Rapture Index hits highest level in years – Christ about to use return ticket?

In case you were wondering how George W. Bush was doing in his effort to make Revelations into a reality show, the answer is – pretty good.

The Rapture Index has hit 165, its highest level in years.

So have that extra piece of cake. Christ is coming. And if it’s the Christ that Bush and Huckabee believe in, no one will make it out of this alive.

–WKW

Dirty bomber, terrorist, enemy combatant, U.S. citizen Jose Padilla gets 17 years

Alleged dirty bomber, terrorist, American citizen Jose Padilla has received a sentence of 17 years.

“Convicted terrorism supporter gets 17-year sentence”

MIAMI, Florida (AP) — Jose Padilla, once accused of plotting with al Qaeda to blow up a radioactive “dirty bomb,” was sentenced Tuesday to 17 years and four months on terrorism conspiracy charges that don’t mention those initial allegations.

The sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke marks another step in the extraordinary personal and legal odyssey for the 37-year-old Muslim convert, a U.S. citizen who was held for 3½ years as an enemy combatant after his 2002 arrest amid the “dirty bomb” allegations. He had faced up to life in prison.

Cooke also imposed prison terms on two other men of Middle Eastern origin who were convicted of conspiracy and material support charges along with Padilla in August. The three were part of a North American support cell for al Qaeda and other Islamic extremists around the world, prosecutors said.

Padilla was added in 2005 to an existing Miami terrorism support case just as the U.S. Supreme Court was considering his challenge to President Bush’s decision to hold him in custody indefinitely without charge. The “dirty bomb” charges were quietly discarded and were never part of the criminal case.

After prosecutors used the cunning strategy of repeatedly calling Padilla a terrorist while repeating “9/11″ and “Al Qaeda” like a mantra to produce a conviction, Padilla is off to jail, where one can assume that a threat of solitary confinement won’t affect him in the least. In fact, it’s possible that no stimulus whatsoever affects Padilla after being tortured while being detained by George W. Bush.

The prosecution was helped a great deal by the fact that they apparently lost videos of Padilla’s interrogation (read: torture) at the hands of U.S. officials during the three-plus years he was held.

Did Padilla receive a fair trial following his “extraordinary personal and legal odyssey?” Not so much. As Glenn Greenwald wrote:

Worse still, the notion that Padilla received a “fair trial” is dubious, to put it mildly, and will undoubtedly be vigorously contested on appeal. Last year, the New York Times obtained a copy of a video from Padilla’s imprisonment which showed techniques that can only be described as torture — systematic sensory deprivation and gratuitous humiliations which clearly broke Padilla as a human being in every sense that matters, all before he had been charged, let alone convicted, of anything. Whether a person subjected to a torture regimen of that severity can possibly receive a “fair trial,” in light of his obvious inability to participate meaningfully in his own defense, looms darkly over this entire proceeding.

As the N.Y. Times wrote almost a year ago:

We will probably never know if Mr. Padilla was a would-be terrorist. So far, this trial has been a reminder of how Mr. Bush’s policy on prisoners has compromised the judicial process. And it has confirmed the world’s suspicions of the United States’ stooping to the very behavior it once stood against.

Good bye, Jose Padilla. We hardly knew ye. Or whether you were a terrorist. But we know you were tortured.

–WKW

Fox Business Network has destroyed U.S. and world economy

Ok, that headline may come off as misleading. Actually, Conservative economic policies and the Bush Administration have been the ones that have lead the U.S. economy to the point where the world is starting to engage in widespread panic.

But, six of one, half-a-dozen of the other.

But the evidence is overwhelming. Fox Business Network came on the air on Oct. 15, 2007. According to Barry Ritholtz: “On the last trading day before FBC debuted, the Dow closed at 14,093.”

On that Friday, Oct. 19, 2007: The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 366.94 points, or 2.64%, to 13,522.02. The S&P 500 was off 39.45 points, or 2.56%, at 1500.63, and the Nasdaq Composite plunged 74.15 points, or 2.65%, to 2725.16.

At this moment, the Dow is at 12,099.30.

Yes, in just four months since FBN came on the air, the Dow Jones has lost 2,000 points. And pretty much every other economic factor you can find has plunged, as well. As for the world’s economy since then? Well, check any business or news Web site.

In 2007, Rupert Murdoch said CNBC is too “negative towards business” and that Fox Business would be more “business friendly.”

Yeah, that seems to be working.

So while stock market and economic experts spend the day desperately trying to figure out the whats and whys of the current U.S. and world economic downturn, I figure my analysis is just as worthy as theirs.

