Reagan is dead

Ronald Reagan has been dead for a while now, but we are still worrying about his would-be assassin, John Hinkley, Jr. This man has been locked inside a mental institution for over 20 years. I think we can breathe easy knowing he won't commit this crime again, considering the victim is taking a dirt nap now.

Why should we continue to spend our tax dollars on such a criminal? I say set the man free.

Memoirs of a Geisha

Okay, normally I don't do book reviews, but I couldn't pass up this one.

Arthur Golden's book, Memoirs of a Geisha, is a magnificent story of love, betrayal, jealousy, revenge...shall I go on? It takes place during Japan's expansion into the Pacific (i.e., before WWII) and during WWII. I always sort of knew what a geisha was, but really I had no idea until I read this book. A geisha isn't a prostitute, per se. She is a woman of necessity; she is an object of reverence by men who seek her company and fortune.

It starts out in a small, impoverished fishing village located in a remote part of Japan and ends on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan (quite a contrast)! As you read this book you are intrigued by the beauty of the geisha and her meaning for Japanese culture. They are born of the lower levels of society and brought forward to better themselves through hard work. A geisha is dependent on the good-will of men, who pay for her services. Of course, one might think these services are simply sexual in nature, but not in the sense of prostituting yourself for a one-night stand. It is so much more in-depth!

Memoirs takes you on a journey from poverty, to resentment, to opulence, back to poverty, and finally happiness and contentment for a brutalized and detached woman. Remember: you do not choose to become geisha, you become geisha because you have no other choice. This simple idea is really the thesis of the book, and my favorite line.

Where do I sign up? =)

Neal Boortz

Okay, so I'm driving down I-75 today and I tune in to this Knoxville station that was spewing this conservative, neo-Nazi propaganda, so I had to listen...for a bit, at least.

This guy's show, The Neal Boortz Show, is unlike anything I've ever heard in the United States. At first, I thought he was just your run-of-the-mill conservative who was ragging on the liberals. Boy was I wrong!

This show was more than gross. It filled my car and soul with hate and dread. I eventually had to turn it off, especially after the host (who wasn't Neal Boortz today, but I've heard him rant previously) advocated the use of nuclear weapons against terrorists. Further, he went on about how great the United States was for its use of the atom bomb which killed hundreds-of-thousands of innocent Japanese civilians just to "teach" the Japanese government a lesson during WWII (this is his joy in life).

I came home and found out how to spell "Boortz" by using my old friend Google. I found out he isn't a conservative, or even Republican, at all, he's a Libertarian. Libertarian, from Boortz's point-of-view, is one step from hoarding assault rifles and ammunition in a small cabin in Montana! It really made me feel thankful that conservatives are the majority sitting on the other side of the fence from me, not this freak! He's 100+ miles out of the American main-stream.

Here's the insanity I heard espoused on this talk radio show in a five minute--or so--timespan.

1. As I stated before, the approval of using nuclear weapons to solve our differences. (Sounds like instead of trying to solve issues in a constructive manner, we should just say "to hell" with everyone else and just nuke them.)
2. Executions should be put on "primetime" television for everyone to see. In fact, it sounded like this should be required viewing for all good and decent Americans. To make it worse, he said Americans should use a lottery system to see who gets to pull the switch and light the poor son-of-a-bitch up. This would be an excellent deterrent to crime in the United States, according to the show. I'm sorry, but that is just sad, which only shows deeper psychological issues for this man, simply based on his views. The death penalty is something to be loathed and ashamed of--a true relic of the past, which must, and will, be abolished in our nation.
3. The use of a "secret" police and military forces which will infiltrate our enemies and destroy them without regard to civilians. Not only was this to be used by American soldiers against foreign terrorists, but against the "bleeding heart liberals" in America who keep the military from doing its job. Sounds a bit too characteristic of Hitler's Gestalt staats-polizei (Gestapo). Someone didn't get enough hugs when he was younger!

