Shocking Obama Announcement: He's IN!

I know, I was as surprised as you are by the announcement today that Barak Obama, junior Senator from Illinois, has decided to run for the democratic nomination for president!

In other startling news the situtation in Iraq is reportedly very, very grim.

2008 Road to White House Paved in Platinum? (Redux)

I initially published this entry some months ago, but in light of the current campaign craziness, and we are still a year out of the first primaries, I thought it was worth revisiting. If you are like me, the notion of candidates having to raise $100 Million to be considered serious contenders is an affront democracy itself. The more I think about it, the more I think this modest proposal of mine has some merit...so I resubmit to you...A More Honest Approach to Electoral Politics.

Could this be the answer?

This from the Washington Times, politics' answer to the Weekly World News:


"The chairman of the Federal Election Commission yesterday predicted that 2008 will produce the first $1 billion presidential race and that the $500 million that each party's candidate will need to compete will severely limit the field of contenders. "

Seriously.

Is this what we want or need in America? What will this give us for choice? LTS knows what...

Two less than sterling candidates of varying shades of vanilla, with boundless supplies of filthy lucre. Instead of voting for a leader, we will be forced to choose which collection of powerful interests we would rather see dictate our nation's policy for the next four to eight years.

I have a proposal. I don't know if it is a particularly unique proposal, but it is an honest one. If we are going to eschew public financing for political campaigns we need to do it honestly. Remove the option to contribute from our tax returns, return our tax dollars (yep all of them) and go for full disclosure.

Candidates for public office would have to openly pursue sponsorship. Candidates should be forced to wear their intentions. No more of this light blue work shirt rolled sleeves "I'm one of you" crap. They could be outfitted in NASCAR style jumpsuits and helmets to wear the badges of their sponsors, and the campaign buses would no longer be allowed to wear disingenuous slogans like, "Feeling America's Pain," or "Operation No Jive Talk." They would have to show who owns them....Pfizer, Merck, Winston, Anheiser-Busch, NRA, AFL-CIO...whatever.

The winning team would get a big trophy cup, and the corporate sponsors could spend the next four to eight years running the country (don't be fooled, they are already doing it) and pushing policy that favors them, but here is the catch. Instead of taxpayers paying the bills, the winning team's sponsors get to pick up the tab!

No more taxpayer subsidized East Wing makeovers. No more taxpayer subsidized trips across the country to sell unjustified wars or poorly planned policies for seniors. No more taxpayer subsidized anything. If our politicians want to hand our country over to special interests, then special interests should have to pay.

Hillary, Running for President, Discovers Darfur Situation is Bad

Hillary calls for the redeployment of US troops to Darfur

Yes, the situation in Darfur is horrible. There exists no human crisis on our planet equalling the magnitude of the civil war in Sudan, but do we need another military conflict, when America's solution to a failing campaign in Iraq is sending another 21,000 soldiers in to be maimed or killed? (OH WAIT, that's right Bush lied about that number, I meant 48,000.)

It is great that Clinton wants to make Darfur a campaign issue. I am all about getting the word out that the world needs to intervene in Sudan and stop the violence, genocide and atrocities in the region. I applaud her bringing the issue to the forefront. The problem with Hillary, like so many other hopefuls, is that she has no diplomatic experience and only sees military intervention as a solution to conflict.

About a month ago Bill Richardson went to Sudan. He asked for an audience with President Al Bashir, and then went to the militia camps. He was able to broker a 60 day cease fire agreement after four days of talks. No one else could get a meeting with Al Bashir, not Jesse Jackson, not Barak Obama. Both men were turned away. Richardson is able to go into places no one else can and seek out peaceful resolutions.

">Richardson is seen here in a refugee camp in Sudan

And here, negotiating for peace...

Praise the Lord and Pass the Astroglide: Haggard Finds His Moral Center

(Church officials wish him luck in the secular world and offer to help him pack, isn't that nice?)

Betty Bowers would be proud! The fundies of CoSprings have gotten together and asked one another WWJD (Why Wouldn't Jesus Damn?) and urged Pastor Ted Haggard to pursue a secular career, going further to suggest that the family relocate. Rev. Mike Ware said "It's hard to heal in Colorado Springs right now. It's like an open wound. He needs to get somewhere he can get the wound healed." (LTS thinks this sounds like a thinly veilled threat.)

Haggard and his family plan to relocate to a midwestern state.

