Now this is genius. Using a thick, fake Arabic accent, Yasimina (nee Barbara Ann Hoagland) bids them to join her for an impromptu lesson. I cringe. But if three decades of teaching shy local woman how to emulate cobras has taught the Utah-born woman anything, it's how to proselytize. The women rise in fear and trembling.
Barking exotic-sounding nonsense at her drummer, Yasamina demonstrates an undulation, a difficult move even for a practised dancer. A few women follow stiffly along; most remain frozen.
"All right," she sighs, nearly losing her accent, "Who ees ay sexy Rrepooblicahn?" The women exchange sideways glances, then mumble in unision: "Mitt Romney."
"Okay," says Yasamina, triumphant. "Ve do eet forr Meat. Meat Rrromney."
What is belly dancing doing in Utah, where the Mormon church bars "moves that are suggestive of sexual behavior," where many people don "armour of God," an undergarment they are not allowed to take off, where I am one of the few Arabs anyone has ever seen? Though its origins in the state are unclear, its appeal is strong. For a Latter-day Saint, belly dancing can be a form of rebellion. For non-LDS women, it's a way to make friends in a place where community outside of the church can be difficult to find. Strangely, there are no belly dancers for any of the Democratic candidates, including the good-looking ones such as Barack Obama or John Edwards. But I'm sure that if Hillary gets elected, Bill will be happy to bring some along.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Bad King Corn
You can now add corn cobs to the ever-growing list of politically incorrect foods.
Public health reformers say American agribuisness has come to rely too much on its two biggest and most heavily-subsidized cash crops, corn and soybeans, which take up nearly 60 percent of America's cropland. Not surprisingly, products made from these two commodities have become ubiquitous in the American diet.
Commercial baking and cooking is the largest single use for soy oil, while high-frutctose corn syrup has surpassed cane and beet sugar as a sweetener in everything from sodas to baked goods.
(snip) The nation's corn growers make no apologies for their success. Nor are they inclined to accept blame for the nation's obesity problem.
"There's no difference between high-fructose corn syrup calories and sugar calories," said Ron Litterer, board president of the National Corn Growers Association.
Litterer's home town of Greene, Iowa, was the site for the King Corn documentary, for which he finds little use. Obesity is not about what farmers grow, but what, and how much, people eat, he says.
"It comes down to people's choices and what they consume," Litterer said. It's their diet, their lifestyle. It's not corn's fault. It's just not." I'm afraid Mr. Litterer's protests will fall on deaf ears. Any good health nazi knows that it's always somebody else's fault besides the consumer's.
Public health reformers say American agribuisness has come to rely too much on its two biggest and most heavily-subsidized cash crops, corn and soybeans, which take up nearly 60 percent of America's cropland. Not surprisingly, products made from these two commodities have become ubiquitous in the American diet.
Commercial baking and cooking is the largest single use for soy oil, while high-frutctose corn syrup has surpassed cane and beet sugar as a sweetener in everything from sodas to baked goods.
(snip) The nation's corn growers make no apologies for their success. Nor are they inclined to accept blame for the nation's obesity problem.
"There's no difference between high-fructose corn syrup calories and sugar calories," said Ron Litterer, board president of the National Corn Growers Association.
Litterer's home town of Greene, Iowa, was the site for the King Corn documentary, for which he finds little use. Obesity is not about what farmers grow, but what, and how much, people eat, he says.
"It comes down to people's choices and what they consume," Litterer said. It's their diet, their lifestyle. It's not corn's fault. It's just not." I'm afraid Mr. Litterer's protests will fall on deaf ears. Any good health nazi knows that it's always somebody else's fault besides the consumer's.
You're Only As Old As You Appeal
Ron Paul explains to pbs why an old white guy like him is so popular with the younger folks:
REP. RON PAUL: Young ideas, a fantastic idea about individual freedom and allowing people to do what they want and take care of their lives, their lives belong to them, and get the government off their backs, and offer them low taxes, and make sure I never mess around with the Internet. Don't tax the Internet, and don't regulate the Internet.
You know, freedom is a very popular idea, and young people love it, and they're open to ideas. And they like principled answers to our problems.
And older people seem to be stereotyped. You know, they get set in their ways, and they're not as open to the ideas of freedom, yet to me, freedom is a relatively new idea. It was an experiment, you know, with our country, but we've forgotten about it, and I'm reminding them about this great experiment of freedom, and they love it. And I am just so delighted when I see the young people coming. The Republicans should take notice. There is a huge potential voting block out there that they're ignoring, and which they will lose to the Pied Pipers of the Democratic Party if they don't wise up.
REP. RON PAUL: Young ideas, a fantastic idea about individual freedom and allowing people to do what they want and take care of their lives, their lives belong to them, and get the government off their backs, and offer them low taxes, and make sure I never mess around with the Internet. Don't tax the Internet, and don't regulate the Internet.
You know, freedom is a very popular idea, and young people love it, and they're open to ideas. And they like principled answers to our problems.
And older people seem to be stereotyped. You know, they get set in their ways, and they're not as open to the ideas of freedom, yet to me, freedom is a relatively new idea. It was an experiment, you know, with our country, but we've forgotten about it, and I'm reminding them about this great experiment of freedom, and they love it. And I am just so delighted when I see the young people coming. The Republicans should take notice. There is a huge potential voting block out there that they're ignoring, and which they will lose to the Pied Pipers of the Democratic Party if they don't wise up.
Pumpkins, Nyet
It looks like the Russians are taking a page from our own fundamentalist playbook. MOSCOW (Reuters)-Moscow schools have been ordered to ban students from celebrating the cult of the dead, better known as Halloween, despite the widespread popularity of the imported festival to Russia.
Halloween is being forced underground because it "includes religious elements, the cult of death, the mockery of death," a spokesman for the city's education department Alexander Gavrilov said on Wendesday.
"It's not an attempt to block the celebration of this holiday completely, just in schools and colleges," he added. Who says they haven't learned anything from us?
Halloween is being forced underground because it "includes religious elements, the cult of death, the mockery of death," a spokesman for the city's education department Alexander Gavrilov said on Wendesday.
"It's not an attempt to block the celebration of this holiday completely, just in schools and colleges," he added. Who says they haven't learned anything from us?
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
National Defense's European Vacation
It's a quagmire! a quagmire! US forces may stay longer than planned in Europe if Defense Secretary Robert Gates agrees to a request from his top commancer there, a Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday.
Two of the four US combat brigades left in Europe were supposed to move to US bases over the next year, but General Bantz Craddock, the commander of US forces in Europe, has recommended postponing the move by about a year.
Gates "is inclined to embrace the concept of leaving two of them there for a time longer than originally anticipated," said Pentagon spokseman Bryan Whitman.
Craddock had recommended the slowdown in withdrawing the troops, saying more forces were needed for "security theater engagement," Whitman added. You can thank Uncle Putin for this. Just when you thought we were out of the Cold War, they keep pulling us back in!
Two of the four US combat brigades left in Europe were supposed to move to US bases over the next year, but General Bantz Craddock, the commander of US forces in Europe, has recommended postponing the move by about a year.
Gates "is inclined to embrace the concept of leaving two of them there for a time longer than originally anticipated," said Pentagon spokseman Bryan Whitman.
Craddock had recommended the slowdown in withdrawing the troops, saying more forces were needed for "security theater engagement," Whitman added. You can thank Uncle Putin for this. Just when you thought we were out of the Cold War, they keep pulling us back in!
What Would A Hobbit Do?
Now this is funny, coming from a guy who spent time with Shirley MacLaine. PHILADELPHIA-Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich questioned President Bush's mental health in light of comments he made about a nuclear Iran precipitating World War III.
"I seriously believe we have to start asking questions about his mental health," Kucinich, an Ohop congressman, said in an interview with The Phyladelphia Inquirer's editorial board on Tuesday. "There's something wrong. He does not seem to understand his words have real impact."
Kucinich, known for his liberal views, trails far behind the leading candidates in most Democratic polls. He was in Philadelphia for a debate at Drexel University. Sorry, Dennis, but before we get to Bush's state of mind, we still have to figure yours out.
"I seriously believe we have to start asking questions about his mental health," Kucinich, an Ohop congressman, said in an interview with The Phyladelphia Inquirer's editorial board on Tuesday. "There's something wrong. He does not seem to understand his words have real impact."
Kucinich, known for his liberal views, trails far behind the leading candidates in most Democratic polls. He was in Philadelphia for a debate at Drexel University. Sorry, Dennis, but before we get to Bush's state of mind, we still have to figure yours out.
Alms For The Duration
As I noted below, Giuliani made a prediction, and darned if it isn't coming true. WASHINGTON (AP)-Democrats are debating whether to approve $50 billion to $70 billion more for Iraq and Afghanistan, less than half of President Bush's $196 billion request but enough to keep the wars afloat for a few more months.
Such a move would satisfy party members who want to spare the Pentagon from a painful budget dance and show support for the troops as Congress considers its next major step on Iraq.
But it would also irritate scores of other Democrats who want to pay only to bring troops home and who say their leadership is not doing enough to end the war. It sounds like there's an internal battle going on between the Blue Dog Democrats and the Old Hippie Democrats. Whichever side prevails will show what kind of a mood the party will be in to deal with the next president, whoever it is. I would not want to be in that person's shoes for all the leaded tea in China.
Such a move would satisfy party members who want to spare the Pentagon from a painful budget dance and show support for the troops as Congress considers its next major step on Iraq.
But it would also irritate scores of other Democrats who want to pay only to bring troops home and who say their leadership is not doing enough to end the war. It sounds like there's an internal battle going on between the Blue Dog Democrats and the Old Hippie Democrats. Whichever side prevails will show what kind of a mood the party will be in to deal with the next president, whoever it is. I would not want to be in that person's shoes for all the leaded tea in China.
Flip-Flopping Is Their Middle Name
Giuliani makes a prediction: LONDONDERRY, N.H. (AP)-Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani said Monday that two of the Democratic candidates will change their minds again about the Iraq war and agree that it was the right decision.
Asked at a town-hall meeting to characterize the mission of U.S. troops in Iraq, Giuliani said they have done an admirable job.
"Do I think the mission overall in Iraq is the correct one, I think without a doubt it is," the former New York mayor said at Insight Technologies, which makes tactical weapons lights and laser systems for the military.
"And I think the Democrats are going to change their minds about it again," Giuliani said, noting that Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards voted as senators for the initial invasion. They'll be for it before they are against it before they're for it again.
Asked at a town-hall meeting to characterize the mission of U.S. troops in Iraq, Giuliani said they have done an admirable job.
"Do I think the mission overall in Iraq is the correct one, I think without a doubt it is," the former New York mayor said at Insight Technologies, which makes tactical weapons lights and laser systems for the military.
"And I think the Democrats are going to change their minds about it again," Giuliani said, noting that Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards voted as senators for the initial invasion. They'll be for it before they are against it before they're for it again.
A Round Of Green
Now even drunken sots can be environmentally correct. Now we heare that these UK pioneers of clean energy are helping green the greatest of all British institutions, the pub. Working with the major pub chain JD Wetherspoons, Solarcentury have provided their solar roofing tiles to the Kettleby Cross, a groundbreaking 'green pub' that also features a wind turbine (which looks from the picture to be the long-awaited Quite Revolution vertical axis turbine which we wrote about here), under floor cooling, and rainwater harvesting for flushing the toilets. Meh, I'll be impressed when they can use those toilets (which will surely see great use) for extra energy. Who says drunks can't contribute to fighting climate change?
Punk'd Nation
Are we really this stupid? The Federal Trade Commission today released a statistical survey of fraud in the United States that shows that 30.2 million adults-13.5 percent of the adult population-were victims of fraud during the year studied. More people-an estimated 4.8 million consumers-were victims of fraudulant weight-loss products than any of the other frauds covered by the survey. I didn't know there were that many gullible people out there outside of the Democratic Party.
Steal This Election
At least they had good practice in case the Democrats want to hire them for future elections. Three of seven defendants in the biggest voter-registration fraud scheme in Washington history have pleaded guilty and one has been sentenced, prosecutors said Monday.
The defendants were all temporary employees of ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, when they allegedly filled out and submitted more than 1,800 fictitious voter-registration cards during a 2006 registration drive in King and Pierce counties.
No votes were cast in the names of the phony voters. Prosecutors said the defendants committed fraud in order to keep their jobs without actually registering voters. I guess no dead voters were available...
The defendants were all temporary employees of ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, when they allegedly filled out and submitted more than 1,800 fictitious voter-registration cards during a 2006 registration drive in King and Pierce counties.
No votes were cast in the names of the phony voters. Prosecutors said the defendants committed fraud in order to keep their jobs without actually registering voters. I guess no dead voters were available...
Dead End High
Let's hear it for public education!
WASHINGTON-It's a nickname no principal could be proud of: "Dropout Factory," a high school where no more than 60 percent of the students who start as freshmen make it to their senior year. That dubious distinction applies to more than one in 10 high schools across America.
"If you're born in a neighborhood or town where the only high school is one where graduation is not the norm, how is this living in the land of equal opportunity?" asks Bob Balfanz, the researchere at Johns Hopkins University who defines such a school as a "dropout factory."
There are about 1,700 regular or vocational high schools nationwide that fit that description, according to an analysis of Education Department data conducted by Johns Hopkins for The Associated Press. That's 12 percent of all such schools, no more than a deade ago but no less, either. Well, look on the bright side, liberals: the Democrats will have another generation of welfare recipients to exploit.
WASHINGTON-It's a nickname no principal could be proud of: "Dropout Factory," a high school where no more than 60 percent of the students who start as freshmen make it to their senior year. That dubious distinction applies to more than one in 10 high schools across America.
"If you're born in a neighborhood or town where the only high school is one where graduation is not the norm, how is this living in the land of equal opportunity?" asks Bob Balfanz, the researchere at Johns Hopkins University who defines such a school as a "dropout factory."
There are about 1,700 regular or vocational high schools nationwide that fit that description, according to an analysis of Education Department data conducted by Johns Hopkins for The Associated Press. That's 12 percent of all such schools, no more than a deade ago but no less, either. Well, look on the bright side, liberals: the Democrats will have another generation of welfare recipients to exploit.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Hot Steel
Yikes! Hopefully this was something that was caught in time.
TEGUCIGALPA, Oct 29 (Reuters)-Honduras authorities have found strong traces of radioactive material in a Hong Kong-bound shipping containeer containing steel debris from an Atlantic coast port, officials said on Monday.
During a security scan on Sunday, officials detected high readings of radioactivity emanating from the container at the Puerto Cortes port, 115 miles (185 km) north of Honduras' capital, Tegucigalpa.
"We immediately declared an alert and have seized the container for inspection," Edwin Araque, the manager of Honduras' port authority, said on Monday. Let's hope there's not any more of this stuff out there, shall we?
TEGUCIGALPA, Oct 29 (Reuters)-Honduras authorities have found strong traces of radioactive material in a Hong Kong-bound shipping containeer containing steel debris from an Atlantic coast port, officials said on Monday.
During a security scan on Sunday, officials detected high readings of radioactivity emanating from the container at the Puerto Cortes port, 115 miles (185 km) north of Honduras' capital, Tegucigalpa.
"We immediately declared an alert and have seized the container for inspection," Edwin Araque, the manager of Honduras' port authority, said on Monday. Let's hope there's not any more of this stuff out there, shall we?
FDR Junior
Johnny E has plans, big plans. John Edwards says if he's elected president, he'll institute a New Deal-like suite of programs to fight poverty and stem growing wealth disparity. To do it, he said, he'll ask many Americans to make sacrifices, like paying higher taxes.
Edwards, a former Democratic senator from North Carolina, says the federal government should underwrite universal pre-kindergarten, create matching savings accounts for low-income people, mandate a minimum wage of $9.50 and provide a million new Section 8 housing vouchers for the poor. He also pledged to start a government-funded public higher education program called "College for Everyone."
"It is central to what I want to do as president to do something about economic inequality. I do not believe it is okay for the United States of America to have 37 million people living in poverty," he said in a meeting with Monitor reporters and editors this week. "And I think we need, desperately need, a president who will say that to America and call on Americans to show their character." Apparently he's not satisfied with letting Hillary promise everything under the sun. And at this stage in the game, desperation is certainly his middle name.
Edwards, a former Democratic senator from North Carolina, says the federal government should underwrite universal pre-kindergarten, create matching savings accounts for low-income people, mandate a minimum wage of $9.50 and provide a million new Section 8 housing vouchers for the poor. He also pledged to start a government-funded public higher education program called "College for Everyone."
"It is central to what I want to do as president to do something about economic inequality. I do not believe it is okay for the United States of America to have 37 million people living in poverty," he said in a meeting with Monitor reporters and editors this week. "And I think we need, desperately need, a president who will say that to America and call on Americans to show their character." Apparently he's not satisfied with letting Hillary promise everything under the sun. And at this stage in the game, desperation is certainly his middle name.
Reform Or Die Trying
If at first you don't succeed, et cetera, et cetera. The proposed amendment, sponsored by Senate Democrats Chuck Schumer of New York and Tom Harkin of Iowa, would overturn Supreme Court decisions that limit Congress' power to regulate the funding of political campaigns. The sensators are right about one thing: The "reforms" they envision cannot be reconciled with the Constitution-particularly that passage about free speech and free association. So if their ambitions cannot be reconciled with the First Amendment, too bad for the First Amendment.
Their discontent dates back to the Watergate era, when Congress tried to cure corruption by putting tight limits on political contributions and expenditures. In their zeal, lawmakers paid no heed to critics who said the restrictions would impoverish public understanding by impeding communication.
But the critics were vindicated when the Supreme Court ruled that, under the First Amendment, candidates are free both to spend as much as they choose and to contribute unlimited amounts to their own campaigns. It also said citizens have the right to spend as much as they choose to spread their own views about candidates. In other words, the Democrats want to steal John McCain's worst ideas and make them their own, and to heck with that pesky Constitution. Who says Democrats and Republicans can't agree on something?
Their discontent dates back to the Watergate era, when Congress tried to cure corruption by putting tight limits on political contributions and expenditures. In their zeal, lawmakers paid no heed to critics who said the restrictions would impoverish public understanding by impeding communication.
But the critics were vindicated when the Supreme Court ruled that, under the First Amendment, candidates are free both to spend as much as they choose and to contribute unlimited amounts to their own campaigns. It also said citizens have the right to spend as much as they choose to spread their own views about candidates. In other words, the Democrats want to steal John McCain's worst ideas and make them their own, and to heck with that pesky Constitution. Who says Democrats and Republicans can't agree on something?
Saggy Bottom Boys
I've got to admit, this is an angle I hadn't thought of before. A new campaign by the city of Dallas targets the hip-hop style of wearing your pants low enough that your boxers are showin-and part of your posterior, too.
The campaign has a signature song, "Pull Your Pants Up," by Dooney Da'Priest, that links so-called saggin' with being gay. After the BPP blogged NPR's original report on the public service announcement, listeners objected to lyrics they consider homophobic.
(snip) In an interview with a local television station, Dooney explained that saggin' comes from jail, where he argued that showing your boxers has a very particular meaning. "You're letting another man know that you're available," Dooney said. So all of these tough, homophobic rappers are self-hating gays? It would explain a lot.
The campaign has a signature song, "Pull Your Pants Up," by Dooney Da'Priest, that links so-called saggin' with being gay. After the BPP blogged NPR's original report on the public service announcement, listeners objected to lyrics they consider homophobic.
(snip) In an interview with a local television station, Dooney explained that saggin' comes from jail, where he argued that showing your boxers has a very particular meaning. "You're letting another man know that you're available," Dooney said. So all of these tough, homophobic rappers are self-hating gays? It would explain a lot.
No Thanks, National Health
At this rate, Michael Moore will be the only one who still likes British health care. Record numbers of Britons are flying abroad for medical treatment to escape NHS waiting lists and the rising threat of hospital superbugs.
Thousands of "health tourists" are going as far as India, Malaysia and South Africa for major operations-such is their despair over the quality of health service.
The first survey of Britons opting for treatment overseas shows that fears of hospital infections and frustration with NHS waiting lists are fuelling the increasing trend.
More than 70,000 Britons will have treatment abroad this year-a figure that if forecast to rise to almost 200,000 by the end of the decade. Patients needing mahor heart surgery, hip operations and cataracts are using the internet to book operations to be carried out thousands of miles away. But hey, at least the staph infections back home are still free.
Thousands of "health tourists" are going as far as India, Malaysia and South Africa for major operations-such is their despair over the quality of health service.
The first survey of Britons opting for treatment overseas shows that fears of hospital infections and frustration with NHS waiting lists are fuelling the increasing trend.
More than 70,000 Britons will have treatment abroad this year-a figure that if forecast to rise to almost 200,000 by the end of the decade. Patients needing mahor heart surgery, hip operations and cataracts are using the internet to book operations to be carried out thousands of miles away. But hey, at least the staph infections back home are still free.
Southern Fried Justice
By now I'm sure a lot of people have heard that common sense has finally come to Georgia.
ATLANTA-A young man sentenced to 10 years in prison for having consensual oral sex with another teenager was freed Friday by Georgia's highest court, which ruled that his sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.
Genarlow Wilson's case led to widespread protests of heavy handed justice. His supporters said race was one reason he received such a severe sentence, noting that he and the girl-both black-were only two years apart.
Wilson's supporters were jubilant.
"I never gave up hope in our judicial system, and I never gave up hope in all the prayers people sent out for us," said his mother, Juannessa Bennett.
Wilson, 21, offered advice to other teens: "They should be very hesitant before they join certain crowds and make certain decisions." Yeah, like having sex in a part of the country where it's apparently still illegal.
ATLANTA-A young man sentenced to 10 years in prison for having consensual oral sex with another teenager was freed Friday by Georgia's highest court, which ruled that his sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.
Genarlow Wilson's case led to widespread protests of heavy handed justice. His supporters said race was one reason he received such a severe sentence, noting that he and the girl-both black-were only two years apart.
Wilson's supporters were jubilant.
"I never gave up hope in our judicial system, and I never gave up hope in all the prayers people sent out for us," said his mother, Juannessa Bennett.
Wilson, 21, offered advice to other teens: "They should be very hesitant before they join certain crowds and make certain decisions." Yeah, like having sex in a part of the country where it's apparently still illegal.
Yo...Jacques?
Say it ain't so, Duke! Hollywood now proposes that in a new live-action movie based in the G.I. Joe toy line, Joe's--well, "G.I."--identity needs to be replaced by membership in an "international force based in Brussels." The IGN Entertainment news site reports Paramount is considering replacing out "real American hero" with "Action Man," member of an "international operations team."
Paramount will simply turn Joe's name into an acronym.
The show biz newspaper Variety reports: "G.I. Joe is now a Brussels-based outfit that stands for Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity, an international co-ed force of operatives who use hi-tech equipment to battle Cobra, an evil organization headed by a double-crossing Scottish arms dealer." Well, I'm sure Destro would be glad to know he's finally in charge. But somehow, I don't think "He'll fight for Brussels wherever there's trouble" has quite the same ring to it.
Paramount will simply turn Joe's name into an acronym.
The show biz newspaper Variety reports: "G.I. Joe is now a Brussels-based outfit that stands for Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity, an international co-ed force of operatives who use hi-tech equipment to battle Cobra, an evil organization headed by a double-crossing Scottish arms dealer." Well, I'm sure Destro would be glad to know he's finally in charge. But somehow, I don't think "He'll fight for Brussels wherever there's trouble" has quite the same ring to it.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The Biggest Loser
"It's a quagmire!" At least for the bad guys. On October 22nd, Osama bin Laden admitted that al Qaeda had lost its war in Iraq. In an audiotape speech titled "Message to the people of Iraq," bin Laden complains of disunity and poor use of resources. He admits that al Qaeda made mistakes, and that all Sunni Arabs must unite to defeat the foreigners and Shia Moslems. What bin Laden is most upset about is the large number of Sunni Arab terrorists who have switched sides in Iraq. This has actually been going on for a while. Tribal leaders and warlords in the west (Anbar province) have been turning on terrorist groups, especially al Qaeda, for several years. While bin Laden appeals for unity, he shows only a superficial appreciation of what is actually going on in Iraq.
Bin Laden doesn't discuss how the Americans defeated him. It was done with data. Years of collecting data on the bad guys paid off. Momth by month, the picture of the enemy became clearer. This was literally the case, with some of the intelligence software that created visual representations of what was known of the enemy, and how reliable it was. The picture was clear enough to maneuver key enemy factions into positions that make them easier to run down.
(snip) Bin Laden's latest audio recording brought forth a furious reaction from many of his followers. The main complaint was that only excerpts of the message were being reported on by the Arab media, and that if the entire message were put out there, the excerpts would not appear so damaging. The excerpts concentrated on bin Laden admitting mistakes, criticizing al Qaeda operations in Iraq and urging Islamic radicals to get their act together. Poor Binny. All that plotting and fantasizing, and all he has to show for it is a dusty cave and a couple of goats for company.
Bin Laden doesn't discuss how the Americans defeated him. It was done with data. Years of collecting data on the bad guys paid off. Momth by month, the picture of the enemy became clearer. This was literally the case, with some of the intelligence software that created visual representations of what was known of the enemy, and how reliable it was. The picture was clear enough to maneuver key enemy factions into positions that make them easier to run down.
(snip) Bin Laden's latest audio recording brought forth a furious reaction from many of his followers. The main complaint was that only excerpts of the message were being reported on by the Arab media, and that if the entire message were put out there, the excerpts would not appear so damaging. The excerpts concentrated on bin Laden admitting mistakes, criticizing al Qaeda operations in Iraq and urging Islamic radicals to get their act together. Poor Binny. All that plotting and fantasizing, and all he has to show for it is a dusty cave and a couple of goats for company.
The Long Arm Of The Kremlin
You knew this was coming sooner or later. MOSCOW--After ignoring the Internet for years to focus on controlling traditional media such as television and newspapers, the Kremlin and its allies are turning their attention to cyberspace, which remains a haven for critical reporting and vibrant discussion in Russia's dwindling public sphere.
Allies of President Vladimir Putin are creating pro-government news and pop culture Web sites while purchasing some established online outlets known for indpendent journalism. They are nurturing a network of friendly bloggers ready to disseminate propoaganda on command. And there is talk of creating a new Russian computer network--one that would be separate from the Internet at large and, potentially, much easier for the authorities to control.
"The attractiveness of the Internet as a free platform for free people is already dimming," said Iosif Dzaloshinsky, a mass media expert at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Considering that Putin seems intent on claiming ownership of everything else within his reach, I'm surprised he didn't go after the Internet sooner. But I guess building a new Soviet Empire takes time.
Allies of President Vladimir Putin are creating pro-government news and pop culture Web sites while purchasing some established online outlets known for indpendent journalism. They are nurturing a network of friendly bloggers ready to disseminate propoaganda on command. And there is talk of creating a new Russian computer network--one that would be separate from the Internet at large and, potentially, much easier for the authorities to control.
"The attractiveness of the Internet as a free platform for free people is already dimming," said Iosif Dzaloshinsky, a mass media expert at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Considering that Putin seems intent on claiming ownership of everything else within his reach, I'm surprised he didn't go after the Internet sooner. But I guess building a new Soviet Empire takes time.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Peter Paul And Hillary
Sour grapes, or something more? WASHINGTON-One gift that Hillary Clinton is unlikely to enjoy on her 60th birthday Friday is the premiere of "Hillary Uncensored," a scathing documentary whose 13-minute trailer has been No. 1 on Google Video since Oct. 10, with more than 1.1 million views to date.
The film's first full-length showing is scheduled for Friday night at Harvard University, followed by viewings at universities through the weekend and a wrap Tuesday at the Metropolitan Club in New York City.
Among the allgegations summarized in the documentary:
-Bill and Hillary Clinton solicited cash from Peter F. Paul, an international lawyer and businessman, even after Hillary Clinton's campaign manager told The Washington Post she would not take money from him;
-FBI agents and U.S. attorneys colluded with the Clintons to keep Paul, who was convicted of cocaine possession and fraud, tangled up in the criminal courts for years;
-The Clintons later made sure Paul was kept in a Brazilian prison for 25 months, including 58 days in a maximum security cellblock nickamed the "Corridor of Death," while the Justice Department waited to extradite him;
-Hillary Clinton still hasn't filed reports to the FED enumerating Paul's excessive contributions to her 2000 Senate campaign.
Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign spares no kindness about its view of Paul, whose long arrest record, officials say, demonstrates his inherent deceit.
"Peter Paul is a professional liar who has four separate criminal convictions, two for fraud. His video repackages a series of seven-year-old false claims about Senator Clinton that have already been rejected by the California state courts, the Justice Department, the Federal Election Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee," Clinton's campaign said in a statement to FOXNews.com Maybe so, but if this guy is using smear tactics, it's only because he learned how to from the masters.
The film's first full-length showing is scheduled for Friday night at Harvard University, followed by viewings at universities through the weekend and a wrap Tuesday at the Metropolitan Club in New York City.
Among the allgegations summarized in the documentary:
-Bill and Hillary Clinton solicited cash from Peter F. Paul, an international lawyer and businessman, even after Hillary Clinton's campaign manager told The Washington Post she would not take money from him;
-FBI agents and U.S. attorneys colluded with the Clintons to keep Paul, who was convicted of cocaine possession and fraud, tangled up in the criminal courts for years;
-The Clintons later made sure Paul was kept in a Brazilian prison for 25 months, including 58 days in a maximum security cellblock nickamed the "Corridor of Death," while the Justice Department waited to extradite him;
-Hillary Clinton still hasn't filed reports to the FED enumerating Paul's excessive contributions to her 2000 Senate campaign.
Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign spares no kindness about its view of Paul, whose long arrest record, officials say, demonstrates his inherent deceit.
"Peter Paul is a professional liar who has four separate criminal convictions, two for fraud. His video repackages a series of seven-year-old false claims about Senator Clinton that have already been rejected by the California state courts, the Justice Department, the Federal Election Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee," Clinton's campaign said in a statement to FOXNews.com Maybe so, but if this guy is using smear tactics, it's only because he learned how to from the masters.
No More Working For The Weekend
This could actually be a good thing. Shortly after winning a majority last year, Democrats triumphantly declared that they would put Congress back to work, promising an "end to the two-day workweek." And indeed, the House has clocked more time in Washington this year than in any other session since 1995, when Republicans, newly in control, sought to make a similar point.
But 10 months into the session, with their legislative agenda often in gridlock with the Bush administration and a big election year looming, the Democrats are now planning a lighter schedule when the 110th Congress begins its second year in mid-January.
The House majority leader, Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, told fellow Democrats this week that the House would not be in session next year on Fridays, except in June for work on appropriations bills.
Explaining that decision to reporters, Mr. Hoyer said, "I do intend to have more time for members to work in their districts and to be close to their families." Gee, it must be nice to be in a profession where you get to set your own work schedule. At least this way, they'll have less time each week to screw things up.
But 10 months into the session, with their legislative agenda often in gridlock with the Bush administration and a big election year looming, the Democrats are now planning a lighter schedule when the 110th Congress begins its second year in mid-January.
The House majority leader, Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, told fellow Democrats this week that the House would not be in session next year on Fridays, except in June for work on appropriations bills.
Explaining that decision to reporters, Mr. Hoyer said, "I do intend to have more time for members to work in their districts and to be close to their families." Gee, it must be nice to be in a profession where you get to set your own work schedule. At least this way, they'll have less time each week to screw things up.
Hill Comes To Harlem
Hillary is working hard to become America's second black president.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, whose quest to become the first woman president is outpacing Barack Obama's bid to become the first African-American winner, took her campaign to the nation's best-known black neighborhood, and was hosted there by the nation's most powerful black politician.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) introduced the New York senator to a nearly full audience at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church shortly after noon, telling people sitting in the pews to turn to their neighbor and say, "We are making history."
Because black voters form the most reliable constituency in the Democratic Party, Obama's bid for the Democratic nomination suggests Clinton must find a way to appeal for black votes without appearing disrespectful of black aspirations for political influence. Yes, because the Democratic Party has had such a stellar reputation for respecting black aspirations for much of its history, hasn't it?
Hillary Rodham Clinton, whose quest to become the first woman president is outpacing Barack Obama's bid to become the first African-American winner, took her campaign to the nation's best-known black neighborhood, and was hosted there by the nation's most powerful black politician.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) introduced the New York senator to a nearly full audience at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church shortly after noon, telling people sitting in the pews to turn to their neighbor and say, "We are making history."
Because black voters form the most reliable constituency in the Democratic Party, Obama's bid for the Democratic nomination suggests Clinton must find a way to appeal for black votes without appearing disrespectful of black aspirations for political influence. Yes, because the Democratic Party has had such a stellar reputation for respecting black aspirations for much of its history, hasn't it?
The Inquisition Is Here To Stay
Sigh. I want to like Rudy the way I did when he stood his ground against the religious right. But then he reminds me of why McCain remains my strong second choice.
Rudolph W. Giuliani's statement on Wednesday that he was uncertain whether waterboarding, a simulated drowning technique, was torture drew a sharp rebuke yesterday from Senator John McCain, who said that his faulure to call it torture reflected his inexperience.
"All I can say is that it was used in the Spanish Inquisition, it was used in Pol Pot's genocide in Cambodia, and there are reports that it is being used against Buddhist monks today," Mr. McCain, who spent more than five years in a North Vietnamese prison camp, said in a telephone interview.
Of presidential candidates like Mr. Giuliani, who say that they are unsure whether waterboarding is torture, Mr. McCain said: "They should know what it is. It is not a complicated procedure. It is torture." I'll say this about the Bush administration-they may have tried to legally redifine torture, but at least they knew what it was when they saw it.
Rudolph W. Giuliani's statement on Wednesday that he was uncertain whether waterboarding, a simulated drowning technique, was torture drew a sharp rebuke yesterday from Senator John McCain, who said that his faulure to call it torture reflected his inexperience.
"All I can say is that it was used in the Spanish Inquisition, it was used in Pol Pot's genocide in Cambodia, and there are reports that it is being used against Buddhist monks today," Mr. McCain, who spent more than five years in a North Vietnamese prison camp, said in a telephone interview.
Of presidential candidates like Mr. Giuliani, who say that they are unsure whether waterboarding is torture, Mr. McCain said: "They should know what it is. It is not a complicated procedure. It is torture." I'll say this about the Bush administration-they may have tried to legally redifine torture, but at least they knew what it was when they saw it.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Khrushchev's Ghost
Fidel Castro may be at death's door, but the spirit of his biggest confrontation with the U.S. lives on. Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, on Friday compared US plans to build a missile defence shield near Russia's borders to the 1962 Cuban missile crisis that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
Mr Putin quickly qualified his remarks, made after a summit with European Union leaders in Portugal, by saying that US-Russian relations had moved on since the Cold War and that he and George W. Bush, the US president, had a good personal relationship.
But Mr Putin's deliberate evocation of one of history's most dangerous episodes did little to soothe the nerves of his European hosts who, like their US allies, are struggling to stabilise a relationship with Russia that has more points of friction than at any time since the Soviet Union's demise in 1991. Since Uncle Putin is the one who seems intent on reviving the Cold War, he shouldn't be surprised if this time around we try to be better prepared.
Mr Putin quickly qualified his remarks, made after a summit with European Union leaders in Portugal, by saying that US-Russian relations had moved on since the Cold War and that he and George W. Bush, the US president, had a good personal relationship.
But Mr Putin's deliberate evocation of one of history's most dangerous episodes did little to soothe the nerves of his European hosts who, like their US allies, are struggling to stabilise a relationship with Russia that has more points of friction than at any time since the Soviet Union's demise in 1991. Since Uncle Putin is the one who seems intent on reviving the Cold War, he shouldn't be surprised if this time around we try to be better prepared.
I, Morlock
So does this mean that one of my descendents will wind up as somebody's dinner? The human race will one day split into two separate species, an attractive, intelligent ruling elite and an underclass of dim-witted, ugly goblin-like creatures, according to a top scientist.
100,000 years into the future, sexual selection could mean that two distinct breeds of human will have developed.
The alarming prediction comes from evolutionary theorist Oliver Curry from the London School of Economics, who says that the human race will have reached its physical peak by the year 3000. Dim-witted goblin-like creatures? So the descendents of Dennis Kucinich will still be with us?
100,000 years into the future, sexual selection could mean that two distinct breeds of human will have developed.
The alarming prediction comes from evolutionary theorist Oliver Curry from the London School of Economics, who says that the human race will have reached its physical peak by the year 3000. Dim-witted goblin-like creatures? So the descendents of Dennis Kucinich will still be with us?
With Advisors Like These
Well, this ought to work. WASHINGTON (Reuters)-Anxious not to repeat mistakes of past Middle East peace-making, Secretary of State Concoleezza Rice has turned to former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter for tips ahead of her own conference this year.
Rice invited Carter, a vocal critic of Bush administration policies, to the State Department on Wednesday where the two discussed his Arab-Israeli peacemaking efforts in the 1970s, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said on Friday.
Their talks were "good and cordial," he said. They focused on the Middle East and not Carter's recent criticism of President George W. Bush's policies in Iraq and elsewhere.
A Soviet specialist, Rice also telephoned another former Democratic president, Bill Clinton, who tried, and ultimately failed, in his eight years in office to bring the Israelis and Palestinians together. I guess when you've run out of ideas on your own, you go back to the ones that failed, because even a failure is better than nothing.
Rice invited Carter, a vocal critic of Bush administration policies, to the State Department on Wednesday where the two discussed his Arab-Israeli peacemaking efforts in the 1970s, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said on Friday.
Their talks were "good and cordial," he said. They focused on the Middle East and not Carter's recent criticism of President George W. Bush's policies in Iraq and elsewhere.
A Soviet specialist, Rice also telephoned another former Democratic president, Bill Clinton, who tried, and ultimately failed, in his eight years in office to bring the Israelis and Palestinians together. I guess when you've run out of ideas on your own, you go back to the ones that failed, because even a failure is better than nothing.
FEMA Fubar
Fema-all the news that's fit to fake. WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Reuters)-The U.S. government's main disaster-response agency apologized on Friday for having its employees pose as reporters in a hastily called news conference on California's wildfires that no news organizations attended.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, still struggling to restore its image after the bungled handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, issued the apology after The Washington Post published details of the Tuesday briefing.
"We can and must do better, and apologize for this error in judgement," FEMA deputy administrator Harvey Johnson, who conducted the briefing, said in a statement. "Our intent was to provide useful information and be responsive to the many questions we have received." A fake press conference-sounds like something Bush would have tried...
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, still struggling to restore its image after the bungled handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, issued the apology after The Washington Post published details of the Tuesday briefing.
"We can and must do better, and apologize for this error in judgement," FEMA deputy administrator Harvey Johnson, who conducted the briefing, said in a statement. "Our intent was to provide useful information and be responsive to the many questions we have received." A fake press conference-sounds like something Bush would have tried...
Rantin' Rall Rides Again
Ted Rall is still at it. It's bad enough that a majority of soldiers voted for Bush in 2004. Over and over since the war began, American troops have been seen on television applauding Bush, Rumsfeld, Rice and others whose cynical recklessness have sent their buddies to their graves. Sailors cheered wildly when Bush staged his notorious "Mission Accomplished" photo op on an aircraft carrier. They swooned when he joined them for Thanksgiving dinner in Baghdad.
"The shocked and elated soldiers jumped to their feet, pumped their fists in the air, roared with delight, and grabbed their cameras to snap photographs," reported CNN about Bush's visit. A "standing ovation" followed. "It gave us a little extra oomph," said a member of the 1st Armored Division. "It really boosted my morale," said another. No one threw tomatoes. No one told him where he could stick his plastic turkey. Um, maybe because they were respecting him as their commander-in-chief? There is much to dislike about Bush, but here you have this doodling diptsick basically calling our troops stupid. Again, we see just how much the left-wing haters really "Support" the troops.
"The shocked and elated soldiers jumped to their feet, pumped their fists in the air, roared with delight, and grabbed their cameras to snap photographs," reported CNN about Bush's visit. A "standing ovation" followed. "It gave us a little extra oomph," said a member of the 1st Armored Division. "It really boosted my morale," said another. No one threw tomatoes. No one told him where he could stick his plastic turkey. Um, maybe because they were respecting him as their commander-in-chief? There is much to dislike about Bush, but here you have this doodling diptsick basically calling our troops stupid. Again, we see just how much the left-wing haters really "Support" the troops.
The 51st State
Sometimes having an Empire is a good thing. Mongolia yesterday became the first Asian country to qualify for President Bush's signature Millennium Challenge foreign-aid program, a move President Nambaryn Enkhbayar described in an interview as just the latest sign of warming economic and security ties between the two countries.
In another first, Mr. Bush hosted the signing ceremony at the White House, personally endorsing a five-year, $285 million aid package for the one-time communist state, the 15th negotiated under the Millennium Program.
(snip) Sandwiched between its giant neighbors China and Russia, sparsely populated Mongolia has been an unlikely U.S. foreign-policy success story since throwing off its centralized command economy in the early 1990s.
While maintaining ties to Moscow and Beijing, Mongolian leaders have adopted the United States as its "third neighbor," looking to boost trade and investment and enlisting as a full partner in the global war on terrorism. The country's parliamentary democracy has seen a series of peaceful transfers of power, although corruption and poor infrastructure remain major problems. Now this just won't do. A developing country that doesn't hate America? Sean Penn needs to go over there and give those people a good talking-to.
In another first, Mr. Bush hosted the signing ceremony at the White House, personally endorsing a five-year, $285 million aid package for the one-time communist state, the 15th negotiated under the Millennium Program.
(snip) Sandwiched between its giant neighbors China and Russia, sparsely populated Mongolia has been an unlikely U.S. foreign-policy success story since throwing off its centralized command economy in the early 1990s.
While maintaining ties to Moscow and Beijing, Mongolian leaders have adopted the United States as its "third neighbor," looking to boost trade and investment and enlisting as a full partner in the global war on terrorism. The country's parliamentary democracy has seen a series of peaceful transfers of power, although corruption and poor infrastructure remain major problems. Now this just won't do. A developing country that doesn't hate America? Sean Penn needs to go over there and give those people a good talking-to.
The Huckster From Hope
Mike Huckabee=Bush Part 3. Mr. Huckabee attributes his support to the fact he is a "hardworking, consistent conservative with some authenticity about those convictions." He is certainly qualified for national office, having served nearly 11 years as a chief executive. I have known and liked him for years; on the stump he often tells the story of how we first met outside his boarded-up office in the state Capitol, which had been sealed by Arkansas Democrats who refused to accept he had won a upset election for lieutenant governor in 1993. But I also know he is not the "consistent conservative" he now claims to be.
Nor am I alone. Betsy Hagan, Arkansas director of the conservative Eagle Forum and a key backer of his early runs for office, was once "his No. 1 fan." She was bitterly disappointed with his record. "He was pro-life and pro-gun, but otherwise a liberal," she says. "Just like Bill Clinton he will charm you, but don't be surprised if he takes a completely different turn in office."
Phyllis Schlafly, president of the national Eagle Forum, is even more blunt. "He destroyed the conservative movement in Arkansas, and left the Republican Party a shambles," she says. "Yet some of the same evangelicals who sold us on George W. Bush as a 'compassionate conservative' are now trying to sell us on Mike Huckabee." It sounds like Bush learned a lot from Mike Huckabee.
Nor am I alone. Betsy Hagan, Arkansas director of the conservative Eagle Forum and a key backer of his early runs for office, was once "his No. 1 fan." She was bitterly disappointed with his record. "He was pro-life and pro-gun, but otherwise a liberal," she says. "Just like Bill Clinton he will charm you, but don't be surprised if he takes a completely different turn in office."
Phyllis Schlafly, president of the national Eagle Forum, is even more blunt. "He destroyed the conservative movement in Arkansas, and left the Republican Party a shambles," she says. "Yet some of the same evangelicals who sold us on George W. Bush as a 'compassionate conservative' are now trying to sell us on Mike Huckabee." It sounds like Bush learned a lot from Mike Huckabee.
Viva La Race War
Welcome to Bosnia West. A south Los Angeles Latino street gang targeted African-American gang rivals and other blacks in a campaign of neighborhood "cleansing," federal prosecutors say. Alleged leaders and foot soldiers in the Hispanic gang Florencia 13, also called F13, are being arraigned this week on charges stemming from a pair of federal indictments that allege that the gang kept a tight grip on its turf by shooting members of a rival gang-and sometimes random black civilians. The "most disturbing aspect" of the federal charges was that "innocent civilians...ended up being shot simply because of the color of their skin," U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien told reporters in announcing the indictments.
No one is sure what started the war between F13 and the black gang known as the East Coast Crips in the Florence-Firestone area of unincorporated L.A. County. Simple neighborhood demographic shifts played a role, as formerly black areas have become majority-Latino. The two gangs are also rivals in the lucrative drug trade. Much of the F13 indictments lay out a conspiracy alleging that gang members controlled drug houses where they sold large amounts of cocaine, crack and methamphetamine. Some say the killings began after the Crips pulled a large drug heist against F13 several years ago. Whatever the causes, L.A. Sherrif's Department statistics chart the war's violent toll: 80 gang-related shootings in the past three years, including 20 murders. They're just doing the "cleansing" that American gangs don't want to...
No one is sure what started the war between F13 and the black gang known as the East Coast Crips in the Florence-Firestone area of unincorporated L.A. County. Simple neighborhood demographic shifts played a role, as formerly black areas have become majority-Latino. The two gangs are also rivals in the lucrative drug trade. Much of the F13 indictments lay out a conspiracy alleging that gang members controlled drug houses where they sold large amounts of cocaine, crack and methamphetamine. Some say the killings began after the Crips pulled a large drug heist against F13 several years ago. Whatever the causes, L.A. Sherrif's Department statistics chart the war's violent toll: 80 gang-related shootings in the past three years, including 20 murders. They're just doing the "cleansing" that American gangs don't want to...
Thursday, October 25, 2007
One TRILLION Dollars
Dr. Evil would have approved. WASHINGTON-The House's top Democratic tax writer outlined a $1 trillion plan Thursday to eliminate the alternative minimum tax and ease the tax burdens of most people by asking the rich and some companies to pay more.
"We have attempted to restore equity and fairness to the system," said Rep. Charles Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He said his plan would mean net tax cuts to almost all families with incomes under $500,000.
Rangel, D-N.Y., said the more ambitious aspects of his proposal, which includes cutting the corporate tax rate and ending some business privisions, would take time "to be aired out." He said at a news conference he hoped the proposal might move forward by next spring.
Republican leaders did not need time to take a stand. House GOP leader John Boehner of Ohio said the "mother of all tax hikes" would "doom our economy" and put people out of work. The second-ranking House Republican, Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri, said his party would use the proposal to show Democratic support of tax increases. "Very seldom in politics do people give you this kind of gift," he said.
(snip) Rangel shrugged off such criticism. "We are not raising taxes," he said. "We are restructuring the rates of taxes." He said that under his plan, 91 million families would receive tax relief. Uh huh. And what will happen to the incomes of those families if the businesses that hire their breadwinners are forced to pay their "fair share?" One man's restructuring is still another way of punishing people for being successful, and this is just a taste of what we can expect if Hillary gets elected.
"We have attempted to restore equity and fairness to the system," said Rep. Charles Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He said his plan would mean net tax cuts to almost all families with incomes under $500,000.
Rangel, D-N.Y., said the more ambitious aspects of his proposal, which includes cutting the corporate tax rate and ending some business privisions, would take time "to be aired out." He said at a news conference he hoped the proposal might move forward by next spring.
Republican leaders did not need time to take a stand. House GOP leader John Boehner of Ohio said the "mother of all tax hikes" would "doom our economy" and put people out of work. The second-ranking House Republican, Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri, said his party would use the proposal to show Democratic support of tax increases. "Very seldom in politics do people give you this kind of gift," he said.
(snip) Rangel shrugged off such criticism. "We are not raising taxes," he said. "We are restructuring the rates of taxes." He said that under his plan, 91 million families would receive tax relief. Uh huh. And what will happen to the incomes of those families if the businesses that hire their breadwinners are forced to pay their "fair share?" One man's restructuring is still another way of punishing people for being successful, and this is just a taste of what we can expect if Hillary gets elected.
Lynch Mob
Ouch. This has gotta hurt. Merrill Lynch & Co. reported the biggest quarterly loss in its 93-year history after taking $8.4 billion of writedowns, almost double the firm's forecast three weeks ago.
The writedowns on subprime mortgages, asset-backed bonds and leveraged loans led to a third-quarter loss of $2.24 billion, or $2.82 a share, six times more than Merrill estimated on Oct. 5. Chief Executive Officer Stanley O'Neal said today that the New York-based firm may sell assets to shore up its balance sheet.
Merrill's stock fell the most in five years, its credit rating was cut and the perceived risk of default on the company's bonds rose after O'Neal said the firm misjudged the severity of the decline in debt markets since July. Investors who lauded the 56-year-old CEO for chasing higher returns as the biggest underwriter of securities backed by subprime loans now question his management. O'Neal said the firm increased the writedown after a more "conservative" analysis of its holdings.
"We're very disappointed," said Rose Grant, who helps manage about $2 billion at Eastern Investment Advisors in Boston, including Merrill shares. "I don't think Stan O'Neal will step down, but you do have to look at top management and wonder why they didn't know the extent of this loss." Those who live by the subprime meltdown, die by the subprime meltdown.
The writedowns on subprime mortgages, asset-backed bonds and leveraged loans led to a third-quarter loss of $2.24 billion, or $2.82 a share, six times more than Merrill estimated on Oct. 5. Chief Executive Officer Stanley O'Neal said today that the New York-based firm may sell assets to shore up its balance sheet.
Merrill's stock fell the most in five years, its credit rating was cut and the perceived risk of default on the company's bonds rose after O'Neal said the firm misjudged the severity of the decline in debt markets since July. Investors who lauded the 56-year-old CEO for chasing higher returns as the biggest underwriter of securities backed by subprime loans now question his management. O'Neal said the firm increased the writedown after a more "conservative" analysis of its holdings.
"We're very disappointed," said Rose Grant, who helps manage about $2 billion at Eastern Investment Advisors in Boston, including Merrill shares. "I don't think Stan O'Neal will step down, but you do have to look at top management and wonder why they didn't know the extent of this loss." Those who live by the subprime meltdown, die by the subprime meltdown.
And The Children Shall Fund Them
It really is for the children, after all. Elrick Williams's toddler niece Carlyn may be one of the youngest contributors to this year's presidential campaign. The 2-year-old gave $2,300 to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).
So did her sister and brother, Imara, 13, and Ishmael, 9, and her cousins Chan and Alexis, both 13. Althogether, according to newly released campaign finance reports, the extended family of Williams, a wealthy Chicago financier, handed over nearly a dozen checks in March for the maximum allowed under federal law to Obama.
Such campaign donations from young children would almost certainly run afoul of campaign finance regulations, several campaign lawyers said. But as bundlers seek to raise higher and higher sums for presidential contenders this year, the number who are turning to checks from underage givers appears to be on the rise.
"It's not difficult for a banker or a trial lawyer or a hedge fund manager to come up with $2,300, and they're often left wanting to do more," said Massie Ritsch, a spokesman for the Center for Responsive Politics. "That's when they look across the dinner table at their children and see an opportunity." Well, I guess there aren't enough dead voters out there, so the Democrats decided to go the other way for donations. It takes a village to raise a child-and find a source of campaign cash.
So did her sister and brother, Imara, 13, and Ishmael, 9, and her cousins Chan and Alexis, both 13. Althogether, according to newly released campaign finance reports, the extended family of Williams, a wealthy Chicago financier, handed over nearly a dozen checks in March for the maximum allowed under federal law to Obama.
Such campaign donations from young children would almost certainly run afoul of campaign finance regulations, several campaign lawyers said. But as bundlers seek to raise higher and higher sums for presidential contenders this year, the number who are turning to checks from underage givers appears to be on the rise.
"It's not difficult for a banker or a trial lawyer or a hedge fund manager to come up with $2,300, and they're often left wanting to do more," said Massie Ritsch, a spokesman for the Center for Responsive Politics. "That's when they look across the dinner table at their children and see an opportunity." Well, I guess there aren't enough dead voters out there, so the Democrats decided to go the other way for donations. It takes a village to raise a child-and find a source of campaign cash.
Courage, Hillary, Courage
Rudy Giuliani has James Dobson. Hillary Clinton has these folks. A newly formed political action committee is aiming to stop Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary by calling into question her progressive credentials.
"We think there are other Democratic presidential candidates who are both more progressive and have a better chance of beating the Republicans than she does," said the president of Democratic Courage, Glenn Hurowitz.
He declined to top his hand on the group's case against Clinton, but said the PAC plans a paid media campaign in the early primary states to make its position clear. Now this is going to be fun. How far to the left do you have to be in the Democratic Party to consider Hillary a conservative?
"We think there are other Democratic presidential candidates who are both more progressive and have a better chance of beating the Republicans than she does," said the president of Democratic Courage, Glenn Hurowitz.
He declined to top his hand on the group's case against Clinton, but said the PAC plans a paid media campaign in the early primary states to make its position clear. Now this is going to be fun. How far to the left do you have to be in the Democratic Party to consider Hillary a conservative?
Woodstock McCaination
It was the best line of the debates (see below) and John McCain is taking full advantage of it. The commercial, set to air on New Hampshire television Thursday, decries a proposal, since scrapped, to spend $1 million for a museum in Bethel, N.Y., site of the August 1969 rock festival. Clinton and her fellow New York senator, Chuck Schumer, had backed the plan.
The ad highlights McCain's criticism of excessive Washington spending, reminds voters of the Arizona senator's decorated war record and shows off his humor.
"A few days ago, Senator Clinton tried to spend $1 million on the Woodstock concert museum," McCain says in the ad, drawn from Sunday's debate on Fox News.
"Now my friends, I wasn't there. I'm sure it was a cultural and pharmaceutical event," he says as images of the crowd and dancing concertgoers are shown. Republican presidential rival Rudy Giuliani, his head thrown back, is shown laughing at the joke during the debate. He may still not get the nomination (although his chances seem better than they were), but McCain shows why he can still come through, and why he should have won back in 2000.
The ad highlights McCain's criticism of excessive Washington spending, reminds voters of the Arizona senator's decorated war record and shows off his humor.
"A few days ago, Senator Clinton tried to spend $1 million on the Woodstock concert museum," McCain says in the ad, drawn from Sunday's debate on Fox News.
"Now my friends, I wasn't there. I'm sure it was a cultural and pharmaceutical event," he says as images of the crowd and dancing concertgoers are shown. Republican presidential rival Rudy Giuliani, his head thrown back, is shown laughing at the joke during the debate. He may still not get the nomination (although his chances seem better than they were), but McCain shows why he can still come through, and why he should have won back in 2000.
Don't Spank The Monkeys
Darwin was right-monkeys can evolve, in this case into construction workers. Kenyan officials are not sure how to handle a troop of rude monkeys that's been making lewd gestures at women, London's Daily Telegraph reports.
"Can the [tourism] minister deploy game rangers...to deal with the monkey menace?" pleaded local representative Paul Muite in Kenya's national parliament last month, to accompanying laughter. "These creatures have clearly shown that they have no respect for women."
Gichuki Kabukuru of the Kenya Wildlife Service told the Telegraph that monkeys and baboons commonly harass women, gesturing at them and touching their own private parts.
"Even in our camps," he explained, "when men are out on patrol and the monkeys see women and children, they will become very naughty and make lewd signs at them." Eh, just give them plenty of beer, pizza, and pork rinds, sit them in front of a big-screen TV where they can watch football, and everything will be fine.
"Can the [tourism] minister deploy game rangers...to deal with the monkey menace?" pleaded local representative Paul Muite in Kenya's national parliament last month, to accompanying laughter. "These creatures have clearly shown that they have no respect for women."
Gichuki Kabukuru of the Kenya Wildlife Service told the Telegraph that monkeys and baboons commonly harass women, gesturing at them and touching their own private parts.
"Even in our camps," he explained, "when men are out on patrol and the monkeys see women and children, they will become very naughty and make lewd signs at them." Eh, just give them plenty of beer, pizza, and pork rinds, sit them in front of a big-screen TV where they can watch football, and everything will be fine.
Firestorm, The Vacation
It's a far cry from Katrina and the Superdome. A good 9,000 people ended up here, at Qualcomm Stadium, and if this was the endgame of a disaster, it would be a disaster that seemed possible only in the idyll of California.
