Ladywriter

man, talk about dirty. Here it is election morning and I'm watching Today on NBC and every commercial break the rep nat committee is throwing out an attack ad featuring Reverend Wright. Its sad they don't realize its too late to scare the majority into voting for their candidate and its shameful that this is how they choose to end their hard fought campaign. Happy voting you guys

of course I love Sanjiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii he's all that and a bag of bbq chips X'D

Well, I'm not sure I can remember ever hearing about someone getting intoxicated off a cig then crashing into a tree, telephone pole or carload of other people. I think drinking age lowered to 18 is enough, at 18 you can vote, die for your country, have or are graduating high school; you should be able to buy a six pack. To me 16 is too young. The lack of judgment and experience is glaring. At that age most kids are learning to drive, not a great idea throwing booze into that mix. I'd prefer that underage people don't mess with either, age restrictions are in place for a reason, but if you can buy butts you should be able to buy beer. Legislators need to pick 18 or 21 and set the laws across the board (cigs booze voting enlisting in the military)The old its okay to support this monstrously huge industry at this age but wait 3 years to get milked by these guys over hear... eh thats just stupid. Crummy thing is more people; regardless of our current laws, choose not to smoke cigs (non smokers outnumber smokers) but just about everyone will or does drink alcohol. I've never seen 10 ciggys turn someone into an impaired dangerous violent asshole, but 10 beers can do a number on somebody's judgment. Red wine in moderation is "heart smart" because of the grape where as there are no health benefits from ciggys at all. Booze is generally bad news for your waistline cuz its a lot of empty calories and being over weight or obese can lead to a laundry list of health issues. A person can kick the smoking habit and within 2 years lungs return to pre smoking condition (unless you already have emphysema) but liver damage is permanent. It's hella hard to quit either, but personally I can go days weeks months w/o drinking but a day w/o a cig just aint happenin As a smoker who has tried three times to quit (and I'll try again) its horrible to see kids getting hooked on nicotine. As someone who has been the victem of violence and a bloody car accident because the shit head was drunk I have a way bigger hate on for alcohol. >.< shit just last night the trucks went up the hill sirens blaring for - you guessed it- a drunk driving accident.

so we go from guilty to not guilty just before the election... big surprise must be nice to have the money and power of a political party saving your ass

I'm with Darth Vader on this one. Isnt Disney big enough?

time to call the landlord, esp if its his appliance not yours If the stove is all on you maybe you can find the manual online what an ass pain >.<

would you prefer to see underage ppl see you drinking or smoking and why

oooooooooooooh temptation aint that how u always get me Dx

WE you and me get to decide the way this country swings!!!!! An end to republican wars for profit and a return to giving a shit about us!!!! Yay!!!!! Cant wait for Tuesday Ba-rack the vote! One small victory at a time!!!!!

*meow*

trying to email volkswagon about their new commercial cant get through wtf?

for the most part there are only two computers I connect with via my earbuds (headphones. Sunny (laptop) excellent quality full range bass echo reverb etc wtf w the other shit?

yep yep I'm excited! Tuesday I take my doggie to get pretty at Bubbles and Bows (she's such a diva after a grooming!) Then I get to vote for change in this country and take the first lil step to correcting 8 years of injustice Thursday Eppy and Cabbit will be here for the beginning of AC Fanfest 5.0! Godgrave is coming Friday! Yay Lady is happy for a change! X'D

Pirates will be pirates

w00t! Mathias n Kelene is an old married couple! keep love strong!

lol good flick nice to see one of my fav actors back on top

Army Spc. Gwen Beberg rescued a homeless puppy from a burning pile of trash while on active duty in Iraq last May and named her new friend Ratchet. She says she couldn't have made it through her 13-month deployment without Ratchet. But Ratchet needed to be rescued a second time - this time from the United States military. Please tell the military to let soldiers keep their pets: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/ABEWq/xHcU/ANR12 The U.S. military has a set of regulations called General Order 1A (GO-1A), which prohibits conduct that compromises character and morale. Yet GO-1A includes a strict prohibition on soldiers keeping pets, even though soldiers' pets provide immeasurable comfort and clearly would enhance, not compromise, morale. Because of these regulations, the military has a policy of confiscating and killing animals rescued by our troops in Iraq, rather than allowing those who have sacrificed so much to adopt and take home the animals that have seen them through the horrors of war. Our troops and their pets should not suffer any more - urge the military to rescind GO-1A's prohibition on keeping pets: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/ABEWq/xHcU/ANR12 Ratchet was lucky. Tens of thousands of citizens like you signed a petition urging clemency for him, and after several tries the wonderful people at SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups were able to secure his release and fly him back to Minnesota so that he would be waiting for Spc. Beberg when she arrives home. But many cats and dogs, and the brave service men and women who have rescued them, still need our help. Every one of us, no matter what our opinion of the current wars is, can support our troops by asking the Department of Defense to immediately end their policy of confiscating and killing soldiers' rescued pets. Please stand up for all of the other Ratchets still in Iraq: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/ABEWq/xHcU/ANR12 Thank you, Rebecca Young, Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team P.S. People like you made a real difference for Ratchet and Spc. Beberg. Please forward this email to your friends and family so we can help all of the animals rescued and adopted by our troops in Iraq! P.P.S. Watch Ratchet's heartwarming homecoming here: http://www.startribune.com/video/32725779.html