In more upbeat news, Haggard says he is cured of his homosexuality and meth cravings.

Way to go Ted!

“Blogosphere” Buzz Builds About New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s Weekend Speech to DNC

SANTA FE, NM- During the past 48 hours positive reaction to Governor Bill Richardson’s speech to delegates at the Democratic National Committee’s winter meeting has been building and spreading across the Internet. Bloggers have been calling Governor Richardson’s speech “Presidential” and The National Journal’s online political site “The Hotline on Call” calculated that Governor Richardson’s speech was punctuated by seven standing ovations from the audience, more than any other candidate who spoke at the event. http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/02/dnc_winter_meet_5.html

You can watch or read the Governor’s entire speech at www.richardsonforpresident.com. (Also at www.richardsonbringshope.com, LTS)

Here is a sample of some of the Blog postings about Governor Richardson’s speech:

University of Wisconsin College Democrats:
“New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson gave a hell of a speech. It was surprisingly energetic, was excellently delivered, and touched on many points that had been glossed over by other candidates such as sexual orientation, teacher pay, North Korea and his diplomatic experience, a developed strategy in Iraq ... I think, and the consensus in the room I'm sitting in agrees, that Richardson did the best job of putting out a solid plan for America with details where details were due while at the same time conveying a feel good message. Full disclaimer: I took home a Bill Richardson rally sign and put a Bill Richardson bumper sticker on my laptop. I was sold on him today.”http://www.uwmadisondems.org/blog/2007/02/dnc-gov-bill-richardson.php

From dailykos:
I'm here to tell you that I went into that room undecided about '08 but leaning to Edwards. That changed after Richardson spoke. He is an amazing speaker who had the audience, many of whom had never heard of him before, eating out of the palm of his hand and cheering wildly for a guy they had never seen before. ... Bill Richardson has rhetorical powers to rival any of the main three (and I think better than Hillary or even Edwards). He gave a powerful speech that had the entire room bursting into what must have been 7 or 8 standing ovations (more I think that Obama or anyone else) ... It was almost embarrassing to hear how experienced he is. .... But the best part was that he wasn't just listing his resume, he was actually mapping out a future plan for the country. He wants us out of Iraq by the end of the year. He wants to restore ties around the world. He wants to bring what he has been doing in New Mexico to the rest of the country. The man has a plan, and he has the experience. ... I don't know how the press is covering this, but he won a lot of converts yesterday. ... Hopefully people give him a chance. This race is not over. Richardson is one of those guys who not only could be President, but who I believe will win people over as they hear from him. http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/2/4/104422/5584

Richardson is amazingly good at pumping up the room. I can feel that he really gets "it" and that he would be a top campaigner. ... Richardson is impressive in a very different way than Vilsack. Richardson has a palpable confidence when speaking of foreign policy and in particular--no surprise here--when speaking of diplomacy. Richardson also has a real charm that seems to bring people in the room to his side. I'm trying to find the right word to describe this..."magnetism," maybe? It's noticeable. http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/2/3/91813/92941

"I don't need 7 minutes, I can do it in four words: 'Elect a Democratic President.'" Gotta love it!! He's got moxie, too, regarding having any of the other Dem candidates as his VP. ... He is surprising me as a speaker--he's pretty good. And I haven't really been considering him. ... He seems positive and is quite--if you will--articulate. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/2/3/91813/92941

Geez, I had no idea I would start swooning over Bill Richardson. I want to hear more from him. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/2/3/91813/92941

In a room full of very dull speeches his clearly stood out, as does his experience and record of success. If there's a dark-horse in this race it's him. I can see him going into Iowa knocking the socks off the room and finishing in the top 3 and riding that wave to Denver. I'm saying it here - today - February 3, 2007. Still flirting with Obama, waiting for Gore, but if I had the guts I'd be booking a flight to N.M. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/2/3/91813/92941

From drydendailykaz:
“He suggested that we need a candidate who can win in every region. He stated that the mission in Iraq was complete and it was time for "our troops to leave with honor." And he finished by saying "Stay loose--we've got a year to go." A real grownup, a terrific speaker, and he just brokered a cease-fire in Darfur. What more could you want?” http://drydendailykaz.blogspot.com/2007/02/speeches-rated.html

