The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, is by far one of the most intriguing books I have ever read. Basically, it kept me reading from the beginning to the end, with only two breaks, which I took reluctantly.
You are a bit confused by the title of this book, but once you start reading it, it is anything but confusing. It is a heart-wrenching story of love, hate, grief, dedication, betrayal, and jealousy.
Amir is a boy of privilege. He is an Afghan, through whom we see a picture of Afghanistan as it was before the Soviet occupation (1979-1989), which forced Amir and his father to flee their homeland, and then we see a brutal portrait of the Taliban, when Amir is forced to return to Afghanistan, as a man, to face the fears of his childhood to redeem himself by saving a person who is very important to someone else in his past. In the end, the person Amir saves is the grace that allows him to finally begin living.
Like Amir, we are forced to live the hollowness of his life, step-by-step. We learn certain truths, that are not always self-evident, as he journeys from being a spoiled little boy, to a young man on the brink of poverty, back to a self-made man, who finally finds that there is more to his noble father's love.
Admittedly, there were many parts that were difficult to read, because of the personal pain you feel as you connect with the characters and their situations throughout the book. Certainly, there were times I felt as if I couldn't go on with the story. I couldn't look around the next corner to see what was coming, because I was simply afraid of the shadows that lurked there, and the pain they represented.
In the end, he finds out that he is a better man than his father. He is able to stand up and take responsibility for those in his life. And for that, we can respect and admire Amir.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Paris Hilton the Martyr
In an apparent attempt to usurp the jail situation for all it is worth, Paris Hilton has allegedly informed her lawyers to drop any appeals on her behalf. She has decided to stay in jail and serve out the sentence imposed by the judge last Friday.
On Friday, she seemed pretty adamant on being set free, by appealing the judge's ruling. I suppose she decided it is better for her private and public life (which seem blurred at most times) if she faces the proverbial music. In the end, she comes out looking like the bigger "man." Because, after all, it was a fight of wills between her money and the judge. He just comes out looking the bully who picks on little, rich girls.
Who really wins?
On Friday, she seemed pretty adamant on being set free, by appealing the judge's ruling. I suppose she decided it is better for her private and public life (which seem blurred at most times) if she faces the proverbial music. In the end, she comes out looking like the bigger "man." Because, after all, it was a fight of wills between her money and the judge. He just comes out looking the bully who picks on little, rich girls.
Who really wins?
Friday, June 08, 2007
Paris Hilton goes back to the Big House (and not the one in Hollywood Hills)
A judge has ordered Paris Hilton back to jail, to serve out her original sentence. Her day long field trip home came at a high price.
Apparently, she wasn't too keen on the news, either, as she was removed from the court room screaming.
Maybe there is a bit of justice in California, after all.
Apparently, she wasn't too keen on the news, either, as she was removed from the court room screaming.
Maybe there is a bit of justice in California, after all.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Rash Frees Paris Hilton
Next time you wind up in the slammer, just cite the Paris Hilton case and you should be able to get "reassigned" to your Hollywood Hills home for almost any personal reason. Some sources report that she was released because she is mentally weak (who wouldn't be in jail?) and she developed a staph infection.
Being in prison is tough enough, but try doing it with a staph infection, too; that's just way too much pressure.
I hope she overcomes this obstacle.
Being in prison is tough enough, but try doing it with a staph infection, too; that's just way too much pressure.
I hope she overcomes this obstacle.
Paris Hilton Released from Los Angeles County Jail
After serving only three days (which qualified for five days of credit), Paris Hilton was remanded from the custody of the Los Angeles County facility, where she has been incarcerated since Sunday night, to her attorneys, where she will be confined to her Los Angeles-area mansion, to serve a forty day sentence.
It appears that Paris suffered some sort of psychological episode during her short stay in jail. Although, jail officials would not confirm this fact, she had met with psychological experts during her confinement.
What does this say about the state of justice?
It says that if you go to jail, and you have a lot of money, then you can weasel your way out of it through the cooperation of your high priced attorneys and psychiatrists. It is hard to believe that a similarly situated person would be treated the same way as Hilton. Anyone else would have been treated at an area hospital, while still in custody of the sheriff's office, then returned to their jail cell once the treatment was complete. Instead of this happening in this case, she was let go from the small cell she was confined to for 23 hours per day and put under house arrest, where she can enjoy the comforts of her money and lifestyle. Who says she can't have a party at her house, while under house arrest?
Exactly!
It appears that Paris suffered some sort of psychological episode during her short stay in jail. Although, jail officials would not confirm this fact, she had met with psychological experts during her confinement.
What does this say about the state of justice?
It says that if you go to jail, and you have a lot of money, then you can weasel your way out of it through the cooperation of your high priced attorneys and psychiatrists. It is hard to believe that a similarly situated person would be treated the same way as Hilton. Anyone else would have been treated at an area hospital, while still in custody of the sheriff's office, then returned to their jail cell once the treatment was complete. Instead of this happening in this case, she was let go from the small cell she was confined to for 23 hours per day and put under house arrest, where she can enjoy the comforts of her money and lifestyle. Who says she can't have a party at her house, while under house arrest?
Exactly!
Monday, June 04, 2007
Diplomacy and Dick Cheney
Last night, during the CNN sponsored Democratic debate in New Hampshire, Senator Clinton made a succinct point about the Bush administration's current diplomatic view.
She said that they will send Secretary of State Condi Rice to different parts of the world, on occasion. And to drive her point home, even further, she said they send Dick Cheney, which, in her view, is "hardly diplomatic."
I agree completely with Hillary Clinton's view-point on this matter. Further, I believe her statement is a an attempt to show her own brand of personality, which is sweetly acerbic. It is dark and accurate, also. It goes further, from her campaign's competition to select a theme song, to show who Hillary is as an individual. I believe it is her drive to move from being the stuffy, autocratic, women's "libber" persona that she has been made out to be by certain elements in the media.
She said that they will send Secretary of State Condi Rice to different parts of the world, on occasion. And to drive her point home, even further, she said they send Dick Cheney, which, in her view, is "hardly diplomatic."
I agree completely with Hillary Clinton's view-point on this matter. Further, I believe her statement is a an attempt to show her own brand of personality, which is sweetly acerbic. It is dark and accurate, also. It goes further, from her campaign's competition to select a theme song, to show who Hillary is as an individual. I believe it is her drive to move from being the stuffy, autocratic, women's "libber" persona that she has been made out to be by certain elements in the media.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
G8
What exactly is the G8 Summit? We hear a lot about how people come from all over the world to demonstrate while it is meeting, but very few people know what it is or what its function is.
The Group of Eight (G8) started in the 1970s, as the Group of Six (G6), which was a study group to tackle the big issues facing the countries with the largest economies in the world, like the United States.
As time has gone on, the "Group" has worked its way up to a total of eight participating countries, with the Russian Federation being its newest member.
As with its genesis, the G8 summits are meant to tackle the contemporary major issues facing the economic prosperity of the industrialized world. Many people, hence the protesters, believe the G8 summits leave out important issues, like poverty in Africa.
