About
Captain Ed is a father and grandfather living in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, a native Californian who moved to the North Star State because of the weather. He lives with his wife Marcia, also known as the First Mate, their two dogs, and frequently watch their granddaughter Kayla, whom Captain Ed calls The Little Admiral.
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The Crows Nest
OpenCongress Web Widget
Ever wanted to announce your support or opposition to Congressional legislation? OpenCongress now has a web widget that allows bloggers to do exactly that. Take a look at this, and check out how easily you can build your own.
Maybe They're Flotation Devices?
The Australian Navy foots the bill for breast augmentations. The Labour Party would like to know why, and probably so would most of the voters in Australia.
The Thinking Blogger
Congrats to Fausta, who won a Thinking Blogger award. She thanks me for my friendship, but the truth is that Fausta makes it easy to be her friend. She's always positive and energetic, and she epitomizes the notion of a thinking blogger. Make sure to put her on your must-read list!
Ensign Calls For Return Of MoveOn Money
NRSC chair Senator John Ensign calls for Democrats to return all campaign funds donated by MoveOn, after their despicable New York Times ad today accusing David Petraeus of treason. "If Senate Democrats are serious about moving our country forward, they will denounce this outrageous ad and return the campaign funds MoveOn.org has lavished on them as well as the donations made through MoveOn.org -- the choice is theirs." Ensign's right, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the refund ...
Support The Al-Dura Petition
Roger Simon at Pajamas Media is circulating a petition to demand accountability for the discredited al-Dura report from France's Channel 2. This is, as Roger calls it, the "Father of all Fauxtography," and C-2 has never acknowledged its fault in airing the supposed murder of a Palestinian child. He wants C-2 to show all of the unedited footage of the incident in order to show that C-2 faked the murder. If they're resisting the demand, I'd say they have something to hide ....
There Goes The Undefeated Season
Notre Dame managed to get its first loss out of the way as soon as possible -- and as badly as possible. Georgia Tech came to South Bend and stomped the Irish, 33-3, in the worst home opener loss in school history. The offense fumbled twice and allowed seven sacks on Evan Sharpley, who must have longed to have Brady Quinn back on the field instead. If Charlie Weis doesn't turn this debacle around fast, he may want to start asking Ty Willingham for some career counseling ....
Would Early Primaries Allow More Donations?
Jim Geraghty at The Campaign Spot believes that candidates will benefit if primaries and caucuses get pushed into 2007. A loophole in campaign finance regulation appears to allow an extra $2,300 per donor for candidates if those elections are held this year. Be sure to check out Jim's analysis, and the surprising candidate that may benefit the most.
When Tom Met Jeralyn
One of the interesting aspects of politics is finding out that opponents are people, too. Jeralyn Merritt of TalkLeft met Rep. Tom Tancredo backstage at NBC's studios, and found him more likable than she had anticipated. Perhaps it was their mutual interest in Dog, The Bounty Hunter ...
Joe Lieberman A Right-Wing Nut?
That's what CAIR says, according to Joe Kaufman. He has a link to a CAIR official's blog post that calls Lieberman, along with John Bolton, former CIA director James Woolsey, and the Heritage Foundation's Peter Brookes as "extremists". Affad Shaikh also calls Dick Cheney a "fat bastard of a liar," apparently not meant as a pop-culture reference to the Austin Powers movies. (via Let Freedom Ring)
Broadband Homelessness
The Japanese have made homelessness more efficient, and more Net-friendly, too. Their Internet cafés have become homeless shelters for the struggling manual-labor sector. The problem has grown into such a problem that government intervention will shortly become a political priority.
Found My Law Firm
Power Line links twice to this story regarding an attorney at Faegre & Benson who refused to become a victim and helped capture a very dangerous man. Keith Radtke is a partner in the firm as is Power Line's John Hinderaker. Radtke is listed in satisfactory condition after getting shot in the back, but that didn't keep him from locking up his attacker in a wrestling grip until police could arrive. I don't know about you, but that's the kind of man I'd want as my counsel ....