From Blue Mass Group:
“And here's some big news: one of the bits of conventional wisdom on Bill Richardson appears to be wrong. The guy's got plenty of charisma. His speech was funny, charming, plain-spoken, bold, passionate, and had the crowd on its feet cheering numerous times. And this was interesting -- few if any of the other candidates talked about this issue, and he got huge applause for doing so.
‘In New Mexico, our fight for equality extends to sexual orientation. For the first time in state history we have a hate crimes law. We've extended civil rights protections to include sexual orientation. And we're providing state health insurance for domestic partnerships.
Some call New Mexico the land of enchantment. I now like to think that we live in a state of enlightenment.’
Did he come out swinging for equal marriage? No. But no one else even bothered to talk about gay rights.
Also, I thought Richardson was excellent on Iraq:
‘The War in Iraq is not the disease. Iraq is a symptom. The disease is arrogance.
A struggle for human rights is worthy of military intervention. A true threat to our country's security is worthy of war. But a struggle between a country's warring factions, where both sides hate the United States, is not worthy of one more lost American life.
As someone who served in Congress for 14 years, I know the power they hold should they choose to wield it. The Congress passed a resolution authorizing war. They need to pass another that overturns that authorization and brings our troops home by the end of this year. You would think that when the Congress realized they were lied to, they would have done something about it. Well, they still can.’
If Richardson keeps wowing crowds like he did at the DNC, I'd look for him to be breaking into the alleged ‘first tier’ soon.”
http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=6199

From Oval Office 2008:
“It surprised me to find New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson delivering the best speech of the whole event - and it surprised me more that his speech was, in my view, better than the rest by some margin ... it was, I have to say, almost (Bill) Clintonesque in execution. He knew his strength was his track record as Governor, and he played on it remorselessly, before moving nimbly onto his foreign policy experience as well. He brought a clear sense of logic to his approach to Iraq, and expressed it with considerable eloquence. He also took the initiative with his call to his fellow candidates for a clean, positive campaign. It was the performance which, for me, most exceeded expectations. If he can do more of the same on the campaign trail and, importantly, get noticed doing it, I think Richardson has the potential to surprise in this campaign.”http://www.ovaloffice2008.com/2007/02/dnc-speeches-my-assessment.html

From Burnt Orange Report:
“Bill Richardson: Wow. Ok, remember my words here: Bill Richardson will be either of two things in this race - a spoiler for some other candidate much like Clark spoiled Edwards last cycle; or a sleeper candidate who could be thrust into the top tier and have an actual chance in the race. Remember how Bill Clinton did better in NH than expected and the other candidates did worse than expected; propelling him forward. Richardson is poised to do the same. He sure as hell did it this weekend. I had medium expectations of him and he blew me away. He was funny and smart and at-ease. And Presidential. He gave the best speech of the weekend when handicapping for the audience and purpose of the speech. Learn about this guy and pay attention to him. ... Just got back from Richardson's room. From the response he is getting from DNC members, he appears to be a 1st tier candidate. The excitement and size of his crowd was 2nd only to the 1st place tie for Obama and Clinton. I was not the only one heavily impressed with his speech today it appears. None of the other candidates had a reception anywhere close to those three. Well, Edwards might have if he'd stuck around.” http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2829

From Demnotes:
“[Richardson] was probably the surprise of the day in terms of his speech. Governor Richardson gave an energetic and exciting speech about what he's been able to accomplish next door in New Mexico, and what he wants to do nationwide. ... I think the best example of the power of Richardson's speech can best be seen by what we saw in the "meet and greet" rooms after the session this morning. Each candidate has a small conference room where DNC Members can come and meet the candidate personally and ask questions. Governor Richardson was the only candidate besides Hillary Clinton to need an ‘overflow room’ for DNC Members to wait because of the crowd in the main conference room assigned to him.”http://demnotes.com/?p=250 <http://demnotes.com/?p=250>

From Wood Co. Democrats:
“On Governor Bill Richardson: Though he went noticeably over the soft seven-minute time limit, he kept the audience with him -- not just because he had supporters strategically located throughout the hall but also because he gave a very good speech.”http://woodcodems.blogspot.com/2007/02/we-never-noticedhtml

Richardson at the DNC: Step Back, Here Comes the Next President!

Ok, so I am a little late to the party. For those of you who do read my blog from time to time, many of you know that on weekends I work in a neonatal intensive care unit, and put in 12 hour shifts...so I didn't get to see the speech until just now. My husband, the ruggedly handsome and wonderfully witty Mr. Liberaltruthsayer, put the speech up on our grassroots website "Richardson Brings Hope" and I just saw it. I had to call him halfway through just out of my mind with excitement, wanting to share it with someone! Watching this video I know...KNOW...Richardson is the right choice for potus.

