Tartan

MacConnell
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

This is the tartan of my Kilt. It is the MacConnell tartan. That is my mom's side of the family.

Huzzah!!

GreatKilt
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

My Kilt will be shipping today...hip hip...

Blood of Innocence

I just moved to the Andersonville/Edgewater neighborhood in Chicago. It is a very nice neighborhood. It is close to friends, Mom 'n Pop shops, church, transportation, theater, and many other things. If is a family friendly area. It has a sense of ease and tranquility in the midst of a major city. It is nice.

Last Monday, though, something happened that has altered this place. Something happened to prompt someone to scrawl disillusioned in red spray paint on the sidewalk. Something happened that caused pastor to look like they have not slept in a week. Something happened that has caused a normally jubilant 9 year old to sit by herself and reflect. Something happened.

There were 2 people whose blood was spilled. There were 2 people. A mother and a husband/father. A new widow. Newly fatherless children. A motherless woman. These tragic murders have rattled a normally calm and peaceful neighborhood. The Blood of Innocents.

These murders have been on the news constantly for the past week, and this is a good thing. As my pastor said, "Evil flourishes in silence." Evil spreads and strengthens its grip when it is not confronted. Headlines are a weapon that is quite powerful. News keeps eyes open. People are aware. People notice. There is help. People are looking for the culprits.

It is good that the news is following this story. This crime can not go unpunished. A family needs to heal. Families need to heal. Families whose loved ones die anonymously. Families who grieve, but are silenced by where they live. Families who mourn in solitude. These families, too, must have their stories told. We can not allow evil to grow in the silence.

It is my prayer that the Blood of the Innocents killed on Lakewood Avenue will not be spilled in vain, but will mix with the Blood of the Innocent Price of Peace and help to bring awareness and justice for ALL those whose blood is shed.

The Blood of Innocence has been shed, let us work to stop the flow.

I Am A Wee Bit Slow

I have had a "blogroll me" button over on my side bar for, I don't know, two years maybe. Well, today I finally figgered out how to use it. So, I have been adding some of my daily wanderings to it. Feel free to check 'em out.

Peace

Fozen Over???

Is hell freezing over? Tomorrow morning The Al Franken Show and the G. Gordon Liddy Show will be broadcasting together!!!

This should make for some interresting listening...to be sure!

Water and Oil, anyone?

Organized Democrats?

(This is a comment for Cliff's blog.... As usual I stayed from the topic, but believe this a viable if incoherent post.)

With the near imminent election of Howard Dean to the DNC Chair I think notice has been given to the Beltway Dems who have run the party since the inception of the DLC. The grassroots of the party are firing up, and I think Dean, while not my choice for pres, will make a...(God forgive me for saying this)...Rove like leader that the Dems need. Someone who understands how the grassroots works. Can appeal to the base of the party. The DLC has too long tried to be Republican Light (not all, but most). That hasn't worked. See the congressional seats lost, the 2 failed presidential campaigns. Dean and Reid (I am a still a little leery of Pelosi) "get it" and will get the grassroots moving.

Dean won the chair of the DNC the old fashioned way. Grassroots. There was a massive anyone but Dean campaigning put on by the DLC and the other Beltway Babies, but through grassroots organizing and old-school door knocking and phone calling Dean won his way into leadership.

As for the anyone but Dean, I think the Good Doctor learned a valuable lesson...that kind of message can not win a campaign. Focusing on issues (that he has promised to let the Democratic congressional leadership determine), making people a part of the system...damn his slogan is "You have the power"...decentralizing the national party and focusing on the state parties (allowing them to build viable candidates) and then facilitating communication between them...that is what wins elections.

Reid has been working hard to unite Senate Democrats. This is working. The whole idea is to make sure that in a system where the majority party holds all the power, there is strength to our checks and balances system. Without a united frot this can not happen. Newt Gingrich did the same thing during Clinton's first term. Look where it got them. Hopefully, this new, fresh batch of Democratic leadership has been taking notes.

Listen to the people...GET IT!

Death Of A Playwright

Arthur Miller
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Arthur Miller Died last night.

One of the most prolific playwrights of the 20th Century has gone to join the myriad before him.

Rest in Peace

Welcome

Bar
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Welcome to the Knotty Pine Inn. Our new apartment. This room was built in the 1950's. Click here to see more picture of the apartment, including the SWEET wall paper. Feel free to leave comments here on with the pictures. Be sure to click to page 2 to see more,

Birthday Boy

Birthday Boy
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Everybody wish THE MAN Alice Cooper a wicked birthday!

oh yeah...it is mine too!

Ossie Davis

Ossie Davis
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

I just heard on the radio that actor Ossie Davis has died. Not only is he the husband to the wonderful Ruby Dee, but he was such a force in the civil rights movement. The two of them have used their fame to instigate more good than most can even fathom. From race relations of the 60s to the anti-war movement of today. An Inspiration.

Rest in Peace

Oooooo...Fuuuunnnn

It doesn't take much to amuse me...i found this site:

Online Etymology Dictionary

It is fun...type a word and get its history.

God's Politics

God's Politics
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

I just got an email from Sojourner's with a this link to Jim Wallis's appearance on the Daily Show. He was plugging this book. I really want it.

If anyone wants to know what to get me for my upcoming birthday this is it.

Please watch the clip. It is really cool how Mr. Wallis talks about the Christian duty to care for the poor.

The War on . . . SPONGEBOB!!

Yup. You read that right. Dr. James Dobson has declared war on the heathen cartoon sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea.

"Does anybody here know SpongeBob?" Dr. James C. Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, asked the guests Tuesday night at a black-tie dinner for members of Congress and political allies to celebrate the election results.

SpongeBob needed no introduction. In addition to his popularity among children, who watch his cartoon show, he has become a well-known camp figure among adult gay men, perhaps because he holds hands with his animated sidekick Patrick and likes to watch the imaginary television show "The Adventures of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy."

Now, Dr. Dobson said, SpongeBob's creators had enlisted him in a "pro-homosexual video," in which he appeared alongside children's television colleagues like Barney and Jimmy Neutron, among many others. The makers of the video, he said, planned to mail it to thousands of elementary schools to promote a "tolerance pledge" that includes tolerance for differences of "sexual identity."

