Too Progressive

The top stories of 2006 - Richmond Times Dispatch. Stories of note include the death of 100 Virginians in Iraq, Macaca, and transportation.

2006: A Look Back - Top Stories - Danville Register and Bee. This one covers top stories from the Danville area including the Goodyear strike, Henry County Sheriff H. Frank Cassell being indicted on charges of stealing drugs from evidence rooms, and Danville’s unemployment rate being highest in Virginia.

Top stories of 2006 - Charlottesville Daily Progress. The top stories from the Charlottesville area including Jim Webb defeating George Allen, the opening of John Paul Jones Arena, and several other stories involving UVA.

Tiger Woods selected male athlete of the year by the Associated Press.

Potshots, pork chops and photo ops make 2006 an especially juicy crop. Annual awards for the silliest, stuffiest and goofiest actions of the year also known as the Raspberry Awards.

And finally, a look ahead shows Americans see gloom, doom in 2007.

VB Dems brings us the 2006 song of the year.

George Bush’s definition of Progress. - AmericaBlog

Seems I’m not the only one that hates iTunes. Associated Press

More “progress” in Iraq. - Associated Press | Reuters

Fans pack arena to honor James Brown. - Reuters

Tiger Woods reveals his wife is a man pregnant. No one really cares. - Associated Press

Cheaters, bigots, and child molesters will be missed on Capitol Hill when the new session begins. - New York Times

While George and Laura Bush simply refuse to cut their “vacation” at their Texas ranch short to attend ceremonies for former President Gerald Ford tonight, Donald Rumsfeld actually attempted to excuse his absence. According to various reports, Donald Rumsfeld (who is supposed to be an honorary pall bearer) issued a statement saying he was unable to make it tonight due to snow in New Mexico. However, the only part of New Mexico experiencing ANY type of wintry precipitation tonight is the EXTREME northeastern part of the state, which has had some on and off light snow showers. Hmmmmm……

I wonder if this has anything to do with Ford trashing the Bush administration over the war in Iraq, including the following quote:

“Rumsfeld and Cheney and the president made a big mistake in justifying going into the war in Iraq. They put the emphasis on weapons of mass destruction, and now, I’ve never publicly said I thought they made a mistake, but I felt very strongly it was an error in how they should justify what they were going to do.”

Regardless, both Rumsfeld and Bush are aware of their responsibilities, and NO DOUBT they were informed of the death shortly after it happened on TUESDAY. There is NO EXCUSE FOR EITHER ONE OF THEM TO BE “SKIPPING OUT.” I can’t believe this hasn’t been covered more in the media tonight, but I’m holding out hope they may eventually catch on.

UPDATE: Based on some of the comments I’ve gotten, looks like the right wing would rather sling mud than denounce yet another Bush mistake. Stop “informing” me that Harry Reid will not be in attendance. HARRY REID IS NOT A SITTING PRESIDENT NOR IS HE ONE OF FOUR REMAINING LIVING PRESIDENTS. George Bush is in the wrong (again), so please stop being pompous asshats and ADMIT IT FOR ONCE.

Furthermore, Rumsfeld has known since TUESDAY that he was supposed to serve as an honorary pall bearer at the state funeral, so the weather situation in New Mexico is NOT an excuse.

UPDATE #2: This is a hot topic over at AmericaBlog too.

The Richmond Times Dispatch has an article today saying that Virginia will appeal a judge’s ruling allowing Republicans to close their primaries.

Conservative Republicans want to bar Democrats and Independents from voting in GOP primaries in an effort to oust John Warner more moderate incumbents.

On behalf of the SBE, Virginia’s attorney general office filed a motion to stay the order pending appeal, and said ultimately the case may be decided by the United States Supreme Court.

A commentary article which appeared on The Daily Progress’ website today gets gets it completely right:

Goode’s unapologetic comments about cutting off immigration from the Middle East and warning against more Muslims in the Congress capture a spirit of anti-immigrant fervor generally popular among rank-and-file Republicans.

