Here is the link to the audio of Doolittle's press conference.

Doolittle sees himself as being targeted unfairly. It sounds like his attorney was on the phone telling him what he could say and not say.

Last night we witnessed the first televised rumble between Smiling Charlie Brown and Dastardly Doolittle. This evening Dastardly Doolittle could not attend, because he was busy voting for torture and the slaughter of horses. His stand-in was Sweatin Two Step Doug Ose. So why is Charlie calm, composed, and staying on topic; while Ose is nervously laughing inappropriately?
Witness for yourself, watch Charlie do the smack down.

Video of the CA-04 Smack Down with intro story from KCRA.

It was announced today: Sacramento Bee that Bush is coming to do a fundraiser for Doolittle on Oct. 3.
The reason per Doolittle:

"The president is coming because Charles Brown is in trouble," Doolittle said. "This will raise tremendous amounts of money."

They are looking to get over $500,000. Now 15% cut for one days work is......

Please join with me in asking Brain Ross to re-visit the sweatshop, human trafficking story they have covered in the past. If you have read the well investigated work Dengre has done then you are well aware of the humanitarian and political importance of this story. (Please read his latest diary here for information)

ABC 20/20 has done 2 significant investigative reports on the CNMI sweatshop scandal prior to Bush being elected.
It is time that ABC revisit the CNMI because the inhumane conditions have not changed and the Abramoff link to corrupt congressmen has been exposed more than ever.

Pete McCloskey released a letter yesterday saying that it is time to Clean House and the only way he sees is for the Democrats to take over the House. Other diaries have been reporting on how McCloskey has endorsed Pombo's Democratic opponent, Jerry McNerney, but this letter goes further. Pete McCloskey is out spoken and a refreshing voice to hear compared to the GOP organized Talking Point Machine. Here are some excerpts from this incredible letter:

This story is not so far away, it is skin close. Take a look at the label on your clothing. Where was it made?  While reading one of Dengre's diaries, some intuitive voice told me to look at the label on the old tattered favorite sweatshirt I had on. It was an old Liz Claiborne. I had it gotten years ago, because the brand had the reputation of being well made and that it would last.  I remember vividly taking it off, turning it around and reading the label, it said "Made in the North Mariana Islands". Many labels will be more deceptive and say "Made in the USA", but this one said" Made in North Mariana Islands". It brought the whole CNMI (Common Wealth of the North Mariana Islands) close, skin close.

The current policy to give soldiers who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) antidepressants and then return them to combat duty did not add up with what I knew about how PTSD affects the brain's neurobiology. The policy of returning troops for multiple tours of duty also raises red flags with regard to the human brain's reaction to continued dangerous and threatening conditions. I have not seen much in the media or on blogs with regard to the scientific studies done on the neurobiology of the brain under conditions of combat. This meant that I would have to do a bit of research and post this information. First, I want to define PTSD, explain some of the areas of the brain that factor in with PTSD, and then discuss what the research on the neurobiology of the brain tells us and how this information conflicts with the ways the soldiers are treated.  Finally, I want to address treatment and what neurobiology is showing what works. I know the current administration frowns on science. In fact; while attending a conference on the brain and neurobiology, many of the presenters nervously joked about using the term "evolution".

I was inspired by a post over at FireDogLake by Christy Hardin Smith with regard to a post at Digby. It has bothered me in that I have witnessed the GOP cater to the baser side of our humanity for so long. They have brought out the ugliness of Americans. Christy's post got me to thinking about this issue and I love what she says here:

Honestly, let's think about it for a minute -- can you count the number of truly principled stands that you can recall the Democratic party taking in the last five years on more than one hand?  Me neither.  I'm not saying that the Republican party is any better, but now that the veneer of competence and honesty has slipped off their stinking mockery of a rose, wouldn't it be awfully nice for Democrats to capitalize on the opportunity by standing up FOR the American people -- ALL of the American people?  Including the ones that have been taken for granted and all but ignored the last few years?

I have not heard any discussion so far on the fact that people make and are contacted mistakenly. What if your phone number is somewhat like a person the NSA is interested in and people  that are identified as part of their pattern of contacts call you repeatedly, does this concern you?

Over 25 years ago, I would get, on a repeated basis, phone calls from the friends and associates of Dennis Banks. Here below the fold is some history on Dennis Banks:

Amnesty International potsted this story several months ago, but I thought it is important to revisit due to the current issues involving Iran and the Bush Administration.

The Sufis' are the mystical aspect of Islam, like the Gnostics are the mystic side of Christianity. Sufism is gaining popularity in Iran and the government there is fearful of it.

I want to post some of the poetry of one of the most famous Sufi poets in order to provide a bridge, a link, to those in Iran who also Love Humanity and who seek Peace. I am speaking of Rumi, a 12th century poet/mystic. By reading Rumi's poetry one can hopefully feel this linkage and image Love and Light flowing out to our Brothers and Sisters in Iran.

Today's  Sacramento Bee has the interview Rep. Doolittle did with them. Doolittle's name is closely linked with Abramoff and his name has been in the media as one of the top 3 Congressman the DoJ is interested in.
The Bee also has the full transcript of the interview.
Doolittle claims that he was attracted to Abramoff's political philosophy only and he had no idea that anything illegal was going on. The Dooster also states that nothing illegal happened while dealing with Abramoff on his end, but....

He said he never suspected any corruption in Abramoff until he pleaded guilty to felony charges of mail fraud, conspiracy and tax evasion last month.

"I am dismayed to read what Jack has pleaded guilty to," Doolittle said. "I certainly don't think what he has pleaded guilty to was part of our relationship, at least not on my end it wasn't, I can say with certainty."

"But I don't know what he is saying on his end," he added.

As part of his plea agreement, Abramoff is cooperating with the Justice Department in its ongoing corruption investigation.

For Doolittle, that's an investigation that just won't end.

Are Vice President Cheney and President Bush alcoholics? Do we know the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
Bush has identified himself as an alcoholic and claims he had a religious cure after consulting Dobson. He has never been in any treatment that we know of. Cheney and Bush have both been arrested and convicted for DUI's, but does this make them alcoholics?

After reading the various diaries here and on other blogs, I have noticed a lack of information and knowledge with regard to what we currently know now about alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and the stages of alcoholism.  Take a look at this information and then you can decide if Bush and Cheney fit the profile.