So, promoting tolerance is bad? Well, Gooooleeee, I gues we have our values all out of whack. I am sorry, but this is just as STUPID as when Dobson's buddy Falwell got into a tizzy claiming that The Teletubbies were gay.

For being 2 of the most visible faces of the Christian community, these guys are making me ill. You do not have to condone or even accept others lifestyles, but last time I checked tolerance was a good thing.

If you are claiming to be a preacher of the Gospel, for cryin' out loud. Do it. The Gospel preaches tolerance and forgiveness and love. The judgement this is best left to the Big Guy.

This has gone on longer than I expected, but i guess it must have struck a nerve.

(BTW hat tip to Oliver Willis for pointing out the article.)

New SideBar

I have decided to keep myself accountable on my reading this year. On the sidebar you will seen Books 2005 with Completed and In Process. Feel free to add suggestions.

Peace

Living into the Cliche

It is true what they (They being in the emlpoy of The Man), "Don't like the weather in Chicago? Wait 20 minutes and it will change."

I left the house today and was soaked from the rain by the time I got to work. I went to lunch in a blizzard. I will be going home with nothing but clouds. Cool.

WOW

The Freepers' are pissed. (Freepers are members of the conservative blogging community at Free Republic.) Apparently Mel Gibson is now a heathen and a con and a flaming liberal because he liked F-911 and feels a "kinship" with Michael Moore and has questions about the war in Iraq. This is absurd.

--via Atrios

and apparently i like run on sentences yes i do really i do because they are so muchh fun to write and because it uses too much energy to puncuate and because well it is fun and this is probably the first post in ages without and elipse

A Small Change of Plans

Phil and his Crew
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Earlier in December I mentioned that my cousin was on his way to Iraq. (That is him in the middle with the green coat and brown pants). Well, if you heard Sec. of State Powell on Meet the Press this weekend he mentioned that there are some Carrier groups and Amphibious groups heading to SE Asia to help with the Tsunami relief. Well, Phil is part of the Amphibious group. He navigates a hover craft...I have seen pictures of this thing...it ain't no swamp buggy.

Anyhoo...

Phil seems a bit more aprehensive about doing this than going to Iraq. In Iraq they know what they are facing. Here it is still unknown. Earlier last week he got injected with a bunch of stuff. Also, apparently where they are going is littered with unmarked mine fields and stuff.

Please continue to pray for peace and the victims of the tsunami. Also for those sent to help aid the victims.

Jerry

Jerry
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

I just read that Jerry Orbach died last night. He will be missed. A song and dance man that is best know as a cop.

Rest in Peace.

Fantastic Voyage

Raquel Welch
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Fantastic Voyage is on TV right now. I love this movie, and not JUST because of Raquel Welch. It is just a plain kick butt movie. That is all.

Goin' Home

Memory Eternal.

Waiting

Brother Cliff and his family are waiting this advent. Waiting for one life to finish its course. Vigil is being kept by family, friends, hospital personell. Sister Anna's brother will be going home soon.

Having gone through what they are now going through, my heart breaks all over again. These are dear, dear people and I pray they are granted the strength to make it through this extremely tough time.

May the Holy Three in One descend on them
May God the Father hold them in his hands
May Christ the Shelter wrap his arms around them
May The Spirit of Healing fill their souls.

God of family, watch and work wonders
Christ of suffering, take their pain and heal their souls
Spirit of God fill them with solace and comfort

Holy Three in One, bless this family, as they are yours.

Amen

The Candy Man

Willy Wonka
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Just click this. I can not wait.

Amendment XXVIII?

Bono
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

From Richard Roeper's column in today's Suntimes:

"...I fully support that grass-roots campaign for a constitutional amendment that would enable a foreign-born, internationally beloved entertainment superstar and longtime political activist to run for the highest office in the land.

After all, Bono would make a great president."

I can second that.

Warning

Mini-Gripe alert:

I love winter, but I hate one thing about it...public transit!

On days when we need to bundle up to go outside, why does the temp. on the trains and busses have to be a million degrees? People are bundled up. I end up at work hotter and sweatier than I do on the hottest day in August...URF.

Today

"'Merry Christmas Uncle George and Aunt Brenda' signed Philip 76"...then

Signal Flags G and T up on the ship. A young man salutes in memory of his beloved uncle...then

Pushing out to sea. Going to a war zone. Taking men to land on the beach of the Euphrates River in Baghdad...now.

Today my cousin Phil Thornburgh ships out of San Diego harbor with about 5,000 other Sailors and Marines. Today Tania will be saying good bye to her new husband. Today my Aunt will cry. Today my Uncle will make jokes. Today I sit and stare...thinking.

I think about this war. I think about how it has torn families apart. I think about the grief it has caused the 1,259 families...and counting. I think about the at least 15,000 Iraqi familes suffering the same grief. I think about how the suffering is universal. I think about how mothers 6,500 miles apart pray the same prayer. Cry the same tears. Feel the same pain. I think about the father of children I babysat. I think about him sitting in Baghdad wishing to be with his family this Christmas. I think about his son, a child I babysat, possibly going to join his father. I think about Phil.

I pray everyday that this mess ends. I pray for the safety of our troops. I pray for the safety of the Iraqis and Afganis. I pray for peace to come to a land that has too long been in the grip of war. I pray that our leaders take of the rose colored glasses and see the mess we are in. I pray that we, Americans, remember the teachings of Christ and serve with humility our world.

In this season of waiting, I pray for the Spirit of the Living God to fall a fresh on us...all of us.

Phil, George and the many others know that you are loved.

Godspeed.

VIOLET You surround yourself with art and music and are constantly driven to express yourself. You often daydream. You prefer honesty in your relationships and belive strongly in your personal morals. Find out your color at Quiz Me!

Thanksgiving

I was blessed with a great Thanksgiving weekend. Mae was here for a week, and it was most wonderful. I love her very much. She is a great person. We were going to leave Chicago on Wednesday night, but alas, this happened...much nastier, though. So, we got up bright and EARLY Thursday monring...4:30 am early. We drove to Springfield and celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. 'Twas marvelous. All but 2 cousins and their families were there. It was the first time we all have been in the same place at the same time in ages.

We returned to Chicago on Saturday, and boy was it windy. Mae headed back to St. Paul yesterday afternoon. She took our friend Laura back to school on the way. It took a while, but she got there safely...huzzah!

