Some people say the US doesn't need an official language. Republicans are pushing for the adoption of English as the national language of the United States. For some reason, I find myself agreeing with them on this issue.
Every nation in the world has an official language, but the United States. If I hopped on a plane and traveled to Czech Republic, I wouldn't expect everyone in the country to learn English to pacify me. When I go to France, I don't expect to be greeted in English, and more than likely I won't be! But that's okay, because "when in Rome do as the Romans do." Right?
Admittedly, I do speak Spanish (write better than speak). It is a nice language, full of Romanticism and fluency, but it's not the language the government speaks. If you go to Washington, everyone in Congress speaks English. Even the president speaks a form of English. When Congressmen hold news conferences, it's in English. When the president delivers the State of the Union address, it's in English too. How can you expect to know anything about your adoptive country if you insist on speaking another language?
Now, I'm not saying Spanish, or any of the other minority languages that exist in this country, must die. Instead, I'm saying Spanish speaking students should learn to speak English. As a teacher, I have been required to prep my materials in Spanish, simply for one child who refused to learn English. She also knew the law was on her side, and no one could force her. I think she just liked forcing me to speak Spanish so she could laugh at me. If I moved to Mexico, I'd expect to conform to the society. I'd have my child learn Spanish. I wouldn't expect, nor require, the school to contort itself to provide English-only instruction to my child.
The funny thing is when students come to the United States to go to college, they take a test to prove they have a certain level of English language mastery before they can attend. Why should we expect any different from our public elementary and secondary schools? We don't thrust a student into a college class and then whisper to the professor, "Oh yeah, by the way, you're gonna have to learn Swahili to accommodate this new student...or else!"
Bottom line: we are all immigrants. Somewhere in our wretched pasts, a person, or family, set sail from a distant shore toward the shining horizon that is America. They knew they were coming to a British colony; perhaps they were English themselves (or if later, a former British colony). They understood the people there spoke English. It wasn't a problem for them; they'd adapt. Suddenly, immigrants today expect something different. They are become Americanized too quickly and expecting us to learn their languages. In time, if the trend continues, not only will teachers have to learn Spanish, but Chinese, and a host of other languages.
It's absurd.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bush Vetoes Science
Today, Bush vetoed the stem cell research bill passed by Congress. This bill would have allowed for additional federal funding to the program and opening up the program for more embryos for research.
Just think: increased funding to embryonic stem cell research could have paved the way toward cures for such diseases as cancer, AIDS, neurological disorders, just to mention a few. It could also have provided means for treatment to nerve damage and spinal cord injuries.
When the next president comes along, a Democrat, we can finally move forward into the 21st century, rather than stepping back into the 20th century. I just hope I don't need it before the work can be finished.
Just think: increased funding to embryonic stem cell research could have paved the way toward cures for such diseases as cancer, AIDS, neurological disorders, just to mention a few. It could also have provided means for treatment to nerve damage and spinal cord injuries.
When the next president comes along, a Democrat, we can finally move forward into the 21st century, rather than stepping back into the 20th century. I just hope I don't need it before the work can be finished.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
300th Post!
This is my three-hundredth post! It doesn't seem that long ago I was posting number two-hundred.
Stem Cell Research
While George has been off playing across Europe, the Congress has passed a unique piece of legislation. It provides for more federal funding of stem-cell research! Wow! I never knew the Republicans had big enough balls to take on King George. It seems we should leave George Bush in Europe. He can sit around eating, with his mouth gaping wide open, like the buffoon he is, with food flying out, and cussing the European heads-of-state. But as with all progressive things, King George is going to veto the bill. Sadly, Congress, as of today, lacks the two-thirds votes to override his veto.
Monday, July 17, 2006
No end in sight
It would seem there is no end in sight for the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah (and Hamas) as we go into the seventh day of fighting. The United Nations may have a plan to move UN soldiers into southern Lebanon to create a "DMZ"-like area. Israel needs to step back a bit and see if diplomacy cannot end this conflict and create the resolutions it seeks. The world, and the terrorists organizations, see they mean business!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Bush is making a mistake...yet again!
Today, Bush is trying to pressure Syria to stop backing Hezbollah. Now what's wrong with that you might ask? Instead of Bush bringing Israel, Hezbollah, Hamas, etc., to the table to negotiate their differences, he is playing favorites. Now, I've never been president of the United States, I'm not an ambassador, but I have enough sense to know that you can't pressure one side to stand down while the other side is blowing up jack.
As a good faith movement, the United States should ask Israel to implement a 48 hour cease fire in Lebanon, and then ask Hezbollah, through Syria, for the same. There, you have an even-handed approach to a situation that is quickly growing out of control. Both sides are being asked to do exactly the same thing. No side is being singled out as the bad guy. Then during that 48 hours you work like mad, openly with both sides, to create a long term cease fire, while creating a proactive dialogue for both sides. That people is what you call coming to the table! It's not George Bush in Russia telling Syria what it will do. I'm sorry, but that doesn't work. Did it work in Iraq? I don't think so! But here Bush is again trying to tell another country what to do. When are we going to impeach this asshole exactly?
I am in agreement with the prime minister of Lebanon; the escalation of hostilities is disproportionate with the abduction of Israeli soldiers. Instead of attacking Lebanon, perhaps Israel should have offered them economic incentives to implement military programs to root out Hezbollah from Lebanon's southern border. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar, Mr. Bush!
As a good faith movement, the United States should ask Israel to implement a 48 hour cease fire in Lebanon, and then ask Hezbollah, through Syria, for the same. There, you have an even-handed approach to a situation that is quickly growing out of control. Both sides are being asked to do exactly the same thing. No side is being singled out as the bad guy. Then during that 48 hours you work like mad, openly with both sides, to create a long term cease fire, while creating a proactive dialogue for both sides. That people is what you call coming to the table! It's not George Bush in Russia telling Syria what it will do. I'm sorry, but that doesn't work. Did it work in Iraq? I don't think so! But here Bush is again trying to tell another country what to do. When are we going to impeach this asshole exactly?
I am in agreement with the prime minister of Lebanon; the escalation of hostilities is disproportionate with the abduction of Israeli soldiers. Instead of attacking Lebanon, perhaps Israel should have offered them economic incentives to implement military programs to root out Hezbollah from Lebanon's southern border. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar, Mr. Bush!
Friday, July 14, 2006
The Middle East
Today, we saw an increase in the rhetoric from Hezbollah regarding the offensive attacks by Israel. It may also seem that Syria will continue to back Hezbollah (or increase it's support) over the next few days. I just wonder if that means they will become directly involved. I think Syria will restrain itself, unless it is attacked by Israel.
Israel may be betting on the fact the United States stands between it and Iran, but I'm not sure I'd take that bet, considering the US is involved in a futile war in Iraq. The United States couldn't even protect itself from an invasion, much less contain Iran from becoming involved in the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
Israel may be betting on the fact the United States stands between it and Iran, but I'm not sure I'd take that bet, considering the US is involved in a futile war in Iraq. The United States couldn't even protect itself from an invasion, much less contain Iran from becoming involved in the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
MY STOCKS
OMG! I had to sell all my shares in MasterCard, and reinvested my money into Mittal Steel, but now it is going down fast too!
WTF does Israel and the Middle East have to do with the steel industry?!
Here's a free stock tip: never invest in MasterCard. It just went public about a month or two ago, and it started out strong, but it never has been a strong stock over the long run. It fluctuates a lot and it has gone down a lot over the past month. It blows.
WTF does Israel and the Middle East have to do with the steel industry?!
Here's a free stock tip: never invest in MasterCard. It just went public about a month or two ago, and it started out strong, but it never has been a strong stock over the long run. It fluctuates a lot and it has gone down a lot over the past month. It blows.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Israel, et al.
Israel has significantly increased its offenses against the terrorist group, Hezbollah, by attacking various regions of Lebanon, where they are headquartered. What will be the outcome of this offense? Israel has also bombed the main airport in Beirut and areas of eastern Lebanon, called the Bekaa Valley (which is dangerously close to Syria). Hezbollah's major patrons are Syria and Iran. It is possible Syria would become engaged in this conflict in the next few days. They have already strongly condemned the Israeli raids and bombings in Lebanon.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
My word....thank you very much!
I'm hearing my word being used a lot. The word I love most to illustrate Bush and his cronies. It's a somewhat strange word for everyday English language users, but I have been using it for years. I must be a child prodigy!
SYCOPHANT!
(Yeah, look it up young'un.)
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Stocks suck this week!
God, my stocks are really suffering this week. I may have to sell, and then sell some more! My Berkshire Hathaway stock is really taking a nose dive since Warren Buffet announced he was giving large portions of his class B stock to the Gates Foundation. Also, my stock in Mittal Steel and MasterCard, both of which I invest heavily, are taking a nasty hit this week. I hope I don't go broke...OMG!
*cries into his hands*
*cries into his hands*
"C'est toi que j'aime"
The French-Canadian group, Les Respectables, rock. Even if I don't speak French tres bien. :)
Is Hell freezing over?
I thought that was the Bush Administration's policy on detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: they'll get the rights of prisoners-of-war when hell freezes over.
Today, the White House announced the prisoners in Cuba will receive the rights of the Geneva Convention regarding the rights and treatment of prisoners-of-war. This comes after years of pressure from the European Union and a bitch slap to Bush from the Judicial Branch last month. Last month, the Supreme Court said Bush can't create his own law and his very own little kangaroo courts which would have been outside the scope of the Constitution.
I'm glad. Bush is getting a much needed reality check!
Today, the White House announced the prisoners in Cuba will receive the rights of the Geneva Convention regarding the rights and treatment of prisoners-of-war. This comes after years of pressure from the European Union and a bitch slap to Bush from the Judicial Branch last month. Last month, the Supreme Court said Bush can't create his own law and his very own little kangaroo courts which would have been outside the scope of the Constitution.
I'm glad. Bush is getting a much needed reality check!
Monday, July 10, 2006
William H. Taft
Pondering my previous post, I thought of William H. Taft. Not only was the he the fattest man to be president, but he was also the only person to serve as the head of two branches of the federal government. First, as president of the United States, then as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. It would seem all Taft ever wanted to be in his life was a jurist. Upon his appointment by President Warren G. Harding, and confirmation by the Senate, as Chief Justice, he wrote, "I don't remember that I ever was President." Which proves that some people see the presidency not as an end, but as a means to further service to America.
Federal Judge Rules Search of House Member's Office Is Legal
Today, a Federal judge ruled that the search of Congressman William Jefferson's office, in the House of Representatives, did not go outside the lines of Constitutional immunity, nor did it breach the clear distinction between the branches of the federal government.
I do not agree with this interpretation of the law as rendered by the Federal District judge. Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution, makes members of Congress immune from prosecution; however, it does make the distinction between treason and felony convictions, which are impeachable offenses, not prosecutorial offenses. The Constitution is vague as to whether the suspicion of a felony must have been levied against the member of Congress or whether the member of Congress must have been found guilty of a felony previously; however, this issue is moot considering further constitutional stipulations. Further, Article I, Section 5, of the Constitution, stipulates each House of Congress is the judge of its own members; to wit: "Each House shall be the judge of...[the] qualifications of its own members" (Art. I, Sec. 5).
This provision of the Constitution provides means for appeal to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. By strictly interpreting the Constitution on this issue, it would stand to reason that William Jefferson, as an elected member of the United States House of Representatives, can only be tried inside the House of Representatives, by his peers, not by the Judicial Branch. I argue the Constitution provides duly elected members of Congress with judicial immunity; to wit: prosecution in a court of law.
I should be a federal judge! One day...
I do not agree with this interpretation of the law as rendered by the Federal District judge. Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution, makes members of Congress immune from prosecution; however, it does make the distinction between treason and felony convictions, which are impeachable offenses, not prosecutorial offenses. The Constitution is vague as to whether the suspicion of a felony must have been levied against the member of Congress or whether the member of Congress must have been found guilty of a felony previously; however, this issue is moot considering further constitutional stipulations. Further, Article I, Section 5, of the Constitution, stipulates each House of Congress is the judge of its own members; to wit: "Each House shall be the judge of...[the] qualifications of its own members" (Art. I, Sec. 5).
This provision of the Constitution provides means for appeal to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. By strictly interpreting the Constitution on this issue, it would stand to reason that William Jefferson, as an elected member of the United States House of Representatives, can only be tried inside the House of Representatives, by his peers, not by the Judicial Branch. I argue the Constitution provides duly elected members of Congress with judicial immunity; to wit: prosecution in a court of law.
I should be a federal judge! One day...
Congress can pass...
Congress can only pass two types of bills, it seems.
1. They can vote for a pay increase. Easy peasy.
2. They can vote for a summer recess. Simple pimple.
That's about it!
1. They can vote for a pay increase. Easy peasy.
2. They can vote for a summer recess. Simple pimple.
That's about it!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
"A little rebellion now and then is a good thing."
Thomas Jefferson uttered these words: "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing." He was more than the third president of the United States, but the writer of the single most significant document in the history of human freedom, the Declaration of Independence.
Rebellion against what? Jefferson hypothesized democracy and freedom were not natural to humans. It is something we desire, but we don't understand its core meaning. We want self-determination, but we give our power, as the people, to someone else. We "entrust" our values and rights to another person, essentially in the form of a government. Of course, government is made up of men (and women), who don't understand freedom any better than the rest of us. Moreover, we as humans have another value, another conceit, that rides deeper than our yearning for freedom and that is control and domination of others. We pretend as if it is not a factor in our lives. We say that we are for freedom, but that is a lie. We only want freedom for ourselves, and our family, perhaps. But our nature is to dominate the rest. It is akin to a pack of wolves. One is the leader (essentially free), while the rest are subservient to the pack leader (mindless followers who give up their freedom erroneously).
That is the nature of our beast. There is no way to get around it. If you allow people to be in charge for too long, or if we allow them to become overbearing and negligent of our rights and liberties, then we are yoked to a turbulent tide. We are cast against the rocks and sand without any self-control or determination, by those we deem as being in "charge." Jefferson understood this tragedy of our kind.
As citizens of the United States, we are the true power. Don't allow anyone to confuse you or trick you into believe otherwise. We have the voice, we have the rights, but we believe, in error, the government is the voice, it has the rights, and it wields the unchecked power. Thomas Jefferson gave us a message about this exact issue by giving us a voice over 200 years ago. Jefferson knew that government cannot be trusted to have so much power. So what is his message?
Jefferson's message is simple. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to "overthrow" those people in "charge." In other words, revolution is a "good thing." It is a way to cleanse the political stagnation, which festers in our halls of government. It is a way to renew our rights as citizens and awaken the patriotic soul that is currently asleep in each of us. Some revolutions are bloody; others are as simple as going to the voting booth and reclaiming our rights and liberties through a single act as simple as suffrage.
President Jefferson also left us with these words to live by, regarding revolution: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure." How radical, yet true, is that statement?
[This message is to the Department of Homeland Security, NSA, et al.: These are not my ideas, but they are my personal beliefs. Revolution is not treason, it is our right as Americans. Further, my idea of revolution is through elections and impeachment of elected officials who habitually abuse their power and mislead the public which they serve. These are my rights and liberties as a citizen, which are guaranteed, and protected, by the Constitution of the United States of America. Additionally, this constitutional document, which you may not be familiar with at this time supersedeses the authority of the king, excuse me, president of the United States, the Congress of the United States, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Additionally, if you do not agree with the opinions expressed herein, you may find their original author, who you may wish to "interrogate" further for such radical ideas and notions, in his grave, which is located at his home, Monticello, in the Commonwealth of Virginia.]
