John Edwards...indicted on criminal charges! Politician denies wrongdoing!

Vanity be thy name?





After weeks of speculation, the Government has now moved forward and indicted Presidential Candidate John Edwards on six  counts of violating campaign finance laws, making false statements to Government Officials, and engaging in a conspiracy to protect his candidacy for the White House.

The last charge is the crux of it, really!

Yesterday, Mr. Edwards stood on the Courthouse steps and solemnly admitted to reporters that what he did was "wrong", but vigorously noted for the record that he did not knowingly intend to break the law.

And, that is the bone of contention, in a nutshell.

The Government must prove "intent" on the part of the 57-year-old politician to make their allegations stick.

Because Edwards is known as a competent trial attorney, legal analysts are quick to point out, that Edwards' comments are a sure indication that he is now laying the groundwork for his defense in court(in the event the trial commences on-or-about July 11th as announced at press time).

Edwards intends to vigorously argue in court that he tried to hide an affair (and a love child born out of wedlock) to protect his family.

In sharp contrast, the Government has taken the position that the Edwards defense is merely a smokescreen.

The prosecutors intends to prove that Mr. Edwards knowingly and willfully utilized campaign funds to hide his affair (to avoid a nasty scandal) and to protect his bid for the Presidential ticket.

The funds in question were allegedly gifts from two supporters - and as such - were not used inappropriately, according to a spokesperson for Mr. Edwards.

John Edwards is characterizing the misstep as a unfortunate error in judgment which led him down a slippery slope.

But, ultimately, Edwards does not believe that his actions warrant criminal prosecution.

The response back from the Government was crystal clear.

"As the indictment shows, we will not permit candidates for high office to abuse their special ability to access the coffers of their political supports to circumvent our election laws," Assistant Attorney General Larry Breuer, who is head of the Justice Department's criminal division.

Gregory Craig - a former White House attorney (who handled the Bill Clinton impeachment proceedings!) - lamented that the prosecution against his client was "unprecedented".

"No one has ever been charged, either civilly or criminally, with the claims that have been brought against Sen. Edwards today. No one would have known, or should have known, or could have been expected to know, that these payments would be treated as or should be considered as campaign contributions. And, there was no way Senator Edwards knew that fact either," he asserted to reporters over the past twenty-four hours.

Court papers reflect that the monies in question were solicited and accepted from two individuals - Bunny Mellon (a 100-year-old heiress who contributed $725,000) and Fred Baron (a former National Campaign Finance Manager - now deceased - who coughed up approximately $200,000) - with the help of a trusted aid by the name of Andrew Young.

Mr. Young is expected to be a key witness at the trial.

Young's attorney - David Geneson - told reporters that his client had "no deal" with the Government.  But, Young was apparently promised in writing that if he continued to cooperate with the investigation and subsequent criminal proceedings, that the Government would not prosecute him personally.

Of course, this has caused some experts in the election law arena to cry foul.

Normally such violations are handled with civil penalties and result in fines and requirements that candidates repay the money.

In fact, six weeks ago, a former Chairman for the Federal Election Committee - Scott E. Thomas - met in private with prosecutors to try to convince them not to go forward with the pending criminal proceedings.

"I do not believe that there is any prior case that states that the conduct at issue in the Edwards matter or even conduct substantially similar to it , constitutes a violation of the statute," Thomas argued vigorously (but to no avail).

Which begs the question.

Is there a witch hunt underfoot?

If so, who is behind it?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz





Bunny Mellon & John Edwards

Don't Ask Don't Tell...injunction upsets Obama's apple cart! All is fair in Love & War...

The - "don't ask - don't tell" - hot potato policy issue on "gays" serving openly in the military continues to cause headaches for President Barack Obama and haunt the top brass at the Pentagon.

When Federal Judge Virginia Phillips (Riverside / CA) threw a monkey-wrench into Obama's plans to to take action on the controversial (looney-tunes Clinton-inspired law) this past week, the government was thrown into a quandary.

To appeal, or not to appeal, that was the question.

On Tuesday - U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips - ordered the military to immediately suspend and discontinue any investigation or other proceeding to dismiss gay service members under the law.