Haven't seen it? Really? Take a look here...(gratuitous plug for our website Richardson Brings Hope).

Richardson is witty, he is forceful, he is great with the crowd, he is even amazingly able to work all of his ideas and accomplishments into the meager seven minutes allotted by the committee. (Not really, but it was funny so I said it).

Richardson shows us time and again WHY he should be the nominee. I believe in my heart that if we nominate Richardson we have the best shot at winning the White House. I believe in my heart that if we elect Bill Richardson president we will begin to solve so many of the problems facing our country and indeed our world.

Governor Richardson, you absolutely blew me away today. I am so proud to call myself a consitutuent, a supporter, and a grassroots activist for your effort.

Viva Richardson!

Holy Sh!t Batman...Orange Snow!

Yes, that's right...Orange Snow.

It smells bad, too.

And they say it's oily.

Here is the article about the funky snow in Russia...

Makes me feel a hell of a lot better about the white stuff all over my place, it may have been here since the week after Thanksgiving, and it may be here until June yet, but it isn't some unnatural color, and I am not afraid to let my kids go out and play in it.

Orange snow??? Yikes.

Maya Angelou: Molly Shook the Walls With Her Clarion Call

It is not my policy to copy complete works and paste them, but Molly Ivins has gone, and was beautifully eulogized by the incomparable Maya Angelou. Below is her work in its entirety, with my thanks to The Washington Post, the best newspaper in America...LTS.

Molly Ivins Shook the Walls With Her Clarion Call

by Molly Ivins

(Special to the Washington Post)

Up to the walls of Jericho

She marched with a spear in her hand

Go blow them ram horns she cried

For the battle is in my hand

The walls have not come down, but they have been given a serious shaking.

That Jericho voice is stilled now.

Molly Ivins has been quieted.

The writer and journalist, dearly loved and admired by many, hated and feared by many, died <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/31/AR2007013101767.html> of cancer in her home on Jan. 31, 2007.

The walls of ignorance and prejudice and cruelty, which she railed against valiantly all her public life, have not fallen, but their truculence to do so does not speak against her determination to make them collapse.

Weeks before she died, she launched what she called "an old-fashioned newspaper crusade" against President Bush's announcement that he was going to send more troops to Iraq.

She wrote, "We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. Every single day every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. We need people in the streets banging pots and pans and demanding, 'Stop it now!' "

Years ago there was a fundraising gala for People for the American Way, and Molly Ivins was keynote speaker. I was a loyal collector and serious Ivins reader, but I had not met the author. Another famous journalist, who was to have introduced her, had his flight canceled in a Southern city. Norman Lear, founder of the organization, asked me to introduce her. I did not hesitate. I spoke glowingly about Ms. Ivins for a few minutes, then, suddenly, a six-foot-tall, red-haired woman sprang from the wings. She strode onto the stage and over to the microphone. She gave me an enveloping hug and said, in that languorous , and accent, "Maya Angelou and I are identical twins, we were separated at birth."

I am also six feet tall, but I am not white. She was under 50 when she made the statement, and I was in my middle 60s, but our hearts do beat in the same rhythm. Whoever separated us at birth must know it did not work. We have been in the struggle for equal rights for all people since we met on that Waldorf Astoria stage. We have laughed together without apology and we have wept when weeping was necessary.

I shall be weeping a little more these days but I shall never forget the charge. Joshua commanded the people to shout and the walls came tumbling down.

Molly,I am shouting,

With two voices,

Walls come down!

Walls come down!

Walls come down!

Dumb and Dumber: Idiot Stoners in Hot Water

Boy I tell you, I have done some wild things in my life, but I have apparently never smoked what these kids have gotten into....

Yesterday the city of Boston was effectively shut down because of these two guys. Apparently they were being contracted for a marketing campaign for Adult Swim on Cartoon Network and were using guerilla marketing tactics, by placing electronic devices around the city that lit up and showed cartoon characters, like Spongebob, giving the one finger salute.

City officials were concerned at first that it was a terrorist attack, but then began a search for stoned pranksters. They found these two geniuses, Sean Stevens and Peter Berdovsky. At their own press conference, facing reporters eager to give us their side of the story, they said they would only address the topic of hairstyles of the 1970's.

