WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT ID, COUNT( comment_ID ) AS ccount FROM po_posts LEFT JOIN po_comments ON ( comment_post_ID = ID AND comment_approved = '1') WHERE ID IN (174,172,171,170,166,165,164,163,162,161,160,159,158,157,156,155,154,153,152,151) GROUP BY ID

Politry Plus » 2005 » July

Archive for July, 2005

31.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 174 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '174' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

I’m Back

Enriched by a week with writers
who arrange words in mosaics,
instead of throwing them down in anger,
I attacked the news with vigor.
Found Republicans had spent
their time protecting gun makers,
enriching energy companies
and spreading pork across the land.
It reminds me of the time we awoke
to discover vandals had chopped the tops
off many of the neighbor’s pine trees
that screened […]

more …
25.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 172 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '172' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Gone for a While, but Forgotten?

Political poetry is an oxymoron.
Poetry has meaning, often at many levels.
Politics, today, is just mean,
at every level.
Reaching my 150th “poem� in this series
has stalled this almost 75-year-old mind, so I’ll
spend a week at the Iowa Writer’s Conference
for inspiration and lubrication.
I feel a little guilty, but then I think,
Congress will be gone for weeks, and Bush,
who […]

more …
24.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 171 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '171' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Leader of the Opposition

Republicans say Democrats are
“negative� when they oppose,
what do they call the President?
Bush currently argues against an
amendment requiring the military
to obey laws; threatens to veto a bill
funding effective stem cell research;
characterizes a federal shield law
for reporters as “bad public policy.�
All of these have substantial support
from Republicans – except for one.

more …
23.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 170 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '170' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Maybe It’s Something in the Water

Washington DC has trouble with numbers.
Bush over-estimates the deficit, takes credit
for good management when it’s discovered.
The VA budgets medical expense based on
a year without a war, has a surprising shortfall.
Now we learn the outfield measurements at
the ballpark are wrong. Is nothing sacred?

more …
22.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 166 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '166' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Congress At the Feeding Trough Again

I have no idea why, but CAFTA
has become a cause celeb.
Bush says it has to pass,
but he can’t tell us why.
Since he didn’t make the sale
he has to buy –
vote by vote by vote.

more …
21.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 165 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '165' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

A New Perspective

Bush used to disparage leakers as
low-levels trying to impress, said he’d
fire whoever revealed Plame’s name
Now he discovers leaks aren’t so bad –
if they come from a faucet he controls. The
standard for firing is now crime not slime.

more …
20.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 164 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '164' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Rove Yields Spotlight to Roberts

Bush planned to wait to state
his Supreme Court choice
to cut down on debate, but
Rove and Iraq changed that.
Tired of tough questions, he
stopped seeking a nominee
everyone could support, and
made a contentious choice.
Peaceful confirmation gave way
to the urgency of getting buddy
Karl off magazine covers and
providing a lead that’s not a leak.

more …
19.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 163 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '163' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Ecological Enhancement

The EPA hopes to improve its web site
and polish its image by hiring public
relations consultants. The proposed
contracts are expensive because making
the evisceration of environmental protection
look good will take superb writing talent.

more …
18.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 162 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '162' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Would Someone Lie About Iraq?

The Bush administration stands accused
of helping their favorites win Iraq’s election.
They claim those plans were dropped when
Congressional leaders objected, and deny
providing secret help to any candidates.
Of course, Iraqi voters chose between parties.

more …
17.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 161 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '161' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Muscular Madness

Schwarzenegger won’t make it
as a Republican politician. Caught
in a conflict of interest, he caved.
Gave up a million a year without delay
or a Rovelike account of what
he did, and how it really was okay.
He’s been slipping in the polls, but
after the shock of candor wears away
Arnold could recoup – as a Democrat

more …
16.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 160 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '160' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Everyone Has a Place

A grove is a peaceful patch of trees,
a great place for a picnic.
A drove is a crowd of animals or people,
often staying away.
A Rove is a right arm gone wrong, that should
miss the next barbecue.

more …
15.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 159 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '159' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Guessing Game

When unexpected revenue
reduced the projected deficit
Bush declared his tax cuts successful.
This administration has a knack for
creating the appearance of good news.
The shortfall will be lower than
estimated five months ago,
but still the third highest ever.

more …
14.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 158 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '158' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Guest Haiku

The President roves
on the periphery of
illegality
with thanks to Tim Tuthill

more …
13.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 157 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '157' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

It Depends on Your Definition of Classified

Democrats focusing on Karl Rove
is like Florida blaming water, not weather
for hurricane damage.
The President wanted debate
about the reasons for war stopped,
so someone tried to silence a critic
by identifying a presumably secret CIA agent.
It didn’t work, and the inevitable
investigation followed.
Bush said releasing classified information
would cause dismissal. It hasn’t yet,
but this time it produced silence.

more …
12.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 156 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '156' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

The Art of Governance

It’s clear that Karl Rove outed Valerie Plame,
and either lied to Scott McClellan, or Scott misled
the press core, but did Rove break the law?
Who cares?
They pushed the issue past the last election,
and jailed a reporter who helped sell the
Iraq war. But we know Rove won’t be fired.
That would be splitting hairs.

more …
11.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 155 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '155' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Press Freedom or Conservation?

The North Koreans agreed to
return to talks again, but this
time they set a date. The Chinese
say everyone agreed, but Rice’s
okay was confirmed anonymously.
She won’t announce until tomorrow,
but the New York Times needed to
promise confidentiality so we could
know today about an often delayed
meeting scheduled later this month.
The press wants to protect sources,
but they should have to […]

more …
10.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 154 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '154' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Covering the Bases

Wal-Mart buys products overseas
and uses undocumented janitors,
but with lawsuits they go first class.
They hired Antonin Scalia’s son to
defend two whistle-blower cases –
the law he enforced at Justice.
That gives them a good chance
to win in lower court, but if they
lose, they can always appeal.

more …
09.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 153 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '153' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

One Day at a Time

Bush returns from Scotland,
a deadbeat with a penchant
for research instead of action.
Hopes to have another opening
for a Supreme Court justice –
more fun than Africa or CO2.
That can fill the summer and
keep attention off Iraq until he
finds another way to repel flack.

more …
08.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 152 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '152' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Blair Probably Has Had Enough of Bush

Bush doesn’t agree with the G8 on much.
He acknowledges the warming of the world,
but says we need to study the problem.
He agrees that Africa needs help, but can’t
send taxpayer money to countries with graft.
Maybe he could send Halliburton to help.
But instead of trying to defend the indefensible,
he gets to talk about fighting terrorism, as if
his […]

more …
07.07.05 | 

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(comment_ID) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = 151 AND comment_approved = '1';

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'po_comments.MYI' (errno: 145)]
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM po_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '151' AND comment_approved = '1'

0

Tour de Scotland

President Bush ran into a security guard
while riding a bike at Gleneagles, and speeding.
Fortunately neither was hurt, nor hit very hard.
As usual, W didn’t look where he was going.

more …