After the WMD rationale fell apart, George Bush declared that the real reason for invading Iraq was to "spread freedom" and democratize the region. While the Bush administration is big on rhetoric they consistently fall short on action. Today we learn in the Washington Post that the Bush administration is "scaling back funding for the main organizations trying to carry out his vision by building democratic institutions such as political parties and civil society groups."

By cutting funding to these organizations the administration reneges on its obligation to building democratic institutions at a crucial moment in Iraq's history. As Senator Kennedy said yesterday, ""The solution to Iraq lies in the political process, and it's reckless for the White House to cut funds to strengthen democracy in Iraq at this time."

Not long after his former aide, Tony Rudy, testified that they conspired together, Tom DeLay announced yesterday that he will resign from Congress to fight the ongoing charges against him.

We consider this a tactical move on his part-- not just because Nick Lampson could quite probably have mopped the floor with him in November, but also because it is even more likely DeLay's May or June departure will trigger a special election, in which case Lampson could be challenged by a strong Republican, one handpicked by DeLay and given major media upon entering the race. Gov. Rick Perry, a DeLay Republican, is likely to weigh the GOP chances first, then make whatever decision best benefits his party.

Today traditionally marks my favorite day of the year. As a baseball fanatic, part of it is just my being happy to see our national pastime starting up again, with the promise of the 7 upcoming months of thrills. But beyond that, I love what opening day represents- the coming of spring, and most of all, the idea that everyone gets a fresh start.

Today, everyone, from the Yankees with their $200 million salary, to the Royals, who lost 106 games last year, begins the season tied. And while the pretenders and contenders will likely separate themselves soon enough, every fan can enjoy the feeling, at least for one day, that if everything breaks right, this could be their year (except maybe for Cubs fans.)

Hello to all! I'm Stef and I've just joined the Tasini team as volunteer coordinator. I hope to meet many of you in the weeks to come as we gear up for the petition drive in early June. Please sign up to volunteer and help us put a progressive, anti-war Democrat on the primary ballot in September.

Why is this campaign so important? As Jonathan writes in his most recent blog entry at Huffington Post, in describing the new (very graphic) flash animation created for us by Eric Blumrich:

Today marks the final day of our first major fundraising period. If you haven't contributed, today is the day. If you've contributed before, we need your support, from $20 to $2100-- today is the day.

If you don't like the way this country is heading,
give today by clicking HERE. If you don't want New York to be represented by a Senator who supports continuing the Iraq War indefinitely, today is the day. If you can't believe that the richest nation in the world does not have health insurance for every one of its citizens, today is the day.