It seems Americans are not alone when it comes to the whacky apocalyptic department. The summer floods are God's judgement on the immorality and greed of modern society, claim senior Church of England bishops.
One, the Bishop of Carlisle, even said that the introduction of pro-gay laws had provoked God to send the storms that have left thousands homeless.
The bishops argued that while those affected are innocent victions, the flooding was a result of western civilization's decision to ignore biblical teaching. The Rt Rev Graham Dow, said that the floods were not only a result of a lack of respect for the planet, but also a judgement for decadence.
"This is a strong and definite judgement because the world has been arrogant in going its own way," he said. "We are reaping the consequences of our moral degredation, as well as the environmental damage that we have caused." I know that Pat Robertson is probably wetting himself over this, but shouldn't he sue them for plagiarism?
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Better Fed Than Red
Uncle Putin may want to revive the Soviet Union and the Cold War, but that doesn't mean the rest of his newly wealthy countrymen are ready to follow him all the way back into the past. MOSCOW (Reuters)-Russia capped its journey from communism to capitalism on Sunday with the opening of a $1,000-a-night (500-pounds-a-night) luxury hotel on the site of an old Soviet hostelry best known for its surly service and bugged telephones.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel near Moscow's Red Square sets a new standard for decadence in a city where an oil-driven economic boom has created an explosion of wealth and a headlong rush to spend it.
The hotel's presidential suite-where the dining room is fitted with bullet-proof glass and windows-costs a little over $16,000 a night.
That does not include breakfast, but hotel staff recommend the Tsar's breakfast, a $700 per person meal that includes Cristal champagne, Belugia caviar and a truffle omelette. Karl Marx must be spinning in his grave.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel near Moscow's Red Square sets a new standard for decadence in a city where an oil-driven economic boom has created an explosion of wealth and a headlong rush to spend it.
The hotel's presidential suite-where the dining room is fitted with bullet-proof glass and windows-costs a little over $16,000 a night.
That does not include breakfast, but hotel staff recommend the Tsar's breakfast, a $700 per person meal that includes Cristal champagne, Belugia caviar and a truffle omelette. Karl Marx must be spinning in his grave.
Tehran Tea
Iranians may finally be figuring out what the rest of the world already knows.
Yet last week, two years after his election to power on a promise to help Iran's dontrodden masses, Mr Ahmadinejad, 49, finally learnt the downside of the demagogic approach-namely, that running a country of 69 million inhabitants as a one-man band involves taking blame as well as credit.
The issue was not over his notorious threats to "wipe Israel off the map", his defiance on Iran's nuclear programme, nor his puritanical desire to return to the early days of the Islamic revolution. Instead, the man who considers himself on a divine mission was floundering because of his inability to minister to one of his flock's most basic needs: petrol.
On Tuesday, a proclomation from his palace suddenly imposed a fuel ration of three litres (0.6 gallons) a day, a move designed to stockpile supplies because of fears of United Nations sanctions.
Within hours his name was being cursed, as motorists clashed with riot police at fuel stations and set garage forecourts ablaze.
"Without fuel I cannot earn," said the driver of a battered saloon car who had finally reached the head of a long queue for petrol. He was a shopkeeper who, like many residents of Teheran, supplements a meagre income by moonlighting as a cabbie. "Ahmadinejad is an ass. This is not what he promised the ordinary man." Good, now that you know that, how about doing the world a favor and overthrowing the creep so we won't have to?
Yet last week, two years after his election to power on a promise to help Iran's dontrodden masses, Mr Ahmadinejad, 49, finally learnt the downside of the demagogic approach-namely, that running a country of 69 million inhabitants as a one-man band involves taking blame as well as credit.
The issue was not over his notorious threats to "wipe Israel off the map", his defiance on Iran's nuclear programme, nor his puritanical desire to return to the early days of the Islamic revolution. Instead, the man who considers himself on a divine mission was floundering because of his inability to minister to one of his flock's most basic needs: petrol.
On Tuesday, a proclomation from his palace suddenly imposed a fuel ration of three litres (0.6 gallons) a day, a move designed to stockpile supplies because of fears of United Nations sanctions.
Within hours his name was being cursed, as motorists clashed with riot police at fuel stations and set garage forecourts ablaze.
"Without fuel I cannot earn," said the driver of a battered saloon car who had finally reached the head of a long queue for petrol. He was a shopkeeper who, like many residents of Teheran, supplements a meagre income by moonlighting as a cabbie. "Ahmadinejad is an ass. This is not what he promised the ordinary man." Good, now that you know that, how about doing the world a favor and overthrowing the creep so we won't have to?
Fly Me To The Moon
Now this would be cool, for those who have a few hundred million to spend.
ASPEN, Colo.-You don't have to pack your bags quite yet, but passenger travel to the Moon is on the flight manifest of a space tourism company.
The price per seat will slap your wallet or purse for a swift $100 million-but you'll have to get in line as the first voyage is already booked.
Space Adventures, headquartered in Vienna, Va., is in negotiations with the customers who will fly the first private epedition to fly around the Moon.
"I hope to have those contracts signed by the end of the year," said Eric Anderson, Space Adventurers' president and CEO. Eat your heart out, Arthur C. Clarke, wherever you are.
ASPEN, Colo.-You don't have to pack your bags quite yet, but passenger travel to the Moon is on the flight manifest of a space tourism company.
The price per seat will slap your wallet or purse for a swift $100 million-but you'll have to get in line as the first voyage is already booked.
Space Adventures, headquartered in Vienna, Va., is in negotiations with the customers who will fly the first private epedition to fly around the Moon.
"I hope to have those contracts signed by the end of the year," said Eric Anderson, Space Adventurers' president and CEO. Eat your heart out, Arthur C. Clarke, wherever you are.
Mom, Taxes And Apple Pie
Of course a Democrat would say something like this. Just in time for the Forth of July holiday, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) equated higher taxes with patriotism during the third nationally-televised Democratic Presidential debate Thursday evening.
When asked if she believed Americans were paying enough taxes, Clinton praised billionaire U.S. investor Warren Buffett because, as she said, "He's honest enough to say, look, tax me because I'm a patriotic American."
She went on, "We have to change the tax system and we've got to get back to having those with the most contribute to this country." When in doubt, fall back on the old "It's all the fault of those evil capitalists" mantra. Republicans may be bereft of ideas these days, but at least they're not recycling Roosevelt-era socialism.
When asked if she believed Americans were paying enough taxes, Clinton praised billionaire U.S. investor Warren Buffett because, as she said, "He's honest enough to say, look, tax me because I'm a patriotic American."
She went on, "We have to change the tax system and we've got to get back to having those with the most contribute to this country." When in doubt, fall back on the old "It's all the fault of those evil capitalists" mantra. Republicans may be bereft of ideas these days, but at least they're not recycling Roosevelt-era socialism.
Understanding McCain
This is why John Mccain, for all his faults, probably would have made a better president than what we have now had he won the nomination back in 2000. I opposed Senator McCain in this immigration debate. I believed the policies he advocated were wrong for America and I used every tool at my disposal to defeat his position. However, the way Senator McCain conducted himself represented the essential qualities of leadership the American people deserve.
Senator McCain didn't speak in generalities. He spoke in spedivid terms. He didn't take a position and change his position when he came under withering fire. He didn't pander. He didn't equivocate. He didn't demean his opponents in the Senate or insinuate we harbored base motives or secret prejudices. He was motivated by principal. He believed he was serving his country. He was not inspired by political strategists who foolishly believed they could use this bill to grow the Republican party, and did not lecture his colleagues about why those strategists were smarter and wiser than 80 percent of Americans.
When Senator McCain lost this battle he didn't express self-pity or bitterness. Instead, he said he would carry on and offered a unifying message that is beyond debate, saying, "The American people will not settle for the status quo-de facto amnesty and broken borders." Aside from the fact that I think that's precisely what the bill would have offered, McCain represents the kind of elder statesmanship (occasional outbursts of nuttiness aside) that's been lacking in the GOP these days. He may not win the nomination, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't listen to him when it counts.
Senator McCain didn't speak in generalities. He spoke in spedivid terms. He didn't take a position and change his position when he came under withering fire. He didn't pander. He didn't equivocate. He didn't demean his opponents in the Senate or insinuate we harbored base motives or secret prejudices. He was motivated by principal. He believed he was serving his country. He was not inspired by political strategists who foolishly believed they could use this bill to grow the Republican party, and did not lecture his colleagues about why those strategists were smarter and wiser than 80 percent of Americans.
When Senator McCain lost this battle he didn't express self-pity or bitterness. Instead, he said he would carry on and offered a unifying message that is beyond debate, saying, "The American people will not settle for the status quo-de facto amnesty and broken borders." Aside from the fact that I think that's precisely what the bill would have offered, McCain represents the kind of elder statesmanship (occasional outbursts of nuttiness aside) that's been lacking in the GOP these days. He may not win the nomination, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't listen to him when it counts.
Are You A Boy Or Are You A Girl?
And now we have toddler trannies. From the moment we're born, our gender identity is no secret. We're either a boy or a girl. Gender organizes our world into pink or blue. As we grow up, most of us naturally fit into our gender roles. Girls wear dresses and play with dools. For boys, it's pants and trucks.
But for some children, what's between their legs doesn't match what's between their ears--they insist they were born into the wrong body. They are transgender children, diagnosed with gender identity disorder, and their parents insist this is not a phase.
"A phase is called a phase because it is just that. It ends. And this is not ending. This is getting stronger," Renee Jennings told ABC News' Barbara Walters. The Jennings asked that "20/20" not disclose their real name in order to protect the identity of their 6-year-old transgender daughter, Jazz. Welcome to the age of sex change operations for kids. Ain't politically correct child psychology wunnerful?
But for some children, what's between their legs doesn't match what's between their ears--they insist they were born into the wrong body. They are transgender children, diagnosed with gender identity disorder, and their parents insist this is not a phase.
"A phase is called a phase because it is just that. It ends. And this is not ending. This is getting stronger," Renee Jennings told ABC News' Barbara Walters. The Jennings asked that "20/20" not disclose their real name in order to protect the identity of their 6-year-old transgender daughter, Jazz. Welcome to the age of sex change operations for kids. Ain't politically correct child psychology wunnerful?
Glasgow Goes Boom
The ROP has struck again. Two men rammed a flaming sport utility vehicle into the main terminal of Glasgow airport Saturday, crashing into the glass doors at the entrance and sparking a fire, witnesses said. Police said two suspects were arrested.
The airport-Scotland's largest-was evacuated and all flights suspended, a day after British police thwarted a plot to bomb central London, discovering two cars abandoned with loads of gasoline, gas canisters and nails.
"One has to conclude...these are linked," Dame Pauline Neville-Jones, former head of Britain's joint intelligence committee, told Sky News. "This is a very young government, and we may yet see further attacks." But I thought all terrorism in the UK was Tony Blair's fault for following Bush into Iraq! You mean they hate the Brits no matter who's in charge? What are they, nuts? Oh...wait.
The airport-Scotland's largest-was evacuated and all flights suspended, a day after British police thwarted a plot to bomb central London, discovering two cars abandoned with loads of gasoline, gas canisters and nails.
"One has to conclude...these are linked," Dame Pauline Neville-Jones, former head of Britain's joint intelligence committee, told Sky News. "This is a very young government, and we may yet see further attacks." But I thought all terrorism in the UK was Tony Blair's fault for following Bush into Iraq! You mean they hate the Brits no matter who's in charge? What are they, nuts? Oh...wait.
Friday, June 29, 2007
General Mistrust
In case you were wondering, it's not just the Administration's fault that Iraq got screwed up as much as it did. Last December, Lt. Col. Paul Yingling attended a Purple Heart ceremony for soldiers injured in Iraq. As he watched the wounded troops collect their medals, the 41-year-old officer reflected on his two combat tours in Iraq.
He was frustrated at how slowly the Army had adjusted to the demands of guerilla war, and ashamed he hadn't done more to push for change. By the end of the ceremony, he says, he could barely look the wounded troops in the eyes. Col. Yingling hust had been chosen to lead a 540-soldier battalion. "I can't command like this," he recalls thinking.
He poured his thoughts into a blistering critique of the Army brass, "A Failure in Generalship," published last month in Armed Forces Journal, a nongovernment publication. "America's generals have been checked by a form of war that they did not prepare for and do not understand," his piece argued.
(snip) The conflicting explanations for the Army's struggles in Iraq could also breed mistrust in the ranks. Many young officers are frustrated and exhausted by four years of war and don't understand why their small victories in the field aren't adding up to a safer and more stable Iraq.
"There is enormous pride among young officers in their units and each other," says Lt. Col. Peter Kilner, who recently returned from two months in Iraq interviewing young Army officers for a research project. "But I see strong evicence that they are rapidly losing faith in the Army and the country's political leadership." The brass knuckleheads running things take their cues from the administration. It's called the trickle-down theory of incompetence.
He was frustrated at how slowly the Army had adjusted to the demands of guerilla war, and ashamed he hadn't done more to push for change. By the end of the ceremony, he says, he could barely look the wounded troops in the eyes. Col. Yingling hust had been chosen to lead a 540-soldier battalion. "I can't command like this," he recalls thinking.
He poured his thoughts into a blistering critique of the Army brass, "A Failure in Generalship," published last month in Armed Forces Journal, a nongovernment publication. "America's generals have been checked by a form of war that they did not prepare for and do not understand," his piece argued.
(snip) The conflicting explanations for the Army's struggles in Iraq could also breed mistrust in the ranks. Many young officers are frustrated and exhausted by four years of war and don't understand why their small victories in the field aren't adding up to a safer and more stable Iraq.
"There is enormous pride among young officers in their units and each other," says Lt. Col. Peter Kilner, who recently returned from two months in Iraq interviewing young Army officers for a research project. "But I see strong evicence that they are rapidly losing faith in the Army and the country's political leadership." The brass knuckleheads running things take their cues from the administration. It's called the trickle-down theory of incompetence.
We Shall Overcome
I wonder if Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will get all worked up over this. JACKSON, Miss., June 29--The head of a Mississippi Democratic Party organization illegally suppressed white residents' votes, a federal judge ruled Friday in the first case filed by the Justice Department alleging that whites were subjected to voting discrimination based on race.
U.S. Districtc Judge Tom S. Lee ruled that Ike Brown, chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Noxubee County, violated the Voting rights Act by issuing different procedures for collecting and counting absentee ballots from white and black voters. The executive committee, also found liable in the case, is responsible for administering Democratic primaries in the county.
There was "ample direct and circumstantial evidence of an intent to discriminate against white voters which has manifested itself through practices designed to deny and/or dilute the voting rights of white voters in Noxubee County," Lee's ruling said. Well, I'm sure we'll be hearing from the good Reverends any minute now on what a great injustice this is, right?
U.S. Districtc Judge Tom S. Lee ruled that Ike Brown, chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Noxubee County, violated the Voting rights Act by issuing different procedures for collecting and counting absentee ballots from white and black voters. The executive committee, also found liable in the case, is responsible for administering Democratic primaries in the county.
There was "ample direct and circumstantial evidence of an intent to discriminate against white voters which has manifested itself through practices designed to deny and/or dilute the voting rights of white voters in Noxubee County," Lee's ruling said. Well, I'm sure we'll be hearing from the good Reverends any minute now on what a great injustice this is, right?
Closing Time
Hans Blix's old outfit is calling it quits.
The UN Security Council has voted to close down the weapons inspections programme set up to monitor former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's arsenal.
The UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (Unmovic) was set up in 1999 to check Iraq no longer had any weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
Its inspectors permanently quit Iraq just before the US invasion in 2003.
The US cited the presence of WMDs in Iraq as justification for its invasion though no such weapons were ever found. Well, at least Hans still has copies of all the angry letters and memos that Kofi Annan wrote to remember those times by.
The UN Security Council has voted to close down the weapons inspections programme set up to monitor former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's arsenal.
The UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (Unmovic) was set up in 1999 to check Iraq no longer had any weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
Its inspectors permanently quit Iraq just before the US invasion in 2003.
The US cited the presence of WMDs in Iraq as justification for its invasion though no such weapons were ever found. Well, at least Hans still has copies of all the angry letters and memos that Kofi Annan wrote to remember those times by.
It's Alive
Congratulations! It's a new species. Scientists could create the first new form of artificial life within months after a landmark breakthrough in which they turned one bacterium into another.
In a development that has triggered unease and excitement in equal measure, scientists in the US took the whole genetic makeup-or genome-of a bacterial cell and transplanted it into a closely related species.
This them began to grow and multiply in the lab, turning into the first species in the process.
The team that carried out the first "species transplant" says it plans within months to do the same thing with a synthetic genome made from scratch in the laboratory.
If that experiment worked, it would mark the creation of a synthetic life form. Wow. If new life forms are created that develop sentience, and they start looking for their gods, they're going to be awfully disappointed.
In a development that has triggered unease and excitement in equal measure, scientists in the US took the whole genetic makeup-or genome-of a bacterial cell and transplanted it into a closely related species.
This them began to grow and multiply in the lab, turning into the first species in the process.
The team that carried out the first "species transplant" says it plans within months to do the same thing with a synthetic genome made from scratch in the laboratory.
If that experiment worked, it would mark the creation of a synthetic life form. Wow. If new life forms are created that develop sentience, and they start looking for their gods, they're going to be awfully disappointed.
Invasion Of The Stupids
What is it about disasters that bring out both the best and the dumbest in people? Along with wind shifts, floating embers and evacuation orders, homehowners and firefighters in the Angora Fire in South Lake Tahoe must deal with another unpredictable factor--the gawkers.
Onlookers drawn by the spectacle of the fire and firefighters' dramatic efforts have at times fought with tahoe residents and blocked traffic in attempts to wander close to fire zones. Fire authorities say they often have to deal with such lookie-loos, and they warn that people need to stay away from the fire areas.
"They're the disaster tourists," said Rex Norman, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service. "They're people who seem to have driven long distances to look at burned houses, which is extraordinarily difficult for the affected residents."
Dave Martinez and Kimberly Holloway drive for more than an hour down from the lake's north shore to take in the spectacle. In the Gardner Mountain section of South Lake Tahoe this week, the couple walked up to the charred line separating the homes from the burned forest and took photographs of the firefighters.
"I travel to a lot of these things," said Martinez, a retired contractor. "But this is the first big one for her," he added, pointing to Holloway. I wonder if you could charge these idiots admission to walk into the flames.
Onlookers drawn by the spectacle of the fire and firefighters' dramatic efforts have at times fought with tahoe residents and blocked traffic in attempts to wander close to fire zones. Fire authorities say they often have to deal with such lookie-loos, and they warn that people need to stay away from the fire areas.
"They're the disaster tourists," said Rex Norman, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service. "They're people who seem to have driven long distances to look at burned houses, which is extraordinarily difficult for the affected residents."
Dave Martinez and Kimberly Holloway drive for more than an hour down from the lake's north shore to take in the spectacle. In the Gardner Mountain section of South Lake Tahoe this week, the couple walked up to the charred line separating the homes from the burned forest and took photographs of the firefighters.
"I travel to a lot of these things," said Martinez, a retired contractor. "But this is the first big one for her," he added, pointing to Holloway. I wonder if you could charge these idiots admission to walk into the flames.
Murphy's Law
Reality TV, meet reality.
MURPHY, Texas-A sting in which police teamed up with "Dateline NBC" to catch online pedophiles was supposed to send a flinty-eyed, texas-style warning about this Dallas suburb: Don't mess with Murphy.
Instead, it has turned into a fiasco.
One of the 25 men caught in the sting-a prosecutor from a neighboring county-committed suicide when police came to arrest him. The Murphy city manager who approved the operation lost his job in the ensuing furor.
And the district attorney is refusing to prosecute any of the men, saying many of the cases wer tainted by the involvment of amatuers.
"Certainly these people should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, but the fact that this was all done for television cameras raises some questions," said Mayor Bret Baldwin. In an age in which we have government officials justifying all sorts of conduct in the name of catching and punishing bad guys overseas, it's nice to know that in George Bush's home state there are still some people who actually care about the law and due process.
MURPHY, Texas-A sting in which police teamed up with "Dateline NBC" to catch online pedophiles was supposed to send a flinty-eyed, texas-style warning about this Dallas suburb: Don't mess with Murphy.
Instead, it has turned into a fiasco.
One of the 25 men caught in the sting-a prosecutor from a neighboring county-committed suicide when police came to arrest him. The Murphy city manager who approved the operation lost his job in the ensuing furor.
And the district attorney is refusing to prosecute any of the men, saying many of the cases wer tainted by the involvment of amatuers.
"Certainly these people should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, but the fact that this was all done for television cameras raises some questions," said Mayor Bret Baldwin. In an age in which we have government officials justifying all sorts of conduct in the name of catching and punishing bad guys overseas, it's nice to know that in George Bush's home state there are still some people who actually care about the law and due process.
The Final Countdown
Team Bush has been put on notice that King George has to answer some questions.
WASHINGTON-Congressional Democrats took the first steps Friday in what could be a long march to court, with the Bush administration and Congress in a legal tug-of-war over executive and legislative branch powers.
In a letter to White House counsel Fred Fielding, the heads of the Judiciary committees demanded an explanation in 10 days of why the White House claimed executive privelage on subpoenaed documents and vowed to invoke "the full force of law."
The fight centers on an investigation that Democrats initially undertook into the firings of several U.S. attorneys, but which has since branched out to scrutiny of the administration's terrorism-era warrantless wiretapping and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' stewardship of the Justice Department.
"The veil of secrecy you have attempted to pull over the White House by witholding documents and witnesses is unprecedented and damaging to the tradition of open government by and for the people that has been a hallmark of the republic," Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., told Fielding. The Divine Power of Kings is being challenged by those miserable peasants! Quick, Bushbots, man the ramparts!
WASHINGTON-Congressional Democrats took the first steps Friday in what could be a long march to court, with the Bush administration and Congress in a legal tug-of-war over executive and legislative branch powers.
In a letter to White House counsel Fred Fielding, the heads of the Judiciary committees demanded an explanation in 10 days of why the White House claimed executive privelage on subpoenaed documents and vowed to invoke "the full force of law."
The fight centers on an investigation that Democrats initially undertook into the firings of several U.S. attorneys, but which has since branched out to scrutiny of the administration's terrorism-era warrantless wiretapping and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' stewardship of the Justice Department.
"The veil of secrecy you have attempted to pull over the White House by witholding documents and witnesses is unprecedented and damaging to the tradition of open government by and for the people that has been a hallmark of the republic," Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., told Fielding. The Divine Power of Kings is being challenged by those miserable peasants! Quick, Bushbots, man the ramparts!
Martyr Mouse
Well, wasn't this a cute sendoff.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip-A Mickey Mouse lookalike who preached Islamic domination on a Hamas-affiliated children's television program was beaten to death in the show's final episode Friday.
In the final skit, "Farfour" was killed by an actor posing as an Israeli official trying to buy Farfour's land. At one point, the mouse called the Israeli a "terrorist."
"Farfour was martyred while trying to defend his land," said Sara, the teen presenter. He was killed "by the killers of children," she added. I take it she hadn't been paying attention to who was killing whom in Gaza recently.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip-A Mickey Mouse lookalike who preached Islamic domination on a Hamas-affiliated children's television program was beaten to death in the show's final episode Friday.
In the final skit, "Farfour" was killed by an actor posing as an Israeli official trying to buy Farfour's land. At one point, the mouse called the Israeli a "terrorist."
"Farfour was martyred while trying to defend his land," said Sara, the teen presenter. He was killed "by the killers of children," she added. I take it she hadn't been paying attention to who was killing whom in Gaza recently.
Ditching The Doctrine
On the heels of the defeat of the immigration bill comes a flash of sanity from the House. The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from using taxpayer dollars to impose the Fairness Doctrine on broadcasters who feature conservative radio hosts such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.
By a vote of 309-115, lawmakers amended the Financial Services and Government appropriations bill to bar the FCC from requiring broadcasters to balance conservative content with liberal programming such as Air America.
The vote count was partly a testament to the influence that radio hosts wield in many congressional districts.
It was also a rebuke to Democratic senators and policy experts who have voiced support this week for regulating talk radio. Sorry, John Kerry. You'll have to find some other way to bore people to death.
By a vote of 309-115, lawmakers amended the Financial Services and Government appropriations bill to bar the FCC from requiring broadcasters to balance conservative content with liberal programming such as Air America.
The vote count was partly a testament to the influence that radio hosts wield in many congressional districts.
It was also a rebuke to Democratic senators and policy experts who have voiced support this week for regulating talk radio. Sorry, John Kerry. You'll have to find some other way to bore people to death.
Fein By Me
Wow. Now this is what I call a smackdown. Under Dick Cheney, the office of the vice president has been transformed from a tiny acorn into an unprecedented giant oak. In grasping and exercising presidential powers, Cheney has dulled political accountability and concocted theories for evading the law and Constitution that would have embarrassed King George III. The most recent invention we know of is the vice president's insistence that an executive order governing the handling of classified information in the executive branch does not reach his office because he also serves as president of the Senate. In other words, the vice president is a unique legislative-executive creature standing above and beyond the Constitution. The House judiciary committee should commence an impeachment inquiry. As Alexander Hamilton advised in the Federalist Papers, an impeachable offense is a political crime against the nation. Cheney's multiple crimes against the Constitution clearly qualify. Do yourself a favor and read the whole thing. This White House thinks it is a law unto itself. Somebody needs to remind The Decider that the power behind the throne is not a guy lurking in the shadows like Chancellor Palpatine, but a little thing called the law.
Channeling Nixon
Here comes that Watergate feeling again... The White House asserted executive privelage and rejected two subpoenas from lawmakers probing last year's firings of eight U.S. prosecutors.
"The president has decided to assert executive privelage and therefore the White House will not be making any production in response to these subpoenas for documents," White House Counsel Fred Fielding wrote ina letter to Senator Pat Leahy of Vermont and Representative John Conyers of Michigan, chairmen of the Sneate and House Judiciary Committees.
The White House resistance is likely to touch off a constitutional showdown over Congress's ability to investigate the firing of prosecutors and the president's ability to obtain frank counsel from advisers. Paranoid and secretive is no way to go through the tail end of a term. son...
"The president has decided to assert executive privelage and therefore the White House will not be making any production in response to these subpoenas for documents," White House Counsel Fred Fielding wrote ina letter to Senator Pat Leahy of Vermont and Representative John Conyers of Michigan, chairmen of the Sneate and House Judiciary Committees.
The White House resistance is likely to touch off a constitutional showdown over Congress's ability to investigate the firing of prosecutors and the president's ability to obtain frank counsel from advisers. Paranoid and secretive is no way to go through the tail end of a term. son...
Hungry Like The Wolf
If a moonbat faints and nobody cares, does it still make a sound?
A member of the anti-war group Code Pink who had staged a hunger strike in order to force a meeting with Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) on his stance on Iran collapsed in the senator's office Thursday.
Leslie Angeline, who had recently traveled to Iran, wanted to discuss the senator's remakrs from earlier this month that indicate he would support a limited air strike on the country.
The 50-year-old woman launched a hunger strike to get a face-to-face meeting with Lieberman but was repeatedly rebuffed, according to Code Pink. However, Lieberman's staff has met with her on the issue. Well, I'm sure Lieberman will have a thick, juicy burger in her honor.
A member of the anti-war group Code Pink who had staged a hunger strike in order to force a meeting with Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) on his stance on Iran collapsed in the senator's office Thursday.
Leslie Angeline, who had recently traveled to Iran, wanted to discuss the senator's remakrs from earlier this month that indicate he would support a limited air strike on the country.
The 50-year-old woman launched a hunger strike to get a face-to-face meeting with Lieberman but was repeatedly rebuffed, according to Code Pink. However, Lieberman's staff has met with her on the issue. Well, I'm sure Lieberman will have a thick, juicy burger in her honor.
Diversity Derailed
Affirmative action got another setback in its efforts to ensure that all students will be equal whether they've earned it or not. WASHINGTON-The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected diversity plans in two major school districts that take race into account in assigning students but left the door open for using race in limited circumstances.
The decision in cases affecting schools in Louisville, Ky., and Seattle could imperil similar plans in hundreds of districts nationwide, and it further restricts how public school systems may attain racial diversity.
The court split, 5-4, with Chief Justice John Robers announcing the court's judgement. The court's four liberal justices dissented. When Martin Luther King said he wanted people to be judged not on the color of their skin but on the content of their character, somewhere a liberal said, "Not yet. We need 'em to prove our case first."
The decision in cases affecting schools in Louisville, Ky., and Seattle could imperil similar plans in hundreds of districts nationwide, and it further restricts how public school systems may attain racial diversity.
The court split, 5-4, with Chief Justice John Robers announcing the court's judgement. The court's four liberal justices dissented. When Martin Luther King said he wanted people to be judged not on the color of their skin but on the content of their character, somewhere a liberal said, "Not yet. We need 'em to prove our case first."
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Buffett Spread
Oh, please. Warren Buffett, the third-richest man in the world, has criticised the US tax system for allowing him to pay a lower rate than his secretary and his cleaner.
Speaking at a $4,600-a-seat fundraiser in New York for Senator Hillary Clinton, Mr Buffett, who is worth an estimated $52 billion (26 billion) said: "The 400 of us [here] pay a lower part of our income in taxes than our receptionists do, or our cleaning ladies, for that matter. If you're in the luckiest 1 per cent of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99 per cent."
Mr Buffett said that he was taxed at 17.7 per cent on the $46 million he made last year, without trying to avoid paying higher taxes, while his secretary, who earned $60,000, was taxed at 30 per cent. Mr Buffett told his audience, which included John Mack, the chairman of Morgan Stanley, and Alan Patricof, the founder of the US branch of Apax Partners, that US government policy had accentuated a disparity of wealth that hurt the economy by stifling opportunity and motivation.
Spoken like a guy who feels guilty for suddenly discovering that he's got more money than God, all thanks to our evil capitalist system, which he didn't seem to mind before. Let him spread the wealth if he wants to.
Speaking at a $4,600-a-seat fundraiser in New York for Senator Hillary Clinton, Mr Buffett, who is worth an estimated $52 billion (26 billion) said: "The 400 of us [here] pay a lower part of our income in taxes than our receptionists do, or our cleaning ladies, for that matter. If you're in the luckiest 1 per cent of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99 per cent."
Mr Buffett said that he was taxed at 17.7 per cent on the $46 million he made last year, without trying to avoid paying higher taxes, while his secretary, who earned $60,000, was taxed at 30 per cent. Mr Buffett told his audience, which included John Mack, the chairman of Morgan Stanley, and Alan Patricof, the founder of the US branch of Apax Partners, that US government policy had accentuated a disparity of wealth that hurt the economy by stifling opportunity and motivation.
Spoken like a guy who feels guilty for suddenly discovering that he's got more money than God, all thanks to our evil capitalist system, which he didn't seem to mind before. Let him spread the wealth if he wants to.
All Your Polar Bears Are Belong To Us
Now Uncle Putin literally wants to be on top of the world. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has made an astonishing bid to grab a vast chunk of the Arctic, giving himself claim to its vast potential oil, gas and mineral wealth.
His audacious argument that an underwater Russian ridge is linked to the North Pole is likely to lead to an international outcry.
Some commentators have already observed it is further evidence of growing Russian assertiveness under its authoritarian president. Well, Pootie, maybe we can lay claim to Siberia in return, 'cause it was once connected to Alaska. This is a stretch, Pootie, even for you.
His audacious argument that an underwater Russian ridge is linked to the North Pole is likely to lead to an international outcry.
Some commentators have already observed it is further evidence of growing Russian assertiveness under its authoritarian president. Well, Pootie, maybe we can lay claim to Siberia in return, 'cause it was once connected to Alaska. This is a stretch, Pootie, even for you.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Boozing It Up
If there's anything that illustrates how Team Bush feels about fiscal responsibility, it's this cautionary tale.
The project started in 2003 with a $2 million contract to help the new Department of Homeland Security quickly get an intelligence operation up and running.
Over the next year, the cost of the no-bid arrangement with consultant Booz Allen Hamilton soared by millions of dollars per month, as the firm provided analysts, administrators and other contract employees to the department's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection offices.
By December 2004, payments to Booz Allen had exceeded $30 million--15 times the contract's original value. When department lawyers examined the deal, they found it was "groosly beyond the scope" of the original contract, and they said the arrangement violated government procurement rules. The lawyers advised the department to immediately stop making payments through the contract and allow other companies to compete for the work.