Rebellion against what? Jefferson hypothesized democracy and freedom were not natural to humans. It is something we desire, but we don't understand its core meaning. We want self-determination, but we give our power, as the people, to someone else. We "entrust" our values and rights to another person, essentially in the form of a government. Of course, government is made up of men (and women), who don't understand freedom any better than the rest of us. Moreover, we as humans have another value, another conceit, that rides deeper than our yearning for freedom and that is control and domination of others. We pretend as if it is not a factor in our lives. We say that we are for freedom, but that is a lie. We only want freedom for ourselves, and our family, perhaps. But our nature is to dominate the rest. It is akin to a pack of wolves. One is the leader (essentially free), while the rest are subservient to the pack leader (mindless followers who give up their freedom erroneously).
That is the nature of our beast. There is no way to get around it. If you allow people to be in charge for too long, or if we allow them to become overbearing and negligent of our rights and liberties, then we are yoked to a turbulent tide. We are cast against the rocks and sand without any self-control or determination, by those we deem as being in "charge." Jefferson understood this tragedy of our kind.
As citizens of the United States, we are the true power. Don't allow anyone to confuse you or trick you into believe otherwise. We have the voice, we have the rights, but we believe, in error, the government is the voice, it has the rights, and it wields the unchecked power. Thomas Jefferson gave us a message about this exact issue by giving us a voice over 200 years ago. Jefferson knew that government cannot be trusted to have so much power. So what is his message?
Jefferson's message is simple. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to "overthrow" those people in "charge." In other words, revolution is a "good thing." It is a way to cleanse the political stagnation, which festers in our halls of government. It is a way to renew our rights as citizens and awaken the patriotic soul that is currently asleep in each of us. Some revolutions are bloody; others are as simple as going to the voting booth and reclaiming our rights and liberties through a single act as simple as suffrage.
President Jefferson also left us with these words to live by, regarding revolution: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure." How radical, yet true, is that statement?
[This message is to the Department of Homeland Security, NSA, et al.: These are not my ideas, but they are my personal beliefs. Revolution is not treason, it is our right as Americans. Further, my idea of revolution is through elections and impeachment of elected officials who habitually abuse their power and mislead the public which they serve. These are my rights and liberties as a citizen, which are guaranteed, and protected, by the Constitution of the United States of America. Additionally, this constitutional document, which you may not be familiar with at this time supersedeses the authority of the king, excuse me, president of the United States, the Congress of the United States, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Additionally, if you do not agree with the opinions expressed herein, you may find their original author, who you may wish to "interrogate" further for such radical ideas and notions, in his grave, which is located at his home, Monticello, in the Commonwealth of Virginia.]
Mr. Bush, Thanks for Democracy
Today in Iraq, over forty people, including children, were slaughtered simply for being Sunni Muslim.
Stay the course, Mr. Bush? It sounds like we went way off course a long, long time ago. I think it started when you decided to use US forces as your own private mercenary army to invade Iraq to avenge your family's own grudges and sins.
Stay the course, Mr. Bush? It sounds like we went way off course a long, long time ago. I think it started when you decided to use US forces as your own private mercenary army to invade Iraq to avenge your family's own grudges and sins.
Let's let the Iraqis ask themselves, "Are [we] better off now than [we] were four years ago?" I think the vast majority of them would answer, "No!" You have failed miserably as a nation-builder. It's time to admit defeat and recall US forces to the United States where they belong. The Iraqis should be able to create what ever country they want. Sure, it will cost a civil war, but isn't that civil war going on even now as you pretend it doesn't exist? Let the Iraqis finally create their theocracy, like Iran. It will be your legacy as the worst president in American history: radical militant Islam.
Thank you, Mr. Bush.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
American filmmaker sues Rumsfeld over detention in Iraq
Why not sue Bush? I've seen lots of people suing Rumsfeld. In fact, that isn't even proper. Rumsfeld works for Bush, simply as a Cabinet member. That's all Rumsfeld is. He's not the president of the US, he's not the commander-in-chief, he's not a Jesus-incarnate. He is a CABINET SECRETARY!!!!!! Essentially, he is an advisor to the president, that is all. He can't wipe his ass at the Pentagon without the President's approval. He's not the reason an Iranian-American producer was held in Iraq for 50-or-so days. It is George W. Bush's belief that he is above the Constitution of the United States, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Geneva Convention. Let's assign blame where it belongs.
Harry S. Truman's "buck stops" with Bush, not Rumsfeld.
Harry S. Truman's "buck stops" with Bush, not Rumsfeld.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Columbine Shooting
Preface: After skimming through the Columbine papers, I have formulated some ideas regarding their actions; however, I do not condone what happened, nor the actions of the individuals involved.
There are almost one-thousand pages of documents that have been released revolving around the Columbine shooting. These include receipts, personal journals, classwork, and other related information. From what I see, these are two kids who were torn between reality and fantasy. They were playing a dangerous game that spun out of control and tempted fate. They admired the work of the Nazis, as seen in research papers they wrote for school. They also admired mysticism, specifically that relating to Hitler and the pagan religions of ancient Europe.
What struck me most were entries in their day planners. Interspersed with racial slurs and hate were assignments for school. Eric Harris had recorded when papers were due, when tests were, and soccer games. To me this doesn't say that he really saw it as something life-altering. It wasn't something which encompassed his life fully. If I knew I was going to be committing suicide after shooting so many people, I don't think I'd care about when my math test was for the following week. Of course, there is the blatant racism, which everyone focuses on. For some people, this is simply a way of life. For others, it is an initiation into a group of people with whom you desire acceptance. It's not necessarily something you believe whole-heartedly; it's a code of conduct.
Also, among the hate, school assignments, were listings for a diversion program Eric Harris was ordered to participate in by a court of law. Apparantly, he was engaged in illegal activities. One of which, he broke into a man's vehicle and was ordered to write a letter of apology by his diversion program officer. Although, he was in the court system, no where did I see meetings listed for psychological evaluations or counseling in his day planner. It's interesting to note that an individual with so many problems was not receiving court ordered counseling. Basically, the court was punishing him over-and-over without any conscious effort to understand the root of his problems.
Another factor is the research papers written by Harris. They were about extreme Nazism, more-or-less. I read some of his writings, which were pretty good for a high school student. To me, if a student writes about Hitler and the Nazis that is an acceptable historical topic. Harris, although, took it to the next level. There was blatant admiration for what Hitler had done with the Jews and other minorities in Europe. He admired the symbolism of the "Nazi cult." His English teacher even noted on the side of the paper that he (or she) was thrilled with his level of knowledge pertaining to the topic and he had learned a lot by simply reading the paper. As a teacher, if I saw recurring themes of admiration and obsession within a student's writing I would become concerned. Instead, he was praised and encouraged by his English teacher to carry on the good work, after each attempt.
Of course, hindsight is 20/20.
Using hindsight, what these individuals did was horrendous. Moreover, it was a final cry that society failed these individuals. They felt isolated, and they harbored disdain for those individuals who set them apart. Perhaps, there lesson to us all is to better understand the people we come in contact with on a daily basis. This is more true for teachers than anyone else. Look for patterns in work that may suggest rage and hate, and look for changes in behavior, which may include violence, isolation, and overt secrecy.
They were not completely at fault, even though the media makes them appear as if they are.
There are almost one-thousand pages of documents that have been released revolving around the Columbine shooting. These include receipts, personal journals, classwork, and other related information. From what I see, these are two kids who were torn between reality and fantasy. They were playing a dangerous game that spun out of control and tempted fate. They admired the work of the Nazis, as seen in research papers they wrote for school. They also admired mysticism, specifically that relating to Hitler and the pagan religions of ancient Europe.
What struck me most were entries in their day planners. Interspersed with racial slurs and hate were assignments for school. Eric Harris had recorded when papers were due, when tests were, and soccer games. To me this doesn't say that he really saw it as something life-altering. It wasn't something which encompassed his life fully. If I knew I was going to be committing suicide after shooting so many people, I don't think I'd care about when my math test was for the following week. Of course, there is the blatant racism, which everyone focuses on. For some people, this is simply a way of life. For others, it is an initiation into a group of people with whom you desire acceptance. It's not necessarily something you believe whole-heartedly; it's a code of conduct.
Also, among the hate, school assignments, were listings for a diversion program Eric Harris was ordered to participate in by a court of law. Apparantly, he was engaged in illegal activities. One of which, he broke into a man's vehicle and was ordered to write a letter of apology by his diversion program officer. Although, he was in the court system, no where did I see meetings listed for psychological evaluations or counseling in his day planner. It's interesting to note that an individual with so many problems was not receiving court ordered counseling. Basically, the court was punishing him over-and-over without any conscious effort to understand the root of his problems.
Another factor is the research papers written by Harris. They were about extreme Nazism, more-or-less. I read some of his writings, which were pretty good for a high school student. To me, if a student writes about Hitler and the Nazis that is an acceptable historical topic. Harris, although, took it to the next level. There was blatant admiration for what Hitler had done with the Jews and other minorities in Europe. He admired the symbolism of the "Nazi cult." His English teacher even noted on the side of the paper that he (or she) was thrilled with his level of knowledge pertaining to the topic and he had learned a lot by simply reading the paper. As a teacher, if I saw recurring themes of admiration and obsession within a student's writing I would become concerned. Instead, he was praised and encouraged by his English teacher to carry on the good work, after each attempt.
Of course, hindsight is 20/20.
Using hindsight, what these individuals did was horrendous. Moreover, it was a final cry that society failed these individuals. They felt isolated, and they harbored disdain for those individuals who set them apart. Perhaps, there lesson to us all is to better understand the people we come in contact with on a daily basis. This is more true for teachers than anyone else. Look for patterns in work that may suggest rage and hate, and look for changes in behavior, which may include violence, isolation, and overt secrecy.
They were not completely at fault, even though the media makes them appear as if they are.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Little Man, Big Worry
The propaganda on the American street is "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il, of North Korea, has some issues with his mind. The government, through back channels, characterize him as a loathing midget who is essentially an idiot. I dare say that is not true. True, he may not be the tallest man in the world, but he understands precisely what he is doing. He is provoking some attention for his faltering regime.
By test firing short range and long range missiles, Kim creates world interest in his country. He pegs himself as a world power, who deserves attention and respect. North Korea devotes almost 25% of its GDP (according to published US estimates) toward its military. That's a heck of a lot. You'd imagine they are developing something with that much funding. Of course, they are developing missile technology. They are developing nuclear technology in the form of weapons. They have a kick ass biological and chemical warfare program. In addition to their advancements, they have the fourth largest standing army in the world. That's not too shabby for a little country that inhabits half of a peninsula!
So in all fairness, let's give Kim Jong-Il the respect he deserves, even if he is cut from the same cloth as George W. Bush, a despot with megalomania.
By test firing short range and long range missiles, Kim creates world interest in his country. He pegs himself as a world power, who deserves attention and respect. North Korea devotes almost 25% of its GDP (according to published US estimates) toward its military. That's a heck of a lot. You'd imagine they are developing something with that much funding. Of course, they are developing missile technology. They are developing nuclear technology in the form of weapons. They have a kick ass biological and chemical warfare program. In addition to their advancements, they have the fourth largest standing army in the world. That's not too shabby for a little country that inhabits half of a peninsula!
So in all fairness, let's give Kim Jong-Il the respect he deserves, even if he is cut from the same cloth as George W. Bush, a despot with megalomania.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
North Korea Celebrates the Holiday with Its Own Fireworks
"North Korea test-launched a Taepodong-2 missile early Wednesday along with two short-range rockets, but the long-range missile apparently failed, U.S. officials said.
"North Korea's preparations for a long-range missile test have been closely monitored for weeks. A senior State Department official told CNN the Taepodong-2, which some U.S. analysts fear could hit the western United States, appears to have failed in flight.
"Military officials told CNN the long-range missile appeared to have failed less than a minute after launch.
"Two smaller North Korean missiles were fired from a different site shortly before the larger missile was tested, U.S. intelligence and State Department officials said.
"U.S. military sources said those two missiles landed in the Sea of Japan, one closer to Russia and the other closer to Japan.
"A senior State Department official said the launches were timed to coincide with the launch of the space shuttle Discovery from Florida, calling it 'a provocative act designed to get attention.'
"Analysts said the tests appeared to have been intended to draw international attention back to North Korea -- and to the stalled talks aimed at convincing Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
"North Korea is believed to have the capability to produce several nuclear weapons but has never tested one.
"'They are trying to send quite a signal not only to the United States but to the rest of the world that they should be taken quite seriously,' said Wendy Sherman, a former State Department official who held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il during the Clinton administration.
"Washington and North Korea's Asian neighbors -- South Korea, China, Russia and Japan -- have been trying to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear program since 2002, but those talks have stalled in recent months.
"Jim Walsh, a national security analyst at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said the intent of the test appeared to be aimed at drawing attention back to North Korean demands in the six-party talks. But Walsh said the tests "do not represent an immediate military threat to the United States."
"'It's very difficult technology. They very clearly have not mastered it,' he said. 'Most estimates are they will not master it for another 10 years.'
"The United States, Japan and other countries have warned North Korea against a long-range missile test. The North Koreans fired a Taepodong-1 missile over Japan in 1998, but declared a moratorium on future tests in 1999.
"There was no official response to Wednesday's tests from either the White House or from Japan, which had threatened to seek economic sanctions against already-impoverished North Korea if it conducted a missile test.
"'One would expect from any administration for there to be sanctions, for there to be a tough response to this,' Sherman said.
"On Monday, North Korea's state-run media accused the United States of harassing it and vowed to respond to any pre-emptive attack 'with a relentless annihilating strike and a nuclear war with a mighty nuclear deterrent.'
"The White House has dismissed that threat as 'hypothetical.' But the U.S. Northern Command increased security measures at its Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a few weeks ago, a military official confirmed Tuesday.
"The base is the seat of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, and some of its command-and-control operations might be used if the United States attempted to use its ballistic missile interceptors to shoot down a Taepodong-2 test.
"But a Pentagon official said the missile appears to have failed on its own, without any American effort to knock it down.
"In other planning measures instituted in the past several days, Northern Command, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, has put standby commercial flight restrictions into place over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and Fort Greely, Alaska, where U.S. interceptor missiles are based.
"President Bush warned last week that the isolated Stalinist state would face even further isolation if it launched the Taepodong-2, which U.S. analysts fear is capable of reaching the western United States.
"'The North Koreans have made agreements with us in the past, and we expect them to keep their agreements,' Bush said last month at the end of a European Union summit.
"'It should make people nervous when nontransparent regimes, that have announced that they've got nuclear warheads, fire missiles,' Bush said.
"'This is not the way you conduct business in the world. This is not the way that peaceful nations conduct their affairs.'"
Source: CNN
"North Korea's preparations for a long-range missile test have been closely monitored for weeks. A senior State Department official told CNN the Taepodong-2, which some U.S. analysts fear could hit the western United States, appears to have failed in flight.
"Military officials told CNN the long-range missile appeared to have failed less than a minute after launch.
"Two smaller North Korean missiles were fired from a different site shortly before the larger missile was tested, U.S. intelligence and State Department officials said.