So I blame Fox and Rupert Murdoch. And by extension, the people they are fronting.

–WKW

Fred Hiatt finally catches on that Bush is a rigid ideologue

Fred Hiatt, who apparently has been writing and editing while in a fugue these past seven years, comes up with this pithy line in the Washington Post:

“The rigidity of the administration’s ideology became clear last week with the culmination of a two-year study of the nation’s transportation woes.”

Yeah Fred, up until last week, no one had any clue that the Bush and friends were rigid ideologues. This transportation issue has really opened up the world’s eyes. Jane Hamsher seems to have it right – Hiatt doesn’t apparently even read the pages he’s in charge of editing.

Click here to read the rest of Hiatt’s shock that the Bush Administration believes that U.S. roads should be privatized.

–WKW

Chuck Norris goes with Huckabee because he’s afraid McCain will die in office

Chuck Norris, star of stage and screed, has said the main reason he decided to have he and his beard support Mike Huckabee for the GOP Presidential nomination was out of fear that John McCain would die in office if elected.

“If John (McCain) takes over the presidency at 72 and he ages 3-to-1, how old will he be in four years? Eighty-four years old — and can he handle that kind of pressure in that job?” Norris said. “That’s why I didn’t pick John to support, because I’m just afraid the vice president will wind up taking over his job within that four-year presidency.”

The pronouncement comes as a shock to many, as most believed that Norris supports Huckabee due to the fact that both are religious fanatics. Norris, 67, is known for his karate career, his starring role on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and the “Chuck Norris Facts” that swept over the Internet.

Currently, he is known for his support of the Huckabee campaign and for the fact that he is completely unaware of the fact that he’s a complete laughingstock.

–WKW

Bush’s Middle East peace plan at work: Israel cuts off Gaza’s fuel

Yeah, but Bush talked about a two-state solution. That means history (and the Washington Post) will view him as a revolutionary statesman and diplomat. Of course, history will also view the Palestinians as an extinct people.

“Israel stops fuel shipments; Gaza City goes dark”

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza City was plunged into darkness Sunday after Israel blocked the shipment of fuel that powers its only electrical plant in retaliation for persistent rocket attacks by Gaza militants.

A Palestinian man uses a lantern at his shop after the power was cut in Gaza City on Sunday.

The power cut forced already beleaguered Gazans to stock up on food and batteries in anticipation of dark, cold days ahead. Gaza officials warned the move would cause a health catastrophe while a U.N. agency and human rights groups condemned Israel.

“We have the choice to either cut electricity on babies in the maternity ward or heart surgery patients or stop operating rooms,” Gaza Health Ministry official Dr. Moaiya Hassanain said.

Israel justified the cutoff because of continuous rocket attacks by Gaza militants. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Meckel said the Gaza Strip continues to receive 70 percent of its electricity supply directly from Israel, which would not be affected, and another 5 percent from Egypt.

–WKW

Here’s a thought: Lets spend $800 tax rebate on something to make U.S. a better place?

While it still seems a longshot to actually happen, should President Bush get his dream of giving a tax rebate to “stimulate the economy,” it seems like it’s even more of a longshot that it would have any lasting effect on the economy. Basically, it will be Bush once again opening up the treasury and dumping money out of it, with most aimed toward those who already have plenty of money to spare.

If it does happen, and the average taxpayer is given $800 or so to go buy doo-dads and fancy jeans, how about we – the average American citizen who cares about the United States and its citizens – do something with that money that would matter.

Like find a way to make sure all children in the nation have health care.

Doing a little simple math makes it seem not as ludicrous as it seems at first blush: One million people donate their tax rebates = $800 million. Two million taxpayers do it = $1.6 billion. Think of what could be done.

Obviously, it would take more than just donating the money to some charity, but why would it be such an impossible task? Our side can organize. We know people. We can help Americans since the government won’t. And if they are giving us the startup funds, why not take advantage. One big hunk of money can go a long way. Just ask Alaskans.

Maybe we’d want to start something to benefit the environment instead? Or help Katrina victims who’ve seen the government turn its back on them? Or on any number of things the government has refused to act on. Because let’s be honest, for the U.S. right now, much more than just the economy needs stimulated.

I haven’t exactly plotted out a game plan for this, mind you. I’m just running the idea up a flagpole. Trying to plant a seed if it were. Yeah, it would be a real longshot to pull an idea like this off. But, at least, it seems truly, well, American.

And at very least, it would be one cool way to spend $800, eh?

Just something to think about.

–WKW

U.S. Economy flees to Dubai

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Economy has fled to Dubai, and has threatened to never return unless its left alone, sources say.

