Sunday, December 31, 2006
3,000th Soldier Dies
Today, we saw the 3,000th soldier die in Bush's war in terrorism. How many more will have to die before it is ended?
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Saddam joins an elite club of deposed despots
Last night, Saddam Hussein was hanged for crimes he committed in Iraq over 25 years ago. The sentence was quick and brutal. Saddam was marched to face the executioner much like deposed Romanian leader, Nicolae Ceausescu.
There are striking parallels between the fate of these men. They were arrested and tried before make-believe courts. Although, Ceausescu's fate was more intense, considering he was shot to death minutes after his death sentence was delivered. Both Saddam and Ceausescu were victims of a turbulent time soon after stark political change in their country. They were symbols of the past. Skeletons that no one could bear to look at anymore. They were kept on the wayside until it became convenient to push them completely aside. Basically, they were the last links to authentic authority, which jeopardized the rule of those in power for the day.
What does this say about these countries? It sends a very simple message. The fate of a former leader is best left to history. It is not the place of other maniacs to deliver their version of justice. Instead of justice being rendered, these leaders were punished in a vengeful, hateful way. There was so much made of Saddam getting his "red card." It was almost like a celebration of sorts. By giving Saddam his red card (a card which was given to people in Saddam's Iraq which told the person he was about to be executed), the current leaders of Iraq are the same as Saddam. They are unable to think outside the scope of vengeance and petty self-image.
Like Ceausescu, and his wife, we see Saddam approaching death in a defiant manner. Instead of being complacent, he spoke to those in the room by setting their views and version of history correct--from his point-of-view. Perhaps, he was not wrong in believing he was still the president of Iraq. He was, after all, deposed through a violent coup d'etat. We know the execution of Saddam was not truly civilized and objective. After he was executed, the executioner dances around the body like it is Mardi Gras.
Perhaps, the greatest lesson of dealing with a deposed despot came almost two hundred years ago. After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, as emperor of France, the English did not execute him. They sent him off to exile. He lived his final days on a small island, St. Helena, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He was not a martyr. He was not a point of order for the opposing side. Napoleon was simply a man who made a bad choice.
Napoleon was shown civility for his station in life. He may no longer have been the commander of the French army. He may no longer have been the sovereign of the French Empire, but he was given due respect for his past by those who defeated him. The English may not have agreed with his means, but they understood a person, who is a leader, cannot be executed for his deeds. The seat of power creates a vacuum that we cannot possibly appreciate.
Sure, what Saddam did was despicable by Western standards, but he wasn't dealing with Western sensibilities. As we can see from today's Iraq, the only thing insurgents and radical Islamists understand is violence and unspeakable cruelty. That is what Saddam gave them and that is why he ruled without daily violence in the streets and public dissent.
The bottom line: Saddam's death serves no purpose. It only served to feed the insatiable appetite of cruelty of those who opposed him. The cycle of death is renewed.
There are striking parallels between the fate of these men. They were arrested and tried before make-believe courts. Although, Ceausescu's fate was more intense, considering he was shot to death minutes after his death sentence was delivered. Both Saddam and Ceausescu were victims of a turbulent time soon after stark political change in their country. They were symbols of the past. Skeletons that no one could bear to look at anymore. They were kept on the wayside until it became convenient to push them completely aside. Basically, they were the last links to authentic authority, which jeopardized the rule of those in power for the day.
What does this say about these countries? It sends a very simple message. The fate of a former leader is best left to history. It is not the place of other maniacs to deliver their version of justice. Instead of justice being rendered, these leaders were punished in a vengeful, hateful way. There was so much made of Saddam getting his "red card." It was almost like a celebration of sorts. By giving Saddam his red card (a card which was given to people in Saddam's Iraq which told the person he was about to be executed), the current leaders of Iraq are the same as Saddam. They are unable to think outside the scope of vengeance and petty self-image.
Like Ceausescu, and his wife, we see Saddam approaching death in a defiant manner. Instead of being complacent, he spoke to those in the room by setting their views and version of history correct--from his point-of-view. Perhaps, he was not wrong in believing he was still the president of Iraq. He was, after all, deposed through a violent coup d'etat. We know the execution of Saddam was not truly civilized and objective. After he was executed, the executioner dances around the body like it is Mardi Gras.
Perhaps, the greatest lesson of dealing with a deposed despot came almost two hundred years ago. After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, as emperor of France, the English did not execute him. They sent him off to exile. He lived his final days on a small island, St. Helena, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He was not a martyr. He was not a point of order for the opposing side. Napoleon was simply a man who made a bad choice.
Napoleon was shown civility for his station in life. He may no longer have been the commander of the French army. He may no longer have been the sovereign of the French Empire, but he was given due respect for his past by those who defeated him. The English may not have agreed with his means, but they understood a person, who is a leader, cannot be executed for his deeds. The seat of power creates a vacuum that we cannot possibly appreciate.
Sure, what Saddam did was despicable by Western standards, but he wasn't dealing with Western sensibilities. As we can see from today's Iraq, the only thing insurgents and radical Islamists understand is violence and unspeakable cruelty. That is what Saddam gave them and that is why he ruled without daily violence in the streets and public dissent.
The bottom line: Saddam's death serves no purpose. It only served to feed the insatiable appetite of cruelty of those who opposed him. The cycle of death is renewed.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Dodge Nitro
I bought a new vehicle today. My first one since 2001! How sad, I know. I went to some of the dealers and found the one I like. It is a Dodge Nitro. I saw it and immediately fell in love with it. It is an SUV, and it is very "handsome." What I am trying to say is that it looks very modern and not something a seventy year old would be interested in purchasing.
Saddam Execution
When will it happen? I have a feeling it has already come and pass. They say he is still in custody of the US military, but I say that he hasn't been there in a while. Of course, they will lie about it and say they have no knowledge, but I'm sure it has come and gone. They already told his lawyers to come pick up this personal belongings! You usually reserve that until the person they belong to no longer needs them!
Common sense!
Common sense!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
John Donne
(Published as written by John Donne)
No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of they friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.
No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of they friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.
President Ford's Legacy
By the President of the United States of America a Proclamation
Richard Nixon became the thirty-seventh President of the United States on January 20, 1969 and was reelected in 1972 for a second term by the electors of forty-nine of the fifty states. His term in office continued until his resignation on August 9, 1974.
Pursuant to resolutions of the House of Representatives, its Committee on the Judiciary conducted an inquiry and investigation on the impeachment of the President extending over more than eight months. The hearings of the Committee and its deliberations, which received wide national publicity over television, radio, and in printed media, resulted in votes adverse to Richard Nixon on recommended Articles of Impeachment.
As a result of certain acts or omissions occurring before his resignation from the Office of President, Richard Nixon has become liable to possible indictment and trial for offenses against the United States. Whether or not he shall be so prosecuted depends on findings of the appropriate grand jury and on the discretion of the authorized prosecutor. Should an indictment ensue, the accused shall then be entitled to a fair trial by an impartial jury, as guaranteed to every individual by the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial of Richard Nixon, if it became necessary, could not fairly begin until a year or more has elapsed. In the meantime, the tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks could be irreparably lost by the prospects of bringing to trial a former President of the United States. The prospects of such trial will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office of the United States.
Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-ninth.
/s/GERALD R. FORD
Richard Nixon became the thirty-seventh President of the United States on January 20, 1969 and was reelected in 1972 for a second term by the electors of forty-nine of the fifty states. His term in office continued until his resignation on August 9, 1974.
Pursuant to resolutions of the House of Representatives, its Committee on the Judiciary conducted an inquiry and investigation on the impeachment of the President extending over more than eight months. The hearings of the Committee and its deliberations, which received wide national publicity over television, radio, and in printed media, resulted in votes adverse to Richard Nixon on recommended Articles of Impeachment.
As a result of certain acts or omissions occurring before his resignation from the Office of President, Richard Nixon has become liable to possible indictment and trial for offenses against the United States. Whether or not he shall be so prosecuted depends on findings of the appropriate grand jury and on the discretion of the authorized prosecutor. Should an indictment ensue, the accused shall then be entitled to a fair trial by an impartial jury, as guaranteed to every individual by the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial of Richard Nixon, if it became necessary, could not fairly begin until a year or more has elapsed. In the meantime, the tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks could be irreparably lost by the prospects of bringing to trial a former President of the United States. The prospects of such trial will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office of the United States.
Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-ninth.
/s/GERALD R. FORD
Another State Funeral
After Gerald R. Ford's passing yesterday, it will be time for another state funeral in the US. Right?
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Saddam to Hang
The Iraqi appeals court upheld the original verdict and sentence of Saddam Hussein. The court ordered the sentence of death to be carried out within the next thirty days.
I guess there's not much there for Saddam.
I guess there's not much there for Saddam.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Iran Pickle
On this holiday weekend, the United Nations Security Council found it necessary to install sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Of course, they were quick to say the sanctions and stipulations against Iran stop short at military enforcement by the membership of the Security Council.
Essentially, in the twenty-first century, diplomacy is dead. There was a time when statesmen (and women) met on key issues and hammered out methods of amicably solving their differences. The issue with Iran, and its nuclear ambitions, is the same as say Berlin in post-WWII Europe. Instead of creating the United Nations, and ostracizing the Soviet Union, the United States, and I dare say the West, made certain concessions on the exercise of their "spheres of influence" in Europe. Of course, the Soviet Union got eastern Europe to manipulate, while the nations of the West were left with western Europe. Crisis solved. There were no sanctions; only concessions; pragmatic diplomacy was alive and well then, or we might not be today. Was it a perfect solution? No way! But it kept the status quo alive and well, which made all parties involved winners.
Today, we have bully politics. It's all about "my way or I'll bust your nose." Who cares what you want or what your concerns are? I'm the United States, the United Nations Security Council, we say "fuck you, have a nice day!" Now, we have Iran saying the members of the UN Security Council are going to be sorry. How? I don't know. We hear about Zionists vendettas against the Muslim world, led by none other than the US and its kid brother, Israel. That's not how I see this issue; it's how Iran sees it--or at least how they portray it.
Here's how it would unfold if I were president of the United States. I would have sent my ambassador to the United Nations fanning the fires of discord and retaliation against Iran. Then, just as the Security Council was voting on the resolution to impose sanctions against Iran, the US ambassador would have cast the lone veto; thereby, killing the resolution and opening the doors of diplomacy wide. It's like an eleventh hour change of heart. It shows reason and reasonability on the part of America. Then, I'd have immediately invited the Iranian ambassador to the UN to the White House for some "face time." Then sitting in the Oval Office, on those couches in front of my desk, very casual, through the interpreter, I'd ask, "How can we make Iran's burden in the world easier?" Taken aback for a moment, I'm sure the ambassador could give me a list of unrealistic things his country needs in order to promote their position in the world. Maybe even nuclear energy. Why not? It's their list, not ours. Then with his country's list in hand, I'd give him what the United States needs. Not demands, more like concerns and desires; things that will surely change over the course of a few weeks. Standing, I'd extend my hand to the ambassador, and say, "Let's have our countries work out a framework for a high-level meeting in the next month to discuss the important issues we have outlined here today."
In a month or so, the US and Iran would hold a realistic meeting based on mutual respect in a non-threatening Muslim country such as Qatar, Bahrain, or United Arab Emirates. The whole process can be moderated by the United Nations to improve our odds of success and maintain an air of impartiality.
Both parties will not get what they want completely, but they will understand each other in a more constructive manner. The whole idea is to show both sides are pliable and open to realistic and open dialogue, as opposed to threats and bouts of paranoia. The bottom line is the whole process will take time.
That my friends is called diplomacy. Something that is quickly dying today! I think great presidents, like Franklin D. Roosevelt, would be proud of me. It's surely a lesson the next president of the United States, who will not be a Republican, can take under advisement.
Essentially, in the twenty-first century, diplomacy is dead. There was a time when statesmen (and women) met on key issues and hammered out methods of amicably solving their differences. The issue with Iran, and its nuclear ambitions, is the same as say Berlin in post-WWII Europe. Instead of creating the United Nations, and ostracizing the Soviet Union, the United States, and I dare say the West, made certain concessions on the exercise of their "spheres of influence" in Europe. Of course, the Soviet Union got eastern Europe to manipulate, while the nations of the West were left with western Europe. Crisis solved. There were no sanctions; only concessions; pragmatic diplomacy was alive and well then, or we might not be today. Was it a perfect solution? No way! But it kept the status quo alive and well, which made all parties involved winners.
Today, we have bully politics. It's all about "my way or I'll bust your nose." Who cares what you want or what your concerns are? I'm the United States, the United Nations Security Council, we say "fuck you, have a nice day!" Now, we have Iran saying the members of the UN Security Council are going to be sorry. How? I don't know. We hear about Zionists vendettas against the Muslim world, led by none other than the US and its kid brother, Israel. That's not how I see this issue; it's how Iran sees it--or at least how they portray it.
Here's how it would unfold if I were president of the United States. I would have sent my ambassador to the United Nations fanning the fires of discord and retaliation against Iran. Then, just as the Security Council was voting on the resolution to impose sanctions against Iran, the US ambassador would have cast the lone veto; thereby, killing the resolution and opening the doors of diplomacy wide. It's like an eleventh hour change of heart. It shows reason and reasonability on the part of America. Then, I'd have immediately invited the Iranian ambassador to the UN to the White House for some "face time." Then sitting in the Oval Office, on those couches in front of my desk, very casual, through the interpreter, I'd ask, "How can we make Iran's burden in the world easier?" Taken aback for a moment, I'm sure the ambassador could give me a list of unrealistic things his country needs in order to promote their position in the world. Maybe even nuclear energy. Why not? It's their list, not ours. Then with his country's list in hand, I'd give him what the United States needs. Not demands, more like concerns and desires; things that will surely change over the course of a few weeks. Standing, I'd extend my hand to the ambassador, and say, "Let's have our countries work out a framework for a high-level meeting in the next month to discuss the important issues we have outlined here today."
In a month or so, the US and Iran would hold a realistic meeting based on mutual respect in a non-threatening Muslim country such as Qatar, Bahrain, or United Arab Emirates. The whole process can be moderated by the United Nations to improve our odds of success and maintain an air of impartiality.
Both parties will not get what they want completely, but they will understand each other in a more constructive manner. The whole idea is to show both sides are pliable and open to realistic and open dialogue, as opposed to threats and bouts of paranoia. The bottom line is the whole process will take time.
That my friends is called diplomacy. Something that is quickly dying today! I think great presidents, like Franklin D. Roosevelt, would be proud of me. It's surely a lesson the next president of the United States, who will not be a Republican, can take under advisement.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Trump v. O'Donnell
Last night, I was watching CNN's Larry King Live, which is the normal for me to check out at 9pm; however, I was greatly amused, and then disgusted, by what I heard.
Firstly, it was funny because there was a lot of name calling. We had Donald Trump, on his private plane en route from New York to Florida, talking live to Larry via phone. Yes, I was drawn in by the initial absurdity of it all. Then I thought, this sounds like a tirade my students sometimes go on at school when they can't get along with another student. Instead of this person being 12, he is probably 60!