Dudes, listen. Pot is supposed to simultaneously open your mind to new ideas and limit your ability to manifest them. It is a whole new world out there, and leaving suspicious packages and devices around a major metropolitan era could land you in Gitmo. But, if it was attention you wanted, well you got it! Next time, try baking cookies.

Introducing Richardson Brings Hope

I would like to invite you all to join me at our new grassroots site for supporters of Governor Bill Richardson for President....

Richardson Brings Hope

We are concerned Americans who believe that this great nation must move beyond the clouds of fear and shadows of division and into a new tomorrow of hope and promise – and the destiny of the American dream.

These extraordinary times call for extraordinary leadership. We yearn for a peacemaker. We need to believe in honesty and promise and honor in our government. We need to believe once more in our dreams – as individuals, and as Americans. We need to believe in hope again.We need Bill Richardson.

Richardson brings hope and hope is the American dream.

Molly Ivins, Greatest Columnist on Earth, Dies

I am almost too sad to write this.

Molly Ivins, the greatest political columnist on the planet, has left us.

Last year she revealed she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, the details can be read here.

I just want to say that my heart is broken, my hero is gone. Molly is why I write what I write. Molly inspired me continually, and I will miss her so badly.

The world has lost a brilliant, witty, wonderful woman.

Scalia On Gore v. Bush: "Get Over It"

In his own dismissive style, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, when asked recently about the Gore v. Bush case in 2000, where the Supremes ruled that counting all the votes would impinge on Bush's civil liberties (as for the rest of us, well, we don't count) said, "It's water over the deck, get over it!"

The flippant remark was made at Iona College.

I am among the many Americans who will never "get over it." That act was nothing less than a coup, and delivered unjustly control of the government to the hands of a corporate puppet, determined to suck every penny from the treasury of the United States, and as much oil from the middle east as possible. I think we can get it back, but it is going to require a great deal of strength and committment from our people.

Get over it...doesn't that tick you off too?

NY Post Slurs With "Sombrero" Remark

Earlier this week The New York Post put out an article (well for them it was substantive, but it was no more than a blurb) with the headline "N.M. Gov Throws Sombrero Into Ring," the author clearly afraid to attempt to spell New Mexico and Governor. Many bloggers around the political circles have expressed outrage and shock at this apparent slur against Richardson, a Hispanic man.

I think it is pretty tasteless, but we do have to remember that this is the New York POST, hardly a beacon of journalistic integrity. But can you imagine if they had allowed the headline of "Hillary Clinton Tosses Apron into the Ring"? Or perhaps even, "Barak Obama Chucks Spear into the Ring," what consequences would have come from one of those two scenarios?

We are in an unusual position this election cycle with a great field of diverse and inspiring candidates, and each one has something unique to offer, but the NY Post didn't mention any of the amazing things Richardson brings to the race, like an incredible record of public service, a brilliant executive mind who manages to make progressive changes and still manage the public funds with unquestionable restraint and responsibility. A man of such stellar diplomatic abilities that he is able to secure peace accords, nonproliferation treaties, and hostage releases around the globe, earning him four nominations for the Nobel Prize for Peace.

So, say what you want about a sombrero, but this man brings us something really special, the ability to get a democrat in the White House who makes liberals and conservatives happy. It's all about the Win Win, right?

Bill Richardson Announces Exploratory Committee

The day I have waited so incredibly long for has arrived....

Richardson for President

That is the link to the website for Governor Bill Richardson's exploratory committee, which launched this morning with an announcement on the website, and on This Week with George Stephanopolis. The campaign website is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! Great visuals, wonderful video. I especially enjoyed The New Mexico Comeback video, which illustrates the many MANY accomplisments that Richardson has made as Governor.

On a personal note, I would like to introduce you to a website that is under construction but set to be full of content by next Friday, January 26th, Richardson Brings Hope. This website is a grassroots effort, created by members of the Richardson blog community, including myself and my wonderful husband Charles, Jeff Gulko and Ken Bulko (no relation, amazingly enough...) of America for Richardson, Michelle Lindsey of Colorado for Richardson, with the wonderful technical support of our dear friend Murthi Nemani and outstanding graphic design of Ryan Paiva. We are very proud of this website, and will be even prouder when it is done! So take a sneak peek, but don't forget to come back.

