Top CIA Official: Obama Changed Virtually None of Bush ’s Controversial Programs

With a notable exception of the enhanced interrogation program, the incoming Obama administration changed virtually nothing with respect to existing CIA programs and operations. Things continued. Authorities were continued that were originally granted by President Bush beginning shortly after 9/11. Those were all picked up, reviewed and endorsed by the Obama administration. From Top CIA… Continue reading Top CIA Official: Obama Changed Virtually None of Bush ’s Controversial Programs

Bush Says Dwindling Surplus Will Halt Government Growth – NYTimes.com

CRAWFORD, Tex., Aug. 24 — President Bush said today that there was a benefit to the government’s fast-dwindling surplus, declaring that it would create “a fiscal straitjacket for Congress.” He said that was “incredibly positive news” because it would halt the growth of the Federal government. From Bush Says Dwindling Surplus Will Halt Government Growth… Continue reading Bush Says Dwindling Surplus Will Halt Government Growth – NYTimes.com

Gov. Rick Perry’s Cash Machine

The exchange of campaign contributions for government contracts, favors or positions is all too common in Washington and around the country. It has been developed to an especially high art — or more to the point, a low art — by Gov. Rick Perry in Texas. From NYTimes The Texas Taliban loves crony capitalism.

Calling Warren Buffett A Socialist Is Ludicrous

Of course, it was inevitable. As soon as Warren Buffett came out and publically said that the super-rich, like himself, should be taxed more, knee-jerk, reactionary right wingers were going to throw the “S” word at him. It is a laughable notion – one of the most successful traders in history wants to march America… Continue reading Calling Warren Buffett A Socialist Is Ludicrous

Florida’s Welfare Drug Testing Costs More Than It Saves

Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s plan to test welfare recipients for drugs is costing the state money, despite his claims that the program would actually save tax dollars. … Under the rules of the program, the state must reimburse recipients who receive negative test results. The state paid about $1,140 for the 38 negative tests,… Continue reading Florida’s Welfare Drug Testing Costs More Than It Saves

Tea Party less popular than much maligned groups like atheists and Muslims.

Tea Party ranks lower than any of the 23 other groups we asked about — lower than both Republicans and Democrats. It is even less popular than much maligned groups like “atheists” and “Muslims.” Interestingly, one group that approaches it in unpopularity is the Christian Right. From NYT Crashing the Tea Party But are they… Continue reading Tea Party less popular than much maligned groups like atheists and Muslims.

Michele Bachmann Repeatedly Sought Stimulus, EPA, Other Government Funds

A Freedom of Information Act request filed by The Huffington Post with three separate federal agencies reveals that on at least 16 separate occasions, Bachmann petitioned the federal government for direct financial help or aid. A large chunk of those requests were for funds set aside through President Obama’s stimulus program, which Bachmann once labeled… Continue reading Michele Bachmann Repeatedly Sought Stimulus, EPA, Other Government Funds