With the upcoming G8 summit, being held this year in Heiligendamm, Mecklenberg-Vorpommern, Germany, on June 6-8, it is no wonder that we are already hearing about mass demonstrations that have led to many injuries, of both protesters and police.
Perhaps, the Germans should use some of their strong-armed tactics, for which they are infamous, to quell the demonstrations. I am sure such tactics would come with George W. Bush's seal of approval, considering he likes peace-and-quiet.
The Group of Eight (G8) started in the 1970s, as the Group of Six (G6), which was a study group to tackle the big issues facing the countries with the largest economies in the world, like the United States.
As time has gone on, the "Group" has worked its way up to a total of eight participating countries, with the Russian Federation being its newest member.
As with its genesis, the G8 summits are meant to tackle the contemporary major issues facing the economic prosperity of the industrialized world. Many people, hence the protesters, believe the G8 summits leave out important issues, like poverty in Africa.
With the upcoming G8 summit, being held this year in Heiligendamm, Mecklenberg-Vorpommern, Germany, on June 6-8, it is no wonder that we are already hearing about mass demonstrations that have led to many injuries, of both protesters and police.
Perhaps, the Germans should use some of their strong-armed tactics, for which they are infamous, to quell the demonstrations. I am sure such tactics would come with George W. Bush's seal of approval, considering he likes peace-and-quiet.
University of the Cumberlands
After doing an unrelated search on the Internet, I came across a very interesting article, which addresses, in-depth, a piece of the University of the Cumberland's history (neigh, Cumberland College).
Apparently, many, many moons ago, in 2003, Robert Day, a professor in the department of social work, was tried for high treason, and subsequently found guilty, before a court headed by none other than the president of the college, James H. Taylor.
Back in my day, as a student at Cumberland College, I had Mr. Day for sociology. He did not strike me as a "pharisee," as implied by Dr. Taylor, in the transcript. So what's the story behind this mysterious hearing?
It all seems to go back to a website that Mr. Day founded and authored, with fellow colleagues, who have remained anonymous, which criticized the College for staff layoffs resulting from what he termed as "a lack of faculty governance...and a general fear of pressing President Taylor for changes or for clearer explanations of the college's financial situation."
In a stunning display of gross abuse of power (which is not atypical of Cumberland College then or today), Mr. Day was stripped of his professorship and sent packing. Not to mention, he was told by the Williamsburg Police Department, under the orders of President Taylor, to stay off of the College's premises, or face "criminal prosecution."
As the article shows, President Taylor denies the allegation that his initial meeting with Mr. Day was to dismiss him from his position as a professor of social work. Instead, we find Dr. Taylor's subordinates, as usual, doing his dirty work. In this case, they communicated to the department's chair, Dr. James Bailey, that Mr. Day would be dismissed during the hearing. Although, from the transcript of the hearing, it is obvious that while Mr. Day offers the idea of his resignation before being asked for it by the school's president, he had few options afforded him during the meeting.
All of this is typical of Cumberland College's strong-armed tactics of intimidation, which they carried over in their summary dismissal of a homosexual student.
Apparently, many, many moons ago, in 2003, Robert Day, a professor in the department of social work, was tried for high treason, and subsequently found guilty, before a court headed by none other than the president of the college, James H. Taylor.
Back in my day, as a student at Cumberland College, I had Mr. Day for sociology. He did not strike me as a "pharisee," as implied by Dr. Taylor, in the transcript. So what's the story behind this mysterious hearing?
It all seems to go back to a website that Mr. Day founded and authored, with fellow colleagues, who have remained anonymous, which criticized the College for staff layoffs resulting from what he termed as "a lack of faculty governance...and a general fear of pressing President Taylor for changes or for clearer explanations of the college's financial situation."
In a stunning display of gross abuse of power (which is not atypical of Cumberland College then or today), Mr. Day was stripped of his professorship and sent packing. Not to mention, he was told by the Williamsburg Police Department, under the orders of President Taylor, to stay off of the College's premises, or face "criminal prosecution."
As the article shows, President Taylor denies the allegation that his initial meeting with Mr. Day was to dismiss him from his position as a professor of social work. Instead, we find Dr. Taylor's subordinates, as usual, doing his dirty work. In this case, they communicated to the department's chair, Dr. James Bailey, that Mr. Day would be dismissed during the hearing. Although, from the transcript of the hearing, it is obvious that while Mr. Day offers the idea of his resignation before being asked for it by the school's president, he had few options afforded him during the meeting.
All of this is typical of Cumberland College's strong-armed tactics of intimidation, which they carried over in their summary dismissal of a homosexual student.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Fred the Giant Pig, An Obituary
Since last week, I have been hearing scant reporting of a super pig, weighing over 1,000 pounds and being over nine feet in length, loose somewhere in the Alabama wilderness. As the story goes, this beastly animal was gunned down by no less than an infant armed with a pistol and nothing else to do for three hours, as he and his hunting party brutalized the animal.
Today, we hear reports that this pig's name was Fred. Fred lived on a 150-acre farm, where he was allowed to run free. He wasn't some freakish aberration of nature. Like most Americans, he was just big boned. As a result, we learn that he wasn't on some sort of nature preserve, nor was he feral, as the hunters of this megalithic beast would have us believe. It would be like me hunting down an obese dog, on my parents' farm, armed with only my 9mm side-arm (that I just invented in my imagination), and then calling it a veracious wolf, as I pose over its stiff, dead carcass.
Does that make me a hero? Perhaps, in the eyes of someone who has absolutely nothing else to do with their time. Personally, I am tired of hearing about the event. I think it is tragic that it took three hours for the animal to die after being initially attacked by the 11-year-old boy.
Today, we hear reports that this pig's name was Fred. Fred lived on a 150-acre farm, where he was allowed to run free. He wasn't some freakish aberration of nature. Like most Americans, he was just big boned. As a result, we learn that he wasn't on some sort of nature preserve, nor was he feral, as the hunters of this megalithic beast would have us believe. It would be like me hunting down an obese dog, on my parents' farm, armed with only my 9mm side-arm (that I just invented in my imagination), and then calling it a veracious wolf, as I pose over its stiff, dead carcass.
Does that make me a hero? Perhaps, in the eyes of someone who has absolutely nothing else to do with their time. Personally, I am tired of hearing about the event. I think it is tragic that it took three hours for the animal to die after being initially attacked by the 11-year-old boy.
Tolerance is alive and dead in America
Although, my title may be an oxymoron, it is accurate.
Yesterday, I had the misfortune of catching the tail-end of a discussion about the necessity of not accepting certain people, especially homosexuals. Simply, they made them sick, according to their tirade. It is interesting that with a room full of people, someone has to be gay; God knows I am.
We espouse to be a nation of tolerance. Forty years ago, it was quite acceptable to be intolerant of people of African descent. I could force them to sit in the back of the bus, drink from a different water fountain, and God-forbid they use the same restroom as me. Today, I can't say "nigger" in public (not that I really would want to). However, I can say "faggot" and "queer" publicly until my tongue is raw.