There, some may have tweaked the words of Patrick Henry a bit to read: “Give us liberty and give them death.” This tweaking refers to Muslims, viewed generally as a monolithic body of extremists ready, willing and able to invade this country, take our jobs, subjugate our women and get elected to Congress, roughly in that order. Viewing all Muslims as such tends to ignore the 4 million to 6 million American Muslims who live peacefully and well among us.

The author of this commentary clearly gets what is going on, while the right wing clearly DOESN’T get it. They’ve made it increasingly clearer that they don’t care if they have to burn the Constitution in an effort to defeat what they perceive to be a “threat” (see: freedom of religion/speech/press).

The author of the article also mentions the situation with Waldo Jaquith’s blog aggregator:

Waldo Jaquith, a prolific Charlottesville blogger on the left side of the political spectrum, drew the line at a few graphic images one of the pro-Goode, anti-Muslim bloggers posted depicting the beheading of an American in Iraq by Islamic terrorists. He removed the offending images and the blogger from his well-read political blog aggregator.

For the rest of Virginia’s thriving collection of political blogs of all stripes, the commons remains a place for all to read and remark in peace and general good will.

The author nails it right on the head, again. However, as many of you may have noticed, when I’ve mentioned the so called “donkeys and dogs” (and SwacGirl), as of late, I’ve refrained from referring to them as bloggers, since their sub par publications which are constantly littered with factual, grammatical, and spelling errors, reflect poorly on the REAL bloggers of the blogosphere.

The Vatican has spoke out against the execution, calling it “tragic” and joined India in expressing concerns that it may lead to more violence. Rev. Federico Lombardi reiterated the Catholic churches opposition to the death penalty and said capital punishment is never justified “even when the person put to death is one guilty of great crimes.” Cardinal Renato Martino said executing Saddam would mean punishing “a crime with another crime.”

Elsewhere, world leaders had mixed reactions. British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said Saddam had “now been held to account for at least some of the appalling crimes he committed against the Iraqi people,” but at the same time, condemned the death penalty.

The government of Libya announced that it will observe a three day mourning period for the former dictator. Both Kuwait, and Iran welcomed the execution.

I mentioned last night how George Bush responded by saying that Hussein’s death will not halt violence, and that the execution was a reminder of how far the Iraqi people have come since the end of the former dictator’s rule. Bush issued that statement, despite the fact that December was the deadliest month this year, and will go down as at least the third deadliest in Iraq since the start of combat in March, 2003. But yeah, Mr. President, we’re making GREAT progress, huh?

Finland’s Foreign minister Erkki Tuomioja, whose country currently holds the rotating European Union presidency issued the following statement reiterating the EU’s opposition to the death penalty:

“The European Union has a very consistent stand … on opposing the death penalty and it should not have been applied in this case either, even though there is no doubt about Saddam Hussein’s guilt over serious violations against human rights.”

President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan criticized the timing of the execution (today marks the start of the week long Muslim holiday known as Eid al-Adha), but also said the execution will have no effect on his country.

Prime Minister John Howard of Australia issued a statement seemingly praising the death of Saddam:

“I believe there is something quite heroic about a country that is going through the pain and the suffering that Iraq is going through, yet still extends due process to somebody who was a tyrant and brutal suppressor and murderer of his people.”

Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe simply said that his country will continue to support Iraq in it’s reconstruction effort.

The blogosphere weighed in on the execution as well. Kevin over at Tom Joad’s place echoed President Bush in saying that the execution will do nothing to halt escalating violence in Iraq. SLANTblog has coverage too, basically sharing my sentiment that no matter your opinion on the death penalty, Saddam pretty much got what he had coming. Lowell over at Raising Kaine ask what’s next? Noting that violence has increased in the past after other major events took place in Iraq.

“Best” thread though (or perhaps most asinine comment, would be a better title), goes to Virginia Progressive where Shaun Kenney leaves a comment comparing Hussein to Hitler. Sorry, much to the dismay of the Republican party, AMERICANS ARE WISING UP, and refraining from buying into such ridiculous claims anymore.

