Palestinian cement for the Israeli barrier !

Here's a good one from Aljazeera! Get a load of this!... Oh the joy's of capitalism, greed and entrepreunuership! Gotta love it !

Aljazeera.Net - Palestinian cement for Israeli barrier?: "Hasan Khraisha on Saturday said the probe would look into suspicions that some Palestinian Authority officials and ministers have allowed Palestinian companies to make millions of dollars by selling 420,000 tonnes of cement to Israeli firms at high profit." - from Aljazeera

Musharraf Under Pressure !

Aljazeera.Net - Musharraf blamed for Iraq executions: "A shocked Pakistan on Thursday regretted the killing of two of its nationals by armed men in Iraq, and held President Pervez Musharraf as responsible for the killing.

Distraught relatives of the two captives Sajid Naeem and Azad Hussein Khan joined opposition parties in accusing the government of not doing enough to secure the hostages' release and of failing to rule out sending troops to Iraq, a reason cited by their captors for holding them.

...It is now clear for the world to see, that these dogs will do anything to further their cowardly cause. Include eat their own...

Hundreds of people converged on the men's homes in the remote Kashmiri village of Rawalakot, 75 kilometres (around 45 miles) northeast of Islamabad."

So begins the strategy of Muslims killing Muslims in order to undermine the new Iraqi government. It is now clear for the world to see, that these dogs will do anything to further their cowardly cause. Include eat their own ! Moderate Middle Eastern nations need to unite and show some solidarity of SUPPORT for the new gov't in Iraq and rally the average muslim against these radical fanatics ! Their cause is futile and they are now becoming desperate.

Iraqi "Religious" Leaders Oppose Neighboring Muslim Support

Aljazeera.Net - Iraqi religious leaders oppose Muslim forceIn Baghdad, Shaikh Mehdi Sumaydai, a Sunni, denounced the idea backed by the US and interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.

"We don't want (Arab and Muslim) forces to shield the occupier because we don't want to see Muslims killed," he said.

Moqtada al-Sadr, the Shia leader, also criticised the move at a sermon in the main mosque in Kufa, south of Baghdad.

"I advise all countries that want to help Iraq, not to send forces here...If such forces come to Iraq, they will be seen as collaborators of the occupation," he said.

In Fallujah, Shaikh Ihsan al-Duri, a Sunni, said he opposed "any Arab or Muslim force in Iraq". More...

If this breaking news article from Aljazeera does not make you wonder about the religious leaders real agenda in Iraq then we are all blind. For what other reason than fear that their new found opportunity for a Islamic state, similar to the one in Iran, might come to an end if indeed moderate Muslim countries enter Iraq to help bring civil stability? Why would other moderate Arab nations coming to help rid their country of radical islamic terrorism instead of the U.S. be such a potential threat to them? You would think they would "welcome" assistance from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt etc. in an effort to surpress radical Islamic terrorist killings and beheadings? Anyone still wondering who's benefit they have in mind? The mainstream Iraqi citizen or their own quest for political power post US occupation? You connect the dots yourself ! Tell us what you think the Iraqi Muslim leaders are really looking for here ? Enter your opinion in the ZZ Forum or post a comment below -- zzb

Giuliani on the Attack

Republicans put Giuliani into the counter-attack
By David Rennie in Boston
(Filed: 30/07/2004)

Republicans moved yesterday to quash Senator John Kerry's expected post-convention "bounce" before it had even begun. In a move aggressive even by the standards of this desperately close election, the Bush campaign staged a rally in the shadow of the Democrats' Boston convention to denounce Mr Kerry as a fraud, unfit to protect America from her enemies. More...

Strap on your seatbelt! The show is only just getting started !

DNC Bad for Business - At least in Boston !