The saddest part is people called in to this show and supported such bigotry and hate. I am 100% certain the only people who frequent such a show are bigots, wife-beaters, and those who truly hate America. It is a sad truth, but when you relish in others' misery and pain you are a heartless and cowardly person. It takes a GREATER American to stand up and question the direction of our government, to wit: military expansion and imperialism; rather than one who chooses to file behind a blood thirsty tyrant and accept things without question. America is an ideal, not an absolute. Its foundation is created on the blood, sweat and tears of people who made us truly great. It wasn't built on those who chose to take the easy road out, but rather on great patriots like Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, and Hamilton (just a small, small few) who decided not to stand behind a failing imperialistic policy of a benign dictator and blindly accept what what came their way. No, these patriots stood up and decided to fashion their own destiny without constraints and regard for precedent or what someone thought about them in Great Britain. They questioned their leaders and decided their answers, or lack thereof, had little merit, nor were they in the best interest of the Colonists. The moment we give over to the elite, or the mob, we cease to exist as the United States of America. We begin to unravel at our very fabric. Perhaps in the minds of people like Neal Boortz, our founders were cowards and should have been shot for not following the will of their king. Who knows, really?

It is scary to think radio stations would support such views and then broadcast them to the world! I am not a proponent of constraining the First Amendment, but such views and shows really make me take a hard and candid look at my beliefs in the freedom of speech, but in the end I will tolerate their right to say it; however, I will not condone it by listening!

In the spirit of the holiday...

Since it is the holidays, I decided that I should devote at least one moment to something good I saw. Today, I read a story about how this little girl was discovered in Iraq suffering from spina bifida. They state this girl would have died without outside help. The marines (I think) were able to render aid and as a result she is going to be sent to Georgia for an operation to save her life.

I found this to be a very touching story. Even if it did involve the military and Iraq. Perhaps, the media should devote a little more time and effort to showing us this side of Iraq. I know there is a lot a of death and chaos, but we mustn't forget the caring, openly-human side of it.

Enemy Combatant

I agree the time has come for the United States Supreme Court to decide the powers of the president. Can the president imprison American citizens extra-constitutionally? The answer is simply, no. It is dangerous for the Executive branch to assume such widespread powers for itself.

It stands to reason that a nation which values its commitment to the rule of law would be content to turn over "enemy combatants" to the judicial branch for prosecution based on the facts and merits of each individual case. I suspect, however, the president is not able to make a viable case based on the facts which creates a problem for him. He asserts he has the authority to imprison Americans for years without due process.

How bogus is that?

Wiretaps in Article II...WOW!

Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez reports the president has the authority to conduct covert wiretaps of Americans. I must have missed that one in American National Government. Allegedly, this right is in the Constitution, but it must be written in invisible ink (maybe like in that movie, they must be confusing the Declaration of Independence with the Constitution). I am sure the framers of the Constitution wrote "wiretaps" in there. Are we so dumb? Really, this is what happens when you put your best buddies and cronies in important offices. They become sycophants. Basically, they will tell you not to worry as your house burns down (what fire? relax! you're so pretty today!).

Now, let's look at the next BIG issue for King George. It seems his buddies at the New York Times have unearthed some new information which disputes Bush's allegations of limiting the illegal wiretaps to Americans talking to terrorists. Instead, he authorized the intelligence community to go very deep into the very fabric of our lives. He was looking for patterns to our behaviors by monitoring our communications. And of course without warrants! I have always stated my communications are being monitored by the Department of Homeland Security, out of jest of course, but it seems I was more right than wrong!

With this new information, coupled with other new information that the FBI monitors Muslims for radiation (without warrants) in their homes and mosques, will really drive the House toward impeachment. There is just too much here even for Bush's Republican lackeys to save him.

How the mighty have fallen! Maybe we're looking at a Hastert Administration in the new year.

Is Alito finito?

Well, we are starting to talk about Alito again. His nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee is coming up next month.

Alito will have a hard road to travel since the NSA faux pas of recent. He seems a bit more conservative with a more extensively published paper trail than Roberts. He espoused the overturning of Roe v. Wade during his tenure with the Reagan Administration. This simple fact may be enough to railroad his nomination and send Bush a message: find more moderate candidates to fill Supreme Court vacancies.

Beyond the abortion question, he seems to have advocated the ability to "wiretap" Americans without judicial consent. A potential Supreme Court justice who advocates the strict DE-construction of the US Constitution has no place on the federal bench, at any level!

Let's vote "finito" for Alito. (Isn't that cute?)

House trumps Senate

The Congress of the United States seems to be turmoil over the USA Patriot Act. The House of Representatives refused the six month extension of the Act made by the Senate, instead they opted for a one month extension. The ball is not in the Senate's corner. What's next? Very interesting!

Will King George really veto the bill? I surely hope so, then the Congress can recess without a resolution to the Act; thereby, allowing it die a nice quick death!