Don't Click That YouTube E-mail
The latest in spam seems to be redirections from YouTube links in e-mail to IP addresses without domain names. They attempt to entice people by making it seem that they have been inadvertently YouTubed. I'm sure most people can see through this scam, but just in case, you've been warned ....
Rick Moran Escapes The Floods
Rick Moran has kept us up to date on his travails along the Algonquin River. Yesterday, the police showed up to get him evacuated before the river flooded his home -- but today, Rick finds that a minor miracle has taken place, and that his house survives ... at least for now. Keep Rick in your prayers, and keep checking in at Right Wing Nut House for updates.
Rule 1: Drag The Corpse On Over First
If I've learned anything in four years of blogging, don't try to be out in front of the death rumors, especially with the villains of the world. Saddam died a hundred deaths before we caught him alive in his spider hole, and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi almost as many before his demise last year. Osama may or may not be alive, but everyone's avoided speculating on his fate for a while now. Maybe Val at Babalu Blog will get luckier with his "Castro Is Dead" story. We all hope so. I'll wait for the announcement ....
Hobbs Choice
Volunteer Voters is holding its annual "Best of Nashville" on-line polls, and one of the categories is for the best political writer. Our friend Bill Hobbs, now posting at Newsbusters, and he'd like his on-line fans to cast their votes. Drop by and put one in for Bill if you get a chance!
Comments (22)
Posted by Teresa | September 27, 2007 9:57 AM
Well one difference between Abramoff and Hsu is that several Republicans have gone to jail for their dealings with Abramoff and so far no one has for Hsu.
Posted by Kevin | September 27, 2007 10:05 AM
Teresa says:
"Well one difference between Abramoff and Hsu is that several Republicans have gone to jail for their dealings with Abramoff and so far no one has for Hsu."
I'd counter with "give it time, but given that William Jefferson (D-LA) is still a free man, I fear no Democrat will ever be held accountable for their part in any corruption scandal, let alone in the Hsu fiasco.
Posted by rbj | September 27, 2007 10:12 AM
the New School is not merely liberal, it is socialist.
Posted by Teresa | September 27, 2007 10:31 AM
Umm... Kevin, last time I looked the Republicans were in control of the Department of Justice so whose fault is it that William Jefferson hasn't been charged or prosecuted?
Posted by LuckyBogey | September 27, 2007 10:40 AM
Don't forget that Bernie Schwartz also serves as Vice Chairman of the board of trustees of New School University and was the one who vouched for Norman.
As soon as the 260 names are public from the FEC reporting requirements at the end of the Qtr, we will be able to link the other associated contributors to the Democrat party and Mr. Hsu.
The trolls should be alone any minute now telling us to "move along, nothing here"! Sorry, this will not go away!
Posted by RD | September 27, 2007 10:51 AM
Moo Hsu gander? Yesterdays WAPo had an interesting story on this Hill/Billy Hsu shine buoy.. Seems that the $6mil that showed in his bank account is no longer to be found. Lots of people after what little money they can find including the $2mil supposedly forfeited but now restored because he was restored a la the failed flight. Seems that some want even the large retainer he has paid his lawyer refunded. Didn't I tell you the lawyers would get it all? (couldn't resist that cackle). No, I think Kerrey has taken a well placed Hsu to his posterior and his ambitions.
Posted by Carol Herman | September 27, 2007 10:53 AM
Kerry IS the real competition to Algore!
The other idiots, can debate all they like; they don't pass muster. The product doesn't "fly off the shelves."
And, it's only a question on how the "bowling pins" will fall.
Meanwhile, Obama's wife gets her own headline this morning, at DRUDGE: "IOWA OR BUST."
In other words, the wife spelled out what happens if Obama doesn't take Iowa.
Smart move. (She must be tired as all get out, and her husband's "run" for office.)
She's one of the few voices, as DRUDGE pointed out, who comes across as sincere.