But the competition did not take place for more than a year. During that time, the payments to Booz Allen more than doubled again under a second no-bid arrangement, to $73 million, according to internal documents, e-mail and interviews. When a junkie goes broke, it's his fault as much as the pusher's. In this case, however, I can't even really blame the pusher, because the junkies in the Bush Administration knew what they were doing and wanted their fix anyway.
The project started in 2003 with a $2 million contract to help the new Department of Homeland Security quickly get an intelligence operation up and running.
Over the next year, the cost of the no-bid arrangement with consultant Booz Allen Hamilton soared by millions of dollars per month, as the firm provided analysts, administrators and other contract employees to the department's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection offices.
By December 2004, payments to Booz Allen had exceeded $30 million--15 times the contract's original value. When department lawyers examined the deal, they found it was "groosly beyond the scope" of the original contract, and they said the arrangement violated government procurement rules. The lawyers advised the department to immediately stop making payments through the contract and allow other companies to compete for the work.
But the competition did not take place for more than a year. During that time, the payments to Booz Allen more than doubled again under a second no-bid arrangement, to $73 million, according to internal documents, e-mail and interviews. When a junkie goes broke, it's his fault as much as the pusher's. In this case, however, I can't even really blame the pusher, because the junkies in the Bush Administration knew what they were doing and wanted their fix anyway.
Unbalancing Act
History's second biggest loser (after Al "The Lorax" Gore) has joined the chorus of his fellow Demwits in demanding equal time on the airwaves. Wednesday morning Sen. John Kerry (D.-Mass.) told WYNC's Brian Lehrer: "The Doctrine ought to come back. One of the most profound changes to the balance of the media is when conservatives got rid of equal time requirements. And the result is... you know they've been able to squeeze down and squeeze out opinion of opposing views."
Since the Fairness Doctrine was repealed, conservative talk radio has exploded in popularity, while liberal efforts like Air America went bankrupt. The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank comprised of many former Clinton Administration staffers, issued a report on June 21 titled "The Structural Imbalance of Political Talk Radio" that concluded 91 percent of weekday talk radio is conservative. Translation: People like conservative talk radio because it's entertaining and what they want to hear. Conservative commentators offer ideas. Liberal commentators just want to whine. Whiners don't do very well in the marketplace-or the arena of ideas.
Since the Fairness Doctrine was repealed, conservative talk radio has exploded in popularity, while liberal efforts like Air America went bankrupt. The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank comprised of many former Clinton Administration staffers, issued a report on June 21 titled "The Structural Imbalance of Political Talk Radio" that concluded 91 percent of weekday talk radio is conservative. Translation: People like conservative talk radio because it's entertaining and what they want to hear. Conservative commentators offer ideas. Liberal commentators just want to whine. Whiners don't do very well in the marketplace-or the arena of ideas.
Fidel Junior 4 Life
Latin America's favorite Fidel wannabe wants to stick around. WASHINGTON (Reuters)-Insecurity, "malignant narcissism" and the need for adulation are driving Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's confrontation with the United States, according to a new pshychological profile.
Eventually, these personality traits are likely to compel Chavez to declare himself Venezuela's president for life, said Dr. Jerrold Post, who has just completed the profile for the U.S. Air Force.
Chavez won elections for a third time last December. Since then he has stepped up his anti-American rhetoric, vowed to accelerate a march towards "21st Century socialism" and suggested that he intends to stay in power until 2021-a decade beyond his present term.
But Post--who profiled foreign leaders in a 21-year career at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and now is the director of the Political Psychology Program at George Washington University--doubts that Chavez plans to step down even then. "He views himself as a savior, as the very embodiment of Venezuela," Post said in an interview.
"He has been acting increasingly messianic and so he is likely to either get the constitution rewritten to allow for additional terms or eventually declare himself president-for-life." In order to profile someone you have to get inside their head. There's not enough money in the world to pay me to get inside Baby Hugo's.
Eventually, these personality traits are likely to compel Chavez to declare himself Venezuela's president for life, said Dr. Jerrold Post, who has just completed the profile for the U.S. Air Force.
Chavez won elections for a third time last December. Since then he has stepped up his anti-American rhetoric, vowed to accelerate a march towards "21st Century socialism" and suggested that he intends to stay in power until 2021-a decade beyond his present term.
But Post--who profiled foreign leaders in a 21-year career at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and now is the director of the Political Psychology Program at George Washington University--doubts that Chavez plans to step down even then. "He views himself as a savior, as the very embodiment of Venezuela," Post said in an interview.
"He has been acting increasingly messianic and so he is likely to either get the constitution rewritten to allow for additional terms or eventually declare himself president-for-life." In order to profile someone you have to get inside their head. There's not enough money in the world to pay me to get inside Baby Hugo's.
The Envoy
Well, if anyone could pull it off, he could.
UNITED NATIONS-The United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia announced the appointment Wednesday of Tony Blair as their representative to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
A statement from the so-called Quarted of international mediators said the former British prime minister will seek to mobilize international assistance to the Palestinians and develop plans to promote Palestinian economic development.
Blair will also seek international support to address the needs of Palestinian government institutions, "focusing as a matter of urgency on the rule of law," the statement said. Blair is the closest thing we have to the type of modern-day Solomon the ME needs. If they won't listen to him, the region really is doomed.
UNITED NATIONS-The United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia announced the appointment Wednesday of Tony Blair as their representative to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
A statement from the so-called Quarted of international mediators said the former British prime minister will seek to mobilize international assistance to the Palestinians and develop plans to promote Palestinian economic development.
Blair will also seek international support to address the needs of Palestinian government institutions, "focusing as a matter of urgency on the rule of law," the statement said. Blair is the closest thing we have to the type of modern-day Solomon the ME needs. If they won't listen to him, the region really is doomed.
Welcome To The Party, Pal
Can you say poetic justice? BAGHDAD (AP)-Saddam Hussein's cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali," and two other regime officials will probably be hanged in Kurdistan if the appeals court upholds their death sentences, an Iraqi official said Tuesday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not supposed to release the information to the media, said no final decision had been taken but the executions would probably take place in either Irbil or Halabja. Bring popcorn.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not supposed to release the information to the media, said no final decision had been taken but the executions would probably take place in either Irbil or Halabja. Bring popcorn.
Jesus Heart Giuliani
That sound you hear is of fundamentalist heads exploding. VIRGINIA BEACH-Conservative televangelist Pat Robertson praised the pro-choice, pro-gay rights Rudy Giuliani to the rafters yesterday-stopping just short of giving the former mayor his blessing for the presidency.
"This is supposed to be a nonplotical thing," Robertson said in introducing Giuliani at a lecture series at the preacher's Regent University here. "But we would be remiss to forget the fact that he seems to be running for President."
"And in point of fact," added Robertson, a co-founder of the powerful Christian Coalition, "he may one day become not New York's mayor, but America's leader. So it's a great pleasure to welcome a dear friend and a great leader."
Robertson praised Giuliani as an "outstanding" mayor who cleaned up New York, then rallied the nation and the city through the horrors of Sept. 11.
For Giuliani, who remains atop most national polls of Republicans but has struggled to win over party conservatives, it was like manna from heaven. Robertson must have remembered to take his medication. Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows.
"This is supposed to be a nonplotical thing," Robertson said in introducing Giuliani at a lecture series at the preacher's Regent University here. "But we would be remiss to forget the fact that he seems to be running for President."
"And in point of fact," added Robertson, a co-founder of the powerful Christian Coalition, "he may one day become not New York's mayor, but America's leader. So it's a great pleasure to welcome a dear friend and a great leader."
Robertson praised Giuliani as an "outstanding" mayor who cleaned up New York, then rallied the nation and the city through the horrors of Sept. 11.
For Giuliani, who remains atop most national polls of Republicans but has struggled to win over party conservatives, it was like manna from heaven. Robertson must have remembered to take his medication. Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows.
The Age Of Libertarianism
An interesting look at how the downfall of both the religious right and the radical left may have given rise to something more sensible. Evangelicals and Aquarians were more alike than they knew. Both sought firsthand spiritual experience, both believed that such experience could set them free and change their lives; both favored emotional intensity over intellectual rigor; both saw their spiritual lives as a refuge from a corrupt and corrupting world. That last point, of course, was subject to radically different interpretations. Aquarians rejected the establishment because of its supposedly suffocating restrictions, while the evangelicals condemned its licentious, decadent anarchy. Between them, they left the social peace of the 50's in ruins.
(snip) But no new, improved social consensus emerged to replace the one that collapsed. Instead, with the culture wars and division between "red" and "blue" America, our ideological categories and allegiences continue to perpetuate the warring half-truths of the great spiritual upheavals of the '60's. Yet despite this confusion, a new modus vivendi has managed to emerge that contains within tolerable bounds the ideological dissatisfactions of both the countercultural left and the religious right.
(snip) The resulting cultural synthesis that prevails today, this accidental by-product of ideological stalemate, remains nameless. It could be called liberal, in the larger sense of the tradition of individualism and moreal egalitarianism that America has always embodied. It could also be called conservative, if that same liberal tradition is understood to be the object of conservation. But the ideologies that pass for liberalism and conservatism today are too weighed down with authoritarian elements for either to lay claim to the real American center. Since American society today is committed to a much wider scope for both economic and cultural competition than was allowed before the '60's erupted, it makes most sense to call that center libertarian. It would be nice if that center were able to gain a political foothold against the ideologues who control both parties. So far, the candidacy of Rudy Giuliani is the closest thing we have to this centrist spirit. I hope the GOP takes notice before its left on the sidelines.
(snip) But no new, improved social consensus emerged to replace the one that collapsed. Instead, with the culture wars and division between "red" and "blue" America, our ideological categories and allegiences continue to perpetuate the warring half-truths of the great spiritual upheavals of the '60's. Yet despite this confusion, a new modus vivendi has managed to emerge that contains within tolerable bounds the ideological dissatisfactions of both the countercultural left and the religious right.
(snip) The resulting cultural synthesis that prevails today, this accidental by-product of ideological stalemate, remains nameless. It could be called liberal, in the larger sense of the tradition of individualism and moreal egalitarianism that America has always embodied. It could also be called conservative, if that same liberal tradition is understood to be the object of conservation. But the ideologies that pass for liberalism and conservatism today are too weighed down with authoritarian elements for either to lay claim to the real American center. Since American society today is committed to a much wider scope for both economic and cultural competition than was allowed before the '60's erupted, it makes most sense to call that center libertarian. It would be nice if that center were able to gain a political foothold against the ideologues who control both parties. So far, the candidacy of Rudy Giuliani is the closest thing we have to this centrist spirit. I hope the GOP takes notice before its left on the sidelines.
No Docs, No Dough
It looks like Number Two has changed his mind. Dick Cheney's office is abandoning a justification for keeping the Vice-President's secret papers out of the hands of the National Archives.
Officials working for Cheney had tried to claim he is separate from the executive branch, but they will no longer pursue that defense, senior administration officials tell The Politico.
The decision follows a threat by rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.), the No. 3 House Democrat, to try to cut off the office's $4.8 million in executive-branch funding. Funny how the threat of losing one's paycheck can suddenly make them pay attention.
Officials working for Cheney had tried to claim he is separate from the executive branch, but they will no longer pursue that defense, senior administration officials tell The Politico.
The decision follows a threat by rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.), the No. 3 House Democrat, to try to cut off the office's $4.8 million in executive-branch funding. Funny how the threat of losing one's paycheck can suddenly make them pay attention.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The Will To Win
That durn librul Newt Gingrich offers his thoughts as to what's wrong with the current WOT strategy and why it may cost us big time down the road. The Hamas victory in Gaza is a warning that World War IV (as Norman Podhoretz has called it) is going to be long and hard. It is also a warning that the West is currently losing that war.
These defeats are not a function of the courage and will of the American people. In a June poll sponsored by American Solutions, 85 percent of the American people said it was important to defend America and its allies. Only 10 percent were opposed. On an even stronger question, 75 percent said it was important to defeat America's enemies. Only 16 percent disagreed.
So the hard left in America is only 16 percent. It is outnumbered almost 5-1 by those who would defeat our enemies.
The source of failure is not to be found in the American people but in the inarticulate and unimaginative leaders all across government who now preside instead of lead.
The tragedy of the current debate in Washington is that while the inarticulateness and the failing performance of the Bush administration have led the American people to desire a new direction, the politics of the left insists that the new direction be less than President Bush. Yet the lessons of Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, New Jersey, the JFK plot, the Algerian bombings, the Iranian nuclear program, the conflict in Lebanon and now the defeat in Gaza all point to the need for a war policy that is substantially bigger and more robust than Mr. Bush. We may or may not lose in Iraq. But we can't let that be seen as a failure in the WOT as a whole. Unfortunately, Team Bush can't seem to see beyond Iraq at this point.
These defeats are not a function of the courage and will of the American people. In a June poll sponsored by American Solutions, 85 percent of the American people said it was important to defend America and its allies. Only 10 percent were opposed. On an even stronger question, 75 percent said it was important to defeat America's enemies. Only 16 percent disagreed.
So the hard left in America is only 16 percent. It is outnumbered almost 5-1 by those who would defeat our enemies.
The source of failure is not to be found in the American people but in the inarticulate and unimaginative leaders all across government who now preside instead of lead.
The tragedy of the current debate in Washington is that while the inarticulateness and the failing performance of the Bush administration have led the American people to desire a new direction, the politics of the left insists that the new direction be less than President Bush. Yet the lessons of Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, New Jersey, the JFK plot, the Algerian bombings, the Iranian nuclear program, the conflict in Lebanon and now the defeat in Gaza all point to the need for a war policy that is substantially bigger and more robust than Mr. Bush. We may or may not lose in Iraq. But we can't let that be seen as a failure in the WOT as a whole. Unfortunately, Team Bush can't seem to see beyond Iraq at this point.
Mommy's Little Terrorist
Can anyone explain exactly what the point of this is? US celebrity and anti-war activist Rosie O'Donnell has been labelled "sick" and "hungry for public attention" after posting a photo on her blog of her four-year-old daughter dressed as a child soldier.
The controversial image of Vivienne is accompanied by a video called "dress up."
The video begins with the headline, "Last Year a Princess", and shows pictures of the youngster wearing various princess-like outfits.
Then the headline, "This Year a Soldier" appears, followed by a series of images of Vivienne in camouflage clothing, with a toy ammunition belt wrapped around her shoulder.
The video ends with the message "Peace Out" and a close-up shot of Vivienne's eye. Don't worry, kid. When you're in therapy years from now for drug abuse and trying to rob a convenience store, you'll know who to blame.
The controversial image of Vivienne is accompanied by a video called "dress up."
The video begins with the headline, "Last Year a Princess", and shows pictures of the youngster wearing various princess-like outfits.
Then the headline, "This Year a Soldier" appears, followed by a series of images of Vivienne in camouflage clothing, with a toy ammunition belt wrapped around her shoulder.
The video ends with the message "Peace Out" and a close-up shot of Vivienne's eye. Don't worry, kid. When you're in therapy years from now for drug abuse and trying to rob a convenience store, you'll know who to blame.
"Give Me Gas Or Give Me Death"
Ima Dinnerjacket may be prepping for war, but it appears not all Iranians are willing to sacrifice for the duration.
At least one petrol station has been set on fire in the Iranian capital, Tehran, after the government announced fuel rationing for private motorists.
Iranians were given only two hours' notice of the move that limits private drivers to 100 litres of fuel a month.
Despite its huge energy reserves Iran lacks refining capacity, forcing it to import about 40% of its petrol.
Tehran is trying to rein in fuel consumption over fears of possible UN sanctions over its nuclear programme. But I thought the nuke program was supposed to help the Iranians with their energy-oh, wait. They need to use it against those nasty Joos and Westerners first, don't they?
At least one petrol station has been set on fire in the Iranian capital, Tehran, after the government announced fuel rationing for private motorists.
Iranians were given only two hours' notice of the move that limits private drivers to 100 litres of fuel a month.
Despite its huge energy reserves Iran lacks refining capacity, forcing it to import about 40% of its petrol.
Tehran is trying to rein in fuel consumption over fears of possible UN sanctions over its nuclear programme. But I thought the nuke program was supposed to help the Iranians with their energy-oh, wait. They need to use it against those nasty Joos and Westerners first, don't they?
Blondie's Latest
Only Ann Coulter could make me feel any sympathy for John Edwards. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)-Elizabeth Edwards pleaded Tuesday with Ann Coulder to "stop the personal attacks," a day after the conservative commentator said she wished Edwards' husband, Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, had been killed by terrorists.
"The things she has said over the years, not just about John but about other candidates, lowers the political dialouge at precisely the time we need to raise it," Edwards said by phone on MSNBC's "Hardball" program, where Coulter was a guest.
Elizabeth Edwards said she did not consult her husband before confronting Coulter on the air, adding that she felt the pundit's remarks were "a dialogue of hatefulness and ugliness."
"It debases political dialogue," Edwards said. "It drives people away from the process. We can't have a debate about issues if you're using this kind of language." Well what was she expecting from Ann-common sense?
"The things she has said over the years, not just about John but about other candidates, lowers the political dialouge at precisely the time we need to raise it," Edwards said by phone on MSNBC's "Hardball" program, where Coulter was a guest.
Elizabeth Edwards said she did not consult her husband before confronting Coulter on the air, adding that she felt the pundit's remarks were "a dialogue of hatefulness and ugliness."
"It debases political dialogue," Edwards said. "It drives people away from the process. We can't have a debate about issues if you're using this kind of language." Well what was she expecting from Ann-common sense?
Risk Isn't Our Business
Now this is what I call grasping at straws.
Two things happened on Thursday: 1) A Newsweek poll was released, showing that approval ratings for Congress have fallen to Bushian levels, with only 25 percent of Americans giving Congress their favor. 2) The Blackstone Group, an enormous private equity firm, got the OK to go public, bringing its market value to $40 billion. Like all private equity firms, Blackstone's income is taxed as capital gains at 15 percent, instead of the standard corporate tax rate of 35 percent.
It doesn't take a public relations consultant to figure out what happened next. (Actually, it probably took at least a dozen, but who's counting?) With a whiff of desperation in the air, Congress took a flying leap on the Blackstone-bashing bandwagon.
Leading the charge was the once and future presidential candidate and Ohio Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich. He shot off a letter to the SEC (along with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Ca.)) asking the agency to hold up the Blackstone IPO while Congress puzzled out the bst way to demagogue the issue.
Kucinich and Waxman fretted that small investors could be harmed, simoltaneoulsy worrying that trading Blackstone on the market was "exposing unsophisticated investors" to risk, while "depri[ving]" them of control over the management of the funds and of many of the protections provided by fiduciary typically owned to them by management." That's right-Congress wanted to go after an equity firm because they couldn't figure out a way to spin their low poll numbers. They said it was about protecting unsosphisticated investors. How about protecting unsophisticated voters from these mental midgits?
Two things happened on Thursday: 1) A Newsweek poll was released, showing that approval ratings for Congress have fallen to Bushian levels, with only 25 percent of Americans giving Congress their favor. 2) The Blackstone Group, an enormous private equity firm, got the OK to go public, bringing its market value to $40 billion. Like all private equity firms, Blackstone's income is taxed as capital gains at 15 percent, instead of the standard corporate tax rate of 35 percent.
It doesn't take a public relations consultant to figure out what happened next. (Actually, it probably took at least a dozen, but who's counting?) With a whiff of desperation in the air, Congress took a flying leap on the Blackstone-bashing bandwagon.
Leading the charge was the once and future presidential candidate and Ohio Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich. He shot off a letter to the SEC (along with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Ca.)) asking the agency to hold up the Blackstone IPO while Congress puzzled out the bst way to demagogue the issue.
Kucinich and Waxman fretted that small investors could be harmed, simoltaneoulsy worrying that trading Blackstone on the market was "exposing unsophisticated investors" to risk, while "depri[ving]" them of control over the management of the funds and of many of the protections provided by fiduciary typically owned to them by management." That's right-Congress wanted to go after an equity firm because they couldn't figure out a way to spin their low poll numbers. They said it was about protecting unsosphisticated investors. How about protecting unsophisticated voters from these mental midgits?
Minister Of Murder
Oh, yeah, the Iraqis are really ready for democracy. BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN)-Authorities in Iraq on Tuesday raided the home of the country's Sunni culture minister, whom they accused of killing two people during an assassination attempt two years ago.
The Iraq Judiciary Council issued a warrant for Assad al-Hashimi, who wasn't home when his central Baghdad house was raided, an action denounced by Sunni political groups.
The charges against al-Hashimi stemmed from an assassination attempt on parliamentary candidate Mithal al-Alusi on February 8, 2005.
Al-Alusi escaped unharmed, but two of his soms were killed in the incident, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told CNN. I'd like to know what it's like being an Iraqi politician's campaign manager: "OK, you can kill your opponent, but just make sure it's in the name of driving out the Americans. We don't want to lose the moderate swing vote here."
The Iraq Judiciary Council issued a warrant for Assad al-Hashimi, who wasn't home when his central Baghdad house was raided, an action denounced by Sunni political groups.
The charges against al-Hashimi stemmed from an assassination attempt on parliamentary candidate Mithal al-Alusi on February 8, 2005.
Al-Alusi escaped unharmed, but two of his soms were killed in the incident, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told CNN. I'd like to know what it's like being an Iraqi politician's campaign manager: "OK, you can kill your opponent, but just make sure it's in the name of driving out the Americans. We don't want to lose the moderate swing vote here."
They Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges
Want to know why another terrorist attack is more than likely? Because of crap like this. Officials at O'Hare International Airport are refusing to interview with CBS 2 about our latest findings. The 2 Investigators have found more security breaches and afailure by authorities to investigate.
O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the nation, and may be one of the most vulnerable.
The 2 Investigators have learned that 47 more employee access badges are missing, bringing the total we've discovered to 3,807-the biggest security failure involving access badges ever to be exposed. Bin Laden, if he's still alive, must be laughing his ass off. But hey, at least we're keeping the country safe from grannies from Ohio.
O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the nation, and may be one of the most vulnerable.
The 2 Investigators have learned that 47 more employee access badges are missing, bringing the total we've discovered to 3,807-the biggest security failure involving access badges ever to be exposed. Bin Laden, if he's still alive, must be laughing his ass off. But hey, at least we're keeping the country safe from grannies from Ohio.
Breaking The Silence
Another durn librul is daring to question The Decider. WASHINGTON, June 25-After offering a bleak assessment of the Bush administration's strategy in Iraq, Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana, the ranking republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, said today that he was urging lawmakers and President Bush to change course quickly to protect a further erosion of America's standing in the world.
"We're heading into a very partisan era," Mr. Lugar said in an intereview today, following a speech he delivered on the Senate floor on Monday night in which he called on the administration to rethink its Iraq strategy. "The president has the opportunity now to bring about a bipartisan foreign policy. I don't think he'll have that option very long."
For months, Mr. Lugar has kept his skepticism about the president's Iraq policy to himself, selcom offering anything beyond a wait-and-see reply. But three weeks ago, Mr. Lugar said, he privately concluded that the troop buildup plan was not achieving its goals and he began preparing remarks he delivered Monday evening.
"In my judgement, the costs and risks of continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved," Mr. Lugar said on the Senate floor. "Persisting indefinitely with the surge strategy will delay policy adjustments that have a better chance of protecting our vital interests over the long term." But wait, there's more! Sen. George Voinovich said Tuesday the U.S. should begin pulling troops out of Iraq, joining Richard Lugar as the second Republican lawmaker in as many days to suggest President Bish's war strategy is failing.
He said the Iraqi people must become more involved and "I don't think they'll get it until they know we're leaving."
The Ohio senator's remarks followed simliar comments by Lugar, R-Ind., the previous night. The two GOP senators previously had expressed concerns about Bush's decision to send 30,000 extra troops to Iraq in a massive U.S.-led security push in Baghdad and Anbar Province. But they had stopped short of saying U.S. troops should leave and declined to back Democratic legislation setting a deadline for troop withdrawals.
"We must not abandon our mission, but we nust begin a transition where the Iraqi government and its neighbors play a larger role in stabilizing Iraq," Voinovich wrote in a letter to Bush. Hmmm. Don't abandon the mission but help the Iraqis take over for themselves, and restore our standing in the world? Yep, those are real left-wing talking points alright. Or maybe it's just what 70% of the country is now saying. But what does the average person know? They're not The Decider.
"We're heading into a very partisan era," Mr. Lugar said in an intereview today, following a speech he delivered on the Senate floor on Monday night in which he called on the administration to rethink its Iraq strategy. "The president has the opportunity now to bring about a bipartisan foreign policy. I don't think he'll have that option very long."
For months, Mr. Lugar has kept his skepticism about the president's Iraq policy to himself, selcom offering anything beyond a wait-and-see reply. But three weeks ago, Mr. Lugar said, he privately concluded that the troop buildup plan was not achieving its goals and he began preparing remarks he delivered Monday evening.
"In my judgement, the costs and risks of continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved," Mr. Lugar said on the Senate floor. "Persisting indefinitely with the surge strategy will delay policy adjustments that have a better chance of protecting our vital interests over the long term." But wait, there's more! Sen. George Voinovich said Tuesday the U.S. should begin pulling troops out of Iraq, joining Richard Lugar as the second Republican lawmaker in as many days to suggest President Bish's war strategy is failing.
He said the Iraqi people must become more involved and "I don't think they'll get it until they know we're leaving."
The Ohio senator's remarks followed simliar comments by Lugar, R-Ind., the previous night. The two GOP senators previously had expressed concerns about Bush's decision to send 30,000 extra troops to Iraq in a massive U.S.-led security push in Baghdad and Anbar Province. But they had stopped short of saying U.S. troops should leave and declined to back Democratic legislation setting a deadline for troop withdrawals.
"We must not abandon our mission, but we nust begin a transition where the Iraqi government and its neighbors play a larger role in stabilizing Iraq," Voinovich wrote in a letter to Bush. Hmmm. Don't abandon the mission but help the Iraqis take over for themselves, and restore our standing in the world? Yep, those are real left-wing talking points alright. Or maybe it's just what 70% of the country is now saying. But what does the average person know? They're not The Decider.
Point Of Entry
If this is true, the next war in the War On Terror may be right around the corner.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces have been spotted by British troops crossing the border into southern Iraq, The Sun tabloid reported on Tuesday.
Britain's defence ministry would not confirm or deny the report, with a spokesman declining to comment on "intelligence matters."
An unidentified intelligence source told the tabloid: "It is an extremely alarming development and raises the stakes considerably. In effect, it means we are in a full on war with Iran-but nobody has officially declared it." If it does come down to that, here's hoping we get it right this time.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces have been spotted by British troops crossing the border into southern Iraq, The Sun tabloid reported on Tuesday.
Britain's defence ministry would not confirm or deny the report, with a spokesman declining to comment on "intelligence matters."
An unidentified intelligence source told the tabloid: "It is an extremely alarming development and raises the stakes considerably. In effect, it means we are in a full on war with Iran-but nobody has officially declared it." If it does come down to that, here's hoping we get it right this time.
Chowing Down Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
Hot dog 1, jawbone 0.
TOKYO-A Japanese man who set a world record by wolfing down dozens of hot dogs within minutes has suffered a severe jaw injury due to his rigorous training, making his next title uncertain.
Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi said he can only open his mouth to make a gap the size of a fingertip after being diagnosed with jaw arthritis.
In an entry on his blog entitled "Occupational hazard," Kobayashi said; "My jaw refused to fight anymore." You could say The Champ Chomps No More.
TOKYO-A Japanese man who set a world record by wolfing down dozens of hot dogs within minutes has suffered a severe jaw injury due to his rigorous training, making his next title uncertain.
Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi said he can only open his mouth to make a gap the size of a fingertip after being diagnosed with jaw arthritis.
In an entry on his blog entitled "Occupational hazard," Kobayashi said; "My jaw refused to fight anymore." You could say The Champ Chomps No More.
Death Takes The Witness
Now this is just bizzare.
ROME-An Italian accused of killing his American girlfriend after he kidnapped their daugher suffered a heart attack and died on the stand Monday as he testified in court for the first time, his lawyer said.
Carlo Ventre, 59, was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance crews called to the Rome courtroom, attorney Roberto Leonardo said.
Ventre had been testifying calmly for 10 or 15 minutes about the first fights he had with girlfriend Tonu Dykstra when he suddenly said he did not feel well, Leonardo said. A few seconds later he was dead, he said. Poetic justice? God saving the court some time?
ROME-An Italian accused of killing his American girlfriend after he kidnapped their daugher suffered a heart attack and died on the stand Monday as he testified in court for the first time, his lawyer said.
Carlo Ventre, 59, was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance crews called to the Rome courtroom, attorney Roberto Leonardo said.
Ventre had been testifying calmly for 10 or 15 minutes about the first fights he had with girlfriend Tonu Dykstra when he suddenly said he did not feel well, Leonardo said. A few seconds later he was dead, he said. Poetic justice? God saving the court some time?
Remembering The Wolverine
I've been following this story all night, and I have to say I just don't know what to think.
Pro wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife and 7-year-old son were found slain Monday at their Fayetteville home, authorities said.
Detective Bo Turner told television station WAGA that the case was being investigated as a murder-suicide, but said that could not be confirmed until the evidence was examined by a crime lab.
WAGA reported that investigators believed Benoit killed his wife and son over the weekend, and then himself sometime Monday. That is just unreal. The guy was a great wrestler and seemed to be a good guy. What the hell happened???
Pro wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife and 7-year-old son were found slain Monday at their Fayetteville home, authorities said.
Detective Bo Turner told television station WAGA that the case was being investigated as a murder-suicide, but said that could not be confirmed until the evidence was examined by a crime lab.
WAGA reported that investigators believed Benoit killed his wife and son over the weekend, and then himself sometime Monday. That is just unreal. The guy was a great wrestler and seemed to be a good guy. What the hell happened???
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tom Cruise, Nein!
It must make the Germans feel good that there are some people who are whackier than their grandparents were. BERLIN (Reuters)-Germany has barred the makers of a movie about a plot to kill Adolf Hitler from filming at German military sites because its star Tom Cruise is a Scientologist, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.
Cruise, also one of the film's producers, is a member of the Church of Scientology which the German government does not recognize as a church. Berelin says it masquerades as a religion to make money, a charge Scientology leaders reject. Most religions start out as cults before they become respectable; the difference with Scientology is they know they're a cult; they just won't admit it.
Cruise, also one of the film's producers, is a member of the Church of Scientology which the German government does not recognize as a church. Berelin says it masquerades as a religion to make money, a charge Scientology leaders reject. Most religions start out as cults before they become respectable; the difference with Scientology is they know they're a cult; they just won't admit it.
The Conquerer Worm
Now it's worm farts. Jim Frederickson, the research director at the Composting Association has called for data on worms and composting to be re-examined after a German study found that worms produce greenhouse gases 290 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Worms are being used commercially to compost organis material and is in preference to putting it into the landfill. The German government wants 45% of all waste to be composted by 2015.
"Everybody...thinks they can do no harm but they contribute to global warming. People are looking into alternative waste treatments but we have to make sure that we are not jumping from the frying pan into the fire," said Frederickson. Are they sure it's not really being caused by the worms' SUV's?
Worms are being used commercially to compost organis material and is in preference to putting it into the landfill. The German government wants 45% of all waste to be composted by 2015.
"Everybody...thinks they can do no harm but they contribute to global warming. People are looking into alternative waste treatments but we have to make sure that we are not jumping from the frying pan into the fire," said Frederickson. Are they sure it's not really being caused by the worms' SUV's?
Mexico's Most Wanted
Honesty? They don't need no stinking honesty! Mexico temporarily removed all 284 of its top federal police officers from their jobs and is forcing them to undergo psychological reviews to prove they will not be corrupted in the fight against drug trafficking, the government said Monday.
Mexican authorities have often purged police forces in attempts to eliminate corruption, only to see many of the fired officers go to work full-time for organized crime. This is one of the most extreme measures taken yet in hopes of guaranteeing the honesty of high-ranking officers.
It also comes as Mexico seeks more U.S. aid in a nationwide crackdown on drug gangs. Washington has long complained about corruption hindering anti-smuggling efforts in Mexico. I'm sure that the Mexican government is shocked that there is drug dealing going on in its establishment.
Mexican authorities have often purged police forces in attempts to eliminate corruption, only to see many of the fired officers go to work full-time for organized crime. This is one of the most extreme measures taken yet in hopes of guaranteeing the honesty of high-ranking officers.