There was a banh mi picnic in the parking lot, beef empanadas on the chow line, Caesar salads, cartons of fresh Starbucks House Blend, free magazines, toys for the kids, cots for grandma, pizza by the slice or, if you wished, the box. There was a man playing jazz guitar, a blues band, massages and acupuncture.
"It's better service than when you go to a restaurant," said Gary Potter of Rancho Penasquitos. "Every time you turn around, people are asking us if you need something-water, food, anything."
"They thought of everything," said Erin Kelley, his wife. She was particularly impressed by the massages being offered in the parking lot. Who says a major disaster can't be fun for the whole family?
There was a banh mi picnic in the parking lot, beef empanadas on the chow line, Caesar salads, cartons of fresh Starbucks House Blend, free magazines, toys for the kids, cots for grandma, pizza by the slice or, if you wished, the box. There was a man playing jazz guitar, a blues band, massages and acupuncture.
"It's better service than when you go to a restaurant," said Gary Potter of Rancho Penasquitos. "Every time you turn around, people are asking us if you need something-water, food, anything."
"They thought of everything," said Erin Kelley, his wife. She was particularly impressed by the massages being offered in the parking lot. Who says a major disaster can't be fun for the whole family?
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Fall Into The Gap
Here's more evidence that Mukasey is a Gonzo clone. When asked about this program, Mukasey referred repeatedly to the "gap between where FISA left off and where the Constitution permitted the president to act." He cited Carter administration Attorney General Griffin Bell's statement that FISA "does not take away the power of the president under the Constitution."
Did Mukasey mean that the Constitution authorized the president to ignore FISA's warrant requirements, as his predecessor, Alberto Gonzales, argued? No matter how many times he was asked, Mukasey wouldn't say, instead retreating to the lame argument that Congress, without realizing it, amended FISA by authorizing the use of military force against the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks.
Even as the administration continues to insist that the NSA's warrantless surveillance was legal, it is pressing Congress to give the telecommunications companies that cooperated with the program retroactive legal immunity. Immunity for what? For assisting the government with its perfectly lawful surveillance? Why is this different from the Holy Land case? Because in that case the government so far seems to be doing it the right way. They've gathered evidence against the charity-legally-and are making their case in court. That's the way you're supposed to do things in a country where the rule of law really matters, not shady legal maneuvering and shaky arguments that wouldn't hold up in an actual court of law.
Did Mukasey mean that the Constitution authorized the president to ignore FISA's warrant requirements, as his predecessor, Alberto Gonzales, argued? No matter how many times he was asked, Mukasey wouldn't say, instead retreating to the lame argument that Congress, without realizing it, amended FISA by authorizing the use of military force against the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks.
Even as the administration continues to insist that the NSA's warrantless surveillance was legal, it is pressing Congress to give the telecommunications companies that cooperated with the program retroactive legal immunity. Immunity for what? For assisting the government with its perfectly lawful surveillance? Why is this different from the Holy Land case? Because in that case the government so far seems to be doing it the right way. They've gathered evidence against the charity-legally-and are making their case in court. That's the way you're supposed to do things in a country where the rule of law really matters, not shady legal maneuvering and shaky arguments that wouldn't hold up in an actual court of law.
Holy Smoke Screen
Those folks who swear they aren't terrorists are going back on trial. Federal prosecutors say they'll retry the case against leaders of the Holy Land Foundation, the nation's largest Muslim charity, which they accused of funneling more than $12 million to Hamas terrorists.
CAIR, an unidicted co-conspirator in the case, also cheered a similar outcome in a federal case against Muslim activist Sami al-Arian in Florida. As in the Holy Land case, jurors deadlocked on several terror counts. But prosecutors threatened a retrial and al_arian later pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
He was defended by the same lawyer defending one of the accused Holy Land leaders, Chassan Elashi, who happens to also be a founding member of CAIR. Well, if his latest clients get convicted, I'll tell the lawyer I just don't CAIR if they go to the place where they have to hold onto their soap or not.
CAIR, an unidicted co-conspirator in the case, also cheered a similar outcome in a federal case against Muslim activist Sami al-Arian in Florida. As in the Holy Land case, jurors deadlocked on several terror counts. But prosecutors threatened a retrial and al_arian later pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
He was defended by the same lawyer defending one of the accused Holy Land leaders, Chassan Elashi, who happens to also be a founding member of CAIR. Well, if his latest clients get convicted, I'll tell the lawyer I just don't CAIR if they go to the place where they have to hold onto their soap or not.
Bush's Millions
What's the problem with Bush's sudden redisovery of fiscal responsibility? It took too long for him to get there. WASHINGTON-George W. Bush, despite all of his recent bravado about being an apostle of small government and budget-slashing, is the biggest spending president since Lyndon B. Johnson. In fact, he's arguably an even bigger spender than LBJ.
"He's a big government guy," said Stephen Slivinski, the director of budget studies at Cato Institute, a libertarian research group.
The numbers are clear, credible and conclusive, added David Keating, the executive director of the Club for Growth, a budget-watchdog group.
"He's a big spender," Keating said. "No question about it."
Take almost any yardstick and Bush generally exceeds the spending of his predecessors.
When adjusted for inflation, discretionary spending-or budget items that Congress and the president can control, including defense and domestic programs, but not entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare-shot up at an average annual rate of 5.3 percent during Bush's first six years, Slivinski calculates.
That tops the 4.6 percent annual rate Johnson logged during his 1963-69 presidency. By these standards, Ronald Reagan was a tightwad; discretionary spending grew by only 1.9 percent a year on his watch. Among the many other things I hope will go along with the Bush administration is "Compassionate conservatism." We just can't afford it.
"He's a big government guy," said Stephen Slivinski, the director of budget studies at Cato Institute, a libertarian research group.
The numbers are clear, credible and conclusive, added David Keating, the executive director of the Club for Growth, a budget-watchdog group.
"He's a big spender," Keating said. "No question about it."
Take almost any yardstick and Bush generally exceeds the spending of his predecessors.
When adjusted for inflation, discretionary spending-or budget items that Congress and the president can control, including defense and domestic programs, but not entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare-shot up at an average annual rate of 5.3 percent during Bush's first six years, Slivinski calculates.
That tops the 4.6 percent annual rate Johnson logged during his 1963-69 presidency. By these standards, Ronald Reagan was a tightwad; discretionary spending grew by only 1.9 percent a year on his watch. Among the many other things I hope will go along with the Bush administration is "Compassionate conservatism." We just can't afford it.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Livin' Large
Along with smokers, the overweight have become popular targets of the medically pure. Listen to any public health official and you'd think obesity was a scientific slam dunk, but studies on the exact causes and effects of weight gain are highly ambiguous. One study of 25,000 men by The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, for example, found that a fit fatso is actually healthier than a sedentary skinny: over an eight year period even those technically classified as "obese" (a BMI of over 30) were less likely to die from heart attacks, strokes and cancer than inactive people of normal weight. And many of the studies released as "proof" of America's impending death by gristle fail to take into account confounding variables, like yo-yo dieting, a sedentary lifestyle and fat distribution on the body.
But even if the science were sound, public officials and anti-fat crusaders still confuse bad health with moral depravity. Paul Campos, a law professor at Colorado University and author of The Obesity Myth, claims that this "moral panic" sticks because it finds an "ideological resonance." On the right it appeals to an ascetic attitude; on the left it taps into anxieties about capitalist over-consumption and manipulative force-feeding by corporations. Wow, if almost sounds as if the ideologues of the far left and the far right had a lot in common-they both want to control your life to point out how morally superior they are.
But even if the science were sound, public officials and anti-fat crusaders still confuse bad health with moral depravity. Paul Campos, a law professor at Colorado University and author of The Obesity Myth, claims that this "moral panic" sticks because it finds an "ideological resonance." On the right it appeals to an ascetic attitude; on the left it taps into anxieties about capitalist over-consumption and manipulative force-feeding by corporations. Wow, if almost sounds as if the ideologues of the far left and the far right had a lot in common-they both want to control your life to point out how morally superior they are.
California Burnin'
You knew this was coming. Officials said Tuesday the winds and high temperatures are expected to continue. But when the fires do stop, lawmakers likely will debate the cause of the fire.
"One reason why we have the fires in California is global warming," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters Tuesday, stressing the need to pass the Democrats' comprehensive energy package.
Moments later, when asked by a reporter if he really believed global warming caused the fires, he appeared to back away from his comments, saying there are many factors that contributed to the disaster. I could name a few factors that contributed to the disaster that is Harry Reid, too.
"One reason why we have the fires in California is global warming," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters Tuesday, stressing the need to pass the Democrats' comprehensive energy package.
Moments later, when asked by a reporter if he really believed global warming caused the fires, he appeared to back away from his comments, saying there are many factors that contributed to the disaster. I could name a few factors that contributed to the disaster that is Harry Reid, too.
The Queen Abdicates
Oh, now she says so. NEW YORK (AP)-If elected president in 2008, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton would consider giving up some of the executive powers President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have assumed since taking office.
In an interview published Tuesday in Guardian America, a Web site run by the London-based Guardian newspaper, Clinton denounced the Bush Administration's push to concentrate more power in the White House as a "power grab" not supported by the Constitution.
Asked if she would consider giving up some of those powers if she were president, Clinton replied, "Oh, absolutely...I mean, that has to be part of the review that I undertake when I get to the White House, and I intend to do that." Funny how she didn't seem to feel that way five years ago. What a difference a campaign makes.
In an interview published Tuesday in Guardian America, a Web site run by the London-based Guardian newspaper, Clinton denounced the Bush Administration's push to concentrate more power in the White House as a "power grab" not supported by the Constitution.
Asked if she would consider giving up some of those powers if she were president, Clinton replied, "Oh, absolutely...I mean, that has to be part of the review that I undertake when I get to the White House, and I intend to do that." Funny how she didn't seem to feel that way five years ago. What a difference a campaign makes.
The Quiet Man
To rage or not to rage? That is the question facing Democratic voters.
As he invariably does when outlining his discontent with the status quo, the Illinois senator sounds firm. He sounds sincere. What he doesn't sound is angry.
That is either the great strength or the great weakness of his campaign. American politics is chronically awash in free-floating bile, some of it genuine and some of it manufactured. So voters may prefer a candidate who can summon up visible outrage at the slightest provocation, of which this race offers many alternatives.
If the venting of spleen is what Iowans want, an Obama event is not the place to find it. His gift-one of them, anyway is to be able to disparage his foes in unequivocal terms without sounding strident or hostile. Therein lies the problem with primary voters-they want hostile while the rest of us want ideas and solutions. It would be nice to see a candidate from either side who could win them over with reason instead of rage.
As he invariably does when outlining his discontent with the status quo, the Illinois senator sounds firm. He sounds sincere. What he doesn't sound is angry.
That is either the great strength or the great weakness of his campaign. American politics is chronically awash in free-floating bile, some of it genuine and some of it manufactured. So voters may prefer a candidate who can summon up visible outrage at the slightest provocation, of which this race offers many alternatives.
If the venting of spleen is what Iowans want, an Obama event is not the place to find it. His gift-one of them, anyway is to be able to disparage his foes in unequivocal terms without sounding strident or hostile. Therein lies the problem with primary voters-they want hostile while the rest of us want ideas and solutions. It would be nice to see a candidate from either side who could win them over with reason instead of rage.
Mr. Spaceman
Well, he is from another planet. Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich has seen a UFO, writes Shirley MacLaine in her new book, "Sage-ing While Age-ing."
Kucinich, she writes on page143-144 of the book, "had a close sighting over my home in Graham, Washington, when I lived there. Dennis found his encounter extremely moving. The smell of roses drew him out to my balcony where, when he looked up, he saw a gigantic triangular craft, silent, and observing him. It hovered, soundless, for ten minutes or so, and sped away with a speed he couldn't comprehend. He said he felt a connection in his heart and heard directions in his mind."
Representatives of Kucinich's presidential campaign and congressional office have not responded to calls and e-mail asking whether the Cleveland Democratic congressman in fact saw a UFO or if there is another explanation for MacLaine's recollection. What the aliens were really doing was showing Kucinich to their kids ans daying, "See? That's what happens when an experiment goes wrong. Now maybe you'll understand why we told you not to mess around with human DNA."
Kucinich, she writes on page143-144 of the book, "had a close sighting over my home in Graham, Washington, when I lived there. Dennis found his encounter extremely moving. The smell of roses drew him out to my balcony where, when he looked up, he saw a gigantic triangular craft, silent, and observing him. It hovered, soundless, for ten minutes or so, and sped away with a speed he couldn't comprehend. He said he felt a connection in his heart and heard directions in his mind."
Representatives of Kucinich's presidential campaign and congressional office have not responded to calls and e-mail asking whether the Cleveland Democratic congressman in fact saw a UFO or if there is another explanation for MacLaine's recollection. What the aliens were really doing was showing Kucinich to their kids ans daying, "See? That's what happens when an experiment goes wrong. Now maybe you'll understand why we told you not to mess around with human DNA."
Backseat Pooper
Now this is genius. TOKYO (Reuters Life!)-If you're stuck in traffic when Mother Nature calls, Japan's Kaneko Sangyo Co. has developed the loo for you.
The manufacturer of plastic car accessories drew back the curtain on Tuesday on its new portable toilet for cars.
The toilet comes with a curtain large enough to conceal users and a plastic bag to collect waste.
"The commode will come in handy during major disasters such as earthquakes or when you are caught in a traffic jam," a company official told reporters, according to Kyodo News. Yet another reason why capitalism rules.
The manufacturer of plastic car accessories drew back the curtain on Tuesday on its new portable toilet for cars.
The toilet comes with a curtain large enough to conceal users and a plastic bag to collect waste.
"The commode will come in handy during major disasters such as earthquakes or when you are caught in a traffic jam," a company official told reporters, according to Kyodo News. Yet another reason why capitalism rules.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Hockeypucks For Brains
You can't make this stuff up. It's not even real grass.
But in the midst of what may be the worst drought ever in North Carolina, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are watering the synthetic turfs used by their field hockey teams.
The International Hockey Federation insists.
The universities are not breaking any rules. But, like clockwork, as residents in Durham and Chapel Hill see their plants and lawns wither, the sprinkers go on at Duke's Williams Field.
Brad Schurr, a Chapel Hill contractor who does work in Durham, saw the sprinklers go on one afternoon recently at Duke and drove around the block to make sure he was not seeing things.
"Sprinklers aren't even the right term, they're like fire hoses," Schurr said. "I was like, 'What is that? What is that? I couldn't believe it." Water for me, not for thee...
But in the midst of what may be the worst drought ever in North Carolina, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are watering the synthetic turfs used by their field hockey teams.
The International Hockey Federation insists.
The universities are not breaking any rules. But, like clockwork, as residents in Durham and Chapel Hill see their plants and lawns wither, the sprinkers go on at Duke's Williams Field.
Brad Schurr, a Chapel Hill contractor who does work in Durham, saw the sprinklers go on one afternoon recently at Duke and drove around the block to make sure he was not seeing things.
"Sprinklers aren't even the right term, they're like fire hoses," Schurr said. "I was like, 'What is that? What is that? I couldn't believe it." Water for me, not for thee...
United We Jihad
Poor Binny. Things aren't going so well for him these days. CAIRO, Egypt (AP)-Osama bin Laden called for Iraqi insurgents to unite and avoid divisive "extremism," speaking in an audiotape aired Monday and apparently intended to win over Sunnis oppsed to al-Qaida's branch in Iraq.
In the audiotape broadcast on Al-Jazeera television, bin Laden said insurgents should admit "mistakes" and that he even advises himself not to be extreme in his leadership.
the tape appeared to be in response to moves by some Sunni Arab tribes in Iraq that have joined U.S. troops in fighting al-Qaida members, as well as other Sunni insurgent groups that-while still attacking Americans-have formed coalitions opposed to al-Qaida. When even other anti-American insurgents are telling you to get lost, you have a problem. Pretty soon the only friends Binny will have left are a few goats in a cave-oh, wait.
In the audiotape broadcast on Al-Jazeera television, bin Laden said insurgents should admit "mistakes" and that he even advises himself not to be extreme in his leadership.
the tape appeared to be in response to moves by some Sunni Arab tribes in Iraq that have joined U.S. troops in fighting al-Qaida members, as well as other Sunni insurgent groups that-while still attacking Americans-have formed coalitions opposed to al-Qaida. When even other anti-American insurgents are telling you to get lost, you have a problem. Pretty soon the only friends Binny will have left are a few goats in a cave-oh, wait.
It's Strictly Business
Gangsters in Italy? I am shocked. ROME (AP)-Revenue from organized crome amounts to an estimated $127 billion annually in Italy, making it the largest segment of the economy, a lobby group for small busniesses said Monday.
The figure, representing about 7 percent of the country's gross domestic product, is made from illicit activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, loansharking and prostitution rings, the Confesercenti lobby said in a report.
Business lobbies have launched campaigns in recent years to increase awareness of the extent of organized crime in Italy, which they say limites investment in the country. Organized crome is particularly rooted in Sicily, Naples and the southern regions of Calabria and Puglia. What makes the Mob different from legitimate CEOs? At least they're honest crooks.
The figure, representing about 7 percent of the country's gross domestic product, is made from illicit activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, loansharking and prostitution rings, the Confesercenti lobby said in a report.
Business lobbies have launched campaigns in recent years to increase awareness of the extent of organized crime in Italy, which they say limites investment in the country. Organized crome is particularly rooted in Sicily, Naples and the southern regions of Calabria and Puglia. What makes the Mob different from legitimate CEOs? At least they're honest crooks.
Viva Lost Liberties
It must make Bush, reportedly a reknowned poker player, feel good to know that a place founded by gangsters is following his lead. LAS VEGAS--This city, famous for being America's playground, has also become its decurity lab. Like nowhere else in the United States, Las Vegas has embraced the twin trends of data mining and high-tech surveillance, with arguably more cameras per square foot than any airport or sports arena in the country. Even the city's cabs and monorail have cameras. As the U.S. government ramps up its efforts to forestall terrorist attacks, some privacy advocates view the city as a harbinger of things to come.
In secret rooms in casinos across Las Vegas, surveillance specialists are busy analyzing information about players and employees. Relying on thousands of cameras in nearly every cranny of the casinos, they evaluate suspicious behavior. They ping names against databases that share information with other casions, sometimes using facial-recognition software to validate a match. And in the marketing suites, casino staffers track players' every wager, every win or loss, the better to target high-rollers for special treatment and low-and middle-rollers for promotions.
"You could almost look at Vegas as the incubator of a whole host of surveillance technologies," said James X. Dempsey, policy director for the Center for Democracy and Technology. Those technologies, he said, have spread to other commercial venues: malls, stadiums, amusement parks. Well, why shouldn't the government use Vegas as a model? After all, they already gamble with our money enough as it is...
In secret rooms in casinos across Las Vegas, surveillance specialists are busy analyzing information about players and employees. Relying on thousands of cameras in nearly every cranny of the casinos, they evaluate suspicious behavior. They ping names against databases that share information with other casions, sometimes using facial-recognition software to validate a match. And in the marketing suites, casino staffers track players' every wager, every win or loss, the better to target high-rollers for special treatment and low-and middle-rollers for promotions.
"You could almost look at Vegas as the incubator of a whole host of surveillance technologies," said James X. Dempsey, policy director for the Center for Democracy and Technology. Those technologies, he said, have spread to other commercial venues: malls, stadiums, amusement parks. Well, why shouldn't the government use Vegas as a model? After all, they already gamble with our money enough as it is...
The War On Hemp
Leave it to the Feds to use a sledgehammer to go after the wrong target.
The feds call industrial hemp (photo) a controlled substance-the same as marijuana, heroin and LSD-but it is in fact a harmless and renewable cash crop with thousands of applications that are good for the environment.
In one of several legal actions that cur to the core of the principle of states' rights in challenging the federal government's authority to prohibit states from legislating limited use of a compartively harmless substance like marijuana and a completely harmless substance like industrial hemp, North Dakota farmers Wayne Hauge and Dave Monson filed a lawsuit against the DEA.
The federal agency says that it's merely enforcing the law.
The farmers say comparing industrial hemp to marijuana is like comparing pop guns and M-16s. They've successfully petitioned the state legislature-of which Monson is a member-to authorize the farming of industrial hemp. The difference between hemp and drugs-or, for that matter, giving patients medical marijuana and drug dealing-should be a major issue of this campaign. Forget about Iraq; this is the war that is killing our rights in this country.
The feds call industrial hemp (photo) a controlled substance-the same as marijuana, heroin and LSD-but it is in fact a harmless and renewable cash crop with thousands of applications that are good for the environment.
In one of several legal actions that cur to the core of the principle of states' rights in challenging the federal government's authority to prohibit states from legislating limited use of a compartively harmless substance like marijuana and a completely harmless substance like industrial hemp, North Dakota farmers Wayne Hauge and Dave Monson filed a lawsuit against the DEA.
The federal agency says that it's merely enforcing the law.
The farmers say comparing industrial hemp to marijuana is like comparing pop guns and M-16s. They've successfully petitioned the state legislature-of which Monson is a member-to authorize the farming of industrial hemp. The difference between hemp and drugs-or, for that matter, giving patients medical marijuana and drug dealing-should be a major issue of this campaign. Forget about Iraq; this is the war that is killing our rights in this country.
Come Rapture With Us
Israel-it's like a theme park for fundamentalists. JERUSALEM-Evangelical Christians in the U.S. have helped convince dozens of Iranian Jews to move to Israel in recent months, offering cash incentives and claiming that Iran's tiny Jewish community is in grave danger.
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, a charity that funnels millions of dollars in evangelical donations to Israel every year, is promising $10,000 to every Iranian Jew who comes to Israel, said the group's director, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.
The project is another example of the alliance between the Jewish state and evangelical American Christians, many of whom see the existence of Israel and the return of Jews to the Holy Land as a realization of biblical prophesy that will culminate with Christ's Second Coming. I can hear their advertising slogan: "Come to the Holy Land! You Jews won't get into Heaven when He returns unless you convert, but help us bring about the Apocalypse anyway! You won't regret it!"
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, a charity that funnels millions of dollars in evangelical donations to Israel every year, is promising $10,000 to every Iranian Jew who comes to Israel, said the group's director, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.
The project is another example of the alliance between the Jewish state and evangelical American Christians, many of whom see the existence of Israel and the return of Jews to the Holy Land as a realization of biblical prophesy that will culminate with Christ's Second Coming. I can hear their advertising slogan: "Come to the Holy Land! You Jews won't get into Heaven when He returns unless you convert, but help us bring about the Apocalypse anyway! You won't regret it!"
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Hands-Free Lovin'
This is what America would look like if our Morality Police had their way. Ahmad Roozbehani, the head of the moral security police, was quoted as saying by the agency that his forces would be targeting "inappropriate" behaviour by couples in public, be they married or not.
"If someone is walking down the street with their legitimate partner, police will not ask for identification from them but if an obvious offence occurs of a report is received we will confront this.
"This also applies to the behaviour even of married couples. They should not have inappropriate behaviour and draw attention to themselves."
He did not give further details on the kind of behaviour proscribed but any kind of intimate cuddling between couples in public, let alone kissing, is a social taboo in Iran.
Holding hands has become acceptable in the Islamic republic, so long as the partners are married. Theoretically, unmarried boys and girls should not hang out in public, although this is often flouted. Hang out not in public, lest ye be hanged.
"If someone is walking down the street with their legitimate partner, police will not ask for identification from them but if an obvious offence occurs of a report is received we will confront this.
"This also applies to the behaviour even of married couples. They should not have inappropriate behaviour and draw attention to themselves."
He did not give further details on the kind of behaviour proscribed but any kind of intimate cuddling between couples in public, let alone kissing, is a social taboo in Iran.
Holding hands has become acceptable in the Islamic republic, so long as the partners are married. Theoretically, unmarried boys and girls should not hang out in public, although this is often flouted. Hang out not in public, lest ye be hanged.
It's Been Satirical
Is the current golden age of late-night satire coming to an end along with the Bush administration?
With 1.4 m viewers nightly, the Colbert-Stewart combo does not match the large, ageing viewership of the networks, but, as any marteteer knows, it's the quality of the demo-graphic that counts. The Daily Show hour manages to bring in more men in the 18-34 age bracket than almost anything else on television. If you go to any college campus in the country, it is the favourite show.
Its power in the marketplace is felt elsewhere, too. Last week, Colbert's book I Am America (And So Can You!) leapt instantly to the top of the sales charts, ahead of Bill Clinton, Clarence Thomas and Alan Green-span. To cap it off, he declared his intention to run for president in his home state of South Carolona. He meant it. And even The New York Times had to cover the story.
This moment will pass, of course. One gets a sense that it may be peaking already. For satire to work well, it has to let off the collective steam of a nation. It needs a po-faced, Cheney-style establishment to mock. As the religion-drenched era of Republican hegemony wanes a little, the satirists begin to become part of the establishment themselves. Colbert's presidential run may be a step too far. Perhaps, in retrospect, these last, ragged months of the Bush administration will come to seem the high-water mark of the Colbert-Stewart tide. But it's been a joy while it lasted. The one thing that Bush Republicans (as opposed to actual, conservative Republicans) have been good for is providing so much to make fun of, what with all their buffoonery, hypocrisy and pomposity. We may look back on these times with a kind of nostalgia, wondering why we got so worked up over these clowns while all we had to do was laugh.
With 1.4 m viewers nightly, the Colbert-Stewart combo does not match the large, ageing viewership of the networks, but, as any marteteer knows, it's the quality of the demo-graphic that counts. The Daily Show hour manages to bring in more men in the 18-34 age bracket than almost anything else on television. If you go to any college campus in the country, it is the favourite show.
Its power in the marketplace is felt elsewhere, too. Last week, Colbert's book I Am America (And So Can You!) leapt instantly to the top of the sales charts, ahead of Bill Clinton, Clarence Thomas and Alan Green-span. To cap it off, he declared his intention to run for president in his home state of South Carolona. He meant it. And even The New York Times had to cover the story.
This moment will pass, of course. One gets a sense that it may be peaking already. For satire to work well, it has to let off the collective steam of a nation. It needs a po-faced, Cheney-style establishment to mock. As the religion-drenched era of Republican hegemony wanes a little, the satirists begin to become part of the establishment themselves. Colbert's presidential run may be a step too far. Perhaps, in retrospect, these last, ragged months of the Bush administration will come to seem the high-water mark of the Colbert-Stewart tide. But it's been a joy while it lasted. The one thing that Bush Republicans (as opposed to actual, conservative Republicans) have been good for is providing so much to make fun of, what with all their buffoonery, hypocrisy and pomposity. We may look back on these times with a kind of nostalgia, wondering why we got so worked up over these clowns while all we had to do was laugh.
Listen To The Ahnuld
He has a point, but will the party as a whole listen? Arnold Schwarzenegger, the governor of California, has urged Republican presidential candidates to capture the political centre ground ahead of next year's election by focusing on healthcare reform and education.
As the campaign has unfolded, leading candidates have drifted to the right to win support from social conservatives.
But in an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Schwarzenegger said the party's candidates were "missing out on something" because televised debates had been dominated by questions about gay marriage, abortion and immigration.
Mr Schwarzenegger said candidates should challenge the questions they were asked in the debates. "Someone has to say: 'We've talked enough about immigration, now I want to talk about healthcare reform'." The candidates had to "move the agenda," he said. The problem with that is, so-called "Movement" conservatives tend to be the proverbial immovable object on the issues, and right now the GOP is so beholden to them that, like an addict who can't quit, dumping them now would probably kill or at least severely cripple the party. The Republicans forgot that if you abandon the center line, you can get trapped on one side or the other.
As the campaign has unfolded, leading candidates have drifted to the right to win support from social conservatives.
But in an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Schwarzenegger said the party's candidates were "missing out on something" because televised debates had been dominated by questions about gay marriage, abortion and immigration.
Mr Schwarzenegger said candidates should challenge the questions they were asked in the debates. "Someone has to say: 'We've talked enough about immigration, now I want to talk about healthcare reform'." The candidates had to "move the agenda," he said. The problem with that is, so-called "Movement" conservatives tend to be the proverbial immovable object on the issues, and right now the GOP is so beholden to them that, like an addict who can't quit, dumping them now would probably kill or at least severely cripple the party. The Republicans forgot that if you abandon the center line, you can get trapped on one side or the other.
Your Money Is Their Money
See, this is the problem with the whole idea of "Sharing the wealth." Robert Reich is forgetting about state and local taxes. It might be fair to have the rich pay half their income...but when you factor in other taxes, many of them do.
