Being a Weasel Doesn't Stop Lieberman From Seeking Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy

Am I the only one that thinks Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) is the most chameleon-like weasel in public service? I first became aware of the guy in 1980 when he ran as the vice presidential candidate with Al Gore. Lieberman was actively courted by Sen. McCain to be his vice presidential candidate in the 2008 election (before losing the nod to Sarah Palin). Last year Lieberman scuttled the public option and almost took down healthcare reform by his actions and demands.

Today, I see that Lieberman introduced a bill in the Senate that would repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) ban on gay men and women serving openly in the military within 13 months of enactment. This blog has been on record in favor of the repeal of DADT policy. However, it rankles me that Lieberman is sticking his nose into the process.

"Today we introduce legislation to stop the prohibition of men and women based on their sexual orientation in the American armed forces," Lieberman said. "[We] offer in its place a policy of equal opportunity to serve and defend our country."

Lieberman introduced the measure along with Sens. Mark Udall (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Roland Burris (D-IL), and Carl Levin (D-MI), chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee. Udall wrote that Lieberman's bill would shift the Pentagon DADT policy review from "considering whether to repeal" DADT to instead focusing on an assumed repeal.

It says something that lameduck Roland Burris is part of Lieberman's team on this DADT legislation ... don't you think?

Could Al Gore be the Next Secretary of Energy?

I understand that President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden plan to meet with former Vice President Al Gore today.

In a statement, Obama spokesman Nick Shapiro said the three men would “discuss energy and climate change and how policies in this area can stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

Gore is a political superstar in the Democratic Party. He served for two terms as vice-president; earned more votes in presidential loss to George Bush in 2000; won Nobel Prize for his work on climate change in 2007; won an Academy Award for his about global warming film, 'An Inconvenient Truth'; and he is now a rich man as a result of his various tech-based partnerships.

Obama pledges to create millions of 'green jobs' over the coming years. How cool would it be for Obama to offer the job of Energy Secretary in his cabinet to Al Gore?

Obama is building a cabinet of stars. Do you think he can get Al Gore to join the mix?

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maatha to Receive Chairman's Award

NAACP celebrates 100 year anniversary in 2009. The centennial celebration kicks off with the 40TH NAACP Image Awards that broadcasts live from Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 12 on FOX.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai will be awarded the NAACP Chairman's Award during the special. The Chairman's Award, chosen by NAACP Board Chairman Julian Bond, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.

"I am very proud to recognize Former Vice President Gore and Dr. Maathai for their substantial efforts in environmental awareness, sustainable development and peace," Bond said. "Their courageous and historic accomplishments have benefited not only current but future generations, and they clearly reflect the values that we have so valiantly fought for over the past century."

"The NAACP has served as a beacon, advancing civil rights to the benefit of all Americans. I am so honored to be a part of this historic, centennial celebration. The Image Awards are made all the more special because I am joined by my friend and colleague, Dr. Wangari Maathai," Commented Al Gore.

Prof. Maathai states: "I am deeply honored and privileged to share this award with my friend and colleague in environmental work, former Vice President Al Gore. I am especially honored to be receiving this award from the NAACP an organization that since 1910 has been working tirelessly for the dignity and humanity of ethnic minorities, especially focusing on social and economic equality. The election of President-elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America is a testament to your mission. As I receive this award I congratulate and thank you for your vision and commitment to the cause of human dignity."

Click here for the full NAACP press release.

Al Gore's Challenge

Al Gore made a visionary call for action, "Today I challenge our nation to commit to producing 100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within 10 years."

I encourage all villagers to view his speech for yourself:



I've never been a great fan of Al Gore. However, when you're right ... you're right. Al Gore is right when he points out that our dangerous over-reliance on carbon-based fuels is at the core of high gas prices, economic downturn and the war in Iraq. America borrows money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to burn it in ways that destroy the planet.

We need a new paradigm. We need to take control of our own economic and environmental future. What say u about Gore's challenge?

Al Gore Has 100 Million Reasons to Stay Out of Politics

I don't see Al Gore throwing his hat into the ring as a presidential candidate this year. His television company, Current Media, filed papers for an initial public offering worth as much as $100 million. The San Francisco company, led by CEO Joel Hyatt, shows programs created by its subscribers, and also buys some programming.

Gore, a former U.S. vice president and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and his family own 3.7 million shares of Current Media. In addition, Gore was paid $1.05 million by the company last year. Current Media sez, "Our success is critically dependent on the expertise and continued service of our founders, Al Gore and Joel Hyatt."

What say u? Will Al Gore ever get back into politics?

Good Day for Democrats

Today was an unusually active day for political wonks:

1. Trent Lott announced his decision to resign from US Senate. It is actually fun to watch republicans in congress scurrying about like roaches with the lights turned on 'em!


2. Dick Cheney goes to the hospital because of an irregular heartbeat and ends up having more surgery on his heart. For the sake of his family, I hope that the surgery is successful enough for him to live, however, it would be great if this guy has to resign. If not, it is a shame that he wasn't impeached earlier.


3. Al Gore visits the White House today. Ironic when you consider that George Bush and Al Gore battled it out for the presidency in 2000. You got to beleive that Al Gore will be smiling inside as he reflects on how poorly Bush as done as our president over the past 7 years.

What will happen next in the world of national politics?