It also comes as Mexico seeks more U.S. aid in a nationwide crackdown on drug gangs. Washington has long complained about corruption hindering anti-smuggling efforts in Mexico. I'm sure that the Mexican government is shocked that there is drug dealing going on in its establishment.
Score One For Sanity
The European Union is getting it right on at least one issue.
PARIS-Europe's main human-rights body will vote on a proposal next week to defend the teaching of evolution and to keep creationist and "intelligent design" out of science class in state schools in its 47 member countries.
The unusual move shows that a U.S. trend for religiously based attacks on the theory of evolution is also worrying European politicans, who now see such arguments put forward in their countries by Christian and Islamic groups.
A report for the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly says the campaign against evolution has its roots "in forms of religious extremism" and is a dangerous attack on scientific knowledge. Well, American fundamentalists can take some comfort in knowing that all them Yurapeens won't get into Heaven. Only the ignorant can do that.
PARIS-Europe's main human-rights body will vote on a proposal next week to defend the teaching of evolution and to keep creationist and "intelligent design" out of science class in state schools in its 47 member countries.
The unusual move shows that a U.S. trend for religiously based attacks on the theory of evolution is also worrying European politicans, who now see such arguments put forward in their countries by Christian and Islamic groups.
A report for the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly says the campaign against evolution has its roots "in forms of religious extremism" and is a dangerous attack on scientific knowledge. Well, American fundamentalists can take some comfort in knowing that all them Yurapeens won't get into Heaven. Only the ignorant can do that.
Of Stocks And Sickos
Well looky here. Michael Moore's new documentary, Sicko, challenges U.S. healthcare. Yet in the coverage of the film, some intersting facts about Moore appear to be ignored. These facts are addressed on page 53 of the bestselling book by Peter Schweizer, Do As I Say (Not As I Do):
[Moore's] IRS forms make for interesting reading. Over the past five years, Moore's "savings account" has included such evil pharmaceutical and medical companies as Pfizer, Merck, Genzyme, Elan PLC, Eli Liilly, Becton Dickinson, and Boston Scientific. "Being screwed by your HMO and ill-sereved by pharmaceutical companies is a shared American experience," he recently told the Detroit News... He may savage HMOs in his film Sicko, but he has also owned shares of Pharmacia Corporation and tenet Healthcare. He may have liked their price-to-earnings ratios.
Note: The first edition of Schweizer's book is dated November 2005. The next time Mikey decides to praise Cuba's or Canada's government health care, he may want to make sure his stockbroker's not listening.
[Moore's] IRS forms make for interesting reading. Over the past five years, Moore's "savings account" has included such evil pharmaceutical and medical companies as Pfizer, Merck, Genzyme, Elan PLC, Eli Liilly, Becton Dickinson, and Boston Scientific. "Being screwed by your HMO and ill-sereved by pharmaceutical companies is a shared American experience," he recently told the Detroit News... He may savage HMOs in his film Sicko, but he has also owned shares of Pharmacia Corporation and tenet Healthcare. He may have liked their price-to-earnings ratios.
Note: The first edition of Schweizer's book is dated November 2005. The next time Mikey decides to praise Cuba's or Canada's government health care, he may want to make sure his stockbroker's not listening.
The Faster You Go, The Smaller You Get
Heh, heh. Ouch.
A new road safety campaign is hitting Australia's young male speeders where it hurts-their ego.
The latest TV campaign to encourage drivers to respect speed limits features attractive young women wiggling their little fingers at passing speedsters-a taunting gesture in Australia's youth culture that means a guy has a small penis.
The new, below-the-belt ad campaign was spearheaded by the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority, which claims speeding doesn't make you a big man. Maybe we should adopt a similar gesture here in the States for rude drivers. When somebody flips you the bird, respond in kind-but use your little finger instead.
A new road safety campaign is hitting Australia's young male speeders where it hurts-their ego.
The latest TV campaign to encourage drivers to respect speed limits features attractive young women wiggling their little fingers at passing speedsters-a taunting gesture in Australia's youth culture that means a guy has a small penis.
The new, below-the-belt ad campaign was spearheaded by the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority, which claims speeding doesn't make you a big man. Maybe we should adopt a similar gesture here in the States for rude drivers. When somebody flips you the bird, respond in kind-but use your little finger instead.
My Son, The Fake
Doogie Howser, this kid ain't.
NEW DELHI-Indian police arrested the physician parents of a 15-year-old boy who allegedly carried out a Caesarean section under their supervision in an attempt to set a world record, an official said Monday.
An Indian Medical Association chapter in the southern state of Tamil Badu said last week Dr. K. Murugesan showed a video recording of his son, Dhileepan Raj, performing a Caesarean burth in an apparent bid to gain a spot in the Guinnes Book of World Records as the youngest surgeon.
The video allegedly showed Murugesan anesthetizing the patient before the boy started the operation in his father's maternity hospital in Manaparai city, said Venhatesh Prasad, secretary of the medical association. Well, there's always a need for doctors in prison. I just hope the kid doesn't mind pulling stuff out of inmates' behinds for the next several years.
NEW DELHI-Indian police arrested the physician parents of a 15-year-old boy who allegedly carried out a Caesarean section under their supervision in an attempt to set a world record, an official said Monday.
An Indian Medical Association chapter in the southern state of Tamil Badu said last week Dr. K. Murugesan showed a video recording of his son, Dhileepan Raj, performing a Caesarean burth in an apparent bid to gain a spot in the Guinnes Book of World Records as the youngest surgeon.
The video allegedly showed Murugesan anesthetizing the patient before the boy started the operation in his father's maternity hospital in Manaparai city, said Venhatesh Prasad, secretary of the medical association. Well, there's always a need for doctors in prison. I just hope the kid doesn't mind pulling stuff out of inmates' behinds for the next several years.
The Smart One
I can't think of a better definition for what it means to be a conservative with brains than this. I can well recall even as a high schooler that Republicans were considered Midwestern stolid reactionaries with no ideas except to oppose generosity and kindness. I can well recall when being a conservative meant being without ideas and simply in opposition to those ideas. Or if conservatives had any ideas, they were just that them who had should continue to have and those who had not should rot.
Then came William F. Buckley, seemingly out of the forehead of Zeus. He said that conservatives had more ideas and better ideas than leftists. He said that conservatives' ideas comported better with the basic dignity of the human personality than did socialism. He said that man would not only be richer under conservative principals, but happier, more moral, and prouder of himself.
He said these things when the powers that be laughed at him. He said these things when the revolution came (I have always thought that George Wallace played an immense part in that Revolution, but then that's just me) and Americans started to realize that they, like the man who had been speaking prose all his life, really were a lot closer to Bucley's ideas of God and man than to Galbraith's. He spoke principals of human dignity, human service before the Almighty, respect for law, respect for life, and he was not afraid to speak them to whoever was running the show, Republican or Democrat. Unfortunately, in the minds of many Bushbots the godfather of intellectual conservatism is now seen as one of them durn libruls because he dared question King George. And, thanks to George, conservatism has once again entered an era when it is represented by reactionaries with no ideas. Buckley deserves our thanks and gratitude for trying to be the well-spoken conscience of a once-vibrant movement. When his time does come, he will be missed.
Then came William F. Buckley, seemingly out of the forehead of Zeus. He said that conservatives had more ideas and better ideas than leftists. He said that conservatives' ideas comported better with the basic dignity of the human personality than did socialism. He said that man would not only be richer under conservative principals, but happier, more moral, and prouder of himself.
He said these things when the powers that be laughed at him. He said these things when the revolution came (I have always thought that George Wallace played an immense part in that Revolution, but then that's just me) and Americans started to realize that they, like the man who had been speaking prose all his life, really were a lot closer to Bucley's ideas of God and man than to Galbraith's. He spoke principals of human dignity, human service before the Almighty, respect for law, respect for life, and he was not afraid to speak them to whoever was running the show, Republican or Democrat. Unfortunately, in the minds of many Bushbots the godfather of intellectual conservatism is now seen as one of them durn libruls because he dared question King George. And, thanks to George, conservatism has once again entered an era when it is represented by reactionaries with no ideas. Buckley deserves our thanks and gratitude for trying to be the well-spoken conscience of a once-vibrant movement. When his time does come, he will be missed.
And McCain Wept
Well, this is a start in the right direction.
In a 5-4 decision that has emboldened opponents of campaign finance restrictions, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday added wiggle room to a key provision of the landmark 2002 McCain-Feinglod campaign finance law.
The decision dealt with a provision of the law preventing corporations or unions from airing certain types of ads in the run-up to Election Day. Though the Court upheld the provision, it narrowed the types of ads to which it could be applied.
At a minimum, the ruling could pave the way for outside groups to air millions of dollars of hard-hitting ads naming specific candidates in the weeks leading up to Election Day 2008. It would also inspire further challenges to the provision as a whole, as well as other part of McCain-Feingold, which is despised by the political parties because it hinders their ability to raise and spend large sums of money, and by activists at both ends of the political spectrum, who assert it infringes on their free speech. I know McCain meant well, but this was one of the most boneheaded pieces of legislation to come down the pike in recent memory. If this ruling can help it die a deserved death, I'm all for it.
In a 5-4 decision that has emboldened opponents of campaign finance restrictions, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday added wiggle room to a key provision of the landmark 2002 McCain-Feinglod campaign finance law.
The decision dealt with a provision of the law preventing corporations or unions from airing certain types of ads in the run-up to Election Day. Though the Court upheld the provision, it narrowed the types of ads to which it could be applied.
At a minimum, the ruling could pave the way for outside groups to air millions of dollars of hard-hitting ads naming specific candidates in the weeks leading up to Election Day 2008. It would also inspire further challenges to the provision as a whole, as well as other part of McCain-Feingold, which is despised by the political parties because it hinders their ability to raise and spend large sums of money, and by activists at both ends of the political spectrum, who assert it infringes on their free speech. I know McCain meant well, but this was one of the most boneheaded pieces of legislation to come down the pike in recent memory. If this ruling can help it die a deserved death, I'm all for it.
The Invisible Vice President
From TIME magazine (boo, hiss, get it out of your system) comes this analysis of why Number Two has become Number One's biggest liability. Bush stumped just about everyone seven years ago when he tapped the safe and solid Dick Cheney to be his running mate. But Bush didn't want any trouble. He didn't want a Vice President who preened before the cameras. He didn't want a policy sparring partner. And he didn't want someone who would check out after five years and run for President himself. And because Bush got exactly the kind of partner he wanted, he now faces the very problem he tried to avoid. Cheney has become the Administration's enemy within, the man whose single-minded persuit of ideological goals, creaking political instincts and love of secrecy produced an independent operation inside the White House that has done more harm than good.
On an imaginary political balance sheet, Cheney is the Democrats' most valuable asset. And reversing that situation is getting close to impossible. Cheney recently made his weekly pilgrimage to the Senate, where he had lunch on March 6 with Republicans. He took his usual seat on one side of the stately Mike Mansfield Room and watched the proceedings quietly. Various Senators came by to ask him about his health after a blood-clot scare the day before. Others quietly lent support in the wake of that morning's four-count guilty verdict of Cheney's top aide, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libbly. But for all the personal shows of support, more Republicans with each passing week have acknowledged privately what is felt across Washington when it comes to the Vice President: his time has passed. Knowing Bush, he'll stand by his man to the bitter end. And we'll all be the worse off for it. A weak presidency in thrall to an office once considered by many of its holders to be essentially worthless. There's the Bush legacy, ladies and gentlebeings.
On an imaginary political balance sheet, Cheney is the Democrats' most valuable asset. And reversing that situation is getting close to impossible. Cheney recently made his weekly pilgrimage to the Senate, where he had lunch on March 6 with Republicans. He took his usual seat on one side of the stately Mike Mansfield Room and watched the proceedings quietly. Various Senators came by to ask him about his health after a blood-clot scare the day before. Others quietly lent support in the wake of that morning's four-count guilty verdict of Cheney's top aide, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libbly. But for all the personal shows of support, more Republicans with each passing week have acknowledged privately what is felt across Washington when it comes to the Vice President: his time has passed. Knowing Bush, he'll stand by his man to the bitter end. And we'll all be the worse off for it. A weak presidency in thrall to an office once considered by many of its holders to be essentially worthless. There's the Bush legacy, ladies and gentlebeings.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Hooked On Playstation
When is an addiction not an addiction? When it hasn't been studied yet. CHICAGO (Reuters)-Doctors backed away on Sunday from a controversial proposal to designate video game addiction as a mental disorder akin to alchoholism, saying psychiatrists should study the issue more.
Addiction experts also strongly opposed the idea at a debate at the American Medical Association's annual meeting.
They said more study is needed before excessive use of video and online games-a problem that affects about 10 percent of players-could be considered a mental illness. And how many of these headshrinkers were nerds who wasted all their spare time on Commodore 64s or playing Pac Man at the mall in their youth? (Um...not that I ever did...)
Addiction experts also strongly opposed the idea at a debate at the American Medical Association's annual meeting.
They said more study is needed before excessive use of video and online games-a problem that affects about 10 percent of players-could be considered a mental illness. And how many of these headshrinkers were nerds who wasted all their spare time on Commodore 64s or playing Pac Man at the mall in their youth? (Um...not that I ever did...)
The Fool On The Hill
Look, I hate the IRS as much as anyone, but it's time for these people to come on down. PLAINFIELD, New Hampshire (AP)-To avoid serving prison sentences for tax evasion, Ed Brown and his wife, Elaine, have locked themselves off from the world on their own terms.
From behind the 8-inch concrete walls of their 110-acre hilltop compound, the couple taunt police and SWAT teams and play to reporters and government-haters with references to past standoffs that turned deadly.
Residents want the Browns' circus to end before their small town along the Connecticut River becomes the next Ruby Ridge of Waco. I know New Hampshire is the "Live Free Or Die" state, but the rest of their neighbors (well, most of them) probably pay their taxes. Being a suicidal attention whore isn't my idea of fighting for a cause.
From behind the 8-inch concrete walls of their 110-acre hilltop compound, the couple taunt police and SWAT teams and play to reporters and government-haters with references to past standoffs that turned deadly.
Residents want the Browns' circus to end before their small town along the Connecticut River becomes the next Ruby Ridge of Waco. I know New Hampshire is the "Live Free Or Die" state, but the rest of their neighbors (well, most of them) probably pay their taxes. Being a suicidal attention whore isn't my idea of fighting for a cause.
The Jihad News Network
What, Al Jazeera wasn't available? TEHRAN, June 22 (UPI)-Iran's take on international events and issues gets global reach next month with the launch of a 24-hour, English-language satellite television news channel.
Mohammad Sarafraz, deputy head for international affairs of the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, or IRIB, said Press TV would present a "new perspective" on news events, according to reports by Iran Daily and the Mehrs News Agency.
Press TV, which goes on the air globally July 2, comes from the need to counter misinformation and mudslinging about Iran, he says. I'm sure the special series on how everything is the fault of those evil Joos will be a big hit.
Mohammad Sarafraz, deputy head for international affairs of the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, or IRIB, said Press TV would present a "new perspective" on news events, according to reports by Iran Daily and the Mehrs News Agency.
Press TV, which goes on the air globally July 2, comes from the need to counter misinformation and mudslinging about Iran, he says. I'm sure the special series on how everything is the fault of those evil Joos will be a big hit.
Purging The Past
According to Uncle Putin, Stalin wasn't such a bad guy, after all. MOSCOW (AP)- President Vladimir Putin said Thursday no one should try to make Russia feel guilty about the Great Purge of 1937, saying it may have been one of the most notorious episodes of the Stalin era but "in other countries even worse things happened."
(snip) "We have not used nuclear weapons against a civilian population," he said. "We have not sprayed thusands of kilometers (miles) with chemicals, (or) dropped on a small country seven times more bombs than in all the Great Patriotic (War)"-Russia's name for World War II.
"We had no other black pages, such as Nazism, for instance," he said. No, you just put people in gulags, supported oppressive regimes, and nearly brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Yep, you guys were real pussycats back in the day, right, Pootie?
(snip) "We have not used nuclear weapons against a civilian population," he said. "We have not sprayed thusands of kilometers (miles) with chemicals, (or) dropped on a small country seven times more bombs than in all the Great Patriotic (War)"-Russia's name for World War II.
"We had no other black pages, such as Nazism, for instance," he said. No, you just put people in gulags, supported oppressive regimes, and nearly brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Yep, you guys were real pussycats back in the day, right, Pootie?
Trendy Is As Trendy Does
Note to celebrities: if you want to wear Commie chic, don't do it in a country that had to fight the real thing. AGUAS CALIENTES, Peru-Actress Cameron Diaz appears to have committed a major fashion faux pas in Peru.
The voice of Princess Fiona in the animated "Shrek" films may have inadvertently offended Peruvians who suffered decades of violence from a Maoist guerilla insurgency by touring here Friday with a bag emblazoned with one of Mao Zedong's favorite political slogans.
While exlporing the Inca city of Machu Picchu high in Peru's Andes, Diaz wore over her shoulder an olive green messenger bag emblazoned with a red star and the words "Serve the People" printed in Chinese on the flap, perhaps Chinese Communist leader Mao's most famous political slogan.
While the bags are marketed as trendy fashion accessories in some world capitals, the phrase has particular resonance in Peru, where the Maoist Shining Path insurgency brought Peru to the edge of chaos in the 1980s and early 1990s with a campaign of massacres, assassinations and bombings. But hey, at least the Shining Path movement promised its followers free health care...
The voice of Princess Fiona in the animated "Shrek" films may have inadvertently offended Peruvians who suffered decades of violence from a Maoist guerilla insurgency by touring here Friday with a bag emblazoned with one of Mao Zedong's favorite political slogans.
While exlporing the Inca city of Machu Picchu high in Peru's Andes, Diaz wore over her shoulder an olive green messenger bag emblazoned with a red star and the words "Serve the People" printed in Chinese on the flap, perhaps Chinese Communist leader Mao's most famous political slogan.
While the bags are marketed as trendy fashion accessories in some world capitals, the phrase has particular resonance in Peru, where the Maoist Shining Path insurgency brought Peru to the edge of chaos in the 1980s and early 1990s with a campaign of massacres, assassinations and bombings. But hey, at least the Shining Path movement promised its followers free health care...
Ali Bye Bye
A very bad guy will be joining Saddam in hell.
Saddam Hussein's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid-who is also known as "Chemical Ali"-has been sentenced to death for the crime of genocide over his role in the mass killing of Kurds in 1988.
He was the architect of the campaign, ordering chemical gas strikes against civilian targets which killed around 180,000 Kurdish people.
Two other high-ranking members of Saddam Hussein's regime have also been sentenced to death: former defence minister Sultan Hashim al-Tai and former deputy chief of operations for the armed forces, Hussein Rashid al-Tikriti. Good riddance to all.
Saddam Hussein's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid-who is also known as "Chemical Ali"-has been sentenced to death for the crime of genocide over his role in the mass killing of Kurds in 1988.
He was the architect of the campaign, ordering chemical gas strikes against civilian targets which killed around 180,000 Kurdish people.
Two other high-ranking members of Saddam Hussein's regime have also been sentenced to death: former defence minister Sultan Hashim al-Tai and former deputy chief of operations for the armed forces, Hussein Rashid al-Tikriti. Good riddance to all.
Buckeye Bonehead
Ah, those loveable Democrats. What class they have. BOARDMAN, Ohio-Ohio's chief law enforcer was caught on tape cursing a reporter outside a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama because of an article about a woman Dann raised as his daughter landing a state job.
Attorney General Marc Dann, a Youngstown Democrat, was headed into the fundraiser Wednesday when he spotted Warren Tribune Chronicle reporter Steve Oravecz and shouted, "Hey, Steve, write this down: Go (explecitive) yourself!"
Jennifer Brindisi, a spokeswoman for Dann, said the attorney general believed the article naming Mavilya Chubarova, 22, whom he raised as his daughter, was unfair.
"In talking to him, he's a father first," Brindisi said. "He felt someone was unfairly targeting or attacking his daughter, so the words were in protection of her." Well, what kind of a father would he be if he didn't show some nepotism?
Attorney General Marc Dann, a Youngstown Democrat, was headed into the fundraiser Wednesday when he spotted Warren Tribune Chronicle reporter Steve Oravecz and shouted, "Hey, Steve, write this down: Go (explecitive) yourself!"
Jennifer Brindisi, a spokeswoman for Dann, said the attorney general believed the article naming Mavilya Chubarova, 22, whom he raised as his daughter, was unfair.
"In talking to him, he's a father first," Brindisi said. "He felt someone was unfairly targeting or attacking his daughter, so the words were in protection of her." Well, what kind of a father would he be if he didn't show some nepotism?
The Girls Of Summer
If nothing else, the guy's got some major mojo going on.
IN the battle for the women's vote, Fred Thompson has a secret weapon against Hillary Clinton-the legions of former girlfriends who still adore him and who want him to be president.
The Hollywood actor and former Tennessee senator racked up an impressive list of conquests during his swinging bachelor days in the 1990s, but he appears to have achieved the impossible and kept their friendship and respect.
Lorrie Morgan, a country singer who dated Thompson and considered marrying him in the mid1990s, told The Sunday Times: "I couldn't think of a bad word to say about Fred if somebody put a gun to my head.
"Fred is a perfect example of chivalry. He's the kind of man little girls dream about marrying, who opens doors for you, lights your cigarettes, helps you on with your coat, buys wonderful gifts. It's every woman's fantasy." Thompson, who wooed Baroness Thatcher during a visit to London last week, is expected to announce officially next month that he is running for president. He is already challenging Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, for first place in polls of likely Republican voters. Meanwhile, I understand Bubba is trying to learn that chivalry stuff so he won't scare the interns if his wife wins.
IN the battle for the women's vote, Fred Thompson has a secret weapon against Hillary Clinton-the legions of former girlfriends who still adore him and who want him to be president.
The Hollywood actor and former Tennessee senator racked up an impressive list of conquests during his swinging bachelor days in the 1990s, but he appears to have achieved the impossible and kept their friendship and respect.
Lorrie Morgan, a country singer who dated Thompson and considered marrying him in the mid1990s, told The Sunday Times: "I couldn't think of a bad word to say about Fred if somebody put a gun to my head.
"Fred is a perfect example of chivalry. He's the kind of man little girls dream about marrying, who opens doors for you, lights your cigarettes, helps you on with your coat, buys wonderful gifts. It's every woman's fantasy." Thompson, who wooed Baroness Thatcher during a visit to London last week, is expected to announce officially next month that he is running for president. He is already challenging Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, for first place in polls of likely Republican voters. Meanwhile, I understand Bubba is trying to learn that chivalry stuff so he won't scare the interns if his wife wins.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Sweet, Smart Georgia Brown
Meet the real-life Lisa Simpson. Her parents knew Georgia Brown was bright. After all, she could count to ten, recognised her colours and was even starting to dabble with French.
But it was only when their bubbly little two-year-old took an IQ test that her towering intellect was confirmed.
Georgia has become the youngest female member of Mensa after scoring a genius-rated IQ of 152.
This puts her in the same intellectual league, proportionate to her age, as physicist Stephen Hawking. So, when she's grown up she'll either come up with a Grand Theory of Everything or try and rule the world.
But it was only when their bubbly little two-year-old took an IQ test that her towering intellect was confirmed.
Georgia has become the youngest female member of Mensa after scoring a genius-rated IQ of 152.
This puts her in the same intellectual league, proportionate to her age, as physicist Stephen Hawking. So, when she's grown up she'll either come up with a Grand Theory of Everything or try and rule the world.
Here Come De Judge
Aw, what would he know?
WASHINGTON (AP)-A federal judge who used to authorize wiretaps in terrorist and espionage cases criticized Bush's decision to order warrantless surveillance after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Royce Lamberth, a district court judge in Washington, said Saturday it was proper for executive branch agencies to conduct such surveillance. "But what we have found in the history of our country is that you can't trust the executive," he said at the American Library Association's convention.
"We have to understand you can fight the war (on terrorism) and lose everything if you have no civil liberties left when you get through fighting the war," said Lamberth, who was appointed by President Reagan.
The judge disagreed with letting the executive branch alone decide which people to spy on in national security cases.
"The executive has to fight and win the war at all costs. But judges undestand the war has to be fought, but it can't be at all costs," Lamberth said. "We still have to preserve our civil liberties. Judges are the kinds of people you want to entrust that kind of judgement to more than the executive." Yeah, he sounds like another one'a them durn libruls what don't understand we got to fight the terrists any way we can. Every real patriot knows that there law is just fer sissies!
WASHINGTON (AP)-A federal judge who used to authorize wiretaps in terrorist and espionage cases criticized Bush's decision to order warrantless surveillance after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Royce Lamberth, a district court judge in Washington, said Saturday it was proper for executive branch agencies to conduct such surveillance. "But what we have found in the history of our country is that you can't trust the executive," he said at the American Library Association's convention.
"We have to understand you can fight the war (on terrorism) and lose everything if you have no civil liberties left when you get through fighting the war," said Lamberth, who was appointed by President Reagan.
The judge disagreed with letting the executive branch alone decide which people to spy on in national security cases.
"The executive has to fight and win the war at all costs. But judges undestand the war has to be fought, but it can't be at all costs," Lamberth said. "We still have to preserve our civil liberties. Judges are the kinds of people you want to entrust that kind of judgement to more than the executive." Yeah, he sounds like another one'a them durn libruls what don't understand we got to fight the terrists any way we can. Every real patriot knows that there law is just fer sissies!
Et Tu, George?
Now it's Bush's turn. WASHINGTON-The White House said Friday that, like Vice President Dick Cheney's office, President Bush's office is not allowing an independent federal watchdog to oversee its handling of classified national security information.
An executive order that Bush issued in March 2003-amending an existing order-requires all government agencies that are part of the executive branch to submit to oversight. Although it doesn't specifically say so, Bush's order was not meant to apply to the vice president's office or the president's office, a White House spokesman said. Sorry, Your Majesty. Cheney might get away with this because he is technically correct in saying that his office is not part of the executive branch, but just what office do you think you hold? To paraphrase Harry Truman, the paranoia stops here.
An executive order that Bush issued in March 2003-amending an existing order-requires all government agencies that are part of the executive branch to submit to oversight. Although it doesn't specifically say so, Bush's order was not meant to apply to the vice president's office or the president's office, a White House spokesman said. Sorry, Your Majesty. Cheney might get away with this because he is technically correct in saying that his office is not part of the executive branch, but just what office do you think you hold? To paraphrase Harry Truman, the paranoia stops here.
That Old-Time Obama
You know why I can't stand the religious right? Because they force me to agree with this guy. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)-Sen. Barack Obama told a church convention Saturday that some right-wing evangelical leaders have exploited and politicized religious beliefs in an effort to sow division.
"Somehow, womewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and started being used to drive us apart. It got hijacked," the Democratic presidential candiate said in remarks prepared for delivery before the national meeting of the United Church of Christ.
"Part of it's becaise of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right, who've been all too eager to exploit what divides us," the Illinois senator said. The religious wingnuts who have come to represent the GOP base are the bane of modern conservatism. I just wish more on the Republican side were willing to see it.
"Somehow, womewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and started being used to drive us apart. It got hijacked," the Democratic presidential candiate said in remarks prepared for delivery before the national meeting of the United Church of Christ.
"Part of it's becaise of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right, who've been all too eager to exploit what divides us," the Illinois senator said. The religious wingnuts who have come to represent the GOP base are the bane of modern conservatism. I just wish more on the Republican side were willing to see it.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Mayor Of Graybarville
Beer makes normal people do stupid things. It makes politicians even stupider.
BRADLEY BEACH, N.J. (AP)-Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy was convicted Friday of resisting arrest and obstruction of justice stemming from an altercation with police last hear.
Healy, 56, was fined $256. He testified in a municipal court trial earlier Friday that he was not drunk or disorderly on the night of June 17, 2006, when he tried to mediate a dispote between a young couple outside his sister's tavern.
Healy tesitified he had been five and seven glasses of beer, each about 9 or 10 ounces. He went outside and tried to help Jeff Barnes and Jackie Volante settle their differences when he was thrown to the ground and pepper-sprayed by police, he said. I wonder if that was before or after he stumbled into the cops.
BRADLEY BEACH, N.J. (AP)-Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy was convicted Friday of resisting arrest and obstruction of justice stemming from an altercation with police last hear.
Healy, 56, was fined $256. He testified in a municipal court trial earlier Friday that he was not drunk or disorderly on the night of June 17, 2006, when he tried to mediate a dispote between a young couple outside his sister's tavern.
Healy tesitified he had been five and seven glasses of beer, each about 9 or 10 ounces. He went outside and tried to help Jeff Barnes and Jackie Volante settle their differences when he was thrown to the ground and pepper-sprayed by police, he said. I wonder if that was before or after he stumbled into the cops.
Out Of The Blue
And God said, "Can you hear me now?" With no rain or even clouds to warn him of the danger, death came literally out of the blue Thursday to a self-employed landscaper. The killer was a powerful bolt of lightning that cracked through perfectly clear skies.
David Canales, 41, of West Miami-Dade, was on the job at a Pinecrest home when the bolt hit. It first seared a tree, then traveled and struck Canales, standing nearby.
Experts said Canales was killed by a weather phenomenon fittingly called a "blot from the blue" or "dry lightning" because it falls from clear, blue skies. He was pronounced dead at South Miami Hospital. Wow. God musta been angry at him big time for some reason...
David Canales, 41, of West Miami-Dade, was on the job at a Pinecrest home when the bolt hit. It first seared a tree, then traveled and struck Canales, standing nearby.
Experts said Canales was killed by a weather phenomenon fittingly called a "blot from the blue" or "dry lightning" because it falls from clear, blue skies. He was pronounced dead at South Miami Hospital. Wow. God musta been angry at him big time for some reason...
Oh, That War
Darn those pesky Poles. How dare they remind Germany that it started a war.
Poland says it deserves more voting power in the European Union because the Germans killed so many of its people during World War II.
Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kacynski said his country's population had been decimated by Nazi Germany and would otherwise be much larger than its current 38 million.
But the message from many other EU countries as they arrived for a summit on the division of power in the 27-nation bloc was simple-don't mention the War.
"The idea of basing today's decision on voting rights...on World War II is absurd," Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters.
"We are only demanding one thing, that we get back what was taken from us," Mr Kacynski said in a radio interview this week.
"If Poland had not had to live through the years 1939-45, Poland would be today looking at the demographics of a country of 66 million."
Hans-Gert Poettering, the German conservative who is president of the EU, said he found such statements "very painful." Yes, the truth can be very painful, Hans.
Poland says it deserves more voting power in the European Union because the Germans killed so many of its people during World War II.
Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kacynski said his country's population had been decimated by Nazi Germany and would otherwise be much larger than its current 38 million.
But the message from many other EU countries as they arrived for a summit on the division of power in the 27-nation bloc was simple-don't mention the War.
"The idea of basing today's decision on voting rights...on World War II is absurd," Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters.
"We are only demanding one thing, that we get back what was taken from us," Mr Kacynski said in a radio interview this week.
"If Poland had not had to live through the years 1939-45, Poland would be today looking at the demographics of a country of 66 million."
Hans-Gert Poettering, the German conservative who is president of the EU, said he found such statements "very painful." Yes, the truth can be very painful, Hans.
The Lispy City
Cicago! Hog-butcher to the world! City of the big, umm... CHICAGO-Never mind that Chicago hosted the 2006 International Gay Games. Or that it has the country's first government-recognized gay neighborhood. Or that up to 400,000 people attend the city's Gay Pride Parade each year.
Chicago has yet to land on the map as one of the nation's most gay-friendly cities, but local officials hope to change that with the Center on Halsted. The $20 million gay community center on Chicago's North Side officially opened this month.
Designed by the architectural firm Gensler, the 65,000-square-foot, eco-friendly facility has a computer lab, office space for community organizations, a black-box theater, a gym named after tennis star Billie Jean King, a Whole Food supermaket and a rooftop garden named for Mayor Richard M. Daley.
"It's really an amazing dream come true," said Tracy Baim, editor and publisher of Windy City Times, one of the city's oldest gay publications. I guess the city that was once home to Al Capone and where cops beat up antiwar protesters has come a long way. Just don't tell the fundies or if you go there, even if you're not gay you could be damned to Hell.
Chicago has yet to land on the map as one of the nation's most gay-friendly cities, but local officials hope to change that with the Center on Halsted. The $20 million gay community center on Chicago's North Side officially opened this month.