Posted by The Mechanical Eye | September 27, 2007 11:11 AM
Slight point, but on-topic:
Morrissey and Reynolds need to stop the Hsu-puns. If you believe this is deeply-serious affair involving the possible corruption of a likely President of the United States, and that it cuts into the very fabric of the Republic, you need to stop using awful jokes to get people interested in it.
Because the puns re-enforce my first gut reaction to this entire saga: an overblown "scandal" of the type that make Bill Clinton's opponents look petty, desperate, and feeble in the 1990s.
DU
Posted by rbj | September 27, 2007 11:23 AM
Teresa, you do realize it takes time to investigate crimes, and complicated financial ones even more time.
And if the Republicans are so evil & in charge of the DoJ, why haven't they just rounded up all the Democrats who took Hsu money?
Posted by richard mcenroe | September 27, 2007 12:01 PM
Hsu's your daddy, ME?
Posted by Teresa | September 27, 2007 12:07 PM
Rbj -- And if the Republicans are so evil & in charge of the DoJ, why haven't they just rounded up all the Democrats who took Hsu money?
-------------------
Ummm, because it wasn't a crime? It just looks really bad.
Kevin was alleging that Jefferson has "gotten away" with his crimes because he is a Democrat. I was pointing out that the people in charge of not letting him get away with it are the Republican DOJ. (Although at this point, I'll bet they are waiting to indict a little closer to election day.)
Posted by Kevin | September 27, 2007 12:37 PM
Teresa says:
"Ummm, because it wasn't a crime? It just looks really bad.
Kevin was alleging that Jefferson has "gotten away" with his crimes because he is a Democrat. I was pointing out that the people in charge of not letting him get away with it are the Republican DOJ. (Although at this point, I'll bet they are waiting to indict a little closer to election day.)"
Uh, Theresa, we don't know that crimes weren't committed by the Democrats in question. That's why a full investigation is needed.
I did not mean to convey that Jefferson "got away" with his crimes, though - re-reading my earlier post - I can see that my words probably gave that impression. What I meant to say is that Jefferson is still a free man, even though he has been indicted. Whether or not he is jailed, and the amount of bond - if any - is not determined by the DoJ. It is determined by the presiding judge.
Posted by RD | September 27, 2007 12:58 PM
DU's advice will be taken by me,also and I will treat this more seriously because I do believe it is a serious matter. Also, I should probably use the words "allegedly" paid his lawyer and perhaps acknowledge that the lawyers might not get all of his money-they might have to get in line with the rest of the screwed. Gotta be careful what you say and how you say it nowadays, especially where lawyers are concerned.
Posted by Micah | September 27, 2007 4:19 PM
Yeah, DU, selling weapons intelligence to the ChiComms for campaign cash is SO overblown... all the REAL traitors want victory in Iraq, closed borders, accountability in government.
When you go by "The Mechanical Eye", I can't help but think of Sauron in LOTR. (which is evil, btw)
Posted by patrick neid | September 27, 2007 5:03 PM
The major reason the Hsu story will probably lead nowhere vs the Abramoff story (he gave 1/3 to dems) are the editorial pages of of most of our newspapers.
Unless the public is bombarded with facts and falsehoods for weeks on end all stories die.
While it is true that bloggers can initiate and drive stories if the MSM refuses to chirp in the stories mostly die.
What bloggers can do, and do very well, is unmask the phony stories the Rather's of the world are so famous for.
Now I admit pictures of Hsu and Hillary naked in bed might get some traction especially if Bill is taking the photos!
Posted by Angus | September 27, 2007 6:14 PM
The Abramoff story mattered to very few outside the blogosphere. It was good for a few days of news stories, and a number of later "guilt by association" comments. Ask the average voter about Jack Abramoff and I'll bet that 90% or more will respond with: "Who?"
For similar reasons, the Hsu story will matter just as little.
Posted by Del Dolemonte | September 27, 2007 8:08 PM
Teresa: if you actually did some research before shooting your mouth off, you would know that the "Bush" Justice Department is infested with Clinton holdovers. If in fact it WAS Bush's Justice Department, such people as Sandy Berger would have the book thrown at them. But instead...