I learned that Rosie O'Donnell is a lying, immoral, cheating, no talent, whose only redeeming quality is her girlfriend. Then from the video clip of Rosie, we find out that Donald Trump is a blood sucking elitist, bankrupt, decadent scallywag, with a really bad comb-over as a wig, who apparently has no redeeming qualities, except maybe his ex-wives.
Trump says he is going to sue O'Donnell for slander. Of course, he did her no favors by calling her a slob, fat ass, disgusting, and untalented on national television either. I suspect a case like this would be dismissed as both parties being mutually liable for slander. In addition, I'd give them a piece of advise, "Grow the hell up!"
Case dismissed!
Firstly, it was funny because there was a lot of name calling. We had Donald Trump, on his private plane en route from New York to Florida, talking live to Larry via phone. Yes, I was drawn in by the initial absurdity of it all. Then I thought, this sounds like a tirade my students sometimes go on at school when they can't get along with another student. Instead of this person being 12, he is probably 60!
I learned that Rosie O'Donnell is a lying, immoral, cheating, no talent, whose only redeeming quality is her girlfriend. Then from the video clip of Rosie, we find out that Donald Trump is a blood sucking elitist, bankrupt, decadent scallywag, with a really bad comb-over as a wig, who apparently has no redeeming qualities, except maybe his ex-wives.
Trump says he is going to sue O'Donnell for slander. Of course, he did her no favors by calling her a slob, fat ass, disgusting, and untalented on national television either. I suspect a case like this would be dismissed as both parties being mutually liable for slander. In addition, I'd give them a piece of advise, "Grow the hell up!"
Case dismissed!
Black President?
Bush Bulldog Condi Rice seems to think the U.S. is ready for a black president. Perhaps, but that president is not going to be her. Sorry!
America is looking for anything that isn't connected to the Bush catastrophe of the past six years. Being Bush's top diplomatic lackey disqualifies her handily.
Maybe in your next life, Condi.
America is looking for anything that isn't connected to the Bush catastrophe of the past six years. Being Bush's top diplomatic lackey disqualifies her handily.
Maybe in your next life, Condi.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Miss USA Flack
Who cares about Miss USA? I certainly don't. It is a pageant of brainless twits, who are then expected to be "moral" beacons for the rest of us. I find it apprehensive they would even consider themselves as being moral.
Now that the Donald has given Miss USA a second chance, we have some flack from MADD and Rosie O'Donnell over the fact Miss USA (and Miss Teen USA) were engaged in underage drinking. I find it ambiguous that anyone remembers who is Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss Teen USA, or Miss USA, after the gaudy television display has come to an end. Perhaps, if Miss USA were moral, then she would have voluntarily resigned her seemingly coveted position. I am sure the runner-up is waiting in the wings waiting to be crowned!
Now that the Donald has given Miss USA a second chance, we have some flack from MADD and Rosie O'Donnell over the fact Miss USA (and Miss Teen USA) were engaged in underage drinking. I find it ambiguous that anyone remembers who is Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss Teen USA, or Miss USA, after the gaudy television display has come to an end. Perhaps, if Miss USA were moral, then she would have voluntarily resigned her seemingly coveted position. I am sure the runner-up is waiting in the wings waiting to be crowned!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
2008
Check out this timeline
1953-1961: Richard Nixon is vice president of the United States
1960: Richard Nixon runs against Senator John F. Kennedy for president
1968: President Lyndon B. Johnson decides not to run for re-election
1968: Richard Nixon runs for the presidency again and wins
1969-1974: Richard Nixon is president of the United States
1993-2001: Al Gore is vice president of the United States
2000: Al Gore runs against Governor George W. Bush for president (and wins)
2000: United States Supreme Court declares George W. Bush president
2001-2009: George W. Bush is president of the United States
2009: Al Gore becomes president of the United States; and Hillary Clinton is vice president
Interesting!
Let's Wait until 2008
Some military pundits say George Bush is looking to expand the military presence in Iraq for one single reason, to deal with Syria. The United States cannot afford to expand the breadth of this war. America's failed policy Iraq is already sucking out billions-of-dollars from our treasury and sending thousands home in body bags. It will continue, no doubt.
The new Congress, in January, needs to let Bush no there will be no escalation of forces outside the borders of Iraq. The US military can ratchet up its presence and authority within in Iraq to quell the growing insurgency. The US must abandon its "hand holding" policy in Iraq. We aren't fighting in Europe. We are fighting against a force of fundamentalists. Albeit, these forces are being funded by outside forces, such as al-Qaeda, but that doesn't give us the right, or financial liberty, to expand the fight beyond its current parameters.
It might be prudent to rein in the blank check Congress wrote to Bush in 2003. Congress must be careful about how the future of this war unfolds. It might be advisable to wait until January 20, 2008, if the war continues, before any additional decisions are made outside the scope of Iraq's borders.
The new Congress, in January, needs to let Bush no there will be no escalation of forces outside the borders of Iraq. The US military can ratchet up its presence and authority within in Iraq to quell the growing insurgency. The US must abandon its "hand holding" policy in Iraq. We aren't fighting in Europe. We are fighting against a force of fundamentalists. Albeit, these forces are being funded by outside forces, such as al-Qaeda, but that doesn't give us the right, or financial liberty, to expand the fight beyond its current parameters.
It might be prudent to rein in the blank check Congress wrote to Bush in 2003. Congress must be careful about how the future of this war unfolds. It might be advisable to wait until January 20, 2008, if the war continues, before any additional decisions are made outside the scope of Iraq's borders.
Bush Needs More
I have said the US has been doing a half-assed job in Iraq since the beginning. First of all, George Bush should never have been given carte blanche in Iraq. The United States military had no business being there from day one. It was a personal matter for George Bush, not one made in the national interest of our country.
We have two options in this war. The US can use all of its might to over-power the terrorists and insurgency. Otherwise, we might as well pack up tomorrow and pull out. Let the Iraqis fight their own civil war without any international interference.
We have two options in this war. The US can use all of its might to over-power the terrorists and insurgency. Otherwise, we might as well pack up tomorrow and pull out. Let the Iraqis fight their own civil war without any international interference.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Personal Armies
One might ask the Iraqi government why a single person is allowed to have their own personal army. Of course, this question would best be asked to their bosses, the United States government. In a report today, we find that a private militia (army) funded and maintained by a Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, has become a more powerful anti-democracy force in Iraq than al-Qaeda. Sadr's army, called Mehdi, works as an organized insurgency group within Iraq. The fact that a single individual can claim control over a private military force is testimony to the fact Iraq is engaged in a civil war. A civil war is defined by different forces vying for power, and ultimate control, within a single nation.
If the United States is going to garner any resemblance of democracy and peace in this war torn nation, then they must deal harshly with groups, like Mehdi, by destroying them and cutting of their primary areas of support. It is crucial that Iraqis undergo re-education programs that deprogram their value system of hate and violence; particularly, in the area of social reform. Otherwise, there is no hope for Iraq as a stable nation.
If the United States is going to garner any resemblance of democracy and peace in this war torn nation, then they must deal harshly with groups, like Mehdi, by destroying them and cutting of their primary areas of support. It is crucial that Iraqis undergo re-education programs that deprogram their value system of hate and violence; particularly, in the area of social reform. Otherwise, there is no hope for Iraq as a stable nation.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Billy Crystal & Legal Torts
It would seem a Wisconsin man, who engaged in sexual acts with a dead deer, was arrested for immoral acts with an "animal." His lawyer goes on to reference various 20 year old versions of dictionaries to hold the fact a carcass lies outside the scope of any standard definition of what constitutes an animal, per-se.
The clincher came when his attorney referenced Billy Crystal from his 1987 movie, The Princess Bride, in which he extols the logic of things not having the ability of being only half-dead. Although, his wise words may have been apt in the confines of his dramatic portrayal, they are seemingly outside the scope of good lawyering and have no bearing in legal precedent. I am sure, however, another lawyer, in the future, may find merit in referencing this erroneous legal quotation, to the peril of their client of course.
Accordingly, the district court, as I did, found no merit to this legal argument and dismissed the defendant's motion to dismiss.
Although, I am not a legal expert on Wisconsin legal code, or precedent, if a jurist were to hold to the strict interpretation of the state's statute regarding this issue, then this individual has committed a crime by engaging in a sex act with anyone, or anything, besides his lawfully wedded wife.
In the meantime, the people of Wisconsin can take notice, considering any sex act outside the bonds of matrimony can land them before the court (i.e., consenting sexual contact between adults who are not married).
What about that deer? I guess it had a pretty mouth.
The clincher came when his attorney referenced Billy Crystal from his 1987 movie, The Princess Bride, in which he extols the logic of things not having the ability of being only half-dead. Although, his wise words may have been apt in the confines of his dramatic portrayal, they are seemingly outside the scope of good lawyering and have no bearing in legal precedent. I am sure, however, another lawyer, in the future, may find merit in referencing this erroneous legal quotation, to the peril of their client of course.
Accordingly, the district court, as I did, found no merit to this legal argument and dismissed the defendant's motion to dismiss.
Although, I am not a legal expert on Wisconsin legal code, or precedent, if a jurist were to hold to the strict interpretation of the state's statute regarding this issue, then this individual has committed a crime by engaging in a sex act with anyone, or anything, besides his lawfully wedded wife.
In the meantime, the people of Wisconsin can take notice, considering any sex act outside the bonds of matrimony can land them before the court (i.e., consenting sexual contact between adults who are not married).
What about that deer? I guess it had a pretty mouth.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Pinochet Saga Ends
Generalissimo Augusto Pinochet, the one time dictator of Chile, has died today, in Santiago. I hope this puts an end to the whirlwind of attempted prosecution of this old man. The United Kingdom began it all by arresting him almost ten years ago and holding him based on an arrest warrant issued by a Spanish judge.
The British found he could not be extradited from England and he was released from house arrest, when he then returned to Chile. He was then held on various charges ranging from murder to extortion to money laundering. Basically, the last ten years of his life have been spent under house arrest.
The lesson? Be careful what enemies you make and be sure you have enough friends to keep you out of trouble once you're no longer in office!
The British found he could not be extradited from England and he was released from house arrest, when he then returned to Chile. He was then held on various charges ranging from murder to extortion to money laundering. Basically, the last ten years of his life have been spent under house arrest.
The lesson? Be careful what enemies you make and be sure you have enough friends to keep you out of trouble once you're no longer in office!
Friday, December 08, 2006
House Leadership NOT Liable
Today, a panel of "experts" found the leadership of the United States House of Representatives was not liable in their refusal to stop former Republican Representative Mark Foley (FL) from inappropriate conduct with congressional pages.
It's not surprising the panel found this conclusion. Perhaps, the investigation should have been postponed until someone besides the wolves have control over Congress.
Just a thought!
It's not surprising the panel found this conclusion. Perhaps, the investigation should have been postponed until someone besides the wolves have control over Congress.
Just a thought!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
New Policy Shift for Bush
This week a "brain trust" will provide recommendations to George W. Bush about changing the route of the war in Iraq; specifically, changing the Administration's failed policy. Coupled with Democratic control of Congress, Bush will have little choice but to heed the recommendations of this committee.
It's about time too! It's nice to see Bush squirming like the slime he is!
It's about time too! It's nice to see Bush squirming like the slime he is!
Who killed Sasha?
Who killed Alexander Litvinenko, the former KGB agent? It would have to be someone well connected to high government offices, in order to get a hold of such a radioactive element. There are some people who say the KGB is dead, but I say it is alive and well. Just ask poor Alexander Litvinenko...if you could, that is.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa
I love this lady. She is the president of the 61st United Nations General Assembly. She has more power suits than Hillary Clinton (but I guess I would, too, if my great-grandfather had been a king and my cousin was the current king). While addressing the General Assembly, she moves easily from English to Arabic in mid-sentence and then back again (I think just to have fun with the translators).
Who is this lady? She is the second female lawyer in her country, the tiny kingdom of Bahrain off of the coast of Saudi Arabia. She is also the first Bahraini female to become an ambassador.
Overall, she is the epitome of social change in the Middle East. Imagine twenty-five years ago, a Muslim woman would never have become an ambassador, much less, president of the UN General Assembly.
It's a big deal on many levels.
Who is this lady? She is the second female lawyer in her country, the tiny kingdom of Bahrain off of the coast of Saudi Arabia. She is also the first Bahraini female to become an ambassador.
Overall, she is the epitome of social change in the Middle East. Imagine twenty-five years ago, a Muslim woman would never have become an ambassador, much less, president of the UN General Assembly.
It's a big deal on many levels.
US v. Syria
Yesterday, in the General Assembly of the United Nations, Syria "schooled" the United States on history's lessons.
The US was explaining it's "no" vote regarding the people of Palestine, when the US representative went off on a tangent into the field of Syria, Hezbollah, and Lebanon. Basically, he said Syria did not respect the sovereignty of fellow nations by working to destabilize Lebanon's government and rearming Hezbollah.
The representative called a "point-of-order" and addressed the US representative directly. He said the US is hardly in a position to talk about respecting other nation's territory, when they have worked for years to undermine Iraq for their own gain. He also lambasted the US's use of the veto in the Security Council to defend Israel against initiatives other nations in the General Assembly have passed, such as Israel's withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
Basically, I felt the old proverb, "Judge not, lest ye be judged," was apt and used appropriately by the Syrian representative.
The US was explaining it's "no" vote regarding the people of Palestine, when the US representative went off on a tangent into the field of Syria, Hezbollah, and Lebanon. Basically, he said Syria did not respect the sovereignty of fellow nations by working to destabilize Lebanon's government and rearming Hezbollah.
The representative called a "point-of-order" and addressed the US representative directly. He said the US is hardly in a position to talk about respecting other nation's territory, when they have worked for years to undermine Iraq for their own gain. He also lambasted the US's use of the veto in the Security Council to defend Israel against initiatives other nations in the General Assembly have passed, such as Israel's withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
Basically, I felt the old proverb, "Judge not, lest ye be judged," was apt and used appropriately by the Syrian representative.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Islam
As Pope Benedict XVI heads a religious "bridge building" effort in Turkey this week, we hear about a fatwa being issued by a cleric against a journalist in Iraq and more Mohammad image protests.
Like Christianity, over five hundred years ago, Islam is in its adolescent stage. Although, Christianity is still far from maturity, it has become more encompassing and accepting as the years have worn on over the centuries. Like Christianity's burning of witches in Salem and heretics in Spain, Islam is in this same stage. It is about getting revenge and holding on to the power that they so believe they have inherited, from Allah or Mohammad; either of which seem synonymous.
In addition to the fatwa, we have the exposed nerves over the images of Mohammad, which seem to become more and more present. We see images of Christ in mass media, such as movies. Many of which are parodies, in fact; however, I don't see Christians burning Muslims in the streets with kerosene. Yes, it is a bit juvenile. From a historical standpoint, Mohammad was a boozing womanizer, who received revelations of prophecy in a cave. What is the point of defending a single, flesh-and-blood man? He is not God, according to Islam. He is, at the very most, a vehicle of prophecy.
