I can't believe I'm saying this, but this is one issue in which the Republican's and I see eye-to-eye. The illegal immigration problem in this country has been out of control for far too long and it about time Congress stepped in and did something--anything--concrete about it.
At the very base level illegal immigrants are breaking the law, so in effect they are already felons the moment they step foot in this country without the proper documentation and with benefit of a proper Customs screening, green card, Visa, passport, etc. etc. The borders of the United States are porous, but especially the Southern border, which leaks like a washer-less faucet. I am all for building a wall to keep those who would willingly break the law from doing so on U.S. soil. Yes, Mexico and Central America are hell hole’s with corrupt governments and stagnating economy’s, but we cannot continue to absorb the downtrodden masses of people that decide its better to flee their countries, then to fight to make them better places to live and raise a family. What would happen for instance of 30,000 or more people routinely took the street of Mexico City and demanded better living conditions?
And I reject the notion that illegal immigrants are essential to the U.S. economy. And I future reject the oft-repeated notion that illegal immigrants perform jobs Americans do not want. In certain sectors like agriculture where there is a long history of immigrant migrant workers performing tasks, this may be so. But this is not the case with services industry, or construction, or warehousing, or the meat-packing industry. There are plenty of Americans who could and would fill those jobs, but those companies find it far more profitable to employee easily exploitable illegal immigrants who have little recourse but to accept the long hours and low wages, and no benefit, presented to them.
And I reject the notion that illegal immigrants give back to the U.S. revenue base in the form of income taxes. If you are working here illegally with false or no documents how are you paying anything other then the occasional sales tax? If you filed a tax return using your fake SSN, you would risk getting caught, would you not? Why would I pay income tax unless I had to; if I am off the government’s income tax radar why light myself up by paying taxes?
And no, illegal immigrants should not be allowed to get drivers licenses, or get free healthcare, or other public services including education. Only those who abide the law and play by the rules should be allowed access to services my tax dollars pay for. After all I have to play by the rules; if I do otherwise I will see jail time in my future. Why should the standard be any different for a non-citizen who is in this country illegally?
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York is quoting as stating, "[T]his bill would literally criminalize the Good Samaritan and probably even Jesus himself." Note to Hillary Clinton: if Jesus were breaking the law, he too would have to be held accountable. And equating what Jesus did in helping the truly down trodden with the current situation is severely disingenuous and beneath the office you currently hold: stop pandering!
And I feel no pity for thos--charity or private citizens--hat would help illegal immigrants set up shop in this country; i.e. feed them, cloth them, house them, and find them jobs. Those who engage in such behavior are in fact aiding and abetting a crime(s) by harboring and or assisting illegal immigrants, and there should be consequences for breaking the law. Would we as a society look the other way while charities aided and abetted other know felons?
The evidence is mounting that illegal immigrants are costing far more in dollars then they contribute in the form of taxes across a broad spectrum of American society. From public schools to county hospital, to social services, to housing, to law enforcement, illegal immigrants are an ever increasing drain on the dwindling coffers of American cities.
And let us not forget, if illegal immigrants can gain such easy access to our country so can terrorists!
So I welcome House Resolution 4437 as a no nonsense beginning. It is by no means the only measure we as a nation have to take to finally put and end to the fragrant and continual violations of our immigration, tax, and labor laws. American business needs to be held accountable for hiring illegal immigrants and fined to such a degree that it is cost prohibitive for them to employ illegal immigrants if they are caught doing so. Remove the number one incentive--job--for illegal border crossing and they will stop coming in such large numbers.
I understand the human need to feed, house, and cloth ones family, and I know that America with its high standard of living, easy access to decent paying jobs, and social welfare safety net, is attractive to those south of the Rio Grande. But the influx of illegal immigrants has to stop. Our society does not have unlimited resources and at some point we have to put the welfare of the nation ahead of feel good politics and misplaced moral platitudes. That point is now...
See also these stories related to this issue:
Friday, March 24, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Sandra Day O’Conner Speaks Out Against the Dangers of Undermining the Judiciary
In a little covered speech last week former Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Conner opened up on the Republican Right, decrying their proclivity of late for calling the Federal courts on the carpet for doing their constitutional duty. Warning against the dangers of undermining the judicial branch, O'Conner stated that they (right wing Republicans)
I have long wondered what the Justices of the Supreme Court thought of the ill-informed, ignorant, and salacious attacks perpetrated by the agents of the fundamentalists’ religious right in Congress upon the federal judiciary, the third branch of government. Now I know the thoughts and feeling of at least one of the (former) members, and I share them. It's no secret that the Republican Right has little respect for the independent judiciary and would just assume see it abolished to the determent of all. Bush in his latest State of The Union address deliberately and irresponsibly snubbed the members of the Supreme Court by welcoming the members of the elected branches of government to the occasion! He didn’t even acknowledge the presence of the Supreme Court as the third branch of our federal government, and in so doing give it the respect and dignity the institution deserves.
Of course Bush failed to mention that he is the only freely elected member of the Executive Branch of government, since we do not vote for the Vice President on his or her own ticket. And of course he failed to point out that out of some 4 million plus federal workers, only 435 are directly elected by the populace and that they have a dismal record of late in representing the American people.
The Republican Right's unrelenting attack on the federal judiciary show a fundamental lack of respect and a growing distain for our system of constitutional government, and for the fundamental rights of the American people. O'Conner a moderate Republican pointed this out when she stated,
The court system in this country at all levels, but especially at the federal level, are seen by most (thinking) Americans as the last bulwark against the tyranny of the increasingly Republican Executive and Legislative branches of government, who if left to their own whims, would see the Bill of Rights shredded, and the Constitution (state and federal) replaced by the Holy Bible as the foundation of American governance. Perhaps I exaggerate the case, but perception is increasingly becoming reality within the hall of Congress (and increasingly state legislators) as (Republican) elected representatives in both houses openly attack the courts for doing their jobs.
Of this O'Conner stated:
I have often been drawn the ire of my readers by even hinting that there might be some similarities between fascists regimes of the past and the current Bush Administration (and it’s Republican Right champions) with its love for secrecy, open distain for the rule of law, rapid militarism, and thinly veiled adoption of religious dogma into the pages of foreign policy. But as Ms. O'Conner pointed out,
Like it or no, my fellow Americans the Bush Administration and it Republican Right backers are those beginnings, at least in this writers mind…
challenge the independence of judges and the freedoms of all Americans.
I have long wondered what the Justices of the Supreme Court thought of the ill-informed, ignorant, and salacious attacks perpetrated by the agents of the fundamentalists’ religious right in Congress upon the federal judiciary, the third branch of government. Now I know the thoughts and feeling of at least one of the (former) members, and I share them. It's no secret that the Republican Right has little respect for the independent judiciary and would just assume see it abolished to the determent of all. Bush in his latest State of The Union address deliberately and irresponsibly snubbed the members of the Supreme Court by welcoming the members of the elected branches of government to the occasion! He didn’t even acknowledge the presence of the Supreme Court as the third branch of our federal government, and in so doing give it the respect and dignity the institution deserves.
Of course Bush failed to mention that he is the only freely elected member of the Executive Branch of government, since we do not vote for the Vice President on his or her own ticket. And of course he failed to point out that out of some 4 million plus federal workers, only 435 are directly elected by the populace and that they have a dismal record of late in representing the American people.
The Republican Right's unrelenting attack on the federal judiciary show a fundamental lack of respect and a growing distain for our system of constitutional government, and for the fundamental rights of the American people. O'Conner a moderate Republican pointed this out when she stated,
[T]he nation’s founders wrote repeatedly that without an independent judiciary to protect individual rights from the other branches of government those rights and privileges would amount to nothing. But, as the founding fathers knew statutes and constitutions don’t protect judicial independence, people do.
The court system in this country at all levels, but especially at the federal level, are seen by most (thinking) Americans as the last bulwark against the tyranny of the increasingly Republican Executive and Legislative branches of government, who if left to their own whims, would see the Bill of Rights shredded, and the Constitution (state and federal) replaced by the Holy Bible as the foundation of American governance. Perhaps I exaggerate the case, but perception is increasingly becoming reality within the hall of Congress (and increasingly state legislators) as (Republican) elected representatives in both houses openly attack the courts for doing their jobs.
Of this O'Conner stated:
[C]ourts do have the power to make presidents or the Congress or governors, really, really angry. “But, if we don’t make them mad some of the time we probably aren’t doing our jobs as judges, and our effectiveness, is premised on the notion that we won’t be subject to retaliation for our judicial acts.
I have often been drawn the ire of my readers by even hinting that there might be some similarities between fascists regimes of the past and the current Bush Administration (and it’s Republican Right champions) with its love for secrecy, open distain for the rule of law, rapid militarism, and thinly veiled adoption of religious dogma into the pages of foreign policy. But as Ms. O'Conner pointed out,
[I]t takes a lot of degeneration before a country falls into dictatorship, she said, but we should avoid these ends by avoiding these beginnings.
Like it or no, my fellow Americans the Bush Administration and it Republican Right backers are those beginnings, at least in this writers mind…
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
And the Fiddles Play Dixie
And now for those who still stick stubbornly to the belief that health care in America is still top-notch comes this study. I may sound like a broken record by now, but the sky is falling, the sky is falling, the sky is falling and the American Republic is being crushed under the weight of its own love affair with Capitalism and unchecked greed.
What further evidence do the doubting Thomas’s of the rural America need to finally admit that our country is going in the wrong direction and we need a serious course correction? Where is our national pride? Where is our national self-respect? The naysayer’s who stubbornly cling to the free-market mantra when it comes to every aspect of American culture are sowing the seeds of our American dismemberment.
American Institution after American Institution is failing and yet some among us refuse to address the issues at hand. Again what will it take for those who support "W" and his ilk and their failing free-market is the answer to every ill philosophy, to finally admit that like Communism, unfettered Capitalism is a failure? We need to strike a balance and we need to do it quickly! Because. Our country is burning, slowing and inexorably towards its demise and I can hear the fiddles plying Dixie in the background.
What further evidence do the doubting Thomas’s of the rural America need to finally admit that our country is going in the wrong direction and we need a serious course correction? Where is our national pride? Where is our national self-respect? The naysayer’s who stubbornly cling to the free-market mantra when it comes to every aspect of American culture are sowing the seeds of our American dismemberment.
American Institution after American Institution is failing and yet some among us refuse to address the issues at hand. Again what will it take for those who support "W" and his ilk and their failing free-market is the answer to every ill philosophy, to finally admit that like Communism, unfettered Capitalism is a failure? We need to strike a balance and we need to do it quickly! Because. Our country is burning, slowing and inexorably towards its demise and I can hear the fiddles plying Dixie in the background.
NBC/WSJ poll: Bush ratings keep falling - Politics - MSNBC.com
NBC/WSJ poll: Bush ratings keep falling - Politics - MSNBC.com
I’m wondering if I should feel sorry for Bush; sorry fleeting thought. It’s hard to feel sorry for a man who never should have assumed the Office of the Presidency in the first place. So feel sorry for “W” I think not. As a matter of fact we can only hope his poll number drop even lower.
I’m wondering if I should feel sorry for Bush; sorry fleeting thought. It’s hard to feel sorry for a man who never should have assumed the Office of the Presidency in the first place. So feel sorry for “W” I think not. As a matter of fact we can only hope his poll number drop even lower.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
WP: Infighting plagues intelligence panel - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
WP: Infighting plagues intelligence panel - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
The evidence is mounting that the Senate is indeed a broken Institution and we the American people are the losers. And it also further evidence that our Republican form of government is breaking down, fracturing, disintegrating at the very time when we need bi-partisan cooperation.
The terrorists need not strike us again in order to bring about the demise of our Republic we are quite capable of doing the deed all on our own with this senseless and pointless partisan bickering. And in defense of a man and administration that do not deserve such loyalty. We the American people do however…We need a viable third party!!
