General Petraeus, the surge, MoveOn’s wit (or lack thereof), and all the media

I don’t have time for commentary right now, not much anyway. I’m wondering if there are enough gullible people to fall for another “Mission Accomplished” PR play. I read in the hard print of the Press Democrat this morning that 1/3 of the American people remaining convinced that Hussein was involved in the 911 attacks and 42 percent believing that the Bush administration has made that claim (the power of weasel wording). I’ll try to find that link. Meanwhile, here are some others.

Petraeus did say that he doesn’t know if the Iraq war makes us safer.

A notable irony – it was the Republicans who asked the toughest questions yesterday? But will they vote tough. Doubt it.

The Daily Show coverage was absolutely hilarious last night. You can catch the rebroadcast tonight at 8:00 if you have cable, or you can see part of it on the web. But the web streams usually only include the first portion, and you’ll miss a great piece on the brief history of Bush’s ever changing definitions of “success” in Iraq, culminating in the claim that hoping for an end to suicide bombers is colluding with the enemy by placing and undue burden on the war effort.

MoveOn’s “General Betrayus” ad is drawing fire, even from friends. but Stephen Colbert nailed them for the lack of wit! I mean, if you’re going to get yourself into political trouble for a sarcastic quip – make sure it’s funny!

I’ll post some more links later.

Addendum: This article discusses what was left out of yesterday’s report.

Yesterday there was an attack on US military HQ.

Church molester settlement

I reported on this a while back. Apparently no obstruction of justice charges were ever filed against Bishop Walsh for aiding and abetting the suspect perp’s flight, the latter of whom remains at large.

The Santa Rosa Diocese has settled a civil case with 10 victims in the amount of 5 million in insurance money and 20 grand coming out of Bishop Walsh’s stipend fund.

Moran said Walsh’s $20,000 contribution came from his ministerial stipends, funds he receives for performing such events as weddings and baptisms.

Can you say “backhanded pitch?” I’m sure he’s going to rake in more than that in donations from winery owning parishioners who feel sorry for him and need a tax break.

Call me cynical.

Eye witness to the Arkley/Glass incident

A few days ago I received an e-mail from an individual who was present at the Avalon on Wednesday night. “I saw it” the note said. He gave me his phone number.

We played phone tag over the weekend. Finally last night we discussed the matter over the phone.

This gentleman wishes to remain anonymous for the moment. However, he has already contacted the police. He says he was talking with someone and heard a loud voice behind him. He turned and saw Glass and and individual he later identified as Arkley having an “intense” discussion. He couldn’t make out the words over the ambient noise, but he could hear Arkley’s raised voice. He says that Arkley’s right hand was on Glass’ chest and that Arkley did shove Glass. Not much more to report.

I asked about the responses from other people. He says that some of them noticed but turned away in what he interpreted as embarrassed disgust rather than prison gang denial. Arkley left Glass momentarily, appeared to be interested in food, then came back for another session. The witness says that there was a third man who kept getting in between them, most likely Randy Gans.

He says that Glass kept his hands to his side, but wouldn’t give physical ground. When it was over, Glass walked away, briefly spoke to another individual, then left. Arkley meanwhile got a plate of food and sat at a table by a window. A few moments later 4th District Supervisor Bonnie Neely join him and they conversed. The witness doesn’t know what they spoke about.

I will disclose that the witness’ politics are closer to Glass’ than Arkley’s. He contacted the EPD on Friday morning because he didn’t want Larry to be left hanging by himself. When he called the police they acted as if they didn’t know what he was talking about and said that no report had been taken. The witness asked to speak to the investigating officer. The Chief of Police came onto the telephone and took the witness’ statement.

That’s pretty much all there is to it. But it is one witness who says physical contact was made.

Addendum: As always, I’ll post any rebuttal from Rob Arkley or his folk on the main page. But I imagine they’re probably going to lay low for the moment now that a formal investigation is underway. If not, anybody is free to e-mail a rebuttal or other response.

Arkley/Glass confrontation saga escalates

Somebody posted Heather Muller’s article in a thread below. Apparently Glass is pushing for a formal criminal investigation. I’m on the side of those who think it’s probably a mistake to drag it out more than necessary to deter future incidents, but I wasn’t there.

I may have some more for you later today.

I would link you to the ER, but I’m out of town and using my wife’s Mac iBook. The mouse is that little pad you move your finger around on. Does anybody know how to “right click?”

Update: Duh. I only need to right click to get the address for a photo. I’ll be back momentarily with the link.