I suppose my little eavesdropping the other day is a sign of what is significant today. When people feel as if their values and very lives are at stake from a certain group of people, then you have reached a new zenith of bigotry. They certainly have never felt as if their lives are challenged or their morality is being clouded by having me around. Of course, I don't discuss my personal life with them. Why should I?
One thing I have learned from my years of amateur anthropology is that those humans who work so hard to discredit another group really have lots of problems and secrets in their own lives. They need someone else upon whom they can project their own uncertainties, failures, fears and concerns.
When on a hunt, an animal is emboldened by a group; it's too bad so is stupidity.
Yesterday, I had the misfortune of catching the tail-end of a discussion about the necessity of not accepting certain people, especially homosexuals. Simply, they made them sick, according to their tirade. It is interesting that with a room full of people, someone has to be gay; God knows I am.
We espouse to be a nation of tolerance. Forty years ago, it was quite acceptable to be intolerant of people of African descent. I could force them to sit in the back of the bus, drink from a different water fountain, and God-forbid they use the same restroom as me. Today, I can't say "nigger" in public (not that I really would want to). However, I can say "faggot" and "queer" publicly until my tongue is raw.
I suppose my little eavesdropping the other day is a sign of what is significant today. When people feel as if their values and very lives are at stake from a certain group of people, then you have reached a new zenith of bigotry. They certainly have never felt as if their lives are challenged or their morality is being clouded by having me around. Of course, I don't discuss my personal life with them. Why should I?
One thing I have learned from my years of amateur anthropology is that those humans who work so hard to discredit another group really have lots of problems and secrets in their own lives. They need someone else upon whom they can project their own uncertainties, failures, fears and concerns.
When on a hunt, an animal is emboldened by a group; it's too bad so is stupidity.
Friday, June 01, 2007
The Ludicrous
So, a guy goes to Europe for his very own big fat wedding in Greece. All the while, he is infected with a rare type of tuberculosis.
Now, the tragedy is he may, or may not, have been warned not to travel. He says it was simply recommended, not enforced. I dare say I have to agree with the man's assessment. If it was a communicable disease that could become a pandemic, then he should have been hospitalized in an isolated ward, not sent home and told not to expose people.
The media is really torn up about the possibility of hundreds of people potentially being exposed to this mutated form of TB, which is apparently resistant to conventional forms of treatment, right?
Wrong!
The media is more concerned with whether or not the man's wedding is legal. Some news reporter has went off the beaten path and drummed up suspicion that the wedding was not a legal civil ceremony. They even have some Greek mayor saying as much. This is what the media outlets are covering. It's not the mutant, scary TB virus that is lingering inside of innocent people's lungs. It's more important that we get to the bottom of this whole marriage scandal.
Andrew Speaker and Sarah Cooksey, by God, if you are going to place an announcement in a Fulton County, Georgia, newspaper telling everyone about your European wedding, then you better make sure it is legitimate and you're not just pulling our collective chain with some make-shift, home-made garbage of a sham wedding!
Geesh!
I could care less if I sat by you on the plane ride to or from Greece. That is simply immaterial. An adaptive, therapy-resistant, lung destroying strand of tuberculosis is secondary to my concerns for the legality of your wedding!
Let's get real people. Keep your eye on the ball! It's left the court already.
Now, the tragedy is he may, or may not, have been warned not to travel. He says it was simply recommended, not enforced. I dare say I have to agree with the man's assessment. If it was a communicable disease that could become a pandemic, then he should have been hospitalized in an isolated ward, not sent home and told not to expose people.
The media is really torn up about the possibility of hundreds of people potentially being exposed to this mutated form of TB, which is apparently resistant to conventional forms of treatment, right?
Wrong!
The media is more concerned with whether or not the man's wedding is legal. Some news reporter has went off the beaten path and drummed up suspicion that the wedding was not a legal civil ceremony. They even have some Greek mayor saying as much. This is what the media outlets are covering. It's not the mutant, scary TB virus that is lingering inside of innocent people's lungs. It's more important that we get to the bottom of this whole marriage scandal.
Andrew Speaker and Sarah Cooksey, by God, if you are going to place an announcement in a Fulton County, Georgia, newspaper telling everyone about your European wedding, then you better make sure it is legitimate and you're not just pulling our collective chain with some make-shift, home-made garbage of a sham wedding!
Geesh!
I could care less if I sat by you on the plane ride to or from Greece. That is simply immaterial. An adaptive, therapy-resistant, lung destroying strand of tuberculosis is secondary to my concerns for the legality of your wedding!
Let's get real people. Keep your eye on the ball! It's left the court already.
US Embassy in Iraq
Is it right that the United States would build an embassy that costs $600 million in Iraq? I think they could have used one of Saddam's old palaces as an embassy. It would have done very well, and most of all, it's free!
$98 Million Diamond-Encrusted Skull
An artist created a platinum skull, which is encrusted with 8,601 diamonds. The skull is cast from an actual 200+ year old man's skull. The weirdest part (beyond putting millions-of-dollars of diamonds on a platinum skull) is it contains real human teeth.
Bizarre, for sure!
Bizarre, for sure!
Paris Hilton Gets Ready for Jail
Even though, the world is full of more than just Paris Hilton, it seems that is the most it can come up with during these days leading up to her final hurrah before incarceration on June 5 at 11:59pm.
During the hours before her sentence commences, we learn that she will probably serve less than 23 days of her 45 day sentence, considering credit for good behavior. She will also lose all of the security of her station in life. She will be required to tow the same line that common criminals must follow. She will surrender all of her personal effects upon entering the jail. In addition, she will be required to stay in her cell for at least 23 hours per day, with only hour long periods to shower and walk the yard, where she can troll for fresh meat.
I just hope she remembers to show up before the court ordered deadline. I guess someone could have told her that simply because she has been sentenced to jail, she doesn't have to show up.
During the hours before her sentence commences, we learn that she will probably serve less than 23 days of her 45 day sentence, considering credit for good behavior. She will also lose all of the security of her station in life. She will be required to tow the same line that common criminals must follow. She will surrender all of her personal effects upon entering the jail. In addition, she will be required to stay in her cell for at least 23 hours per day, with only hour long periods to shower and walk the yard, where she can troll for fresh meat.
I just hope she remembers to show up before the court ordered deadline. I guess someone could have told her that simply because she has been sentenced to jail, she doesn't have to show up.
Berger Devine Yaeger Inc.
The architectural firm of Berger Devine Yaeger Inc. (which also sounds like a law firm I once used) is charged with violating State Department protocol, relating to the construction of the United States' embassy in Baghdad.
Berger Devine Yaeger, which is charged with the production of the monolithic structure, provided schematics on its website about sensitive areas of the embassy's construction. The State Department contacted the architect firm, which subsequently removed the blueprints from its webpage.
