Does any of this really matter? If, and by the time this would get as far as the Supreme Court, it would have already been filled with more Bush appointee's anyway.
This probably isn’t the end of it either. Who knows, maybe Jeb will run, or possibly Colin Powel. You can bet that John McCain will, as well as Pat Buchanon.
Democrats should simply count on continuing massive voter fraud and intimidation for several years to come, because this is bigger than just Bush. Until we find a way to separate church-created issues such as abortion and who sucked off who, from public policy, there is no hope for us.
Unfortunately, this trend is too deeply embedded in our culture now to see any real progress. I’d bet this trend will only get worse with Bush still in office for some time to come making their base even stronger. And the longer we’re exposed to this national dialogue that should belong on the scrap-heap, the more we’ll be accustomed to it being incorporated into how we judge elected our officials.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Froggytwang's Take on Liberalism
"Joe gets up at 6 a.m. and fills his coffeepot with water for his morning coffee. The water is clean and good because some tree-hugging commie liberal fought for minimum water-quality standards.
With his first swallow of coffee, Joe takes his daily medications. His medications are safe to take because some evil lefty bomb-throwers fought to insure their safety and that they work as advertised. All but $10 of Joe's medications is paid for by his employer's medical plan because some fire-breathing lazy ass union workers fought their employers for paid medical insurance - now Joe gets it too. Never would he turn it down.
He prepares his morning breakfast, bacon and eggs. Joe's bacon is safe to eat because some girly-man liberal fought for laws to regulate the meat packing industry."
... continues from link above.
With his first swallow of coffee, Joe takes his daily medications. His medications are safe to take because some evil lefty bomb-throwers fought to insure their safety and that they work as advertised. All but $10 of Joe's medications is paid for by his employer's medical plan because some fire-breathing lazy ass union workers fought their employers for paid medical insurance - now Joe gets it too. Never would he turn it down.
He prepares his morning breakfast, bacon and eggs. Joe's bacon is safe to eat because some girly-man liberal fought for laws to regulate the meat packing industry."
... continues from link above.
From Corporate Avenger Lyrics: Voting Doesn't Work
Thanks to the reader who suggested this dark lyric ... send some more!
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Environmental Disaster Ahead
Last time I checked, there were only 5 or so countries that hadn't signed off on the Kyoto Treaty, and of those only two were industrialized nations.
Now we are not only left alone, as Russia recently signed on board the global bandwagon, but seem to be taking a whole new direction by dismantling what little protections we have left.
Guess it's back to the good ole 70s. Can we give the world another reason not to respect us?
Now we are not only left alone, as Russia recently signed on board the global bandwagon, but seem to be taking a whole new direction by dismantling what little protections we have left.
Guess it's back to the good ole 70s. Can we give the world another reason not to respect us?
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Our Food in Their Gas Tank
The troubling thing about our dependance on oil is that there really is nothing that can replace it effectively. As the Guardian points out, there is simply not enough arable land in Britian to produce enough bio-fuel; the only real solution to the long-term replacement of oil. The fate of Briton's, condemned to live on their tiny Isle, is really just a microcosm of what we all face in the future, so how they steer this ship could just be a snapshot of the worldwide problem we face.
Farmland acreage throughout the world continues to decrease as our populations create more urban sprawl. This growth rate continues to push out viable farmland turning it into shopping malls and housing. Clearly, something has to change, as oil shortages demand the adoption of alternate fuel sources.
Europe and Great Britain have already committed to slowly introducing bio-fuels into the marketplace for use with diesel engines. As gasoline becomes more and more expensive, farmers should simply replace their food crops with crops used to create bio-fuels. Seems simple enough.
China is now the world's second largest consumer of oil next to the U.S. Unlike us though, they are still a developing nation, so are far from reaching their full-potential in terms of industrial capacity. However, China, like several other nations, rely upon countries like Australia and the U.S. as a source for food as they are unable to produce enough to feed their own citizens.
The same could be said for Europe. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and a host of other nations simply don't have enough arable land in which to grow both crops for food and transportation. Something further than the simple adoption of bio-fuels must give way.
The relationship between food and oil will become synonymous,so as the price of oil rises, food costs increase.
Hybrid cars could help with further increasing fuel efficiency, but the truth is that even if future cars and engines get over 200 miles per gallon, there still won't be enough land to produce both commodities.
Unless properly regulated we could certainly see drastic food shortages in several county's including this one. And, of course, the poor will suffer first.
It is not entirely unrealistic to suppose that people could die of starvation because they can't afford to purchase food at such high prices so that others can continue to drive their sporty SUV's.
You could make a note blaming the consumer, but let's face it, it is the fault of the government who listen to corporations that control the worlds most valuable resource, oil.
Unless they begin to steer this ship in the right direction, we may all sink.
Farmland acreage throughout the world continues to decrease as our populations create more urban sprawl. This growth rate continues to push out viable farmland turning it into shopping malls and housing. Clearly, something has to change, as oil shortages demand the adoption of alternate fuel sources.
Europe and Great Britain have already committed to slowly introducing bio-fuels into the marketplace for use with diesel engines. As gasoline becomes more and more expensive, farmers should simply replace their food crops with crops used to create bio-fuels. Seems simple enough.
China is now the world's second largest consumer of oil next to the U.S. Unlike us though, they are still a developing nation, so are far from reaching their full-potential in terms of industrial capacity. However, China, like several other nations, rely upon countries like Australia and the U.S. as a source for food as they are unable to produce enough to feed their own citizens.
The same could be said for Europe. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and a host of other nations simply don't have enough arable land in which to grow both crops for food and transportation. Something further than the simple adoption of bio-fuels must give way.
The relationship between food and oil will become synonymous,so as the price of oil rises, food costs increase.
Hybrid cars could help with further increasing fuel efficiency, but the truth is that even if future cars and engines get over 200 miles per gallon, there still won't be enough land to produce both commodities.
Unless properly regulated we could certainly see drastic food shortages in several county's including this one. And, of course, the poor will suffer first.
It is not entirely unrealistic to suppose that people could die of starvation because they can't afford to purchase food at such high prices so that others can continue to drive their sporty SUV's.
You could make a note blaming the consumer, but let's face it, it is the fault of the government who listen to corporations that control the worlds most valuable resource, oil.
Unless they begin to steer this ship in the right direction, we may all sink.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Keeping Tabs on our Government
Read this article that lists several great links that report on what our government is up to.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Just Say No
I remember Nancy Reagan's famous words when she touted her cure for the millions of Americans using illegal drugs: "Just Say No".
Now, it seems the current administration is so convinced that Nancy's strategy worked they're willing to give it another try, except this time it's for everyone else who is practicing the "illegal" act of sex.
Backing off from teaching safe sex and the use of condoms if individuals wish to continue to have sex, this administration is saying we shouldn't be having it at all, unless we're married of course.
Not withstanding the mounting difficulties of getting birth control pills filled at the local pharmacy (see previous post), and the continued underfunding of Planned Parenthood, this administration is taking a hard stand against what they deem as immoral sexual practices. Unfortunately, they miss the issue of public health altogether.
Forget the risk for increases in the spread of communicable diseases and unwanted pregnancies, we should all just listen to the words of Nancy and simply say no to sex.
Who knows, they might even decide to pass the "Condom Stamp Act" making it illegal to manufacture condoms or any contraceptive without the permission of the federal government.
Now, it seems the current administration is so convinced that Nancy's strategy worked they're willing to give it another try, except this time it's for everyone else who is practicing the "illegal" act of sex.
Backing off from teaching safe sex and the use of condoms if individuals wish to continue to have sex, this administration is saying we shouldn't be having it at all, unless we're married of course.
Not withstanding the mounting difficulties of getting birth control pills filled at the local pharmacy (see previous post), and the continued underfunding of Planned Parenthood, this administration is taking a hard stand against what they deem as immoral sexual practices. Unfortunately, they miss the issue of public health altogether.
Forget the risk for increases in the spread of communicable diseases and unwanted pregnancies, we should all just listen to the words of Nancy and simply say no to sex.
Who knows, they might even decide to pass the "Condom Stamp Act" making it illegal to manufacture condoms or any contraceptive without the permission of the federal government.
A Troubling Picture: Past & Present Election Maps
Has our electorate really changed since the pre-civil war days?
It seems that this could be open to some additional debate.
It is entirely possible that our nation has come full circle yet again to those days of that once divided nation, and we are in peril of repeating the bloodiest episode of our nation's history.
The real difference this time is that our President is a southerner, and not from Illinois, so it would be the north that would cede from the southern states, or "Jesusland" as some have coined it.
It seems that this could be open to some additional debate.
It is entirely possible that our nation has come full circle yet again to those days of that once divided nation, and we are in peril of repeating the bloodiest episode of our nation's history.
The real difference this time is that our President is a southerner, and not from Illinois, so it would be the north that would cede from the southern states, or "Jesusland" as some have coined it.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Don't Give Up Website
"WE DO NOT CONCEDE Coalition urges you to continue to help get the word out - we are making a difference! Unite in your communities, protest in numbers, deliver petitions to your elected officials. Let your friends, family, email lists, and groups know about this growing coalition of concerned Americans who are questioning the results of the 2004 election. Write letters to the editor urging members of your community to NOT CONCEDE their votes. We must all do what we can to help get this issue out front and center in our communities! Check back here for continued updates and be prepared to take ACTION!"
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Hornets Nest in Fallujah
From all the accounts of rapid success in Fallujah, this is striking evidence that things aren't quite going as well as planned over there.
While numbers of the military dead are reaching the mainstream news, there hasn't been anything mentioned about our soldiers who have been seriously wounded in the operation (see link). Our temporary victory is a costly one. And as Fallujah continues to rage, other battles are being fought across Iraq, including bold new clashes throughout the city streets Baghdad, Mosul and elsewhere.
So while the small Shiite city may succumb to US pressure for the time being, it will certainly revert back to lawlessness, time and time again.
In a very real sense, we are the insurgents.
While numbers of the military dead are reaching the mainstream news, there hasn't been anything mentioned about our soldiers who have been seriously wounded in the operation (see link). Our temporary victory is a costly one. And as Fallujah continues to rage, other battles are being fought across Iraq, including bold new clashes throughout the city streets Baghdad, Mosul and elsewhere.
So while the small Shiite city may succumb to US pressure for the time being, it will certainly revert back to lawlessness, time and time again.
In a very real sense, we are the insurgents.
Saturday, November 13, 2004
November's Bitter Pill
What will happen in the next four year's with the Bush factor at the helm of American politics?
I was just considering this recently as a friend of mine had asked me last night when I stumbled upon one of my older blogs. The frightening thing is that parts of that post are already ringing true as the reference to the Artic National Wildlife piece shows.
Upon further reflection though, there are probably a few things I may have left out, or overlooked. November's bitter pill is more than just something hard to swallow for us anymore. Worldwide attention to the U.S. election has never been so great, indicating the true impact this presidency has had in the last four years, not only in this country, but in virtually every corner of the globe.
Other developing countries, especially emerging democracies in eastern Europe see our election as justification for rigging their own. Sure you can call it a democracy, but it certainly doesn't look like one. The once pristine image of American Democracy is fading in the eyes of the world and people are understanding that you can still rig elections to maintain power.
The divided EU, whose economy and currency continue to gain momentum since November, will tear at the heart of the NATO alliance, and between eastern and western Europe. The imperial nations of the past can once again resume their colonial land-grabs in developing countries rich in natural resources. Tension across the Atlantic will only continue to weaken the U.S. as Europe will be seen as the more stable bet worldwide.
Powell's resignation signals a more conservative direction for American interests worldwide. Make no mistake, Condi Rice will be what Colin could never be; George W.'s yes man, or woman. This pattern of replacing moderate conservatives throughout the administration will just further divide our nation and those whom we come into contact with in the next four years.
This leaves just two possible scenarios for the international community. Complete subordination, or a combined resilient response to our contempt of the modern global community.
American's could soon be tried for War Crimes by an international court. "In recent months, there have been other indications that the international community is taking a harder line toward U.S. behavior.
