Rumsfeld should go?

Who would have thought? I mean, honestly, who would have ever thought Donald Rumsfeld should be fired as Defense Secretary? Hasn't over 60% of Americans been saying this for years? I suppose, it takes an independent, military newspaper to deliver the scoop.

Good grief!

Saddam's Execution

Tomorrow, the kangaroo court that has been trying the Saddam case, will impose its sentence. It is sure the sentence will be death. We know that George Bush has communicated the hanging sentence personally to the court.

Now, all that is left is the show's debut for tomorrow.

2048?

There is a report out that says seafood will reach a crisis point in 2048, if we continue our rates of fishing and destruction of natural habitats. What happened to the Visine-guy telling me to eat up, there's plenty more Alaskan seafood out there?

Weird.

Political Ad

My name is Jackson Leslie, and I approve of this blog.

Hypocrisy is the hallmark of evangelical Christianity. It is the way things are displaced and "evil" is conquered. Ted Haggard, an evangelical Christian minister, is also a closeted homosexual, so it would seem. Yet, I am sure, he has preached against this evil in his holier-than-thou sermons on many a-Sunday mornings.

Psychology teaches us that people who rail so hard against a belief or conviction, often times, have something to hide in that area. If it's a touchy issue for them, then they probably have some experience in their past with it. Whether it's hiring a male prostitute to fulfill your gay dreams or stealing a million dollars from your sheep in the congregation. It's all the same, pure, unadulterated hypocrisy.

On November 7, let's stand up for conviction and responsibility. Let's send the Republican majorities, in the House and Senate, home.

MasterCard Soars

Today, MasterCard stock soared almost $12/share. Erroneously, I said that MasterCard stock was going to flop a few months ago. Wow, was I wrong! I recently bought many of my shares back to inflate my portfolio.

Buy, buy, buy!

Foley's Priest

After watching the Mark Foley drama play out over the past month, or so, I am not sure who is the bigger victim here: Foley or his former priest. The alleged incident took place over 30 years ago. It is certain that the whole incident would never have become public, for the priest at least, if Mark Foley (former Republican point man) hadn't gotten busted for his extracurricular communications/activities with congressional pages.

Let's also ask ourselves, in a candid manner, would the whole Mark Foley issue have been so big had the pages been female? It is my belief that society has long withstood the multitude of tests between older men and their younger liaisons and indiscretions. With those, they were simply being old, dirty men. Something people only giggle about as they half-heartedly address the issue.

It would seem the double standard applies to this issue.

Congress in Play?

There are many political pundits who say both houses of the Congress are in play for next week's election.

Let's see...yeah!

You don't own me...or do you?

The prime minister of Iraq, Nuri al-Maliki, told Washington that it did not own him. I say that is a genuine call for independence by the Iraqi leader; however, I disagree with his assessment of the situation. The United States does, indeed, own him.

Without the United States there would be Saddam Hussein. With Saddam Hussein there would be no modern day Iraq. Now, I believe Iraq was a thousand times more prosperous--not to mention stable--under the watchful eyes of Saddam; however, we must live with the current situation and embrace it fully to take Iraq into the future...whatever it may be.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is a puppet of the Bush Administration. He may sound tough and independent, but when his Washington-master comes to call, he stands, begs, rolls-over, fetches, and shakes hands, like the good lap dog he is.

So he can muzzle his rhetoric. We aren't buying it!

More Freedom

Today, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that homosexuals are afforded the same rights as heterosexuals, under the state's constitution, in the realm of marriage.

Forty-eight more states to go!

Foreign Adoption

There has been a lot of press given to Madonna and her desire to adopt a Malawi boy. He is currently undergoing an 18 month transition period where his progress will be marked and the final approval will be given to Madonna and her husband (who he is again?) to adopt this small, African boy.

Now, the boy's father says he never understood the implications of the government documents he signed given Madonna custody over his son. He says he only thought Madonna, and Mr. Madonna, would "raise" his son, but he would remain his child's legal parent. The man, apparently, is illiterate, which might complicate matters if it is proved that the Malawi government and Madonna's lawyers tried to pull a fast one on this poor simple man.

Some agencies have looked down on this so-called adoption. They say children should be raised in their own countries, and by people who are their countrymen. I can agree with that somewhat. Now, speaking as a person who may someday look to foreign adoption to answer the "expiration" of my own biological clock, I believe it is completely fine to look toward foreign adoptions for a multitude of reasons.

Some of these reasons are quite obvious. Firstly, in the United States it is near impossible to finalize an adoption. You have to sift through years of paperwork that only a team of Harvard trained lawyers can fully understand. Secondly, many people are looking to adopt children who are less than a year old. That creates a bit of headache for these families, because over 90% of families seeking to adopt a child are looking for babies. If I can file paperwork in Russia and then six months later come out with a newborn baby, why would I seek to crush myself in paperwork and make the whole overall experience harrowing?

The next part I do agree with. Celebrities, who adopt, may be looking for some glory from the limelight that goes with international adoptions. They are seen as saviors, who aren't pretentious or stuck-up about their families and what is important to them.

I doubt that if I adopt a child the media will care. That's the bottom line!

Arrogance & Stupidity: Thank you!

Finally, a senior diplomat, Alberto Fernandez, said it: history will judge the United States' foreign policy regarding Iraq (meaning Bush and his Republican sycophants) as being "arrogant" and filled with "stupidity." Of course, he points out that these things have been said by other top diplomats, but none of them have been so directly and in such a vulgar manner. Nonetheless, I appreciate candid remarks.

Arrogant and stupid...I can't say much more than that!

Sick Days

There's nothing better than taking a sick day, especially when you're not sick! I can catch up on my reading and watch a bit of daytime television. What's better than that?

Just fondling...

The priest who molested former Republican Congressman Mark Foley stated that he only fondled Foley when he was a teenager. He even said, "he seemed to like it." That's pretty funny.

Of course, nothing legally will happen to the priest. He is currently living in Malta. Who is going to extradite over something that happened over thirty years ago?

Student Fighters

I recently read an article where a school system in Texas is teaching students and teachers how to fight back against an attacker in the school. Now, first of all, I was a bit taken back by this prospect. The last thing you want to do is create a school full of vigilantes. It also forces the issue of allowing students and teachers to take unnecessary risks. But if your life is in the balance, what is unnecessary really? It would seem that staring down the barrel of a gun in the hands of a mad-man (or woman) is a catalyst for self-preservation.

