activityBoy: 08/01/2004

(* Think Tanks that appear are the most widely cited institutions in newspaper, radio, and TV transcripts and are given their ideological label from a FAIR report, which can be found at: Think Tanks

The Liberal/Left

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Center for Defense Information
The Centre for Economic and Policy Research
Economic Policy Institute
Institute for Policy Studies
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
The Urban Institute
World Watch Institute

Centrist

The Brookings Institution
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The Council on Foreign Relations
Freedom Forum
Institute for International Economics
Progressive Policy Institute

Conservative/Right

American Enterprise Institute
Cato Institute
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Heritage Foundation
The Hudson Institute
International Institute for Strategic Studies
The Manhattan Institute
Progress and Freedom Foundation
The Rand Corporation

FCC and Media Deregulation sites:

Below are sites which contain more information about the issue of media deregulation and ways to take action on either side of the issue. The FCC site provides an area to make views on deregulation known, and provides contact information for the agency.

Center for Digital Democracy

The Web site of the Center for Digital Democracy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving media diversity, provides information regarding the issue of media concentration. The Center highlights the 1945 Supreme Court decision (Associated Press v. United States) which maintains that mergers that narrow the dissemination of information are unconstitutional. Other features include press headlines, articles, and resource links.

Colombia Journalism Review: Who Owns What?

"Who Owns What?" by the Colombia Journalism Review (CJR) features a list of media conglomerates and what they own. The page also provides a selected list of articles from the CJR archive on media concentration.

Consumer Federation of America

The Consumer Federation of America provides press releases, studies, brochures, and testimony to educate the American public about telecommunications issues and to advocate for pro-consumer policies.

Consumers Union: Nonprofit Publisher of Consumer Reports

The Consumers Union Web page, devoted to telephone-telecommunications regulation, provides a long list of articles, studies, and research describing how the deregulation of the telecommunications industry in 1996 has hurt consumers.

Economic and Political Consequences of the 1996 Telecommunications Act

Thomas Hazlett of the American Enterprise Institute argues that the 1996 Telecommunications Act resulted both in benefits to consumers and in "megamergers" that have benefited stockholders and market function. He contends that increased competition in the market had an effect on the political process, where the Telecommunications industry outspent all other industries in political contributions.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communication Commission is an independent government organization accountable to Congress. The FCC regulates "interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable" within U.S. jurisdiction. The FCC Web site features a special section on media ownership which includes information on the Broadcast-Newspaper Cross-Ownership Rule and the Local Radio Ownership Rule in the form of announcements, press releases, and policy studies.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996

This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Web page is devoted to the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996, which promoted deregulation of the telecommunication industry (cable, long distance telephone service, local telephone service, and broadband) to create a competitive communications market and deliver better services and prices to consumers. The Web site features the complete text of the legislation and provides relevant FCC materials related to the implementation and guidelines of the Act.

FRONTLINE: The Merchants of Cool - Media Giants

On PBS.org, the FRONTLINE Web site features a diagram of the seven largest media conglomerates and their numerous holdings. This information is provided within a larger context, asking how media mega-mergers and the products they sell affect children's psychological development.

Media Access Project

The Media Access Project (MAP) is a public interest telecommunications law firm dedicated to promoting what they call "the public's First Amendment right to hear and be heard on the electronic media of today and tomorrow." MAP covers a broad spectrum of issues concerning electronic media, including media consolidation, broadband access, Internet governance, promoting civic discourse, and protecting free speech. MAP's Media Consolidation Web page provides an overview of the telecommunications industry and its regulator, the FCC, and documents recent attacks on media-ownership limits and why the repeal of these limits harms citizens.

US Capitalism and the Public Interest: Restoring the Balance in Electricity and Telecommunications

Dr. Marc Cooper of the Consumer Federation of America argues that the deregulatory effort of the 1990s in the electricity and telecommunications industries has upset the delicate balance between private interest and public responsibilities. Dr. Cooper concludes that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must reassert their regulatory responsibilities to salvage public interests.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Crispin Miller of THE NATION magazine describes and analyzes the media cartel that has integrated all cultural industries into a few large corporations. Miller fears that American culture will become more homogenous with less dissent and fewer independent voices..

Campaign Finance Reform:

The American Conservative Union on Campaign Finance Reform
The American Conservative Union (ACU) commissioned this report, Who's Buying Campaign Finance Reform? to shed light on where the anti-First Amendment campaign 'reform' movement gets its money and what its leaders, followers and funders really want for America.

Campaign Finance Reform
This page on conservative U.S. politics asks if campaign finance reform is solving a problem or restricting free speech by providing bulleted lists of reformers' views and opponents' views, and links to resources.

The Center for Responsive Politics
The Center for Responsive Politics is a non-partisan, non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics, and its effect on elections and public policy. The site outlines the contributions of Enron and Andersen to Congress, including a breakdown of Enron's top individual donors.

Common Cause
This Common Cause Guide to the Enron Collapse features articles which illuminate the course of events and regularly publishes investigative studies on the effects of money in politics and reports on a variety of ethics and integrity-in-government issues. Also on this site, an extensive section on campaign finance reform.

In Depth on Campaign Finance Reform
A consortium of over 80 top public policy organizations and advocacy groups, the Electronic Policy Network provides timely information and leading ideas about policies and politics. Inside this site, EPN offers up-to-the-minute information on new releases from member organizations; the latest columns and editorials from policy debate shapers; and includes a catalog of articles on topics of soft money, financial disclosure, campaign finance reform and free speech, clean money, and other related topics.

Public Campaign
Public Campaign is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to sweeping reform that aims to dramatically reduce the role of special interest money in America's elections and the influence of big contributors in American politics. Public Campaign works with various organizations, particularly citizen groups around the country that are fighting for change in their states. On the site, frequent updates and press releases give you the latest news on campaign finance reform.

Money and Politics
The Cato Institute seeks to broaden the parameters of public policy debate to allow consideration of the traditional American principles of limited government, individual liberty, free markets and peace. In the articles on this web site, Cato scholars explain why the various proposals for extensive new regulations on campaign finance are unconstitutional, based on faulty assumptions and destined to result in unintended and undesirable consequences.

Civil Liberties and the Patriot Act:

The Bill of Rights Defense Committee

Not for profit grassroots group concerned with American civil liberties. The site contains updates on local civil liberties actions, tools for activists, a legislation watch and policy briefs on the Patriot Act.

The Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security offers information about Homeland Security legislation, the President's Homeland Security proposal, and analysis of the department. Other features include transcripts of speeches given by Governor Tom Ridge at the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation 2002 Service to America Summit and President Bush's Address to the Nation concerning homeland security. Online chat transcripts with Governor Ridge are also included.

Homeland Security, Homeland Profits

On the Corpwatch Web site (a corporate watchdog group), Wayne Madsen argues that corporations are standing to make billions from selling "surveillance and information-gathering systems to government agencies and the private sector." Madsen cautions that this technology will be utilized to intimidate and squelch dissent.

How the USA Patriot Act Puts the CIA Back in the Business of Spying On Americans
In this issue brief, the American Civil Liberties Union argues that the USA Patriot Act includes domestic espionage against American citizens. According to the ACLU, the USA Patriot Act "permits a vast array of information gathering on U.S. citizens from school records, financial transactions, Internet activity, telephone conversations, information gleaned from grand jury proceedings and criminal investigations to be shared with the CIA (and other non-law enforcement officials) even if it pertains to Americans."

Preparing the U.S. Army for Homeland Security

In this Rand Corporation publication, the organization analyzes the security threats facing the U.S. and helps to clarify the U.S. Army's core responsibilities in preventing and responding to attacks on the U.S. homeland.

Seizing Dictatorial Power - William Safire

In this New York Times op-ed, journalist William Safire admonishes the Bush Administration for usurping "dictatorial powers" in the prosecution and sentencing of suspected terrorists. Safire trumpets a clarion call for all "conservative iconoclasts and card-carrying hard-liners to stand up for American values."

The Sons and Daughters of Liberty

Village Voice correspondent Nat Hentoff reports on 300 citizens of Northhampton, Massachusetts that organized a community meeting to resist the USA Patriot Act. Under the banner of Northhampton Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Hentoff describes the town's activism as a "new American Revolution."

The Northampton Bill of Rights Defense Committee

The Northampton Bill of Rights Defense Committee (NBORDC) is a grassroots initiative that organized to resist the U.S.A Patriot Act. The NBORDC Web site provides helpful tips to individuals and groups interested in creating their own Bill of Rights Defense Committees in their communities. The Web site also includes an issues page which analyzes provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and Federal Executive Orders in thecontext of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.

USA Patriot Act

Thomas is the legislative search engine provided by the Library of Congress. Thomas allows users to read the complete text of the USA Patriot Act, follow its path through Congress and its many committees, review its co-sponsors in Congress, and much more.

USA Patriot Act Includes Provisions on Student Records

The American Council on Education(ACE) highlights provisions in the USA Patriot Act that authorizes the ability of the U.S. government to collect detailed information on foreign students. According to ACE, the USA Patriot Act also directs the U.S. Attorney General to implement an electronic database to store and track foreign students from selected countries. Those educational institutions that fail to authorize the intelligence network can be denied the ability to accept foreign students.