I would also like to apologize for being a lazy blogger lately. You may notice that this entry lacks photos...well the reason for that is my frankenputer died. I think I wore it out. Poor old Frank, hopefully he is not beyond resuscitation. I had to switch over to a borrowed laptop to work this week, and right now I am writing from the spare bedroom of my grandmother's home, as the result of being stuck in Albuquerque for the night. Yet another snowstorm has left me stuck, and my husband and children are 30 miles away and I miss them too much.

So, keep tuned to Liberaltruthsayer for updates on the Richardson campaign, and don't forget to drop by the official campaign website Richardson for President and the grassroots website Richardson Brings Hope!

I just got a nice big cup of joe, and read the news...Denver has been selected by the DNC for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Congratulations Denver! Your neighbor to the south is coming up (me! lts!!) and we will have a party!!!

Richardson Brokers Cease Fire in Sudan

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Gets Commitment for 60-Day Cease-Fire in Darfur Region of Sudan

KHARTOUM, SUDAN – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that he has secured a commitment from Sudanese President Omer Hassan Al Bashir to agree to a 60-day cessation of hostilities in the Darfur region to allow for a new political process under the Darfur Peace Agreement and the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations. Governor Richardson also spoke this week with rebel leaders who said they would agree to a cease-fire. If all parties follow through with the cease-fire, the A.U. and the U.N. will convene a Peace Summit on March 15 under the framework of the peace agreement.

Governor Richardson also secured the following commitments from President Al Bashir:
· Agreed not to have the National military aircraft painted in white markings normally reserved for international organizations.
· Agreed that government forces would attempt to improve security conditions in all areas of Darfur with special emphasis on El Geneina, and would provide protection to food and other humanitarian convoys.
· Agreed to expedite procedures for entry visas for all humanitarian aid workers as well as goods. He also agreed to terminate the requirement of exit visas for humanitarian aid workers.
· Agreed to allow and facilitate travel by journalists from all over the world to Darfur.
· Governor Richardson and President Al Bashir reiterated that gender-based violence and such crimes must be condemned and prosecuted regardless of which party or organization was responsible. President Bashir said he would welcome a significant contribution of female members to the AU/UN hybrid operations. In addition the Justice Minister offered analyze and extend existing efforts to support Sudanese women against all gender-based violence.


Joint Press Statement on the conclusion of the visit by Governor Bill Richardson to the Sudan
7th – 10th January 2006

H.E Bill Richardson Governor of New Mexico accompanied by a delegation sponsored by and including members of the Save Darfur Coalition, the leading United States-based Darfur peace advocacy organization, conducted a visit to Sudan to discuss ways to secure peace in the Darfur region of Sudan and the protection of all civilians and other non-combatants. The Governor and the delegation visited EI Fasher and Nayala in Darfur, for meetings with internally displaced persons in Darfur, rebel groups that are signatories to the (DPA) as well as those which are not as of yet, international agencies, the United Nations, and humanitarian aid as well as the Wali of North Darfur and the Deputy Wali of Southern Darfur States and held meetings in Khartoum with H.E President Omer Hassan Al Bashir,Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr. Ali Ahmed Karti and a number of high ranking Sudanese officials.

Both sides agreed that ending the conflict in Darfur is Sudan's and the international community’s highest priority. Peace, they agreed, can only come through a political settlement that is joined in by and addresses the needs of all parties, on the basis of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) of 5 May 2006 reiterating their support for preserving Sudan's territorial integrity and the importance of respect for Sudan's sovereignty.

Both sides agreed that there was a compelling need for a comprehensive cease-fire to launch a political process based on the DPA that would lead to a durable end to the conflict as soon as possible. Both agreed to a 60-day cessation of hostilities by all parties within the framework of the DPA, accompanied by a start in African Union/United Nations diplomatic efforts, within the framework of the DPA, to begin narrowing the gaps between the non-signatories, including government approval of a field commanders' conference attended by the African Union and United Nations. This would be followed at the appropriate moment by an African Union/United Nations – sponsored peace summit, again in the framework of the DPA, no later than 15 March 2007. Simultaneously, both agreed that the UN needed to expedite as quickly as possible the provision of UN personnel agreed in Addis Ababa and further specified in Abuja in November 2006. President Bashir re-affirmed his commitment to continue to facilitate the deployment of UN personnel and equipment consistent with his agreement with the Secretary General of the UN on Phases II and III, including the eventual conclusions of the Tripartite Committee as stipulated in the DPA.