It's like today, I tried to explain to an overwrought student, "That kid doesn't know your mother." Instead of using a bit of common sense, the student continued to lash out, "But he is talking about my mom! I don't allow people to speak about my mom." We all have moms, but I don't know your mother personally, or anything about her really; therefore, how can I speak knowingly about her sexual practices? It's bogus, to say the least. We must listen and reason.
In four or five hundred years, Islam will have progressed to the point of seeming maturity. They will acquire acceptance as a benign world faith. There will be no more fatwas or public executions in the streets of innocent by-standers.
One day...
Like Christianity, over five hundred years ago, Islam is in its adolescent stage. Although, Christianity is still far from maturity, it has become more encompassing and accepting as the years have worn on over the centuries. Like Christianity's burning of witches in Salem and heretics in Spain, Islam is in this same stage. It is about getting revenge and holding on to the power that they so believe they have inherited, from Allah or Mohammad; either of which seem synonymous.
In addition to the fatwa, we have the exposed nerves over the images of Mohammad, which seem to become more and more present. We see images of Christ in mass media, such as movies. Many of which are parodies, in fact; however, I don't see Christians burning Muslims in the streets with kerosene. Yes, it is a bit juvenile. From a historical standpoint, Mohammad was a boozing womanizer, who received revelations of prophecy in a cave. What is the point of defending a single, flesh-and-blood man? He is not God, according to Islam. He is, at the very most, a vehicle of prophecy.
It's like today, I tried to explain to an overwrought student, "That kid doesn't know your mother." Instead of using a bit of common sense, the student continued to lash out, "But he is talking about my mom! I don't allow people to speak about my mom." We all have moms, but I don't know your mother personally, or anything about her really; therefore, how can I speak knowingly about her sexual practices? It's bogus, to say the least. We must listen and reason.
In four or five hundred years, Islam will have progressed to the point of seeming maturity. They will acquire acceptance as a benign world faith. There will be no more fatwas or public executions in the streets of innocent by-standers.
One day...
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Seinfeld-gate
The character, Kramer, is in some "hot" water with the black community. After reading some comments from CNN about his recent bigot-inspired tirade, he is quite evil and despicable. Apparently, this Kramer guy has deeply eroded away the fabric of racial unity in this nation. I didn't realize what an impact a supporting character from a 1990s situational-comedy could have on our nation. (Please note my sarcasm.)
Admittedly, I never watched Seinfeld. I never got into it. I would watch five minutes of it and I was bored. I guess I'm different from the other 99% of Americans who apparently adore it.
I'm not saying people should be racist, at all. I'm saying, it is a single incident, from a single person's bigoted mouth. He's not the president of the United States, nor is he waging racial unrest through his unsolicited comments. Let's let it go people. I'm tired of hearing it; I'm tired of hearing people make it my problem. I never used the racial epithet on stage at a Los Angeles club.
Let him get his counseling for anger management and racial bigotry. If that doesn't work he can check himself into a rehab resort/spa for alcoholism and finger his priest who sexually molested him as a youth.
Admittedly, I never watched Seinfeld. I never got into it. I would watch five minutes of it and I was bored. I guess I'm different from the other 99% of Americans who apparently adore it.
I'm not saying people should be racist, at all. I'm saying, it is a single incident, from a single person's bigoted mouth. He's not the president of the United States, nor is he waging racial unrest through his unsolicited comments. Let's let it go people. I'm tired of hearing it; I'm tired of hearing people make it my problem. I never used the racial epithet on stage at a Los Angeles club.
Let him get his counseling for anger management and racial bigotry. If that doesn't work he can check himself into a rehab resort/spa for alcoholism and finger his priest who sexually molested him as a youth.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
Pony Up or Pull Out
After the blood bath in Iraq this past week, it is hard to imagine how the Bush Administration can continue to permit American troops to operate in Iraq. Iraq has a central government, but it is essentially powerless. It is the face of a government with no teeth. The real power is from the urban warlords who hold life and death in their hands on the streets of Baghdad. Power is the factions of Sunnis and Shi'ites who use their mercenary armies to destroy each other. Death is a daily commodity for the average Iraqi. You see them walking by scenes of gore and unspeakable violence with bags, as if they have been the market, and they seem to not even notice. Perhaps, carnage is now a daily staple Iraqis are used to consuming.
The United States is the means to the end in Iraq. We decentralized their government in 2003 through a senseless and botched coup d'etat. How many troops does the US have on the ground in Iraq? A hundred thousand, one hundred and fifty thousand? Who knows the real number? The idea is simple. Either we stabilize the country through our military or we withdraw. The United States could double its forces on the ground, in the air, and at sea, to crush the insurgency within Iraq. The people of Iraq are only moved through violence, not diplomacy. It's time we admit that fact. It doesn't make us a heartless or bigoted people. It is common sense. We see how things operate there. Not everyone on earth is consumed by Western values and sensibilities. Our idea of war is hugging and a lot of hand holding. We have to swallow hard and live the realities of war to their fullest. Iraq cannot be conquered through compromise and make-believe elections; it requires direct confrontation of insurgents and the unadulterated destruction of anything that stands in the way of that goal.
War is not fun, it is not glory, it's not yellow ribbons on the electric pole; war is blood, pain and death.
The United States is the means to the end in Iraq. We decentralized their government in 2003 through a senseless and botched coup d'etat. How many troops does the US have on the ground in Iraq? A hundred thousand, one hundred and fifty thousand? Who knows the real number? The idea is simple. Either we stabilize the country through our military or we withdraw. The United States could double its forces on the ground, in the air, and at sea, to crush the insurgency within Iraq. The people of Iraq are only moved through violence, not diplomacy. It's time we admit that fact. It doesn't make us a heartless or bigoted people. It is common sense. We see how things operate there. Not everyone on earth is consumed by Western values and sensibilities. Our idea of war is hugging and a lot of hand holding. We have to swallow hard and live the realities of war to their fullest. Iraq cannot be conquered through compromise and make-believe elections; it requires direct confrontation of insurgents and the unadulterated destruction of anything that stands in the way of that goal.
War is not fun, it is not glory, it's not yellow ribbons on the electric pole; war is blood, pain and death.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
No Secret Trips?
George W. Bush celebrated Thanksgiving Day without making a "surprise" trip to Iraq to spend it with the troops.
I guess he's saving it for Christmas.
I guess he's saving it for Christmas.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
On Monday, the United Nations adopted a resolution that continued the work of the ICJ. The United States was the only member to speak out against the resolution. The United States' position is the ICJ is given too much power in regards to who can be brought before the Court and that the UN Security Council (of which the US is a vetoing party) cannot approve, or disapprove, indictments/investigations of the ICJ's prosecutors.
In addition, the United States feels that nations should have the option of being party to the ICJ's jurisdiction. That is simply preposterous. It is akin to me saying I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the district court in my county; thereby, negating their ability to prosecute me as a criminal. Of course, we understand the United States' objection. If the US "approved" of the independence of the ICJ, as an authentic and independent organ of the UN, then they could effectively prosecute George W. Bush for crimes against humanity, illegal warfare, and terrorism for the people of Iraq. We expect that brutal dictators, like Slobodan Milosevic, would be brought before the ICJ. The US will even help you capture them, but don't expect our cooperation when you come after our own criminals.
Although, the US was the only dissenting voice before the UN's vote, the resolution was adopted.
In addition, the United States feels that nations should have the option of being party to the ICJ's jurisdiction. That is simply preposterous. It is akin to me saying I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the district court in my county; thereby, negating their ability to prosecute me as a criminal. Of course, we understand the United States' objection. If the US "approved" of the independence of the ICJ, as an authentic and independent organ of the UN, then they could effectively prosecute George W. Bush for crimes against humanity, illegal warfare, and terrorism for the people of Iraq. We expect that brutal dictators, like Slobodan Milosevic, would be brought before the ICJ. The US will even help you capture them, but don't expect our cooperation when you come after our own criminals.
Although, the US was the only dissenting voice before the UN's vote, the resolution was adopted.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Iraq
Today, an Iraqi official was kidnapped from his home. How can we expect the government of Iraq to protect its general population when it can't even protect the security of its top officials.
Nintendo Wii, You are Mine
After 11am, the Nintendo Wii was sold by Amazon.com. After about 8 minutes of clicking "Add to Cart" and getting an error message, I got it to accept my order. It is slated to be delivered on Tuesday. They better not e-mail me back saying it isn't available. I feel like I just won the lottery or something.
How sad...I hope my brother appreciates the time and effort I put into this affair.
How sad...I hope my brother appreciates the time and effort I put into this affair.
Nintendo Wii
Ah, the spirit of the holidays is amongst us again.
Last night, there was the "launch" of a videogame system, called Nintendo Wii. Now, I had heard of this for a while (from my teenage brother mostly). But even more now, considering today was the first day you could officially get one.
My brother begged me to take him to Wal-Mart at midnight, to any store really, to get one. I told him, "No, don't be silly. Only nerds and dorks stand in line to wait for something like this." (In fact, I saw some of them yesterday.) I told him that we would buy it from Amazon. And since I am an Amazon Prime member, we'll get it delivered to the doorstep by Tuesday at the latest for only $3.99.
At midnight, I had my finger on the trigger. I was going to press "Add to Cart" when it was open for ordering at midnight. Guess what? It never happened. We waited until almost one a.m. for that sucker. It's now almost ten a.m., and it still hasn't been released by Amazon.com to order. Some people say it is a ploy to get us to buy more from their online storefront. I admit, I am addicted to online shopping. I buy more than a normal person should. It is easy, fun, and instantaneously rewarding.
Now before you say I am a dork, I did not stay up all night. In fact, I slept in late. I figured they were released during my slumber and now all sold out. It's not because I particularly want a Nintendo Wii for myself. It's the hunt. It's waiting for your prey to mindlessly wander out into your sights and then be taken in a viciously calculated attack. It's a trophy, really. This thing has become ridiculous, however. Almost 800 people have already left "reviews" basically blasting Amazon customer service for their poor handling of this event. In addition, people are trying to entice other buyers to hunt elsewhere. Other have "called" customer service and been told the launch will occur at noon, others have heard at eleven a.m., while even more have said the customer service people told them they didn't even order the gaming console. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in-between.
I found one on Sears.com, but don't tell anyone. I want the one from Amazon.com; otherwise, Sears will charge me $35 to simply ship it overnight. I suppose if all else fails, it will work out. Also, ToysRUs has them for sale, and in stock, but they are coming in bundles. I don't think I want to spend almost $600 for this thing.
I guess I'll be spending my afternoon driving to every Wal-Mart in a 500 mile radius to appease someone's wrath. Dear God.
Pray for snow!
Last night, there was the "launch" of a videogame system, called Nintendo Wii. Now, I had heard of this for a while (from my teenage brother mostly). But even more now, considering today was the first day you could officially get one.
My brother begged me to take him to Wal-Mart at midnight, to any store really, to get one. I told him, "No, don't be silly. Only nerds and dorks stand in line to wait for something like this." (In fact, I saw some of them yesterday.) I told him that we would buy it from Amazon. And since I am an Amazon Prime member, we'll get it delivered to the doorstep by Tuesday at the latest for only $3.99.
At midnight, I had my finger on the trigger. I was going to press "Add to Cart" when it was open for ordering at midnight. Guess what? It never happened. We waited until almost one a.m. for that sucker. It's now almost ten a.m., and it still hasn't been released by Amazon.com to order. Some people say it is a ploy to get us to buy more from their online storefront. I admit, I am addicted to online shopping. I buy more than a normal person should. It is easy, fun, and instantaneously rewarding.
Now before you say I am a dork, I did not stay up all night. In fact, I slept in late. I figured they were released during my slumber and now all sold out. It's not because I particularly want a Nintendo Wii for myself. It's the hunt. It's waiting for your prey to mindlessly wander out into your sights and then be taken in a viciously calculated attack. It's a trophy, really. This thing has become ridiculous, however. Almost 800 people have already left "reviews" basically blasting Amazon customer service for their poor handling of this event. In addition, people are trying to entice other buyers to hunt elsewhere. Other have "called" customer service and been told the launch will occur at noon, others have heard at eleven a.m., while even more have said the customer service people told them they didn't even order the gaming console. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in-between.
I found one on Sears.com, but don't tell anyone. I want the one from Amazon.com; otherwise, Sears will charge me $35 to simply ship it overnight. I suppose if all else fails, it will work out. Also, ToysRUs has them for sale, and in stock, but they are coming in bundles. I don't think I want to spend almost $600 for this thing.
I guess I'll be spending my afternoon driving to every Wal-Mart in a 500 mile radius to appease someone's wrath. Dear God.
Pray for snow!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Breaking the Rubber Stamp
After almost six years of gross misuse, the people of the United States, finally, broke George Bush's rubber stamp Congress.
With the election of a new Congress, people can look for de-escalation of hostilities in Iraq. It is certain (as it was in 2003) that the United States cannot logically win this war. We are dealing with a whole host of differing variables that are too hard to shuffle effectively. The US armed forces continue to lose large numbers of troops and thousands of Iraqi civilians are slaughtered at will. We must set a timetable for the withdrawal of all American forces from Iraq. We cannot afford to stay until the job is done, because it will never be done. The most the people of Iraq can hope for is another tyrannical government, a partitioning of peoples (creating different countries along ethnic and religious lines), or external rule by the governments of Iran and/or Syria.
The US may finally get to look at real issues. We can strengthen our economy by reducing the deficit and creating more domestic jobs. In essence, we had a pretty nice set-up under Clinton, with our economy. In addition, we can hold multi-billion dollar conglomerate oil companies responsible for their inflated world market prices. Where will we be in a year? I believe in a much more productive position than we are today. I suspect, we may end up with viable exit strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan. We can't be any worse off.
At least, we put the lid back on an almost empty cookie jar!
With the election of a new Congress, people can look for de-escalation of hostilities in Iraq. It is certain (as it was in 2003) that the United States cannot logically win this war. We are dealing with a whole host of differing variables that are too hard to shuffle effectively. The US armed forces continue to lose large numbers of troops and thousands of Iraqi civilians are slaughtered at will. We must set a timetable for the withdrawal of all American forces from Iraq. We cannot afford to stay until the job is done, because it will never be done. The most the people of Iraq can hope for is another tyrannical government, a partitioning of peoples (creating different countries along ethnic and religious lines), or external rule by the governments of Iran and/or Syria.
The US may finally get to look at real issues. We can strengthen our economy by reducing the deficit and creating more domestic jobs. In essence, we had a pretty nice set-up under Clinton, with our economy. In addition, we can hold multi-billion dollar conglomerate oil companies responsible for their inflated world market prices. Where will we be in a year? I believe in a much more productive position than we are today. I suspect, we may end up with viable exit strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan. We can't be any worse off.
At least, we put the lid back on an almost empty cookie jar!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Dems in; Rumsfeld out
Last night, Democrats won BOTH houses of Congress. Even though, Virginia is still a "toss up," James Webb (D-VA) has the majority of votes from the general election. Webb and Allen, in the Virginia election, are only separated by about 10,000 votes.
George Bush was so upset by the event, he fired Donald Rumsfeld as secretary of defense.
It was a good 24 hours!
George Bush was so upset by the event, he fired Donald Rumsfeld as secretary of defense.