In Iraq this morning, a car bomb exploded killing at least 31, and injuring at least 58. CNN is also reporting a second car bomb explosion killing at least seven, and injuring more than 30. However, since this is such a common occurrence in Iraq, no one can really say whether the attacks are related to Hussein’s execution. So much for that progress George Bush is still pretending exists, eh?

Images and video clips of Saddam Hussein facing execution are starting to roll in from Iraq this morning. NO ONE that I know of, including Arab networks, has published the actual execution, rather, most of the video clips show Saddam at the gallows right before the “trap door” drops open, dropping the former Iraqi dictator to his death.

Reuters has posted a brief clip online, which you can view by clicking here. I don’t consider the video to be “graphic” in nature, and as stated, it does NOT show the actual execution.

CNN also has an image on it’s website, as well as several video clips, but unfortunately, there is no URL for the videos, so I can’t link directly to them.

Time has a photo essay up on the life of Hussein, and an extensive article to go along with it.

UPDATE: The Associated Press has a VERY extensive write up, and several video clips including a video diary on the life of Hussein.

BREAKING: There are reports coming out of Madrid, Spain tonight that there has been a STRONG EXPLOSION IN AN AIRPORT TERMINAL at the Madrid airport. One reporter calling in to CNN said she believed it to be a bomb. This coming just hours after former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was hanged for war crimes in Iraq.

UPDATE: Reuters news agency had reported of some sort of “threat” to Madrid shortly before the explosion. I’m having trouble finding anything posted online at this hour, though.

UPDATE #2: The explosion reportedly took place at terminal four in Madrid’s airport, and after a quick search on the web, I see that terminal four is relatively new, opening back in February. The terminal has a capacity to deal with 35 million passengers each year and can handle about 10,000 passengers per hour.

UPDATE #3: CNN now reporting that the explosion was a result of a CAR BOMB, and has caused extensive damage to the terminal, and caused a collapse of one deck in a parking garage, no immediate reports of injuries. THERE WAS, HOWEVER, A CALL THAT CAME IN ANNOUNCING THE BOMBING SHORTLY BEFORE IT TOOK PLACE.

UPDATE #4: Reuters finally has it on their website. No doubt they’ll be expanding on the brief report shortly.

UPDATE #5: CNN has it posted online now. A local radio station in Spain is reporting that two police officers were slightly injured while looking for the suspect vehicle.

UPDATE #6: Reuters now says that four people were injured. An anonymous caller who phoned in the bomb threat claimed responsibility on behalf of Basque guerillas ETA.

Developing….

The White House told CNN White House correspondent Ed Henry recently that the capture of Osama bin Laden was not a failure of White House policy:

ED HENRY: You know, going back to September 2001, the president said, dead or alive, we’re going to get him. Still don’t have him. I know you are saying there’s successes on the war on terror, and there have been. That’s a failure.

FRANCES FRAGOS TOWNSEND: Well, I’m not sure — it’s a success that hasn’t occurred yet. I don’t know that I view that as a failure.

For more information on a success that hasn’t occurred yet, see Iraq.

With the execution of Saddam Hussein, and as we prepare to wrap up 2006, I’ve been reporting all day on the disturbing statistics this year regarding U.S. military, and Iraqi citizen deaths in Iraq. So far in 2006, December has been the deadliest month (this year) for U.S. military service members in Iraq, AND the deadliest since May 2005 for Iraqi citizens.

I also posted earlier today, a detailed list of statistics regarding U.S. military and Iraqi citizen deaths which showed that December was the fourth deadliest since the start of combat in March 2003. Tonight however, with the death of yet another American soldier in Iraq, December 2006 is now the third deadliest month since the start of combat in March 2003, with total number of deaths this month at 107.

2,994 American military members have now been killed as a result of the war, and the Bush administration wants you to know, that the execution of Saddam Hussein will do nothing to halt the violence in Iraq:

President Bush said Friday that Saddam Hussein’s execution marks the “end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people and for our troops” and cautioned that his death will not halt the violence in Iraq.

In a message of assurance to the people of Iraq, Bush said the execution was a reminder of how far the Iraqi people have come since the end of Saddam’s rule.