The two sides noted that Governor Richardson had secured a commitment from commanders of the Justice and Equality Movement and of the Non-Signatory Front to participate in a process including a 60-day cease fire agreement within the framework of the DPA. Governor Richardson and Save Darfur Coalition expressed their grave concern to all parties with whom they met about continuing and increasing attacks on civilians and other non-combatants.

They reiterated that gender-based violence and such crimes must be condemned and prosecuted regardless of which party or organization was responsible, noting that Governor Richardson and the Save Darfur Coalition emphasized the need in all their meetings for implementing mechanisms to ensure that "zero tolerance" policies towards gender-based violence be applied in practice, quickly and robustly. Governor Richardson noted with appreciation President Bashir's commitment to welcome a significant contribution of female members to the AU/UN hybrid operations. Both sides expressed their grave concern at allegations of gender ­based violence by United Nations personnel in South Sudan.

Governor Richardson and the delegation also met with the Under-Secretary of Justice, the Rapporteur of the Advisory Council for Human Rights and Dr. Attigatt who presented a briefing on Sudanese Government efforts to institutionalize protections for women. The Governor and the delegation accepted the offer to work with the Ministry to analyze and extend existing efforts to support Sudanese women against all gender-based violence.

President Bashir and Governor Richardson also agreed that more light needs to be shed on the full situation in Darfur. President Bashir agreed to allow and facilitate travel by journalists from all over the world to Darfur.

The two sides underscored the need to disarm all armed groups, including the Janjaweed, pursuant to the provision of the DPA, and further agreed not to have the National military aircraft painted in white markings normally reserved for international organizations.

President Bashir agreed that government forces would attempt to improve security conditions in all areas of Darfur with special emphasis on El Geneina, and would provide protection to food and other humanitarian convoys. They also agreed that humanitarian aid agencies have greatly assisted the Government and people of Sudan by providing much needed emergency and development aid in Darfur and other parts of Sudan. President Bashir agreed to expedite procedures for entry visas for all humanitarian aid workers as well as goods. He also agreed to terminate the requirement of exit visas for humanitarian aid workers. President Bashir noted with satisfaction the strong statements by the Save Darfur Coalition to rebel commanders condemning attacks by their members on humanitarian aid operations and agreed to initiate an ongoing dialogue with the Save Darfur Coalition aimed at ending the violence in Darfur and on achieving a political solution to the crises.

The two sides agreed to apprise African Union Special Envoy Salim Ahmed Salim and United Nations Special Envoy Jan Eliasson of these developments, so that the African Union and United Nations will facilitate the commanders meeting and launch the political discussion and to maintain regular communication assessing progress on these important initiatives to identify areas of difficulty on which further engagement may be necessary to ensure rapid progress and durable outcomes.

Both sides agreed that an improvement of relations is in the mutual interest of both countries.

Richardson in Darfur

Bill Richardson Tours War-Torn Darfur Region in Sudan, Holds Meetings with Top UN Officials & Key Leaders of African Union and Rebel Forces to Push for Peace

Richardson to meet again with Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir Wednesday

EL FASHER, SUDAN- Governor Bill Richardson today saw first-hand the human toll taken by the ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan as he toured a relocation camp and spoke with citizens forced from their homes and villages by war. The Governor visited the As Salaam IDP (internally displaced persons) Camp in El Fasher, home to more than 43,000 people, mostly women and children.

“The spirit and character of these people in the face of such personal tragedy is remarkable,” said Governor Richardson. “When you realize there are 65 official IDP camps filled with hundreds of thousands of people, you begin to see the true extent of this crisis.”

Governor Richardson also received a briefing from top United Nations officials in Sudan and met with the Commander of the African Union peacekeeping forces, Major General Luke Aprezi. General Aprezi expressed his frustration that the relatively small numbers of AU troops cannot provide adequate security for the 65 IDP camps as well as serving as observers and running patrols to protect civilian activities such as gathering firewood.

“The AU urgently needs more troops,” said Governor Richardson. “It is difficult to find sufficient numbers of Africans to act as peacekeepers, so I will continue to push President Al-Bashir to accept a hybrid force that can truly make a difference.”

In addition, the Governor urged several field commanders from different rebel Sudanese forces to do their part to reduce violence against women and humanitarian workers and to undertake efforts to restore peace and stability to their region and throughout Sudan.