Watching You: Systematic Federal Surveillance of Ordinary Americans
A Cato Institute issue brief, "Watching You," documents the push to enact a federal tracking system to monitor U.S. citizens in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. If this federal tracking program is instituted, the Cato Institute warns that the government "will have perverted its most fundamental mission and destroyed the privacy and liberty that it was supposed to protect."

Task of a Terror Czar

Robert Maginnis of the Family Research Council makes recommendations to ensure the effectiveness of the Gov. Tom Ridges' Department of Homeland Security.

The Posse Comitatus Act: Can We Maintain American Freedom Without It?

In this essay, C. T. Rossi responds to Homeland Security head Tom Ridges' attempt to repeal the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878. The Posse Comitatus Act barred the U.S. military from serving as a civilian police force, effectively protecting the right of states and local communities to police themselves. Its repeal, argues Rossi, "would open the door to old abuses" and concentrate undue power in the federal government.

Cuba:

CIA World Factbook: Cuba

The CIA World Factbook provides a brief profile of Cuba, including information relating to the Cuban geography, people, government, economy, communication, transportation, military and transnational issues affecting the Cuban people. Visuals include a large map of Cuba.

It's Time, Finally, to End the Cuban Embargo

Aaron P. Lukas, of the Cato Institute, argues that there is a multitude of reasons to end the Cuban embargo. He argues that Cuba is neither a terrorist or security threat to the United States, the embargo punishes innocent Cubans and according to Cuban dissidents maintains Castro's rule, and finally it punishes U.S. export industries that lose out on $684 million to 1.2 billion in trade to Europe and Canada. All combined, Lukas concludes the embargo has outlived its purpose.

U.S. - Cuba Relations

This policy brief from the State Department recounts the more than 40-year history of opposition to Communist Cuba. Included in this policy brief is an outline of the U.S.'s current strategy to end Castro's rule and bring American-style democracy to Cuba.

Pentagon Proposed Pretexts for Cuban Invasion in 1962

These declassified papers from the Joint Chiefs of Staff tells highlights a set of covert proposals to on Cuba titled OPERATION NORTHWOODS. "Justification for U.S. Military Intervention in Cuba," tells how certain elements of the U.S. government fabricated pretexts to justify a U.S. invasion of Cuba.

Unfriendly Neighbors

The NEWSHOUR with Jim Lehrer presents a brief history of U.S.-Cuban relations beginning with the U.S. occupation of Cuba after the Spanish-American War, through the 1959 Revolution, to the present-day diplomatic stalemate between the Castro government and various U.S. Administrations. Other features include an examination of the massive migrations of Cubans to Florida and descriptions of daily life in Cuba.

What's Life Really Like In Cuba?

BBCNews offers a description of life in Cuba and the contradictions between the revolutionary ideology and the desire for American-style prosperity.

Online NewsHour: Life in Cuba

A recent report from NewsHour describes the impact of the Soviet Union's fall and the recent moves to "dollarize" the economy on the lives of Cubans. This site includes an examination of how the market-style reforms have reverberated throughout Cuban civil society, Cuban education and ideology, and migration outside of Cuba.

Energy Policy/H.R. 4 Web Sites:

The H.R. 4 Bill
Legislative history of the H.R. 4 energy bill.

Download the Bill
Printable version of the bill.

Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth
The Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth is a broad-based coalition of a thousand members representing consumer and community groups, energy companies involved in all phases of energy exploration, production and transmission, and business and labor organizations in every state — all united in support of a comprehensive energy plan.

Halliburton
Halliburton Energy Services is a provider of products, services and integrated solutions for oil and gas exploration and production.

"The Disappearing 2001 Surplus: Tax Cuts, Budget Increases, and the Economy" by Richard Kogan and Robert Greenstein
An article from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (a nonpartisan research organization and policy institute that conducts research and analysis on a range of government policies and programs, with an emphasis on those affecting low- and moderate-income people)

General Motors
General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide.

Grist Magazine
Environmental news and humor daily

Public Citizen (founded by Ralph Nader)
National non-profit public interest organization "protecting health, safety, and democracy"

Recent trends in U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Scientific report on the controversial "greenhouse effect" including charts and graphs. Report prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Report of the National Energy Policy Development Group
This report, presented on the official White House energy page, represents current administration thinking on energy policy.

Sierra Club
The Sierra Club works to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.

U.S. Public Interest Research Group
Public advocacy group.

Focus on Iraq:

American Enterprise Institute
Founded in 1943 and located in Washington, D.C., the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research (AEI) is one of America's largest and most respected "think tanks." At AEI's annual dinner in February 2003, President Bush delivered a historic address on the need for a new government in Iraq and the role it could play in spreading democracy in the Middle East. Video, audio, and text of the speech are available on the AEI site.

The Gulf War
A FRONTLINE in-depth examination of the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf crisis in which more than one million troops faced off against each other in the deserts of the Gulf states. From the Allied coalition's air war, to the ground assault, to the liberation of Kuwait, and the fallout of Saddam Hussein's retaining power, "The Gulf War" deconstructs what really happened, how it happened and why.

Iraq Resource Information Center (IRIS)
IRIS is a comprehensive, categorized, multi-media, Internet database of various Iraqi topics and issues based on eyewitness testimonies, human rights reports, reference sources, official government documents, notable editorials, maps, chronologies, bibliographies, photographic images, audio, and video related materials.

Iraq Special Collection
The Center for Nonproliferation Studies, providing information and analysis to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction, features a hub page for recent articles on Iraq, research on Iraq's missile programs, international reactions to past action in Iraq, and more.

Iraq: What Next?
The Brookings Institution provides a page of Iraq resources, including current commentaries and selected readings.

"Is Truth a Victim?"
In an interview with the BBC's NEWSNIGHT, Dan Rather of CBS, says the U.S. media has stopped asking tough questions of the Bush administration since 11 September and he blames a climate of extraordinary patriotism. The CBS anchorman says that fear of offending the politicians "keeps journalists from asking the toughest of the tough questions" and adds: "I do not except myself from this criticism."

The Middle East Institute
The Middle East Institute was founded in 1946 and is the oldest organization of its kind. The Institute does not take policy positions, but publishes the quarterly Middle East Journal, where policy briefs, and programs are presented scholarly objectivity and tolerance on issues where passions are often intense. The Institute also offers an intellectual hub, an extensive library, resident experts, cultural and political programs and a forum for the exchange of ideas between analysts, scholars, and officials from the U.S. and around the world.

Middle East Media and Research Institute
MEMRI, an independent, non-profit organization providing translations of the Arabic and Farsi media and original analysis and research on developments in the Middle East.

Middle East News Online
Middle East News Online (MENO) is the companion site to the Middle East News Service Inc., which syndicates news and information about the Middle East and North Africa regions. The site and service specializes in information related to the political, economic, social and cultural realities of the Middle East and North Africa, with particular emphasis on economic and financial coverage and policy analysis. MENO aggregates a massive amount of constantly updated information obtained from over 120 sources, and offers daily local and regional news content. The online news can be read in English, French or Arabic and is organized according to both country and topic.

UN News Service
The United Nations News Service features the latest statements from the Secretary-General and news on current UN talks and actions.

The White House
The web site of the White House contains information about the President of the United States, the Vice President, the West Wing and more. Current news updates provide details on the President's actions regarding the situation in Iraq.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA):

US Department of Justice
The Department of Justice's Office of Information and Privacy (OIP) is the principal contact point within the executive branch for advice and policy guidance on matters pertaining to the administration of the Freedom of Information Act.

The National Security Archive
An independent non-governmental research institute and library located at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the Archive collects and publishes declassified documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act..

Access Reports
For more than 25 years, Access Reports has been the news source of choice for professionals concerned with access to government information

The General Accounting Office (GAO)
The GAO is the investigative arm of Congress. GAO exists to support the Congress in meeting its Constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the American people.

Judicial Watch, Inc.
Judicial Watch, Inc. was established in 1994 as a non-partisan, non-profit foundation to serve as an ethical and legal "watchdog" over the US government, legal, and judicial systems. The organizationâs site provides more information about current lawsuits, many of which are filings under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as documents from previous suits.

Ashcroft Memo
The text of Attorney General John Ashcroftâs memo to all government agencies concerning the Freedom of Information Act, published in October.

Gun Control:

Americans for Gun Safety (AGS)

Americans for Gun Safety is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that advocates moderate gun control, and respects the rights of law abiding citizens to own guns, while keeping firearms away from criminals and children. The AGS Web site features a media and press center, volunteer and advocacy opportunities, and contact information.

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

Jim Brady, former press secretary for Ronald Reagan, now runs an organization that advocates and lobbies for tough, sensible gun laws. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence Web site features facts, briefs, research, and statistics on a variety of gun issues; topics range from an "Assault Weapon Ban Q & A" to a "Guns in the Home" issue brief. The Activist page provides step-by-step instruction in how to become a gun control activist within 10 minutes. Additionally, the Legislation section allows concerned citizens to monitor their elected officials' voting records on gun control issues at the state and federal level. Other features include a portal to the Brady Center, another Jim Brady-founded non-partisan, grassroots organization committed to ending gun violence without banning all firearms.

