State Department at Odds with Embassy over Iran Intel Presentation

Apparently, the United States Department of State is stating that absolutely NO information will be presented proving Iran's involvement in the chaos that is Iraq. This is a direct contradiction to what the U.S.'s new Ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that he would present a detailed presentation on Iranian involvement in Iraq. The reasoning the State Department is using: they do not want "faulty intelligence" spread widely like was the case in the build up to the Iraq War, which to me seems a covert admission there IS a build up to go to war with Iran, they just don't want to be embarrassed by "faulty intelligence" so they have decided not to release anything. Click here to see all of what ABC News has to say on this issue.

Republicans Force Democrats Over Pay Raise

Republicans have blocked the COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustment) that Congress usually gives itself every year or so. Last year, before the elections, Democrats blasted Republicans for being for a pay raise and against raising the minimum wage (and that attack was a very successful one), however, the Democrats seemingly supported the COLA when Republicans blocked it. Now, our poor Congressmen and women will now have to do without that 1.7% raise, is anyone angry? I think there may be oh, about 535 people who aren't happy (btw, that is the number of people in Congress). I have to say, whether it was a political move or not, I have to applaud the Republicans for this (mark this down, this could be a once in a lifetime event).

Breaking: Secret US Military Report Blames Iran

A Secret U.S. Military report, first reported by NBC News, and confirmed independently by Off The Record, that Iranian personnel was likely behind an ambush in the Iraqi city of Karbala that left five U.S. soldiers dead. Also detailed in the report is the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is providing sophisticated weapons, as well as intelligence on Iraqi and U.S. military forces to Shiite extremists. More on this developing story as it becomes available.

BREAKING: Third Battleship to the Gulf

Off The Record has confirmed with Pentagon officials that infact, the USS Ronald Reagan has left the United States on its way to the Persian Gulf. Military personnel have been told to keep a pretty tight lid on this, and have been instructed to tell any one inquiring that the Battleship is going there to support Iraq War Operations. My friends, I'm not sure if you know this or not, but it was revealed here a month ago that the U.S. was sending a second Carrier to the region as a warning against Iran, and my sources then told me to be on the look out for the third (Three Battleships are the key number specified in the still classified Iran War Plans that Off The Record has obtained partial copies of), and that third is on its way. Only one of my sources would come out and say this could be a direct provocation and final threat to Iran before military actions, even if it is just air strikes (which this certain official believes would lead to full scale war).........More of this major developing story as it becomes available.

Off The Record Hits YouTube

I have recently decided to compliment my blog, I will start doing regular "newscasts" on YouTube. To view my profile, click here. My ultimate goal is to start a user generated newscast with contributions from anyone who thinks they are up to par. If you would like more information on this project, or would like to be included in this project please email me using the links on the left side bar. If you are interested in becoming one of the faces of the ONLY user generated new casts on YouTube, email me (I would like you to have an audition tape with an audition for the segments you would be interested in covering, videos must be under 100 megabytes and less than 10 minutes long). Anyway, please view my web newscasts, and tell me what you think of them, and I hope to get some of you interested in to the contribution process as well. Thank you!

Ann Coulter's STILL Trying to be Relevant

Oh, oh, oh, the musings of one Ann Coulter, the endless joy you can get from just laughing at this poor, pathetic media whore. Her latest "opinion" (like anyone gives a rats ass) piece is titled "I'm a Woman, Hear Me Bore" now, is it just me, or does Ann the man just HATE women? Remember, this article comes from the woman who also stated that women in the United States should not have the right to vote, but who was caught voting in the wrong district (which, by they way, is a FELONY, the same charge she makes aganist one President Bill Clinton), so...why is she not practicing what she preaches and NOT voting, find a husband (well, THAT may be a problem), and be little Miss Betty Crocker and spare us here idoitic, hate filled rants. Oh yeah, and, please, take this quote from her newest op-ed piece:

"Mrs. Clinton's acolytes are floating the idea of Hillary as another Margaret Thatcher to get past the question, 'Can a woman be elected president?' "

I would like to remind Miss Coulter that the article she referred to came out of a paper owned by none other than one Rupert Murdoch (who, at least at one time, was her employer when she appeared of Fox News). Oh, please, stick with me for at least ONE more insane quote from this bitch:

"But the most urgent question surrounding Hillary's candidacy is: How will the Democrats out-macho us if Hillary is their presidential nominee? Unlike their last presidential nominee, she doesn't even have any fake Purple Hearts."