We also officiall opened The Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler last night. That, too, was wonderful. The little group seems to be growing. A few weeks ago we were 5-6. Last night we were about 20. 'Tis a blessing.

Hope everyone had a great holiday!

The Countdown Has Begun

Mae (forgive her for not updating recently, but this happened to her computer) and I had our first premarital counseling sesion last night. It went extremely well, and yes, we are still going to get married! We chatted with Pastor Doug, and told him our story. All in all it went very well.

On another note, after 3+ years of saying we want to sing a song at North Shore, our band is going to sing this:

40
by U2
by way of The Psalmist

I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay

I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song

How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long...
How long...to sing this song

He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and fear

I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song

How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long...

News

I have just discoverd The Lark News...It is hysterical. Kind of The Onion for us evangelical types.

Holdin' Me Accountable

"There is such an enormous gap between our words and deeds! Everyone talks about freedom, democracy, justice, human rights, and peace; but at the same time, everyone, more or less, consciously or unconsciously, serves those values and ideals only to the extent necessary to defend and serve his own interests, and those of his group or his state. Who should break this vicious circle? Responsibility cannot be preached: it can only be borne, and the only possible place to begin is with oneself."

- Vaclav Havel

Sorry to Do This

But this pisses me off. Some of our Red State Moralists are suggesting we KILL Kevin Sites for breaking the video of the soldier killing an unarmed Iraqi.

Please know I hold no judgement against the soldier, what with the possibility that the body may have been booby trapped and such. This is not a post about that situation. It is being investigated via the process.

This is a post about some of the right out hatred espoused by some of the "moral" red staters. They claim moral superority, but say things like:

Turn Sites over to the terrorist.
or
No need for anything overt. Unfortunate things happen in combat zones, and if the reporter fails to hear someone yell "Sniper!!", well, c'est la guerre.
or
It better charge Sites, that treasonous bastard!
or
He should be charged as a traitor -- the government should make an example of him

Also, these are the same people who said this about Elizabeth Edwards cancer diagnosis (many were gracious, but there was plenty of scat spued):

If I were a doctor, I'd be frightened to treat the wife of a guy who sues doctors for a living.
or
any doctor here who treats her should have his head examined.
or
I wonder if she will be able to find a doctor with enough malpractice insurance in case hubby decides to sue over something

I know there is plenty of hypocrasy on both sides (I call things out on sites I frequent when I see hypocrasy), but for crying out loud, wishing death on people because they do not hold you views...damn! That is moral in my book.

War Is Hell

This is a link to some VERY graphic images from Fallaujah.

I do not post this link for the sensational nature, but rather to show the face of war.

Brothers and Sisters, this can not be the will of our Lord.

Men and women from here dead.
The Brother and Sister
The Father and Mother
The Son and Daughter

The childern of Fallaujah
Tears
No parents orphans

Images that give life to those taken

The Altar

The Altar
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Last night was Jesus Christ, Reconciler's first night at the Chase Cafe. It was a grand time. A Capella singing of old time hymns, organic praise and worship, some great prechifyin by Brother Tripp.

Even a few guests! Dan brought Bill. Sister Jane brought her kids Carolyn and Kyle. And Kurt was there with his son Emmitt.

The picture is our our altar (Thanks Jane!). Brother Larry painted the icons.

What the Crap

Why didn't Wes Clark get the nomination for the Dems?

I voted for him. He was just on Hardball and made more sense that eithr Kerry of Bush. And he was honest...cripes.

In Memorium

To all the vetrans, Thank you.

May peace come.

Movin' on Up

The Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler is moving into our new digs at the Chase Cafe. Sunday, Nov. 14 will be the first night there. 5:30...Bible Study/Gathering Time. 6:00...Worship. All in the P.M.

Chase Cafe is located 7301 N. Sherridan in Chicago.

Feel free to stop by...all are welcome!

Peace

A Non-partisan Political Post

All of us politicofiles should be proud of this letter to the editor in today's Suntimes:

Giving 100%

I was privileged to be a poll watcher at the 49th ward's 21st precint on Election Day...Most of the precint is composed of Loyola University students and staff. There is a prevailing opinion that the youth of today just don't care, but you would not have thought that if you had seen this precint.

The line formed early and never let up. By noon, 50% of the voters in the precint had cast their ballots. By 3 p.m. more than 75% had been accounted for, and still the line formed across the room. The poor judges never got a moment's break!

By five o'clock I was joking with one judge that at this rate they would run out of registered voters. And guess what? There are 486 registered voters in the 21st precint. When the last absentee ballot went through the machine the counter read 486: a 100% turnout! I've never seen anything like it.

Loyola is to be commended for helping develop such an aware and involved student body. It makes me proud!

-- AMS (Rogers Park)

Cliff...you lernt them kids good. Congrats!

And Now ... Something Completely Different

Last night Brother Tripp was ordained into the ministry of the Church. It was an amazingly beautiful service. There was music, preachifyin, cryin, and huggin. Trevor preached a very nice sermon. Brother Larry has some musings about it. I have to admit from the choir loft where I was sitting it was a bit difficult to hear some parts of it. But what I want to talk about is the what moved me most of all.

One thing I have noticed during my spiritual journey is a lack of acknowledgemet of one third of the Holy Trinity. All to often Hymns are cut short before the verse about this part, or prayers neglect acknowledgement of this part. I am speaking of the Holy Spirit. The guide for the Church.

Last nigh may have made up for that. Last night I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit more than I have in my entire life. There was a peace in the sanctuary that is all too oftern missing. I think some of that was the due to the fact that the Church Universal was represented by the presence of so many. American Baptist, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Covenant, Roman Catholic, Episcopal Churches USA, and I am sure I am missing some. The Church Universal was guided by the Holy Spirit to bring Brother Tripp into the minisry of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit moved aside lingering dissagreements, brought us together. Moved at least my soul.

It is my prayer that The Holy Sprit thought the Grace of the Father and Blood and Resurrection of Jesus the Christ lead Tripp in his journey and the Church Universal in her continued reconcilliation.

VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS
Come Holy Sprit

Quote

If we are to insert "faith" into the public dialogue more directly and assertively, let's not be selective. Let's go all the way. Let's not just define "faith" in terms of the law and judgment; let's define it also in terms of love, caring, forgiveness. Compassionate conservatives can believe social ills should be addressed by charity and the private sector; liberals can believe that the government has a role to play in correcting social injustice. But both can agree that human need, poverty, homelessness, illiteracy and sickness must be addressed. Liberals are not against religion. They are against hypocrisy, exclusion and judgmentalism. They resist the notion that one side or the other possesses "the truth" to the exclusion of others. There is a great difference between Cotton Mather and John Wesley.

--Gary Hart NYT Op-Ed

I think that states my feelings nicely.

(revised: this section..here...right here...where you are now reading, said I was done posting political blogs....no I'm not. We all love each other, right? I hope?)

The Most Accurate Map Yet

purple_america_2004b_small
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Screw the Red State Blue State BS.

We are are purple country and need to start working with that.

The map is from here:

http://www.princeton.edu/~rvdb/JAVA/election2004/

POV

The Priestly Goth has written a very nice reflection on the past election. He looks at this issues of "moral values" from an objective p.o.v., and it is a good thing.

Thanks Larry.

It Is a'Comin

Whether you want to believe it or not, the draft will be here sooner than you think.

Here is a story about the backdoor draft going on now. This gentleman had finished ALL of his post-active duty service.

David M. Miyasato enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1987, served three years of active duty during the first Gulf War and received an honorable discharge in 1991. He remained on inactive status for five more years, until 1996. Since then, the Kaua'i resident has married, started an auto window tinting business and this year, he and his wife had their first child.

But in September, Miyasato received a letter from the Army recalling him to active duty and directing him to report to a military facility in South Carolina on Tuesday.

"I was shocked," Miyasato said yesterday. "I never expected to see something like that after being out of the service for 13 years."

Miyasato is now suing the Secretary of the Army, asking a court to prevent the Army from ordering him to active duty. He is also asking for a court judgment declaring that he fulfilled all his obligations to the military.

Thanks to Kos for the story.

Get ready people.

Mis-Shapes
by Pulp

Mis-shapes, mistakes, misfits.
Raised on a diet of broken biscuits, oh we don't look the same as you
We don't do the things you do, but we live around here too.
Oh really.
Mis-shapes, mistakes, misfits, we'd like to go to town but we can't risk it
Oh 'cause they just want to keep us out.
You could end up with a smash in the mouth just for standing out.
Oh really. Brothers, sisters, can't you see?
The future's owned by you and me.
There won't be fighting in the street.
They think they've got us beat, but revenge is going to be so sweet.
We're making a move, we're making it now, we're coming out of the side-lines.
Just put your hands up - it's a raid yeah:
We want your homes, we want your lives,
we want the things you won't allow us.
We won't use guns, we won't use bombs
We'll use the one thing we've got more of - that's our minds.
Check your lucky numbers, that much money could drag you under, oh.
What's the point of being rich if you can't think what to do with it?
'Cause you're so very thick.
Oh we weren't supposed to be, we learnt too much at school now
we can't help but see.
That the future that you've got mapped out is nothing much to shout about.
We're making a move, we're making it now,
We're coming out of the side-lines.
Just put your hands up - it's a raid.
We want your homes, we want your lives,
we want the things you won't allow us.
We won't use guns, we won't use bombs
We'll use the one thing we've got more of - that's our minds.
Brothers, sisters, can't you see?
The future's owned by you and me.
There won't be fighting in the street.
They think they've got us beat but revenge is going to be so sweet.
We're making a move. We're making it now.
We're coming out of the sidelines.
Just put your hands up - it's a raid.
We want your homes, we want your lives,
we want the things you won't allow us.
We won't use guns, we won't use bombs
We'll use the one thing we've got more of - that'sour minds.
And that's our minds. Yeah.

Mom, Don't Mad!

Honest Man
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Here is an honest man. The dude in the window is the one I am talking about.

Values

I know I was not clear below, but my point was...what is the defenition of values?

I have heard until my ears bled, and read until my eyes have crossed that this election was based on "moral values." I think that is part of the problem right there. Morals and values...what are they? Who defines them? Should they be legislated? What standard should be used?

I know some of my fellow religious readers will answer one way. But I know some of my fellow religious readers will answer a different way.

I don't want to get into a discussion here about it. A very interesting one has already been disescted here and here.

I think if we want to start to heal as a country, we should begin by looking at where we differ on this "values" and work form there.

One question

I have been reading blogs over the day and one thing I saw that was a quick glance was interresting.

First my question:

What is a Massachusetts Liberal?

The resason I ask is this, Mass. has the lowest divorce rate in the USA. In fact, the blue states seem to top the lists I looked at.

These are the same liberals who want to ban the Bible and allow those pesky gays to marry.

Sorry for the rant.

More:

I just read this Trippi's Take. It is encouraging.

One of the things I read this morning asked where they young vote was. It was supposed to make sure Kerry won the White House. Well, it turns out the 18-30 vote was there yesterday, and voted almost exclusively for Kerry. Infact, we are the ones who kept Kerry alive. Our numbers increased 1.7 million from the 2000 election.

Please read the above link. Trippi gets into the numbers and it is really amazing.

But the reason it sticks out even more is because of this:

"The organized Republican Party did exactly what it said it was going to do and pulled off a victory with an unorthodox strategy that they stuck to with discipline.

The unofficial, unorganized Democratic Party gave John Kerry 1.7 million votes yesterday over what they delivered to Al Gore in 2000, and fueled his campaign and the organized Democratic Party with the money and energy that kept it competitive with the Republicans.

No if we really want to find out what went wrong yesterday, it is time once for all for the organized Democratic Party to stare into a mirror and point at itself."

It turns out I am not alone in this fustration...excellent. Not only do I agree with most of the people I read but we have someone who matters on our side. (The quote is done, but I have no idea why the bold italics keep going...i did close them)

Update:

Last night what I wrote was in the heat of the moment. I still believe those things, but I have come to realize that I am a democrat, and proud of it. The party needs to change. The party needs to fight. They party needs to grow. I am not mad at Sen. Kerry. I am proud. I am listening to his concession speech now, and I am proud. I am mad a the leadership of the party and am calling for change. I am proud of the blogs, ACT, Democracy for America, WesPAC, True Majority, and the many many other grassroots organizatons. These are the groups who made this campaign what it was. The party leadership failed.