By Greg Gatlin and Casey Ross
Thursday, July 29, 2004
: "Promises of a Democratic convention windfall now seem as empty as Boston's streets this week to many Hub merchants, restaurants, tourist sites and small businesses.
``Never in the 33 years we've been here have we seen anything like it,'' said George George, co-owner of the Albany Sandwich Shop in the South End, who said his business this week is off by as much as 50 percent. ``It's like a snowstorm in the middle of summer, only in a snowstorm we get the plow drivers.''
Through all but the last day of the four-day convention, the event has not been a boon, interviews with dozens of Hub businesses revealed. In fact, many say they've lost out as residents and workers skipped town and delegates ate for free at high-end parties. " More...

DNC is killing business in Bean Town... What was that about jobs ?

Kerry's 'Bunny Suit' Photo-Op

"Kerry's 'Bunny Suit' Photo-Op
The GOP has been poking merciless fun at John Kerry for an amusing photo showing him crawling out of a space shuttle dressed in a hooded anti-contamination suit. Kerry's critics say the unfortunate photo-op recalls the infamous image of Michael Dukakis in a tank. The New York Post, meanwhile, said he looked like a sperm played by Woody Allen in the film 'Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask.'"


Thank you about.com - ed

Arab Peacekeeping Force ?

VOANews.com: "Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for talks with Saudi officials on Iraq, including a Saudi proposal for a Muslim security force that could at least partially replace the U.S.-led coalition. Mr. Powell will meet Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi in Jeddah Thursday." More...At least this appears to be an exit strategy ! -- zzb

Aljazeera.Net - Democrats remove Aljazeera banner

Aljazeera.Net - Democrats remove Aljazeera banner: "Aljazeera's skybox is one of the several that media organisations use as broadcast booths to cover the upcoming convention in Boston to confirm John Kerry's nomination as George Bush's presidential challenger in November.

'We found that the banner disappeared for some reason,' Aljazeera's Washington bureau chief Hafiz al-Mirazi said." More...

So much for the party who is all inclusive and supports free speech. How hypocritical is this !!!! You can be sure it will be downplayed in the media with some lame excuse. -- zzb

Kerry / Bush Loyalty Quiz - 2004 Election Political Quiz

Not sure how committed you are yet to either one of these candidates? Are you an Undecided? Perhaps you would like to gauge your own existing level of committment to your candidate by taking a quiz? Well step right up and take a true loyalty quiz designed by the good people over at about.com:

Pick your Quiz:

Loyalty to Kerry?
Loyalty to Bush?

Each quiz ends in a report that describes your level of committment to the candidate. It might even help you tolerate the conventions! Enjoy... - zzb

Democratic Convention Schedule Highlights

Democratic Convention Schedule Highlights
6:00 PM - Opening Flag Burning Ceremony
6:30 PM - Antiwar Concert by Barbara Streisand
7:00 PM - Tribute to France
8:30 PM - Terrorist Appeasement Workshop
9:20 PM - Gay Marriage Ceremony
10:20 PM - Howard Dean Screamfest "Yeeearrrrrrrg!"
10:50 PM - Pledge of Allegiance to the U.N.
11:30 PM - "Free Saddam" Pep Rally

Read more highlights, plus take a sneak peek at the Republican National Convention schedule.

Convention Jokes
"You know how much time the major networks are going to devote to convention coverage? Three hours. Three hours total. One hour a night for three nights to pick a president. That's about one-tenth of the time we devote to finding an 'American Idol.'" —Jay Leno
Read more jokes…

Democratic Infighting

DRUDGE REPORT 2004�Democrat party officials are struggling to contain the amount of anti-Bush and anti-war comments to be delivered this week during the convention in Boston, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

DNC chair Terry McAuliffe has expressed concern that nonstop Bush bashing from the podium could quickly spiral out of control and backfire.

DNC staffers have also been told to be on the lookout for "unreasonable" Bush bashing signs held by delegates on the convention floor which could be highlighted on television.

"We are not Michael Moore," McAuliffe has told his top staffers, according to a well-placed source. "Let's tell the voters what we stand for, not only what we stand against." More ...