Well, Miss Coulter, let me remind you that MOST of the TOP leadership (and some of your favorite talk radio personalities (one Rush Limbaugh) didn't even GO to
Vietnam, they used their high powered connections to keep them out of the war, so, they didn't have the chance to even WIN a Purple Heart, "fake" or otherwise. Yes, the above quote, to me at least, reveals that Ann Coulter has a vendetta aganist women, I have one Question for Miss Coulter: Do you not like being a woman? Are you angry

Kerry Running for the Senate in 2008

John Kerry has come to his senses and has decided he will not run for the Presidency in 2008, an top aide citing Kerry's "botched" joke late last year, however, he WILL seek re-election to his Senate seat next year. He is taping a response to e-mail to his supporters (there are still some of those out there? hehe, whats up with this year and online video, its like they just discovered the web). Go here for all the details.

Racism and the Black Caucus

Freshman United States Representative Steven Cohen (D-TN) has been denied entry into the Congressional Black Caucus, because he is white. It does not seem to matter to Caucus members that an overwhelming majority of his constituency is black, and this was not a political move by Cohen, it was a move he thought would, if successful, help his constituents. It is a sad state of affairs when, in the year 2007, a group, especially within the United States House of Representatives, denies a person entry because of skin color alone. Can you imagine the outrage if there was a Congressional White Caucus created, I can see the media orgasm already: Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Co. would race to the nearest television camera, condemn the creators of the group, and demand their resignation, now, I ask, if they are really for racial equality, why not do the same thing in this instance? It's the perfect definition of hypocrisy.

State of the Union Drinking Game

Here is the George W. Bush State of the Union Survival Guide/Drinking game. The game is below, in full (by: Will Durst):

What you Need to Play:

Four taxpayers: One rich white guy wearing a Suit. Cuff links are nice. Two people wearing jeans, one in a blue work shirt, the other in a white shirt. One person wearing clothes rejected by the Salvation Army. (Belt and shoelaces removed.)

One shot glass per person. Everybody brings their own from home and places it on table. Suit gets first pick for use during game. White shirt picks next, then Blue shirt. Suit takes last shot glass as well, and Rags has to beg a glass from other players when necessary, or drink out of own cupped hands.

Twenty buck ante for everybody, except Suit who tosses in a quarter.

One pot of Texas chili and one bowl of guacamole, in middle of coffee table with tortilla chips nearby. Rags has to prepare and serve the chili and guacamole.

A large stash of beer. Rags gets the cheapest stuff available. Suit gets whatever import he likes. White and Blue Jeans get any domestic brand as long as it's no more expensive than Bud. Jeans pay for all the beer, the chips and the ingredients for the chili and guacamole.

Rules of the Game:

1. Whenever George W uses the phrases "defending liberty," "enormous progress" or "challenges ahead," last person to knock wood has to drink 2 shots of beer. If he actually says "there are those who envy our freedoms and seek to destroy us," everybody drinks a whole beer.

2. The first time George W mentions the tragic events of 9/11, the last person to eat one dollop of chili off a tortilla chip must drink three shots of beer. The second time George W mentions the tragic events of 9/11, the last person to eat one dollop of guacamole off a tortilla chip must drink three shots of beer. Continue to alternate. If you mischip, drink two extra shots of beer.

3. If George W mispronounces Iraqi President Al- Maliki's name, drink two shots of beer. If he even attempts to pronounce the name of Iranian President Mahmoud Amadinejad, first person to stop laughing is exempt from drinking three shots of beer.

4. If George W makes up a word like "9/11ers or "deterrencism," last person to yell out "Strategerie!" drinks two shots of beer.

5. Every time senators Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama are shown in the audience, Suit drinks one shot of beer.

6. The first time George W talks about immigration, last person to finish three chips of guacamole has to drink three shots of beer.

