Bush Veto of War Funding Bill

President George W. Bush decided to rail against the collective will of the people of the United States and veto the $124 billion appropriations bill sent to his desk this past week by Congress.

Although, the bill provided money to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, it set a timetable for the withdrawal of those soldiers, which was set to begin later this year.

This is another step toward the end of the Bush Administration in 2009. Bush has spent the past four years working against the wishes of the American people, in regards to the war in Iraq. This veto only proves his resolve in defeating us.

Kansas City Shooting

CNN reports there have been multiple shootings in Kansas City, Missouri. I wonder how many more "multiple" shootings will permeate from the Virginia Tech shooting almost two weeks ago.

Iran Confirms...Finally

I was getting tired of holding Iran's reservation for the upcoming regional conference of Middle East nations, in re: Iraq.

The Western media has worked this up for everything it is worth. It is like wondering if U2 is going to DJ my upcoming birthday party. I'm glad Iran could vanquish all doubt about its intentions.

The world can return to normal now.

Careful of what you wish for...

As the Chris Daughtry song goes, "Be careful of what you wish for."

Last night, I began a furious correspondence with someone from my past. Someone who controlled every facet of my life, except for one, which ultimately caused the demise of our relationship.

Now, I feel like things are going back to the way they were before, after a single night, and it has been over three-and-a-half years. I believe we are both lonely souls, considering we are both severely co-dependent. We are basically the same, in terms of goals, family, and lifestyles.

Oh well, I guess it is my own doing...

Sarkozy et Royal

In the French presidential election, two candidates, Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal, came out on top. Even though, Sarkozy came in ahead at 30.46% of the vote, Royal only trailed at 24.41%. Now the two candidates meet each other on May 6 for the run-off election, and to see who will succeed Jacques Chirac as president of the French Republic.

Élections Présidentielles Françaises, Partie Deux

Since my last post regarding the national elections in France, it has been reported that this year's election is the largest in decades for the French people. I find it refreshing that people take their obligations seriously.

The following are links to information about L'élection du Président de la République française:

Google News

L'Election Présidentielle 2007

Kentucky's Gubernatorial Election

One month from today, the people of Kentucky will go to the primary polls and elect their party's nominee for governor, who will then stand for general election in November, against the opposing party.

The Republican Party candidates are being led by the current governor, Ernie Fletcher, and former United States Representative Anne Northup. I have mixed feelings about who will win this party's primary. Fletcher is the incumbent, yes, but he is wildly unpopular, even in his own party. I have a feeling that Anne Northup may have the momentum to force Fletcher from the Republican ticket. I could be wrong on this one, but I have a strong feeling that I am right. Fletcher made a lot of enemies, in both political parties, when he cut funding to state employees' health insurance, which included teachers (and let's not forget that the Kentucky Education Association [KEA] is the largest, most powerful lobby in the state).

With only a month left, I have decided on my candidate for governor. After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to lend my support to Democratic candidate Stephen L. Henry. Dr. Henry served as lieutenant governor, under Governor Paul E. Patton, for eight years. When I listen to all of the Democratic candidates for governor, he is the one that I admire the most for his ideas and his experience. He speaks genuinely about the issues, because he has served them for so many years now. Also, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is ready for a return to Democratic values and sensibilities, after four years of a botched Republican administration.

Élections Présidentielles Françaises

Merci, et l'accueillez à mon forum politique.

(Forgive me if I slaughtered the above translations. I was just trying to have a bit of fun translating.)

Who will France elect as its next president? After twelve years, French president, Jacques Chirac, has decided to retire from public life, leaving the French electorate free to usher in a new era of French politics.

The candidates for the French presidency are varied on their ideas regarding the United States. How will the new president influence international attention when it comes to US policies, in such places as Iraq (and the Middle East, in general)?

Unlike presidential elections in the United States, France has an open system that allows different parties to put forward formidable candidates, rather than having two exclusive political parties. This election year, France has at least four viable candidates vying for the top position. These range from conservatives, like Nicolas Sarkozy, liberal candidates, such as Segolene Royal, and the moderates are being led by Francois Bayrou. There is also a Bush-like candidate, who running to far to the right he almost failed to register on the radar, Jean-Marie Le Pen.

In addition, the French have an admirable run-off system for presidential candidates. If any candidate fails to garner at least fifty percent of the vote, then the two top candidates go to a run-off election, which is scheduled for May. Then, from those two top candidates the people of France can elect their president; thus, giving them a truly superior form of electoral democracy.

It is fair to say that if the United States had such a system, we might have avoided eight years of George W. Bush. The election of a president must be the right of the people, not the Supreme Court of that country, or a particular state's secretary of state, who is doing the candidate's brother (who happens to be the governor of certain state) a political favor.

I have my money on the Socialist candidate, Segolene Royal, but it is far from my right to even have an opinion on the issue, since I am not French.

Liberté. Égalité. Fraternité.

Earth Day 2007

Today, we remember Mother Earth. Without it, we would all be dead. What will we do to remember our home? We will plant trees, and by tomorrow, we will return to killing it as we did the other 364 days of the years.

But I get the idea. It brings about awareness to the needs of the earth, and how vital it is that we preserve habitats for our own future, as well as those of future generations.

Alec Baldwin

What's with all this Alec Baldwin nonsense?

First of all, who provided that alleged voicemail to the media? I bet it was the mother of Baldwin's daughter, Kim Basinger. Who else would have the motive and opportunity? I doubt it would be the eleven-year-old daughter.

The media, especially Fox News, has made a mountain out of a mole-hill with this private issue. Every child has been told off by his/her parent(s) at one point in their life (some quite frequently). We have all been called little shit-asses, and the like, at one point. It is pretty natural for parents and children to have a contentious relationship. It is certainly not out of the ordinary, as some in the conservative media would make it out to be. Certainly, if it was George W. Bush yelling at his debauched daughters over voicemail, Fox News would be the first to blame liberals for violating the president and his family's right to privacy.

Let's also face the fact that we've been threatened by our parents with physical harm if we didn't acquiesce to their tyrannical demands. Lord knows, I have been told that I am going to have my teeth knocked down my throat more times than I can count by my mom. The other times I was being told that I was going to have my ass wore out by my dad. Of course, those threats were just....threats, and they never came to pass. They are intimidation tactics; it's that simple.

There is no indication that Alec Baldwin went as far as making good on his threat, since he was barred from having contact with his daughter, by a California judge, until a May hearing to discuss the alleged voicemail. There are, also, no indications that his relationship with his daughter has been physical in the past.

Perhaps, his anger should be directed toward the real cause of his frustration, which is his ex-wife. But more often, children become the victims in a war of words between parents who have split up, which is truly unfortunate.

"Notes on a Scandal"

On Tuesday, I watched the movie, Notes on a Scandal, featuring the delightfully evil genius of Dame Judi Dench and her seemingly naive counter-part, Cate Blanchett.

The story unfolds as a new teacher, played by Cate Blanchett, is hired to teach art at an English school. Dench's character, named Barbara Covett, is the old teacher from yesteryear who you feared more than the devil.

Needless to say, a scandal breaks out when Blanchett's character decides to have a tryst with one of her fifteen year old male students. Covett becomes her confidante, to whom she tells all of her secrets (of course there is more to the revelation than I am going to reveal here).

After watching this movie, I feel a strange kinship to Covett. She is an older lady (looking almost 100 years old), who never had a "real" relationship in her life. She is obviously a lesbian, and she habitually throws herself into one-sided relationships, without the other party reciprocating her affection.

I am Covett.

The part that really brought Covett's plight home was the scene when she was in the bathtub, with Dench's voice narrating the scene, she explains the greatest excitement of her everyday life is planning her weekend around going to the laundrette to do her laundry. This sent chills along my spine.

