OK, so it's a little late for New Year's predictions. But let's see how I do. I'll go back to these predictions periodically and rate my powers of prognostication.

Here are a few of the headlines I’m expecting to see this year

April 15: After 45-day review, Bush approves Dubai ports deal

May 1 [date approx]: Record number of coal mine disasters already reported in 2006

June 1: Hurricane season begins with no work yet begun on New Orleans levees

Aug. 15 [date approx]: Hurricane Helene, larger than Katrina, headed for ...   more »

In latest poll, Republicans still show little ability for independent thought

In a new NY Times-CBS poll, Bush's approval rating hit 34%, its lowest point ever. After an upturn with the appointment of Justice Alito, the previous low was 35% in October.

While Republicans are still supporting the schmuck, his numbers are falling on that side as well. 65% think things are going well for the United States in Iraq. That's down from 76% in January. But you've got to wonder - do these 65% of Republicans read a newspaper? Do they have the ability for independent thought. They're not saying ...   more »

States recruit young men and women to join the National Guard to to respond to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, forest fires and other emergencies in the United States. The problem began with the Gulf War, became more frequent under Clinton and has threatened the entire collapse of the National guard under Bush.

What these recruits are never told is that the likelihood is increasing that they will be sent overseas to fight foreign wars that they were never trained to fight and replace an army that is under-equipped and unwilling or unable to fight these battles themselves.

And even if never ...   more »

If there were any heroes after Hurricane Katrina, it was the Coast Guard, which actually rescued people from roof tops and, unlike FEMA and Homeland "Security," functioned.

Now, the New York Times reports, the Coast Guard expressed concerns as early as December on the Dubai Ports deal. While Treasury Secretary Snow, who stands to make millions off the deal as former CEO of CSX which was sold to P&O, the Coast Guard warned of broad "intelligence gaps."

The Coast Guard is worried about the same things other critics have warned: "the potential for foreign countries to have influence over the ports ...   more »

Poor Halliburton. They’ve done so much for us and all they get is negative publicity.

Like the quarter billion dollars in overcharges for delivery of fuel.

Like billing the government tens of thousands of meals it never served.

But in their wisdom, the Pentagon decided to pay Halliburton every penny billed. The New York Times reports this excuse. “In the haste and peril of war, it had largely done as well as could be expected, the Army said, and aside from a few penalties, the government was compelled to reimburse the company for its costs.”

Apparently, ...   more »

Before becoming Secretary of the Treasury, John Snow was the CEO of CSX Corporation. So does Snow have a personal stake in the sale of port operations to another company?

A treasury spokesperson said Snow "has no relationship with either company [Dubai Ports or P&O]. None."

After driving CSX to near bankrupcy, similar to the way he has steered the U.S. treasury, CSX Corp was purchased by P&O. That's the company now being purchased by Dubai Ports. Snow continues to receive money from his former employer.

Republicans in Congress are now asking the inspector general to find out if Snow had ...   more »