(snip) People talking about "fair shares" of tax income often forget to factor in state and local taxes, which, given the geographic income distribution in the country, often produces heavily skewed results.
Meanwhile, the wealth thing is ludicrous. $5 million is the value of a moderately successful family business that throws off a couple hundred grand in income a year. You're going to hand those people an extra $25,000 tax bill each year for the sin of being self-employed? This does not sound like a recipe for enhancing America's singularly dynamic economic performance. Unfortunately, it is a recipe liberal Democrats use to win votes and liberal elitists use to try and make other people feel guilty for having money.
(snip) People talking about "fair shares" of tax income often forget to factor in state and local taxes, which, given the geographic income distribution in the country, often produces heavily skewed results.
Meanwhile, the wealth thing is ludicrous. $5 million is the value of a moderately successful family business that throws off a couple hundred grand in income a year. You're going to hand those people an extra $25,000 tax bill each year for the sin of being self-employed? This does not sound like a recipe for enhancing America's singularly dynamic economic performance. Unfortunately, it is a recipe liberal Democrats use to win votes and liberal elitists use to try and make other people feel guilty for having money.
At Seventeen
It's nice to know the War On Sex is working out so well in Cracker Land. The state of Georgia regards 28-year-old Wendy Whitaker as such a threat to public safety that it posts her photo and address on the Internet, bans her from living near schools, churches and playgrounds and forbids her from working with children.
What makes Whitaker such a terrible danger?
Eleven years ago, when she had just turned 17, Whitaker engaged in a single act of oral sex with a boy in her sophomore class on school property. That's it.
Though less than two years separated the couple-the boy was about to turn 16-Whitaker was arrested for sodomy, a charge to which she pleaded guilty and completed five years probation. However, that plea also means that Whitaker will serve a lifetime on the state's sex-offender registry, placing her in the same category as truly dangerous people such as rapists and child molesters. It also imposes severe-some might argue unconscionable-limits on where she can live and work. If Jimmy Carter had "Lusted in his heart" today, he'd probably fall under these Draconian laws. Welcome to the New Morality.
What makes Whitaker such a terrible danger?
Eleven years ago, when she had just turned 17, Whitaker engaged in a single act of oral sex with a boy in her sophomore class on school property. That's it.
Though less than two years separated the couple-the boy was about to turn 16-Whitaker was arrested for sodomy, a charge to which she pleaded guilty and completed five years probation. However, that plea also means that Whitaker will serve a lifetime on the state's sex-offender registry, placing her in the same category as truly dangerous people such as rapists and child molesters. It also imposes severe-some might argue unconscionable-limits on where she can live and work. If Jimmy Carter had "Lusted in his heart" today, he'd probably fall under these Draconian laws. Welcome to the New Morality.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
What Rove Hath Wrought
If Giuliani is elected, let's hope he can undo some of the damage done by Bush.
The Bush administration's brand of international engagement, far from being an aberration, represents a turning point in the historical trajectory of U.S. foreign policy. It is a symptom, as much as a cause, of the unraveling of the liberal internationalist compact that guided the United States for much of the second half of the twentieth century.
The polarization of the United States has dealt a severe blow to the bipartisan compact between power and cooperation. Instead of adhering to the vital center, the country's elected officials, along with the public, are backing away from the liberal internationalist compact, supporting either U.S. power or international cooperation, but rarely both. ...Prominent voices from across the political spectrum have called for the restoration of a robust bipartisan center that can put U.S. grand strategy back on track. ...These exhortations are in vain. the halycon era of liberal internationalism is over; the bipartisan compact between power and partnership has been effectively dismantled. Bush took what he learned from Karl Rove and applied it to his foreign policy. The problem is, the rest of the world is not America and the divisive strategy of Mr. Rove, while it might win elections, does not make for good diplomacy.
The Bush administration's brand of international engagement, far from being an aberration, represents a turning point in the historical trajectory of U.S. foreign policy. It is a symptom, as much as a cause, of the unraveling of the liberal internationalist compact that guided the United States for much of the second half of the twentieth century.
The polarization of the United States has dealt a severe blow to the bipartisan compact between power and cooperation. Instead of adhering to the vital center, the country's elected officials, along with the public, are backing away from the liberal internationalist compact, supporting either U.S. power or international cooperation, but rarely both. ...Prominent voices from across the political spectrum have called for the restoration of a robust bipartisan center that can put U.S. grand strategy back on track. ...These exhortations are in vain. the halycon era of liberal internationalism is over; the bipartisan compact between power and partnership has been effectively dismantled. Bush took what he learned from Karl Rove and applied it to his foreign policy. The problem is, the rest of the world is not America and the divisive strategy of Mr. Rove, while it might win elections, does not make for good diplomacy.
Dark Horse Race
Vice President Huckabee? That speech he made on Saturday was electric. I was there. I saw the crowd. They ate it up. See more on Huckabee's speech here. But let's call a spade a speade. You have Evangelical leaders that are reluctant to back him because he's having a hard time raising money and putting what they see as a top notch organization in place. He needs that support. He's going to have to earn it. If social conservatives really want Huckabee so bad, then they'll need to put their money where their mouths are.
Having said all that, Huckabee is poised now to really take off. Why? Two words: Sam Brownback. With Brownback out of the race, many of the votes may go to Huckabee. That could translate into some marginally better poll numbers. Plus, Huckabee can claim victory here and go around the country saying that social conservatives have spoken and that he's the guy. Romney will make that same claim but don't tell me for a second that the onsite margin differential doesn't have some in the campaign concerned. Maybe because Huckabee is financially challenged, they're not too worried.
It's going to be interesting to watch the spin coming out of both the Huckabee and Romney camps. Each will claim victory. Each campaign will be right. I'd like Huckabee better if he didn't come out with nannystating proclamations such as a national smoking ban. That aside, he could be a good asset to a Giuliani candidacy.
Having said all that, Huckabee is poised now to really take off. Why? Two words: Sam Brownback. With Brownback out of the race, many of the votes may go to Huckabee. That could translate into some marginally better poll numbers. Plus, Huckabee can claim victory here and go around the country saying that social conservatives have spoken and that he's the guy. Romney will make that same claim but don't tell me for a second that the onsite margin differential doesn't have some in the campaign concerned. Maybe because Huckabee is financially challenged, they're not too worried.
It's going to be interesting to watch the spin coming out of both the Huckabee and Romney camps. Each will claim victory. Each campaign will be right. I'd like Huckabee better if he didn't come out with nannystating proclamations such as a national smoking ban. That aside, he could be a good asset to a Giuliani candidacy.
You Don't Mess With Bill
Everybody's favorite Bush basher meets even bigger Bush bashers. LOS ANGELES (AP)-Bill Maher can add "security guard" to his job description alongside comedian and political commentator.
Maher on Friday night helped security remove a rowdy protester from the studio during his weekly HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher," and it was all captured on live television.
Maher was talking science during one of his weekly panel discussions when a proterster in his audience stood up, held up a smuggled-in sign reading "9/11 is a cover up fraud" and shouted comments to the same effect.
The host tried to shout down the audience member, who only became more agitated.
"Do we have some (expletive) security in this building," Maher yelled, "or do I have to come down there and kick his (expletive)?" I don't know which part is funnier-Bill getting interrupted by people who are even more left-wing than he is, or the idea that he could kick anybody's expletive.
Maher on Friday night helped security remove a rowdy protester from the studio during his weekly HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher," and it was all captured on live television.
Maher was talking science during one of his weekly panel discussions when a proterster in his audience stood up, held up a smuggled-in sign reading "9/11 is a cover up fraud" and shouted comments to the same effect.
The host tried to shout down the audience member, who only became more agitated.
"Do we have some (expletive) security in this building," Maher yelled, "or do I have to come down there and kick his (expletive)?" I don't know which part is funnier-Bill getting interrupted by people who are even more left-wing than he is, or the idea that he could kick anybody's expletive.
He's Out
Quick! Hide the children! NEW YORK (AP)-Harry Potter fans, the rumors are true: Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay. J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series that ended last summer, outed the beloved character Friday night while appearing before a full house at Carnegie Hall.
After reading briefly from the final book, "Harry Potter and the Dathly Hallows," she took questions from audience members.
She was asked by one young fan whether Dumbledore finds "true love."
"Dumbledore is gay," the author responded to gasps and applause. I should have suspected something when he kept asking Harry how big his "Wand" was.
After reading briefly from the final book, "Harry Potter and the Dathly Hallows," she took questions from audience members.
She was asked by one young fan whether Dumbledore finds "true love."
"Dumbledore is gay," the author responded to gasps and applause. I should have suspected something when he kept asking Harry how big his "Wand" was.
Take Me As I Am
Rudy says what needs to be said. Instead of pandering to the group, Giuliani held his ground.
"We've got to find a way to be more inclusive," Giuliani said. "Christianity is all about inclusiveness. It's built around the most profound act of love in human history, isn't it?...I'm running for president of the United States because I believe I can bring us together. Strong leadership can help us find common solutions to our problems."
Giuliani drew laughter by saying he spends as little time in Washington as possible: "I'm afraid there's something in the air here."
"I'm not going to pretent that I can be all things to all people," he declared. "I'm just not like that." Now THIS is the Giuliani I like, and hope to see more of. Take that, James Dobson.
"We've got to find a way to be more inclusive," Giuliani said. "Christianity is all about inclusiveness. It's built around the most profound act of love in human history, isn't it?...I'm running for president of the United States because I believe I can bring us together. Strong leadership can help us find common solutions to our problems."
Giuliani drew laughter by saying he spends as little time in Washington as possible: "I'm afraid there's something in the air here."
"I'm not going to pretent that I can be all things to all people," he declared. "I'm just not like that." Now THIS is the Giuliani I like, and hope to see more of. Take that, James Dobson.
"I'm Still Here, Guys"
Well, if he says so. WASHINGTON-President Bush, weakened by record-low poll ratings, asserted he is still politically relevant and scolded the Democratic-led Congress on Wednesday for having "little to show for all the time that has gone by."
Trying to shape the political debate, Bush used a midmorning news conference to lecture lawmakers about their failure to complete action on any spending bulls to keep the government running or to send him legislation dealing with education, housing and other matters.
Saying he did not share any blame for Congress' failure to act, Bush said, "I think it is their fault that bills aren't moving." A do-nothing Congress-isn't that actually a good thing?
Trying to shape the political debate, Bush used a midmorning news conference to lecture lawmakers about their failure to complete action on any spending bulls to keep the government running or to send him legislation dealing with education, housing and other matters.
Saying he did not share any blame for Congress' failure to act, Bush said, "I think it is their fault that bills aren't moving." A do-nothing Congress-isn't that actually a good thing?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Comrade Nannystate
You mean their socialist utopia doesn't have it already?
The central government has announced its goal of providing everyone in the country with basic healthcare by 2020. It's an ambitious goal for a nation that will have a population of 1.5 billion by then.
Making healthcare affordable and easily accesible is a top priority for many countries. But the task is much harder in China, the world's most populous nation.
Gao Qiang, Vice Minister of Health, said, "I think the goal of offering every Chinese basic healthcare is enormous. It will be an arduous task. We have to make sure every citizen, including the huge rural population, will be covered." Well, I'm sure Hillary will be ready to give them advice.
The central government has announced its goal of providing everyone in the country with basic healthcare by 2020. It's an ambitious goal for a nation that will have a population of 1.5 billion by then.
Making healthcare affordable and easily accesible is a top priority for many countries. But the task is much harder in China, the world's most populous nation.
Gao Qiang, Vice Minister of Health, said, "I think the goal of offering every Chinese basic healthcare is enormous. It will be an arduous task. We have to make sure every citizen, including the huge rural population, will be covered." Well, I'm sure Hillary will be ready to give them advice.
No Coal For You
And so it begins. TOPEKACiting concerns about global warming, Kansas' top regulator today denied a long-awaited permit to build a controversial coal plant in western Kansas.
"I believe it would be irresponsible to ignore emerging information about the contribution of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to climate change and the potential harm to our environment and health if we do nothing," said Rod Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a news release announcing the decision.
The decision is expected to please environmental groups who had fought the plant, arguing its carbon emissions would add to global warming and that a mix of wind farms and natural gas was a better alternative. There's also something called nuclear energy that should be considered, but it's too evil. And energy technology gets set back another twenty or thirty years as the climate change crusade marches on.
"I believe it would be irresponsible to ignore emerging information about the contribution of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to climate change and the potential harm to our environment and health if we do nothing," said Rod Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a news release announcing the decision.
The decision is expected to please environmental groups who had fought the plant, arguing its carbon emissions would add to global warming and that a mix of wind farms and natural gas was a better alternative. There's also something called nuclear energy that should be considered, but it's too evil. And energy technology gets set back another twenty or thirty years as the climate change crusade marches on.
There She Goes Again
Well, so much for that. In the hours before a House panel approved the resolution Oct. 10, Pelosi was told in a tense meeting with Turkey's ambassador that the vote would endanger his country's alliance with the U.S. She had a warmer session with an Armenian cleric and representatives of Armenian-Americans, who have a large presence in her home state of California. In both, she made clear she intended to bring the resolution to a full House vote.
Since then, Pelosi, 67, has been in retreat. Her vow to bring the measure to a vote outraged Turkey, which recalled its ambassador and threatened to cut off the use of its military bases to resupply U.S. troops in Iraq. On Oct. 17, Pelosi said it "remains to be seen" whether the vote would occur after more than a dozen lawmakers pulled their names from the measure and some Democrats asked her to drop it. Her colleagues may stupid, but they're not crazy. Better luck next time, Nancy.
Since then, Pelosi, 67, has been in retreat. Her vow to bring the measure to a vote outraged Turkey, which recalled its ambassador and threatened to cut off the use of its military bases to resupply U.S. troops in Iraq. On Oct. 17, Pelosi said it "remains to be seen" whether the vote would occur after more than a dozen lawmakers pulled their names from the measure and some Democrats asked her to drop it. Her colleagues may stupid, but they're not crazy. Better luck next time, Nancy.
"What's Wrong With Me?"
John Hawkins identifies what he sees as the biggest problems facing the GOP these days. Most of them are of their own making. Money quote:
Practicality vs. Purity: Yes, we want politicians to live up to our expectations and when they don't, they can expect consequences. On the other hand, if we refuse to vote for a Republican politician every time he does something we don't like, we're going to be responsible for putting Democrats in office who don't agree with us on anything. That's the dilemma conservatives always have to deal with: practicality vs. purity.
Unfortunately, the conservative movement has tilted too far towards expecting purity from Republicans in Congress--so much so in fact, that we've got conservatives threatening to form third parties if certain candidates are elected--even as different factions of the conservative movement beat up on each other on an almost daily basis. Like it or not, if we want to move the conservative agenda forward, we need Republicans in office to do it. Instead of sitting at home or forming third parties, we should follow the Club for Growth model, which involves supporting conservatives we do agree with--if necessary in primaries with other Republicans--rather than throwing tantrums and putting Democrats who oppose our agenda in office. The main problem here is a small group of rabid social conservatives who were in the driver's seat when the Republican Party was in power, and now that the GOP is on the ropes they're throwing hissy fits because most people would rather support a Giuliani or a McCain than a Bush wannabe who would only marginalize the GOP and the conservative movement even further. One faction of the conservative movement (the biggest one, I believe) wants a return to realism. The Christian Socialists would rather continue to live in fantasy land.
Practicality vs. Purity: Yes, we want politicians to live up to our expectations and when they don't, they can expect consequences. On the other hand, if we refuse to vote for a Republican politician every time he does something we don't like, we're going to be responsible for putting Democrats in office who don't agree with us on anything. That's the dilemma conservatives always have to deal with: practicality vs. purity.
Unfortunately, the conservative movement has tilted too far towards expecting purity from Republicans in Congress--so much so in fact, that we've got conservatives threatening to form third parties if certain candidates are elected--even as different factions of the conservative movement beat up on each other on an almost daily basis. Like it or not, if we want to move the conservative agenda forward, we need Republicans in office to do it. Instead of sitting at home or forming third parties, we should follow the Club for Growth model, which involves supporting conservatives we do agree with--if necessary in primaries with other Republicans--rather than throwing tantrums and putting Democrats who oppose our agenda in office. The main problem here is a small group of rabid social conservatives who were in the driver's seat when the Republican Party was in power, and now that the GOP is on the ropes they're throwing hissy fits because most people would rather support a Giuliani or a McCain than a Bush wannabe who would only marginalize the GOP and the conservative movement even further. One faction of the conservative movement (the biggest one, I believe) wants a return to realism. The Christian Socialists would rather continue to live in fantasy land.
A Bush By Any Other Name
Far-right conservatives who are terrified of Hillary should know that she has a lot more in common with Bush than they're willing to admit.
What about secrecy and executive power? It's difficult to see Hillary Clinton voluntarily handing back all of those extra-constitutional powers claimed by President Bush. Her husband's administration, for example, copiously invoked dubious "executive privelage" claims to keep from complying with congressional subpoenas and open records requests-claims the left now (correctly, in my view) regularly criticizes the Bush administration for invoking.
Hillary Clinton herself went to court to keep meetings of her Health Care Task Force secret from the public, something conservatives were quick to point out when leftists criticize Vice President Cheney's similar efforts to keep meetings of his Energy Task Force secret.
"I'm a strong believer in executive authority," Clinton said in a 2003 speech, recently quoted in The New Republic. "I wish that, when my husband was president, people in Congress had been more willing to recognize presidential authority." Conservatives are quite right to point out Hillary's desire for power and what she would do with it. The problem is, they too often excuse the same thing in Bush, so they should be the last ones to complain if Hillary follows his lead.
What about secrecy and executive power? It's difficult to see Hillary Clinton voluntarily handing back all of those extra-constitutional powers claimed by President Bush. Her husband's administration, for example, copiously invoked dubious "executive privelage" claims to keep from complying with congressional subpoenas and open records requests-claims the left now (correctly, in my view) regularly criticizes the Bush administration for invoking.
Hillary Clinton herself went to court to keep meetings of her Health Care Task Force secret from the public, something conservatives were quick to point out when leftists criticize Vice President Cheney's similar efforts to keep meetings of his Energy Task Force secret.
"I'm a strong believer in executive authority," Clinton said in a 2003 speech, recently quoted in The New Republic. "I wish that, when my husband was president, people in Congress had been more willing to recognize presidential authority." Conservatives are quite right to point out Hillary's desire for power and what she would do with it. The problem is, they too often excuse the same thing in Bush, so they should be the last ones to complain if Hillary follows his lead.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
We Got The Numbers
Those who see Berkeley as being entirely a People's Republic, take heart. BERKELEY-Flag-waving demonstrators far outnumbered a group of peace advocates who were protesting a U.S. Marine Corps recruiting center in downtown on Wednesday.
But groups on both sides of Shattuck Avenue slowed traffic and jammed sidewalks as they shouted back and forth at each other.
Police kept the two competing groups across the street from each other; there were no arrests.
One protester who was burning something was cited by police after he was warned by officers not to burn anything in public, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Mary Kusmiss. That this counterrevolutionary behavior happened in Berkeley, of all places, gives me hope that Caleefornia is not entirely beyond salvation.
But groups on both sides of Shattuck Avenue slowed traffic and jammed sidewalks as they shouted back and forth at each other.
Police kept the two competing groups across the street from each other; there were no arrests.
One protester who was burning something was cited by police after he was warned by officers not to burn anything in public, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Mary Kusmiss. That this counterrevolutionary behavior happened in Berkeley, of all places, gives me hope that Caleefornia is not entirely beyond salvation.
Questions Time
Heh. Here are some things that probably should be asked of the candidates, but won't be.
1.) "Would you have sex with a man to stop a terrorist attack?"
2.) "If lowering taxes results in increased revenues then would lowering taxes to zero result in infinite revenues?"
3.) "If you had a time machine, would you travel back in time and abort Bin Laden?"
4.) "Would you torture and kill Jesus to ensure mankind's salvation? And how does that work?" The question is, would Jesus vote for the guy who would torture him to save others?
1.) "Would you have sex with a man to stop a terrorist attack?"
2.) "If lowering taxes results in increased revenues then would lowering taxes to zero result in infinite revenues?"
3.) "If you had a time machine, would you travel back in time and abort Bin Laden?"
4.) "Would you torture and kill Jesus to ensure mankind's salvation? And how does that work?" The question is, would Jesus vote for the guy who would torture him to save others?
Dead Patients Walking
Ah, the superiority of Britain's health care. London and the South-East have the highest proportion of hospitals classed as unhygenic in the country.
Figures released today by the health standards regulator reveal that about a quarter of primary care trusts and acute units in London are failing to protect patients from superbugs.
St. George's Hospital in Tooting, Barnet & Chase Farm Hospital and the Whittington are among those named and shamed by the Healthcare Commission.
Their findings include dirty wards and inadequate sterilisation of equipment. But hey, at least it's all free...
Figures released today by the health standards regulator reveal that about a quarter of primary care trusts and acute units in London are failing to protect patients from superbugs.
St. George's Hospital in Tooting, Barnet & Chase Farm Hospital and the Whittington are among those named and shamed by the Healthcare Commission.
Their findings include dirty wards and inadequate sterilisation of equipment. But hey, at least it's all free...
Don't Ask, Don't Sell
How rich is this? The Army, Navy and Air Force unwittingly advertised for recruits on a website for gays, who are barred from military service if they are open about their sexual orientation.
When informed Tuesday by USA TODAY that they were advertising on GLEE.com, a networking website for gay professionals, recruiters expressed surprise and said they would remove the job listings.
"This is the first I've heard about it," said Maj. Michael Baptista, advertising branch chief for the Army National Guard, which will spend $6.5 million on Internet recruiting this year. "We didn't knowingly advertise on that particular website," which he said does not "meet the moral standards" of the military. They were just looking for a few good men...
When informed Tuesday by USA TODAY that they were advertising on GLEE.com, a networking website for gay professionals, recruiters expressed surprise and said they would remove the job listings.
"This is the first I've heard about it," said Maj. Michael Baptista, advertising branch chief for the Army National Guard, which will spend $6.5 million on Internet recruiting this year. "We didn't knowingly advertise on that particular website," which he said does not "meet the moral standards" of the military. They were just looking for a few good men...
Reds In Space
Because if there's one thing outer space needs, it's Party hacks. BEIJING (AP)-China might not have a permanent presence in space yet, but the country's rocket men are already thinking about setting up a Communist Party branch in the outer reaches.
Now 14-strong, the Chinese astronaut corps more than meets the party's minumum requirement of at least three members for a branch, the official Xinhua News Agency said Thursday.
China's space communists would "carry out the regular activities of a Communist Party of China branch in space in the way we do on Earth," Yang Liwei, the first Chinese astronaut to fly into space, was quoted by Xinhua as saying on the sidelines of the national party congress. I assume this is for the benefit of any Martians who might want to overthrow their capitalist oppressors?
Now 14-strong, the Chinese astronaut corps more than meets the party's minumum requirement of at least three members for a branch, the official Xinhua News Agency said Thursday.
China's space communists would "carry out the regular activities of a Communist Party of China branch in space in the way we do on Earth," Yang Liwei, the first Chinese astronaut to fly into space, was quoted by Xinhua as saying on the sidelines of the national party congress. I assume this is for the benefit of any Martians who might want to overthrow their capitalist oppressors?
LAX Security
Homeland Insecurity, again: WASHINGTON-Security screeners at two of the nation's busiest airports failed to find fake bombs hidden on undercover agents posing as passengers in more than 60% of tests last year, according to a classified report obtained by USA TODAY.
Screeners at Los Angeles International Airport missed about 75% of simulated explosives and bomb parts that Transportation Security Administration testers hid hunder their clothes or in carry-on bags at checkpoints, the TSA report shows.
At Chicago O'Hare International Airport, screeners missed about 60% of hidden bomb materials that were packed in everyday carry-ons-including toiletry kits, briefcases and CD players. San Francisco International Airport screeners, who work for a private company instead of the TSA, missed about 20% of the bombs, the report shows. The TSA ran about 70 tests at Los Angeles, 75 at Chicago and 145 at San Francisco. Government bureaucracy will literally be the death of us one of these days.
Screeners at Los Angeles International Airport missed about 75% of simulated explosives and bomb parts that Transportation Security Administration testers hid hunder their clothes or in carry-on bags at checkpoints, the TSA report shows.
At Chicago O'Hare International Airport, screeners missed about 60% of hidden bomb materials that were packed in everyday carry-ons-including toiletry kits, briefcases and CD players. San Francisco International Airport screeners, who work for a private company instead of the TSA, missed about 20% of the bombs, the report shows. The TSA ran about 70 tests at Los Angeles, 75 at Chicago and 145 at San Francisco. Government bureaucracy will literally be the death of us one of these days.
Immoral Oral
One of the Spaghetti Monster's Chosen Ones seems to have run into some trouble. TULSA, Okla.-Oral Roberts University president Richard Roberts has asked the school's board of regents for a leave of absence amid accusations of lavish spending at donors' expense and illegal involvement in a political campaign.
On Wednesday, Roberts, 58, said he would continue in his rold as chairman and chief executive of Oral Roberts Ministries.
"I don't know how long this leave of absence will last, but I fully trust the members of the Board of Regents," Roberts said in a statement released by the university. "I pray and believe that in God's timing, and when the Board feels that it is appropriate, I will be back at my post as president." Well, what's a little corruption compared to doing the Lord's work in going after them durn queers?
On Wednesday, Roberts, 58, said he would continue in his rold as chairman and chief executive of Oral Roberts Ministries.
"I don't know how long this leave of absence will last, but I fully trust the members of the Board of Regents," Roberts said in a statement released by the university. "I pray and believe that in God's timing, and when the Board feels that it is appropriate, I will be back at my post as president." Well, what's a little corruption compared to doing the Lord's work in going after them durn queers?
Cold Turkey
It's on. Turkey's parliament has given permission for the government to launch military operations into Iraq in pursuit of Kurdish rebels.
The vote was taken in defiance of pressure from the US and Iraq, which have called on Turkey for restraint.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the motion does not mean a military operation is imminent.
But he said Turkey needed to be able to respond to a recent rise in bomb attacks blamed on PKK rebels from Iraq. This could quickly turn into a major shitstorm, and we can all thank Nancy Pelosi for it.
The vote was taken in defiance of pressure from the US and Iraq, which have called on Turkey for restraint.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the motion does not mean a military operation is imminent.
But he said Turkey needed to be able to respond to a recent rise in bomb attacks blamed on PKK rebels from Iraq. This could quickly turn into a major shitstorm, and we can all thank Nancy Pelosi for it.
Republocrat Blues
The two parties have at least one thing in common: they're both held in equally low regard. "There is a real question among Americans now about how relevant this government is to them," pollster John Zogby said. "They tell us they want action on health care, education, the war and immigration, but they don't believe they are going to get it."
The dismal assessment of the Republican president and the Democratic-controlled Congress follows another month of inconclusive political battles over a future path in Iraq and the recent Bush veto of an expansion of the program providing insurance for poor children.
The bleak mood could present problems for both parties heading into the November 2008 election campaign, Zogby said.
"Voter turnout could still be high next year, but the mood has turned against incumbents and into a 'throw the bums out' mindset," Zogby said. The problem with that is, you usually have to replace them with another set of bums.
The dismal assessment of the Republican president and the Democratic-controlled Congress follows another month of inconclusive political battles over a future path in Iraq and the recent Bush veto of an expansion of the program providing insurance for poor children.
The bleak mood could present problems for both parties heading into the November 2008 election campaign, Zogby said.
"Voter turnout could still be high next year, but the mood has turned against incumbents and into a 'throw the bums out' mindset," Zogby said. The problem with that is, you usually have to replace them with another set of bums.
We Make Our Money The Old-Fashioned Way
Guess what? Capitalism works. Once one takes into account all of the world's natural resources and produced capital, 80% of the wealth of rich countries and 60% of the wealth of poor countries is of this intangible type. The bottom line: "Rich countries are largely rich because of the skills of their populations and the quality of the institutions supporting economic activity."
(snip) The natural wealth in rich countries like the U.S. is a tiny proportion of their overall wealth-typically 1 percent to 3 percent-yet they derive more value from what they have. Cropland, pastures and forests are more valuable in rich countries because they can be combined with other capital like machinery and strong property rights to produce more value. Machinery, buildings, roads and so forth account for 17% of the rich countries' total wealth.