The evidence is mounting that the Senate is indeed a broken Institution and we the American people are the losers. And it also further evidence that our Republican form of government is breaking down, fracturing, disintegrating at the very time when we need bi-partisan cooperation.
The terrorists need not strike us again in order to bring about the demise of our Republic we are quite capable of doing the deed all on our own with this senseless and pointless partisan bickering. And in defense of a man and administration that do not deserve such loyalty. We the American people do however…We need a viable third party!!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Would eavesdropping bill snag reporters? - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
Would eavesdropping bill snag reporters? - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
And so it continues. In the name of national security they (Republican Congressman and Women) would systematically strip Americans of their freedoms. So begins the end of the American Republic; the Islamic Extremists have won the war after only one attack. We are doing what they predicted we would: destroying our beloved principles and hence our Republic from within…
And so it continues. In the name of national security they (Republican Congressman and Women) would systematically strip Americans of their freedoms. So begins the end of the American Republic; the Islamic Extremists have won the war after only one attack. We are doing what they predicted we would: destroying our beloved principles and hence our Republic from within…
Monday, March 06, 2006
CNN.com - South Dakota?law bans nearly all abortions - Mar 6, 2006
CNN.com - South Dakota'law bans nearly all abortions - Mar 6, 2006
As if we needed any further proof that America is slipping back into a religiously inspired dark ages, here we go again! What does the word freedom mean to the average Republican? Nothing apparently unless of course the freedom you are trying to exercise conforms to their version of morality.
As if we needed any further proof that America is slipping back into a religiously inspired dark ages, here we go again! What does the word freedom mean to the average Republican? Nothing apparently unless of course the freedom you are trying to exercise conforms to their version of morality.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Kerry!
"In the long run, he understands that extremists can be defeated by freedom and democracy and prosperity and better education"...President Bush said of Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf on occasion of his visit to the dictators, yes dictators homeland. Yes, our president continues his trip down Quaalude lane while the world in its fascination and amazement laugh aloud.
Is our ever dimwitted President unaware that Musharraf is a dictator, a man who came to power October 12, 1999 after a coup d'état—with the full backing of the military—and assumed the title of president of Pakistan on June 2001. Ever since then he has promised to hold elections but somehow that always falls through. Oh but he has promise to try again next year.
So Bushes claim that Musharraf “understands that extremists can be defeated by freedom and democracy and prosperity and better education,” all the things the people of Pakistan lack, is hysterical and sad bordering on the ridiculous. And it invites the question: does Bush ever, ever, ever, live in the same world as the rest of us? Is it possible to be this divorced from reality and not be on some sort of mind altering drug? And yes this is a serious question, not one designed to poke fun of our somewhat intellectually hobbled head of state.
And it begs another question: if Bush and his Neo-con infested Administration are so keen on bringing democracy to the down-trodden masses of the Asia and the Middle East, why not Pakistan a place where most able-bodied terrorists are hatched? Is it that Musharraf is seeking a small measure of legitimacy for his illegitimate regime by helping the U.S. whose power, prestige, and influence slips a little more everyday Bush is in office? Any halfwit who has been paying even the slightest attention to the world knows that Musharraf is taking only baby steps toward stamping out the terrorist assembly-line now turning out aspirant Muslim extremists at an alarming pace. But not Bush.
“Only hours before Bush's appearance, the Pakistani government cracked down on political leaders and others planning to protest the president's visit. In the city of Rawalpindi, about 10 miles from Islamabad, police arrested about 20 members of Tehrik-e-Insaaf, a small political party, as they staged a noisy but peaceful demonstration, beating some of them with bamboo sticks as foreign journalists and camera crews recorded the scene.” Sounds like democracy to me…
Whenever Bush embarrasses our country before the world—and lets face it, it’s every time he opens his mouth—I used to find solace in the fact that my votes were not cast his way in either election. But as the time wears on and our country sheds it principles one-by-one and loses its moral center, I no longer find comfort in the words: “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Kerry!”
Is our ever dimwitted President unaware that Musharraf is a dictator, a man who came to power October 12, 1999 after a coup d'état—with the full backing of the military—and assumed the title of president of Pakistan on June 2001. Ever since then he has promised to hold elections but somehow that always falls through. Oh but he has promise to try again next year.
So Bushes claim that Musharraf “understands that extremists can be defeated by freedom and democracy and prosperity and better education,” all the things the people of Pakistan lack, is hysterical and sad bordering on the ridiculous. And it invites the question: does Bush ever, ever, ever, live in the same world as the rest of us? Is it possible to be this divorced from reality and not be on some sort of mind altering drug? And yes this is a serious question, not one designed to poke fun of our somewhat intellectually hobbled head of state.
And it begs another question: if Bush and his Neo-con infested Administration are so keen on bringing democracy to the down-trodden masses of the Asia and the Middle East, why not Pakistan a place where most able-bodied terrorists are hatched? Is it that Musharraf is seeking a small measure of legitimacy for his illegitimate regime by helping the U.S. whose power, prestige, and influence slips a little more everyday Bush is in office? Any halfwit who has been paying even the slightest attention to the world knows that Musharraf is taking only baby steps toward stamping out the terrorist assembly-line now turning out aspirant Muslim extremists at an alarming pace. But not Bush.
“Only hours before Bush's appearance, the Pakistani government cracked down on political leaders and others planning to protest the president's visit. In the city of Rawalpindi, about 10 miles from Islamabad, police arrested about 20 members of Tehrik-e-Insaaf, a small political party, as they staged a noisy but peaceful demonstration, beating some of them with bamboo sticks as foreign journalists and camera crews recorded the scene.” Sounds like democracy to me…
Whenever Bush embarrasses our country before the world—and lets face it, it’s every time he opens his mouth—I used to find solace in the fact that my votes were not cast his way in either election. But as the time wears on and our country sheds it principles one-by-one and loses its moral center, I no longer find comfort in the words: “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Kerry!”
WP: White House targets media leaks - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
WP: White House targets media leaks - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
Is there anyone left on the country that still thinks the Bush Administration is not a threat to our very way of life in this country? Nothing is off-limits to this man and his quest to morph American into a defacto dictatorship. Somehow knowing I didn’t vote for him brings me little solace…
Is there anyone left on the country that still thinks the Bush Administration is not a threat to our very way of life in this country? Nothing is off-limits to this man and his quest to morph American into a defacto dictatorship. Somehow knowing I didn’t vote for him brings me little solace…
Friday, March 03, 2006
CNN.com - New Florida town would restrict abortion - Mar 2, 2006
CNN.com - New Florida town would restrict abortion - Mar 2, 2006
Isn’t this interesting, the forces of religious fundamentalism are on the march in Florida with the blessing of the governor. And America continues down the road to fractionalization based on cultural and moral differences. We are no longer one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The battle lines are being drawn, is a religious inspired Civil War at hand?
Isn’t this interesting, the forces of religious fundamentalism are on the march in Florida with the blessing of the governor. And America continues down the road to fractionalization based on cultural and moral differences. We are no longer one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The battle lines are being drawn, is a religious inspired Civil War at hand?
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Much Ado Over Nothing?
Oh the trials and tribulations of the embattled Bush Administration; if it is not one thing its another; in this case the rising and rather rancorous debate over Dubai Ports World’s assumption of the terminal operations in six American ports. With visions of terrorists dancing in their wee little heads, Congressman and women took to the airwaves in strenuous opposition. I say it all much ado over nothing.
This all began when Dubai Ports World a state-owned company based United Arab Emirates (UAE) bought London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., which current runs the terminals in the American ports in question. Peninsular and Oriental runs commercial operations at ports in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans and Miami.
The initial reports had had internationally helmed Dubai Ports World taking over the ports in their entire, or at least gave the impression that that would transpire. Predictably the Democrats accused the Administration of compromising America’s port security. And the Republicans not wanting to be left scratching their legacies on an issue of National Security quickly and amazingly, piled on, in (very) rare bi-cameral, bi-partisan unison, bashing Bush and threatening to pass legislation to stop the deal.
Bush quickly countered that he would, gasp, veto such a bill. And later, yesterday, we all learned that Bush knew nothing about the bill until he learned about it in the news; boy that inspires confidence in his leadership, and stewardship of our government.
But the real story of the port operations is a lot less dramatic then they would have use believe; in other words my fellow Americans we are bring duped and manipulated again.
Here is the 411 on the ports: All American ports (foreign ports as well) are divided into terminals (a pier where ships tie up and off-load and or load cargo), with each terminal then being leased to a company or set of companies to manage on a daily basis. Security is still managed by the U.S. Customs Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and the employees on the docks are overwhelmingly American.
For example, the Port of New York and New Jersey, which is jointly owned and run by the two states under the guise of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The port has six terminals, which the Port Authority leases out. Two of the terminals are leased to American companies, and the rest are leased to foreign run companies. Dubai Ports World, which runs terminals in other countries, would lease one terminal in partnership with a Danish firm which is already in place. Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. currently holds the lease. In addition Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. also holds leases to terminals in six other east coast ports.
According to a report from National Public Radio (NPR), roughly 40% of the terminals on the eastern seaboard of the United States are managed by foreign companies, while 90% of the terminals on the West coast are leased to foreign companies, including a large percentage to Communist China.
So as you can see, Dubai Ports World would hardly be “running” the ports; they would in fact be running the operations of a terminal, or terminals within the port. Much ado about nothing? You decide. It would appear to me as though Congress and the majority of the American media are getting the story wrong. For the politicians the doom-and-gloom spin is probably 70% spin and 30% ignorance. As far as the media is concerned (NPR and PBS are the exceptions), there is no excuse for the gross misinformation and resulting hysteria.
This all began when Dubai Ports World a state-owned company based United Arab Emirates (UAE) bought London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., which current runs the terminals in the American ports in question. Peninsular and Oriental runs commercial operations at ports in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans and Miami.
The initial reports had had internationally helmed Dubai Ports World taking over the ports in their entire, or at least gave the impression that that would transpire. Predictably the Democrats accused the Administration of compromising America’s port security. And the Republicans not wanting to be left scratching their legacies on an issue of National Security quickly and amazingly, piled on, in (very) rare bi-cameral, bi-partisan unison, bashing Bush and threatening to pass legislation to stop the deal.
Bush quickly countered that he would, gasp, veto such a bill. And later, yesterday, we all learned that Bush knew nothing about the bill until he learned about it in the news; boy that inspires confidence in his leadership, and stewardship of our government.
But the real story of the port operations is a lot less dramatic then they would have use believe; in other words my fellow Americans we are bring duped and manipulated again.
Here is the 411 on the ports: All American ports (foreign ports as well) are divided into terminals (a pier where ships tie up and off-load and or load cargo), with each terminal then being leased to a company or set of companies to manage on a daily basis. Security is still managed by the U.S. Customs Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and the employees on the docks are overwhelmingly American.
For example, the Port of New York and New Jersey, which is jointly owned and run by the two states under the guise of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The port has six terminals, which the Port Authority leases out. Two of the terminals are leased to American companies, and the rest are leased to foreign run companies. Dubai Ports World, which runs terminals in other countries, would lease one terminal in partnership with a Danish firm which is already in place. Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. currently holds the lease. In addition Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. also holds leases to terminals in six other east coast ports.
According to a report from National Public Radio (NPR), roughly 40% of the terminals on the eastern seaboard of the United States are managed by foreign companies, while 90% of the terminals on the West coast are leased to foreign companies, including a large percentage to Communist China.