Designed by the architectural firm Gensler, the 65,000-square-foot, eco-friendly facility has a computer lab, office space for community organizations, a black-box theater, a gym named after tennis star Billie Jean King, a Whole Food supermaket and a rooftop garden named for Mayor Richard M. Daley.
"It's really an amazing dream come true," said Tracy Baim, editor and publisher of Windy City Times, one of the city's oldest gay publications. I guess the city that was once home to Al Capone and where cops beat up antiwar protesters has come a long way. Just don't tell the fundies or if you go there, even if you're not gay you could be damned to Hell.
Thou Shall Not Question Number Two
I knew Dick Cheney was a sneaky SOB, but come on.
WASHINGTON-House Democrats on Thursday denounced Vice President Dick Cheney's idea of abolishing a government office charged with safeguarding national security information-and criticized him for refusing to cooperate with the agency.
Cheney's office-over the objections of the National Archives-has exempted itself from a presidential executive order that seeks to protect national security information generated by the government, according to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Under the order, executive branch offices are required to give the Information Security Oversight Office at the archives data on how much material it has classified and declassified.
Cheney's office provided the information in 2001 and 2002, then stopped. Henry Wasman, chairman of the committee, said Cheney's office claims it need not comply with the executive order because it is not an "entity within the executive branch." See what happens when you appoint an ex-spook as Veep? He brings the paranoia of his old job with him.
WASHINGTON-House Democrats on Thursday denounced Vice President Dick Cheney's idea of abolishing a government office charged with safeguarding national security information-and criticized him for refusing to cooperate with the agency.
Cheney's office-over the objections of the National Archives-has exempted itself from a presidential executive order that seeks to protect national security information generated by the government, according to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Under the order, executive branch offices are required to give the Information Security Oversight Office at the archives data on how much material it has classified and declassified.
Cheney's office provided the information in 2001 and 2002, then stopped. Henry Wasman, chairman of the committee, said Cheney's office claims it need not comply with the executive order because it is not an "entity within the executive branch." See what happens when you appoint an ex-spook as Veep? He brings the paranoia of his old job with him.
Abos Just Want To Have fun
There's a lot to like about John Howard, but then he goes and does stuff like this.
CANBERRA, Australia-Australia's prime minister announced plans thursday to ban pornography and alchohol for Aborigines in northern areas and tighten control over their welfare benefits to fight child sex abuse among them.
Some Aboriginal leaders rejected the plan as paternalistic and said the measures were discriminatory and would violate the civil rights of the country's original inhabitants. But others applauded the initiative and recommended extending the welfare restrictions to Aborigines in other parts of the country.
Prime Minister John Howard was responding to a report last week that found sexual abuse of children to be rampant in indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. The report said the abuse was fueled by endemic alchohol abuse, unemployment, poverty and other factors causing a breakdown in traditional society. Well, you could say that about a lot of minority groups. I'm all for stopping child abuse, but going after perceived vices as the cause of the problem is often the first step towards greater nannystating for the rest of us.
CANBERRA, Australia-Australia's prime minister announced plans thursday to ban pornography and alchohol for Aborigines in northern areas and tighten control over their welfare benefits to fight child sex abuse among them.
Some Aboriginal leaders rejected the plan as paternalistic and said the measures were discriminatory and would violate the civil rights of the country's original inhabitants. But others applauded the initiative and recommended extending the welfare restrictions to Aborigines in other parts of the country.
Prime Minister John Howard was responding to a report last week that found sexual abuse of children to be rampant in indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. The report said the abuse was fueled by endemic alchohol abuse, unemployment, poverty and other factors causing a breakdown in traditional society. Well, you could say that about a lot of minority groups. I'm all for stopping child abuse, but going after perceived vices as the cause of the problem is often the first step towards greater nannystating for the rest of us.
Gin And Juice
Meet the world's youngest Snoop Dogg fan.
A 10-month-old boy in Florida was caught on videotape sipping a high-octane cocktail-gin and juice-and his mother and two relatives now are facing child abuse charges.
The boy's 16-year-old Brandenton, Fla., mother was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of child neglect without great bodily harm, and one count of child abouse without great bodily harm, both of which are felonies.
An aunt, Heather L. Moore, 21, and John D. Bell, 45, an uncle, were arrested Wednesday and each charged with one count of child abuse without great bodily harm. I can hear the aunt and uncle on the witness stand now: "She my baby's bartender!"
A 10-month-old boy in Florida was caught on videotape sipping a high-octane cocktail-gin and juice-and his mother and two relatives now are facing child abuse charges.
The boy's 16-year-old Brandenton, Fla., mother was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of child neglect without great bodily harm, and one count of child abouse without great bodily harm, both of which are felonies.
An aunt, Heather L. Moore, 21, and John D. Bell, 45, an uncle, were arrested Wednesday and each charged with one count of child abuse without great bodily harm. I can hear the aunt and uncle on the witness stand now: "She my baby's bartender!"
His Jihad Is Marching On
The Religion That Dares Not Be Mocked is sticking with tradition.
TEHRAN, Iran--An high-level Iranian cleric said Friday that the religious edict calling for the killing of Salman Rushdie cannot be revoked, and he warned Britain was defying the Islamic world by granting the writer knighthood.
Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami reminded worshippers of the 1989 fatwa dyring a sermon at Tehran University, aired live on state radio. Thousands of worshippers chanted "Death to the English."
Khatami does not hold a governmental position but has the influential post of delivering the sermon during Friday prayers once a month in the Iranian capital. He did not directly call for the fatwa to be carried out.
"Awarding him means confronting 1.5 billion Muslims around the world," Khatami said. "In Islamic Iran, the revolutionary fatwa...is still alive and cannot be changed." Niether, apparently, can the Religion of Pieces.
TEHRAN, Iran--An high-level Iranian cleric said Friday that the religious edict calling for the killing of Salman Rushdie cannot be revoked, and he warned Britain was defying the Islamic world by granting the writer knighthood.
Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami reminded worshippers of the 1989 fatwa dyring a sermon at Tehran University, aired live on state radio. Thousands of worshippers chanted "Death to the English."
Khatami does not hold a governmental position but has the influential post of delivering the sermon during Friday prayers once a month in the Iranian capital. He did not directly call for the fatwa to be carried out.
"Awarding him means confronting 1.5 billion Muslims around the world," Khatami said. "In Islamic Iran, the revolutionary fatwa...is still alive and cannot be changed." Niether, apparently, can the Religion of Pieces.
O Hypocrisy, O Hypocrisy
Christmas may still be a ways off, but pork is never out of season.
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) was all over the House floor last week, bashing Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) and other Democratic leaders for not doing enough to disclose member earmarks early in the appropriations process, as Democrats had promised when they took over the House in January. Republicans eventually got Democrats to back down and release the earmark requests-read "pork"-earlier than Obey had planned, so McHenry got what he wanted. And now McHenry will be forced to defend his $129,000 earmark, via the Small Business Administration, for Christmas Trees.
Actually, the $129,000 is to go to The Mitchell County Development Foundation, "a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating jobs and strengthening the educational system, as well as promoting tourism in Mitchell County."
(snip) When asked about the earmark, McHenry doesn't like to use the word pork. The North Carolina Republican prefers the term "directed spending," and he said this request is perfectly defensible, even though the Democrats have been quietly chuckling about it since it was unvelied as part of the Financial Services spending bill earlier today.
"Look, the important thing is transparancy and openness," McHenry said when asked about the armark, which he confirmed that he had inserted into the bill. "I have never been opposed to directed spending." One man's pork is another's directed spending. And the wheels of politics roll on-lubricated with bacon grease, of course.
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) was all over the House floor last week, bashing Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) and other Democratic leaders for not doing enough to disclose member earmarks early in the appropriations process, as Democrats had promised when they took over the House in January. Republicans eventually got Democrats to back down and release the earmark requests-read "pork"-earlier than Obey had planned, so McHenry got what he wanted. And now McHenry will be forced to defend his $129,000 earmark, via the Small Business Administration, for Christmas Trees.
Actually, the $129,000 is to go to The Mitchell County Development Foundation, "a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating jobs and strengthening the educational system, as well as promoting tourism in Mitchell County."
(snip) When asked about the earmark, McHenry doesn't like to use the word pork. The North Carolina Republican prefers the term "directed spending," and he said this request is perfectly defensible, even though the Democrats have been quietly chuckling about it since it was unvelied as part of the Financial Services spending bill earlier today.
"Look, the important thing is transparancy and openness," McHenry said when asked about the armark, which he confirmed that he had inserted into the bill. "I have never been opposed to directed spending." One man's pork is another's directed spending. And the wheels of politics roll on-lubricated with bacon grease, of course.
Condition Critical
I've heard of riding the Crazy Train, but this is ridiculous.
A heavy metal fan has been awarded sickness handouts after doctors said his addiction to music was a disability.
The ruling means Roger Tullgren, 42, will pocket thousands of pounds in state benefits to help finance his 36-year obsession.
His boss is also letting him play his ear-splitting music at work and giving him time off for concerts, reports the Daily Mirror.
It marks an end to Roger's 10-year bid to have his "condition", which began when he started listening to Ozzy Osourne's band Black Sabbath in 1971, officially classified as a handicap. Ah, if only I'd been able to move to Sweden twenty years ago. I could have been on easy street today.
A heavy metal fan has been awarded sickness handouts after doctors said his addiction to music was a disability.
The ruling means Roger Tullgren, 42, will pocket thousands of pounds in state benefits to help finance his 36-year obsession.
His boss is also letting him play his ear-splitting music at work and giving him time off for concerts, reports the Daily Mirror.
It marks an end to Roger's 10-year bid to have his "condition", which began when he started listening to Ozzy Osourne's band Black Sabbath in 1971, officially classified as a handicap. Ah, if only I'd been able to move to Sweden twenty years ago. I could have been on easy street today.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Airwaves Or Bust
Thanks to Trent Lott, the Left is now jumping on the anti-talk radio bandwagon. A liberal organization has gone on the attack against what it calls "right-wing talk" radio-while acknowledging that it totally dominates the airwaves today.
The Center for American Progress' new report, "The Structural Imbalance of Political talk Radio," questions whether the "companies licensed to broadcast over the public radio airwaves are serving the listening needs of all Americans," the Center's Web site states. "Right-wing talk reigns supreme on America's airwaves."
According to the report, 91 percent of the total weekday talk radio programming on stations owned by the top five commercial station owners is conservative, and 9 percent is liberal. Well darn that pesky free market. Always reminding leftists that they're a small minority.
The Center for American Progress' new report, "The Structural Imbalance of Political talk Radio," questions whether the "companies licensed to broadcast over the public radio airwaves are serving the listening needs of all Americans," the Center's Web site states. "Right-wing talk reigns supreme on America's airwaves."
According to the report, 91 percent of the total weekday talk radio programming on stations owned by the top five commercial station owners is conservative, and 9 percent is liberal. Well darn that pesky free market. Always reminding leftists that they're a small minority.
Jumped On Juneteenth
A holiday which was created to celebrate freeing slaves now comes with beatings and assaults.
Police and organizers of Juneteenth events in two cities went out of their way Thursday to insist that attacks against drivers-one of which left an Austin, Texas, man dead-have nothing to do with the crowds attending the celebrations.
But in both cases, electronic evidence raises questions about how the crimes were being characterized by the officials.
In Austin, a woman who called 911 on tuesday night to report the brutal beating of David Rivas Morales, a 40-year-old man attacked by a crowd in a housing complex parking lot, said she struggled to get the police dispatcher to understand her location, and described the scene as a gang fight involving people celebrating Juneteenth at a nearby park, according to audio files released Thursday by the city.
In Milwaukee, news video clearly shows police responded in riot geat Tuesday night to disperse the crowd at that city's celebration after a man was pulled from a car and beaten and an officer was injured trying to break up a fight.
In spite of the video, the event organizers insisted there was no link between Juneteenth and the attack. Of course not. Just as I'm sure that people behaving like animals has nothing to do with the culture in which they were raised.
Police and organizers of Juneteenth events in two cities went out of their way Thursday to insist that attacks against drivers-one of which left an Austin, Texas, man dead-have nothing to do with the crowds attending the celebrations.
But in both cases, electronic evidence raises questions about how the crimes were being characterized by the officials.
In Austin, a woman who called 911 on tuesday night to report the brutal beating of David Rivas Morales, a 40-year-old man attacked by a crowd in a housing complex parking lot, said she struggled to get the police dispatcher to understand her location, and described the scene as a gang fight involving people celebrating Juneteenth at a nearby park, according to audio files released Thursday by the city.
In Milwaukee, news video clearly shows police responded in riot geat Tuesday night to disperse the crowd at that city's celebration after a man was pulled from a car and beaten and an officer was injured trying to break up a fight.
In spite of the video, the event organizers insisted there was no link between Juneteenth and the attack. Of course not. Just as I'm sure that people behaving like animals has nothing to do with the culture in which they were raised.
The Mayor That Roared
One is a former Mayor who is a nationally-know figure regarded as the hero of 9-11. The other is, well, a former Mayor. The race for president has been jolted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg's flirtation with an independent run for the White House next year.
But no one has been jolted as much as Bloomberg's predecessor, Rudy Giuliani.
Five and a half years ago, a hugely popular Giuliani virtually anointed unknown businessman Bloomberg as his successor.
But niw Bloomberg may now become the second New York mayor in the race for president. And the question is whether the two are headed for a collision. I'm sorry, but I don't consider turning Bloomberg into roadkill a collision.
But no one has been jolted as much as Bloomberg's predecessor, Rudy Giuliani.
Five and a half years ago, a hugely popular Giuliani virtually anointed unknown businessman Bloomberg as his successor.
But niw Bloomberg may now become the second New York mayor in the race for president. And the question is whether the two are headed for a collision. I'm sorry, but I don't consider turning Bloomberg into roadkill a collision.
New World Disorder
Well, at least Pat Buchanan and Joseph Farah will be happy. The chances of a global trade deal being clinched before President George W. Bush leaves the White House shrank dramatically on Thursday with talks between core negotiating partners collapsing again in division and acrimony.
In a near-exact repeat of events last summer, talks in Potsdam, Germany, between the four partners at the centre of the so-called Doha round or negotiations-the EU, US, Brazil and India-broke up with sides still far apart on cutting agricultural subsidies and goods tariffs. And this is supposed to be part of the great one world conspiracy? Forgive me if I'm not all that concerned.
In a near-exact repeat of events last summer, talks in Potsdam, Germany, between the four partners at the centre of the so-called Doha round or negotiations-the EU, US, Brazil and India-broke up with sides still far apart on cutting agricultural subsidies and goods tariffs. And this is supposed to be part of the great one world conspiracy? Forgive me if I'm not all that concerned.
Company Secrets
Before I go off too much on Team Bush, let's not forget they had plenty of precedent to draw from.
Washington D.C., June 21, 2007-The Central Intelligence Agency violated its charter for 25 years until revelations of illegal wiretapping, domestic surveillance, assassination plots, and human experimentation led to official investigations and reforms in the 1970s, according to declassified documents posted today on the Web by the National Security Archive at George Washington University.
CIA director Gen. Michael Hayden announced today that the Agency is declassifying the full 693-page file amassed on CIA's illegal activities by order of then-CIA director James Schesinger in 1973-the so-called "family jewels." Only a few dozen heavily-censored pages of this file have previously been declassified, although multiple Freedom of Information Act requests have been filed over the years for the documents. Gen. Hayden called today's release "a glimpse of a very different time and a very different agency."
"This is the first voluntary CIA declassification of controversial material since George Tenet in 1998 reneged on the 1990s promises of greate openness at the Agency," commented Thomas Blanton, the Archive's director. The CIA may have been sneaky bastards, but at least you had the sense they knew what they were doing. You can't say that about the ameteurs running the show these days.
Washington D.C., June 21, 2007-The Central Intelligence Agency violated its charter for 25 years until revelations of illegal wiretapping, domestic surveillance, assassination plots, and human experimentation led to official investigations and reforms in the 1970s, according to declassified documents posted today on the Web by the National Security Archive at George Washington University.
CIA director Gen. Michael Hayden announced today that the Agency is declassifying the full 693-page file amassed on CIA's illegal activities by order of then-CIA director James Schesinger in 1973-the so-called "family jewels." Only a few dozen heavily-censored pages of this file have previously been declassified, although multiple Freedom of Information Act requests have been filed over the years for the documents. Gen. Hayden called today's release "a glimpse of a very different time and a very different agency."
"This is the first voluntary CIA declassification of controversial material since George Tenet in 1998 reneged on the 1990s promises of greate openness at the Agency," commented Thomas Blanton, the Archive's director. The CIA may have been sneaky bastards, but at least you had the sense they knew what they were doing. You can't say that about the ameteurs running the show these days.
Who Watches The Watchers
Well, it seems not everybody in Team Bush was on board with the King. WASHINGTON (AP)-The administration was sharply divided over the legality of President Bush's most controversial eavesdropping policies, a congressman quoted former Attorney General John Ashcroft as telling a House panel Thursday.
"It is very apparent to us that there was robust and enormous debate within the administration about the legal basis for the president's surveillance program," Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, told reporters after a closed-door meeting with Ashcroft.
The point is critical to two matters being considered in the Democratic-controlled Congress: One is the House and Senate Intellgence committees' ongoing review of the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which includes an extensive examination of the president's warrantless eavesdropping program.
The other is the House and Senate Judiciary Committees' parallel examinations of current Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' service to the administration. Under that probe, former Deuputy Attorney General James Comey revealed that Gonzales, then White House counsel, tried to pressure him and a critically ill Ashcroft to certify the legality of the wiretapping program. What? You mean Team Bush tried to take advantage of a sick man to get him to sign off on their behavior? I am shocked.
"It is very apparent to us that there was robust and enormous debate within the administration about the legal basis for the president's surveillance program," Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, told reporters after a closed-door meeting with Ashcroft.
The point is critical to two matters being considered in the Democratic-controlled Congress: One is the House and Senate Intellgence committees' ongoing review of the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which includes an extensive examination of the president's warrantless eavesdropping program.
The other is the House and Senate Judiciary Committees' parallel examinations of current Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' service to the administration. Under that probe, former Deuputy Attorney General James Comey revealed that Gonzales, then White House counsel, tried to pressure him and a critically ill Ashcroft to certify the legality of the wiretapping program. What? You mean Team Bush tried to take advantage of a sick man to get him to sign off on their behavior? I am shocked.
Goodbye To Gitmo
Holy crap. WASHINGTON-The Bush administration is nearing a decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and move the terror suspects there to military prisons elsewhere, The Associated Press has learned.
President Bush's national security and legal advisers are expected to discuss the move at the White House on Friday and, for the first time, it appears a consensus is developing, senior administration officials said on Thursday.
The advisors will consider a new proposal to shut the center and transfer detainees to one or more Defense Department facilities, including the maximum security military prison at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, where they could face trial, said the officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations. But-but-they're terrists! They don't deserve the right to be charged or stand trial! We gotta keep Amurca safe from them terrists and torture's the only way to do it! What are these people, a buncha wusses?!?
President Bush's national security and legal advisers are expected to discuss the move at the White House on Friday and, for the first time, it appears a consensus is developing, senior administration officials said on Thursday.
The advisors will consider a new proposal to shut the center and transfer detainees to one or more Defense Department facilities, including the maximum security military prison at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, where they could face trial, said the officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations. But-but-they're terrists! They don't deserve the right to be charged or stand trial! We gotta keep Amurca safe from them terrists and torture's the only way to do it! What are these people, a buncha wusses?!?
Don't Ask, Don't Care
Well whaddya know. Them durn queers aren't such a big deal to their fellow service members, after all. In many ways Army private Karissa Urmanita is a typical U.S. soldier. The Pomona, Calif., native joined the Army to take advantage of its generous college tuition assistance program and to help support her family. She's close with her colleagues (calling them her "battle buddies"), and in her downtime from stocking the combat support hospital at Camp Bucca in southern Iraq, she likes to play cards and talk. But Urmanita, now 20, is an atypical soldier in at least one respect-she's an out lesbian.
In direct violation of "don't ask, don't tell," Ormanita was deployed to Iraq in March-two weeks aftere she came out to her command. And challenging the belief that open homosexuality would undermine unit cohesion and morale in combat, Urmanita says being out has had no negative impact.
(snip) As soldiers like Urmanita and Knight are finding out, being gay in the service is often OK-as long as the Pentagon brass doesn't know. While simply being out is grounds for dismissal under "don't ask, don't tell," and certainly not all commands are accepting of gays and lesbians, in many cases the ban against openly gay service members is not being enforced. Dismissals under "don't ask, don't tell" have dropped significantly since peaking in 2001, with 2006 discharges just barely topping half the number handed down in '01.
(snip) It was the same for Army sergeant Darren Manzella, currently on his second deployment to the Middle East, when he came out to his unit in 2006. "For the most part, my peers have been supportive-or at the very least, indifferent-toward me," he sais by phone from his home in Austin, where he was on leave from his station in Kuwait. The only change he's noticed is that closeted soldiers sometimes avoid him, "as if talking to me would automatically out them."
Manzella, now 29, joined the Army in 2002. He came under attack two hears later while helping a field surgeon treat wounded soldiers in Iraq. In recognition of the valor he demonstrated while administrating aid under fire he was awarded the Combat Medical Badge. Yeah this guy sounds like he was a real threat to his fellow soldiers. And here's one more from a sailor: "Here's some irony," he writes in an e-mail. "As I sit here and type this message, I am also working on a classified briefing concerning terrorists who we are helping to track down. How funny is it that I'm here trying to help inform people of bad guys who are trying to kill innocents of their own country as well as many Americans, but if I was found out to be gay I'd be yanked out of here so fast?" Because in the mindset of some people, the thought of being killed in a terrorist attack isn't nearly as scary as the idea of one of them durn queers sitting next to them.
In direct violation of "don't ask, don't tell," Ormanita was deployed to Iraq in March-two weeks aftere she came out to her command. And challenging the belief that open homosexuality would undermine unit cohesion and morale in combat, Urmanita says being out has had no negative impact.
(snip) As soldiers like Urmanita and Knight are finding out, being gay in the service is often OK-as long as the Pentagon brass doesn't know. While simply being out is grounds for dismissal under "don't ask, don't tell," and certainly not all commands are accepting of gays and lesbians, in many cases the ban against openly gay service members is not being enforced. Dismissals under "don't ask, don't tell" have dropped significantly since peaking in 2001, with 2006 discharges just barely topping half the number handed down in '01.
(snip) It was the same for Army sergeant Darren Manzella, currently on his second deployment to the Middle East, when he came out to his unit in 2006. "For the most part, my peers have been supportive-or at the very least, indifferent-toward me," he sais by phone from his home in Austin, where he was on leave from his station in Kuwait. The only change he's noticed is that closeted soldiers sometimes avoid him, "as if talking to me would automatically out them."
Manzella, now 29, joined the Army in 2002. He came under attack two hears later while helping a field surgeon treat wounded soldiers in Iraq. In recognition of the valor he demonstrated while administrating aid under fire he was awarded the Combat Medical Badge. Yeah this guy sounds like he was a real threat to his fellow soldiers. And here's one more from a sailor: "Here's some irony," he writes in an e-mail. "As I sit here and type this message, I am also working on a classified briefing concerning terrorists who we are helping to track down. How funny is it that I'm here trying to help inform people of bad guys who are trying to kill innocents of their own country as well as many Americans, but if I was found out to be gay I'd be yanked out of here so fast?" Because in the mindset of some people, the thought of being killed in a terrorist attack isn't nearly as scary as the idea of one of them durn queers sitting next to them.
Assault With A Deadly Camera
Just what we need: paranoid cops.
There's been a rash of arrests of late for videotaping police, and it's a disturbing development. Last year, Massachisetts Attorney general Tom Reilly threatened Internet activist Mary T. Jean with arrest and felony prosecution for posting a video to her website of state police swarming a home and arresting a man without a warrant.
Michael Gannon of New Hampshire was also arrested on felony wiretapping charges last year after recording a police officer who was being verbally abusive on his doorstep. Photojournalist Carlos Miller was arrested in February of this year after taking pictures of on-duty police officers in Miami.
And Philadelphia student Neftaly Cruz was arrested last year after he took pictures of a drug bust with his cell phone.
As noted, police are public servants, paid with taxpayer dollars. Not only that, but they're given extraordinary power and anuthority we don't give to other public servants: They're armed; they can make arrests; they're allowed to break the very laws they're paid to enforce; they can use lethal force for reasons other than self-defense; and of course, the police are permitted to videotape us without our consent. And "Real patriots" wonder why other people complain about the kind of messages we're sending to the rest of the world.
There's been a rash of arrests of late for videotaping police, and it's a disturbing development. Last year, Massachisetts Attorney general Tom Reilly threatened Internet activist Mary T. Jean with arrest and felony prosecution for posting a video to her website of state police swarming a home and arresting a man without a warrant.
Michael Gannon of New Hampshire was also arrested on felony wiretapping charges last year after recording a police officer who was being verbally abusive on his doorstep. Photojournalist Carlos Miller was arrested in February of this year after taking pictures of on-duty police officers in Miami.
And Philadelphia student Neftaly Cruz was arrested last year after he took pictures of a drug bust with his cell phone.
As noted, police are public servants, paid with taxpayer dollars. Not only that, but they're given extraordinary power and anuthority we don't give to other public servants: They're armed; they can make arrests; they're allowed to break the very laws they're paid to enforce; they can use lethal force for reasons other than self-defense; and of course, the police are permitted to videotape us without our consent. And "Real patriots" wonder why other people complain about the kind of messages we're sending to the rest of the world.
I'm Feeling Mighty Low
I guess it must give President Bush some comfort to know that someone has a lower approval rating than he does.
Nothing is so critical to the continuing health of a republic than the confidence of people that their elected representatives have their best interests at heart in their decision-making. Once that confidence is lost, a revolution of one sort or another becomes likely. In America, such a crisis could be right around the corner.
Consider the latest Gallup Poll, which finds only 14 percent of the American people have "a great deal of" confidence in Congress or "quite a lot" compared to 19 percent a year ago. That is the lowest confidence rating Gallup has ever recorded for Congress since the survey firm began measuring public opinion on major American institutions in 1973. Call me crazy, but maybe replacing one set of hacks who had nothing but failed policies and empty promises with another set of hacks who have nothing but failed policies and empty promises has something to do with that.
Nothing is so critical to the continuing health of a republic than the confidence of people that their elected representatives have their best interests at heart in their decision-making. Once that confidence is lost, a revolution of one sort or another becomes likely. In America, such a crisis could be right around the corner.
Consider the latest Gallup Poll, which finds only 14 percent of the American people have "a great deal of" confidence in Congress or "quite a lot" compared to 19 percent a year ago. That is the lowest confidence rating Gallup has ever recorded for Congress since the survey firm began measuring public opinion on major American institutions in 1973. Call me crazy, but maybe replacing one set of hacks who had nothing but failed policies and empty promises with another set of hacks who have nothing but failed policies and empty promises has something to do with that.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Sucking On A Cold One
Now this is genius. This is one popsicle the kids aren't going to like.
It's also one they can't have. Last week, Alexandria, Va.'s Rustico Restaurant and Bar started selling "beer-sicles." They come in flavors like Fudgesicle, made with a dark beer called Bell's Kalamazoo Stout; Raspbeer-y, made with St. Louis Framboise; and Plum, made with a Chapeau Mirabelle.
"It tastes like beer on a stick," said Frank Morales, executive chef with Rustico. He worked on the popsicle with the restaurant's beer director, Greg Engert. Beer on a stick-more proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
It's also one they can't have. Last week, Alexandria, Va.'s Rustico Restaurant and Bar started selling "beer-sicles." They come in flavors like Fudgesicle, made with a dark beer called Bell's Kalamazoo Stout; Raspbeer-y, made with St. Louis Framboise; and Plum, made with a Chapeau Mirabelle.
"It tastes like beer on a stick," said Frank Morales, executive chef with Rustico. He worked on the popsicle with the restaurant's beer director, Greg Engert. Beer on a stick-more proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
Science 1, Moonbats 0
Rosie O'Donnell, you've been pwn3d.
INDIANAPOLIS-A computer simulation of the 2001 World Trade Center attacks supports a federal agency's findings that the initial impact from the hijacked airplanes stripped away crucial fireproofing material and that the weakened towers collapsed under their own weight.
The two-year Purdue University study, funded in part by the National Science Foundation, was the first to use 3-D animation to provide visual context to the attacks, said Christoph Hoffmann, a professor of computer science and one of the lead researchers on the project.
"One thing it does point out...is the absolute essential nature of fireproofing steel structures," Hoffman told The Associated Press. "This is something that wasn't done originally in the World Trade Center when it was built. It wasn't code at that time." Aw, he's just a scientist. What would he know? fire can't melt steel; Rosie told me so!
INDIANAPOLIS-A computer simulation of the 2001 World Trade Center attacks supports a federal agency's findings that the initial impact from the hijacked airplanes stripped away crucial fireproofing material and that the weakened towers collapsed under their own weight.
The two-year Purdue University study, funded in part by the National Science Foundation, was the first to use 3-D animation to provide visual context to the attacks, said Christoph Hoffmann, a professor of computer science and one of the lead researchers on the project.
"One thing it does point out...is the absolute essential nature of fireproofing steel structures," Hoffman told The Associated Press. "This is something that wasn't done originally in the World Trade Center when it was built. It wasn't code at that time." Aw, he's just a scientist. What would he know? fire can't melt steel; Rosie told me so!
Department Of Hacked Security
Geeze, you'd think they were run by Microsoft or something.
WASHINGTON-Several government agencies within the Department of Homeland Security admit they are regularly victims of computer break-ins at home and overseas by hackers finding their way into the department's cyber network.
More than 800 security incidents plagued the department over the past two years, including viruses, password-stealing programs and "Trojans" or hacker tunnels found on some workstations. problems have cropped up at FEMA, the Transportation Security Agency, the Coast Guard and other agencies.
The House Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science and Technology asked officials Wednesday how they are improving their cybersecurity to prevent such incidents from happening again. Chairman Jim Langevin, D-R.I., called the reports "very disturbing." The hackers are just doing the spamming that other telemarketers won't do...
WASHINGTON-Several government agencies within the Department of Homeland Security admit they are regularly victims of computer break-ins at home and overseas by hackers finding their way into the department's cyber network.
More than 800 security incidents plagued the department over the past two years, including viruses, password-stealing programs and "Trojans" or hacker tunnels found on some workstations. problems have cropped up at FEMA, the Transportation Security Agency, the Coast Guard and other agencies.
The House Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science and Technology asked officials Wednesday how they are improving their cybersecurity to prevent such incidents from happening again. Chairman Jim Langevin, D-R.I., called the reports "very disturbing." The hackers are just doing the spamming that other telemarketers won't do...
Thug Diplomacy
Kuwait gets a taste of Ima Dinnerjacket's diplomacy.
KUWAIT CITY-A Kuwaiti diplomat who was beaten as he left his country's embassy in Tehran will be flown home for treatment Wednesday, and the Kuwaiti government is awaiting the results of an Iranian investigation into the attack, a Kuwaiti official said.
Mohammed al-Zobi, the second secretary at the Kuwaiti Embassy in the Iranian capital, was attacked on Tuesday by "six people who beat him severely," the official said. Al-Zobi's condition was not serious, he said, declining to elaborate.
The emir, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, ordered the repatriation of the diplomat on a state plane. I guess they ran out of Jews, gays, and women to beat up.
KUWAIT CITY-A Kuwaiti diplomat who was beaten as he left his country's embassy in Tehran will be flown home for treatment Wednesday, and the Kuwaiti government is awaiting the results of an Iranian investigation into the attack, a Kuwaiti official said.
Mohammed al-Zobi, the second secretary at the Kuwaiti Embassy in the Iranian capital, was attacked on Tuesday by "six people who beat him severely," the official said. Al-Zobi's condition was not serious, he said, declining to elaborate.
The emir, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, ordered the repatriation of the diplomat on a state plane. I guess they ran out of Jews, gays, and women to beat up.
The Man With The Golden Gun
Wow. Can you say overcompensation?
Saddam Hussein's golden gun given to museum a gold-plated rifle, once carried by one of the late Saddam's palace guards, will go on display at the Australian War Memorial.
The eye-catching weapon was today handed by army deputy chief Major General John Cantwell to war memorial assistant director Nola Anderson today for permanent display in the new post-1945 gallery.
War Memorial senior curator Nick Fletcher said this is a fully functional Iraq-manufactured Tabuk, a version of the ubiquitous Kalashnikov AK-47.
