gave the informer their shoe sizes

* FDL:

"General Dynamics’ ties to the federal government were further strengthened as former Attorney General John Ashcroft’s lobbying firm, The Ashcroft Group, was recently hired by GD"

(and jayt has apparently developed some skill in the fitzing dept. yay, jayt!)

* wapo via kathleen:

(Jim) Wright, who was charged with 69 violations of House rules for his financial dealings before he resigned in 1989, said Congress is in worse shape then ever, an institution poisoned by greed, graft and payback. "I was very foolish believing . . . that I would shock and shame people by just giving up my job," Wright said in a recent interview. "I thought I would shock them into getting rid of that syndrome of mutual destruction."

Congress did change, he said: It has become even more toxic and mean-spirited. Republicans, Wright said, "are intent on trying to destroy not just an opponent's argument, but intent on destroying their opponents, your reputation, your name." It's true for some Democrats as well, he said."

i soooo didnt care about politics in 1989. i dont even know who jim wright is. oh to be able to afford apathy again.

* greenwatch:

"Apparently rushing to lock in a long-sought goal before the fall elections, GOP congressional leaders may bring to a vote within weeks a proposal that could literally wipe out any federal program that protects public health or the environment--or for that matter civil rights, poverty programs, auto safety, education, affordable housing, Head Start, workplace safety or any other activity targeted by anti-regulatory forces."

* whitney:

"Congress is now full partner in Bush’s Iraqi slaughterhouse. Whatever happens in Ramadi, we hold them equally culpable"

more tears at more war crimes.

* nyt:

"The men are accused of conspiring to blow up buildings and to provide "material support" to Al Qaeda. The indictment suggests that they mostly sought support from the fake Qaeda agent.

In one of the first acts, the court papers say, the conspirators gave the informer their shoe sizes so he could buy them military boots. Later, the documents continue, Mr. Batiste gave the informer lists of other items needed for the proposed war like uniforms, binoculars, radios, vehicles, bulletproof vests, machine guns and $50,000 in cash.

The suspects received their boots, the indictment says, but it does not make clear which other items were delivered."

i just wanna cry.