At last July's Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, a resolution was passed condemning the use of torture in the U.S.-led global war on terrorism. The assembly called on all participating states to follow international commitments laid out in the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention Against Torture.
Around the same time, the UN Security Council refused to extend the exemption from prosecution in the International Criminal Court for U.S. forces. Previously, U.S. forces were left exempt from prosecution in any UN-authorized mission. But after the torture scandal at Abu Ghraib prison, the UN Security Council let the exemption lapse, despite heavy lobbying by the United States.
Also in July, the International Court of Justice ruled that the wall being built by Israel and supported by the U.S. violates international law because it cuts into Palestinian land as determined by the 1967 borders between Israel and Palestine.
Perhaps seeking to capitalize on the momentum of the ICJ ruling on the Israeli wall, a group of 41 British members of parliament sent a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on July 20, asking him to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on whether the war on Iraq was legal.
Hungary, Poland, and even England are beginning to turn away from us. Not just in terms of military support but also politically. The United States will continue to erode its respect to the rest of the world and stand even more isolated.
This general anti-American feeling will continue to spread into the commercial markets eventually lowering the dollar with respect the the Yen and Euro making it more difficult to repay even the interest on our national debt. The significance of this effect on the stock market could only be replaced with the privatization of Social Security.
But I wouldn't expect the EU to be very divided for long. Eastern-block nations will quickly seek to align themselves with their stronger neighbors politically. In fact, I would suspect that virtually the only nation to continue its full-support of US foreign policy would be Israel.
"Exactly how international relations will play out over the next four years may not be easy to predict. But it is clear that many nations won't tolerate what many consider the continued lawlessness of the United States. "
I was just considering this recently as a friend of mine had asked me last night when I stumbled upon one of my older blogs. The frightening thing is that parts of that post are already ringing true as the reference to the Artic National Wildlife piece shows.
Upon further reflection though, there are probably a few things I may have left out, or overlooked. November's bitter pill is more than just something hard to swallow for us anymore. Worldwide attention to the U.S. election has never been so great, indicating the true impact this presidency has had in the last four years, not only in this country, but in virtually every corner of the globe.
Other developing countries, especially emerging democracies in eastern Europe see our election as justification for rigging their own. Sure you can call it a democracy, but it certainly doesn't look like one. The once pristine image of American Democracy is fading in the eyes of the world and people are understanding that you can still rig elections to maintain power.
The divided EU, whose economy and currency continue to gain momentum since November, will tear at the heart of the NATO alliance, and between eastern and western Europe. The imperial nations of the past can once again resume their colonial land-grabs in developing countries rich in natural resources. Tension across the Atlantic will only continue to weaken the U.S. as Europe will be seen as the more stable bet worldwide.
Powell's resignation signals a more conservative direction for American interests worldwide. Make no mistake, Condi Rice will be what Colin could never be; George W.'s yes man, or woman. This pattern of replacing moderate conservatives throughout the administration will just further divide our nation and those whom we come into contact with in the next four years.
This leaves just two possible scenarios for the international community. Complete subordination, or a combined resilient response to our contempt of the modern global community.
American's could soon be tried for War Crimes by an international court. "In recent months, there have been other indications that the international community is taking a harder line toward U.S. behavior.
At last July's Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, a resolution was passed condemning the use of torture in the U.S.-led global war on terrorism. The assembly called on all participating states to follow international commitments laid out in the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention Against Torture.
Around the same time, the UN Security Council refused to extend the exemption from prosecution in the International Criminal Court for U.S. forces. Previously, U.S. forces were left exempt from prosecution in any UN-authorized mission. But after the torture scandal at Abu Ghraib prison, the UN Security Council let the exemption lapse, despite heavy lobbying by the United States.
Also in July, the International Court of Justice ruled that the wall being built by Israel and supported by the U.S. violates international law because it cuts into Palestinian land as determined by the 1967 borders between Israel and Palestine.
Perhaps seeking to capitalize on the momentum of the ICJ ruling on the Israeli wall, a group of 41 British members of parliament sent a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on July 20, asking him to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on whether the war on Iraq was legal.
Hungary, Poland, and even England are beginning to turn away from us. Not just in terms of military support but also politically. The United States will continue to erode its respect to the rest of the world and stand even more isolated.
This general anti-American feeling will continue to spread into the commercial markets eventually lowering the dollar with respect the the Yen and Euro making it more difficult to repay even the interest on our national debt. The significance of this effect on the stock market could only be replaced with the privatization of Social Security.
But I wouldn't expect the EU to be very divided for long. Eastern-block nations will quickly seek to align themselves with their stronger neighbors politically. In fact, I would suspect that virtually the only nation to continue its full-support of US foreign policy would be Israel.
"Exactly how international relations will play out over the next four years may not be easy to predict. But it is clear that many nations won't tolerate what many consider the continued lawlessness of the United States. "
Friday, November 12, 2004
Cartographic Election Map Shows a Different Picture
Maps and cartograms of the 2004 US presidential election results as created by Michael Gastner, Cosma Shalizi, and Mark Newman University of Michigan.
Alaska: On The Chopping Block Again
Pity we have to destroy what's left of our pristine world to make way for progress. Looks like the animals are on their own this time.
The Coalition of the Willing: To Die
Here's a great idea to increase the combat readiness of our military. Instead of inviting other countries to join our "Coalition of the Willing", we can outsource the job to poor people all over the world. Those eager enough to become Americans can by proving that they're willing to die for it.
The actual numbers of foreign enlistees are probably quite small now, but I would bet this portion will certainly grow given the difficulties with Homeland recruiting efforts.
Have to admit, it's pretty tough of us to let other people die for our problems. If we're really lucky, this process of training and supplying foreigners in the US military might create another Manuel Noriega, sinking the world further into chaos.
Last I heard, the School of the Americas was still open for business. Here's some interesting information about the US Army School of Americas (SOA). Based in Fort Benning, Georgia, this large base trains Latin American soldiers in combat, counter-insurgency, and counter-narcotics. SOA graduates are responsible for some of the worst human rights abuses in Latin America. In 1996 the Pentagon was forced to release training manuals used at the school that advocated torture, extortion and execution. Among the SOA's nearly 60,000 graduates are notorious dictators Manuel Noriega and Omar Torrijos of Panama, Leopoldo Galtieri and Roberto Viola of Argentina, Juan Velasco Alvarado of Peru, Guillermo Rodriguez of Ecuador, and Hugo Banzer Suarez of Bolivia. Lower-level SOA graduates have participated in human rights abuses that include the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero and the El Mozote Massacre of 900 civilians.
I can just picture a graduation day ceremony where the commander addresses his class saying, "now the time has come for you to go back to your countries and fight for this country."
You can bet, we're doing our part to grease the wheel.
The actual numbers of foreign enlistees are probably quite small now, but I would bet this portion will certainly grow given the difficulties with Homeland recruiting efforts.
Have to admit, it's pretty tough of us to let other people die for our problems. If we're really lucky, this process of training and supplying foreigners in the US military might create another Manuel Noriega, sinking the world further into chaos.
Last I heard, the School of the Americas was still open for business. Here's some interesting information about the US Army School of Americas (SOA). Based in Fort Benning, Georgia, this large base trains Latin American soldiers in combat, counter-insurgency, and counter-narcotics. SOA graduates are responsible for some of the worst human rights abuses in Latin America. In 1996 the Pentagon was forced to release training manuals used at the school that advocated torture, extortion and execution. Among the SOA's nearly 60,000 graduates are notorious dictators Manuel Noriega and Omar Torrijos of Panama, Leopoldo Galtieri and Roberto Viola of Argentina, Juan Velasco Alvarado of Peru, Guillermo Rodriguez of Ecuador, and Hugo Banzer Suarez of Bolivia. Lower-level SOA graduates have participated in human rights abuses that include the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero and the El Mozote Massacre of 900 civilians.
I can just picture a graduation day ceremony where the commander addresses his class saying, "now the time has come for you to go back to your countries and fight for this country."
You can bet, we're doing our part to grease the wheel.
No Child Left Alive Act
This article about the governments new ability to comb through the private information of secondary students as authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act not only subverts the whole intent and purpose of this bill, but it also sheds some light on the continuing problems of getting people to participate in this pre-emptive military action.
I served for 6 years in the USAR, having enlisted during the First Gulf War. A part of me was simply needing some money to complete college, but there was also a part of me that wanted to serve my country. At one time, I had pondered the idea of serving as an officer. Another time, I was also considering returning to the Reserves, mainly to do what I had been doing in my previous term, which was office work for the commander.
In retrospect, there were probably two main reasons that kept me from continuing my service.
Number one, it was too divided on a cultural level. White people were mainly non-inclusive, and generally displayed militaristic/aggressive characteristics. African Americans and Latinos, who comprised half of the divisions roster, wanted nothing to do with the majority of white people because of this, kept to themselves, and simply waited for the end of the weekend. Surprisingly, or not, I felt it was the latter group who were generally more equipped to serve effectively if the need should arise to activate our unit.
The mess hall was split right down the center during chow, with whites on one side and everyone else on the other. This always made it hard for me to know where I was going to eat being a white-ish outsider recently coming from another country. It wasn't until a year or so had passed that I felt comfortable enough to sit with anyone I chose, but it always amazed me that while we live in a free country, there is still such a long way for our nation to come. Evidentially even though the "Whites Only" sign came down, there are plenty of people who still live as if it where hanging right there in plain sight above the chow hall doors.
We were generally not prepared to serve. I have to admit, when signing my name on that dotted line there was a moment of fear. My life was now in the governments hands. What if they called me up and I had to go fight for my country? Would I ever make it back to the rest of my life? No one can ever know the answer to questions like that, and neither could our government, but when my drill instructor confidently told us that this is the best military in the world, I wasn't convinced.
The other privates around me, could hardly read and write let alone keep cadence. Shit, half of them were scared out of their minds just being in basic training. I felt slightly depressed knowing that my unit wasn't more like the ones I had grown up watching on TV and that this small snapshot taken at bootcamp was more common throughout the military.
In the reserves, equipment shortages were frequent, and training, especially combat, was minimal. At one point, our company was given an on-the-spot drug test, but 60 percent failed, so they just threw everything away. Two years later, it was disbanded under Clinton.
So when the time came to re-up, I decided to play it safe. Figuring that, in the event of a real war, this was too serious a combination to be comfortable betting my life upon.
Back to the beginning. Coming to finish off my secondary education in the US, I was excited to see how patriotic and energized most of the students were there. It was an urban middle/working class district where a large percentage of young men would volunteer. General Douglas McAurthur grew up in this neighborhood. When I came to live there, my dad made sure to drive me by his house showing where he used to live before West Point and before WWII.
The high school quarterback went off into the Army. Most of the wrestling team joined the marines, and virtually half of the guys, it seemed, had already completed basic training by their senior year, or were getting ready to go as soon as graduation day passed.
It has been more than ten years since then, and I suspect things aren't the same back there now. Neither is this country.
I served for 6 years in the USAR, having enlisted during the First Gulf War. A part of me was simply needing some money to complete college, but there was also a part of me that wanted to serve my country. At one time, I had pondered the idea of serving as an officer. Another time, I was also considering returning to the Reserves, mainly to do what I had been doing in my previous term, which was office work for the commander.
In retrospect, there were probably two main reasons that kept me from continuing my service.
Number one, it was too divided on a cultural level. White people were mainly non-inclusive, and generally displayed militaristic/aggressive characteristics. African Americans and Latinos, who comprised half of the divisions roster, wanted nothing to do with the majority of white people because of this, kept to themselves, and simply waited for the end of the weekend. Surprisingly, or not, I felt it was the latter group who were generally more equipped to serve effectively if the need should arise to activate our unit.
The mess hall was split right down the center during chow, with whites on one side and everyone else on the other. This always made it hard for me to know where I was going to eat being a white-ish outsider recently coming from another country. It wasn't until a year or so had passed that I felt comfortable enough to sit with anyone I chose, but it always amazed me that while we live in a free country, there is still such a long way for our nation to come. Evidentially even though the "Whites Only" sign came down, there are plenty of people who still live as if it where hanging right there in plain sight above the chow hall doors.