"The great attraction is that it's gold plated. It's a genuine full-on shiny gold gun," he said. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian was going to display Saddam's "Real gun," but it was so small they were afraid visitors wouldn't be able to see it.
Saddam Hussein's golden gun given to museum a gold-plated rifle, once carried by one of the late Saddam's palace guards, will go on display at the Australian War Memorial.
The eye-catching weapon was today handed by army deputy chief Major General John Cantwell to war memorial assistant director Nola Anderson today for permanent display in the new post-1945 gallery.
War Memorial senior curator Nick Fletcher said this is a fully functional Iraq-manufactured Tabuk, a version of the ubiquitous Kalashnikov AK-47.
"The great attraction is that it's gold plated. It's a genuine full-on shiny gold gun," he said. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian was going to display Saddam's "Real gun," but it was so small they were afraid visitors wouldn't be able to see it.
I Dub Thee Sir Terrorist
The ROP once again shows its keen understanding of British law and customs.
Islamabad-A hard-line Pakistani parliamentarian and head of a religious political party on Wednesday demanded a "sir" title for Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al-Qaeda terrorist network, in retaliation for Britain knighting author Salman Rushdie.
"Muslims should confer the 'sir' title and all other awards on bin Laden and Mullah Omar in reply to Britain's shameful decision to knight Rushdie," Sami ul Haq, leader of the pro-Taliban Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, said in a statement, reffering also to the leader of the Taliban.
Such a move would not only go against the political grain of Britain, who joined in the international effort to drive the Taliban from power and al-Qaeda from their Afghan safe haven in 2001, but it would also break knighthood rules, under which foreigners may not be adressed as sir. Well, knighthood and radical Islam do have one thing in common-they both come from Midieval tradition.
Islamabad-A hard-line Pakistani parliamentarian and head of a religious political party on Wednesday demanded a "sir" title for Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al-Qaeda terrorist network, in retaliation for Britain knighting author Salman Rushdie.
"Muslims should confer the 'sir' title and all other awards on bin Laden and Mullah Omar in reply to Britain's shameful decision to knight Rushdie," Sami ul Haq, leader of the pro-Taliban Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, said in a statement, reffering also to the leader of the Taliban.
Such a move would not only go against the political grain of Britain, who joined in the international effort to drive the Taliban from power and al-Qaeda from their Afghan safe haven in 2001, but it would also break knighthood rules, under which foreigners may not be adressed as sir. Well, knighthood and radical Islam do have one thing in common-they both come from Midieval tradition.
They Durk Ur Soldiers' Jobs
There's stupidity, and then there's government stupidity.
WASHINGTON-The wife of an Army specialist missing in Iraq could be deported because she is an illegal immigrant, but U.S. authorities say they have no intention of doing so in the foreseeable future, FOXNews.com has learned.
Army Spec. Alex Jimenez, 25, has been missing since May 12, when his unit was ambushed by insurgents. His wife, Yardelin, was a resident of the Dominican Republic and entered the country illegally in 2001. The two married in 2004 and now live in Lawrence, Mass.
Procecures that could lead to her deportation began in 2006, but U.S. Immigration and Custons enforcement officials alongshide the Jimenex family attorney halted those proceedings before a deportation order could be issued, ICE spokeswoman Jamie Zuieback told FOXNews.com.
Yardelin Jimenez's lawyer says she could still face deportation because ICE could reopen the case, but the case is in an inactive status in a New York immigration court, Zuieback said. But, but...she's one'a them there illegals what wants ur jobs! We gotta build that there wall an' keep em out! Hunter/Tancredo '08!
WASHINGTON-The wife of an Army specialist missing in Iraq could be deported because she is an illegal immigrant, but U.S. authorities say they have no intention of doing so in the foreseeable future, FOXNews.com has learned.
Army Spec. Alex Jimenez, 25, has been missing since May 12, when his unit was ambushed by insurgents. His wife, Yardelin, was a resident of the Dominican Republic and entered the country illegally in 2001. The two married in 2004 and now live in Lawrence, Mass.
Procecures that could lead to her deportation began in 2006, but U.S. Immigration and Custons enforcement officials alongshide the Jimenex family attorney halted those proceedings before a deportation order could be issued, ICE spokeswoman Jamie Zuieback told FOXNews.com.
Yardelin Jimenez's lawyer says she could still face deportation because ICE could reopen the case, but the case is in an inactive status in a New York immigration court, Zuieback said. But, but...she's one'a them there illegals what wants ur jobs! We gotta build that there wall an' keep em out! Hunter/Tancredo '08!
Flame On!
Maybe this guy was a Fantastic Four fan? Police are investigating the firey death of a man who burst into flames after dousing himself in petrol and then being shot with a taser gun.
Officers used the gun after the man had poured gasoline over himself.
Juan Flores Lopez, 47, died on Tuesday at a hospital in Texas.
Police initially used pepper spray when they tried to take Lopez into custody. Then they used the Taser. Some stun guns emit an electric spark when they deliver the jolt of electricity.
The Texas Rangers were also investigating whether a lighter that was on the porch could have contributed to the fire.
"We don't know what ignited the fire," police said. If you want to turn yourself into the Human Torch, make sure there are no flammable objects nearby.
Officers used the gun after the man had poured gasoline over himself.
Juan Flores Lopez, 47, died on Tuesday at a hospital in Texas.
Police initially used pepper spray when they tried to take Lopez into custody. Then they used the Taser. Some stun guns emit an electric spark when they deliver the jolt of electricity.
The Texas Rangers were also investigating whether a lighter that was on the porch could have contributed to the fire.
"We don't know what ignited the fire," police said. If you want to turn yourself into the Human Torch, make sure there are no flammable objects nearby.
The Good Old Red Days
Eighties nostalgia can only go so far.
BERLIN-The four clocks behind the reception desk of Berlin's new budget hotel Ostel show the hour in Moscow, Berlin, Havana, and Beijing. Time, however, appears to have stopped here sometime before 1989, when communism was still entrenched in all four capitals.
The Ostel offers a renwed whiff of life in the former Geerman Democratic Republic, welcoming travelers with portraits of communist leaders adorning the walls.
Furnishings-except for mattresses, bed linens, sink and toilets-are the real thing, dug up by founders Daniel Helbig and Guido Sand from flea markets, friends, family and eBay.
But Helbig made it clear it was not about pining for a return to the police-state.
"We had the idea of preserving a bit of GDR culture...(but) we are not crying for the East German regime," said Helbig, who grew up in East Berlin and experienced its restrictions on freedom of expression and movement first hand. Well, latter-day leftists who want a taste for the real thing will be disappointed, then. But there's still Havana and North Korea for them.
BERLIN-The four clocks behind the reception desk of Berlin's new budget hotel Ostel show the hour in Moscow, Berlin, Havana, and Beijing. Time, however, appears to have stopped here sometime before 1989, when communism was still entrenched in all four capitals.
The Ostel offers a renwed whiff of life in the former Geerman Democratic Republic, welcoming travelers with portraits of communist leaders adorning the walls.
Furnishings-except for mattresses, bed linens, sink and toilets-are the real thing, dug up by founders Daniel Helbig and Guido Sand from flea markets, friends, family and eBay.
But Helbig made it clear it was not about pining for a return to the police-state.
"We had the idea of preserving a bit of GDR culture...(but) we are not crying for the East German regime," said Helbig, who grew up in East Berlin and experienced its restrictions on freedom of expression and movement first hand. Well, latter-day leftists who want a taste for the real thing will be disappointed, then. But there's still Havana and North Korea for them.
Flow The Friendly Skies
Wow. I knew the airlines were full of crap, but this is ridiculous. UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash.-Passengers on a Continental Airlines flight had to hold their noses for hours as sewage overflowed from toilets while they were high over the Atlantic.
"To be blatantly honest, I was more nervous than I had ever been on a flight," said Collin Brock. The University Place man was on board Continental Airlines flight 1970 from Amsterdam to Newark, New Jersey last week when things went bad.
"I've never felt so offended in all my life. I felt like I had been pysically abused and neglected. I was forced to sit next to human excrement for seven hours," said Brock. Now he knows what it's like to sit next to Michael Moore.
"To be blatantly honest, I was more nervous than I had ever been on a flight," said Collin Brock. The University Place man was on board Continental Airlines flight 1970 from Amsterdam to Newark, New Jersey last week when things went bad.
"I've never felt so offended in all my life. I felt like I had been pysically abused and neglected. I was forced to sit next to human excrement for seven hours," said Brock. Now he knows what it's like to sit next to Michael Moore.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Scientology Doesn't Kill People, Scientologists With Guns Do
Huh. Spoken like a guy in serious need of medication himself. NEW YORK (AP)-John Travolta says his thinking is in line with fellow Scientologist Tom Cruise, who has publicly defended the religion's stance against pshychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry.
Cruise, during a famously heated debate on NBC's "Today" show in 2005, criticized Brooke Shields for taking anti-depression drugs and berated host Matt Lauer for suggesting that psychiatric treatment might help some patients.
"I don't disagree with anything Tom says," Travolta says in the July issue of W magazine, on newsstands Friday. "How would I have presented it? Maybe differently than how he did, but it doesn't matter. I still think that if you analyze most of the school shootings, it is not gun control. It is (psychotropic) drugs at the bottom of it." While I don't disagree that psychiatry has its frauds and charlatans just like any other part of the medical profession, I have to wonder if a guy who is still looking for his inner Thetan is the right person to criticize.
Cruise, during a famously heated debate on NBC's "Today" show in 2005, criticized Brooke Shields for taking anti-depression drugs and berated host Matt Lauer for suggesting that psychiatric treatment might help some patients.
"I don't disagree with anything Tom says," Travolta says in the July issue of W magazine, on newsstands Friday. "How would I have presented it? Maybe differently than how he did, but it doesn't matter. I still think that if you analyze most of the school shootings, it is not gun control. It is (psychotropic) drugs at the bottom of it." While I don't disagree that psychiatry has its frauds and charlatans just like any other part of the medical profession, I have to wonder if a guy who is still looking for his inner Thetan is the right person to criticize.
Nerds For Change
You can't make something like this up. MUNCIE, Ind.-At the annual meeting of the United States Chess Enthusiasts League, a radical-left wing has proposed sweeping changes to the ages-old board game.
"The game itself is perfect, but we find the nomenclature demeaning," said French-born agitator Gigi Farblunjet. "For instance, we want the name 'pawn' to be replaced with 'self-employed scout' and 'bishop' to be renamed 'non-denominational cleric..' We're also not too cracy about the king being supreme, and reccomend that players be allowed to switch the king and queen at will."
The executive board of the USCEL has vowed to fight the changes. This smells like a hoax, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't true. And it shouldn't be called a game of skill-that phrase is demeaning to those who can't play as well. Instead, I prefer the term "Board excercize."
"The game itself is perfect, but we find the nomenclature demeaning," said French-born agitator Gigi Farblunjet. "For instance, we want the name 'pawn' to be replaced with 'self-employed scout' and 'bishop' to be renamed 'non-denominational cleric..' We're also not too cracy about the king being supreme, and reccomend that players be allowed to switch the king and queen at will."
The executive board of the USCEL has vowed to fight the changes. This smells like a hoax, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't true. And it shouldn't be called a game of skill-that phrase is demeaning to those who can't play as well. Instead, I prefer the term "Board excercize."
Bloomberg Bows Out
I don't agree with everything the guy has done as Mayor, but it's still refreshing to see this kind of honesty at a time when most politicians care more about style over substance.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--Mayor Bloomberg is decrying the state of the 2008 presidential race, faulting the major party candidates for offering shallow simplostic prescriptions, and scolding the press for failing to demand more from those seeking the White House.
During an appearance at Google's headquarters in Silicon Valley yesterday, Mr. Bloomberg said the televised debates among the presidential candidates have been in essence, a waste of time.
"They have absolutely nothing to do with the job and the qualifications. And they don't tell you anything about whether or not any of those candidates would be good or bad presidents. What they really say is, did they memorize their notes of 'What to say if...' and whether their staff was able to anticipate," the mayor said. "If you look at both debates, they pandered, what I would argue, the same ways."
Mr. Bloomberg said the presidential candidates were exploiting the threat of terrorism, and failing to deliver solutions to problems such as illegal immigration, health care, and education. Guys like Bloomberg and Ron Paul, the only other candidate on the GOP side who seems willing to speak his mind, will never make it to the Oval Office. They're too honest.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--Mayor Bloomberg is decrying the state of the 2008 presidential race, faulting the major party candidates for offering shallow simplostic prescriptions, and scolding the press for failing to demand more from those seeking the White House.
During an appearance at Google's headquarters in Silicon Valley yesterday, Mr. Bloomberg said the televised debates among the presidential candidates have been in essence, a waste of time.
"They have absolutely nothing to do with the job and the qualifications. And they don't tell you anything about whether or not any of those candidates would be good or bad presidents. What they really say is, did they memorize their notes of 'What to say if...' and whether their staff was able to anticipate," the mayor said. "If you look at both debates, they pandered, what I would argue, the same ways."
Mr. Bloomberg said the presidential candidates were exploiting the threat of terrorism, and failing to deliver solutions to problems such as illegal immigration, health care, and education. Guys like Bloomberg and Ron Paul, the only other candidate on the GOP side who seems willing to speak his mind, will never make it to the Oval Office. They're too honest.
Smuggler's Blues
I know the GOP is hard up for cash these days, but isn't this taking things a bit too far? COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP, WLTX)--South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel has been suspended from office, following his indictment by a federal grand jury for distribution of cocaine.
"Given the grave nature of these charges and what is alleged in this indictment, we're left with no choice but to suspend Treasurerer Ravenel immediately," Governor Mark Sanford said in a written release. "These are obviously very serious allegations that we're constitutionally bound to act upon, and they'll ultimately be decided by the courts."
The governor quoted Article VI, Section 8 of the South Carolina Constitution, giving him the power to suspend statewide, county or city officials indicted on criminal charges for crimes of "moral turpitude," generally understood to mean crimes that involve acts of fraud, deception or other morally culpable conflict. I understand suspicions were aroused when Mr. Revenal told people the bags of white powder in his trunk were extra sugar for his morning coffee...
"Given the grave nature of these charges and what is alleged in this indictment, we're left with no choice but to suspend Treasurerer Ravenel immediately," Governor Mark Sanford said in a written release. "These are obviously very serious allegations that we're constitutionally bound to act upon, and they'll ultimately be decided by the courts."
The governor quoted Article VI, Section 8 of the South Carolina Constitution, giving him the power to suspend statewide, county or city officials indicted on criminal charges for crimes of "moral turpitude," generally understood to mean crimes that involve acts of fraud, deception or other morally culpable conflict. I understand suspicions were aroused when Mr. Revenal told people the bags of white powder in his trunk were extra sugar for his morning coffee...
Holy Road Warrior
Memo from the Pope: Thou shalt not flip the bird. VATICAN CITY (Reuters)-Thou shall not drive under the influence of alchohol. Thou shall respect speed limits. Thou shall not consider the car an object of personal glorification nor use it as a place of sin.
The Vatican took a break from strictly theological matters on Tuesday to issue its own rules of the road, a compendium of do's and dont's on the moral apsects of driving and motoring.
A 36-page document called "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road" contains 10 Commandments covering everything from road rage, respecting pedestrians, keeping a car in good shape and avoiding rude gestures while behind the wheel.
"Cars tend to bring out the 'primitive' side of human beings, thereby producing rather unpleasant results," the document said. With all due respect to the Church, one could say the same thing about religion. The Inquisition, anyone?
The Vatican took a break from strictly theological matters on Tuesday to issue its own rules of the road, a compendium of do's and dont's on the moral apsects of driving and motoring.
A 36-page document called "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road" contains 10 Commandments covering everything from road rage, respecting pedestrians, keeping a car in good shape and avoiding rude gestures while behind the wheel.
"Cars tend to bring out the 'primitive' side of human beings, thereby producing rather unpleasant results," the document said. With all due respect to the Church, one could say the same thing about religion. The Inquisition, anyone?
Bucking Bush
How unpopular is George W. Bush? Even fellow Republicans are finally realizing that he sucks.
Recent polls have shown Bush's popularity--which has long been in the tank with independents--suffering significant erosion even among GOP base voters, largely due to a backlash over the president's stance on immigration.
The decline, according to some republican strategists, has flashed a green light for lawmakers on Capitol Hill and presidential candidates to put distance between themselves and an unpopular president--a politically essential maneuver for the 2008 general election that remained riskly as long as Bush retained the sympathies of Republican stalwarts.
Now that those sympathies have somewhat cooled, the effects are visible: Republican House members upset about immigration policy have spoken of Bush in disparaging terms. And presidential contenders like Rudy Giuliani are striking change-the-course themes in their rhetoric, even whole continuing to back Bush over the Iraq war.
The change, say GOP operatives, is the absence of fear about being perceived as something less than an ardent Bush backer. "What's the penalty now, Karl being mad at you?" Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio asked with a laugh, referring to Bush political adviser Karl Rove. "Who cares? Even his former chief strategist (Matthew Dowd) walked away from him and pissed all over him." When your own party turns against you, it's time to take the hint. What a way to gain a legacy.
Recent polls have shown Bush's popularity--which has long been in the tank with independents--suffering significant erosion even among GOP base voters, largely due to a backlash over the president's stance on immigration.
The decline, according to some republican strategists, has flashed a green light for lawmakers on Capitol Hill and presidential candidates to put distance between themselves and an unpopular president--a politically essential maneuver for the 2008 general election that remained riskly as long as Bush retained the sympathies of Republican stalwarts.
Now that those sympathies have somewhat cooled, the effects are visible: Republican House members upset about immigration policy have spoken of Bush in disparaging terms. And presidential contenders like Rudy Giuliani are striking change-the-course themes in their rhetoric, even whole continuing to back Bush over the Iraq war.
The change, say GOP operatives, is the absence of fear about being perceived as something less than an ardent Bush backer. "What's the penalty now, Karl being mad at you?" Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio asked with a laugh, referring to Bush political adviser Karl Rove. "Who cares? Even his former chief strategist (Matthew Dowd) walked away from him and pissed all over him." When your own party turns against you, it's time to take the hint. What a way to gain a legacy.
Sir Isaac's Folly
Why am I still skeptical of religion? Because it can turn even the most brilliant men batty. His famously analytical mind worked out the laws of gravity and unravelled the motion of the planets.
And when it came to predicting the end of the world, Sir Isaac Newton was just as precise.
He believed the Apocalypse would come in 2060-exactly 1,260 years after the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire, according to a recently published letter.
Luckily for modern scientists in awe of his achievements, Newton based this figure on religion rather than reasoning.
In a letter from 1704 which has gone on to show in Jerusalem's Hebrew University, Newton uses the Bible's Book of Daniel to calculate the date for the Apocalypse. Heck, if Newton were alive today he'd be considered a "Real conservative."
And when it came to predicting the end of the world, Sir Isaac Newton was just as precise.
He believed the Apocalypse would come in 2060-exactly 1,260 years after the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire, according to a recently published letter.
Luckily for modern scientists in awe of his achievements, Newton based this figure on religion rather than reasoning.
In a letter from 1704 which has gone on to show in Jerusalem's Hebrew University, Newton uses the Bible's Book of Daniel to calculate the date for the Apocalypse. Heck, if Newton were alive today he'd be considered a "Real conservative."
The Hippy Bill
Ever wondered what the world would be like if hippies had invented money? Now you know. GREAT BARRINGTON, Massachusetts (Reuters)-A walk down Main Street in this New England town calls to mind the pictures of Norman Rockwell, who lived nearby and chronicled small-town American life in the mid-20th century.
So it is fitting that the artist's face adorns the 50 BerkShares note, one of five denominations a currency adopted by towns in western Massachusetts to support locally owned businesses over national chains.
"I just love the feel of using a local currency," said Trice Atchison, 43, a teacher who used BerkShares to buy a snack at a cafe in Great Barrington, a town of about 7,400 people. "It keeps the profit within the community." And just what sort of local businesses are these profits supporting? Great Barrington attracts weekend residents and tourists from the New York area who help to support its wealth of organic farms, yoga studios, cafes and businesses like Allow Yourself to Be, which offers services ranging from massage to "chakra balancing" and Infinite Quest, which sells "past life regression therapy." Hey, if they want to con their own people out of their hard-earned BerkShares, I'm not going to stop them.
So it is fitting that the artist's face adorns the 50 BerkShares note, one of five denominations a currency adopted by towns in western Massachusetts to support locally owned businesses over national chains.
"I just love the feel of using a local currency," said Trice Atchison, 43, a teacher who used BerkShares to buy a snack at a cafe in Great Barrington, a town of about 7,400 people. "It keeps the profit within the community." And just what sort of local businesses are these profits supporting? Great Barrington attracts weekend residents and tourists from the New York area who help to support its wealth of organic farms, yoga studios, cafes and businesses like Allow Yourself to Be, which offers services ranging from massage to "chakra balancing" and Infinite Quest, which sells "past life regression therapy." Hey, if they want to con their own people out of their hard-earned BerkShares, I'm not going to stop them.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Room, Board And Bottle
Once again, Seattle tries to outdo San Francisco in the freebies-for-bums department.
SEATTLE (AP)-When Brian Steik lived on the streets, the government spent tens of thousands of dollars on emergency room visits and other services to keep the alchoholic alive.
Now social-service agencies are conducting an experiment: Offering Steik and dozens of other homeless drinkers subsidized apartments where they can keep boozing at a fraction of the cost.
"The average citizen who hears about this project probably is appalled," said Bill Hobson, executive director of the city's Downtown Emergency Services Center, which constructed the apartments.
"Their concern runs something along these lines: 'Why do I want to spend my tax money on people who are not doing anything to help themselves?' The answer to that is: You're already spending it." A building full of boozed-up bums paid for by taxpayer dollars? We already have that-it's called the U.S. Capitol.
SEATTLE (AP)-When Brian Steik lived on the streets, the government spent tens of thousands of dollars on emergency room visits and other services to keep the alchoholic alive.
Now social-service agencies are conducting an experiment: Offering Steik and dozens of other homeless drinkers subsidized apartments where they can keep boozing at a fraction of the cost.
"The average citizen who hears about this project probably is appalled," said Bill Hobson, executive director of the city's Downtown Emergency Services Center, which constructed the apartments.
"Their concern runs something along these lines: 'Why do I want to spend my tax money on people who are not doing anything to help themselves?' The answer to that is: You're already spending it." A building full of boozed-up bums paid for by taxpayer dollars? We already have that-it's called the U.S. Capitol.
Dead Man Speaking
Fidel is back in business, apparently.
HAVANA (Reuters)-Cuba will continue to build up its defenses against the United States and Cubans should be prepared to make mor esacrifices to remain independent, Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in an editorial published on Monday.
In his commentary in the ruling Communist Party newspaper Granma, the first time in a series of such articles that he has turned his attention directly to Cuban affairs, Castro called on Cubans to safeguard the island's socialist system against Havana's long-time ideological foe the United States.
Castro, 80, has not been seen in public since undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in July last year, when he handed over power temporarily to his younger brother, Raul. That must be one heckuva seance Raul has going on down there...
HAVANA (Reuters)-Cuba will continue to build up its defenses against the United States and Cubans should be prepared to make mor esacrifices to remain independent, Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in an editorial published on Monday.
In his commentary in the ruling Communist Party newspaper Granma, the first time in a series of such articles that he has turned his attention directly to Cuban affairs, Castro called on Cubans to safeguard the island's socialist system against Havana's long-time ideological foe the United States.
Castro, 80, has not been seen in public since undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in July last year, when he handed over power temporarily to his younger brother, Raul. That must be one heckuva seance Raul has going on down there...
Spin Cycle
The home of Murphy's Law has apparently decided that, rather than do something that makes sense, such as try a new strategy in Iraq, what they need is better spin. The Pentagon will announce this week that Geoff Morrell, previously a White House correspondent for ABC News, has been hired as the Defense Department's on-camera briefer, a senior administration told The Politico.
Morrell, 38, will become a familiar face of the administration on television and the Web. The official said that a working journalist was chosen by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in an effort to improve press relations at a time when the administration is under pressure to show progress in Iraq.
Morrell's title will be a deputy assistant secretary of Defense. His functions will be as Pentagon press secretary and Gates' personal spokesman. Maybe Team Bush needs a "Media Czar" or somesuch. Because people still aren't buying Bush's message, and it's obviously somebody else's fault, so why not another fall guy to take the blame?
Morrell, 38, will become a familiar face of the administration on television and the Web. The official said that a working journalist was chosen by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in an effort to improve press relations at a time when the administration is under pressure to show progress in Iraq.
Morrell's title will be a deputy assistant secretary of Defense. His functions will be as Pentagon press secretary and Gates' personal spokesman. Maybe Team Bush needs a "Media Czar" or somesuch. Because people still aren't buying Bush's message, and it's obviously somebody else's fault, so why not another fall guy to take the blame?
99 Luftballoons
Thanks to Uncle Putin, Germans are rediscovering the lost art of cold war design.
It may sound a lot of money for an unsightly steel cube, but Germans are queing up to pau 60,000 for the latest addition to the garden: a prefabricated nuclear bunker.
With fears of terrorism, natural disasters and a cold war revival on the rise, a German company has tapped into the climate of insecurity and produced the continent's first ready-made fallout shelter.
ABC Guard-its name a reference to the protection it is said to offer from atomic, biological and chemical warfare-invites potential customers to "rely on absolute security made in Germany" as it restores an industry thriving on fears that have not been felt in the country since the withdrawal of Russian troops from former East Germany. Well, at least this time around they have somebody to blame for their insecurity besides the Jews.
It may sound a lot of money for an unsightly steel cube, but Germans are queing up to pau 60,000 for the latest addition to the garden: a prefabricated nuclear bunker.
With fears of terrorism, natural disasters and a cold war revival on the rise, a German company has tapped into the climate of insecurity and produced the continent's first ready-made fallout shelter.
ABC Guard-its name a reference to the protection it is said to offer from atomic, biological and chemical warfare-invites potential customers to "rely on absolute security made in Germany" as it restores an industry thriving on fears that have not been felt in the country since the withdrawal of Russian troops from former East Germany. Well, at least this time around they have somebody to blame for their insecurity besides the Jews.
Hands-Free Book Learning
If you're a touchy-feely sort of kid, keep it to yourself. Fairfax County middle school student Hal Beaulieu hopped up from his lunch table one day a few months ago, sat next to his girlfriend and slipped his arm around her shoulder. That landed him a trip to the school office.
Among his crimes: hugging.
All touching--not only fighting or inappropriate touching--is against the rules at Kilmer Middle School in Vienna. Hand-holding, handshakes and high-fives? Banned. The rule has been conveyed to students this way: "NO PHYSICAL CONTACT!"
School officials say the rules help keep crowded hallways and lunchrooms safe and orderly, and ensures that all students are comfortable. But Hal, 13, and his parents think the school's hands-off approach goes too far, and they are lobbying for a change.
"I think hugging is a good thing," said Hal, a seventh-grader, a few days before the end of the school year. "I put my arm around her. It was like for 15 seconds. I didn't think it would be a big deal." Well, it wouldn't have been a big deal if he'd just had sex with one of his teachers like he was supposed to. What's wrong with these kids, anyway?
Among his crimes: hugging.
All touching--not only fighting or inappropriate touching--is against the rules at Kilmer Middle School in Vienna. Hand-holding, handshakes and high-fives? Banned. The rule has been conveyed to students this way: "NO PHYSICAL CONTACT!"
School officials say the rules help keep crowded hallways and lunchrooms safe and orderly, and ensures that all students are comfortable. But Hal, 13, and his parents think the school's hands-off approach goes too far, and they are lobbying for a change.
"I think hugging is a good thing," said Hal, a seventh-grader, a few days before the end of the school year. "I put my arm around her. It was like for 15 seconds. I didn't think it would be a big deal." Well, it wouldn't have been a big deal if he'd just had sex with one of his teachers like he was supposed to. What's wrong with these kids, anyway?
We'll Always Have Paris
Poor Al. It must be tough being reduced to the world's second biggest attention whore. AL GORE is a man on a mission to save the planet-and is enraged that everyone else seems more interested in saving Paris Hilton.
The former US Vice President turned environmental campaigner is doing his best to raise awareness about global warming.
He believes we have just TEN YEARS to begin saving the planet before it is too late.
But he struggles to get his message across when TV networks are donating the majority of their airtime to American socialite Paris Hilton's stint behind bars.
In an exclusive Sun interview, Mr Gore said: "The G8 hav been meeting in Germany and the United States is throwing a monkey wrench in the efforts to get a consensus.
The planet is in distress and all of the attention is on Paris Hilton. We have to ask ourselves what is going on here?" Simple, Al-the people have finally found a topic more boring than you to focus on.
The former US Vice President turned environmental campaigner is doing his best to raise awareness about global warming.
He believes we have just TEN YEARS to begin saving the planet before it is too late.
But he struggles to get his message across when TV networks are donating the majority of their airtime to American socialite Paris Hilton's stint behind bars.
In an exclusive Sun interview, Mr Gore said: "The G8 hav been meeting in Germany and the United States is throwing a monkey wrench in the efforts to get a consensus.
The planet is in distress and all of the attention is on Paris Hilton. We have to ask ourselves what is going on here?" Simple, Al-the people have finally found a topic more boring than you to focus on.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Cutthroat Creationism
The Flying Spaghetti Monster's followers aren't getting along so well these days. There is trouble in paradise, with a fight of biblical proportions raging between a Kentucky-based creationist group and the Australian group from which it sprang.
Three days after the Memorial Day opening of Answers in Genesis' $27 million Creation Museum in Northern kentucky, a group called Creation Ministries International filed suit in the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Among other things, the suit claims the Kentucky group stole subscribers for its Answers magazing by claiming that the Australians' Creation magazine was "no longer available."
The suit is the most public move in what has been a growing rift between groups that are spreading the same Garden of Eden creation message on opposite sides of the globe.
Both groups believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible, that the earth and everything else was created in six days around 6,000 years ago.
But in the last severeal years, they have increasingly feuded about finances and power. Excuse me while I go guffaw and get some popcorn...
Three days after the Memorial Day opening of Answers in Genesis' $27 million Creation Museum in Northern kentucky, a group called Creation Ministries International filed suit in the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Among other things, the suit claims the Kentucky group stole subscribers for its Answers magazing by claiming that the Australians' Creation magazine was "no longer available."
The suit is the most public move in what has been a growing rift between groups that are spreading the same Garden of Eden creation message on opposite sides of the globe.
Both groups believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible, that the earth and everything else was created in six days around 6,000 years ago.
But in the last severeal years, they have increasingly feuded about finances and power. Excuse me while I go guffaw and get some popcorn...
Sub-Zero Inanity
Now this is the most common sense I've heard in a long time. PROVIDENCE, RI-Fifth-graders in California who adorned their mortarboards with tiny toy plastic soldiers last week to support troops in Iraq were forced to cut off their miniature weapons. A Utah boy was suspended for giving his cousin a cold pill prescribed to both students. In Rhode Island, a kindergartner was suspended for bringing a plastic knife to school so he could cut cookies.
It's all part of "zero tolerance" riles, which tupically mandate severe punishments for weapons and drug offenses regardless of the circumstances.
Lawmakers in several states say the strict policies in schools have resulted in many punishments that lack common sense, and are seeking to loosen the restrictions.
"A machete is not the same as a butter knife. A water gun is not the same as a gun loaded with bullets," said Rhode Island state Sen. Daniel Issa, a former school board member who worries that no-tolerance rules are applied blindly and too rigidly. Unfortunately, blind and rigid has been the order of the day for those in authority for quite some time. Maybe it's time for the blind to stop leading for a while.
It's all part of "zero tolerance" riles, which tupically mandate severe punishments for weapons and drug offenses regardless of the circumstances.
Lawmakers in several states say the strict policies in schools have resulted in many punishments that lack common sense, and are seeking to loosen the restrictions.
"A machete is not the same as a butter knife. A water gun is not the same as a gun loaded with bullets," said Rhode Island state Sen. Daniel Issa, a former school board member who worries that no-tolerance rules are applied blindly and too rigidly. Unfortunately, blind and rigid has been the order of the day for those in authority for quite some time. Maybe it's time for the blind to stop leading for a while.
Callin' On Colin
Wow. Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows. One has held high office in both the United States armed forces and President George W Bush's Republican administration. The other, a Democrat, is seeking to become America's first black president.
Now Washington is buzzing with talk that Barack Obama, the candidate for the White House, and Colin Powell, the former general and secretary of state, may join forces.
