Pakistan's Middle Class Protesters Show A Dangerous Fracture In US Ally

One thing seems to have been missed in all the protests and riots in Pakistan recently. Yes, the application of power by President Musharraf has been questioned. The real motives about the return of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have been talked about.

But on one, visually stunning aspect of this uprising, never seems to get a mention.

The people who have been protesting have been wearing suits.

Yes, like those hippies and young people against the Vietnam war, or the masked protesters during the 'Battle For Seattle' in 1999, these people have their own 'First.'

Television and print media has shown people in suits and business attire protesting and rioting. Lawyers.

Tell The Truthiness ; When middle class, mild mannered, well tailored lawyers take to the streets, you know there is something very wrong with your country.

California Fires ; You're Doing A Heckuva Job Arnie

Any reasonable person with a balanced outlook would assume that the chances of government emergency response incompetence following a national disaster just couldn't happen. Especially after Katrina.

You would assume that and you'd be wrong.

First the White House press office said yesterday at 1pm that it was too early for a Presidential visit to California, then by 5pm the press office was saying the President would be visiting. Tomorrow in fact is when he is due to drop into town.

The response of local government officials? You know, not that good. Someone commented he's going to arrive and tell people they're doing a heckuva job. We all know how infamous that phrase became the last time the President used it.

Let's hope he doesn't jinx them. Even if it doesn't, the scale of the task is beginning to overwhelm those doing their best. Firefighters are exhausted after three days and only now is FEMA starting to help on the ground.

Tell The Truthiness ; The people of San Diego have shown they are capable of supporting each other, so the last thing they want is the President poking his nose in. Show up on Thursday if you want George, but it won't make a spot of difference to the people there if you do or not.

Senator Craig Judge Says 'No No, Then Yes Yes!'

Larry Craig today tried to change his guilty plea after his disorderly conduct charge three months ago.

Judge Charles Porter said that Senator Larry Craig's guilty plea was entered "accurately and intelligently" in June and was upheld.

We shall now have to wait and see how this impacts on the Senator's future. You'll remember when he said he would resign, then returned to work, so chances are there'll be some more twists in the tale.

Tell The Truthiness ; Don't let the door hit you in the wide stance on the way out!

Saunter To The White House Part 3 ; All Of Our Minorities Aren't Worth It

Despite the 'big four' not turning up to the date, they were still politely given the chance to speak.





Tell The Truthiness ; Where were you all? Tavis Smiley would have given you a run for your money, including how much you raised when you should have been at the debate.

War On Reality Part 44 ; Petraeus Media Response

Here's an example of the excellent coverage provided of the recent events in the news. God bless and honor Stephen Colbert.

War On Reality Part 43 ; White House Mouthpiece Petraeus

The weight of the White House must be pressing heavily on General David Petraeus this evening as his report is shot to pieces by, it seems, everyone.

Americans, Senators, Congressmen, Democrat and Republican are latching onto that opening phrase given by the General yesterday about no-one in the White House having seen or influenced the report.

As obvious as the sun crossing the sky, if he gave a true, damning indictment of the situation in Iraq, his military career would be cut short, by Mr Bush and Mr Cheney. Of that there is no doubt.

Tell The Truthiness ; If anything is needed in Iraq, it's a 'diplomatic surge' as urged by Democrats and Republicans.

A New Link We Recommend

Always wanting to expand our sphere, take a look at Take It Personally an interesting and informative site.

War On Reality Part 28 ; If It Walks Like A Duck

20,000 extra troops are to be rotated to Iraq in December, but they are not part of the surge it's being claimed.

Tell The Truthiness ; If we ask the same question in December, will we get the same answer?

Queer Eye For The New Guy

With the terribly friendly atmosphere between Prime Minister Gordon Brown and President George Bush threatening to turn into a love fest, we point out the important aspects of the Camp David meeting.

Like the choice of ties with Tony Blair and the new PM in the Commons, as we reported, a similar situation has happened at today's meeting.

Mr Brown was wearing a blue, conservative tie and Mr Bush was wearing a red labour coloured tie.

Tell The Truthiness ; We knew they've said they're still close, but are they dragging their parties in new directions?!

War On Reality Part 27 ; It Always Comes Back To Bite You In The Ass

Charges of contempt are being made on Capitol Hill against those two staff who refused to cooperate with an investigation into the attorney firings.

The full outcome could be a year in jail and a $1000 fine.

Tell The Truthiness ; Where's the executive privilege now?

Queer Eye For The Labour Guy

Fellow bloggers akromatika and xakkd reminded us about poor colour co-ordination in political stories.

This picture shows former Prime Minister Tony Blair, wearing a red tie, making his last statement to Parliament, with his replacement Gordon Brown, wearing a blue tie, sitting next to him.

Mr Blair and Mr Brown's Labour Party colour is red, with the opposing party, the Conservatives settling on blue.

Tell The Truthiness ; Perhaps someone should have told Mr Brown to keep a united front and wear a red tie and not the colour of the opposition!