When one examines those who have piloted the USJD investigations and prosecutions of political malfeasance one thing is abundantly clear. In each instance the person charged with the investigation or prosecution was a Clinton holdover or a Clinton appointee. Here are a few examples, courtesy of the New Media Journal:
In the case of The Barrett Report and the investigation and prosecution of Henry Cisneros, Lee Radek was intimately affiliated with not only the DNC and Democrat rainmakers, but with the Clinton-Gore White House. Jo Ann Harris who appointed Radek, was appointed by President Clinton.
In the case of Hillary Clinton’s campaign finance fraud, we again see Lee Radek running interference against any credible investigation and prosecution.
And where Sandy Berger’s travesty of justice is concerned:
▪ Glenn Fine, the Inspector General for the USJD, was appointed by Bill Clinton, continued serving as a holdover from the Clinton Administration into the Bush Administration and is on record as being a donor to the DNC and/or Democrat candidate(s).
▪ Bruce Swartz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the USJD Criminal Division, was appointed by Bill Clinton, continued serving as a holdover from the Clinton Administration into the Bush Administration and is on record as being a donor to the DNC and/or Democrat candidate(s).
▪ John Dion, Chief of the USJD Counterespionage Section at the USJD, was a holdover from the Clinton Administration into the Bush Administration.
▪ Howard Sklamberg, USJD trial attorney from the public integrity unit, was a holdover from the Clinton Administration into the Bush Administration and is on record as being a donor to the DNC and/or Democrat candidate(s).
It is apparent to anyone taking an honest look at the current situation of the USJD that during the eight years of the Clinton Administration, the Clinton White House loaded the United States Justice Department with enough upper and mid-level political appointments and promotions to circumvent any investigation and/or prosecution of crimes originating and perpetrated at the hands of those on their “team.”
It is equally apparent that the Clinton White House intentionally placed these people in positions where they could inflict the most political damage on the opposition party by simply investigating until either a crime was discovered or created, or there was enough dirt run through the Clinton-friendly mainstream media to destroy the subject’s credibility and ability to be effective.
The implications of a political and partisan United States Justice Department are disturbing and lay the groundwork for the demise of our Constitutional government, a government of laws such as it is. That American justice would be administered politically on such a transparently partisan scale lends itself to an image of a nation where political corruption is accepted and political persecution is tolerated, which side benefiting from both being decided by the spoils of a successful political campaign and the patronage that includes.
Remember, Bill Clinton fired 93 US Attorneys when he came into office. Perhaps now we can all understand why the Democrats are so up in arms over President Bush firing eight.
Posted by daytrader | September 28, 2007 5:08 AM
Well according to Flips work, only two associated donors gave 1000 total to Tom Gallagher for his failed run for Governor of Fla. That is the only identified Republican money in the pot so far.
Bob Novak say Bob Kerrey will run, but some local papers are commenting that he doesn't want to leave New York because of family reasons.
Also there is a lot of local speculation that he may run for Mayor of NYC.
Posted by daytrader | September 28, 2007 5:29 AM
RD
I believe the story said that the BOA account only had about 83k in it, but there was another bank they still had not looked at yet.
If you have another story I missed, please post the link.
Posted by RD | September 28, 2007 11:14 AM
daytrader-no, you're right I was reading too much into the story. I thought since the former stories said that his checkbook showed he had $2mil and this story said nothing about it that it had disappeared but you are right-there is no link to back up that assumption. Sorry. That is why I enjoy this site-there is always someone checking for facts and trying to keep us honest and accurate and on our toes and maybe why I should leave the posting to those who want "only the facts, ma'am."
Posted by RD | September 28, 2007 12:11 PM
correction to above post--I should have said $6mil.
Posted by daytrader | September 28, 2007 3:16 PM
Minkoff said the Bank of America account contains about $83,000, and he didn't know how much was in the Philippines-based Metrobank New York account.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200709261424DOWJONESDJONLINE000657_FORTUNE5.htm