Last week, Mr Powell revealed that he has been advising the senator from illinois on foreign policy-provoking a flurry of speculation about the plans and ambitions of both men.
Mr Powell, 70, who left office in January 2005 under a cloud left by the war in Iraq, has served three Republican presidents, but made clear that he is considering backing a Democrat to succeed his former boss, George W Bush.
He disclosed that he has twice met Sen Obama, at the request of the White House hopeful. "I make myself available to talk about foreign policy matters and military matters with whoever wishes to chat with me," Mr Powell said. "I'm going to support the best person that I can find who will lead this country." On the one hand, I think it's a gutsy move and hope it makes Bush squirm. On the other hand, Obama is still largely an unknown quantity, although that could change. Still, having a guy who is clearly smarter than the current Commander In Chief in your corner can't hurt.
Now Washington is buzzing with talk that Barack Obama, the candidate for the White House, and Colin Powell, the former general and secretary of state, may join forces.
Last week, Mr Powell revealed that he has been advising the senator from illinois on foreign policy-provoking a flurry of speculation about the plans and ambitions of both men.
Mr Powell, 70, who left office in January 2005 under a cloud left by the war in Iraq, has served three Republican presidents, but made clear that he is considering backing a Democrat to succeed his former boss, George W Bush.
He disclosed that he has twice met Sen Obama, at the request of the White House hopeful. "I make myself available to talk about foreign policy matters and military matters with whoever wishes to chat with me," Mr Powell said. "I'm going to support the best person that I can find who will lead this country." On the one hand, I think it's a gutsy move and hope it makes Bush squirm. On the other hand, Obama is still largely an unknown quantity, although that could change. Still, having a guy who is clearly smarter than the current Commander In Chief in your corner can't hurt.
Rushdie's Revenge
I wish Khomeini was still around so I could tell him to suck on this.
Iran has criticised the British government for its decision to give a knighthood to author Salman Rushdie.
His book The Satanic Verses offended Muslims worldwide and led to Iran issuing a fatwa in 1989, ordering Sir Salman's execution.
Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the decision to praise the "apostate" put the UK in confrontation with other people.
He said giving him such an honour was a way of fighting Islam. I'll tell you what: When you guys stop acting like spoiled two year olds whenever somebody dares to question your midieval beliefs, then we can discuss your abilities as literary critics. In the meantime, take the advice I gave above, 'kay?
Iran has criticised the British government for its decision to give a knighthood to author Salman Rushdie.
His book The Satanic Verses offended Muslims worldwide and led to Iran issuing a fatwa in 1989, ordering Sir Salman's execution.
Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the decision to praise the "apostate" put the UK in confrontation with other people.
He said giving him such an honour was a way of fighting Islam. I'll tell you what: When you guys stop acting like spoiled two year olds whenever somebody dares to question your midieval beliefs, then we can discuss your abilities as literary critics. In the meantime, take the advice I gave above, 'kay?
Saturday, June 16, 2007
We Were Never Here
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean Uncle Sam isn't really looking through your stuff. As part of its growing intelligence operations within the United States, the FBI has increased its surreptitious entry and search missions since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, according to an unclassified bureau document.
"The refocusing of FBI operational priorities and the new emphasis placed on intellgence-based activities...has resulted in a dramatic increase" in the demand for so-called 'black bag" jobs, in which teams of highly-trained specialists covertly enter a home or office, search its contents and leave without indicating they had been there, states the budget document. It does not detail how many of the secret searches it carries out, and the FBI did not respond to comment.
The bureau is asking Congress for an additional $5 million to pay for the operations, and over a dozen new specialized personnel. Now, for the record I don't mind them doing this if it's legal and done with proper warrants. The problem is, this administration has shown in the past that the legal stuff is often an afterthought for them.
"The refocusing of FBI operational priorities and the new emphasis placed on intellgence-based activities...has resulted in a dramatic increase" in the demand for so-called 'black bag" jobs, in which teams of highly-trained specialists covertly enter a home or office, search its contents and leave without indicating they had been there, states the budget document. It does not detail how many of the secret searches it carries out, and the FBI did not respond to comment.
The bureau is asking Congress for an additional $5 million to pay for the operations, and over a dozen new specialized personnel. Now, for the record I don't mind them doing this if it's legal and done with proper warrants. The problem is, this administration has shown in the past that the legal stuff is often an afterthought for them.
What Rummy Knew
Oh, boy. If this is true it means that Rummy is an even bigger dirtbag than I thought he was. A general who investigated US troops sexually humiliating Iraqis at Abu Ghraib prison said in a report out Saturday that top Pentagon officials denied knowledge of lurid photographs of the acts.
Army Major General Antonio Taguba said he met with then secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld and other top officials and described to them some of the contents of a report he had prepared on the notorious prison.
But Rumsfeld testified before Congress the following day that he had no idea of the extent of the abuse, Taguba told the New Yorker magazine in an interview.
"He's trying to acquit himself and a lot of people who are lying to protect themselves," the magazine quoted him as saying, referring to Rumsfeld's May 7, 2004 testimony. If Rumsfeld is telling the truth then he is incompetent, and if he's not incompetent then he is a liar. Either way, it just reinforces my belief that Bush should have canned Rummy long before he was allowed to resign on his own.
Army Major General Antonio Taguba said he met with then secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld and other top officials and described to them some of the contents of a report he had prepared on the notorious prison.
But Rumsfeld testified before Congress the following day that he had no idea of the extent of the abuse, Taguba told the New Yorker magazine in an interview.
"He's trying to acquit himself and a lot of people who are lying to protect themselves," the magazine quoted him as saying, referring to Rumsfeld's May 7, 2004 testimony. If Rumsfeld is telling the truth then he is incompetent, and if he's not incompetent then he is a liar. Either way, it just reinforces my belief that Bush should have canned Rummy long before he was allowed to resign on his own.
That Sinking Feeling
Dang, I know things are bad in Washington, but I hope this isn't an omen. Up on the surface, the signs of the trouble at the Jefferson Memorial are small:
A few blacktop patches over uneven seams in some concrete. A cordoned-off section where the sea wall has slipped below the front plaza. The "tilt meter" boxes that visitors can't see unless they know where to look.
Underground, though, the problems may be huge: Slowly, almost imperceptibly, parts of the complex seem to be sinking into the mud.
It's probably not endangering the majestic 32,000-ton domed structure itself, although it's being monitored for movement. Well, if Jefferson could come back and see what's happened to the Republic and to the party which bears his name, he might wish he could sink into the ground, too.
A few blacktop patches over uneven seams in some concrete. A cordoned-off section where the sea wall has slipped below the front plaza. The "tilt meter" boxes that visitors can't see unless they know where to look.
Underground, though, the problems may be huge: Slowly, almost imperceptibly, parts of the complex seem to be sinking into the mud.
It's probably not endangering the majestic 32,000-ton domed structure itself, although it's being monitored for movement. Well, if Jefferson could come back and see what's happened to the Republic and to the party which bears his name, he might wish he could sink into the ground, too.
So Long Nifong
In case you missed it, Mike Nifong got an ass-whuppin' today. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)-District Attorney Mike Nifong will be disbarred for his disasterous prosectution of three Duke University lacrosse players falsely accused of rape, a disciplinary committee decided Saturday. Even the veteran prosecutor said the punishment was appropriate.
"This matter has been a fiasco. There's no doubt about it," said committee chairman F. Lane Williamson.
Nifong sat motionless, one hand resting over his mouth, as Williamson recounted how he engaged in dishonest and deceitful conduct. He said Nifong's early comments about the case, which included a confident proclamation that he wouldn't allow Durham to become known for "a bunch of lacrosse players from Duke raping a black girl"-were purposefully designed to boost his campaign for district attorney. Well, now Nifong can go crawl back under whatever rock he came out from and wonder if listening to a lying bimbo was worth destroying his career over.
"This matter has been a fiasco. There's no doubt about it," said committee chairman F. Lane Williamson.
Nifong sat motionless, one hand resting over his mouth, as Williamson recounted how he engaged in dishonest and deceitful conduct. He said Nifong's early comments about the case, which included a confident proclamation that he wouldn't allow Durham to become known for "a bunch of lacrosse players from Duke raping a black girl"-were purposefully designed to boost his campaign for district attorney. Well, now Nifong can go crawl back under whatever rock he came out from and wonder if listening to a lying bimbo was worth destroying his career over.
Crossing Over
I guess all of that anti-Semetic propaganda didn't take after all.
Earlier, dozens of Palestinians arrived at the Erez Crossing in an attempt to excape the Gaza Strip and enter Israel. IDF soldiers shot into the air to try to prevent the approaching crowds from infiltrating through the security fence.
Many of the Palestinians arrived at the crossing carrying large suitcases and were planning to run away from the Strip following Hamas's takeover.
One young man shouted "bye, bye, Gaza," and waved as he walked through the covered walkway that leads to the Israeli side. I guess when faced with the choice of living in a society ruled by thugs and one ruled by civilized people, civlization will win out every time. Even if said civilization is run by those nasty Joos.
Earlier, dozens of Palestinians arrived at the Erez Crossing in an attempt to excape the Gaza Strip and enter Israel. IDF soldiers shot into the air to try to prevent the approaching crowds from infiltrating through the security fence.
Many of the Palestinians arrived at the crossing carrying large suitcases and were planning to run away from the Strip following Hamas's takeover.
One young man shouted "bye, bye, Gaza," and waved as he walked through the covered walkway that leads to the Israeli side. I guess when faced with the choice of living in a society ruled by thugs and one ruled by civilized people, civlization will win out every time. Even if said civilization is run by those nasty Joos.
Happy In Havana
America's favorite Communist tool is providing his latest patrons with plenty of free advertising.
HAVANA-Cuba's health minister said Friday that American filmmaker Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko" highlights the human values of the island's communist-run government.
Moore flew to Cuba in March to obtain health care for three ailing Sept. 11 rescue workers as part of the doucmentary, which calls for an overhaul of America's health care system. The trip has been the subject of a U.S. federal investigation for possible violations of the U.S. trade embargo restricting travel to Cuba.
Speaking to reporters at a Havana event, Health Minister Jose Ramon Balaguer did not say if he had seen the movie or was simply relying on snippets that have aired on international television. "Sicko" devuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May, but does not open in U.S. theaters until June 29.
Still, Balaguer said that in the movie "Moore explained his reasons why those patients were attended to in our country," adding that Cuba is "always open to cases, that, from a human point of view, need our public health services." Yes, Cuba is all about humanity-denying humans freedom of speech, the right to own their own property, access to the outside world...
HAVANA-Cuba's health minister said Friday that American filmmaker Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko" highlights the human values of the island's communist-run government.
Moore flew to Cuba in March to obtain health care for three ailing Sept. 11 rescue workers as part of the doucmentary, which calls for an overhaul of America's health care system. The trip has been the subject of a U.S. federal investigation for possible violations of the U.S. trade embargo restricting travel to Cuba.
Speaking to reporters at a Havana event, Health Minister Jose Ramon Balaguer did not say if he had seen the movie or was simply relying on snippets that have aired on international television. "Sicko" devuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May, but does not open in U.S. theaters until June 29.
Still, Balaguer said that in the movie "Moore explained his reasons why those patients were attended to in our country," adding that Cuba is "always open to cases, that, from a human point of view, need our public health services." Yes, Cuba is all about humanity-denying humans freedom of speech, the right to own their own property, access to the outside world...
Pot, Meet Kettle
Presidents who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters)-President George W. Bush blasted Democrats on Saturday for bloated annual federal spending bills and threatened to use his veto liberally, despite failing to carry out similar threats in the past.
Democrats who now control the Senate and the House of Representatives are crafting a dozen bills for more than $900 billion in government spending to fund itens ranging from the space program and education to foreign aid and defense.
"I will use my veto to stop tax increases and runaway spending that threaten the strength of our economy and the prosperity of our people," Bush said in his weekly radio address. He was spending the weekend at his Texas ranch. Of course he's right-the Dems will spend money like a sailor on leave. The problem is, the Republicans did it first.
Democrats who now control the Senate and the House of Representatives are crafting a dozen bills for more than $900 billion in government spending to fund itens ranging from the space program and education to foreign aid and defense.
"I will use my veto to stop tax increases and runaway spending that threaten the strength of our economy and the prosperity of our people," Bush said in his weekly radio address. He was spending the weekend at his Texas ranch. Of course he's right-the Dems will spend money like a sailor on leave. The problem is, the Republicans did it first.
Weekend At Yasser's
For the buyers of tacky thug merchandise everywhere, this is a ground-floor opportunity.
Enraged Fatah leaders on Saturday accused Hamas militiamen of looting the home of former Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat in Gaza City.
"They stole almost everything inside the house, including Arafat's Nobel Peace Prize medal," said Ramallah-based fatah spokesman Ahmed Abdel Rahman. "Hamas militiamen and gangsters blew up the main entrance to the house before storming it. They stole many of Arafat's documents and files, gifts he had received from world leaders and even his military outfits."
Abdel Rahman said the attackers also raided the second floor of the house and stole the personal belongings of his widow, Suha, and daughter, Zahawa. "They stole all the widow's clothes and shoes," he added. "They also took Arafat's pictures with his daughter."
Eyewitnesses told the Jerusalem Post that dozens of Palestinians participated in the raid, which took place last Friday. It sucks to be an ex-terrorist.
Enraged Fatah leaders on Saturday accused Hamas militiamen of looting the home of former Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat in Gaza City.
"They stole almost everything inside the house, including Arafat's Nobel Peace Prize medal," said Ramallah-based fatah spokesman Ahmed Abdel Rahman. "Hamas militiamen and gangsters blew up the main entrance to the house before storming it. They stole many of Arafat's documents and files, gifts he had received from world leaders and even his military outfits."
Abdel Rahman said the attackers also raided the second floor of the house and stole the personal belongings of his widow, Suha, and daughter, Zahawa. "They stole all the widow's clothes and shoes," he added. "They also took Arafat's pictures with his daughter."
Eyewitnesses told the Jerusalem Post that dozens of Palestinians participated in the raid, which took place last Friday. It sucks to be an ex-terrorist.
Four The Hard Way
Oh, snap! NEW YORK-four lesbians convicted of assaulting a man who was stabbed after he made advances toward one of them were sentenced Thursday amid screams and weeping to prison terms ranging from 3 1/2 to 11 years.
More than two dozen court officers ringed the courtroom as Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Edward McLaughlin pronounced the sentences, which were usually punctuated by a moan, a wail or a comment of disbelief.
The juege made it clear that he believed the women, ages 19 to 25 and all from Newark, N.J., were guilty. He said a surveillance tape of the fight was "damning" and "I believe that but for the videotape there would have been an acquittal." Look on the bright side, ladies. You definitely won't be lonely where you're going.
More than two dozen court officers ringed the courtroom as Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Edward McLaughlin pronounced the sentences, which were usually punctuated by a moan, a wail or a comment of disbelief.
The juege made it clear that he believed the women, ages 19 to 25 and all from Newark, N.J., were guilty. He said a surveillance tape of the fight was "damning" and "I believe that but for the videotape there would have been an acquittal." Look on the bright side, ladies. You definitely won't be lonely where you're going.
Party Of Denial
Over at Instapundit, Glenn Reynolds shares his thoughts as to what the heck is wrong with the GOP these days, and suggests the future won't be pretty. Do they want whining from Michael Chertoff and Trent Lott to form the public image of the Bush Administration and the republican Party?
Apparently they do. Good luck with that, guys. The political press can run with stories about bloggers being in full revolt over immigration, but it's not really a case of bloggers vs. the Administration. Rather, it's a case-like Harriet Miers, Dubai Ports, Porkbuster, etc.--of the Bush Administration ignoring the clear warnings available in the blogosphere. And once again, it's not just bloggers who think the Administration is crazy. So far, every time they've done that they've had their head handed to them. That'll happen this time, too, and if they should happen to "win" and pass their bill, the consequences for the GOP will be even worse. "Bizzare Republican Death Wish?" Indeed.
Frankly, that's okay with me. I've long been unhappy with both Democrats and Republicans. The GOP has been better on national security, though that advantage is fading with time, but overall both barties have been lame and more likely to unite in opposition to citizens' rights and liberties than to compete in protecting them. I've often at least sort-of hoped for a third party that would combine the GOP economic-libertarian strands with the Dem's social-libertarian strands. I don't know if the GOP's self-destruction makes that more likely, but it seems like it might. At any rate, if people really want to commit suicide it's hard to stop them, and that seems to be the GOP's main goal at the moment. The GOP may want to die, but it's not taking me down with it. Hasta la vista, guys.
Apparently they do. Good luck with that, guys. The political press can run with stories about bloggers being in full revolt over immigration, but it's not really a case of bloggers vs. the Administration. Rather, it's a case-like Harriet Miers, Dubai Ports, Porkbuster, etc.--of the Bush Administration ignoring the clear warnings available in the blogosphere. And once again, it's not just bloggers who think the Administration is crazy. So far, every time they've done that they've had their head handed to them. That'll happen this time, too, and if they should happen to "win" and pass their bill, the consequences for the GOP will be even worse. "Bizzare Republican Death Wish?" Indeed.
Frankly, that's okay with me. I've long been unhappy with both Democrats and Republicans. The GOP has been better on national security, though that advantage is fading with time, but overall both barties have been lame and more likely to unite in opposition to citizens' rights and liberties than to compete in protecting them. I've often at least sort-of hoped for a third party that would combine the GOP economic-libertarian strands with the Dem's social-libertarian strands. I don't know if the GOP's self-destruction makes that more likely, but it seems like it might. At any rate, if people really want to commit suicide it's hard to stop them, and that seems to be the GOP's main goal at the moment. The GOP may want to die, but it's not taking me down with it. Hasta la vista, guys.
Off He Goes
Heh, Mother Nature thinks Eddie Vedder sucks. VENICE (Reuters)-A whirlwind hit Venice on Friday, injuring about 25 people and forcing the cancellation of a festival headlined by rock band Pearl Jam was to have played, police and fire services said.
The whirlwind hit late in the afternoon, bringing down sound towers and girders on the stage for the Heineken Jammin' Festival as well as trees in the surrounding park. Several vehicles were overturned by the strong winds.
The damage forced the canellation of the festival, organizer Roberto De Luca told local media. Gaia must have been thinking what the rest of us are-Pearl Jam is so 90's.
The whirlwind hit late in the afternoon, bringing down sound towers and girders on the stage for the Heineken Jammin' Festival as well as trees in the surrounding park. Several vehicles were overturned by the strong winds.
The damage forced the canellation of the festival, organizer Roberto De Luca told local media. Gaia must have been thinking what the rest of us are-Pearl Jam is so 90's.
Europa, Europa
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Supernanny!
TONY Blair wants to hand the European Union radical new powers in his last act as Prime Minister, it emerged today.
The Prime Minister has welcomed controversial plans to bring back the troubled EU constitution by the back door-totally bypassing the need for public referendums on weeping new powers for Brussels.
German chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested ditching the name "constitution" from the title and instead calling it an "amending treaty" to avoid having to seek the approval of voters. Who knew the Europeans would beat us in the black helicopter department-only, in this case, it's for real?
TONY Blair wants to hand the European Union radical new powers in his last act as Prime Minister, it emerged today.
The Prime Minister has welcomed controversial plans to bring back the troubled EU constitution by the back door-totally bypassing the need for public referendums on weeping new powers for Brussels.
German chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested ditching the name "constitution" from the title and instead calling it an "amending treaty" to avoid having to seek the approval of voters. Who knew the Europeans would beat us in the black helicopter department-only, in this case, it's for real?
Friday, June 15, 2007
It's All For Science
And you thought your job sucked.
Whale-feces researcher: The feces part just smells bad.
Forensic entomologist: Studying bugs on corpses combines two unpleasant things.
Olympic drug tester: Watching athletes urinate into cups and testing samples thousands of times during the games can't be fun.
Gravity research subject: Stays in bed for three weeks and lets muscles atrophy.
Microsoft security worker: Deals with every Microsoft worker's problem.
Preserved-animal preparer: Bottles frogs, cats and pigs for biology students.
Garbologist: Sifts through garbage, literally, to analyze consumption patterns and how quickly waste breaks down.
Elephant vasectomist: Elephants ate big, and so are their testicles.
Oceanographer: Pollution, overfishing and coral reef destruction means the oceans keep getting worse.
Hazardous-materials diver: Swimming in sewage is a dirty task.
Above, in order from not-as-bad (whale feces) to "downright terrible" (poop diving) as ranked by Popular Science magazine in a story to be published tomorrow.
They all sound pretty bad, except maybe for that gravity tester one-that sounds like what I tend to do in my spare time. Go read the whole thing at Popular Science, and be glad that you didn't get that Phd after all.Shakespeare Was Right
What happens when somebody gives a lawyer a bad review? The lawyer sues them, of course. A lawyer representing two lawyers filed a lawsuit against a lawyer-rating Web site founded by a lawyer.
Got that? On Tuesday we told you about Avvo, a new free site that rates and profiles lawyers. It "marks the first time attorney ratings have been available for every attorney and the first time that detailed profiles and disciplinary information for those attorneys have been available in a single place," the company says.
To gather information, Avvo says it scours bar associations, courts and lawyers' Web sites. It also allows consumers to submit client ratings, aw well as lawyers to endorse one another. Avvo currently has the goods on attorneys in Arizona, California, D.C., Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington; more states will follow.
Here's the complaint, filed on behalf of Seattle lawyers John Henry Browne and Alan Wenokur bu class-action lawyer Steve Berman. The suit, which seeks class-action status, says Avvo is deceptive and unfair and violates state consumer protection laws. Deceptive and unfair? What do these guys think Avvo is-a law firm?
Got that? On Tuesday we told you about Avvo, a new free site that rates and profiles lawyers. It "marks the first time attorney ratings have been available for every attorney and the first time that detailed profiles and disciplinary information for those attorneys have been available in a single place," the company says.
To gather information, Avvo says it scours bar associations, courts and lawyers' Web sites. It also allows consumers to submit client ratings, aw well as lawyers to endorse one another. Avvo currently has the goods on attorneys in Arizona, California, D.C., Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington; more states will follow.
Here's the complaint, filed on behalf of Seattle lawyers John Henry Browne and Alan Wenokur bu class-action lawyer Steve Berman. The suit, which seeks class-action status, says Avvo is deceptive and unfair and violates state consumer protection laws. Deceptive and unfair? What do these guys think Avvo is-a law firm?
Gonzo Under The Gun?
His boss's approval ratings are in the toilet, but he's doin' a fine job-of apparently intimidating witnesses.
The Justice department is investigating whether Attorney General Alberto Gonzales sought to improperly influence the testimony of a departing senior aide, two of its senior officials said yesterday, adding a new dimension to the troubles already facing the nation's chief law enforcement official.
The Justice Department officials, in a letter released yesterday by the Senate Judiciary Committee, said their inquiry into the firings of nine U.S. attorneys includes an examination of a meeting Gonzales held in mid-March with his then-aide Monica M. Goodling, who testified last month that the attorney general's comments during the session made her feel "a little uncomfortable."
The topic of discussion at the meting was what had happened in the months leading up to the firings of the U.S. attorneys, and Gonzales recounted his recollection of events before asking for her reaction, according to Goodling's congressional testimony in May. She said Gonzales's comments discomfited her because both Congress and the Justice Department had already launched investigations of the dismissals. Gonzogate, the scandal that didn't have to be a scandal but turned into one thanks to Team Bush. Thanks a lot, guys.
The Justice department is investigating whether Attorney General Alberto Gonzales sought to improperly influence the testimony of a departing senior aide, two of its senior officials said yesterday, adding a new dimension to the troubles already facing the nation's chief law enforcement official.
The Justice Department officials, in a letter released yesterday by the Senate Judiciary Committee, said their inquiry into the firings of nine U.S. attorneys includes an examination of a meeting Gonzales held in mid-March with his then-aide Monica M. Goodling, who testified last month that the attorney general's comments during the session made her feel "a little uncomfortable."
The topic of discussion at the meting was what had happened in the months leading up to the firings of the U.S. attorneys, and Gonzales recounted his recollection of events before asking for her reaction, according to Goodling's congressional testimony in May. She said Gonzales's comments discomfited her because both Congress and the Justice Department had already launched investigations of the dismissals. Gonzogate, the scandal that didn't have to be a scandal but turned into one thanks to Team Bush. Thanks a lot, guys.
"Skynet, Front And Center!"
Are we about to have the First Cyber World War? China is striving to overtake the United States as the dominant power in cyberspace, according to a senior American general, in what is emerging as a new theatre of conflict between nation states and a growing priority for the Pentagon.
Lt Gen Robert Elder, commander of the 8th Air Force, said that all of America's foes, including Iran, were looking at ways of hacking into US networks to glean trade and defence secrets.
But efforts by China set it apart. "They're the only nation that has been quite that blatant about saying 'we're looking to do that,' said Gen. Elder in Washington.
Gen Elder is to head a new cyber command centre being set up at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, already home to about 25,000 military personnel involved in everything from electronic warfare to network defence. "Good evening, General. Would you like to play a game?"
Lt Gen Robert Elder, commander of the 8th Air Force, said that all of America's foes, including Iran, were looking at ways of hacking into US networks to glean trade and defence secrets.
But efforts by China set it apart. "They're the only nation that has been quite that blatant about saying 'we're looking to do that,' said Gen. Elder in Washington.
Gen Elder is to head a new cyber command centre being set up at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, already home to about 25,000 military personnel involved in everything from electronic warfare to network defence. "Good evening, General. Would you like to play a game?"
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Pop Goes Obama
Obama's got groupies. WASHINGTON-Young people can make a difference in politics, Sen. Barack Obama says in a new campaign video, by speaking up about "the things that make you passionate."
Elsewhere on YouTube, a very scantily clad young woman is doing exactly that-in an unauthorized music video about her Crush on Obama that features her pole-dancing in a subway car and wearing a pair of "Obama" shorts that barely contain her enthusiasm for politics.
Word of the new music video was spreading swiftly on the Internet Thursday, and, with more than 55,000 views after less than a day, it was on its way to becoming one of the site's most popular clips. Meanwhile, another fan has put out a Hillary music video. It stars a refrigerator dancing to the tune of Foreigner's "Cold As Ice."
Elsewhere on YouTube, a very scantily clad young woman is doing exactly that-in an unauthorized music video about her Crush on Obama that features her pole-dancing in a subway car and wearing a pair of "Obama" shorts that barely contain her enthusiasm for politics.
Word of the new music video was spreading swiftly on the Internet Thursday, and, with more than 55,000 views after less than a day, it was on its way to becoming one of the site's most popular clips. Meanwhile, another fan has put out a Hillary music video. It stars a refrigerator dancing to the tune of Foreigner's "Cold As Ice."
From One Immigrant To Another
See, this is what I like about Arnold. SAN JOSE-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told hundreds of Latino journalists Wednesday that immigrants who want to learn English more quickly should shun various forms of Spanish-language media.
"You've got to turn off the Spanish television set," Schwarzenegger said at the 25th annual National Association of Hispanic Journalists convention, which included many who produce Spanish-language material.
"It's that simple. You've got to learn English," he said. "I know this sounds odd and this is the politically incorrect thing to say and I'm going to get myself in trouble. But I know that when I came to this country, I very rarely spoke German to anyone." He also knows that socialism is bad for you. Which is why it drives the rest of the Hollwood crowd nuts that he became a Republican.
"You've got to turn off the Spanish television set," Schwarzenegger said at the 25th annual National Association of Hispanic Journalists convention, which included many who produce Spanish-language material.
"It's that simple. You've got to learn English," he said. "I know this sounds odd and this is the politically incorrect thing to say and I'm going to get myself in trouble. But I know that when I came to this country, I very rarely spoke German to anyone." He also knows that socialism is bad for you. Which is why it drives the rest of the Hollwood crowd nuts that he became a Republican.
Federal Bureau of Intimidation
The government abusing power in its zeal to find them there terrists? I am shocked.
An internal FBI audit has found that the bureau potentially violated the law or agency rules more than 1,000 times while collecting data about domestic phone calls, e-mails and financial transactions in recent years, far more than was documented in a Justice Department report in March that ignited bipartisan congressional criticism.
The new audit covers just 10 percent of the bureau's national security investigations since 2002, and so the mistakes in the FBI's domestic surveillance efforts probably number several thousand, bureau officials said in interviews. The earlier report found 22 violations in a much smaller sampling. But we gotta fight them terrists! If Uncle Sam says someone's guilty, it's gotta be so! After all, they're never wrong when it comes to the terrists, ain't they?
An internal FBI audit has found that the bureau potentially violated the law or agency rules more than 1,000 times while collecting data about domestic phone calls, e-mails and financial transactions in recent years, far more than was documented in a Justice Department report in March that ignited bipartisan congressional criticism.
The new audit covers just 10 percent of the bureau's national security investigations since 2002, and so the mistakes in the FBI's domestic surveillance efforts probably number several thousand, bureau officials said in interviews. The earlier report found 22 violations in a much smaller sampling. But we gotta fight them terrists! If Uncle Sam says someone's guilty, it's gotta be so! After all, they're never wrong when it comes to the terrists, ain't they?
Popping Insanity
Orville Redenbacher's days may be numbered. SEATTLE-City employees received a memo stating popcorn could be banned from their offices following several microwave popcorn mishaps at City Hall.
Officals say burnt popcorn can force 200 to 600 employees out onto the street.
"You know, when smoke happens in a microwave, it sets the smoke detectors off in the building and then an evacuation is required," said Seattle Facilities Director Pedro Vasquez. You know, when you have so many people who apparently can't figure out how to use a microwave, maybe you should keep them away from one, Mr. Vasquez.
Officals say burnt popcorn can force 200 to 600 employees out onto the street.
"You know, when smoke happens in a microwave, it sets the smoke detectors off in the building and then an evacuation is required," said Seattle Facilities Director Pedro Vasquez. You know, when you have so many people who apparently can't figure out how to use a microwave, maybe you should keep them away from one, Mr. Vasquez.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Harriet Miers, Come On Down
I wondered what had happened to this lady.
WASHINGTON-The chairmen of two congressional committees issues subpoenas Monday for testimony from former White House consel Harriet Miers and former political director Sara Taylor on their roles in the firings of eight federal prosecutors.
Democrats probing whether the White House improperly dictated which prosecutors the Justice Department should fire also are subpoenaing the White House for all relevant documents.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy of Vermont issued Taylor's subpoena for her testimony July 11. His counterpart in the House, Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers of Michigan, issued a subpoena for Miers' testimony the next day. Hmm. The next time Bush picks one of his old friends to be nominated for something, maybe they'd better just say thanks but no thanks.
WASHINGTON-The chairmen of two congressional committees issues subpoenas Monday for testimony from former White House consel Harriet Miers and former political director Sara Taylor on their roles in the firings of eight federal prosecutors.
Democrats probing whether the White House improperly dictated which prosecutors the Justice Department should fire also are subpoenaing the White House for all relevant documents.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy of Vermont issued Taylor's subpoena for her testimony July 11. His counterpart in the House, Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers of Michigan, issued a subpoena for Miers' testimony the next day. Hmm. The next time Bush picks one of his old friends to be nominated for something, maybe they'd better just say thanks but no thanks.
The Chicago Swindle
Whoops. CHICAGO-Antoin Rezko, an entrepreneur of considerable carm who found riches in fast food and real estate, is known around Chicago as a collector of politicians.
Back in the 1990s, Mr. Rezko's office was adorned with framed photos of candidates he viewed as up-and-comers. Among them was Barack Obama, a state legislator whose first campaign donations included $2,000 from Mr. rezko's companies. As Mr. Obama built a career that carried him to the Senate in 2004, Mr. Rezko was there with him, holding fund-raisers and rallying support.
Now, as Mr. Obama runs for president, the once-beneficial relationship with his old friend and patron has become problematic.
Last fall, Mr. Rezko was indicted on federal charges of business fraud and influence peddling infolving the administration of Gov. Rod J. Blagojevich of Illinois, whose picture was also on Mr. Rezko's wall. Since then, Mr. Obama, a Democrat, has had to answer questions about a land deal with Mr. Rezko's wife, Rita, and about other ties to him. The Clintons knew how to handle people like Mr. Rezko. Just find a nice quiet swamp somewhere...
Back in the 1990s, Mr. Rezko's office was adorned with framed photos of candidates he viewed as up-and-comers. Among them was Barack Obama, a state legislator whose first campaign donations included $2,000 from Mr. rezko's companies. As Mr. Obama built a career that carried him to the Senate in 2004, Mr. Rezko was there with him, holding fund-raisers and rallying support.
