Check this out. Ollie North, our infamous Contra-gate shredder sends his holiday musings at Military.com.

Highlights include rants about the "liberal" media depiction of the war on terrorism, sex abuse in the Catholic church and corporate greed.

His advice is that we all ignore the negative, uncomfortable news - and focus on the positive "faith-based" elements of the season. Also, prominant CEOs of fast-food giants (and Amway) are hailed as paragons of Christian living - simply by giving God the credit for their millions.

One interesting note: a link on the page to "Fox News: War Stories" program hosted by North. As if you had any doubts about where Fox stands.

Matthew 7:15 - "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

A list has been released exposing the many corporate ties the United States has to Iraq. I'd be surprised if this even rates a blip in the mainstream media, regardless of its relevance.

Big Brother is knocking on our door again. The Bush Administration is calling for a centralized system that would monitor the Internet.

In other news...

Called it on Wednesday....Lott crumbles under the pressure.

Over a fourth of those who showed up for mandatory INS registration (for middle eastern men) were arrested in Los Angeles. Close to 1000 Muslims in California were taken into custody for not having their immigration papers in order.

Welcome to the New World Order.

In other news...

The Carlyle Group bought a majority share in rail freight transportation company CSX. Why is this interesting? The former CEO of CSX is John Snow, the newly elected Secretary of the Treasury. That the Carlyle Group (whose chief advisors are George Bush and James Baker) should show such interest - should raise a few eyebrows. Look for CSX to be doing business with the government soon.

Federal investigators want to look at that Enron "joke" videotape that was made in 1997 for Former Enron prez Rich Kinder. Seems the kidding (executives joking about "hypothetical future value accounting") is a little too close to the truth. Even George W. and his dad make appearances - hamming to up for their pals in the energy sector.

I soooo hope this gains a little momentum. The Enron scandal has fallen out of the collective conscience of Americans, but it's relationship to the White House cannot be ignored. It is shameful in its audacity - and the media blackout (in favor of war) is equally so.

The GOP vultures are circling Trent Lott....the blood is definately in the water. I expect his resignation of Senate leadership most likely within the week.

In other news....American mayors are knee deep in hungry and homeless citizens.

Here's a suprise. Two-thirds of a recent L.A. Times poll do not think the Bush Administration has provided enough proof to warrant an invasion.
And finally, here's something that will make you gag....
Make sure to voice your protest to Yahoo.

More corporate welfare activity in the defense sector.

A missle in every garage and a microphone in every pot.

In consumer news, McDonald's is suddenly feeling a large (and well-deserved) spate of economic indigestion. The fast food juggernaut is posting its first-ever loss and has annouced that some restaurants will be closed as a result.

My college economics professor once told me that when McDonalds starts cutting heads, you can be sure of the recession.

The Bush Administration ponders aloud.....to issue a secret propaganda directives in friendly nations....or not.

Hmmm....perhaps if we distract them with propaganda fears and misinformation, maybe they won't notice that we're moving troops into Northern Iraq.

By the way.....Gore wimped out on 2004, giving shell-shocked Democrats yet another thing to worry about.

What next? Joe Lieberman? Not on my watch.

I'll vote Green before I elect another chickenhawk.

It's a regular revolving door in the Bush administration....

First the phony miracle-workers in the economic arm get sacked.....now Bush is getting the high hand from Mr. Kissinger who was signed up to head the 9/11 coverup....errr...I mean, investigation. Sounds like Henry got wind of something he didn't like.....or realized that his own situation might be compromised.

Next! Who have we got? I hear the ghost of William Bennet is looking for work.

In other news...

Didn't I say something about smallpox the other day?

Not willing to wait for Congress, our fearless leader is pushing through his "faith-based initiative" - a measure that effectively sends money to religious non-profit groups to help to the poor, despite the fact that many of the groups have discriminitory hiring practices based on religious preference.

Sounds good, right? Not so fast...

Considering the fact that the Bush is seeking to cut $300 million from the nation's biggest source of home heating aid (in the middle of a cold winter), this "initiative" sounds more like Bush is passing the 'poor' buck to churches.

Any chance we can kick back some of that defense spending to help the poor? Not with Uncle George in office.

Also....in case you missed it. 100 people were arrested in nationwide war protests....clergy included.

On a lighter note.....GOP Senator Trent Lott sure is feeling the heat over those racist remarks he let slip the other day. Even Bush is getting in on the boot party.

I'm hearing a lot about smallpox vaccines in the news. Word has it that the Bush administration is pushing to vaccinate as many as 11 million people in the coming months. Those in the military will be first to experience this.

So, why not just vaccinate soldiers in the field who are most likely to come in contact with biological weapons? Are we assuming that smallpox is going to be released in the United States? On what grounds (other than terrorist hysteria) is this decision being made?

It all sounds awfully presumptive.

Considering the harsh side effects of vaccines - which can (in limited cases) kill the vaccinated, are we needlessly endangering the health of our citizens and soldiers? And what about the provision in the Homeland Security Act that shields makers of the smallpox vaccine from legal recourse? Who will compensate those that die as a result?

11+ million vaccines equals a fair chunk of change....so who is manufacturing the vaccine - and for how much are they selling it to the government?

All questions that deserve answers.

Oh, those silly Republicans!

In what other political party would you hear an offhanded racist comment at a "lighthearted celebration" of Senator Strom Thurmands' 100th year in office.

Did I say 100th year in office?

What I meant to say was that it only FELT like a 100 years!

Also....

Iraq is making noise about U.S. aquisition of the Iraqi arms declaration master copy it released to the U.N. last week.

They think that the Bush Administration will doctor the master - as a pre-text for war. Will the inspectors and Hans Blix agree or disagree with the White House?

Stay tuned, true believers...

So much for new details on the infamous Cheney-Enron energy commission meetings...

Interesting little tidbit from the BBC....

Turns out that at least 4 of the 19 individuals identified has 9/11 hijackers.....are still alive.

Why hasn't the American press said anything about this?

Talk about killing the messenger...

Bush ousts Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neil and economic advisor Larry Lindsey as unemployment rises to 6 percent nationwide - the highest its been since the last Bush Administration.

So.....how are you feeling about that huge tax cut now? How about a potential $1.9 trillion war with Iraq?

It IS the economy, stupid.

Bonuses for political appointees.....yes.
Cost of living raises for Federal workers....no.

You better not shout, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why...Uncle George is selling you out.

Mayberry Machiavellis. Couldn't have said it better myself...

You have the right to remain silent.....assuming that you still know your Miranda rights.

That's right, kids! The Supreme Court is about to decide the fate of Miranda - and whether you should be read your rights. Check out the case that could make or break the ruling.