In response, Officials at the White House noted it was their intention to repeal the law on the "sit-on-the-fence" policy anyway.

Lawyer Dan Woods stated for the record that his client - the Log Cabin Republicans (who won the ruling on Tuesday) - were just notified that the Justice Department intends to appeal and seek a stay of the ruling.

The actions were confirmed by a person in the government keen on the administration's highly-volatile behind-closed-doors discussions.

In spite of the pledge to appeal the "order" - the defense Department's top lawyers confided Thursday - that they intend to abide by the court's ruling and allow gays to serve openly without penalty.

Case closed?

Not on your life, buddy!

At this juncture, it appears there is a clash of wills, hindering the inevitable.

And, a need to save face, if the Prez has his druthers.

Uh-huh!

The military doesn't want to go down on the battlefield defeated.

Not good for the morale of the straight soldiers in the ranks, I expect, eh?

In the final analysis, an old truism appears to apply, here.

All is fair in love and war!

Amen.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Don't Ask, Don't Tell...struck down by Senate! President blamed for miscalculating!

It wasn't even a squeaker!

Short of sixty votes, Democrats were forced to admit defeat today, when their bid for a repeal of the controversial Military policy - "Don't Ask, Don't tell" - was shot down by vigilant Republicans who gained the upperhand just moments ago once the votes were tallied in the Senate.

The outcome was a stinging blow to Senate Democrats and rights advocates who fought tooth-and-nail over the past year to have the military's stance on the issue of gays serving in the military overturned on Constitutional grounds.

The Bill's failure to pass means that an allotment of  $726 billion for defense programs - including a pay rise for the troops - slips through the cracks as well.

Politicians plotted to include the provisions for repeal  in the defense bill - with the hope that the Senate might vote "yeah" - if  only to save essential  military programs that legislators were not opposed to.

"The whole thing is a political train wreck," whined Richard Socarides, a former White House adviser on gay rights (who served with the Clinton administration).

Slick Willy was in the oval office when the policy originally went into effect, if you recall.

Socarides also accused the President of  outright "miscalculations" when the issue of the Pentagon's alleged bid for repeal was first raised.

The disgruntled activist took a swipe at the Democrats, too.

"If it was a priority for the Democratic leadership, they would get a clean vote on this," he said.

Interestingly, according to insiders, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) voted against the measure as a procedural tactic.

Under Senate rules and regulations - casting a vote with the majority of the Senate bench-warmers - will enable the crafty politician to revive the bill at a later date if he so chooses.

He'll probably play the card for all its worth 'til then!.

In fact, Jim Manley - a Reid mouthpiece - has already conjectured that the Senator would be willing to allow more debate on the bill after the November elections.

"Today's vote isn't about arcane Senate procedures," Manley said.

"It's about a GOP's pattern of obstructing debate on policies important to the American people."

Indeed!

Since the policy was first made law in 1993, 13,000 soldiers have been discharged - for either openly admitting their homosexuality - or because they were outed by anti-gay troops in the ranks.

I did not have sex with that soldier!

http://www.thetattler.biz

"Don't ask, Don't tell" unconstitutional rules Federal Judge!

The ongoing policy to ban soldiers from professing the love that once dare not speak its name - in the Military, at least - was struck down on Thursday by a Federal Judge in Southern California.

In so many words, Her Honor - Judge Virginia Phillips - declared that the Government's - "Don't ask, Don't tell" - policy was unconstitutional because it violated the 1st Amendment rights of gays and lesbians.

Although Phillips granted an injunction to halt the long-standing policy, that will not be the end of it, according to a spokesperson at the White House.

Naturally, the U.S. Department of Justice will lodge an appeal in a higher court, and a whole new round of legal wranglings will commence with God speed.

Judge Phillips asserted that the controversial policy (enacted when Bill Clinton was in Office at the White House) did not help military readiness - but rather - had a direct and deleterious effect on the armed services.

The injunction push - the biggest of its kind in recent years - was brought by the Log Cabin Republicans which is purported to be the largest political organization for gays in the GOP.

The membership currently stands at approximately 19, 000.

The Executive Director - R. Clarke Cooper - was understandably elated at the outcome of the litigation at its current phase.