(snip) In fact, some countries are so badly run, that they actually have negative intangible capital. Through rampant corruption and failing school systems, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are destroying their intangible capital and ensuring that their people will be poorer in the future. So it's not totally the fault of those imperialist Westerners that these countries (including Zimbabwe) are third-world basket cases? Some college professors are going to be sorely upset.
(snip) The natural wealth in rich countries like the U.S. is a tiny proportion of their overall wealth-typically 1 percent to 3 percent-yet they derive more value from what they have. Cropland, pastures and forests are more valuable in rich countries because they can be combined with other capital like machinery and strong property rights to produce more value. Machinery, buildings, roads and so forth account for 17% of the rich countries' total wealth.
(snip) In fact, some countries are so badly run, that they actually have negative intangible capital. Through rampant corruption and failing school systems, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are destroying their intangible capital and ensuring that their people will be poorer in the future. So it's not totally the fault of those imperialist Westerners that these countries (including Zimbabwe) are third-world basket cases? Some college professors are going to be sorely upset.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
TB Or Not TB
Let's hear it for Homeland Insecurity! A Mexican national infected with a highly contagious form of tuberculosis crossed the U.S. border 76 times and took multiple domestic flights in the last year, according to Customs and Border Protection interviews and documents obtained by The Washington Times.
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency was warned by health officials on April 16 that the frequent traveler was infected, but it took the Homeland Security officials more than six weeks to issue a May 31 alert to warn its own border inspectors, according to Homeland Security sources who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Homeland Security took one more week to tell its own Transportation Security Agency. But remember, Bush has kept us safer.
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency was warned by health officials on April 16 that the frequent traveler was infected, but it took the Homeland Security officials more than six weeks to issue a May 31 alert to warn its own border inspectors, according to Homeland Security sources who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Homeland Security took one more week to tell its own Transportation Security Agency. But remember, Bush has kept us safer.
Get Out What Vote?
It looks like some people have figured out that ticking off an American ally and possibly starting a war between Iraq and Turkey isn't such a great idea after all. WASHINGTON (AP)-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday the prospects of a vote on Armenian genocide were uncertain, after several members pulled their support amid fears it would cripple U.S. relations with Turkey.
"Whether it will come up or not, or what the action will be, remains to be seen," Pelosi told reporters.
The House proposal, which would label as genocide the killing of Armenians a century ago by Ottoman Turks, has inflamed U.S. tensions with Turkey, which says the death toll has been inflated and was the result of civil unrest, not genocide. Support for the nonbinding resolution deteriorated this week after Turkey recalled its U.S. ambassador to Ankara and several lawmakers spoke out against it. As screwed up as the Bush administration has been, when they started wars they at least did it for the right reasons.
"Whether it will come up or not, or what the action will be, remains to be seen," Pelosi told reporters.
The House proposal, which would label as genocide the killing of Armenians a century ago by Ottoman Turks, has inflamed U.S. tensions with Turkey, which says the death toll has been inflated and was the result of civil unrest, not genocide. Support for the nonbinding resolution deteriorated this week after Turkey recalled its U.S. ambassador to Ankara and several lawmakers spoke out against it. As screwed up as the Bush administration has been, when they started wars they at least did it for the right reasons.
Ve Are Still Der Master Race
Some folks still don't get it. BERLIN (AP)-A quarter of Germans believe there were some positive aspects to Nazi rule, according to a poll published Wednesday-a finding that comes after a popular talk show host was fired for praising Nazi Germany's attitude toward motherhood.
Pollsters for the Forsa agency, commissioned by the weekly magazine Stern, asked whether National Socialism also had some "good sides (such as) the construction of the highway system, the elimination of unemployment, the low criminality rate (and) the encouragement of the family."
Forsa said 25 percent responded "yes"-but 70 percent said "no". Every country has its diehard nutbars. In America we call them Bush supporters.
Pollsters for the Forsa agency, commissioned by the weekly magazine Stern, asked whether National Socialism also had some "good sides (such as) the construction of the highway system, the elimination of unemployment, the low criminality rate (and) the encouragement of the family."
Forsa said 25 percent responded "yes"-but 70 percent said "no". Every country has its diehard nutbars. In America we call them Bush supporters.
The Revenge Of Mecha-Streisand
Haven't the Israelies already suffered enough? President Shimon Peres, who is a personal friend and great fan of celebrated singer Barbra Streisand, hopes to persuade her to come to Israel for the country's 60th anniversary celebrations in May 2008.
Peres shared this information with members of the UJC (United Jewish Communities) Prime Minister's Council Mission, whom he hosted to dinner at his official residence last week.
Peres said that he had heard many cantors, but none who could sing 'Avinu Malkeinu' like Streisand. I'd say send her to perform in the Occupied Territories instead, but I don't believe in torture.
Peres shared this information with members of the UJC (United Jewish Communities) Prime Minister's Council Mission, whom he hosted to dinner at his official residence last week.
Peres said that he had heard many cantors, but none who could sing 'Avinu Malkeinu' like Streisand. I'd say send her to perform in the Occupied Territories instead, but I don't believe in torture.
Genetically Stupid
So how does this guy explain his own lack of intelligence? One of the world's most eminent scientists was embroiled in an extraordinary row last night after he claimed that black people were less intelligent than white people and the idea that "equal powers of reason" were shared across racial groups was a delusion.
James Watson, a Nobel Prize winner for his part in the unravelling of DNA who now runs one of America's leading scientific research institutions, drew widespread condemnation for comments he made ahead of his arrival in Britain today for a speaking tour at venues including the Science Museum in London.
The 79-year-old geneticist reopened the explosive debate about race and science in a newspaper interview in which he said Western policies towards African countries were wrongly based on an assumption that black people were as clever as their white counterparts when "testing" suggested the contrary. He claimed genes responsible for creating differences in human intelligence could be found within a decade. Before anyone criticizes, remember that this guy won a Nobel Prize, and that makes him an expert on race, just like Al Gore is an expert on climatology.
James Watson, a Nobel Prize winner for his part in the unravelling of DNA who now runs one of America's leading scientific research institutions, drew widespread condemnation for comments he made ahead of his arrival in Britain today for a speaking tour at venues including the Science Museum in London.
The 79-year-old geneticist reopened the explosive debate about race and science in a newspaper interview in which he said Western policies towards African countries were wrongly based on an assumption that black people were as clever as their white counterparts when "testing" suggested the contrary. He claimed genes responsible for creating differences in human intelligence could be found within a decade. Before anyone criticizes, remember that this guy won a Nobel Prize, and that makes him an expert on race, just like Al Gore is an expert on climatology.
What About Bob?
Well, I guess we know whom Jesus endorses. Dr. Bob Jones III, chancellor of the fundamentalist Christian university that bears his name, is looking past his religious differences with Gov. Mitt Romney and endorsing the Mormon for the Republican nomination for president, he told The Greenville News today.
"This is all about beating Hillary," Jones said. "And I just believe that this man has the credentials both personally and ideologically in terms of his view about what American government should be to best represent the rank and file of conservative Americans.
"If it turns out to be Guiliani and Hillary, we've got two pro-choice candidates, and that would be a disaster." Take that, James Dobson.
"This is all about beating Hillary," Jones said. "And I just believe that this man has the credentials both personally and ideologically in terms of his view about what American government should be to best represent the rank and file of conservative Americans.
"If it turns out to be Guiliani and Hillary, we've got two pro-choice candidates, and that would be a disaster." Take that, James Dobson.
Digging In The Dirt
How's this for trying to turn a good thing bad: as stability spreads, cemetery workers are losing their livelihood. NAJAF, Iraq-At what's believed to be the world's largest cemetary, where Shiite Muslims aspire to be buried and millions already have been, business isn't good.
A drop in violence around Iraq has cut burials in the huge Wadi al Salam cemetery here by at least one-third in the past six months, and that's cut the pay of thusands of workers who make their living digging graves, washing corpses or selling burial shrouds.
Few people have a better sense of the death rate in Iraq. My heart bleeds. Maybe now they can get real jobs, if this peace thing keeps growing.
A drop in violence around Iraq has cut burials in the huge Wadi al Salam cemetery here by at least one-third in the past six months, and that's cut the pay of thusands of workers who make their living digging graves, washing corpses or selling burial shrouds.
Few people have a better sense of the death rate in Iraq. My heart bleeds. Maybe now they can get real jobs, if this peace thing keeps growing.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The Other Grey Meat
Southern cusine is catching on! A top restaurant is serving up free grey squirrel pancakes to hungry diners.
Peking duck-style squirrel wraps are being offered to diners at The Famous Wild Boar Hotel.
The restaurant at Crook, hear Windermere, in Cumbria, is giving diners the chance to try the canapes free of charge.
The grey squirrels were caught in the hotel's 72-acre woodland grounds and have been prepared by head chef Marc Sanders. Hey, at least they're admitting they use rodents in their food...
Peking duck-style squirrel wraps are being offered to diners at The Famous Wild Boar Hotel.
The restaurant at Crook, hear Windermere, in Cumbria, is giving diners the chance to try the canapes free of charge.
The grey squirrels were caught in the hotel's 72-acre woodland grounds and have been prepared by head chef Marc Sanders. Hey, at least they're admitting they use rodents in their food...
The Rhodes Less Traveled
Err America making stuff up? Say it ain't so! Air America radio host Randi Rhodes is temporarily off the air, but claims she was brutally attacked near her Manhattan apartment are bogus, her lawyer and a police source said today.
Fellow host Jon Elliot claimed on the liberal radio network that Rhodes had been mugged while walking her dog, Simon, on Sunday night. Eliot, who said Rhodes lost several teeth in the attack, waxed about a possible conspiracy.
"Is this an attempt by the right-wing, hate machine to silence one of our own?" he asked on the air, according to Talking Radio, a blog. "Are we threatening them? Are they afraid that we're winning? Are they trying to silemce intimidate us?"
A police source said Rhodes never filed a report and never claimed to be the victim of a mugging. Cops from Manhattan's 17th Precint called her attorney, who told them Rhodes was not a victim of a crime, the source said. That doesn't really matter to Al Frankenweenie and his friends, though, doesn't it? Obviously the cops are in on the conspiracy, and the Men in Black made her forget what happened, and besides it was Bush's fault anyway. See how that works?
Fellow host Jon Elliot claimed on the liberal radio network that Rhodes had been mugged while walking her dog, Simon, on Sunday night. Eliot, who said Rhodes lost several teeth in the attack, waxed about a possible conspiracy.
"Is this an attempt by the right-wing, hate machine to silence one of our own?" he asked on the air, according to Talking Radio, a blog. "Are we threatening them? Are they afraid that we're winning? Are they trying to silemce intimidate us?"
A police source said Rhodes never filed a report and never claimed to be the victim of a mugging. Cops from Manhattan's 17th Precint called her attorney, who told them Rhodes was not a victim of a crime, the source said. That doesn't really matter to Al Frankenweenie and his friends, though, doesn't it? Obviously the cops are in on the conspiracy, and the Men in Black made her forget what happened, and besides it was Bush's fault anyway. See how that works?
Poop Power
Shades of Thunderdome. A cheap system to recycle human waste into biogas and fertiliser may allow 2.6 billion people in the world access to toilets and reduce global warming, an Indian environmental expert said Tuesday.
Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, said his group plans to push the system at the seventh annual World Toilet Summit, to be held in New Delhi at the end of October.
The organisation is dedicated to providing toilets to nearly 730 million people in India who lack them. Now this is something that Al Gore should get behind. Nobody knows fecal matter like he does.
Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, said his group plans to push the system at the seventh annual World Toilet Summit, to be held in New Delhi at the end of October.
The organisation is dedicated to providing toilets to nearly 730 million people in India who lack them. Now this is something that Al Gore should get behind. Nobody knows fecal matter like he does.
Gore Channels Moore
He wants to fight for your right...to socialized medicine. In a setting reminiscent of a bored college student making a video in his dorm room, Gore is shown proclaiming that healthcare in America "ought to be a matter of right," addressing what he thinks to be an "immoral" healthcare situation.
"I strongly support universal single-payer government-provided or government-funded health care" droned a languid Gore in his video, now listed under the title 'Gore Goes SiCKO' on Michael Moore's Web site. I know Gore is part of the generation that never wanted to grow up, but a college dorm? I guess that makes him Big Manbearpig On Campus?
"I strongly support universal single-payer government-provided or government-funded health care" droned a languid Gore in his video, now listed under the title 'Gore Goes SiCKO' on Michael Moore's Web site. I know Gore is part of the generation that never wanted to grow up, but a college dorm? I guess that makes him Big Manbearpig On Campus?
Our Lips Are Sealed
Here's more Bush B.S. we can be thankful for.
WASHINGTON (Reuters)-Major U.S. telephone carriers refused to answer questions from the Democratic-led Congress about their possible participation in President George W. Bush's warrantless domestic spying program, according to documents released by lawmakers on Monday.
At issue are reports that surfaced last year that some big telephone companies allowed the U.S. government access to millions of telephone records for Bush's anti-terror efforts following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
Officials from AT&T, Verizon Communications and Qwest Communications International told the House Energy and Commerce Committee they could not discuss specifics about their companies' roles in any such effort.
The phone companies said it would be illegal for them to discuss the kind of program lawmakers were asking about without permission from the Bush administration. Who needs Big Brother when you've got the phone company?
WASHINGTON (Reuters)-Major U.S. telephone carriers refused to answer questions from the Democratic-led Congress about their possible participation in President George W. Bush's warrantless domestic spying program, according to documents released by lawmakers on Monday.
At issue are reports that surfaced last year that some big telephone companies allowed the U.S. government access to millions of telephone records for Bush's anti-terror efforts following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
Officials from AT&T, Verizon Communications and Qwest Communications International told the House Energy and Commerce Committee they could not discuss specifics about their companies' roles in any such effort.
The phone companies said it would be illegal for them to discuss the kind of program lawmakers were asking about without permission from the Bush administration. Who needs Big Brother when you've got the phone company?
Shootout At The D.C. Corral
Where was this guy before his party lost power?
ROGERS, Arkansas-With Democrats now in charge of the budget, President Bush admonished Congress on Monday for failing to send him a single spending bill yet and warned lawmakers to trim their plans or face rejection.
"You're fixin' to see what they call a fiscal showdown in Washington," Bush told a friendly audience in this northwest Arkansas community.
"The Congress gets to propose, and it it doesn't meet needs as far as I'm concerned, I get to veto," Bush said. "That's precisely what I intend to do."
Bush never vetoes a spending bill when his party ran Congress, but he is dug in for a challenge now. He said the Democrats' plans would raise taxes and prevent the country from balancing the budget. Conservative House Republicans appear to have the votes to sustain his promised vetoes. Well, at least he still remembers what a veto pen looks like. Now, let's see if he remembers how to actually use one.
ROGERS, Arkansas-With Democrats now in charge of the budget, President Bush admonished Congress on Monday for failing to send him a single spending bill yet and warned lawmakers to trim their plans or face rejection.
"You're fixin' to see what they call a fiscal showdown in Washington," Bush told a friendly audience in this northwest Arkansas community.
"The Congress gets to propose, and it it doesn't meet needs as far as I'm concerned, I get to veto," Bush said. "That's precisely what I intend to do."
Bush never vetoes a spending bill when his party ran Congress, but he is dug in for a challenge now. He said the Democrats' plans would raise taxes and prevent the country from balancing the budget. Conservative House Republicans appear to have the votes to sustain his promised vetoes. Well, at least he still remembers what a veto pen looks like. Now, let's see if he remembers how to actually use one.
"You Don't Own Me"
Well, Jacko, actually he does. Even as Janet Jackson smartly rebuilds her career-she's in the No. 1 movie this week-brother Michael Jackson's world continues to crumble. He's being sued by the Prince Abdulla Al-Khalifa of Bahrain in London's High Court for $7 million plus damages.
The prince, in papers sent to me over the weekend, is claiming that Jackson has an agreement with him to record two albums, write and produce a live-Broadway kind of show with Jackson's music and a cast album, and to write and pbulish an autobiography.
In other words, Prince Abdulla owns Michael outright and is angry that Jackson skipped out on him in June 2006 without so much as a moonwalk. Well, your Highness, you get what you pay for...
The prince, in papers sent to me over the weekend, is claiming that Jackson has an agreement with him to record two albums, write and produce a live-Broadway kind of show with Jackson's music and a cast album, and to write and pbulish an autobiography.
In other words, Prince Abdulla owns Michael outright and is angry that Jackson skipped out on him in June 2006 without so much as a moonwalk. Well, your Highness, you get what you pay for...
Don't Trust Anyone Over Sixty
The generation that never wanted to grow old is officially retiring.
WASHINGTON-Kathleen Casey-Kirschling filed for early retirement Monday, becoming the first baby boomer to start collecting Social Security.
Born one second after midnight in January 1946, the retired teachere leads the way for as many as 80 million individuals who will qualify for the retirement payout.
"I think I'm just lucky to be at the top of the boom. I'm just one of many millions and am blessed to have been in this generation and really blessed to take my Social Security now," Casey-Kirschling said during a ceremony held at the National Press Club featuring Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue. I can see it now: millions of elderly folks will soon be in rest homes complaining that somebody is stealing their pot.
WASHINGTON-Kathleen Casey-Kirschling filed for early retirement Monday, becoming the first baby boomer to start collecting Social Security.
Born one second after midnight in January 1946, the retired teachere leads the way for as many as 80 million individuals who will qualify for the retirement payout.
"I think I'm just lucky to be at the top of the boom. I'm just one of many millions and am blessed to have been in this generation and really blessed to take my Social Security now," Casey-Kirschling said during a ceremony held at the National Press Club featuring Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue. I can see it now: millions of elderly folks will soon be in rest homes complaining that somebody is stealing their pot.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Kiwi Love
Now I know where to go for my next vacation. LONDON: A new survey has shown that Kiwi women are the most promiscuous in the world, with an average of 20.4 sexual partners.
The survey, by condom-maker Durex, questioned 26 thousand people in 26 countries, and found that New Zealand women's promiscuity average was way above the global average of 7.3.
The poll showed that Kiwi women are up there with Austrian men, who have 29.3 sexual partners. New Zealand emerged as the only country where women have more sexual partners than men. Hmm, I'd better investigate this further...I'll be back later.
The survey, by condom-maker Durex, questioned 26 thousand people in 26 countries, and found that New Zealand women's promiscuity average was way above the global average of 7.3.
The poll showed that Kiwi women are up there with Austrian men, who have 29.3 sexual partners. New Zealand emerged as the only country where women have more sexual partners than men. Hmm, I'd better investigate this further...I'll be back later.
Rocket Man
And the guy chosen to fill the Great Emoter's shoes is...who? Actor Chris Pine is definitely in to play the new James T. Kirk in J.J. Abrams new Star Trek movie, reports /Film and Trek Movie Report. Pine has dropped out of the Joe Carnahan-directed "White Jazz," which was apparently the final thing standing in his way of saying yes to Abrams and Star Trek.
On his blog, Carnahan said, "The young man playing Junior Stemmons has opted to 'go where no man has gone before' and this, had to bow out of WHITE JAZZ. I've been talking to him this past week and knew how tough the decision had to be for him. I don't envy ever being in that spot but I gave him my full support, even if it meant he didn't do JAZZ. I get it. You don't get opportunities like that often and I told him as long as he could control as much of that process as possible and not get sucked into doing lesser sequels as a result of taking this gig, then good luck and God bless." Red Shirts beware! There's a new Captain in town!
On his blog, Carnahan said, "The young man playing Junior Stemmons has opted to 'go where no man has gone before' and this, had to bow out of WHITE JAZZ. I've been talking to him this past week and knew how tough the decision had to be for him. I don't envy ever being in that spot but I gave him my full support, even if it meant he didn't do JAZZ. I get it. You don't get opportunities like that often and I told him as long as he could control as much of that process as possible and not get sucked into doing lesser sequels as a result of taking this gig, then good luck and God bless." Red Shirts beware! There's a new Captain in town!
Hillary Ho-Hum
It's from the Huffington Post, but it shows why support for Hillary may be a mile wide but an inch deep. It's abundantly clear that, less than four months before the onslaught of decisive primaries and caucuses, many Democratic voters have just not made up their minds. "Of those that would speak to us, almost all were undecided," reports correspondent Phoebe Love who followed the Obama canvass through Ballard, Washington. She is echoed by contributor Ethan Hova in Studio City, a middle-class Democratic suburban stronghold in Los Angeles: "The vast majority of voters were very much undecided and expressed reluctance to engage in debate without conducting research on their own." Daniel Macht, following the Obama campaign in Brooklyn, New York noted the same hesitation: "They were all undecided, save one Edwards supporter." Perhaps more importantly, correspondent Beverly Davis reports from Des Moines, "Smith [an Obama volunteer] knocks on Dan Arply's door and launches into his opening rap but Arply soon interrupts by saying, Thanks for stopping by, but I haven't decided on supporting anyone yet.' Arply is a typical Iowan."
It's difficult to draw hard and fast conclusions from such anecdotal material but it might suggest that the slew of recent polls giving Hillary Clinton a commanding lead in the race for the nomination may be of limited utility. Correspondent Hova found widespread indifference toward Clinton as he went door-to-door with the Obama canvassers: "This was a fairly affluent suburb north of Los Angeles and I was really surprised not to find a single Hillary supporter in the neighborhood." Maybe it's because they don't like the idea of electing a candidate who wants to use their money to give every baby in America $5,000 or "Free" health care for life.
It's difficult to draw hard and fast conclusions from such anecdotal material but it might suggest that the slew of recent polls giving Hillary Clinton a commanding lead in the race for the nomination may be of limited utility. Correspondent Hova found widespread indifference toward Clinton as he went door-to-door with the Obama canvassers: "This was a fairly affluent suburb north of Los Angeles and I was really surprised not to find a single Hillary supporter in the neighborhood." Maybe it's because they don't like the idea of electing a candidate who wants to use their money to give every baby in America $5,000 or "Free" health care for life.
Sufferin' Sanchez
John McCain on why Gen. Sanchez is late to the party with regards to Iraq. I honor and respect his service to the country. I respect anyone who spends their adult life in the military as he has, but I respectfully have to say, General Sanchez, why didn't when I was in Baghdad, meeting with you and Jerry Bremer five years ago--well, four years ago--and I said, "You don't have enough troops here. You're going to fail. Looting is going on, Al Qaeda is coming in, you're going to have these problems. Why aren't you settling the de-Ba'athification issue, etc etc." And he defended the present policy [at that time], he said it was succeeding, and he testified before the Armed Services Committee, of which I am a member, the same way." Methinks the good General doth protest too much, like most former Yes Men do.
Turkey Shoot
Things are heating up between Turkey and Kurdistan, er, northern Iraq.
ANKARA, Turkey-The Turkish government will seek parliamentary approval for a military operation against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, a government spokesman said Monday, taking action on one of two major issues straining relations with Washington.
The spokesman, Cemil Cicek, said he hoped Parliament would vote on the motion this week-passage is considered likely-but indicated that the government would still prefer a solution to the conflict that does not involve a cross-border offensive.
"Our hope is that there will be no need to use this motion," Cicek said.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government twice acquired similar authorizations from the Parliament in 2003, but did not act on them.
Cicek insisted the only target was the rebel Kurdistan Worker's Party, known as the PKK. Congratulations, Democrats, you may have just started a war between Turkey and Iraq. You must feel so proud.
ANKARA, Turkey-The Turkish government will seek parliamentary approval for a military operation against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, a government spokesman said Monday, taking action on one of two major issues straining relations with Washington.
The spokesman, Cemil Cicek, said he hoped Parliament would vote on the motion this week-passage is considered likely-but indicated that the government would still prefer a solution to the conflict that does not involve a cross-border offensive.
"Our hope is that there will be no need to use this motion," Cicek said.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government twice acquired similar authorizations from the Parliament in 2003, but did not act on them.
Cicek insisted the only target was the rebel Kurdistan Worker's Party, known as the PKK. Congratulations, Democrats, you may have just started a war between Turkey and Iraq. You must feel so proud.
Phone Fiends
Oh, this is rich. Republicans plan to seize on an allegation from the 1992 presidential campaign to tarnish Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D.-N.Y.) on the red-hot issue of government surveillance.
Government surveillance will be at the forefront of the political debate this fall as congressional Democrats and President Bush square off over legislation allowing electronic spying on U.S. soil without a warrant.
Republicans are focusing on an allegation in a recent book by two Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters, which suggests Clinton listened to a secretly recorded conversation between political opponents. Look, I think the Clintons are douchebags, but Bill and Hill weren't even in the White House when this alleged listening party took place. It still doesn't excuse Bush using the Constitution for toilet paper for the last six years.
Government surveillance will be at the forefront of the political debate this fall as congressional Democrats and President Bush square off over legislation allowing electronic spying on U.S. soil without a warrant.
Republicans are focusing on an allegation in a recent book by two Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters, which suggests Clinton listened to a secretly recorded conversation between political opponents. Look, I think the Clintons are douchebags, but Bill and Hill weren't even in the White House when this alleged listening party took place. It still doesn't excuse Bush using the Constitution for toilet paper for the last six years.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Temps R Us
So this is what happens when you run out of yes-men.
With only 15 months left in office, President Bush has left whole agencies of the executive branch to be run largely by acting or interim appointees-jobs that would normally be filled by people whose nominations would have been reviewed or unconfirmed by the Senate.
In many cases, there is no obvious sign of movement at the White House to find permanent nominees, suggesting that many important jobs will not be filled by Senate-confirmed officials for the remainder of the Bush administration.
The White House insists that when vacancies have occured in executive branch agencies, it has filled them with talented acting replacements, often with the same officials who have been nominated-but not yet confirmed-for those jobs by the Democratic-controlled Senate. It's come to this-government by the bureaucratic version of burger-flipping.
With only 15 months left in office, President Bush has left whole agencies of the executive branch to be run largely by acting or interim appointees-jobs that would normally be filled by people whose nominations would have been reviewed or unconfirmed by the Senate.
In many cases, there is no obvious sign of movement at the White House to find permanent nominees, suggesting that many important jobs will not be filled by Senate-confirmed officials for the remainder of the Bush administration.
The White House insists that when vacancies have occured in executive branch agencies, it has filled them with talented acting replacements, often with the same officials who have been nominated-but not yet confirmed-for those jobs by the Democratic-controlled Senate. It's come to this-government by the bureaucratic version of burger-flipping.
Plottin' On Putin
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. MOSCOW (AP)-Russian President Vladimir Putin has been told about a plot to assassinate him during a visit to Iran this week, a Kremlin spokeswoman said Sunday.
The spokeswoman, who spoke on customary condition of anonymity, refused further comment.
Interfax news agency, citing a source in Russia's special services, said suicide terrorists had been trained to carry out the assassination.
A spokesman for Iran's foreign ministy, Mohammed Ali Hosseini, denied any such plot had been uncovered, charaterizing the news as disinformation spread by Iran's adversaries. With friends like these, Putin doesn't need any enemies.
The spokeswoman, who spoke on customary condition of anonymity, refused further comment.
Interfax news agency, citing a source in Russia's special services, said suicide terrorists had been trained to carry out the assassination.
A spokesman for Iran's foreign ministy, Mohammed Ali Hosseini, denied any such plot had been uncovered, charaterizing the news as disinformation spread by Iran's adversaries. With friends like these, Putin doesn't need any enemies.
Capitalist Guilt Trip
And they steal pension funds, too. Most US corporate leaders believe chief executives are overpaid and do not provide value for moneyfor their companies, according to a study that will embolden critics of excessive consumption.
The findings-to be published today by the National Association of Corporate Directors-are likely to strengthen calls by investors and politicians, including George W. Bush, US president, for restraint on executive pay at a time of growing income inequality in the US.
Top exedutives' criticism of their peers' compensation levels could also encourage activist investors and hedge funds to target underperforming companies with highly-paid leaders at shareholder meetings. This is not your great-great grandfather's Guilded Age.
The findings-to be published today by the National Association of Corporate Directors-are likely to strengthen calls by investors and politicians, including George W. Bush, US president, for restraint on executive pay at a time of growing income inequality in the US.
Top exedutives' criticism of their peers' compensation levels could also encourage activist investors and hedge funds to target underperforming companies with highly-paid leaders at shareholder meetings. This is not your great-great grandfather's Guilded Age.