We were generally not prepared to serve. I have to admit, when signing my name on that dotted line there was a moment of fear. My life was now in the governments hands. What if they called me up and I had to go fight for my country? Would I ever make it back to the rest of my life? No one can ever know the answer to questions like that, and neither could our government, but when my drill instructor confidently told us that this is the best military in the world, I wasn't convinced.
The other privates around me, could hardly read and write let alone keep cadence. Shit, half of them were scared out of their minds just being in basic training. I felt slightly depressed knowing that my unit wasn't more like the ones I had grown up watching on TV and that this small snapshot taken at bootcamp was more common throughout the military.
In the reserves, equipment shortages were frequent, and training, especially combat, was minimal. At one point, our company was given an on-the-spot drug test, but 60 percent failed, so they just threw everything away. Two years later, it was disbanded under Clinton.
So when the time came to re-up, I decided to play it safe. Figuring that, in the event of a real war, this was too serious a combination to be comfortable betting my life upon.
Back to the beginning. Coming to finish off my secondary education in the US, I was excited to see how patriotic and energized most of the students were there. It was an urban middle/working class district where a large percentage of young men would volunteer. General Douglas McAurthur grew up in this neighborhood. When I came to live there, my dad made sure to drive me by his house showing where he used to live before West Point and before WWII.
The high school quarterback went off into the Army. Most of the wrestling team joined the marines, and virtually half of the guys, it seemed, had already completed basic training by their senior year, or were getting ready to go as soon as graduation day passed.
It has been more than ten years since then, and I suspect things aren't the same back there now. Neither is this country.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
We're Very Sorry (for Bush) Website
I'm sure there must be plenty of ex-presidents rolling in their graves.
We are and we're NOT DEAD YET!
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Lynn's Got Some Voting Issues
Lynn Investigates ... sheds new light on the continuing loss of our right to vote, and have it be counted.
True but Hard to Believe: Pro-Life Druggists?
I swear that if this ever happens to me, (although it probably won't since I'm not a woman) I'll march right over grab a pack of smokes from behind the counter and make her ring that up too.
Such hypocrisy in everyday life is shocking. I mean, college educated chemists can't actually have this sort of belief system can they? Wouldn't that be similar to a NASA scientist saying the world is flat or something? This exclusive version of "anti-discrimination discrimination ", for lack of a better term, is quite similar to what people like Anne Coulter are all about these days.
She has consistently said on national talk shows, etc. that the term racism only refers to African-Americans, to which group she still refers to as Blacks. Someone must have written a whole set of stupid-people rules that I haven't got my hands on yet.
When I get my hands on a copy, I'll be sure to use it to conk the next stupid druggist I encounter who refuses to fill a prescription order for birth control pills based upon their personal belief system.
Such hypocrisy in everyday life is shocking. I mean, college educated chemists can't actually have this sort of belief system can they? Wouldn't that be similar to a NASA scientist saying the world is flat or something? This exclusive version of "anti-discrimination discrimination ", for lack of a better term, is quite similar to what people like Anne Coulter are all about these days.
She has consistently said on national talk shows, etc. that the term racism only refers to African-Americans, to which group she still refers to as Blacks. Someone must have written a whole set of stupid-people rules that I haven't got my hands on yet.
When I get my hands on a copy, I'll be sure to use it to conk the next stupid druggist I encounter who refuses to fill a prescription order for birth control pills based upon their personal belief system.
"Fuck the South" Website
This is some hard hitting anger, but he does have his points.
Elections put people into office successfully when based upon performance measures and standards (the issues), not morality. This website might trumpet some tough standards on our Republican counterparts, however it's totally lacking any, well ... Caution: Foul language ahead.
Elections put people into office successfully when based upon performance measures and standards (the issues), not morality. This website might trumpet some tough standards on our Republican counterparts, however it's totally lacking any, well ... Caution: Foul language ahead.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Revolving Troop Door May Close
The problem: No one wants to fight in this war anymore, so we can either pack our bags and go home soon, or there will be a draft.
Our "all-volunteer" forces, if you can really call it that because of the continuing back-door draft currently being exercised, aren't volunteering anymore. But the war continues, and this trend in declining enlistment levels in spite of huge incentives, becomes more significant. As troop morale declines, a greater percentage of those currently serving will not re-up when given the chance. Recruiting levels are also way down especially for the Army which is greatest in need.
Sadly, as we continue to consume increasing amounts of energy worldwide, the need to remain in Iraq is clear. If we cannot change, and most of us don't want to it appears, war and occupation are certain by-products.
Other stronger "Allies" such as France could start cashing their "Risk cards" in the next few years with the knowledge that we're over-extended and morally suspect. Making world politics drift further into the murky waters of Imperialism. In fact, they are already experimenting with the Ivory Coast, which also holds vast amounts of untapped oil reserves.
Seems to me this sort of thing was tried before and it didn't really work that well.
Our "all-volunteer" forces, if you can really call it that because of the continuing back-door draft currently being exercised, aren't volunteering anymore. But the war continues, and this trend in declining enlistment levels in spite of huge incentives, becomes more significant. As troop morale declines, a greater percentage of those currently serving will not re-up when given the chance. Recruiting levels are also way down especially for the Army which is greatest in need.
Sadly, as we continue to consume increasing amounts of energy worldwide, the need to remain in Iraq is clear. If we cannot change, and most of us don't want to it appears, war and occupation are certain by-products.
Other stronger "Allies" such as France could start cashing their "Risk cards" in the next few years with the knowledge that we're over-extended and morally suspect. Making world politics drift further into the murky waters of Imperialism. In fact, they are already experimenting with the Ivory Coast, which also holds vast amounts of untapped oil reserves.
Seems to me this sort of thing was tried before and it didn't really work that well.
Political Comics by the Great Dr. Seuss
"Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel, 1904-1991) was a life-long cartoonist: in high school in Springfield, Massachusetts; in college at Dartmouth (Class of 1925); as an adman in New York City before World War II; in his many children's books, beginning with To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street (1937). Because of the fame of his children's books (and because we often misunderstand these books) and because his political cartoons have remained largely unknown, we do not think of Dr. Seuss as a political cartoonist. But for two years, 1941-1943, he was the chief editorial cartoonist for the New York newspaper PM (1940-1948), and for that journal he drew over 400 editorial cartoons." (Click on the link above for the complete Dr. Seuss collection of political comics.)
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Numbers Just Don't Add Up
Alex Satanovsky has some interesting observations on the 2004 election results.
I hear this matter is being brought before Congress. Unfortunately, this probably ranks far below the importance of an improper blow job or two for this lot, and the only group Alex's information will resonate with is the rest of us powerless lefties.
I hear this matter is being brought before Congress. Unfortunately, this probably ranks far below the importance of an improper blow job or two for this lot, and the only group Alex's information will resonate with is the rest of us powerless lefties.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Marry An American Website
I cannot tell a lie ... yes, I have witnessed people around me openly playing with the idea of moving to Canada.
Now, I haven't really thought about it much myself. Mainly because I'm pretty comfortable enough where I am at the moment, besides, isn't Canada colder than Wisconsin anyway?
I read somewhere that after the election, Canada's immigration wesbite took on an additional 200,000 hits from the US. I think some of us who might be more serious about this idea are finding out how hard this process can really be.
Here's the solution. Just marry a Canadian, and you're in! You won't even have to find a job either.
Check out the link above, I think it's pretty funny myself.
Now, I haven't really thought about it much myself. Mainly because I'm pretty comfortable enough where I am at the moment, besides, isn't Canada colder than Wisconsin anyway?
I read somewhere that after the election, Canada's immigration wesbite took on an additional 200,000 hits from the US. I think some of us who might be more serious about this idea are finding out how hard this process can really be.
Here's the solution. Just marry a Canadian, and you're in! You won't even have to find a job either.
Check out the link above, I think it's pretty funny myself.
American Coalition: Hungary Withdraws Troops
Our coalition continues to weaken as foreign casualties rise and the concept of security is only a meager state of mind.
We are certainly going to be in a sad state of affairs if the only troops that will replace ours are Iraqi citizens. I'd bet that there is a sizable majority of rebels that used to serve in the real Iraqi army that was conveniently disbanded with the fall of Bahgdad.
Flipping through the cable channels the other day, I was shocked to hear one Republican commentator when he said that if everything got really bad we could just protect the oil wells. We would certainly have enough troops for that he reasoned. Now that really is blood for oil isn't it?
May be Chevron and company could foot all the medical bills for the wounded?
We are certainly going to be in a sad state of affairs if the only troops that will replace ours are Iraqi citizens. I'd bet that there is a sizable majority of rebels that used to serve in the real Iraqi army that was conveniently disbanded with the fall of Bahgdad.
Flipping through the cable channels the other day, I was shocked to hear one Republican commentator when he said that if everything got really bad we could just protect the oil wells. We would certainly have enough troops for that he reasoned. Now that really is blood for oil isn't it?
May be Chevron and company could foot all the medical bills for the wounded?
Stolen Election 2004 Website
"In Election 2000, the Bush regime stole the election and got away with it. Now, in Election 2004, there is new evidence that Bush and the Republicans have stolen the 2004 election by electronic voting fraud in states with E-Voting without paper trails, scrubbing the voter rolls of Democratic voters, and destruction of paper ballots in heavily Democratic areas." This site has some interesting information, links to related sites, and its own blog.
News continues to trickle forward about a few thousand votes here, another few thousand votes there going to Bush and not Kerry. North Carolina may have to hold their state elections again because of widespread problems with their machines. Just seems increasingly clear to me that while the Democrats may have won the ground war bringing in record voters, the Republicans won the ground war when it came to rigging the elections on all levels.
Even the money pouring into the 527's that Bush and Co. kept calling attention to as being "Bad for America" was tapped into much more than their defeated counterparts, who coincidentally took most of the blame for having created this election "loophole" in the first place.
Will historians look back at this period and talk about it as America's experiment with Aristocracy? I guess we'll all have to wait and see if Jeb gets the nod next.
In the meantime, can someone PLEASE FIX THOSE STUPID MACHINES!
News continues to trickle forward about a few thousand votes here, another few thousand votes there going to Bush and not Kerry. North Carolina may have to hold their state elections again because of widespread problems with their machines. Just seems increasingly clear to me that while the Democrats may have won the ground war bringing in record voters, the Republicans won the ground war when it came to rigging the elections on all levels.
Even the money pouring into the 527's that Bush and Co. kept calling attention to as being "Bad for America" was tapped into much more than their defeated counterparts, who coincidentally took most of the blame for having created this election "loophole" in the first place.
Will historians look back at this period and talk about it as America's experiment with Aristocracy? I guess we'll all have to wait and see if Jeb gets the nod next.
In the meantime, can someone PLEASE FIX THOSE STUPID MACHINES!
Impending Financial Disaster
"Bush Administration's Mounting Fiscal Disaster"
November 5, 2004
Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund.
November 5, 2004
President Bush said yesterday, "I earned capital in the campaign, political
capital, and now I intend to spend it." Translation: President Bush
and congressional conservatives plan to drive the country into severe economic
distress by permanently extending supply-side tax cuts for the wealthy,
privatizing Social Security, and giving more handouts to corporations with no
means to pay for these schemes. All of this domestic spending will come on top
of potentially hundreds of billions of dollars that will be spent in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
* President Bush and congressional
conservatives have promised trillions of dollars in corporate kickbacks and tax
cuts for the wealthy. Over the past four years, conservatives spent
lavishly on a faulty Medicare drug program, corporate tax subsidies, a bloated
farm bill, and multiple rounds of tax handouts to the rich. Now they want
to gut Social Security by opening a $2 trillion hole in the retirement program
and ensuring billions in handouts to the financial services sector.
* They have no intention of paying for these schemes. The days of
conservative fiscal hawks are long gone. The current crop of conservative
leaders believes it's their duty to capture government resources to dole out as
they see fit. They care little if the government falls into bankruptcy or
the American economy grinds to a halt. The current situation makes it
impossible to properly prepare for the retirement of the baby boom retirement,
yet the president has offered no viable solutions to our longer-term fiscal
challenges.