"As an American, a Veteran, and an Army reserve officer, I am proud that the court ruled that the arcane - "Don't ask, Don't tell" - statute violates the constitution," he beamed on the heels of the ruling.

He also took the occasion to note that the ruling was not just a big win for Log Cabin Republicans, but for all American Service members.

Government legal eagles responded quickly by asserting that Judge Phillips lacked the authority to issue a Nationwide injunction, however.

The policy - arcane or no - should be decided by Congress they sniffed.

The - "Don't ask, Don't tell" - policy prohibits the military from quizzing soliders about their sexual orientation and requires a discharge of those who acknowledge being gay (or who have been discovered to have engaged in homosexual activity on-or-off base).

The U.S. House voted in May to repeal the policy and the Senate  - if you believe what those who have their ears close to the wall say - is expected to follow suit in the next few months.

In that event, all pending litigation on the issue would be rendered "moot".

Rainbow Prez

(he's the one who didn't inhale)

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Chelsea Clinton...ties knot in chi-chi enclave amidst celebrity guests! July 31st!

Chelsea to don designer gown fashioned in snow white!

(though not a Virgin)

Quaint Rhineback

(New York)

To the locals, it is being hailed as the wedding of the century.

Nothing but the best for Daddy's little girl!

Though a fresh-faced beauty now, Americans may recall those awkward days in the glare of the spotlight at the White House, when it wasn't always so for the once-gangly young teen who blossommed into womanhood a pretty young woman nonetheless.

Did a surgeon's hand play any part in it?

Of course, I am referring to Chelsa Clinton, the daughter of a former U.S. President.

After a long sensible courtship, Chelsea and her reliable beau - Marc Mezvinsky - are finally headed for wedded bliss on July 31st.

In many respects, the much-anticipated union, is nothing short of a fairy tale in the making.

The handscome couple have chosen to tie-the-knot amdist the luxurious trappings of an exquisite turn-of-the-century estate designed to resemble the Grand Trianon at Versailles.

The Beaux Arts mansion, set atop a high bluff, was built by legendary tycoon John Jacob Astor IV.

In spite of the fact there has been a bold-faced attempt to shroud the high-profile union of the two celebrated families in secrecy, as usual, insiders "in-the-know" have managed to feret out enough details to satiate the hunger of the locals and media hounds craving juicy gossip about all the delicious goings-on in their midst.

Terrapin Restaurant, a popular watering hole in the heart of town, will cater the rehearsal dinner.

There are sure to be ample generous servings of the prime dish (horseradish-encrusted Ahi tuna with miso aioli) to feed the inner circle (a picky lot, by the way) according to sources.

Although the guest list is top secret, it is rumored that President Obama and 1st Lady Michelle have been offered the opportunity to breeeze into town to catch the nupitals under the close scrutiny and watchful eyes of a top-notch detail of seasoned FBI security personnel.

White House staff swear up-and-down that the President will not attend, though.

Ted Turner, feisty talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, and politico Barbra Streisand - are allegedly on the guest list - alongside respected film director Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw.

I guess my invitation must have been waylaid by gremlins at the U.S. Post Office.

Rhinebeck has been dubbed “the Hamptons of the North."

And, is a paparazzi heaven.

Over the years, locals (approximately nine-thousand residents swell the ranks in the quaint Gatsby-style enclave) have managed to quietly mingle with the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Uma Thurman (Kill Bill), and Drew Barrymore (without much fuss).

On the heels of titillating leaks, enterprising gossip hounds have managed to fan the media frenzy, that do the professional proud.

For example, insiders are whispering that a slew of guests will be hunkering down at the Beekman Arms (a ninety-minute drive from the town) which is a Bill & Hillary mainstay when it comes to wining and dining the celebrated elite.

Because Amtrak rattles through the Hudson River side of Astor Courts, a neighbor has speculated, that the wedding party may snap up all available lounge cars to comfortably ferry guests to and from their tony Manhattan digs just two hours south.

Or, was that just a red herring tossed out, to throw snoops off the track?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Chelsea wisely stayed out of dirty politics!

Slick Willy's top campaign contributor invited!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Joe Sestak...quote of day!

If you twist it this way...