It cemented the loneliness of my own life. I will admit something I really don't to the average person, because, like Covett, my personal life is secret to those I work with, over the past eight months, my weekend is spent planning a trip to the market with my own mother. (Oh my God, I can't believe I just admitted that.) That is the highlight of my week. Even this past week, I found myself getting excited thinking about where Mom and I can eat this weekend, while on our outing. There may not be anything wrong with spending time with your mother, but it is certainly unhealthy for someone my age to spend all their free time with their mom.

In the final assessment, I found Notes on a Scandal to be a very intriguing drama of the sort you don't see in most films these days. It was almost to the point of Fatal Attraction without the need to boil a rabbit for dramatic effect.

Ted Nugent, America's Moral Compass

It would seem that CNN, in an attempt to appeal to right-wing gun lovers, is giving people, like Ted Nugent, a voice over the Virginia Tech atrocity, which happened on Monday; specifically, in the area of gun control laws.

Why would I want to know what Nugent has to say about the right to bear arms in America? That is a little bit like asking Michael Jackson for babysitting advice. It is a bit on the absurd side. We look too often to people, who are celebrities, for guidance on issues that we should be able to lead ourselves. It's like Angelina Jolie adopting a baby from Asia or Africa. Suddenly, everyone is traveling over-seas for a new child.

Instead of looking toward morons who have no clue why they believe what they believe to be our moral compasses, let's seek out people who have spent their professional lives analyzing the effects important issues have on our society.

Would our society be safer if every American was packing a pistol on their right hip? I argue the antithesis is in fact the outcome of such a ludicrous and ill-informed decision. We realize that humans are violent by nature. It is simple genetics, not my opinion. Even though, many of us have learned to control our outbursts, there are still those of us who lack the ability to judiciously act on such impulses. So, instead of blowing off steam, we can blow off heads, since we will all be packing heat.

The criminals will learn they can't mess with the average Joe on the street, right? Of course not. Instead, we will be creating a new subversive culture in society, who are impulse-driven criminals. They decided to use the freedom of gun ownership to solve the simple problems of day-to-day life.

What are we to do?

Simply, let's hang up our spurs, melt the guns down, and turn off our zealous vigilante attitudes; thereby, doing something useful, like recycling scrap, useless metal.

Let's admit it, it would have been a tall order for Cho Seung-Hui to have summarily executed over thirty victims Monday if he had been forced to settle for a knife or sling-shot, instead.

I'm Going Home

I'm staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel is a different kind of pain.
Well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.
The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love, it makes true.
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.
So I'm going home,Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don't want.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.
Oh, well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.
I said these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.

-Chris Daughtry, "Home"

Condoleezza Rice v. Don Imus

Doesn't Queen Condi already have her plate full with the perpetual war in Iraq, blood-thirty Persians pushing against our frontline, terrorist supporting Syrians, a discontent Israel, without feeling the need to chime in on what Don Imus said about the Rutgers University girls' basketball team?

Apparently not.

According to Rice, Imus ruined the team's season with his "disgusting" remarks about them. She is happy that there was a consequence for his remarks. She, however, refused to comment on whether or not there should be a consequence for Bush's habitual lies, which have cost over 3,000 American lives and hundreds-of-billions of dollars.

White House reports millions of lost e-mails, now

It has come to light that possibly five millions e-mails, over a two year period, have been "misplaced."

Not only did these e-mails contain information about the eight United States Attorneys who were fired recently, but also e-mails which might implicate the Bush Administration in the CIA leak, which cost the vice president's former chief-of-staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, his job and freedom.

It's amazing how far the incompetence at the White House runs. It is more likely, however, that the information "lost" contained sensitive details about actions taken by elite members of the West Wing staff. It is too convenient for five million e-mails to simply be deleted without some intentional consciousness at work.

They'll keep looking. The United States Senate will see to that.

It takes a bird brain

Apparently, Cheney's plane, Air Force Two, collided with a bird as it landed in Chicago. Sources point out that the bird wasn't linked to any terrorist group. Unfortunately, for the bird, it did not make it. It is hard to believe that this is newsworthy. It is just too bad the bird wasn't a pterodactyl. Then that would have been appropriate to print.

Lost e-mails; where, oh, where did they go?

It would seem the Bush White House staffers have "mistakenly deleted" some very important e-mail communications regarding the firing of eight United States Attorneys, which has gone a long way to implicate the Justice Department; specifically, Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez.

The White House allegedly has some top IT people working on the problem. I don't think it should be that difficult to recover deleted data, especially e-mails. They do it ever day in the corporate world, when it is time to fire someone for their blunders, like bidding on eBay.

The White House calls it a "screw up." I call it a "cover up."

Corzine hurt in car wreck; Don Imus to blame?

Last night, we got the news that the governor of New Jersey, Jon Corzine, was injured in a traffic accident, while on his way to the Governor's Mansion, in Princeton, to mediate a meeting between former radio host, Don Imus, and the girls' basketball team of Rutgers University.

Can anyone else see the connection between Don Imus and this accident? Does Imus have a personal score to settle with Governor Corzine? I would like to know who was paying the individual in the red pickup truck that conveniently attempted to merge onto the Garden State Parkway, while at the same time running the governor's SUV from the road, causing it to subsequently crash into a guardrail. This person is still on the loose; it was a hit-and-run.

In other news, I don't think it is Imus' fault, though, that Jon Corzine wasn't wearing a seatbelt. Shame on him!

Is Imus going to XM or Sirius?

After being canned by MSNBC and CBS, Don Imus must begin to accept other offers for his radio show.

We all remember that little man, named Howard Stern. (No not the one who fancied himself the father of Anna Nicole's baby.) We all recall how he got into so much trouble over his comments on the air that ClearChannel ended his career, right? Wrong!

It is safe to bet that a man who can generate $20,000,000 in profit a year (for CBS, mind you) can find a new media outlet for his craft. I am sure somewhere at MSNBC and CBS, executives are pulling their hair out over this fiasco. Maybe they will get good ratings and reviews over their dismissal of Imus, but we all know in the long run their bottom line will suffer just a small bit, as a result.

Like Stern, Imus will find his new niche, not on terrestrial radio, perhaps, but with satellite providers, like XM and Sirius. Who knows, but with satellite radio, maybe even Howard K. Stern can find an audience.

Racism in the media

Recently, we have heard overt racism coming from our radio speakers. It would seem the world is overrun by people like Don Imus, with his "nappy-headed hos" comment about the women's basketball team of Rutgers University, who make the world seem a little more bleak to live in; however, I disagree with the amount of attention such episodes receive from the media. The world is full of racism and I doubt that it will ever be fully eliminated, considering it is part of our humanity.

What is the purposes of forcing an apology from Don Imus? It would seem it is merely good publicity for people like Al Sharpton, who seems to be taking over the limelight from Jesse Jackson these days when it comes to this kind of publicity. If Mr. Imus is genuinely sorry for his comments relating to the ball team, then fine, by all means, allow him to apology and accept it in the manner in which it was given. But it is quite obvious that someone, like Don Imus, who has had a long history of public intolerance related to gender, race, and homosexuality, did not offer a genuine apology; instead, he is working to protect his media contracts with companies, such as NBC and CBS.

In the final assessment, let's just work to be more tolerant of those who are intolerant. That is the best way to deal with such bigotry in our world.

Donate to Hillary Rodham Clinton

Make a contribution to the exploratory presidential committee of Hillary Rodham Clinton, by clicking here.

Tit-for-Tat

Last week, after the Iranian government decided to free the British naval servicemen, who they had captured inside of Iraqi waters, now want the British government to show its appreciation by giving something equally valuable to the Iranian people.

As a result of their unfettered kindness, Iran called the release of the hostages "a gift to the British people." What kind of action do they anticipate be shown for their affection toward the people of England? Do they want appeasement for their nuclear program? (Probably.) Do they want the the United Kingdom to pressure the United States over its policies in the Middle East? (Definitely.)

What will the British give the Iranians in return? Absolutely nothing.

It is certain that the government of Iran will be looking for new bargaining chips in the future. Perhaps, they will get lucky and seize another British patrol (or dare I say an American one). This time it is safe, however, to bet these sailors will not be treated as kindly as their predecessors.