Can you believe their carelessness? I mean, if those terrorists realize the United States is building an embassy inside the fabled "Green Zone," then they might start randomly firing mortars into the area!
Berger Devine Yaeger, which is charged with the production of the monolithic structure, provided schematics on its website about sensitive areas of the embassy's construction. The State Department contacted the architect firm, which subsequently removed the blueprints from its webpage.
Can you believe their carelessness? I mean, if those terrorists realize the United States is building an embassy inside the fabled "Green Zone," then they might start randomly firing mortars into the area!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
House Passes War Spending Bill
Just moments ago, the United States House of Representatives passed a war funding bill, in the tune of $120 billion. It includes benchmarks for Iraq's political progress, which is something the Bush administration has touted as an alternative to setting a withdrawal date of American forces from Iraq.
What's the kicker?
I'm glad you asked...
The House also included an increase of the federal minimum wage with the war spending appropriations bill! So, now will the US Senate adopt a similar measure and see if Bush vetoes, or accepts the provisions? Only time will tell us.
What's the kicker?
I'm glad you asked...
The House also included an increase of the federal minimum wage with the war spending appropriations bill! So, now will the US Senate adopt a similar measure and see if Bush vetoes, or accepts the provisions? Only time will tell us.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Kentucky Election Results (Part 2)
With almost all of the Democratic primary votes counted, it is apparent that former lieutenant governor, Steve Beshear, has won with about 41% of the vote. Beshear needed at least 40% to avoid a party run-off election with fellow Democrat Bruce Lunsford, who has already conceded to Beshear.
On the Republican side, Governor Ernie Fletcher was able to capture about 50% of the Republican vote, which secures his place on the ballot for the General Election in November. He will go up against Steve Beshear, in the final battle for the Governor's Mansion.
I believe it is quite obvious--sans a scandal--Beshear is going to win the election in November; thereby, making him Kentucky's next governor in December.
On the Republican side, Governor Ernie Fletcher was able to capture about 50% of the Republican vote, which secures his place on the ballot for the General Election in November. He will go up against Steve Beshear, in the final battle for the Governor's Mansion.
I believe it is quite obvious--sans a scandal--Beshear is going to win the election in November; thereby, making him Kentucky's next governor in December.
Kentucky Election Results (Part 1)
With 28.4% of the state's precincts counted, it appears that Ernie Fletcher and Anne Northup are tightening up the Republican side of the governor's ticket. On the Democratic side, however, Steve Beshear is holding a 20 point lead over Dr. Steve Henry, who has continued to hold Bruce Lunsford at bay (in third place).
I know, I know...it is a bit premature, but it is something to contemplate.
I know, I know...it is a bit premature, but it is something to contemplate.
Governor of Kentucky: Who will Win?
As the primaries across the state come to a close, which gubernatorial candidates will come out on top as the contenders for November's General Election?
Many of the statewide polls, conducted by the state's largest newspapers, like the Lexington Herald Leader and the Louisville Courier-Journal, show the Democratic primary may end in a run-off election, between Steve Beshear and Bruce Lunsford, which will occur at the end of June. The same polls show that the current, scandal-ridden governor, Ernie Fletcher, should win his party's primary handily over his fellow Republicans, Anne Northup and Billy Harper.
Even though, I did not vote for Steve Beshear to be Democratic Party's candidate, I will support him for the governorship in November, because anyone is better than Ernie Fletcher; considering his botched up four years in office, and his promises to reform Frankfort from the bonds of corruption and, in general, the "Good Old Boy" system, it might be a while before another Republican candidate sees the inside of the Governor's Mansion, as our state's governor.
With less than one hour until the polls close in eastern and central Kentucky, it is anyone's game, I believe.
Many of the statewide polls, conducted by the state's largest newspapers, like the Lexington Herald Leader and the Louisville Courier-Journal, show the Democratic primary may end in a run-off election, between Steve Beshear and Bruce Lunsford, which will occur at the end of June. The same polls show that the current, scandal-ridden governor, Ernie Fletcher, should win his party's primary handily over his fellow Republicans, Anne Northup and Billy Harper.
Even though, I did not vote for Steve Beshear to be Democratic Party's candidate, I will support him for the governorship in November, because anyone is better than Ernie Fletcher; considering his botched up four years in office, and his promises to reform Frankfort from the bonds of corruption and, in general, the "Good Old Boy" system, it might be a while before another Republican candidate sees the inside of the Governor's Mansion, as our state's governor.
With less than one hour until the polls close in eastern and central Kentucky, it is anyone's game, I believe.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Lunsford-Fletcher for Change
Since yesterday, I have received two cryptic messages from the group called, Lunsford-Fletcher for Change.
In these e-mails, I received links to YouTube, which shows various videos detailing Bruce Lunsford's past record. The first link was to a video showing current Governor Ernie Fletcher (R), who was the Republican candidate for governor in 2003, accepting Lunsford's endorsement of his campaign. It is important to note that Bruce Lunsford was forced out of the 2003 Democratic primary because of poor publicity relating to Lunsford's administration of state nursing homes, and other business problems.
Last night, the second e-mail arrived with the subject heading of, "A Message from your Chairman." It is not quite clear on who the "Chairman" is; however, it links to YouTube, where it shows a video, also from the 2003 Kentucky Gubernatorial Primary, of a lady speaking about the alleged abuse suffered by her mother, while in a nursing home administered by Bruce Lunsford's corporation.
As I stated earlier, it is unclear who has sent these e-mails. From the e-mails, though, I have been able to discover that it was sent from Sent.com (IP 216.215.203.67). The IP address is registered to: Nuvox Communications, Greenville, SC 29601. It also contained tags to the New York Internet Company (IP 66.111.4.25).
It is certain, however, they are from someone who is not a Bruce Lunsford supporter! So, I have to support their message, as well. According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, Jerry Lundergan, has asked authorities to investigate the e-mails, since they appear to have been sent from the Party's chairman. Of course, the Party's chairman has disavowed any knowledge of these e-mails, including their origins.
It will be interesting to find out who exactly is behind them!
In these e-mails, I received links to YouTube, which shows various videos detailing Bruce Lunsford's past record. The first link was to a video showing current Governor Ernie Fletcher (R), who was the Republican candidate for governor in 2003, accepting Lunsford's endorsement of his campaign. It is important to note that Bruce Lunsford was forced out of the 2003 Democratic primary because of poor publicity relating to Lunsford's administration of state nursing homes, and other business problems.
Last night, the second e-mail arrived with the subject heading of, "A Message from your Chairman." It is not quite clear on who the "Chairman" is; however, it links to YouTube, where it shows a video, also from the 2003 Kentucky Gubernatorial Primary, of a lady speaking about the alleged abuse suffered by her mother, while in a nursing home administered by Bruce Lunsford's corporation.
As I stated earlier, it is unclear who has sent these e-mails. From the e-mails, though, I have been able to discover that it was sent from Sent.com (IP 216.215.203.67). The IP address is registered to: Nuvox Communications, Greenville, SC 29601. It also contained tags to the New York Internet Company (IP 66.111.4.25).