It was a good 24 hours!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Democracy, a testy whore
Democracy is the thing we all love to hate, but we embrace it. It takes everything from us, but seldom returns anything beyond a slap in the face.
Of course, today, I voted. I would feel very bad if I didn't. Besides, it is my right, and I am all about my rights. The only thing that upset me is that several candidates on the Republican side of the ballot were running without opposition. That is not democracy. That is how they voted in the former Soviet Union. You had one candidate and then everyone voted for that person. Suddenly, that lone candidate had the mandate of the people to legislate. In our form of representative democracy, we should always have two evils to choose from at all times. I would have thrown my name on there, if I could have won the race. I don't deal well with losses.
One hour to go until we find out some results.
Of course, today, I voted. I would feel very bad if I didn't. Besides, it is my right, and I am all about my rights. The only thing that upset me is that several candidates on the Republican side of the ballot were running without opposition. That is not democracy. That is how they voted in the former Soviet Union. You had one candidate and then everyone voted for that person. Suddenly, that lone candidate had the mandate of the people to legislate. In our form of representative democracy, we should always have two evils to choose from at all times. I would have thrown my name on there, if I could have won the race. I don't deal well with losses.
One hour to go until we find out some results.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Stars gonna shine
I got my first call tonight. It was a recording for a candidate running for the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Every star is shining tonight...it's the last night for a national election.
I believe it is disgusting that judges are required to stand before the electorate. They should be protected from elections, like those judges in the federal judiciary. People are ignorant and fickle, that's why. Yes, I said it.
I want a judge that isn't worrying about his/her next election. They need to be worried about dispensing justice according to the letter of the law. They can't be worried about abortion and gay rights. The law is the law. Elections are conducted as a means for the electorate to change laws, not influence judges.
I wonder how many miles have been put on Air Force One today? I saw George Bush in states all over--just today! He got snubbed in Florida, because even conservative Republicans can't afford to be seen with him in public. Republican candidate for Florida governor, Charlie Crist, snubbed Bush, who was campaigning for him in the conservative Panhandle. I saw on the CBS Evening News (yes, the one with Katie Couric), that Bush is only campaigning in solidly conservative areas of states. Why? He's worried he'll get his feelings hurt if his sycophants aren't around to keep him smiling. That just seems a bit redundant, considering traditionally conservative areas will vote conservative even if Lucifer is the Republican candidate; subsequently, he is in most cases.
In Kentucky, twenty-four hours from now, we will know the verdict for some candidates, at least.
I'll be there!
I believe it is disgusting that judges are required to stand before the electorate. They should be protected from elections, like those judges in the federal judiciary. People are ignorant and fickle, that's why. Yes, I said it.
I want a judge that isn't worrying about his/her next election. They need to be worried about dispensing justice according to the letter of the law. They can't be worried about abortion and gay rights. The law is the law. Elections are conducted as a means for the electorate to change laws, not influence judges.
I wonder how many miles have been put on Air Force One today? I saw George Bush in states all over--just today! He got snubbed in Florida, because even conservative Republicans can't afford to be seen with him in public. Republican candidate for Florida governor, Charlie Crist, snubbed Bush, who was campaigning for him in the conservative Panhandle. I saw on the CBS Evening News (yes, the one with Katie Couric), that Bush is only campaigning in solidly conservative areas of states. Why? He's worried he'll get his feelings hurt if his sycophants aren't around to keep him smiling. That just seems a bit redundant, considering traditionally conservative areas will vote conservative even if Lucifer is the Republican candidate; subsequently, he is in most cases.
In Kentucky, twenty-four hours from now, we will know the verdict for some candidates, at least.
I'll be there!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Constitutional Amendment
The Constitution truly needs an amendment, but it's not about gays. Honest.
The president of the United States should be able to pass a test in order to qualify for the job. It should truly measure his/her abilities and intellect in a formal way. If this were the case 6 or 7 years ago, then we wouldn't be where we are today. George W. Bush could never pass the test. He would fail the verbal section of it. Perhaps, we could just allow the president-wannabe to take the GRE and score, let's say 1,200+, before being allowed to run.
Another thing: the campaign treasury of any presidential candidate should be limited by law. Each political party should spend it's own money to nominate its candidate and then each of those candidates will get $2,000,000, which they can spend any way they please. In the end, however, they will not be allowed to spend more than that amount. It will level the playing field for president. Each candidate is judged solely on his/her merits and not on the amount of money their name recognition can garner for them. During the 18th century and parts of the 19th century, presidential candidates simply relied on their past deeds in politics, military, and their careers to carry them to the presidency. Of course, I am not naive! I know those presidential candidates had internal conflicts and waged character assassinations against each other; however, they did not spend obscene amounts of money to do it. I think in the end, they had a sense of honor, which is something modern candidates lack.
The president of the United States should be able to pass a test in order to qualify for the job. It should truly measure his/her abilities and intellect in a formal way. If this were the case 6 or 7 years ago, then we wouldn't be where we are today. George W. Bush could never pass the test. He would fail the verbal section of it. Perhaps, we could just allow the president-wannabe to take the GRE and score, let's say 1,200+, before being allowed to run.
Another thing: the campaign treasury of any presidential candidate should be limited by law. Each political party should spend it's own money to nominate its candidate and then each of those candidates will get $2,000,000, which they can spend any way they please. In the end, however, they will not be allowed to spend more than that amount. It will level the playing field for president. Each candidate is judged solely on his/her merits and not on the amount of money their name recognition can garner for them. During the 18th century and parts of the 19th century, presidential candidates simply relied on their past deeds in politics, military, and their careers to carry them to the presidency. Of course, I am not naive! I know those presidential candidates had internal conflicts and waged character assassinations against each other; however, they did not spend obscene amounts of money to do it. I think in the end, they had a sense of honor, which is something modern candidates lack.
How'd I Know?
How did I know Saddam would be sentenced to death by hanging yesterday? It's almost like I was sitting in the Oval Office when the call was made to the Iraqi court.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
SAW 3
Today, I saw SAW 3. I thought it was as good as the other two movies that bear the franchise's name. I read some disappointing reviews of the movie on Yahoo!, which only goes to prove that each person has their own taste in what is good. The movie seems to have two divergent plot-lines, but at the end of the movie all loose ends are tied-up and concreted for the viewer. I thought the twist was quite compelling and telling for the movie. We finally get a sense of Jigsaw's vision.
Saddam Gripes Iraq Still
Saddam Hussein is still a major power in Iraq. The curfew, in preparation for his verdict, in Baghdad proves as much. If Iraq was truly a democratic and free society, like Bush would falsely lead us to believe, then the people of Iraq would welcome a verdict that removes him from their presence forever; instead, the US military (Iraq's babysitters) is stepping up offensive and defensive measures in the country's capital.
What do I say? Return Saddam to his rightful place as president of Iraq. Let him deal with the people he has so ably dealt with throughout his bloody reign as their despot. It's for sure, Saddam is as good as George Bush.
What do I say? Return Saddam to his rightful place as president of Iraq. Let him deal with the people he has so ably dealt with throughout his bloody reign as their despot. It's for sure, Saddam is as good as George Bush.
Rumsfeld should go?
Who would have thought? I mean, honestly, who would have ever thought Donald Rumsfeld should be fired as Defense Secretary? Hasn't over 60% of Americans been saying this for years? I suppose, it takes an independent, military newspaper to deliver the scoop.
Good grief!
Good grief!
Saddam's Execution
Tomorrow, the kangaroo court that has been trying the Saddam case, will impose its sentence. It is sure the sentence will be death. We know that George Bush has communicated the hanging sentence personally to the court.
Now, all that is left is the show's debut for tomorrow.
Now, all that is left is the show's debut for tomorrow.
Friday, November 03, 2006
2048?
There is a report out that says seafood will reach a crisis point in 2048, if we continue our rates of fishing and destruction of natural habitats. What happened to the Visine-guy telling me to eat up, there's plenty more Alaskan seafood out there?
Weird.
Weird.
Political Ad
My name is Jackson Leslie, and I approve of this blog.
Hypocrisy is the hallmark of evangelical Christianity. It is the way things are displaced and "evil" is conquered. Ted Haggard, an evangelical Christian minister, is also a closeted homosexual, so it would seem. Yet, I am sure, he has preached against this evil in his holier-than-thou sermons on many a-Sunday mornings.
Psychology teaches us that people who rail so hard against a belief or conviction, often times, have something to hide in that area. If it's a touchy issue for them, then they probably have some experience in their past with it. Whether it's hiring a male prostitute to fulfill your gay dreams or stealing a million dollars from your sheep in the congregation. It's all the same, pure, unadulterated hypocrisy.
On November 7, let's stand up for conviction and responsibility. Let's send the Republican majorities, in the House and Senate, home.
Hypocrisy is the hallmark of evangelical Christianity. It is the way things are displaced and "evil" is conquered. Ted Haggard, an evangelical Christian minister, is also a closeted homosexual, so it would seem. Yet, I am sure, he has preached against this evil in his holier-than-thou sermons on many a-Sunday mornings.
Psychology teaches us that people who rail so hard against a belief or conviction, often times, have something to hide in that area. If it's a touchy issue for them, then they probably have some experience in their past with it. Whether it's hiring a male prostitute to fulfill your gay dreams or stealing a million dollars from your sheep in the congregation. It's all the same, pure, unadulterated hypocrisy.
On November 7, let's stand up for conviction and responsibility. Let's send the Republican majorities, in the House and Senate, home.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
MasterCard Soars
Today, MasterCard stock soared almost $12/share. Erroneously, I said that MasterCard stock was going to flop a few months ago. Wow, was I wrong! I recently bought many of my shares back to inflate my portfolio.
Buy, buy, buy!
Buy, buy, buy!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Foley's Priest
After watching the Mark Foley drama play out over the past month, or so, I am not sure who is the bigger victim here: Foley or his former priest. The alleged incident took place over 30 years ago. It is certain that the whole incident would never have become public, for the priest at least, if Mark Foley (former Republican point man) hadn't gotten busted for his extracurricular communications/activities with congressional pages.
Let's also ask ourselves, in a candid manner, would the whole Mark Foley issue have been so big had the pages been female? It is my belief that society has long withstood the multitude of tests between older men and their younger liaisons and indiscretions. With those, they were simply being old, dirty men. Something people only giggle about as they half-heartedly address the issue.
It would seem the double standard applies to this issue.
Let's also ask ourselves, in a candid manner, would the whole Mark Foley issue have been so big had the pages been female? It is my belief that society has long withstood the multitude of tests between older men and their younger liaisons and indiscretions. With those, they were simply being old, dirty men. Something people only giggle about as they half-heartedly address the issue.
It would seem the double standard applies to this issue.
Congress in Play?
There are many political pundits who say both houses of the Congress are in play for next week's election.
Let's see...yeah!
Let's see...yeah!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
You don't own me...or do you?
The prime minister of Iraq, Nuri al-Maliki, told Washington that it did not own him. I say that is a genuine call for independence by the Iraqi leader; however, I disagree with his assessment of the situation. The United States does, indeed, own him.
Without the United States there would be Saddam Hussein. With Saddam Hussein there would be no modern day Iraq. Now, I believe Iraq was a thousand times more prosperous--not to mention stable--under the watchful eyes of Saddam; however, we must live with the current situation and embrace it fully to take Iraq into the future...whatever it may be.
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is a puppet of the Bush Administration. He may sound tough and independent, but when his Washington-master comes to call, he stands, begs, rolls-over, fetches, and shakes hands, like the good lap dog he is.
So he can muzzle his rhetoric. We aren't buying it!
Without the United States there would be Saddam Hussein. With Saddam Hussein there would be no modern day Iraq. Now, I believe Iraq was a thousand times more prosperous--not to mention stable--under the watchful eyes of Saddam; however, we must live with the current situation and embrace it fully to take Iraq into the future...whatever it may be.
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is a puppet of the Bush Administration. He may sound tough and independent, but when his Washington-master comes to call, he stands, begs, rolls-over, fetches, and shakes hands, like the good lap dog he is.
So he can muzzle his rhetoric. We aren't buying it!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
More Freedom
Today, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that homosexuals are afforded the same rights as heterosexuals, under the state's constitution, in the realm of marriage.
Forty-eight more states to go!
Forty-eight more states to go!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Foreign Adoption
There has been a lot of press given to Madonna and her desire to adopt a Malawi boy. He is currently undergoing an 18 month transition period where his progress will be marked and the final approval will be given to Madonna and her husband (who he is again?) to adopt this small, African boy.
Now, the boy's father says he never understood the implications of the government documents he signed given Madonna custody over his son. He says he only thought Madonna, and Mr. Madonna, would "raise" his son, but he would remain his child's legal parent. The man, apparently, is illiterate, which might complicate matters if it is proved that the Malawi government and Madonna's lawyers tried to pull a fast one on this poor simple man.
Some agencies have looked down on this so-called adoption. They say children should be raised in their own countries, and by people who are their countrymen. I can agree with that somewhat. Now, speaking as a person who may someday look to foreign adoption to answer the "expiration" of my own biological clock, I believe it is completely fine to look toward foreign adoptions for a multitude of reasons.
Some of these reasons are quite obvious. Firstly, in the United States it is near impossible to finalize an adoption. You have to sift through years of paperwork that only a team of Harvard trained lawyers can fully understand. Secondly, many people are looking to adopt children who are less than a year old. That creates a bit of headache for these families, because over 90% of families seeking to adopt a child are looking for babies. If I can file paperwork in Russia and then six months later come out with a newborn baby, why would I seek to crush myself in paperwork and make the whole overall experience harrowing?
The next part I do agree with. Celebrities, who adopt, may be looking for some glory from the limelight that goes with international adoptions. They are seen as saviors, who aren't pretentious or stuck-up about their families and what is important to them.
I doubt that if I adopt a child the media will care. That's the bottom line!
Now, the boy's father says he never understood the implications of the government documents he signed given Madonna custody over his son. He says he only thought Madonna, and Mr. Madonna, would "raise" his son, but he would remain his child's legal parent. The man, apparently, is illiterate, which might complicate matters if it is proved that the Malawi government and Madonna's lawyers tried to pull a fast one on this poor simple man.
Some agencies have looked down on this so-called adoption. They say children should be raised in their own countries, and by people who are their countrymen. I can agree with that somewhat. Now, speaking as a person who may someday look to foreign adoption to answer the "expiration" of my own biological clock, I believe it is completely fine to look toward foreign adoptions for a multitude of reasons.
Some of these reasons are quite obvious. Firstly, in the United States it is near impossible to finalize an adoption. You have to sift through years of paperwork that only a team of Harvard trained lawyers can fully understand. Secondly, many people are looking to adopt children who are less than a year old. That creates a bit of headache for these families, because over 90% of families seeking to adopt a child are looking for babies. If I can file paperwork in Russia and then six months later come out with a newborn baby, why would I seek to crush myself in paperwork and make the whole overall experience harrowing?
The next part I do agree with. Celebrities, who adopt, may be looking for some glory from the limelight that goes with international adoptions. They are seen as saviors, who aren't pretentious or stuck-up about their families and what is important to them.
I doubt that if I adopt a child the media will care. That's the bottom line!
Arrogance & Stupidity: Thank you!