"U.S. military sources said those two missiles landed in the Sea of Japan, one closer to Russia and the other closer to Japan.
"A senior State Department official said the launches were timed to coincide with the launch of the space shuttle Discovery from Florida, calling it 'a provocative act designed to get attention.'
"Analysts said the tests appeared to have been intended to draw international attention back to North Korea -- and to the stalled talks aimed at convincing Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
"North Korea is believed to have the capability to produce several nuclear weapons but has never tested one.
"'They are trying to send quite a signal not only to the United States but to the rest of the world that they should be taken quite seriously,' said Wendy Sherman, a former State Department official who held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il during the Clinton administration.
"Washington and North Korea's Asian neighbors -- South Korea, China, Russia and Japan -- have been trying to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear program since 2002, but those talks have stalled in recent months.
"Jim Walsh, a national security analyst at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said the intent of the test appeared to be aimed at drawing attention back to North Korean demands in the six-party talks. But Walsh said the tests "do not represent an immediate military threat to the United States."
"'It's very difficult technology. They very clearly have not mastered it,' he said. 'Most estimates are they will not master it for another 10 years.'
"The United States, Japan and other countries have warned North Korea against a long-range missile test. The North Koreans fired a Taepodong-1 missile over Japan in 1998, but declared a moratorium on future tests in 1999.
"There was no official response to Wednesday's tests from either the White House or from Japan, which had threatened to seek economic sanctions against already-impoverished North Korea if it conducted a missile test.
"'One would expect from any administration for there to be sanctions, for there to be a tough response to this,' Sherman said.
"On Monday, North Korea's state-run media accused the United States of harassing it and vowed to respond to any pre-emptive attack 'with a relentless annihilating strike and a nuclear war with a mighty nuclear deterrent.'
"The White House has dismissed that threat as 'hypothetical.' But the U.S. Northern Command increased security measures at its Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a few weeks ago, a military official confirmed Tuesday.
"The base is the seat of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, and some of its command-and-control operations might be used if the United States attempted to use its ballistic missile interceptors to shoot down a Taepodong-2 test.
"But a Pentagon official said the missile appears to have failed on its own, without any American effort to knock it down.
"In other planning measures instituted in the past several days, Northern Command, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, has put standby commercial flight restrictions into place over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and Fort Greely, Alaska, where U.S. interceptor missiles are based.
"President Bush warned last week that the isolated Stalinist state would face even further isolation if it launched the Taepodong-2, which U.S. analysts fear is capable of reaching the western United States.
"'The North Koreans have made agreements with us in the past, and we expect them to keep their agreements,' Bush said last month at the end of a European Union summit.
"'It should make people nervous when nontransparent regimes, that have announced that they've got nuclear warheads, fire missiles,' Bush said.
"'This is not the way you conduct business in the world. This is not the way that peaceful nations conduct their affairs.'"
Source: CNN
230 Years of Patriotism
"Patriotism, [Thomas] Paine observed, is not best measured in times of national comfort and quiet. It is in times of crisis, when the summer soldiers and sunshine patriots have retreated to the safety of official talking points and unquestioning loyalty, that those who truly understand the meaning and merit of the American experiment come to its defense."
[Sherman, S., (2006, July 17/24), The Nation, American patriots, 3, 5.]
[Sherman, S., (2006, July 17/24), The Nation, American patriots, 3, 5.]
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Ah! The truly important things in life
"Police in this western Massachusetts town say they have seized a digital camera with images of celebrity couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Africa for an investigation by Los Angeles authorities.
"Local police, accompanied by state police and Secret Service officers, went to the Westfield home of William Keys on Tuesday to recover a digital camera's memory stick after three photos that appeared on the Internet were tracked to Keys, police said Friday.
Officers then went to Precision Camera and Video Repair in Enfield, Connecticut, where Keys works, and recovered the camera. It remains in custody of Westfield police.
No one has been arrested or charged in the case. It was unclear who took the photos.
"'It's an ongoing investigation, and we cannot comment,' said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County prosecutor's office."
Source: CNN
________________________________________________
People are truly idiots if this is what matters to them. Firstly, who gives two rips if someone took pictures of these people? Not me! It took place in Namibia, but the police and US Secret Service are involved. I doubt if someone took pictures of me in Namibia the local police, nor the FBI or Secret Service, would d0 anything about it. Even if I felt violated and exposed.
Let's get a grip on reality and let the police stick to matters that really matter, like fighting crime and taking drugs off of the streets!
"Local police, accompanied by state police and Secret Service officers, went to the Westfield home of William Keys on Tuesday to recover a digital camera's memory stick after three photos that appeared on the Internet were tracked to Keys, police said Friday.
Officers then went to Precision Camera and Video Repair in Enfield, Connecticut, where Keys works, and recovered the camera. It remains in custody of Westfield police.
No one has been arrested or charged in the case. It was unclear who took the photos.
"'It's an ongoing investigation, and we cannot comment,' said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County prosecutor's office."
Source: CNN
________________________________________________
People are truly idiots if this is what matters to them. Firstly, who gives two rips if someone took pictures of these people? Not me! It took place in Namibia, but the police and US Secret Service are involved. I doubt if someone took pictures of me in Namibia the local police, nor the FBI or Secret Service, would d0 anything about it. Even if I felt violated and exposed.
Let's get a grip on reality and let the police stick to matters that really matter, like fighting crime and taking drugs off of the streets!
Space Shuttle
Let the space shuttle fly. They postponed it to July 4th. I wonder if that is meant to be patriotic or what?
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Blogger needs to update
Blogger really needs to update its dictionary feature. It doesn't know a lot of words that I know. Simply, it should be able to check for errors, etc., without me wanting to teach it new words. It also gives the dumbest corrections to my words. They should also fix it to where it doesn't protest against grammatical errors, which are wholly outside the scope of its understanding. It's like a two year old with a 50 year old dictionary trying to correct a rocket scientist.
Sidebar: I just ran the dictionary and it doesn't have "Blogger" in it. HAHAHA!
Sidebar: I just ran the dictionary and it doesn't have "Blogger" in it. HAHAHA!
Bush in Despair
I particularly loved CNN.com's caption relating to today's decision by the Supreme Court regarding the trials of detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: "Supreme Court voids Bush's 'blank check.'" Now if we can get the Congress to follow suit then Bush will finally be put in his place after almost five years of running amok the Constitution of the United States. Just wait until November!
Kicked in the Balls
Today, the Supreme Court gave Bush some information about his detainees in Cuba. Basically, he isn't going to get to do all the things he thought he could to them. With that said, what will become of the 450+ people being illegally detained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? Although, the Court did not say they could not hold the detainees, it really puts a limit on what will be done with them. With no trial, I guess they will just continue to rot where they are. That's the real sad part of it all. The Court could have limited the president's power to hold people indefinitely; otherwise, these people are our "guests" until after January 2009!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
New York Times unpatriotic?
George Bush calls the New York Times unpatriotic because it revealed his extra-Constitutional activities in the realm of world-wide finance. Further, how can talking about illegal activities by the president endanger the lives of Americans? That is such a crock of shit!
Israel
It seems the Palestinians have unleashed the beast that is Israel. Like they ever have a prayer against the Israeli army and airforce. They even flew their planes over the president of Syria's country house while he was there. They can' t stop them either. I am sure they aren't looking forward to another confrontation with the Israelis since the Six Day War, when Israel defeated both Egypt and Syria at the same time on two fronts!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Limbaugh can't "keep it up" with the drugs
HAHA! I love my pun. It would seem the conservative love child of Bush and his cronies, Rush Limbaugh, was caught yet again with prescription drugs that did not belong to him. This time he was caught with a bottle of Viagra that did not have his name on it. So he's moved on from prescription pain pills, like OxyContin and Percodan, to erectile dysfunction medication. I think he is more dysfunctional than in just his penis.
He was caught on a plane arriving in Palm Beach from the Dominican Republic. It would seem this is the jurisdiction of the FBI, not the local sheriff's office, which does plan on pressing charges against Limbaugh, which just counts as a misdemeanor. It would seem if it was anyone else, we'd be in a federal pen waiting an arraignment for drug trafficking. I mean, only liberals are really dope addicts, right? Never a Republican, nor one as conservative and dim-witted as Rush! Perish the thought!
He was caught on a plane arriving in Palm Beach from the Dominican Republic. It would seem this is the jurisdiction of the FBI, not the local sheriff's office, which does plan on pressing charges against Limbaugh, which just counts as a misdemeanor. It would seem if it was anyone else, we'd be in a federal pen waiting an arraignment for drug trafficking. I mean, only liberals are really dope addicts, right? Never a Republican, nor one as conservative and dim-witted as Rush! Perish the thought!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Dismiss Congress
I think we should just go ahead and dismiss Congress for the time being. They don't need to meet in Washington until they are recalled by the people (in this case the president). We can just let George Bush make all the decisions for us. We could help fund the fight against "the bunch of people" who want to hurt us by using the salaries of the members of Congress.
Bush is Nazism
During the 1930s and 1940s, Germany was subjected to what we are being subjected to in the United States today. People's fears were preyed on by the government. They used a small group of people to justify everything from mass extermination programs of people who did not meet their ideals of perfection (not just the Jews) and to engage their country in unfettered and unprovoked war with Europe with the grand belief they would expand their way of life to the rest of the world.
Instead of Hitler, we have Bush. Instead of the Jews, we have Islamic extremists (and to distill it even further, basically every Arab person in the world). Instead of Europe, we have Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead of concentration camps, we have Guantamano Bay, Cuba (and I doubt even Bush knows where the rest of the secret prisons are).
We live in a dangerous time. The Constitution which has been the bedrock of our democracy for over 200 years is in peril. Bush believes he is outside the scope of the Constitution. He believes he can simply shrug his shoulders and say with a smirk that America is under attack and he can justify all he has done. He can say that the other branches of the government don't matter (and from where I sit today, they don't). The Legislative and Judicial branches of government have sat on their asses long enough. They have sat by allowing this deranged demagogue, in the form of the president, derail everything for which the United States stands. The US Congress is filled with sycophants who relish in the light that Bush brings them. They are only concerned with serving their true master, Bush, and not the people who elected them to their high offices.
Today, we found out that not only does George Bush keep illegal lists of our phone calls, but he is also looking at our banking. He doesn't need a warrant from a court to conduct this type of activity. That takes too much time and effort. Besides, that would be too legal for him. No, he's protecting us from a "bunch of people" who want to hurt the United States of America. What does that mean exactly? By saying this, he is also saying that we need protection from you, because you he is part of the bunch of people who want to hurt the United States of America. You want to troll our lives and listen to our conversations so you can have absolute power.
That's what is all boils down to: power. Bush is so frightened that if he doesn't control every aspect of our lives, if he doesn't eavesdrop, that he will lose it all. He is truly a scared man. But of what? Is he scared of the Constitution of the United States? Is he scares of the Congress? Is he scared of the Court? Easily, we can see, the answer to all of these questions is yes.
From all these things we have learned about the eavesdropping on our lives, watching with whom we conduct financial matters, we can assume that he watches ever aspect of our lives. Certainly, he watches the Internet. He has a list of all the websites we visit. Our patterns of its usage: who we chat with, what we buy online, what blogs and to which bulletin boards we subscribe. He also probably knows what I bought at the store Saturday using my MasterCard. The NSA could probably create a list of the things I like to eat and drink, based on those records. I am sure it will be a matter of minutes before this blog entry is logged into an NSA archive somewhere for processing at a later date. Who knows, it might even get flagged for some special attention. In Bush's view, the things I have said in this blog, I am a terrorist.
Based on the evidence of the gross abuses by the Bush Administration, at the rubber stamp pleasure of the Courts and Congress, I believe we are headed to a perilous place in history. We are heading into a world of xenophobia and paranoia. From my personal standpoint, if things continue as they are, I will leave the United States of America. I will emigrate to a country which truly values my independence and civil liberties and rights. I was born in the United States of America, my family was born here (they've been here in some cases over 200 years), and I have lived my whole life under the assumption that I can do and live as I choose, because I have the distinct privileged to be an American citizen. I can't get used to living in a country where that isn't so anymore. I can't live in a country where the people are simply overwrought with ignorance and fear. They embrace the ideas and beliefs of a single, ignorant man. A president who can't carry out a news conference without berating the freedom of the media because it publicizes his illegal activities.
It's simply foolish and it's time it stopped.
Instead of Hitler, we have Bush. Instead of the Jews, we have Islamic extremists (and to distill it even further, basically every Arab person in the world). Instead of Europe, we have Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead of concentration camps, we have Guantamano Bay, Cuba (and I doubt even Bush knows where the rest of the secret prisons are).
We live in a dangerous time. The Constitution which has been the bedrock of our democracy for over 200 years is in peril. Bush believes he is outside the scope of the Constitution. He believes he can simply shrug his shoulders and say with a smirk that America is under attack and he can justify all he has done. He can say that the other branches of the government don't matter (and from where I sit today, they don't). The Legislative and Judicial branches of government have sat on their asses long enough. They have sat by allowing this deranged demagogue, in the form of the president, derail everything for which the United States stands. The US Congress is filled with sycophants who relish in the light that Bush brings them. They are only concerned with serving their true master, Bush, and not the people who elected them to their high offices.
Today, we found out that not only does George Bush keep illegal lists of our phone calls, but he is also looking at our banking. He doesn't need a warrant from a court to conduct this type of activity. That takes too much time and effort. Besides, that would be too legal for him. No, he's protecting us from a "bunch of people" who want to hurt the United States of America. What does that mean exactly? By saying this, he is also saying that we need protection from you, because you he is part of the bunch of people who want to hurt the United States of America. You want to troll our lives and listen to our conversations so you can have absolute power.
That's what is all boils down to: power. Bush is so frightened that if he doesn't control every aspect of our lives, if he doesn't eavesdrop, that he will lose it all. He is truly a scared man. But of what? Is he scared of the Constitution of the United States? Is he scares of the Congress? Is he scared of the Court? Easily, we can see, the answer to all of these questions is yes.
From all these things we have learned about the eavesdropping on our lives, watching with whom we conduct financial matters, we can assume that he watches ever aspect of our lives. Certainly, he watches the Internet. He has a list of all the websites we visit. Our patterns of its usage: who we chat with, what we buy online, what blogs and to which bulletin boards we subscribe. He also probably knows what I bought at the store Saturday using my MasterCard. The NSA could probably create a list of the things I like to eat and drink, based on those records. I am sure it will be a matter of minutes before this blog entry is logged into an NSA archive somewhere for processing at a later date. Who knows, it might even get flagged for some special attention. In Bush's view, the things I have said in this blog, I am a terrorist.
Based on the evidence of the gross abuses by the Bush Administration, at the rubber stamp pleasure of the Courts and Congress, I believe we are headed to a perilous place in history. We are heading into a world of xenophobia and paranoia. From my personal standpoint, if things continue as they are, I will leave the United States of America. I will emigrate to a country which truly values my independence and civil liberties and rights. I was born in the United States of America, my family was born here (they've been here in some cases over 200 years), and I have lived my whole life under the assumption that I can do and live as I choose, because I have the distinct privileged to be an American citizen. I can't get used to living in a country where that isn't so anymore. I can't live in a country where the people are simply overwrought with ignorance and fear. They embrace the ideas and beliefs of a single, ignorant man. A president who can't carry out a news conference without berating the freedom of the media because it publicizes his illegal activities.