Mosque Mania
I'm as against radical Islam as anyone, but this is how fascism got started. From London's docklands to the rolling hills of Tuscany, from southern Austria to Amsterdam and Cologne, the issue of Islamic architecture and its impact on citadels of "western civilization" is increasingly contentious.
The far right is making capital from Islamophobia by focusing on the visible symbols of Islam in Europe. In Switzerland it is the far-right SVP that is setting the terms of the debate.
"This is mainly about Swiss politics," says Prof Schulze, "a conflict between the right and the left to decide who runs the country...Islam [is] a pretext." This is what worries me. Between the desire to keep their massive welfare state running and to exersize greater control over peoples' lives, the European socialists may use immigrants and those who are different as their scapegoats. Stopping terrorism and the spread of a radical ideology is one thing; turning to would-be Hitlers is something else.
The far right is making capital from Islamophobia by focusing on the visible symbols of Islam in Europe. In Switzerland it is the far-right SVP that is setting the terms of the debate.
"This is mainly about Swiss politics," says Prof Schulze, "a conflict between the right and the left to decide who runs the country...Islam [is] a pretext." This is what worries me. Between the desire to keep their massive welfare state running and to exersize greater control over peoples' lives, the European socialists may use immigrants and those who are different as their scapegoats. Stopping terrorism and the spread of a radical ideology is one thing; turning to would-be Hitlers is something else.
Behind Closed Confessionals
It appears toe-tapping is also a problem in the Vatican. The Vatican said Saturday it has suspended a monsignor from a senior post at the Holy See after an Italian TV program using a hidden camera recorded him making advances to a young man and asserting that gay sex was not sinful.
The Vatican did not identify the monsignor by name.
But Monsignor Tommaso Stencio confirmed in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that he had been suspended from his post at the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy, an office which aims to ensure proper conduct by priests. It will be interesting to see if this guy is offered a chance by the Church to redeem himself, or if they will go the Republican Party route and simply cast him out.
The Vatican did not identify the monsignor by name.
But Monsignor Tommaso Stencio confirmed in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that he had been suspended from his post at the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy, an office which aims to ensure proper conduct by priests. It will be interesting to see if this guy is offered a chance by the Church to redeem himself, or if they will go the Republican Party route and simply cast him out.
The Lorax Is My Prophet
I guess this proves Jesus was an environmentalist. Thomas Nelson will publish the world's first eco-friendly Bible later this month. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible will be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and production will flow from a FSC-dertified forest through a paper manufacturer and printer that have FSC chain-of-custody certification.
"Our team is excited to be taking some important steps forward in protecting the resources God has given us," said Michael S. Hyatt, president and CEO of Thomas Nelson, Inc. "Outside of offering eco-friendly products, we are striving to make efforts to implement "green" practices in our daily activities and have created an internal environmental task force to see this through."
The Bible will contain recycled fiber and was developed along with Domtar, a paper manufacturer with a strong environmental commitment. Thomas Nelson is currently working with the Green Press Initiative, a U.S.-based usage, to reduce the company's carbon footprint. That's odd, I don't recall anything in the Bible which said thou shalt reduce thy carbon footprint or face eternal damnation.
"Our team is excited to be taking some important steps forward in protecting the resources God has given us," said Michael S. Hyatt, president and CEO of Thomas Nelson, Inc. "Outside of offering eco-friendly products, we are striving to make efforts to implement "green" practices in our daily activities and have created an internal environmental task force to see this through."
The Bible will contain recycled fiber and was developed along with Domtar, a paper manufacturer with a strong environmental commitment. Thomas Nelson is currently working with the Green Press Initiative, a U.S.-based usage, to reduce the company's carbon footprint. That's odd, I don't recall anything in the Bible which said thou shalt reduce thy carbon footprint or face eternal damnation.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
No Trips Allowed
By European standards, this makes the Netherlands sound like a police state.
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands-The Dutch government will ban the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms, a spokesman for the Justice Ministry said Friday, rolling back one element of the country's permissive drug polucy after a series of well-publicized negative incidents.
The decision will go into effect within several months and does not need parliamentary approval, Wim van der Weegan said.
"We intend to forbid the sale of magic mushrooms," he said. "That means shops caught doing so will be closed." Now, if this had happened in the States, the shops in question would be swarming with DEA and FBI agents armed to the teeth in the name of waging the War on Drugs. The Dutch ban the substance in question and leave everybody else alone. Funny how that works in a country that doesn't consider pot evil, isn't it?
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands-The Dutch government will ban the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms, a spokesman for the Justice Ministry said Friday, rolling back one element of the country's permissive drug polucy after a series of well-publicized negative incidents.
The decision will go into effect within several months and does not need parliamentary approval, Wim van der Weegan said.
"We intend to forbid the sale of magic mushrooms," he said. "That means shops caught doing so will be closed." Now, if this had happened in the States, the shops in question would be swarming with DEA and FBI agents armed to the teeth in the name of waging the War on Drugs. The Dutch ban the substance in question and leave everybody else alone. Funny how that works in a country that doesn't consider pot evil, isn't it?
The Last Conservative?
Yeah, that Ron Paul is just another wimpy liberal, isn't he? If Ron Paul had his way, a lot of things would change. Abortion would be illegal. There would be no federal income tax, nor even an IRS.
The United States would be out of the United Nations. The U.S. Supreme Court wouldn't be messing with state law. The Federal Reserve and World Bank would disappear. And there would no longer be background checks to buy handguns.
And should the Texas Republican win the White House, as he's trying to do now, the war in Iraq would end, as would the "War on Drugs" and the "War on Pain Relief." Iran would be safe from U.S. attack. The Patriot Act would be history. Federal spending would fall dramatically as government bureaucracy (including the Pentagon) was slashed. On most issues, this guy sounds more conservative than Reagan. So why isn't he in the top tier? Oh, yeah-he thinks for himself too much.
The United States would be out of the United Nations. The U.S. Supreme Court wouldn't be messing with state law. The Federal Reserve and World Bank would disappear. And there would no longer be background checks to buy handguns.
And should the Texas Republican win the White House, as he's trying to do now, the war in Iraq would end, as would the "War on Drugs" and the "War on Pain Relief." Iran would be safe from U.S. attack. The Patriot Act would be history. Federal spending would fall dramatically as government bureaucracy (including the Pentagon) was slashed. On most issues, this guy sounds more conservative than Reagan. So why isn't he in the top tier? Oh, yeah-he thinks for himself too much.
No Noose Is Good Noose
The stupidity is spreading. NEW YORK (CBS)-There was a disturbing discovery near Ground Zero in Manhattan Thursday. A noose was found hanging from a lamppost at the Church Street Post Office. This is just the latest message of hate striking the city.
Police said it wasn't clear where or at whom the Church Street noose might have been directed.
"At this point, there was no target that was evident or any motive," U.S. Postal Inspection Service spokesman Al Weissman said Friday morning. He said no postal workers had reported any threats or other problems. Quite frankly I don't think there's any conspiracy going on here, unless it's between like-minded morons who think this sort of thing is funny.
Police said it wasn't clear where or at whom the Church Street noose might have been directed.
"At this point, there was no target that was evident or any motive," U.S. Postal Inspection Service spokesman Al Weissman said Friday morning. He said no postal workers had reported any threats or other problems. Quite frankly I don't think there's any conspiracy going on here, unless it's between like-minded morons who think this sort of thing is funny.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Yae, Nay And Stupid
Here, via the Club For Growth, are some of the ways our Congresscritters wanted to spend our money. This one is my personal favorite: VIAGRA SUBSIDIES (Roll Call 312, 2005)-Did you know that Viagra used to be subsidized through Medicaid and Medicare? Rep. Steve King (R-IA) offered an amendment to remove the subsidy in 2005. According to the New York Times, "Mr King said it was wrong to tell taxpauers that "we're going to take the money you earned on overtime to pay for Grandpa's Viagra." Thankfully, the House sided with King, but 121 members still wanted to keep it up (the subsidies, that is). This, ladies and gentlebeings, is why gridlock can be a good thing-it keeps these folks from actually getting anything done.
Nobel Booby Prize
This has to be some sort of a cosmic joke. Climate change campaigner Al Gore and the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have been jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The committee said they had been chosen for "their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change."
Mr Gore was US vice-president under Bill Clinton and has since devoted his efforts to environmental campaigning. OK, now that he's won his second ego trip, it seems a presidential run has to be next, unless he wants to keep his title of Emperor of the Universe.
The committee said they had been chosen for "their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change."
Mr Gore was US vice-president under Bill Clinton and has since devoted his efforts to environmental campaigning. OK, now that he's won his second ego trip, it seems a presidential run has to be next, unless he wants to keep his title of Emperor of the Universe.
From The Halls Of Kandahar
Eh, they're just a buncha durn cut-and-run types.
WASHINGTON (AFP)-The US Marine Corps reportedly wants to withdraw its entire force from Iraq to focus its combat efforts on Afghanistan.
The proposal made last week to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates would sharply change the structure of US forces in Afghanistan while leaving the US-led fight in Iraq in the hands of the army, the New York Times reported Thursday, citing senior military and Pentagon officials.
The move would entail removing all 25,000 marines from the 160,000-strong US force currently in Iraq, and transferring them to Afghanistan, where there are currently no marines among the 26,000 US troops. And the Taliban thought they had problems before...
WASHINGTON (AFP)-The US Marine Corps reportedly wants to withdraw its entire force from Iraq to focus its combat efforts on Afghanistan.
The proposal made last week to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates would sharply change the structure of US forces in Afghanistan while leaving the US-led fight in Iraq in the hands of the army, the New York Times reported Thursday, citing senior military and Pentagon officials.
The move would entail removing all 25,000 marines from the 160,000-strong US force currently in Iraq, and transferring them to Afghanistan, where there are currently no marines among the 26,000 US troops. And the Taliban thought they had problems before...
You Dance With Those That Brung Ya
If the Republicans weren't in such trouble and so full of BS themselves, this would be a lot more fun to watch. The tension between Democratic lawmakers and their base has been most visible on the Iraq war, where the insistence by some of the most outspoken antiwar groups on setting hard deadlines for the withdrawal of American troops has often handcuffed Senate Democrats trying to reach a bipartisan deal on legislation to change the war strategy.
To the delight of Republicans, it has also played a role in a host of other issues, including a fight over increased fuel economy standards in the energy bill, and demands for more spending on environmental programs in the farm bill.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi disappointed Democrats seeking major changes to the federal farm subsity program-changes that Ms. Pelosi had supported in the past. Instead she adopted a more moderate approach that made some changes but left most of the subsidies intact and that she called "a good first step." Some social conservatives may have problems with Rudy Giuliani or the other top-tier candidates. The difference between them and the Democratic nutbars is that most of them will probably support Giuliani if he wins the nomination. Hillary, on the other hand, would have to contend with people who consider her right wing. Such is the price of pandering.
To the delight of Republicans, it has also played a role in a host of other issues, including a fight over increased fuel economy standards in the energy bill, and demands for more spending on environmental programs in the farm bill.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi disappointed Democrats seeking major changes to the federal farm subsity program-changes that Ms. Pelosi had supported in the past. Instead she adopted a more moderate approach that made some changes but left most of the subsidies intact and that she called "a good first step." Some social conservatives may have problems with Rudy Giuliani or the other top-tier candidates. The difference between them and the Democratic nutbars is that most of them will probably support Giuliani if he wins the nomination. Hillary, on the other hand, would have to contend with people who consider her right wing. Such is the price of pandering.
Liar, Liar, City On Fire
It's a-comin'.
SHANNON, Ireland (AP)-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday accused Iran of "lying" abou the aim of its nuclear program, saying there's no doubt Tehran wants the capability to produce nuclear weapons and has deceived the U.N.'s atomic watchdog about its intentions.
"There is an Iranian history of obfuscation and, indeed, lying to the IAEA," she said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"There is a history of Iran not answering important questions about what is going on and there is Iran pursuing nuclear technologies that can lead to nuclear weapons-grade material," Rice told reporters aboard her plane as she headed to Moscow. Ima Dinnerjacket responded by saying that he wasn't lying because there were no liars in Iran-kind of like how they hardly have any gay people, Jews or Christians.
SHANNON, Ireland (AP)-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday accused Iran of "lying" abou the aim of its nuclear program, saying there's no doubt Tehran wants the capability to produce nuclear weapons and has deceived the U.N.'s atomic watchdog about its intentions.
"There is an Iranian history of obfuscation and, indeed, lying to the IAEA," she said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"There is a history of Iran not answering important questions about what is going on and there is Iran pursuing nuclear technologies that can lead to nuclear weapons-grade material," Rice told reporters aboard her plane as she headed to Moscow. Ima Dinnerjacket responded by saying that he wasn't lying because there were no liars in Iran-kind of like how they hardly have any gay people, Jews or Christians.
Memo From The Fat Police
Cartman would have kicked the principal's ass for this.
DENVER-In an effort to combat the problem of childhood obesity, the Denver Public School District is sending home student health reports to keep parents informed. However, one parent says it should not have been sent home in her daughter's backpack because she read it.
"The part that upset her the most as she started reading it, there it stated that she was overweight and she started to cry saying, 'Mom, that school tells me I'm fat.' So, it was very heartwrenching," said Flaurette Martinez.
Her daughter Isabel was sent home from the Centennial K-8 school on Monday with the health notice. It listed her height, weight and body mass index-a measure of body fat. Underneath the listing it had a marking next to the staus "overweight."
"My daughter's big-boned," Mrs. Martinez said. But I thought public education today was all about self-esteem. I guess it doesn't apply to every kid, after all.
DENVER-In an effort to combat the problem of childhood obesity, the Denver Public School District is sending home student health reports to keep parents informed. However, one parent says it should not have been sent home in her daughter's backpack because she read it.
"The part that upset her the most as she started reading it, there it stated that she was overweight and she started to cry saying, 'Mom, that school tells me I'm fat.' So, it was very heartwrenching," said Flaurette Martinez.
Her daughter Isabel was sent home from the Centennial K-8 school on Monday with the health notice. It listed her height, weight and body mass index-a measure of body fat. Underneath the listing it had a marking next to the staus "overweight."
"My daughter's big-boned," Mrs. Martinez said. But I thought public education today was all about self-esteem. I guess it doesn't apply to every kid, after all.
Miss Congeniality
Well, I'm sure this was all done in the name of world peace.
NEW YORK-A woman who was crowned Mrs. New Jersey in 2005 has been arrested on charges of writing bad checks.
Heather "Hedy" L. Di Carlo, 36, of Essex Falls, was arrested on Wednesday at 8 a.m. for allegedly writing the checks to buy tens of thousands of dollars' worth of antique furniture, Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow and Essex Fells Police Chief Kelly J. Reilly announced.
Reilly said the investigation began after Di Carlo bought antique furniture, including tables, chairs and couches, from a dealer in Sloatsburg, N.Y.
When the owners of the antique store began receiving bounced checks, they contacted police in Essex Fells, Reilly said. Di Carlo is accused of buying more than $70,000 in furniture with the checks. Well, at least she gets to keep the plastic crown.
NEW YORK-A woman who was crowned Mrs. New Jersey in 2005 has been arrested on charges of writing bad checks.
Heather "Hedy" L. Di Carlo, 36, of Essex Falls, was arrested on Wednesday at 8 a.m. for allegedly writing the checks to buy tens of thousands of dollars' worth of antique furniture, Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow and Essex Fells Police Chief Kelly J. Reilly announced.
Reilly said the investigation began after Di Carlo bought antique furniture, including tables, chairs and couches, from a dealer in Sloatsburg, N.Y.
When the owners of the antique store began receiving bounced checks, they contacted police in Essex Fells, Reilly said. Di Carlo is accused of buying more than $70,000 in furniture with the checks. Well, at least she gets to keep the plastic crown.
Don't Drink The Beer
I know some Congresscritters think the South is a foreign country, but this is ridiculous. The House Homeland Security Committee planned a fact-finding trip about public health preparedness at mass gatherings and decided to conduct the research at two of the nation's most heavily attended sporting events, NASCAR's Bank of America 500 event this weekend and the UAW-Ford 500 last weekend.
Staff who organized the trips advised the NASCAR-bound aides to get a range of vaccines before attending-hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, diptheria and influenza.
Rep. Robin Hayes, a Republican from Concord, took umbrage when he heard about it.
"I have never heard of immunisations for domestic travel, and as the representative for Concord, N.C., I feel compelled to ask why the heck the committee feels that immunizations are needed to travel to my hometown," Hayes said in an Oct. 5 letter to Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who chairs the Homeland Security panel.
"I have been to numerous NASCAR races, and the folks who attend these events certainly do not pose any health hazard to congressional staffers or anyone else," Hayes added. The people on the committee do suffer from one ailment-Normalitis Peopleis Scareius.
Staff who organized the trips advised the NASCAR-bound aides to get a range of vaccines before attending-hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, diptheria and influenza.
Rep. Robin Hayes, a Republican from Concord, took umbrage when he heard about it.
"I have never heard of immunisations for domestic travel, and as the representative for Concord, N.C., I feel compelled to ask why the heck the committee feels that immunizations are needed to travel to my hometown," Hayes said in an Oct. 5 letter to Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who chairs the Homeland Security panel.
"I have been to numerous NASCAR races, and the folks who attend these events certainly do not pose any health hazard to congressional staffers or anyone else," Hayes added. The people on the committee do suffer from one ailment-Normalitis Peopleis Scareius.
To Nancy Pelosi, Thanks For Everything
Now let's see how tolerant the Dems really are. WASHINGTON-Rep. Barney Frank, a leading gay rights champion in Congress, on Thursday urged fellow gay rights advocates not to let their dispute over protecting transgender workers doom a job discrimination ban that could mark a major civil rights advance for gays in the workplace.
The debate over including transgender people has sharply divided gay rights activists, many of whom are trying to kill a stripped-down bill without protections for transgender workers that Frank and Democratic leaders hope will win House passage this year.
"We're not going to be split off this way," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian task Force. "We're driven by principle. No civil rights movement has ever left a part of its community behind-and we're not about to be the first." In all seriousness, I think Frank and the others should keep fighting. Let's see how far the "Party of diversity" is willing to take that diversity.
The debate over including transgender people has sharply divided gay rights activists, many of whom are trying to kill a stripped-down bill without protections for transgender workers that Frank and Democratic leaders hope will win House passage this year.
"We're not going to be split off this way," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian task Force. "We're driven by principle. No civil rights movement has ever left a part of its community behind-and we're not about to be the first." In all seriousness, I think Frank and the others should keep fighting. Let's see how far the "Party of diversity" is willing to take that diversity.
The Hunger
It's never too early for Halloween. MEXICO CITY (AP)-An aspiring horror novelist was arrested after police discovered his girlfriend's torso in his closet, a leg in the refrigerator and bones in a cereal box, a city prosecutors' spokesman said Thursday.
Jose Luis Calva told police he had boiled some of his girlfriend's flesh but that he hadn't eaten it, the spokesman said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk about the case.
Calva told police he was a writer and poet-officers found the draft of a novel titled "Cannibalistic Instincts," he said.
Investigators were trying to determine if chunks of fried meat found in a pan in the apartment were human, the spokesman said. It could have been worse. The guy could have been a method actor researching for the role of a serial killer...
Jose Luis Calva told police he had boiled some of his girlfriend's flesh but that he hadn't eaten it, the spokesman said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk about the case.
Calva told police he was a writer and poet-officers found the draft of a novel titled "Cannibalistic Instincts," he said.
Investigators were trying to determine if chunks of fried meat found in a pan in the apartment were human, the spokesman said. It could have been worse. The guy could have been a method actor researching for the role of a serial killer...
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Rollback
God help me, she's making sense. Senator Hillary Clinton said yesterday that if she is elected president, she intends to roll back President Bush's expansion of executive authority, including his use of presidential signing statements to put his own interpretation on bills passed by Congress or to claim authority to disobey them entirely.
"I think you have to restore the checks and balances and the separation of powers, which means reining in the presidency," Clinton told the Boston Globe's editorial board.
Although Bush has issued hundreds of signing statements, declarations that accompany his signature on bills approved by Congress, Clitnon said she would use the statements only to clarify bills that might be confusing or contradictory. She also said she did not subscribe to the "unitary executive" theory that argies the Constitution prevents Congress from passing laws limiting the president's power over executive branch operations. Adherents to the theory say any president who refuses to obey such laws is not really breaking the law.
"It has been a cncerted effort by the vice president, with the full acquiescence of the president, to create a much more powerful executive at the expense of both branches of government and of the American people," she said. This is definitely an issue that the Republican nominee, whoever it is, should get out in front of. Hillary may be as corrupt as they come, but many people might prefer a corrupt president to one who would corrupt the Constitution.
"I think you have to restore the checks and balances and the separation of powers, which means reining in the presidency," Clinton told the Boston Globe's editorial board.
Although Bush has issued hundreds of signing statements, declarations that accompany his signature on bills approved by Congress, Clitnon said she would use the statements only to clarify bills that might be confusing or contradictory. She also said she did not subscribe to the "unitary executive" theory that argies the Constitution prevents Congress from passing laws limiting the president's power over executive branch operations. Adherents to the theory say any president who refuses to obey such laws is not really breaking the law.
"It has been a cncerted effort by the vice president, with the full acquiescence of the president, to create a much more powerful executive at the expense of both branches of government and of the American people," she said. This is definitely an issue that the Republican nominee, whoever it is, should get out in front of. Hillary may be as corrupt as they come, but many people might prefer a corrupt president to one who would corrupt the Constitution.
Death By Nannystating
Let's hear Michael Moore explain this one: At least 90 patients died from an infectious superbug in three neighbouring hospitals in southern Britain in two years due to lack of basic hygiene, according to an official report published Thursday.
The patients died after being contaminated with Clostridium difficile-a secondary infection caused by poor hospital care according to the Healthcare Commission, the governmental watchdog agency.
"It's a scandal. It's awful," British Health Secretay Alan Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme. No, it's just business as usual in the "Superior" British system.
The patients died after being contaminated with Clostridium difficile-a secondary infection caused by poor hospital care according to the Healthcare Commission, the governmental watchdog agency.
"It's a scandal. It's awful," British Health Secretay Alan Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme. No, it's just business as usual in the "Superior" British system.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Sister Act
Holy crap, I can't believe I'm on Guinan's side. "View" moderator Whoopi Goldberg surprisingly called out Reverend Al Sharpton for sometimes jumping to conclusions too swiftly, particularly on the false Duke lacrosse sexual assault allegation. In discussing Al Sharpton calling for Isiah Thomas to apologize for his conduct with a female New York Knicks staffer, Whoopi Goldberg called for Sharpton to apologize for protesting the innocent Duke lacrosse players.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG: Will you do me a favor? Will you ask him to please apologize to the Duke lacrosse players.
JOY BEHAR: Oh
GOLDBERG: Because I looked and looked and looked and I just wanted to make sure, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't speaking out of turn. I wanted to make sure that I was correct. And I know Al that you were down there and you were really trying to look out for the folks that thought were really being run over, but as it turns out it wasn't true. And, and I want you to apologize to them because those kids went through Hell and I think we owe it to them.
[applause] Sorry, Whoopi, but I don't think it's going to happen any more than Jesse Jackson owning up to being a shakedown artist. Self-appointed "Spokesmen" are never wrong as long as they have scapegoats.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG: Will you do me a favor? Will you ask him to please apologize to the Duke lacrosse players.
JOY BEHAR: Oh
GOLDBERG: Because I looked and looked and looked and I just wanted to make sure, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't speaking out of turn. I wanted to make sure that I was correct. And I know Al that you were down there and you were really trying to look out for the folks that thought were really being run over, but as it turns out it wasn't true. And, and I want you to apologize to them because those kids went through Hell and I think we owe it to them.
[applause] Sorry, Whoopi, but I don't think it's going to happen any more than Jesse Jackson owning up to being a shakedown artist. Self-appointed "Spokesmen" are never wrong as long as they have scapegoats.
Lights Out
Let there not be light. It's not hard for police to identify the pot growers in this western Canada town: They merely scan residents' utility bills to determine who is using a lot more power than the average homeowner.
Armed with that information, local authorities cut the power off to the home of the suspected offender, often leaving scores of pot growers without the artificial light and water needed to cultivate their home-grown cash crop.
British Columbia, with a population of four million, has an estimated 20,000 inhabitants who raise a potent local marijuana known here as "B.C. Bud."
The plants, collectively worth nearly seven billion dollars each year, account for a whopping six percent of this province's power consumption. Now, why can't we do something like this instead of sending in police and federal officers armed to the teeth into clinics full of sick people? Because that would require outside-the-box thinking, something the Drug War has never really been famous for.
Armed with that information, local authorities cut the power off to the home of the suspected offender, often leaving scores of pot growers without the artificial light and water needed to cultivate their home-grown cash crop.
British Columbia, with a population of four million, has an estimated 20,000 inhabitants who raise a potent local marijuana known here as "B.C. Bud."
The plants, collectively worth nearly seven billion dollars each year, account for a whopping six percent of this province's power consumption. Now, why can't we do something like this instead of sending in police and federal officers armed to the teeth into clinics full of sick people? Because that would require outside-the-box thinking, something the Drug War has never really been famous for.
Everything Counts In Small Amounts
Slowly but surely, conservative reform is catching on in the land that gave the world Volvo and blonde Amazons.
In a country of onerous taxation, where the government still controls the distribution of both ibuprofen and Absolut vodka (which it also distills), and where the center-left Social Democratic Party has ruled for an astonishing 65 of the last 75 years, it should not be surprising that the one-year-old center-right government of Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has made only incremental adjustments to the Swedish social model.
Yet even humble free-market reforms have caused domestic rancor. Indeed, Reinfeldt's governing coalition-one would be wise not to call it a "conservative" coalition, as many in the English-language media have-now finds itself in parlous condition. If recent opinion polls are any indictation, the Social Democrats' political exile might again be brief.
Elected on a platform of economic revitalization and lower taxes-with concurrent guarantees to maintain a generous welfare state-the coalition has made some genuine progress. It has trimmed Sweden's notoriously generous unemployment benefits, slashed property taxes, and eliminated the so-called "wealth tax." But like its predecessors, the government has pointedly refused to decrease alcohol taxes (some of the world's highest), and has also shifted from advocating a reduction in gasoline taxes to supporting a modest increase in those taxes. Hey, these things take time. After all, if France can elect a guy like Sarkozy, anything's possible.
In a country of onerous taxation, where the government still controls the distribution of both ibuprofen and Absolut vodka (which it also distills), and where the center-left Social Democratic Party has ruled for an astonishing 65 of the last 75 years, it should not be surprising that the one-year-old center-right government of Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has made only incremental adjustments to the Swedish social model.
Yet even humble free-market reforms have caused domestic rancor. Indeed, Reinfeldt's governing coalition-one would be wise not to call it a "conservative" coalition, as many in the English-language media have-now finds itself in parlous condition. If recent opinion polls are any indictation, the Social Democrats' political exile might again be brief.
Elected on a platform of economic revitalization and lower taxes-with concurrent guarantees to maintain a generous welfare state-the coalition has made some genuine progress. It has trimmed Sweden's notoriously generous unemployment benefits, slashed property taxes, and eliminated the so-called "wealth tax." But like its predecessors, the government has pointedly refused to decrease alcohol taxes (some of the world's highest), and has also shifted from advocating a reduction in gasoline taxes to supporting a modest increase in those taxes. Hey, these things take time. After all, if France can elect a guy like Sarkozy, anything's possible.
The Nancy Shrew Miseries
Nancy Pelosi is fed up with her former constituents. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in a determinedly good mood when she sat down to lunch with reporters yesterday. She entered the room beaming and, over the course of an hour, smiled no fewer than 31 times and got off at least 23 laughs.
Bur her spirits soured instantly when somebody asked about the anger of the Democratic "base" over her failure to end the war in Iraq.
"Look," she said, the chicken breast on her plate untouched. "I had, for five months, people sitting outside my home, going into my garden in San Francisco, angering neighbors, hanging their clothes from trees, building all kinds of things--Buddhas? I don't know what they were--couches, sofas, chair, permanent living facilities on my front sidewalk."
Unsmilingly, she continued: "If they were poor and they were sleeping on my sidewalk, they would be arrested for loitering, but because they have 'Impeach Bush' across their chest, it's the First Amendment." I hope she stays Speaker for a while longer, so she can be constantly reminded of what kind of people make up her party.
Bur her spirits soured instantly when somebody asked about the anger of the Democratic "base" over her failure to end the war in Iraq.
