... could it? Yep, it can! I was watching the blood squirting up to the ceiling, and before I knew it, a long string of thinly masked obscenities came out of my mouth. "*&@@!!^&&**!!!"... and followed by "and the horse he tried to ride in on! The little jerk!" LOL. I knew as soon as those words came from from my mouth, Alan would be coming in to check on me. I hadn't even noticed at that point, that it wasn't any old finger I had just sliced open, it was my "flippin' finger." LOL. Although kind of appropriate I suppose.

Well, just so you know, we got the bleeding under control, so I am pretty sure no stitches are needed, and dinner was wonderful, as was the company. Alan didn't even lecture me about the "Bush Free Zone" agreement we had made, but he did laugh when he realized I had been wounded in the pointer. LOL. He put an Elmo bandage on my boo-boo and we moved on, but I think I have learned my lesson this time. No more evening news, news magazines or YouTube political follies during the dinner hour. Nope. Not me. Nope. I am kind of fond of my appendages. :) Live and learn... right?

"When angry count to four; when very angry... Swear."

-Mark Twain

Somebody's Got To Be There And Tell Them It's OK

-OndineMonet
"ELMO HELPS"
Berkeley, California
October 16th, 2007
Late Afternoon

September 11th, 2001

"September 11 began like many Tuesday mornings in Washington, D.C., as the notorious D.C. rush hour traffic slowed lawmakers and their staff making their way to Capitol Hill, the worst of their thoughts was surely centered on Congress's always partisan budget battles. The day was the end, however, in a national nightmare as all came to grips with the worst domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history."

-Terry Everett

"The most important thing is for us to find Osama Bin Laden. It is our number one priority, and we will not rest until we find him."

-George W. Bush 9/13/2001

Can you believe it has been six years since that horrible day? Can you believe it has been six years, and Osama Bin Laden is still out there somewhere, still taunting us, and still free to continue with his plan of hatred and terror toward the United States? George Bush, as our president, has been worse than a complete failure, he has let all of us down, and indeed future generations as well. There is no excuse, there is no reason, and there is no justification for the fact that Bin Laden has not been brought to justice. It escapes me why President Bush hasn't been impeached for his many transgressions,including his blatant disregard for American lives.

He didn't listen to the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report, or the Iraq Study Group. We are not safer from terrorism then we were on 9/11, and we still have a liar, and dare I say, traitor, in the White House. Sigh. It hurts. I hurt for all of us here in America, and I hurt for what we have done to the Iraqi people. I hurt for the men and women of our armed services, who went to war, and died for a war based on lies. I hurt for those brave soldiers who made it back home, and found themselves without proper medical care at Walter Reed Hospital. I hurt for the people who lost their lives on 9/11, like David and Lynn Angell. Last year I wrote a tribute to the Angell's, for the 2996 Project, but I had written about David and Lynn Angell before, the first time was in 2005, on my AOL blog Ellipsis. You can find that entry here.

The Angell's were a wonderful, loving couple. They loved each other, and they loved their work. They had a charity that was close to their hearts called the Hillsides Home For Children. Less than a month before their deaths on 9/11/2001, they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They were together on the morning of 9/11/2001 as they boarded American Airlines Flight#11, at Boston's Logan airport, bound for Los Angeles, but they didn't make it home that day, because of pure evil. Their plane was hijacked and crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center at 8:45 A.M. EDT.

When the Angell's died, the world lost two magnificent human beings. Two people who were the complete opposite of the evil that ran rampant that day. I never got the chance to meet David and Lynn Angell, but through my research of them I have come to know them, and respect them as people. I mourn their deaths... deeply. It angers me that nothing has been done to bring Bin Laden to justice. It angers me that we have wasted human lives and resources on an unnecessary war in Iraq, but I have become resolved to the fact that until George Bush is impeached, and congress, both democrat and republican grows a backbone and stops George Bush, we will have to live with the true terror of Osama Bin Laden, and the Al Qaeda terrorist organization. We are not safe anywhere, at anytime, indeed it is just a matter of time before we face another day like 9/11. I am deeply,deeply sad right now. We must email the White House, and our elected officials and demand that we stop this unnecessary war in Iraq, and concentrate our efforts on finding Bin Laden.