So as you can see, Dubai Ports World would hardly be “running” the ports; they would in fact be running the operations of a terminal, or terminals within the port. Much ado about nothing? You decide. It would appear to me as though Congress and the majority of the American media are getting the story wrong. For the politicians the doom-and-gloom spin is probably 70% spin and 30% ignorance. As far as the media is concerned (NPR and PBS are the exceptions), there is no excuse for the gross misinformation and resulting hysteria.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Accused Holocaust denier gets 3 years - Europe - MSNBC.com
Accused Holocaust denier gets 3 years - Europe - MSNBC.com
Now people are being arrested and thrown in jail for their opinions? Does this sound like the principles of a free and open society, even if it is in Europe? Denying the Holocaust ever took place certainly brands David Irving and ignoramus, but a criminal, I don’t think so.
No rational learned person will deny the German atrocities of World War II, after all they are well cataloged in photos and in (German) writings; the Germans after all kept very detailed records of what they were doing and why. Their records coupled with those of the Allies as they liberated the Nazi death camps, and the eye witness accounts of the Holocaust survivors, Jewish and otherwise, will forever mark 1938 -1945 as one of the darkest, if not the darkest, periods of man’s short existence on this planet.
But cataloging the atrocities has not been a bulwark against it happening again and again and again, while the world waits and watches, reluctant to do anything except talk about it happenstance. And while the United Nations talks, and bickers, and hesitates, millions more people have died at the hands of those who practice Genocide; do Serbia, Cambodia, Rwanda, Sudan, and Croatia ring a bell?
And it is ironic that Europe, including Austria, has historically and habitually thrown their support behind the Palestinians and other Arab groups that seek to ouster Israel from its now well established home on the banks of the Mediterranean. And correct me if I am wrong but don’t some of the group supporting the Palestinians in their cause, just or no, deny the Holocaust ever took place. Can you spell Hamas?
So excuse me if I think it a might bit hypocritical and nonsensical for the Austrians to throw a man in jail for three years because he dared write a book and made two speeches calling into question the passage of the Holocaust some 17 years ago.
Whatever happened to freedom of expression and of speech? In light of the current carton debacle this sentence is laughable. Or is derision reserved for those with brown skin? Yes, the Holocaust was horrific, but denying its rightful place in the annals of human history should brand one a criminal.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Sunday, February 19, 2006
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Abbas warns of financial crisis
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Abbas warns of financial crisis
Ahh, the old ode “you lie down with dogs you wake up with fleas,” has never been more apt. I have heard throughout the press that the poor, average Palestinian people are going to suffer because the (cash) aid will be cut off by the West. But isn’t it the poor average Palestinian people who vote for Hamas in the first place? Should the West support an avowed terrorist group that has killed hundreds of innocent Israelis and no doubt some Americans? I don’t think I want my tax money supporting such a group of murders, do you?
I think its past time for the Arab world to step up and support their Palestinian brethren with more than just angry words and empty rhetoric designed to inflame the ignorant mind.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Greenland's glaciers losing ice at faster rate - Science - MSNBC.com
Greenland's glaciers losing ice at faster rate - Science - MSNBC.com
Anyone not living under a rock will attest to the fact that this winter has been a crazy, wild ride. Just today in Chicago we had thunderstorms! Thunderstorms in the middle of February! What is it going to take before the United States starts to take this growing problem seriously, when New York City is under fifty feet of water and Long Island is all but a memory? The threat is real and it isn’t going away.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
The Real State of Our Union as Seen Through the Eyes of an Average American
He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient...US CONST, Art II, § 3
The President gave his State of The Union Address on January 31, which painted an overly optimistic and largely false picture of the true state of our Republic. He said our Republic was sound when the sane among us know that it is anything but.
My fellow Americans I believe the state of our union is weak, perhaps as weak as it has been at anytime in our history save the period preceding the Civil War in 1861. The problems vexing the nation are many and complex, but our government(s) and people seem to lack the political and moral will to resolve them. As the nation becomes more culturally diversified, we are pulling further and further apart as a society, and nothing can be agreed to without a fight; the spirit of compromise and mutual respect that are supposed to mark a great working democracy, is vanishing. And this disunity of purpose across a broad range of issues leaves the nation vulnerable to all manner of negative internal and external influences that play on emotions at the expense of intellect informed by the principles that founded this nation, and the Constitution.
The Rising Threat of the Christian Right
While we fight the unending battle with Islamic fundamentalism that threatens our way of life from without, the rise of Christian fundamentalism here at home threatens our Republican Democracy from within. The continued matrimony of religion and politics across the broad spectrum of American politics threats our very way of life.
Abortion, Pray in Schools, the Pledge of Allegiance, Gay Marriage, The Ten Commandments in the public square, Stem Cell research, Intelligent Design, Abstinence only Sex Education, Terry Schivo(sp), and the Air Force religious regulations are all part of the Fundamentalists Christian Right’s crusade to fashion an America to their liking. The Christian Right see an America where the Constitution is but a quaint document whose time has come; who needs a document fashioned by flesh and blood man who is after all fallible, when we have the Holy Bible fashioned by God—a God no one has ever seen, and no one can prove even exists I hasten to add—to guide us. Sound familiar?
The irony is that the real threat to our American way of life, our American Dream, comes not so much from without, as the Bush Administration would have us all believe, but from within, which is the way all great civilizations have fallen. Fundamentalism is born of conservative thought, and conservative thought seeks the status quo in order to keep those in power, well in power. Fundamentalist hate changes in the form of progress because it weakens their power base by spreading the wealth so-to-speak. A civilization has never prospered under the thumb of Fundamentalism, and evidence of America’s backward slide is palpable in almost every facet of society.
I believe that religions were and are formed by men seeking to subjugate others (traditionally women ad minorities), and maintain power for themselves. Christianity’s noble underpinnings and principles have long been perverted by those with less than noble intent.
And as we (America) dwell on the false issues that the Fundamentalists bring to the table, which by the way are all of matter of freedom of choice, or fall well within well establish constitutionally established doctrine, the nations real problems remain unaddressed, and are allowed to fester. The doctrine of Separation of Church and State is a sound one based on history and Constitutional underpinnings, and the wall separating the two should not be allowed to be breached further.
The Culture of Corruption and Incompetence
Our president is a liar, and hence corrupted! The political talking heads on the Sunday morning talk show dance around the word by calling Bush’s statement misleading, but the man—a professed born again Christian, an Evangelical—is a lair. He lied about the reasons we went to war with Iraq; he lied about the intelligence he used to justify his little war; he lied about the cost of the Medicare Reform Act; he lied about the governments response to Hurricane Katrina; he lied about the NSA’s domestic spying program; he lied about knowing Jack Abramoff; the man is a liar. And if that were not bad enough, Bush is incompetent and the twin maladies have pervaded the entire government.
The Senate is broken and what we witnessed this past week is further evidence of its demise. –Senator John McCain
We know have a Culture of Corruption and Incompetence that seems to have pervaded the American government at all levels. If Clinton taught American teens that oral sex was no big deal, Bush has taught Republican politicians that it’s alright to lie, and be totally incompetent. But it’s alright, because apparently more then half the electorate (those with deep fundamentalist Christian roots) doesn’t seem to mind as long as you label the opposition amoral. It’s apparently more important to the Evangelicals (fundamentalists Christian) to have a candidate who opposes abortion than it is to have one who tells the truth and abides by the Constitution. Never mind that he has sinned by lying. It’s more important to talk about being moral than it is to actually exhibit the behavior yourself. It doesn’t seem to matter to more than half of the American populace that their government, on all levels, is increasingly failing them, as along as Jane Roe cannot have an abortion, and those darn Gays aren’t allowed to marry.
What was Medicare Part D? What was Katrina? What was the Energy Bill? Surely these are signs of growing government corruption and incompetence. The Senate, once widely respected as the world’s most deliberative body is dysfunctional; so too is the House of Representatives. And the federal courts are slowly declining because Congress fails to act on filling vacancies and giving the courts the funding they need; shameful!
Whatever happened to intellectual discourse guided by mutual respect and a common goal? What ever happened to shared values and the “can do” culture that used to exemplify America? What has happened to our national pride? Do our founding principles no longer matter to the vast majority of us?
What Cost Liberty?
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. –Benjamin Franklin
Across this great land our Fundamental (Constitutional) Rights as guaranteed under the federal constitution are being eroded both by the state and federal governments and by the people as we seek security at any cost. Once again, our society faces the greatest threat from within. It is not the terrorist who will strip or Constitution of its meaning and influence in the name of security, it’s our own government.
The USA Patriot Act (how ironically named), and the domestic spying debacle are just two examples of government morphing slowly into Big Brother. The NSA has been spying on Americans for some four years now without our knowledge; what else is the Bush White House up to without our knowledge? Are we as a nation really willing to sacrifice liberty at the alter of security at any cost. And once we achieve that security, what value will it be if we are not a free society?
Growing Leadership Vacuum
The signs of our demise are all around us, if we only care to look. And we lack the leadership to safety navigate the morass. Laura Bush recently stated that Senator Hillary Clinton should show some empathy when discussing the current occupant of the White House. Why? Its time to start calling a spade a spade; Bush is no leader; he is in fact a follower, a puppet, a face. The real power lies behind the man, and that is the problem. The President has to be his own man, he has to be a leader, and Bush is not; he is incompetent, inarticulate, and ill-suited to the job. Bush is a dullard, he lacks the vision and wisdom needed to fulfill the mission at hand, and We The People and the country are the losers. His Presidency should go down in history as the worse since the Grant Administration(s) following the Civil War.
And this lack of leadership does not confine itself the White House, it pervades the Congress, and the state government as well, with every few exceptions. Oh if we only had a leader! Bush is long on rhetoric and short on substance. What again is hybrid animal-human cloning?
In closing my fellow Americans, I state for the record, that the state of our nation is weak and decomposing by the day. From failing primary education to an ever increasing dependence on foreign oil; from incompetent and dysfunctional government to the rise of Evangelical Christianity and all that purports; from the War in Iraq, to the decreasing American influence abroad; from the growing immigration situation to the lack of leadership to resolve it; from the growing lower class, to the continued decay of our major cities; from the continued erosion of our manufacturing base to the growing health care crisis; from our ballooning national debt to our ballooning trade imbalance, we are a nation tittering on the edge of collapse; we are not sound by any measure…
The President gave his State of The Union Address on January 31, which painted an overly optimistic and largely false picture of the true state of our Republic. He said our Republic was sound when the sane among us know that it is anything but.
My fellow Americans I believe the state of our union is weak, perhaps as weak as it has been at anytime in our history save the period preceding the Civil War in 1861. The problems vexing the nation are many and complex, but our government(s) and people seem to lack the political and moral will to resolve them. As the nation becomes more culturally diversified, we are pulling further and further apart as a society, and nothing can be agreed to without a fight; the spirit of compromise and mutual respect that are supposed to mark a great working democracy, is vanishing. And this disunity of purpose across a broad range of issues leaves the nation vulnerable to all manner of negative internal and external influences that play on emotions at the expense of intellect informed by the principles that founded this nation, and the Constitution.
The Rising Threat of the Christian Right
While we fight the unending battle with Islamic fundamentalism that threatens our way of life from without, the rise of Christian fundamentalism here at home threatens our Republican Democracy from within. The continued matrimony of religion and politics across the broad spectrum of American politics threats our very way of life.
Abortion, Pray in Schools, the Pledge of Allegiance, Gay Marriage, The Ten Commandments in the public square, Stem Cell research, Intelligent Design, Abstinence only Sex Education, Terry Schivo(sp), and the Air Force religious regulations are all part of the Fundamentalists Christian Right’s crusade to fashion an America to their liking. The Christian Right see an America where the Constitution is but a quaint document whose time has come; who needs a document fashioned by flesh and blood man who is after all fallible, when we have the Holy Bible fashioned by God—a God no one has ever seen, and no one can prove even exists I hasten to add—to guide us. Sound familiar?