It is certain, however, they are from someone who is not a Bruce Lunsford supporter! So, I have to support their message, as well. According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, Jerry Lundergan, has asked authorities to investigate the e-mails, since they appear to have been sent from the Party's chairman. Of course, the Party's chairman has disavowed any knowledge of these e-mails, including their origins.
It will be interesting to find out who exactly is behind them!
Steve Beshear & Wallace Wilkinson
Tomorrow, will Democrats vote to elect another Wallace G. Wilkinson as governor?
Steve Beshear, like former Governor Wilkinson, who pushed for the lottery as a major source of revenue for education, which ultimately failed to live up to its promise, is campaigning on a very bold promise: to fund universal healthcare, for all Kentuckians, by legalizing gaming/gambling in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
By all accounts, such a move could not be fully implemented for almost three years. What will become of our state's problems during those four years? It is certain that many problems, which include Kentucky's retroactive, failing education system will only further slip into disarray without new, immediate revenues.
Many people in Kentucky have been blindsided by this simple fact. When Steve Beshear was lieutenant governor, during the Martha Layne Collins administration (1983-1987), he saw first-hand how important it is to find new, sustainable revenues for our state. Governor Collins campaigned heavily for the location of Toyota to Georgetown. This success is still providing millions of dollars in taxable revenues to the state today. In the final assessment, we need more ventures, like Toyota, in Kentucky.
It is unfair to sell your campaign on the promise of implementing universal healthcare, when it will take at least three years to realize the revenues necessary to fund it, if ever at all. It would be more realistic to campaign on legalizing gaming, yes, but at the same time working to provide a structure to adequately fund education and slowly phase in universal healthcare, over a period of five to six years.
I am greatly impressed, though, by Dr. Stephen Henry's campaign of moving Kentucky from being one of the country's top producers of coal (which will surely continue) to moving other stagnant parts of the state toward being one of the nation's leaders in implementing programs of producing renewable fuel sources, which will be a brand new revenue for the state, not to mention providing new jobs.
Steve Beshear, like former Governor Wilkinson, who pushed for the lottery as a major source of revenue for education, which ultimately failed to live up to its promise, is campaigning on a very bold promise: to fund universal healthcare, for all Kentuckians, by legalizing gaming/gambling in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
By all accounts, such a move could not be fully implemented for almost three years. What will become of our state's problems during those four years? It is certain that many problems, which include Kentucky's retroactive, failing education system will only further slip into disarray without new, immediate revenues.
Many people in Kentucky have been blindsided by this simple fact. When Steve Beshear was lieutenant governor, during the Martha Layne Collins administration (1983-1987), he saw first-hand how important it is to find new, sustainable revenues for our state. Governor Collins campaigned heavily for the location of Toyota to Georgetown. This success is still providing millions of dollars in taxable revenues to the state today. In the final assessment, we need more ventures, like Toyota, in Kentucky.
It is unfair to sell your campaign on the promise of implementing universal healthcare, when it will take at least three years to realize the revenues necessary to fund it, if ever at all. It would be more realistic to campaign on legalizing gaming, yes, but at the same time working to provide a structure to adequately fund education and slowly phase in universal healthcare, over a period of five to six years.
I am greatly impressed, though, by Dr. Stephen Henry's campaign of moving Kentucky from being one of the country's top producers of coal (which will surely continue) to moving other stagnant parts of the state toward being one of the nation's leaders in implementing programs of producing renewable fuel sources, which will be a brand new revenue for the state, not to mention providing new jobs.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Bruce Lunsford Endorsed Ernie Fletcher
In 2003, current Democratic candidate for governor, Bruce Lunsford, endorsed the Republican candidate for governor, Ernie Fletcher, who subsequently went on to win the governorship.
After four failed years of a Fletcher administration, Bruce Lunsford--as a Democrat, no less--is at it again. With Attorney General Greg Stumbo in tow, Lunsford is hoping to capture what was so elusive earlier: to be governor of Kentucky.
Even though Bruce Lunsford is doing better this time around, he is not going to do well enough to win the Democratic Party's primary this Tuesday.
In essence, why would Kentucky Democrats want to elect a candidate who endorsed Republican Ernie Fletcher only four years ago? It's the height of arrogance!
After four failed years of a Fletcher administration, Bruce Lunsford--as a Democrat, no less--is at it again. With Attorney General Greg Stumbo in tow, Lunsford is hoping to capture what was so elusive earlier: to be governor of Kentucky.
Even though Bruce Lunsford is doing better this time around, he is not going to do well enough to win the Democratic Party's primary this Tuesday.
In essence, why would Kentucky Democrats want to elect a candidate who endorsed Republican Ernie Fletcher only four years ago? It's the height of arrogance!
Bush is Irrelevant
The White House made the comment that former President Jimmy "Carter is irrelevant," because of his statement to an Arkansas newspaper that berated Bush as having the worst "administration in history."
Of course, I agree.
We realize anyone that questions the Bush Administration is quickly declared a coward and traitor, but it is important to note that being a patriot is about speaking out against the evils and injustices of your country's leadership.
Now, who is irrelevant?
Of course, I agree.
We realize anyone that questions the Bush Administration is quickly declared a coward and traitor, but it is important to note that being a patriot is about speaking out against the evils and injustices of your country's leadership.
Now, who is irrelevant?
Kentucky Gubernatorial Election on Tuesday
On Tuesday, May 22, the voters of Kentucky will go to the polls to elect their party's nominee for governor in November.
The Republicans are bemoaned by the current governor, Ernie Fletcher, who is running for re-election. After years of scandal and failed state policies, Fletcher's campaign is going all the way up-hill, because of his unsuccessful tenure. Other Republicans, like Billy Harper and Anne Northup, are running expensive campaigns to win the top Republican spot.
Either way, state newspapers are not focusing their collective attention on the Republican race, but rather the Democratic one.
Democrats have a crowded field of six candidates for governor. These range from the absurd, like Otis "Bullman" Hensley, to the well-financed candidates, such as Bruce Lunsford.
Many political pundits agree that the Democratic race will end up in a runoff election between the two top contenders, because no single candidate can garner the 40% of votes this Tuesday.
A new Bluegrass Poll shows former Democratic lieutenant governor, Steve Beshear, who served under Governor Martha Layne Collins, from 1983-1987, as leading the pack of his party's hopefuls. It is likely that if Beshear wins, he will go on to face Fletcher (who now leads the field of Republicans, according to the same poll) in November's general election.
The Republicans are bemoaned by the current governor, Ernie Fletcher, who is running for re-election. After years of scandal and failed state policies, Fletcher's campaign is going all the way up-hill, because of his unsuccessful tenure. Other Republicans, like Billy Harper and Anne Northup, are running expensive campaigns to win the top Republican spot.
Either way, state newspapers are not focusing their collective attention on the Republican race, but rather the Democratic one.