Personally, I do not agree the decision that creates a room full of students who can fend off an attacker is the right one. It is better to simply follow the directions of the person holding the gun and afford the art of negotiation to the police; however, many people who take classrooms hostage are not looking for a simple and quick fix to their problems. They are there because they have become so overwhelmed by the issues and delusions in their life, whether they are a student or not. Often times, they are there to commit suicide and take a few friends/enemies along for the journey.

Perhaps, the school system in Texas has the right idea. If you attack and surprise your captor, then perhaps you have a chance at survival. After all, they are there for blood. Why not let it be the would-be-captor's blood instead?

Posturing

Today, the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to implement sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear test on Monday. What does it all mean?

It is simply more meaningless posturing by the United Nations. North Korea will not suffer anymore than it has in the past ten years under these sanctions. How can you punish a nation that already has nothing?

It's pointless and fruitless.

Nuclear Bombs & Ethics

There is something of irony regarding the North Korea issue. The United States is ardently opposed to North Korea possessing nuclear weapons; however, the US, as you know, has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world. In addition, the US is the only nation to have used nuclear weapons during a confrontation.

The irony is a bit like me telling someone the virtues of gun control while I have a large collection of guns in my home. Perhaps if the US took proactive steps of complete nuclear disarmament of its own stockpile, then other nations might be less likely to create this type of weaponry. After all, they refer to our healthy supply of nuclear weapons when we scream "foul!"

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

North Korea Acts

According to North Korean media outlets, the country has tested it's first nuclear device today. Although, the United States is unable to independently verify this fact, the South Korean geological society reported a 3.6 point "artificial" earthquake from North Korea, which probably means they did, in fact, test a nuclear test.

George W. Bush says the nuclear proliferation of North Korea will not be tolerated by the rest of the world. It would seem they are already doing well enough on their own without the rest of the world's permission.

Let's keep fighting in Iraq. We can't stop North Korea.

North Korea

North Korea says it may postpone the test of its first nuclear device if the United States will agree to direct bilateral talks, instead of posing unilateral sanctions against the nation.

Why doesn't the United States engage North Korea directly? What is the point of talking to one country through different nations? It's like when you were small and you said, "I'm not talking to mom...dad will you tell mom that I'm not talking to her." The funny thing is, mom is standing right in the room with you! That's how this whole "We're not talking to North Korea, except through China..." deal comes into play.

Bill Clinton's administration sought to directly engage the North Koreas. Secretary of State Madeline Albright went to Pyongyang and met with Kim Jong-il. This was a very large step of diplomacy for both nations and a great gesture of open relations with the North Koreans on the part of the Americans. What happened to this new relationship? George W. Bush is what happened.

George Bush's administration worked to undo all the work Clinton and his Administration had done. They returned to the indirect communication method and closed all relations with the North Koreans. What has that gotten us? It has gotten us a North Korea that is working tirelessly to build its own nuclear arsenal. It is creating tension on the Korean Peninsula and with the Japanese. It is giving China the upper-hand on dealing with this problem, because they are primarily the go-to-country for even speaking to the North Koreans.

If Bush was smart (and we all know he's not) and surrounded by equally intelligent, diplomatic people (instead of sycophants), then we might have averted this whole new North Korean tension. We might have followed the same model with Iran. The United States (Bush mostly) must get out of this mentality that we can bully other nations around and they will blindly follow along. We can no longer be the biggest, meanest kid on the school playground. Eventually, these little nations are going to gang up on us and give us a bloody nose. The United States is the world's oldest democracy. We have been in existence for over 200 years. From these many years of struggle and strife, we must have learned something of wisdom. The United States is in the best position of being the broker of genuine world peace; however, this can only be accomplished through direct talks with the parties involved. It must also take into account the art of compromise and the understanding that all parties have authentic positions on the issues at hand. It's not about one nation having the upper-hand on the other one. It's not about throwing around insults and insinuations. The United States must sit evenly at the middle of the negotiation's table and say, "This is what each party has brought to this discussion. Now, what can we do--with the things you have brought today--to find a balance to the issues and find commonality?"

That is called diplomacy!

All that I am...

Have you ever felt like your life is hidden away? I feel like that every day of my life. I am forced to live according to "standards." I suppose I live a life similar to someone in public life. I cannot engage in activities that I want to do, because I must think of their consequences. I was reading about the documentary/movie The Queen, which shows the life of Queen Elizabeth II after the Princess Diana debacle in 1997. There was a quote associated with the film that is germane to my life: "That which enables me also restrains me."

UGH!

Help Wanted: Speaker of the House

When November rolls around, and goes by, we may be looking for a new person to fill the Office of Speaker of the House of Representatives. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) is getting involved very heavily in this Mark Foley issue. It has come to light that, perhaps, Mr. Hastert's office knew about concerns regarding Foley's behavior up to three years ago. Instead of them acting on these reports, in the form of an investigation, they simply allowed them to fall by the wayside and moved on with rubber stamping Bush's failed domestic and international policies.

Foley, even though he may be small potatoes, is indirectly working to bring down the remaining portions of the Republican establishment in Washington. Republicans can no longer proclaim themselves the "moral leaders" of this nation when they allowed something so sinister to take place under their collective noses. Not every Republican is to blame, this is true, but when the leadership of the Republicans--who should be the most moral of the moral--ignore something so blatant, then something is going to have to give. That much we can count on happening!

Hypocrisy, yes!

Foley Aide Delivers the Dirt

Kirk Fordham, a former aide to Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL), resigned today. He states that he notified the office of Dennis Hastert (R-IL), who is the Speaker of the House, of his former boss' exchanges with congressional pages. When did the notification take place? Two years ago! What did Hastert do about it? Nothing!

Copy Cats & the Media

Firstly, I believe in the constitutional right to freedom of the press. That is one of our hallmarks in this country. Now, what exactly do we need to know in a free press? Some would argue that we need to know every detail. That argument, indeed, has teeth. But I argue there are some issues that need only be reported in a succinct manner without any real depth or involvement by the media.

Secondly, let's examine the recent shootings in schools across the United States and Canada. Do we need to know about every detail surrounding these types of cases? I argue that we do not. Sure, we need to know they happened. It is important to be able to know the current events going on in our world. It is not usual for there to be three school shootings in one week, however. These are simply copy cat events.