Gun Truths

GunTruths.com believes all persons have the inalienable right to bear arms. The GunTruths.com Web site is separated ideologically into two major sections: the first is for Second Amendment advocates, the second for gun control advocates. For Second Amendment advocates, GunTruths.com offers historical documents as proof of the right to bear arms. They also provide research and statistics that allegedly show gun control actually increases violent crime. The page for gun control advocates cites various historical examples, such as the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, Guatemala, in an effort to demonstrate how gun control can concentrate too much power in the hands of the State.

Join Together Online

Join Together Online, a project of the Boston University School of Public Health, explores the issue of gun violence. The Web site features an array of resources, including the latest news concerning gun violence, an "Inside the Issues" primer, funding news, and a "Take Action" page for volunteer and advocacy opportunities. Under the "Featured Resources" section, Join Together Online provides two useful documents: "Blueprints for Violence Prevention" and "Preventing Handgun Violence."

National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)

The National Crime Prevention Council's mission is to inspire people to create safe neighborhoods by addressing the causes of crime. The NCPC Web site describes ways citizens can organize community-based prevention initiatives to combat crime in their neighborhoods. The "Training and Tools" section gives citizens ideas about how to implement their own neighborhood prevention initiative. The "What You Can Do" section describes the many activities in which concerned citizens can participate to help combat crime. The Crime Prevention Library provides many resources for continuing education on the topic of crime prevention.

National Instant Criminal Background Check System

The Federal Bureau of Investigation provides a quick overview of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS, by means of background checks on prospective gun purchasers, helps ensure that people legally prohibited from buying guns cannot purchase them.

National Rifle Association (NRA)

The National Rifle Association is widely considered the foremost defender of Second Amendment rights. The NRA Web site features NRA news, national news, reports on gun-related politics, legislation news and updates, a list of affiliated clubs and associations, and a directory of NRA field agents by region. Other features include safety and training resources, the Eddie Eagle program that seeks to prevent children from handling firearms, and a portal to the non-profit NRA foundation.

The New American: Issues in Focus - Gun Control

On this "Issues in Focus" Web page, New American magazine tackles the issue of gun control, arguing through articles, research, statistics, and testimonials that guns save lives and that any effort to ban firearms in unconstitutional.

Violence Policy Center

The Violence Policy Center, a national non-profit organization, seeks to refocus the gun violence debate from its strict concentration on crime to one more concerned with gun violence as a public health problem. The Violence Policy Center Web site features background reports, research studies, and topical issue briefs detailing the cost of gun violence on American society.

Hunger Resources:

Almanac of Policy Issues
A project of Policy News Publishing, The Almanac of Policy Issues provides comprehensive links and background information on major U.S. public policy issues. The site contains this entry on "Food and Nutrition" as well as links to related sites, issues, and articles.

America's Second Harvest
America's Second Harvest is the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. The site includes in-depth fact sheets on hunger in America, a section focusing on childhood hunger, an in-depth treatment of public policy, and information on finding your local food bank or food-rescue program.

Center on Hunger and Poverty
The Center on Hunger and Poverty, part of The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, promotes policies that improve the lives and developmental capacities of low-income children and families in the nation. Center programs fall into two categories: The Food Security Institute, which includes federal and state data, a guide to recent studies, and explanations and definitions of various elements of Food Security Measurement; and the Asset Development Institute, which contains information on events and initiatives, and copies of publications.

Food Security in the United States
The Economic Research Service (ERS) is the main source of economic information and research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, intended to inform and enhance public and private decision making on economic and policy issues related to agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural development. The site provides explanations, complete with graphs and charts, of conditions and trends, measuring food security, household survey tools, community food security. Also available are links to recent reports and recommended reading.

Hunger in the US
This site is from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). FRAC is a nonprofit and nonpartisan research and public policy center that serves as the hub of an anti-hunger network of thousands of individuals and agencies across the country. Sections of the site include: Federal Response to Hunger; Hunger & Poverty; Health Consequences of Hunger; Public Attitudes Toward Hunger; National Statistics; Recent Hunger Studies.

Oregon Food Bank
The Oregon Food Bank provides statistics about hunger in Oregon and related information on income and poverty levels. The site also includes details on the Food Bank's work to make a difference.

World Hunger Notes
Hunger Notes is a quarterly print, and online publication of World Hunger Education Service. The site offers a fairly large catalog of recent articles about hunger issues.

"The Myth of Widespread American Poverty"
The Heritage Foundation, September 18, 1998

Barbara Ehrenreich:

Articles by Barbara Ehrenreich
Links to online versions of articles written by Ehrenreich for Salon.com, THE NATION, TIME and other publications.

A National Survey of American Attitudes Towards Low-wage Workers and Welfare Reform
Complete text of study conducted by in 2000 by Lake Snell Perry & Associates for Jobs for the Future, a Boston-based employment research organization.

The Middle East:

There are numerous American mainstream news outlets offering coverage of events in the Middle East. The following links provide the perspectives of Israelis and Palestinians, as well as other media and organizational resources.

BBC News
BBC news presents this in-depth section on Israel and the Palestinians, with updates on the latest news, analysis of current events and issues, a history told through maps and timelines, and a feature on Jerusalem's holy sites.

Ha'aretz Daily Newspaper
Ha'aretz is an independent daily newspaper based in Tel Aviv covering both domestic issues and international affairs. The paper is perhaps best known for its Op-ed page, where its senior columnists - among them some of Israel's leading commentators and analysts - reflect on current events.

The Israeli Government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents a news flash section, headlines divided into categories such as Diplomatic Contact and Palestinian terrorism and the Israeli response, as well as the opportunity to learn more about Israel in sections such as Facts about Israel, Foreign Affairs, Peace Process, and Culture.

Israel-Palestine Center for Research and Information
IPCRI, founded in Jerusalem in 1988, is the only joint Palestinian-Israeli public policy think-tank in the world. It is devoted to developing, what is described as, "practical solutions" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Web site includes articles and research findings such as "Israeli-Palestinian Youth Encounter Workshops in the Framework of IPCRI Educational Peace" and "A New American Peace Initiative: Can it Work?"

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The Jewish Telegraphic Agency is an international news service that provides up-to-the-minute reports, analysis and features on events and issues of concern to the Jewish people. The JTA correspondents in New York, Washington, Jerusalem, Moscow and 30 other cities around the globe provide coverage of political, economic and social developments affecting Jews in North and South America, Israel, Europe, Africa and Australia. View the JTA Web site for daily reports on news and politics in Israel.

Middle East Media and Research Institute
MEMRI, an independent, non-profit organization providing translations of the Arabic and Farsi media and original analysis and research on developments in the Middle East.

Zondervan News Links
Zondervan is an international Christian communications company. Most notably, its site offers links to approximately 100 different religion news services and news wires, including specialized presses, religion pages of mainstream papers, and some religion search engines.

Middle East News Online
Middle East News Online (MENO) is the companion site to the Middle East News Service Inc., which syndicates news and information about the Middle East and North Africa regions. The site and service specializes in information related to the political, economic, social and cultural realities of the Middle East and North Africa, with particular emphasis on economic and financial coverage and policy analysis. MENO aggregates a massive amount of constantly updated information obtained from over 120 sources, and offers daily local and regional news content. The online news can be read in English, French or Arabic and is organized according to both country and topic.

The Online NewsHour
The Online NewsHour is the companion Web site to PBS' THE NEWSHOUR WITH JIM LEHRER. The site features a special subsection devoted to coverage of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. This area offers current and archived information and analysis related to the conflict.

Palestinian National Authority
The official web site of the Palestinian National Authority offers daily headlines, and arranges news and interviews within categories such as Peace Process, On the Ground, Building the State, and Palestine & UN.

The Palestinian Report
The Jerusalem Media and Communications Center was established in 1988 by a group of Palestinian journalists and researchers. The weekly online news digest covers events in the Gaza Strip and West Bank through feature stories, photo galleries and commentary.

PLO Negotiations Affairs Department
The Negotiations Affairs Department (NAD) is an institution of the Palestinian Liberation Organization that was established in 1994 in Gaza in order to follow up on the implementation of the Interim Agreement signed between Israel and the PLO. This site offers an eye on negotiations, a description of the Palestinian position on Jerusalem, settlements, refugees, borders, security, and much more.

The United Nations
Fifty-one countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security established the United Nations on October 2, 1945. This URL links to a subsection of the UN site entitled "The Question of Palestine." The area collects a wide variety of materials offering deeper insight on the subjects in question, including a historical overview of the region, an outline of the current obstacles to a resolution of the conflict between Israel-Palestine and a database of U.N. documents discussing aspects of the conflict.