Spineless Senate Stands Down

The United States Senate agreed to allow provisions of the USA Patriot Act to continue for another six months while they investigate and hammer out the details of the bill for short term consideration.

It only shows that members of the Senate are spineless cowards who are unwilling to say "no" to the demands of an unaccountable despot (i.e., George Bush). The Act should have been allowed to sunset on December 31 without further consideration. Only then can we breathe knowing our liberties and rights are secure from an intrusive government.

If George Bush was truly concerned with terrorism he wouldn't have invaded Iraq. It is merely a tool he can use to install fear and avert anti-subversive activities within the United States.

Has anyone ever heard of Stalin?

Americans/Iraqis can't handle it

Today, Saddam alleged abuse by his American captures. It would seem, from his allegations, he was abused and tortured. With such an allegation out there from defendants of such a trial, there is little credibility left for the Iraqi tribunal which is hearing these proceedings.

I believe such proceedings must be transferred from American and Iraqi jurisdiction to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. This is the only way Saddam and his host of co-defendants can ever receive a fair trial. As it is, the trial will last for a long period of time. I do not believe anyone in the international community can credit this farce as legitimate or fair to either side. Justice must be impartial and fair for all parties! I can't kill someone and then expect a fair and impartial trial conducted by my victim's family!

It's all just stupid! Are we really such blind idiots?

Cheney backs Bush; how does an amendment become, well, an amendment, Senator Leslie?

Dick Cheney seems to concur that George Bush is not accountable to the US Constitution. He says the powers of the Executive have been eroding since the time of Watergate and Vietnam. What he doesn't mention is Article II of the United States Constitution. Moreover, the powers of the president cannot be limited by something as silly as a constitution, according to Cheney's innuendo.

Here's my advice, liberal to conservative: Instead of railroading the system at every turn, simply use the system's processes in your favor. There is a little stipulation in the Constitution you may use at any time to do the things you want, it's called Article V, or the amendment!

Now, if you're confused let me explain it to you. I'll even help you with the verbiage, too!

First, let's draft our amendment proposal.

"The President of the United States (hereinafter, 'POTUS') has the unfettered authority to do any damn thing he pleases at any damn time he chooses. Furthermore, his choices and actions may be outside the realm of common sense and good judgment. He is not restricted by any provision of the United States Constitution, to wit: the POTUS shall not be prosecuted nor held liable on any charge for any actions which may defame or endanger the welfare of the State. In addition, Congress may pass legislation limiting the Executive from engaging in certain activities, but the POTUS will determine their relevance, interpret and disregard the laws of the United States as he sees proper. Furthermore, the Supreme Court of the United States may ascertain certain laws are egregious and unconstitutional, but the POTUS will act extra-judiciously at times he determines a clear and present danger to the integrity of his Office and the State, to wit: covert surveillance of American citizens in the United States, which may include arresting Americans and subsequently send them to secret CIA prisons in foreign lands without due process of law."

Now that we have drafted your proposal you must submit it to either the House or Senate (this is the simplest route). In each house, you must accrue 2/3 of its membership in favor of your amendment. We're not done yet! Next, you must submit your proposal to the states. Now, if you get 3/4 of the states to ratify your proposal, then sir you have a bona fide amendment to the United States Constitution! It will be officially called the Twenty-eighth Amendment, or by lay persons, the Bush Screwed-Us-Over Amendment.

Congratulations!

More on Wiretaps

"I just want to assure the American people that, one, I've got the authority to do this; two, it is a necessary part of my job to protect you; and three, we're guarding your civil liberties," Bush said.

1. Where does it give you the authority to do this in the United States Constitution? Where does it give you the authority to undermine the courts and give yourself unfettered powers?

2. How does spying on me protect me?

3. My civil liberties are guarded by illegal activity? They are guarded by allowing a super-secret agency to spy on me without due process?

When will we show George Bush he is not above the law? When will we show him he is not above the Constitution?

Osama, who?

As we continue our war on terror, it would seem we have overlooked the head of the organization that led to 9/11.

That was person was Saddam, right? Ha! Yeah, right!

It's been over four years and we have no clue where Osama bin Laden is. In fact, it is ridiculous. If we put the might of our military and intelligence behind finding this single figure, we would have by now. Instead, we were tricked into pumping hundreds-of-billions of my dollars into fighting some god-forsaken war which is completely pointless and illegal!

When will we finally wake up and realize we have all been lied to and made fools of by George Bush?