* The president's corporate backers will be laughing all
the way to the bank while American taxpayers will be forced to clean up the
mess. Who wins in this scheme? Energy companies, the pharmaceutical
industry, health insurers, and the financial services sector all paid lavishly
to elect Bush and his cohorts and now expect a return on their investment. But
generations of American taxpayers will have to pay to clean up this fiscal
disaster long after the president has retired to the ranch."
Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund.
Contempt for Cloture Rules
By the slimist of margins, House Democrats will still be able to block any bad legislation brought before the floor if they can all manage to stick together, but it seems that Bush and Co. have plans to do away with this inconvenient constitutional provision designed to prevent wide-scale abuse of power.
According to Joshua Micah Marshall (link above), these Cloture Rules could simply be overlooked pending a mandate coming from the White House.
"Then we have the incident we noted yesterday in which Sen. Frist may, at the president's say-so, change the cloture rules which require 60 votes to push through legislation.
Past presidents have usually had to deal with Majority Leaders who were much more solicitous of their chamber's independence and institutional preogatives. But then again, President Bush all but appointed Frist to his post. So this should not surprise us.
In an article at Foxnews.com on possible Supreme Court nominations, C. Boyden Gray, former counsel to the first President Bush said the following about the filibuster rules in the Senate ...
As it stands today [Democrats] can block [a nominee] ... But I also believe that the president and majority leader may well decide to change the rules given the elections ... The president has a very strong political support, potential support, for asking for and getting this change."
Now, even the smallest amount of control the Democrats may have left could disappear as well. So much for our experiment with a three, or even a two-party government.
According to Joshua Micah Marshall (link above), these Cloture Rules could simply be overlooked pending a mandate coming from the White House.
"Then we have the incident we noted yesterday in which Sen. Frist may, at the president's say-so, change the cloture rules which require 60 votes to push through legislation.
Past presidents have usually had to deal with Majority Leaders who were much more solicitous of their chamber's independence and institutional preogatives. But then again, President Bush all but appointed Frist to his post. So this should not surprise us.
In an article at Foxnews.com on possible Supreme Court nominations, C. Boyden Gray, former counsel to the first President Bush said the following about the filibuster rules in the Senate ...
As it stands today [Democrats] can block [a nominee] ... But I also believe that the president and majority leader may well decide to change the rules given the elections ... The president has a very strong political support, potential support, for asking for and getting this change."
Now, even the smallest amount of control the Democrats may have left could disappear as well. So much for our experiment with a three, or even a two-party government.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Another Four Years
The country has spoken (again) and Bush will continue his stint in the White House for another four years.
Republicans essentially constitute the Christian right, card carrying members of the NRA, NASCAR Dads and Soccer Moms, those upper-class corporate jingos, and people driving those gas guzzling SUVs because they just feel safer - to name a few. The sheer stupidity of these individuals truly make up today's (modern) American culture.
What is stupid really? It's looking at all the evidence presented before you and totally making the wrong choice, for a second time. For example, in response to the question, "If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you?" Those would actually have to think about that question would probably have voted for Bush this time around.
What will another four years of this White House bring us? ...
The Arctic National Wildlife refuge will again come into question time and time again until they get what they want.
A lasting control over the Supreme Court with the ability to overturn Roe Vs. Wade and a wide range of other sensible legislation will come back under the microscope, or be simply overturned on a whim.
We may be the only western country to repeal abortion, as well as slap a constitutional ban on gay unions, or marriage.
Environmental standards will continue to erode. Worker rights established for so long will also be diminished.
Social Security will become privatized.
Medicare will continue to sap the people in favor of large drug companies.
The Patriot Act could again be expanded to include everyone who may have a different opinion.
Freedom of Speech will continue to be trampled, along with us.
The FBI probe into illegal activities by Dick Cheney will vanish into thin air.
The war in Iraq will only get worse, but we won't really hear much about that.
The situation in Iran slide into a deep hole.
Tension across the world will increase causing an even greater rift between us and them.
Republicans essentially constitute the Christian right, card carrying members of the NRA, NASCAR Dads and Soccer Moms, those upper-class corporate jingos, and people driving those gas guzzling SUVs because they just feel safer - to name a few. The sheer stupidity of these individuals truly make up today's (modern) American culture.
What is stupid really? It's looking at all the evidence presented before you and totally making the wrong choice, for a second time. For example, in response to the question, "If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you?" Those would actually have to think about that question would probably have voted for Bush this time around.
What will another four years of this White House bring us? ...
The Arctic National Wildlife refuge will again come into question time and time again until they get what they want.
A lasting control over the Supreme Court with the ability to overturn Roe Vs. Wade and a wide range of other sensible legislation will come back under the microscope, or be simply overturned on a whim.
We may be the only western country to repeal abortion, as well as slap a constitutional ban on gay unions, or marriage.
Environmental standards will continue to erode. Worker rights established for so long will also be diminished.
Social Security will become privatized.
Medicare will continue to sap the people in favor of large drug companies.
The Patriot Act could again be expanded to include everyone who may have a different opinion.
Freedom of Speech will continue to be trampled, along with us.
The FBI probe into illegal activities by Dick Cheney will vanish into thin air.
The war in Iraq will only get worse, but we won't really hear much about that.
The situation in Iran slide into a deep hole.
Tension across the world will increase causing an even greater rift between us and them.
Saturday, October 30, 2004
More on Missing Munitions
If you were following the Iraq War at all, you might remember the vast amount of looting that took place immediately following Saddam's defeat, so the fact that there was also thievery in al Qaqaa should be of no surprise to anyone. It's just a few hundred tones of high energy explosives, really nothing to get all that alarmed about.
You know , come to think of it, we shouldn't even be all that concerned if some of their nuclear facilities we're also raided either, right? Make no mistake, this unnecessary war in Iraq, sold to us as a way to defeat terrorism, has plunged us, and the world, even deeper into chaos.
As Brett Wagner, a professor at the Naval War College, put it a year ago in USA Today ...
"In the weeks before the invasion, the U.S. military repeatedly warned the White House that its war plans did not include sufficient ground forces, air and naval operations and logistical support to guarantee a successful mission. Those warnings were discounted — even mocked — by administration officials who professed to know more about war fighting than the war fighters themselves.
But the war fighters were right. Military commanders weren't given enough manpower and logistical support to secure all of the known nuclear sites, let alone all of the suspected ones.
It wasn't until seven of Iraq's main nuclear facilities were extensively looted that the true magnitude of the administration's strategic blunder came into focus."
Wars are military things, and wars are lost when commanded by politicians. Today, as this election looms nearer, it is these very politicians who have eagerly decided to place the lives of good American men and women into dancing a daily life-and-death struggle. Telling them, and the rest of us, it's their mistake for "messing it up" by allowing the vast looting to take place at all. This from an administration that is still unwilling to admit even the most basic of mistakes.
You know , come to think of it, we shouldn't even be all that concerned if some of their nuclear facilities we're also raided either, right? Make no mistake, this unnecessary war in Iraq, sold to us as a way to defeat terrorism, has plunged us, and the world, even deeper into chaos.
As Brett Wagner, a professor at the Naval War College, put it a year ago in USA Today ...
"In the weeks before the invasion, the U.S. military repeatedly warned the White House that its war plans did not include sufficient ground forces, air and naval operations and logistical support to guarantee a successful mission. Those warnings were discounted — even mocked — by administration officials who professed to know more about war fighting than the war fighters themselves.
But the war fighters were right. Military commanders weren't given enough manpower and logistical support to secure all of the known nuclear sites, let alone all of the suspected ones.
It wasn't until seven of Iraq's main nuclear facilities were extensively looted that the true magnitude of the administration's strategic blunder came into focus."
Wars are military things, and wars are lost when commanded by politicians. Today, as this election looms nearer, it is these very politicians who have eagerly decided to place the lives of good American men and women into dancing a daily life-and-death struggle. Telling them, and the rest of us, it's their mistake for "messing it up" by allowing the vast looting to take place at all. This from an administration that is still unwilling to admit even the most basic of mistakes.
Homeland In-Security III
What possible reason could agents from the Department of Homeland Security have for spending valuable time and energy enforcing trademark infringement?
Friday, October 29, 2004
Missing Munitions In Iraq
It's simply amazing to think that there is no error large enough for this administration to admit to, especially when it comes to the Iraq War, but blaming our troops for the missed opportunity to capture a large quantity of Saddams arsenal at al Qaqaa is just pathetic.
Wasn't it the current administration that balked at sending more than 100,000 or so troops to the Gulf in the first place? And wasn't it George W. himself that told his pastor, Jerry Falwell not to worry because there wouldn't be any casualties?
Now it seems that the terrorists we're fighting today may be using the very same explosives we should have captured immediately after the fall of Bagdad. After all, our troops knew its location, opened the doors and broke open the seals left by the IAEA just before the invasion took place ... and then simply walked away from it.
How could we leave over 300 tones of high explosives completely unguarded just waiting for someone with the right motivation to come along and take it?
That, I am sure, would be more than enough to use against our troops for the next decade at least. The Iraqi's might just run out of people before they run out of munitions to kill our troops with. And there is just one person we can thank for that.
Wasn't it the current administration that balked at sending more than 100,000 or so troops to the Gulf in the first place? And wasn't it George W. himself that told his pastor, Jerry Falwell not to worry because there wouldn't be any casualties?
Now it seems that the terrorists we're fighting today may be using the very same explosives we should have captured immediately after the fall of Bagdad. After all, our troops knew its location, opened the doors and broke open the seals left by the IAEA just before the invasion took place ... and then simply walked away from it.
How could we leave over 300 tones of high explosives completely unguarded just waiting for someone with the right motivation to come along and take it?
That, I am sure, would be more than enough to use against our troops for the next decade at least. The Iraqi's might just run out of people before they run out of munitions to kill our troops with. And there is just one person we can thank for that.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Fascism in the White House?
As in any social or political system, there are a series of unique characteristics that determines essentially what it is. A government that operates as a totalitarian, or fascist state is generally characterized as having 14 traits.
Our government is established to be a democratic republic, but in these past four years, I have been feeling a little more like I'm living in a police state than a free country. There certainly has been an Orwellian "we're being watched" underpinning to our culture over the past four years.
You have to wonder, if Bush is reelected, will we become that futuristic totalitarian state that Orwell warned us about?
The link above might shed some light on the subject.
Our government is established to be a democratic republic, but in these past four years, I have been feeling a little more like I'm living in a police state than a free country. There certainly has been an Orwellian "we're being watched" underpinning to our culture over the past four years.
You have to wonder, if Bush is reelected, will we become that futuristic totalitarian state that Orwell warned us about?
The link above might shed some light on the subject.
"Bush Relatives for Kerry" Website
It's got to be rough when members of your own family won't vote for you.
"Enjoy the Draft" Website
If there could ever be a lighter side of the draft, this has to be it. Possibly a little lacking in the taste dept., there is some good information if you sort through the punches.
Why Kerry Will Win
If you're more than a little concerned that Bush & Co. will win the elections again this year and are looking for a little inspiration when you head to the polls, this list of reasons why John Kerry will be our next President should help you.
9/11: A Reason To Invade Iraq
Among the most compelling reasons to invade Iraq, and about the only reasonable argument left standing as to why we really did invade, was the characterization of Saddam's link to terrorism and al-Qaida. We would prevent future acts of terrorism by adopting a pre-emptive strategy and invade Iraq.
I still remember the Bush & Co. media quips concerning terrorists before 9/11 as not having the time to "swat at flies". Alluding to the Clinton administration's policy of using precision strikes against known sites in response for acts of terrorism.
Then, conveniently, when the call to war came, they presented this information to the UN as a reason to invade. Claiming that Abu Musab Zarqawi, a Jordanian militant with ties to al-Qaida, was known to have a terrorist complex in northern Iraq.