How far they’ve come? With violence doing nothing but ESCALATING in Iraq, and the country falling into CIVIL WAR, I would hardly say that much, if any progress has been made in the country.

Bush went on to use his tired old “scare tactic” method by trying to tie the war in Iraq to the security of Americans as individuals:

“Many difficult choices and further sacrifices lie ahead,” he said. “Yet the safety and security of the American people require that we not relent in ensuring that Iraq’s young democracy continues to progress.”

Give me a break, anyone still buying into this crap needs to be given a serious mental evaluation.

UPDATE: Alright, seems there are some conflicting reports tonight, the Associated Press says that four additional U.S. service members have been killed bringing the total for December to 108, and the overall total to 2,997. Regardless, December will go down as the deadliest month in 2006, and the third deadliest month overall since the start of combat in Iraq in March, 2003.

UPDATE #2: Reuters has the number at 2,996.

BREAKING: I’ve been blogging on this since late last night when news first broke that Saddam’s execution could come within 24 hours, and it now appears that the death sentence for the former Iraqi dictator has been carried out. Saddam Hussein was hanged to death in Iraq sometime around 10pm ET tonight (6am Saturday morning in Iraq).

While I am personally opposed to the death penalty, if anyone has ever deserved it, Saddam Hussein is certainly on that list.

UPDATE: Several Arab media networks are reporting that Saddam Hussein has been executed, but so far, I haven’t been able to find any major American media outlets that can CONFIRM Hussein’s execution.

UPDATE #2: MSNBC has just reported that the execution was recorded, no word on if/when it will be broadcast to the Iraqi people.

UPDATE #3: Iraqi state run television is now confirming that the execution was carried out around 10:05pm ET.

UPDATE #4: CNN reports that the execution was taped, and photographed, and they will be reviewing the images before publishing those they deem appropriate.

UPDATE #5: Here are some links to various news organizations, and blogs reporting on the execution of Saddam:

Saddam Hussein executed - MSNBC

Hussein executed, state TV reports - CNN

HANGED! - Fox News

Saddam has been executed - AmericaBlog

Saddam Hussein hanged, says Al Hurra TV station - Reuters

Saddam Hussein executed - Washington Post

Dictator Who Ruled Iraq With Violence Is Hanged for Crimes Against Humanity - New York Times

Iraqi TV says Saddam Hussein executed - Associated Press

UPDATE #6: CNN aired a brief clip of Saddam Hussein in preparations for his execution but the video stopped just short of when the “trap door” opened and Saddam dropped to his death.

Pentagon already anticipating another retarded decision from Bush on Iraq. - Associated Press

Stupid bills of 2007. - Virginia Progressive

Global warming? Puhlease! That’s just something the whiny Liberals made up. - AmericaBlog

Unfortunately, “Mother Nature” has bad aim. - Associated Press

Mike Huckabee says he won’t “scare” independents, or moderate Democrats. TOO LATE! - Associated Press

Tim Kaine makes budget change proposal to provide more funding for high crime localities. - Richmond Times Dispatch

For display purposes, the timestamp on this post will be changed so the more pressing news of the evening, Saddam Hussein’s execution, will be displayed at the top of the home page.

Three U.S. Marines were killed in Iraq today, bringing the total number of U.S. service members killed in Iraq this month to 106, surpassing October’s number of 105, making December the deadliest month of 2006 for the U.S. in Iraq.

The Associated Press reports that by their count, the total number of U.S. service members killed in Iraq since the start of the war in March 2003 now stands at 2,993.

According to the AP, December 2006 was ALREADY the deadliest month for Iraqi civilians:

Already, December was shaping up to be one of the worst months for Iraqi civilian deaths since The Associated Press began keeping track in May 2005.

Through Thursday, at least 2,139 Iraqis have been killed (in just the month of December) in war-related or sectarian violence, an average rate of about 76 people a day, according to an AP count. That compares to at least 2,184 killed in November at an average of about 70 a day, the worst month for Iraqi civilians deaths since May 2005. In October, AP counted at least 1,216 civilians killed.