The irony is that the real threat to our American way of life, our American Dream, comes not so much from without, as the Bush Administration would have us all believe, but from within, which is the way all great civilizations have fallen. Fundamentalism is born of conservative thought, and conservative thought seeks the status quo in order to keep those in power, well in power. Fundamentalist hate changes in the form of progress because it weakens their power base by spreading the wealth so-to-speak. A civilization has never prospered under the thumb of Fundamentalism, and evidence of America’s backward slide is palpable in almost every facet of society.
I believe that religions were and are formed by men seeking to subjugate others (traditionally women ad minorities), and maintain power for themselves. Christianity’s noble underpinnings and principles have long been perverted by those with less than noble intent.
And as we (America) dwell on the false issues that the Fundamentalists bring to the table, which by the way are all of matter of freedom of choice, or fall well within well establish constitutionally established doctrine, the nations real problems remain unaddressed, and are allowed to fester. The doctrine of Separation of Church and State is a sound one based on history and Constitutional underpinnings, and the wall separating the two should not be allowed to be breached further.
The Culture of Corruption and Incompetence
Our president is a liar, and hence corrupted! The political talking heads on the Sunday morning talk show dance around the word by calling Bush’s statement misleading, but the man—a professed born again Christian, an Evangelical—is a lair. He lied about the reasons we went to war with Iraq; he lied about the intelligence he used to justify his little war; he lied about the cost of the Medicare Reform Act; he lied about the governments response to Hurricane Katrina; he lied about the NSA’s domestic spying program; he lied about knowing Jack Abramoff; the man is a liar. And if that were not bad enough, Bush is incompetent and the twin maladies have pervaded the entire government.
The Senate is broken and what we witnessed this past week is further evidence of its demise. –Senator John McCain
We know have a Culture of Corruption and Incompetence that seems to have pervaded the American government at all levels. If Clinton taught American teens that oral sex was no big deal, Bush has taught Republican politicians that it’s alright to lie, and be totally incompetent. But it’s alright, because apparently more then half the electorate (those with deep fundamentalist Christian roots) doesn’t seem to mind as long as you label the opposition amoral. It’s apparently more important to the Evangelicals (fundamentalists Christian) to have a candidate who opposes abortion than it is to have one who tells the truth and abides by the Constitution. Never mind that he has sinned by lying. It’s more important to talk about being moral than it is to actually exhibit the behavior yourself. It doesn’t seem to matter to more than half of the American populace that their government, on all levels, is increasingly failing them, as along as Jane Roe cannot have an abortion, and those darn Gays aren’t allowed to marry.
What was Medicare Part D? What was Katrina? What was the Energy Bill? Surely these are signs of growing government corruption and incompetence. The Senate, once widely respected as the world’s most deliberative body is dysfunctional; so too is the House of Representatives. And the federal courts are slowly declining because Congress fails to act on filling vacancies and giving the courts the funding they need; shameful!
Whatever happened to intellectual discourse guided by mutual respect and a common goal? What ever happened to shared values and the “can do” culture that used to exemplify America? What has happened to our national pride? Do our founding principles no longer matter to the vast majority of us?
What Cost Liberty?
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. –Benjamin Franklin
Across this great land our Fundamental (Constitutional) Rights as guaranteed under the federal constitution are being eroded both by the state and federal governments and by the people as we seek security at any cost. Once again, our society faces the greatest threat from within. It is not the terrorist who will strip or Constitution of its meaning and influence in the name of security, it’s our own government.
The USA Patriot Act (how ironically named), and the domestic spying debacle are just two examples of government morphing slowly into Big Brother. The NSA has been spying on Americans for some four years now without our knowledge; what else is the Bush White House up to without our knowledge? Are we as a nation really willing to sacrifice liberty at the alter of security at any cost. And once we achieve that security, what value will it be if we are not a free society?
Growing Leadership Vacuum
The signs of our demise are all around us, if we only care to look. And we lack the leadership to safety navigate the morass. Laura Bush recently stated that Senator Hillary Clinton should show some empathy when discussing the current occupant of the White House. Why? Its time to start calling a spade a spade; Bush is no leader; he is in fact a follower, a puppet, a face. The real power lies behind the man, and that is the problem. The President has to be his own man, he has to be a leader, and Bush is not; he is incompetent, inarticulate, and ill-suited to the job. Bush is a dullard, he lacks the vision and wisdom needed to fulfill the mission at hand, and We The People and the country are the losers. His Presidency should go down in history as the worse since the Grant Administration(s) following the Civil War.
And this lack of leadership does not confine itself the White House, it pervades the Congress, and the state government as well, with every few exceptions. Oh if we only had a leader! Bush is long on rhetoric and short on substance. What again is hybrid animal-human cloning?
In closing my fellow Americans, I state for the record, that the state of our nation is weak and decomposing by the day. From failing primary education to an ever increasing dependence on foreign oil; from incompetent and dysfunctional government to the rise of Evangelical Christianity and all that purports; from the War in Iraq, to the decreasing American influence abroad; from the growing immigration situation to the lack of leadership to resolve it; from the growing lower class, to the continued decay of our major cities; from the continued erosion of our manufacturing base to the growing health care crisis; from our ballooning national debt to our ballooning trade imbalance, we are a nation tittering on the edge of collapse; we are not sound by any measure…
Saturday, February 11, 2006
TIME.com: Miss Independent -- Feb. 13, 2006
TIME.com: Miss Independent -- Feb. 13, 2006 -- Page 1
I think Kelly Clarkson is enormously talented, but that on her second CD Breakaway that talent was somewhat eclipsed by the driving rock beats that accompanied her. The lyrics of the song themselves are worthy of mention and Ms. Clarkson shows some amazing emotional depth in their creation, but her beautiful voice was smothered loudness.
I enjoyed Thankful—Ms. Clarkson’s first release—far more than Breakaway and I only hope we get to hear more of her voice on her next release. Rock has never been to my tastes and perhaps that is part of the problem. BTW, the black jumper would work better if Kelly has a little more (well a lot more) upstairs to put in it.
Friday, February 10, 2006
CNN.com - Brown says he's been made Katrina scapegoat? - Feb 10, 2006
CNN.com - Brown says he's been made Katrina scapegoat! - Feb 10, 2006
Where it wine and cheese? But he is right and wrong.
The man was incredibly incompetent, and the bush Administration did make him the scapegoat for the unbelievable, stupefying, and embarrassing failures of leadership leading up to, during, and following Katrina. Who would have thought our government—at all levels—could fail so miserably!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Abramoff says he did indeed meet Bush - Politics - MSNBC.com
Abramoff says he did indeed meet Bush - Politics - MSNBC.com
The article speaks for itself. More lies, more lies, more lies…
The article speaks for itself. More lies, more lies, more lies…
Sunday, February 05, 2006
GOP senator calls spying reasons ?unrealistic? - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
GOP senator calls spying reasons ?unrealistic? - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com: "Sen. Arlen Specter"
Finally a Republican who is willing to speak out against the Bush Administration and call what the “All The Presidents’ Men” were doing—and are doing—in the name of national security.
“Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ explanations so far for the Bush administration’s failure to obtain warrants for its domestic surveillance program are ‘strained’ and ‘unrealistic,” Senator Arlen Specter, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman said on Sunday.
How right the Senator is, and Gonzales as the nation highest law enforcement officer, should know better. Can you say Impeachment?
Finally a Republican who is willing to speak out against the Bush Administration and call what the “All The Presidents’ Men” were doing—and are doing—in the name of national security.
“Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ explanations so far for the Bush administration’s failure to obtain warrants for its domestic surveillance program are ‘strained’ and ‘unrealistic,” Senator Arlen Specter, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman said on Sunday.
How right the Senator is, and Gonzales as the nation highest law enforcement officer, should know better. Can you say Impeachment?
Lebanese protesters torch Danish mission - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com
Lebanese protesters torch Danish mission - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com
Is this complete and utter madness or what. Is the finest example of human evolution? Muslims around the world wonder why their image suffers from the blight of negatively and is forever tainted with the stain of violence and intolerance need look no further than the events of the past week to enlighten them.
In many ways Muslims (mostly men) are still laboring in the 11th century, believing that their religion is beyond reproach and or the critical or satirical pen(s) of the world. So while thousand of Muslims take to the streets in all over the world in protest of a cartoon(?!), and acting like Jr. High School bullies walking hand-n-hand with elementary school babies throwing a tantrum, the West (and any sane person) looks on again and roundly condemns such tomfoolery.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Senate passes $70 billion tax-cut bill - Politics - MSNBC.com
Senate passes $70 billion tax-cut bill - Politics - MSNBC.com
More of that fantastic Republican leadership! Let’s hear it for the Contract With America!
More of that fantastic Republican leadership! Let’s hear it for the Contract With America!
Sunday, January 29, 2006
USATODAY.com - Bush to propose trimming Army Reserve
USATODAY.com - Bush to propose trimming Army Reserve
And now for the ultimate insult; is Bush kidding? Cut the Army Reserve? Is he living in the same world as the rest of us? A very scathing report (two actually) just detailed how the U.S. Army is on the razors edge of desegregating because of ongoing and continuing operations, 30% (and rising) of which is made up of Army Reserve and National Guard units, how can any sane Commander-n-Chief think of cutting forces? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS ADMINISTRATION?
Try using some of that tax cut money to boaster the nation’s defense in a time-o-war! We are at war aren’t we?
And now for the ultimate insult; is Bush kidding? Cut the Army Reserve? Is he living in the same world as the rest of us? A very scathing report (two actually) just detailed how the U.S. Army is on the razors edge of desegregating because of ongoing and continuing operations, 30% (and rising) of which is made up of Army Reserve and National Guard units, how can any sane Commander-n-Chief think of cutting forces? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS ADMINISTRATION?
Try using some of that tax cut money to boaster the nation’s defense in a time-o-war! We are at war aren’t we?
Audit: Funds for Iraq rebuilding squandered - Politics - MSNBC.com
Audit: Funds for Iraq rebuilding squandered - Politics - MSNBC.com
Dealing with the Bush Administration and its ever growing record of ineptitude is troubling for We The People and the world. WHAT IS GOING ON? Has an administration ever been this unethical, immoral, and totally without leadership? Bush makes Nixon look like a Teletubby, the pink one. How could we have elected this simpleton a second time?
Dealing with the Bush Administration and its ever growing record of ineptitude is troubling for We The People and the world. WHAT IS GOING ON? Has an administration ever been this unethical, immoral, and totally without leadership? Bush makes Nixon look like a Teletubby, the pink one. How could we have elected this simpleton a second time?
Exclusive: Direct Talks?U.S. Officials and Iraqi Insurgents - Newsweek Politics - MSNBC.com
Exclusive: Direct Talks?U.S. Officials and Iraqi Insurgents - Newsweek Politics - MSNBC.com
So much for the proclamations that the United States does not negotiate with terrorists, a label the Bush Administration has used to describe the Sunni insurgency. And yet another lie told to the American people and the world, and yet another betrayal of our trust. It’s a terrible thing to mistrust your government…
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Pharmacists sue Walgreen over contraceptives - Women's Health - MSNBC.com
Pharmacists sue Walgreen over contraceptives - Women's Health - MSNBC.com
Here’s hoping they lose! Does that sound mean? I don’t know about you but I am tired of Christians foisting their (alleged) morals on the rest of us. I steadfastly oppose the Pharmacists’ assertion that they should be able to refuse treatment to those with legitimate prescriptions from their doctors. And who are they—the Pharmacists—to interfere in the doctor/patient relationship?
They were given an out, but in their arrogance refused to take it. Why not work a shift where they were not the only Pharmacists on duty, so they could refer the patient/customer to a collogue? Or why not accept Walgreens offer to move to another Pharmacy out of state? I can hear the argument: why should they have to move, but turn it around; why should a patient be denied legitimately prescribed medication? Keep faith out of the workplace, out of government, and out of licensed professions.