New information shows that the Pentagon had, in 2002, presented plans to attack this camp three separate times, but all requests were turned down by the White House. The camp, funded by al-Qaida was known to be producing ricin and cyanide
Zarqawi is now blamed for more than 700 terrorist killings in Iraq, and ranks second on our most wanted list under Bin Laden.
I still remember the Bush & Co. media quips concerning terrorists before 9/11 as not having the time to "swat at flies". Alluding to the Clinton administration's policy of using precision strikes against known sites in response for acts of terrorism.
Then, conveniently, when the call to war came, they presented this information to the UN as a reason to invade. Claiming that Abu Musab Zarqawi, a Jordanian militant with ties to al-Qaida, was known to have a terrorist complex in northern Iraq.
New information shows that the Pentagon had, in 2002, presented plans to attack this camp three separate times, but all requests were turned down by the White House. The camp, funded by al-Qaida was known to be producing ricin and cyanide
Zarqawi is now blamed for more than 700 terrorist killings in Iraq, and ranks second on our most wanted list under Bin Laden.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
The Walking-Talking Jacket
Oh those trendy scientists have gone and done it again. Lacking nothing more important to discover, a group of researchers have discovered a way to bio-engineer clothing so that we won't have to kill living animals anymore as a source for such things as leather jackets. This concern undoubtedly arises out of a sheer concern for the rights of livestock animals.
If you're fascinated by the rambling ethics of using living cells to grow clothing, click on the link above.
If you're fascinated by the rambling ethics of using living cells to grow clothing, click on the link above.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
EPA Silenced Before Elections
Peer News reports that the entire EPA has been, in effect, issued a "Gag Order" to talk about anything related to our environment.
Friday, October 08, 2004
A Real Slap in the Face
The Lone Star Iconoclast might not be the most widely read newspaper in America, and I'm sure you may not have heard of it before. One thing does make this endorsement stand out from the rest. Based in George Bush's hometown of Crawford, Texas, this daily is endorsing Kerry for President.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
4 More Years Anyone?
OK, I know this may sound a little funny, but there actually are millions of people who are planning on voting for George W. Bush, again. Of all the people I know and associate with, I could probably count every Republican on my left hand. But, the colored states on the map show a different picture though, and I'm getting sleepy just thinking about it.
C'mon boy, snap to.
Again? Now, I'm doing my very best to be objective about this, but I'm sorry, I just can't. I mean, is he not about the worst President this country has ever had?
You could take the fact that he has presided over the worst economy since the Great Depression being the first President to have actually lost jobs since he took office. I guess you could argue that since we really exported most of those, they technically aren't "lost".
He also presided over the worst attack on American soil in our nation's history, which could have been avoided had he just read the PDBs. Then, for the first time in our nation's history, we invaded another country without any provocation, or just cause. That is, unless you actually do believe that Saddam Hussein was involved in 9/11. At least, we actually claimed that the North Vietnamese shot at us before attacking them. That, by the way, wasn't even declared a war, and neither was Korea.
What additional accomplishments can we expect if George W. Bush gets another four years?
First, we could start off with the draft, but before that let's extend our troops tour of duty even more. Continuing erosion in our efforts to restrain North Korea and Iran. A complete lack of any policy regarding Israel and Palestine. A slow parting in our alliance with the British and Australians. More tax cuts for the rich. Excuses from the military. More vets coming back and not getting the medical attention they deserve. A lack of credibility in the eyes of the world. Increased opium production in Afghanistan. A larger budget deficit than we already have. A continued reliance upon oil. No-bid contracts. Smear campaigns. Lies and defamation. The growing threat of terrorism. Tapes from the Talilban. Hostages. Hostility. Medican't. Social Insecurity. John Ashcroft, Dick Cheney, and Tom Delay.
Someone please tell me how you could sleep at night knowing you've already voted for this man?
Pretty soundly I'd have to say, for a nation of sheep.
C'mon boy, snap to.
Again? Now, I'm doing my very best to be objective about this, but I'm sorry, I just can't. I mean, is he not about the worst President this country has ever had?
You could take the fact that he has presided over the worst economy since the Great Depression being the first President to have actually lost jobs since he took office. I guess you could argue that since we really exported most of those, they technically aren't "lost".
He also presided over the worst attack on American soil in our nation's history, which could have been avoided had he just read the PDBs. Then, for the first time in our nation's history, we invaded another country without any provocation, or just cause. That is, unless you actually do believe that Saddam Hussein was involved in 9/11. At least, we actually claimed that the North Vietnamese shot at us before attacking them. That, by the way, wasn't even declared a war, and neither was Korea.
What additional accomplishments can we expect if George W. Bush gets another four years?
First, we could start off with the draft, but before that let's extend our troops tour of duty even more. Continuing erosion in our efforts to restrain North Korea and Iran. A complete lack of any policy regarding Israel and Palestine. A slow parting in our alliance with the British and Australians. More tax cuts for the rich. Excuses from the military. More vets coming back and not getting the medical attention they deserve. A lack of credibility in the eyes of the world. Increased opium production in Afghanistan. A larger budget deficit than we already have. A continued reliance upon oil. No-bid contracts. Smear campaigns. Lies and defamation. The growing threat of terrorism. Tapes from the Talilban. Hostages. Hostility. Medican't. Social Insecurity. John Ashcroft, Dick Cheney, and Tom Delay.
Someone please tell me how you could sleep at night knowing you've already voted for this man?
Pretty soundly I'd have to say, for a nation of sheep.
Fehrenheit 9/11
Damn, this stuff is good.
Hats off to the man, Michael Moore.
If you haven't yet, visit the official Moore blog site by clicking on the link above. The truth will set you free.
About the movie? Must see it ... must see it .... must see it.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
The VP Debate Transcript & Analysis
What does it take for the news media to give the Democrats a break? Did they even watch the same debate that I was watching? Sometimes I have to wonder. (Read it all by clicking on the link above).
According to the pundits, Edwards tied Cheney at best, but on-line polls conducted immediately after the debate gave it all to Edwards by a sweeping 70 to 80 percent.
Now, Cheney did make some strong points against his opponent, but in my opinion, they were weak at best. His most rousing moment was when he accused Edwards that his whole career was nothing but a play to become Vice President and ended with his statement of never seeing him on the House floor. Despite the accusation being proven false, it was also directed in anger for having set him on his heels just moments before anyway. Edward's wife actually told Cheney right after the debate was over that they had met on a few occasions before, to which Cheney replied, "Oh yeah, that's right." Cheap shot Cheney.
In fact, there was no time that Edwards wasn't on the offensive. He was in total control right from the start, appeared confident, even affable at times, and actually seemed to have fun with it. He showed an open and transparent image, compared to Cheney's hunched posture and, as the debate progressed, seemingly whispered retorts. I counted five times, most of them towards the end, when his posture combined with clenched hands, actually muffled the mic attached to his tie.
One two separate occasions, Cheney actually gave his time away choosing not to respond to Edwards. These concessions only gave Edwards more time to beat the VP down even more. The first time this happened was in response to his opinion on gay marriage, which differs from the President's. Edwards, then turned the tables on Cheney and actually thanked him and his wife for standing up for their convictions, seeming to shock his counterpart into submission. The other was, of course, about his ties with Haliburton. Edwards didn't even raise this point because it came from the moderator, and Cheney got the luxury of having to explain himself to the people directly. Edwards response to Cheney was basically, "you're lying" to which Cheney sat in silence.
The end was what really gave it all away when Cheney only thanked the moderator, snubbing Edwards who had just thanked him himself. Awww, such a sore looser.
Now, Edwards could have laid a few more eggs on his opponent, but could he really have looked any better than he did? I don't think so, the victory was clear.
If this were a grade school playground fight, Cheney would be at home crying to his mother right now. There is no doubt, the Republicans are backed into a corner. About the only thing going for them right now is the constant "liberal media bias".
According to the pundits, Edwards tied Cheney at best, but on-line polls conducted immediately after the debate gave it all to Edwards by a sweeping 70 to 80 percent.
Now, Cheney did make some strong points against his opponent, but in my opinion, they were weak at best. His most rousing moment was when he accused Edwards that his whole career was nothing but a play to become Vice President and ended with his statement of never seeing him on the House floor. Despite the accusation being proven false, it was also directed in anger for having set him on his heels just moments before anyway. Edward's wife actually told Cheney right after the debate was over that they had met on a few occasions before, to which Cheney replied, "Oh yeah, that's right." Cheap shot Cheney.
In fact, there was no time that Edwards wasn't on the offensive. He was in total control right from the start, appeared confident, even affable at times, and actually seemed to have fun with it. He showed an open and transparent image, compared to Cheney's hunched posture and, as the debate progressed, seemingly whispered retorts. I counted five times, most of them towards the end, when his posture combined with clenched hands, actually muffled the mic attached to his tie.
One two separate occasions, Cheney actually gave his time away choosing not to respond to Edwards. These concessions only gave Edwards more time to beat the VP down even more. The first time this happened was in response to his opinion on gay marriage, which differs from the President's. Edwards, then turned the tables on Cheney and actually thanked him and his wife for standing up for their convictions, seeming to shock his counterpart into submission. The other was, of course, about his ties with Haliburton. Edwards didn't even raise this point because it came from the moderator, and Cheney got the luxury of having to explain himself to the people directly. Edwards response to Cheney was basically, "you're lying" to which Cheney sat in silence.
The end was what really gave it all away when Cheney only thanked the moderator, snubbing Edwards who had just thanked him himself. Awww, such a sore looser.
Now, Edwards could have laid a few more eggs on his opponent, but could he really have looked any better than he did? I don't think so, the victory was clear.
If this were a grade school playground fight, Cheney would be at home crying to his mother right now. There is no doubt, the Republicans are backed into a corner. About the only thing going for them right now is the constant "liberal media bias".
Who Is Kerry Really Debating?
The President certainly seems to be getting more than just a little help preparing for, and participating in these critical election debates. I'd certainly like to know who the "puppet master" is behind curtain number one.
Now, the next debate between the two candidates on Friday will be a "town hall" style forum, which should eliminate the possibility of Bush being "wired for sound" this time. It will also give Kerry the ability to show off his height advantage, as if this counts for anything.
Talking robot anyone?
Now, the next debate between the two candidates on Friday will be a "town hall" style forum, which should eliminate the possibility of Bush being "wired for sound" this time. It will also give Kerry the ability to show off his height advantage, as if this counts for anything.
Talking robot anyone?
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Halliburton's War
Ummm, isn't the fact that Halliburton still pays Dick Cheney against the law?
Let's just make this inquiry number 6 for the VP.
Let's just make this inquiry number 6 for the VP.
Friday, October 01, 2004
The First Debate Transcript
In case you missed it, here is the full transcript from the first presidential debate, (click on the link above).
What Progress In Iraq?
What will happen if we lose the War in Iraq? Stay tuned because we might just find out.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Hmm...This is Interesting
I can't seem to get enough of yesterday's conspiracy theories, and this is a good one I'd have to admit. Click on the link above to read more about the alleged beginnings of the Bush Dynasty.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Bush Review on UN Speech
President Bush addressed world leaders September 23, 2004 during the annual opening of the United Nations General Assembly. Here is a sample of responses to his speech from other Member Nations.
Italy
"It was enough to observe the applause given Annan while he condemned the American war and the violation of the rule of law and compare it to the deadly silence that accompanied Bush's 30-minute speech to understand the incredible damage that this short-sighted and ideological presidency has inflicted on America's image."
-Vittorio Zucconi, La Republica, September 22, 2004
Germany
"Again, the U.S. president spoke at the United Nations, again he defended the Iraq war... but his speech and reality are separated by a deep trench. Chaos dominates in Iraq... and we cannot see a convincing strategy how to crush the revolt. George W. Bush and Iraq: the balance sheet is devastating. Those who doubt it should talk to intelligence experts, study intelligence dossiers or follow the news on a regular basis. The facts are available."
