Ring of Fire Blog

This Week on Ring of Fire!

Ring of Fire — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:39:55 -0500

This week’s Ring of Fire, hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mike Papantonio:

Saturdays at 3 o’clock Eastern, rebroadcasts Sunday nights at 8 pm Eastern

We’ll be taking a look at the latest lawsuit against Halliburton and KBR with attorney Elizabeth Burke, who is taking on the war contractors for providing tainted supplies of food and water to US troops.

Author Jon Mills will tell us how the policies of the Bush administration and the actions of corporate America have stripped away our rights to privacy.

Documentary film director Josh Tickell will be joining us to talk about his new film “FUEL”.

Palin Blames Media For Her Defeat

Ring of Fire — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:24:40 -0500

In a little-noticed move Tuesday, House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, Jr. introduced legislation aimed at creating a commission to investigate the broad range of unreviewable war powers enacted during Bush’s presidency. Conyers said the bill would establish a Blue Ribbon Commission comprised of experts outside of government service, to investigate the broad range of policies of the Bush administration, that were undertaken by the Bush administration under claims of unreviewable war powers. Conyers has been one of Bush’s staunchest critics in Congress, and in 2005, he issued a report detailing the numerous war crimes and lies of the Bush administration, and said that impeachment was a viable punishment. However, he backed off the impeachment drive a little after the Democrats regained control of Congress. But, seeing as how Democrats now control both houses of Congress and the presidency, his efforts might finally pay off.

In other news this week, responding to media reports that Israel had bombed a UN school serving as a refuge for Palestinian civilians, Congressman Dennis Kucinich is calling for a Congressional report on Israel's possibly illegal misuse of US weapons. Kucinich said that a legal threshold has been reached, warranting a Presidential examination and report to Congress. Kucinich went on to say that the extensive destruction of such civilian institutions violates Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the wanton destruction of property and collective punishment of a civilian population. There have also been reports of bombings of United Nations schools, despite the fact that Israeli Defense Forces were allegedly given coordinates of the facilities prior to the current escalation in violence. He added that the misuse of the American-supplied weapons is a violation of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, which he said warrants a full investigation.

Deficit Spending: A Necessary Evil

Ring of Fire — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:48:00 -0500

Mike Papantonio of Air America's Ring of Fire talks about how, since the economy has become so disastrous, the only way to get back on track is through copious amounts of deficit spending. This sentiment is echoed by many of the top economists around the world, and reflects the proposals being put forward by Barack Obama.

RFK, Jr. with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Ring of Fire — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:50:50 -0500

Over the last 8 years, we’ve seen some of the most disastrous foreign policies in our lifetime. Through Bush’s war in Iraq and his failure to actually go after the perpetrators of 9/11, the world is much less safe today than it was immediately following those terrorist attacks. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse talks with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. of Air America's Ring of Fire about the battle we should be fighting, and he also offers his insight into our dismal US economy.

Porn Industry Wants $5 Billion Bailout

Ring of Fire — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:11:53 -0500

Our top story today – The House of Representatives has voted to renew the lawsuit seeking the testimony of White House officials in regards to the US Attorney firing scandal. As part of a routine package of rules governing the opening of the new Congress, the House agreed to continue the lawsuit it brought last year, after President George W. Bush’s former officials ignored subpoenas to produce documents and appear before the House Judiciary Committee. The firings led to congressional inquiries that revealed politics within the Justice Department and ultimately led to the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in 2007. When the White House cited executive privilege in refusing to comply with the subpoenas, the House sued for contempt. The subpoenas expired this week when the new Congress began their session, which is why they had to be renewed. In the past, we’ve told our viewers that a resolution in this matter wouldn’t come until Bush left office, which at the time seemed like it would never come. But now, with just 12 days left before he leaves office, we might actually see some serious actions taken in this case.

Privacy: Pap Talks to Jon Mills

Ring of Fire — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:54:00 -0500

Mike Papantonio of Air America's Ring of Fire talks with author Jon Mills, who'll tell us how the Bush administration, and the powerful corporations that have been pulling the strings from behind the scenes, have stripped away almost every aspect of privacy in American life.