How do we protect ourselves from such events? The sorrow of loss is immeasurable for the families and communities directly touched by these events, as we know. We can empathize with loss and terror; however, the media need not dwell on these issues. Basically, the people who commit such crimes are those who are ostracized in some form by society. They are overlooked as individuals in some manner, which should be horrifying in-and-of-itself. The media gives them a quick and somewhat glamorous outlet. It is a final homage to themselves. For a brief (or not so brief) moment a person becomes a superstar. Now, for most of us it's not the type of super stardom we want attached to our final memory; however, to some it is the outlet they have been searching for their entire lives. All you need is a gun, a semi-plausible plan, and a school full of students. That's a plan that lands you as the lead story on the evening news. Your name is flashed for the entire world to see. To the perpetrator, it doesn't matter what the circumstances are for it being there. Certainly, you won't be forgotten by the families you destroyed. Finally, you may have lived alone or felt as if you were an outcast by society, but you won't die alone. You, for a brief moment in time, will be the master of life and death. You will hold someone else's life in the balance. The moment of live-or-die will be completely at your discretion. Then at the moment you chose you can take as much life as you wish with no consequences, because you are going to die then and there also.

You may not be a rock star, but the allure of the lights and the drama, even though you may be dead, to some is too much to pass up. The media should simply touch on the issue and then move away as is if it were nothing major. Of course, we all know it is major. But not every homicide in the United States gets the lead story on the evening news. Not every murder victim's face is put on television for the world to see. When we sensationalize and glorify this type of deed, we only endanger the lives of other people who go to school or work there.

(Hey, I'm biased when it comes to this issue! It's the place I spend most of my week. I certainly don't want someone coming into my classroom and blasting away at me because they felt as if they could be the lead-in to Larry King Live.)

Hastert & Foley sitting in a tree...

It would seem the Foley "buck" is going to be stopping at the office door of the Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert (R-IL).

It's election season. In essence, it is every man and woman for himself or herself. Even at this time of year your political party can be put on the back burner, when it doesn't benefit you in a meaningful way. The Mark Foley scandal is going to be around a month from now when elections are about to go into full gear. It will be election day on November 7, after all. No doubt there will be lots more to discover and learn about the Foley scandal between now and then. Many Republicans are moving the blame to the top very quickly. Some Republicans in the top echelon of power wanted to "spread" the blame around, in order to minimize the damage any one member of the House would be forced to endure. It doesn't seem that idea is going to pan out. No one is going to be sharing in the blame of this fiasco unless they absolutely were involved in the scandal cover-up. And even then some members of the House are not going to be accepting blame right away.

So, what have we learned exactly? We found out from Foley's attorney that he is an alcoholic who was abused as a teenager by a clergyman. Is that the makings of a class "A" pervert? According to some of the experts I heard on television the other night, yes it is. It is very interesting that he is suddenly meeting the criteria for being a "no-fault" deviant.

Now what about Dennis Hastert, who is the lead Republican in the House of Representatives? Yes, he doesn't deny that he knew about some "inappropriate" communications between Foley and a congressional page that took place a few years ago. In fact, he's known about it since 2005. But what did he do about it? Nothing at all. He turned a blind eye to the facts. He stood in complete party mode. He chose not to rock the boat, because if he did he might give Democrats some leverage to rock the boat in a different direction. Honestly, would the fall-out from the Foley scandal be as broad as it is now if Hastert, and other Republicans, made this issue public in 2005? I doubt it. It would have been almost as if they were doing the right thing. Now there's a novel idea for Washington!

Cyber Sex, The State's Business?

Today, we learned from our friends at ABC News that Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL) delayed voting in the House of Representatives to have "cyber sex" with his page pal. In other news, George Bush said, "Democrats can't be trusted" to control the Congress of the United States.

Now, let me ask you: we can't trust Democrats to run the Congress, but we can trust a Republican who delays the People's business to have an orgasm with his online boyfriend? That sounds pretty fucked up to me. Do we really need George Bush as president? I won't even answer that. You already did in your head. :)

School Shootings

Quebec
Colorado
Wisconsin
Pennsylvania

Wow! It looks like we have a lot of angry youth (and a pervert) who want to take out their frustration on other students and school faculty with violence. That really makes me want to go back to school!

Foley: Bush's "Fall Guy"?

Apparently, the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives has been sitting on this time bomb, called "Mark Foley," since 2005. Now, pray-tell, why is it suddenly coming to the light, as it were?

Let's see: a congressman resigns because of a scandal. It involves a former congressional page, who was at the age of consent in most states. It is homosexual in nature, but that's really not outside the mainstream of American life today.

It would seem that Foley never even intended to fight this allegation. He simply resigned. Easy as you please. A bit too easy, if you ask me. He simply went into the sunset. He hurt his family, fellow Floridians, and his party. But he redeemed himself, in a way, by doing the obvious "right thing." And now he's an alcoholic. Everyone has one of those in their family (even under cover). And we all know they aren't responsible for their affliction!

Is it possible that George Bush, and the Republican Party elders, decided to use Foley as a pawn in the public relations war against the war in Iraq? It might be demented enough to work. They use a home-grown-scandal to divert attention away from an international catastrophe. In the beginning, Foley is a monster, yes; but as time goes by and November pops up, people have forgotten what they were supposed to do.

It's a conspiracy theory, for sure, but it's not outside the scope of the possible.

Mark Foley an Alcoholic

Alcoholism! What a great excuse for diverting scandal! It would seem the six-time congressman, Mark Foley (R-FL), has checked into a rehab clinic for the treatment of alcoholism. I wonder if this is a clue as to his behavior? Or is it merely a tactic by some shrewd political spin doctor to divert our attention from the real cause of his fall-from-grace?

Let's see...

Hell to Pay

Republican leaders are taking former Florida congressman, Mark Foley, to the cross for a good old-fashioned lynching, as I predicted. I give him marks, however, for his timely resignation. Unlike Tom DeLay, who thought he could be a blatant crook and hold his elected office too, Foley decided it was time to close up the shop and head on back home.

It looks as if now some of the Republican leadership should be offering their resignations as well. According to available information, some congressional leaders knew about this incident in 2005! Yet they did nothing to follow through with the allegation. That's what you call keeping it in the family.

America's 'Berlin Wall'

Last night, Congress passed a law that will authorize the building of a wall along the US-Mexican border at a cost of about $1,000,000,000 (one-billion dollars) to the American taxpayer. Now, did the Soviets successfully keep the people of East Berlin on their side of the Berlin Wall during the Cold War? Of course not.

Our very own version of the Berlin Wall will not keep out illegal aliens either. They will only work harder to get into our country. This is good news for people who make a living by smuggling illegal aliens into the United States. They can now increase their fees for such services because of the wall.