We will find out if there is more protesting inside than outside of the convention hall this week - or maybe we won't. Odds are the media will not cover anything "negative" during the Boston convention. But just wait until New York ! -- zzb

Iraq Fighting Leaves 15 Militants Dead

Yahoo! News - Iraq Fighting Leaves 15 Militants Dead: BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi troops backed by heavy artillery and helicopters killed 15 insurgents in fighting Sunday that began in palm groves and ended in dusty streets of a city north of Baghdad as violence surged throughout the country. More...

Score one for the Iraqi gov't !!! Good -- 15 less militants to capture and behead innocent Iraqis and foreign do gooders ! - zzb

Aljazeera 'outraged' at Iraq criticism

Aljazeera.Net - Aljazeera 'outraged' at Iraq criticism: "Hoshyar Zibari accused Aljazeera, along with other Arabic language satellite channels, of 'incitement' and hiding behind media freedoms. More ..."

..."Aljazeera would have hoped that the Iraqi government would embark on its new term with initiatives to lift media restrictions, not add new ones that would certainly not be conducive to freedom of the press and expression"...

So finally a voice of reason willing to question the coverage of Aljazeera. Ironic they can be "outraged" when they are criticized by the new Iraqi leaders who see an opportunity for freedom from zealot religious domination. Democracy yes.. Taliban no.

They have been particularly upset by its coverage of anti-occupation violence and Iraqi resistance groups.But the broadcaster, which is perhaps the most influential media organisation among Iraqis, says the fact it is being attacked from all sides proves its commitment to editorial balance and fairness.

There is an attempt to report with some balance and it doesn't hurt for the west to get another perspective either ! However ... inciting ferment and perpetuating the negative news does appear to often be on their agenda (eg. showcasing beheadings) as opposed to covering the postive developments since the Iraqi liberation and giving some credit to the Americas that are their trying give the new government a leg up over radical islamic fundamentalism! --zzb

Boston Toxification

The Bush / Kerry Sing Along !

About.com: http://www.jibjab.com Need some comic relief ??? Watch John Kerry and George Bush sing their way into your heart ! Courtesy of JibJab

Iraqi Nukes ?

MOOREWATCH - Watching Michael Moore's every move: "Iraqi security reportedly discovered three missiles carrying nuclear heads concealed in a concrete trench northwest of Baghdad, official sources said Wednesday. More(no pun intended)...

Well ! If this breaking story has any degree of truth to it George Bush and Tony Blair should be vindicated !!! Nuke warheads found in Iraq. This is unconfirmed but will certainly bear watching ! Unfortunately the sources are a bit "more" than shaky. Writers and reporters in Moorewatch make this very questionable information on the web, but it is worth mentioning in case it does pan out to have any degree of acccuracy. Let's hope not, this is a pretty scary thought ! ! -- zzb

Aljazeera.Net - Israeli army warns of strike against Syria

Aljazeera.Net - Israeli army warns of strike against Syria"As the conflict on the Israel-Lebanon border escalates, the Israeli military has issued a blunt warning that it may launch a direct attack against Syria.The chief of the northern"More...

This one is unconfirmed. Expect to see things heat up... If Iraqi WMD is there, in Syria, this may be a way to flush it out. Recall the trucking convoys on their way to Syria observed via satellite during the months leading up to the liberation. No way for anyone to verify contents but it did get some airplay. If there were significant amounts of nerve agent ordinace in Iraq don't be surprised if it doesn't turn up in Syria. If the Israeli's feel compelled to take action in Lebanon, the world may find out sooner than later! I would not be surprised if the Security Council does not get called into session before the week is out. --zzb

Berger Steps Down As Kerry Adviser

Follow up to last post... what have we here ??

Yahoo! News - Berger Steps Down As Kerry Adviser: WASHINGTON - Former national security adviser Sandy Berger quit Tuesday as an informal adviser to Democrat John Kerry (news - web sites)'s presidential campaign after disclosure of a criminal investigation into whether he mishandled classified terrorism documents.

Berger's decision came as both parties sought to use the investigation to gain political advantage or to control damage.

Republicans said the probe raises questions about whether the former Clinton administration official was trying to hide embarrassing materials from the public. Democrats questioned why disclosure of a months-old investigation came just before Thursday's release of the final report by the commission investigating the Sept. 11 attacks. More...