It's simply foolish and it's time it stopped.
News Alert
Today at 1:38pm this was a CNN.com "News Alert."
At least five people were killed when a bomb exploded in a crowded outdoor market in Hilla, Iraq, according to police.
I think this would be a MORE appropriate "News Alert."
Today, in Iraq, NO bombs exploded.
Otherwise, CNN's "News Alert" isn't really news, because it happens every single day of the week! Blah, blah, blah.
At least five people were killed when a bomb exploded in a crowded outdoor market in Hilla, Iraq, according to police.
I think this would be a MORE appropriate "News Alert."
Today, in Iraq, NO bombs exploded.
Otherwise, CNN's "News Alert" isn't really news, because it happens every single day of the week! Blah, blah, blah.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Celebrity Endowment
Yes, we've all heard about Angelina Jolie taking a holiday in Namibia. We've all heard (mostly from CNN) that she is the ultimate authority on African affairs. We all know she is ultra-intelligent. I mean, how could you not be when you are reading from a prepared script? What about celebrities bringing awareness to important issues like poverty, genocide, etc.?
When I want to know about these things I will talk to and listen to real experts. I will listen to people who have truly made these causes their lives. Not someone who visits these places once in two years and walks through the squalor of a refugee camp wearing a biohazard suit with forty bodyguards in tow. I don't care to hear what someone has to say when they have a baby in Africa as purely a publicity stunt. I don't care even when you give one-third of your revenues from your latest flop of a movie to the orphans of sub-Sahara Africa. How much time and effort does it take to write a check from a Malibu mansion? Is that really caring?
The bottom line is when you see the advertisement for Jolie on CNN, it isn't prefaced by the horrors of Africa, it is purely her brand. It's about her. It's more about glamour, sexy, riveting, not death, starvation or rape!
When I want to know about these things I will talk to and listen to real experts. I will listen to people who have truly made these causes their lives. Not someone who visits these places once in two years and walks through the squalor of a refugee camp wearing a biohazard suit with forty bodyguards in tow. I don't care to hear what someone has to say when they have a baby in Africa as purely a publicity stunt. I don't care even when you give one-third of your revenues from your latest flop of a movie to the orphans of sub-Sahara Africa. How much time and effort does it take to write a check from a Malibu mansion? Is that really caring?
The bottom line is when you see the advertisement for Jolie on CNN, it isn't prefaced by the horrors of Africa, it is purely her brand. It's about her. It's more about glamour, sexy, riveting, not death, starvation or rape!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Saudi Television
If you visit the website of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia you can watch their television. How come I feel like it is all propaganda?
Oh, it's all in Arabic. How can I understand it?
Oh, it's all in Arabic. How can I understand it?
Bandar Bush Gets Results
The US government released 14 Saudis from incarceration at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. These weren't a sporadic release of different nationalities, because they found no evidence to hold them any longer. No, these prisoners were all specifically Saudi--all fourteen of them.
It would seem that Prince Bandar al-Saud, who is the former Saudi ambassador to the United States, has been pulling some of his well-connected strings. Prince Bandar is often referred to as "Bandar Bush," because he is so close to the Bush family. He is almost like a member of their family, you might say.
It must be nice!
It would seem that Prince Bandar al-Saud, who is the former Saudi ambassador to the United States, has been pulling some of his well-connected strings. Prince Bandar is often referred to as "Bandar Bush," because he is so close to the Bush family. He is almost like a member of their family, you might say.
It must be nice!
Iraqi Freedom & Middle East Stability
I find it interesting that thousands of Iraqis will turn to the streets, by the literal thousands, in protest over the detention of a Sunni Muslim cleric by the US military, but we can't get them to take time out of their overly busy schedules to defend their own country.
I watched Syriana yesterday. I found it a deeply disturbing and provocative satire on current geopolitics. You have the money grubbing "robber barons" in the US who are obsessed with oil and wealth. On the other side, however, you have the Arab leaders (in the form of sheikhs and emirs) prancing around the Middle East in their fancy hotels spending their billions paid to them by these American "robber barons." The movie made a very startling observation about why these things are.
Oil is primarily in the Middle East. That's a fact. The people who control these major oil fields (or who operate them) are primarily American. Syriana alluded to the metaphor of a kid in a candy store. In this case, however, the candy store is incidental because the kid has some gold bricks on his bike parked out front. The grown-up gives the child $100 and says go shopping in the candy store. While the child is inside the store, going-to-town buying candy galore, the grown-up is out front stealing the child's gold bricks from his bicycle. With all that candy in tow, the child forgets he ever had the gold in the first place when he gets back on his bike. He replaced it with lots of good things he loves and makes him the envy of his friends.
What's the meaning? It's simple. The oil tycoons are giving these Arab princes tokens (which is a hell of a lot of money to the average person), maybe a billion dollars-a-year, for argument's sake, for access to their prime oil fields. So these princes are out gallivanting around in $50,000-a-night hotels, driving their $400,000 Ferraris, and building $100 million palaces in the desert, while their largest asset, which is worth ten times what they were paid for it, is being sucked out of the ground and exported over seas by the "robber barons." In the end, these Arab countries never develop a stable economy, which they easily could if they monopolized on the true strength of oil's worth in the world marketplace. Instead, they settle for the immediate and fickle rewards provided to them by American (and European) investors.
I watched Syriana yesterday. I found it a deeply disturbing and provocative satire on current geopolitics. You have the money grubbing "robber barons" in the US who are obsessed with oil and wealth. On the other side, however, you have the Arab leaders (in the form of sheikhs and emirs) prancing around the Middle East in their fancy hotels spending their billions paid to them by these American "robber barons." The movie made a very startling observation about why these things are.
Oil is primarily in the Middle East. That's a fact. The people who control these major oil fields (or who operate them) are primarily American. Syriana alluded to the metaphor of a kid in a candy store. In this case, however, the candy store is incidental because the kid has some gold bricks on his bike parked out front. The grown-up gives the child $100 and says go shopping in the candy store. While the child is inside the store, going-to-town buying candy galore, the grown-up is out front stealing the child's gold bricks from his bicycle. With all that candy in tow, the child forgets he ever had the gold in the first place when he gets back on his bike. He replaced it with lots of good things he loves and makes him the envy of his friends.
What's the meaning? It's simple. The oil tycoons are giving these Arab princes tokens (which is a hell of a lot of money to the average person), maybe a billion dollars-a-year, for argument's sake, for access to their prime oil fields. So these princes are out gallivanting around in $50,000-a-night hotels, driving their $400,000 Ferraris, and building $100 million palaces in the desert, while their largest asset, which is worth ten times what they were paid for it, is being sucked out of the ground and exported over seas by the "robber barons." In the end, these Arab countries never develop a stable economy, which they easily could if they monopolized on the true strength of oil's worth in the world marketplace. Instead, they settle for the immediate and fickle rewards provided to them by American (and European) investors.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Home Grown Terrorists
I wonder who said that yesterday??? It's just eerie! It's almost like I'm there in the Cabinet room hearing all the sordid details. ;)
Thursday, June 22, 2006
What those damned Commies taught us, but we failed the exam
For almost ten years, the Soviet Union waged a hopeless battle in Afghanistan, much like the United States is doing in that country today (with Iraq added on for good measure). They fought them day-after-day. The massive Soviet military machine carpet bombed the Afghans back into the stoneage for nine relentless years, but they kept coming back to match the Soviets move-for-move. They proved that a small, ineffective army could take on a well-trained and readily-supplied military super power. How could this be, though? Through pure determination and the unyielding meddlesome nature of other nations into the affairs of Soviet occupation. It wasn't a war about mere power, because the Soviets would have won easily; it was a war based on the lives and will power of a single people propped up by nations like the United States and other outside renegade forces.
In 1989, the Soviet Union withdrew from it's own Vietnam; it was a world power defeated by a rag-tag rebel army with a depleted treasury. What lessons has the United States learned from its friends the Soviets? The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are proof that little was learned from the Soviet's fiasco in the 1980s.
The US was a partner of people like Osama bin Laden while he was fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan. We supplied him with money and arms. I wonder who is helping the terrorists today against the US? Could it be our friends the Chinese who are paying for our war in Iraq at the moment? I think probably. Could it be the Russians giving us a little pay back for nine years of hell in Afghanistan? I'd say, maybe. Could it be the princes of Saudi Arabia? I'd say all indications point to yes. The truth is only time will tell.
In a few years, when we our military is badly broken and our nation bankrupt, who will come pick our bones clean? ......
In 1989, the Soviet Union withdrew from it's own Vietnam; it was a world power defeated by a rag-tag rebel army with a depleted treasury. What lessons has the United States learned from its friends the Soviets? The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are proof that little was learned from the Soviet's fiasco in the 1980s.
The US was a partner of people like Osama bin Laden while he was fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan. We supplied him with money and arms. I wonder who is helping the terrorists today against the US? Could it be our friends the Chinese who are paying for our war in Iraq at the moment? I think probably. Could it be the Russians giving us a little pay back for nine years of hell in Afghanistan? I'd say, maybe. Could it be the princes of Saudi Arabia? I'd say all indications point to yes. The truth is only time will tell.
In a few years, when we our military is badly broken and our nation bankrupt, who will come pick our bones clean? ......
Cheney: "They'll follow us"
The damning statement, "They'll follow us," really opened my eyes to the Bush Administration's perception of this war. Dick Cheney stated that if we leave Iraq, then the terrorists will see this as a sign of weakness and then come after us.
Here's what I believe is the reality of this situation. Firstly, Bush knows he can't defeat the terrorist. We know that now. They don't fight by the rules of war, they defy logic, and they are random. Anyone can be a terrorist. There is no one nationality for them. Even Americans have joined their ranks. With this on his mind, Bush (well his advisors) he had to find a way to take this unwinnable war to another location. Bush had to create a ruse to get the terrorists to stop attacking the US directly and at the same time devise a plan to take the American public's attention away from his impotent foreign and domestic policies; ergo, the war in Iraq.
When Bush invaded Iraq he opened up that country to a massive infiltration of terrorists. He knew they (since most of them are Muslim) would rally to the Iraqi cause. Instead of attacking buildings in the US, the terrorists would begin to attack soldiers and military infrastructure in Iraq. (Pretty sneaky.)
By creating a diversion, Americans could begin to forget about their troubles and 9/11. I've said it before, Americans are as fickle as they come. If you dangle a set of keys in front of us, we will forget the sky is falling down around us. Bush dangled some keys in front of us. He took the war away from America. He gathered the majority of the terrorists' focus into a single location. He also sent the American focus away from his inability to directly engage the terrorists by bringing down a relatively light-touch in terms of countries--Iraq--and occupying it.
Now what do we have? We have a relatively terrorist free USA. The terrorists are killing off American soldiers slowly (that's what the soldiers signed up for right: to protect, serve and die?) in some God-forsaken land, where the people don't even believe in Jesus, that is 12,000 miles away, Iraqi citizens are truly the ones paying the costs of this war with their infrastructure, lives, and independence, so we can sit at home and worry about the price of gasoline and how the kids are going to go to college this fall.
So, Dick, that's pretty clever, I have to admit. I hadn't even taken that into consideration as a ruse for war. Divide and conquer. The terrorists on one side and the American public on the other. I know one thing is for certain, Bush never thought of this plan by himself!
Here's what I believe is the reality of this situation. Firstly, Bush knows he can't defeat the terrorist. We know that now. They don't fight by the rules of war, they defy logic, and they are random. Anyone can be a terrorist. There is no one nationality for them. Even Americans have joined their ranks. With this on his mind, Bush (well his advisors) he had to find a way to take this unwinnable war to another location. Bush had to create a ruse to get the terrorists to stop attacking the US directly and at the same time devise a plan to take the American public's attention away from his impotent foreign and domestic policies; ergo, the war in Iraq.
When Bush invaded Iraq he opened up that country to a massive infiltration of terrorists. He knew they (since most of them are Muslim) would rally to the Iraqi cause. Instead of attacking buildings in the US, the terrorists would begin to attack soldiers and military infrastructure in Iraq. (Pretty sneaky.)
By creating a diversion, Americans could begin to forget about their troubles and 9/11. I've said it before, Americans are as fickle as they come. If you dangle a set of keys in front of us, we will forget the sky is falling down around us. Bush dangled some keys in front of us. He took the war away from America. He gathered the majority of the terrorists' focus into a single location. He also sent the American focus away from his inability to directly engage the terrorists by bringing down a relatively light-touch in terms of countries--Iraq--and occupying it.
Now what do we have? We have a relatively terrorist free USA. The terrorists are killing off American soldiers slowly (that's what the soldiers signed up for right: to protect, serve and die?) in some God-forsaken land, where the people don't even believe in Jesus, that is 12,000 miles away, Iraqi citizens are truly the ones paying the costs of this war with their infrastructure, lives, and independence, so we can sit at home and worry about the price of gasoline and how the kids are going to go to college this fall.
So, Dick, that's pretty clever, I have to admit. I hadn't even taken that into consideration as a ruse for war. Divide and conquer. The terrorists on one side and the American public on the other. I know one thing is for certain, Bush never thought of this plan by himself!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
House & Senate refuse good ideas
Today, the Republicans, in both Houses of Congress, refused to allow a vote on some basic social issues. In the House, Republicans refused to allow a vote on a 25-year extension for the Voting Rights Act, even though they swept through legislation that extended provisions of the Patriot USA Act, which limits our freedoms. The Senate Republicans refused to allow a vote for an increase in the minimum wage, but they pushed through legislation that gives the wealthiest Americans (i.e., multi-billion corporations) some well-deserved tax breaks and incentives.
Republicans are anti-voting for minorities and they say screw you to the average American who is trying to make an honest living by working.
November 6 is how many months off now????
Republicans are anti-voting for minorities and they say screw you to the average American who is trying to make an honest living by working.
November 6 is how many months off now????
Bush talks peace
Today in Austria, Bush announced that North Korea's missile program "rattles nerves." He said that peaceful nations do not conduct business the way the North Koreans do. Okay, number one, I'm not sure what he means by that. You can't really consider the US a peaceful nation at the moment nor King George a dove of peace.
From his comments, North Korea may assume peaceful nations use violence to further their ends. They kill civilians in cold blood to quench their thirst for victory. Bush's advisors really need to stop and think about the message he is sending when he says those things. If I was Kim Jong-il, I'd be thinking, "Oh really, so that's how it's done!"
Another thing his advisors really need to work on is Bush's quirky nature of delivering a point. You know, the way he holds his hands out to the side next to the podium with his head cocked to one side with a smirk. That is more than pretentious and arrogant. How can you give advice on peace when you've destroyed a nation and you're standing their with a smug expression.
It doesn't work people.
From his comments, North Korea may assume peaceful nations use violence to further their ends. They kill civilians in cold blood to quench their thirst for victory. Bush's advisors really need to stop and think about the message he is sending when he says those things. If I was Kim Jong-il, I'd be thinking, "Oh really, so that's how it's done!"
Another thing his advisors really need to work on is Bush's quirky nature of delivering a point. You know, the way he holds his hands out to the side next to the podium with his head cocked to one side with a smirk. That is more than pretentious and arrogant. How can you give advice on peace when you've destroyed a nation and you're standing their with a smug expression.