-Malte Lehming, Der Tagesspiegel, September 22, 2004
United Kingdom
"Mr. Bush's willful blindness to the mayhem his war has wrought may be most charitably dismissed as electioneering, especially as his Democrat opponent had finally come out fighting only the day before. But the UN General Assembly is not a forum for electioneering. It is, as the Secretary General showed in his exemplary address about the rule of law, a platform to the world. It offered Mr. Bush the chance to banish his image as a go-it-alone gun-slinger and admit in all humility that the U.S. needed help. Regrettably, it was an opportunity he chose not to grasp."
-The Independent, September 22, 2004
France
"By calling for respect of the right of law in his remarks, Annan proved to what extent the war in Iraq has poisoned international diplomatic relations.... As for President Bush's address, it elicited much skepticism on the part of the diplomats listening to him. The bitterness that dominated last year at the UN over the inability of multilateralism to prevail in Iraq has been replaced with concern over the chaos which is growing there.
-Luc de Barochez, Le Figaro, September 22, 2004
Denmark
"President Bush's motives for adopting a more conciliatory tone toward the United Nations are clear. He knows that the United Nations must become a real player in Iraq if the circle of violence is to have any chance of being replaced by the peaceful and democratic developments that are crucial to the history books' judgment on the Iraq war. And Bush is able to note that there is still not a single country that has offered troops for the special UN force that is a precondition if UN personnel are going to be able to return to Iraq in earnest and prepare the election which, it is planned, will be held in only four months."
-Ole Damkjaer, Berlingske Tidende, September 22, 2004
Sounds to me like someone isn't paying much attention to world opinion these days.
Italy
"It was enough to observe the applause given Annan while he condemned the American war and the violation of the rule of law and compare it to the deadly silence that accompanied Bush's 30-minute speech to understand the incredible damage that this short-sighted and ideological presidency has inflicted on America's image."
-Vittorio Zucconi, La Republica, September 22, 2004
Germany
"Again, the U.S. president spoke at the United Nations, again he defended the Iraq war... but his speech and reality are separated by a deep trench. Chaos dominates in Iraq... and we cannot see a convincing strategy how to crush the revolt. George W. Bush and Iraq: the balance sheet is devastating. Those who doubt it should talk to intelligence experts, study intelligence dossiers or follow the news on a regular basis. The facts are available."
-Malte Lehming, Der Tagesspiegel, September 22, 2004
United Kingdom
"Mr. Bush's willful blindness to the mayhem his war has wrought may be most charitably dismissed as electioneering, especially as his Democrat opponent had finally come out fighting only the day before. But the UN General Assembly is not a forum for electioneering. It is, as the Secretary General showed in his exemplary address about the rule of law, a platform to the world. It offered Mr. Bush the chance to banish his image as a go-it-alone gun-slinger and admit in all humility that the U.S. needed help. Regrettably, it was an opportunity he chose not to grasp."
-The Independent, September 22, 2004
France
"By calling for respect of the right of law in his remarks, Annan proved to what extent the war in Iraq has poisoned international diplomatic relations.... As for President Bush's address, it elicited much skepticism on the part of the diplomats listening to him. The bitterness that dominated last year at the UN over the inability of multilateralism to prevail in Iraq has been replaced with concern over the chaos which is growing there.
-Luc de Barochez, Le Figaro, September 22, 2004
Denmark
"President Bush's motives for adopting a more conciliatory tone toward the United Nations are clear. He knows that the United Nations must become a real player in Iraq if the circle of violence is to have any chance of being replaced by the peaceful and democratic developments that are crucial to the history books' judgment on the Iraq war. And Bush is able to note that there is still not a single country that has offered troops for the special UN force that is a precondition if UN personnel are going to be able to return to Iraq in earnest and prepare the election which, it is planned, will be held in only four months."
-Ole Damkjaer, Berlingske Tidende, September 22, 2004
Sounds to me like someone isn't paying much attention to world opinion these days.
Nixon EPA Chief Rips Bush
If you didn't catch this, here's an enlightening piece from Madison, WI that demonstrates the division Bush has created within his own party. It's just hard to fathom how this administration could be more conservative than Nixon's.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Submit Your Story Or Just A Link
Thanks to everyone for the positive response in the short time this blog has been open. It's been work, but fun as well. Join in! Share your thoughts about politics and other important social issues with the rest of us. If you are interested, just drop me an e-mail and send me your post to: thedailygaff@yahoo.com.
My new home for this website is here at http://www.thedailygaff.com or you can click on the title above.
My new home for this website is here at http://www.thedailygaff.com or you can click on the title above.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Being Held Accountable
If, as our current administration states, this war in Iraq, aptly named "Operation Iraqi Freedom", has so much support from the international community, then why has the UN declared it illegal? I have to admit at being a little surprised by this coming from UN President, Kofi Annan, because I had suspected for so long that he was just another White House crony.
The "Fair and Balanced" buzz has missed this story as well, but I gather the English are in a bit of hot water at the moment, (click on link above). Who knows if or when international outrage will rise to the point where it will make any difference here.
The "Fair and Balanced" buzz has missed this story as well, but I gather the English are in a bit of hot water at the moment, (click on link above). Who knows if or when international outrage will rise to the point where it will make any difference here.
Homeland In-Security II
Now I haven't seen much information about this story in the mainstream media (Click on link above). It's possible that I'm missing it somewhere between watching endless updates on Michael Jackson's courtroom drama, and brave reporters standing outside in some Hurricane down south. But I think I'd remember hearing that while we're fighting the "war on terrorism" in Iraq, progress slows in protecting this country from another serious terrorist attack here at home.
Is it true we live in the cold, hard reality of a corporate war? Unfortunately, As global oil supply reaches a plateau, demand increases making continued government funding for a long-term occupation in Iraq seem certain. Justified behind the veil of international terrorism, our commercial interests in controlling oil production continue unabated in that country. While more countries, like China, modernize making the control of this diminishing natural resource critical, the noose around Iraq's neck tightens. In a sense, the gas from the cars we drive just might be paid for with American blood.
Meanwhile, money that is spent for the war in Iraq is diverted from Homeland Security coffers, and the needed work to protect this nation from real terrorist threats. Is there really a link between the two? I'd say yes. Between the number of defeated bills designed to protect Americans at home, and the quantity of no-bid private contracts being awarded by the military, it's clear that, "Conservatives in the Senate are failing to protect Americans here at home."
Is it true we live in the cold, hard reality of a corporate war? Unfortunately, As global oil supply reaches a plateau, demand increases making continued government funding for a long-term occupation in Iraq seem certain. Justified behind the veil of international terrorism, our commercial interests in controlling oil production continue unabated in that country. While more countries, like China, modernize making the control of this diminishing natural resource critical, the noose around Iraq's neck tightens. In a sense, the gas from the cars we drive just might be paid for with American blood.
Meanwhile, money that is spent for the war in Iraq is diverted from Homeland Security coffers, and the needed work to protect this nation from real terrorist threats. Is there really a link between the two? I'd say yes. Between the number of defeated bills designed to protect Americans at home, and the quantity of no-bid private contracts being awarded by the military, it's clear that, "Conservatives in the Senate are failing to protect Americans here at home."
Here Comes The Draft
At least I know who I won't be voting for ... (Click on the link above to find out about the current administrations plans to start the draft).
Thursday, September 16, 2004
This One Made Me Laugh
One of my friends just got back from a trip to Canada recently and told me a great story about his uncle who had a tough time getting back into the country because he misplaced his passport.
The powers that be had their doubts about the authenticity of his claims as an American citizen, and was denied entry. Unable to successfully repeat the Star Spangled Banner problems soon arose as to the true nature of his national origin. Sadly, the poor sod did eventually make it in after being brought before the American Consulate some time later.
Hopefully, they found another method to use that was a little more effective, like asking him to sing the opening theme for, “King of the Hill”.
Are you an American? Find out for yourself, if you were ever doubting that fact, and start with, "O say, can you see". The complete version is linked to the title if you get lost.
Hmmm. Wouldn't it have been better to just ask for a social security number, or something like that?
The powers that be had their doubts about the authenticity of his claims as an American citizen, and was denied entry. Unable to successfully repeat the Star Spangled Banner problems soon arose as to the true nature of his national origin. Sadly, the poor sod did eventually make it in after being brought before the American Consulate some time later.
Hopefully, they found another method to use that was a little more effective, like asking him to sing the opening theme for, “King of the Hill”.
Are you an American? Find out for yourself, if you were ever doubting that fact, and start with, "O say, can you see". The complete version is linked to the title if you get lost.
Hmmm. Wouldn't it have been better to just ask for a social security number, or something like that?
I Must Be A Communist
If you're not sure where your political leanings are based upon the issues, feel free to take this quiz, (click on the link above). It might be able to shed some light on the question.
To my amazement, and probably yours too, I am not a communist!
To my amazement, and probably yours too, I am not a communist!
A Spark to Start the Fire
I just can't help think that when Iran begins to flex her nuclear-powered muscle in that region how truly unstable it will become. Not only is she being sandwiched between two raging wars spearheaded by the US and her staunch allies, but it's also quickly contributing to the growing instability of that region. A region that spans three continents: Eurasia, India and Africa.
Continuing terrorist insurgencies throughout southern Russia touch northern Iran's borders, jarring the Soviet nation into military-style action, and further inflaming the need for the EU's political involvement.
If that isn't enough, there is also the recent entry of another nuclear nation in the region, Pakistan. A stones throw away is its nuclear nemesis, India. Just two short years ago, over 1 million soldiers were massed along their mutual borders preparing for another war, the first of which was prevented through the logic of "Mutually Assured Destruction." Love the acronym.
Israel's short proximity also warrants a larger regional interest. Being the first in the Middle East to have nuclear capability, they are not about to let any rogue nation, led by a conservative group of Muslim clerics come close to testing the MAD theory upon them. Well, enough of that.
Let's just hope this theory won't play out anytime soon. As a boy scout, I'm sure at one point someone would have said to me, "Now you just need a little spark to get those flames going an' make a fire." I don't want to see how big those flames could get. Who knows, there just might be the possibility of the draft, should Bush win a second term and things continue to get worse over there.
Continuing terrorist insurgencies throughout southern Russia touch northern Iran's borders, jarring the Soviet nation into military-style action, and further inflaming the need for the EU's political involvement.
If that isn't enough, there is also the recent entry of another nuclear nation in the region, Pakistan. A stones throw away is its nuclear nemesis, India. Just two short years ago, over 1 million soldiers were massed along their mutual borders preparing for another war, the first of which was prevented through the logic of "Mutually Assured Destruction." Love the acronym.
Israel's short proximity also warrants a larger regional interest. Being the first in the Middle East to have nuclear capability, they are not about to let any rogue nation, led by a conservative group of Muslim clerics come close to testing the MAD theory upon them. Well, enough of that.
Let's just hope this theory won't play out anytime soon. As a boy scout, I'm sure at one point someone would have said to me, "Now you just need a little spark to get those flames going an' make a fire." I don't want to see how big those flames could get. Who knows, there just might be the possibility of the draft, should Bush win a second term and things continue to get worse over there.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Homeland In-Security: Are We Really Prepared?
Homeland Security Director, Tom Ridge, has been doing an excellent job pacifying the masses with color coding threat levels on national TV, yet somehow I still feel certain that something like 911 will happen again. This time, we'll be just as unprepared as before. I'm sure my growing sense of doom doesn't relate to the overwhelming flurry of actual information spouting from that office.
This excerpt from a September 2 speech entitled, "Information Sharing a Key to Nation's Security", Secretary Tom Ridge said the following to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
"Part of our mission is to turn information into courses of action which we can then communicate to those who can immediately ramp up security. As the 9-11 Commission so rightly framed it, 'The need to know has been replaced by the need to share.' Widespread information sharing is the hallmark of the nation's new approach to homeland security. That is why we have developed new tools for communication that reach horizontally across federal departments and vertically to our partners at the state, local, territorial, and tribal levels as well as out to the private sector as well."
More all-inclusive (English only) content designed to make you feel better can be found at, The Office of Homeland Security Website: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/
So that all sounds very good, but I'm just wondering how prepared we really are to cope with a serious terrorist, or even natural disaster.