UN News Centre
The United Nations News Centre presents this Middle East section, which includes chronological detail of Security Council action, the Secretary-General's statements, information on UN envoys, and much more.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Chapter 11 resources:

The NAFTA Secretariat
The NAFTA Secretariat, comprised of the Canadian, U.S. and Mexican Sections, is an unique organization, established by the Free Trade Commission, pursuant to Article 2002, Chapter 20 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It is responsible for the administration of the dispute settlement provisions of the Agreement. The mandate of the NAFTA Secretariat also includes the provision of assistance to the Commission and support for various non-dispute related committees and working groups.

Global Exchange
A human rights organization that describes itself as a group dedicated to promoting environmental, political, and social justice around the world, since 1988. Global Exchange is opposed to globalization and the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA). Their site features a top 10 reasons to oppose the FTAA section, tips on how to democratize the global economy, FAQ, and more.

The Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Access articles about trade and foreign aid, including articles on the positive impact of agreements such as NAFTA.

Biodiversity Economics Forum
Private Rights, Public Problems: A Guide to NAFTA's Chapter on Investor Rights by Howard Mann. This guide, aimed at a non-technical audience, presents Mann's perspective on the problems with NAFTA's Chapter 11 in easily accessible detail.

Resources from the P.O.V. documentary "Life and Debt."
This site allows visitors to download a reading list on related topics, peruse pro- and anti-globalization perspectives by linking to selected online articles, or link to an array of non-profit organizations active around the issues or offering background information on the subject of globalization, in general.

NAFTA Five Years Report
Official report of the United States Trade Representative on NAFTA after five years. "We recently concluded an operational review of the work program of each of the NAFTA working groups and committees, to fortify the direction and oversight to this complex venture."

The full text of the NAFTA agreement is available online.

Public Opinion Polls

PollingReport.com
Self described as an "independent, nonpartisan resource on trends in American public opinion." Updated regularly, the site contains a database of poll results that are divided into three main categories: Politics and Policy, Business and Economy, and the American Scene. Allows users to view recent popular polls but does require a paid subscription to access in-depth polling statistics valuable to academics. Recent polls include "A Palestinian State," "Arm Airline Pilots," and "Superman vs. Spiderman."

Public Agenda Online
A nonpartisan, nonprofit public opinion research and citizen education organization founded by Daniel Yankelovich and former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. The two-fold goal of Public Agenda is to provide understanding of the public's point of view to politicians and leaders on major policy initiatives through critical analysis and opinion studies. Secondly, to help citizens understand policy issues therefore creating a better informed and thoughtful voting public. Public Agenda grapples with all the major issues affecting Americans, from abortion to the social security debate.

The Pew Research Center: For the People and the Press
The Pew Research Center is an independent opinion research group focused on attitudes toward the press, politics and public policy issues. The Pew is mainly interested in five areas of inquiry: The People and the Press; The People, the Press and Politics; The News Interest Index; America's Place in the World; and Media Use. Pew and its services are commonly used by journalists, politicians, scholars, and public interest organizations to track public opinion trends. The site also includes commentary, survey reports, and an "In the News" section. Interesting content includes "Americans and Europeans Differ Widely on Foreign Policy Issues" and "Despite September 11, Interest Still Low in Foreign News."

Taxes

Citizens for Tax Justice (CTJ)
A nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization, CTJ's Web site provides analysis and policy recommendations in the interest of fair taxation at the local, state, and federal levels.

"How to Hide a Million"
From BBC NEWS, this report details how terrorists hide millions of dollars from authorities by using tax havens and offshore financial centers.

National Taxpayers Union (NTU)
A nonprofit, nonpartisan libertarian organization dedicated to laissez-faire principles, the NTU Web site provides information regarding taxes, wasteful spending projects, and limited government. Features of the Web site include "NTU on the Hill," "Commentary," "Congress By the Numbers," and "Grassroots Corner."

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): Harmful Tax Practices
OECD homepage for Harmful Tax Practices provides background information, press releases, and up-to-date reports on the OECD's struggle to combat tax havens.

"Personal Exemptions and Individual Income Tax Rates, 1913 - 2002" (PDF)
An Internal Revenue Service publication, Personal Exemptions and Individual Income Tax Rates, 1913-2002 provides historical information on income tax rates levied on the lowest and highest income brackets.

Senator Chuck Grassley
Web site for Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley includes constituent services, news of Sen. Grassley, legislative information and biographical information. The Web site also provides access to Grassley's column "Capital Gains and Losses."

"Surge in Corporate Tax Welfare Drives Corporate Tax Payments Down to Near Record Low"
A Citizens for Tax Justice Report that details how the expansion of corporate welfare policies has shifted the tax burden onto ordinary citizens.

Tax Haven Reporter
An advocate of tax avoidance, the Tax Haven Reporter Web site offers information for prospective individuals and corporations seeking tax relief. Features include "Tax Havens in the Real World" and "How to Legally Avoid Millions in Taxes."

Tax Havens: Releasing the Hidden Billions for Poverty Eradication
A policy paper from Oxfam that argues proliferation of tax havens, and their use, have devastating effects on the ability of governments to provide basic social services throughout the developing world.

"U.S. Eases Stance on 'Tax Havens"
A BBC NEWS report from 200l describes U.S. Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neil's statements against the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's proposal to sanction 35 "potential tax havens" that have failed to comply with financial transparency and information exchange standards.

In 2000, Katherine Harris served as both the state's top election official and the head of the Bush-Cheney Campaign.

For 2004, in Michigan — a key swing state — Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land helps chair the Bush-Cheney Michigan Campaign.

Missouri is another key battleground. There, Secretary of State Matt Blunt is running for governor and actively campaigning for President Bush. He could be the one to referee both races if they're close.

Democrats play the same game. In West Virginia, Secretary of State Joe Manchin is running for governor.

The Bush Record from the Natural Resrouces Defense Council.

Great resource.

Friday, August 20, 2004

Oliver Willis - Like Kryptonite To Stupid

Michelle Malkin, Deposed Leader of the Coalition of the Insane

"Michelle Malkin decided to make *hit up and say that John Kerry shot himself to get a medal in Vietnam, because he knew with his psychic powers that he'd be running for president 35+ years later."

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Pan-imation

Cool...

Larry King Interview With President George W. Bush, Laura Bush

http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0408/12/lkl.00.html

(Copied entire transcript in case it moves)