In a bull sesssion this afternoon on a Network tabloid-style news show - pundits were tossing around their thoughts in respect to the Sestak dilemma and the issue of quid pro quo - when one correspondent had a sort-of Eureka! moment.

On the heels of a remark or two about Bill Clinton's alleged "overture" to Joe Sestak - the clever reporter offered up - what was undoubtedly the quote of the day.

"I guess the offer wasn't inhaled."

I did not offer that man a favor!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Congressman Lamar Smith...FBI director asked to investigate Sestak scandal! 13 Repubs join in...

Congressman Lamar Smith and 13 other Republicans sent a letter on Friday to FBI Director Robert Mueller requesting an investigation into the Sestak scandal.

If you recall, I reported last week that Representative  Joe Sestak (D-PA) disclosed that former President Bill Clinton conveyed an offer of an administration post to Senator Sestak - if he dropped his bid for the Democratic Senate Committee - which Senator Arlen Specter was seeking.

Post: 05/28/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/05/sestakscandal-peaking-bill-clinton.html

Because of the seriousness of the allegations - and due to a potential conflict of interest - Lamar Smith questioned the manner in which the White House had been handling the brewing scandal.

"It's not really up to White House to decide whether they did anything wrong or not,” Smith told Fox News a scant few hours ago.

The Texas lawmaker - a high ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee - doubted the ability of the Department of Justice to conduct an "objective investigation” because (in his view) the department was "too politicized."

The congressman said a probe was warranted by the FBI because of "so many suspicions that have been raised."

"If it was a presidential advisory board, which one?" Smith asked in view of the nature of the Sestak offer and the lack of specific details offered up.
 
If there was a quid pro quo, some argue that the "offer" - in that event - would  require a criminal investigation and prosecution depending on the findings.
 
News at 11! 

 

Bill Clinton thick in scandal!

http://www.thetattler.biz/ 

Bill Clinton...legal counsel notes former President has "no comment"...

I did not have sex with that woman!

As the hysteria heightens, word from legal counsel for Bill Clinton - who is at the eye- of-the-storm in the Sestak scandal - have  stated for the record that there will be "no comment" from their client.

Shades of Monica Lewinski?

Denial! Denial! Denial!

Until the smoking gun (Monica's blue dress) was uncovered, Slick Willy was inclined to play "word games" with the press (it depends on what "is" is), stall, delay, stonewall, you name it.

In fact it was until Clinton's di** was caught in the wringer, that he fessed up.

Understandable, when you consider that the former President has been corrupt since the heady days of his Governorship in Arkansas.

Meanwhile, in respect to the nasty scandal brewing on the horizon now, Bill Clinton will persist with his old bag of tricks - do the old softshoe, dazzle folks with confusing legalise, and - like Houdini - eventually maneuver his way out of the tawdry mess

Clinton must have horseshoes up his a** (among other things).

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Joe Sestak...Fox News chases down Senator in corridors of power!

What a hoot!

If you turn to Fox News you'll catch a harried attempt by reporters and camera-men to corner their latest prey Senator Joe Sestak.

Fox is hell-bent on getting a verbal statement about the brewing scandal around former President Bill Clinton in the wake of the news that at the direction of the Chief of White House Staff, the former President was asked to act as an intermediary to "test the waters" in respect to dropping out of the primaries.

BACKGROUND

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/05/barack-obamascandal-brewing-scurrilous.html

Just moments ago, Fox reporters - who have been staking out territory on Washington Hill with the ultimate aim of having a go at Senator Joe Sestak - suddenly spied their target and began a merry chase.

The Senator tried to avoid the aggressive Fox reporters by ducking  down a stairwell.

The paparazzi followed in hot pursuit as they hurled pointed questions in his direction.

The Senator was due to "vote" on an issue and used that excuse to explain his failure to be straightforward with the press.

Sestak previously noted for the record that he was not going to dodge questions.

Hence, the reason Fox News chose to appear unexpectedly on his doorstep, for an impromptu interview.

Senator Sestak promised to make a statement shortly, so now media hounds wait with bated breath in the corridors of power for the answers.

News at 11!
 

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Sestak...scandal peaking! Bill Clinton intermediary in negotiations...