Blackwater Soldier to be Charged for Murder

Ring of Fire — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:48:50 -0500

Today’s top story - After nearly two years of investigations, prosecutors have been given the go-ahead to seek a grand jury indictment against a 28-year-old Blackwater guard who shot and killed the bodyguard of Iraqi vice president Adel Abdul Mahdi. According to sources, the Blackwater guard, Andrew Moonen, shot and killed the bodyguard in a drunken stupor following a Christmas party in the Iraq green zone in 2006. But the actions of the contractor that night are not nearly as deplorable as what happened afterwards. According to a Congressional memo, within hours of the killing, Blackwater struck a deal with the US State Department to have Moonen immediately flown out of the country, in order to prevent any charges from being filed in Iraq against him. Upon his return to the United States, Moonen was fired from Blackwater and fined for his actions, while the company itself paid the slain guard’s family $20,000. While Moonen was too drunk to be interviewed on the night of the killing, he later claimed that the guard fired on him first, and he only shot back in self-defense. This claim runs contrary to the eyewitness accounts that evening, who claim that Moonen acted without being provoked, as has been the case with numerous other Blackwater murders.

Deficit Spending: A Necessary Evil

Mike Papantonio — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:54:15 -0500

John Maynard Keynes was not the only world class economist who told us that huge deficit spending is imperative in order to pump life back into a recessed, depressed, catastrophically mismanaged economy.

Bill O'Reilly Gay?

Ring of Fire — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:21:00 -0500

Hey everybody. I’m Farron Cousins, and this is The Daily Left – your interactive source for progressive news and commentary. Thanks for joining me.

Today’s top story – President-elect Barack Obama has gone into overdrive with his campaigning for a proposed stimulus package that could cost close to $800 billion dollars. Yesterday, Obama launched a series of face-to-face meetings with leaders in Washington, in an attempt to gain support for his proposal, which will include 300 billion in tax cuts, as well as an additional 500 billion in spending. In an effort to gain some support from the GOP, Obama’s aides said that he decided to increase the amount of his tax cuts, which now include a $500 dollar individual tax credit, as well as numerous tax credits for businesses. Until yesterday, the sales pitch for the stimulus plan had been left to press conferences and radio addresses by Obama and congressional Democratic leaders, with their aides discreetly leaking details of the package they are assembling over these last 14 days before he takes office. Overall, Obama's plan would combine tax cuts with infrastructure job creation efforts, which many economists say it could serve as an integral piece to the government's remaining economic recovery puzzle.

Tim Kaine Appointed DNC Chairman

Ring of Fire — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:05:18 -0500

Here is the round-up of today's news brought to you by The Daily Left on Go Left TV.

This Week on Ring of Fire!

Ring of Fire — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:13:03 -0500

This week’s Ring of Fire, hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mike Papantonio:

This week's show is a re-broadcast of our December 6th, 2008 show.

Saturdays at 3 o’clock Eastern, rebroadcasts Sunday nights at 8 pm Eastern

The ragin’ Cajun himself, James Carville will be with us today to talk about the implosion of the Republican Party.

Max Kennedy, author of the new book Danger’s Hour, stops by to talk to us about how today’s suicide bombers are eerily similar to the Kamikaze pilots of World War II.

Let The Blame Game Begin!

Ring of Fire — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:26:49 -0500

What a great way to start 2009 - The Republican Party is crumbling before our very eyes! And the fingers of blame are flying throughout the party, some pointing to George W. Bush, others over at Sarah Palin. And who better to analyze this demise than the ragin' Cajun himself, James Carville, who recently spoke with Ring of Fire's Mike Papantonio about what the GOP is doing to stay relevant in American politics.

The Daily Left: Grandma Sarah Palin

Ring of Fire — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:57:50 -0500

Check out Go Left's take on the day's news:

The Daily Left: Israel Bombs Hamas

Ring of Fire — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:06:34 -0500

Today on The Daily Left, Israel continues to bomb Gaza and Karl Rove predicts the future.

This Week on Ring of Fire!

Ring of Fire — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:18:17 -0500

This week’s Ring of Fire, hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mike Papantonio:

Saturdays at 3 o’clock Eastern, rebroadcasts Sunday nights at 8 pm Eastern

Author and former economic hitman John Perkins will be joining us to talk about how the world viewed Barack Obama’s historic victory.

Paul Waldman, senior fellow with Media Matters for America, will be here to tell us about some of the lesser-known, but equally dangerous, right wing talkers spreading propaganda across America.

Dee Hall, reporter with the Wisconsin State Journal, will tell us how Tommy Thompson is cashing in big time by denying 9/11 first responders medical treatment.