It doesn't work people.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
North Korea
Should we be more concerned about North Korea? The US has activated its missile defense system in anticipation of a North Korea missile launch which could take place at any time.
It wouldn't surprise me if it was more than a simple missile with all these precautions. This missile is purported to have a range that could reach portions of Alaska.
It wouldn't surprise me if it was more than a simple missile with all these precautions. This missile is purported to have a range that could reach portions of Alaska.
Hillary's already winning
A recent poll shows that Hillary Rodham Clinton would get 22% of the votes in a mock 2008 presidential election. It pitted her against nasty Republicans, like Rudy Giuliani, and Democrats, like John Kerry. Twenty-two percent was the highest percentage with both parties combined!
The goal: a Democratic Congress this year, then a Democratic president in '08. The Congress, though, has to really keep its promises and maintain a truly progressive agenda with real answers for Iraq and our economy!
The goal: a Democratic Congress this year, then a Democratic president in '08. The Congress, though, has to really keep its promises and maintain a truly progressive agenda with real answers for Iraq and our economy!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Americans killing Iraqi civilians
Now there are more reports of American soldiers killing Iraqi civilians. I'd be pissed off enough to kill some civilians if I didn't understand why I was there in the first place.
Do we need anymore evidence the Bush Administration is outside the mainstream?
Do we need anymore evidence the Bush Administration is outside the mainstream?
Kidnapped Soldiers
There are currently two US soldiers who were kidnapped in Iraq over the weekend by militants claiming association with al-Qaeda.
The military can't even protect its own from guerrillas in Iraq. How will they be effective to return Iraq to civility? Democrats are correct: the war in Iraq must be put on a timetable and it must be maintained. The Iraqi government must take responsibility for maintaining its own peace from here on out. Honestly, they will never make it once the US is gone. The current Parliament will be overthrown and replaced with a militant Islamic regime...all thanks to George Bush.
Even Saddam Hussein couldn't save Iraq at this point. Bush believed that by invading Iraq and liberating the Iraqis from Saddam he'd be heralded as a savior and beatified by the Iraqi and American people. This is what happens when you let an idiot be president and give him unfettered power.
The military can't even protect its own from guerrillas in Iraq. How will they be effective to return Iraq to civility? Democrats are correct: the war in Iraq must be put on a timetable and it must be maintained. The Iraqi government must take responsibility for maintaining its own peace from here on out. Honestly, they will never make it once the US is gone. The current Parliament will be overthrown and replaced with a militant Islamic regime...all thanks to George Bush.
Even Saddam Hussein couldn't save Iraq at this point. Bush believed that by invading Iraq and liberating the Iraqis from Saddam he'd be heralded as a savior and beatified by the Iraqi and American people. This is what happens when you let an idiot be president and give him unfettered power.
Iran & North Korea
Bush is threatening Iran and Rice is threatening North Korea.
What are we going to do about it? Not a darn thing! We've got a civil war in Iraq that we started to deal with first.
What are we going to do about it? Not a darn thing! We've got a civil war in Iraq that we started to deal with first.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Data Theft
ING reports that the personal data of a few thousand of its costumers in the DC area was stolen. Apparently, an employee's laptop was stolen, which contained the sensitive information.
Firstly, I wanted to know if it was a theft from an ING office? No, it was from the employee's home. Why are employees allowed to keep such information at their homes? Why would I be sitting at home with a laptop filled with 13,000 people's social security numbers and other personal information.
I realize this person works for the company. They probably go out to different businesses in the DC-area to drum up business for ING. Instead of taking the computer home with them, they should have an office where they drop off this information each day. Honestly, I don't feel safe with my stuff being at someone's home, even if they do work for a company I do business with. Who knows what they might do with all that information?!?!?!?!
My bottom line: Let's keep business at the office, not at home, especially, when it involves so much confidential information about customers.
Firstly, I wanted to know if it was a theft from an ING office? No, it was from the employee's home. Why are employees allowed to keep such information at their homes? Why would I be sitting at home with a laptop filled with 13,000 people's social security numbers and other personal information.
I realize this person works for the company. They probably go out to different businesses in the DC-area to drum up business for ING. Instead of taking the computer home with them, they should have an office where they drop off this information each day. Honestly, I don't feel safe with my stuff being at someone's home, even if they do work for a company I do business with. Who knows what they might do with all that information?!?!?!?!
My bottom line: Let's keep business at the office, not at home, especially, when it involves so much confidential information about customers.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
The United States is the new Soviet Union?
Once upon a time, the Soviet Union was a world power. It was the main competitor with the United States. The US said capitalism is the ultimate in economics. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Soviet Union took a change in its economy. It became stagnant. The economy did not grow. People were out of work, people were in debt, and the select rich ran the country. There was no prospects for growth in that country's economy. Their economy tittered for years, before it finally crashed, leaving the Soviet Union dead. The United States worked very hard to make sure the Soviet Union's economy crashed, so they could cannibalize the leftovers when the country no longer existed. Effectively, the US would control the world!
Sure that may have happened, initially. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ended in 1990/1991. The US was the world broker of peace. It had brought democracy to the largest country in the world. We were at the pinnacle. Now, we are taking the same road the Soviet Union did in the 1970s. We are becoming heavily in debt. We are using our military to control other nations against their will (so guess where our money is going?). We want to hold our own in the league of nations of the world. We want the world to fear us, not respect us. We've got power and influence, but for how much longer?
In this year's national budget we had to allocate $200,000,000,000 ($200 billion) for the war in Iraq. Guess who put up that money? Was it the United States' taxpayers? Was it the surplus of money in the US Treasury that George Bush has put in there for us? No, it was the new world power who loaned us the money: CHINA! Did George Bush put that in a speech? I don't think so!
Our economy is growing at a rate of 3% per year. China's economy is growing at a rate of 8% per year! What's that translate to? China's economy is growing at a rate of almost three times the rate of our economy! What does that mean for us? China is quickly taking our jobs. We have outsourced our jobs so readily without any thought to the future. The US is buying rapidly from China to supply the demand of our consumers. China is getting our money in many different ways. Is China becoming the United States of the 1970s and 1980s? It looks like it, considering how fast their economy is growing. The US is slowly becoming the Soviet Union of yesteryear. How long can we last before China pushes us over the edge? We are slowly, but surely, becoming stagnate.
What will we do about it? Not much as long as King George is our leader, and Republicans control Congress. They seem pretty happy about it.
Sure that may have happened, initially. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ended in 1990/1991. The US was the world broker of peace. It had brought democracy to the largest country in the world. We were at the pinnacle. Now, we are taking the same road the Soviet Union did in the 1970s. We are becoming heavily in debt. We are using our military to control other nations against their will (so guess where our money is going?). We want to hold our own in the league of nations of the world. We want the world to fear us, not respect us. We've got power and influence, but for how much longer?
In this year's national budget we had to allocate $200,000,000,000 ($200 billion) for the war in Iraq. Guess who put up that money? Was it the United States' taxpayers? Was it the surplus of money in the US Treasury that George Bush has put in there for us? No, it was the new world power who loaned us the money: CHINA! Did George Bush put that in a speech? I don't think so!
Our economy is growing at a rate of 3% per year. China's economy is growing at a rate of 8% per year! What's that translate to? China's economy is growing at a rate of almost three times the rate of our economy! What does that mean for us? China is quickly taking our jobs. We have outsourced our jobs so readily without any thought to the future. The US is buying rapidly from China to supply the demand of our consumers. China is getting our money in many different ways. Is China becoming the United States of the 1970s and 1980s? It looks like it, considering how fast their economy is growing. The US is slowly becoming the Soviet Union of yesteryear. How long can we last before China pushes us over the edge? We are slowly, but surely, becoming stagnate.
What will we do about it? Not much as long as King George is our leader, and Republicans control Congress. They seem pretty happy about it.
Perpetual War
The House of Representatives voted Friday that the war in Iraq is going to last forever. There is no date for removal. They didn't even play lip service to predicting a date.
What the hell?
What the hell?
Friday, June 16, 2006
Jefferson's Out; McKinney's In
It was tit-for-tat for black Democrats today in the House of Representatives. Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) was kicked out of his top spot in the Ways and Means Committee. Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) won a reprieve when a District of Columbia grand jury refused to indict her over her altercation with Capitol Police in April.
Sounds like affirmative action...well...something like that!
Sounds like affirmative action...well...something like that!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Married at 15
The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that a 15 year old can get married in Colorado. The Court also went further to say that it was legal for a female as young as 12 to marry and 14 year old boy can do the same.
People make fun of Kentucky, because...????
People make fun of Kentucky, because...????
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
More Government Mismanagement
It would seem the Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS), Michael Leavitt, has been using a GulfStream 3 jet that belongs to the Centers for Disease Control for his own private agenda.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the private jet has been used on several occasions to transport the secretary to events all across the US, which comes to a total of around $700,000 (just this year). The primary purpose of the jet, however, is to quickly transport personnel and equipment in the event of an emergency, not act as the secretary's personal aircraft.
The US Congress implemented into the HHS budget for the year that the secretary could use the CDC's aircraft "in times of emergencies and in the days following such emergencies." I'm not sure taking the jet on 19 separate trips to promote George Bush's Medicare prescription drug plan qualifies for an emergency. I'm sure, however, the fall out from Bush's Medicare initiative will create a national emergency in the future. Perhaps, they are just "paying the emergency forward."
This is only in addition to the FEMA fiasco which is really only coming into light in the past few days. We see tax dollars being used to take Caribbean vacations, to buy Dom Perignon champagne at Hooters, to visit XXX clubs, and pay for a sex change operation. Wow...how come I didn't go down there and get my hand in the cookie jar?! Damnit, we all should have! Apparently, they wouldn't have known if you were from Mars. They must have been throwing the money from the back of a dump truck!
Bush=Fiscal Responsibility (HAHAHAHAHAHA!)
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the private jet has been used on several occasions to transport the secretary to events all across the US, which comes to a total of around $700,000 (just this year). The primary purpose of the jet, however, is to quickly transport personnel and equipment in the event of an emergency, not act as the secretary's personal aircraft.
The US Congress implemented into the HHS budget for the year that the secretary could use the CDC's aircraft "in times of emergencies and in the days following such emergencies." I'm not sure taking the jet on 19 separate trips to promote George Bush's Medicare prescription drug plan qualifies for an emergency. I'm sure, however, the fall out from Bush's Medicare initiative will create a national emergency in the future. Perhaps, they are just "paying the emergency forward."
This is only in addition to the FEMA fiasco which is really only coming into light in the past few days. We see tax dollars being used to take Caribbean vacations, to buy Dom Perignon champagne at Hooters, to visit XXX clubs, and pay for a sex change operation. Wow...how come I didn't go down there and get my hand in the cookie jar?! Damnit, we all should have! Apparently, they wouldn't have known if you were from Mars. They must have been throwing the money from the back of a dump truck!
Bush=Fiscal Responsibility (HAHAHAHAHAHA!)
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
Guantanamo Bay
America's darling in the war against terrorism, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is now in the international limelight again.
Apparently, three "inmates" committed suicide over the weekend by hanging themselves. The US still doesn't tell the American people what really happened there. We have to learn the facts from foreign media outlets. I find it disgusting that our media is so beholden to the government that it can't find it in itself to be independent and report the facts of the case.
It is time the US brought these 500, or so, people to trial. They aren't even criminals. They are more like hostages in this illegal war. I suppose we are holding them on ice until we need them to conduct some type of backroom deal with the enemy.
The United Nations must insist the United States deliver these criminals to justice or set them free. Our country can no longer continue to hold these people incommunicado forever! It is illegal and irresponsible. It stands against everything democracy represents. We want to be a model of democracy for the whole world; yet we hold people in prisons in other countries and do not give them simple democratic devices, such as knowing what they are charged with and then the right to have a trial in a court of law.
Apparently, three "inmates" committed suicide over the weekend by hanging themselves. The US still doesn't tell the American people what really happened there. We have to learn the facts from foreign media outlets. I find it disgusting that our media is so beholden to the government that it can't find it in itself to be independent and report the facts of the case.
It is time the US brought these 500, or so, people to trial. They aren't even criminals. They are more like hostages in this illegal war. I suppose we are holding them on ice until we need them to conduct some type of backroom deal with the enemy.
The United Nations must insist the United States deliver these criminals to justice or set them free. Our country can no longer continue to hold these people incommunicado forever! It is illegal and irresponsible. It stands against everything democracy represents. We want to be a model of democracy for the whole world; yet we hold people in prisons in other countries and do not give them simple democratic devices, such as knowing what they are charged with and then the right to have a trial in a court of law.
Hurricane Alberto?
Tropical Storm Alberto is now up to 70mph...just 4mph shy of a hurricane! It is supposed to hit Florida by tomorrow.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
American Justice, what does it mean?
What does it mean, justice? Justice is a sense of right over wrong. I have been listening to Laura Flanders on Air America Talk Radio. She made a very good point. Something I really hadn't thought about. She said what separates a democracy from the terrorists is the rule of law. Yes, the president doesn't have the authority (really) to simply order the assassination of someone (usually a head of state).
Yet, we are all excited about how this Zaqawi character was summarily assassinated by the US military. How is that really justice? Why not simply try to go in and arrest this individual? Then have a trial where the crimes against him are read and he is given a chance to respond to them. Then a trail ensues with a verdict by a jury/court.
I think George Bush has become overwrought with the Saddam Hussein trial. It is not going well for the court in Iraq (i.e., the United States) that is trying Saddam and his cohorts. Perhaps, Bush would have simply had Saddam summarily executed by the soldiers who found him hiding in his spider hole. King George wanted a big trial, where the Iraqi court would move things quickly, then order Saddam executed...easy peasy! At least it is a form of justice, to a certain degree.
We should have a discussion about how criminals are dealt with. Can the government/military simply order someone executed without regard to due process and the long established rule of law?
Yet, we are all excited about how this Zaqawi character was summarily assassinated by the US military. How is that really justice? Why not simply try to go in and arrest this individual? Then have a trial where the crimes against him are read and he is given a chance to respond to them. Then a trail ensues with a verdict by a jury/court.
I think George Bush has become overwrought with the Saddam Hussein trial. It is not going well for the court in Iraq (i.e., the United States) that is trying Saddam and his cohorts. Perhaps, Bush would have simply had Saddam summarily executed by the soldiers who found him hiding in his spider hole. King George wanted a big trial, where the Iraqi court would move things quickly, then order Saddam executed...easy peasy! At least it is a form of justice, to a certain degree.
We should have a discussion about how criminals are dealt with. Can the government/military simply order someone executed without regard to due process and the long established rule of law?
CNN and terrorism
I wonder if CNN will post the autopsy photos of that al-whatever his name is that was killed other night? They've really gone overboard with the whole issue. They showed his picture for two days...his dead mug framed bigger than normal on CNN.com. I emailed them and complained that I am tired of seeing it. I don't think we need to glorify the whole incident. It makes us look vulgar. I haven't heard back from them...
First Tropical Depression
Today is June 10 and we have already seen the first tropical depression of the hurricane season. This one is pretty close to home. It is just south of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. I suppose the waters are especially warm this time of year. It still seems pretty early, however, for this kind of activity. I guess it is going to be as bad as they predicted!