“It seems quite serious,” said a senior administration official.

There had been reports that the U.S. Economy was seen in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, trying to strengthen itself by selling T-shirts and other souvenir items to tourists, but that report was quashed after it was discovered that it was not the Economy in Mexico selling souvenirs, but was, in actuality, Maggie Johannsen, a former real estate agent from Austin, Texas.

Instead, the CIA has apparently retraced the daring escape of the U.S. Economy to Dubai, which began with it sneaking onto Air Force One during President George W. Bush’s recent trip to the Middle East.

“You’d think someone would notice the entire economy sneaking into the baggage department,” said the official. “But apparently it just stayed quiet and munched on useless mortgages to survive the trip.”

The U.S. Economy has been beset by problems over the last several years, from the sub-prime crisis, to its use in Iraq, to a ballooning trade deficit, as well as to a massive federal debt.

In an unverified letter to the American people, the U.S. Economy said it likely won’t return to American soil for generations, if ever.

“At this stage, I’m much more at home in Dubai,” wrote the U.S. Economy in a handwritten, confusing diatribe which no one really understood but pretended they did. “More foreign banks own me now, anyway. I can’t imagine coming back any time soon.”

Still, President Bush and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke have said the U.S. Economy should return any minute from its “vacation” and that the new season of American Idol was shaping up to be the best ever.

“The economy is in really good shape,” said President Bush in a radio address. “How many other economies can just jump up and take a vacation?”

Bush added that he still plans on going through with a temporary, broad-based tax relief package, that should help spur the economy, or at very least get it back within U.S. borders.

“This plan is a solid one,” said Bush. “All American taxpayers will be receiving a check from the government soon, I hope. Just wait on cashing it.”

For his part, Bernanke seemed completely unconcerned of the recent developments, and even stopped his press conference to comment on the Fox show “American Idol.”

“That Paula Abdul is a hottie, eh,” said Bernanke. “And Simon, don’t get me started. Seriously, everyone should watch that show.”

Still, Bernanke said that the U.S. Economy should return to American soil sooner, rather than later.

“The President of the U.S. has knelt before King Abdullah and tearfully begged him to drop oil prices, just a little, if at all possible,” said Bernanke. “Whether it’s tax stimulus packages or weeping uncontrollably at the feet of a Middle Eastern King, we’ll do whatever it takes to get this Economy back.

“On the positive side, however,” added Bernanke, “the average U.S. citizen shouldn’t notice the Economy being gone at all. This really only affects about one percent or less of the general population.”

Experts, however, don’t seem quite so sure.

“I think the Economy is gone,” said Barry Ritholz, a market strategist and author of the Big Picture blog. “We have every reason to believe that right at this very moment the U.S. Economy is sitting in the Dubai headquarters of Halliburton. And I can’t imagine a scenario where this Administration would demand Halliburton to send it back.”

More on this story as it develops.

–WKW

Time for reporters to drop out of 2008 campaign

Martin Schram of the Sacramento Bee hits the nail on the head:

The verdicts of Iowa and New Hampshire prompted a handful of the 2008 political players to depart from the presidential campaign trail.

But far too many remain for our own good.

Along with the handful of presidential candidates who dropped out so far, voters might be better served if a hundred or so of my political-reporter and pundit colleagues dropped out as well – and were replaced by journalists whose beats are about national security, economics, environment and health care.

For our coverage has not been serving the public interest by providing the sort of information voters really need to know – especially in the last weeks when many voters make their decisions.

Much of the blame goes to the editors who apparently are satisfied with the sort of poll-driven horse-race journalism that we have gotten in the final weeks.

Political journalists are a unique breed within our craft. Their job (as assigned by their editors) is to cover contests in which the contestants debate a wide range of vital issues – subjects about which the journalists who cover them have no expertise. So when the candidates are proposing their detailed plans for the economy or the war or health care or global warming, the journalists who cover the candidates rarely ask informed, penetrating follow-up questions. (Unless they are fed these questions by an opposing candidate’s issues specialists.)

Amen (and I’ll even overlook the praise for stooge Michael Gordon). Read the rest here. The simple fact is this: Our political system would not be as sick as it is, if it weren’t for the fact that our media was much more sick.

The government won’t get well until the media does first.

–WKW

GolfWeek Magazine can’t see why a noose on its cover is a bad thing

Here is the cover of this week’s GolfWeek Magazine:

Yeah. I know.

Click here for my take on it at my WorldGolf.com blog.

–WKW

What’s the difference between a terrorist and a Republican? $50 grand

The Republican Party: Cranking out terrorists since the Reagan Administration. At least.