LARRY KING: Tonight exclusive, the president of the United States, George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush for the hour together.George W. Bush, Laura Bush, next on LARRY KING LIVE.
We're at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, California. And a great pleasure to welcome President George W. Bush and Laura Bush. They did a full hour with us back in September of 2000 during the campaign you may have heard of.
He won that race. And he is now president. And she is, of course, first lady. They have just come from a visit with Nancy Reagan. And Nancy just called here to tell me that there had been some mix up about endorsing you.
And she wanted to be very clear, the fact that she has fully endorsed your candidacy.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And I am grateful.
KING: How did it go today with her?
She is a really fine woman. Laura and I love being in her presence. She's very strong. She is recovering from a painful period in her life when she lost the love of her life, a great president, Ronald Reagan.
And so it was a wonderful visit with her.
KING: Did you enjoy it?
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: I really enjoy Nancy Reagan.
(CROSSTALK)
L. BUSH: She's doing very well, I think, really well. She looks great. Of course she always looks great.
KING: But she has bounced back...
L. BUSH: She has.
G. BUSH: You know, the country responded in such a powerful way. And I think it helped her a lot to know that so many people really loved her husband. And he'll go down in history as a great president. KING: The other night we were talking concerning that. There seems to be a lack of civility in America, angry people, talk radios's angry, people are angry, people hate you, hate other candidates. It eased for a week during the Reagan funeral. What do you make of this? What's going on in America?
G. BUSH: I think there may be handfuls of people that are very emotional, but I think by far the vast majority of Americans are, you know, are -- want to know whether they're going to be able to work, and whether or not the government is doing its job of protecting the country...
KING: Is the smaller group louder?
G. BUSH: I think it's pretty loud, but they certainly don't represent the majority of Americans.
KING: You don't, so you think there's less civility in America?
L. BUSH: Well, I don't know if I would say less. I think every campaign, you know, in the end, has a part of it that's (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and I think that's what we're seeing in this one.
KING: Is it hard to stay away from it? I mean, is there a desire to...
L. BUSH: It's hard for me.
(LAUGHTER)
I don't like it.
(CROSSTALK)
G. BUSH: Not really. I think my most important mission is to let the people know what I want to do for the next four years. These are very serious times that we live in. I've got a lot of explanations to give on decisions I have made. So I spend most of my time explaining why I have made some very difficult decisions and why I know that those decisions will make the country a safer place, or a better place.
KING: You don't have your opponent, though?
G. BUSH: Not at all. Listen...
L. BUSH: No, of course not.
G. BUSH: There's a chattering class of kind of, you know, professional politicians who get on the airwaves and they kind of feel like it's their duty to stir things up. But the American people are -- they're focused on their families, and they're focused on their work. And they're interested in, you know, how government can help secure this country during these dangerous times. But I just don't see it. When I travel the country, and I've been traveling a lot, there are thousands of people who come out and wave, and they are -- you know, they respect the presidency. Sometimes they like the president, but I have this -- I don't have a sense that there's a lot of anger.
KING: So you think issues will resolve this campaign, not personalities or discord or...
G. BUSH: Oh, absolutely.
KING: In view of that, do you think that it's fair, for the record, John Kerry's service record, to be an issue at all? I know that Senator McCain...
G. BUSH: You know, I think it is an issue, because he views it as honorable service, and so do I. I mean...
KING: Oh, so it is. But, I mean, Senator McCain has asked to be condemned, the attack on his service. What do you say to that?
G. BUSH: Well, I say they ought to get rid of all those 527s, independent expenditures that have flooded the airwaves.
There have been millions of dollars spent up until this point in time. I signed a law that I thought would get rid of those, and I called on the senator to -- let's just get anybody who feels like they got to run to not do so.
KING: Do you condemn the statements made about his...
G. BUSH: Well, I haven't seen the ad, but what I do condemn is these unregulated, soft-money expenditures by very wealthy people, and they've said some bad things about me. I guess they're saying bad things about him. And what I think we ought to do is not have them on the air. I think there ought to be full disclosure. The campaign funding law I signed I thought was going to get rid of that. But evidently the Federal Election Commission had a different view.
KING: You have a view, Laura?
L. BUSH: About the 527s?
KING: Yes and also about the ads that have been running...
L. BUSH: No, I haven't seen...
KING: ... from the former servicemen who said his service record is a lie.
L. BUSH: I haven't seen those ads either. But I do know there are a lot of terrible ads against George, as well, by 527s. You know...
G. BUSH: Look, the senator ought to be proud of his record.
KING: Senator McCain has been very strong in condemning it and he's very strong endorsing you...
G. BUSH: Yes, he is. Senator Kerry is justifiably proud of his record in Vietnam and he should be. His noble service -- the question is...
(CROSSTALK)
G. BUSH: The question is: Who can best lead the country in a time of war? That's really what the debate ought to be about. And I think it's me. Because I understand the stakes.
KING: Is this, though, a war they can never win? I mean, isn't a terrorist being born today somewhere...
G. BUSH: Well, it can be won by spreading freedom. It can be won by, if the United States continues to lead the world and encourage those who long for freedom to seek freedom, and to work with governments to put institutions in place that allow women to have rights and honor human dignity and human rights.
You know, I tell the story about the time I had dinner with Prime Minister Koizumi, Laura and I did in Tokyo. During the course of the dinner it was very interesting to hear two people that represented countries, that at one time were at war with each other, are now talking about the peace.
And had we given up on this concept that people could self-govern and that liberty can change the habits of people after World War II, it's conceivable I wouldn't have been having that conversation.
And some day, somebody is going to be sitting down with an American president, with an elected Iraqi leader, talking about the peace, because free societies are peaceful societies.
And so, to answer your question, you bet.
KING: You can win the war?
BUSH: Yes, we can. And in the short-term, we will secure our country by never relenting in our desire to bring people to justice. It's best that we bring them to justice overseas so they don't hit us here at home.
In the long run free countries will end up listening to the hopes and desires of their people. Free countries will be peaceful countries. Free countries are countries that don't export terror. And it's vital that the United States never forget the power of liberty when it comes to transforming societies.
KING: Isn't it hard to send people to war?
L. BUSH: Sure. Oh, absolutely. I mean, that's the most difficult decision any president ever makes. And you know, that's the hardest thing about serving as president.
KING: We've had more today, there are more eruptions in Iraq. And it seems never-ending, does it? What does it do to you?
G. BUSH: Well, first, it's painful to know that a young American has lost his or her life in combat. It's painful because I know how broken-hearted their loved ones are. We have met with their loved ones a lot.
KING: You have?
G. BUSH: You bet.
KING: Because we don't see any stories.
G. BUSH: Well, you shouldn't. These are private moments. These aren't moments to be publicized. These are moments between me and Laura and their families. And I assure them, when I meet with them, that their loved one will not have died in vain.
In other words, we will complete our mission, which is a free Iraq. And we will.
And, of course, it's difficult right now.
But eventually -- and that's because there are people that cannot stand the thought of a free society emerging in the heart of the Middle East.
But what's happening in Iraq is, slowly but surely, the Iraqis are beginning to take more responsibly.
We've got a great leader in Prime Minister Allawi. He's a tough guy who believes in free societies. And more and more Iraqis are being trained. And more and more Iraqis are stepping up to do the hard work of bringing these terrorists, these former Baathist and some foreign fighters to justice. And that's why we are going to prevail.
KING: We are with President George W. Bush and Laura Bush. And we'll be right back. Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: Want to talk about a lot of issues tonight.
This all started on 9/11. 9/11 changed the world, changed you, changed everybody watching.
John Kerry, your opponent, has said at the convention: Had I been reading to children and had my top aide whisper in my ear, "America's under attack," I would have told those kids very nicely and politely, the president of the United States has something he needs to attend to. And there's a film showing you sitting. What was going -- let's explain this, so we hear it from the other side.
G. BUSH: Well, I had just been told by Andrew Card that America was under attack. And I was collecting my thoughts. And I was sitting with a bunch of young kids, and I made the decision there that we would let this part of the program finish, and then I would calmly stand up and thank the teacher and thank the children and go take care of business.
And I think what's important is how I reacted when I realized America was under attack. It didn't take me long to figure out we were at war. It didn't take me long to develop a plan that we would go after Al Qaeda. We went into action very quickly.
KING: So you think the criticism was unwarranted?
G. BUSH: Oh, I think it's easy to second-guess a...
KING: What was going...
G. BUSH: What is relevant is whether or not I understand and understood then the stakes. And I recognized that we were at war. And I made a determination that we would do everything we could to bring those killers to justice and to protect the American people. That is my most solemn duty.
KING: Wasn't that the hardest seven minutes of your life?
G. BUSH: Well, there's been a lot of hard moments in my life.
KING: But at that moment, to hear that news...
G. BUSH: Yes, it was -- trying to understand exactly what it meant. But there have been a lot of hard of moments. It was hard to go to the ground zero on September the 14th, 2001, and see those workers and police men and women and the firefighters who had been searching the rubble looking for their loved ones. That was a hard moment.
But it was a moment where I resolved to them publicly that we would do our duty in government, and protect this country by staying on the offense.
And, Larry, it's very important that we never yield, that we are steadfast and determined to bring these people to justice. This is serious business. And they've got the capacity to lurk and wait and hope we forget September the 11th and the lessons of September the 11th. That's what they do. They plan and plot, and this country must not yield.