Democrats have a crowded field of six candidates for governor. These range from the absurd, like Otis "Bullman" Hensley, to the well-financed candidates, such as Bruce Lunsford.
Many political pundits agree that the Democratic race will end up in a runoff election between the two top contenders, because no single candidate can garner the 40% of votes this Tuesday.
A new Bluegrass Poll shows former Democratic lieutenant governor, Steve Beshear, who served under Governor Martha Layne Collins, from 1983-1987, as leading the pack of his party's hopefuls. It is likely that if Beshear wins, he will go on to face Fletcher (who now leads the field of Republicans, according to the same poll) in November's general election.
Lebanon, Palestine, Insurgents
Lebanese forces began attacking an insurgent's camp near the Lebanese city of Tripoli. The insurgents have suspected ties to al Qaeda. Many people in the area were supportive of the government's attempts at rooting out the foreign insurgency in their country.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Republican Debate: South Carolina
Who won the debate from this past week? According to a CNN commentary, it was former New York City mayor, Rudy Giuliani.
Why?
It seems when a fellow Republican, Representative Ron Paul (TX), declared that the United States may be partially responsible for the attacks on 9/11, considering the country's intrusive policies geared toward the Middle East, to wit: Iraq, Giuliani declared war against this idea. (This was the only time I saw Giuliani open his mouth. Admittedly, however, I did not watch the entire debate. [The hypocrisy was much too malignant for my good taste.])
I agree with Representative Paul--in part--simply by looking at current foreign Bush dogma, the United States does engage heavily in rooting around in other people's business. Did this, however, indirectly contribute to the Towers falling on September 11? It is hard to say, to say the least.
In the final analysis does it matter which Republican won the debate? Certainly not. It is quite firmly planted that a Democratic candidate is going to win in 2008; America will settle for nothing less!
(By the way, who were the rest of those Republican groupies running for president???)
Why?
It seems when a fellow Republican, Representative Ron Paul (TX), declared that the United States may be partially responsible for the attacks on 9/11, considering the country's intrusive policies geared toward the Middle East, to wit: Iraq, Giuliani declared war against this idea. (This was the only time I saw Giuliani open his mouth. Admittedly, however, I did not watch the entire debate. [The hypocrisy was much too malignant for my good taste.])
I agree with Representative Paul--in part--simply by looking at current foreign Bush dogma, the United States does engage heavily in rooting around in other people's business. Did this, however, indirectly contribute to the Towers falling on September 11? It is hard to say, to say the least.
In the final analysis does it matter which Republican won the debate? Certainly not. It is quite firmly planted that a Democratic candidate is going to win in 2008; America will settle for nothing less!
(By the way, who were the rest of those Republican groupies running for president???)
Democracy & Justice
An honor killing, in northern Iraq, pitted a seventeen year old girl against an angry mob, who alleged she had shamed her family. The kicker: the police looked on as the incident unfolded and ultimately reached its deadly climax with the girl's death.
Is the price of Iraqi justice too high for Western democracy?
George W. Bush touts, on a regular basis, the virtues of our democracy, and how it has liberated the people of Iraq from tyranny. But how does this distorted vision of democracy compare to the realities in Iraq?
The people of Iraq have done little, if anything, beyond electing a puppet regime to prove they are committed to democracy. Democracy is more than electing your government; it also instills the virtues of due process for criminals and the right of the victim--dead or alive--to see their accused brought before an impartial court of justice.
I find it ironic that while Bush is so-called democratizing Iraq, a poor a girl is denied any inkling of trial for a crime that shamed her family.
How seemingly backward and anti-democratic is that?
Is the price of Iraqi justice too high for Western democracy?
George W. Bush touts, on a regular basis, the virtues of our democracy, and how it has liberated the people of Iraq from tyranny. But how does this distorted vision of democracy compare to the realities in Iraq?
The people of Iraq have done little, if anything, beyond electing a puppet regime to prove they are committed to democracy. Democracy is more than electing your government; it also instills the virtues of due process for criminals and the right of the victim--dead or alive--to see their accused brought before an impartial court of justice.
I find it ironic that while Bush is so-called democratizing Iraq, a poor a girl is denied any inkling of trial for a crime that shamed her family.
How seemingly backward and anti-democratic is that?
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Zimbabwe Heads Key U.N. body
The African nation of Zimbabwe won support to chair a key United Nations organization, the Commission on Sustainable Development. The United States and European Union objected to the troubled African nations appointment, of course.
I think it is important to give nations, like Zimbabwe, powerful positions. It may work to root out the backroom elements of their culture.
I think it is important to give nations, like Zimbabwe, powerful positions. It may work to root out the backroom elements of their culture.
Divorce rates falls in the US
A recent study shows the divorce rate in the United States is lower than it has been since 1970. What does this mean? Simply, it shows that the amount of people who are married are in more stable relationships, and they work out their problems, rather than simply divorcing.
The study also shows that more affluent people who marry (higher paying jobs and higher levels of education) are more likely to make their marriage work.
My assessment is more people today simply do not get married. Instead, they choose to co-habitat, or "shack-up." In the end, isn't that the most sane thing to do?
The study also shows that more affluent people who marry (higher paying jobs and higher levels of education) are more likely to make their marriage work.
My assessment is more people today simply do not get married. Instead, they choose to co-habitat, or "shack-up." In the end, isn't that the most sane thing to do?
UK scraps Blair
At the end of June, British Prime Minister Tony Blair will step down as the leader of the Labour Party, and effectively as prime minister.
What does this mean for the people of Great Britain?
Like many people in the United States, they are outraged at the war in Iraq, even though their part is much smaller than the United States' position, it is still key. The main concern is will the British withdraw their troops from Iraq. I suppose it depends on whether the Labour Party can maintain its superior position in Parliament. Certainly, there are many elements in the government that would bring the British troops home.
What does this mean for the people of Great Britain?
Like many people in the United States, they are outraged at the war in Iraq, even though their part is much smaller than the United States' position, it is still key. The main concern is will the British withdraw their troops from Iraq. I suppose it depends on whether the Labour Party can maintain its superior position in Parliament. Certainly, there are many elements in the government that would bring the British troops home.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Nicolas Sarkozy: France's Bush?
Today, France elected Nicolas Sarkozy, a conservative, over liberal candidate, Segolene Royal, as its president.
Sarkozy has already boasted his friendship for the United States, which can be either positive or negative. He is also considered to have a heavy hand when it comes to national policies. Many expect that he will "strong-arm" and micro-manage the government of France for the next five years.
It is my sincere hope that the people of France did not elect their own version of George W. Bush. Of course, his ideas may sound progressive and nationalistic, but they will soon pander to the select few who are responsible for helping to get him elected today, like Bush did. Why not? That's what conservatives do!
Sarkozy has already boasted his friendship for the United States, which can be either positive or negative. He is also considered to have a heavy hand when it comes to national policies. Many expect that he will "strong-arm" and micro-manage the government of France for the next five years.
