Monday, February 14, 2005

Gannon & Plame

If there are questions as to whether “Jeff Gannon” did or did not see a classified State Department memo referencing Valerie Plame, it’s because “Gannon” himself has given conflicting accounts. David Brock, who broke the “Gannon” story at Media Matters for America, documents and details the various iterations of “Gannon’s” claims.

Meanwhile, John Aravosis at AMERICAblog hasn’t stopped. Here, from his suggestions for press follow up, are my favorites: 1) gay hypocrisy, the growing number of gay Republicans willing to promote an anti-gay message; 4) Where is the mainstream media? Would they be more likely to cover the story if the hooker were a woman? I’m thinking so!; and 5) Propaganda White House. This is part of the larger story of this White House using media, and fake media, to impose lies on the American people.

What will it take to make the media follow up?

Wal-Mart favors from Bush DOJ

Kos points to this from Labor Blog:

Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer agreed to pay $135,540 to settle federal charges that it violated child labor laws in Connecticut, Arkansas and New Hampshire. As part of the agreement, revealed yesterday after it was secretly signed in January, the Labor Department agreed “to give Wal-Mart 15 days’ notice before the Labor Department investigates any other ‘wage and hour’ accusations, like failure to pay minimum wage or overtime.”

Emphasis original. Then, following up, there’s this clear and convincing articulation of why ”the deal smells like rotting corporate sludge.”

A gay hustler in the White House

It sure does look like the “Jeff Gannon” that was issued individual daily press passes for two years by the White House was once a gay hustler. John Aravosis at AMERICAblog has the goods, more than you ever wanted to see. (Rated X).

UPDATE: The plot thickens. A McClellan link?

Quality drama

TiVo time-shifting is such that I just watched The West Wing episode featuring an appearance by Lawrence Lessig (as played by Christopher Lloyd). I bumped this episode up above others I’ve yet to watch after reading on Lessig’s blog how he came to be a character: “Lots of speculation and fantastic praise about the West Wing gig. It was a hoot to watch. But in two seconds (I’m late for a meeting) let me put this in perspective...”

I enjoy The West Wing, even as it has been deemed passé by Wonkette. (”Wow, The West Wing is still on?” Good I don’t live in DC.) This far from Broadway, the show’s the only way I get to see Kristin Chenoweth. Sans song: I loved her first as Sally in the under-rated Broadway musical production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

I’m always looking for good quality drama to add to my TiVo lineup. Please, if anyone has a suggestion, pass it on. Via comment (below) or email (in sidebar).