Iran is working diligently to turn world attention away from its nuclear ambitions. It is confident to assume they believed the alleged trespassing of British soldiers in sovereign Iranian waters, and their subsequent release to their home country, would bolster their image with other countries in the Middle East region, and the world, in general.

It may prove harder for Iran to garner that kind of favor, though. They may learn that it takes more than a ship full of European sailors--even with letters of apology written under duress, a visit from the president, and a quick exit home--to appear all cuddly and trustworthy.

Snow in April?

Last night, it snowed about an inch (well, on the table on the deck). It has been cold since spring break started this past week. It is more like winter break, actually.

They say that it will stay this cold through the beginning of next week. Many people are worried about the affect it will have on plants that are budding. I think that it might kill many of the blooms on the peach trees and the dogwoods. They are already look as if they have taken a beating from the temperatures being so low over the past two nights. Tonight, it is supposed to be around 17 degrees! That is record breaking temperatures for this time of year.

The funny thing is we made it through March without a single snowflake. It was quite warm, actually. Now we are dealing with snow and wintry temperatures.

Global Warming???

The Minds of Imbeciles

As Ford looks to slash more than 30,000 of its employees, it is rewarding its new CEO, Alan Mulally, with $24 million, after only four months on the job.

Where is the reason behind such a decision? It would seem that a company that is steadily heading toward bankruptcy, would look to secure itself financially. It is such financial packages, like Mulally's, that makes you wonder if such a company is worth keeping around. I doubt any of the 30,000 Ford Motor employees, who are about to receive their walking papers, would object to my assessment.

Iran Protests at the British Embassy

It would seem the tensions between the United Kingdom and Iran have escalated. Iranians have mounted a violent protest outside the British embassy in Tehran. Reports indicate that rocks and firecrackers were the protesters' weapons of choice. The protesters demanded an apology from the British government over their claim that British naval vessels violated Iranian waters over a week ago, which resulted in the capture of British naval officers.

The Iran Saga

Over a week ago, British troops were seized out of "Iraqi" territorial waters, at the insistence that they had invaded Iranian territorial waters. This is up for debate, of course. Who knows what the real location of these naval and marine soldiers were? Despite the strain on diplomatic relations, we have not seen any sign that the British soldiers have been mistreated. Although, their freedom has certainly been circumvented, it could be a whole lot worse. It will certainly escalate as the fragile situation continues to fall apart. The Iranian government wants the British government to apologize for entering their territorial waters. The British are demanding their unfettered release, stating they did not enter Iranian waters. Tehran states that if the British government does not apologize for the transgression, then they will be forced to place the captured sailors on trial. If found guilty, they will also be required to face the sentence of the court (which sounds dire in-and-of-itself). It is certain that London will be looking at all efforts to remove their soldiers from Iran, which includes direct military force. But first, they must determine where the British are being held inside of Iran. It is probably safe to assume that they will no longer be held in the same location, but rather spread across Iran to lessen the opportunity of British special operations forces to effectively extract them.

We also have news, today, of Iranian and American clashes inside Iraqi territory. Last month, Iranian soldiers entered Iraq and laid an ambush for joint Iraqi-American forces as they patrolled the Iraqi-Iranian border. The US government is not speaking of the incident (or really acknowledging it either), but according to anonymous sources (i.e., soldiers who have first-hand accounting of the incident) the incident did take place. The American and Iraqi forces were forced to take an inferior position against Iranian fire. Sources also report that perhaps one Iranian soldier was killed in the incident.

What does it all mean? It shows that Iran is taking a direct interest in the affairs of the Middle East. Iran is also wetting its beak by drawing out British and American forces on military and diplomatic fronts. Iran is already in hot water, with the United Nations, over its nuclear power program. Perhaps, the abduction of British soldiers and the direct confrontation of American forces is Iran's way of diverting the attention of the world from its nuclear program.

Only time will tell.

Chemical Warfare

Yesterday, the insurgency in Iraq released a chlorine cloud, which wreaked havoc. Of course, that was their intent.

In a democratic Iraq (and I use that term with sarcasm and great reservation), it would seem these things would not be tolerated, or even be a realistic issue. The United States' false-belief that it is going to bring order and stability to this war-torn landscape is greatly misguided.

It's time to allow the Iraqi people to be responsible for their own, mutual destiny.

School Sucks

I have decided that being a middle school teacher really sucks. I have hit rock bottom in terms of students and academic apathy. Perhaps, I am partly to blame, but I have always been a staunch believer in the fact that if I had a room full of rocks, I could accomplish as much as I do on a daily basis with living, breathing students. What's the difference, you ask? Simple: I could actually get to speak and feel like I am being heard, when speaking to the rocks.

In one week, I get to send my eighth graders to someone else, and I get sixth graders. I am hoping that they will be better behaved and more academically astute. I have heard they are. If not, then I'll be driven crazy until the end of school!

Here's to hoping!

Bush & Brazil

Bush leaves for his Latin America trip amid mass protests in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He says that he is going look for alternative fuels. Brazil is the world's largest user of alternative fuels. The majority of their new vehicles run off of ethanol that they produce domestically.

Is Bush pushing us from one dependency toward another one? I can envision a world where we are no longer dependent on Middle East crude, but a same America that is dependent on Latin American cane ethanol. For some reason, the United States must always look to other countries for our energy needs. Why can't we simply use corn ethanol derivatives as fuel? That is something that we can grow in abundance in our own Heartland.

Rainy Days

Since my last post, many things have happened. Most significantly, according to the media, is the death of Anna Nicole Smith.

Although, she was a bottle blond with fake breasts, people seem mesmerized by her harlot magnetism. Although, she was a gold-digging opportunist, who married an 89-year-old Texas billionaire when she was only 26, America owes her a debt of gratitude; simply, we never got bored; I know I didn't.

Then we are left with her baby, her heir apparent. Who knows what will come of this child? More importantly, who knows who the real father is? In the final analysis, we probably will never know. But, it doesn't stop the world from speculating and wondering. Ironically, I find myself thinking about it. This predicament is no different than those couples on The Maury Povich Show, who seek to find out the answer to that electrifying, breath-taking phrase: "Who is the daddy of my baby?" The paternity dispute, in this case, could easily be solved in a fifteen minute segment on the Maury Show. Maury will console them, and even chase them backstage if he must to get their gut-wrenching moments of turmoil on tape. All for our entertainment, of course.

Thank you, Maury!

The Mooninites are a-comin'!

I am not sure what it is about the Mooninites that create havoc in the hearts of people from Boston, or America in general. I am not sure what would cause a rational person to equate a Lite-Brite toy with a bomb. In my opinion, it all goes back to the fact that people are paranoid. If I were driving along the road and saw one of these "creatures," the last thought to enter my mind would be terrorism. I would probably think to myself, "What on earth is that thing supposed to be?" Then the next thought would be, "They still make those Lite-Brite things?" (Of course, I had one as a small child. I still bear the scars of where some of the "lites" tried to penetrate the soles of my feet. Does that mean I should be able to sue Hasbro for terrorism?)

My final analysis is Americans need to chill out. Something as benign as a character on a Lite-Brite is nothing to get all worked up about. Certainly, it shouldn't have cost millions of dollars to uncover the truth behind them. It goes to show how paranoid we have become as a society. Their next marketing campaign may involve Etch-A-Sketch.

SO BEWARE AMERICA! THEY'RE COMING!

Irony

Today, I was thinking about how many pills I take per day. When I was little, I used to think about the handful of pills my great-grandmother used to take each day. She would pour them into her palm, throw her hand over her mouth, and swallow them in one gulp, without a single drop of water! Now that takes some practice.

I use nine different types of prescription drugs per day, both pills and creams. They treat everything from high blood pressure, to anxiety, to the control of acne and rosacea (how else do I still look 16?).

I often wonder when I became my grandmother. The only thing is, she was in her nineties and I am in my twenties! At least, I don't keep my pill bottles in a Zip Lock bag!