It is my sincere hope that the people of France did not elect their own version of George W. Bush. Of course, his ideas may sound progressive and nationalistic, but they will soon pander to the select few who are responsible for helping to get him elected today, like Bush did. Why not? That's what conservatives do!
Sarkozy Succeeds Chirac as President of France
Nicolas Sarkozy wins 53% of the French electorate to become the next president of France. He will take over after twelve years of Jacques Chirac's tenure as president.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Bitterness of Existence
"Bliss...a merry flag on the arctic wilderness of my calendar."
"People...think they know what it is like to be lonely. The drip, drip of long-haul, no-end-in-sight solitude. They know nothing. What it's like to construct an entire weekend around a visit to the launderette, or to be so chronically untouched that the accidental brush of a bus conductor's hand sends a jolt of longing straight to your groin."
-from, Notes on a Scandal, starring Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett
"People...think they know what it is like to be lonely. The drip, drip of long-haul, no-end-in-sight solitude. They know nothing. What it's like to construct an entire weekend around a visit to the launderette, or to be so chronically untouched that the accidental brush of a bus conductor's hand sends a jolt of longing straight to your groin."
-from, Notes on a Scandal, starring Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett
Queen Elizabeth II Arrives for the Kentucky Derby
The Governor and the Queen
Getting Queen Elizabeth to the gazebo on the infield side of the track where Gov. Enrie Fletcher watches the Derby was too much of a security risk. Speaking to reporters outside the 6th flood media center, Fletcher said he invited the queen to watch the Derby with him and First Lady Glenna Fletcher, but Her [Majesty] declined. He said he would get to meet her, however, before the big race.
The Queen Arrives at the Downs
The motorcade for Queen Elizabeth II arrived at Churchill Downs shortly before 3:30 p.m., after she flew into the Louisville International Airport.The Queen is expected to make a short stay at the track, and possibly a brief public appearance, before leaving the same way she came. Her entourage came in past Gate 17, and entered through a non-public entrance.
(All vignettes are courtesy of the Louisville Courier-Journal)
Getting Queen Elizabeth to the gazebo on the infield side of the track where Gov. Enrie Fletcher watches the Derby was too much of a security risk. Speaking to reporters outside the 6th flood media center, Fletcher said he invited the queen to watch the Derby with him and First Lady Glenna Fletcher, but Her [Majesty] declined. He said he would get to meet her, however, before the big race.
The Queen Arrives at the Downs
The motorcade for Queen Elizabeth II arrived at Churchill Downs shortly before 3:30 p.m., after she flew into the Louisville International Airport.The Queen is expected to make a short stay at the track, and possibly a brief public appearance, before leaving the same way she came. Her entourage came in past Gate 17, and entered through a non-public entrance.
(All vignettes are courtesy of the Louisville Courier-Journal)
Paris Hilton Raped in Jail, Congress Pushes for Prison Overhaul
With yesterday's revelation for Paris Hilton, who thought it was okay to drive on a suspended license, we will surely be getting some revision of the penal code in California. Perhaps, it will go something along the lines of, "Yes, it is okay to drive on a suspended license and disregard a court order to attend alcohol counseling, if your trust fund exceeds $100 million."
I think it is proactive that the court was willing to stand up to Hilton and her hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars. Honestly, I believed she would receive probation or house arrest, in lieu of actual jail time. It says to everyone else that the law applies equally to all socioeconomic strata.
Of course, we haven't seen her report to prison yet, which is slated to occur until next month. She might believe she didn't actually have to attend the jail sentence. I am sure, also, her lawyers are working overtime to find a loophole, or even better a court of appeal that will be more understanding and forgiving of her transgressions.
I think it is proactive that the court was willing to stand up to Hilton and her hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars. Honestly, I believed she would receive probation or house arrest, in lieu of actual jail time. It says to everyone else that the law applies equally to all socioeconomic strata.
Of course, we haven't seen her report to prison yet, which is slated to occur until next month. She might believe she didn't actually have to attend the jail sentence. I am sure, also, her lawyers are working overtime to find a loophole, or even better a court of appeal that will be more understanding and forgiving of her transgressions.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Queen's Portrait Outrage; Frankly, I wasn't appalled
"Critics not amused by queen photo." When I first read this story's title I was half expecting to see Queen Elizabeth II topless and smoking a hand-rolled Dominican cigar. Instead, you find a regal, yet seemingly demur, photo of the queen staring off into the distance. Perhaps, there is a meaning, after all.
Beyond the balcony, you can see a cruel and tumultuous sky. The story to me is simple. The Queen has outlived her usefulness, but we can respect her position. The world around her is dark and removed. Definitely, the world has changed dramatically since 1952, when she first became monarch.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
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.
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...
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...
Sunday, April 22, 2007
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
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.
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.
(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.
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.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, April 20, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
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"
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"
Saturday, April 14, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, April 13, 2007
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.
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."
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!
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Donate to Hillary Rodham Clinton
Make a contribution to the exploratory presidential committee of Hillary Rodham Clinton, by clicking here.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
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.
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???
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???
Thursday, April 05, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
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!
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.
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.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
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!
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!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
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!
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!
Friday, February 02, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
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.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
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.
I am delighted to watch as her campaign continues to unfold. She will certainly be formidable.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
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...
http://www.hillaryclinton.com
As always...
Hillary2008
Sunday, January 14, 2007
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 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.
I guess Bush is really alone. How sad for him.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
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."
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.
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.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
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.
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
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
Sunday, December 31, 2006
3,000th Soldier Dies
Today, we saw the 3,000th soldier die in Bush's war in terrorism. How many more will have to die before it is ended?
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Saddam joins an elite club of deposed despots
Last night, Saddam Hussein was hanged for crimes he committed in Iraq over 25 years ago. The sentence was quick and brutal. Saddam was marched to face the executioner much like deposed Romanian leader, Nicolae Ceausescu.
There are striking parallels between the fate of these men. They were arrested and tried before make-believe courts. Although, Ceausescu's fate was more intense, considering he was shot to death minutes after his death sentence was delivered. Both Saddam and Ceausescu were victims of a turbulent time soon after stark political change in their country. They were symbols of the past. Skeletons that no one could bear to look at anymore. They were kept on the wayside until it became convenient to push them completely aside. Basically, they were the last links to authentic authority, which jeopardized the rule of those in power for the day.
What does this say about these countries? It sends a very simple message. The fate of a former leader is best left to history. It is not the place of other maniacs to deliver their version of justice. Instead of justice being rendered, these leaders were punished in a vengeful, hateful way. There was so much made of Saddam getting his "red card." It was almost like a celebration of sorts. By giving Saddam his red card (a card which was given to people in Saddam's Iraq which told the person he was about to be executed), the current leaders of Iraq are the same as Saddam. They are unable to think outside the scope of vengeance and petty self-image.
Like Ceausescu, and his wife, we see Saddam approaching death in a defiant manner. Instead of being complacent, he spoke to those in the room by setting their views and version of history correct--from his point-of-view. Perhaps, he was not wrong in believing he was still the president of Iraq. He was, after all, deposed through a violent coup d'etat. We know the execution of Saddam was not truly civilized and objective. After he was executed, the executioner dances around the body like it is Mardi Gras.