“From what we saw today it is clear the situation in Darfur is deteriorating at an alarming rate,” added the Governor. “Every group involved in this conflict, the rebels, the UN, and the AU, has an obligation to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and protect women from becoming victims of sexual violence.”

Governor Richardson is scheduled to meet with President Al-Bashir tomorrow morning before returning to New Mexico.

“Our first meeting on Monday was positive,” said the Governor. “I look forward to meeting with the President tomorrow to try to make additional progress toward peace in the Darfur region.”

Bill Richardson Asked to Travel to Sudan

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Governor Richardson has been asked to travel to Sudan to help persuade the country’s government to accept a peacekeeping force in the war-torn Darfur region.
The request comes from a Washington, DC-based group, the Save Darfur Coalition.
A Richardson spokesman, Pahl Shipley, says the governor is honored by the request and would like to help.
Shipley says Richardson is consulting with the State Department, the Sudanese government and the United Nations.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has rejected a UN Security Council resolution that provides for beefing up the poorly funded and equipped 7,000-troop African Union force to about 22,000 peacekeepers under UN leadership.

News from the Snowy Mountaintop

Yes it is snowing up here in Edgewood, already. We weren't supposed to get hit until tonight, so their estimation of up to 2 and a half feet of snow for us may be conservative. But, since I worked all weekend and didn't have access to my blog I have plenty of work to do. Thank you to Mr. LTS for posting for me on Saturday night.

So on to the political news...

Buh-Bayh!
Saturday brought the announcement that Evan Bayh has opted out of the race for El Jefe 2008. Bayh cited long odds and much needed work to be done in the Senate, and LTS agrees. No Senator should be running for President this time, we need your full attention on the legislative needs of our nation. (Listen to your friend LTS Hillary, you want to stay in the Senate...did you get my subliminal tapes yet???) Senator Bayh, we would love to have you come on over to Team Richardson!

Edwards In

Here is news of no surprise at all. Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards has committed to run in 2008. Edwards is my second choice in the race at this point, but probably mostly because of lust....yes he is hunkalicious. I also think he will be the candidate to beat in the primary, despite the media's current obsession with Barak Obama. (Senator Obama, did you get my subliminal tapes yet???)

Richardson Woos New Hampshirians

Or is it New Hampshirites? Somebody help me with this one. Governor Richardson embarked on an exploratory trip to New Hampshire before he makes his decision to officially enter the race. (Governor, I am working on a set of tapes for you, too. runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunrunrunrunrunrunrun)
On this trip Governor Richardson put up his dukes and took on John McCain, presumably the leader of the Republican pack, and his proposal to send more troops to Iraq. Said Richardson, at a stop at Anselm College, "It makes no sense. There is no military solution. There’s got to be a political solution.” He said that McCain's proposal would foment sectarian violence.

Richardson, with his foreign policy prowess in top form this week, proves time and again that he is the candidate (presumed candidate anyway) with the goods. We need a leader who will work for peaceful solutions to international disagreements, rather than one who will always eschew diplomacy and opt for a military solution to conflict. Bill Richardson is well respected internationally, and has the wisdom and presence of mind to return that respect.

Republicans Untenable Positions

The republican candidates for president in 08 are out there making my job easy and more amusing with their brilliant political statements. Newtie is making the case for limiting free speech, and to that I say kudos Mr. Newtie. Kudos. Keep making asinine statements like these. While you are at it, why don't you adopt some other popular ideas, like an 8 pm curfew for people, martial law, and a ban on that radical "rock and roll" business.

Meanwhile John McCain is out there promoting the idea of escalation in Iraq. Again with the populism. Go John Go!

It is a great day to be a liberal with high speed internet access and a rich appreciation for irony.

Guide helps Richardson in New Hampshire

From the Albuquerque Tribune

An experienced political guide is leading Gov. Bill Richardson on a 14-stop tour of New Hampshire this weekend as Richardson considers whether to run for president in 2008.

Dick Bouley, 68, has been greeting Democratic presidential candidates to that key primary state since he told John F. Kennedy in 1960 that he planned to be a teacher. He has worked for several, including Jimmy Carter, Bruce Babbitt, Tom Harkin and Dick Gephardt.

"If he (Richardson) runs for president, I'd be very interested," said Bouley, now a Concord, N.H., lobbyist. "He's got the best résumé and he has tremendous experience."

Bouley is the kind of activist Richardson will need to enlist in key primary and caucus states if he runs, especially in New Hampshire with its emphasis on hand-to-hand campaigning.