7. If either the Vice President, Secretary of State or First Lady are caught napping, last person to make snoring noises drinks two shots of beer. If Senator Robert Byrd is shown awake, Blue and White drink two shots of beer.

8. Everybody drinks two shots of beer if President Bush mentions Scooter Libby. Three shots of beer if he mentions Jack Abramoff. Four shots of beer if he mentions Osama bin Laden.

9. Whenever George W quotes the Bible, last person to sing the first eight bars of "Amazing Grace" has to drink two shots of beer.

10. If George W smirks during a standing ovation, take turns throwing chips of chili and guacamole at TV. First person to hit Bush's head exempt from drinking three shots of beer.

11. If George W tells a folksy Texas tale with a deeper meaning about not leaving before the job is done, Suit has to drink out of beer-filled hands of Rags, who gets to dry his hands on Suit's jacket.

12. Predict the number of applause breaks. After the speech, drink number of shots of beer equal to the difference between your estimate and the real number.

EXTRAS:

Anybody who can identify the person giving the Democratic Response doesn't have to watch it.

If George W uses a heartfelt story about one of our brave troops, White gets to kick everybody once. Twice if the brave troop is a woman. Rags gets to kick Suit if Bush reveals the subject of the anecdote is in the audience. Twice if the brave troop is sitting next to an astronaut.

Suit takes home the $60.25.

Leftover beer, chili and guacamole go home with Rags, after he/she is finished washing the dishes.

Political Comic Will Durst is going to try and sneak into the event disguised as an astronaut. Listen to Durst's twice weekly commentaries at audible.com/willdurst.

Don't Bash Bush in Australia

If you happen to being wearing a shirt that has Bush's picture on it, along with a saying like "World's Number 1 Terrorist" you can be barred from flying (they did, however, give him the option to change shirts..how nice), even to the U.K., as Allen Jasson, 55, an Australian IT expert who lives in Britain, found out! So, I guess you wonder what the airlines reasoning was, according to this article:

"Airline staff said the T-shirt of Bush with the tagline "World's number 1 terrorist" could have upset other passengers and demanded it be changed for another."

Mr. Jasson decided it was better to stand for his freedom of speech rights and forfeit his fare, but he is looking into legal options....meanwhile, the airline, Quantas, issued a statement that verbal, as well as words/phrases printed on clothing, which had the potential to offend other travelers or threaten the security of the aircraft "will not be tolerated." Well, for one, when you have freedom of speech, you have the right to offend people and two, just wearing a shirt, no matter what is printed on it (okay, if it said "I'm gonna blow this plane up" then I can see their point), does NOT threaten the security of the aircraft. I cannot wait to see what else develops out of this!

Former FEMA Head Starts Telling

Former head of FEMA, Michael Brown, is now revealing some of the things that went on behind the scenes at the White House concerning the Government's response to Hurricane Katrina. During, and for a good while after, Brown (or, as many will always remember the nickname Bush gave him when he said "Brownie, your doing a heck of a job") took almost all the heat for the Government's slow response to the costliest Hurricane to ever hit the United States and absolutely demolish New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast. Brownie seems not to be near as bad as even I thought he was (although I still don't see how being President of the Arabian Horse Association makes you qualified to run FEMA, but that blame ultimately lies with Bush), and he wants us ALL to know what really happened, here is what he had to say:

"Unbeknownst to me, certain people in the White House were thinking we had to federalize Louisiana because she's a white, female Democratic governor and we have a chance to rub her nose in it."

As expected, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco fired back with a very appropriate response to Brown's allegations (I use that word because, surprise, the White House is denying his version of events, and we all know how trust worthy the White House is, they'd never lie to us about anything):

"This is exactly what we were living but could not bring ourselves to believe. Karl Rove was playing politics while our people were dying," Blanco said through a spokeswoman, referring to President Bush's top political strategist. "The federal effort was delayed, and now the public knows why. It's disgusting."

I could be wrong, but I have a strange feeling Brownie is not finish telling everything he knows (and/or has found out since he was made the scapegoat), although he may be saving it for a tell-all book, but either way, I can't wait to hear what else he has to offer. Go here for the complete story from the MSM.

Muslim's Protest Fox's 24

Muslim's are complaining about always being the villain in Fox's hit TV show 24.