We never learn from the lessons history has taught us. Instead of working to better the lives of Mexicans, the Mexican government will spend about $2 billion to lobby Washington against the building of this wall (in addition to other Mexican related issues). The Mexican government is obviously blind-sided by the fact Bush (and Republicans) would back such a proposal to build this border fence. Mexico wants to get rid of its "undesirable" citizens by sending them to the United States. When they cross the border, they are no longer the problem of the Mexican taxpayer. With an increase in illegal immigrant deaths, associated with crossing a more defended border, the government of Mexico will be required to address these issues in their own domestic policies. This will spell trouble for their government in the future. Of course, I would be spending like crazy too to protect my own self-interests and self-preservation!

My Insanity

Today, I paid a visit to my doctor. Now, last time I went, I was suffering from some issues of depression and anxiety. The doctor gave me some Xanax. That stuff is pretty good, except it is like taking a sleeping pill. It really does alleviate many of the symptoms associated with anxiety. I guess I never realized it, but I do have anxiety. I am the type of person who is always on edge. I get so close to the that imaginary edge that I feel as if I am going insane. I feel the pressure inside of my chest and along the tips of my fingers. It is frightening. Xanax helps to calm my overactive imagination and my rampant and irrational thoughts. The visit today refilled my prescription of Xanax and added a new prescription drug for my anxiety. I wanted something more than simply controlling the immediate symptoms relating to anxiety. I need something which will work to divert, even eliminate, my symptoms of anxiety. The doctor gave me a prescription of BuSpar. According to the packaging, BuSpar works to control the chemical imbalances in my brain that precipitate my anxiety episodes. I hope the new drug works. It said it could take up to three weeks to fully kick into gear. It is unlike Xanax, which effects you can often feel within five minutes after taking the pill. I will still use Xanax, however, to control any immediate and overwhelming occurrences of anxiety. I am sure they will happen!!!

Republican Hypocrisy

Republicans claim they are the moral authors of this nation's future. They want to put us back onto he "straight and narrow," but they have so many hang-ups and fallacies. Let's admit it: they are simply human, like the rest of us.

Now, we have this former United States Congressman, Mark Foley (R-FL), who is accused of inappropriate e-mails with a sixteen-year-old male, who was a former Congressional page. The only good thing to surface out of this scandal is Democrats may have a shot at the House. Interesting. Bush will find a way to "off" this guy (politically, of course). I believe, however, he has "offed" himself sufficiently. He has resigned his seat in the House of Representatives and now he faces an investigation of his conduct.

Let's investigate Bush instead. I think that is more important than someone's foolish fantasies that never came to fruition.

Clintonized

Watching Bill Clinton during Sunday night's Fox News interview created a sense of nostalgia inside of me. It is refreshing to remember a time there was an articulate president who could think on his feet and come up with original thoughts all without someone whispering talking points into his ear.

President Clinton blasted Chris Wallace when he asked him about his role in search for bin Laden, during his Administration. Clinton was apt to point out the bin Laden threat was minimal during the 1990s and the early years of the new millennium. Bin Laden survived the Clinton Administration and his master plan grew into fruition during the first months of the Bush II Administration. Like Clinton pointed out, Wallace's "nice conservative job" was meant to downplay Clinton's stance on terror and make it seem it is all his fault bin Laden was able to attack the United States on 9/11; thereby, creating doubt, on a subconscious level, that Democrats are "soft" on security and national defense. I do not believe the blame lies on Clinton, or even Bush for that matter. Bin Laden was an anomaly. He had massive amounts of in-born cash, a religious fanatic's mentality and the ability to rally a crowd of covert supporters for his perverse cause. Let's leave it there and deal with the facts. Yes, Clinton also pointed out that the United States has now invested more heavily in Iraq than in Afghanistan. Clinton stated that he had not been vocal in his criticisms of the Bush Administration's fight on "terrorism." He, however, pointed out the fact the United States has only invested one-seventh the military in Afghanistan that it has in Iraq. Of course, we know bin Laden is not in Iraq, but in Afghanistan/Pakistan! So where is the logic?

Fox News is blatantly biased toward conservative issues. It is no secret, really! It's also no secret that Wallace decided to break out this contentious issue during his interview with Clinton. It speaks toward the sickness Fox News has been infected with since 2001. Fair and balanced? Hardly!

Iraq War Fuels Terrorism

CNN reports a classified document concedes the war in Iraq has only deepened the threat to the United States by terrorists. Now, common sense tells you that, you don't need a classified government document to tell you that!

Thanks, Mr. Bush!

Thai Coup

Did you know (former) Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra got his master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University? I think that's pretty cool.

Recently, speculation has been growing that Prime Minister Thaksin knew of the coup d'êtat that swept him from office in advance of the event. He used his government aircraft to not only transport himself and his family to Finland, on government business, but it also carried numerous suitcases and trunks. In addition, days before the coup, he had another government plane to transport a large amount of personal cargo from Thailand to Europe. The press seems to be interested in this facet of events. I don't seem to understand their relevance. Of course, if I had fore-knowledge of a pending coup d'êtat, where I be swept from government office, I would get as much of my crap out of the country as possible! It's only human nature and a matter of survival. It is a certainty that Thaksin's remaining personal property and assets have been confiscated or frozen by the state.

DUH!

New Career Path

Thursday, I was in the computer lab with my heathens, when I was discussing lost opportunities with the lab attendant. It would seem that my previous goal in life was to be a lawyer. Now, I became a teacher....why? I still don't fully understand. Generally, I feel like I missed out on my life's calling by not following my "true" calling. There is nothing more I love than a good fight and the satisfaction of winning. Now, you can fight with students in class, but there is no real debate there. Of course, I am going to win. I have more mental capacity and life-experience going for me. I am going to win every debate. I haven't lost yet. It would be fun to go against someone who isn't 12 years old. I feel like my mind is just mush sometimes. I will probably end up with Alzheimer's one day. But back to the lab: the lab attendant suggested that I am not too old to change my career in life. Of course, I'd have to go to law school for four years, but on the opposite end of the spectrum, do I see myself wiling away the years in a job that only half-way fulfills me on the inside?

The internal answer to that question is, of course: NO!

Rain

What's up with all the rain? I think I should start building an ark! It has rained now for almost three days here. I haven't gotten my formal instructions from God yet, so I'll hold off on the ark for now. I may, however, have to take matters into my own hands. Rainy weather always makes me depressed, unless it is a thunderstorm. There is nothing as calming like lightening and thunder. It reminds you that you are still alive and maybe not in charge of your own destiny. I am the opposite when it snows, though. I love the snow. There is nothing better than watching it snow!

