CRS May Go Public

If we're lucky, a bill re-introduced by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) would make information from the Congressional Research Service available to the public. The CRS performs timely research on pending legislative issues, and is publically funded. Unfortunately, you have to buy its research at $30 a pop through third parties. On the recommendation of a Project on Government Oversight report, these two fine Senators want to make all the CRS material available online.

GAO Wusses Out

The GAO has decided not to pursue its appeal to the Walker v. Cheney decision. The result? The Executive doesn't have to tell you anything if it doesn't want to, thanks very much. Why did the GAO give up? Lack of Congressional support. Find out how your Rep and Senators stood on this.

David Hasslehoff Hits Amazon

For those of you whose only experience of David Hajamapp is this 18-track CD, you don't know what else you're missing out on. I'm don't dissing this greatest hits comp, because I do indeed feel like it's a fascinating archive of David's greatest work; I just feel that so much else is out there to experience beyond this realm of familiarity.Take his landmark 1993 album "Freedom Sitting On a Fist," for example. The 34 songs he burps out on this double CD has more challenging and confrontational material. "Don't You Oppress Me, Mister" is a disturbing look at the seamy side of concert security. "Easy With That Wand" paints a dark, unsettling portrait of magician's assistants.Even his 1989 release "Stained Thong" has more experimental material. "Two Bowling Balls in a Hammock" and "(Let My Cleft Chin) Hold Your Cigar" are two watershed moments in avant garde musical experimentation.But whatever the difference of opinion, what David has kept faithful throughout his storied career has been a style that cannot be duplicated. His voice sounds like a rottweiler mauling a retarded bear, something that every new act out there has tried to reproduce, to no effect. And their covers of "Hot Shot City" aren't particularly good, either.
lovingly preserved by Amazon

Secret memos are never a good thing

Urge you senators to filibuster against the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the federal appeals court. If the republicans are able to snooker the Senate into letting this man join the court, it will set a precedent that will further hobble the ability of advocates of sanity to keep right-wing ideologues off of the court. It will also set a precedent of non-transparency in appointing judges, i.e. there will be no expectations that senators who must vote on the nominees have access to their professional writings. Chuck Schumer 202 224 6542 Hillary Rodham Clinton 202 224 4451

Voting fraud in the US? I don’t believe it.

The Washington, DC publication The Hill has confirmed that former conservative radio talk-show host and now Republican U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel was the head of, and continues to own part interest in, the company that owns the company that installed, programmed, and largely ran the voting machines that were used by most of the citizens of Nebraska. As reported in: http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0131-01.htm

North Carolina Doesn’t Quit

You'd think Congressional leaders would have learned their lesson. Alas, Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., head of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security endorsed the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. What's worse? Rep. Sue Myrick R-N.C. In a speech to the Heritage Foundation, she candidly disclosed her concern for US readiness against terrorism: "You know, and this can be misconstrued, but honest to goodness (husband) Ed and I for years, for 20 years, have been saying,'You know, look at who runs all the convenience stores across the country.' Every little town you go into, you know?" I choose to not misconstrue that, and interpret it as another example of the racist freakshow that is the Republican leadership. [UPDATE: Fri Feb 7 02:23:18 EST 2003: I neglected to mention the whitewashed lawnjockey.