I have cried, felt nauseous, been angry, but now I am fired up. We have a job to do. It is time to fight.

The Revolution Starts Now

No matter who wins. The networks are calling Ohio, but the AP has not. I will wait.

No matter what, the revolution is beginning here, now.

I have thought for a while about how best to go about my political life. What works and what does not. Below is a mini maifesto/platform for the new Progressive Democrat party.

1. We will make sure everyone who need help will get it. No matter their situation they will get what they need. Too many people struggle with too little help. Healthcare will be provided for those who can not afford it. Job training will be provided for those who need it. We will look at The New Deal as an example.

2. War is not just. War will be used only if all options have failed. The Bush Doctine will be abolished. Diplomacy will be the norm. Minds are always more powerful than bombs. Look at the end of communism in the Eastern Bloc.

3. Responsible spending will be the norm. Citizens are penelized when they overspend on their credit, government should face the same repercussions. We will spend what we can with what we have. The deficit should not grow.

4. Pro-Life, but not Anti-Choice. Roe v. Wade should stand. No attempt will be made to reverse it. Abortions will happen. It is better that they be safe and regulated as opposed not.

5. Marriage is an issue betweent 2 people and thier god. All unions will be recognized as civil unions.

These are a couple issues. More to come

VOTE
DANG IT

More Electoion Help

I am intentionally not blogging much this week. I will post stuff like below and this:

If you have problems during early voting or on Election Day, call 866-MYVOTE1 to report your problem and talk to local election officials.

I want to make sure people make up their minds and can not feel afraid to vote. I will be updating with other helps as I find them.

Where to Vote:

Here are couple of place to help you find your polling place:

Nation Wide:

MyPollingPlace.com


Chicago:

ChicagoElections.com

Whether you agree with me or Cliff ;-), please use these to help you find your polling place.

Also, and this is improtant:

Make sure to have ID with you. Especially if this is your first time to vote, have at least 2 forms of ID.

Our Favorite President

The One Fingered Victory Salute

Gotta Love Him


It was taken from near the end of his gubenatroial term.

There Is No Joy In Mudville

Well, what can I say. Congrats Bo-Sox.

Can you tell I have lived in Chicago too long...Wait 'till next year.

Son of a Biscut

I know the Birds are just waiting to show the sox what a come from behind series win feels like, but jeeze...do ya have to?

Game
Boston 4 - St. Louis 1

Series
Boston 3 -St. Louis 0

Wow

Whether you like him or not, Eminem's newest video is powerful.

Even if your politcs don't jive with his, watch the video. The end is worth it.

Here is a link to the video.

No Worries

2 games to 0 in Boston's favor.

Not worried, though.

Making the call

I call the Cards in 7 games.

Tonight they lost 11-9

So the series is now Boston 1, St. Louis 0.

6 games to go

The Whirled Series

Curds
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

The Curds

Botox
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

Vs. The Botox

NLCS CHAMPS!!!

Cards 2
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

5-2

And we don't have to do Trippi's Drinking game.

Joe Trippi's Drinking Game

Joe Trippi over at Hardblogger.com has an idea for a drinking game that hopefully will not come to pass if the Cards win tonight. Here is his post:

OK, I know I can’t do justice to this subject. But I am dropping all pretenses to political correctness and starting a new drinking game. If the Houston Astros win the National League title tonight – then from that point on every time a political pundit or talking head uses a baseball analogy to describe the race between George Bush and John Kerry we all have to take another sip of our favorite drink.

If the Astros win tonight, my guess is that within days the whole Bush/Texas/Astro vs. Kerry, Boston, Red Sox thing will be so overdone, that its almost enough to get me to root for St. Louis to make sure we don’t have to endure day in and day out baseball analogies of the Presidential campaign.

And I just want to make it clear that I see no analogy at all between Howard Dean and the Yankees leading all year long – both seemingly unstoppable – suddenly being overtaken by the back from the dead Kerry campaign and Boston Red Sox. None at all.

And besides I am a Roger Clemens fan so I’ll be rooting for the Astros -- and if they win, cringing with you as we all suffer through lame baseball analogy after lame baseball analogy of the Presidential campaign.

My only solace, my new drinking game – my problem? – my favorite drink is diet-Pepsi.

Pin and Needles

The world is on pins and needles The Al Franken Show will make its official endorsement for the president tomorrow...

Has Drudge made his endorsement yet?...they will then cancel each other out...Ahhh...the world of satire.

Takin it to 7

Cards just won game 6.

Series...3-3
Tonight...6-4

This whole series has done great things for baseball. The great series between Houston and St. Louis and the Dream series between NYC and Boston.

Safe

Mae and Manda made it safely to Everett, WA to see our friend Matt.

They drove all through the night...26 hours.

Crazy.

Yup

We have done it. We have an Enhitchment page. Check it out...right...


HERE

Tucker Carlson is a Big Baby

Don't know if you all have heard about the incident on Crossfire the other day. Jon Stewart was a guest and he punked out the hosts. And now Carlson is crying foul. Dude...you can't handle the truth.

Here is a link to the clip from the show. What do you think? Was Stewart right, or does Carlson have a legit gripe?

Dang It

The bad guys are up by one.

3 games to 2 bad guys.

Final
Houston 3-St. Louis 0

In 6 Baby

Cards will win in 6.

Series 2-2
Final today

Houston 6
Cards 5

Hadda Happen

I still say the Cards will win in 5.

They lost today 5-2. Shoot.

The series is now 2-1 Cards.

BOO YAA

Cards 2, Astros 0

6-4 Cards

YEEEE HAAAA

A Good Point

David Shuster over at hardblogger has a great post on how the stupid rules ruined the debates. here is a quote:

Imagine a debate with direct questions, questions requiring a simple "yes/no" answer, hypothetical scenarios and "what would you do" type of questions, follow-up questions by the moderator or audience members, maybe even a device akin to a "shot clock" (If the candidate dodges something for more than thirty seconds... the rest of his/her time is cut-off and the other candidate is rewarded the microphone.) You get my point. We are trying to choose between two candidates for the most powerful job in the world. Asking them to participate in a real debate shouldn't be too much to ask. Furthermore, it's time for the networks to ask for, or even demand, a seat at the negotiating table. If we are going to cover the "debates," the campaigns shouldn't be the only ones dictating the terms.