"Look," she said, the chicken breast on her plate untouched. "I had, for five months, people sitting outside my home, going into my garden in San Francisco, angering neighbors, hanging their clothes from trees, building all kinds of things--Buddhas? I don't know what they were--couches, sofas, chair, permanent living facilities on my front sidewalk."
Unsmilingly, she continued: "If they were poor and they were sleeping on my sidewalk, they would be arrested for loitering, but because they have 'Impeach Bush' across their chest, it's the First Amendment." I hope she stays Speaker for a while longer, so she can be constantly reminded of what kind of people make up her party.
Money For Nothing
Now this is what I call pandering. WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (AP)-Every citizen could get a 401(k) retirement account and up to $1,000 in annual matching funds from the government under a plan offered Tuesday by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.
At a cost of $20 billion-$25 billion a year, the plan is Clinton's largest domestic proposal other than her plan for universal health insurance. The New York senator said it would be paid for by taxing estates worth more than $7 million per couple and would help narrow the gap between the rich and those who don't have enough savings for retirement. Ah, the old punish the rich for being rich trick. Every time liberals say something like this, it makes me wish I was Donald Trump just to spite them.
At a cost of $20 billion-$25 billion a year, the plan is Clinton's largest domestic proposal other than her plan for universal health insurance. The New York senator said it would be paid for by taxing estates worth more than $7 million per couple and would help narrow the gap between the rich and those who don't have enough savings for retirement. Ah, the old punish the rich for being rich trick. Every time liberals say something like this, it makes me wish I was Donald Trump just to spite them.
Atheism's Dark Side
Ugh. I may be a religious skeptic, but this guy is just nuckin' futs. A top British scientist drew fire from American Jewish organizations on Monday, after remarking that the American Jewish lobby is "monopolizing American foreign policy."
Professor Richard Dawkins, a leading evolutionary biologist at Oxford University, was quoted by the British Guardian newspaper as saying last week: "When you think about how fantastically successful the Jewish lobby has been, though, in fact, they are less numerous I am told-religious Jews anyway-than atheists and (yet they) more or less monopolize American foreign policy as far as many people can see. So if atheosts could achieve a small fraction of that influence, the world would be a better place."
Dawkins is currently touring the US to promote an atheist organization he helped set up. His visit is aimed at curbing the influence of religion in America. I am all for curbing the influence of the fundamentalist nutbars who represent religion in this country. But I don't have to sound like Pat Buchanan to do it.
Professor Richard Dawkins, a leading evolutionary biologist at Oxford University, was quoted by the British Guardian newspaper as saying last week: "When you think about how fantastically successful the Jewish lobby has been, though, in fact, they are less numerous I am told-religious Jews anyway-than atheists and (yet they) more or less monopolize American foreign policy as far as many people can see. So if atheosts could achieve a small fraction of that influence, the world would be a better place."
Dawkins is currently touring the US to promote an atheist organization he helped set up. His visit is aimed at curbing the influence of religion in America. I am all for curbing the influence of the fundamentalist nutbars who represent religion in this country. But I don't have to sound like Pat Buchanan to do it.
Dobson's Choice
Well, maybe. But then again, maybe not. Peter King thinks the religious right wing might end up guaranteeing a Hillary Clinton presidency.
"It would do more harm to the religious wing of the party," said King, a Giuliani supporter and Republican congressman from New York. "If they are successful it would mean they would be responsible for Hillary Clinton being president."
Ultimately, he doesn't think it's going to happen.
"They're not going to be successful," he said of Giuliani critics like James Dobson. "I think they are going to do very poorly." One can only hope. The best thing for all concerned would be for these goofballs who thrived under Bush to be exiled into the backwoods wilderness from which they came.
"It would do more harm to the religious wing of the party," said King, a Giuliani supporter and Republican congressman from New York. "If they are successful it would mean they would be responsible for Hillary Clinton being president."
Ultimately, he doesn't think it's going to happen.
"They're not going to be successful," he said of Giuliani critics like James Dobson. "I think they are going to do very poorly." One can only hope. The best thing for all concerned would be for these goofballs who thrived under Bush to be exiled into the backwoods wilderness from which they came.
Conservatives Are Conservationists, Too
Environmentalism from the right. More and more conservatives realize that the right solution for our biggest challenges-dependence on foreign oil, staying competitive in a challenging global economy, acting smartly to address climate changes-can be found in creating new markets that serve both our environmental and economic needs. Conservatives get it: Markets and profits, not more government subsidies. Less moolah for mullahs. "Fear not" as opposed to fear-mongering.
That's what Terra Rossa is all about. It's a forum where "red staters" agree on the power of the marketplace to meet our economic, national security and environmental goals. It's where conservatives discuss the power of carbon markets to solve our biggest problems while avoiding government's worst ideas. It's where free-market Republicans can help plow the ground for a new energy future to take seed and grow. In other words, responsible, not radical, environmentalism. How do you like them apples, Mr. Gore?
That's what Terra Rossa is all about. It's a forum where "red staters" agree on the power of the marketplace to meet our economic, national security and environmental goals. It's where conservatives discuss the power of carbon markets to solve our biggest problems while avoiding government's worst ideas. It's where free-market Republicans can help plow the ground for a new energy future to take seed and grow. In other words, responsible, not radical, environmentalism. How do you like them apples, Mr. Gore?
Paglia's Protest
He's as true Blue as they come, but even he gets it when it comes to his own party. The senators of my party, with a few stellar exceptions like Dianne Feinstein, may be a pack of vain, spineless, poll-puking, strutting peacocks, but they are not mass murderers. They did not coolly plan an amoral strike on American landmarks and cause the unspeakable suffering, death and incineration of nearly 3,000 people, U.S. citizens as well as foreign nationals.
As for the Democratic Party's governing committee or the combative, impudent left-liberal activist groups, they ate just as committed to their altruistic vision of a future America as are conservatives, who base their values on tradition and faith. Both sides deserve respect.
However, I must confess my own exasperation with the Democratic leadership, who spout tiresome platitudes but achieve little and who stampede off on puerile publicity stunts that alienate potential voters actoss party lines. The latest example is the near-delusional campaign to turn popular radio host Rush Limbaugh, who has unwaveringly supported the miltary for nearly 20 years, into an anti-military antichrist. If Democrats are serious about ideology-based government regulation of talk radio, then the party is fast abandoning its fundamental principles, central to which should be constitutionally protected free speech. Well, at least the Democrats are being honest in their attempts to silence dissent.
As for the Democratic Party's governing committee or the combative, impudent left-liberal activist groups, they ate just as committed to their altruistic vision of a future America as are conservatives, who base their values on tradition and faith. Both sides deserve respect.
However, I must confess my own exasperation with the Democratic leadership, who spout tiresome platitudes but achieve little and who stampede off on puerile publicity stunts that alienate potential voters actoss party lines. The latest example is the near-delusional campaign to turn popular radio host Rush Limbaugh, who has unwaveringly supported the miltary for nearly 20 years, into an anti-military antichrist. If Democrats are serious about ideology-based government regulation of talk radio, then the party is fast abandoning its fundamental principles, central to which should be constitutionally protected free speech. Well, at least the Democrats are being honest in their attempts to silence dissent.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Let's Talk About Something Else
The Moveon.org crowd should be happy. The Democrats are, well, moving on. Congressional Democrats rode anti-war sentiment to victory last fall-but they are staking their success in the final months of this year's calendar on more traditional domestic issues amid concern that the war may not be the potent political issue it once was by Election Day 2008.
With few Iraq votes expected in the next several weeks-a marked departure from the first none months of the new Democratic-controlled Congress-Democrats are trying to build an agenda that's heavy on health care, community policing, housing, tax reform and other issues.
"Iraq has always been the 800-pound gorilla in the room, but there are other issues to deal with," said Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). "We did well with our initial agenda. Now we need to move on to a broader agenda." Yes, they did so well that all of their half-hearted attempts to pander to the Code Pinkers of the world went down in flames. Now that they have a chance at the brass ring, they want to look more mainstream to the rest of us. In other words, they're behaving just like any other group of politicians with cynical motives.
With few Iraq votes expected in the next several weeks-a marked departure from the first none months of the new Democratic-controlled Congress-Democrats are trying to build an agenda that's heavy on health care, community policing, housing, tax reform and other issues.
"Iraq has always been the 800-pound gorilla in the room, but there are other issues to deal with," said Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). "We did well with our initial agenda. Now we need to move on to a broader agenda." Yes, they did so well that all of their half-hearted attempts to pander to the Code Pinkers of the world went down in flames. Now that they have a chance at the brass ring, they want to look more mainstream to the rest of us. In other words, they're behaving just like any other group of politicians with cynical motives.
The Sound Of Free
The Download Revolution is growing. Some of the music industry's biggest names are considering offering their music free online following the success of the experiment by the band Radiohead to let fans download their new album without charge.
The band's websise topped the chart of music websites with an 11-fold increase in internet hits after the announcement, according to internet monitoring agency HitWise.
Now Jamiroquai and Oasis, two major names that are not contracted to a record labels, are rumoured to be considering following Radiohead by offering work for free, according to industry sources. Thirty years ago, the punkers wanted to get rid of corporate rock. Who would have thought it would be done by these artsy-fartsy types?
The band's websise topped the chart of music websites with an 11-fold increase in internet hits after the announcement, according to internet monitoring agency HitWise.
Now Jamiroquai and Oasis, two major names that are not contracted to a record labels, are rumoured to be considering following Radiohead by offering work for free, according to industry sources. Thirty years ago, the punkers wanted to get rid of corporate rock. Who would have thought it would be done by these artsy-fartsy types?
Monday, October 08, 2007
Hillary, You're No Dean
Yep, this sounds like a guy who's in third place, all right. CORYDON, Iowa-Democrat John Edwards tried to make light of Hillary Clinton's big lead in national polls Monday, saying that four years ago it looked as if Howard Dean might run away with the nomination.
Edwards, campaigning in the state that will hold leadoff caucuses in January, said his organization is much stronger than at this point in 2004 when he eventually won a surprise second-place finish.
Clinton now leads in Iowa as well nationally, according to the lates polling. The Des Moines Register on Sunday had her at 29 percent in the state, up from 21 percent previously, with Edwards at 23 percent, down from 29. Barack Obama was at 22. What's the difference between Hillary and Howard? Hillary at least sounds sane, and they're not going to have George Bush to kick around anymore.
Edwards, campaigning in the state that will hold leadoff caucuses in January, said his organization is much stronger than at this point in 2004 when he eventually won a surprise second-place finish.
Clinton now leads in Iowa as well nationally, according to the lates polling. The Des Moines Register on Sunday had her at 29 percent in the state, up from 21 percent previously, with Edwards at 23 percent, down from 29. Barack Obama was at 22. What's the difference between Hillary and Howard? Hillary at least sounds sane, and they're not going to have George Bush to kick around anymore.
Rise Against
It's a quagmire! For the bad guys, anyway.
A transformation has swept western Iraq that allows Marines to walk through areas that a year ago were judged lost to radical Islam control and hear nothing more aggressive than a late-night game of pool.
Behind the sutters the Sunni Muslim residents of the province are enjoying the dividends of driving out al-Qa'eda fighters who had imposed an oppressive Taliban-style regime.
The popular uprising against al-Qa'eda by residents of Anbar Province turned former enemies into American allies earlier this year. The result was a dramatic restoration of stability across Iraq's Sunni heartland. Husaybah bears the scrars of the "terrorist" years-20004 and 2005-when al-Qa'eda and its local allies controlled the town.
Buildings stand half-destroyed, roads remain torn up and almost half its population has fled. Much of the physical damage was inflicted in Operation Iron Curtain last year when Marine companies fought building by building to retake the town. Amid the ruins, relationships have been built by a softly-softly approach by American troops.
Footpatrols are hailed with cries of Salaam (Peace) and Habibi (Friend) in streets that were in no-go zones for the coalition a year ago. A ten-man unit of US Marines passes nightly along Husaybah's market street and zig-zags down alleys into residential areas. As they walk out, the sounds of a town reviving fill the air. There's still no way of knowing how this will play out in the long run, but it shows what a difference a surge makes. If it helps these Marines get home sooner, all the better. As the phrase goes, know hope.
A transformation has swept western Iraq that allows Marines to walk through areas that a year ago were judged lost to radical Islam control and hear nothing more aggressive than a late-night game of pool.
Behind the sutters the Sunni Muslim residents of the province are enjoying the dividends of driving out al-Qa'eda fighters who had imposed an oppressive Taliban-style regime.
The popular uprising against al-Qa'eda by residents of Anbar Province turned former enemies into American allies earlier this year. The result was a dramatic restoration of stability across Iraq's Sunni heartland. Husaybah bears the scrars of the "terrorist" years-20004 and 2005-when al-Qa'eda and its local allies controlled the town.
Buildings stand half-destroyed, roads remain torn up and almost half its population has fled. Much of the physical damage was inflicted in Operation Iron Curtain last year when Marine companies fought building by building to retake the town. Amid the ruins, relationships have been built by a softly-softly approach by American troops.
Footpatrols are hailed with cries of Salaam (Peace) and Habibi (Friend) in streets that were in no-go zones for the coalition a year ago. A ten-man unit of US Marines passes nightly along Husaybah's market street and zig-zags down alleys into residential areas. As they walk out, the sounds of a town reviving fill the air. There's still no way of knowing how this will play out in the long run, but it shows what a difference a surge makes. If it helps these Marines get home sooner, all the better. As the phrase goes, know hope.
Getting Their Game On
Does this mean we can now call him Minister Chief? Churches across the United States are under fire for using the ultra-violent video game Halo 3 to attract younger members for their congregations.
Even some evangelical churches known for taking a hard line on violent entertainment have been hosting sessions where boys come to play Microsoft's incredibly popular futuristic "space epic" in which an alien religious group is bent on destroying the Earth, and much of the galaxy.
The game, which came out two weeks ago and has already made more than 300 million dollars in sales, can only be bought by over-17s and is rated 'M' for its mature content. It features a vast array of weaponry which players use to annihilate opponents.
Pastors and church leaders defend their use of the game saying it is an effective way of connecting with boys and young men, who are notoriously hard to reach. Once they are in the church setting, ministers can offer them Christian messages after playing the game. Hmm. It's fun, has a message of good versus evil, and it provides for an interesting topic of conversation-all of which the fundamentalist nutbars claim religion isn't supposed to be. No wonder some of them don't like it.
Even some evangelical churches known for taking a hard line on violent entertainment have been hosting sessions where boys come to play Microsoft's incredibly popular futuristic "space epic" in which an alien religious group is bent on destroying the Earth, and much of the galaxy.
The game, which came out two weeks ago and has already made more than 300 million dollars in sales, can only be bought by over-17s and is rated 'M' for its mature content. It features a vast array of weaponry which players use to annihilate opponents.
Pastors and church leaders defend their use of the game saying it is an effective way of connecting with boys and young men, who are notoriously hard to reach. Once they are in the church setting, ministers can offer them Christian messages after playing the game. Hmm. It's fun, has a message of good versus evil, and it provides for an interesting topic of conversation-all of which the fundamentalist nutbars claim religion isn't supposed to be. No wonder some of them don't like it.
Da, Prime Minister
Who says Russian royalty is dead?
Russian President Vladimir Putin appears ready to become prime minister after his second four-year term expires next May, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Monday night.
Peskov told a group of Japanese newspaper editorial writers it is reasonable to say Putin is ready to assume the premiership because the Russian public hopes to see the Putin administration's policy steps continued.
Speaking to a convention of the ruling party United Russia on Oct. 1, Putin saud he finds it "realistic" to become prime minister after he steps down, sparking speculation that he will continue on as Russia's de facto leader. A secretive, paranoid guy who works as the power behind the throne...so this means he'll be the Russian version of Dick Cheney?
Russian President Vladimir Putin appears ready to become prime minister after his second four-year term expires next May, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Monday night.
Peskov told a group of Japanese newspaper editorial writers it is reasonable to say Putin is ready to assume the premiership because the Russian public hopes to see the Putin administration's policy steps continued.
Speaking to a convention of the ruling party United Russia on Oct. 1, Putin saud he finds it "realistic" to become prime minister after he steps down, sparking speculation that he will continue on as Russia's de facto leader. A secretive, paranoid guy who works as the power behind the throne...so this means he'll be the Russian version of Dick Cheney?
The Waxman Files
Well, this is nice. "'Don't let Limbaugh smear true patriotism,' that's the theme," says a DNC staffer. "We're not going to let Limbaugh determine what soldiers can talk and what soldiers can not."
Bad grammar and ill-informed opinions aside, the DNC hopes to raise millions of dillars of Limbaugh. "If we can't silence him, we should at least make some money to make his life more miserable in a Democratic-controlled Washington in 2008," says a Senate Democrat leadership aide.
Others on the Democratic side are pushing ahead with other plans. Rep. Henry Waxman has asked his investigative staff to begin compiling Limbaugh, and fellow radio hosts Sean Hannity and Mark Levin based on transcripts from their shows, and to call in Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin to discuss the so-called "Fairness Doctrine." Isn't it good to know that the Democrats care so much about suppression of dissent? This is why, as bad as the Republicans have been, you'll never see me voting for these 'tards.
Bad grammar and ill-informed opinions aside, the DNC hopes to raise millions of dillars of Limbaugh. "If we can't silence him, we should at least make some money to make his life more miserable in a Democratic-controlled Washington in 2008," says a Senate Democrat leadership aide.
Others on the Democratic side are pushing ahead with other plans. Rep. Henry Waxman has asked his investigative staff to begin compiling Limbaugh, and fellow radio hosts Sean Hannity and Mark Levin based on transcripts from their shows, and to call in Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin to discuss the so-called "Fairness Doctrine." Isn't it good to know that the Democrats care so much about suppression of dissent? This is why, as bad as the Republicans have been, you'll never see me voting for these 'tards.
The Greatest Generation
Here's the latest group of durn libruls what hates Amurka and don't understand grit. "We got more information out of a German general with a game of chess or Ping-Pong than they do today, with their torture," said Henry Kolm, 90, an MIT physicist who had been assigned to play chess in Germany with Hitler's deputy, Rudolph Hess.
Blunt criticisms of modern enemy interrogations was a common refrain at the ceremonies held beside the Potamac River near Alexandria. Across the river, President Bush defended his administration's methods of detaining and questioning terrorism suspects during an Oval Office appearance.
Several of the veterans, all men in their 80s and 90s, denounced the controversial techniques. And when the time came for them to accept honors from the Army's Freedom Team Salute, one veteran refused, citing his opposition to the war in Iraq and procedures that have been used at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
"I feel like the military is using us to say, 'We did spooky stuff then, so it's okay to do it now,'" said Arno Mayer, 81, a professor of European History at Princeton University. Well, obviously they don't understand grit. They don't understand that just because their generation had standards of behavior, Bush's generation doesn't have to. After all, it ain't torture if Bush says so, right?
Blunt criticisms of modern enemy interrogations was a common refrain at the ceremonies held beside the Potamac River near Alexandria. Across the river, President Bush defended his administration's methods of detaining and questioning terrorism suspects during an Oval Office appearance.
Several of the veterans, all men in their 80s and 90s, denounced the controversial techniques. And when the time came for them to accept honors from the Army's Freedom Team Salute, one veteran refused, citing his opposition to the war in Iraq and procedures that have been used at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
"I feel like the military is using us to say, 'We did spooky stuff then, so it's okay to do it now,'" said Arno Mayer, 81, a professor of European History at Princeton University. Well, obviously they don't understand grit. They don't understand that just because their generation had standards of behavior, Bush's generation doesn't have to. After all, it ain't torture if Bush says so, right?
Sunday, October 07, 2007
I For One Welcome Our New Amazon Overlords
Well, I guess this settles everything. (Hat tip: Instapundit) "Having grown up with successful women such as Margaret Thatcher and Madonna as role models, and with popular culture awash with fantasies of all-powerful women, from Lara Croft to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, men are not so comfortable with the woman in control. This value system recognizes the trend of female supremacy, which while not as yer the norm seems to be pointing the way for future relationships." With modern technology making men unnecessary for that which we were born to do, I guess it's time for us to slink off to our caves where we can die out in peace. You'll miss us when we're gone, ladies.
Weird Science
Oh, to con somebody out of a fat research grant. Here are some of this year's ig-Nobel Awards for phony, er, unusual, studies.
Medicine Brian Witcombe of Gloucester and Dan Meyer of Antioch, Tennessee, for their report in the British Medical Journal, Sword Swallowing and its Side-Effects
Physics L. Mahadevan of Harvard and Enrique Cerde Villablanca of Santiago University, Chile, for studying how sheets become wrinkled.
Biology Johanna van Bronswijk of Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands, for a census of the mites, insects, spiders, pseudoscorpions, crustaceans, bacteria, algae, ferns and fungi with whom we share our beds.
Chemistry Mayu Yamamoto of the International Medical Centre of Japan, for developing a way to extract vanilla essence from cow dung
Linguistics Juant Manuel Toro, Josep Trobalon and Nuria Sebastian-Galles, of Barcelona University, for showing that rats cannot tell the difference between a person speaking Japanese backwards and a person speaking Dutch backwards But here's my personal favorite: Peace The Air Force Wright Laboratory, Dayton, Ohio, for instigating research on a chemical weapon to make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to each other The hippies said all you need is love. Who knew science would come up with a way to make it happen?
Medicine Brian Witcombe of Gloucester and Dan Meyer of Antioch, Tennessee, for their report in the British Medical Journal, Sword Swallowing and its Side-Effects
Physics L. Mahadevan of Harvard and Enrique Cerde Villablanca of Santiago University, Chile, for studying how sheets become wrinkled.
Biology Johanna van Bronswijk of Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands, for a census of the mites, insects, spiders, pseudoscorpions, crustaceans, bacteria, algae, ferns and fungi with whom we share our beds.
Chemistry Mayu Yamamoto of the International Medical Centre of Japan, for developing a way to extract vanilla essence from cow dung
Linguistics Juant Manuel Toro, Josep Trobalon and Nuria Sebastian-Galles, of Barcelona University, for showing that rats cannot tell the difference between a person speaking Japanese backwards and a person speaking Dutch backwards But here's my personal favorite: Peace The Air Force Wright Laboratory, Dayton, Ohio, for instigating research on a chemical weapon to make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to each other The hippies said all you need is love. Who knew science would come up with a way to make it happen?
Saturday, October 06, 2007
The Tempermental Mind
Count me as a Burkean, not a Bushian.
Over the past six years, the Bush administration has operated on the assumption that if you change the political institutions in Iraq, the society will follow. But the Burkean conservative believes that society is an organism; that custom, tradition and habit are the prime movers of that organism; and that successful government institutions grown gradually from each nation's unique networl of moral and social restraints.
Over the past few years, the vice president and the former attorney general have sought to expand executive power as much as possible in the name of protecting Americans from terror. But the tempermental conservative believes that power must always be clothed in constitutionalism. The dispositional conservative is often more interested in means than ends (the reverse of President Bush) and asks how power is divided before asking for what purpose it is used.
Over the past decade, religious conservatives within the G.O.P. have argued that social policies should be guided by the eternal truths of natural law and that questions about stem cell research and euthenasia should reflect the immutable sacredness of human life.
But tempermental conservatives are suspicious of the idea of settling issues on the basis of abstract truth. These kinds of conservatives hold that moral laws emerge through deliberation and practice and that if legislation is going to be passed that slows medical progress, it shouldn't be on the basis of abstract theological orthodoxy. Unfortunately, Bush Republicans have pretty much done away with Burke's Law and replaced it with Bush's Law, which is basically that power is reserved for those in charge and they decide what the message of the Party is. Remember, the first rule of Bush Republicanism is that thou shalt not question the Decider.
Over the past six years, the Bush administration has operated on the assumption that if you change the political institutions in Iraq, the society will follow. But the Burkean conservative believes that society is an organism; that custom, tradition and habit are the prime movers of that organism; and that successful government institutions grown gradually from each nation's unique networl of moral and social restraints.
Over the past few years, the vice president and the former attorney general have sought to expand executive power as much as possible in the name of protecting Americans from terror. But the tempermental conservative believes that power must always be clothed in constitutionalism. The dispositional conservative is often more interested in means than ends (the reverse of President Bush) and asks how power is divided before asking for what purpose it is used.
Over the past decade, religious conservatives within the G.O.P. have argued that social policies should be guided by the eternal truths of natural law and that questions about stem cell research and euthenasia should reflect the immutable sacredness of human life.
But tempermental conservatives are suspicious of the idea of settling issues on the basis of abstract truth. These kinds of conservatives hold that moral laws emerge through deliberation and practice and that if legislation is going to be passed that slows medical progress, it shouldn't be on the basis of abstract theological orthodoxy. Unfortunately, Bush Republicans have pretty much done away with Burke's Law and replaced it with Bush's Law, which is basically that power is reserved for those in charge and they decide what the message of the Party is. Remember, the first rule of Bush Republicanism is that thou shalt not question the Decider.
Son Of Frankenstein
Eat your heart out, Dr. Moreau. Craig Venter, the controversial DNA researcher involved in the race to decipher the human genetic code, has built a synthetic chromosome out of laboratory chemicals and is poised to announce the creation of the first new artificial life form on Earth.
The announcement, which is expected within weeks and could come as early as next Moncay at the annual meeting of his scientific institute in San Diego, California, will herald a giant leap forward in the development of designer genomes. It is certain to provoke heated debate about the ethics of creating new species and could unlock the door to new energy sources and techniques to combat global warming.
Mr. Venter told the Guardian he thought this landmark would be "a very important philosophical step in the history of our species. We are going from reading our genetic code to the ability to write it. That gives us the hypothetical ability to do things never contemplated before". Well, as long as he can make it look like those babes in the Species movies, I won't complain.
The announcement, which is expected within weeks and could come as early as next Moncay at the annual meeting of his scientific institute in San Diego, California, will herald a giant leap forward in the development of designer genomes. It is certain to provoke heated debate about the ethics of creating new species and could unlock the door to new energy sources and techniques to combat global warming.
Mr. Venter told the Guardian he thought this landmark would be "a very important philosophical step in the history of our species. We are going from reading our genetic code to the ability to write it. That gives us the hypothetical ability to do things never contemplated before". Well, as long as he can make it look like those babes in the Species movies, I won't complain.
No Toiletry Taxation Without Representation
Is it time for a K-Mart Charmin Party? PITTSBURGH (AP)-A woman has sued Kmart for allegedly collecting a 7 percent sales tax on a nontaxable item: a 12-pack of toilet tissue. Mary Bach alleges a Knart department store in the Pittsburgh suburb of Monroeville improperly collected the tax on the $3.99 item, charging her $4.27-or 28 cents too much.
Although most paper goods are taxable under Pennsylvania's sales tax code, toilet tissue is listed as a nontaxable item by the state Department of Revenue.
Bach told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette she was overcharged for the item at the same store twice before she filed the small claims suit last month in district court in Monroeville. I'm with her on this one. That kind of sneakiness really hits you where you live.
Although most paper goods are taxable under Pennsylvania's sales tax code, toilet tissue is listed as a nontaxable item by the state Department of Revenue.
Bach told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette she was overcharged for the item at the same store twice before she filed the small claims suit last month in district court in Monroeville. I'm with her on this one. That kind of sneakiness really hits you where you live.
The Elephant Versus The Elephant
Thank you, President Bush, for making it that much harder for your would-be successor to win. For all the candidates, the unspoken problem is the same: how to establish a clear break from the legacy of President Bush and his sagging poll numbers without alienating the party faithful.
"We don't have an agreed-upon Republican theme yet," said David Frum, a conservative who served as a speechwriter for Bush during the president's first term, comparing the debate among Republicans to the one faced by Democrats at the end of the Clinton administration. "I think it's the nature of being the incumbent party that you will have more of a debate about where to go."
Advisers to each of the GOP presidential candidates agree that there is no incentive to bash Bush directly. Despite getting a 33 percent approval rating in the most recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, the low of his presidency, Bush remains popular among core Republican voters. In Romney's stump speeches, his only reference to Bush is to praise him for the fact that there has been no terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 2001, while Thompson and former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani often confine their mention of Bush to praise for his appointments of John G. Roberts Jr. and Samuel A. Alito to the Supreme Court.
"You don't want to run against the White House, but you also want to make it clear that you're your own person," said Vin Weber, a former Minnesota congressman who is one of Romney's top policy advisers. "You've got to be an independent person but it's a little hard to define because the president is still the leader of our party."