And so the plot thickens. Could it be that Clinton administration officials had information on terrorist activity and mishandled it BEFORE the Bush administration took office and they have been covering it up? Is anyone really surprised if that's so? Kerry needed to fire his "advisor" now that the cat is out of the bag ! That's fine with Kerry. It just means he gets to do what he enjoys best. Practicing that old Kerry shuffle... - zzb

Clinton Aide Investigated on Terror Memos

Yahoo! News - Clinton Aide Investigated on Terror Memos: "WASHINGTON - Sandy Berger, former President Clinton (news - web sites)'s national security adviser, is under criminal investigation by the Justice Department (news - web sites"

Ok, so here you go... did we really think that the 911 trail would leave the Clinton Administration unscathed ?

Oops Did I Invade the Wrong Country ?

BBC NEWS Americas US 'exploring Iranian 9/11 role': "'We're digging into the facts to see if there was one,' Mr Bush told reporters at the White House.
His comments come after the CIA's acting chief said some of the hijackers passed through Iran, but there was no evidence Iran was officially involved.
It comes ahead of the publication this week of a final report by a US commission of inquiry into the attacks.
'We will continue to look and see if the Iranians were involved,' said Mr Bush. "

Nothing like hindsight being 20/20 ! GW is probably thinking, "Oops... did we invade the wrong country"? Now we know Iran's nuke development probably surpases that of Iraq. Good luck on getting any UN sanctions to stick now in Iran. France and Russia have too much to loose to let any sanctions just sail through in the Security Council ! GW between a rock and hard place.  - zzb

Air Marshals: Say Hi When They Board !

Air Marshals Say Dress Code Makes Them Stand Out
WASHINGTON, July 15 — Beards are out. So are jeans and athletic shoes. Suit coats are in, even on the steamiest summer days.

That dress code, imposed by the Department of Homeland Security, makes federal air marshals uneasy and not just because casual clothes are more comfortable in cramped airline seats.

...a LearJet or a large Cessna can make a pretty nasty air to ground missile as well... Not all "incoming" requires manufacturing at the Seattle Boeing plant!...

The marshals fear that their appearance makes it easier for terrorists to identify them, according to a professional group representing more than 1,300 air marshals.

"If a 12-year-old can pick them out, a trained terrorist has no problem picking them out," said John D. Amat, a spokesman for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Documents and memos issued by the Department of Homeland Security and field offices of the Federal Air Marshal Service say marshals must "present a professional image" and "blend unnoticed into their environment."
Some air marshals have argued that the two requirements are contradictory. More...

This is the most ludicrous decision if indeed it really isn't a weak attempt at dis-information! Why not give our Air marshals a tin badge and and ID name tag too ? Frankly, how many Air Marshals are on board privately owned aircraft today? Nada. IF Al Queada is so smart do you think they will use the same MO again?  A LearJet or a large Cessna can make a pretty nasty air to ground missile as well... Not all "incoming" requires manufacturing at the Seattle Boeing plant! I would love to see an expose in the mainstream media on exactly what safeguards are currently being deployed in General Aviation !!  (Not to mention the trucking industry!!)  Oklahoma City, remember?   I cringe every time I go over a large suspension bridge surrounded by tractor trailers!  If these  guys are willing to commit suicide they will also be willing to risk getting pulled over for a random inspection as they drive up to the Golden Gate !!   -- zzb

Save the iPod

There is a report that a bill is being considered in Congress that would make file sharing, yes even with the iPOD a crime. Upcoming musicians are the ones who suffer most from ripoffs. Congress seems to be hell bent however on stopping any technological progress in this area. Some of that progress is designed to protect the artist and the distributors. So what's up with this ?

...the INDUCE Act would create liability for any company whose product could be used to copy music without permission from the record industry...

Save the iPod: "JUNE 28, 2004: The INDUCE Act is legislation being pushed by the record industry that would allow them to file lawsuits against companies that make unrestricted music hardware or software, such as the iPod or filesharing programs. The INDUCE Act will restrict technological innovation, limit free speech, and threaten one of the most vibrant sectors of the United States economy. Instead of taking advantage of new opportunities to build new business models, the record industry is pressuring Congress to stop music sharing with more lawsuits and regulation.