Iraqi civilians, government officials, police, and security forces are included in the count. The AP says it’s tally is merely a “minimum based on AP reporting,” and the actual number is likely higher since many deaths go unreported.

The Associated Press published a detailed list of U.S. military statistics from Iraq today, which appeared on the RTD’s website. I’ve put in bold the points I find most interesting/shocking:

- Number who died since major combat ended April 30, 2003: 2,849

- Percent who died since major combat ended: 95 percent

- Months with the most deaths since the start of the war: November 2004: 137; April 2004: 135; January 2005: 107; December 2006: 106; October 2006: 105

- Percentages by service branch: Army: 68 percent; Marines: 29 percent; Navy: 2 percent; Air Force: 1 percent (Coast Guard had one death.)

- Percentages by service force: Active duty: 79 percent; National Guard: 13 percent; Reserve: 8 percent

- Iraq provinces with most deaths since the start of war: Anbar: 1,111; Baghdad: 683; Salaheddin: 336; Nineveh: 193; Babil: 93

- Percent of non-hostile deaths: 20 percent

- Number who died of illness: 56

- Percentage killed by an improvised explosive device in the last year: 44 percent

- Percent who were officers: 10 percent

- Number older than 45 years: 70

- Number who were age 18: 26

- Number of women: 62

- Percent of the dead who were women: 2 percent

- Percentages by ethnic group: White: 72 percent; Hispanic or Latino: 11 percent; Black or African American: 9 percent; multiple races, pending, or unknown: 5 percent; Asian: 2 percent; American Indian or Alaska Native: 1 percent; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 1 percent

- Number from California, the most of any state: 308

- Number from Wyoming, least of any state: 8

- Number from Texas: 262

- Number from New York state: 137

- Number from Puerto Rico: 24

- Percent from the South (region according to US Census Bureau): 36 percent

- Percent from the Northeast: (region according to US Census Bureau): 15 percent

NOTE ON NUMBERS: The numbers are based on counts by the Department of Defense and Associated Press. Most items are based on 2,988 deaths tallied by the DOD as of December 28, 2006. The AP’s count, which includes deaths reported by news staff in Iraq, has been consistently somewhat ahead of the DOD’s. The percentages for minorities were last updated December 2, 2006.

NBC is reporting that Saddam Hussein is set to be executed by 6am Iraq time, which would be 10pm ET here in the U.S.

UPDATE: The report has finally appeared on the MSNBC website. “Official” witnesses for Saddam’s hanging are beginning to gather in Baghdad’s green zone.

UPDATE #2: The execution will be taped, but will NOT be broadcast live.

Developing…

A “senior Iraqi source” has told Reuters that Saddam Hussein may be hanged tonight.

There have been some reports that the execution could be delayed until after the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, a week long holiday which begins Saturday. However, on Iraqi state TV, the PM of Iraq says there will be no delays. Iraqi law prohibits executions on holidays, though, meaning it MUST be carried out before Saturday at sundown, or be put off for another week.

CNN is reporting that a member of Hussein’s defense team has told them that the former dictator will be executed “within hours.” The attorney was told to make arrangements for the body to be transferred to Hussein’s family in Jordan. The chief defense lawyer for Saddam also says the U.S. military has said to “pick up belongings.” CNN is also reporting that U.S. officials have cancelled their meeting with Hussein.

There have been conflicting reports as to whether or not Saddam Hussein is still in U.S. custody, but the general consensus seems to be that Hussein has been turned over to Iraqi authorities, which would be the final step before execution.

Yesterday, Saddam bade farewell to two half brothers in his jail cell.

Bush declares January 2, 2007 a National Day of Mourning for former President Ford who passed away earlier this week. - Associated Press

Edwards campaigning differently for 2008. Attempting to win, maybe? - Associated Press

Virginia Tech ready for Chick-Fil-A Bowl Saturday in Georgia. - Richmond Times Dispatch

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday, I know I did. I visited with family starting Christmas Eve day, and returned home this afternoon, thus the reason I haven’t posted in four days. I may be headed to DC to visit some friends tomorrow, though.