"The overwhelming impression you get is fear and hatred for Muslims," said Rabiah Ahmed, a spokeswoman for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations. She said Thursday she was distressed by this season's premiere. "After watching that show, I was afraid to go to the grocery store because I wasn't sure the person next to me would be able to differentiate between fiction and reality."

Click here to read the story, continue reading for my little gem of wisdom on the subject: To the Muslim's who are up in arms (well, maybe that is worded wrong, who are protesting) about 24, GET OVER IT, and don't watch it. You have to remember speech is protected here in the United States, and we can't start banning stuff just because it offends someone. To me, our society has gone way overboard with this political correctness bullshit, I mean, come ON! Have you ever heard of Carlos Mencia (if not, search him on YouTube), he is an example of someone who just speaks what he thinks, and he usually ends up offending a number of different groups with each joke he makes, but THAT is the beauty of this country, you CAN express what you feel and its OKAY. If your SO worried it will cause people not to understand the difference between fact and fiction (come on, that is an insult to me, and most Americans), go out, and produce your own damn show and make Americans the villains!

China Flexes its Might

China, without warning, shot down one of its own satellites, raising concern of a "Space Arms Race" although China said it carried out the surprise launch to force the U.S. into signing a treaty making Space weapon free. For more, click here.

UPDATE: Apparently, China is keeping unusually quiet about this missile test, and the United States is "trying to interpret" the silence, saying they are not even able to get the most simple diplomatic response to inquiries and said they were not sure President Hu was fully aware of the test before it happened and/or the reaction it would receive worldwide. It also has surfaced that the US Government kept this under wraps for almost an entire week (before someone leaked it, that must be some record), claiming they were giving the Chinese time to come up with a suitable explanation, but they are just met with dumbfounded looks at the Chinese Embassies, indicating they may not know about it (or, in my guess, have been told to do exactly as they are doing). Here is this story.

Wanted: A Politician Who Isn't Running for President

Wow, you know, I've been thinking about this for a while, and after reading this AP story, it spurred me to write this...is it just me or does it seem every politician we have is now "exploring" a Presidential run (therefore necessarily taking at least SOME of the time they are getting paid to do work for)? It really seems every single day someone is announcing they are planning on, or have just formed, an Exploratory Committee, and talk about how they'd make a Great President. I would like politicians to put their large ego's aside and let the select few strong contenders duke it out, quit trying to get your face plastered on our TVs and our Computers. I mean, really, each party pretty much has two to three credible contenders, so why should it include 15 or 20 per side? And THIS election cycle, the first Exploratory announcement came a good bit BEFORE the 2006 mid-term elections. This is getting absolutely ridiculous. I really believe money should be taken OUT of our election cycles, every contender (or the primary picks if there are as many "contenders" as there are this year) would get time together to participate in debates, and they would be given equal amounts of time on all the Public Airwaves, and that be it. They could still do interviews and tour and speak, but take all the unnecessary money out of it. Imagine what we could put that money to use for if you didn't use it trying to turn your opponent into the "Enemy of the State." Anyway, if YOUR representative of any level of government has announced the formation of an "exploratory committee," and you are sure they have no chance, please do us all a favor and write his exploratory committee and help them explore the reasons not to make us have to endure all this showboating and do the job they are elected to do.

Deadliest Day in Two Years

Just as the first troops arrive, thanks to Bush's "surge" that is going to cure everything, Saturday was a sad, bloody day for American Forces in Iraq. The final total (the numbers climbed throughout the day) of deaths was 25, making it the deadliest day in two years for American Forces and the 3rd deadliest day since the war began. What a way to welcome the new "surge" of troops. Here is the complete story.

What Really Happens When You Speak Truth to Power

I'm sure anyone who is vaguely familiar with politics remembers Steven Colbert's blistering performance at last year's White House Correspondents' Association dinner. While some thought he went to far in criticizing Bush, who was just feet away with Laura, I however, took it a different way: It's the First Amendment at its finest, being able to freely, without fear of reprisals, speak truth to anyone, no matter what position they hold (not NEARLY every country can claim this). So, what did the Association do: they picked someone for the April 21, 2007 dinner that will be gentle, so don't expect the fireworks OR the truth to come out. Here is the Washington Post's full article on this.