Imagine a real debate.

Crazy.

It is Orfishal

Tripp the Anglo-Baptist is getting ordained.

Congrats, Bro.

The Real World

I just read this article by a grandmother from Tinley Park. Please read it. "We are but one family."

270, 3, 2, 0, 1, 1, 0, 10, 7

No this is not a new Chicago song. This is a recap of last night.

270 total minutes of debates
3 total debates
2 to Kerry
0 to Bush
1 draw
1 win for the Cardinals
0 wins for the Astros
10 runs scored by the Cards
7 runs scored by the Astros

All in all a good night. I enjoyed watching the debate with Cliff and Tripp, see, we all can get along. None of us ended up bloodied and battered. This is a good thing

I calls 'em like I sees 'em

I don't care that this cretin is a Democrat. He should be voted out of office and booted it his ass.

Maryland democratic comptroller William Schaffer wants to create an HIV registry.

"'They bring it on themselves,' he said, adding, 'They don't get it by sitting on the toilet seat. ... A person who gives AIDS, who spreads AIDS, they're bad people. Everybody wants to be on the good side of everything. Well, I'm taking a stand.' Schaefer in the 1990s pushed a proposal that would have established a public HIV registry, but the measure was defeated three times by the state Legislature. Although Maryland tracks HIV cases using names, the list is not published or publicly accessible, according to the Post.'

Tell that to a person close to us who got it from a bad transfusion....

He must go. Pig.

(from Artois via Oliver Willis)

Let's Go Cardinals

Cards
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

The team has made it to the NLCS vs. The Astros.

Let's kick some Texan Butt...hmmm...seems to be a theme in my life right now.

Winds of Change

No, this is not a post on the Scorpions song. But rather an intersting nugget I found. Bob Barr, the former Republican Georgia congressman and one of the leaders of the Clinton impeachment prodeedings, may not vote for George Bush. Like many conservatives he believes GWB's neo-con ideals conflict with many conservative ideals.

His last line asks who the Libertarian candidate is...he is Michael Badnarik.

Pocket Full of Krytonite

Superman
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

I have always been a fan of Superman. I saw all the movies numerous times. I want to say thank you to Christoper Reeve for bringing that to life for me. You ARE a hope to us all.

RIP Superman.

Guess Who's Back?

Julie's Back

Huzzah!

3 AM Debate Response

I figure if I post now I can beat Cliff.

I watched the debate tonight, and I have to say the winners were the audience. They asked some great questions. In all honesty I think tonight did more to motivate the base to get out and vote. I don't think many undecideds were swayed by tonight. I personally though John Kerry was fantastic tonight. He was not afraid of being liberal. Of caring for the poor and less fortunate. I was afraid Pres. Bush was going to pull a Yosemite Sam at any moment and fly off the handle bar with both guns blazing...kind of scary.

But overall I think tonight may end up being a draw amongst the undecideds, but I think both sides really motivated their bases.

Love/Hate

I love the fall, but I hate that all the trains and busses sound like TB wards.

Dreams

I normally do not remember my dreams, but the one I had last night was intersting. Not only was it a very narrative dream, but it continued after I dozed off after hitting the snooze alaram...twice.

It was a very simple dream (almost the begining part of a movie):

I get off an airplane in the middle of the Czech Republic. I get my back pack back from the customs and everythis is gone. It is empty except for what looked like one of 2 books I own (either The Motorcycle Diaries by Che Guevara or Spiritual Direction and Meditation by Thomas Merton). So, I wader around this town and and find a store to get clothing and stuff, but I have to steal a t-shirt and underware because I have no money. I meet an ex-pat girl (UK or US not sure...she never spoke), but I followed her out of the store and down a country road. She goes into a house, but I don't follow. A truck arrives and I hitch a ride to Prague. In the truck I meet a guy who becomes my traveling companion.

Once in Prague we wander looking for a place to crash. We have no money, so hostels are out. We meet an old couple who invite us to stay with them. We follow them to their white stucco house and have a meal together. I don't remember the specifics of any of the conversations, but they were quite cordial.

Then woke up. I actually hope this dream continues. It was quite pleasent.

Church Blog

In this crazy po-mo world of our, I am pleased to announce a new blog added to the places to wander. It is a new church...The Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler.

We are a band of troubadors and hoodlams who are seeking to mend the broken body of Christ. We are all makes and models. Hights and widths. Lovers of the Gospel. Please wander over and see what is going on. Sermons and reflections will be posted by the pastors. Maybe, soon, community members will be posting stuff as well.

Peace

Explain Yo'self

(At Home before work)
Sorry that the below post is so long. I just heard an awesome cover of it last night and wanted to post it before I forgot.

Ya see, last night was a grand time. I went to the Double Door. oh my god played...awesome show. They played new songs and stuff. Their new songs are very very good, but the main event of the night was Mike Watt, yes, Mike Watt formerly of the Minutemen. Last night he was with the Secondmen. Let me say. If you ever get a chance go see him.

Nothing like 2 organ, bass, drum trios in a night!

(Continved: Now at Work)

The point is, The Secondmen coverd the Dylan song below. It is one of my favorites.

Oh yeah, Billy now has a Mohawk that is bleach blonde...very cool.

It's alright Ma (I'm only bleeding)
by Bob Dylan
1965 Warner Bros. Inc
Renewed 1993 Special Rider Music

Darkness at the break of noon

Shadows even the silver spoon

The handmade blade, the child's balloon

Eclipses both the sun and moon

To understand you know too soon

There is no sense in trying.



Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn

Suicide remarks are torn

From the fool's gold mouthpiece

The hollow horn plays wasted words

Proves to warn

That he not busy being born

Is busy dying.



Temptation's page flies out the door

You follow, find yourself at war

Watch waterfalls of pity roar

You feel to moan but unlike before

You discover

That you'd just be

One more person crying.



So don't fear if you hear

A foreign sound to your ear

It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing.



As some warn victory, some downfall

Private reasons great or small

Can be seen in the eyes of those that call

To make all that should be killed to crawl

While others say don't hate nothing at all

Except hatred.



Continue reading here

New Links

I have just added my 2 favorite goths to my places to wander.