KING: You worried about the convention?
L. BUSH: No, I'm not really worried about it...
KING: I mean security-wise.
L. BUSH: No...
KING: New York?
L. BUSH: I mean, I think we'll be safe in New York.
KING: So complete confidence -- no fear? L. BUSH: No, I don't. I think it will be safe. I mean, I think people will be vigilant. I think obviously everyone in the federal government and the state government and the city government will be doing everything they possibly can to make sure it's safe. But I do know they'll all be doing everything they can and that New Yorkers will also be paying attention.
KING: You first were opposed to the 9/11 Commission and then changed. Why?
G. BUSH: Not really.
KING: You weren't opposed?
G. BUSH: Well, I just wanted to make sure that it was done the right way. I felt like that -- one of my concerns was that it would usurp the Congress' need to fully investigate.
Then I recognized this was a good avenue -- a good venue and a good way to really get out the facts. And they did a really good job.
KING: What did you think of the report?
G. BUSH: I thought it was a great report. I read it.
KING: Are you going to implement most?
G. BUSH: Well, we have already implemented a lot of their recommendations. And the other day I announced that we would have a national intelligence director.
KING: Will he have all of the power they recommended?
G. BUSH: Well, I want to work with Congress on that. The issue of the budget is probably the most interesting issue. And Congress itself has got to get its house in order on the budget. There is a lot of different jurisdictions involved with intelligence...
KING: Shouldn't that man or woman have a lot of power?
G. BUSH: Yes, absolutely. There's no need to have a position if that person doesn't have the capacity to make important decisions. The person should not be in the Cabinet and will not be in the Cabinet.
KING: Because?
G. BUSH: Well, because I think you want this person to be independent from the administration to a certain extent, separate from the administration is a better way to put it, not independent...
(CROSSTALK)
G. BUSH: You bet. Not independent in the sense that the person can't be fired. I think the president ought to have the right to name and nominate, with the consent of the Senate, and have the ability to fire the person.
But I really don't think it makes sense to have the intelligence director sitting around a Cabinet table as we discuss, you know, agricultural matters or health matters. I think this person needs to be -- independent is the wrong word, separate from the administration, with powers.
KING: There is a rumor, I don't know if you've heard it, that you are going to ask Senator McCain to take that job -- leave the Senate and take that job. Did he come through your thoughts?
G. BUSH: Well, we haven't really started thinking about...
KING: Will he be in your thoughts?
G. BUSH: You know, as I say, you're catching me totally fresh. I haven't really thought about a person to fill the job, because the job doesn't exist yet.
KING: I know.
G. BUSH: We have to first get it through the Congress. And, frankly, my attention has been focused on naming somebody to run the CIA. And I found a very good man in Porter Goss, nominated a good man from Florida who I think will do a great job.
KING: Do you expect him to breeze through it right away?
G. BUSH: You know, breeze is an interesting word. I expect him to be nominated. I would certainly hope people wouldn't hold up his nomination, because he's a very capable individual.
KING: Your opponent has said that this war was going it alone -- you went alone. How do you respond to that?
G. BUSH; My gosh, you know -- Tony Blair doesn't think that.
KING: Perhaps alone in relationship to previous where we've had so many united people with us...
G. BUSH: Well, let me -- there's 30 nations now involved in Iraq. And I know their leaders well. I've thanked them on behalf of the American people for serving alongside our troops. I think to say we've gone it alone really does denigrate the contributions of other countries.
These leaders and these people and these countries from all around world, whether it be Japan or South Korea or Denmark or Holland, they've made sacrifices like we have, because they understand the stakes.
KING: Have any expressed any regrets? G. BUSH: Not to me. Because people -- people understand that Saddam was a threat. And the world was better of with him sitting in a prison cell. We're safer because he's in a prison cell. The Iraqi people are certainly better off because he's in a prison cell.
But they also understand that, what I told you earlier, that a free Iraq, in a part of a world desperate for freedom is -- will be an agent for change. These are historic times. That's how I view it.
KING: Is this the most important election ever?
G. BUSH: For me it is.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: Well, people are saying that. though. Sure, they said it when Franklin Pierce was running. But wouldn't you say, based on history there isn't...
G. BUSH: I think it's very important. I think the election is important for a lot of reasons.
KING: There's clear definition between you, right?
G. BUSH: Absolutely, there is, particularly on how to fight and win a war, on taxes, on a lot of issues and...
KING: Why do you think, first, it's so close?
L. BUSH: Well, because, I mean, look at the last election. I think, you know, I think United States is divided as they say. I don't think we're divided against each other but I just think they're...
KING: Politically.
L. BUSH: Politically.
KING: And that hasn't changed?
L. BUSH: I don't think it really has changed since the last election.
G. BUSH: But we'll see. You are speculating here in August.
(CROSSTALK)
KING: Only based on polls.
G. BUSH: I know but I mean, you know...
KING: We got to go.
G. BUSH: But give us a chance to kick down the stretch. It really is early...
(CROSSTALK)
G. BUSH: Yes, exactly. It's early in the campaign in a certain sense. I mean, a lot of people want to be on vacation. You and I follow this closely, of course, but a lot of folks are vacationing and they will start to focus again...
KING: Do you think there are a lot of people who haven't made up their minds?
G. BUSH: I guess the polls don't say that. But I think there are some people that can be persuaded to change their opinion.
KING: Do you run into people who say, "I don't know." Or do you run into mostly people who say, "I support you"?
G. BUSH: I run into both. And when you say, "run in," the president generally doesn't run into anybody. I mean, we're driving...
KING: But you've been attending -- you've been doing public forums now?
G. BUSH: A lot of public forums. A lot of bus trips. And we see people express their opinions. The great thing about our country is they're free to do so. And by far the vast majority of people who come out to wave are doing so in a friendly fashion.
Although occasionally there is the not-so-friendly wave. But I do believe -- OK, I don't know if it's going to be close or not. I believe I'm going to win. I believe the American people know my style of leadership. They know what to expect.
And they understand that the commander in chief must not waver in this era, that we must continue to stay on the offense.
But they're also beginning to understand my deep desire to spread liberty around the world as a way to help secure our country in the long run.
I think we have an obligation to lead. And we will lead, and we will continue to work with others in a vast coalition.
This debate on coalitions is a very interesting debate. Sometimes I think they're basically saying that there is no such thing as a coalition unless the French are involved. But the truth of the matter is, the French are involved in Afghanistan, and the French have been involved in Haiti. The French government just didn't agree with the decision to remove Saddam Hussein from power. And, therefore, there was a difference of opinion on that issue.
But I will argue that Saddam Hussein out of power has made the world a better place and a safer place.
KING: Even without weapons of mass destruction?
G. BUSH: Well, we thought we'd find stockpiles. The whole world thought we'd find stockpiles, including, evidently, the French government, which voted in the United Nations Security Council to say to Saddam: Disclose, disarm, or face serious consequences.
But what we do know is Saddam Hussein had the capability of making weapons of mass destruction. And after September the 11th, a risk we could not take was that he would share that capability with our enemies.
Let me say one other thing. Had we not moved, Saddam Hussein would be even more powerful. He would have defied the world again, after 11 years of defiance, he would have defied the world again and would have been even more dangerous.
KING: So you'd do it again?
G. BUSH: Absolutely. We made the right decision.
KING: Would you send more troops, though? They had -- everything couldn't have been perfect, you certainly -- let me pick that up in a minute.
G. BUSH: OK.
KING: We'll be right back with President Bush, Mrs. Bush, on LARRY KING LIVE. We're going to talk about stem cell research, about which Mrs. Bush has been strongly speaking recently, and they met with Nancy Reagan today, who has opinions on it. We'll be right back. Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We're back. We're in Los Angeles with president and Mrs. Bush, and we're on the subject of, if we had to do it over, we would do it over, would we do it with more troops?
I mean, everything wasn't perfect.
G. BUSH: No. Listen, some things happened that were hard to predict. And some things didn't happen that we thought were going to happen. For example, we thought they'd blow up the oil fields. We though there'd be mass starvation, refugees.
Now, here's the way I'm doing my job. I set the strategies, and I ask the experts to provide the tactics. And General Tommy Franks came into my office. I said: General, do you have everything you want?
I'll never forget the day that we launched the war. And in my heart of hearts, I know that diplomacy had failed. The last option of a president ought to be to commit troops, in large right. It is a very serious decision.
And I went down to the situation room in the basement of the White House. And there was Tommy on the screen. And I said to him: General Franks, do you have everything you need? Are you satisfied with the plan? And do you have all you need? And he looked at me and said: Yes, sir, Mr. President.
And I went to around to all the other commanders that he had assembled there on the video. And I -- to a person, they said they had what they needed.
And I said -- gave the order to the secretary of defense, Tommy saluted. I said, God bless you, and left.
And the reason I tell you that story is that Tommy, General Franks, now Tommy, knew me well enough to be able to walk right into the Oval Office and say: Mr. President, we don't have what we need. We need of this or that.
KING: Does the buck, though, stop with you?
G. BUSH: Absolutely.
KING: President Kennedy was told the Bay of Pigs would go smoothly and then he took the rap. He said...
G. BUSH: I'm taking the rap, too, of course.
KING: So the buck does stop...
G. BUSH: Absolutely. That's what elections are about. The American people can go in that voting booth and decide whether or not...
KING: So is that what led you to say on that ship that the battle is over?
G. BUSH: No, I didn't say that. Now, let's be careful about that.
I went on that aircraft carrier to thank a crew.
KING: The sign said it, I think.
G. BUSH: No, the sign said, "Mission accomplished." It didn't say the battle was over. It said, "Mission accomplished." And I was talking to sailors and a pilot who had been on an extended tour -- I think, maybe the longest in a long period of time. They were both -- this carrier was both in Afghanistan and in Iraq.