Hocus Pocus Quashed

I am happy there are still some Federal courts out there willing to take on the important issues and set precedents that protect us from acts which are improper and unconstitutional.

In Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District, the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania struck down a practice which required teachers to preface their biology lessons with a statement which basically distorts their curriculum. They were required to profess nature is too diverse for Darwinism/evolution to explain; further, there must be a "intelligence" behind the creation of the universe, or basically life on earth in general.

The Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution forbids the state from endorsing religion of any kind. The policy of the Dover Area School District required religious contexts be placed on the study of biological sciences which directly influences and confuses students.

Religion is best left at home. It has no place in a public setting, whether that be a public school or county courthouse. Such acts only serve to flaunt individuals' insecurity with their own faith, which they erroneously force on their communities.

Oh Poo....

I watched Bush's speech hoping for a resignation!

What a let down!

Bush Going to Iraq for Christmas

George Bush contends the New York Times broke the law when it reported his ILLEGAL order allowing the NSA to conduct covert monitoring of American citizens. That is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black (or hypocrisy, if you're confused).

Now, he is going to make his big speech tonight on national tv, which will prove to be a tirade of his glorious achievements and accomplishments of bringing peace and democracy (through imperialism) to the Iraqi people. Surely, we must stand up against terrorists wherever they are, including the United States, by giving up our most basic liberties and freedoms (that's what I hear now). Through our war on terror, we have brought democracy to a nation terrorized for decades by a cold blooded killer (there's the rest of it). We will not yield, we are resolved to seeing this mission through, we will spread the gift of democracy this holiday season (there's some more).

Wow, it would seem I could be a Bush speech writer! I have all the tired lines memorized. Of course, Bush must think fast (or rather someone else think fast for him), if he is going to put this illegal NSA action behind him and beat his future impeachment. I believe he will hop on Air Force One, at my expense, and spend Christmas in Iraq with the boys and girls he sent to die. Of course, they will be highly selected and he will never venture outside the airplane hangar, but he will be in Iraq, right?

Bush is above the law?

Bush cites his use of a secret executive order giving the NSA permission to eavesdrop on Americans in the US as being legal and within his framework of powers as president.

Firstly, the NSA is barred by legislation from monitoring domestic communications and activities. Hello, Mr. Bush, this includes your little super covert executive order from 2002. There is nothing in the United States Constitution giving the president superseding powers over the laws of the United States, even during a time of alleged war!

Secondly, I think it is time someone gave Mr. Bush an accurate copy of the Constitution. He seems to be very much confused about his authority and responsibilities. He always refers to a copy of the constitution the rest of us have never seen. Is there a second, covert draft of the United States Constitution which was ratified by the Constitutional Convention?

I do not think so!

Republicans are in trouble. It's time for them to regroup or step out of the way!

Let the sun go down...

The US House passed a renewal of certain provisions of the Patriot USA Act during the previous week. This bill now has headed to the US Senate where it is not as popular, even among Bush's faithful.

I sincerely hope the filibuster agaisnt this bill will be successful and cloture cannot be invoked. I think this is truly one set of laws that I will be happy to see ride off into the sunset come December 31, 2005!

Bush going to the House?

Today, King George conceded the fact that he authorized illegal covert wiretaps of American citizens, in the United States, by the National Security Agency.

It would seem he hopes his admission before a national audience will candy coat his misuse of his powers and otherwise illegal activity. I do not believe it will save him in the long run.

With that said, Bush has his strongest support among his lackeys in the United States House of Representatives. He even managed to pass through another abuse of power, the renewal of the Patriot USA Act, which isn't getting the same acclaims from his fellow Republicans in the US Senate. We can only hope the US House of Representatives, after the 2006 election, gets the balls to bring articles of impeachment against Bush. I hope they also take into account the screw-ups and other vices committed by the Bush Administration and decide to draft these articles early next year. (This may save their own faces before the American public come election day.)

I think I could live (for a while) in an America where Bush is not president, even if the Congress is a Republican majority, which is another sad state of affairs, but you can only fight one battle at a time successfully.

Terrorists' Bill of Rights

This afternoon, Rush Limbaugh stated that by not renewing the Patriot USA Act, we are giving terrorists rights!

This conservative idealism has taken away my fundamental civil liberties and rights. I do not believe by allowing me, an American citizen, the rights and protections granted to me by the United States Constitution is going to endanger the welfare of our society.

Rush Limbaugh should go back on his drugs, or move to Cuba!