Impluse Shopping

I get a high when I impulse shop, yes! I usually buy silly electronic devices, like mp3 players, cell phone accessories, etc. Today, I made my silliest impulse buy. I bought a Rolex watch! I love my watches, they are like my children. When I saw it, I thought, "You should have the ultimate in watches...the Rolex!" So, I bought it. I had a high for about 5 minutes after the purchase, but now I feel shopper's remorse. It's pretty though; I'll keep it.

Bush, The "Softer" Side

I saw this website today at school. Some of my kids were looking at it in the lab. Normally, I get pissed off when they dilly-dally, but this was too funny. I even laughed-out-loud. Yes, it really does happen!

Dermatologist report

Well, Monday, I headed out to my dermy for a body scan. It turns out I have this rash on the back of my left hand. I was told by a regular physician that it is a fungal infection (ewww, I know), but my dermatologist informs me it is eczema. I have had it off-and-on for about three years now. She says it is completely reliant upon the stressors in my life. I guess I have had a lot of stress in my life. GOD! I guess I need to get back on the Xanax, so I can relax a bit.

Bush Bumfuzzled

The president of Pakistan reported that his country was threatened by the United States in the wake of 9/11. His country was going to be "bombed back into the stoneage" if they did not comply in helping fight "terrorism."

Of course, today, George Bush is bewildered by this fact. We all know how calm, rational, and kindhearted Bush is. Of course, he would never use strong-armed tactics to intimidate third world countries into submission with his unilateral, elitist foreign policies.

Simply preposterous!

"The Bridges of Madison County"

Last night, on Starz Encore, I watched The Bridges of Madison County for the first time. I had heard of this movie when it first came out in 1995 (I think). I was only a young lad then, of course.

Ohhhhh! I didn't even know Meryl Streep was in it! She can play those torn lover-types very well. Her portrayal of Franscesca Johnson, the-vivacious-Italian-marooned-in-hick-town-Iowa, was simply wonderful. It reminded me deeply of her role in Out of Africa, which is another great movie I simply adore.

A four day love that became a lifetime obsession; how romantic is that? I actually cried at the end. I'm a sap, yes.

Bush loses clout on the world stage?

This week, King George goes before the United Nations to deliver a speech, or a plea, perhaps, regarding his foreign policies. CNN reported that leading analysts suggest he is losing his clout in the world arena! Je ne pas!

Wow! It took high priced analysts until now to figure that much out. I could have told you that back in 2002 when he was making his case for the invasion of Iraq! Let's face it, George Bush is a buffoon. He has lost the support of his own party (it's election season and everyone, and I mean everyone, hates him). Even my parents, who are die-hard Republicans, have lashed out against him lately. I even heard my own father, Mr. Conservative, say, "They should impeach the bastard after what he has done to our country!" My God, I thought I had died and gone to heaven for a moment.

I wonder what people like Rush Limbaugh say about this whole Republican breakdown. Are people like him on the side of Bush or the Congress? I heard Limbaugh on the radio yesterday for two seconds, but I turned it as quickly as I could crank the dial. I loathe him. He is a hypocrite of the worst kind. A druggy-in-denial, self-promoting lunatic. That's Rush.

But back to Bush, yes, he has lost his clout. He never even had the chance to become a "lame duck" president. He was lame from day one!

Pope Alert, this just in...24 hours ago

Today, Pope Benedict XVI apologized to the Muslim world for referencing language considered offensive to them. But did he really apologize?

It sounded like an apology, but it really was an appeasement. It is something you say to a small child to make him happy. He said he was sorry for how they reacted to his words. He never said he was sorry for using those words. In essence, he said what I predicted: the words of the Byzantine emperor were only referenced as part of a larger speech, and not a reflection of his personal views. Duh!

How about a lollipop to go along with your tear-stained smile? Would you like that?

Does anyone else remember?

I was just thinking this morning, while reading the Baghdad trench plan, about the guy they killed a few months ago. I forget his name (because he was so important), but he was the leader of al Qaida in Iraq. Anyhow, my question is this: how come we forgot about him? If you recall, when they killed him, and then recovered his personal belongings, like his cell phone, they found some interesting things on it. His cell phone directory had the numbers of top officials in the new Iraqi parliament saved in it. Hmmmmmmmm....???

I wonder if that could have been a convenient cover-up by the Bush Administration? I find it highly likely. It would be a major setback, not to mention slap-in-the-face, for Bush if al Qaida had compatriots in the democratically elected, Bush backed Iraqi government. I guess sometimes it is best to forget these things. *wink*

Pope's Remarks

On Tuesday, the Pope made comments in his native Germany quoting a Byzantine emperor, that Islam was spread by the sword. Doesn't it say that in the Qu'ran? I am pretty sure that it does. What about jihad? It is the only religion that is spread through direct violence. It is the duty of every Muslim to convert, or kill, the non-believer. What did he say, exactly? "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."

I do not believe the Pope chose the words of Emperor Manuel II Paleologus as a personal expression of his personal opinion of Muslims. Personally, I haven't even read the entire text of the Pope's speech.

One thing is for sure, Manuel II Paleologus may have been onto something....violence is the trademark of fundamental Islam! Name any other religion where someone insults the "head guy" and people start dying indiscriminately.

Interpretation

Sperm and egg;
Chromosomes spilling over, running, oozing
One over easy, and the other well done
It looks like the kitchen is closed to the regular clientele

Spermicide and patricide,
Two deaths of varying degrees
One is old, the other new
Tonight, they are both moot

Test tubes and beakers, what a mess
Hope they don’t break, they’re fragile as thin ice
One star is bright tonight; cloudy is the rest of the sky
I lay awake staring up, pondering and dreaming

A yawn and stretch, it’s getting late
The world is dead, but the time is ripe
One body and one big dream
The sighs are louder tonight

I gather you closer and hold you tightly
Two bodies jammed together, love is that way
One love, two hearts, beating and writhing
There’s that sigh and moan again, unnatural

Somewhere in the darkness a life is fused
A zygote, unique and almost aborted
One uterus to sustain life, like a crock pot
It bubbles, but never boils, only simmers

Suppers almost done, I reakin’
Looks like it’ll be here soon
One bowl, a plate and spoon, I hope it’s enough
How many places should I set?

