I see he hasn't been able to bring himself to post an update of his situation, which remains difficult.

So I'll do it on his behalf.

Update We are ONE VOTE AWAY from killing this bill in committee. Yes, that means even Republicans need a call. Details over at Firedog Lake.

Just got this information via email regarding the pending committee vote on Net Neutrality, and the Snowe-Dorgan amendment that's to be offered:

What Stevens is really banking on is getting 15 votes so that when it goes to the full Senate it has more oomph behind it. BUT - it may not go to a full Senate vote for months. There are lots of other pressing things on the docket, and as we know, the Congress takes more time off from work than they put in anymore, so it's a guessing game when it goes to the floor. What Stevens may try to do is -with 15 votes in hand - add it to the omnibus appropriations bill coming up soon. He will try and get it in through an end-run. It may work.

This review of How Would a Patriot Act by Glenn Greenwald was difficult to write.  As anyone who frequents Greenwald's blog, Unclaimed Territory knows, he has a clean and matter-of-fact writing style.  He writes like the constitutional lawyer he is.

It's not the writing that's the problem. It's the subject. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about vows. 

I've been thinking about the oath of office renewed by President Bush  even as his administration minions were undertaking the destruction of Consititutional principles:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

I expect most of y'all already know this, but if not, please go vote.

Democracy for America is asking for input on their first endorsement for the 2006 Congressional elections.  At the time of this posting, John  leads the field.

I ask for your help to  keep him there.

Because if there's one thing this Congress can use, it's a whole lot more Courage.

I feel like my blog entries lately have been very brief, but when faced with eloquence like the following, what more can I really add but a quiet "Amen" and "I'm so sorry for your loss"?

For those of you who still trust the Bush administration -- and your percentage diminishes every day -- let me tell you that my nephew Chase Johnson Comley did not die to preserve your freedoms. He was not presented flowers by grateful Iraqis, welcoming him as their liberator.

More borrowed eloquence on the flip.

So, Karen Hughes was up for confirmation for her new post on Capitol Hill, and NOT ONE SINGLE DEMOCRATIC MEMBER OF THE USSFRC could be arsed to show up and ask questions?

The crack investigative team here at We Are the Resistance did some research into what was so pressing on the Senatorial Calendars.

Details on the flip.

You believe in a strong and independent judiciary.

Then you're probably a Democrat.

You believe that your responsibity to cast an informed vote requires a corresponding commitment on the part of your government to count it accurately and reproducibly.

Then you're probably a Democrat.

More checkpoints after the break.

If you didn't see the Daily Show interview Crooks and Liars has the video of of Jon Stewart's pointed treatment of culture warrior Bernard Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg was interview promoting his book, ( to which I will certainly NOT link) 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America.

I agree with Jon's greater point, that the blame for screwing up America is more rightly placed in the halls of government than the cult of celebrity. But another comment of Jon's intrigued me enough to make this post.

Clearly, the Radical Religionists are composed of more than a few shrubs off the old Bush. Pat Buchanan was on Imus this morning, and on a Dkos diary is quoted:

Activist judges have imposed abortion and gay marriage on this country.

The executive branch, good people like the President and his brother,with the help of congress, have to strip power from the judiciary and put it back in its proper place. (Emphasis added.)

But the Bush Boyz are right out in front leading the Talibangelist charge in all its male fascist glory.

Over at Dkos, DCDemocrat has written a magnificent requiem for Archbishop Romero, who was murdered as he celebrated Holy Thursday Mass 25 years ago today.

If you have no idea who Archbishop Romero was, or why so many progressives spit fire at the mention of John Negroponte or Elliot Abrams, read and be appalled.

Then, get to work.

The struggle for the poor, the disenfranchised, the forgotten ones is never ending. It has claimed many martyrs. But before Oscar Romero was a martyr, he was just a man awakened to his destiny. What destiny might you have, unexpectedly, if you let yourself take it?

As one who was there observed, "Thousands of people were applauding him, and you could see him grow stronger. It was then that he crossed the threshold. He went through the door. Because, you know, there is baptism by water, and there is baptism by blood. But there is also baptism by the people."

Where do we start?

Start wherever you are.

As reported by LongmontFYI, Tomtas has ended his hunger strike in front of WalMart which he alleges fired him for joining a union.

Tomtas "gave out" around 5:30 Thursday evening. He's now weaning himself off his fast with applesauce, grated vegetables and tea. Tomtas has lost 15 pounds and now weights 150.

"That's my exact weight when I came here from Poland 17 years ago," he said with a laugh.

Tomtas came to Loveland in 1988 with his wife and son, all refugees because of his involvement with Poland's Solidarity movement in the 1980s.

Now he plans to pursue wrongful termination charges against Wal-Mart through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations Board.

John Bowen, an attorney with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, said the union filed charges Monday against Wal-Mart. Tomtas is scheduled to meet with labor board representatives early next week.

I wish Ryszard great success in standing up against the corporate bullies of Walmart and a healthy, prosperous future for him and his family.

Unions are a vital part of a health economy. Because people are not widgets.