Finally, a senior diplomat, Alberto Fernandez, said it: history will judge the United States' foreign policy regarding Iraq (meaning Bush and his Republican sycophants) as being "arrogant" and filled with "stupidity." Of course, he points out that these things have been said by other top diplomats, but none of them have been so directly and in such a vulgar manner. Nonetheless, I appreciate candid remarks.
Arrogant and stupid...I can't say much more than that!
Arrogant and stupid...I can't say much more than that!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Sick Days
There's nothing better than taking a sick day, especially when you're not sick! I can catch up on my reading and watch a bit of daytime television. What's better than that?
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Just fondling...
The priest who molested former Republican Congressman Mark Foley stated that he only fondled Foley when he was a teenager. He even said, "he seemed to like it." That's pretty funny.
Of course, nothing legally will happen to the priest. He is currently living in Malta. Who is going to extradite over something that happened over thirty years ago?
Of course, nothing legally will happen to the priest. He is currently living in Malta. Who is going to extradite over something that happened over thirty years ago?
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Student Fighters
I recently read an article where a school system in Texas is teaching students and teachers how to fight back against an attacker in the school. Now, first of all, I was a bit taken back by this prospect. The last thing you want to do is create a school full of vigilantes. It also forces the issue of allowing students and teachers to take unnecessary risks. But if your life is in the balance, what is unnecessary really? It would seem that staring down the barrel of a gun in the hands of a mad-man (or woman) is a catalyst for self-preservation.
Personally, I do not agree the decision that creates a room full of students who can fend off an attacker is the right one. It is better to simply follow the directions of the person holding the gun and afford the art of negotiation to the police; however, many people who take classrooms hostage are not looking for a simple and quick fix to their problems. They are there because they have become so overwhelmed by the issues and delusions in their life, whether they are a student or not. Often times, they are there to commit suicide and take a few friends/enemies along for the journey.
Perhaps, the school system in Texas has the right idea. If you attack and surprise your captor, then perhaps you have a chance at survival. After all, they are there for blood. Why not let it be the would-be-captor's blood instead?
Personally, I do not agree the decision that creates a room full of students who can fend off an attacker is the right one. It is better to simply follow the directions of the person holding the gun and afford the art of negotiation to the police; however, many people who take classrooms hostage are not looking for a simple and quick fix to their problems. They are there because they have become so overwhelmed by the issues and delusions in their life, whether they are a student or not. Often times, they are there to commit suicide and take a few friends/enemies along for the journey.
Perhaps, the school system in Texas has the right idea. If you attack and surprise your captor, then perhaps you have a chance at survival. After all, they are there for blood. Why not let it be the would-be-captor's blood instead?
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Posturing
Today, the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to implement sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear test on Monday. What does it all mean?
It is simply more meaningless posturing by the United Nations. North Korea will not suffer anymore than it has in the past ten years under these sanctions. How can you punish a nation that already has nothing?
It's pointless and fruitless.
It is simply more meaningless posturing by the United Nations. North Korea will not suffer anymore than it has in the past ten years under these sanctions. How can you punish a nation that already has nothing?
It's pointless and fruitless.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Nuclear Bombs & Ethics
There is something of irony regarding the North Korea issue. The United States is ardently opposed to North Korea possessing nuclear weapons; however, the US, as you know, has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world. In addition, the US is the only nation to have used nuclear weapons during a confrontation.
The irony is a bit like me telling someone the virtues of gun control while I have a large collection of guns in my home. Perhaps if the US took proactive steps of complete nuclear disarmament of its own stockpile, then other nations might be less likely to create this type of weaponry. After all, they refer to our healthy supply of nuclear weapons when we scream "foul!"
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
The irony is a bit like me telling someone the virtues of gun control while I have a large collection of guns in my home. Perhaps if the US took proactive steps of complete nuclear disarmament of its own stockpile, then other nations might be less likely to create this type of weaponry. After all, they refer to our healthy supply of nuclear weapons when we scream "foul!"
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Monday, October 09, 2006
North Korea Acts
According to North Korean media outlets, the country has tested it's first nuclear device today. Although, the United States is unable to independently verify this fact, the South Korean geological society reported a 3.6 point "artificial" earthquake from North Korea, which probably means they did, in fact, test a nuclear test.
George W. Bush says the nuclear proliferation of North Korea will not be tolerated by the rest of the world. It would seem they are already doing well enough on their own without the rest of the world's permission.
Let's keep fighting in Iraq. We can't stop North Korea.
George W. Bush says the nuclear proliferation of North Korea will not be tolerated by the rest of the world. It would seem they are already doing well enough on their own without the rest of the world's permission.
Let's keep fighting in Iraq. We can't stop North Korea.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
North Korea
North Korea says it may postpone the test of its first nuclear device if the United States will agree to direct bilateral talks, instead of posing unilateral sanctions against the nation.
Why doesn't the United States engage North Korea directly? What is the point of talking to one country through different nations? It's like when you were small and you said, "I'm not talking to mom...dad will you tell mom that I'm not talking to her." The funny thing is, mom is standing right in the room with you! That's how this whole "We're not talking to North Korea, except through China..." deal comes into play.
Bill Clinton's administration sought to directly engage the North Koreas. Secretary of State Madeline Albright went to Pyongyang and met with Kim Jong-il. This was a very large step of diplomacy for both nations and a great gesture of open relations with the North Koreans on the part of the Americans. What happened to this new relationship? George W. Bush is what happened.
George Bush's administration worked to undo all the work Clinton and his Administration had done. They returned to the indirect communication method and closed all relations with the North Koreans. What has that gotten us? It has gotten us a North Korea that is working tirelessly to build its own nuclear arsenal. It is creating tension on the Korean Peninsula and with the Japanese. It is giving China the upper-hand on dealing with this problem, because they are primarily the go-to-country for even speaking to the North Koreans.
If Bush was smart (and we all know he's not) and surrounded by equally intelligent, diplomatic people (instead of sycophants), then we might have averted this whole new North Korean tension. We might have followed the same model with Iran. The United States (Bush mostly) must get out of this mentality that we can bully other nations around and they will blindly follow along. We can no longer be the biggest, meanest kid on the school playground. Eventually, these little nations are going to gang up on us and give us a bloody nose. The United States is the world's oldest democracy. We have been in existence for over 200 years. From these many years of struggle and strife, we must have learned something of wisdom. The United States is in the best position of being the broker of genuine world peace; however, this can only be accomplished through direct talks with the parties involved. It must also take into account the art of compromise and the understanding that all parties have authentic positions on the issues at hand. It's not about one nation having the upper-hand on the other one. It's not about throwing around insults and insinuations. The United States must sit evenly at the middle of the negotiation's table and say, "This is what each party has brought to this discussion. Now, what can we do--with the things you have brought today--to find a balance to the issues and find commonality?"
That is called diplomacy!
Why doesn't the United States engage North Korea directly? What is the point of talking to one country through different nations? It's like when you were small and you said, "I'm not talking to mom...dad will you tell mom that I'm not talking to her." The funny thing is, mom is standing right in the room with you! That's how this whole "We're not talking to North Korea, except through China..." deal comes into play.
Bill Clinton's administration sought to directly engage the North Koreas. Secretary of State Madeline Albright went to Pyongyang and met with Kim Jong-il. This was a very large step of diplomacy for both nations and a great gesture of open relations with the North Koreans on the part of the Americans. What happened to this new relationship? George W. Bush is what happened.
George Bush's administration worked to undo all the work Clinton and his Administration had done. They returned to the indirect communication method and closed all relations with the North Koreans. What has that gotten us? It has gotten us a North Korea that is working tirelessly to build its own nuclear arsenal. It is creating tension on the Korean Peninsula and with the Japanese. It is giving China the upper-hand on dealing with this problem, because they are primarily the go-to-country for even speaking to the North Koreans.
If Bush was smart (and we all know he's not) and surrounded by equally intelligent, diplomatic people (instead of sycophants), then we might have averted this whole new North Korean tension. We might have followed the same model with Iran. The United States (Bush mostly) must get out of this mentality that we can bully other nations around and they will blindly follow along. We can no longer be the biggest, meanest kid on the school playground. Eventually, these little nations are going to gang up on us and give us a bloody nose. The United States is the world's oldest democracy. We have been in existence for over 200 years. From these many years of struggle and strife, we must have learned something of wisdom. The United States is in the best position of being the broker of genuine world peace; however, this can only be accomplished through direct talks with the parties involved. It must also take into account the art of compromise and the understanding that all parties have authentic positions on the issues at hand. It's not about one nation having the upper-hand on the other one. It's not about throwing around insults and insinuations. The United States must sit evenly at the middle of the negotiation's table and say, "This is what each party has brought to this discussion. Now, what can we do--with the things you have brought today--to find a balance to the issues and find commonality?"
That is called diplomacy!
Friday, October 06, 2006
All that I am...
Have you ever felt like your life is hidden away? I feel like that every day of my life. I am forced to live according to "standards." I suppose I live a life similar to someone in public life. I cannot engage in activities that I want to do, because I must think of their consequences. I was reading about the documentary/movie The Queen, which shows the life of Queen Elizabeth II after the Princess Diana debacle in 1997. There was a quote associated with the film that is germane to my life: "That which enables me also restrains me."
UGH!
UGH!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Help Wanted: Speaker of the House
When November rolls around, and goes by, we may be looking for a new person to fill the Office of Speaker of the House of Representatives. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) is getting involved very heavily in this Mark Foley issue. It has come to light that, perhaps, Mr. Hastert's office knew about concerns regarding Foley's behavior up to three years ago. Instead of them acting on these reports, in the form of an investigation, they simply allowed them to fall by the wayside and moved on with rubber stamping Bush's failed domestic and international policies.
Foley, even though he may be small potatoes, is indirectly working to bring down the remaining portions of the Republican establishment in Washington. Republicans can no longer proclaim themselves the "moral leaders" of this nation when they allowed something so sinister to take place under their collective noses. Not every Republican is to blame, this is true, but when the leadership of the Republicans--who should be the most moral of the moral--ignore something so blatant, then something is going to have to give. That much we can count on happening!
Hypocrisy, yes!
Foley, even though he may be small potatoes, is indirectly working to bring down the remaining portions of the Republican establishment in Washington. Republicans can no longer proclaim themselves the "moral leaders" of this nation when they allowed something so sinister to take place under their collective noses. Not every Republican is to blame, this is true, but when the leadership of the Republicans--who should be the most moral of the moral--ignore something so blatant, then something is going to have to give. That much we can count on happening!
Hypocrisy, yes!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Foley Aide Delivers the Dirt
Kirk Fordham, a former aide to Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL), resigned today. He states that he notified the office of Dennis Hastert (R-IL), who is the Speaker of the House, of his former boss' exchanges with congressional pages. When did the notification take place? Two years ago! What did Hastert do about it? Nothing!
Copy Cats & the Media
Firstly, I believe in the constitutional right to freedom of the press. That is one of our hallmarks in this country. Now, what exactly do we need to know in a free press? Some would argue that we need to know every detail. That argument, indeed, has teeth. But I argue there are some issues that need only be reported in a succinct manner without any real depth or involvement by the media.
Secondly, let's examine the recent shootings in schools across the United States and Canada. Do we need to know about every detail surrounding these types of cases? I argue that we do not. Sure, we need to know they happened. It is important to be able to know the current events going on in our world. It is not usual for there to be three school shootings in one week, however. These are simply copy cat events.
How do we protect ourselves from such events? The sorrow of loss is immeasurable for the families and communities directly touched by these events, as we know. We can empathize with loss and terror; however, the media need not dwell on these issues. Basically, the people who commit such crimes are those who are ostracized in some form by society. They are overlooked as individuals in some manner, which should be horrifying in-and-of-itself. The media gives them a quick and somewhat glamorous outlet. It is a final homage to themselves. For a brief (or not so brief) moment a person becomes a superstar. Now, for most of us it's not the type of super stardom we want attached to our final memory; however, to some it is the outlet they have been searching for their entire lives. All you need is a gun, a semi-plausible plan, and a school full of students. That's a plan that lands you as the lead story on the evening news. Your name is flashed for the entire world to see. To the perpetrator, it doesn't matter what the circumstances are for it being there. Certainly, you won't be forgotten by the families you destroyed. Finally, you may have lived alone or felt as if you were an outcast by society, but you won't die alone. You, for a brief moment in time, will be the master of life and death. You will hold someone else's life in the balance. The moment of live-or-die will be completely at your discretion. Then at the moment you chose you can take as much life as you wish with no consequences, because you are going to die then and there also.
You may not be a rock star, but the allure of the lights and the drama, even though you may be dead, to some is too much to pass up. The media should simply touch on the issue and then move away as is if it were nothing major. Of course, we all know it is major. But not every homicide in the United States gets the lead story on the evening news. Not every murder victim's face is put on television for the world to see. When we sensationalize and glorify this type of deed, we only endanger the lives of other people who go to school or work there.
(Hey, I'm biased when it comes to this issue! It's the place I spend most of my week. I certainly don't want someone coming into my classroom and blasting away at me because they felt as if they could be the lead-in to Larry King Live.)
Secondly, let's examine the recent shootings in schools across the United States and Canada. Do we need to know about every detail surrounding these types of cases? I argue that we do not. Sure, we need to know they happened. It is important to be able to know the current events going on in our world. It is not usual for there to be three school shootings in one week, however. These are simply copy cat events.
How do we protect ourselves from such events? The sorrow of loss is immeasurable for the families and communities directly touched by these events, as we know. We can empathize with loss and terror; however, the media need not dwell on these issues. Basically, the people who commit such crimes are those who are ostracized in some form by society. They are overlooked as individuals in some manner, which should be horrifying in-and-of-itself. The media gives them a quick and somewhat glamorous outlet. It is a final homage to themselves. For a brief (or not so brief) moment a person becomes a superstar. Now, for most of us it's not the type of super stardom we want attached to our final memory; however, to some it is the outlet they have been searching for their entire lives. All you need is a gun, a semi-plausible plan, and a school full of students. That's a plan that lands you as the lead story on the evening news. Your name is flashed for the entire world to see. To the perpetrator, it doesn't matter what the circumstances are for it being there. Certainly, you won't be forgotten by the families you destroyed. Finally, you may have lived alone or felt as if you were an outcast by society, but you won't die alone. You, for a brief moment in time, will be the master of life and death. You will hold someone else's life in the balance. The moment of live-or-die will be completely at your discretion. Then at the moment you chose you can take as much life as you wish with no consequences, because you are going to die then and there also.
You may not be a rock star, but the allure of the lights and the drama, even though you may be dead, to some is too much to pass up. The media should simply touch on the issue and then move away as is if it were nothing major. Of course, we all know it is major. But not every homicide in the United States gets the lead story on the evening news. Not every murder victim's face is put on television for the world to see. When we sensationalize and glorify this type of deed, we only endanger the lives of other people who go to school or work there.
(Hey, I'm biased when it comes to this issue! It's the place I spend most of my week. I certainly don't want someone coming into my classroom and blasting away at me because they felt as if they could be the lead-in to Larry King Live.)
Hastert & Foley sitting in a tree...
It would seem the Foley "buck" is going to be stopping at the office door of the Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert (R-IL).