In a surreptious effort to "test the waters" - insiders on the hill confirmed today -  that former President Bill Clinton was recruited as an intermediary to determine if Represenative Joe Sestak might consider dropping his bid for the primary in lieu of a plum, unpaid, advisory position in the administration.

According to highly-placed sources  in the White House slick Willy was approached by Rahm Emmanuel (Chief of White House Staff) to sound out the politician last summer.

Mr. Sestak turned down the offer and continued on with his political campaign.

In the Democratic primary, Sestak later beat out his adversary Senator Alren Specter.

BACKGROUND

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/05/barack-obamascandal-brewing-scurrilous.html

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Don't Ask Don't tell...to be repealed! 78 percent of Americans say "no problem"...

In a  vote in the House Thursday evening, lawmakers gave a nod to an amendment that would repeal the - "Don't Ask  Don't Tell" - policy which has been tearing apart the Military.

In what is condsidered a party-line vote, 234 Democrats were in accord with the bid for a repeal, while 168 Republicans stood opposed (in addition to 26 Democrats who jumped ship to vote nay).

Behind closed doors, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted 16-12 to repeal the screwy policy which has been a bone of contention over the years.
 
The amendment requires a seal of approval from the full Senate before becoming Law.
 
The reaction on the Internet has been favorable in respect to the lifting of the ban.

"'Don't ask Don't tell" is a policy based on bigotry and ridiculous stereotypes," one CNN Blogger accused.

A CNN poll found that 78 percent of Americans have no problem with gays serving in the military.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Bill Clinton...fundraising for Democrats! Fighting Tea Party extremist battle...

Didn't I spy another sawbuck in that wallet?

The Democrats have put Bill Clinton's considerable skills for rustling up money (the Bill Clinton Foundation is proof of the pudding boy's capabilities in that arena) to good use this week.

For example, this morning when I checked my snail mail, I stumbled across a fundraising letter with the former President's John Henry on its face, tucked neatly amidst a handful of bills screaming out to be paid.

Bill prefaced his bid for big buck donations by noting that the American people - faced with challenging times and a tough republican party - have to win victories.

"That's exactly what our Democrats in the House of Representatives have been doing - winning progress - for you and your family."

Mr. Clinton cited the passing of the economic stimulus package as a shining example.

"According to the Congressional Budget Office, it created new jobs, boosted the economy, and won the largest increase in College Aid in History," he noted smugly.

In addition, slick Willy boasted that the Democrats also won "comprehensive financial reform" to rein in Wall Street and protect consumers.

"And, they passed a health care reform plan that lowers costs, expands access, and protects consumers from delayed or denied coverage."

Jumping the gun a bit?

The Washington swashbuckler moved on.

"The upcoming 2010 mid-term election will be one of the most challenging and most expensive contests in  History. The Republicans are already in the field spending millions of dollars on attack ads ($60 million provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce &  "60 Plus" - a phony Senior Group - designed to mislead the public and misrepresent votes cast by courageous Democrats in support of President Obama's agenda for change)."

At this juncture, Mr.  Clinton noted that in order to push back the Republicans, funds were urgently needed for the Democrats' own full-frontal attack.


"The last thing we want is to let the Republican Party - a party that has been hijacked by "Tea Party" extremists - to gain seats in November. That means we have to defend every threatened Democratic seat and take away a few more Republican ones as well."

Why does money matter?

Bill gets to the point.

"Money matters because (the Democrats) have to protect an unprecedented number of seats in a mid-term election when, historically, the party in power loses seats."

"Money matters because we (the Democrats) are faced with a highly motivated opposition that seeks to demonize President Obama and everything for which the Democratic party stands for."

"Money matters because Republican special interests have a financial and ideological stake in preventing reforms that benefit the American people and will put their immense wealth behind Republicans who vote against reforms and try to depress Democratic turnout by aruging that , as the President says, we haven't cleaned up the mess they (Republicans) made fast enough."

On that note, Clinton urges that Democrats plop the cash down to:

*Help the DCCC provide urgently needed resources for Democrats who voted for your interests.

*Help the DCCC back candidates to challenge vulnerable Republicans who need to be held accountable.

