I can't believe it's not a democracy!

It's just a matter of time before the Republican National Convention is added to the list of circuit parties*:

[Republican, of course, Washington State Representative] Richard Curtis: More Shocking Details. I didn't link to the latest non-gay, anti-gay republican politician caught trolling dick story before now, because, well, it's getting old. But when my friend Jim teased me by suggesting that I run to TBogg's site and check out David Ehrenstein's comment (6th one down) about the queer republican scandal du jour, well I couldn't stop myself. Just click the first link. It is well worth the read.

Thanks to Jim for the fabulous head's up.

*Click here to learn about circuit parties.

Update: Curtis has resigned from office, because--wait for it--he doesn't "want to subject [his family] to any additional pain that might result from carrying out this matter under the scrutiny that comes with holding public office." And here's a fun tidbit, namely the reason that Curtis was in Spokane: Curtis was in town attending a pre-session retreat for Republican legislators. Wow, if that's how republicans spend their time during a pre-session, what the hell do they do during the actual retreat?

Just in time for heating season:

Oil hits record $94 on U.S. inventory slump. It's getting to the point where the only way folks can fill up the tank is by bringing a wheel barrow full of money or giving great head (because merely good head won't be good enough).

Coalition interruptus:

Report: Poland may pull out of Iraq. Well, at least we still have the Moldavians. Yes, there really is a country called Moldova.

Yeah, that will work:

Clear Channel is attempting to silence Bruce Springsteen. Crooks & Liars reports: Here we go again. The Dixie Chicks redux! Bruce has the #1 record in all the land called ” Magic,” but Clear Channel has sent out a memo saying:

Alas, there’s a hitch: Radio will not play “Magic.” In fact, sources tell me that Clear Channel has sent an edict to its classic rock stations not to play tracks from “Magic.” But it’s OK to play old Springsteen tracks such as “Dancing in the Dark,” “Born to Run” and “Born in the USA.”

And why is Clear Channel trying to deny Springsteen air time for his new album? I'm guessing that his song "Last to Die" could be a reason. Just for the record, in a battle between Clear Channel and Bruce....Bruce wins.

Thanks to Jenn for the link.

Give me a fucking break:

Reports of Blackwater immunity deal embarrass Rice . Dear naive, stupid and/or lazy mainstream media: Anyone who openly works for this administration is incapable of being embarassed. With love.....

Proof that Kucinich has the judgment needed to be president:

Kucinich Questions Bush's Mental Health. Plus, he has the balls to say it out loud. And, of course, he has a hot wife. What's not to love? Dennis 4 president!

Thanks to Mr. Slice for the link.

Update: And yet another link from Mr. Slice: Is America Ready For A FLILF?. Looks like Elizabeth Kucinich has been noticed by the media. Well, Comedy Central at least. Kudos to Elizabeth for being a good sport.

For those who refuse to believe that the American Empire will one day end (and sooner rather than later):

Small World ride revamped for bigger passengers. Yep, nowhere to go but down. Will someone get the lights, please?

Thanks to Max for the link.

I'm sure it's just a little misunderstanding and everything will blow over shortly:

Turkish helicopters attack Kurd rebels. Yes, things will likely blow over...the day after never. But no worries, Iraq may get even bloodier, but at least oil futures will recover after falling $1.39 to $92.14 a barrel. Yes, that means that oil futures hit almost $94 a barrel. Woo-hoo, indeed.

Ok, Iraq may suck, but at least things are better in Afghanistan, right?

Um, wrong: UN decries Taliban raids on aid workers . The AP reports: The U.N. on Monday accused militants and criminals of killing 34 aid workers in Afghanistan this year and urged armed groups to stop attacking humanitarian convoys so food can reach millions of poor Afghans.

Underscoring the country's increasing violence, a six-hour battle in the south left more than 50 militants dead or wounded, while a roadside bomb killed a U.S.-led coalition soldier in the same region.

And there's more, of course. Namely, concern that unregistered "security firms" may be involved in criminal activity, continued suicide bombings and yet another member of the "Coalition of the Willing" has become, well, unwilling. The AP article notes: In Tokyo, Japanese officials said its supply support for coalition naval forces involved in the Afghanistan war effectively ended Monday, at least for now.

* * *

Japan, America's top ally in Asia, has refueled coalition warships since 2001, and U.S. officials are urging the mission be extended. But the attempt by Japan's pro-U.S. ruling coalition to renew the deployment has been stalled in parliament by a resurgent opposition.

In another few months, Iraq will be a sheet of glass, the Taliban will still be a visible force in Afghanistan and the Coalition of the Willing will be limited to the US, a handful of Azerbaijans and the poor son of a bitch sent to represent Iceland.

Paul Krugman sees a light at the end of the tunnel:

The awful truth, and the better future. Long and short, Krugman believes that the "Southern strategy is now in its last throes," because the US becomes is less racist and bit less white by the day and, eventually, we will advance and embrace more progressive policies on a national level. Which explains the rightwing's anger issues--they know that the day is coming where being white and having the ability to pee standing up will not be enough to ensure that you will live the good life (as if it ever were, but that's another post). Thanks to John for the link.