A pledge for voting a different way.

November 2 is only 20 days away.

From TomDispatch today: A startling account of how the Obama administration has taken control of the Wikileaks Afghan War archive story and how, in the process, it has “bloodied” Wikileaks founder Julian Assange; it’s a remarkable tale of the impunity of those who oversee the American way of war — Tom Engelhardt, “Whose Hands? Whose Blood? Killing Civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq”

Continuing coverage of Operation Moshtarak and the Af/Pak region…

Gates to ammounce a ONE YEAR sutdy about the possible effects of lifing the ban on uncloseted gays in the military.

Another example of how screwed up AFPAK has made us.

I got to thinking yesterday that if I did have to submit to a teaching moment, I’d prefer the teacher be Dave Chappelle rather than Old Grouch Gates. Maybe bringing all this racism out in the open is the right step. But then I noticed that Dave’s white friend is always drinking, while Dave’s always blowing a doob. Notice the famous get together at the White House is just a beer party, not a real House Party. Something’s missing here. You can’t talk about police relations, racism, black problems, intolerance, fear, while leaving out guns, drugs, and violent crime. Or at least it makes for a pretty boring conversation – what will they discuss, mortgage costs and health care? But should they discuss something potentially heated, I’d suggest they’re doing the wrong drug. White House security police should be on the alert. See, much as I like beer, it stimulates the reptilian response in argumentation, which is why the Greeks didn’t allow it in rhetorical debates (though they set aside a few bleacher seats at the Olympics for those Dionysian beer hooligans). But a bit of weed and some good Scooby snacks, those 3 can chat all night in friendly fashion, I’m sure.

Today looks like Robert M. Gates day. The Secretary of Defense War will be testifying in the morning before the Senate Armed Services Committee and in the afternoon before the House Armed Services Committee. Below is a list of today’s Congressional Committee hearings (or see complete list).

Live streaming is expected at committee websites (see links below) and CSPAN (schedule).
Direct realplayer links are: CSPAN, CSPAN-2, CSPAN-3, CSPAN Radio.

Is Obama’s new team showing their hand?