*Help the DCCC deploy more field workers to refute every lie and distortion uttered by the opposition.

 Powerfully potent political stuff, eh?

Par-tay party!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Bill Clinton...doctors dishonest about medical ailment? Deceitful Slick Willy...

I'm not six feet under yet!

Yesterday, sources close to a former President - and Bill Clinton himself - noted that "heart pains" prompted a trip to a hospital in New York which resulted in emergency on-the-spot surgery to alleviate the medical problem.

I reported on the news alert early yesterday.

Post:  02/11/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/02/bill-clintonheart-pains-require.html

Later in the day, however, one of Clinton's doctor's made a point of noting for the record that the scandal-ridden former Arkansas Governor complained of chest "discomfort" when he was rushed to the medical facility which casts doubt on either the integrity of the physcian and/or the honesty of Clinton and his public relations team

"You wouldn't really call them "heart pains"," the doctor emphatically stressed to the media.

In retrospect, it appears that Clinton is up to his slick shenanigans once again.

I surmise that after-the-fact, his posse of "image brokers" hatched up an "emergency" escape plan, to prevent any fall out or questions about the severity of the ailment yesterday or doubts about the reliability of Clinton's "health" in the future.

For good reason.

The former President heads up a multi-million-dollar foundation,and in view of that, must be careful that an image of uncertainty about his future does not adversely affect the generosity of wealthy patrons or stop-up the flow of cash.

Because Hillary's hubbie (with the active libido and no problem with blood flow to the penis) has been assigned the role of a special U.S. envoy to assist with Haitian relief  there is also cause for concern.

In the high-crisis situation that he has been plunked down in - that will require a lot of physically-draining travel and a stressful demanding schedule - questions might be raised about his capacity to fulfill his duties (or even the wisdom of continuing on in view of the urgent health matters experienced this past week).

I surmise that - the doctor, Clinton (and Hillary), and former president's team of advisers and PR staff  - orchestrated a grip on the nature of the news reports filtering out in a deceitful effort to rope in potentially negative informantion that might ultimately weaken Clinton's public image as a robust man with years of public service ahead of him.

Frankly, I don't think the doctor was telling the truth.

Coincidentally, this past weekend, I was admitted to Cedars Sinai due to "chest pains".

I make no bones about it.

Personally, I am familiar with the procedures involved with "discomfort" or "pains" in the chest.

If a patient states he or she has "discomfort" in the chest, the doctor will undoubtedly ask if there is any actual "pain".

If not, the physician may rule out the "heart" as the culprit.

The symptoms may indicate muscle spasms, an infection in the oesophagus, whatever.

However, if the patient confirms there is  "pain", they will be asked to describe it in detail.

For example, the doctor will quiz as to whether the pain is sharp, dull, radiating from one area to another, and so forth and so on.

At this juncture, an EKG or X-Ray may be ordered up, if the symptoms and "pain" experienced signal potential heart problems.

In a nutshell, information is obviously being withheld to protect Mr. Clinton, for whatever reason.

Typical of slick Willy, don't you think?

It's difficult to feel any sympathy for a man who perpetuates a myth about himself from behind a mask.

Yeah, Hillary is in on it, too.

Lay down with dogs and you get fleas!

Stents look pretty scary to moi!

Bill Clinton...heart pains require immediate surgery! Hillary on way to New York...

Former President reflects on life!

Former President Bill Clinton was rushed to a New York hospital today after suffering pains in the chest.

Just a short while ago, his staff confirmed that the complaints were serious enough to require immediate surgery.

In a brief assessment on the fly, doctors noted for the record, that a bypass graft from a prior operation obstructed normal operating functons which required two stents to alleviate the coronary artery emergency.

The silver-haired statesman, has been involved hands-on with the United Nations as a special envoy to Haiti in recent weeks, in the aftermath of the violent earthquake which killed thousands.

Mr. Clinton just returned a few days ago from his second trip there since the natural catastrophe shook the Nation.

Sources close to President Clinton have assured well-wishers that he is in good spirits and will continue to focus on the work of his foundation and Haiti’s relief and long-term recovery efforts."