Yes! The INDUCE Act would create liability for any company whose product could be used to copy music without permission from the record industry. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has published a fake legal complaint against the iPod to demonstrate the kind of liability that Apple and other companies will face under this legislation (see sidebar). More..."

There is a good chance that this is exactly the type of legislation that will find it's way to the Supreme Court for a final verdict. There is a petition being circulated to Protect the iPOD you can check it for yourself.-- zzb

GW Bush Opposes Gay Marriage and a message to the NAACP

My Way - News: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush said on Saturday that allowing gay marriage would undermine families, as he played to his conservative base by pushing a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex unions.
Bush made the highly charged issue of gay marriage the focus of his weekly radio address the day after the U.S. Senate opened debate on the proposed gay-marriage ban, which seemed certain to fail.
'A great deal is at stake in this matter,' Bush said. 'For ages, in every culture, human beings have understood that traditional marriage is critical to the well-being of families. ... And changing the definition of traditional marriage will undermine the family structure.'"

This from a speech earlier this year, GW has made his position on this issue crystal clear!

"Today, I call upon the Congress to promptly pass and to send to the states for ratification an amendment to our Constitution defining and protecting marriage as a union of a man and woman as husband and wife." — President George W. Bush
February 24, 2004

On another front!

..."I would describe my relationship with the current leadership as basically nonexistent,"...

The President is realizing where his bread is NOT buttered. George Bush gave the following, I think refreshingly honest, response when asked why he will not be attending the NAACP convention this year.

YORK, Pa. --President Bush said Friday he was declining an invitation to speak to the NAACP's convention in Philadelphia because of harsh statements about him by leaders of the venerable civil rights group.

"I would describe my relationship with the current leadership as basically nonexistent," Bush said. "You've heard the rhetoric and the names they've called me." (That's an understatement !! - zzb)

Bush added that he "admired some" NAACP leaders and said he would seek members' support "in other ways."

At least someone is calling it like he sees it ! --zzb

Prepare for the Cable News Wars !!

DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�: "A new documentary claiming to show Republican bias at FOX NEWS will debut in New York City on Monday. But FOX NEWS executives are preparing to hit back hard -- if rivals self-servingly hype the film!

The DRUDGE REPORT has learned that FOX NEWS executives are lining up a parade of employees who formerly worked at CNN & MSNBC and have been downloading information on how editorial decisions are made at these networks, including the agenda for how stories are supposed to be covered.

A senior FOX NEWS executive tells DRUDGE: 'We have enough ammunition to nail both MSNBC & CNN.' Sources say FOX is prepared to go public with these accounts if necessary. " More...

Sounds like we can have an interesting summer if the cable networks start to go at it. According to sources at the Drudge Report former employees from CNN and MSNBC have been spilling their guts about the editorial policies at those networks! And I can assure you they are far from unbiased. - zzb

The Walls of Jericho ?

Haaretz - Israel News: "Court: fence violates int'l law, must be dismantled

By Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondent



The International Court of Justice will rule on Friday that the separation fence contravenes international law, that it must be dismantled, and that compensation must be paid to the Palestinian owners of property confiscated for its construction, according to documents obtained by Haaretz. " More...

U.S. Removed Radioactive Materials From Iraq Facility

By Walter Pincus
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 7, 2004; Page A16
Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham announced yesterday that almost two tons of low-enriched uranium and about 1,000 radioactive samples used for research had been removed from Iraq's Tuwaitha Nuclear Center and brought to the United States for security reasons.
The airlift of the radioactive materials was completed June 23, Abraham said in a statement, 'to keep potentially dangerous nuclear materials out of the hands of terrorists.' Less sensitive radiological materials -- used for medical, agricultural or industrial purposes -- were left in Iraq, according to a Department of Energy statement." MORE...