Dissent in the Ranks

Today, Republican Senator Arlen Specter (PA) stated Bush does not have the lone authority to be "the decider" about the troop surge in Iraq. This is a very bold statement by the senator. I believe it will be these types of messages, from within the GOP, that derails Bush's unilateral decision to move an additional 21,000 troops into Iraq.

Hillary's Archived Town Hall Chats

Visit Hillary's archived chats from last week.

Hillary's Conversation with America

After watching, last week, Hillary Rodham Clinton's town hall chats, I was very much taken by the fact she cares about the direction our country is headed. She is passionate about healthcare for all Americans, believing in opportunities for all Americans, despite their socioeconomic situation, and she wants to find a solution to the war in Iraq.

I am delighted to watch as her campaign continues to unfold. She will certainly be formidable.

Hillary: "I'm in"

Today, Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her candidacy for the presidency of the United States. For the first time in the history of our country, there is a woman who may actually win. Most all, there is an opportunity for change in our countries political future.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com

As always...

Hillary2008

Bush v. Iran

Today, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley reported President Bush is not preparing a pre-emptive strike against Iran, but he refused to rule out the possibility may come in the future.

Bush is apparently delusional. He really believes he can take on the Iranians when he is having such a poor time controlling the situation in Iraq. Hopefully we will not see Bush make another blunder by attacking Iran; considering, such a move would greatly work to isolate us as a nation and completely destroy our military, which is already over-worked and under-paid.

The Iran issue must be worked out through the United Nations, not the United States. We can only hope that this issue will not escalate for our nation before Bush leaves office in two years.

Bush wants it his way

Bush announced that he will push forward with the deployment of 21,000 American troops to Iraq, despite congressional and American citizen objections.

I guess Bush is really alone. How sad for him.

The New Congress' Agenda

Today, began the first 100 hours of Democratic control of Congress. What things does the new 110th House of Representatives want to accomplish?

I found it on the Speaker's website. Here are some of the things on the House's agenda for the next 100 hours.

"We will start by cleaning up Congress, breaking the link between lobbyists and legislation and commit to pay-as-you-go, no new deficit spending."

"We will make our nation safer and we will begin by implementing the recommendations of the independent, bipartisan 9/11 Commission."

"We will make our economy fairer, and we will begin by raising the minimum wage. We will not pass a pay raise for Congress until there is an increase in the minimum wage."

"We will make health care more affordable for all Americans, and we will begin by fixing the Medicare prescription drug program, putting seniors first by negotiating lower drug prices."

"We will also promote stem cell research to offer real hope to the millions of American families who suffer from devastating diseases. "

"We will broaden college opportunity, and we will begin by cutting interest rates for student loans in half."

"We will energize America by achieving energy independence, and we will begin by rolling back the multi-billion dollar subsidies for Big Oil."

"We will guarantee a dignified retirement, and we will begin by fighting any attempt to privatize Social Security."

Africa, the New Iraq?

With only a little more than twenty four hours left before George Bush changes the course of war in Iraq, the United States is engaging targets of interest in Somolia.

First, I was surprised Bush knew where Somolia was even located. Second, I was not surprised to learn the US military was now destroying alleged al-Qaeda targets there.

Why?

The war in Iraq is going badly. Basically, it has failed and there is no chance of redeeming it for the Iraqi people. Bush is going to send 20,000 additional troops, which will only lead to more American casualties. I have said all along, if the Iraqi people want a stable, democratic country, then they must be willing to stand up against the extemists within their own country and demand nothing less. Otherwise, the United States is only prolonging the collapse of the current Iraqi government, which will lead to a clone of the Iranian government, based on Shi'a (Islamic) law.

Bush's new agenda will seek to expand the conflict, possibly to Africa. He will return the focus of the war from Saddam, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), back to al-Qaeda. Wasn't that the original focus of the war on terrorism from the start?

What will the new Congress have to say about this?

The United States Senate, through Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), has already introduced a bill that will limit the troops Bush can send to Iraq. This would curtail Bush's plan to vamp up the number of soldiers by twenty thousand. In addition, Congress will begin to look at ways to decrease Iraq's reliance on American troops for maintaining law and order (or lack thereof) in their country.

As for Africa, Bush might as well suck-it-up and accept defeat. The war on terrorism was lost from day one. Bush had no idea how to fight this war. Simply, he embraced flawed intelligence and as a consequence we are still paying for his mistake.

100 Hours

In the first one-hundred hours of a Democrat-controlled Congress, there is a vow to pass important legislation to reform America.

I read this morning that George W. Bush is getting ready to veto basically anything the Congress passes over this period of time. Since becoming president in 2001, George Bush has only had to veto ONE single piece of legislation. This tells America something; it tells us that Bush has gotten everything he has ever twisted the former Congress' arm to provide him. Of course, with Republican sycophants in charge, he had to do little coercing.

What will Bush's vetoes mean? They mean that he is out-of-step with mainstream America. In November 2006, the people of America voted overwhelmingly to change the course of our country. Instead of Bush heading this great outcry, he is going to use his Constitutional authority to railroad the democratic process by saying, "I don't care what you want America. I am going to do what I want until 12:01PM on January 20, 2009."

At least Bush's policies will be railroaded over the course of the next years as he will be marginalized as a "lame duck" president--finally!

New Congress

Today, the United States finally got its long-awaited reprieve from the autocratic Bush rule, with the swearing in of a Democrat-controlled Congress. The nation's first since 1994. It is long over-due.

Also, in over 220 years of Congress, the United States got its first woman as Speaker of House, with the election of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Where do we go from here? Honestly, we only have one direction to go, and that is up, after almost six years of Bush's regime.

What God told me

God told me that Pat Robertson is a moron.

Saddam's Lynching

For anyone who hasn't watched the unedited version of Saddam's so-called execution, with sound, you should.

Apparently, the US government wanted to delay Hussein's hanging until after the eid holiday for Muslims, but the Iraqi government wanted to press the issue forward and not wait. As you watch the unedited video, you get a sense of what is going on is not exactly proper. Compared to the mob that is around Saddam, it would seem he is the most sane person there. They directly taunted him just seconds before he dies.

What are the consequences of his death? I think it is clear that Iraq has a new face of fanaticism. A people who have no allegiance to a centralized government, but rather to clan leaders.

Thus Spake the Mockingbird

The mockingbird says, Hallelujah, coreopsis, I make the day
bright, I wake the night-blooming jasmine. I am
the duodecimo of desperate love, the hocus-pocus passion
flower of delirious retribution. You never saw such a bird,
such a triage of blood and feathers, tongues and bone. O the world
is a sad address, bitterness melting the tongues of babies,
breasts full of accidental milk, but I can teach the flowers to grow,
take their tight buds, unfurl them like flags in the morning heat,
fat banners of scent, flat platters of riot on the emerald scene.
I am the green god of pine trees, conducting the music
of rustling needle through a harp of wind. I am the heart of men,
the wild bird that drives their sex, forges their engines,
jimmies their shattered locks in the dark flare where midnight slinks.
I am the careless minx in the skirts of women, the bright moon
caressing their hair, the sharp words pouring from their beautiful mouths
in board rooms, on bar stools, in big city laundrettes. I am
Lester Young's sidewinding sax, sending that Pony Express
message out west in the Marconi tube hidden in every torso
tied tight in the corset of do and don't, high and low, yes and no. I am
the radio, first god of the twentieth century, broadcasting
the news, the blues, the death counts, the mothers wailing
when everyone's gone home. I am sweeping
through the Eustachian tube of the great plains, transmitting
through every ear of corn, shimmying down the spine
of every Bible-thumping banker and bureaucrat, relaying the anointed
word of the shimmering world. Every dirty foot that walks
the broken streets moves on my wings. I speak from the golden
screens. Hear the roar of my discord murdering the trees,
screaming its furious rag. The fuselage of my revival-tent brag. Open
your windows, slip on your castanets. I am the flamenco
in the heel of desire. I am the dancer. I am the choir. Hear my wild
throat crowd the exploding sky. O I can make a noise.