Mr. Clinton, suffered a quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in 2004, and later developed rare complications affecting his lungs that required another operation six months later.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, on the job in Washington, plans to head to New York late this afternoon to be by her husband's side during the healing process.

The last scare caused Mr. Clinton to reflect on life a bit in the face of potential mortaliy.

 “It changed me,” he noted in a The New York Times interview.

“One of the things I noticed is that on normal days ever since I had that heart surgery, I’m a lot more laid back and a lot more relaxed and a lot more healthy."

“But I also noticed since I had the surgery – and this is what you picked up in the campaign – that if I’m really tired, it’s more difficult for me than it was when I was back in politics before I had the heart problem. I have no explanation for why that is. I’m just observing it. It’s neither an excuse for any mistake I made or anything else. I’m just explaining. It’s something I’ve noticed. My life has changed.”

Get well soon, Willy!
 

Bill & Hillary

(childhood sweethearts)

Bill Clinton...alleges right-wing conspiracy against Barack Obama!

According to Bill Clinton, there is a right-wing agenda to see Barack Obama fail in his political efforts.

Slick Willy compared the "political agenda" to one that Hillary Clinton alleged existed during the Clinton term in office out to destroy his presidency.

The political machinery targeting Barack Obama now, Bill Clinton noted for the record on "Meet the Press" this past weekend, is not as virulent as it was, though.

The former President known to sit on the fence on political issues, and get ensnared in delicious scandals, further argued that the opposition is not as strong due to the fact the demographic in the voting booths have changed somewhat over the decades.

Bottom line?

"Their agenda seems to be wanting him to fail."

Gosh, it must have been a slow news day, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Proposition 8...Supreme.court will hear arguments to repeal March 5th!

When Proposition 8 (gay marriage ban) passed in California - supporters of the right for gays to marry - sprang into action.

Activists staged raucous highly-vocal protests in the streets which came close to turning into full-scale riots.

Meanwhile, in the trenches, foot soldiers tried to ferret out the names of individuals and businesses who donated funds in support of the anti-gay marriage initiative, so that their homes and businesses could be picketed.

Indeed, a cat & mouse game has persisted.

Supporters of Prop 8 filed a lawsuit in California Courts asking bench warmers to issue a directive that the names of contributors be kept private, for instance.

Legal counsel challenged the constitutionality of the State's Political Reform Act and urged the court to take action on the grounds that donors were being harassed and that some had received death threats.

In essence, Prop 8 supporters were seeking extraordinary relief (and a protective order) from the Courts.

The act, passed in 1974, requires campaigns to reveal personal information on people who give more than $100 to campaigns. The law is intended to prevent money laundering and other illegal campaign activities.

The long and short of it?

Prop 8 supporters were not only asking for "special treatment" - but making a pitch to the court to be exempted from the law - as well.

A Judge did not find their arguments meritorious, however, so he dismissed the case.

Not to be out-maneuvered, anti-prop 8 supporters proceeded to lodge a lawsuit specifically drafted to effect a repeal of Proposition 8, if granted by the Justices in the High Court.

Oral arguments are set for March 5th.

The lawsuit argues that Prop 8 severely alters the California Constitution's quarantine of Equal Protection to minorities because the rights of a minority - in this case the fundamental right to marry - cannot be eliminated by a simple majority vote in an election process.


The court is expected to hand down a decision ninety-days after the hearing in March.

Meanwhile, bodies continue to be strewn about the Prop 8 battlefield.

This past weekend, for instance, former President Bill Clinton was forced to face the wrath of anti-prop 8 supporters when he appeared at the Manchester Hotel in San Diego on Sunday to give a speech.

The owner of the Hotel donated $125,000.00 to the Prop 8 cause.

Rather than cancel his speaking engagement (and run the risk of losing a $100,000.00 fee), Clinton opted to go ahead with his well-orchestrated plans in California.

After-the-fact, Fred Karger at "Californian's Against Hate", was in touch with Clinton's "people" - who swore up and down that before the engagement took place - Clinton made a good-faith effort to switch the venue to another when it came to his attention that the Hotelier supported a cause he has gone on record as being opposed to.

In fact, this past week - after the sting of the highly-publicized protests in the media damaged his name and reputation around the country - the slick politician went so far as to urge that Proposition 8 be repealed!