“Former lawmaker charged in terrorism case”

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former congressman and delegate to the United Nations was indicted Wednesday as part of a terrorist fundraising ring that allegedly sent more than $130,000 to an al Qaeda and Taliban supporter who has threatened U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan.

The former Republican congressman from Michigan, Mark Deli Siljander, was charged with money laundering, conspiracy and obstructing justice for allegedly lying about lobbying senators on behalf of an Islamic charity that authorities said was secretly sending funds to terrorists.

A 42-count indictment, unsealed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, accuses the Islamic American Relief Agency of paying Siljander $50,000 for the lobbying — money that turned out to be stolen from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Siljander, who served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, was appointed by President Reagan to serve as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations for one year in 1987.

No word on who Siljander has endorsed for President in 2008, but many feel he’s a lock to go with Rudy Giuliani.

Seriously, however, the root causes of terrorism are complex and difficult to pinpoint. There are many factors involved. Unless you’re a Republican. Then $50 grand will do the trick.

–WKW

Some morning reading

Just because:

• Amity Shlaes: Stop Bush, Democrats Before They Save Our Economy
• Gin and Tacos: Staffed by real scienticians
• William K. Wolfrum (Call me Bill): Tiger Woods should be fired for remarks made by Kelly Tilghman
• The Sideshow: More stuff
• Jon Swift: Google bombs Jon Swift
• Buck Naked Politics: Congressmen Try to Block Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia
• The Jaded Skeptic: Going Commando and Terminating the California budget

So what have you been reading or writing today?

–WKW

Actively working against U.S. citizens, Congress decides Miguel Tejada needs oversight

Steroids in baseball are a big deal to many, myself included. Of course, I’m also a sportswriter.

As for where steroids in baseball and sports rank on the list of issues Congress needs to deal with? Somewhere between mandating that kids can’t wear too loose of shorts and whether America’s Next Top Model should be officially recognized by America for her achievement.

So Congress is taking on the steroids in baseball issue:

“Tuesday’s hearing raises big issues for Tejada and Magowan”

In more than four hours of commentary and confrontation on steroids in baseball Tuesday, members of a House Committee asked questions, made demands and pontificated. They praised Sen. George Mitchell for his report and they interrogated Bud Selig and Donald Fehr. Their inquiries and their colloquy raised a number of questions.

Worst health care in the industrialized world? Meh.

Wheels falling off the economy? Wev.

A President still desperately doing anything he can to start his third unsuccessful war? Old news.

But Miguel Tejada is going to have to face the music.

Sometimes, I really have to believe that Congress is actively working against us.

–WKW

Race card plays the race card

WASHINGTON — In an intriguing development today on the campaign trail, the Race Card played the race card, leading top pundits confused, irritated, or, in some cases, demanding complete and total partisanship.

“I’m calling myself on all involved,” said the Race Card in a brief statement. “Seriously, this is ridiculous.”

The Race Card has been getting more and more media time in the past few weeks, with some pointing to subtle – and not so subtle – racially charged statements emanating from the Hillary Clinton campaign, as well as from the media in dissecting Clinton’s New Hampshire primary victory.

“There’s still a lot of campaigning to do, and I’m really sick of being used so often already,” said the Race Card from its home in Ron Paul’s wallet. “With Barack Obama’s success as a candidate, we knew this would happen, but we figured it would be Republicans who used me.”

Still, the Race Card said it expected to get a lot of usage should Obama win the Democratic nomination.

“If it’s Obama, I honestly expect the Republicans to drag out attacks that will hearken back to the 1700s,” it said. “They will be evil, and I’ll be exhausted. That’s why I’m playing myself right now on all involved, so they know that we know what they’re all up to.”

The Race Card’s usage of the race card appears to so far have worked. Just recently, both Clinton and Obama have released positive statements about each other, and have made a strong stride in giving the Race Card some needed time off.

“I’m encouraged,” said the Race Card, appearing on the Rachel Maddow Show on Air America Radio.

Of course, while Obama’s race has become something of a lightning rod, Clinton’s sex has been even more of an issue, with pundits hammering on her nearly every move and relating it to the fact that she’s female.

The Gender Card could not be reached for comment, however, as it was busy pummeling Chris Matthews.

–WKW

I want a baby polar bear

It’s understandable, I suppose, why female polar bears some times eat their young. I’d like nothing better than to chew on the one above for a while. Sadly, though, nature is as nature is and the little bears do sometimes have an enemy in mom. Find out more at The Huffington Post.

–WKW

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