The chicken or the egg?
Why not both, I say
One is as good as the other; boiled, fried, or baked
Come on kids, supper’s getting cold now

“Who’s the daddy?” they ask
It’s not easy to say, it’s that way
One is not easily open to interpretation or social segregation
Best not to pry in some cases

Oh, that star is brighter tonight, for sure
Somewhere beneath it a life is delivered and begun
One might wonder if her son will be special
He might, if his daddy has the right connections in town

With a wink, nod, and a hurry of whispers in the back alley
Unwed, it’s just unjust, untidy, you know?
One boy’s gotta grow up rough and rounded
He’s gonna get a complex

Eating some more, I watch from afar
It sure is getting cold these days, winter’s on
One minute before midnight, I hear the bells coming
We better be asleep soon, or no presents under the tree this year

All we do for one mother’s belief in her son’s fallacies
Long lines, maxed out cards, lighting up the town
One time we were all taken for a ride on Santa’s sleigh
Looks like its breaking, the sun’s shining, higher and brighter

It’s funny what folks will sacrifice


Copyright © 2006 Jackson Leslie LP, LLLP.

Geneva Convention

Bush needs the Senate to give him new powers to interpret the Geneva Conventions that govern the treatment of prisoners of war. It would seem the Republican controlled Senate will not give Bush what he needs this fall. The Republican senators who are up for re-election in November are deeply afraid of losing their seats. They are distancing themselves from Bush and his ill-conceived policies they have so readily rubber stamped since 2001. Will this save them? I doubt it. They are simply holding on to straws; however, I am happy it will work, for the time being, to counteract Bush's perpetual misuse of the Congress.

Hugs & Kisses

Today, I saw George Bush hugging and kissing so many people. Now, my first instinct was the situation is sad and his feelings are appropriate. Then, I got to thinking about all those people touching him with their mouth. Then I thought, Bush probably needs to get checked for oral herpes virus now! Also, those people kissing him now need to get tested for the virus that causes stupidity!

Which is most gross? I don't know!


EWWWWWWWWWW!

Opposition to the Impeachment of George Bush

It would seem, according to a recent poll, 60% of Americans are opposed to the impeachment of George Bush.

I find this interesting. The Republican-controlled Congress impeached President Clinton for an extra-marital affair. That was pretty cool, according to the American public. He was a real dog. A regular pig, as it were. I say to that, BAH!

I think 95% of Americans would change the past 5+ years. We would probably not have elected Bush to the presidency, knowing he is a fascist. Even though, the majority of Americans supported Bush's re-election in 2004. How ignorant, I know.

America needs a change. It needs to finally hold it's self-proclaimed dictator accountable for his misuse and misrepresentation of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He needs to account for his gross incompetence, when it comes to his self-styled "war on terrorism." Instead of finding terrorists, like bin Laden, who were directly related to the events of September 11, Bush looked to invade Iraq, which was not related to terrorism in the United States. Iraq is now engaging in a civil war that we cannot undo, or even contain properly. Our own country is at the brink of ruin, both philosophically and economically. How will we resolve this sinister calamity? We will repopulate the US Congress with the opposition party, which, in turn, will hold Bush accountable through the use of various Constitutional devices; thereby, dusting off the once vibrant checks-and-balances of our government, which have been in storage for so many years now, since they were placed there by a "rubber stamp" Congress.

Opposition to impeaching Bush, they say? I say send him to the front-line in Iraq and allow him to defend his country first hand. Allow him to see, for himself, the devastation and hate he has unleashed by his own reckoning. Provide him with the same means to wage war and induce peace as many of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan currently have (and do not have). Give Bush the keys to a Humvee and send him down an unprotected Iraqi highway with the American flag painted on its doors. Let's see how he really feels in the end about sending American soldiers into harm's way with the most meager of supplies and governmental support.
Yes, let's impeach him!

Bush on Fire

My title sounds like Bush is doing well. In fact, it means the exact opposite.

Bush is crashing and burning quickly. He admitted today that the "secret prisons" he had denied for ages exist and are needed to defend our freedom. I certainly do not want anyone maintaining secret prisons in my name. Most Americans feel the same way, I'm sure.

Republicans are barely clinging to life through life support, as of now. In November, their plug will be pulled and they will slowly die and go to the wayside, which will make way for more progressive ideas and advancements for our country. Perhaps, we can focus on the mid-line of our economy, the middle class. We can hopefully reverse many of Bush's other devastating economic programs, reverse No Child Left Behind, which is slowly degrading our nation's schools, and reverse our image abroad, through the recall of American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan; thereby, allowing these nations to become self-sufficient and autonomous.

Second in Command Dies in Iraq

Who is this person? The US government is sure it will deal a deflating blow to the al Qaida insurgency in Iraq. Ha! How amusing is that? With one person dead, there are probably 500 ready to step up and take his place. It is merely an inconvenience, not a handicapping blow.

The US government denies it, but there is a civil war in Iraq today. There have been thousands of people slaughtered or injured in the past week by internal renegade forces. I am certain the majority of Iraqis are looking back at happier days when Saddam Hussein was president of Iraq!

Tis the Season

It's that time of year! Time to kick Republicans out on the street! La la la la la la la!

Ernesto is a pest-o

Today, it's been raining because of Tropical Storm Ernesto. I tried to go out, but I hate to drive in the rain; especially, that really wussy kind, like today's rain. And it doesn't help they are working on the roof today. It sounds like my house is going to fall down at a moment's notice!

By, Pluto!

This past week, a group of astronomers, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, removed Pluto from the list of planets in our solar system. We now have only eight planets. I was sort of saddened by this, but I guess it is of no real consequence to us, who live on earth, millions of miles away!

YIKES!

Don't ever be a teacher.....GOD!

Middle East Tension

Israel violated the ceasefire arranged by the United Nations, by sending in troops to destroy certain targets, which Israel stated were reinforcements sent by the Syrians and Iranians.

In my opinion, any member state of the United Nations, which deliberately works to counteract a UN-sanctioned resolution, should be expelled. If Syria and Iran are working to re-arm Hezbollah, then their delegation to the United Nations must be suspended and sent out of New York. Basically, they forfeit their membership status for violating this agreement that has maintained a peace in this region for almost a week now.

It's incomprehensible.

Bush Defeat

Today, a Federal court enjoined the illegal wiretapping program being conducted by the NSA. The judge, in this case, stated the cause of justice must be tempered under the liberties and rights held by the Constitution. She alluded many times to the fact of engaging in these types of programs, we were, instead, defeating the purpose of protecting liberty and instituting tyranny and the rule of the few of the many. I concur whole-heartedly in this decision.