Now, as Mr. Obama runs for president, the once-beneficial relationship with his old friend and patron has become problematic.
Last fall, Mr. Rezko was indicted on federal charges of business fraud and influence peddling infolving the administration of Gov. Rod J. Blagojevich of Illinois, whose picture was also on Mr. Rezko's wall. Since then, Mr. Obama, a Democrat, has had to answer questions about a land deal with Mr. Rezko's wife, Rita, and about other ties to him. The Clintons knew how to handle people like Mr. Rezko. Just find a nice quiet swamp somewhere...
The Perfect Storm
Hurricanes aren't the only things that are blowhards in Florida. Rush Limbaugh has long benn a thorn in the side of liberals, but now, because of him, some Democratic politicians don;t even want to join with a local radio station to broadcast hurricane information.
Radio station WIOD, AM 610, has been the official channel for emergency information from Broward County government for the past year. The County Commission, all Democrats, balked at renewing the deal Tuesday, unable to stomach the station also being home to Limbaugh's talk show.
Commissioner Stacy Ritter said she did not want to support a station that's out of step with area politics. Ritter, a Democratic stalwart on the state Legislature before being elected to county office, cited talk shows hosted by Limbaugh and Sean Hannity and WIOD's partnership with Fox News.
"They have every right to speak, but we don't have to do business with them," she said. Well, if more people get killed by a hurricane as a result, at least she'll be able to add more constituents to the voter rolls.
Radio station WIOD, AM 610, has been the official channel for emergency information from Broward County government for the past year. The County Commission, all Democrats, balked at renewing the deal Tuesday, unable to stomach the station also being home to Limbaugh's talk show.
Commissioner Stacy Ritter said she did not want to support a station that's out of step with area politics. Ritter, a Democratic stalwart on the state Legislature before being elected to county office, cited talk shows hosted by Limbaugh and Sean Hannity and WIOD's partnership with Fox News.
"They have every right to speak, but we don't have to do business with them," she said. Well, if more people get killed by a hurricane as a result, at least she'll be able to add more constituents to the voter rolls.
We Will Warm You
Well, at least the penguins would be entertained. In an effort to fulfill his promise of a concert on every continent for his "Live Earth" event on July 7 to 8, Al Gore approached the British Antarctic Survey in February to explore the possibility of flying a band in to its Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.
No, he was told, July is mid-winter in Antarctica, and no planes or boats can get in or out.
But all was not lost. BAS officials told Gore that a band was already in place on the South Pole. BAS press representative Linda Capper told blogger Tim Slagle, "We have a house band-five of our science team. They are very good indi rock-folk fusion. The remaining 17 will be the audience on location." Ah, to freeze your arse off live for Mother Nature.
No, he was told, July is mid-winter in Antarctica, and no planes or boats can get in or out.
But all was not lost. BAS officials told Gore that a band was already in place on the South Pole. BAS press representative Linda Capper told blogger Tim Slagle, "We have a house band-five of our science team. They are very good indi rock-folk fusion. The remaining 17 will be the audience on location." Ah, to freeze your arse off live for Mother Nature.
A Star Is Bombed
They may shun cigarettes, meat, and carbons like the plague, but demon rum is still OK with them.
CHICAGO-It's been said that, sooner or later, we'll all get our 15 minutes of fame--and it might come with a drink.
From rock legends and movie idols to porn stars to pop icons, the number of celebrity-branded beverages has burgeoned as alchohol makers seek to leverage our fame-obsessed culture into liquid gold. While the concept is hardly new-think Billy Beer-the trend has picked up over the past few years, as more stars lend their names to the chorus of booze.
It doesn't seem to matter if they're living or dead-or even out of the public eye: The names Marilyn Monroe and Jerry Garcia are used to sell wines from beyond the grave; the teetolaler Donald Trump has his own vodka, as does Ed McMahon; Sammy Hagar just sold his Cabo Wabo tequila brand to Skyy Spirits; and Willie Nelson touts his Old Whiskey River burboun, complete with a signed guitat pick attached to the neck of each bottle. For the ones who are living, they should remember that fame is a fickle mistress, and she may leave you with nothing but your brand-name booze to keep you company later on.
CHICAGO-It's been said that, sooner or later, we'll all get our 15 minutes of fame--and it might come with a drink.
From rock legends and movie idols to porn stars to pop icons, the number of celebrity-branded beverages has burgeoned as alchohol makers seek to leverage our fame-obsessed culture into liquid gold. While the concept is hardly new-think Billy Beer-the trend has picked up over the past few years, as more stars lend their names to the chorus of booze.
It doesn't seem to matter if they're living or dead-or even out of the public eye: The names Marilyn Monroe and Jerry Garcia are used to sell wines from beyond the grave; the teetolaler Donald Trump has his own vodka, as does Ed McMahon; Sammy Hagar just sold his Cabo Wabo tequila brand to Skyy Spirits; and Willie Nelson touts his Old Whiskey River burboun, complete with a signed guitat pick attached to the neck of each bottle. For the ones who are living, they should remember that fame is a fickle mistress, and she may leave you with nothing but your brand-name booze to keep you company later on.
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Hey, kid! You're a lardass. Get used to it.
CHICAGO-Doctors ought to quit using fuzzy terms to define children's weight problems and instead refer to truly fat kids as overweight or obese, a committee of medical experts recommended.
Less blunt terms used by the government and many doctors diplomatically avoid the term "obese." Instead, they refer to children many would consider too fat as being "at risk for overeweight," and "overweight" for those others would consider obese.
Those categories don't adequeately define the hefty problem, according to the group, which was convened by the American Medical Association and funded by federal health officials including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now that's not very politically correct. Still, I guess it's better than worrying about whether or not you're going to get sued by some uptight parent because you told their little Jimmy to lay off the Hostess Cup Cakes.
CHICAGO-Doctors ought to quit using fuzzy terms to define children's weight problems and instead refer to truly fat kids as overweight or obese, a committee of medical experts recommended.
Less blunt terms used by the government and many doctors diplomatically avoid the term "obese." Instead, they refer to children many would consider too fat as being "at risk for overeweight," and "overweight" for those others would consider obese.
Those categories don't adequeately define the hefty problem, according to the group, which was convened by the American Medical Association and funded by federal health officials including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now that's not very politically correct. Still, I guess it's better than worrying about whether or not you're going to get sued by some uptight parent because you told their little Jimmy to lay off the Hostess Cup Cakes.
Taking Back The Right
If there's one group that should be listened to by the entire GOP, it's this one. WASHINGTON-A new political group recentlu asked Mitt Romney to promise not to wiretap Americans withoug a judge's approbal or to imprison US citizens without a trial as "enemy combatants." When Romney declined to sign their pledge, the group denounced him as "unfit to serve as president."
Such rhetoric might be expected from liberal activists. But these critics, who call their organization American Freedom Agenda, are hardly leftists. They represent what they insist is a growing group of disaffected conservatives who are demanding that the Republican Party return to its traditional mistrust of concentrated government power.
"Mitt Romney's ignorance of the Constitution's checks and balances and protections against government abuses would have alarmed the Founding Fathers and their conservative philosophy," said Bruce Fein, one of the group's co founders and a Reagan administration attorney, in a press release last month attacking Romney for not signing the pledge.
The American Freedom Agenda, which intends to put all candidates in both parties to the same test, is aiming to revive a strand of conservatism that they say has been drowned out since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th, 2001. The conservative principle of limited government, they say, means not just cutting the budget, but imposing checks and balances on those who hold power. All I can say it's about damn time. It's sad to think that people who advocate true, limited-government conservatism and individual liberty are now on the outside looking in. But hey, the "Real conservatives" are still working as hard as they can to keep them durn queers away from decent God-fearing folk, right?
Such rhetoric might be expected from liberal activists. But these critics, who call their organization American Freedom Agenda, are hardly leftists. They represent what they insist is a growing group of disaffected conservatives who are demanding that the Republican Party return to its traditional mistrust of concentrated government power.
"Mitt Romney's ignorance of the Constitution's checks and balances and protections against government abuses would have alarmed the Founding Fathers and their conservative philosophy," said Bruce Fein, one of the group's co founders and a Reagan administration attorney, in a press release last month attacking Romney for not signing the pledge.
The American Freedom Agenda, which intends to put all candidates in both parties to the same test, is aiming to revive a strand of conservatism that they say has been drowned out since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th, 2001. The conservative principle of limited government, they say, means not just cutting the budget, but imposing checks and balances on those who hold power. All I can say it's about damn time. It's sad to think that people who advocate true, limited-government conservatism and individual liberty are now on the outside looking in. But hey, the "Real conservatives" are still working as hard as they can to keep them durn queers away from decent God-fearing folk, right?
When Words Mattered
I can't believe this happened two decades ago. The four most famous words of Ronald Reagan's Presidency almost were never uttered.
Twenty years ago, on the morning of June 12, 1987, Reagan arrived in Berlin, on the occasion of the city's 750th birthday. He was scheduled to speak on the Western side of the Brandenburg Gate, for years the city's symbolic dividing line. His speechwriters had drafted an address intended as much for Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, with whom Reagan was forging a close relationship, as for the 20,000 people who gathered to hear him speak. In the speech, Reagan would call on Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, but that language was opposed strongly by Reagan's National Security Council and the State Department, who feared it would be used by hard-liners in the Kremlin to discredit Gorbachev. When the President's entourage arrived in Berlin, Reagan's team was still arguing over the final wording. State and NSC submitted yet another draft of the speech. But in the limousine ride to the Wall, Reagan told his deputy chief of staff, Kenneth Duberstein, that he intended to issue the fateful challenge to Gorbachev. "It's the right thing to do," he said. There is the difference between Reagan and the wannabes who would claim his mantle. Reagan believed in doing what was right and actually stood for something. The sorry crowd of hacks who claim to be conservatives these days are all about pandering and making excuses. And they don't even do that very well.
Twenty years ago, on the morning of June 12, 1987, Reagan arrived in Berlin, on the occasion of the city's 750th birthday. He was scheduled to speak on the Western side of the Brandenburg Gate, for years the city's symbolic dividing line. His speechwriters had drafted an address intended as much for Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, with whom Reagan was forging a close relationship, as for the 20,000 people who gathered to hear him speak. In the speech, Reagan would call on Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, but that language was opposed strongly by Reagan's National Security Council and the State Department, who feared it would be used by hard-liners in the Kremlin to discredit Gorbachev. When the President's entourage arrived in Berlin, Reagan's team was still arguing over the final wording. State and NSC submitted yet another draft of the speech. But in the limousine ride to the Wall, Reagan told his deputy chief of staff, Kenneth Duberstein, that he intended to issue the fateful challenge to Gorbachev. "It's the right thing to do," he said. There is the difference between Reagan and the wannabes who would claim his mantle. Reagan believed in doing what was right and actually stood for something. The sorry crowd of hacks who claim to be conservatives these days are all about pandering and making excuses. And they don't even do that very well.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Make Love, Not War
Now how would the Christian Socialists have reacted to this being used in combat?
WASHINGTON-The Air Force on Tuesday confirmed a report that in 1994 a military researchere requested $7.5 million to develop a non-lethal "love bomb" that would chemically alter the state of mind of enemy troops and make them want to have sex with each other rather than fight.
Air Force spokeswoman Lt. Col. Cathy Reardon said the idea was proposed by an Air Force researcher at a lab at Brooks Air Force Base in Texas, but it was rejected by the Defense Department. Officials noted that the Air Force constantly is considering funding proposals.
No money was spent, Reardon said, and no such weapons are being considered. The goal was to create a non-lethal weapon to be used against enemy troops. I suppose it would have been much easier to take such troops prisoner, but I'm guessing that marriages would have been a definite no-no.
WASHINGTON-The Air Force on Tuesday confirmed a report that in 1994 a military researchere requested $7.5 million to develop a non-lethal "love bomb" that would chemically alter the state of mind of enemy troops and make them want to have sex with each other rather than fight.
Air Force spokeswoman Lt. Col. Cathy Reardon said the idea was proposed by an Air Force researcher at a lab at Brooks Air Force Base in Texas, but it was rejected by the Defense Department. Officials noted that the Air Force constantly is considering funding proposals.
No money was spent, Reardon said, and no such weapons are being considered. The goal was to create a non-lethal weapon to be used against enemy troops. I suppose it would have been much easier to take such troops prisoner, but I'm guessing that marriages would have been a definite no-no.
They Only Come Out At Night
This is the way that vampire Scientologists actually live. John Travolta has found the best way to avoid the paparazzi is to stay up all night and sleep half of the day, the Hollywood star reveals in an interview to be published this weekend.
The 53-year-old star of blockbusters such as "Pulp Fiction," "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease," told the latest edition of Parade Magazine due out Sunday that his whole family had adopted the lifestyle to maintain their privacy.
"We're like the Addams family or the Muster, living sort of an odd, nocturnal life," Travolta told the magazine. If you're not one of the paparazzi he'll invite you into his house, but be warned-John Travolta doesn't drink...wine.
The 53-year-old star of blockbusters such as "Pulp Fiction," "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease," told the latest edition of Parade Magazine due out Sunday that his whole family had adopted the lifestyle to maintain their privacy.
"We're like the Addams family or the Muster, living sort of an odd, nocturnal life," Travolta told the magazine. If you're not one of the paparazzi he'll invite you into his house, but be warned-John Travolta doesn't drink...wine.
You Can Take That To The Bank-Or Not
Forget about the Bush administration. Privately run bureaucracy can be even worse. It was a hard enough day for Shaul Bakhash, as he dealt with the ongoing drama surrounding the imprisonment in Iran of his wife, noted American scholar Haleh Esfandiari. Then he found an express letter on the doorstep of his Potamac home yesterday morning announcing that Citibank had frozen his wife's bank accounts on grounds that she is now a "resident" of Iran.
In the letter, Citibank said the accounts had been frozen "in accordance with U.S. Sanctions regulations," which stipulate that U.S. banks are prohibited from servicint accounts for residents of Iran.
So began a stressful process of inquiries and appeals for help--to the bank, financial contacts, the State Department and the press-to finally reach a resolution.
Bakhash, a historian at George Mason University, quickly learned that his two Citibank accounts had also been closed, even though he has not visited Iran since 1980. Bakhash and Esfandiari are both U.S. citizens, but Esfandiari has maintained her Iranian passport so she can visit her family in Tehran twice a year. She was on a 10-day visit to see her 93-year-old mother when she was put under virtial house arrest for for months, after which she was jailed in Tehran's Evin Prison on May 8. Iran charged her this week with espionage and endangering national security. Yes, we need to keep dangerous individuals like these from getting their hands on our filthy luchre. And you thought government could be anal.
In the letter, Citibank said the accounts had been frozen "in accordance with U.S. Sanctions regulations," which stipulate that U.S. banks are prohibited from servicint accounts for residents of Iran.
So began a stressful process of inquiries and appeals for help--to the bank, financial contacts, the State Department and the press-to finally reach a resolution.
Bakhash, a historian at George Mason University, quickly learned that his two Citibank accounts had also been closed, even though he has not visited Iran since 1980. Bakhash and Esfandiari are both U.S. citizens, but Esfandiari has maintained her Iranian passport so she can visit her family in Tehran twice a year. She was on a 10-day visit to see her 93-year-old mother when she was put under virtial house arrest for for months, after which she was jailed in Tehran's Evin Prison on May 8. Iran charged her this week with espionage and endangering national security. Yes, we need to keep dangerous individuals like these from getting their hands on our filthy luchre. And you thought government could be anal.
Smile, You're Busted
Ladies and gentlemen, your tax dollars at work. Brian D. Kelly didn't think he was doing anything illegal when he used his videocamera to record a Carlisle police officer during a traffic stop. Making movies is one of his hobbies, he said, and the stop was just another interesting event to him.
Now he's worried about going to prison or being burdened with a criminal record.
Kelly, 18, of Carlisle, was arrested on a felony wiretapping charge, with a penalty of up to 7 years in state prison.
His camera and film were seized by police during the May 24 stop, he said, and he spent 26 hours in Cumberland County Prison until his mother posted her house as security for his $2,500 bail.
Kelly is charged under a state law that bars the intentional interception or recording of anyone's oral conversation without their consent. Yes sir, we got us a real live one here. Gotta keep those dangerous camera-totin' types off the streets!
Now he's worried about going to prison or being burdened with a criminal record.
Kelly, 18, of Carlisle, was arrested on a felony wiretapping charge, with a penalty of up to 7 years in state prison.
His camera and film were seized by police during the May 24 stop, he said, and he spent 26 hours in Cumberland County Prison until his mother posted her house as security for his $2,500 bail.
Kelly is charged under a state law that bars the intentional interception or recording of anyone's oral conversation without their consent. Yes sir, we got us a real live one here. Gotta keep those dangerous camera-totin' types off the streets!
Granny's Got Great Guns
Excuse me while I go gouge out my eyes. (AP)-Greensboro, Pa. Giving sultry looks and sexy smiles to the camera, 13 Pittsburgh-area women recently posed at Monongahela historical sites, baring it all--or almost all--to create a charity-driven calendar. The catch?
The nearly nude ladies are all in their 70s and 80s, driven to adventure by a desire to raise money for a historical society in Monongahela, a small community 17 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Overcoming fears the priest would walk by during a photo shoot or embarrassing their children and grandchildren, the women--all well-known members of the tight-knit community--are now eagerly awaiting the calendar's debut next month. The money it generates will go to the Monongahela Area Historical Society. Anything left over should go towards a fund for therapy for anyone unlucky enough to have seen them during the shoot.
The nearly nude ladies are all in their 70s and 80s, driven to adventure by a desire to raise money for a historical society in Monongahela, a small community 17 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Overcoming fears the priest would walk by during a photo shoot or embarrassing their children and grandchildren, the women--all well-known members of the tight-knit community--are now eagerly awaiting the calendar's debut next month. The money it generates will go to the Monongahela Area Historical Society. Anything left over should go towards a fund for therapy for anyone unlucky enough to have seen them during the shoot.
The Name Game
What's in a name? Trying to come up with a new one, especially if you're Chinese. BEIJING (AFP)-With more than a billion people now sharing just 100 surnames, Chinese authorities are considering a landmark move to try to end the confusion, state media reported Tuesday.
Current Chinese law states that children are only allowed to take the surname from either their mother or father, but the lack of variety means there are now 93 million people in China with the family name Wang.
In a country of around 1.3 billion people, about 85 percent share only 100 surnames, according to a nationwide survey condicted by the Ministry of Public Security in April and published in the China Daily newspaper on Tuesday. The problem with coming up with a new name in China is that you want another one half an hour later...
Current Chinese law states that children are only allowed to take the surname from either their mother or father, but the lack of variety means there are now 93 million people in China with the family name Wang.
In a country of around 1.3 billion people, about 85 percent share only 100 surnames, according to a nationwide survey condicted by the Ministry of Public Security in April and published in the China Daily newspaper on Tuesday. The problem with coming up with a new name in China is that you want another one half an hour later...
A Crappy Case
At least the thief's first name wasn't Seymour.
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa-Police blame a woman named Butts for stealing toilet paper from an Iowa courthouse, and while they are chuckling, the theft charge could land her in jail.
"She's facing potentially three years of incarceration for three rolls of toilet paper," Chief Lon Walker said, stifling a laugh as he talked to KCCI-TV about Suzanne Marie Butts.
Workers at the Marshall County Courthouse had noticed toilet paper rolls were disappearing much faster than usual, Walker said.
Butts, 38, was caught last week after an employee saw her taking three rolls of two-ply tissue from a storage closet, Walker said. So, was this an episode of Walker, Toilet Ranger?
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa-Police blame a woman named Butts for stealing toilet paper from an Iowa courthouse, and while they are chuckling, the theft charge could land her in jail.
"She's facing potentially three years of incarceration for three rolls of toilet paper," Chief Lon Walker said, stifling a laugh as he talked to KCCI-TV about Suzanne Marie Butts.
Workers at the Marshall County Courthouse had noticed toilet paper rolls were disappearing much faster than usual, Walker said.
Butts, 38, was caught last week after an employee saw her taking three rolls of two-ply tissue from a storage closet, Walker said. So, was this an episode of Walker, Toilet Ranger?
How Green Was My Hemoglobin
"Blast it, Jim, I'm a doctor, not a chemist!"
Canadian surgeons received the shock of their careers while trying to insert an arterial line into a man who was suffering from compartment syndrome and needed an urgent procedure to save his legs from permanent damage.
Surgeons were having trouble inserting the line, but what happened next seemed like science fiction. The man began oozing dark green blood out of the catheter, not unlike Mr. Spock might have done if he was on the operating table.
Dr. Stephen Schwarz and Dr. Alana Flexman presented their unusual case in a recent edition of The Lancet. Paging Fox Mulder....
Canadian surgeons received the shock of their careers while trying to insert an arterial line into a man who was suffering from compartment syndrome and needed an urgent procedure to save his legs from permanent damage.
Surgeons were having trouble inserting the line, but what happened next seemed like science fiction. The man began oozing dark green blood out of the catheter, not unlike Mr. Spock might have done if he was on the operating table.
Dr. Stephen Schwarz and Dr. Alana Flexman presented their unusual case in a recent edition of The Lancet. Paging Fox Mulder....
Monday, June 11, 2007
Do You Yah-Sue?
Yahoo would be a good way to describe the lefties who would defend what happened to this guy. HONG KONG (AP)-A jailed Chinese reporter accused of leaking state secrets has joined a U.S. lawsuit claiming Yahoo Inc. helped the Chinese government convict dissident, his mother said Sunday.
Shi Tao, who was sentenced in 2005 to 10 years in prison, is seeking compensation from the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Internet company, claiming Yahoo Hong Kong and Yahoo China provided information to the Chinese authorities that led to his arrest.
Shi, a former writer for the financial publication Contemporary Business News, was jailed for providing state secrets to foreigners. His conviction stemmed from an e-mail he sent containing his notes on a government circular that spelled out restrictions on the media. Do you think Al Gore had jailing dissidents in Communist countries in mind when he invented this Internet thing?
Shi Tao, who was sentenced in 2005 to 10 years in prison, is seeking compensation from the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Internet company, claiming Yahoo Hong Kong and Yahoo China provided information to the Chinese authorities that led to his arrest.
Shi, a former writer for the financial publication Contemporary Business News, was jailed for providing state secrets to foreigners. His conviction stemmed from an e-mail he sent containing his notes on a government circular that spelled out restrictions on the media. Do you think Al Gore had jailing dissidents in Communist countries in mind when he invented this Internet thing?
They Just Don't CAIR
Well this just breaks my heart all to pieces. Membership in the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has declined more than 90 percent since the 2001 terrorist attacks, Audrey Hudson will report in Tuesday's editions of The Washington Times.
According to tax documents obtained by The Times, the number or reported members spiraled down from more than 29,000 in 2000 to less than 1,700 in 2006, a loss of membership that caused the Muslim rights group's annual income from dues to drop from $732,765 in 2000, when yearly dues cost $25, to $58,750 last year, when the group charged $35.
The organization instead is relying on about two dozen individual donors a year to contribute the majority of the money for CAIR's budget, which reached nearly $3 million last year. I guess being apologists for fundamentalist extremists just isn't what it was cracked up to be.
According to tax documents obtained by The Times, the number or reported members spiraled down from more than 29,000 in 2000 to less than 1,700 in 2006, a loss of membership that caused the Muslim rights group's annual income from dues to drop from $732,765 in 2000, when yearly dues cost $25, to $58,750 last year, when the group charged $35.
The organization instead is relying on about two dozen individual donors a year to contribute the majority of the money for CAIR's budget, which reached nearly $3 million last year. I guess being apologists for fundamentalist extremists just isn't what it was cracked up to be.
Original Sin
The Christian Socialists got dealt another blow today.
ATLANTA-A Georgia judge on Monday voided a 10-year sentence given to a 17-year-old teenage male who was convicted of having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl.
Monroe County Superior Court Judge Tohomas Wilson voided Genarlow Wilson's sentence and dropped it to a misdemeanor aggravated child molestation with a 12-month sentence, plus credit for time served. Under the new ruling, he will not be required to register as a sex offender.
"I just feel like a miracle happened," Genarlow Wilson's mother, Juannessa Bennett, said Monday. This guy spent more than two years in jail because some prosecutor acted on a law that punished two minors for having consensual sex. Shoot, if they'd listened to the nannystaters and turned to abstinence and God this probably wouldn't have happened.
ATLANTA-A Georgia judge on Monday voided a 10-year sentence given to a 17-year-old teenage male who was convicted of having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl.
Monroe County Superior Court Judge Tohomas Wilson voided Genarlow Wilson's sentence and dropped it to a misdemeanor aggravated child molestation with a 12-month sentence, plus credit for time served. Under the new ruling, he will not be required to register as a sex offender.
"I just feel like a miracle happened," Genarlow Wilson's mother, Juannessa Bennett, said Monday. This guy spent more than two years in jail because some prosecutor acted on a law that punished two minors for having consensual sex. Shoot, if they'd listened to the nannystaters and turned to abstinence and God this probably wouldn't have happened.
Law 1, Bush 0
Well, it seems those pesky laws apply to everyone after all. RICHMOND, Va. (AP)-The Bush administration cannot use new anti-terrorism laws to keep U.S. residents locked up indefinitely without charging them, a divided federal appeals court said Monday.
The ruling was a harsh rebuke of one of the central tools the administration believes it has to combat terror.
"To sanction such presidential authority to order the military to seize and indefinitely detain civilians, even if the President calls them 'enemy combatants,' would have disastrous consequences for the constitution-and the country," the court panel said. This is the price you pay for trying to act like an effing monarch in a constitutional republic. Eventually that pesky constitution can be used against you.
The ruling was a harsh rebuke of one of the central tools the administration believes it has to combat terror.
"To sanction such presidential authority to order the military to seize and indefinitely detain civilians, even if the President calls them 'enemy combatants,' would have disastrous consequences for the constitution-and the country," the court panel said. This is the price you pay for trying to act like an effing monarch in a constitutional republic. Eventually that pesky constitution can be used against you.
Club Gitmo Has Gots To Go
Another durn librul says what we should do with the terrists scumbags what need to be tortured. Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell has called for the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay to be immediately closed and its inmates moved to the United States.
Mr Powell, who in 2003 made the case for war against Iraq over weapons of mass destruction that were never found, said the controversial prison in Cuba had become a "major problem" for the image of the United States and had done more harm than good.
"Guantanamo has become a major, major problem...in the way the world perceives America. If it were up to me I would close Guantanamo not tomorrow but this afternoon...
"I would not let any of those people go. I would simply move them to the United States and put them into out federal legal system," Mr Powell said in a television interview with NBC's Meet the Press.
"We have shaken the belief the world had in America's justice system by keeping a place like Guantanamo open and creating the military commission.
"We don't need it and it is causing us far more damage than any good we get for it," he added.
The United States is holding approximately 380 foreign terrorist suspects at Guantanamo. You know, I find it odd that the people who complain the most about things like torture and Guantanamo are the ones who have actually been in war, while the ones who cheer the loudest for these policies to continue have for the most part never even worn a uniform. Gee...what do you suppose it is about former soldiers who have actually seen combat and witnessed acts of cruelty themselves that makes them more qualified to speak out than politicians and armchair hacks who just wanna pretect Amurca from them terrists?
Mr Powell, who in 2003 made the case for war against Iraq over weapons of mass destruction that were never found, said the controversial prison in Cuba had become a "major problem" for the image of the United States and had done more harm than good.
"Guantanamo has become a major, major problem...in the way the world perceives America. If it were up to me I would close Guantanamo not tomorrow but this afternoon...
"I would not let any of those people go. I would simply move them to the United States and put them into out federal legal system," Mr Powell said in a television interview with NBC's Meet the Press.
"We have shaken the belief the world had in America's justice system by keeping a place like Guantanamo open and creating the military commission.
"We don't need it and it is causing us far more damage than any good we get for it," he added.
The United States is holding approximately 380 foreign terrorist suspects at Guantanamo. You know, I find it odd that the people who complain the most about things like torture and Guantanamo are the ones who have actually been in war, while the ones who cheer the loudest for these policies to continue have for the most part never even worn a uniform. Gee...what do you suppose it is about former soldiers who have actually seen combat and witnessed acts of cruelty themselves that makes them more qualified to speak out than politicians and armchair hacks who just wanna pretect Amurca from them terrists?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Illegals for Guns
I'd say it's actually a fair tradeoff. CUERNAVACA, Mexico-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Friday that Washington is taking steps to address Mexican concerns that the U.S. is not doing enough to stop illegal weapons from being smuggled across the border and into the hands of brutal drug gangs.
A meeting here of attorneys general from the U.S., Mexico and six other Latin American countries focused on Mexican complaints weapons from the United States are fueling a wave of cartel-related executions and violent crime that is battering the nation.
"We are concerned about the number of weapons coming into Mexico and Central America illegally from the United States," Gonzales said. "There is more that we can do, and we are looking to do, to try and stem the flow of illegal weapons into Mexico." Hey, they're just doing the gunrunning that other Mexicans won't do...
A meeting here of attorneys general from the U.S., Mexico and six other Latin American countries focused on Mexican complaints weapons from the United States are fueling a wave of cartel-related executions and violent crime that is battering the nation.
"We are concerned about the number of weapons coming into Mexico and Central America illegally from the United States," Gonzales said. "There is more that we can do, and we are looking to do, to try and stem the flow of illegal weapons into Mexico." Hey, they're just doing the gunrunning that other Mexicans won't do...
Willy Get Your Gun
Heh, how ironic is this? (Hat tip: Instapundit). When Rep. William Jefferson was arraigned on a boatload of corruption and racketeering charges on Friday, he was ordered to surrender his firearms. Apparently, while the Louisiana Democrat stores his FBI-marked bribe money in his freezer in Washington, he stockpiles his collection of rifles and shotguns in his home in New Orleans.
Of course, the confiscation of all those people-killing guns from a man who will likely be on a federally funded meal plan until our next visit from Halley's Comet should help Liberals sleep at night.
But the specter of a gun-toting opponent raises some rather curious questions, wouldn't you say? You'd think with the money in the fridge he'd at least have been able to afford a decent gun case.
Of course, the confiscation of all those people-killing guns from a man who will likely be on a federally funded meal plan until our next visit from Halley's Comet should help Liberals sleep at night.
But the specter of a gun-toting opponent raises some rather curious questions, wouldn't you say? You'd think with the money in the fridge he'd at least have been able to afford a decent gun case.
Taking Responsibility
Note to future Presidential administrations: If you're going to tell our soldiers that torture-excuse me, "Intensive interrogation"-is ok, you'd better make sure those soldiers don't have a conscience first.
A former American army torturer has laid bare the traumatic effects of American interrogation techniques in Iraq-on their victims and on the perpetrators themselves.
Tony Lagouranis conducted mock executions, forced men and boys into agonising positions. kept suspects awake for weeks on end, used dogs to terrify detainees and subjected others to hypothermia.
But he confesses that he was deeply scarred by the realisation that what he did has contributed to the downfall of American forces in Iraq.
Mr. Laguoranis, 37, suffered nightmares and anxiety attacks on his return to Chicago, where he works as a bouncer.
Between January 2004 and January 2005, first at the notorious Abu Ghraib prisonpby then cleaning up its act as the prisoner abuse scandal was breaking-and then in Mosul, north Babil, he tortured suspects, most of whom he says turned out to be innocent. He says that he realised that he had entered a moral dungeon when he found himself reading a Holocaust memoir, hoping to pick up torture tips from the Nazis.
(snip) Mr. Lagouranis, who held the rank of specialist, equivalent to a lance corporal, says he never beat a prisoner. But he said: "These coercive techniques-isolation, dogs, sleep deprivation, stress positions, hypothermia-crossed a legal line because they violated the Geneva COnvention.
"They also crossed a moral line. If you keep a man awake for a month, then that's torture. If you subject a man to hypothermia, that's torture. If you keep him on his knees off and on for a month, that's torture." But hey, they were terrist suspects who wanted to hurt Amurca at the time, so it was necessary, right?
A former American army torturer has laid bare the traumatic effects of American interrogation techniques in Iraq-on their victims and on the perpetrators themselves.
Tony Lagouranis conducted mock executions, forced men and boys into agonising positions. kept suspects awake for weeks on end, used dogs to terrify detainees and subjected others to hypothermia.