Hillary Mania

Today, ALL the major news outlets, no matter their medium, are going Hillary Crazy. Of course, this reaction was expected, however, was her announcement unexpected? NO, everyone has been saying she's running for President in 2008 when she didn't run in 2004. Today, I will focus on The Washington Post's piece that takes the angle of the advantage Hillary will have because she is a woman (one fact mentioned here that i did not know is that 9 million MORE women voted than men in the 2004 Presidential Election. They say (and I agree) that the time is ripe for a woman to reach The Executive Office of the President. There is also a sprinkling of her opponents names every now and then, and a few obstacles she will have to overcome, however, no matter what the critics say about her, she is an amazing politician and, if I'm not mistaken, she has won every political race she has ever ran in. Anyway, we will know how many wrinkles Hillary has on her face before 2008 gets here, this is just the start of Hillary Mania!

US to Fund Lebanon Reconstruction

It seems the United States Government cannot get rid of money it doesn't have fast enough! Apparently, according to Under Secretary of State Chris Burns, the U.S. will make a significant pledge (that is political code word for, WERE GOING TO PAY FOR IT) toward the reconstruction of Lebanon (will we do it next time Israel and Hezbollah go at it?). The French are supposed to help chair a conference in which major countries will try to get money together to rebuild Lebanon, go here for the whole story.

Mrs. Blair and Her Human Rights Crisis

The wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, according to an Exclusive in the Daily Mail, got into a heated argument with a member of the Cabinet. He told her, by the books, she is NOT allowed to accept gifts (this time, clothing), in which she retorted:
" 'You are infringing my rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.' Barrister Mrs Blair, an expert in the controversial human rights legislation, claimed the law gave her the right to 'enjoy her possessions' without the State meddling." Now, I may be wrong, but I have a feeling when the European Convention on Human Rights was drawn up and agreed upon, a problem of the type Mrs. Blair is having probably NEVER even crossed their mind. What a sad excuse to keep some free clothes, especially when you have the money to go out and purchase the same damn clothes. Go here for the entire Daily Mail Exclusive, but be warned, you may get angry, hurt yourself laughing, or both!

Battle of the Weathermen

It seems Weathermen and women are picking sides in what seems to be turning into a huge divide in the meteorological profession, with some saying meteorologist who are skeptical about global warming be stripped of their certification. You can go here to read all about the brewing war....and while we are on global warming, go here for a nifty little animation showing, in real time, the births, deaths, and the CO2 emissions from around the world.

Off The Record Commentary

(I apologize for the formatting issues on this post, Blogger is acting stupid and I cannot fix them at the moment.)

Off The Record is backing Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the next Democratic Primary, thus effectively, as the next President of the United States. We wish her well, and now that Off The Record has announced who it is backing, we will start to cover both the Democratic and the Republican Primaries, all the way through to the Presidential Election. This does not however, mean that is the only thing that will be covered during the next two years, I will cover other pressing issues, such as the plight of Sibel Edmonds and the latest updates on her case, as well as every press release she sends me from the National Security Whistle Blowers Association(NSWBC)(find out more about Sibel at Luke's two excellent blogs here and here), and we will obviously cover the latest breaking news from around the world (I've been very ill this week, but I'm back and ready to roar). I hope you join me in backing the, in my view, best person for being our next President of the United States: Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

UPDATE: I knew this would be happening soon, that's why I got out front and endorsed her. The Republican (and I might add a good number of Democrats supporting other candidates) Machines are working in overdrive to dish out Hillary dirt. Some of it is good though:

• The Times Online (out of the UK) is reporting here that Hillary is set to be presented as America's Margret Thatcher, saying "that her campaign would emphasise security, defence and personal strengths reminiscent of the Iron Lady." They do point out, however (and rightly so), the two women's political beliefs are very different on a lot of issues, its good for me, a Hillary supporter, to see her compared to the Iron Lady. The article also comments on "intends to paint the Republican nominee as President George W Bush’s political heir, particularly over the war in Iraq" which is the obvious best political strategy, although when she wins SHE will be the heir to the war, albeit with MUCH different plans. Clinton herself has said: "how to bring the right end to the war in Iraq and restore respect for America around the world," and that is an huge improvement to what we are currently having to put up with.
• Almost every comment mentions how nasty it is going to get, what they don't mention is they are often the ones that are helping the mudslinging out by promoting it (yeah, I WOULD fall into that category).
• The U.K. press seems to be giving her some kind of hell, the Daily Mail starts out here with a seemingly glowing review of her life, but then says this " Yet the only quality she cannot summon, however hard she works at it, is charm" right after talking about the always charming, no shirt posing Barack Obama (I had to through a little mud, Barack is an alright guy), but I think he may well be the ideal Vice Presidential candidate. I think his age (and, not to me, but to some, his race) will be a big disadvantage, as well as what they perceive as "lack of experience" although sometimes in politics, its better to have a fresh slate to try new things out.
• Dick Morris, who is a turncoat who used to advise the Clinton's, but had to resign in disgrace, is now determined to rip them to shreds (maybe he's bitter). He has now said he will make a movie about Hillary (wonder if he will call it Hillary's Fahrenheit 9/11). According to Robert Novak's column at Townhall.com, Morris wrote: "If you liked how the Swift Boat Veterans turned the tide against John Kerry, you understand how a top Clinton aide can turn the tables and stop a Clinton-style liberal from becoming the next president of the United States." What a sad political cheat shot and shows how desperate he is to find work (he knows this will be his last chance probably (except maybe in 2012) and he wants to try to make the HUGE money that will be paid to try to knock Hillary off her position as the shoe-in for the Democratic nomination, and therefore, in my opinion, the next President of the United States.
• Here, the AP does recognize the significance of JUST THE ANNOUNCEMENT as :"In an instant, Clinton became the most credible female candidate ever to seek the presidency and the first presidential spouse to attempt to return to the White House in her own right." The article also quotes Ellen Malcolm,President of EMILY's List, an organization that collects money for the Women (well, okay, only Democrat Women) who try getting elected to office, as saying "I am one of the millions of women who have waited all their lives to see the first woman sworn in as president of the United States - and now we have our best opportunity to see that dream fulfilled," but I believe Ellen speaks for more than just women, I also believe she speaks for many of the younger people, as well as old people who swore they'd NEVER see a woman (or a Black) ever even run for President (or many other high offices, but ESPICALLY the Presidency), much less having a very good chance of achieving it.
• Hillary states on her website (you can also follow the previous link and see her announcement and check out the new Hillary for President logos): "I have never been afraid to stand up for what I believe in or to face down the Republican machine. . After nearly $70 million spent against my campaigns in New York and two landslide wins, I can say I know how Washington Republicans think, how they operate and how to beat them."
• This coming Presidential election cycle, Off The Record has learned, is now even more likely to make history (at least the Democrat side, so far, I wouldn't be surprised at all if Condi drops out a year, year and a half before the 2008 election, but that's just my guess, and I think she'll go for the Republican Nomination. Colin Powell would be an excellent choice for the Republicans, because he is liked by many Democrats, and his hands are wiped clean of Bush because he has publicly admitted (the only one, besides Dick Clarke apologizing to the 9/11 victims families "We failed you and I'm sorry," the only person to EVER say I'm sorry for 9/11) that a while after his presentation at the UN concerning all the different kinds of weapons Iraq was making and had (remember the little vile of white powder he picked up dramatically, shaking it, talking about this much Anthrax would kill this many people, or the drawings of Iraq's "Mobile Weapon Making Facility," which I am sure he is embarrassed of it, but he need not think most of Americans would hold it against him, although he probably would get a lot of mud (maybe as much as Hillary is in for)), he learned that the information (most, if not all of it) in his presentation was based on what the government termed "bad intelligence." He did the noble thing and admitted it and SINCERELY apologized (not to mention he told Bush before the Iraq War: "You break it [Iraq], you buy it." I can see me voting for a Powell if there was a Democrat who was less worthy and less knowledgeable (remember, Powell is VERY WELL liked by MANY World Governments and Diplomats).

UPDATE: Cindy Sheehan has responded in a scathing piece on Senator Clinton, here it is in full:

"Hillary for President?
Cindy Sheehan

SEN. HILLARY CLINTON IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.