Here’s hoping they lose! Does that sound mean? I don’t know about you but I am tired of Christians foisting their (alleged) morals on the rest of us. I steadfastly oppose the Pharmacists’ assertion that they should be able to refuse treatment to those with legitimate prescriptions from their doctors. And who are they—the Pharmacists—to interfere in the doctor/patient relationship?
They were given an out, but in their arrogance refused to take it. Why not work a shift where they were not the only Pharmacists on duty, so they could refer the patient/customer to a collogue? Or why not accept Walgreens offer to move to another Pharmacy out of state? I can hear the argument: why should they have to move, but turn it around; why should a patient be denied legitimately prescribed medication? Keep faith out of the workplace, out of government, and out of licensed professions.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Hamas captures election majority, officials say - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com
Hamas captures election majority, officials say - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com
The Middle East just got a whole lot more interesting…
The Middle East just got a whole lot more interesting…
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
CNN.com - Army stretched to breaking point, report says - Jan 25, 2006
CNN.com - Army stretched to breaking point, report says - Jan 25, 2006
I wondered how long it would take before a report like this hit the streets. Of course it will make few waves in the ocean of the American publics’ opinion of the war, or their attention span. There will be no public outcry, nor demonstrations on the streets of campuses of our nation; everyone is too preoccupied with themselves to care about the nations soldiers.
I have long advocated the creation and staffing of at least two new Army Corps each in Iraq and Afghanistan; an Army Corp consists of between 20,000 and 45,000 men. But what is really needed is a whole new theater Army consisting of 50,000 men plus, just in Iraq alone.
This of course would mean re-instituting the draft which no one in Congress or the Bush Administration has the courage or leadership to propose, let alone act on. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army fight for it life, and will be left ill-prepared to fight an all out war for years to come. Iran can breathe easy; the U.S. will not be invading anytime soon, thanks to Bush and his crooked little war.
The strange, sad, maddening, and increasingly puzzling thing is that the military by-and-large still support Bush (scratching head).
Friday, January 20, 2006
Rove: War on terrorism central in elections - Politics - MSNBC.com
Rove: War on terrorism central in elections - Politics - MSNBC.com
The groundhog has emerged from his hole—ahead of schedule I might add—but just in time to spew his lines of lies and slander for the up-coming elections. Who is this seriously troubled man anyway, that any American should give him heed?
“Republicans have a post-9/11 view of the world. And Democrats have a pre-9/11 view of the world…That doesn’t make them unpatriotic, not at all. But it does make them wrong — deeply and profoundly and consistently wrong.”
Yes, the Republicans have a post-9/11 view of the world, and in it America is no longer a Democratic Republic, for, by, and of We The People, but a country slowly turning towards dictatorship and radical Christian fundamentalism. The Republican view of America sees the Constitution discarded to be replaced by the absolute power of the Executive Branch cheered on by the Christian Right. The Republican view of America would see the populace ruled by fear; fear of terror and fear of their own government. The Republican view of America would see trust in government by the People replaced by the mistrust, deceit and the erosion of our once lauded Civil Institutions. The Republican view of America would see Common Law replaced by the God’s law with the Holy Bible at its center.
Yes, let us all hail the Republican view of America…
Thursday, January 19, 2006
CNN.com - Junk-food suit targets Nickelodeon, Kellogg - Jan 18, 2006
CNN.com - Junk-food suit targets Nickelodeon, Kellogg - Jan 18, 2006
“Wakefield, Massachusetts, mother Sherri Carlson said she tries her best to get her three kids to eat healthy foods…” Questions for Ms. Carlson, and the other plaintiff in this silly case: who is the parent in this situation; who buys the groceries; does your television have an on/off switch and channel changing knob or button; have you ever heard of the word NO?
I have children and they ask for sugary food, and I say NO! And guess what it works for me, Nickelodeon characters notwithstanding. Note to blubbering parents: don’t blame television and a cereal company for your lack of parenting skills! Let’s hope this one gets throw out of court…
“Wakefield, Massachusetts, mother Sherri Carlson said she tries her best to get her three kids to eat healthy foods…” Questions for Ms. Carlson, and the other plaintiff in this silly case: who is the parent in this situation; who buys the groceries; does your television have an on/off switch and channel changing knob or button; have you ever heard of the word NO?
I have children and they ask for sugary food, and I say NO! And guess what it works for me, Nickelodeon characters notwithstanding. Note to blubbering parents: don’t blame television and a cereal company for your lack of parenting skills! Let’s hope this one gets throw out of court…
CNN.com - High court dodges abortion ruling - Jan 18, 2006
CNN.com - High court dodges abortion ruling - Jan 18, 2006
And so it begins; the slow piece-by-piece dismantling of Roe and the right of American women to have a legal abortion. It continues to dismay me why more women are not up in arms about their continued subjugation at the hand of White American males, God notwithstanding. Women have made tremendous strides in this country to come out from under the thumb of men, but on this pivotal issue famine America is mostly mute. What is at stake here is far more than the right to have an abortion; it is the fundamental right to privacy, and to be secure in our persons…
I can understand abhorring the practice of abortion, I do so myself, but the right to have one should be a personal decision left up the woman who has to carry the baby to term. Who is any male to tell a female that she must carry a baby to term, father or no?
It is interesting, ironic, and disturbing that the interest in sustaining human life by most Christians ends when the baby is born. This is starkly illustrated by the almost fanatical resistance by most Americans—the majority of which claim to be Christians—to socialized medicine, and support for the death penalty.
With the certain confirmation of Sam Alito, American women should prepare themselves for back alley abortion, or be prepared to go to Canada or Mexico for the procedure. It is the beginning of the end, of legalized abortion in the United States.
U.S. fights insurgents? grip on Iraqi oil city - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
U.S. fights insurgents grip on Iraqi oil city - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
This story speaks volumes about the need early on in the Iraq War for adequate numbers of troops. You cannot occupy a country—any country—with air power and smart bombs, you need boots on the group, you need presence. Because the civilian leadership in Washington lead by Bush failed the military, young men and women continue to die unnecessarily, the lesson of Vietnam all but forgotten, but the stain of that war is worn on every American uniform, a vivid reminder of failed and inept civilian leadership.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
High court upholds Oregon assisted-suicide law - The Changing Court - MSNBC.com
High court upholds Oregon assisted-suicide law - The Changing Court - MSNBC.com
“authority claimed by the attorney general is both beyond his expertise and incongruous with the statutory purposes and design.” --Justice Anthony Kennedy
Lets here it for states rights, and the right to determine when and where you die! Isn’t interesting and ironic that three Republicans (conservatives) on the court, who are supposed to be champions of states right’s dissented? Once again, Republicans are straying from their stated philosophy and platform?
“authority claimed by the attorney general is both beyond his expertise and incongruous with the statutory purposes and design.” --Justice Anthony Kennedy
Lets here it for states rights, and the right to determine when and where you die! Isn’t interesting and ironic that three Republicans (conservatives) on the court, who are supposed to be champions of states right’s dissented? Once again, Republicans are straying from their stated philosophy and platform?
Monday, January 16, 2006
Abramoff scandal threatens GOP ascendancy - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
Abramoff scandal threatens GOP ascendancy - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
I always wondered when Holier-the-Thou Christian foot shoulder, The Right Hand of God, Ralph Reed would fall from grace and in what form that tumble would take. I thought it would be the usual, sex, but instead it greed (one of the seven deadly sins), and lying (one of the Ten Commandments). It was never a question of if the man would fall, but when; the self-righteous always have something to hide, some darkness lurking in the basement of their lily white personas.
Should I gloat? Not now, but after he loses the Lt. Governors race; then I’ll do a little jig!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Rep. Bob Ney temporarily quits House post - Politics - MSNBC.com
Rep. Bob Ney temporarily quits House post - Politics - MSNBC.com
And oh the wretched wicked, crooked Republicans are falling like leaves from the New England trees in autumn, but they are not nearly as colorful or beautiful, just sad and pathetic.
Support for DeLay erodes at home, poll finds - Politics - MSNBC.com
Support for DeLay erodes at home, poll finds - Politics - MSNBC.com
Tom Delay’s woes only worsen as time spin inexorably towards the mod-term elections in November of this year. Will he remain in office? At one time I would have answered no, of course not, how could he? But now I am uncertain, after all a majority of my fellow citizens thought is wise to elect Bush, not once, but twice! In country filled with such misguided loyalty to Party and willful ignorance of the world anything is possible. We can only hope enough Americans have sobered up to vote for someone else. Someone not so overtly corrupt, and who might actually give a damn about their needs.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Democrat says Alito hearings may be pointless - The Changing Court - MSNBC.com
Democrat says Alito hearings may be pointless - The Changing Court - MSNBC.comWhat a pretty impasse we’ve come to as a country, as a Republic. The acrimony is so deep, and the partisanship so thick that our system of governance is breaking down piece by fractured, dysfunctional piece, and We The People are the losers. Speaking on the Today show today Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., stated that, “The system's kind of broken.”
He was of course referring to the Senate’s Constitutional duties of advice and consent, and the current confirmation proceedings of one Samuel Alito. As I have listened to the proceedings, one thing is abundantly clear: the Democrats are asking all of the questions, and the Republicans are making all of the grand speeches and pronouncements in support of Judge Alito. The Republicans are in effect acting as character witnesses for the Judge who would be justice and as such are abrogating their responsibility as impartial Senators. It would actually be amusing the watch and listen to if it were not so sad and wholly predictable.
My respect for the Republican Party never very high to begin with is almost non-existent. Do any of them have a voice of their own? Except for John McCain, they all act like Stepford Wives, acting, speaking, and voting as one. Whatever happened to integrity and loyal to country before Party?
Biden went on to say on the Today show: “Americans should know how a nominee interprets the Constitution on key social views, but since nominees refuse to discuss their interpretations, citing the possibility they’d have to rule on them in the future, the hearings serve no real purpose…”
Sadly I couldn’t agree more with the Senator…The American government under Bush’s leadership continues to decay and fracture. Lets us hope the American people come to their senses and turn the failed Republican leadership team in Congress out at the end of this year; the country and the Constitution can’t take much “Republican leadership and moral suasion.”
He was of course referring to the Senate’s Constitutional duties of advice and consent, and the current confirmation proceedings of one Samuel Alito. As I have listened to the proceedings, one thing is abundantly clear: the Democrats are asking all of the questions, and the Republicans are making all of the grand speeches and pronouncements in support of Judge Alito. The Republicans are in effect acting as character witnesses for the Judge who would be justice and as such are abrogating their responsibility as impartial Senators. It would actually be amusing the watch and listen to if it were not so sad and wholly predictable.
My respect for the Republican Party never very high to begin with is almost non-existent. Do any of them have a voice of their own? Except for John McCain, they all act like Stepford Wives, acting, speaking, and voting as one. Whatever happened to integrity and loyal to country before Party?
Biden went on to say on the Today show: “Americans should know how a nominee interprets the Constitution on key social views, but since nominees refuse to discuss their interpretations, citing the possibility they’d have to rule on them in the future, the hearings serve no real purpose…”
Sadly I couldn’t agree more with the Senator…The American government under Bush’s leadership continues to decay and fracture. Lets us hope the American people come to their senses and turn the failed Republican leadership team in Congress out at the end of this year; the country and the Constitution can’t take much “Republican leadership and moral suasion.”
Sunday, January 08, 2006
States Intervene After Drug Plan Hits Early Snags - New York Times
States Intervene After Drug Plan Hits Early Snags - New York Times
The Bush sponsored Culture of Incompetence that seem to be infecting the federal government, remains on track this year; how refreshing! I have personal experience with this nonsense; I waited over an hour for my mother-in-law to fill her prescription(s) at the local Walgreen’s. She ended up having to pay full price for the medications because the pharmacist could not verify her enrollment information; he kept getting a busy signal when he called the Medicare Help Desk.