BREAKING: CNN is reporting that Saddam Hussein’s execution is likely to take place within the next 36 hours, possibly WITHOUT the media being notified. The Iraqi government is reportedly debating whether or not to publicly broadcast the execution…

UPDATE: Reuters reported earlier tonight that Saddam bade farewell to two of his family members, both half brothers, earlier today. Reuters also reported that a senior Bush administration official said Hussein could be executed as soon as Saturday.

UPDATE #2: CNN has it up on their website now as well.

UPDATE #3: Fox News reporting “24 hours” now as well. A U.S. military official is on the record with FNC saying the Iraq government is “anxious to get Saddam’s execution done,” and American forces are now in the process of finalizing the former Iraqi dictator’s transfer to Iraqi custody and to the location where he would be executed.

MSNBC is reporting that Saddam will be executed BEFORE Sunday, possibly as early as Friday.

Developing…

In a new AP poll out tonight, President George Bush received a vote of “Biggest Villain” from 25 percent of Americans. Bush’s 25 percent topped Osama bin Laden by three times the percentage points. Saddam Hussein, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Kim Jong Il and even SATAN received FAR LESS votes than Bush.

As proof of just how polarized the U.S. is right now, thanks mostly to the President himself, Bush also topped the list of biggest heroes in 2006, however he only received 13 percentage points, far less than the 25 he received for biggest villain. The troops in Iraq finished second in the biggest hero category with six percentage points.

For those interested, Oprah Winfrey received “Best Celebrity Role Model” honors with 29 percent of the vote. Oprah was followed by Michael J. Fox with 23 percent, George Clooney with 12 percent, and Angelina Jolie with 8 percent. On the opposite end, Britney Spears was awarded “Worst Celebrity Role Model” with 29 percent of the vote. Spears was followed by Paris Hilton with 18 percent, Mel Gibson with 12 percent, and Tom Cruise with 9 percent.

SeattlePi breaks down the poll by Demographics, for anyone interested.

You may remember I wrote earlier this month about the ridiculous amount of sprawl rapidly eating up any open land remaining in Virginia. Well, much to my surprise, those in power might actually be taking notice. However, the proposals to cure the problem are a little ridiculous. According to a PilotOnline article, Virginia’s Republican leaders have proposed a plan that would discourage large subdivisions in rural areas away from adequate roads and utilities.

Virginia House Speaker William Howell (R-Stafford) said his party will introduce several bills to address sprawl during the 2007 session. Another plan to be proposed would allow impact fees on new construction to be imposed on areas outside of “high density zones.” A third plan would force cities, and counties to maintain all new subdivision streets.

Governor Tim Kaine remarked that he thought the issue of over development is one which Republicans, and Democrats can work together on, and even said he liked the plans:

“I think it’s an area where there’s a lot of common ground. I think that they’re looking at it in a smart way.”

Kaine went on to say that he plans to unveil his own proposals to fight sprawl during the upcoming session. Republican Delegate Clay Athey Jr. of Warren said Democrats and Republicans need to “join forces” to override objections from builders who have of course, opposed impact fees.

“They are a major change in direction for the commonwealth of Virginia,” Athey said of the growth-control proposals, which he helped to develop.

According to the Pilot article, most of the financial incentives for targeting high-density growth into designated areas are aimed at counties such as Loudoun and Prince William in Northern Virginia.

While I’m thrilled that the problem is being addressed, MUCH MORE needs to be done than simply imposing fees on builders building outside of a certain area. Sure builders may put up a fight, but in the end, if passed, all this is going to do is force builders to pass along the cost of the fee to the buyer. These proposals do NOTHING to stop out of control development. Not only that, but per the growth problem in Virginia, while transportation is a concern I share with almost everyone in the Commonwealth, I’m personally much more concerned with the environmental impact than I am with traffic.

I’ll be keeping an eye out for Governor Kaine’s proposals, hoping they are a little more well thought out than the Republican plans seem to be.

Cross posted at Raising Kaine, and Daily Kos.