It's election season. In essence, it is every man and woman for himself or herself. Even at this time of year your political party can be put on the back burner, when it doesn't benefit you in a meaningful way. The Mark Foley scandal is going to be around a month from now when elections are about to go into full gear. It will be election day on November 7, after all. No doubt there will be lots more to discover and learn about the Foley scandal between now and then. Many Republicans are moving the blame to the top very quickly. Some Republicans in the top echelon of power wanted to "spread" the blame around, in order to minimize the damage any one member of the House would be forced to endure. It doesn't seem that idea is going to pan out. No one is going to be sharing in the blame of this fiasco unless they absolutely were involved in the scandal cover-up. And even then some members of the House are not going to be accepting blame right away.
So, what have we learned exactly? We found out from Foley's attorney that he is an alcoholic who was abused as a teenager by a clergyman. Is that the makings of a class "A" pervert? According to some of the experts I heard on television the other night, yes it is. It is very interesting that he is suddenly meeting the criteria for being a "no-fault" deviant.
Now what about Dennis Hastert, who is the lead Republican in the House of Representatives? Yes, he doesn't deny that he knew about some "inappropriate" communications between Foley and a congressional page that took place a few years ago. In fact, he's known about it since 2005. But what did he do about it? Nothing at all. He turned a blind eye to the facts. He stood in complete party mode. He chose not to rock the boat, because if he did he might give Democrats some leverage to rock the boat in a different direction. Honestly, would the fall-out from the Foley scandal be as broad as it is now if Hastert, and other Republicans, made this issue public in 2005? I doubt it. It would have been almost as if they were doing the right thing. Now there's a novel idea for Washington!
It's election season. In essence, it is every man and woman for himself or herself. Even at this time of year your political party can be put on the back burner, when it doesn't benefit you in a meaningful way. The Mark Foley scandal is going to be around a month from now when elections are about to go into full gear. It will be election day on November 7, after all. No doubt there will be lots more to discover and learn about the Foley scandal between now and then. Many Republicans are moving the blame to the top very quickly. Some Republicans in the top echelon of power wanted to "spread" the blame around, in order to minimize the damage any one member of the House would be forced to endure. It doesn't seem that idea is going to pan out. No one is going to be sharing in the blame of this fiasco unless they absolutely were involved in the scandal cover-up. And even then some members of the House are not going to be accepting blame right away.
So, what have we learned exactly? We found out from Foley's attorney that he is an alcoholic who was abused as a teenager by a clergyman. Is that the makings of a class "A" pervert? According to some of the experts I heard on television the other night, yes it is. It is very interesting that he is suddenly meeting the criteria for being a "no-fault" deviant.
Now what about Dennis Hastert, who is the lead Republican in the House of Representatives? Yes, he doesn't deny that he knew about some "inappropriate" communications between Foley and a congressional page that took place a few years ago. In fact, he's known about it since 2005. But what did he do about it? Nothing at all. He turned a blind eye to the facts. He stood in complete party mode. He chose not to rock the boat, because if he did he might give Democrats some leverage to rock the boat in a different direction. Honestly, would the fall-out from the Foley scandal be as broad as it is now if Hastert, and other Republicans, made this issue public in 2005? I doubt it. It would have been almost as if they were doing the right thing. Now there's a novel idea for Washington!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Cyber Sex, The State's Business?
Today, we learned from our friends at ABC News that Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL) delayed voting in the House of Representatives to have "cyber sex" with his page pal. In other news, George Bush said, "Democrats can't be trusted" to control the Congress of the United States.
Now, let me ask you: we can't trust Democrats to run the Congress, but we can trust a Republican who delays the People's business to have an orgasm with his online boyfriend? That sounds pretty fucked up to me. Do we really need George Bush as president? I won't even answer that. You already did in your head. :)
Now, let me ask you: we can't trust Democrats to run the Congress, but we can trust a Republican who delays the People's business to have an orgasm with his online boyfriend? That sounds pretty fucked up to me. Do we really need George Bush as president? I won't even answer that. You already did in your head. :)
Monday, October 02, 2006
School Shootings
Quebec
Colorado
Wisconsin
Pennsylvania
Wow! It looks like we have a lot of angry youth (and a pervert) who want to take out their frustration on other students and school faculty with violence. That really makes me want to go back to school!
Colorado
Wisconsin
Pennsylvania
Wow! It looks like we have a lot of angry youth (and a pervert) who want to take out their frustration on other students and school faculty with violence. That really makes me want to go back to school!
Foley: Bush's "Fall Guy"?
Apparently, the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives has been sitting on this time bomb, called "Mark Foley," since 2005. Now, pray-tell, why is it suddenly coming to the light, as it were?
Let's see: a congressman resigns because of a scandal. It involves a former congressional page, who was at the age of consent in most states. It is homosexual in nature, but that's really not outside the mainstream of American life today.
It would seem that Foley never even intended to fight this allegation. He simply resigned. Easy as you please. A bit too easy, if you ask me. He simply went into the sunset. He hurt his family, fellow Floridians, and his party. But he redeemed himself, in a way, by doing the obvious "right thing." And now he's an alcoholic. Everyone has one of those in their family (even under cover). And we all know they aren't responsible for their affliction!
Is it possible that George Bush, and the Republican Party elders, decided to use Foley as a pawn in the public relations war against the war in Iraq? It might be demented enough to work. They use a home-grown-scandal to divert attention away from an international catastrophe. In the beginning, Foley is a monster, yes; but as time goes by and November pops up, people have forgotten what they were supposed to do.
It's a conspiracy theory, for sure, but it's not outside the scope of the possible.
Let's see: a congressman resigns because of a scandal. It involves a former congressional page, who was at the age of consent in most states. It is homosexual in nature, but that's really not outside the mainstream of American life today.
It would seem that Foley never even intended to fight this allegation. He simply resigned. Easy as you please. A bit too easy, if you ask me. He simply went into the sunset. He hurt his family, fellow Floridians, and his party. But he redeemed himself, in a way, by doing the obvious "right thing." And now he's an alcoholic. Everyone has one of those in their family (even under cover). And we all know they aren't responsible for their affliction!
Is it possible that George Bush, and the Republican Party elders, decided to use Foley as a pawn in the public relations war against the war in Iraq? It might be demented enough to work. They use a home-grown-scandal to divert attention away from an international catastrophe. In the beginning, Foley is a monster, yes; but as time goes by and November pops up, people have forgotten what they were supposed to do.
It's a conspiracy theory, for sure, but it's not outside the scope of the possible.
Mark Foley an Alcoholic
Alcoholism! What a great excuse for diverting scandal! It would seem the six-time congressman, Mark Foley (R-FL), has checked into a rehab clinic for the treatment of alcoholism. I wonder if this is a clue as to his behavior? Or is it merely a tactic by some shrewd political spin doctor to divert our attention from the real cause of his fall-from-grace?
Let's see...
Let's see...
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Hell to Pay
Republican leaders are taking former Florida congressman, Mark Foley, to the cross for a good old-fashioned lynching, as I predicted. I give him marks, however, for his timely resignation. Unlike Tom DeLay, who thought he could be a blatant crook and hold his elected office too, Foley decided it was time to close up the shop and head on back home.
It looks as if now some of the Republican leadership should be offering their resignations as well. According to available information, some congressional leaders knew about this incident in 2005! Yet they did nothing to follow through with the allegation. That's what you call keeping it in the family.
It looks as if now some of the Republican leadership should be offering their resignations as well. According to available information, some congressional leaders knew about this incident in 2005! Yet they did nothing to follow through with the allegation. That's what you call keeping it in the family.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
America's 'Berlin Wall'
Last night, Congress passed a law that will authorize the building of a wall along the US-Mexican border at a cost of about $1,000,000,000 (one-billion dollars) to the American taxpayer. Now, did the Soviets successfully keep the people of East Berlin on their side of the Berlin Wall during the Cold War? Of course not.
Our very own version of the Berlin Wall will not keep out illegal aliens either. They will only work harder to get into our country. This is good news for people who make a living by smuggling illegal aliens into the United States. They can now increase their fees for such services because of the wall.
We never learn from the lessons history has taught us. Instead of working to better the lives of Mexicans, the Mexican government will spend about $2 billion to lobby Washington against the building of this wall (in addition to other Mexican related issues). The Mexican government is obviously blind-sided by the fact Bush (and Republicans) would back such a proposal to build this border fence. Mexico wants to get rid of its "undesirable" citizens by sending them to the United States. When they cross the border, they are no longer the problem of the Mexican taxpayer. With an increase in illegal immigrant deaths, associated with crossing a more defended border, the government of Mexico will be required to address these issues in their own domestic policies. This will spell trouble for their government in the future. Of course, I would be spending like crazy too to protect my own self-interests and self-preservation!
Our very own version of the Berlin Wall will not keep out illegal aliens either. They will only work harder to get into our country. This is good news for people who make a living by smuggling illegal aliens into the United States. They can now increase their fees for such services because of the wall.
We never learn from the lessons history has taught us. Instead of working to better the lives of Mexicans, the Mexican government will spend about $2 billion to lobby Washington against the building of this wall (in addition to other Mexican related issues). The Mexican government is obviously blind-sided by the fact Bush (and Republicans) would back such a proposal to build this border fence. Mexico wants to get rid of its "undesirable" citizens by sending them to the United States. When they cross the border, they are no longer the problem of the Mexican taxpayer. With an increase in illegal immigrant deaths, associated with crossing a more defended border, the government of Mexico will be required to address these issues in their own domestic policies. This will spell trouble for their government in the future. Of course, I would be spending like crazy too to protect my own self-interests and self-preservation!
Friday, September 29, 2006
My Insanity
Today, I paid a visit to my doctor. Now, last time I went, I was suffering from some issues of depression and anxiety. The doctor gave me some Xanax. That stuff is pretty good, except it is like taking a sleeping pill. It really does alleviate many of the symptoms associated with anxiety. I guess I never realized it, but I do have anxiety. I am the type of person who is always on edge. I get so close to the that imaginary edge that I feel as if I am going insane. I feel the pressure inside of my chest and along the tips of my fingers. It is frightening. Xanax helps to calm my overactive imagination and my rampant and irrational thoughts. The visit today refilled my prescription of Xanax and added a new prescription drug for my anxiety. I wanted something more than simply controlling the immediate symptoms relating to anxiety. I need something which will work to divert, even eliminate, my symptoms of anxiety. The doctor gave me a prescription of BuSpar. According to the packaging, BuSpar works to control the chemical imbalances in my brain that precipitate my anxiety episodes. I hope the new drug works. It said it could take up to three weeks to fully kick into gear. It is unlike Xanax, which effects you can often feel within five minutes after taking the pill. I will still use Xanax, however, to control any immediate and overwhelming occurrences of anxiety. I am sure they will happen!!!
Republican Hypocrisy
Republicans claim they are the moral authors of this nation's future. They want to put us back onto he "straight and narrow," but they have so many hang-ups and fallacies. Let's admit it: they are simply human, like the rest of us.
Now, we have this former United States Congressman, Mark Foley (R-FL), who is accused of inappropriate e-mails with a sixteen-year-old male, who was a former Congressional page. The only good thing to surface out of this scandal is Democrats may have a shot at the House. Interesting. Bush will find a way to "off" this guy (politically, of course). I believe, however, he has "offed" himself sufficiently. He has resigned his seat in the House of Representatives and now he faces an investigation of his conduct.
Let's investigate Bush instead. I think that is more important than someone's foolish fantasies that never came to fruition.
Now, we have this former United States Congressman, Mark Foley (R-FL), who is accused of inappropriate e-mails with a sixteen-year-old male, who was a former Congressional page. The only good thing to surface out of this scandal is Democrats may have a shot at the House. Interesting. Bush will find a way to "off" this guy (politically, of course). I believe, however, he has "offed" himself sufficiently. He has resigned his seat in the House of Representatives and now he faces an investigation of his conduct.
Let's investigate Bush instead. I think that is more important than someone's foolish fantasies that never came to fruition.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Clintonized
Watching Bill Clinton during Sunday night's Fox News interview created a sense of nostalgia inside of me. It is refreshing to remember a time there was an articulate president who could think on his feet and come up with original thoughts all without someone whispering talking points into his ear.
President Clinton blasted Chris Wallace when he asked him about his role in search for bin Laden, during his Administration. Clinton was apt to point out the bin Laden threat was minimal during the 1990s and the early years of the new millennium. Bin Laden survived the Clinton Administration and his master plan grew into fruition during the first months of the Bush II Administration. Like Clinton pointed out, Wallace's "nice conservative job" was meant to downplay Clinton's stance on terror and make it seem it is all his fault bin Laden was able to attack the United States on 9/11; thereby, creating doubt, on a subconscious level, that Democrats are "soft" on security and national defense. I do not believe the blame lies on Clinton, or even Bush for that matter. Bin Laden was an anomaly. He had massive amounts of in-born cash, a religious fanatic's mentality and the ability to rally a crowd of covert supporters for his perverse cause. Let's leave it there and deal with the facts. Yes, Clinton also pointed out that the United States has now invested more heavily in Iraq than in Afghanistan. Clinton stated that he had not been vocal in his criticisms of the Bush Administration's fight on "terrorism." He, however, pointed out the fact the United States has only invested one-seventh the military in Afghanistan that it has in Iraq. Of course, we know bin Laden is not in Iraq, but in Afghanistan/Pakistan! So where is the logic?
Fox News is blatantly biased toward conservative issues. It is no secret, really! It's also no secret that Wallace decided to break out this contentious issue during his interview with Clinton. It speaks toward the sickness Fox News has been infected with since 2001. Fair and balanced? Hardly!
President Clinton blasted Chris Wallace when he asked him about his role in search for bin Laden, during his Administration. Clinton was apt to point out the bin Laden threat was minimal during the 1990s and the early years of the new millennium. Bin Laden survived the Clinton Administration and his master plan grew into fruition during the first months of the Bush II Administration. Like Clinton pointed out, Wallace's "nice conservative job" was meant to downplay Clinton's stance on terror and make it seem it is all his fault bin Laden was able to attack the United States on 9/11; thereby, creating doubt, on a subconscious level, that Democrats are "soft" on security and national defense. I do not believe the blame lies on Clinton, or even Bush for that matter. Bin Laden was an anomaly. He had massive amounts of in-born cash, a religious fanatic's mentality and the ability to rally a crowd of covert supporters for his perverse cause. Let's leave it there and deal with the facts. Yes, Clinton also pointed out that the United States has now invested more heavily in Iraq than in Afghanistan. Clinton stated that he had not been vocal in his criticisms of the Bush Administration's fight on "terrorism." He, however, pointed out the fact the United States has only invested one-seventh the military in Afghanistan that it has in Iraq. Of course, we know bin Laden is not in Iraq, but in Afghanistan/Pakistan! So where is the logic?
Fox News is blatantly biased toward conservative issues. It is no secret, really! It's also no secret that Wallace decided to break out this contentious issue during his interview with Clinton. It speaks toward the sickness Fox News has been infected with since 2001. Fair and balanced? Hardly!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Iraq War Fuels Terrorism
CNN reports a classified document concedes the war in Iraq has only deepened the threat to the United States by terrorists. Now, common sense tells you that, you don't need a classified government document to tell you that!