McCain's Big Backfire: Majority of Americans Like the Idea of Spreading the Wealth By Alexander Zaitchik, AlterNet It must come as surprise to the Republicans that the public favors Obama's style of wealth spreading by a whopping margin. http://www.alternet.org/democracy/105652/ California's Prop. 5 Could Change the Course of America's Drug War By Silja J.A. Talvi, AlterNet Californians have chance to vote on Prop. 5 -- an intelligent, dynamic approach to criminal justice reform. http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/105677/ MICHAEL MOORE ON THE ELECTION, THE BAILOUT, HEALTHCARE, AND 10 PROPOSALS FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT By Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! "At this point it's just kind of sad to see John McCain and the others going to the dark side ... a sad way to end his career." http://www.alternet.org/election08/105676/ IT IS NOW ABSOLUTELY CRYSTAL CLEAR THAT REPUBLICAN RULE IS DANGEROUS AND AUTHORITARIAN By John Dean, FindLaw.com Republicans rule, rather than govern, when they are in power by imposing their authoritarian conservative philosophy on everyone. http://www.alternet.org/democracy/105669/ MARRIAGE EQUALITY HANGS IN THE BALANCE: PROP 8 IN A DEAD HEAT By Karen Ocamb, AlterNet This weekend's call to action from religious leaders to prevent the "destruction of Western civilization" could help push equality foes to victory. http://www.alternet.org/sex/105620/ RACHEL MADDOW INTERVIEWS BARACK OBAMA By Rachel Maddow, MSNBC The Democratic candidate visited MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show." Click through to view the second part of the interview. http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/105605/ HOW TO MAKE YOUR VOTE AS EASY AS POSSIBLE: AN ONLINE GUIDE By Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet How to vote early, find your polling place, check your registration, know what ID to bring, report problems, call a lawyer and more. http://www.alternet.org/election08/105468/ DRAMATIC PROGRESSIVE REFORMS AND EVIL SCHEMES ON THE CALIFORNIA BALLOT AlterNet This election, California voters have a huge chance -- and a special responsibility -- to vote on dramatic progressive reforms. http://www.alternet.org/election08/105628/ WE CAN'T PARACHUTE PAID ELECTION WORKERS INTO COMMUNITIES AND EXPECT GOOD DEMOCRACY By Melanie L. Campbell, AlterNet We'll protect the vote and increase democratic participation better starting from the ground up. http://www.alternet.org/democracy/105663/ JOE BAGEANT KNOWS SOMETHING ABOUT WHITE WORKING-CLASS VOTERS -- HE IS ONE By Nick Penniman, American News Project The author of <i>Deer Hunting with Jesus</i> gives a very different account than the pollsters and political operatives on rural white voters. http://www.alternet.org/story/105670/ RONALD REAGAN'S CHIEF OF STAFF ENDORSES OBAMA (YES, YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY) By Booman, Booman Tribune No, seriously. You did. http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/105657/ 3 more days!