Members of Congress should be ashamed of themselves for passing such an outwardly stupid and counter-productive law. Our senior citizens deserve better then this; the program is a national disgrace. How many of us predicted this would happen? If your Congressman voted for this abysmal law, show him, or her, your displeasure by voting them out of office! They are messing with people’s lives here; the free market should be damned!
The Bush sponsored Culture of Incompetence that seem to be infecting the federal government, remains on track this year; how refreshing! I have personal experience with this nonsense; I waited over an hour for my mother-in-law to fill her prescription(s) at the local Walgreen’s. She ended up having to pay full price for the medications because the pharmacist could not verify her enrollment information; he kept getting a busy signal when he called the Medicare Help Desk.
Members of Congress should be ashamed of themselves for passing such an outwardly stupid and counter-productive law. Our senior citizens deserve better then this; the program is a national disgrace. How many of us predicted this would happen? If your Congressman voted for this abysmal law, show him, or her, your displeasure by voting them out of office! They are messing with people’s lives here; the free market should be damned!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Analysts: Bush spying rationale legally shaky - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
Analysts: Bush spying rationale legally shaky - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
“It appears unlikely that a court would hold that Congress has ... authorized the NSA electronic surveillance operations here under discussion.”
Can you say Impeachment? Not while the Republicans are in charge of both chambers of Congress, they lack the political will, moral suasion, and courage. And so too do the Democrats who remained largely silent on this issue of gross Presidential misconduct; oh if they (the Democrats) only had a backbone. My fellow Americans we are losing our Republic, can you hear the sounds of the chains clinking in the hallowed halls of Congress and on the stately benches of the Supreme Court?
While we were shopping the messy aisles of the local Wal-Mart the Republicans were stealing our freedoms, doing from within what Osama longs to do from without. What constitution is this lying on the floor with muddy boot print of Republican oppression firmly affixed to the words We The People?
While We The People cower in fear, the denizens of conservatism draw ever near with hands extended and at frightful leer, they aim to close the door to liberty all to the rousing cheer of the security mom and the NACAR dad guzzling a cold can of beer.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
As Detroit falters, Asian makers pick up speed - Road Work Ahead - MSNBC.com
As Detroit falters, Asian makers pick up speed - Road Work Ahead - MSNBC.comWhy are American auto maker so foolishly short-sided? Way back in the later seventies and early eighties the Japanese automakers showed they had what it took to build the cars Americans wanted, and the juggernaut has not stopped since then. Any moron could predict that fuel prices were going to rise once more; oil after all cannot last forever.
With all the cash and engineering talent the Detroit Three have at their disposal, how could they not have come up with at least one decent hybrid vehicle. GM should have devoted Saturn to this cause, with every car they produce a cost conscience, fuel efficient car or truck. How hard can that have been? I mean really?
When will American industry take its eye off the quarter and adopt a five-year plan? How about some vision, some leadership, some INNOVATION! And oh yeah UAW wake and smell the future before you don’t have one! Earth to UAW, ever heard of a partnership, compromise?
With all the cash and engineering talent the Detroit Three have at their disposal, how could they not have come up with at least one decent hybrid vehicle. GM should have devoted Saturn to this cause, with every car they produce a cost conscience, fuel efficient car or truck. How hard can that have been? I mean really?
When will American industry take its eye off the quarter and adopt a five-year plan? How about some vision, some leadership, some INNOVATION! And oh yeah UAW wake and smell the future before you don’t have one! Earth to UAW, ever heard of a partnership, compromise?
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Top lobbyist to plead guilty in casino cases - Politics - MSNBC.com
Top lobbyist to plead guilty in casino cases - Politics - MSNBC.comFinally! Now maybe we’ll get some movement on the investigation into crooked members of Congress, no matter what Party they belong to. But honestly I hope this is the beginning of the end of Tom Dely’s career in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Twas The Night Before Christmas
Right before Christmas my eleven year daughter announced that it didn’t feel like Christmas, that something was off this year. It wasn’t the lack of snow and cold that usually accompany Christmas into town like a welcome friend; there were plenty of both in the air. It was something far less tangible, but nevertheless equally as vital in order for Christmas to have real meaning.
Perhaps it’s the War in Iraq that seems to drag on without end, despite the far too rosy gloss applied by the Bush administration; or perhaps the perpetual death cloud that hangs over the place and threatens to cover the entire world with its stench; or perhaps it’s the unending downward spiral of the African sub-continent as its people struggle to enter the 21st-century alive. Or perhaps it’s the lingering, festering problems here at home; the widening morass in New Orleans where everything seems to spark an argument and the leadership vacuum continues to vex; or perhaps it’s the feeling that America is heading in the wrong direction under the quasi-leadership of a man without a clue; or perhaps it was the Religious Rights’ insistence that everyone in the country celebrate Christmas their way by bring pointless lawsuitsand boycotts against those who dared declare Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.
Or perhaps it’s a combination of all of these factors that left me and mine with a feeling that Christmas 2005 was just another day; the spirit of the day had been leached off little-by-little until there was nothing left to celebrate. The reason for the season was immaterial, lost in an ever increase deluge of violence, whining, bad behavior, and bad feelings. And let’s not forget the endless store sales and sales number that have little to do with the birth of Christ, but have supplanted him as the reason to celebrate Christmas.
When I was a child Christmas was a magical period despite the fact that we had very little, and got very little on Christmas day. The whole month of December was filled with the stuff of Christmas; finding the right tree and decorating it; watching the Christmas; watching the same Christmas cartoons year after year, hoping for the first snow to come in time for the holidays; and the excitement of Christmas Eve. These were all part of growing up in America as a child; not anymore. Trees are increasingly artificial (including mine), the cartoons are all but gone, and so are the special feelings…
It is true that few adults find magic in Christmas anymore, but up until this year, I did look forward to the holiday (somewhat). But this past year, even my wife who loves Christmas, was glad to see it come and go its un-merry way. Has America with its now incessant infighting and bickering over the smallest of topics and myopic pursuit of money and material over all other pursuits, finally succeeded in killing Christmas? Has it become just another day off, yet another excuse to shop? Will the magic ever return, will it ever be a Merry Christmas again? What would Jesus think?
Perhaps it’s the War in Iraq that seems to drag on without end, despite the far too rosy gloss applied by the Bush administration; or perhaps the perpetual death cloud that hangs over the place and threatens to cover the entire world with its stench; or perhaps it’s the unending downward spiral of the African sub-continent as its people struggle to enter the 21st-century alive. Or perhaps it’s the lingering, festering problems here at home; the widening morass in New Orleans where everything seems to spark an argument and the leadership vacuum continues to vex; or perhaps it’s the feeling that America is heading in the wrong direction under the quasi-leadership of a man without a clue; or perhaps it was the Religious Rights’ insistence that everyone in the country celebrate Christmas their way by bring pointless lawsuitsand boycotts against those who dared declare Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.
Or perhaps it’s a combination of all of these factors that left me and mine with a feeling that Christmas 2005 was just another day; the spirit of the day had been leached off little-by-little until there was nothing left to celebrate. The reason for the season was immaterial, lost in an ever increase deluge of violence, whining, bad behavior, and bad feelings. And let’s not forget the endless store sales and sales number that have little to do with the birth of Christ, but have supplanted him as the reason to celebrate Christmas.
When I was a child Christmas was a magical period despite the fact that we had very little, and got very little on Christmas day. The whole month of December was filled with the stuff of Christmas; finding the right tree and decorating it; watching the Christmas; watching the same Christmas cartoons year after year, hoping for the first snow to come in time for the holidays; and the excitement of Christmas Eve. These were all part of growing up in America as a child; not anymore. Trees are increasingly artificial (including mine), the cartoons are all but gone, and so are the special feelings…
It is true that few adults find magic in Christmas anymore, but up until this year, I did look forward to the holiday (somewhat). But this past year, even my wife who loves Christmas, was glad to see it come and go its un-merry way. Has America with its now incessant infighting and bickering over the smallest of topics and myopic pursuit of money and material over all other pursuits, finally succeeded in killing Christmas? Has it become just another day off, yet another excuse to shop? Will the magic ever return, will it ever be a Merry Christmas again? What would Jesus think?
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Lies and the Lying Liars Who Break The Law and Spy on Americans
Well the (domestic spying) plot thickens and so do the lies told by the Bush Administration in an effort to deceive the American people. In case you haven’t heard, Bush authorized (in his secret Executive Order) the NSA to tap into telecommunication hubs throughout the United States—all without a warrant—in an effort to get those ever elusive terrorists.
To its credit, the Administration reluctantly admitted half of the truth, but of course left the juicer tidbits on the White House basement floor for the real patriots to shift through and expose the appalling truth to the world. Yes, fellow American, our President (and I use the term very, very loosely) has morphed into an un-enlightened despot while the majority of us were cowering in our basements muttering “give me security, make me safe Mr. President, I’m afraid of everything. I don’t give a damn about my Fundamental or Civil Rights; the Bill of Rights, what is that?” But I digress.
From the New York Times Article:
As other enlightened pundits have pointed out, liberty is stolen from the populace in bits and pieces usually under the guise of protecting national security. But I ask you, fellow Americans, if we loose our freedom, will this American society, this American Republic be worth defending? Our government, led by our slow-witted and malleable President is slowly turning America into what we are supposed to be fighting, and in the process defecating on the very Constitution they have sworn to uphold and protect. Never forget, the Nazi’s were voted into office, and those who ignore history’s life-affirming lessons do so at their peril. Aren’t you tired of being lied to?
To its credit, the Administration reluctantly admitted half of the truth, but of course left the juicer tidbits on the White House basement floor for the real patriots to shift through and expose the appalling truth to the world. Yes, fellow American, our President (and I use the term very, very loosely) has morphed into an un-enlightened despot while the majority of us were cowering in our basements muttering “give me security, make me safe Mr. President, I’m afraid of everything. I don’t give a damn about my Fundamental or Civil Rights; the Bill of Rights, what is that?” But I digress.
From the New York Times Article:
“Citing current and former government officials, the Times said the information was collected by tapping directly into some of the U.S. telecommunication system’s main arteries. The officials said the NSA won the cooperation of telecommunications companies to obtain access to both domestic and international communications without first gaining warrants.”
As other enlightened pundits have pointed out, liberty is stolen from the populace in bits and pieces usually under the guise of protecting national security. But I ask you, fellow Americans, if we loose our freedom, will this American society, this American Republic be worth defending? Our government, led by our slow-witted and malleable President is slowly turning America into what we are supposed to be fighting, and in the process defecating on the very Constitution they have sworn to uphold and protect. Never forget, the Nazi’s were voted into office, and those who ignore history’s life-affirming lessons do so at their peril. Aren’t you tired of being lied to?
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
CNN.com - Report: Bush eased domestic spy rules after 9/11 - Dec 16, 2005
CNN.com - Report: Bush eased domestic spy rules after 9/11 - Dec 16, 2005
As a former member of Naval Security Group who routinely participated in foreign intelligence operations on behalf of NSA, I state categorically state that what the President authorized is a violation of Federal law. Before each mission it was drilled into our heads that we were not to target Americans anywhere! If we encountered communications by Americans we were to cease and desist.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Bush Administration is a threat to the American way of life. No American is supposed to be above the law of our nation even the President. If proven, this is grounds for impeachment!