Please take a moment to read my entry from last year. It was a non-political tribute to the lives of David and Lynn Angell. It gives you a glimpse into the lives of this loving and generous couple. They shouldn't be forgotten. I know I will never forget them, not ever. Shame on you George Bush!

The 2996 Project: I Am Honoring The Life Of David Angell


"So I don't know where he is. You know, I just don't spend that much time on him... to be honest."

-George W. Bush 3/13/2002 (Less than a year later).

-OndineMonet

Presidents Say The Darndest Things

"You know, I guess I'm like any other political figure: Everybody wants to be loved."

-George w. Bush, Washington D.C., July 13, 2007

So is the war over? Yesterday, (Saturday) the Prime Minister of Iraq, Nouri al-Maliki said that the Iraqi army and police are now capable of keeping security in Iraq, and that "American troops can leave any time they want." Isn't that what President Bush has been saying was our main objective? To train Iraqi military, and police so that they could sustain their own country in the face of the sectarian violence that has run rampant in the last few years? With al-Maliki's declaration of self sufficiency, I see no reason why America should lose one more life to this war. Of course, we haven't heard the spin from the White House yet. That will either come later this weekend or early next week. And it will also come with some vague reason about how and why al-maliki misspoke, or was somehow, otherwise in error. But wouldn't it be nice to think that maybe, just maybe this nightmare could finally come to an end. That we, as a nation, wouldn't have to lose one more of our military to this administration's violent whim? It's a nice thought. Al-Maliki has handed Bush a reason to begin pulling troops from Iraq. "American troops can leave any time they want."

It's so odd, early last week, Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari, warned that Iraq would fall into total civil war, should American troops leave. Actually, just a couple weeks ago, al-Maliki was saying just about the same thing. On the other hand, the Iraqi parliament couldn't be dissuaded from taking a break from government for August, due to the fact that temperatures in that country can reach as much as 130 degrees. Temperatures our own service members would be working in. Yet, Iraq must feel that they have things under control, to take time off in the middle of escalating sectarian violence throughout their country. Al-maliki made it very clear, America is not wanted or needed in Iraq. It's time to leave. Now. Not September. No more waiting for reports. Now.

I have always balked at Bush's arrogant assertion that "we are fighting them over there, so we won't have to fight them here." I have always said, that it is a matter of time before we are hit again. Not if we are hit again. But I have also always said that I hope to one day say... "I was wrong." I don't know what Homeland Security Chief, Michael Chertoff, was thinking when he said he had a "gut feeling" about a heightened terrorist threat against the U.S. this summer, but I can't help but wonder if it wasn't code for, "something got by us, we don't know where it is, but we know for sure it is just a matter of time." Well, that is supposition on my part, but you know what? I really do feel that a day like 9/11 will happen again. It wouldn't at all surprise me that it could happen sometime before the end of the year. All we did in Iraq, was make the country ripe for becoming what it is, a breeding ground for future terrorists. And when we had Osama Bin Laden, we let the chance to bring him to justice go, in favor of keeping up relations with Pakistan, a country that has always catered to the Taliban.

Bush also once said, that America would track Bin Laden down, and bring him to justice, no matter how long it took. Well, that hasn't happened. He said that we would leave Iraq when they said they could stand up and hold the country. They have said that now... so what will Bush say and do? Will he keep his word on that? I am hoping, just hoping, we will begin a withdraw of our troops before we lose anymore, because I think we are going to need all our military personnel right here on American soil. Call it a "gut feeling." Bush never keeps his word, so deep down I suppose I already know what will happen. It's all just so sad. :(

"We say in full confidence that we are able, God willing, to take the responsibility completely in running the security file if the international forces withdraw at any time they want."