-Barbara Hamby

3,000th Soldier Dies

Today, we saw the 3,000th soldier die in Bush's war in terrorism. How many more will have to die before it is ended?

Saddam joins an elite club of deposed despots

Last night, Saddam Hussein was hanged for crimes he committed in Iraq over 25 years ago. The sentence was quick and brutal. Saddam was marched to face the executioner much like deposed Romanian leader, Nicolae Ceausescu.

There are striking parallels between the fate of these men. They were arrested and tried before make-believe courts. Although, Ceausescu's fate was more intense, considering he was shot to death minutes after his death sentence was delivered. Both Saddam and Ceausescu were victims of a turbulent time soon after stark political change in their country. They were symbols of the past. Skeletons that no one could bear to look at anymore. They were kept on the wayside until it became convenient to push them completely aside. Basically, they were the last links to authentic authority, which jeopardized the rule of those in power for the day.

What does this say about these countries? It sends a very simple message. The fate of a former leader is best left to history. It is not the place of other maniacs to deliver their version of justice. Instead of justice being rendered, these leaders were punished in a vengeful, hateful way. There was so much made of Saddam getting his "red card." It was almost like a celebration of sorts. By giving Saddam his red card (a card which was given to people in Saddam's Iraq which told the person he was about to be executed), the current leaders of Iraq are the same as Saddam. They are unable to think outside the scope of vengeance and petty self-image.

Like Ceausescu, and his wife, we see Saddam approaching death in a defiant manner. Instead of being complacent, he spoke to those in the room by setting their views and version of history correct--from his point-of-view. Perhaps, he was not wrong in believing he was still the president of Iraq. He was, after all, deposed through a violent coup d'etat. We know the execution of Saddam was not truly civilized and objective. After he was executed, the executioner dances around the body like it is Mardi Gras.

Perhaps, the greatest lesson of dealing with a deposed despot came almost two hundred years ago. After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, as emperor of France, the English did not execute him. They sent him off to exile. He lived his final days on a small island, St. Helena, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He was not a martyr. He was not a point of order for the opposing side. Napoleon was simply a man who made a bad choice.

Napoleon was shown civility for his station in life. He may no longer have been the commander of the French army. He may no longer have been the sovereign of the French Empire, but he was given due respect for his past by those who defeated him. The English may not have agreed with his means, but they understood a person, who is a leader, cannot be executed for his deeds. The seat of power creates a vacuum that we cannot possibly appreciate.

Sure, what Saddam did was despicable by Western standards, but he wasn't dealing with Western sensibilities. As we can see from today's Iraq, the only thing insurgents and radical Islamists understand is violence and unspeakable cruelty. That is what Saddam gave them and that is why he ruled without daily violence in the streets and public dissent.

The bottom line: Saddam's death serves no purpose. It only served to feed the insatiable appetite of cruelty of those who opposed him. The cycle of death is renewed.

Dodge Nitro

I bought a new vehicle today. My first one since 2001! How sad, I know. I went to some of the dealers and found the one I like. It is a Dodge Nitro. I saw it and immediately fell in love with it. It is an SUV, and it is very "handsome." What I am trying to say is that it looks very modern and not something a seventy year old would be interested in purchasing.

Saddam Execution

When will it happen? I have a feeling it has already come and pass. They say he is still in custody of the US military, but I say that he hasn't been there in a while. Of course, they will lie about it and say they have no knowledge, but I'm sure it has come and gone. They already told his lawyers to come pick up this personal belongings! You usually reserve that until the person they belong to no longer needs them!

Common sense!

John Donne

(Published as written by John Donne)

No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of they friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

President Ford's Legacy

By the President of the United States of America a Proclamation

Richard Nixon became the thirty-seventh President of the United States on January 20, 1969 and was reelected in 1972 for a second term by the electors of forty-nine of the fifty states. His term in office continued until his resignation on August 9, 1974.

Pursuant to resolutions of the House of Representatives, its Committee on the Judiciary conducted an inquiry and investigation on the impeachment of the President extending over more than eight months. The hearings of the Committee and its deliberations, which received wide national publicity over television, radio, and in printed media, resulted in votes adverse to Richard Nixon on recommended Articles of Impeachment.

As a result of certain acts or omissions occurring before his resignation from the Office of President, Richard Nixon has become liable to possible indictment and trial for offenses against the United States. Whether or not he shall be so prosecuted depends on findings of the appropriate grand jury and on the discretion of the authorized prosecutor. Should an indictment ensue, the accused shall then be entitled to a fair trial by an impartial jury, as guaranteed to every individual by the Constitution.

It is believed that a trial of Richard Nixon, if it became necessary, could not fairly begin until a year or more has elapsed. In the meantime, the tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks could be irreparably lost by the prospects of bringing to trial a former President of the United States. The prospects of such trial will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office of the United States.

Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-ninth.

/s/GERALD R. FORD

Another State Funeral

After Gerald R. Ford's passing yesterday, it will be time for another state funeral in the US. Right?

Saddam to Hang

The Iraqi appeals court upheld the original verdict and sentence of Saddam Hussein. The court ordered the sentence of death to be carried out within the next thirty days.

I guess there's not much there for Saddam.

Iran Pickle

On this holiday weekend, the United Nations Security Council found it necessary to install sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Of course, they were quick to say the sanctions and stipulations against Iran stop short at military enforcement by the membership of the Security Council.

Essentially, in the twenty-first century, diplomacy is dead. There was a time when statesmen (and women) met on key issues and hammered out methods of amicably solving their differences. The issue with Iran, and its nuclear ambitions, is the same as say Berlin in post-WWII Europe. Instead of creating the United Nations, and ostracizing the Soviet Union, the United States, and I dare say the West, made certain concessions on the exercise of their "spheres of influence" in Europe. Of course, the Soviet Union got eastern Europe to manipulate, while the nations of the West were left with western Europe. Crisis solved. There were no sanctions; only concessions; pragmatic diplomacy was alive and well then, or we might not be today. Was it a perfect solution? No way! But it kept the status quo alive and well, which made all parties involved winners.

Today, we have bully politics. It's all about "my way or I'll bust your nose." Who cares what you want or what your concerns are? I'm the United States, the United Nations Security Council, we say "fuck you, have a nice day!" Now, we have Iran saying the members of the UN Security Council are going to be sorry. How? I don't know. We hear about Zionists vendettas against the Muslim world, led by none other than the US and its kid brother, Israel. That's not how I see this issue; it's how Iran sees it--or at least how they portray it.

Here's how it would unfold if I were president of the United States. I would have sent my ambassador to the United Nations fanning the fires of discord and retaliation against Iran. Then, just as the Security Council was voting on the resolution to impose sanctions against Iran, the US ambassador would have cast the lone veto; thereby, killing the resolution and opening the doors of diplomacy wide. It's like an eleventh hour change of heart. It shows reason and reasonability on the part of America. Then, I'd have immediately invited the Iranian ambassador to the UN to the White House for some "face time." Then sitting in the Oval Office, on those couches in front of my desk, very casual, through the interpreter, I'd ask, "How can we make Iran's burden in the world easier?" Taken aback for a moment, I'm sure the ambassador could give me a list of unrealistic things his country needs in order to promote their position in the world. Maybe even nuclear energy. Why not? It's their list, not ours. Then with his country's list in hand, I'd give him what the United States needs. Not demands, more like concerns and desires; things that will surely change over the course of a few weeks. Standing, I'd extend my hand to the ambassador, and say, "Let's have our countries work out a framework for a high-level meeting in the next month to discuss the important issues we have outlined here today."

In a month or so, the US and Iran would hold a realistic meeting based on mutual respect in a non-threatening Muslim country such as Qatar, Bahrain, or United Arab Emirates. The whole process can be moderated by the United Nations to improve our odds of success and maintain an air of impartiality.