IF this does not send a message to most Americans about where Saadam's head was at I guess nothing will. Of course most of this information will never make mainstream news !! -- zzb

Edwards Has Plan to 'Drive Up Cost of Doing Terrorism'

ScrappleFace: Edwards Has Plan to 'Drive Up Cost of Doing Terrorism':

"Edwards Has Plan to 'Drive Up Cost of Doing Terrorism'
(2004-07-06) -- With the war on terror top-most in the minds of American voters, Democrate vice presidential candidate John Edwards today announced his plan to 'drive up the cost of doing terrorism.'
Mr. Edwards, who like Senate colleague John Forbes Kerry supported the presence of American troops in Iraq by opposing funding of that presence, said that as vice president he will ensure that the U.S. government sues every terror group whose faulty ideology results in injury or death." More... - Scott Ott (ScrapleFace)

Scott has one of the best sites for satirical commentary on the web today. I recommend you check out some of his material. Yes, most of it leans right, so be forewarned if you can't handle it. In this article he explains how the VP wannabe John Edwards lays out a plan to drive up the cost of doing terrorism... -- zzb

Political Satire: A Film Coming Soon to Your Local Theater

"Every political journalist is picking John Edwards as the number one pick to be John Kerry's vice president. Can you imagine the debate between Dick Cheney and a trial lawyer like Edwards? One guy has spent his career in an ambulance, the other guy has spent his career chasing it." —Jay Leno

Provide a caption.. this one was selected to celebrate today's top news story. - zzb

A Botox Testimonial !

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Provide us a caption!.... be creative.... (Use Comments or the Review and Commentary link to post your suggestion)... We'll select the best entry, update the post and credit the contributor. - zzb

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Sadaam Down on his Luck !

Buddy can you spare a dime ? A bottle of Swiss Up will do just fine, thank you very much ! But I don't have much time.

I have not been getting much sleep lately you see. The hautings keep getting worse and I am tired of explaining myself to those damn Kurds that keep coming after me. When I sit here I can understand, how I royally fucked up the Promised Land. They just didn't get it... and that's too bad. Oops excuse me for a moment while I try to act quite mad. Psst...

The prison guards told me that, if I tell them where the WMD is at, that they will let me be photographed with this tin cup in my hand. I said, "fair deal. "It will sure look like torture to Michael Moore and he'll demand, not just my release but also give me a hand!" Sounded like a plan to me I thought! I sure hope it works ! I don't like getting caught" ~ zzb

The Rebel With a Cause Sleeps with the Fishes

My Way News:

"LOS ANGELES (AP) - The words are pretty simple: 'Stella!' and 'I coulda been a contender ...' or even 'The horror ... the horror ...' But these lines, when spoken by the late Marlon Brando, revolutionized the way actors behaved onscreen and ignited a generation of performers to unleash their inner passion before the cameras.
Brando, who died at age 80 on Thursday, revolutionized Hollywood's image of a leading man playing street-tough, emotionally raw characters in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'On the Waterfront' and then revived his career a generation later as the definitive Mafia don in 'The Godfather.'" More...

He will be missed... at least I will enjoy all the reruns and special tributes in the coming weeks ! - zzb

Nader Accuses Democrats of 'Dirty Tricks'

Nader Accuses Democrats of 'Dirty Tricks': "WASHINGTON - Independent candidate Ralph Nader (news - web sites), denied a spot on the Arizona ballot, on Friday accused the Democrats and presidential candidate John Kerry (news - web sites) of engaging in political 'dirty tricks.'

Just hours before the developments in Arizona, Nader complained that the Democratic Party has 'stepped up its obstruction tendencies' in challenging his ballot access. The consumer advocate said he had called the Kerry campaign three times Thursday, asking to chat with the candidate.
'We have to get a clarification if they're going to engage in dirty tricks,' Nader told reporters at a news conference to criticize multinational corporations"

This guy can't be serious. Doesn't a presidential candidate need to pass a sobriety test before running? -- zzb

Jordan Willing to Send Troops to Iraq

Yahoo! News - Jordan Willing to Send Troops to Iraq:

"LONDON - Jordan's King Abdullah II said Thursday his country would be willing to send troops to Iraq (news - web sites), potentially becoming the first Arab state to do so.