But he confesses that he was deeply scarred by the realisation that what he did has contributed to the downfall of American forces in Iraq.
Mr. Laguoranis, 37, suffered nightmares and anxiety attacks on his return to Chicago, where he works as a bouncer.
Between January 2004 and January 2005, first at the notorious Abu Ghraib prisonpby then cleaning up its act as the prisoner abuse scandal was breaking-and then in Mosul, north Babil, he tortured suspects, most of whom he says turned out to be innocent. He says that he realised that he had entered a moral dungeon when he found himself reading a Holocaust memoir, hoping to pick up torture tips from the Nazis.
(snip) Mr. Lagouranis, who held the rank of specialist, equivalent to a lance corporal, says he never beat a prisoner. But he said: "These coercive techniques-isolation, dogs, sleep deprivation, stress positions, hypothermia-crossed a legal line because they violated the Geneva COnvention.
"They also crossed a moral line. If you keep a man awake for a month, then that's torture. If you subject a man to hypothermia, that's torture. If you keep him on his knees off and on for a month, that's torture." But hey, they were terrist suspects who wanted to hurt Amurca at the time, so it was necessary, right?
Saturday, June 09, 2007
The Iceman Cometh
Wow, that Putinitis is something. First it makes Bush ill, now it turns Tony Blair into a Britsicle. Tony Blair told Vladimir Putin yesterday that the world was becoming more and more afraid of Russia's behaviour at home and abroad.
And as he left his last G8 summit in Germany Mr Blair predicted a lengthy period of deep freeze in relations between Russia and the West.
The two men, who have been sparring with each other from a distance for weeks, had a tense, hour-long encounter in the Caroline Room at the Kempinski Grand Hotel. Mr Blair emerged alone, a fixed smile on his face. About the only person who would be happy about any of this is Yakoff Smirnoff. Time to dust off the hammer and sickle, Comrade.
And as he left his last G8 summit in Germany Mr Blair predicted a lengthy period of deep freeze in relations between Russia and the West.
The two men, who have been sparring with each other from a distance for weeks, had a tense, hour-long encounter in the Caroline Room at the Kempinski Grand Hotel. Mr Blair emerged alone, a fixed smile on his face. About the only person who would be happy about any of this is Yakoff Smirnoff. Time to dust off the hammer and sickle, Comrade.
Dutch Surprise
Don't laugh. The coffee will probably be next. AMSTERDAM (Reuters)-A Dutch smoking ban will come into force in July next year for all restaurants and cafes-including coffee shops where cannabis is the top attraction, the government decided on Friday.
"Coffee shops will be treated in the same manner as other catering businesses. They will be smoke-free," Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende told NOS television.
"It would have been wrong to move towards a smoke-free catering industry and then make an exception for coffee shops. People would not have understood that." Shoot, in America they would have banned the coffee and tobacco but left the pot alone. What's the point of nannystating if you can't be hypocritical about it?
"Coffee shops will be treated in the same manner as other catering businesses. They will be smoke-free," Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende told NOS television.
"It would have been wrong to move towards a smoke-free catering industry and then make an exception for coffee shops. People would not have understood that." Shoot, in America they would have banned the coffee and tobacco but left the pot alone. What's the point of nannystating if you can't be hypocritical about it?
Hard Luck
He's a movie star who won't pay his bills. Of course he's the victim. JUNE 8-Facing trial in a bizzare tax avoidance scheme, actor Wesley Snipes claims that prosecutors used race as a factor in deciding to chage him with failure to file six years worth of IRS returns. In a motion to dismiss an eight-count indictment filed last October, Snipes argues that he is the victim of selective prosecution. Snipes points to the fact that his two :Caucasian" codefendants, Douglas Rosile and Eddie Kahn, have not been charged with failure to file tax returns, though investigators are aware that Kahn did not file returns for six years and that it was "possible" Rosile did not file for two years. When in doubt, blame the other guy. It's the Hollyweird way.
Friday, June 08, 2007
If At First You Don't Succeed
The definition of insanity is said to do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. If that's the case, Bush needs to be fitted for the jacket that's all sleeves. WASHINGTON-President Bush, trying to recover from a stinging setback on immigration, will personally try in a visit to the Capitol next week to revive the embattled plan for legalizing millions of unlawful immigrants.
Bush's scheduled lunch on Tuesday with GOP senators is part of a campaign by the White House and allies in both parties to outmaneuver conservative Republicans who blocked the broad immigration measure this week. They said Friday they would try again to reach accord on the number of amendments the dissidents could offer.
Opponents of the bill promised to continue fighting all such efforts. Bearing in mind that I still think something needs to be done, this is yet another manifistation of the stubborn, obstinate side of Bush that I loathe. With all due respect, Mr. President, "Stay the course" didn't work with Iraq and it won't work here.
Bush's scheduled lunch on Tuesday with GOP senators is part of a campaign by the White House and allies in both parties to outmaneuver conservative Republicans who blocked the broad immigration measure this week. They said Friday they would try again to reach accord on the number of amendments the dissidents could offer.
Opponents of the bill promised to continue fighting all such efforts. Bearing in mind that I still think something needs to be done, this is yet another manifistation of the stubborn, obstinate side of Bush that I loathe. With all due respect, Mr. President, "Stay the course" didn't work with Iraq and it won't work here.
Listen To The Newt
He may be a craven opportunist, but when he's right, he's right. WASHINGTON (AP)-Republican Newt Gingrich, in a jab at President Bush, warned on Friday that the GOP will lose the White House and Congress in 2008 if the nominee is perceived as a continuation of the Bush presidency.
Addressing a conservative organization, the former House Speaker never mentioned the president by name, but his political point was clear.
"If the Republicans run a stand-pat presidential candidate who ends up being on defense for all of September and Octover and who is seen by the country as representing four more years, the fact is that the Republicans are not going to" win, Ginbrich told the American Enterprise Institute. The key theme of the '08 race is that people want change. A Bush wannabe just won't cut it.
Addressing a conservative organization, the former House Speaker never mentioned the president by name, but his political point was clear.
"If the Republicans run a stand-pat presidential candidate who ends up being on defense for all of September and Octover and who is seen by the country as representing four more years, the fact is that the Republicans are not going to" win, Ginbrich told the American Enterprise Institute. The key theme of the '08 race is that people want change. A Bush wannabe just won't cut it.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
The Dogless Days Of Summer
The animal rights whackos show once again that, to them at least, some animals are less equal than others. SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters)-California may become the only U.S. state to require the sterilization of pets under a bill passed by the state Assembly, pitting dog and cat lovers against animal rights activists.
"It's a horrific bill," said Maureen Hill-Hauch, executive director of Castleton, New York-based American Dog Owners Association, adding that enforcement of the bill in theory could wipe out California's dog population.
The bill would require pet owners to spay and neuter their dogs and cats, or face a $500 fine for each animal.
Breeders, as well as owners of guide dogs, could obtain exemptions. What about a bill that would require states to spay and neuter their population of liberals?
"It's a horrific bill," said Maureen Hill-Hauch, executive director of Castleton, New York-based American Dog Owners Association, adding that enforcement of the bill in theory could wipe out California's dog population.
The bill would require pet owners to spay and neuter their dogs and cats, or face a $500 fine for each animal.
Breeders, as well as owners of guide dogs, could obtain exemptions. What about a bill that would require states to spay and neuter their population of liberals?
Mayor Jesus
Apparently dead politicians can not only win elections, they can scare you straight, as well.
ROSEMONT, Ill.-Donald Stephens spent more than half a century at the helm of this Chicago suburb. Now, less than two months after his death, some say an eerie likeness of the late mayor's face has appeared in the peeling bark of a 50-foot sycamore.
The image is fueling speculation and wonder in the village of 4,200 residents-the town Stephens is credited with transforming from a tuny enclave of just a few dozen people into a bustling community with one of the nation's largest convention centers.
"He told me, you screw things up, I'm gonna haint you," said Bradley Stepens, the mayor's 44-year-old son who was appointed to complete his father's term. "When it starts talking, we're all in trouble." Now, if his face appears in a piece of toast, or a statue of Hizzonor starts weeping, is it a sign of the second coming, or just the Mayor trying to drum up more business?
ROSEMONT, Ill.-Donald Stephens spent more than half a century at the helm of this Chicago suburb. Now, less than two months after his death, some say an eerie likeness of the late mayor's face has appeared in the peeling bark of a 50-foot sycamore.
The image is fueling speculation and wonder in the village of 4,200 residents-the town Stephens is credited with transforming from a tuny enclave of just a few dozen people into a bustling community with one of the nation's largest convention centers.
"He told me, you screw things up, I'm gonna haint you," said Bradley Stepens, the mayor's 44-year-old son who was appointed to complete his father's term. "When it starts talking, we're all in trouble." Now, if his face appears in a piece of toast, or a statue of Hizzonor starts weeping, is it a sign of the second coming, or just the Mayor trying to drum up more business?
The Invisible Candidate
The cult of the Gorebot is growing. Some people arrived at dawn. Supporters were selling T-shirts and buttons. There was a fiery speech. And reporters and photographers were tripping over each other.
Al Gore's visit to a Chicago bookstore Wednesday was officially to promote his new book, but it had all the trappings of the typical campaign appearance.
Still, as he has done for months, the former vice president insisted he has no plans to run again for the nation's highest office.
"I'm not planning to be a candidate again," he said after a six-minute campaign-style speech that touched on everything from his trademark issue of global warming to the Iraq war. It would be so much fun if Al turned into the Ross Perot of this election. Dummycrat heads would asplode trying to affix blame for their loss if he did.
Al Gore's visit to a Chicago bookstore Wednesday was officially to promote his new book, but it had all the trappings of the typical campaign appearance.
Still, as he has done for months, the former vice president insisted he has no plans to run again for the nation's highest office.
"I'm not planning to be a candidate again," he said after a six-minute campaign-style speech that touched on everything from his trademark issue of global warming to the Iraq war. It would be so much fun if Al turned into the Ross Perot of this election. Dummycrat heads would asplode trying to affix blame for their loss if he did.
Dry As A Bone
It's down to canteen rations now. LOS ANGELES (Reuters)-Los Angeles residents were urged on Wednesday to take shorter showers, reduce lawn sprinklers and stop throwing trash in toilets in a bid to cut water usage by 10 percent in the driest year on record.
With downtown Los Angeles seeing a record low of 4 inches of rain since July 2006-less than a quarter of normal-and with a hot, dry summer ahead, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the city needed "to change course and conserve water to steer clear of this perfect storm."
It is the driest year since rainfall records began 130 years ago. Well, I'm sure there's some way Hizzoner and his followers can blame this on Whitey. After all, they do everything else.
With downtown Los Angeles seeing a record low of 4 inches of rain since July 2006-less than a quarter of normal-and with a hot, dry summer ahead, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the city needed "to change course and conserve water to steer clear of this perfect storm."
It is the driest year since rainfall records began 130 years ago. Well, I'm sure there's some way Hizzoner and his followers can blame this on Whitey. After all, they do everything else.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Pumping Hosers
You have to admit, Canadian lefties have come up with some pretty creating excuses for separating the average person from their money. OTTOWA-The Green Party wants Canadian drivers to pay an extra 12 cents a litre at the gas pumps as the price of averting environmental "catastrophe."
Leader Elizabeth May is boasting that her party is the only one politically brave enough to call for carbon taxes that would discourage automobile use and finance other tax cuts that would allow consumers to make smarter environmental choices.
"Right nowm the Green Party of Canada is the only Canadian political party prepared to state this obvious reality," May said yesterday. "We will use those carbon taxes to reduce taxes elsewhere." Oh, come on! If they were serious about reducing taxes, they wouldn't be leftists, now would they? Canada-experimenting with failed social engineering since 1867.
Leader Elizabeth May is boasting that her party is the only one politically brave enough to call for carbon taxes that would discourage automobile use and finance other tax cuts that would allow consumers to make smarter environmental choices.
"Right nowm the Green Party of Canada is the only Canadian political party prepared to state this obvious reality," May said yesterday. "We will use those carbon taxes to reduce taxes elsewhere." Oh, come on! If they were serious about reducing taxes, they wouldn't be leftists, now would they? Canada-experimenting with failed social engineering since 1867.
Intolerance Will Not Be Tolerated!
Once again, it's Cartman's world, we just live in it. Are Trey Parker and Matt Stone prophets?
Some liberal morons at UNLV set up an exhibit they called the "Tunnel of Oppression" to "educate" students with a "multimedia experience" on "their roles" in the oppression of people they've never met and whatever other leftwingnut moonbat macacca they believe.
The kicker? South Park, in a 2002 episode entitled "The Death Camp of Tolerance," parodied liberal hypertolerance (which South Park correctly portrays as intolerance) by making the boys attend a "Museim of Tolerance" after they expressed dismay at Mr. Garrison's increasingly perverted in-school homosexual behavior with Mr. Slave.
The boys were made by the museum guide to go through a "Tunnel of Prejudice," in which racial and ethnic slurs were screamed at the boys in the darkness to make them "feel what it is like to be discriminated against." Well, hopefully none of the students will be forced to have small animals shoved up their rear ends to get a "Full experience..."
Some liberal morons at UNLV set up an exhibit they called the "Tunnel of Oppression" to "educate" students with a "multimedia experience" on "their roles" in the oppression of people they've never met and whatever other leftwingnut moonbat macacca they believe.
The kicker? South Park, in a 2002 episode entitled "The Death Camp of Tolerance," parodied liberal hypertolerance (which South Park correctly portrays as intolerance) by making the boys attend a "Museim of Tolerance" after they expressed dismay at Mr. Garrison's increasingly perverted in-school homosexual behavior with Mr. Slave.
The boys were made by the museum guide to go through a "Tunnel of Prejudice," in which racial and ethnic slurs were screamed at the boys in the darkness to make them "feel what it is like to be discriminated against." Well, hopefully none of the students will be forced to have small animals shoved up their rear ends to get a "Full experience..."
Send In The Clones
How's this for minority-party stupidity? WASHINGTON (AP)-House republicans united Wednesday to reject a Democratic-backed bill to ban human reproductive cloning, a prelude to the larger battle this week over the federal funding of stem cell research.
The 213-204 vote against the cloning bill fell far short of the two-thirds majority needed under a special procedure that limits debate and does not allow amendments. The parties accused each other of using the legislation to score political points before a Thursday vote to send a stem cell bill to the White House that President Bush says he will veto.
Only 14 of 196 voting Republicans supported it. Among Democrats, 190 of the 221 voting were for it. I guess this is some kind of a moral victory for those who believe that something swirling around in a petri dish is a fully-fledged human being. But wouldn't allowing clones make baby Jesus cry too?
The 213-204 vote against the cloning bill fell far short of the two-thirds majority needed under a special procedure that limits debate and does not allow amendments. The parties accused each other of using the legislation to score political points before a Thursday vote to send a stem cell bill to the White House that President Bush says he will veto.
Only 14 of 196 voting Republicans supported it. Among Democrats, 190 of the 221 voting were for it. I guess this is some kind of a moral victory for those who believe that something swirling around in a petri dish is a fully-fledged human being. But wouldn't allowing clones make baby Jesus cry too?
Once A Homie, Always A Homie
You will be shocked-shocked, I say-to learn that hypocracy is just as rampant among gangbangers as it is among the politicians who support them. FEDERAL ALCHOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS AGENTS knocked first, then entered the Downcy home of purported anti-gang activist Hector Marroquin on Wednesday, arresting him for selling silencers and weapons-including three assault rifles and a machine gun-to an undercover ATF agent.
The guns sales, some of which Marroquin, the founder of the gang-intervention group No Guns, transacted at his bar in the city of Cudahy, were captured on videotape and audiotape, said police officers present at his arrest.
Inside the house, the 51-year-old veteran of the 18th Street Gang surrendered as his daughter's boyfriend, David Jiminez, a parolee at large, jumped out of a window, tossed a gun into the backyard pool and climbed on the roof, authorities said. Officials said ATF agents then confronted him, he climbed back inside and was arrested and charged as a felon in possession of a gun.
Marroquin, an alleged associate of the prison-based Mexican Mafia, has grown accustomed to such intrusions, having been arrested many times over the years while at the same time being the founder and CEO of No Guns, which has received $1.5 million from Los Angeles City Hall via the much-criticized L.A. Bridges program designed by the Los Angeles City Council to keep youth out of gangs. Well, I'd say they've been a roaring succes so far, haven't they?
The guns sales, some of which Marroquin, the founder of the gang-intervention group No Guns, transacted at his bar in the city of Cudahy, were captured on videotape and audiotape, said police officers present at his arrest.
Inside the house, the 51-year-old veteran of the 18th Street Gang surrendered as his daughter's boyfriend, David Jiminez, a parolee at large, jumped out of a window, tossed a gun into the backyard pool and climbed on the roof, authorities said. Officials said ATF agents then confronted him, he climbed back inside and was arrested and charged as a felon in possession of a gun.
Marroquin, an alleged associate of the prison-based Mexican Mafia, has grown accustomed to such intrusions, having been arrested many times over the years while at the same time being the founder and CEO of No Guns, which has received $1.5 million from Los Angeles City Hall via the much-criticized L.A. Bridges program designed by the Los Angeles City Council to keep youth out of gangs. Well, I'd say they've been a roaring succes so far, haven't they?
Going Batty Over Benedict
Let me guess-the Devil made him do it. VATICAN CITY (Reuters)-A 27-year-old German man described by the Vatican as "clearly deranged" leaped over a barricade on Wednesday and tried to jump on to Pope Benedict's open-topped jeep.
The man took the German Pope's bodyguards by surprise in St Peter's Square, coming within a meter of the pontiff in an episode that brought back memories of the assassination attempt against his predecessor Pope John Paul in 1981.
Television pictures showed the man, wearing a baseball cap, jump out of the crowd and over a wooden barricade as the Pope passed by to start his weekly audience for some 40,000 people. A deranged German being allowed out in public is never a good thing...if this guy wanted to be an attention whore, he should have gone on YouTube. That's what the Internet is for.
The man took the German Pope's bodyguards by surprise in St Peter's Square, coming within a meter of the pontiff in an episode that brought back memories of the assassination attempt against his predecessor Pope John Paul in 1981.
Television pictures showed the man, wearing a baseball cap, jump out of the crowd and over a wooden barricade as the Pope passed by to start his weekly audience for some 40,000 people. A deranged German being allowed out in public is never a good thing...if this guy wanted to be an attention whore, he should have gone on YouTube. That's what the Internet is for.
Lightning Strikes Again
I'm sure it was just a coincidence, but wouldn't it have been funny if it had struck Mike Huckabee instead?
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Lord Love A Donkey
It appears the Dems are taking a cue from the Fundie playbook.
After baring their souls in a live television confessional, top Democratic White House hopefuls have put Republicans on notice that religious voters are up for grabs.
Senator Hillary Clinton, the party's 2008 front-runner, candidly revealed at a forum on religion and politics Monday that but for her faith, she might not have made it through ex-president Bill Clinton's infidelity.
Her rival, ex-senator John Edwards told hos the searing anquish of losing a teenaged son in a car accident brought his lapsed faith "roaring back."
And Senator Barack Obama declared "I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper," testifying that his politics were grounded in faith.
The remarkably candid forum, broadcast live by CNN and co-hosted by a progressive evangelical group, was the clearest sign yet that Democrats will refuse to concede the religious vote in 2008 to Republicans. Both parties are pandering to the religious crowd to prove their God-fearing credentials. But that's not why most people will be voting for their candidate. Stick to the issues, guys. Leave God's will to God.
After baring their souls in a live television confessional, top Democratic White House hopefuls have put Republicans on notice that religious voters are up for grabs.
Senator Hillary Clinton, the party's 2008 front-runner, candidly revealed at a forum on religion and politics Monday that but for her faith, she might not have made it through ex-president Bill Clinton's infidelity.
Her rival, ex-senator John Edwards told hos the searing anquish of losing a teenaged son in a car accident brought his lapsed faith "roaring back."
And Senator Barack Obama declared "I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper," testifying that his politics were grounded in faith.
The remarkably candid forum, broadcast live by CNN and co-hosted by a progressive evangelical group, was the clearest sign yet that Democrats will refuse to concede the religious vote in 2008 to Republicans. Both parties are pandering to the religious crowd to prove their God-fearing credentials. But that's not why most people will be voting for their candidate. Stick to the issues, guys. Leave God's will to God.
30 Months In The Hole
Scooter's going to jail, Scooter's going to jail! WASHINGTON (AP)-Former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was sentence to 2 1/2 years in prison Tuesday for lying and obstructing the CIA leak investigation.
Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, stood calmly before a packed courtroom as a federeal judge said the evidence overwhelmingly proved his guilt and left the courthouse without commenting.
"People who occupy these types of positions, where they have the welfare and security of nation in their hands, have a special obligation to not do anything that might create a problem," U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said. I hope trying to save your own rear end by lying through your teeth was worth it. Good riddance.
Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, stood calmly before a packed courtroom as a federeal judge said the evidence overwhelmingly proved his guilt and left the courthouse without commenting.
"People who occupy these types of positions, where they have the welfare and security of nation in their hands, have a special obligation to not do anything that might create a problem," U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said. I hope trying to save your own rear end by lying through your teeth was worth it. Good riddance.
Welcome To The Stupid Ages
Who knew? Futurama was right!
PETERSBURG, Ky.--The glass display case filled with a variety of finches could be in any natural history museum. It is set among exhibits on frogs and lizards, across from a gift shop and a diorama of life in ancient times.
But this is something different: the Creation Museum, a $27 million destimation that brings a new level of high-tech polish to anti-evolution argument.
The text below the display case says scientists are "puzzled" by the varieties of finches. "The Bible provides the explanation," it says. "In the beginning of time, six thousand years ago, God created every kind of bird, including the finch kind, and He gave them the ability to 'multiply on the earth.'"
The 60,000-square-foot museum, which opened last week on 49 acres of lush Kentucky countryside, is the work of the group Answers in Genesis, a leader in the "young Earth" creationist movement. Unlike proponents of "intelligent design"--who question aspects of evolutionary theory but may accept that the universe is billions of years old--members of "young Earth" groups insist that the Book of Genesis is an accurate historical record.
And these idiots give the rest of the civilized world yet another reason to laugh at us. God help us all.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Court To FCC: Explecitive You
Take that, nannystaters. WASHINGTON-The federal appeals court in New York on Monday tossed out a key FCC indecency ruling that said a slip of the tongue gets broadcasters a fine for indecency, telling the commission that it failed to give a good reason for its decision and couldn't likely find a good reason if it had to.
"We find the FCC's new policy sanctioning 'fleeting explicitives' is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedures Act for failing to articulate a reasoned basis for its change in policy," the court wrote in a 2-1 opinion. In other words, being anal about bad language ain't good enough. Score one for free speech!
"We find the FCC's new policy sanctioning 'fleeting explicitives' is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedures Act for failing to articulate a reasoned basis for its change in policy," the court wrote in a 2-1 opinion. In other words, being anal about bad language ain't good enough. Score one for free speech!
The Last Democrat Standing
Sure, Pootie. Whatever you say. MOSCOW (Reuters)-Russia's President Vladimir Putin has described himself as the world's only "pure" democrat and attacked the United States and Europe, which have criticized him, for falling short of their own ideals.
In an interview with Western media released on Monday, he rejected Western criticism that he has centralized power in the Kremlin, marginalized the opposition and increased state control over the media.
Asked whether he agreed with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's description of him as an "impeccable democrat", Putin replied laughing:
"Of course I am an absolute, pure democrat. But you know the problem? It's not even a problem, it's a real tragedy. The thing is that I am the only one, there just aren't any others in the world." If by true democrats you mean socialist power-grabbers, Pootie, sure there are. We've got a whole party of them running our Congress right now.
In an interview with Western media released on Monday, he rejected Western criticism that he has centralized power in the Kremlin, marginalized the opposition and increased state control over the media.
Asked whether he agreed with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's description of him as an "impeccable democrat", Putin replied laughing:
"Of course I am an absolute, pure democrat. But you know the problem? It's not even a problem, it's a real tragedy. The thing is that I am the only one, there just aren't any others in the world." If by true democrats you mean socialist power-grabbers, Pootie, sure there are. We've got a whole party of them running our Congress right now.
The Hypocritical Oath
In the perfect nannystating world, some patients are less equal than others. Smokers are to be denied operations on the Health Service unless they give up cigarettes for at least four weeks beforehand.
Doctors will police the rule by ordering patients to take a blood test to prove they have not been smoking.
The ruling, authorised by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt, comes after medical research conclusively showed smokers take longer to recover from surgery.
It is thought that 500,000 smokers a year will be affected. Well, I guess it's one way to thin the herd without calling it genocide...
Doctors will police the rule by ordering patients to take a blood test to prove they have not been smoking.
The ruling, authorised by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt, comes after medical research conclusively showed smokers take longer to recover from surgery.
It is thought that 500,000 smokers a year will be affected. Well, I guess it's one way to thin the herd without calling it genocide...
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Are You Ready For Freddy?
I'm still leaning towards Rudy, but a certain former actor is showing why he could give America's mayor and the other candidates in the GOP race a run for their money. Thompson managed to hit most major conservative themes in his 35-minute address. He traced the formation of his political philosophy to Barry Goldwater. While he did not directly invoke Ronald Reagan, to whom his supporters compare him, he closed his speech by echoing the former president's call for "optimism." He dwelled on the need for a strong national defense--although he barely mentioned the Iraq war--and urged an increase in defense spending, noting yesterday's reports of a foiled plot targeting New York's John F. Kennedy Airport as proof of terrorism's thread.
"This is a battle between the forces of civilization and of evil," he said.
He warned against Democratic proposals to repeal tax cuts and against liberal judges, noting that he helped shepherd Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. through his Senate confirmation.
But he received his biggest applause for blasting the bipartisan plan for immigration reform, which he called unworkable. "We are a nation of compassion, a nation of immigrants," he said. "But this is our home...and we get to decide who comes into our home." Thompson just may have the gravitis to pull this off. And put the fear of God into liberals while doing it.
"This is a battle between the forces of civilization and of evil," he said.
He warned against Democratic proposals to repeal tax cuts and against liberal judges, noting that he helped shepherd Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. through his Senate confirmation.
But he received his biggest applause for blasting the bipartisan plan for immigration reform, which he called unworkable. "We are a nation of compassion, a nation of immigrants," he said. "But this is our home...and we get to decide who comes into our home." Thompson just may have the gravitis to pull this off. And put the fear of God into liberals while doing it.
Got Pork?
And you thought things would be different. WASHINGTON-After promising unprecedented openness regarding Congress' pork barrel practices, House Democrats are moving in the opposite direction as they draw up spending bills for the pcoming budget year.
Democrats are sidestepping rules approved their first day in power in January to clearly identify "earmarks"-lawmakers' requests for specific projects and contracts for their states-in documents that accompany spending bills.
Rather than including specific pet projects, grants and contracts in legislation as it is being written, Democrats are following an order by the House Appropriations Committee chairman to keep the bills free of such earmarks until it is too late for critics to effectively challenge them. Well, you know what they say-one man's pork is another man's free dinner. But at least they had their predecessors who used to be in the majority to learn from.
Democrats are sidestepping rules approved their first day in power in January to clearly identify "earmarks"-lawmakers' requests for specific projects and contracts for their states-in documents that accompany spending bills.
Rather than including specific pet projects, grants and contracts in legislation as it is being written, Democrats are following an order by the House Appropriations Committee chairman to keep the bills free of such earmarks until it is too late for critics to effectively challenge them. Well, you know what they say-one man's pork is another man's free dinner. But at least they had their predecessors who used to be in the majority to learn from.
Uncle Putin's Revenge
Welcome to Cold War II. In an interview with the Globe and Mail, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to target Europe with missiles, including potentially nuclear weapons, in a dramatic escalation of his Cold War-style showdown with the United States.
Mr. Putin, in an interview at his country residence outside Moscow, said he considers U.S. plans to build an eastern European anti-missle site to shoot down Iranian missiles a provocation aimed at Russia.
Asked what he might do to retaliate, he said he would return Russia to the Cold War status where missiles were aimed at European targets.
"It is obvious that if part of the strategic nuclear potential of the United States is located in Europe, and according to our military experts will be threatening us, we will have to respond," he said. Should I start building my bomb shelter now, or just yell "Wolverines!" when the time comes?
Mr. Putin, in an interview at his country residence outside Moscow, said he considers U.S. plans to build an eastern European anti-missle site to shoot down Iranian missiles a provocation aimed at Russia.
Asked what he might do to retaliate, he said he would return Russia to the Cold War status where missiles were aimed at European targets.
"It is obvious that if part of the strategic nuclear potential of the United States is located in Europe, and according to our military experts will be threatening us, we will have to respond," he said. Should I start building my bomb shelter now, or just yell "Wolverines!" when the time comes?
The Green Mountain Rebs
So, if it came down to it, would it be the Blue and the Red? MONTPELIER, Vt.-At Riverwalk Records, the all-vinyl record store just down the street from the state Capitol, the black 'US Out of Vt.!" T-shirts are among the hottest sellers.
But to some people in Vermont, the idea is bigger than a $20 novelty. They want Vermont to secede from the United States-peacefully, of course.
Disillusioned by what they call an empire about to fall, a small cadre of writers and academics is plotting political strategy and planting the seeds of seperatism.
They've published a "Green Mountain Manifesto" subtitled "Why and How Tiny Vermont Might Help Save America From Itself by Seceding from the Union." They hope to put the question before citizens at Town Meeting Day next March, eventually persuading the state Legislature to declare independence, returning Vermont to the status it held from 1777 to 1791.
Whether it's likely is another question. I can see it now: a hundred years from now they'll be arguing over whether the Second Civil War was over states' rights, or left-wing knuckleheads trying to make a point.
But to some people in Vermont, the idea is bigger than a $20 novelty. They want Vermont to secede from the United States-peacefully, of course.
Disillusioned by what they call an empire about to fall, a small cadre of writers and academics is plotting political strategy and planting the seeds of seperatism.
They've published a "Green Mountain Manifesto" subtitled "Why and How Tiny Vermont Might Help Save America From Itself by Seceding from the Union." They hope to put the question before citizens at Town Meeting Day next March, eventually persuading the state Legislature to declare independence, returning Vermont to the status it held from 1777 to 1791.
Whether it's likely is another question. I can see it now: a hundred years from now they'll be arguing over whether the Second Civil War was over states' rights, or left-wing knuckleheads trying to make a point.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Paul's Place
An interesting look at a guy who's considered on the fringe, but maybe shouldn't be. Texas used to send true individualists to Washington DC. One of the brightest moments of my early years, visiting the nation's capital, was watching Rep Wright Patman, head of the House Banking Committee, tell the red-faced Chairman of the Federal Reserve that he deserved to be locked up in the penitentiary.
Paul is the last of the breed. As a small-government tight-money republican this gynaecologist-obstetrician (4,000 babies claimed as a career total) regularly votes 'No' on pork barrel projects that would put money into his own district.
But as a Republican in the isolationist, libertarian tradition he also votes 'No', sometimes alone among the 535 members of the US Congress, on war finding, on laws allowing presidents to order arbitrary imprisonment, 'coercive interrogation' and suspension of freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
The throng in Columbia, South Carolina, cheered Giulaini, Romney and others as they roared their sipport for torture and rule by emergency decree. In the 'war on terror' anything goes. Only Paul told the crowd and the TV cameras that No, torture is wrong and the Constitution is paramount. Ron Paul most likely has no chance at getting the nomination. But it seems ironic that the guy who sounds the most like a classic conservative-libertarian sounds so out of sync with where the party that once shared his views has gone. And that's to the detriment of a once-great Party.
Paul is the last of the breed. As a small-government tight-money republican this gynaecologist-obstetrician (4,000 babies claimed as a career total) regularly votes 'No' on pork barrel projects that would put money into his own district.
But as a Republican in the isolationist, libertarian tradition he also votes 'No', sometimes alone among the 535 members of the US Congress, on war finding, on laws allowing presidents to order arbitrary imprisonment, 'coercive interrogation' and suspension of freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
The throng in Columbia, South Carolina, cheered Giulaini, Romney and others as they roared their sipport for torture and rule by emergency decree. In the 'war on terror' anything goes. Only Paul told the crowd and the TV cameras that No, torture is wrong and the Constitution is paramount. Ron Paul most likely has no chance at getting the nomination. But it seems ironic that the guy who sounds the most like a classic conservative-libertarian sounds so out of sync with where the party that once shared his views has gone. And that's to the detriment of a once-great Party.