13 people killed in a helicopter crash today in Iraq . Two other soldiers and one marine also killed.

16 people dead in the last two days in a war that the Senator has supported since she first voted “yea” to give Bloody George carte-blanche to invade Iraq and her continuing support via her “yea” votes on giving the war-addict in the White House the key to the treasury.

Soon after Camp Casey in August, 05, I was meeting with some Hollywood people who pretended that they supported me, but really were big money donors and supporters of Hillary. I was told that the Senator was really against the war, but she was waiting for the politically correct time to come out against it. I was told that she was the best hope for the Democrats in 2008, and I should give her a break.

I don’t know who Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood and Mr. Hollywood Got Rocks thought that they were talking to. My son was used as a "soldier of Christ" in BushCo’s crusade against the world and a political pawn in such pro-war Democrat’s moves to the White House. I was disgusted and noted this in many blogs that I wrote at the time.

I supported the candidate for Senate in New York that ran a very courageous, anti-war race against Clinton : Jonathan Tasini.. CODEPINK New York did amazing work dogging the Senator and her supporters everywhere that she went and outing the fact that she is a Republican in Democratic clothing. Unfortunately, the people of New York spoke and Clinton , the pro-war candidate beat out Jonathan. The conservative area that she and President Clinton moved their carpet bags to after their presidency was over had a major impact on the last elections.

I, my sister, Dede, and another Gold Star Mother, Lynn Braddach, whose son, Travis Nall was killed in Iraq in 2003, met with Sen. Clinton in DC in September of 2005. We poured our hearts and souls out to her. We cried as we told her of our sons and our fear for the people of Iraq and the escalating body count of our brave young people. She sat there stone-faced and walked out and told Sarah Ferguson, of the Village Voice, "My bottom line is that I don't want their sons to die in vain.... I don't believe it's smart to set a date for withdrawal.... I don't think it's the right time to withdraw." She may as well have slapped us in the face using Bloody George’s line and using our son’s sacrifice to justify her war-mongering.

On Thursday, January 18th, Senator Clinton introduced a meaningless bill to put a cap on the number of soldiers that can be in Iraq set at January 1st levels. It is as weak and meaningless as the non-binding resolution and a politically safe move, since almost ¾’s of the country oppose the war and oppose Bloody George. When she introduced her Senate bill last Thursday, over 1000 of our young people have come home in body bags and tens of thousands of innocent Iraqis have died while she was waiting for the best political time to be semi-against the war. How many of our troops are lying in Walter Reed with devastating injuries that could have been prevented if a Senate leader like Clinton would have taken a moral, instead of political stance?

This occupation of Iraq can’t be won by being smarter---it was lost before we went in. The US, again, were big losers in a capricious military expedition with the support of Senator Clinton. She is an amazingly brilliant person and she cannot say that she was fooled, or lied to by George. We, the American public can be brilliant to, and we can’t buy that baloney.

In 2005, I was dying to support Hillary for president: finally a bright woman with experience. However, she is a champion fence sitter and politically heartless.

I, again, affirm my commitment to peace. I don’t care if it is a man or a woman; Democrat or Republican; white or black; Christian, Jew or otherwise. I will only support a candidate who is courageously and uncompromisingly committed to peace.

Hillary Clinton is not that person. She never will be. History speaks louder than words."

A Cute Comic Strip

Thanks to Luke (click here for a lot more of the same), I found this following comic strip and found it quite truthful....I agree with the Middle guy, 2006 will be known as the year before the year before we WIN the war in Iraq (although, depending on WHO gets in office, it may be known as 30 years before we left Iraq (what an aweful thought, that won't happen, it won't last THAT long, but i have a feeling it won't end anytime soon.

UPDATED: I hope you enjoy any of the others I'm looking at, I'll post some I REALLY like.

Iran Threaten's Oil Flow

Iran has threatened to stop oil from passing through the Hormuz Strait, the Strait in which forty percent of the world's oil supply must pass. Of course, if Iran did indeed block the Hormuz Strait, that would be a casus belli for many countries, and there would be a quick coalition thrown together of the oil hurting industrialized nations who would stomp Iran if they pulled such a move. More on this story as it develops.