In This Issue: -- ACLU Releases Presidential Transition Plan to Restore Civil Liberties -- Expanding Border Powers Create 'Constitution-Free Zone' That Impacts Two-Thirds of Americans -- Susan Herman, Constitutional Law Scholar, Elected As New ACLU President -- Observing Another Guantánamo Show Trial -- A Personal Message from Anthony D. Romero About California's Prop. 8 -- Court Issues Stay of Execution for Troy Davis -- Human Rights Begin at Home -- Will You Be Able to Vote on Nov. 4th? -- Don't Let the IRS Tax Your IRA! In the States: -- White House Challenges Validity of 200,000 Registered Voters In Ohio -- Know Anyone in California? Ask them to vote NO on Proposition 4 ********************************* ACLU Releases Presidential Transition Plan to Restore Civil Liberties In anticipation of the presidential election, the ACLU released a set of recommendations detailing steps that the new president should take to "clean house," renew freedom, and restore the nation's reputation. "This past administration has left us with a disastrous legacy of bad policy, abuse of power, and civil liberties violations," said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the Washington Legislative Office. "The next president, whoever he is, must immediately begin the process of undoing this far-reaching assault on our nation's freedoms and core values, and the ACLU's 'to do' list provides a detailed roadmap for achieving that." "Actions For Restoring America," outlines actions to be taken by the next president on his first day in office, in his first 100 days, and in his first year. The 83-page document proposes actions across a wide variety of topics, including national security, human rights, women's rights, civil rights, drug policy, the rights of LGBT Americans, immigrants and prisoners, privacy and free speech. Read the entire ACLU transition plan including suggested executive orders, mandates and directives from the president. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=H0R0aKRlKcP1wV0VGPOPtQ.. ********************************* Expanding Border Powers Create 'Constitution-Free Zone' That Impacts Two-Thirds of Americans The extraordinary powers of customs and border agents to invade the privacy of individuals at the U.S. border are spreading inland. The efforts amount to a "Constitution-free Zone" that fully covers two-thirds of the American population. "The authorities can do things at the border that they could never do to citizens and residents inside our country under the Constitution," said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. "Yet the government is asserting that some of these powers extend as far as 100 miles inside the actual border. It is a classic example of law enforcement powers expanding far beyond their proper boundaries -- in this case, literally." Using the latest census data, the ACLU released a map showing the 100-mile "border region" claimed by the government, and cities and states that fall within it. The map shows 9 of the nation's top 10 largest metro areas fall within the border zone. Learn more about 'Constitution-Free Zones.' http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=HZD_EY9MwGJPmvL36RXIKA.. ********************************* Susan Herman, Constitutional Law Scholar, Elected As New ACLU President At a recent meeting, the ACLU Board of Directors elected constitutional law professor Susan Herman as its new president. Herman is a Centennial Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School and has served on the ACLU's National Board for 20 years, on the Executive Committee for the last 16 and acted as the Board's General Counsel for the last ten. "I'm deeply honored to have the privilege of leading the ACLU, especially as our country goes through a period of profound transition," said Herman. "Through every administration, no matter who is president, there are always challenges requiring the protection of our country's fundamental freedoms, and that remains especially true in these tumultuous times. The ACLU has been and will remain on the front lines to protect our civil liberties." Herman replaces Nadine Strossen who stepped down this year after serving as ACLU President for 18 distinguished years. Strossen will remain active in ACLU campaigns and continue to teach full time at New York Law School. Learn more about Susan Herman. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=yA2NysV1sLeg3v-8RUwhwA.. ********************************* Observing Another Guantánamo Show Trial This week, while the eyes of the American public and the world focus on the final leg of the presidential race, a new trial commenced at Guantánamo. The trial of Ali Hamza al Bahlul, al Qaeda's alleged media secretary, is only the second full trial to take place at the naval base since the first group of detainees was transferred there from Afghanistan in January 2002. "Clearly something is fundamentally wrong with a system that admits evidence obtained through torture, employs ad hoc rules that are made up on the fly and lacks meaningful constitutional protections," said Jamil Dakwar, Director of the ACLU Human Rights Program who is observing al-Bahlul's proceedings. "America deserves better than a system that is incompatible with universal notions of fairness and justice." Currently, 253 detainees classified as "alien unlawful enemy combatants" remain in U.S. custody, and only 25 have been charged before this flawed military commission system. The ACLU has been present as an independent observer at nearly every military commission hearing since 2004 and continues to see no indication that the proceedings are fair, impartial or in accordance with constitutional principles. Read Jamil Dakwar's blog series containing his comments and observations from the hearings. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=PASvvLcDgQhzv34DN5cwyA.. ********************************* A Personal Message from Anthony D. Romero About California's Prop. 8 Among the many ballot initiatives that impact civil liberties this November, one in particular is very close to ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero. California Proposition 8 would end marriage for same-sex couples in California and dash hopes for marriage equality in many states around the country. Anthony sent out a heartfelt letter to supporters this week, encouraging us all to reach out to friends and family in California to ask them to vote No on Prop 8. In case you missed it, you can read Anthony's message here. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=t9gJsssVGhS7rF7kmSLhOA.. You can also,send an eCard you to friends and family. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=HlZQ6g0nAZD6blhhzp4tbA.. ********************************* Court Issues Stay of Execution for Troy Davis Troy Davis's rollercoaster ride continues. On October 24, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit issued the third eleventh-hour stay of execution that Troy has received in the past year and a half. The Court directed Troy's lawyers to try to show why he is entitled to a new appeal to pursue his innocence claims. So, Troy Davis lives to see another day. However, it still remains uncertain whether he will be given his day in court to prove his innocence. The question for the 11th Circuit is not whether he is innocent. Rather, it is whether or not, under the overly stringent federal habeas rules designed to expedite executions -- not to seek justice -- Troy is even entitled to a hearing to prove that he is innocent. This is no way to run a criminal justice system. One would think the system would bend over backwards to ensure that the people it planned to execute were guilty. But that is not the way our system works. Nevertheless, it is wonderful news that Troy Davis remains alive. ********************************* Human Rights Begin at Home While the U.S. government was a leading voice in the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), its policy and practice over the past 60 years has shown a failure to live up to these ideals. On December 10th, 2008, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of this instrumental document. A recommitment by the U.S. to the principles and ideals of the UDHR is essential not only for improving U.S. standing in the world, but, more importantly, for its promise to ensure equality and justice for all at home. Help us send that message to the next Administration and Congress by signing our UDHR petition today. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=v13Pa3GMVRMi-dw2jo9-nQ.. Know someone between the ages of 16 and 23? The ACLU's Human Rights Program is sponsoring a contest for young people to create a 60-second video about an article in the UDHR. The winner will win a trip to New York to attend the December 10th, 2008 session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City! Enter the video contest today! http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=Zj2qowRl8eETcX38b_3rGw.. Learn more at http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=9GWVwDbtfIg3-Zl8JGrCvQ.. ********************************* Will You Be Able to Vote on Nov. 4th? The ACLU is going all out to protect the right to vote, and we need your help getting critical information out. We're distributing hundreds of thousands of voter empowerment cards in eight different languages to 34 states across the country. The cards summarize the basic state and federal laws pertaining to every voter and list emergency contact numbers for voters to call if they encounter problems at the polls. The cards also provide answers to common questions such as: Where do I vote? Is identification required? How can I minimize potential problems? Voters can report complaints on a wide range of elections issues -- including equipment malfunctions, access to the polls and discriminatory or illegal election practices -- by calling the ACLU toll-free help line: 1-877-523-2792. Find out the voting rights in your state and then share with friends and family. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=sFw6Dgb5s9dqSozVb4w9Jg.. Know your rights before you head to the polls on Tuesday. Get our top 10 voting tips by watching this short video. Then, http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=YKD8muW-IhknobGutxn0oA.. ********************************* Don't Let the IRS Tax Your IRA! Do you have an Individual Retirement Account and are at an age where you are required to take taxable distributions, whether you need them or not? You know how taxing that experience can be! Why not take advantage of the new "charitable IRA rollover" law. If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can make a tax free gift directly from your IRA to the ACLU Foundation. Your IRA withdrawal will be free from federal income tax and count toward your required minimum distribution. For more information, visit www.aclu.org/irarollover http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=cnRNkibw1Vu-igcSCAsAjw.. Have Questions? Email: legacy@aclu.org This information is not intended as tax or legal advice. We recommend that you consult with your legal and financial advisors to learn how a gift would work in your circumstances. Laws and regulations governing all gifts and availability of certain life income gifts vary by state. ********************************* White House Challenges Validity of 200,000 Registered Voters In Ohio In a letter to Attorney General Michael Mukasey this week the ACLU demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) reject a White House request to challenge 200,000 registered voters in Ohio. The White House's request came days after the U.S. Supreme Court denied an attempt by Ohio Republicans to challenge voters with discrepancies between the information on their registration forms and other government databases. There is considerable evidence showing these databases are fraught with errors that could lead to the wrongful disfranchisement of thousands of lawful voters. Last Friday, at the urging of Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner, the White House requested the Department of Justice investigate whether 200,000 newly registered Ohio voters must reconfirm their registration before November 4. However, the databases that would be used to compare the new voter lists are riddled with errors and could lead to massive disfranchisement solely due to typos or other data-entry mistakes. The removal of voters based on mismatched information at this late date would violate other federal statutes and constitutional provisions governing federal elections. "With the election one week away, this kind of intrusion represents partisan politics at its worst. In addition, challenging -- or purging -- lawfully registered voters in the days before an election invites chaos and undermines the integrity of the democratic process," read the letter signed by ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero and Washington Legislative Office Director Caroline Fredrickson. Read the ACLU's letter to Attorney General Mukasey. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=zxTusvPMfXpJLvvPeIeEgA.. Learn more about the ACLU Voting Rights Project's efforts to fight voter suppression this election season. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=WPu_TJF6RgsP9f5uoczUYA.. ********************************* Know Anyone in California? Ask them to vote NO on Proposition 4 For the third time in four years, opponents of legal abortion are attempting to restrict teenagers' access to abortion. Mandatory parental notification laws like Prop 4 put teenagers in real danger. They create barriers to pregnant teenagers' ability to access critical medical care. A scared, pregnant teen who can't go to her parents can feel trapped and desperate. She might choose to have an unsafe, illegal abortion. She might even contemplate suicide. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics, California Nurses Association, California Teachers Association, California Medical Association, and California Association of School Counselors all oppose Prop 4. If you have friends and family in California, please contact them right now, and ask them to vote NO on Proposition 4. You can send them a message here. http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=8Wrac8gr_rnxdrpYBTLAkQ.. ********************************* American Civil Liberties Union 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor New York, New York 10004-2400 Geraldine Engel and Lisa Sock, Editors

sure