Thanks, Mr. Bush!
Thanks, Mr. Bush!
Thai Coup
Did you know (former) Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra got his master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University? I think that's pretty cool.
Recently, speculation has been growing that Prime Minister Thaksin knew of the coup d'êtat that swept him from office in advance of the event. He used his government aircraft to not only transport himself and his family to Finland, on government business, but it also carried numerous suitcases and trunks. In addition, days before the coup, he had another government plane to transport a large amount of personal cargo from Thailand to Europe. The press seems to be interested in this facet of events. I don't seem to understand their relevance. Of course, if I had fore-knowledge of a pending coup d'êtat, where I be swept from government office, I would get as much of my crap out of the country as possible! It's only human nature and a matter of survival. It is a certainty that Thaksin's remaining personal property and assets have been confiscated or frozen by the state.
DUH!
Recently, speculation has been growing that Prime Minister Thaksin knew of the coup d'êtat that swept him from office in advance of the event. He used his government aircraft to not only transport himself and his family to Finland, on government business, but it also carried numerous suitcases and trunks. In addition, days before the coup, he had another government plane to transport a large amount of personal cargo from Thailand to Europe. The press seems to be interested in this facet of events. I don't seem to understand their relevance. Of course, if I had fore-knowledge of a pending coup d'êtat, where I be swept from government office, I would get as much of my crap out of the country as possible! It's only human nature and a matter of survival. It is a certainty that Thaksin's remaining personal property and assets have been confiscated or frozen by the state.
DUH!
New Career Path
Thursday, I was in the computer lab with my heathens, when I was discussing lost opportunities with the lab attendant. It would seem that my previous goal in life was to be a lawyer. Now, I became a teacher....why? I still don't fully understand. Generally, I feel like I missed out on my life's calling by not following my "true" calling. There is nothing more I love than a good fight and the satisfaction of winning. Now, you can fight with students in class, but there is no real debate there. Of course, I am going to win. I have more mental capacity and life-experience going for me. I am going to win every debate. I haven't lost yet. It would be fun to go against someone who isn't 12 years old. I feel like my mind is just mush sometimes. I will probably end up with Alzheimer's one day. But back to the lab: the lab attendant suggested that I am not too old to change my career in life. Of course, I'd have to go to law school for four years, but on the opposite end of the spectrum, do I see myself wiling away the years in a job that only half-way fulfills me on the inside?
The internal answer to that question is, of course: NO!
The internal answer to that question is, of course: NO!
Rain
What's up with all the rain? I think I should start building an ark! It has rained now for almost three days here. I haven't gotten my formal instructions from God yet, so I'll hold off on the ark for now. I may, however, have to take matters into my own hands. Rainy weather always makes me depressed, unless it is a thunderstorm. There is nothing as calming like lightening and thunder. It reminds you that you are still alive and maybe not in charge of your own destiny. I am the opposite when it snows, though. I love the snow. There is nothing better than watching it snow!
Impluse Shopping
I get a high when I impulse shop, yes! I usually buy silly electronic devices, like mp3 players, cell phone accessories, etc. Today, I made my silliest impulse buy. I bought a Rolex watch! I love my watches, they are like my children. When I saw it, I thought, "You should have the ultimate in watches...the Rolex!" So, I bought it. I had a high for about 5 minutes after the purchase, but now I feel shopper's remorse. It's pretty though; I'll keep it.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Bush, The "Softer" Side
I saw this website today at school. Some of my kids were looking at it in the lab. Normally, I get pissed off when they dilly-dally, but this was too funny. I even laughed-out-loud. Yes, it really does happen!
Dermatologist report
Well, Monday, I headed out to my dermy for a body scan. It turns out I have this rash on the back of my left hand. I was told by a regular physician that it is a fungal infection (ewww, I know), but my dermatologist informs me it is eczema. I have had it off-and-on for about three years now. She says it is completely reliant upon the stressors in my life. I guess I have had a lot of stress in my life. GOD! I guess I need to get back on the Xanax, so I can relax a bit.
Bush Bumfuzzled
The president of Pakistan reported that his country was threatened by the United States in the wake of 9/11. His country was going to be "bombed back into the stoneage" if they did not comply in helping fight "terrorism."
Of course, today, George Bush is bewildered by this fact. We all know how calm, rational, and kindhearted Bush is. Of course, he would never use strong-armed tactics to intimidate third world countries into submission with his unilateral, elitist foreign policies.
Simply preposterous!
Of course, today, George Bush is bewildered by this fact. We all know how calm, rational, and kindhearted Bush is. Of course, he would never use strong-armed tactics to intimidate third world countries into submission with his unilateral, elitist foreign policies.
Simply preposterous!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
"The Bridges of Madison County"
Last night, on Starz Encore, I watched The Bridges of Madison County for the first time. I had heard of this movie when it first came out in 1995 (I think). I was only a young lad then, of course.
Ohhhhh! I didn't even know Meryl Streep was in it! She can play those torn lover-types very well. Her portrayal of Franscesca Johnson, the-vivacious-Italian-marooned-in-hick-town-Iowa, was simply wonderful. It reminded me deeply of her role in Out of Africa, which is another great movie I simply adore.
A four day love that became a lifetime obsession; how romantic is that? I actually cried at the end. I'm a sap, yes.
Ohhhhh! I didn't even know Meryl Streep was in it! She can play those torn lover-types very well. Her portrayal of Franscesca Johnson, the-vivacious-Italian-marooned-in-hick-town-Iowa, was simply wonderful. It reminded me deeply of her role in Out of Africa, which is another great movie I simply adore.
A four day love that became a lifetime obsession; how romantic is that? I actually cried at the end. I'm a sap, yes.
Bush loses clout on the world stage?
This week, King George goes before the United Nations to deliver a speech, or a plea, perhaps, regarding his foreign policies. CNN reported that leading analysts suggest he is losing his clout in the world arena! Je ne pas!
Wow! It took high priced analysts until now to figure that much out. I could have told you that back in 2002 when he was making his case for the invasion of Iraq! Let's face it, George Bush is a buffoon. He has lost the support of his own party (it's election season and everyone, and I mean everyone, hates him). Even my parents, who are die-hard Republicans, have lashed out against him lately. I even heard my own father, Mr. Conservative, say, "They should impeach the bastard after what he has done to our country!" My God, I thought I had died and gone to heaven for a moment.
I wonder what people like Rush Limbaugh say about this whole Republican breakdown. Are people like him on the side of Bush or the Congress? I heard Limbaugh on the radio yesterday for two seconds, but I turned it as quickly as I could crank the dial. I loathe him. He is a hypocrite of the worst kind. A druggy-in-denial, self-promoting lunatic. That's Rush.
But back to Bush, yes, he has lost his clout. He never even had the chance to become a "lame duck" president. He was lame from day one!
Wow! It took high priced analysts until now to figure that much out. I could have told you that back in 2002 when he was making his case for the invasion of Iraq! Let's face it, George Bush is a buffoon. He has lost the support of his own party (it's election season and everyone, and I mean everyone, hates him). Even my parents, who are die-hard Republicans, have lashed out against him lately. I even heard my own father, Mr. Conservative, say, "They should impeach the bastard after what he has done to our country!" My God, I thought I had died and gone to heaven for a moment.
I wonder what people like Rush Limbaugh say about this whole Republican breakdown. Are people like him on the side of Bush or the Congress? I heard Limbaugh on the radio yesterday for two seconds, but I turned it as quickly as I could crank the dial. I loathe him. He is a hypocrite of the worst kind. A druggy-in-denial, self-promoting lunatic. That's Rush.
But back to Bush, yes, he has lost his clout. He never even had the chance to become a "lame duck" president. He was lame from day one!
Pope Alert, this just in...24 hours ago
Today, Pope Benedict XVI apologized to the Muslim world for referencing language considered offensive to them. But did he really apologize?
It sounded like an apology, but it really was an appeasement. It is something you say to a small child to make him happy. He said he was sorry for how they reacted to his words. He never said he was sorry for using those words. In essence, he said what I predicted: the words of the Byzantine emperor were only referenced as part of a larger speech, and not a reflection of his personal views. Duh!
How about a lollipop to go along with your tear-stained smile? Would you like that?
It sounded like an apology, but it really was an appeasement. It is something you say to a small child to make him happy. He said he was sorry for how they reacted to his words. He never said he was sorry for using those words. In essence, he said what I predicted: the words of the Byzantine emperor were only referenced as part of a larger speech, and not a reflection of his personal views. Duh!
How about a lollipop to go along with your tear-stained smile? Would you like that?
Does anyone else remember?
I was just thinking this morning, while reading the Baghdad trench plan, about the guy they killed a few months ago. I forget his name (because he was so important), but he was the leader of al Qaida in Iraq. Anyhow, my question is this: how come we forgot about him? If you recall, when they killed him, and then recovered his personal belongings, like his cell phone, they found some interesting things on it. His cell phone directory had the numbers of top officials in the new Iraqi parliament saved in it. Hmmmmmmmm....???
I wonder if that could have been a convenient cover-up by the Bush Administration? I find it highly likely. It would be a major setback, not to mention slap-in-the-face, for Bush if al Qaida had compatriots in the democratically elected, Bush backed Iraqi government. I guess sometimes it is best to forget these things. *wink*
I wonder if that could have been a convenient cover-up by the Bush Administration? I find it highly likely. It would be a major setback, not to mention slap-in-the-face, for Bush if al Qaida had compatriots in the democratically elected, Bush backed Iraqi government. I guess sometimes it is best to forget these things. *wink*
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Pope's Remarks
On Tuesday, the Pope made comments in his native Germany quoting a Byzantine emperor, that Islam was spread by the sword. Doesn't it say that in the Qu'ran? I am pretty sure that it does. What about jihad? It is the only religion that is spread through direct violence. It is the duty of every Muslim to convert, or kill, the non-believer. What did he say, exactly? "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."
I do not believe the Pope chose the words of Emperor Manuel II Paleologus as a personal expression of his personal opinion of Muslims. Personally, I haven't even read the entire text of the Pope's speech.
One thing is for sure, Manuel II Paleologus may have been onto something....violence is the trademark of fundamental Islam! Name any other religion where someone insults the "head guy" and people start dying indiscriminately.
I do not believe the Pope chose the words of Emperor Manuel II Paleologus as a personal expression of his personal opinion of Muslims. Personally, I haven't even read the entire text of the Pope's speech.
One thing is for sure, Manuel II Paleologus may have been onto something....violence is the trademark of fundamental Islam! Name any other religion where someone insults the "head guy" and people start dying indiscriminately.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Interpretation
Sperm and egg;
Chromosomes spilling over, running, oozing
One over easy, and the other well done
It looks like the kitchen is closed to the regular clientele
Spermicide and patricide,
Two deaths of varying degrees
One is old, the other new
Tonight, they are both moot
Test tubes and beakers, what a mess
Hope they don’t break, they’re fragile as thin ice
One star is bright tonight; cloudy is the rest of the sky
I lay awake staring up, pondering and dreaming
A yawn and stretch, it’s getting late
The world is dead, but the time is ripe
One body and one big dream
The sighs are louder tonight
I gather you closer and hold you tightly
Two bodies jammed together, love is that way
One love, two hearts, beating and writhing
There’s that sigh and moan again, unnatural
Somewhere in the darkness a life is fused
A zygote, unique and almost aborted
One uterus to sustain life, like a crock pot
It bubbles, but never boils, only simmers
Suppers almost done, I reakin’
Looks like it’ll be here soon
One bowl, a plate and spoon, I hope it’s enough
How many places should I set?
The chicken or the egg?
Why not both, I say
One is as good as the other; boiled, fried, or baked
Come on kids, supper’s getting cold now
“Who’s the daddy?” they ask
It’s not easy to say, it’s that way
One is not easily open to interpretation or social segregation
Best not to pry in some cases
Oh, that star is brighter tonight, for sure
Somewhere beneath it a life is delivered and begun
One might wonder if her son will be special
He might, if his daddy has the right connections in town
With a wink, nod, and a hurry of whispers in the back alley
Unwed, it’s just unjust, untidy, you know?
One boy’s gotta grow up rough and rounded
He’s gonna get a complex
Eating some more, I watch from afar
It sure is getting cold these days, winter’s on
One minute before midnight, I hear the bells coming
We better be asleep soon, or no presents under the tree this year
All we do for one mother’s belief in her son’s fallacies
Long lines, maxed out cards, lighting up the town
One time we were all taken for a ride on Santa’s sleigh
Looks like its breaking, the sun’s shining, higher and brighter
It’s funny what folks will sacrifice
Copyright © 2006 Jackson Leslie LP, LLLP.
Chromosomes spilling over, running, oozing
One over easy, and the other well done
It looks like the kitchen is closed to the regular clientele
Spermicide and patricide,
Two deaths of varying degrees
One is old, the other new
Tonight, they are both moot
Test tubes and beakers, what a mess
Hope they don’t break, they’re fragile as thin ice
One star is bright tonight; cloudy is the rest of the sky
I lay awake staring up, pondering and dreaming
A yawn and stretch, it’s getting late
The world is dead, but the time is ripe
One body and one big dream
The sighs are louder tonight
I gather you closer and hold you tightly
Two bodies jammed together, love is that way
One love, two hearts, beating and writhing
There’s that sigh and moan again, unnatural
Somewhere in the darkness a life is fused
A zygote, unique and almost aborted
One uterus to sustain life, like a crock pot
It bubbles, but never boils, only simmers
Suppers almost done, I reakin’
Looks like it’ll be here soon
One bowl, a plate and spoon, I hope it’s enough
How many places should I set?
The chicken or the egg?
Why not both, I say
One is as good as the other; boiled, fried, or baked
Come on kids, supper’s getting cold now
“Who’s the daddy?” they ask
It’s not easy to say, it’s that way
One is not easily open to interpretation or social segregation
Best not to pry in some cases
Oh, that star is brighter tonight, for sure
Somewhere beneath it a life is delivered and begun
One might wonder if her son will be special
He might, if his daddy has the right connections in town
With a wink, nod, and a hurry of whispers in the back alley
Unwed, it’s just unjust, untidy, you know?
One boy’s gotta grow up rough and rounded
He’s gonna get a complex
Eating some more, I watch from afar
It sure is getting cold these days, winter’s on
One minute before midnight, I hear the bells coming
We better be asleep soon, or no presents under the tree this year
All we do for one mother’s belief in her son’s fallacies
Long lines, maxed out cards, lighting up the town
One time we were all taken for a ride on Santa’s sleigh
Looks like its breaking, the sun’s shining, higher and brighter
It’s funny what folks will sacrifice
Copyright © 2006 Jackson Leslie LP, LLLP.