Both parties will not get what they want completely, but they will understand each other in a more constructive manner. The whole idea is to show both sides are pliable and open to realistic and open dialogue, as opposed to threats and bouts of paranoia. The bottom line is the whole process will take time.

That my friends is called diplomacy. Something that is quickly dying today! I think great presidents, like Franklin D. Roosevelt, would be proud of me. It's surely a lesson the next president of the United States, who will not be a Republican, can take under advisement.

Trump v. O'Donnell

Last night, I was watching CNN's Larry King Live, which is the normal for me to check out at 9pm; however, I was greatly amused, and then disgusted, by what I heard.

Firstly, it was funny because there was a lot of name calling. We had Donald Trump, on his private plane en route from New York to Florida, talking live to Larry via phone. Yes, I was drawn in by the initial absurdity of it all. Then I thought, this sounds like a tirade my students sometimes go on at school when they can't get along with another student. Instead of this person being 12, he is probably 60!

I learned that Rosie O'Donnell is a lying, immoral, cheating, no talent, whose only redeeming quality is her girlfriend. Then from the video clip of Rosie, we find out that Donald Trump is a blood sucking elitist, bankrupt, decadent scallywag, with a really bad comb-over as a wig, who apparently has no redeeming qualities, except maybe his ex-wives.

Trump says he is going to sue O'Donnell for slander. Of course, he did her no favors by calling her a slob, fat ass, disgusting, and untalented on national television either. I suspect a case like this would be dismissed as both parties being mutually liable for slander. In addition, I'd give them a piece of advise, "Grow the hell up!"

Case dismissed!

Black President?

Bush Bulldog Condi Rice seems to think the U.S. is ready for a black president. Perhaps, but that president is not going to be her. Sorry!

America is looking for anything that isn't connected to the Bush catastrophe of the past six years. Being Bush's top diplomatic lackey disqualifies her handily.

Maybe in your next life, Condi.

Miss USA Flack

Who cares about Miss USA? I certainly don't. It is a pageant of brainless twits, who are then expected to be "moral" beacons for the rest of us. I find it apprehensive they would even consider themselves as being moral.

Now that the Donald has given Miss USA a second chance, we have some flack from MADD and Rosie O'Donnell over the fact Miss USA (and Miss Teen USA) were engaged in underage drinking. I find it ambiguous that anyone remembers who is Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss Teen USA, or Miss USA, after the gaudy television display has come to an end. Perhaps, if Miss USA were moral, then she would have voluntarily resigned her seemingly coveted position. I am sure the runner-up is waiting in the wings waiting to be crowned!

2008

Check out this timeline

1953-1961: Richard Nixon is vice president of the United States

1960: Richard Nixon runs against Senator John F. Kennedy for president

1968: President Lyndon B. Johnson decides not to run for re-election

1968: Richard Nixon runs for the presidency again and wins

1969-1974: Richard Nixon is president of the United States

1993-2001: Al Gore is vice president of the United States

2000: Al Gore runs against Governor George W. Bush for president (and wins)

2000: United States Supreme Court declares George W. Bush president

2001-2009: George W. Bush is president of the United States

2009: Al Gore becomes president of the United States; and Hillary Clinton is vice president


Interesting!

Let's Wait until 2008

Some military pundits say George Bush is looking to expand the military presence in Iraq for one single reason, to deal with Syria. The United States cannot afford to expand the breadth of this war. America's failed policy Iraq is already sucking out billions-of-dollars from our treasury and sending thousands home in body bags. It will continue, no doubt.

The new Congress, in January, needs to let Bush no there will be no escalation of forces outside the borders of Iraq. The US military can ratchet up its presence and authority within in Iraq to quell the growing insurgency. The US must abandon its "hand holding" policy in Iraq. We aren't fighting in Europe. We are fighting against a force of fundamentalists. Albeit, these forces are being funded by outside forces, such as al-Qaeda, but that doesn't give us the right, or financial liberty, to expand the fight beyond its current parameters.

It might be prudent to rein in the blank check Congress wrote to Bush in 2003. Congress must be careful about how the future of this war unfolds. It might be advisable to wait until January 20, 2008, if the war continues, before any additional decisions are made outside the scope of Iraq's borders.

Bush Needs More

I have said the US has been doing a half-assed job in Iraq since the beginning. First of all, George Bush should never have been given carte blanche in Iraq. The United States military had no business being there from day one. It was a personal matter for George Bush, not one made in the national interest of our country.

We have two options in this war. The US can use all of its might to over-power the terrorists and insurgency. Otherwise, we might as well pack up tomorrow and pull out. Let the Iraqis fight their own civil war without any international interference.

Personal Armies

One might ask the Iraqi government why a single person is allowed to have their own personal army. Of course, this question would best be asked to their bosses, the United States government. In a report today, we find that a private militia (army) funded and maintained by a Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, has become a more powerful anti-democracy force in Iraq than al-Qaeda. Sadr's army, called Mehdi, works as an organized insurgency group within Iraq. The fact that a single individual can claim control over a private military force is testimony to the fact Iraq is engaged in a civil war. A civil war is defined by different forces vying for power, and ultimate control, within a single nation.

If the United States is going to garner any resemblance of democracy and peace in this war torn nation, then they must deal harshly with groups, like Mehdi, by destroying them and cutting of their primary areas of support. It is crucial that Iraqis undergo re-education programs that deprogram their value system of hate and violence; particularly, in the area of social reform. Otherwise, there is no hope for Iraq as a stable nation.

Billy Crystal & Legal Torts

It would seem a Wisconsin man, who engaged in sexual acts with a dead deer, was arrested for immoral acts with an "animal." His lawyer goes on to reference various 20 year old versions of dictionaries to hold the fact a carcass lies outside the scope of any standard definition of what constitutes an animal, per-se.

The clincher came when his attorney referenced Billy Crystal from his 1987 movie, The Princess Bride, in which he extols the logic of things not having the ability of being only half-dead. Although, his wise words may have been apt in the confines of his dramatic portrayal, they are seemingly outside the scope of good lawyering and have no bearing in legal precedent. I am sure, however, another lawyer, in the future, may find merit in referencing this erroneous legal quotation, to the peril of their client of course.

Accordingly, the district court, as I did, found no merit to this legal argument and dismissed the defendant's motion to dismiss.

Although, I am not a legal expert on Wisconsin legal code, or precedent, if a jurist were to hold to the strict interpretation of the state's statute regarding this issue, then this individual has committed a crime by engaging in a sex act with anyone, or anything, besides his lawfully wedded wife.

In the meantime, the people of Wisconsin can take notice, considering any sex act outside the bonds of matrimony can land them before the court (i.e., consenting sexual contact between adults who are not married).

What about that deer? I guess it had a pretty mouth.

Pinochet Saga Ends

Generalissimo Augusto Pinochet, the one time dictator of Chile, has died today, in Santiago. I hope this puts an end to the whirlwind of attempted prosecution of this old man. The United Kingdom began it all by arresting him almost ten years ago and holding him based on an arrest warrant issued by a Spanish judge.

The British found he could not be extradited from England and he was released from house arrest, when he then returned to Chile. He was then held on various charges ranging from murder to extortion to money laundering. Basically, the last ten years of his life have been spent under house arrest.

The lesson? Be careful what enemies you make and be sure you have enough friends to keep you out of trouble once you're no longer in office!

House Leadership NOT Liable

Today, a panel of "experts" found the leadership of the United States House of Representatives was not liable in their refusal to stop former Republican Representative Mark Foley (FL) from inappropriate conduct with congressional pages.

It's not surprising the panel found this conclusion. Perhaps, the investigation should have been postponed until someone besides the wolves have control over Congress.

Just a thought!

400th Post

Wow! This is my 400th post! I feel like I should celebrate. Maybe I will. *wink wink*

New Policy Shift for Bush

This week a "brain trust" will provide recommendations to George W. Bush about changing the route of the war in Iraq; specifically, changing the Administration's failed policy. Coupled with Democratic control of Congress, Bush will have little choice but to heed the recommendations of this committee.