The Bush Administration, of course, has appealed this case to the circuit court. I believe the cause of justice and Constitutional law will be affirmed by the appellate court.

1 a.m.

Tonight, at one a.m., the world will see if the fighting stops in the Middle East. Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah have agreed to the cease-fire, that was adopted by the United Nations Security Council yesterday.

Will it work? I think the fighting will stop for a while, but it depends on how committed the Lebanese are to maintaining sovereignty over their own land. If they send 15,000 Hezbollah soldiers to work with the UN peacekeeping forces, then probably not. But if Lebanon works to root out Hezbollah, then yes, peace is a great possibility.

We will wait and see...

Lieberman's Defeat and the Next New Deal

Joe Lieberman lost his re-election bid last Tuesday to a new term as Connecticut's senator. What does this mean?

Of course, he was a Democrat, in name, but not in principle. He was a supporter of the Bush Administration. He supported the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to no end. What happened to him? He lost!

I think this is a very good sign for Democrats. Democrats are going to win back Congress this fall. I can feel it in my bones. Then in 2008, we are taking back the White House. Now, it's not simply enough to have Democrats in Congress or the White House. We need real progressives, who will work to truly better this country. We need to strengthen our economy by putting the consumer first again. It's time that big business stopped out-sourcing and came back to the United States, or suffer trade fines for products manufactured outside the United States when they are imported into our country. The war in Iraq must be systematically abolished. Our position as a world power, who cares, must be renewed. The US is often times the only agent that can speak for peace, but that voice has been weakened by Bush's wars.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs, through the New Deal, that put the people first. He developed ways of using out-of-work men, and women, to the benefit of our society. He didn't put the business world first, by giving them multi-billion dollar contracts, providing them with tax breaks, and then allowing them to out-source the jobs. We had initiatives like the REA, which brought electricity to the most remote parts of our country. If it hadn't been for this initiative, there are parts of eastern Kentucky that would probably still be burning coal oil for light, because big business isn't interested in our niche. Just think, we could use the same idea to create an Internet program that brings the Internet to every person in the United States, just like electricity. We could use unemployed Americans to do it. The government would subsidize the program and provide the materials necessary to complete it. Not only would hardworking Americans have jobs, but people would be receiving a new modern service. Instead of awarding contracts to big business to siphon the cash off and then not implement the programs, we give them to the people who have an investment in their communities. How about that? Did you know there are remote parts of southern Louisiana that have never had telephone service? And I mean, never! This isn't because of hurricanes or anything of nature. It was the big phone companies who said, "Ah, screw it. They don't matter anyhow. We will concentrate on our big metropolitan markets."

In the end, we must salvage our society and renew it. The majority of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are now suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome as a consequence of their failed bid to "Bushize" those parts of the world. We will have to salvage them as well. Yes, we have to simply leave Iraq and say to the people, "We're sorry, but if you want your country, then you have to defend it and protect it on your own. We are leaving immediately." How do we stop failed tyrannical presidential administrations in the future from doing the same? We pass legislation that limits the authority the president has to wage war. We reign in our carte blanche that gave the president so much authority. Under the Constitution, the president cannot simply send forces out into the world to do his bidding. The Constitution gives that power to Congress. Only they can authorize a war. Then, the president can wage it as commander-in-chief. Also, Congress can recall the soldiers at any time. The president has no authority over this. Once they are recalled, his role as commander-in-chief has ended. Over the past 50 years, Congress has given many of their powers over the armed services to the president. They say he can fight small battles without their authorization. In essence, he can decide what is best for all 300 million of us. I don't know why they would do this. It's not like they are so overwrought they couldn't think about an international conflict, no matter how small it is. The failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will serve as a reminder, to Congress, not to be so trusting and gullible in the future, when the president demands a war. I am more than certain they will look at the facts more closely and demand more information to underpin their vote of authorization.

November 2006 is the end of a regime.

Hilton Chain goes Celibate

Good for Paris Hilton. Maybe she can join a convent and become a nun. I know this is the news that America really wanted to hear. No joke! It's #1 on the CNN.com "Most Popular" list! It's even above the BP Alaska pipeline getting shut down, the war in Iraq, and the violence in Lebanon.

Good setting of priorities, America!

Kings & Vagabonds

It's enough...

Exodus

It would seem the US is pressing the Cuban people not to leave en mass from their homeland. What the heck are they talking about?

From what I see on tv and read, the Cubans who live in places like Havana, are perfectly happy with where they are. They seem to love Fidel and hope that he recovers. Now of course, I realize some of this is propaganda (because as Americans, we should be experienced with it). But I believe most of it is genuine. These people have lived with Castro as their "father" for almost fifty years now. It's like old Queen Victoria as she lay dying, Prince Albert came in to see her and wept uncontrollably. What's my point? Even though, he had hoped she would die soon, so he could be king, when the moment of truth came, he was overwrought with his bond to his controlling, bitter mother who fully dominated the first sixty years of his life. Cubans will be feeling the same nostalgia if Fidel dies or does not recover. Luckily, for them, they will retain a piece of him, through his brother, Raul.

So what's the real story the United States is sending Cuba? It's this: Cubans! Comrades! Your leader is dying, or already dead. Now is the moment you seize democracy! We are your friends. We seek to mold you and shape you in our image. We stand ready to flood your impoverished nation with many American dollars and to rebuild your economy. Why not just go ahead and concede defeat and communism's demise? The "Old Man" is already dead!

The thing the United States doesn't understand is this: Cubans, who have lived in Cuba before and since 1959, have no idea what democracy is. I dare say, we as Americans, are quickly forgetting what democracy is ourselves, which is the real tragedy here!

Cuba

Why is the United States so worried about Cuba? Is it like Cuba is going to invade Florida and annex that state from the rest of the US? I doubt it.

Do we even remember the reason hate for Cuba is so ingrained in our brains? I don't think we do. We just do it, because it's what we were told to do. I don't hate Cuba. I could care less about Fidel Castro. He is a piss ant in the world political theater. Let's devote our minds and attention to the Middle East, instead of some benign, stagnant, 47-year-old regime on an economically crippled Caribbean island. That just screams world domination, doesn't it?

As for those cheering mobs in Little Havana that we all see on television, I doubt 85% of them have ever set foot in Cuba. As for the rest of them, they were so concerned about the plight of their people, the direction of their country, and the oppression of Fidel Castro, they defected to the United States, where they could live in virtual safety and forget their troubles.

That says "patriot" to me.

Ode to Xanax

:)

That's it!

American Empire?