-Nouri al-Maliki, July 14, 2007

NOTE: The above YouTube video, is from a White House press conference in 2006. It is a clip of Helen Thomas, asking President Bush what the real reason was for going to war with Iraq. A question he never really answered. Thank you Helen, for having the courage to ask.

Current U.S. Military Casualties - 3613

"Al-Maliki: Iraqis Can Keep Country Secure (CBS News)

-OndineMonet

IMPEACH NOW!

"I respect the verdict. But I have concluded the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive, therefore I am commuting the portion that required Mr. Libby to spend thirty months in prison."

-George W. Bush, July 2, 2007

In the above YouTube clip, Katie Couric, of CBS News, says that "even people in power with friends in high places, are not above the law." Kaite, I was watching you that night... and I was hoping you were right. As it turns out, George Bush, running true to his selfish form, commuted the sentence of I. Scooter Libby today, because he felt that 30 months in prison for lying to a Grand Jury, obstructing justice and committing what amounts to an act of treason, by leaking to the press the name an active CIA agent, was "excessive." Is this what justice in America has come to? Where is the justice for Valerie Wilson? The timing for this is remarkable, it's only 2 days before Independence Day. How sad for America. George Bush needs to be IMPEACHED! Dick Cheney, needs to be IMPEACHED! NOW!

IF NOT NOW WHEN? WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE?

Libby Sentenced To 30 Months


Libby Sentence Commuted


-OndineMonet
7/2/07 3:38 PM

In The Last Hours Of Spring

"A liberal is a man or woman or a child who looks forward to a better day, a more tranquil night, and a bright, infinite future."

-Leonard Bernstein, The New York Times, 30 October 1988

If Leonard Bernstein's definition of a liberal is correct, then I guess you could say I am a liberal. I have been putting a lot of thought lately into what I consider myself to be. It keeps changing, sometimes without my permission. I just found out the other day, that I am officially a "cougar." "Huh?" Said my therapist Sarah, "Where did that come from?" Well, I explained, "there is this new reality show on NBC, and the premise is that a 30-something hunky guy looks for the love of his life, by choosing the newest love of his life from within two groups of women. The first group (the kittens) are in their 20's and the second group (the cougars) are in their 40's. If being in my 40's, actually officially 45 next week, makes me a cougar... then I guess I am a cougar." MEEEOOOWWWW.

I used to refer to myself, when asked, as a Woman/Democrat/Liberal/Native Californian/FemmaNazi. The FemmaNazi part was to humor the whichever conservative poophead who was insisting on restricting me to labels they made up, so they could fit everyone into a neat little box. It helps some folks think more clearly, if they don't have to use much energy by considering that some folks think for themselves. I vote most often Democrat, so therefore I must agree one hundred percent with everything being said by the democratic party. Sigh. I loved how one blogger used to constantly insist that because I am a liberal, then I must have voted against raises for police and firefighters. I have never voted that way in my life. Not once. Sigh. Equally shocking to some of my conservative friends was the fact that I voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger. What can I say? He was the right man for California. I wasn't alone in that assessment, he won the election quite readily last fall, when some republicans in the nation were being replaced in the house, and the senate.

I have been a democrat my whole life, and a card carrying one as soon as I could vote. I am not so sure anymore. The lines have blurred for me. I don't think enough has been done, since the change of leadership in the house and senate. Nancy Pelosi is trying her best... and that is what worries me. As if it isn't bad enough that we couldn't get enough votes to override the president's veto of the proposed Iraq war budget, it looks like there will be no overriding his veto of the bill that would increase federal funding for stem cell research. An issue close to my heart. A bill that was endorsed by the AARP, the American Medical Association, and the American Diabetes Association, which are just three, among over 500 medical and scientific organizations that supported the bill. A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll showed that 68% of Americans also support stem cell research. But it doesn't really matter how we as a nation feel about it, Bush has proven time and again, that we will not have a say in what direction the country moves in, as long as he is the "decider."