Geneva Convention
Bush needs the Senate to give him new powers to interpret the Geneva Conventions that govern the treatment of prisoners of war. It would seem the Republican controlled Senate will not give Bush what he needs this fall. The Republican senators who are up for re-election in November are deeply afraid of losing their seats. They are distancing themselves from Bush and his ill-conceived policies they have so readily rubber stamped since 2001. Will this save them? I doubt it. They are simply holding on to straws; however, I am happy it will work, for the time being, to counteract Bush's perpetual misuse of the Congress.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Hugs & Kisses
Today, I saw George Bush hugging and kissing so many people. Now, my first instinct was the situation is sad and his feelings are appropriate. Then, I got to thinking about all those people touching him with their mouth. Then I thought, Bush probably needs to get checked for oral herpes virus now! Also, those people kissing him now need to get tested for the virus that causes stupidity!
Which is most gross? I don't know!
EWWWWWWWWWW!
Which is most gross? I don't know!
EWWWWWWWWWW!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Opposition to the Impeachment of George Bush
It would seem, according to a recent poll, 60% of Americans are opposed to the impeachment of George Bush.
I find this interesting. The Republican-controlled Congress impeached President Clinton for an extra-marital affair. That was pretty cool, according to the American public. He was a real dog. A regular pig, as it were. I say to that, BAH!
I think 95% of Americans would change the past 5+ years. We would probably not have elected Bush to the presidency, knowing he is a fascist. Even though, the majority of Americans supported Bush's re-election in 2004. How ignorant, I know.
America needs a change. It needs to finally hold it's self-proclaimed dictator accountable for his misuse and misrepresentation of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He needs to account for his gross incompetence, when it comes to his self-styled "war on terrorism." Instead of finding terrorists, like bin Laden, who were directly related to the events of September 11, Bush looked to invade Iraq, which was not related to terrorism in the United States. Iraq is now engaging in a civil war that we cannot undo, or even contain properly. Our own country is at the brink of ruin, both philosophically and economically. How will we resolve this sinister calamity? We will repopulate the US Congress with the opposition party, which, in turn, will hold Bush accountable through the use of various Constitutional devices; thereby, dusting off the once vibrant checks-and-balances of our government, which have been in storage for so many years now, since they were placed there by a "rubber stamp" Congress.
Opposition to impeaching Bush, they say? I say send him to the front-line in Iraq and allow him to defend his country first hand. Allow him to see, for himself, the devastation and hate he has unleashed by his own reckoning. Provide him with the same means to wage war and induce peace as many of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan currently have (and do not have). Give Bush the keys to a Humvee and send him down an unprotected Iraqi highway with the American flag painted on its doors. Let's see how he really feels in the end about sending American soldiers into harm's way with the most meager of supplies and governmental support.
Yes, let's impeach him!
I find this interesting. The Republican-controlled Congress impeached President Clinton for an extra-marital affair. That was pretty cool, according to the American public. He was a real dog. A regular pig, as it were. I say to that, BAH!
I think 95% of Americans would change the past 5+ years. We would probably not have elected Bush to the presidency, knowing he is a fascist. Even though, the majority of Americans supported Bush's re-election in 2004. How ignorant, I know.
America needs a change. It needs to finally hold it's self-proclaimed dictator accountable for his misuse and misrepresentation of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He needs to account for his gross incompetence, when it comes to his self-styled "war on terrorism." Instead of finding terrorists, like bin Laden, who were directly related to the events of September 11, Bush looked to invade Iraq, which was not related to terrorism in the United States. Iraq is now engaging in a civil war that we cannot undo, or even contain properly. Our own country is at the brink of ruin, both philosophically and economically. How will we resolve this sinister calamity? We will repopulate the US Congress with the opposition party, which, in turn, will hold Bush accountable through the use of various Constitutional devices; thereby, dusting off the once vibrant checks-and-balances of our government, which have been in storage for so many years now, since they were placed there by a "rubber stamp" Congress.
Opposition to impeaching Bush, they say? I say send him to the front-line in Iraq and allow him to defend his country first hand. Allow him to see, for himself, the devastation and hate he has unleashed by his own reckoning. Provide him with the same means to wage war and induce peace as many of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan currently have (and do not have). Give Bush the keys to a Humvee and send him down an unprotected Iraqi highway with the American flag painted on its doors. Let's see how he really feels in the end about sending American soldiers into harm's way with the most meager of supplies and governmental support.
Yes, let's impeach him!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Bush on Fire
My title sounds like Bush is doing well. In fact, it means the exact opposite.
Bush is crashing and burning quickly. He admitted today that the "secret prisons" he had denied for ages exist and are needed to defend our freedom. I certainly do not want anyone maintaining secret prisons in my name. Most Americans feel the same way, I'm sure.
Republicans are barely clinging to life through life support, as of now. In November, their plug will be pulled and they will slowly die and go to the wayside, which will make way for more progressive ideas and advancements for our country. Perhaps, we can focus on the mid-line of our economy, the middle class. We can hopefully reverse many of Bush's other devastating economic programs, reverse No Child Left Behind, which is slowly degrading our nation's schools, and reverse our image abroad, through the recall of American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan; thereby, allowing these nations to become self-sufficient and autonomous.
Bush is crashing and burning quickly. He admitted today that the "secret prisons" he had denied for ages exist and are needed to defend our freedom. I certainly do not want anyone maintaining secret prisons in my name. Most Americans feel the same way, I'm sure.
Republicans are barely clinging to life through life support, as of now. In November, their plug will be pulled and they will slowly die and go to the wayside, which will make way for more progressive ideas and advancements for our country. Perhaps, we can focus on the mid-line of our economy, the middle class. We can hopefully reverse many of Bush's other devastating economic programs, reverse No Child Left Behind, which is slowly degrading our nation's schools, and reverse our image abroad, through the recall of American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan; thereby, allowing these nations to become self-sufficient and autonomous.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Second in Command Dies in Iraq
Who is this person? The US government is sure it will deal a deflating blow to the al Qaida insurgency in Iraq. Ha! How amusing is that? With one person dead, there are probably 500 ready to step up and take his place. It is merely an inconvenience, not a handicapping blow.
The US government denies it, but there is a civil war in Iraq today. There have been thousands of people slaughtered or injured in the past week by internal renegade forces. I am certain the majority of Iraqis are looking back at happier days when Saddam Hussein was president of Iraq!
The US government denies it, but there is a civil war in Iraq today. There have been thousands of people slaughtered or injured in the past week by internal renegade forces. I am certain the majority of Iraqis are looking back at happier days when Saddam Hussein was president of Iraq!
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Tis the Season
It's that time of year! Time to kick Republicans out on the street! La la la la la la la!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Ernesto is a pest-o
Today, it's been raining because of Tropical Storm Ernesto. I tried to go out, but I hate to drive in the rain; especially, that really wussy kind, like today's rain. And it doesn't help they are working on the roof today. It sounds like my house is going to fall down at a moment's notice!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
By, Pluto!
This past week, a group of astronomers, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, removed Pluto from the list of planets in our solar system. We now have only eight planets. I was sort of saddened by this, but I guess it is of no real consequence to us, who live on earth, millions of miles away!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Middle East Tension
Israel violated the ceasefire arranged by the United Nations, by sending in troops to destroy certain targets, which Israel stated were reinforcements sent by the Syrians and Iranians.
In my opinion, any member state of the United Nations, which deliberately works to counteract a UN-sanctioned resolution, should be expelled. If Syria and Iran are working to re-arm Hezbollah, then their delegation to the United Nations must be suspended and sent out of New York. Basically, they forfeit their membership status for violating this agreement that has maintained a peace in this region for almost a week now.
It's incomprehensible.
In my opinion, any member state of the United Nations, which deliberately works to counteract a UN-sanctioned resolution, should be expelled. If Syria and Iran are working to re-arm Hezbollah, then their delegation to the United Nations must be suspended and sent out of New York. Basically, they forfeit their membership status for violating this agreement that has maintained a peace in this region for almost a week now.
It's incomprehensible.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Bush Defeat
Today, a Federal court enjoined the illegal wiretapping program being conducted by the NSA. The judge, in this case, stated the cause of justice must be tempered under the liberties and rights held by the Constitution. She alluded many times to the fact of engaging in these types of programs, we were, instead, defeating the purpose of protecting liberty and instituting tyranny and the rule of the few of the many. I concur whole-heartedly in this decision.
The Bush Administration, of course, has appealed this case to the circuit court. I believe the cause of justice and Constitutional law will be affirmed by the appellate court.
The Bush Administration, of course, has appealed this case to the circuit court. I believe the cause of justice and Constitutional law will be affirmed by the appellate court.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
1 a.m.
Tonight, at one a.m., the world will see if the fighting stops in the Middle East. Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah have agreed to the cease-fire, that was adopted by the United Nations Security Council yesterday.
Will it work? I think the fighting will stop for a while, but it depends on how committed the Lebanese are to maintaining sovereignty over their own land. If they send 15,000 Hezbollah soldiers to work with the UN peacekeeping forces, then probably not. But if Lebanon works to root out Hezbollah, then yes, peace is a great possibility.
We will wait and see...
Will it work? I think the fighting will stop for a while, but it depends on how committed the Lebanese are to maintaining sovereignty over their own land. If they send 15,000 Hezbollah soldiers to work with the UN peacekeeping forces, then probably not. But if Lebanon works to root out Hezbollah, then yes, peace is a great possibility.
We will wait and see...
Lieberman's Defeat and the Next New Deal
Joe Lieberman lost his re-election bid last Tuesday to a new term as Connecticut's senator. What does this mean?
Of course, he was a Democrat, in name, but not in principle. He was a supporter of the Bush Administration. He supported the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to no end. What happened to him? He lost!
I think this is a very good sign for Democrats. Democrats are going to win back Congress this fall. I can feel it in my bones. Then in 2008, we are taking back the White House. Now, it's not simply enough to have Democrats in Congress or the White House. We need real progressives, who will work to truly better this country. We need to strengthen our economy by putting the consumer first again. It's time that big business stopped out-sourcing and came back to the United States, or suffer trade fines for products manufactured outside the United States when they are imported into our country. The war in Iraq must be systematically abolished. Our position as a world power, who cares, must be renewed. The US is often times the only agent that can speak for peace, but that voice has been weakened by Bush's wars.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs, through the New Deal, that put the people first. He developed ways of using out-of-work men, and women, to the benefit of our society. He didn't put the business world first, by giving them multi-billion dollar contracts, providing them with tax breaks, and then allowing them to out-source the jobs. We had initiatives like the REA, which brought electricity to the most remote parts of our country. If it hadn't been for this initiative, there are parts of eastern Kentucky that would probably still be burning coal oil for light, because big business isn't interested in our niche. Just think, we could use the same idea to create an Internet program that brings the Internet to every person in the United States, just like electricity. We could use unemployed Americans to do it. The government would subsidize the program and provide the materials necessary to complete it. Not only would hardworking Americans have jobs, but people would be receiving a new modern service. Instead of awarding contracts to big business to siphon the cash off and then not implement the programs, we give them to the people who have an investment in their communities. How about that? Did you know there are remote parts of southern Louisiana that have never had telephone service? And I mean, never! This isn't because of hurricanes or anything of nature. It was the big phone companies who said, "Ah, screw it. They don't matter anyhow. We will concentrate on our big metropolitan markets."
In the end, we must salvage our society and renew it. The majority of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are now suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome as a consequence of their failed bid to "Bushize" those parts of the world. We will have to salvage them as well. Yes, we have to simply leave Iraq and say to the people, "We're sorry, but if you want your country, then you have to defend it and protect it on your own. We are leaving immediately." How do we stop failed tyrannical presidential administrations in the future from doing the same? We pass legislation that limits the authority the president has to wage war. We reign in our carte blanche that gave the president so much authority. Under the Constitution, the president cannot simply send forces out into the world to do his bidding. The Constitution gives that power to Congress. Only they can authorize a war. Then, the president can wage it as commander-in-chief. Also, Congress can recall the soldiers at any time. The president has no authority over this. Once they are recalled, his role as commander-in-chief has ended. Over the past 50 years, Congress has given many of their powers over the armed services to the president. They say he can fight small battles without their authorization. In essence, he can decide what is best for all 300 million of us. I don't know why they would do this. It's not like they are so overwrought they couldn't think about an international conflict, no matter how small it is. The failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will serve as a reminder, to Congress, not to be so trusting and gullible in the future, when the president demands a war. I am more than certain they will look at the facts more closely and demand more information to underpin their vote of authorization.
November 2006 is the end of a regime.
Of course, he was a Democrat, in name, but not in principle. He was a supporter of the Bush Administration. He supported the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to no end. What happened to him? He lost!
I think this is a very good sign for Democrats. Democrats are going to win back Congress this fall. I can feel it in my bones. Then in 2008, we are taking back the White House. Now, it's not simply enough to have Democrats in Congress or the White House. We need real progressives, who will work to truly better this country. We need to strengthen our economy by putting the consumer first again. It's time that big business stopped out-sourcing and came back to the United States, or suffer trade fines for products manufactured outside the United States when they are imported into our country. The war in Iraq must be systematically abolished. Our position as a world power, who cares, must be renewed. The US is often times the only agent that can speak for peace, but that voice has been weakened by Bush's wars.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs, through the New Deal, that put the people first. He developed ways of using out-of-work men, and women, to the benefit of our society. He didn't put the business world first, by giving them multi-billion dollar contracts, providing them with tax breaks, and then allowing them to out-source the jobs. We had initiatives like the REA, which brought electricity to the most remote parts of our country. If it hadn't been for this initiative, there are parts of eastern Kentucky that would probably still be burning coal oil for light, because big business isn't interested in our niche. Just think, we could use the same idea to create an Internet program that brings the Internet to every person in the United States, just like electricity. We could use unemployed Americans to do it. The government would subsidize the program and provide the materials necessary to complete it. Not only would hardworking Americans have jobs, but people would be receiving a new modern service. Instead of awarding contracts to big business to siphon the cash off and then not implement the programs, we give them to the people who have an investment in their communities. How about that? Did you know there are remote parts of southern Louisiana that have never had telephone service? And I mean, never! This isn't because of hurricanes or anything of nature. It was the big phone companies who said, "Ah, screw it. They don't matter anyhow. We will concentrate on our big metropolitan markets."
In the end, we must salvage our society and renew it. The majority of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are now suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome as a consequence of their failed bid to "Bushize" those parts of the world. We will have to salvage them as well. Yes, we have to simply leave Iraq and say to the people, "We're sorry, but if you want your country, then you have to defend it and protect it on your own. We are leaving immediately." How do we stop failed tyrannical presidential administrations in the future from doing the same? We pass legislation that limits the authority the president has to wage war. We reign in our carte blanche that gave the president so much authority. Under the Constitution, the president cannot simply send forces out into the world to do his bidding. The Constitution gives that power to Congress. Only they can authorize a war. Then, the president can wage it as commander-in-chief. Also, Congress can recall the soldiers at any time. The president has no authority over this. Once they are recalled, his role as commander-in-chief has ended. Over the past 50 years, Congress has given many of their powers over the armed services to the president. They say he can fight small battles without their authorization. In essence, he can decide what is best for all 300 million of us. I don't know why they would do this. It's not like they are so overwrought they couldn't think about an international conflict, no matter how small it is. The failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will serve as a reminder, to Congress, not to be so trusting and gullible in the future, when the president demands a war. I am more than certain they will look at the facts more closely and demand more information to underpin their vote of authorization.
November 2006 is the end of a regime.
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