As a former member of Naval Security Group who routinely participated in foreign intelligence operations on behalf of NSA, I state categorically state that what the President authorized is a violation of Federal law. Before each mission it was drilled into our heads that we were not to target Americans anywhere! If we encountered communications by Americans we were to cease and desist.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Bush Administration is a threat to the American way of life. No American is supposed to be above the law of our nation even the President. If proven, this is grounds for impeachment!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Autumn of Discontent - Newsweek Politics - MSNBC.com
Autumn of Discontent - Newsweek Politics - MSNBC.com
Ahh, the American people are coming to their collective senses…the poll says it all, I need not say more…
Thursday, November 10, 2005
CNN.com - Frist concerned more about leaks than secret prisons - Nov 10, 2005
CNN.com - Frist concerned more about leaks than secret prisons - Nov 10, 2005
Every time I start to get a warm and fuzzy about Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, he opens his month and says something really stupid and ruins it all. So the man is more concerned about leaks—which are a part of Washington politics as scandals, sex with interns, and graft—but he is not concerned about the undermining of American ethics and values, not to mention a gross subversion of the law! Is it okay to use the word Nazi and Frist in the same sentence, or would that be considered poor taste?
"My concern is with leaks of information that jeopardize your safety and security -- period," Frist said, but the continued ill-treatment of Muslims and others does nothing to undermine the so-called War on Terror? We have become that which we despise; we are the bully, the aggressor, that country that spits on the façade of the Scales of Justice; that nation whose people think themselves above the law. We are no longer a nation whose government respects the rights of others, but a nation whose government looks, acts, and speaks like a third world dictatorship. We are the nation that no longer respects human rights, we are the nation other nations should and do fear, we are no longer the shinning light on the hill (as if we ever were), we are instead the hill itself, dark, hard, and unfeeling. Our Constitution is dying a slow wicked death at the hand of men without principles our moral suasion. God (if there is one) no longer blesses us…
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Dover voters oust intelligent design supporters - Science - MSNBC.com
Dover voters oust intelligent design supporters - Science - MSNBC.com
Ahh, the voice of reason and sanity still exists in America! Go Dover PA!
Ahh, the voice of reason and sanity still exists in America! Go Dover PA!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
CNN.com - Kansas school board redefines science - Nov 8, 2005
CNN.com - Kansas school board redefines science - Nov 8, 2005
Just when you thought it was save to learn again in Kansas the level-headed, radial folks on the state Board of Education have once again proved that ignorance comes in the form of religion and religious intolerance. Though the proponents of Intelligent Design insist that religion does not play a part in the fabrication of their fantasy, those with half, hell a quarter of a brain can make the connection between God and ID.
Pity the poor children of Kansas, and shame on the parents who would allow their children to be mis-educated, misled, and disadvantaged by such nonsense.
CNN.com - Eyes On the Off-Year Election Prize!
CNN.com - Eyes focus on tight New Jersey, Virginia races - Nov 8, 2005
Time to see if the American people have awoken from their 9/11 induced stupor in which half of us were led to believe that the Republican Party was the answer to all ills; that its members had the lock on leadership, even if their collective vision and common sense was hampered by a haughtiness that would do Hitler proud (did I say that?).
In addition, it is time to see if the citizens of Detroit, MI have had enough of a corrupt Mayor who acts more like an African dictator then mayor of a dying (major) American city, whose inhabitants are close to 85% Black. How about citizens of Detroit do you deserve better, or are you content to see your once proud city dye while Kwame Kilpatrick parties the night away on your dime(s)?
And in California, the experiment in true Democracy—albeit failing—is once more rearing it ugly head, spurred on as it is by the actor turned terrible Governor. Will the largely Democratic state—the largest in the Union in terms of population—tell Arnold not to bother coming back for a second term? Lets hope so!
Monday, November 07, 2005
BBC NEWS | Europe | French plan curfews to stop riots
BBC NEWS | Europe | French plan curfews to stop riots
What is going on in France? Who would have thought 12 days ago that such a thing could happen in France? But racial tensions have been brewing under the veneer of French society for quite some time now. And France is not alone in its immigrant tribulations; Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Denmark, indeed most of Western Europe also have large immigrant populations. Might rioting in one, some, or all of these nations be next? How long before the French get fed up wit the systematic destruction of their cities and resort to violence the put down the uprising?
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Friday, November 04, 2005
Embattled ex-chairman resigns from PBS board - TELEVISION - MSNBC.com
Embattled ex-chairman resigns from PBS board - TELEVISION - MSNBC.com
Anyone who listens to or watches NPR or PBS on a regular basis is well aware of the dark cloud of Conservatism surrounding Tomlinson’s tenure as head of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Saying that NPR and PBS were biased towards the liberal viewpoint, Tomlinson tried his best to move both institutions to the political right, much to the chagrin and amazement of longtime listeners who know better like myself.
I, for one am glad he is gone, and is taking with him his skewed viewpoint of the world.
Anyone who listens to or watches NPR or PBS on a regular basis is well aware of the dark cloud of Conservatism surrounding Tomlinson’s tenure as head of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Saying that NPR and PBS were biased towards the liberal viewpoint, Tomlinson tried his best to move both institutions to the political right, much to the chagrin and amazement of longtime listeners who know better like myself.
I, for one am glad he is gone, and is taking with him his skewed viewpoint of the world.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
AP: E-mails show new dimension in DeLay case - Politics - MSNBC.com
AP: E-mails show new dimension in DeLay case - Politics - MSNBC.com
And the liar lies get darker and Delays betrayal of the American people grows deeper. Are these people (Republican Congressman) so near-sided that they lost touch with the real reason they entered public service? The whole episode is nauseating in the extreme.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
CIA holds terror suspects in secret prisons - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
CIA holds terror suspects in secret prisons - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com
What kind of country has Bush and his Republican Party turned the U.S. into. Are we now morphing into a country where the rule of law is no longer respected? What is happening to us; are we becoming that which we fought so long to overcome. What happened to our moral suasion, our principles as Americans? Have we brought to power a Party that is so arrogant that they believe that they do not have to follow the Constitution? Absolute power corrupts absolutely; never has this maxim be so apt…
BBC NEWS | Europe | Paris riots prompt extra security
BBC NEWS | Europe | Paris riots prompt extra security
Who knew the French were so passionate. France has long had a love/hate relationship with its growing immigrant population, most of whom come from former French colonies across Africa. It just so happens that many as Muslim as well, which only adds to ardor of the immigrant population whenever they feel Islam has been slighted.
I am growing increasingly convinced that religion does more harm then good in human communities. Perhaps it time we divested ourselves of it and began to accept the world as it is and not how we might want it to be.
Monday, October 31, 2005
CNN.com - Bush Nominates Alito to Supreme Court - Oct 31, 2005
CNN.com - Bush nominates Alito to Supreme Court - Oct 31, 2005
Listen can you here it, listen closely, it’s a chorus of conservative right wing Republican religious zealots praising Bush’s latest appointment t0 the nation’s highest court. They finally have “their” man, the judge who is going to help them push their narrow minded religious inspired and informed agenda upon America. Who needs freedom anyway?
Judge Alito is widely considered to be the Scalia clone the Conservative Right has been clamoring for; MSNBC cataloged some of Alito’s most notable decisions:
ACLU v. Schundler
168 F.3d 92 (3d Cir. 1999)
Wrote the opinion in a case that said a Christmas display on city property did not violate separation of church and state doctrines because it included a large plastic Santa Claus as well as religious symbols.
Planned Parenthood v. Casey
947 F.2d 682 (3d Cir. 1991)
Disagreed with the majority in a ruling striking down a Pennsylvania law that required women to notify their husbands if they planned to get an abortion.
Fatin v. INS
12 F.3d 1233 (3d Cir. 1993)
Agreed with the majority that an Iranian woman seeking U.S. asylum could establish eligibility by showing that she had an abhorrence of her country's "gender-specific laws and repressive social norms," or because of a belief in feminism or membership in a feminist group.
Friday, October 28, 2005
BBC NEWS | Indictment rocks Bush administration
BBC NEWS | Indictment rocks Bush administration
Two Down…
How many will fall before this widening scandal is quit? What ever happened to vaunted Republican virtue, integrity, and moral suasion? All seem to have been lost in a virtual maelstrom of corruption, greed, arrogance, hubris, myopic pursuits, and damned lies. It is refreshing however, that the American system of justice is working, albeit slowly to bring these thugs to heal; stay tuned…
Thursday, October 27, 2005
CNN.com - Gov. Bush: Wilma response will 'be better' - Oct 27, 2005
CNN.com - Gov. Bush: Wilma response will 'be better' - Oct 27, 2005
I am in total agreement with Governor Bush on this issue, and I applaud his courage and his willingness to tell it like it is. The residents of Florida are no strangers to the strength, ferocity and capricious nature of hurricanes; the state is the target of at least one of the storms almost every year; hell three hit the state last year, and one so far this year. So the cries and harping fall on deaf ears.
And it is not as if Hurricane Wilma cropped up overnight and blew ashore with little warning; Floridians had a week and a half to prepare for the Category Three storm, so there is no excuse for the level of complaining we now hear coming from the state’s residents, and no excuse for the long line we see as people wait for food, water, ice handouts. And wouldn’t the prudent person fill up the gas take BEFORE the storm hit? There isn’t a resident in the state—unless he or she was living in complete isolation—that will get to believe that he or she was caught off-guard by the storm; please!
Have we Americans become so accustomed to the government taking care of us that we have lost the ability to take care of ourselves? Increasingly there is a case to be made that too much government help is detrimental to the proper functioning of any society. Citizens owe so level of responsibility to themselves and society to take care of their persons and family; certainly having three days of food, water, and other essential supplies on hade in a state prone to natural disasters is not an unreasonably request.
And let us not forget, that our fellow citizens lack of proper preparation for an event that should be second nature to them by now, costs us all…
CNN.com - Miers Withdraws Her Name From Consideration!
CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News
She’s out! And I do not know where I stand on the issue. On the one hand I think Ms. Miers would have made a fine jurist, but on the other hand the ground swell of opposition from almost every conservative corner made it increasingly difficult for even Republican Senators to throw their full support behind her.
Now I wonder, with the Right Wing of the Christian movement so adamant to get “their person” on the Supreme Court, who will Bush nominate next? Will he stay in the center or Kowtow to the religious zealots and thrust an ultra-conservative down our throats. These are dark days indeed for the country, and we are all holding our collective breathes…
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Lies and the Lying Liars who Tell Them
I thought the Bush Administration was supposed to usher in an era of American politics and leadership, one which returned honesty, humility, and integrity to the White House and Capitol Hill. No so it would seem, not so at all; every day seems to bring revelations of new Republican wrongdoing. One has to wonder where will it all end.
Today Tom Delay admitted that he had once again thumbed his pasty nose at the law and the rules of the House by failing to disclose contributions to his legal defense fund. Senate Majority leader Bill Frist continues to obfuscate the truth about his HCA stock sell which netted him million of dollars days before the company reported deepening losses. And then there is what is now being referred to as Plamegate a deepening scandal in which now the Vice President may now be knee deep in, and has lied about, both to the American people and perhaps to a Federal Grand Jury.
It is the height of irony and hypocrisy that some high ranking Republican politicians and political pundits actually have the audacity to advance the notion that perhaps lying to Federal Grand Jury is not such a bad thing after all. Excuse me, but didn’t the Republicans impeach a President over perjury charges? How now is it okay for high government officials to stay in office for the same offense? Do they (the Republicans) think our memory that short? They must to spew such nonsense.
BBC NEWS | Middle East | US death toll in Iraq hits 2,000
BBC NEWS | Middle East | US death toll in Iraq hits 2,000
Is it enough to be disgusted at the obscene waste of human life this very ill-advised war has cost on both sides? Is protesting enough if impassioned cries to get our of Iraq land on deaf ears, closed minds, and cold hearts?
In America this is the poor mans war; it was recently reported that a disproportionate number of the U.S. Serviceman being killed in Bushs’ War are from rural America. Those in the city apparently have better things to do with their time and lives. City dwellers seem detached from this War, it has become a side show, an occasional annoyance on the evening news. Life for most of us goes on as it always had, and perhaps that needs to change.