Love Bites
Whomever said love is blind certainly never really knew what love is. I believe that people can love each other no matter what. They can embrace each other in love and companionship, until, of course, the shit hits the fan. Now, there are different kinds of lovers. The first one believes love is somewhat conditional. This person looks for ways to ingratiate himself onto someone else. They win them over completely, then they screw them over behind their back (and not in a good way). Next, there is the person who sees all the signs of deceit and dishonesty and chooses to ignore it. I'm this kind of person. I have a theory that if he comes back every night, then he loves you to a certain degree. He cares enough to be with you each night. So what if he is out with everyone else carousing the streets, etc.? That's all just incidental...right???
I guess I know how Hillary must have felt when Bill went on each of his little trysts. You have to be the strong one and overlook these things for the good of the relationship. You must be the one who takes it on the chin and smiles the next morning so he doesn't have to remember what just happened. Perhaps, he just can't help it? Ha...sure he can, but if you mention it to him then you get threats of self-harm and self-loathing. It's always innocent. *wink wink* I always misunderstood what I saw, according to him. Isn't that the real price we pay for love? A blind, infected eye.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Is this really necessary?
Okay, so they killed the al-Qaeda mastermind, al-Zaqawi, in Iraq today. That's lovely, I'm sure. But why must we be required to look at his dead face in a picture frame?
First of all, we have spent millions of dollars to kill this guy, sure we have...let's be honest. Now, the US government took it a step further and paid for a photograph of him and placed it into a wooden frame. That's pretty tacky. To me it's no different than when the terrorists (and not the US this time) behead someone and put it on a website. Of course, they are happy, but we don't need to see their gloating faces as we look at the image of a disgusting dead man. This isn't CSI.
To make it even more picture perfect, it is show with this soldier looking at the picture with an almost smirk on his face. What's he smirking at and what is the message the Pentagon (i.e., Bush) trying to send? That if you defy the US we will kill you, take a professional-grade photograph of your dead face, and then place it in a lovely wooden frame?
When will this all end?
Blogger is on the fritz
Has anyone else noticed how slow Blogger has been recently? You can't even log into the service during the day. I wonder if it is because of network traffic or if there is a problem on their servers? They were down yesterday for unscheduled maintenance. As of now, I'm being forced to submit my entries via email! How sad is that? I hope they get it fixed soon. It is inconvenient to say the least.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Quashed
The Marriage Amendment before the Senate was quashed today by a vote of 49-48; thereby, killing it during this session of Congress. I believe that due to the fact Democrats will regain their control over Congress in November, Republicans will have to look for a different minority to dump all their shit on during the 2008 election cycle, considering this dog won't hunt anymore with the American people.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Idiots in the Senate
It would seem that Americans are more consumed with same-sex marriage than the price of gas. I didn't know that. Of course, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was able to set me right on that. I can't believe how foolish I was to think Americans were more worried about how much gas costs and how they're going to pay for it when it would seem they're more worried about who their neighbors are sleeping with tonight.***
Wow! The things you learn by watching debate on the Senate floor!
(***Note my seething sarcasm!)
Wow! The things you learn by watching debate on the Senate floor!
(***Note my seething sarcasm!)
Monday, June 05, 2006
Marriage will be modeled after Muslim marriage
From the things I have heard some senators say regarding the marriage amendment, I am floored and appalled.
Basically, the things they would do is implement Muslim tenants toward marriage. It would seem that a woman is to be subversive to her husband for all of life. How's that sound ladies? You can just be a baby machine and clean the house for your man! Divorce...please...that destabilizes society. You're married for life. Maybe dad can even pick the man you marry!
What is this 1682?
Basically, the things they would do is implement Muslim tenants toward marriage. It would seem that a woman is to be subversive to her husband for all of life. How's that sound ladies? You can just be a baby machine and clean the house for your man! Divorce...please...that destabilizes society. You're married for life. Maybe dad can even pick the man you marry!
What is this 1682?
Judicial Branch is the Devil?
The debate on the floor of the Senate has turned to directly attack the judicial system of the United States.
They make it sound as if the judicial branch of the government just magically appeared without any regard from the other branches of the federal government.
Firstly, every federal judge in the United States is nominated by the president and then confirmed by the Senate. So, it is the elected officials of this country who select and seat the judges....have some senators forgotten this simple fact? Perhaps.
Perhaps, they are looking for someone to blame. Some say the courts have legislated from the bench public policies. The function of the courts is to interpret the Constitution. Duh! If I have a problem with the law, then I have the right to bring a suit against the government so the courts may interpret the constitutionality of the law.
It's time for each branch of the federal government to respect the authority of each other.
They make it sound as if the judicial branch of the government just magically appeared without any regard from the other branches of the federal government.
Firstly, every federal judge in the United States is nominated by the president and then confirmed by the Senate. So, it is the elected officials of this country who select and seat the judges....have some senators forgotten this simple fact? Perhaps.
Perhaps, they are looking for someone to blame. Some say the courts have legislated from the bench public policies. The function of the courts is to interpret the Constitution. Duh! If I have a problem with the law, then I have the right to bring a suit against the government so the courts may interpret the constitutionality of the law.
It's time for each branch of the federal government to respect the authority of each other.
Two year anniversary!
Wow! Today is the second year since I started my blog. It doesn't seem that long ago!
I'm old....
I'm old....
An amendment that makes sense
George Bush is tramping around Washington today trying to be a big man and rally his ultra-conservative cronies toward interfering in people's personal affairs. Now, sure this will never pass the US Congress, but it puts on a good show for the conservative-base come November. (Even though, Bush's Republican cronies are going out of office in January, 2007).
Now what about an amendment to the US Constitution that makes sense? Sure, there are reasons we should amend the Constitution. Here's one of them the majority of Americans would gladly ratify. Article II (dealing with the president) should be amended to include an intelligence test for all candidates. The president of the United States should be above intelligence, don't you think? He/she should be able to score at least 110+ on a standard IQ test (without any help from advisors, or tutors...haha!). Do you honestly think Bush could score anything above 70? I hardly doubt it. His intelligence is down there with a brain-dead chimpanzee! (Not to offend poor helpless animals.) Further, it would be terrible if he didn't have his advisors. He'd never find the front door of the White House without them.
Let's face facts, George Bush is an idiot! If not that amendment, let's put a clause in the Constitution that says there can't be another president from the Bush family. His poor brother, Jeb, who is the governor of Florida, is of the same stock. He pushed a bill to allow dogs to be able to dine with their owners at restaurants al-fresco! That's just what Americans need. I'd love to eat at a restaurant while someone's dog is at the next table licking it's balls. God, where did these idiots come from?!
Now what about an amendment to the US Constitution that makes sense? Sure, there are reasons we should amend the Constitution. Here's one of them the majority of Americans would gladly ratify. Article II (dealing with the president) should be amended to include an intelligence test for all candidates. The president of the United States should be above intelligence, don't you think? He/she should be able to score at least 110+ on a standard IQ test (without any help from advisors, or tutors...haha!). Do you honestly think Bush could score anything above 70? I hardly doubt it. His intelligence is down there with a brain-dead chimpanzee! (Not to offend poor helpless animals.) Further, it would be terrible if he didn't have his advisors. He'd never find the front door of the White House without them.
Let's face facts, George Bush is an idiot! If not that amendment, let's put a clause in the Constitution that says there can't be another president from the Bush family. His poor brother, Jeb, who is the governor of Florida, is of the same stock. He pushed a bill to allow dogs to be able to dine with their owners at restaurants al-fresco! That's just what Americans need. I'd love to eat at a restaurant while someone's dog is at the next table licking it's balls. God, where did these idiots come from?!
Sunday, June 04, 2006
XM Radio
I got XM satellite radio Friday. I had never dealt with satellite radio before, I had heard a lot about it. Hell, I'd even bought (and since sold) stock in Sirius. But XM seemed to be the best choice for me. I bought the portable Delphi xm2go handset. It is really cool, even for $154. The thing I love most is I can listen to music I like without being bothered with commercials! It's awesome. The thing with terrestrial radio (listen at me) is you have to deal with the commercials and then you also have to deal with what stations choose to put on the air. Around here, it is mostly preaching and gospel music, which really sucks. I shouldn't have to search through 10 of those channels to find something I only remotely enjoy.
So, yeah, it's worth the $12.95/month I pay to receive over 200+ channels. (Most I probably won't listen to, granted, but it's the thought that counts.)
So, yeah, it's worth the $12.95/month I pay to receive over 200+ channels. (Most I probably won't listen to, granted, but it's the thought that counts.)
Saturday, June 03, 2006
6-6-06
Okay, let's clear up the misnomer...6/6/06 happens every one hundred years, not once in a millennium. Let's be serious about it and think for a few seconds before we post this kinda crap on the Internet (hello CNN). So the last date was 6/6/1906...hence the even shorter-hand 6/6/06. Duh!
Okay, what is so special about this day? 666...wow...I have paid that much a couple of times at Dairy Queen ($6.66). That must be Satan's lair. No wonder I love the Cappucino Moolate so well! :)
I have an appointment with my "pharmacist" on that day. I hope I can at least get my drugs before the end of the world happens or else I'll have a bf! *gasp*
Okay, what is so special about this day? 666...wow...I have paid that much a couple of times at Dairy Queen ($6.66). That must be Satan's lair. No wonder I love the Cappucino Moolate so well! :)
I have an appointment with my "pharmacist" on that day. I hope I can at least get my drugs before the end of the world happens or else I'll have a bf! *gasp*
Proposal headed to Iran
The European Union/United States has prepared its conditions for Iran. Basically, Iran has turned down this proposal already. Iran said it would discuss the provisions, but I know they will never accept them. The US/EU is only postponing the inevitable conflict with Iran. Oh boy...
Bush is in the toilet...again
Considering George's radio address this morning, I have tweaked my letter sent to senators McConnell and Bunning from yesterday, which will now be sent to the White House.
Dear Mr. President:
As the US Congress returns from Memorial Day recess, the Senate will be faced with many important issues, including how to solve the energy crisis facing America, illegal immigration, and the war in Iraq.
The United States Senate, also, has again taken up the issue of a marriage amendment. Mr. Bush, how a person lives their life in the confines of privacy and family simply is not the business of the state. Fifty years ago, the US government was faced with issues such as this which ultimately opened society to all citizens. Of course, I am speaking of the civil rights movement. Some members of Congress during this time advocated and voted to maintain the status quo of segregation within public institutions and venues. Those members, in their later political careers and lives, lived to regret their decisions, which simply were based on intolerance and the popular sentiments of the time. I do not recall reading where President Eisenhower, President Kennedy, or President Johnson were against the civil rights and liberties of the minority; rather, they worked to increase civil rights and liberties. You, on the other hand, are attempting to implement a policy of intolerance and bigotry.
Banning homosexual citizens from enjoying the same rights as heterosexual citizens is akin to banning African-Americans from enjoying the same rights as European-Americans in the 1950s and 1960s. Where is the logic? The United States was not founded on the principle of minority segregation. Certainly, we can argue for ages the "Founding Fathers" never envisioned homosexuality as they crafted our Constitution; however, that point is moot, considering the Constitution, through and by the laws of this nation, has never confined nor limited the rights of individuals. Furthermore, our Constitution is a living document that encompasses all citizens and the immediate conditions of society. It does not confine or limit rights and liberties.
Mr. President, society was not unraveled by giving African-Americans their civil liberties and rights. I am certain you agree, as well. I argue the same will be said in twenty-five years about homosexuals. By protecting a minority, American culture will not be destroyed nor undermined. Instead, those public servants who oppose basic rights for all Americans today will be labeled as regressive and narrow-minded by posterity. You proclaim this so-called “marriage amendment” will work to counteract the moral decline in this nation. You profess your belief that marriage is inherently a right between a man and a woman; however, you overlook the strains placed on society by the lack of appropriate family planning and the lack of sex education for young people. Obviously, from your point-of-view, by placing everyone in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship America will become a utopia. That is simply flawed and misguided. Social reform begins in solid policies that promote the general welfare and education of all citizens. Not the segregation of a convenient minority to win a few votes from another minority, which happens to be conservative.
It is obvious, Mr. Bush, the politics at play in this amendment. During the 2004 election cycle, the same political stunt was crafted by the Republican-led Senate as a means to shift the conversation of American politics; however, I dare say, the political continuum in this nation will certainly shift in November. The Republican-controlled Congress, in concert with your Administration, has repeatedly refused to take up the causes which truly matter to Americans, which include why I am paying almost $3 per gallon to fill-up the tank of my car, outsourcing of American jobs, why companies who choose to stay in the US can replace American labor with cheap, undocumented aliens, and the seemingly unending war in Iraq, which has cost this nation dearly in lives and dollars. Let's address the issues that are truly impacting our society and economy.
Mr. President, these are the issues I will take with me to the polls in November. It is unconscionable the Senate of this great nation would dare waste my tax dollars to debate such a useless issue as a marriage amendment, which will never be ratified. The climate of America has changed since 2004. Simply, the voters need more to occupy their minds during this election cycle than with whom I go to bed with tonight.
As an American citizen, I express my whole-hearted dissent against this ill-conceived and intolerant amendment which is now before the United States Senate.
Dear Mr. President:
As the US Congress returns from Memorial Day recess, the Senate will be faced with many important issues, including how to solve the energy crisis facing America, illegal immigration, and the war in Iraq.
The United States Senate, also, has again taken up the issue of a marriage amendment. Mr. Bush, how a person lives their life in the confines of privacy and family simply is not the business of the state. Fifty years ago, the US government was faced with issues such as this which ultimately opened society to all citizens. Of course, I am speaking of the civil rights movement. Some members of Congress during this time advocated and voted to maintain the status quo of segregation within public institutions and venues. Those members, in their later political careers and lives, lived to regret their decisions, which simply were based on intolerance and the popular sentiments of the time. I do not recall reading where President Eisenhower, President Kennedy, or President Johnson were against the civil rights and liberties of the minority; rather, they worked to increase civil rights and liberties. You, on the other hand, are attempting to implement a policy of intolerance and bigotry.
Banning homosexual citizens from enjoying the same rights as heterosexual citizens is akin to banning African-Americans from enjoying the same rights as European-Americans in the 1950s and 1960s. Where is the logic? The United States was not founded on the principle of minority segregation. Certainly, we can argue for ages the "Founding Fathers" never envisioned homosexuality as they crafted our Constitution; however, that point is moot, considering the Constitution, through and by the laws of this nation, has never confined nor limited the rights of individuals. Furthermore, our Constitution is a living document that encompasses all citizens and the immediate conditions of society. It does not confine or limit rights and liberties.
Mr. President, society was not unraveled by giving African-Americans their civil liberties and rights. I am certain you agree, as well. I argue the same will be said in twenty-five years about homosexuals. By protecting a minority, American culture will not be destroyed nor undermined. Instead, those public servants who oppose basic rights for all Americans today will be labeled as regressive and narrow-minded by posterity. You proclaim this so-called “marriage amendment” will work to counteract the moral decline in this nation. You profess your belief that marriage is inherently a right between a man and a woman; however, you overlook the strains placed on society by the lack of appropriate family planning and the lack of sex education for young people. Obviously, from your point-of-view, by placing everyone in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship America will become a utopia. That is simply flawed and misguided. Social reform begins in solid policies that promote the general welfare and education of all citizens. Not the segregation of a convenient minority to win a few votes from another minority, which happens to be conservative.