To me, it was a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking, and I'm not buying it.

If the State Bar Association was unable to switch locales - Bill, if he had an ounce of ethics - should have bowed out of the commitment whatever the consequences.

Meanwhile, the hotly-debated issue rages on.

I'm betting that the High Court will overturn Prop 8.

What then?

Mormons and their supporters will try to oust the Judges (who repealed Proposition 8) come next election.

Then, they'll take a shot at it again.

Yeah, Mr. Smith would be proud.

Those Utah zealots are some Christians, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Kirsten E. Gillibrand...photo of chat with Hillary curious! Oh, to be a fly on wall!

Ha!

That photograph of Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Hillary Clinton - the newly-crowned Secretary of State - on the front section of yesterday's New York Times was a titillating sight!

Those photogs were right on the ball, weren't they?

Now there was a moment captured on film worth a thousand words.

The expression on both their faces, well, very intriguing.

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall when that little bit of chit-chat went down.

Were they comparing notes, do 'ya think?

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Viagra...quote of the day!

Sexually-satiated middle-aged man swears by it!

As I chowed down on my morning breakies, an upbeat commercial sprang to life on the old boob tube.

A middle-aged man - greying at the temples and sagging at the waist-line - was dancing the-light-fantastic - with a bodacious young babe at a trendy late-night disco.

Shortly after the announcer wrapped up his upbeat promo touting the libido-boosting juice of Viagra - the fluffer-upper extraordinaire - a quiet voice in the background uttered a warning to potential lotharios.

"If you experience an erection for over four hours, call your doctor right away."

You betcha, to order up a refill, pronto!

Bill Clinton...pimps for cash! Hillary for sale...

Today I received an e-mail from Bill Clinton enlightening me about the exciting news.

Yeah, I heard, Hillary was nominated to be next Secretary of State.

In a glowing tribute, slick Willy went on to boast that his hubby's bump up into the upper echelons of Government, was great news for the country.

"She understands the challenges we face, and her experience and judgment will help President Obama restore America's reputation in the world and make our nation more secure," he gushed in one fell swoop.

He concluded by asking that fans take a moment to celebrate the wonderful news by sending Hillary a message of congratulations.

But, you know the part I can't fathom?

Bill asked for contributions ranging from $10 to $1800 smackeroos

Is Hillary expected to pay a stipend under the table to Obama to seal the deal for her spanking-new post at the White House?

Me thinks, not!

Just goes to show 'ya, those money-grubbing Clintons are going to continue to gouge Americans until the poor souls have coughed up their last shiny penny, eh?

Greedy bast**ds!!!

When searching for a quote that was appropros, I stumbed on this one by a former President, Bill Clinton:

"I have news for the forces of greed and the defenders of the status quo; your time has come and gone. It's time for change in America."

That's what Obama promised us, but looks like American voters not only got much of the same, but short-changed in the process!

Bill Clinton...will he go for it at Democratic National Convention?

Sh** on again...
According to inside sources in the Clinton camp, former president - Bill Clinton - was not thrilled to be limited to the topic of the country's National Security in a speech he is scheduled to give at tonight's Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The charismatic speaker was allegedly miffed when he was tethered to a short leash - especially in view of the fact - former presidents are generally given carte blanche to waxing eloquently on whatever subject they wish.

A right they've earned - out of respect, at least - I expect.

Grumblers in the shadows hinted that slick Willy would prefer to elucidate on high-profile subjects such as defense and foreign policy when he charges the stage tonight.

But, I expect those topics have been left for the top dogs to expound on in their keynote speeches at the zenith of the convention later in the week.

For Bill, there is a a glimmer of hope, though.

If Barack is to be taken at his word, that is.

On the campaign trail, when asked about the delicate issue, Barack assured a reporter that Hillary's hubby could talk about whatever he wished.

"Bill Clinton knows a little about trying to yank an economy out of the doldrums and helping middle-class Americans. And it wouldn't make sense for me to edit his remarks to prevent him from making a strong case about why we need fundamental economic change in this country," Obama allegedly noted for the record.

Well, there it is.

Will Bill seize the day?

As Frank Scully once said,

Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?