2000 Americans dead and rising, and we may never know how many Iraqis have given their lives for this unjust, un-noble and illegal cause. Was, and is the War worth the sacrifice of so many for so little tangible gain? I say NO, NO, NO!! But how are we now to disentangle ourselves from the morass Bush and his arrogant posse have led us into? We cannot cut and run, for Iraq is already become Afghanistan II only worse for what better proving (and hunting) ground could terrorist hope for then the one we’ve provided for them in Iraq? It is maddening to give prolonged thought to, and maddening still to think that more then half the population of America thought it was a good idea to invade and occupy a sovereign nation.
2000 Americans dead and rising…for what, for what, for what?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Bush: Military action against Syria Last option - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com
Bush: Military action against Syria Last option - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com: "former Lebanese premier Rafik al-Hariri."
So are we in the business of invading other countries (as a last option of course) because they oppose us on well, anything? What is the ludicrous talk of invading Syria as a last resort? Are we back in 1914 when all it took the simple assassination of one man to start a World War and bring about the death of millions? Has the United States under George W. (kick me I’m stupid) Bush becomes the world’s bully, threatening counties with military action if they don’t kowtow and give us what we demand?
Not that Syria has much to fear from the United States military, sad to say. The Army is in no condition to invade Marco Island, let alone a large country like Syria with a rather large standing Army; ditto for the Marines. The most Syria has to fear is a few cruise missiles fired its way from U.S. Navy ships in the Mediterranean of Air Force bombers, probably out of Iraq. Little more could be done, and even that is nonsense.
If the Syrian government is responsible for the assignation of former Lebanese premier Rafik al-Hariri, then the United Nation should hold the country account. The United States should not act unilaterally, or in concert with Great Britain; use the U.N. and let that be the end of it. Enough talk of WAR, WAR, WAR!!
Monday, October 24, 2005
Prelude to a Leak - Newsweek National News - MSNBC.com
Prelude to a Leak - Newsweek National News - MSNBC.comOh what a tangled web they weaved when first they sought to deceive—the American public, and the People trust. The much lauded and ever changing goals for the Iraqi invasion have all gone by the way side, side lined and supplanted by the stupefying ineptness in which the invasion and resulting occupation is being handled. War is always supposed to be a last resort, a nasty little thing we never aspire to unless America and Americans are directly threatened.
As time and numerous news stories have revealed, Saddam was no threat; at least not to America or its citizens. Now 2000 dead American serviceman and as yet un-enumerated dead Iraqis later, the Middle East is worse off then when we invaded. Bush ruins everything he touches, and his Administration is an abysmal failure, mired by scandal, and shoot through with corruption and ineffectual leadership at every level.
It is becoming increasingly evident to this American citizen that Bush and his arrogant cronies have set up a shadow government and are keeping their own counsel, creating a family of inbred siblings who have taken America down a dangerous and disastrous road to ruin. I would like to thank my fellow citizens—those who voted for Bush not once, but twice—for their lack of reflective thought and hysterical political blindness. Are you proud?
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
CNN.com - Arrest warrant Issued for DeLay - Oct 19, 2005
CNN.com - Arrest warrant Issued for DeLay - Oct 19, 2005
Excuse me while I rosin up my bow and tune my singing voice! Who said a little bit of humility is good for the soul? Well Tom Delay is about is about to be humbled before the American people, whose interests he has worked so long and hard to undermine. V. Edward to Tom: please, please rise to the occasion and refuse to appear before the Court! That way the music can continue as they haul you away in handcuffs; what a party that would be!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Did Vanity Fair lighten Beyonce's skin? - Access Hollywood - MSNBC.com
Did Vanity Fair lighten Beyonce's skin? - Access Hollywood - MSNBC.com
Despite protestations to the contrary, there is a fair chance that Vanity Fair has lighten Beyonce’s skin. Magazines have been lightning Black folks skins for decades; I guess they thought we wouldn’t notice, or just blame it on lighting. It’s a shame that that in 2005 the face of beauty still has to come wrapped in a white or near off-white package in order to be appreciated.
Black—or-brown—is beautiful and every time I look at my wife I sigh, she is so damn beautiful!
CNN.com - Chertoff, Chao promote guest worker program - Oct 18, 2005
CNN.com - Chertoff, Chao promote guest worker program - Oct 18, 2005
All I can say is: it’s about time! The U.S. immigration policy has been just plain stupid for far too long; an illegal immigrant should be an illegal immigrant no matter what his or her nationality. It has taken the Bush Administration far too long to address this issue; it is now some four years after 9/11 and we are just now moving to close our Southern Border!!
But for all of the bravado this announcement entailed, predictably a crucial element was missing; namely a promised crackdown on employers who employ illegal aliens. After all without jobs, there would be little reason to risk life and limb to come here. And no I do not buy the argument that illegal aliens are filling jobs Americans do not want. Granted they may be true in some very low level service jobs, but not in industries such as construction, warehousing, food service, call centers, highway construction, and other (living wage) jobs that have traditionally gone to lower class or teenage Americans. The runaway greed of American business must be addressed with equal vigor if the illegal immigration problem is ever going to brought under control.
CNN.com - E-mails show FEMA infighting, frustration - Oct 18, 2005
CNN.com - E-mails show FEMA infighting, frustration - Oct 18, 2005
It is quite clear to the American citizen that Bush’s culture of incompetence has permeated every corner of the Federal Government save the military and they have had their moment over the last five years. FEMA used to be a government agency that worked and worked well; not so under Bush and the Republican regime.
There is general feeling among those of us who did not vote for Bush (those of use still capable of rational and reasoned thought) that the man has ruined our country—both internationally and domestically; the can do country and society has devolved into the cannot nation. Bush’s mediocrity has sickened the nation with a cancer, and it will take bold leadership to cure it. Bush’s lack of leadership, intellect, vision, wisdom, and inability to see beyond his arrogant nose has led us to this place. But I don’t blame him, he never claimed to be a deep thinker and has proved this time and again; I blame the people who were dim-witted enough to put him in the White House, not once, but twice. Shame on you!
Monday, October 17, 2005
CNN.com - Bush's job rating continues to drop - Oct 17, 2005
CNN.com - Bush's job?rating continues to drop - Oct 17, 2005
I would cry if I weren’t so happy! Gloat, gloat, gloat! I wonder how many, if any Republicans are having buyer’s remorse? Its still hard for me to believe that more then half the voting public reelected this Moron to a second term…
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Iraqi constitution seems likely to pass - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com
Iraqi constitution seems likely to pass - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com
And so it begins, and continues, but to what end, to what end? Given the s0-called low level Civil War already underway in Iraq, can a piece of paper no matter how noble really make a difference of the people do not believe in its cause? The Iraqi Constitution is already flawed, and as written has already sowed the seeds of oppression into the soured soil of the fledging Iraqi democracy.
I have long asserted that the tough decisions have yet to be made. There is a logical division within the failed Iraqi stated that with the right guidance, leadership and vision (never happen) could divided into three separate and equal states. To my thinking, this is the only way to bring real lasting peace to the war-ravaged country.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
CNN.com - Crowds gather?for Millions More Movement - Oct 15, 2005
CNN.com - Crowds gather?for Millions More Movement - Oct 15, 2005
I am not sure what to think of the Million More March on Washington DC in view of the fact tat the Million Man Mach didn’t amount to any tangible change in the life of Black American males. Nor did it do much to change the fortunes of Black American families. There are stall far too many Black American families headed by Black women, and still far too many or our brethren in prison.
I think it is disingenuous of Farrakhan and the gang to charge America with “criminal neglect,” without taking the Major of New Orleans to task as well. It was he and not the federal government who was responsible for evacuating his city. I think the whole exercise is a waste of time and energy. What good will come of it all, probably nothing, but time will tell…
CNN.com - DeLay's campaign goes after prosecutor - Oct 14, 2005
CNN.com - DeLay's campaign goes after prosecutor - Oct 14, 2005
Oh Tom Delay has hit a new low going after the man who after all is said and done, is just doing his job. Would it be too much to ask for a sitting member of the United States House of Representatives to maintain some modicum of decorum in this situation and at the very least act like a man? A petulant child comes to mind after reading this story!
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Prosecutor subpoenas DeLay phone records - Politics - MSNBC.com
Prosecutor subpoenas DeLay phone records - Politics - MSNBC.com
I am trying very hard not to gloat at Tom Delay’s misfortune, but it becoming an increasingly difficult undertaking. I have never disguised my intense dislike for this man and his one man crusade to undermine everything our Representative Democracy stands for. His arrogance makes my stomach turn and my blood boil. I am glad that our system of justice is immune—insofar as possible—from political upheaval and undue influence.
I, for one, hope to see Tom in orange sometime soon…
Monday, October 10, 2005
Shall We Dance and Fiddle Why the Republican Party Burns?
Is it right to gloat? Is it right to sing and dance a jig over the news of another's misfortune, or in this case the misfortune of an entire political party? When it's the Republican Party I think the answer should be an unqualified YES!
I can hardly conceal my glee at the unhappy and unenviable position the conservatives find themselves in scant a year from the mid-term election cycle. The Bush Administration continues to implode as the sheer weight of its stupefying, mind boggling incompetence makes itself felt throughout the Executive Branch and to the American people. The Vice President’s Chief of Staff Mr. Libby may have, and probably did, break the law by revealing the identity of a CIA operative, and the seemingly untouchable Mr. Rove may be ripe for indictment for the same offense (yes Virginia there is a Santa Clause and he is delivering my presents early this year)! But what can we expect, we have a less then laudable personage in the White House, who arrogance, stupidity, and general lack of ability, should have disqualified him from the job, but incredibly enough did not.
To add to the Party’s woes, Tom Delay, The Hammer has finally gotten nailed not once, but twice, and the Senate Majority Leader Bill Frisk is operating under a cloud of suspicion ala Martha Steward. The Party is in mounting disarray over the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, and their deep ties to the Religious Conservatives is now more of a nasty hindrance then a help as the apples of morality fall in discourse from the tree of self-righteous unity. And now it seems that the Republican Party is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit people willing to run against Democrats in the upcoming mid-term elections. Even they can see the damage Bush and his insular cronies have done to the nation and Party and want no part of it.
A recent Washington Post article started out by stating:
Republican politicians in multiple states have recently decided not to run for Senate next year, stirring anxiety among Washington operatives about the effectiveness of the party's recruiting efforts and whether this signals a broader decline in GOP congressional prospects.
Prominent Republicans have passed up races in North Dakota and West Virginia, both GOP-leaning states with potentially vulnerable Democratic incumbents. Earlier, Republican recruiters on Capitol Hill and at the White House failed to lure their first choices to run in Florida, Michigan and Vermont.
Oh how can I not gloat, how can I not sing a song of mirth and dance the jig of joy? Is this the beginning of the end of the Republican Party as we know it, a fracturing of the Party that could lead to the Democrats winning back the house and Senate and eventually the White House?
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
CNN.com - Federal judge?declares Pledge?unconstitutional - Sep 14, 2005
CNN.com - Federal judge?declares Pledge?unconstitutional - Sep 14, 2005
And the battled is joined anew. Laying aside the fact that I agree with the court for a moment, I think the Supreme Court will find it hard to dodge the bullet this time since parent have join the main litigant in the suit this time. While he may not have standing they certainly do. And with the Federal District Court in Virginia taking a different track of this case, the High Court almost has to hear the case in order to settle the dispute. All of this hinges on the 9th Circuit taking up the case; I think it a safe bet they will agree to hear the case.
And the battled is joined anew. Laying aside the fact that I agree with the court for a moment, I think the Supreme Court will find it hard to dodge the bullet this time since parent have join the main litigant in the suit this time. While he may not have standing they certainly do. And with the Federal District Court in Virginia taking a different track of this case, the High Court almost has to hear the case in order to settle the dispute. All of this hinges on the 9th Circuit taking up the case; I think it a safe bet they will agree to hear the case.
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