It is obvious, Mr. Bush, the politics at play in this amendment. During the 2004 election cycle, the same political stunt was crafted by the Republican-led Senate as a means to shift the conversation of American politics; however, I dare say, the political continuum in this nation will certainly shift in November. The Republican-controlled Congress, in concert with your Administration, has repeatedly refused to take up the causes which truly matter to Americans, which include why I am paying almost $3 per gallon to fill-up the tank of my car, outsourcing of American jobs, why companies who choose to stay in the US can replace American labor with cheap, undocumented aliens, and the seemingly unending war in Iraq, which has cost this nation dearly in lives and dollars. Let's address the issues that are truly impacting our society and economy.
Mr. President, these are the issues I will take with me to the polls in November. It is unconscionable the Senate of this great nation would dare waste my tax dollars to debate such a useless issue as a marriage amendment, which will never be ratified. The climate of America has changed since 2004. Simply, the voters need more to occupy their minds during this election cycle than with whom I go to bed with tonight.
As an American citizen, I express my whole-hearted dissent against this ill-conceived and intolerant amendment which is now before the United States Senate.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Commander-in-Chief
According to the Constitution, in a time of war, the President of the United States is Commander-in-Chief (CIC) of the armed forces. This being said, King George has the great distinction of being CIC. CIC is not a light duty. It's more than a title bestowed on a man, or woman (in the future), he can wear it around like a pair of $900 Prada slip-ons. It's a little more involved than Hollywood glamour might allow us to believe.
Various elements of the US armed forces are being investigated for grave misconduct while on the battlefield. Now, King George, being 12,000 miles away, can blow this off as a disciplinary breakdown between his commanders on the ground and the troops committing the offenses. That might hold water between Bush and his commanders, since they will ultimately answer to him, not Donald Rumsfeld. In this country, today, we place too much emphasis on Cabinet level positions. We say that Rumsfeld, as secretary of defense, commands the troops and he is ultimately responsible for the outcome of this war. That is simply wrong!
Members of the President's Cabinet are simply advisers. That's all! Sure, we give them big titles and offices with billion dollar budgets to oversee these days, but the constitutionality of the Cabinet is unchanged. George Bush can simply pan failure off onto Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense (ooohhh..scary), but it's really Bush who is ultimately responsible as CIC. No, it's not the brigadier general in Iraq commanding his troops from one of Hussein's presidential palaces, it's not even the sergeant on the ground with the troops facing untold horrors, it's not even the Secretary of Defense's fault, sadly for Bush, it's his fault as CIC.
Mr. Bush, commander-in-chief is more than a fancy title. It's a responsibility to the people of the United States. It says, "I will be personally responsible for the great trust to command the armed services of this nation. I will walk the line beside the enlisted men and women to personally see that operations and orders are carried out. I will personally oversee the discipline of those troops who fail to carry out the directives of acceptable warfare." It's not, "That damn lazy secretary of defense over there at the Pentagon has failed again. I really wish those commanders would rein in their troops and put a tighter lead on them."
Mr. Bush, take the initiative and live up to your Constitutional office that you so quickly raised your right hand to God and accepted before the American people. Be all that you must be!
Various elements of the US armed forces are being investigated for grave misconduct while on the battlefield. Now, King George, being 12,000 miles away, can blow this off as a disciplinary breakdown between his commanders on the ground and the troops committing the offenses. That might hold water between Bush and his commanders, since they will ultimately answer to him, not Donald Rumsfeld. In this country, today, we place too much emphasis on Cabinet level positions. We say that Rumsfeld, as secretary of defense, commands the troops and he is ultimately responsible for the outcome of this war. That is simply wrong!
Members of the President's Cabinet are simply advisers. That's all! Sure, we give them big titles and offices with billion dollar budgets to oversee these days, but the constitutionality of the Cabinet is unchanged. George Bush can simply pan failure off onto Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense (ooohhh..scary), but it's really Bush who is ultimately responsible as CIC. No, it's not the brigadier general in Iraq commanding his troops from one of Hussein's presidential palaces, it's not even the sergeant on the ground with the troops facing untold horrors, it's not even the Secretary of Defense's fault, sadly for Bush, it's his fault as CIC.
Mr. Bush, commander-in-chief is more than a fancy title. It's a responsibility to the people of the United States. It says, "I will be personally responsible for the great trust to command the armed services of this nation. I will walk the line beside the enlisted men and women to personally see that operations and orders are carried out. I will personally oversee the discipline of those troops who fail to carry out the directives of acceptable warfare." It's not, "That damn lazy secretary of defense over there at the Pentagon has failed again. I really wish those commanders would rein in their troops and put a tighter lead on them."
Mr. Bush, take the initiative and live up to your Constitutional office that you so quickly raised your right hand to God and accepted before the American people. Be all that you must be!
Terrible Gays
The US Senate is yet again bringing up the gay marriage amendment next week. I am going to be writing my senators to express my disgust with this political maneuvering, while ignoring the real issues in America that we are concerned with.
Dear Senator McConnell:
As the US Congress returns from Memorial Day recess, the Senate will be faced with many important issues, including how to solve the energy crisis facing America and illegal immigration.
The United States Senate, also, has again taken up the issue of a marriage amendment. Senator, how a person lives their life in the confines of privacy and family simply is not the business of the US Congress. Fifty years ago, the US Congress was faced with issues such as this which ultimately opened society to all citizens. Of course, I am speaking of the civil rights movement. Some members of Congress during this time advocated and voted to maintain the status quo of segregation within public institutions and venues. Those members, in their later political careers and lives, lived to regret their decisions, which simply were based on ignorance and the popular sentiments of the time.
Banning homosexual citizens from enjoying the same rights as heterosexual citizens is akin to banning African-Americans from enjoying the same rights as European-Americans in the 1950s and 1960s. Where is the logic? The United States was not founded on the principle of minority segregation. Certainly, we can argue for ages the "Founding Fathers" never envisioned homosexuality as they crafted our Constitution; however, that point is moot, considering the Constitution, through and by the laws of this nation, has never confined nor limited the rights of individuals. Furthermore, our Constitution is a living document that encompasses all citizens and the immediate conditions of society. It does not confine or limit rights and liberties.
Senator, society was not unraveled by giving African-Americans their civil liberties and rights. I am certain you agree, as well. I argue the same will be said in twenty-five years about homosexuals. By protecting a minority, American culture will not be destroyed nor undermined. Instead, those public servants who oppose basic rights for all Americans today will be labeled as regressive and narrow-minded by posterity.
It is obvious, Senator, the politics at play in this amendment. During the 2004 election cycle, the same political stunt was crafted by the Senate and placed before the American people; however, I dare say, the political continuum in this nation will certainly shift in November. The Republican-controlled Congress has repeatedly refused to take up the causes which truly matter to Americans, which include why I am paying almost $3 per gallon to fill-up the tank of my car, outsourcing of American jobs, why companies who choose to stay in the US can replace American labor with cheap, undocumented aliens, and the seemingly unending war in Iraq. Senator, these are the issues I will take with me to the polls in November. It is unconscionable the Senate of this great nation would dare waste my tax dollars to debate such useless issues as a marriage amendment, which will never be ratified. The climate of America has changed since 2004. Simply, voters need more to occupy their minds during this election cycle than who I go to bed with tonight.
As your constituent, I respectful ask that you vote against this ill-conceived, hateful amendment.
Dear Senator McConnell:
As the US Congress returns from Memorial Day recess, the Senate will be faced with many important issues, including how to solve the energy crisis facing America and illegal immigration.
The United States Senate, also, has again taken up the issue of a marriage amendment. Senator, how a person lives their life in the confines of privacy and family simply is not the business of the US Congress. Fifty years ago, the US Congress was faced with issues such as this which ultimately opened society to all citizens. Of course, I am speaking of the civil rights movement. Some members of Congress during this time advocated and voted to maintain the status quo of segregation within public institutions and venues. Those members, in their later political careers and lives, lived to regret their decisions, which simply were based on ignorance and the popular sentiments of the time.
Banning homosexual citizens from enjoying the same rights as heterosexual citizens is akin to banning African-Americans from enjoying the same rights as European-Americans in the 1950s and 1960s. Where is the logic? The United States was not founded on the principle of minority segregation. Certainly, we can argue for ages the "Founding Fathers" never envisioned homosexuality as they crafted our Constitution; however, that point is moot, considering the Constitution, through and by the laws of this nation, has never confined nor limited the rights of individuals. Furthermore, our Constitution is a living document that encompasses all citizens and the immediate conditions of society. It does not confine or limit rights and liberties.
Senator, society was not unraveled by giving African-Americans their civil liberties and rights. I am certain you agree, as well. I argue the same will be said in twenty-five years about homosexuals. By protecting a minority, American culture will not be destroyed nor undermined. Instead, those public servants who oppose basic rights for all Americans today will be labeled as regressive and narrow-minded by posterity.
It is obvious, Senator, the politics at play in this amendment. During the 2004 election cycle, the same political stunt was crafted by the Senate and placed before the American people; however, I dare say, the political continuum in this nation will certainly shift in November. The Republican-controlled Congress has repeatedly refused to take up the causes which truly matter to Americans, which include why I am paying almost $3 per gallon to fill-up the tank of my car, outsourcing of American jobs, why companies who choose to stay in the US can replace American labor with cheap, undocumented aliens, and the seemingly unending war in Iraq. Senator, these are the issues I will take with me to the polls in November. It is unconscionable the Senate of this great nation would dare waste my tax dollars to debate such useless issues as a marriage amendment, which will never be ratified. The climate of America has changed since 2004. Simply, voters need more to occupy their minds during this election cycle than who I go to bed with tonight.
As your constituent, I respectful ask that you vote against this ill-conceived, hateful amendment.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Jackson Leslie in the News!
Well, I used the handy dandy search engine, Google, to search on "jacksonleslie." It would seem that I have been referenced by washingtonpost.com. This reference by me goes back to when George Bush was nominating a candidate to take over for former Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in July 2005. The reference isn't one that I'd have chosen, because of the profanity I was using (and part of the reference). Ha! Here I am referenced by a national media outlet! I'm well on my way to fame!
To wit:
To wit:
"For some, the nominee's actual identity didn't seem to matter. 'Who the hell is Edith Clement? CNN seems to think she's the nominee,' wrote Jackson Leslie at Grace & Civility. "She's probably a hardline conservative (look at who's doing the nominating).'"
More and more...
Iran stepped up the rhetoric over it's nuclear program when it refused an American call to meet vÃs-a-vÃs to discuss the issue. I felt the US invitation to meet at the negotiation table sounded more like an ultimatum to Iran rather than a willingness to openly discuss the issue. The US government stated it would meet with the Iranian government to directly discuss the issue of its nuclear program; however, there were some conditions, including Iran had to halt its uranium enrichment program before the meeting would take place. It would have been more advantageous for the US government to discuss the issue as things stand. Issuing demands and conditions to another country, although American chic these days, is not really asking to discuss the issue, but rather preface the meeting with demands.
Meet the Iranians on their level with how things stand, then discuss concerns and concessions at the bargaining table. DUH!
Meet the Iranians on their level with how things stand, then discuss concerns and concessions at the bargaining table. DUH!
Society's Debt
Now, before I get started on a rant, let me preface it with the fact that I've NEVER been convicted of a crime in a court of law (in your face you stupid pig cop who tried to call me a speeder). Now, ladies and gentlemen, the rest of the show...
People are convicted of crimes everyday in this country, it's a fact. These include homicide, rape, burglary, grand theft auto, etc. If I stab someone to death and receive my 25 years in a state lock-up, then the day I am set free, I am really, well, free. I can go back into society and live as I see fit. Now of course, I may choose to live in the mainstream, but I can also choose to re-offend, which many felons do.
The title of this blog is "Society's Debt." What does society require of those who live outside of mainstream values? Do they require them to serve a prison sentence, as most criminal activities entail? Of course, they do. I am not saying there is anything wrong with a punitive justice system. If someone kills me, I hope they go to jail for a long, long time. Perhaps, that will keep them from hurting someone else in the near future. If we're really lucky, they may turn over a whole new leaf. Hey, it can and does happen!
When my convicted murderer is up for release after 25 years in prison (let's pretend he was never paroled, etc., he just paid for his debt straight up), he isn't required to become a registered murderer with the state and county in which he lives. Seemingly, special conditions aren't placed on the way he can live his life as a free member of society. We place, however, special conditions on certain types of convicted felons, such as sex-based offenders. Now, these are terrible crimes, like murder, I agree. They deserve to be punished within the confines our jurisprudence system, just like every other criminal. That's not my point, however. My point is this: once you pay your debt--you serve your maximum time as imposed by a court of law--then you are no longer under obligation to the state; ergo society. Society requires sex-based criminals, like being a rapists, child molester, etc., to not only serve time in prison, but also to register within a community as essentially a pervert (for all time, really). It's society's double jeopardy; however, we aren't a law of mob justice (seemingly). We have laws that dictate how we can punish criminals. These laws are written out and apply to everyone, including the criminal. In essence, being a criminal of the sexual persuasion requires you to wear a scarlet letter on your chest forever.
There is no website I can go to and look up who is a formerly convicted murderer in my community. There is no website where I can look up former car thieves, who might be looking at my new car in the drive-way. But sure, I can go to a state website and look at everyone in my community who has raped someone. I can find out who molested little Bobby (who isn't so little anymore) down the street 15 years ago. If our jurisprudence system is fair, then we must have websites with EVERY criminal listed with their offenses; if not, we have violated the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which directly protects the accused individual from excessive and unjust punishment by the state. We have imprisoned some criminals, like sex offenders, for a lifetime, without bars, while sanctioning others for a terminal period of time without future social sanctions against their freedom. This is not justice, this is excessive and unfair punishment.
Someone will say, but this hasn't happened to your family. If your mother was sexually assaulted by a pervert, don't you think that criminal deserves to rot in jail forever. That is simply a gut reaction to a crime against a loved one. Sure, I want to beat the person to death with a baseball bat, but that makes me a criminal and that is not the society in which we want to live. The individual committing the crime deserves his punishment, which will be a set term of imprisonment where he will lose his civil rights and liberties as a citizen. Then, he will be released after said sentence has been fulfilled. I don't expect him to be a slave to the past forever, even for my mother.
When we watch each other, we become a society of vigilantes. We become a society of street justice. "I don't want that pervert living next door to me." No one could say that about this person without someone having forced him/her to register as a sex offender on a website, etc. It's not about protecting victims. It's about protecting our personal feelings and security without regard to the civil liberties and rights of another individual, who committed a crime and paid his debt to society. It's a factor of our relationships among each other where our government allows us to offend against and offender. It would be akin to a murderer serving a sentence in prison and then when he is released, he is then taken to a tree in town and hanged by the people of that community. Do we allow this type of second chance justice for such crimes? Of course not!
Simply, we can't require certain criminals to repay a debt to society over-and-over, while other criminals go their merry ways free and clear!
People are convicted of crimes everyday in this country, it's a fact. These include homicide, rape, burglary, grand theft auto, etc. If I stab someone to death and receive my 25 years in a state lock-up, then the day I am set free, I am really, well, free. I can go back into society and live as I see fit. Now of course, I may choose to live in the mainstream, but I can also choose to re-offend, which many felons do.
The title of this blog is "Society's Debt." What does society require of those who live outside of mainstream values? Do they require them to serve a prison sentence, as most criminal activities entail? Of course, they do. I am not saying there is anything wrong with a punitive justice system. If someone kills me, I hope they go to jail for a long, long time. Perhaps, that will keep them from hurting someone else in the near future. If we're really lucky, they may turn over a whole new leaf. Hey, it can and does happen!