The Media Morons' War on Christmas

Ring of Fire — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:16:35 -0500

As sure as Christmas comes once a year, so do the morons claiming that there is a war on Christmas. Led this year by Fox News' Bill O'Reilly and Gretchen Carlson, the true war is between these blowhards and reality. So Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from everyone at GoLeft TV, and we hope you enjoy this special Christmas Media Moron poem (after the jump):

Palin Named Conservative of the Year

Ring of Fire — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:29:25 -0500

Hey everybody! Today is Tuesday Dec 23, and you’re watching The Daily Left on GoLeft TV. I’m Lea Morris, thanks for joining me.

Sarah Palin got an early Christmas present when she was named…get this, Conservative of the Year for 2008, by Human Events. I think everyone can agree that Sarah Palin is nothing if not conservative so I really don’t have any beef with the “honor” itself…just with Palin. But, not surprisingly the devil herself, Ann Coulter, was pretty thrilled about the honor going to Palin, but she did have some advice for the former Vice Presidential Candidate, current governor of Alaska and soon to be grandmother. Coulter wrote an article about Palin receiving the honor and dished out some advice including telling Palin to basically get herself together and learn a little bit so she might be taken more seriously should she get in the ring again. Coulter said, “…Unless Palin is going to be the perpetual running mate of ‘moderate’ Republicans who need conservative bona fides, she will need to become wiser and better read. Even Reagan didn’t run for President in his 40’s. Perhaps Palin’s year is 2012, but I would recommend that she take a little more time to become older and wiser.” The thing I love most about this story is that I’ve never heard anyone have to tell Barak Obama that he needs to spend a little time reading up and becoming more knowledgeable on the issues. And although there were surely claims from the right that he was young and lacked the necessary experience, no one, especially within his own party, has had to advise him to pick up a book and learn up. Thank you Ann, for proving that Palin was not qualified to run for office, much less become vice president of the United States.

Drill Baby, Drill Put Into Action

Ring of Fire — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:29:52 -0500

Hey everybody. I’m Farron Cousins, and this is The Daily Left – your interactive source for progressive news and commentary. Thanks for joining me.

Remember that moronic chant that the Republicans started during their convention, something like Let’s Drill Baby, or Drill Drill Drill…Ah, thank you, Sarah. Anyway, it turns out that while Americans were distracted with news about our terrible economy, the GOP made good on their promise, and the drilling has begun. The Bush Administration has begun the process of oil exploration off the coast of Virginia, and debate over the issue has officially been closed. The Department of Interior is now set to lease 2.9 million acres of the ocean to oil and natural gas companies, less than 50 miles off the coast of Virginia. The administration’s own best estimates show that this area could contain about 130 million barrels of oil, which amounts to a little less than a week’s worth of oil for the United States, at current consumption rates. The incoming Obama administration will now have to tackle this issue head on upon taking office, and the Bush crew is working tirelessly to make sure the drilling process begins before Obama can be sworn in.

Condi Admits to 9/11 Failures

Ring of Fire — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:59:50 -0500

Hey everybody. I’m Farron Cousins, and you’re watching The Raw Roundup on The Daily Left – brought to you by Raw Story and GoLeft TV. Here are this week’s top stories:

In case you missed it, Dick Cheney recently admitted to authorizing torture, which is a war crime. While making an appearance on MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show this past Wednesday, Senator Carl Levin said that Cheney’s admission was nothing short of a confession. Senator Levin oversaw an 18-month long investigation into the Bush administration’s torture policy that established that the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, and Guantanamo Bay resulted from policies introduced by George W. Bush. Levin spoke on the need for further investigations, and the ultimate necessity for indictments in order to hold those responsible for torture policies accountable. Levin was hopeful that the Obama administration would take some major steps on the issue, seeing as how the current Justice Department is not willing to do so. He also talked about the need for an independent commission that could be appointed by the Obama administration to examine the role of the CIA in the treatment of U.S. detainees, since their role has not yet been made clear. Levin concluded by saying that, with all the facts, they may or may not lead to indictments, or possibly civil action.

Congress Gets a Raise

Ring of Fire — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:33:55 -0500

Hey everybody! I’m Lea Morris and you’re watching the Daily Left on GoLeft TV. Today is Dec. 18 and this is not my natural hair color. Thanks for joining me!