(snip) To be sure, all of the leading Republican candidates are emphatic about winning the battle against terrorism. But the war in Iraq and the fight against terrorism are among their few areas of agreement as they look beyond the Bush years.
And while there is broad consensus that the party must find a way to move beyond Bush's legacy, there are widespread divisions within the GOP over the solutions. Some see a priority in the need to address ballooning spending, while others view social issues such as abortion and traditional marriage as paramount in determining the party's course. And it is these people-the Bush Republicans-who are now the bane of the party as it gets ready for a world without Bush. They want somebody to be a stand-in for a third Bush term, while everybody else is looking for something else.
"We don't have an agreed-upon Republican theme yet," said David Frum, a conservative who served as a speechwriter for Bush during the president's first term, comparing the debate among Republicans to the one faced by Democrats at the end of the Clinton administration. "I think it's the nature of being the incumbent party that you will have more of a debate about where to go."
Advisers to each of the GOP presidential candidates agree that there is no incentive to bash Bush directly. Despite getting a 33 percent approval rating in the most recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, the low of his presidency, Bush remains popular among core Republican voters. In Romney's stump speeches, his only reference to Bush is to praise him for the fact that there has been no terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 2001, while Thompson and former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani often confine their mention of Bush to praise for his appointments of John G. Roberts Jr. and Samuel A. Alito to the Supreme Court.
"You don't want to run against the White House, but you also want to make it clear that you're your own person," said Vin Weber, a former Minnesota congressman who is one of Romney's top policy advisers. "You've got to be an independent person but it's a little hard to define because the president is still the leader of our party."
(snip) To be sure, all of the leading Republican candidates are emphatic about winning the battle against terrorism. But the war in Iraq and the fight against terrorism are among their few areas of agreement as they look beyond the Bush years.
And while there is broad consensus that the party must find a way to move beyond Bush's legacy, there are widespread divisions within the GOP over the solutions. Some see a priority in the need to address ballooning spending, while others view social issues such as abortion and traditional marriage as paramount in determining the party's course. And it is these people-the Bush Republicans-who are now the bane of the party as it gets ready for a world without Bush. They want somebody to be a stand-in for a third Bush term, while everybody else is looking for something else.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Weekend At Alan's
Dead or alive? How can he tell the difference?
Republican John McCain said Thursday that as president he would appoint Alan Greenspan to lead a review of the nation's tax code-even if the former Federal Reserve chairman was dead.
"If he's alive or dead it doesn't matter. It he's dead, just prop him up and put some dark glasses on him like, like 'Weekend at Bernie's,'" McCain joked. "Let's get the best minds in America together and fix this tax code."
The 81-year-old Greenspan served as chairman of the Fed for 18 1/2 years. Well, why wouldn't McCain, if he were elected, be allowed to talk with dead people? He does it in the Senate all the time.
Republican John McCain said Thursday that as president he would appoint Alan Greenspan to lead a review of the nation's tax code-even if the former Federal Reserve chairman was dead.
"If he's alive or dead it doesn't matter. It he's dead, just prop him up and put some dark glasses on him like, like 'Weekend at Bernie's,'" McCain joked. "Let's get the best minds in America together and fix this tax code."
The 81-year-old Greenspan served as chairman of the Fed for 18 1/2 years. Well, why wouldn't McCain, if he were elected, be allowed to talk with dead people? He does it in the Senate all the time.
Broken Record Syndrome
How long can a president be in denial? As long as he wants to.
WASHINGTON-President Bush defended his administration's methods of detaining and questioning terrorism suspects on Friday, saying they are both successful and lawful.
"When we find somebody who may have information regarding a potential attack on America, you bet we're going to detain them, and you bet we're going to question them," he said during a hastily called appearance in the Oval Office. "The American people expect us to find out information, actionable intelligence so we can help protect them. That's our job."
Bush volunteered his thoughts on a report on two secret memos in 2005 that authorized extreme interrogation tactics against terror suspects. "This government does not torture people," the president said. You'll forgive me if I take that with a huge grain of salt, Sir.
WASHINGTON-President Bush defended his administration's methods of detaining and questioning terrorism suspects on Friday, saying they are both successful and lawful.
"When we find somebody who may have information regarding a potential attack on America, you bet we're going to detain them, and you bet we're going to question them," he said during a hastily called appearance in the Oval Office. "The American people expect us to find out information, actionable intelligence so we can help protect them. That's our job."
Bush volunteered his thoughts on a report on two secret memos in 2005 that authorized extreme interrogation tactics against terror suspects. "This government does not torture people," the president said. You'll forgive me if I take that with a huge grain of salt, Sir.
Wired For Insanity
Mini-Me knows the Web like no one else, apparently. SEOUL, South Korea (AP)-North Korean leader Kim Jong II called himself an "Internet expert" during summit talks with South Korea's president this week, a news report said Friday.
The reclusive leader made the remark after South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun asked that South Korean companies operating at an industrial park in the North Korean city of Kaesong be allowed to use the Internet, Yonhap news agency reported, without citing any source.
"I'm an Internet expert too. It's all right to wire the industrial zone only, but there are many problems if other regions of the North are wired," Kim told Roh, according to the transcript. Well, at least he can't claim to have invented it. That's Al Gore's job.
The reclusive leader made the remark after South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun asked that South Korean companies operating at an industrial park in the North Korean city of Kaesong be allowed to use the Internet, Yonhap news agency reported, without citing any source.
"I'm an Internet expert too. It's all right to wire the industrial zone only, but there are many problems if other regions of the North are wired," Kim told Roh, according to the transcript. Well, at least he can't claim to have invented it. That's Al Gore's job.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Vanishing Act
Now this is strange, even by New Jersey standards. NEW YORK-Where is Atlantic City's mayor?
That's the question being asked not only by residents of the New Jersey gambling mecca, but by local and state officials.
Mayor Bob Levy's administration has said he's absent on temporary medical leave, but won't reveal if he's hospitalized and, if so, where Levy might be.
The city's business administrator, Domenic Cappella, appointed himself acting mayor last week, claiming Levy verbally transferred power to him on Sept. 26.
Some residents are outraged.
"That's like a dictatorship," one resident told a city council meeting Wednesday night. "If I can write a letter saying I'm in charge, this is a third-world-if this is a democrary, what about the voters?"
Levy vanished a week ago-after signing seven city ordinances-amid reports that he was under federal investigation for falsifying his military record. The Press reported that the mayor had falsely claimed to be a Green Beret and was under investigation by the Justice Department. Maybe they should check the neighborhood swampland-just make sure they don't confuse the mayor with the other bodies in residence.
That's the question being asked not only by residents of the New Jersey gambling mecca, but by local and state officials.
Mayor Bob Levy's administration has said he's absent on temporary medical leave, but won't reveal if he's hospitalized and, if so, where Levy might be.
The city's business administrator, Domenic Cappella, appointed himself acting mayor last week, claiming Levy verbally transferred power to him on Sept. 26.
Some residents are outraged.
"That's like a dictatorship," one resident told a city council meeting Wednesday night. "If I can write a letter saying I'm in charge, this is a third-world-if this is a democrary, what about the voters?"
Levy vanished a week ago-after signing seven city ordinances-amid reports that he was under federal investigation for falsifying his military record. The Press reported that the mayor had falsely claimed to be a Green Beret and was under investigation by the Justice Department. Maybe they should check the neighborhood swampland-just make sure they don't confuse the mayor with the other bodies in residence.
So Sue C
When you're average, you're average. Plenty of college students grumble when they get a mediocre grade and feel that they deserved better. When Brian Marquis got a C instead of an A-minus at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, he made a federal case of it.
Literally.
Marquis, a 51-year-old paralegal seeking bachelor's degrees in legal studies and sociology, filed a 15-count lawsuit in US District Court in Springfield in January after a teaching assistant graded a political philosophy class on a curve and turned Marquis's A-minus into a C. Marquis contends that the university violated his civil rights and intentionally inflicted "emotional distress." Why didn't I think of this when I was in school? All those years of "emotional distress" could have made me a billionaire.
Literally.
Marquis, a 51-year-old paralegal seeking bachelor's degrees in legal studies and sociology, filed a 15-count lawsuit in US District Court in Springfield in January after a teaching assistant graded a political philosophy class on a curve and turned Marquis's A-minus into a C. Marquis contends that the university violated his civil rights and intentionally inflicted "emotional distress." Why didn't I think of this when I was in school? All those years of "emotional distress" could have made me a billionaire.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Big Doctor Is Watching You
Make no mistake-it's nannystating, and they're not even pretending anymore.
Clinton has said, "My plan also has a prevention initiative, requiring the insurance industry and public programs like Medicare and Medicaid to promote wellness." Richardson points to New Mexico's "regulated vending machines in schools" as a possible national model to fight childhood obesity; he also suggests federally-funded "weight-loss counseling." Edwards envisions legally requiring American women to undergo regular mammograms. And Obama has already warned ominously: "The way Americans live, eat, work, and play have real implications for their health and wellness."
Should any of these plans become law, what were once eminently personal decisions would no longer be personal at all--but matters of federal law.
This idea that government has an obligation to ensure its citizens' health and fitness has grown more ubiquitous since Mayor Mike Bloomberg began championing it in New York City. "All these deadly menaces result from our choices, both as individuals and as a society," Bloomberg has said, "to ignore or encourage life-threatening risks" such as "tobacco addiction, unhealthy nutrition and excessively sedentary lifestyles."
Bloomberg believes "Public-information campaigns are insufficient. In the realm of public health, law really does the work." Well, there you go. Under their vision no American will have the right to be lazy, eat junk food, or do anything lest the National Health Police come and put you on a forced diet and treadmills. But remember, it's for your own good.
Clinton has said, "My plan also has a prevention initiative, requiring the insurance industry and public programs like Medicare and Medicaid to promote wellness." Richardson points to New Mexico's "regulated vending machines in schools" as a possible national model to fight childhood obesity; he also suggests federally-funded "weight-loss counseling." Edwards envisions legally requiring American women to undergo regular mammograms. And Obama has already warned ominously: "The way Americans live, eat, work, and play have real implications for their health and wellness."
Should any of these plans become law, what were once eminently personal decisions would no longer be personal at all--but matters of federal law.
This idea that government has an obligation to ensure its citizens' health and fitness has grown more ubiquitous since Mayor Mike Bloomberg began championing it in New York City. "All these deadly menaces result from our choices, both as individuals and as a society," Bloomberg has said, "to ignore or encourage life-threatening risks" such as "tobacco addiction, unhealthy nutrition and excessively sedentary lifestyles."
Bloomberg believes "Public-information campaigns are insufficient. In the realm of public health, law really does the work." Well, there you go. Under their vision no American will have the right to be lazy, eat junk food, or do anything lest the National Health Police come and put you on a forced diet and treadmills. But remember, it's for your own good.
Blind Justice
Another good reason why I'm happy Gonzo is gone. WASHINGTON, Oct. 3-When the Justice Department publicly declared torture "abhorrent" in a legal opinion in December 2004, the Bush administration appeared to have abandoned its assertion of nearly unlimited presidential authority to order brutal interrogations.
But soon after Alberto Gonzales' arrival as attorney general in February 2005, the Justice Department issued another opinion, this one in secret. It was a very different document, according to officials briefed on it, an expansive endorsement of the harshest interrogation techniques ever used by the Central Intelligence Agency.
The new opinion, the officials said, for the first time provided explicit authorization to barrage terror suspects with a combination of painful physical and psychological tactics, including head-slapping, simulated drowning and frigid temperatures.
Mr. Gonzales approved the legal memorandum on "combined effects" over the objections of James B. Comey, the deputy attorney general, who was leaving his job after bruising clashes with the White House. Disagreeing with what he viewed as the opinion's overreaching legal reasoning, Mr. Comey told colleagues at the department that they would all be "ashamed" when the world eventually learned of it. As it turned out, we were ashamed-but not Team Bush. They don't know the meaning of the word.
But soon after Alberto Gonzales' arrival as attorney general in February 2005, the Justice Department issued another opinion, this one in secret. It was a very different document, according to officials briefed on it, an expansive endorsement of the harshest interrogation techniques ever used by the Central Intelligence Agency.
The new opinion, the officials said, for the first time provided explicit authorization to barrage terror suspects with a combination of painful physical and psychological tactics, including head-slapping, simulated drowning and frigid temperatures.
Mr. Gonzales approved the legal memorandum on "combined effects" over the objections of James B. Comey, the deputy attorney general, who was leaving his job after bruising clashes with the White House. Disagreeing with what he viewed as the opinion's overreaching legal reasoning, Mr. Comey told colleagues at the department that they would all be "ashamed" when the world eventually learned of it. As it turned out, we were ashamed-but not Team Bush. They don't know the meaning of the word.
Truth In Advertising
If the propaganda label fits... Schools will have to issue a warning before they show pupils Al Gore's controversial film about global warming, a judge indicated yesterday.
The move follows a High Court action by a father who accused the Government of 'brainwashing' children with propaganda by showing it in the classroom.
Stewart Dimmock said the former U.S. Vice-President's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, is unfit for schools because it is politically biased and contains serious scientivid inaccuracies and 'sentimental mush'. Good for Mr. Dimmock-unfortunately, so does most public education nowadays.
The move follows a High Court action by a father who accused the Government of 'brainwashing' children with propaganda by showing it in the classroom.
Stewart Dimmock said the former U.S. Vice-President's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, is unfit for schools because it is politically biased and contains serious scientivid inaccuracies and 'sentimental mush'. Good for Mr. Dimmock-unfortunately, so does most public education nowadays.
Scapegoat Number One
Here we go. In the first US trial to challenge fines levied by music companies for sharing copyright music online, a single mother from Minnesota has gone to court to prove she did nothing wrong.
Jammie Thomas is the first among more than 26,000 people sued by the world's most powerful recording companies to refuse a settlement after being slapped with a lawsuit by the Recording Industry of America and seven major music labels.
Unlike some who insist on the right to share files over the Internet, Thomas says she was wrongfully targeted by SafeNet, a contractor employed by the recording industry to patrol the Internet for copyrighted material.
"I did not download or upload any music, period," Thomas, 30, said outside the federal courthouse in Duluth, where a 13-member jury was empanelled Tuesday. The dinosaur that is the recording industry continues its death spiral, but instead of going out gracefully it's going out kicking and screaming. Nice way to alienate people who already don't buy CDs anymore, guys.
Jammie Thomas is the first among more than 26,000 people sued by the world's most powerful recording companies to refuse a settlement after being slapped with a lawsuit by the Recording Industry of America and seven major music labels.
Unlike some who insist on the right to share files over the Internet, Thomas says she was wrongfully targeted by SafeNet, a contractor employed by the recording industry to patrol the Internet for copyrighted material.
"I did not download or upload any music, period," Thomas, 30, said outside the federal courthouse in Duluth, where a 13-member jury was empanelled Tuesday. The dinosaur that is the recording industry continues its death spiral, but instead of going out gracefully it's going out kicking and screaming. Nice way to alienate people who already don't buy CDs anymore, guys.
Shout It Out Loud
I can't believe I'm on Jimmy Carter's side.
KABKABIYA, Sudan (AP)-Former President Jimmy Carter got in a shouting match Wednesday with Sudanese security services who blocked him from a town in Darfur where he was trying to meet with refugees from the ongoing conflict.
The 83-year-old Carter walked into this highly volatile pro-Sudanese government town to meet refugees too frightened to attend a scheduled meeting at a nearby compound. He was able to make it to a school where he met with one tribal representative and was preparing to go further into the town when Sudanese security forces stopped him.
"You can't go. It's not on the program!" the local security chief, who only gave his first name as Omar, yelled at Carter, who is in Darfur as part of a delegation of respected international figures known as "The Elders."
"We're going anyway!" an angry Carter retorted as a crowd began to gather. "You don't have the power to stop me." At any other time and place, that might have sounded like typical Carter arrogance. In this case, however, I think he had every right to be ticked off.
KABKABIYA, Sudan (AP)-Former President Jimmy Carter got in a shouting match Wednesday with Sudanese security services who blocked him from a town in Darfur where he was trying to meet with refugees from the ongoing conflict.
The 83-year-old Carter walked into this highly volatile pro-Sudanese government town to meet refugees too frightened to attend a scheduled meeting at a nearby compound. He was able to make it to a school where he met with one tribal representative and was preparing to go further into the town when Sudanese security forces stopped him.
"You can't go. It's not on the program!" the local security chief, who only gave his first name as Omar, yelled at Carter, who is in Darfur as part of a delegation of respected international figures known as "The Elders."
"We're going anyway!" an angry Carter retorted as a crowd began to gather. "You don't have the power to stop me." At any other time and place, that might have sounded like typical Carter arrogance. In this case, however, I think he had every right to be ticked off.
North And South
Some folks just don't know when to quit.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-In an unlikely marriage of desire to secede from the United States, two advocacy groups from opposite political traditions-New England and the South-are sitting down to talk.
Tired of foreign wars and what they consider right-wing courts, the Middlebury Institute wants liberal states like Vermont to be able to secede peacefully.
That sounds just fine to the League of the South, a conservative group that refuses to give up on Southern independence.
"We believe that an independent South, or Hawaii, Alaska, or Vermont would be better able to serve the interest of everybody, regardless of race or ethnicity," said Michael Hill of Killen, Ala., president of the League of the South. And if they can't secede peacefully, what then? Do we all start singing a round of "His Truth Is Marching On?"
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-In an unlikely marriage of desire to secede from the United States, two advocacy groups from opposite political traditions-New England and the South-are sitting down to talk.
Tired of foreign wars and what they consider right-wing courts, the Middlebury Institute wants liberal states like Vermont to be able to secede peacefully.
That sounds just fine to the League of the South, a conservative group that refuses to give up on Southern independence.
"We believe that an independent South, or Hawaii, Alaska, or Vermont would be better able to serve the interest of everybody, regardless of race or ethnicity," said Michael Hill of Killen, Ala., president of the League of the South. And if they can't secede peacefully, what then? Do we all start singing a round of "His Truth Is Marching On?"
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Mr. No Nukes
I guess this means attacking Pakistan is now off the table? WASHINGTON, Oct. 1-Senator Barack Obama will propose on Tuesday setting up a goal of elminating all nuclear weapons in the world, saying the United States should greatly reduce its stockpiles to lower the threat of nuclear terrorism, aides say.
In a speech at DePaul University in Chicago, Mr. Obama will add his voice to a plan endorsed earlier this year by a bipartisan group of former government officials from the cold war era who say the United States must begin building a global consensus to reverse a reliance on nuclear weapons that have become "increasingly hazardous and decreasingly effective."
Mr. Obama, according to details provided by his campaign on Monday, also will call for pursuing vigorous diplomatic efforts aimed at a global ban on the development, production and deployment of intermediate-range missiles. While I'm sure other countries will be reassured knowing that he no longer wants to be Doctor Strangelove, I'd still like to know how he intends to accomplish this. Maybe put on tights and a cape and throw all of them into the Sun a la Superman?
In a speech at DePaul University in Chicago, Mr. Obama will add his voice to a plan endorsed earlier this year by a bipartisan group of former government officials from the cold war era who say the United States must begin building a global consensus to reverse a reliance on nuclear weapons that have become "increasingly hazardous and decreasingly effective."
Mr. Obama, according to details provided by his campaign on Monday, also will call for pursuing vigorous diplomatic efforts aimed at a global ban on the development, production and deployment of intermediate-range missiles. While I'm sure other countries will be reassured knowing that he no longer wants to be Doctor Strangelove, I'd still like to know how he intends to accomplish this. Maybe put on tights and a cape and throw all of them into the Sun a la Superman?
Take My Wife, Please
I think this qualifies as way too much information. Trying to shout over Whoopi and her other gabbing co-hosts and excited audience members, Barbara turned to Guest Pelosi and said she has heard Whoopi say before that she'd "do Paul Newman."
"And I think she'd like to do your husband as well," Walters deadpanned in that quintessential accent that made her the subject of late-night lampooning over the decades.
Of course, Whoopi being Whoopi, she couldn't let that one go, which is where the speaker begins blushing.
Yes, Whoopi implicitily acknowledged, she'd like to do Mr. Pelosi-but she might take his wife while she's at it. "I would do her as well. But we should wait on that because you're still in office. I don't want to cause a problem." You know, sometimes I have to wonder whose side Whoopi is really on.
"And I think she'd like to do your husband as well," Walters deadpanned in that quintessential accent that made her the subject of late-night lampooning over the decades.
Of course, Whoopi being Whoopi, she couldn't let that one go, which is where the speaker begins blushing.
Yes, Whoopi implicitily acknowledged, she'd like to do Mr. Pelosi-but she might take his wife while she's at it. "I would do her as well. But we should wait on that because you're still in office. I don't want to cause a problem." You know, sometimes I have to wonder whose side Whoopi is really on.
The Nanny State Lives
Blackmail works in Michigan.
LANSING, Mich.-Gov. Jennifer Granholm called off a partial shutdown of Michigan's state government early Monday after lawmakers reached a budget deal aimed at plugging a $1.75 billion deficit.
Senate approval of a measure to expand the state's sales tax to services was the final obstacle to ending the showdown, which lasted a little more than three hours.
Granholm was expected to sign a 30-day extension of Michigan's budget, which expired at midnight. The continuation budget will keep government running.
"This budget agreement is the right solution for Michigan," Granholm said in a statement. "We prevented massive cuts to public education, health care and public safety while also making extensive government reforms and passing new revenue. With the state back on solid financial footing, we can turn our focus to the critical task of jump-starting our economny and creating new jobs." And how long does the Governer expect this new age of fiscal stability to last with these new taxes? Until the next government shutdown threat, and the next...
LANSING, Mich.-Gov. Jennifer Granholm called off a partial shutdown of Michigan's state government early Monday after lawmakers reached a budget deal aimed at plugging a $1.75 billion deficit.
Senate approval of a measure to expand the state's sales tax to services was the final obstacle to ending the showdown, which lasted a little more than three hours.
Granholm was expected to sign a 30-day extension of Michigan's budget, which expired at midnight. The continuation budget will keep government running.
"This budget agreement is the right solution for Michigan," Granholm said in a statement. "We prevented massive cuts to public education, health care and public safety while also making extensive government reforms and passing new revenue. With the state back on solid financial footing, we can turn our focus to the critical task of jump-starting our economny and creating new jobs." And how long does the Governer expect this new age of fiscal stability to last with these new taxes? Until the next government shutdown threat, and the next...
Like A Bowl Full Of Political Correctness
You know, I'm really getting tired of this nonsense. So long, Halloween parade. Farewell, Santa's gift shop.
The holiday traditions are facing elimination in some Oak Lawn schools this year after complaints that the activities are offensive, particularly to Muslim students.
Final decisions on which of the festivities will be axed will fall to the principals at each of Rigdeland School District 122's five schools, Supt. Tom Smyth said.
Parents expect that the announcement is going to add to the tension that has been building since officials agreed earlier this month to change the lunch menu to exclude items containing pork to accomedate Muslim students. News that Jell-O was struck from the menu caused such a stir that officials have agreed to bring it back. Gelatin is often made with tissue or bones of pigs or other animals. The way things are going, there's going to be plenty of Jell-O to go around-where the spines of school principals used to be.
The holiday traditions are facing elimination in some Oak Lawn schools this year after complaints that the activities are offensive, particularly to Muslim students.
Final decisions on which of the festivities will be axed will fall to the principals at each of Rigdeland School District 122's five schools, Supt. Tom Smyth said.
Parents expect that the announcement is going to add to the tension that has been building since officials agreed earlier this month to change the lunch menu to exclude items containing pork to accomedate Muslim students. News that Jell-O was struck from the menu caused such a stir that officials have agreed to bring it back. Gelatin is often made with tissue or bones of pigs or other animals. The way things are going, there's going to be plenty of Jell-O to go around-where the spines of school principals used to be.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Dusty Harry's Lynch Mob
I know they're desperate for relevancy, but this is over the top.
WASHINGTON-Senate Democrats frustrated by failed battles against Republicans to change Iraq war policy are instead taking on one of the war's staunchest supporters-syndicated, conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh.
Democrats took to the Senate floor Monday to demand an apology from Limbaugh for supposedly saying that troops who oppose the Iraq war are "phony soldiers." Limbaugh has vehemently denied a wholesale attack on antiwar servicemen and women.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that Democratic leaders have drafted a letter to Mark Mays, president of Clear Channel, the parent company of Limbaugh's broadcast, calling on the network "to publicly repudiate these comments that call into question ("antiwar soldiers") service and sacrifice, and ask Mr. Limbaugh to apologize for his comments." Rush's response can be found at his website. I don't think Dusty Harry knows what he's gotten himself into. I feel almost sorry for him.
WASHINGTON-Senate Democrats frustrated by failed battles against Republicans to change Iraq war policy are instead taking on one of the war's staunchest supporters-syndicated, conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh.
Democrats took to the Senate floor Monday to demand an apology from Limbaugh for supposedly saying that troops who oppose the Iraq war are "phony soldiers." Limbaugh has vehemently denied a wholesale attack on antiwar servicemen and women.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that Democratic leaders have drafted a letter to Mark Mays, president of Clear Channel, the parent company of Limbaugh's broadcast, calling on the network "to publicly repudiate these comments that call into question ("antiwar soldiers") service and sacrifice, and ask Mr. Limbaugh to apologize for his comments." Rush's response can be found at his website. I don't think Dusty Harry knows what he's gotten himself into. I feel almost sorry for him.
Every Little Bit Helps
Ron Paul is still in the game, and catching up to his rivals to boot:
Rep. Ron Paul is bucking trends in the political money race.
While both Democrats and Republicans in the presidential race are finding it more difficult to pass the hat as their big donors hit federal giving limits, the trajectory for the Texas Republican keeps climbing.
The antiwar libertarian raised more than $3 million in the third quarter, up from $2.4 million in the second quarter and $641,000 in the first three months of the year.
For the three months ended Sept. 30, Paul out-raised old Washington hands including Democrats Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, who took in $1.5 million, and Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, who raised just under $2 million. OK, so he's still in the bottom tier, but that's pretty impressive for a guy who supposedly can't win because of his views on Iraq.
Rep. Ron Paul is bucking trends in the political money race.
While both Democrats and Republicans in the presidential race are finding it more difficult to pass the hat as their big donors hit federal giving limits, the trajectory for the Texas Republican keeps climbing.
The antiwar libertarian raised more than $3 million in the third quarter, up from $2.4 million in the second quarter and $641,000 in the first three months of the year.
For the three months ended Sept. 30, Paul out-raised old Washington hands including Democrats Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, who took in $1.5 million, and Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, who raised just under $2 million. OK, so he's still in the bottom tier, but that's pretty impressive for a guy who supposedly can't win because of his views on Iraq.
Fear Itself
Some people are literally sickened by crime.
A new UCL (University College London) study has shown that people with a strong fear of crime are almost twice as likely to show symptoms of depression. The research, based on data taken from the Whitehall II study, also shows that fear of crime is associated with decreased phhysical functioning and lower quality of life. The findings are published in the American Journal of Public Health.
The study's lead author, Dr. Mai Stafford, UCL Epidemology & Public Health, said: "Very broadly, these results show that if your fear of crime levels are higher, your health is likely to be worse-particularly your mental health. Of course, you might expect that people who are depressed or frail might be more afraid of crime and venturing out of doors, so we have taken account of previous mental health problems and physical frailty and adjusted for those accordingly. Even with a level playing field, the data still demonstrates this strong link between fear of crime and poorer mental health. Well, I've always thought that anybody who would want to stay in a bad neighborhood had to be out of their minds, and here's the proof.
A new UCL (University College London) study has shown that people with a strong fear of crime are almost twice as likely to show symptoms of depression. The research, based on data taken from the Whitehall II study, also shows that fear of crime is associated with decreased phhysical functioning and lower quality of life. The findings are published in the American Journal of Public Health.
The study's lead author, Dr. Mai Stafford, UCL Epidemology & Public Health, said: "Very broadly, these results show that if your fear of crime levels are higher, your health is likely to be worse-particularly your mental health. Of course, you might expect that people who are depressed or frail might be more afraid of crime and venturing out of doors, so we have taken account of previous mental health problems and physical frailty and adjusted for those accordingly. Even with a level playing field, the data still demonstrates this strong link between fear of crime and poorer mental health. Well, I've always thought that anybody who would want to stay in a bad neighborhood had to be out of their minds, and here's the proof.
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