Army Wants Dead Soldiers to Sign Back Up

The Army sent out its usual letters, asking people who have left the Army to re-enlist, only now, it seems they are so pressed for troops, they are even sending the letters to soldiers who have been injured or who have already died in Iraq! The Army has apologized and have personally contacted each family who's injured or dead family member is STILL wanted by Uncle Sam. Click here for the story.

Plame Gate Round Two

Valarie Plame, who's claim to fame is her cover as an undercover (non-official cover, the most secret cover a CIA employee can get) work for the Central Intelligence Agency by a/several member(s) of the Bush Administration, is back in the news. This story is going to be a blow to the people who claimed she was just a "paper pusher" at Langley. As many of you may know, Mrs. Plame received a lucrative book deal after her outing, but the CIA is now refusing to let her even mention she worked for the Agency because of her NOC work. Seems to me the CIA wouldn't want to censor a "paper pusher", but, hey, what do I know?!

Saddam's Last Hours

Apparently, the United States held Saddam a few days longer than the Iraqi Government wanted. The U.S. was worried about the backlash (that has now happened) of hanging him on the eve of such an important Sunni religious holiday. Also, it seems the "top-tier" U.S. military officials were out of the Country, so the Iraqi Government had to almost fight for physical custody of Saddam. Click here to read.

Israel's Planned Nuke Strike

UPDATE: Off The Record has independently verified that these secret plans have in fact been drawn up and are in the training stage. The source, asked to be anonymous because of the EXTREME sensitivity of this information, also said that the reasoning for these plans, in which he says Israel is prepared to use, are because Israel does not expect the United States to step in and attack Iran, despite some media reports to the contrary. He told me that the the people at the highest levels have green lighted this mission after training is complete and after a certain time frame to give the U.S. to do the job has passed. The actual time line he would not disclose. More on this story as it develops.

Apparently, Israel has drawn up secret plans to take out Iran's Nuclear facilities using "tactical" nuclear weapons, and if done, it would be the first Nuclear Strike since the United States used Nuclear Weapons in 1945. Off The Record is working to independently verify these claims and will update as soon as word comes through.

Spoil's of War:

Big Oil companies from the United States is set to get a lot more oil very soon, according to The Independent:

"Iraq's massive oil reserves, the third-largest in the world, are about to be thrown open for large-scale exploitation by Western oil companies under a controversial law which is expected to come before the Iraqi parliament within days.

The US government has been involved in drawing up the law, a draft of which has been seen by The Independent on Sunday. It would give big oil companies such as BP, Shell and Exxon 30-year contracts to extract Iraqi crude and allow the first large-scale operation of foreign oil interests in the country since the industry was nationalised in 1972."

Wow, this is a big surprise, isn't it.

Nancy Pelosi to Imminently become Speaker

It is expected within the next hour or so that Nancy Pelosi will in fact become the first woman Speaker of the House and become the highest ranking female in the American Government's history. Today, Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress for the first time within twelve years. The next 100 hours, in which the Democrats have promised to push through major reforms, will be quite interesting.

DC's Political Earthquake

White House legal counsel, and former Associate Supreme Court Justice nominee Harriet Miers has submitted her resignation...More on this story as it becomes available...

Negroponte OUT But Not Really

U.S. Officials have confirmed to Off The Record that John Negroponte will in fact resign his position of Director of National Intelligence and take up the post of Deputy Secretary of State. Although not given specifics, it was hinted at that Negroponte is actually being ousted as DNI and "demoted" to Deputy Secretary of State (which, would make him Secretary of State Rice's number two man) because of "turf wars" within the Intel community as well as dissatisfaction among the rank and file Intel officers. Not date has been mentioned for Negroponte's quasi-departure, however sources tell Off The Record that his resignation is pretty imminent. There are, however, lingering questions over whether he will actually be confirmed by the Senate because of his involvement in Nicaragua and the death squad ordeals, so, he may really be OUT for good. More to come on this story as it comes in.

Saddam Hussein Execution Video

I have been getting several requests to post this "unauthorized" Saddam execution video taken via cellphone. Anyway, for those of you who have not heard of YouTube or Google Video, here you go!