May 17, 2006
And the Sun IS Shining
This morning the sun is shining at long last, draping itself in luminous sheets on every available surface. I bustled around the house first thing, trying to capture the miracle digitally. I did, but the results were mlldly disappointing.
I was determined to find joy in spite of the fact that Arlen Spector, after another phoney display of constitutional fortitude, once again sold out the nation by acquiescing to the administration. They no longer have to bother with that silly FISA Court. This enormous "compromise" , was obscured by all the flap about immigration, and basically went unreported. Good job Georgie, great distraction with the meaningless TV speech. Threw us right off the track, before we even noticed.
Now the executive branch of our government can do anything they damn well please, legally, without any oversight whatsoever. Do we still qualify as a democracy?
As any third grade teacher knows, you can't let a bully out on the playground without supervision, because people will get hurt. In this case Iraqi civilians, American soldiers, Quakers, whistleblowing patriots, and now reporters have been mistreated, some to death. That's what you get when you elect a third grade bully for President.
To further brighten my day (and now yours), I read how much Dick and George are worth :
"Vice President Cheney disclosed a portfolio worth as much as $94.6 million in 2005. [but remember, he doesn't have his health]
Most of the Bushes' wealth was in real estate and a diversified trust, which combined were worth as much as $10 million, the 18-page statement showed. Much of the rest of their holdings were U.S. Treasury notes and certificates of deposit. The 1,583-acre Bush ranch near Crawford, Tex., was estimated to be worth between $1 million and $5 million, the same range given in last year's filing. Bush also disclosed a health savings account worth as much as $15,000 and a 401(k) retirement plan from his days as Texas governor valued at as much as $250,000."
Dick and George were both required to disclose gifts they received last year. We heard alot about what they gave one another, but, and herein lies the spiritual lesson you've been awaiting, Bush received " an Apple Computer Inc. iPod music player and a book titled "The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language," written by Eugene H. Peterson, from U2 lead singer Bono". Completely brilliant, Bono -- a book Bush MIGHT actually read. He might get the hang of Christlike behavior in the process. Maybe it's a book on tape and he'll listen to it, while he's on the ttreadmill. I guess W. didn't get the sterling silver martini shaker I sent, or maybe he's just not required to report it anymore.
George also received "a chain saw, with accessories, from Home Depot Inc. President Robert Nardelli." As if the man needed another chain saw, but we all know how he does love making a mess.
Photo note: Lemons in the shadows -- quite a Spector
Posted by Dakota at May 17, 2006 06:34 AM