BREAKING: Polls show DK diarists obsessed with obsessing about meaningless polling

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Sunday November 05, 2006 · 2:18 PM PST

2006/11/05 · 14:18

BREAKING: A new poll out today shows that when contributors to Daily Kos should be contributing to GOTV efforts in some way, shape, or form, 42% are instead focused on writing meaningless diaries and obsessing like a bunch of "chicken littles" (hat tip to Kos) about this poll or that poll that shifted by some percentage within the margin of error or is in marked contrast to every other similar poll. Previously, only 37% of DK diarists were focused on this boring, pointless, meaningless crap.

The margin of error of this poll was 8% and was conducted nationwide in a survey of 1000 likely diarists. Though the 5% change was within the MOE, it shows the obvious effect of John Kerry destroying our chances in this election. It seems that voters (and diarists) actually love the current policy in Iraq, and John Kerry reminded them of that.

Documentary examines moral bankruptcy of Carville-Shrum consulting firm

peaceandprogress

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Wednesday March 01, 2006 · 3:17 PM PST

2006/03/01 · 15:17

The March 6th edition of New York Magazine has an extremely interesting review of a new political documentary. The review, Our Men in Bolivia, highlights Rachel Boynton's new documentary, "Our Brand Is Crisis," which documents the work Carville and Shrum's firm did for wildly unpopular 2002 Bolivian presidential candidate Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada ("Goni"). Goni eventually won the 2002 election with 22% of the vote (1% more than surprising candidate Evo Morales), only to be driven from office under massive protests by workers and the indigenous movements. As most of you know, Morales was recently elected to the presidency in a popular landslide.

Canadian Mennonites release primer of election issues, w/poll

peaceandprogress

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Friday January 20, 2006 · 1:24 PM PST

2006/01/20 · 13:24

I'm sure you are all aware of those Christian coalition voter guides which pop up in October every election year here in the United States, misrepresenting Democrats and Progressives on issues such as abortion, gun control, gay marriage, the pledge of allegiance, etc. When I saw a voter guide of sorts issued by the Mennonite Central Committee of Canada, I just had to check it out. You'll be interested as well, as it provides a good summary of issues we progressives should highlight in order to win more people of faith to our side.

It begins:

"For Christians, an election is not just about voting--it is about discerning the kind
of life that God calls us to. It is a time for broad discussion with others about being
part of a community, about sharing resources, about alternatives to violence, and
about hope for the future. It is part of our on-going commitment to uphold politicians
and public life in prayer and to witness to God's reign of peace, justice, and
wholeness."

Like the sound of that? Check out more excerpts below. Read More

Pervasive fear destroying US democracy (w/poll)

peaceandprogress

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Tuesday January 10, 2006 · 3:58 PM PST

2006/01/10 · 15:58

I was saddened and frightened today when I came across the results of a recent poll regarding the fear of a terrorist attack in the United States (Frightening Poll). Apparently, 41% (Yes, FDR, 41%!!!!) of Americans are very or somewhat worried that "[they] or someone in [their] family will become a victim of terrorism." Forty-one percent!!! How can people so full of such irrational fear possibly be functioning members of a democracy???

How does the risk of terrorism measure up
against everyday dangers?

Even with the September 11 attacks included in the count, the number of Americans killed by international terrorism since the late 1960s (which is when the State Department began counting) is about the same as the number of Americans killed over the same period by lightning, accident-causing deer, or severe allergic reaction to peanuts.

More below... Read More

Deja vu? US-backed tyrant denounces US meddling (w/ poll)

peaceandprogress

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Saturday December 17, 2005 · 11:31 AM PST

2005/12/17 · 11:31

The news out of Latin America today is the surprising turn of events in the relationship between America's two most notorious tyrants and aspiring dictators, Alvaro Uribe of Colombia and George W. Bush of the United States.

BOGOTA, Colombia - Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, one of Washington's best friends in South America, told the United States to stop "meddling" in his country's affairs after the U.S. ambassador urged him to take steps against corruption in regional elections.

U.S. Ambassador William Wood, in a speech in the capital Friday, said the 2003 elections for mayors and governors saw many unopposed candidates because potential opponents were bribed, scared off and, in some cases, murdered.

He said rightist paramilitary groups were often to blame for those abuses and warned the same could happen in elections scheduled for March elections.

More below the fold... Read More

Latest Abramoff distraction article from the AP/Karl Rove

peaceandprogress

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Saturday December 03, 2005 · 12:31 PM PST

2005/12/03 · 12:31

The AP has another distraction story up to try to pin Jack Abramoff to the Democratic Party. This time they are going after Tom Harkin...apparently, he (gasp) accepted input from a tribal lobbyist when writing a letter on behalf of an Iowa tribe!!! Just how murky are the AP/Rove going to make the waters??? And, can we stop them???

Lobbyist Helped Sen. Write Tribal Pleas

Did anyone see Chris Matthews on Sunday?

peaceandprogress

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Monday August 15, 2005 · 1:02 PM PDT

2005/08/15 · 13:02

This was actually one of the most ridiculous political shows that I've ever seen on network TV.

First off it was a really balanced panel, two journalists, crazy Julia Reed, and wing-nut David Brooks.

Norah O'Donnell -- NBC News
David Gregory - NBC News
Julia Reed - Vogue Magazine
David Brooks -- New York Times

Basically, the premise of the whole discussion was that Joe Biden and Hillary CLinton are the only sane Democrats out there on the war and that coming out against the war, rather than nibbling around the edges, would be 'disastrous' for Democrats. After all, as they all agreed, "No Democrat has said the war is wrong, well except for Howard Dean (giggles)." Of course there was no mention of Paul Hackett or of polls showing most of the country thinks the war was a bad idea. And then they showed a clip of McGovern saying troops should be removed from Vietnam, all again agreeing how stupid it was.

Sorry I could not find a transcript, the website only has them posted up to February. Did anyone else see this?

Bush hosts another tyrant (Uribe) down at the "ranch"

peaceandprogress

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Thursday August 04, 2005 · 3:12 PM PDT

2005/08/04 · 15:12

In the news today we see references that Bush is hosting Colombian leader Alvaro Uribe in Crawford, Texas today. For all of the rhetoric about democracy and freedom, it's telling that one of the most oppressive regimes in South America is the Bush Administration's strongest ally and the biggest rat hole for money from American taxpayers.

The visit comes just a day after the State Department announced that Colombia meets human rights standards, allowing more money to be delivered to the rat hole.

US to broadcast Propaganda to Venezuela?

peaceandprogress

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Wednesday July 27, 2005 · 4:15 PM PDT

2005/07/27 · 16:15

This is my first diary, so let me first apologize for any shortcomings. Today was the first I had seen anything about this, but apparently last week the house agreed to (by voice vote) an ammendment by Rep. Mack (R-FL) to "authorize the Broadcasting Board of Governors to initiate radio and television broadcasts to Venezuela for at least 30 minutes a day of balanced, objective, and comprehensive news programming." It is attached to the State dept. appropriations bill H.R. 2601.

The Bush administration's interference in progressive South American democracies is really starting to get to me. The lack of attention to this in the media and even in the blogspere is also infuriating. I wouldn't be surprised if the administration is setting the stage for more U.S.-backed coups throughout South America. They are definitely hell-bent on keeping Bolivia from bolting from the control of the oil and gas industry. I also wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a CIA hand in the 'scandals' surrounding president de Silva's party in Brazil.

Radio Free Venezuela? Read More

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