It's about time too! It's nice to see Bush squirming like the slime he is!

Who killed Sasha?

Who killed Alexander Litvinenko, the former KGB agent? It would have to be someone well connected to high government offices, in order to get a hold of such a radioactive element. There are some people who say the KGB is dead, but I say it is alive and well. Just ask poor Alexander Litvinenko...if you could, that is.

Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa

I love this lady. She is the president of the 61st United Nations General Assembly. She has more power suits than Hillary Clinton (but I guess I would, too, if my great-grandfather had been a king and my cousin was the current king). While addressing the General Assembly, she moves easily from English to Arabic in mid-sentence and then back again (I think just to have fun with the translators).

Who is this lady? She is the second female lawyer in her country, the tiny kingdom of Bahrain off of the coast of Saudi Arabia. She is also the first Bahraini female to become an ambassador.

Overall, she is the epitome of social change in the Middle East. Imagine twenty-five years ago, a Muslim woman would never have become an ambassador, much less, president of the UN General Assembly.

It's a big deal on many levels.

US v. Syria

Yesterday, in the General Assembly of the United Nations, Syria "schooled" the United States on history's lessons.

The US was explaining it's "no" vote regarding the people of Palestine, when the US representative went off on a tangent into the field of Syria, Hezbollah, and Lebanon. Basically, he said Syria did not respect the sovereignty of fellow nations by working to destabilize Lebanon's government and rearming Hezbollah.

The representative called a "point-of-order" and addressed the US representative directly. He said the US is hardly in a position to talk about respecting other nation's territory, when they have worked for years to undermine Iraq for their own gain. He also lambasted the US's use of the veto in the Security Council to defend Israel against initiatives other nations in the General Assembly have passed, such as Israel's withdrawal from the Golan Heights.

Basically, I felt the old proverb, "Judge not, lest ye be judged," was apt and used appropriately by the Syrian representative.

Islam

As Pope Benedict XVI heads a religious "bridge building" effort in Turkey this week, we hear about a fatwa being issued by a cleric against a journalist in Iraq and more Mohammad image protests.

Like Christianity, over five hundred years ago, Islam is in its adolescent stage. Although, Christianity is still far from maturity, it has become more encompassing and accepting as the years have worn on over the centuries. Like Christianity's burning of witches in Salem and heretics in Spain, Islam is in this same stage. It is about getting revenge and holding on to the power that they so believe they have inherited, from Allah or Mohammad; either of which seem synonymous.

In addition to the fatwa, we have the exposed nerves over the images of Mohammad, which seem to become more and more present. We see images of Christ in mass media, such as movies. Many of which are parodies, in fact; however, I don't see Christians burning Muslims in the streets with kerosene. Yes, it is a bit juvenile. From a historical standpoint, Mohammad was a boozing womanizer, who received revelations of prophecy in a cave. What is the point of defending a single, flesh-and-blood man? He is not God, according to Islam. He is, at the very most, a vehicle of prophecy.

It's like today, I tried to explain to an overwrought student, "That kid doesn't know your mother." Instead of using a bit of common sense, the student continued to lash out, "But he is talking about my mom! I don't allow people to speak about my mom." We all have moms, but I don't know your mother personally, or anything about her really; therefore, how can I speak knowingly about her sexual practices? It's bogus, to say the least. We must listen and reason.

In four or five hundred years, Islam will have progressed to the point of seeming maturity. They will acquire acceptance as a benign world faith. There will be no more fatwas or public executions in the streets of innocent by-standers.

One day...

Seinfeld-gate

The character, Kramer, is in some "hot" water with the black community. After reading some comments from CNN about his recent bigot-inspired tirade, he is quite evil and despicable. Apparently, this Kramer guy has deeply eroded away the fabric of racial unity in this nation. I didn't realize what an impact a supporting character from a 1990s situational-comedy could have on our nation. (Please note my sarcasm.)

Admittedly, I never watched Seinfeld. I never got into it. I would watch five minutes of it and I was bored. I guess I'm different from the other 99% of Americans who apparently adore it.

I'm not saying people should be racist, at all. I'm saying, it is a single incident, from a single person's bigoted mouth. He's not the president of the United States, nor is he waging racial unrest through his unsolicited comments. Let's let it go people. I'm tired of hearing it; I'm tired of hearing people make it my problem. I never used the racial epithet on stage at a Los Angeles club.

Let him get his counseling for anger management and racial bigotry. If that doesn't work he can check himself into a rehab resort/spa for alcoholism and finger his priest who sexually molested him as a youth.

I'm so bored

I think I'll go smoke a cigar. At least, I can buy those.

Boys

Boys are trouble! In fact, the devil's water is pretty sweet...

I still love them.

Pony Up or Pull Out

After the blood bath in Iraq this past week, it is hard to imagine how the Bush Administration can continue to permit American troops to operate in Iraq. Iraq has a central government, but it is essentially powerless. It is the face of a government with no teeth. The real power is from the urban warlords who hold life and death in their hands on the streets of Baghdad. Power is the factions of Sunnis and Shi'ites who use their mercenary armies to destroy each other. Death is a daily commodity for the average Iraqi. You see them walking by scenes of gore and unspeakable violence with bags, as if they have been the market, and they seem to not even notice. Perhaps, carnage is now a daily staple Iraqis are used to consuming.

The United States is the means to the end in Iraq. We decentralized their government in 2003 through a senseless and botched coup d'etat. How many troops does the US have on the ground in Iraq? A hundred thousand, one hundred and fifty thousand? Who knows the real number? The idea is simple. Either we stabilize the country through our military or we withdraw. The United States could double its forces on the ground, in the air, and at sea, to crush the insurgency within Iraq. The people of Iraq are only moved through violence, not diplomacy. It's time we admit that fact. It doesn't make us a heartless or bigoted people. It is common sense. We see how things operate there. Not everyone on earth is consumed by Western values and sensibilities. Our idea of war is hugging and a lot of hand holding. We have to swallow hard and live the realities of war to their fullest. Iraq cannot be conquered through compromise and make-believe elections; it requires direct confrontation of insurgents and the unadulterated destruction of anything that stands in the way of that goal.

War is not fun, it is not glory, it's not yellow ribbons on the electric pole; war is blood, pain and death.

No Secret Trips?

George W. Bush celebrated Thanksgiving Day without making a "surprise" trip to Iraq to spend it with the troops.

I guess he's saving it for Christmas.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

On Monday, the United Nations adopted a resolution that continued the work of the ICJ. The United States was the only member to speak out against the resolution. The United States' position is the ICJ is given too much power in regards to who can be brought before the Court and that the UN Security Council (of which the US is a vetoing party) cannot approve, or disapprove, indictments/investigations of the ICJ's prosecutors.

In addition, the United States feels that nations should have the option of being party to the ICJ's jurisdiction. That is simply preposterous. It is akin to me saying I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the district court in my county; thereby, negating their ability to prosecute me as a criminal. Of course, we understand the United States' objection. If the US "approved" of the independence of the ICJ, as an authentic and independent organ of the UN, then they could effectively prosecute George W. Bush for crimes against humanity, illegal warfare, and terrorism for the people of Iraq. We expect that brutal dictators, like Slobodan Milosevic, would be brought before the ICJ. The US will even help you capture them, but don't expect our cooperation when you come after our own criminals.

Although, the US was the only dissenting voice before the UN's vote, the resolution was adopted.

Snow Days

I love snow days!

Iraq

Today, an Iraqi official was kidnapped from his home. How can we expect the government of Iraq to protect its general population when it can't even protect the security of its top officials.

Nintendo Wii, You are Mine

After 11am, the Nintendo Wii was sold by Amazon.com. After about 8 minutes of clicking "Add to Cart" and getting an error message, I got it to accept my order. It is slated to be delivered on Tuesday. They better not e-mail me back saying it isn't available. I feel like I just won the lottery or something.