And I wanted to look them in the eye and say: Thank you for doing your job.
In the speech I gave on the carrier deck, I also went on to say, there is more hard work to do. And I'll do it again. I would do it again. I think I have an obligation as the commander in chief to do a couple of things as far as the military goes: Thank the military every change I get.
The other day I was -- yesterday -- last night in Phoenix, there was this huge crowd. And there was a woman holding up a sign that said, "My son is in Iraq."
And I singled her out. And I said: I just want to tell you, ma'am, your son is providing a noble service during these historic times. And I want to thank you and your son for sacrificing for long- term peace.
And, you know, I owe an obligation to our troops.
KING: Was the sign a mistake?
G. BUSH: People make a big deal out of it. It was not a mistake to go to the carrier.
And there was certainly no intention to say that this was over; quite the contrary. If people had listened to what I said, I said, there is more hard work to do. And there is hard work to do.
I think it's an unrealistic expectation to say that Iraq was going to be a free society instantly -- or not instantly -- nearly instantly after Saddam Hussein had been removed from power. Because this is a man who had brutalized people for years. And...
KING: So why are so many of them so upset?
G. BUSH: So many so upset, you mean, the Baathists, why are they radical Baathists? Well, they are upset because they are not in power.
And but, by far, the vast majority of Iraqis want to live in a free and peaceful world.
KING: What is the thing with Mr. Chalabi, and looking back, was that a mistake?
G. BUSH: You mean, to have him in the governing council initially?
KING: And he sat with you at the State of the Union address.
G. BUSH: Oh, oh, yes. Well, we'll see. I mean, he came with a...
(CROSSTALK)
G. BUSH: You know, I don't want to prejudge the facts. But I do know that Chalabi came with a...
KING: I keep saying Chalabi.
G. BUSH: That's all right.
KING: You pronounce it better than me.
G. BUSH: That's the only word I pronounce better than you.
But he came with a delegation of Iraqi citizens and leaders that we were able to herald to our country. It was important to say (UNINTELLIGIBLE) people here want to be free. And they want to self- govern. And it's important for the Americans to know that.
And whether or not Chalabi broke the law or violated this or that, the facts will be known on that. And hopefully it will be dealt by the Iraqis in a far way.
KING: So you reserve judgment?
G. BUSH: Yes.
KING: How will Mr. Hussein be tried?
G. BUSH: By the Iraqis...
KING: Do you know when?
G. BUSH: ... in a fair way. I really don't.
KING: That's totally up to them.
G. BUSH: You bet.
Listen, the governing of their country is up to them. They are a sovereign government. We are there at their request. They want us to be there.
KING: If they say go, you go?
G. BUSH: You bet.
KING: So if that governing council were to say tomorrow...
G. BUSH: "See you later." Yes. They are not going to. But it's their country. We said we'd pass sovereignty. And we did. And Prime Minister Allawi is in charge. And I have spoken to him several times. And he has thanked me. And he wanted me to thank the American people for the security we are providing.
And what we're really doing is giving them breathing room to prepare their own troops to be able to handle their own difficult situations. And they want to. And they will.
KING: Do you have a timeframe? You think?
G. BUSH: You know, look, look, here's the problem with timeframes. My opponent said we will substantially reduce troops in six months.
KING: Right.
G. BUSH: That says to the enemy: Wait for six months and one day. Or it says to the Iraqis, the Americans aren't serious. And it's very important for us not to be setting timetables.
KING: Don't tip a hat. G. BUSH: Well, the timetable is this: Not one day more than is necessary. And the commanders on the ground will let us know when.
KING: We will discuss other aspects of this extraordinary year right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We're back with President and Mrs. Bush. We're at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, and touching a lot of bases. We expect to see a lot of them during the campaign. This is going to be -- our campaign is running very long. All right.
L. BUSH: It will be 81 days...
(CROSSTALK)
KING: Nancy Reagan has come out very strong for embryonic stem cell research. I was at that dinner when she came out. She told me the other night she expects to speak more on the subject. Her son spoke very strongly about it at the Democratic convention. And the picture is that you are opposed to embryonic stem cell research, which many scientists say will provide many answers, not just to Alzheimer's, but Parkinson's, diabetes and others. What is your position?
B. BUSH: Well, I'm...
KING: And you have been speaking out.
L. BUSH: I have been speaking out, because there's not a ban on stem cell research. And that seems to be the buzzword now that you would read in the press. And the fact is, the president is the one who -- is the only person who's authorized any research on embryonic stem cell, and several countries have a complete ban on embryonic stem cell research.
KING: So what is the rub to you?
L. BUSH: There isn't a rub to me. It's very preliminary. I mean, I would say, the only rub is that from the talk, from what you hear or what you read, you'd think that there is a cure for Alzheimer's, you know, just around the corner, but that's not the way.
(CROSSTALK)
KING: They are very hopeful about it.
L. BUSH: They're hopeful, but it is very, very preliminary. There is adult stem cell research, which is very promising, but there's no ban on stem cell research. People can...
KING: So you're not opposed to it morally.
L. BUSH: No, I'm not. I mean, you know, my dad died of Alzheimer's. KING: What's the rub?
G. BUSH: Well, here's the decision I made. As Laura said, there had been no federal dollars given to embryonic stem cell research. I decided that there were existing lines which could provide promising potential discovery. As a matter of fact, there's 22 active lines now which has led to over a couple of hundred projects being explored off those lines.
When you say stem cell line, that stem cell line can yield different cells, groups that can be used by scientists. And there's hundreds of scientists now doing research based upon my decision.
What I did say was that because a stem cell is derived from the destruction of a human embryo, that there's an ethical dilemma as well. And I believe that the expenditure of taxpayers' dollar on future destruction of human embryos was something we ought to consider very carefully. As a matter of fact, I listened to a panel of ethicists and made the decision that the stem cell lines which existed was ample for federal research.
KING: Don't you think though that the good would outweigh the bad? There's good and bad in a lot of things.
G. BUSH: That's the big debate, Larry, and this country has got to be very careful on destroying life to save life. And it's a debate that needs to move forward in a very careful way. And I listen very carefully to ethicists who impressed me about being cautious and respecting human life, I guess, is the best way to put it. And that's one issue, embryonic stem cell.
The other issue is therapeutic human cloning which I am against. And I think that leads down a slippery slope for people kind of -- designer clones. And so it's a classic discussion between ethics and science.
KING: You don't see it as moral to you?
L. BUSH: No, I mean, I think the president's stand is right, that...
KING: Doesn't in vitro also involve cells?
L. BUSH: Sure. I mean...
(CROSSTALK)
L. BUSH: ... what these embryos are from.
KING: Right.
G. BUSH: These are embryos that represent life and the fundamental question, as a society, is: Does society continue to take life, destroy life?
And I made the decision that there was ample number of stem cells, 22 thus far, and we believe more, that can spawn a lot of research to determine whether or not the hopes of these scientists become real.
Now listen, nobody cares more about curing disease than Laura and me. I mean, that's one of our responsibilities. As a matter of fact, at the NIH I made sure that the NIH's budget was doubled, as I said, during the course of my campaign so that we could conduct more research.
As Laura said, there is more research for stem cells than just embryonic stem cells; there are adult stem cells. And a lot people believe that is a very hopeful aspect of the stem cell research field.
And we've increased spending quite dramatically.
KING: Do you understand Mrs. Reagan's viewpoint?
L. BUSH: Sure.
G. BUSH: Absolutely.
L. BUSH: And we have the same...
G. BUSH: Her dad had Alzheimer's.
L. BUSH: ... viewpoint. We all want a cure.
KING: He died.
L. BUSH: Yes, he died of Alzheimer's.
G. BUSH: I think my position is very reasonable. And you know, you say, well, why is it framed the way it is? Because it's a political season. Things happen -- people say things in politics in order to try to create division I guess. And but to say that we have banned embryonic stem cell research is simply not the truth.
But to say that I do care about human life is the truth.
KING: So doesn't that cause a quandary in you, even to include the 22 cells?
G. BUSH: No, they had already been established prior to when I needed to make a decision.
KING: So we're looking at new ones?
G. BUSH: Yes. New ones, that's right. These had already existed. And it's more than 22 stem cell lines.
L. BUSH: But there's no ban on -- this only federal funding that we're talking about.
KING: Only federal, I understand that.
L. BUSH: There is private funding... KING: The private funding can go on.
L. BUSH: Sure.
G. BUSH: I do think it's important for us to promote a culture of life in America. I think it's very important. I think a society which promotes a culture of life is a compassionate society and a decent society.
And it makes it easy to -- easier if you have a culture of life to wrestle with these very difficult decisions. I mean, there's -- should there be suicide -- allow people assisted suicides? I mean, there's a lot of issues that are very important.
KING: Isn't that a dilemma...
G. BUSH: There are a lot of dilemmas...
(CROSSTALK)
L. BUSH: They're all dilemmas.
G. BUSH: That's the whole point. They're not easy issues, but if you believe that the job is to promote a culture of life in society, the issues become more clear.
KING: We'll be right back with President and Mrs. Bush. Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We're back with the Bushs.
Senator Kerry got a huge ovation at his convention. Did you watch any of the Democratic convention?
G. BUSH: Not much of it.
KING: When he said he will not put his religion, carry his religion on his sleeve, implying that you do.
G. BUSH: Yes.
KING: Do you?
G. BUSH: I may -- when asked, I profess my faith.
KING: Does it come to the office? Does the faith come to the office? By that I mean...
G. BUSH: You can't separate your faith from your life. I make decisions on what I think is best for the country but my faith is important to me and a lot of times my faith comes up because I thank people for their prayers and I mean people from all religions. But, no, I think the church ought to be separate from the state, the state separate from the church but I don't see how you can separate your faith as a person and my faith is an integral part of my life.
L. BUSH: I think he's right. I mean, you know, whatever anyone's faith is is a part of their lives. But the great thing about our country is we have the right to worship if we want to, however we want to or not to worship. And, you know, as we look around the world right now that's one of our most important freedoms and they're -- you know, I know George knows that. I mean, I think that's the whole point of the separation of church and state but it's also our right.