The statement marked a major shift in Jordan's policy toward Iraq. Abdullah had initially refused to send troops.In an interview Thursday with the British Broadcasting Corp. television 'Newsnight' program, Abdullah said he wanted to support Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's interim government, which recently assumed control from the U.S.-led coalition.'I presume that if the Iraqis ask us for help directly, it would be very difficult for us to say no,' he said during the interview in London. 'Our message to the president or the prime minister is: Tell us what you want. Tell us how we can help, and you have 110 percent support from us.' " More...

This is exactly what the Administration was hoping for. A coalition of Arab nations to partner with the new Iraqi gov't is just what GW is counting on over the summer months. This turn of events should John Kerry cringe.-- zzb

FBI Warns Police | Stay on Alert for July 4

My Way - News:

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The FBI on Thursday warned police of potential July 4 attacks by al Qaeda using tactics like assault teams, car bombs and suicide bombs, although it said it had no credible threat for the holiday. In a weekly bulletin sent to law enforcement officials across the country, the FBI repeated recent warnings the United States remained a top al Qaeda target, but said it had no specific information regarding a July 4 attack." More...

The customary warning has gone out to law enforcement to be alert over the holiday weekend. Wishing you all God speed... and a safe July 4th -- zzb

ScrappleFace: Publisher Revokes Hillary's Advance for Common Good

ScrappleFace: Publisher Revokes Hillary's Advance for Common Good:

(2004-07-01) -- In the same week that Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, told a San Francisco audience that future President John Forbes Kerry will take money away from wealthy Americans "on behalf of the common good",the former First Lady's publisher announced it would not pay the $5.3 million deferred advance it owes for her book Living History.

"To get the publishing industry, and our company in particular, back on track, we're going to cut that short and not give it to you," a spokesman for Simon and Shuster reportedly told Mrs. Clinton. "We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good."

Mrs. Clinton's office released a statement saying she was "delighted to help cover the publisher's losses from unpopular books by other authors, bad management decisions and bureaucratic waste."

She suggested that her husband, who served with her in the White House during the 1990s, would like to do the same with his $10 million advance from Knopf. -- Scott Ott (Scrapleface)

And so the saga continues... on the weirding ways of the authors
extradonaire, the Clintons'. If Guetenberg had only known... he would
have made wine instead of bibles with that first printing press! -- ZZB

Iraqi rebels target female U.S. soldiers - (United Press International)

Iraqi rebels target female U.S. soldiers - (United Press International): "Baghdad, Iraq, Jul. 1 (UPI) -- Terrorists in Iraqi rebel leader Abu Musab Zarqawi's network have been instructed to kidnap a female U.S. soldier, the Washington Times said Thursday.

'We have heard through intelligence channels that several extremist organizations are attempting to capture coalition servicemen and women,' said a senior military officer in Iraq. 'We have instituted additional force protection methods to thwart these attempts.'

Of the 140,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, about 11,000 are women. They work as drivers, medics, aviators, police and clerks. By law, they are banned from land combat, but they still come into close contact with the enemy." More...

This item was picked up in the Washington Times this week... - zzb

Time to Pay the Piper...

My Way News: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A defiant Saddam Hussein rejected charges of war crimes and genocide in a court appearance Thursday, telling a judge in his first public appearance since his arrest: 'This is all theater, the real criminal is Bush.'
Saddam was handcuffed when brought to the court but the shackles were removed for the 30-minute arraignment at Camp Victory, one of his former palaces on the outskirts of Baghdad.
'I am Saddam Hussein, the president of Iraq,' Saddam said unprompted, sitting down in a chair facing the judge on the other side of a wooden railing. When asked his name, he repeated it in full: 'Saddam Hussein al-Majid, president of Iraq.'"

-- And one thing more... the Americans will never defeat us, we have them surrounded at the airport ! Just ask my Public Relations and Defense Ministers. They'll tell you! - zzb