"If this legislation became law, it would compel American taxpayer for the first time in our history to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. I made it clear to Congress and to the American people that I will not allow our nation to cross this moral line."

-George W. Bush, June 20th, 2007 (White House)

There he goes again, playing to that imaginary base he thinks he still has. With George Bush in office, programming what our will should be, it makes me wonder if I need worry about having a voice. I could just sit back and let the "decider' decide how I should feel about everything. I thought when the democrats took control of the senate and congress, we might finally get something done. Nope. Not if it furthers humanity. I can't believe that a man who rushed into a needless war, woefully unprepared, and with no realistic way out, was vetoing for a second time, a stem cell research bill, and dictating what my morality should be while he did it. Sigh. I hurt when I saw the latest U.S. American soldier update today in Lafayette memorial. I visit there once a month, and as the seasons have changed I have watched the numbers grow. Sometimes time does not make things better. Nothing could have saved my father who died of series of strokes, while battling stomach cancer, or my mother who died a few years later of Alzheimer's. There is still no cure for that, and now it will be at least 2 years longer before federal funding is freed up for this much needed research.

I liked what Hillary Clinton had to say today about it...

"Let me be clear:When I am president, I will lift the ban on stem cell research."

Simple and to the point. John Edwards, who I have on my sidebar, posted his own message regarding this issue on his website. You can read it here. Everyone has something to say, but will anyone get anything done, even if there is a profound change during the next national election? Who knows. It's a depressing thought to be sure. I want to see an end to this insane war. I want to have reasonable gas prices, I want to see children really have a chance at a future, with appropriate funding for education, and I want to know that there is at least a chance that a cure for Alzheimer's will be found before it happens to me. Is it so much to ask that I survive to be a really cool old lady? A lady with all her marbles, and all the will to embrace life? I am no longer a kitten, I am a cougar. Ok, I can accept that. What I can't accept, is facing my old age, and all the scary moments that sometimes accompanies it, with little to no hope, because of the selfishness of politics in America.

-OndineMonet

On A Lighter note, I loved, loved, loved the Soprano's parody that Hillary Clinton did regarding her pick for a campaign theme song. If you haven't seen it, play the above YouTube video. It was a bit of humor, when it was really needed. I always appreciated that about the Clinton white house. They had a sense of humor, that wasn't unintentional or due to illiteracy.

In A Blatent Attempt To Ignore The News...

"The proliferation of icons really happened about the time of television in the 50's. They're an important part of pop culture and really reflect our social and cultural history."

-Ileen Gallagher

I read the news today... oh boy. Bush is determined to veto any stem cell research bill, because of his deep regard for life. Paris Hilton is being used in a political war between a judge and a sheriff. We passed the milestone of over 3500 soldiers killed in Iraq. There were reports of bad ground beef... again. A small child accidentally killed himself today in Oakland, after someone left a loaded gun within his reach. A preacher's wife, was sentenced in the slaying death of her husband, to 3 years, she could be out in just 2 months for time served and "good behavior."

My whole life I have heard, "If you can't say anything nice, say nothing at all."

OK world, "NOTHING AT ALL!"

Excuse me while I escape into a moment of classic TV. {{{Weep}}}

-OndineMonet

John Edwards... Our Best Hope For America

"Congress needs to stand firm and strong. Congress should answer the president's veto, by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal."