Welcome Kate and Larry.

Quick Prayers

Hi Gang,

Ms. M is a sweet older lady that I work with from time to time. She retired not long after I started here, but she comes back when we need the help of a temp. Well, all weekend her grandson, M., had had a fever and headaches and backaches. Yesterday they went to the ER because they were getting so bad. Turns out M. has viral menengitis. They found this out on his 14th birthday. Please keep Ms. M and M. and his mother in your prayers.

Thanks

Pre-Work Post

The report came back. No WMDs. Intent, but no plan. Intent means nothing really. Especially with no means. I hope he will apologize for this. Especially to the 1,000+ families directly effected. And to the people of Iraq. Don't try to spin that you didn't say that. Now that our credibility has been shot, how can we get help when there is an imenant threat?

Morning...no coffee yet, sentences hard.

As Only He Can Do

Dr. Cornel West is a regular contribitor to The Tavis Smiley Show on NPR.

They were talking about race and religion, and how it seems the adage of high noon on Sunday being the most segregated time in America is becoming less and less true. But that led to the mention of maybe this may not always be best because some of the multi racial mega churches loose the essence of the gospel. Dr. West closed with the following statement (slightly paraphrased since I took it straight from the radio, but upon multiple playbacks I think I have it):

I'd rather have segregated churches with a genuine gospel being preached, than a multi-racial church where the blood of the cross is turned into kool-aid.

Wow.

Here is a link of the show...you need to scroll down to the story called Roll of Black Churches and the White Hose Race.

___________________

After re-reading this post and Tripp's comment I realized that I have taken the quote a bit out of context, for which I apologize. In my haste to get the quote online I did something that drives me nuts, posted a quote without adequate context.

While the comments are hard to swallow, I think that is because there may be a grain of truth. The quote was preceeded by a discusion of how some churches loose focus of the gospel and spend all their time worrying about growth. By focusing on growth instead of the gospel a disservice is being committed.

Please understand that Dr. West was not saying churches should be segregated...not at all. Rather that it is better that a church be true to the gospel and not the ledger book.

I know that is still unclear, please listen to the story linked above...it is really good.

Nick of Time?

flood
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

It is hard to believe that 2 days ago we drove past this stadium, in Roanoke, VA,on a Sunny Sunday Morning.

Back in Town

This past weekend was verry fun. Mae and I traveled with Cliff and Anna and baby Sofie to the beautiful land of Lynchburg, VA, for the enhichment of dear Tripp and Trish. It was a grand time. Many hours on the roady, but, alas all was safe and wonderous. Here are some pictures, via Mark.

BANNED

Apparently the RNC sent out a mailing to voters in West Virginia telling them that we liberals are planning on banning the Bible.

This is one of the most offensive, repugnant tactics I have seen this entire election cycle.

I am speechless as this act.

So, I am going to just remind us all that GOD IS NOT A REPUBLICAN...OR A DEMOCRAT

The following is the text of a letter by Sojourners.

These leaders of the Religious Right mistakenly claim that God has taken a side in this election, and that Christians should only vote for George W. Bush.

We believe that claims of divine appointment for the President, uncritical affirmation of his policies, and assertions that all Christians must vote for his re-election constitute bad theology and dangerous religion.

We believe that sincere Christians and other people of faith can choose to vote for President Bush or Senator Kerry - for reasons deeply rooted in their faith.

We believe all candidates should be examined by measuring their policies against the complete range of Christian ethics and values.

We will measure the candidates by whether they enhance human life, human dignity, and human rights; whether they strengthen family life and protect children; whether they promote racial reconciliation and support gender equality; whether they serve peace and social justice; and whether they advance the common good rather than only individual, national, and special interests.

We are not single-issue voters.

We believe that poverty - caring for the poor and vulnerable - is a religious issue. Do the candidates' budget and tax policies reward the rich or show compassion for poor families? Do their foreign policies include fair trade and debt cancellation for the poorest countries? (Matthew 25:35-40, Isaiah 10:1-2)

We believe that the environment - caring for God's earth - is a religious issue. Do the candidates' policies protect the creation or serve corporate interests that damage it? (Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1)

We believe that war - and our call to be peacemakers - is a religious issue. Do the candidates' policies pursue "wars of choice" or respect international law and cooperation in responding to real global threats? (Matthew 5:9)

We believe that truth-telling is a religious issue. Do the candidates tell the truth in justifying war and in other foreign and domestic policies? (John 8:32)

We believe that human rights - respecting the image of God in every person - is a religious issue. How do the candidates propose to change the attitudes and policies that led to the abuse and torture of Iraqi prisoners? (Genesis 1:27)

We believe that our response to terrorism is a religious issue. Do the candidates adopt the dangerous language of righteous empire in the war on terrorism and confuse the roles of God, church, and nation? Do the candidates see evil only in our enemies but never in our own policies? (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 8:12-13 )

We believe that a consistent ethic of human life is a religious issue. Do the candidates' positions on abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, weapons of mass destruction, HIV/AIDS-and other pandemics-and genocide around the world obey the biblical injunction to choose life? (Deuteronomy 30:19)

We also admonish both parties and candidates to avoid the exploitation of religion or our congregations for partisan political purposes.

By signing this statement, we call Christians and other people of faith to a more thoughtful involvement in this election, rather than claiming God's endorsement of any candidate.

This is the meaning of responsible Christian citizenship.

Sunday

Sunday
Originally uploaded by CelticWander.

My Mom did the Hair for this Production of Sunday in the Park With George in Springfield, IL. She makes me proud. I will be going down this weekend to see the show.