Perhaps, the greatest lesson of dealing with a deposed despot came almost two hundred years ago. After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, as emperor of France, the English did not execute him. They sent him off to exile. He lived his final days on a small island, St. Helena, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He was not a martyr. He was not a point of order for the opposing side. Napoleon was simply a man who made a bad choice.
Napoleon was shown civility for his station in life. He may no longer have been the commander of the French army. He may no longer have been the sovereign of the French Empire, but he was given due respect for his past by those who defeated him. The English may not have agreed with his means, but they understood a person, who is a leader, cannot be executed for his deeds. The seat of power creates a vacuum that we cannot possibly appreciate.
Sure, what Saddam did was despicable by Western standards, but he wasn't dealing with Western sensibilities. As we can see from today's Iraq, the only thing insurgents and radical Islamists understand is violence and unspeakable cruelty. That is what Saddam gave them and that is why he ruled without daily violence in the streets and public dissent.
The bottom line: Saddam's death serves no purpose. It only served to feed the insatiable appetite of cruelty of those who opposed him. The cycle of death is renewed.
There are striking parallels between the fate of these men. They were arrested and tried before make-believe courts. Although, Ceausescu's fate was more intense, considering he was shot to death minutes after his death sentence was delivered. Both Saddam and Ceausescu were victims of a turbulent time soon after stark political change in their country. They were symbols of the past. Skeletons that no one could bear to look at anymore. They were kept on the wayside until it became convenient to push them completely aside. Basically, they were the last links to authentic authority, which jeopardized the rule of those in power for the day.
What does this say about these countries? It sends a very simple message. The fate of a former leader is best left to history. It is not the place of other maniacs to deliver their version of justice. Instead of justice being rendered, these leaders were punished in a vengeful, hateful way. There was so much made of Saddam getting his "red card." It was almost like a celebration of sorts. By giving Saddam his red card (a card which was given to people in Saddam's Iraq which told the person he was about to be executed), the current leaders of Iraq are the same as Saddam. They are unable to think outside the scope of vengeance and petty self-image.
Like Ceausescu, and his wife, we see Saddam approaching death in a defiant manner. Instead of being complacent, he spoke to those in the room by setting their views and version of history correct--from his point-of-view. Perhaps, he was not wrong in believing he was still the president of Iraq. He was, after all, deposed through a violent coup d'etat. We know the execution of Saddam was not truly civilized and objective. After he was executed, the executioner dances around the body like it is Mardi Gras.
Perhaps, the greatest lesson of dealing with a deposed despot came almost two hundred years ago. After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, as emperor of France, the English did not execute him. They sent him off to exile. He lived his final days on a small island, St. Helena, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He was not a martyr. He was not a point of order for the opposing side. Napoleon was simply a man who made a bad choice.
Napoleon was shown civility for his station in life. He may no longer have been the commander of the French army. He may no longer have been the sovereign of the French Empire, but he was given due respect for his past by those who defeated him. The English may not have agreed with his means, but they understood a person, who is a leader, cannot be executed for his deeds. The seat of power creates a vacuum that we cannot possibly appreciate.
Sure, what Saddam did was despicable by Western standards, but he wasn't dealing with Western sensibilities. As we can see from today's Iraq, the only thing insurgents and radical Islamists understand is violence and unspeakable cruelty. That is what Saddam gave them and that is why he ruled without daily violence in the streets and public dissent.
The bottom line: Saddam's death serves no purpose. It only served to feed the insatiable appetite of cruelty of those who opposed him. The cycle of death is renewed.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Dodge Nitro
I bought a new vehicle today. My first one since 2001! How sad, I know. I went to some of the dealers and found the one I like. It is a Dodge Nitro. I saw it and immediately fell in love with it. It is an SUV, and it is very "handsome." What I am trying to say is that it looks very modern and not something a seventy year old would be interested in purchasing.
Saddam Execution
When will it happen? I have a feeling it has already come and pass. They say he is still in custody of the US military, but I say that he hasn't been there in a while. Of course, they will lie about it and say they have no knowledge, but I'm sure it has come and gone. They already told his lawyers to come pick up this personal belongings! You usually reserve that until the person they belong to no longer needs them!
Common sense!
Common sense!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
John Donne
(Published as written by John Donne)
No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of they friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.
No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of they friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.
President Ford's Legacy
By the President of the United States of America a Proclamation
Richard Nixon became the thirty-seventh President of the United States on January 20, 1969 and was reelected in 1972 for a second term by the electors of forty-nine of the fifty states. His term in office continued until his resignation on August 9, 1974.
Pursuant to resolutions of the House of Representatives, its Committee on the Judiciary conducted an inquiry and investigation on the impeachment of the President extending over more than eight months. The hearings of the Committee and its deliberations, which received wide national publicity over television, radio, and in printed media, resulted in votes adverse to Richard Nixon on recommended Articles of Impeachment.
As a result of certain acts or omissions occurring before his resignation from the Office of President, Richard Nixon has become liable to possible indictment and trial for offenses against the United States. Whether or not he shall be so prosecuted depends on findings of the appropriate grand jury and on the discretion of the authorized prosecutor. Should an indictment ensue, the accused shall then be entitled to a fair trial by an impartial jury, as guaranteed to every individual by the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial of Richard Nixon, if it became necessary, could not fairly begin until a year or more has elapsed. In the meantime, the tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks could be irreparably lost by the prospects of bringing to trial a former President of the United States. The prospects of such trial will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office of the United States.
Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-ninth.
/s/GERALD R. FORD
Richard Nixon became the thirty-seventh President of the United States on January 20, 1969 and was reelected in 1972 for a second term by the electors of forty-nine of the fifty states. His term in office continued until his resignation on August 9, 1974.
Pursuant to resolutions of the House of Representatives, its Committee on the Judiciary conducted an inquiry and investigation on the impeachment of the President extending over more than eight months. The hearings of the Committee and its deliberations, which received wide national publicity over television, radio, and in printed media, resulted in votes adverse to Richard Nixon on recommended Articles of Impeachment.
As a result of certain acts or omissions occurring before his resignation from the Office of President, Richard Nixon has become liable to possible indictment and trial for offenses against the United States. Whether or not he shall be so prosecuted depends on findings of the appropriate grand jury and on the discretion of the authorized prosecutor. Should an indictment ensue, the accused shall then be entitled to a fair trial by an impartial jury, as guaranteed to every individual by the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial of Richard Nixon, if it became necessary, could not fairly begin until a year or more has elapsed. In the meantime, the tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks could be irreparably lost by the prospects of bringing to trial a former President of the United States. The prospects of such trial will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office of the United States.
Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-ninth.
/s/GERALD R. FORD
Another State Funeral
After Gerald R. Ford's passing yesterday, it will be time for another state funeral in the US. Right?
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