Working in the hurricane-isolated region of the Midwest, it might be hard to imagine what personal impact Ivan will have to the residents of the Gulf Coast, but even here the effects are already felt. As oil and natural gas facilities are forced to close, the price of energy rises accordingly, slowing productivity and growth. Consumer prices rise, and the economy slows.
Florida, already hard hit, will need over 5 billion in Federal aid in order to recover. Tax time. Like the power grid that cris-crosses this nation, labor capacity lost due to these natural disasters is quickly rerouted to other areas outside the danger zone. Overtime.
At least, we won’t have to suffer the loss of personal property, direct income, and possibly the lives of loved ones.
When I think of what Homeland Security would mean to me, part of that would contain a good plan for action. The, "What People Would Do When Things Got Bad To Make Things Better" plan. This plan would be a swell plan too. Everyone could use it, follow it when needed, and probably make it out OK. Everyone could read the book, and in this book, there would also be some really great tips and techniques that individual people could use, if someday the possibility arose. Stuff like: Tip #784 - If you think the building is going to collapse, whatever you do, DON’T run up the stairs.
It might have to be a pretty big book in order to make sure all the good ideas made it in though, because this is not a time for skimmin' on the details, right? Anyway I think it might be lost, so if anyone out there knows where is, please let me know and I'll feel allot better.
Those living in the Gulf Coast area might be able to use some of this information: http://www.Ready.gov/
Specific hurricane-related information is available here: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/hurricanes.shtm
Noting the tone coming from the second half of the news article though, I would have to say that there are certainly several people who would benefit from this information, including someone in government who can help those trapped people before Ivan hits.
"They said get out, but I can't change my flight, so I figure I might as well enjoy myself," said George Senton, of Newark, N.J., who listened to the music. "At least I'll have had some good coffee and some good music before it gets me."
Personally, if something similar happened to me, I'd hate to be the one saying that.
With more than 100,000 people trapped inside New Orleans city limits alone, and waves potentially cresting past the flooding limit of 10 feet, the situation doesn’t look promising.
... Send a good thought to those of us who are going through these tough times.
This excerpt from a September 2 speech entitled, "Information Sharing a Key to Nation's Security", Secretary Tom Ridge said the following to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
"Part of our mission is to turn information into courses of action which we can then communicate to those who can immediately ramp up security. As the 9-11 Commission so rightly framed it, 'The need to know has been replaced by the need to share.' Widespread information sharing is the hallmark of the nation's new approach to homeland security. That is why we have developed new tools for communication that reach horizontally across federal departments and vertically to our partners at the state, local, territorial, and tribal levels as well as out to the private sector as well."
More all-inclusive (English only) content designed to make you feel better can be found at, The Office of Homeland Security Website: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/
So that all sounds very good, but I'm just wondering how prepared we really are to cope with a serious terrorist, or even natural disaster.
Working in the hurricane-isolated region of the Midwest, it might be hard to imagine what personal impact Ivan will have to the residents of the Gulf Coast, but even here the effects are already felt. As oil and natural gas facilities are forced to close, the price of energy rises accordingly, slowing productivity and growth. Consumer prices rise, and the economy slows.
Florida, already hard hit, will need over 5 billion in Federal aid in order to recover. Tax time. Like the power grid that cris-crosses this nation, labor capacity lost due to these natural disasters is quickly rerouted to other areas outside the danger zone. Overtime.
At least, we won’t have to suffer the loss of personal property, direct income, and possibly the lives of loved ones.
When I think of what Homeland Security would mean to me, part of that would contain a good plan for action. The, "What People Would Do When Things Got Bad To Make Things Better" plan. This plan would be a swell plan too. Everyone could use it, follow it when needed, and probably make it out OK. Everyone could read the book, and in this book, there would also be some really great tips and techniques that individual people could use, if someday the possibility arose. Stuff like: Tip #784 - If you think the building is going to collapse, whatever you do, DON’T run up the stairs.
It might have to be a pretty big book in order to make sure all the good ideas made it in though, because this is not a time for skimmin' on the details, right? Anyway I think it might be lost, so if anyone out there knows where is, please let me know and I'll feel allot better.
Those living in the Gulf Coast area might be able to use some of this information: http://www.Ready.gov/
Specific hurricane-related information is available here: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/hurricanes.shtm
Noting the tone coming from the second half of the news article though, I would have to say that there are certainly several people who would benefit from this information, including someone in government who can help those trapped people before Ivan hits.
"They said get out, but I can't change my flight, so I figure I might as well enjoy myself," said George Senton, of Newark, N.J., who listened to the music. "At least I'll have had some good coffee and some good music before it gets me."
Personally, if something similar happened to me, I'd hate to be the one saying that.
With more than 100,000 people trapped inside New Orleans city limits alone, and waves potentially cresting past the flooding limit of 10 feet, the situation doesn’t look promising.
... Send a good thought to those of us who are going through these tough times.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Running on Empty
(click on link above)
With the quagmire in Iraq still burning up our limited reserves in terms of lives, money and international prestige, it seems that Bush & Co. have already identified their next target for war, Iran. The problem is we're a little late in the game to do much, if anything, about it.
In all probability, Iran is a just few short months away from testing their own nuclear weapons.
If George W. Bush did win November's election, would Americans agree to wage a third war in the Middle East? Most probably, the answer is no, but who cares what the American people want anyway. After all, public sentiment hasn't seemed to bother the current administration in the past. International public opinion would certainly be even more suspicious, and potentially hostile, to the idea of yet another pre-emptive war, but the President seems to care even less about the opinions of the international community.
Ironically, the biggest deterrent in the decision to wage a full-scale invasion may come from the Pentagon itself. Reasoning that a catastrophic collapse in capability, in terms of manpower and military resources to successfully conduct the initial invasion and subsequent occupation, would be far too compromising, military planners may balk at the idea. Besides, they haven’t finished with Iraq, or Afghanistan yet.
Before the blundered mission in Iraq, Iran’s populace might have accepted US occupation and become reasonably adept in creating some sort of pro-western democracy. They've been holding democratic-style elections for a few years, and most citizens are eager for political representation. The problem is, our credibility to bring about any real reform has taken a nose-dive in recent months, especially among Muslim nations. Who can blame them for not trusting our true intentions.
Iran's leadership doesn't seem to fear military reprisal either. Last week, Iran made it clear to the EU that nuclear capability would be achieved within the next few months, and with a UN Security Council vote condemning their militarism approaching, Iran stands defiant. Their intentions are clear, and no one seems able to do anything about it. Obviously, politics isn't the answer.
So, what options does the West have? One plausible idea would be to attempt something similar to the Israeli solution when Iraq was a few months away from having their own nuclear capability back in the late 80s: Conduct a strategic air-strike against vital nuclear targets. Again, there are problems with this option as well, but it may be the only real alternative we have left. If the US does attempt a small-scale surgical strike of this nature, there would certainly be considerable international backlash. There may even be the possibility of devastating contamination if the reactors, etc. are already operable.
If we fail to act, there is the strong possibility that fearing an inevitable attack, Israel would attempt to do this their own, without consulting anyone beforehand. If the US, UN or the EU fail to make any sort of progress in this area soon, I would bet that Israel would certainly take matters into their own hands. In all probability, they are already training for such a scenario right now. Even Ronald Reagan’s administration was left in the dark when the Israelis bombed Iraq. Considering how close our relationship was with Israel at that time, it seems very likely that the US would find out about such a scenario along with everyone else, afterwards.
Finally the price of full-scale retribution from North Korea, including an invasion of South Korea should Iran suffer from an attack, has to be a serious consideration. So, there is the possibility that even if the United States decides to do nothing about the problem of Iran’s nuclear proliferation, we could still suffer dire consequences.
This could certainly be one hot political potato in the weeks and months before the election, but most likely nothing will be done before November. Of course, when it comes to waging the War on Terror, Iran has always been more of a threat than Iraq. Remember, it was the US who supported Iraq's 10 year war with Iran by generously supplying them with weapons of mass destruction amongst other things.
To be certain, no matter who wins the fall elections, this problem will elicit considerable tension inside the White House for some time. This is the issue of international terrorism that our nation should have focused upon from the very beginning, and we place ourselves in certain jeopardy if we fail to address Iran and North Korea now.
Unfortunately, we are already running on empty.
With the quagmire in Iraq still burning up our limited reserves in terms of lives, money and international prestige, it seems that Bush & Co. have already identified their next target for war, Iran. The problem is we're a little late in the game to do much, if anything, about it.
In all probability, Iran is a just few short months away from testing their own nuclear weapons.
If George W. Bush did win November's election, would Americans agree to wage a third war in the Middle East? Most probably, the answer is no, but who cares what the American people want anyway. After all, public sentiment hasn't seemed to bother the current administration in the past. International public opinion would certainly be even more suspicious, and potentially hostile, to the idea of yet another pre-emptive war, but the President seems to care even less about the opinions of the international community.
Ironically, the biggest deterrent in the decision to wage a full-scale invasion may come from the Pentagon itself. Reasoning that a catastrophic collapse in capability, in terms of manpower and military resources to successfully conduct the initial invasion and subsequent occupation, would be far too compromising, military planners may balk at the idea. Besides, they haven’t finished with Iraq, or Afghanistan yet.
Before the blundered mission in Iraq, Iran’s populace might have accepted US occupation and become reasonably adept in creating some sort of pro-western democracy. They've been holding democratic-style elections for a few years, and most citizens are eager for political representation. The problem is, our credibility to bring about any real reform has taken a nose-dive in recent months, especially among Muslim nations. Who can blame them for not trusting our true intentions.
Iran's leadership doesn't seem to fear military reprisal either. Last week, Iran made it clear to the EU that nuclear capability would be achieved within the next few months, and with a UN Security Council vote condemning their militarism approaching, Iran stands defiant. Their intentions are clear, and no one seems able to do anything about it. Obviously, politics isn't the answer.
So, what options does the West have? One plausible idea would be to attempt something similar to the Israeli solution when Iraq was a few months away from having their own nuclear capability back in the late 80s: Conduct a strategic air-strike against vital nuclear targets. Again, there are problems with this option as well, but it may be the only real alternative we have left. If the US does attempt a small-scale surgical strike of this nature, there would certainly be considerable international backlash. There may even be the possibility of devastating contamination if the reactors, etc. are already operable.
If we fail to act, there is the strong possibility that fearing an inevitable attack, Israel would attempt to do this their own, without consulting anyone beforehand. If the US, UN or the EU fail to make any sort of progress in this area soon, I would bet that Israel would certainly take matters into their own hands. In all probability, they are already training for such a scenario right now. Even Ronald Reagan’s administration was left in the dark when the Israelis bombed Iraq. Considering how close our relationship was with Israel at that time, it seems very likely that the US would find out about such a scenario along with everyone else, afterwards.
Finally the price of full-scale retribution from North Korea, including an invasion of South Korea should Iran suffer from an attack, has to be a serious consideration. So, there is the possibility that even if the United States decides to do nothing about the problem of Iran’s nuclear proliferation, we could still suffer dire consequences.
This could certainly be one hot political potato in the weeks and months before the election, but most likely nothing will be done before November. Of course, when it comes to waging the War on Terror, Iran has always been more of a threat than Iraq. Remember, it was the US who supported Iraq's 10 year war with Iran by generously supplying them with weapons of mass destruction amongst other things.
To be certain, no matter who wins the fall elections, this problem will elicit considerable tension inside the White House for some time. This is the issue of international terrorism that our nation should have focused upon from the very beginning, and we place ourselves in certain jeopardy if we fail to address Iran and North Korea now.
Unfortunately, we are already running on empty.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Learning E-voting from the Aussies
Well at least there is someone out there doing the right thing (check out the link above).
Who’s Flip-flopping Now?
The real signs are there for us all to see (click on link above). First there was the claims of weapons of mass destruction, followed by “Mission Accomplished”, and now the silent passing of the assault weapons ban which he pledged to enforce when the President took office.
I would certainly be surprised if anyone was still looking for the smoking gun in Iraq that points to Saddam’s proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We could have let the inspectors come up with something before the invasion, but time was of the essence. After all, who knows when we would be attacked by Iraq again, right?