-John Edwards
May 2nd 2007

It came as no big surprise that President Bush vetoed the war budget sent to him by congress on Tuesday. He said he planned to veto it, after all, it didn't give him his way. He wants to continue on in Iraq, with the current flow of business as usual, despite the terrible toll it is taking on America, both here on our own soil and in Iraq to our overworked and drained military. Honestly, it is depressing to know that our own president is so selfish, that he would surround himself with yes people on all sides, to enable his deep denial over the situation in Iraq. Something must be done to put a stop to this national tragedy, but I don't think it will come by way of our new democratic house and senate. I don't think they will hold up under the pressure. There are already rumblings that they will cave, and consider putting in non-binding resolutions for setting benchmarks for the Iraqi's to meet. Not good enough! Not good enough by any stretch of the imagination. The Iraqi's care so little about the state of affairs in their war-torn nation, that they are considering a two month vacation over this next summer. Does that sound like a country who has any intention of stepping up to the plate, to take control of their own fate?

It is a depressing thought that congress would cave, and allow the opportunity to end this war to slip away. They are in a tough place when it comes down to what to do. If they cut off funding to the soldiers, they will be blamed for the consequences of their actions, when in fact, those consequences should be resting on the shoulder of the president.That pin works both ways. He can't say that he has no choice but to veto... sure he does, he just won't consider other options. He is too busy with photo op's on American Idol, and thanking the American people for their generosity. The fact of the matter is, we have to be generous, because we can't count on our own government to take care of us. Ask the people of the Gulf Coast, if the Bush Administration has come through for them.

The white house is still looking for a "War Czar" which is yet another made up office, designed to shield Bush from taking responsibility for his decisions as Commander-in-Chief. Amazing.And can you believe that the official White House website, still has the press release announcing "Major Combat Operations In Iraq Have Ended," you know, the speech he made under the banner, "Mission Accomplished," still available? "Major Combat Operations In Iraq Have Ended." Last month, was one of the deadliest months in Iraq, since he made that famous speech in 2003, over 100 military members were killed in April. Over 100!

So, if we can't count on our new congress and senate to hold up under the pressure, what are we to do? I think it is going to fall on all of us, the over 60% of Americans who want a swift end brought to this war. The democrats needed a 2/3 vote to override President Bush's veto, and it wasn't achieved mostly due to the Republican vote. Ok, you can be a republican and still not support the war. I know there are some of you out there... the poll numbers indicate you are there, so here is what I think should be done. Right now. It doesn't matter what political party you belong to, if you think we need to be out of Iraq, send your senators and congressmen an email before the next proposal is sent to Bush's desk. DEMAND that congress sticks to it's first inclination for setting a timetable for withdrawal. Change must come from you and I.

Let the politicians know, that come the 2008 national election, we will be casting a vote based as a direct result from their actions right now. We have that power. Dick Cheney recently told singer Sheryl Crow, that he doesn't work for her, he works for the American people. I am still trying to figure that one out, considering she is an American citizen. Sigh. Perhaps he meant he only works for those HE considers Americans, in other words, those who follow him with near idol worship. Those who follow him with blind faith. Considering his poll numbers... I don't think it's a terribly big group, but the point is, if he is going to be serving as VP, than he has an obligation to all Americans. I wish he would remember that. Sigh.

I have been listening to John Edwards over the last couple days, and I am gaining more and more respect for him. He said exactly what I have been thinking over the last week or so. "Congress needs to stand firm. Congress should answer the president's veto by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal." I appreciated that. I am impressed with the choices we are being given on both sides of the campaign. The 08 election process will be exciting to watch unfold over the next year. Based on information on the candidates to date... John Edwards impresses me the most, as someone who will lead America to a surer, safer future. He doesn't have to do it with fear tactics or bullying, he will be doing it with common sense and courage. Hillary Clinton is a good bet as a candidate, as is Joe Biden, but right now, barring anything unforeseen, I think I will be supporting John Edwards. Now go, be Americans, and email or snail mail your representatives. Make your voice heard loud and clear, before the next round of negotiations with the president take place.

-OndineMonet

Sign an online petition at the Edwards campaign site, to end the war in Iraq

Bush To Congress: Stay Out Of My Way (ABC News)

John Edwards Comes Full Circle On Iraq

Edwards Statement On Bush Veto Of Iraq Funding Bill

Major Combat Operations In Iraq Have Ended