How sad...I hope my brother appreciates the time and effort I put into this affair.

Nintendo Wii

Ah, the spirit of the holidays is amongst us again.

Last night, there was the "launch" of a videogame system, called Nintendo Wii. Now, I had heard of this for a while (from my teenage brother mostly). But even more now, considering today was the first day you could officially get one.

My brother begged me to take him to Wal-Mart at midnight, to any store really, to get one. I told him, "No, don't be silly. Only nerds and dorks stand in line to wait for something like this." (In fact, I saw some of them yesterday.) I told him that we would buy it from Amazon. And since I am an Amazon Prime member, we'll get it delivered to the doorstep by Tuesday at the latest for only $3.99.

At midnight, I had my finger on the trigger. I was going to press "Add to Cart" when it was open for ordering at midnight. Guess what? It never happened. We waited until almost one a.m. for that sucker. It's now almost ten a.m., and it still hasn't been released by Amazon.com to order. Some people say it is a ploy to get us to buy more from their online storefront. I admit, I am addicted to online shopping. I buy more than a normal person should. It is easy, fun, and instantaneously rewarding.

Now before you say I am a dork, I did not stay up all night. In fact, I slept in late. I figured they were released during my slumber and now all sold out. It's not because I particularly want a Nintendo Wii for myself. It's the hunt. It's waiting for your prey to mindlessly wander out into your sights and then be taken in a viciously calculated attack. It's a trophy, really. This thing has become ridiculous, however. Almost 800 people have already left "reviews" basically blasting Amazon customer service for their poor handling of this event. In addition, people are trying to entice other buyers to hunt elsewhere. Other have "called" customer service and been told the launch will occur at noon, others have heard at eleven a.m., while even more have said the customer service people told them they didn't even order the gaming console. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in-between.

I found one on Sears.com, but don't tell anyone. I want the one from Amazon.com; otherwise, Sears will charge me $35 to simply ship it overnight. I suppose if all else fails, it will work out. Also, ToysRUs has them for sale, and in stock, but they are coming in bundles. I don't think I want to spend almost $600 for this thing.

I guess I'll be spending my afternoon driving to every Wal-Mart in a 500 mile radius to appease someone's wrath. Dear God.

Pray for snow!

Breaking the Rubber Stamp

After almost six years of gross misuse, the people of the United States, finally, broke George Bush's rubber stamp Congress.

With the election of a new Congress, people can look for de-escalation of hostilities in Iraq. It is certain (as it was in 2003) that the United States cannot logically win this war. We are dealing with a whole host of differing variables that are too hard to shuffle effectively. The US armed forces continue to lose large numbers of troops and thousands of Iraqi civilians are slaughtered at will. We must set a timetable for the withdrawal of all American forces from Iraq. We cannot afford to stay until the job is done, because it will never be done. The most the people of Iraq can hope for is another tyrannical government, a partitioning of peoples (creating different countries along ethnic and religious lines), or external rule by the governments of Iran and/or Syria.

The US may finally get to look at real issues. We can strengthen our economy by reducing the deficit and creating more domestic jobs. In essence, we had a pretty nice set-up under Clinton, with our economy. In addition, we can hold multi-billion dollar conglomerate oil companies responsible for their inflated world market prices. Where will we be in a year? I believe in a much more productive position than we are today. I suspect, we may end up with viable exit strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan. We can't be any worse off.

At least, we put the lid back on an almost empty cookie jar!

Dems in; Rumsfeld out

Last night, Democrats won BOTH houses of Congress. Even though, Virginia is still a "toss up," James Webb (D-VA) has the majority of votes from the general election. Webb and Allen, in the Virginia election, are only separated by about 10,000 votes.

George Bush was so upset by the event, he fired Donald Rumsfeld as secretary of defense.

It was a good 24 hours!

Democracy, a testy whore

Democracy is the thing we all love to hate, but we embrace it. It takes everything from us, but seldom returns anything beyond a slap in the face.

Of course, today, I voted. I would feel very bad if I didn't. Besides, it is my right, and I am all about my rights. The only thing that upset me is that several candidates on the Republican side of the ballot were running without opposition. That is not democracy. That is how they voted in the former Soviet Union. You had one candidate and then everyone voted for that person. Suddenly, that lone candidate had the mandate of the people to legislate. In our form of representative democracy, we should always have two evils to choose from at all times. I would have thrown my name on there, if I could have won the race. I don't deal well with losses.

One hour to go until we find out some results.

Stars gonna shine

I got my first call tonight. It was a recording for a candidate running for the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Every star is shining tonight...it's the last night for a national election.

I believe it is disgusting that judges are required to stand before the electorate. They should be protected from elections, like those judges in the federal judiciary. People are ignorant and fickle, that's why. Yes, I said it.

I want a judge that isn't worrying about his/her next election. They need to be worried about dispensing justice according to the letter of the law. They can't be worried about abortion and gay rights. The law is the law. Elections are conducted as a means for the electorate to change laws, not influence judges.

I wonder how many miles have been put on Air Force One today? I saw George Bush in states all over--just today! He got snubbed in Florida, because even conservative Republicans can't afford to be seen with him in public. Republican candidate for Florida governor, Charlie Crist, snubbed Bush, who was campaigning for him in the conservative Panhandle. I saw on the CBS Evening News (yes, the one with Katie Couric), that Bush is only campaigning in solidly conservative areas of states. Why? He's worried he'll get his feelings hurt if his sycophants aren't around to keep him smiling. That just seems a bit redundant, considering traditionally conservative areas will vote conservative even if Lucifer is the Republican candidate; subsequently, he is in most cases.

In Kentucky, twenty-four hours from now, we will know the verdict for some candidates, at least.

I'll be there!

Constitutional Amendment

The Constitution truly needs an amendment, but it's not about gays. Honest.

The president of the United States should be able to pass a test in order to qualify for the job. It should truly measure his/her abilities and intellect in a formal way. If this were the case 6 or 7 years ago, then we wouldn't be where we are today. George W. Bush could never pass the test. He would fail the verbal section of it. Perhaps, we could just allow the president-wannabe to take the GRE and score, let's say 1,200+, before being allowed to run.

Another thing: the campaign treasury of any presidential candidate should be limited by law. Each political party should spend it's own money to nominate its candidate and then each of those candidates will get $2,000,000, which they can spend any way they please. In the end, however, they will not be allowed to spend more than that amount. It will level the playing field for president. Each candidate is judged solely on his/her merits and not on the amount of money their name recognition can garner for them. During the 18th century and parts of the 19th century, presidential candidates simply relied on their past deeds in politics, military, and their careers to carry them to the presidency. Of course, I am not naive! I know those presidential candidates had internal conflicts and waged character assassinations against each other; however, they did not spend obscene amounts of money to do it. I think in the end, they had a sense of honor, which is something modern candidates lack.

How'd I Know?

How did I know Saddam would be sentenced to death by hanging yesterday? It's almost like I was sitting in the Oval Office when the call was made to the Iraqi court.

SAW 3

Today, I saw SAW 3. I thought it was as good as the other two movies that bear the franchise's name. I read some disappointing reviews of the movie on Yahoo!, which only goes to prove that each person has their own taste in what is good. The movie seems to have two divergent plot-lines, but at the end of the movie all loose ends are tied-up and concreted for the viewer. I thought the twist was quite compelling and telling for the movie. We finally get a sense of Jigsaw's vision.

Saddam Gripes Iraq Still

Saddam Hussein is still a major power in Iraq. The curfew, in preparation for his verdict, in Baghdad proves as much. If Iraq was truly a democratic and free society, like Bush would falsely lead us to believe, then the people of Iraq would welcome a verdict that removes him from their presence forever; instead, the US military (Iraq's babysitters) is stepping up offensive and defensive measures in the country's capital.

What do I say? Return Saddam to his rightful place as president of Iraq. Let him deal with the people he has so ably dealt with throughout his bloody reign as their despot. It's for sure, Saddam is as good as George Bush.

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!