KING: But you don't see this as a Christianity against the world.
G. BUSH: No, of course not. I see it as people who love freedom against those who prevent others from being free and I say that it a lot when asked about religion that the greatest thing about America is you can practice your faith, or have no faith at all and you're equally an American. And if you choose to -- if you believe in the Almighty, you can -- you're equally an American. If you're a Jew, Christian or Muslim or Hindi or whatever. It is one of the great traits and traditions of our country, where people can worship the way you see fit. And that is not the case in parts of the world.
KING: Where?
G. BUSH: Take Afghanistan: Not only could you not worship freely, but if you didn't worship according to the Taliban, you were whipped publicly. For example, if you were a woman, if you weren't in lockstep with these dictators and tyrants, that you would be brutalized. And America stands in stark contrast to that. We're the opposite end of that spectrum.
KING: The gay issue.
G. BUSH: Yeah.
KING: There are many gays in your party.
G. BUSH: Sure.
KING: Many gays in the Democratic Party. Many gays in America. You want a constitutional amendment to protect heterosexual marriage?
G. BUSH: Yes, I do.
KING: Why? Why do you need an amendment?
G. BUSH: Well, because I'm worried that the laws on the books that basically define marriage as between a man -- not basically, do define marriage between a man and a woman will be ruled unconstitutional, and then judges will make the decision as to the definition of marriage. And I think it's too important an issue for judges to make that decision. And I think that one way to guarantee that traditional marriage is defined as between a man and a woman is through the constitutional process...
KING: What about the union of gays? G. BUSH: Well, that's up to states, you know. If states choose to do that, in other words, if they want to provide legal protections for gays, that's great. That's fine. But I do not want to change the definition of marriage. I don't think our country should, from the traditional definition of marriage that's between a man or a woman.
The other thing about the constitutional process, it will get states involved. In other words, the people ought to be involved in this decision. And so that's why I took the stand I took.
KING: You do think...
(CROSSTALK)
G. BUSH: Well, listen, I...
KING: You don't amend easily.
G. BUSH: Yeah.
L. BUSH: That's right. It's a debate. I mean...
G. BUSH: Absolutely. But it's an important debate, Larry, and it's a debate that the people need to be involved with, and not courts. And that's what you're beginning to see. There was a decision here in California, it was a court decision. In other words, it's -- and it ruled that marriages in San Francisco were illegal according to California law. But the point is that this ought to be decided by people, and I just happen to believe and know that if you believe that traditional marriage ought to be the law of the land, that the way to guarantee that is through the constitutional process.
And I want to say something about this debate. It is a debate that must be conducted with the greatest respect for people. And that my judgment, I think our society is great because people are able to live their lifestyles, you know, as they choose or as they're oriented.
KING: Gay people would honestly say they want the benefits of a marriage.
G. BUSH: Well, you can do that through the legal process. You know, people have said to me, well, if you're gay, you can't inherit because -- and you don't get the exemption from income tax. Well, my answer there is get rid of the inheritance tax forever, the death tax, which I'm trying to do. And there are ways to make sure gays have got rights. And you can do so in the law.
KING: Back with our remaining moments. Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: We're back with our remaining moments with President and Mrs. Bush. Sales tax over an income tax?
(CROSSTALK) KING: Wouldn't that hurt the middle class?
G. BUSH: Yes. Listen, the guy asked me a question. He said, "what about getting rid of the entire income tax system for an alternative?" I said it's an interesting idea. My point to him was was that we ought to explore ways to simplify the tax code.
KING: You weren't saying replace it with sales tax?
G. BUSH: No, I said it was an interesting idea. This is politics. People put words in your mouth. People shouldn't worry about me raising taxes. I'm the guy that cut taxes. I worked with Congress...
KING: But you wouldn't replace income with sales tax.
G. BUSH: Well, it's an option that some people think is a viable option. I just said it's an interesting idea. I do think we ought to look at ways to simplify the tax code. The tax code is way too complicated but let me just make this clear so everybody understands. I'm the guy that believes in reducing taxes and keeping them low. It's the other fellow that says he's going to raise taxes and I think it'll be a mistake to raise taxes now. The economy is getting better and raising taxes now on people would slow the economy down.
KING: You're going to campaign a lot?
L. BUSH: Sure. Party...
(CROSSTALK)
KING: ... you weren't crazy about it.
L. BUSH: Well, I have liked it. I do really like it a lot. I like to be with people, I like to travel around our country and, you know, it's a huge privilege to get to travel around our country like I get to.
KING: The times are different. Reagan once said in debating Carter, "are you better off today than you were four years ago?" Is that a fair question to ask?
G. BUSH: Sure. I'll be glad to answer it. The answer is yes.
KING: We're better off today?
G. BUSH: Absolutely. The world is safer. What we have done -- think about this. Libya is no longer a threat, Pakistan is an ally on the war on terror, Saudi is after Al Qaeda, there are 15 million people that once live in tyranny are now living in societies which are heading toward democracies, the world is getting safer.
There's still hard work to do. But it's getting safer, the economy is growing, we've overcome a recession, an corporate scandals, stock market decline, an attack and yet we've recovered and our economy is getting better. The education system is getting better because of the No Child Left Behind Act. The Medicare law has been strengthened so seniors will have prescription drug coverage starting in 2006. Yes, I look forward to answering that question.
KING: You were effusive at the unveiling of the Clinton portrait in praise of him. Why?
G. BUSH: First of all, I said that here's a man who when he lived in this house, was enthusiastic about his job. He loved every day. And I think I captured him well. He did. He loved the presidency. And I said...
KING: He had a great time, he told me...
G. BUSH: You bet. And I said, when he takes on a task, he believes in it. He throws his whole body and soul into it. And that also captured the spirit of the man.
And I think there's a lot of bitterness in the political process, kind of in that political circle. And I was hoping to, you know, say, have at least one moment where people from different parties could get together and enjoy themselves.
KING: You are going to the dedication of his library, right?
G. BUSH: I am, hopefully as a reelected president.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: First lady, should that be an issue? Mrs. Kerry be an issue, Mrs. Bush be an issue?
L. BUSH: No, I don't think so. I mean, our names aren't on the ballot. I don't think we should be in any...
G. BUSH: I think Laura ought to be an issue.
(LAUGHTER)
G. BUSH: Because it shows what good judgment I have.
KING: Married out of your league?
G. BUSH: Married out of my league. Married above myself. I'm really proud of Laura. She's a really good...
KING: But you don't think it should be an issue...
L. BUSH: No.
KING: ... what people think...
L. BUSH: I don't think it is an issue. I mean, I think when the time comes, obviously people will vote for who's on the ballot. I think Americans are very interested in the families, the spouses and the children.
KING: Are you going to sign off on the debate days?
G. BUSH: Do what now?
KING: They've signed -- Kerry has agreed to the debate days.
G. BUSH: Oh good.
KING: Have you agreed yet to those four dates? One vice presidential, three presidential.
G. BUSH: I'm sure we have. There will be debates. I don't think you have to worry about that.
KING: You can pick the dates and times, but last I heard, the White House hadn't signed off yet? Sign off tonight.
G. BUSH: I'll be there to debate.
KING: Sign off, you'll show up.
G. BUSH: Well, I don't have -- frankly, to be honest with you, I don't have any idea what the dates are. But I'm confident we'll have the debates.
KING: The three debates and the vice presidential.
G. BUSH: There will be debates.
KING: Will they be key?
G. BUSH: They're always key. I mean, that gives it -- people will tune in and see how we handle the questions and the pressure and the give and take. And I look forward to them.
I mean, I've been through a lot of debates. As a matter of fact, you and I went through one together in South Carolina.
KING: South Carolina, I'll never forget it.
G. BUSH: And they're important occasions. They are part of the process.
KING: Do you love this job?
G. BUSH: I do. I want to do it for four more years. It's been remarkable experience. As I said before, these are historic times, and it's been an honor to be a part of that.
KING: What's disappointed you?
G. BUSH: The bitterness inside Washington. It's different than I thought. Certainly wasn't that case in Austin, Texas, when I was the governor.
KING: You were never hated there.
G. BUSH: Oh, I don't, you know, I don't pay...
KING: How do you react to that?
G. BUSH: I just don't pay that much attention to it.
KING: You don't?
G. BUSH: No, I've got too much on my mind to worry about me.
(CROSSTALK)
L. BUSH: I don't like it.
KING: No, I mean...
L. BUSH: I don't pay that much attention either. But, you know, no one likes that, especially when it's somebody you love that you hear criticized -- unfairly criticized, I might add.
G. BUSH: You know, really, I'm serious about it. I've got too much to do, and too much to worry about. I mean, we are under threat, and I've got a duty to protect our country. We've got troops in harm's way in both Afghanistan and Iraq. I have a duty to see to it that they got the equipment needed to do their jobs, and to explain to the American people, to rally a coalition.
I mean, there's a lot to do in this job other than worry about, you know, whether people like me or not.
KING: How are your daughters doing?
L. BUSH: They're doing great.
G. BUSH: Yes, they are great.
L. BUSH: We've had really a lot of time with them, a lot fun with them on the campaign trail.
KING: And they are in the campaign, right?
L. BUSH: That's right.
G. BUSH: Nothing better than being out on the trail with your daughters.
KING: Fatherhood is the best.
(CROSSTALK)
G. BUSH: You would know.
KING: Oh, you bet.
G. BUSH: Thank you, sir.
KING: Thank you, Mr. President. G. BUSH: You bet.
KING: Thanks for joining us. The Bushes, the president and first lady of the United States. Great honor having them with us. We look forward to many visits in the days ahead with the 43rd president of the United States and his wife, Laura. Stay tuned for more news around the clock on your most trusted name in news, CNN. See you tomorrow night. Good night.

activityBoy

Sunday, August 29, 2004

Friday, August 27, 2004

Thursday, August 26, 2004

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Friday, August 20, 2004

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Subscribe To

Blog Archive