When my convicted murderer is up for release after 25 years in prison (let's pretend he was never paroled, etc., he just paid for his debt straight up), he isn't required to become a registered murderer with the state and county in which he lives. Seemingly, special conditions aren't placed on the way he can live his life as a free member of society. We place, however, special conditions on certain types of convicted felons, such as sex-based offenders. Now, these are terrible crimes, like murder, I agree. They deserve to be punished within the confines our jurisprudence system, just like every other criminal. That's not my point, however. My point is this: once you pay your debt--you serve your maximum time as imposed by a court of law--then you are no longer under obligation to the state; ergo society. Society requires sex-based criminals, like being a rapists, child molester, etc., to not only serve time in prison, but also to register within a community as essentially a pervert (for all time, really). It's society's double jeopardy; however, we aren't a law of mob justice (seemingly). We have laws that dictate how we can punish criminals. These laws are written out and apply to everyone, including the criminal. In essence, being a criminal of the sexual persuasion requires you to wear a scarlet letter on your chest forever.
There is no website I can go to and look up who is a formerly convicted murderer in my community. There is no website where I can look up former car thieves, who might be looking at my new car in the drive-way. But sure, I can go to a state website and look at everyone in my community who has raped someone. I can find out who molested little Bobby (who isn't so little anymore) down the street 15 years ago. If our jurisprudence system is fair, then we must have websites with EVERY criminal listed with their offenses; if not, we have violated the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which directly protects the accused individual from excessive and unjust punishment by the state. We have imprisoned some criminals, like sex offenders, for a lifetime, without bars, while sanctioning others for a terminal period of time without future social sanctions against their freedom. This is not justice, this is excessive and unfair punishment.
Someone will say, but this hasn't happened to your family. If your mother was sexually assaulted by a pervert, don't you think that criminal deserves to rot in jail forever. That is simply a gut reaction to a crime against a loved one. Sure, I want to beat the person to death with a baseball bat, but that makes me a criminal and that is not the society in which we want to live. The individual committing the crime deserves his punishment, which will be a set term of imprisonment where he will lose his civil rights and liberties as a citizen. Then, he will be released after said sentence has been fulfilled. I don't expect him to be a slave to the past forever, even for my mother.
When we watch each other, we become a society of vigilantes. We become a society of street justice. "I don't want that pervert living next door to me." No one could say that about this person without someone having forced him/her to register as a sex offender on a website, etc. It's not about protecting victims. It's about protecting our personal feelings and security without regard to the civil liberties and rights of another individual, who committed a crime and paid his debt to society. It's a factor of our relationships among each other where our government allows us to offend against and offender. It would be akin to a murderer serving a sentence in prison and then when he is released, he is then taken to a tree in town and hanged by the people of that community. Do we allow this type of second chance justice for such crimes? Of course not!
Simply, we can't require certain criminals to repay a debt to society over-and-over, while other criminals go their merry ways free and clear!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Political persuasion
| You are a Social Liberal (71% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (18% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test |
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Myspace.com
Myspace.com is a phenomenon. I admit that I have dabbled in it a little bit, under a fake name, of course!
There are a lot of freaks on there. Let me emphasize, "freaks!" I have learned a lot of interesting facts about people I know/knew through the myspace website!
There are a lot of freaks on there. Let me emphasize, "freaks!" I have learned a lot of interesting facts about people I know/knew through the myspace website!
Troop Reduction in Iraq
Well, George Bush has promised a troop number reduction in Iraq for a while now. He has delivered on that promise today, right?
Sure, he just INCREASED the number of troops in Iraq by 1,500! Good job, Bush! Why should we have believed you'd do anything else?
Sure, he just INCREASED the number of troops in Iraq by 1,500! Good job, Bush! Why should we have believed you'd do anything else?
Monday, May 29, 2006
Summer Vacation
Well, I officially now want to go to Paris in July. It seems to me that it would be a good time considering I can enjoy the fireworks in the US and then jump a plane to Paris for Bastille Day. The only issue I've had with this trip is the fact I can't learn French! Mon Dieu! How come French is so bloody hard? My complaint is this: they don't say half of the word. They change the sound of the ending of most words. It may have something like -eaux as the suffix, but that is simply pronounced -oo. I wonder how you get that? My first impression was the French are lazy speakers, but I suppose it comes from hundreds of years of tradition, so who am I to judge?
If I speak French, then I am certain to sound beneath a mere provincial, which won't win me any favors in France. I may just stick with English and let them get over it. The French are an arrogant people, so by speaking their language someone may get offended. Then I'll be hated for being more than a pompous American, but also being a presumptuous one.
If I speak French, then I am certain to sound beneath a mere provincial, which won't win me any favors in France. I may just stick with English and let them get over it. The French are an arrogant people, so by speaking their language someone may get offended. Then I'll be hated for being more than a pompous American, but also being a presumptuous one.
First Tropical Storm of 2006
Uh oh! We're already starting? I guess it's good the tropical storm is in the Pacific Ocean.
I hope this year isn't as bad as last year by a long shot! It's only May 29...so that's like 2 days ahead of the official start of the hurricane season.
I hope this year isn't as bad as last year by a long shot! It's only May 29...so that's like 2 days ahead of the official start of the hurricane season.
Search Support
Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee supports the search of Congressional offices.
Senator Frist should be impeached for being a moron!
Senator Frist should be impeached for being a moron!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Anniversaries
Today is my parents' anniversary. It's been 29 years! They got married in 1977...gosh, that was back in the age of disco and tight pants. I asked my mom if she didn't think it was time for a divorce or something else to shake things up a bit. She said my dad is good for a few more years. There's not many people who make it so long. I'm glad my parents did though. If they got divorced, I'd be devastated. I don't see a divorce, however, occurring; that's how come I can joke about it! :)
"Tipping Point"
It would seem this whole scandal over the seizure of documents from a the office of a representative of the United States Congress has grown over night!
Now, we hear that the Attorney-General of the United States and the director of the FBI possibly may resign over this whole incident. I wonder what Bush had to promise them to get this kind of reaction from two top individuals in the Federal government?
Bush is deflecting the heat away from his Administration. He is putting it squarely on the shoulders of the Justice Department. I think Bush should be the one responsible for the things his lackeys do. This president seems to have more Pam cooking spray on him than a greased-up pig at the county fair!
Poor Clinton was impeached for having sex with an intern in the Oval Office. This president has engaged the US in a lengthy illegal war, costing thousands of lives on both sides, billions of dollars in expense, he keeps billions of records listing our personal and business phone calls without court issued warrants, and now he seizes documents from the legislative branch of the government. When we he be liable for any of these deeds? If Bush had any balls he'd fire the Attorney-General and director of the FBI today!
Even this last snafu has caused him some face with his own party. But I don't think it will ever amount to a hill of beans. I just don't understand the reasons why!
Let's not forget poor Dick Nixon. All he did was steal some documents from the democrat's HQ and he was crucified.
Now, we hear that the Attorney-General of the United States and the director of the FBI possibly may resign over this whole incident. I wonder what Bush had to promise them to get this kind of reaction from two top individuals in the Federal government?
Bush is deflecting the heat away from his Administration. He is putting it squarely on the shoulders of the Justice Department. I think Bush should be the one responsible for the things his lackeys do. This president seems to have more Pam cooking spray on him than a greased-up pig at the county fair!
Poor Clinton was impeached for having sex with an intern in the Oval Office. This president has engaged the US in a lengthy illegal war, costing thousands of lives on both sides, billions of dollars in expense, he keeps billions of records listing our personal and business phone calls without court issued warrants, and now he seizes documents from the legislative branch of the government. When we he be liable for any of these deeds? If Bush had any balls he'd fire the Attorney-General and director of the FBI today!
Even this last snafu has caused him some face with his own party. But I don't think it will ever amount to a hill of beans. I just don't understand the reasons why!
Let's not forget poor Dick Nixon. All he did was steal some documents from the democrat's HQ and he was crucified.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Separation of Powers
It stands to reason that people who enforce the law should know the law. The US Justice Department should be the ultimate authority on the legal system. Instead, they did the Bush thing and decided the US Constitution doesn't apply in this situation. The FBI, directed by the US Department of Justice, decided it can invade the US Congress and take whatever they want from an elected representative to the House of Representatives.
Now, King George has placed a 45 day moratorium on the information seized from Representative Jefferson's office. It took both political parties in Congress to get George to change his mind. I guess he really does fear what's coming up this November and he can't really lose ANY support!
Now, King George has placed a 45 day moratorium on the information seized from Representative Jefferson's office. It took both political parties in Congress to get George to change his mind. I guess he really does fear what's coming up this November and he can't really lose ANY support!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Iran Shame
Wouldn't it be a crying shame if Iran is allowed to develop and manufacture nuclear weapons? Israel seems to think it is a matter of months before they are able to do so!
Let's act now while we can!
Let's act now while we can!
Friday, May 19, 2006
Building Fences
It seems George Bush and the US Congress is in the business of building fences.
Fences are only a temporary solution to the illegal immigration problem facing America's southern border. Let's not forget the Berlin Wall in Europe. It only provided a short term solution that was never really good at keeping people from escaping East Germany, or for that matter, keeping people from entering from West Germany.
Now you can call me a communist or a radical, but I have some ideas of my own for this one too. Sometimes, conservatives call us bleeding heart liberals a touchy-feely bunch who can't get anything tough done. As a so-called bleeding heart liberal, I would use more force to secure the border. The border should be militarized for the short-term. As president, I would consider anyone trying to enter the US without proper papers and authorization as an invading force which will be met with all due force necessary to repel it. (You may infer as needed.)
Just a thought, after all...
Fences are only a temporary solution to the illegal immigration problem facing America's southern border. Let's not forget the Berlin Wall in Europe. It only provided a short term solution that was never really good at keeping people from escaping East Germany, or for that matter, keeping people from entering from West Germany.
Now you can call me a communist or a radical, but I have some ideas of my own for this one too. Sometimes, conservatives call us bleeding heart liberals a touchy-feely bunch who can't get anything tough done. As a so-called bleeding heart liberal, I would use more force to secure the border. The border should be militarized for the short-term. As president, I would consider anyone trying to enter the US without proper papers and authorization as an invading force which will be met with all due force necessary to repel it. (You may infer as needed.)
Just a thought, after all...
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Teacher Reverence
Of course, as a small child I was always shocked and amazed when I saw a teacher at a store or a restaurant. I thought they lived at school and they couldn't leave the confines of the school's brick or mortar, lest they perish.
Even though, we treat teachers like garbage today, it is surprising that the same belief holds true. Ironically, it holds true for parents too! I am a teacher and I see this first hand. Parents fear teachers...plain and simple, even the ones they didn't have as a child. Parents fear me, interesting!
I see kids at places I go, like the grocery store, mall, etc. They all have that look of awe on their faces, like "Wow! My teacher is outside the school! Is the world still spinning?" Perhaps, they think they should call the teacher police and have me arrested for violating my parole, but they usually get over it. Mom and dad, aunt and uncle, grandma and grandpa, seem to be a bit more calm too when they find out who I am. Perhaps, they have flashbacks of being beaten as a child with a ruler or paddle by their teachers. Who knows the reason? My thesis is this: mom and dad will threaten everything from murder, to getting a teacher fired, or simply a good old fashioned "cussin' out," but the fact-of-the-matter is they never live up to their threats when you meet them in person.
Now what is the purpose of this rant? Simply this: Adults and kids, pay attention, your teachers have lives. Lives that most of you may not imagine a teacher is capable or legally allowed to live! (Shocking, I know.) So when you see me at the convenient store buying a 20-ounce Mountain Dew, at the park, in Wal-Mart, or at the doctor's office to talk about going bald, remember that yes, I am allowed out of the school (occasionally). We aren't driven by stereotypes or old wives' tales. There is nothing in the school handbook that says we can't pose in lingerie on the Internet, get married, sing, dance, or cuss. No, I don't need to send home a permission form to my students' guardians when I decide that I am going on a vacation.
It's simple...don't be naive! Most likely when we see you in the store, we're going to run the other way and pray that you never saw us! HA! HA!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
NSA has my phone records?
It would seem the NSA is simply not monitoring phone calls, without warrants, of American citizens who converse with terrorists (allegedly), but they are also storing a massive repository of phone related records of every single American after September 11, 2001!
George Bush has surely gone over the edge of all legal fairness relating to previous legal faux pas. It is certainly time for the United States Congress to exercise its Constitutional authority and call the president to answer for these atrocious abuses of every Americans' civil liberties. It is even more than sinister and illegal...it is outrageous!
President Bush stated they aren't "trolling" to breach our personal privacy. Then what do you call keeping a record of everyone whom I have called in the past 4+ years? HMMMMMM...?! To paraphrase Lou Dobbs, does George Bush really thing we are this foolish? Senators and Representatives, from both parties, seem to be railing against Bush these days. This will send what Republican-base Bush might retain running for the woods to distance themselves from this recent bit of knowledge.
Bush is surely in his last days, if this pans out the way we understand it to be today.
The irony is while Bush was discussing this issue, and how it doesn't violate our basic Constitutional liberties and rights, you can see the portrait of George Washington over Bush's right shoulder. Washington seems to be looking out, over Bush's shoulder, reminding us that we are Americans and we cannot discharge our rights and liberties that he and so many of our forefathers--and foremothers--fought.
Let's not forget the many things we take for granted. Let's not forget the message Washington would send us if he were with us today. Oppression and tyranny start when people become complacent. We lose a bit of our humanity, our freedom, everytime we allow George Bush, or any other person, to railroad what we know to be morally and ethically correct. It takes a greater patriot to stand up and tell us what is wrong with our government, and with our leaders, than it does to comply and become subservient.
It's time to hold President Bush accountable for his numerous crimes!
George Bush has surely gone over the edge of all legal fairness relating to previous legal faux pas. It is certainly time for the United States Congress to exercise its Constitutional authority and call the president to answer for these atrocious abuses of every Americans' civil liberties. It is even more than sinister and illegal...it is outrageous!
President Bush stated they aren't "trolling" to breach our personal privacy. Then what do you call keeping a record of everyone whom I have called in the past 4+ years? HMMMMMM...?! To paraphrase Lou Dobbs, does George Bush really thing we are this foolish? Senators and Representatives, from both parties, seem to be railing against Bush these days. This will send what Republican-base Bush might retain running for the woods to distance themselves from this recent bit of knowledge.
Bush is surely in his last days, if this pans out the way we understand it to be today.
The irony is while Bush was discussing this issue, and how it doesn't violate our basic Constitutional liberties and rights, you can see the portrait of George Washington over Bush's right shoulder. Washington seems to be looking out, over Bush's shoulder, reminding us that we are Americans and we cannot discharge our rights and liberties that he and so many of our forefathers--and foremothers--fought.
Let's not forget the many things we take for granted. Let's not forget the message Washington would send us if he were with us today. Oppression and tyranny start when people become complacent. We lose a bit of our humanity, our freedom, everytime we allow George Bush, or any other person, to railroad what we know to be morally and ethically correct. It takes a greater patriot to stand up and tell us what is wrong with our government, and with our leaders, than it does to comply and become subservient.
It's time to hold President Bush accountable for his numerous crimes!
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