Jonathan Schell's article "Too Late for Empire," in The Nation (August 14/21, 2006), presents an interesting argument that Bush's exploits of the Constitution and international law is simply a fluke in our democracy. He cites the Nixon years of the early-1970s and the McCarthy 'communists' as precedent. Sure, that makes sense, but I'm not really sure those things are equitable to the current situation in our country.

Will the United States become an empire as a result of Bush's policies? What do you mean "become"? We are already are!

Bush coronated himself absolute monarch of the United States, King George I (or King George VII, if he's keeping with the British tradition, he hasn't decided quite yet). He's a regular Napoleon Bonaparte. He snatched the make-shift crown, he made in Dick Cheney's arts-and-crafts class, from Pat Robertson's rigid hands and proclaimed, "I, alone, am the State," in his hokey, Texas accent, as he placed it on his graying head. He lives by that creed too. He is the State. He doesn't share. His second grade report card states as much, "Doesn't play well with others." Except, like Hitler and Mussolini, he lets his friend, Tony, come over for an occasional play-date.

King George likes to play with his soldiers too. He has about a million of them, a real world record for a Texan-born-in-Connecticut. He drills them everyday. They play in the sand and attack make-believe palaces in far off lands he's only dreamed about. His pretend enemies are a real devious bunch. They scheme and plot his demise in the darkest shadows, but Georgey gets them in the end. He's the good guy, after all. His soldiers sometimes get out of control and restless, but that's only when he's playing with his other toy, Congress.

What's this analysis have to do with empire? Plenty! He is one man, but he violates and controls so many laws. After all, he is the Commander-in-Chief, and he can sign laws where he has written on there he is above them. That's pretty nifty. But I thought the line-item veto was found unconstitutional?

So where will we be on January 20, 2008, at 12:01 pm? Well, if we're lucky, we'll have a president who will undo the things Bush has done to us. But, just if, what if the new president decides to follow the precedent set by Bush? We'll have another king (or queen?)!

What happened to the ceasefire?

Israel has ended it's self-imposed 48 hour ceasefire. That's very convenient for them. Tomorrow, another refill of my anti-anxiety medication. At least something positive will happen.

MySpace Blows

MySpace has more errors than George Bush's brain! They really should work the bugs out of that site.

Israel's Continued Aggression

It's much like beating someone after you've shot them to death. It's a rage against the memory, against the past. Israel is unbending in its assault against Lebanon. Today, many innocent people died, because of a miscalculation. They said, only Hezbollah targets should have been hit, not children. I'm sure that will smooth everything over with the Lebanese people. As if!

I believe in co-existence for Israel and Palestine. I believe every nation deserves to exist peacefully and without fear of attack and retribution. Israel has asserted itself time-and-time again. There is no doubt of this fact. The United Nations has called for an end to the violence, from both sides. Israel now risks alienation of its primary patron, the United States, which supports an end of violence and the introduction of a United Nations Peacekeeping Force, which will maintain the southern Lebanese border.

Israel must look at the long-term consequences of its actions; instead of simply evaluating the short-term goals they have met, which will not last in the greater scheme of things.

Multinational Force Agreement

Today, George Bush agreed to support a UN resolution to send a multinational peace force to southern Lebanon. I wonder if he realizes what he did? Anyhow, I believe sometimes it is better late than never. I would argue this decision should have been made last week, at the latest, but I hope that it does work to downplay the tension in the Middle East.

Of course, Tony Blair stated, the UN Force would only enter the region under peace and agreement from both sides. He said, they "won't fight their way" into southern Lebanon.

Israel's Iraq

Israel has now officially inaugurated its very own "Iraq." Hezbollah is not alone. They have Hamas, and now al-Qaeda, it would seem, to help them fight the war against Israel. Now, Lebanon is simply the playing field for a much larger issue. Like the United States and Iraq, Israel should not have invaded Lebanon. Sometimes it is better to maintain the status quo than to try for something better. In these types of situations, where you are dealing with centuries old stereotypes and hate, you only end up making the situation worse. There is no honor on either side. Instead of making Hezbollah extinct, they have caused them to dig in deeper and draft in some of their buddies, like al-Qaeda, to join the fight. In essence, you decrease your security by taking a direct approach to this type of situation.

Who's to say how this situation will turn out? Al-Qaeda says the Israelis, along with the Crusaders (meaning the US), are trying to destroy Islamic nations. It will certainly make things difficult for the US in dealing (or in the case of Bush, not dealing) with this situation. With the US in Iraq and Israel now rooting into Lebanon, who is to say the Islamic beast will not pounce? It's like an animal caught in the corner. It may not see any other solution but to attack with full force.

Some people never learn from the past, nor search for alternatives.

It's time...

It's time for the United States to put the lid on Israel. Israel has continued its attacks over the past 12 days. Lebanon has been reduced to rubble and today an Israeli missile killed some UN observers in Lebanon. I wonder if this might influence the UN to put more pressure on Israel. The US could end it all today if they cut off Israel's financial lifeline.

It's only a matter of time before other Arab countries, like Syria and Iran, become directly involved in this conflict.

Why should I?

Why should I have to wait until September 18 to see the freaking dermatologist?! MY GOD! Am I an animal? My skin has needs. I guess I'll have to discover the art of Chinese Botox. LOL. I'll leave some mayonnaise out in the sun and then inject it into my frown lines myself.

Why should he?

Why would George Bush call on Israel and Hezbollah to officially enter peace talks? All the press this conflict is getting is deflecting the central American issue from Iraq, where it should be. Let's let the Israelis and Arabs fight their own conflicts. They have been fighting for hundreds of years now. The United States deserves to know how its investments are being squandered. I am sure King George hopes the Israelis and Arabs fight forever. It takes the heat off of his back.

"What's going on in Iraq? What's Iraq? Have you heard about Israel and Hezbollah?"

"This does not apply to me"

George Bush, again, says he is above the laws of the United States. Bush signs a bill into law with the caveat that he is above it, immune from it, or he can manipulate it. Does this even sound remotely Constitutional?

I think not.

Thankfully, the American Bar Association (ABA) is taking King George to task on this issue. Just because I scrawl across a bill, before I sign it, that it doesn't apply to me, doesn't make it so.

What a self-righteous wanker!

Official Language Debate Continues in the Shadows

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.

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.

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.

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!

Bush says "shit"...

so do you; let's move on!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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*

"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!

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...

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!

"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.]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.]

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!

Space Shuttle

Let the space shuttle fly. They postponed it to July 4th. I wonder if that is meant to be patriotic or what?