What Kerry Will Do
A short list
(Forgive the formatting problems, I wrote this in Word and the transfer went a little wonky)

A response to Cliff’s recent blog:
1.Cut middle class taxes:

- $4000 College tuition tax credit

- Tax credit for small businesses

- Allow vuenrable workers to buy into the congressional health plan

- tax credit on $5000 of child care expences

2. Raise the minumim wage
3. Reverse Bush’s overtime rules
4. Extend and Improve unemployment insurance
5. Rollback Bush’s tax cuts on those making over $200,000
6. Cut corporate welfare
7. Create a medicare plane that does not have a doughnut hole
8. Lower prestcription costs by:
   
- Allowing HHS to negotiate prices

- Allow reimportation of drugs

9. Safeguard us by dealing with known WMDs in the former Soviet Union
10. Global ban on production of nuclear weapons
11. Create a true Directory of National Intelligence
12. Work at creating foreign policy that works to deter creation of radical terror groups

That is just a short list. More information can be found at johnkerry.com

While we are at it…here is a site that has Bush’s latest flip-flops.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
1. Social Security Surplus

BUSH PLEDGES NOT TO TOUCH SOCIAL SECURITY SURPLUS... "We're going to keep the promise of Social Security and keep the government from raiding the Social Security surplus." [President Bush, 3/3/01]

...BUSH SPENDS SOCIAL SECURITY SURPLUS The New York Times reported that "the president's new budget uses Social Security surpluses to pay for other programs every year through 2013, ultimately diverting more than $1.4 trillion in Social Security funds to other purposes." [The New York Times, 2/6/02]

2. North Korea

BUSH WILL NOT OFFER NUCLEAR NORTH KOREA INCENTIVES TO DISARM... "We developed a bold approach under which, if the North addressed our long-standing concerns, the United States was prepared to take important steps that would have significantly improved the lives of the North Korean people. Now that North Korea's covert nuclear weapons program has come to light, we are unable to pursue this approach." [President's Statement, 11/15/02]

...BUSH ADMINISTRATION OFFERS NORTH KOREA INCENTIVES TO DISARM"Well, we will work to take steps to ease their political and economic isolation. So there would be -- what you would see would be some provisional or temporary proposals that would only lead to lasting benefit after North Korea dismantles its nuclear programs. So there would be some provisional or temporary efforts of that nature." [White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, 6/23/04]

3. OPEC

BUSH PROMISES TO FORCE OPEC TO LOWER PRICES... "What I think the president ought to do [when gas prices spike] is he ought to get on the phone with the OPEC cartel and say we expect you to open your spigots...And the president of the United States must jawbone OPEC members to lower the price." [President Bush, 1/26/00]

...BUSH REFUSES TO LOBBY OPEC LEADERS With gas prices soaring in the United States at the beginning of 2004, the Miami Herald reported the president refused to "personally lobby oil cartel leaders to change their minds." [Miami Herald, 4/1/04]

4. Iraq Funding

BUSH SPOKESMAN DENIES NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE REST OF 2004... "We do not anticipate requesting supplemental funding for '04" [White House Budget Director Joshua Bolton, 2/2/04]

...BUSH REQUESTS ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR IRAQ FOR 2004 "I am requesting that Congress establish a $25 billion contingency reserve fund for the coming fiscal year to meet all commitments to our troops." [President Bush, Statement by President, 5/5/04]

5. Condoleeza Rice Testimony

BUSH SPOKESMAN SAYS RICE WON'T TESTIFY AS 'A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE'... "Again, this is not her personal preference; this goes back to a matter of principle. There is a separation of powers issue involved here. Historically, White House staffers do not testify before legislative bodies. So it's a matter of principle, not a matter of preference." [White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, 3/9/04]

...BUSH ORDERS RICE TO TESTIFY: "Today I have informed the Commission on Terrorist Attacks Against the United States that my National Security Advisor, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, will provide public testimony." [President Bush, 3/30/04]

61. Department of Homeland Security

BUSH OPPOSES THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY..."So, creating a Cabinet office doesn't solve the problem. You still will have agencies within the federal government that have to be coordinated. So the answer is that creating a Cabinet post doesn't solve anything." [White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, 3/19/02]

...BUSH SUPPORTS THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY "So tonight, I ask the Congress to join me in creating a single, permanent department with an overriding and urgent mission: securing the homeland of America and protecting the American people." [President Bush, Address to the Nation, 6/6/02]

1001

The U.S. Body count has surpassed the 1000 mark.

The last count I saw was 350+ people murdered in Russia.

The Iraqi body count is 11,000+ .

My Peace Prayer

In the name of The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

Father, Creator
See you children crying
How many times have there been
Mothers weeping over their lost children
How many times have there been
Fathers cursing your name
How many times have there been
Brothers and Sisters burying their kin

Father, Creator
Let your grace be felt
Let your peace be felt
Let your hand be felt

Christ the Redeemer
You came and saw our flawed world
You came and felt our flawed world
You came and were murdered by our flawed world
You came and conquered death and defeated our flawed world

Christ the Redeemer
Through your power may we conquer the grief
Through your power may we conquer the sorrow
Through your power may we conquer earthly death
And know heaven's grace

Holy Spirit the Guide
You who touched the tongues of the Apostles
You who built the Church on earth
You who touch our lives each day
You who lead us through the wilderness

Holy Spirit the Guide
Guide us now
Lead us now
Touch our tongues that we
May speak your word
Fill us with the words of peace
Fill us with the words of comfort
Fill us with compassion
Fill us with grace

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Be with us, sinners, now and forever

Amen

Share the love

I will just say this...click here and scroll to the 3rd picture...look in the back yard.

'nuff said

Florida

Hey Gang,

Lets send good thoughts and prayers to Florida. 2.5 million people have been ordered to evacuate. Frances is looking to be the biggest storm in ages.

jt

Pot meet Kettle

From Factcheck.org:

And Richard Cheney himself, who is now Vice President but who then was Secretary of Defense, also proposed canceling the Apache helicopter program five years after Kerry did. As Cheney told the House Armed Services Committee on Aug. 13, 1989:

Cheney: The Army, as I indicated in my earlier testimony, recommended to me that we keep a robust Apache helicopter program going forward, AH-64; . . . I forced the Army to make choices. I said, "You can't have all three. We don't have the money for all three." So I recommended that we cancel the AH-64 program two years out. That would save $1.6 billion in procurement and $200 million in spares over the next five years.

Two years later Cheney's Pentagon budget also proposed elimination of further production of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle as well. It was among 81 Pentagon programs targeted for termination, including the F-14 and F-16 aircraft. "Cheney decided the military already has enough of these weapons," the Boston Globe reported at the time.

Does that make Cheney an opponent of "weapons vital to winning the war on terror?" Of course not. But by the Bush campaign's logic, Cheney himself would be vulnerable to just such a charge, and so would Bush's father, who was president at the time.

So, Cheney voted against the same things he accuses Kerry of voting agains...during the same time period.