Do You Think They Can Afford It?

Wal Mart is kind enough to agree to pay, oh, I don't know, let's say--$135,540?--to get the gubmint off their backs on that kiddie labor rap. And just to make it worth their while, let's throw in this:

"A provision also promises to give Wal-Mart 15 days' notice before the Labor Department investigates any other "wage and hour" accusations, like failure to pay minimum wage or overtime."

It's good to be king.

Welcome Back, My Friends, To The Show That Never Ends

How many sadists does it take to screw an Iraqi?

"A homemade video compiled by Florida National Guard soldiers in Iraq showed members of the unit kicking a bound prisoner and showing his bullet wounds to the camera, but no criminal charges were brought against them, according to military investigative files released Friday."

And don't forget the raping of women. And the beating of people while they're tied up. And how many sadists does it take to amount to more than just "a few bad apples"?


"...one of the biggest political hacks we have in Washington."

said Minority Leader Harry Reid about the Oracle of Nuthin' Much, Alan Greenspan. The emperor's clothes are coming off!


The Sibel Will Speak

Remember Sibel Edwards, the FBI translator who tried to bring security issues to her bosses' attention after 9/11, and was silenced mightily? James Ridgeway at the Voice gives an update on her progress toward getting a hearing. This has been an ordeal for her. It's a given that too many people's oxen may be gored by her testimony, and given the way our current government is run, it's a wonder she didn't suddenly "disappear" one day. But the muzzled media have been pliantly cooperative in keeping her hidden in plain sight, so there's probably been no need for Bushco to send out the goons.