Over 30 officers from Iraq’s Interior Ministry have been arrested on charges of trying to rebuild Saddam Hussein’s Baath party. According to a ministry spokesman, an elite counterterrorism force, reporting directly to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, arrested up to 35 officials, some of whom were accused of plotting a coup against the government. Major Gen. Abdul Karim Khalaf said the officers were arrested under suspicion of being part of the Awda “Return” Party, which is seen as a new incarnation of the once all-powerful Baath party. It is reported that Interior Ministry insiders were skeptical about the likelihood of a coup. US officials have said in recent weeks that Iraqi officials have a history of using arrests to consolidate power. They say the Interior Ministry is making strides in purging militia members and corrupt officials, but did note that politically motivated arrests still occur even within the ministry.

This Week on Ring of Fire!

Ring of Fire — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:38:26 -0500

This week’s Ring of Fire, hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mike Papantonio:

Saturdays at 3 o’clock Eastern, rebroadcasts Sunday nights at 8 pm Eastern

This week’s show is a re-broadcast of our November 29th program.

Rocker, author, activist, and radio host Henry Rollins will be back with us this week to talk about everything from his latest tour, to his thoughts on the corporate-controlled media.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island will be joining us to talk about his recent trip to Afghanistan, and why the US needs to focus our military efforts there in the war on terror.

Alan Colmes Tells Coulter She IS a Hate Crime

Ring of Fire — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:08:44 -0500

Hey everybody, I’m Lea Morris and you’re watching the Daily Left. Today is December 17th and I’m an Aquarius. Thanks for joining me.

Time magazine has announced it’s 2008 person of the year, and despite calls from Fox News for the laughable Sarah Palin to be given the honor, Time decided to go another route. President-elect Barack Obama has been given the title of Time’s 2008 Person of the Year. With everything that has happened this year and all of the notable news makers, Time editors and staff had to spend weeks hashing out the possible candidates before landing on Obama. With our economy imploding right before our eyes, US Treasury Sec. Henry Paulson would have been a provocative choice. Hillary Clinton and yes, even Sarah Palin were considered, each for captivating the country, albeit in their own individual ways. Olympian Michael Phelps was considered for being… well, superhuman, flawless and maybe a little dreamy. Others considered for the title were Tina Fey, T. Boone Pickens and Nicolas Sarkozy just to name a few. In the end, it came down to one undeniable history maker, the 44th President of the United States, Barak Obama. That’s got a nice ring to it.

The GOP's Tax Holiday Hoax

Ring of Fire — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:12:11 -0500

The federal government seems to believe that, even though they haven't been paying taxes, we should use tax dollars to bail out America's failing financial institutions. Mike Papantonio of Air America's Ring of Fire talks about how corporations (like AIG) managed to avoid the IRS for years by hiding their money in offshore accounts. These are the same companies who are being rescued by the $700 billion bailout.

37% of American Citizens Can't Locate US on Map

Ring of Fire — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:28:44 -0500

A 25-year-old intruder was arrested yesterday as he got caught trying to break into the presidential palace of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. A police official said the man was searched after being wrestled to the ground and found to be armed with a knife and a Taser-like weapon that fires high-voltage electric darts. Sarkozy’s security detail is reportedly treating the break-in as an assassination attempt on the president. An official said the intruder is being held in custody and questioned about his intentions. Mr. Sarkozy was in fact inside the palace at the time of the incident.

Loophole Takes Teeth Out of Bailout Bill

Ring of Fire — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:43:13 -0500

Hey everybody. I’m Farron Cousins, and this is The Daily Left – your interactive source for progressive news and commentary. Thanks for joining me.

Today’s top story – A leaked copy of an unreleased government report says that the US-led rebuilding projects in Iraq have been complete failures, leading to a loss of over $100 billion dollars. The report says that the failures were due in part to bureaucratic turf wars, violence, and ignorance about the basic aspects of Iraqi society. According to the report, former Secretary of State of Colin Powell was growing increasingly agitated during his tenure, due to the fact that the Defense Department kept inflating the number of Iraqi security forces. He said that the number would jump by 20,000 a week, which was just not true. By mid-2008, according to the report, over 117 billion dollars had been spent on the reconstruction of Iraq, including about 50 billion in US taxpayer money. The document concludes that the rebuilding effort never did much more than to restore what was destroyed during the invasion and the pervasive looting that followed. It also said that the US government has in place neither the policies nor the organizational structure that would be needed to undertake the largest reconstruction program since the Marshall Plan.