So, with the full support of the international community, we justifiably liberate the poor defenseless people of that country while at the same time make our great nation all the safer for it. To date, over 1,000 service men and women as well as 20,000 civilians have been killed since the occupation. Maybe the sign should have read, “Invasion Accomplished”.
Still, just two weeks ago, assuring the American people President George W. himself admitted that the War on Terror could not be won (statement quickly rescinded of course). I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t think anyone pointed out to him that what’s happening in Iraq really has nothing to do with the events surrounding 911.
Regardless of what’s being said by the mainstream media about the quiet death of the assault weapons ban, (at least until there is another tragic Columbine-like incident), it will be a cold day in hell before they chalk this one down as George W.’s “mistake”. With there being no impetus to bring this forward on the legislative agenda, it looks like we’ll be using a lot of chalk.
Congress has far more important issues to tackle, like amending the Constitution banning same-sex marriage, or passing legislation outlawing the burning of the flag. How about spending even more valuable time debating whether or not to keep the words Under God in our Pledge of Allegiance. Yes, this is what the White House has decided we should spend our valuable time and resources on now.
Ahh, to be a right-wing card carrying member of the NRA just for a day. Somehow life would be so much simpler. Thank you Santa, this Christmas daddy wants a MAC10.
I guess to some happiness really is a warm gun.
I would certainly be surprised if anyone was still looking for the smoking gun in Iraq that points to Saddam’s proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We could have let the inspectors come up with something before the invasion, but time was of the essence. After all, who knows when we would be attacked by Iraq again, right?
So, with the full support of the international community, we justifiably liberate the poor defenseless people of that country while at the same time make our great nation all the safer for it. To date, over 1,000 service men and women as well as 20,000 civilians have been killed since the occupation. Maybe the sign should have read, “Invasion Accomplished”.
Still, just two weeks ago, assuring the American people President George W. himself admitted that the War on Terror could not be won (statement quickly rescinded of course). I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t think anyone pointed out to him that what’s happening in Iraq really has nothing to do with the events surrounding 911.
Regardless of what’s being said by the mainstream media about the quiet death of the assault weapons ban, (at least until there is another tragic Columbine-like incident), it will be a cold day in hell before they chalk this one down as George W.’s “mistake”. With there being no impetus to bring this forward on the legislative agenda, it looks like we’ll be using a lot of chalk.
Congress has far more important issues to tackle, like amending the Constitution banning same-sex marriage, or passing legislation outlawing the burning of the flag. How about spending even more valuable time debating whether or not to keep the words Under God in our Pledge of Allegiance. Yes, this is what the White House has decided we should spend our valuable time and resources on now.
Ahh, to be a right-wing card carrying member of the NRA just for a day. Somehow life would be so much simpler. Thank you Santa, this Christmas daddy wants a MAC10.
I guess to some happiness really is a warm gun.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
The 2004 Presidential Elections: Brought to you by Diebold, Inc.
Reading this article, I can only wonder if it was due to another no bid contract handed down by our “trusted” friends in the White house.
One can only guess as to where this might lead us. Apart from altering the outcome of our national election this fall, couldn’t it also alter the results of future referendums, etc.
Considering the fact that the bulk of legislation is handed to government on a silver corporate platter, would it be such a leap of faith to think that come election day, these same interests would also supercede our own?
At least this time, we know where the Supreme Court will stand on the issue.
One can only guess as to where this might lead us. Apart from altering the outcome of our national election this fall, couldn’t it also alter the results of future referendums, etc.
Considering the fact that the bulk of legislation is handed to government on a silver corporate platter, would it be such a leap of faith to think that come election day, these same interests would also supercede our own?
At least this time, we know where the Supreme Court will stand on the issue.
A Special Anniversary
Why does it seem so strange that we are all drawn to be creatures of habit, each seemingly needing to come back to the place where we once came from? Do we choose to reflect upon our lives, or do we selectively remember out of habit?
These marks on our calendars are a fundamental part of who we are, and yet each time something has changed since we were there last. Just like the animals who roam this earth, we are creatures of habit. Migratory birds circle the earth thousands of miles each year on their annual mating and feeding cycles. Whales, without the benefit of decent eyesight, span the murky ocean depths returning to the same hunting grounds without fail.
And we signify various times in our lives bringing ourselves back to that singular moment designated as a birth, a death, or some pivotal moment forever ingrained, “lest we forget”.
In the past, I’ve often heard remarks from those who claimed they knew where they were and what they were doing the day John F. Kennedy was shot, or when Neil Armstrong landed on the Moon, but for some reason I had my doubts. Lacking a significant event in my own history to compare it with, now I understand what a single event can do to change ones life. Three years later, I can still remember where I was and how I felt the moment it happened. 911 will forever be ingrained into my soul as a day of terror. Still there are lingering doubts. Are we really so different from a flock of gulls?
I’m not worried if I will forget the gripping moments while I watched in disturbed horror as civilization seemed so vulnerable, but now looking back as time moves on, one has to wonder how this event will be interpreted collectively in the years that follow.
Unlike animals, people have the luxury of insight and adaptation. Our species is so adept in meeting new challenges that change is expected, anticipated. And so we move on to new paths in our own lives and collectively as a culture.
But I can only wonder what will happen if we fail to understand the importance of what 911 really is to this generation. Sadly, I am left feeling that we have already been caught in the misrepresentation of its significance. Just like World War One, we are caught in the potential trap of having not only to endure a terrible beginning, but having to repeat it again in a more horrible way because we cannot remember past mistakes. With the Armistice of the Great War, the United States government witnessed in dismay as the French and English sought and won alarmingly punitive compensation from their defeated enemies, and occupied vital industrial/agricultural regions critical to their survival. Just as we were once brushed aside by the European victors written off as inexperienced in the complexities of world affairs, it is our turn to repay the favor with Iraq. What will be the cost this time?
Can we endure another election cycle of costly political mistakes that don’t take into account the importance of history past? Are we truly prepared for the revenge our enemies will wage against us for our brutal and arrogant treatment?
One has to ask, do we choose to remember, or are we destined to repeat? Let us all only hope it isn’t the latter.
These marks on our calendars are a fundamental part of who we are, and yet each time something has changed since we were there last. Just like the animals who roam this earth, we are creatures of habit. Migratory birds circle the earth thousands of miles each year on their annual mating and feeding cycles. Whales, without the benefit of decent eyesight, span the murky ocean depths returning to the same hunting grounds without fail.
And we signify various times in our lives bringing ourselves back to that singular moment designated as a birth, a death, or some pivotal moment forever ingrained, “lest we forget”.
In the past, I’ve often heard remarks from those who claimed they knew where they were and what they were doing the day John F. Kennedy was shot, or when Neil Armstrong landed on the Moon, but for some reason I had my doubts. Lacking a significant event in my own history to compare it with, now I understand what a single event can do to change ones life. Three years later, I can still remember where I was and how I felt the moment it happened. 911 will forever be ingrained into my soul as a day of terror. Still there are lingering doubts. Are we really so different from a flock of gulls?
I’m not worried if I will forget the gripping moments while I watched in disturbed horror as civilization seemed so vulnerable, but now looking back as time moves on, one has to wonder how this event will be interpreted collectively in the years that follow.
Unlike animals, people have the luxury of insight and adaptation. Our species is so adept in meeting new challenges that change is expected, anticipated. And so we move on to new paths in our own lives and collectively as a culture.
But I can only wonder what will happen if we fail to understand the importance of what 911 really is to this generation. Sadly, I am left feeling that we have already been caught in the misrepresentation of its significance. Just like World War One, we are caught in the potential trap of having not only to endure a terrible beginning, but having to repeat it again in a more horrible way because we cannot remember past mistakes. With the Armistice of the Great War, the United States government witnessed in dismay as the French and English sought and won alarmingly punitive compensation from their defeated enemies, and occupied vital industrial/agricultural regions critical to their survival. Just as we were once brushed aside by the European victors written off as inexperienced in the complexities of world affairs, it is our turn to repay the favor with Iraq. What will be the cost this time?
Can we endure another election cycle of costly political mistakes that don’t take into account the importance of history past? Are we truly prepared for the revenge our enemies will wage against us for our brutal and arrogant treatment?
One has to ask, do we choose to remember, or are we destined to repeat? Let us all only hope it isn’t the latter.
The First Blog Post
It may have been a long time in coming, but I have finally decided to add yet another voice to the stream of bloggers on the net. In recent months and years, I have spent more and more of my free time reading and enjoying the posts of others. And there are quite a few talented bloggers out there, so it does seem a little intimidating especially if one aspires to today's true standard of reporting excellence. But a voice, even if it is scattered amongst a sea of screaming people is still a voice, and I hope to add mine to the shrill of those who are ever more concerned about the state of the world as it has become.
Nothing comes to mind at present about the depth and focus this blog, but I hope to add some insight to the lives of others interested in life outside the mainstream media madness.
A little about myself first. I grew up innocently believing that you could honestly trust others, and the world in which we live is only enhanced by the wonders man provides. I thought that when I grew up, life would be as easy to live in as it was when I was a child. Everyone would have a job we liked and we would all have an equal say in the world and how it is governed. Just a little too optimistic.
The facts are that these musings of a young child, and I'm sure there are quite a few of us who at some point in our lives at least hoped for a similar vision, couldn't be farther from the truth. As the new Millennium came and went my hopes for the chance emergence of an "enlightened world" were somehow dashed after the rigged national election that November, the catastrophic attack almost one year later and then our collective gut reaction in response to it.
Now four years later, I cannot help to feel that no matter who wins the election this time around nothing that much will really change anyway. Should George W. prevail and win yet another term, then we're really back to the status quo. To be quite sure though, if Kerry were to win, Republicans would be out for blood, so either way it is the people who will loose this election no matter who wins. And to be quite honest, we only have ourselves to blame for it. Time, it seems, might be running out on us sooner than we'd like to think.
If only there could be some sort of magical solution to all of our problems; a sort of modern day penicillin or something. The Republicans will still control both the House and Senate, and they in turn will still be controlled by the special interests that have come to dominate the very pulse of this country.
Beginning Monday morning it should be quite possible for me to purchase an AK47 without a problem, yet I won't be able to check out a book at the local library without being monitored by the FBI as a potential terrorist.
The truth of the matter may only rest within ourselves as we continue to debate, argue or simply choose to ignore these daily reminders that we as citizens are not the ones with the loudest voices anymore.
Until the next time.
Nothing comes to mind at present about the depth and focus this blog, but I hope to add some insight to the lives of others interested in life outside the mainstream media madness.
A little about myself first. I grew up innocently believing that you could honestly trust others, and the world in which we live is only enhanced by the wonders man provides. I thought that when I grew up, life would be as easy to live in as it was when I was a child. Everyone would have a job we liked and we would all have an equal say in the world and how it is governed. Just a little too optimistic.
The facts are that these musings of a young child, and I'm sure there are quite a few of us who at some point in our lives at least hoped for a similar vision, couldn't be farther from the truth. As the new Millennium came and went my hopes for the chance emergence of an "enlightened world" were somehow dashed after the rigged national election that November, the catastrophic attack almost one year later and then our collective gut reaction in response to it.
Now four years later, I cannot help to feel that no matter who wins the election this time around nothing that much will really change anyway. Should George W. prevail and win yet another term, then we're really back to the status quo. To be quite sure though, if Kerry were to win, Republicans would be out for blood, so either way it is the people who will loose this election no matter who wins. And to be quite honest, we only have ourselves to blame for it. Time, it seems, might be running out on us sooner than we'd like to think.
If only there could be some sort of magical solution to all of our problems; a sort of modern day penicillin or something. The Republicans will still control both the House and Senate, and they in turn will still be controlled by the special interests that have come to dominate the very pulse of this country.
Beginning Monday morning it should be quite possible for me to purchase an AK47 without a problem, yet I won't be able to check out a book at the local library without being monitored by the FBI as a potential terrorist.
The truth of the matter may only rest within ourselves as we continue to debate, argue or simply choose to ignore these daily reminders that we as citizens are not the ones with the loudest voices anymore.
Until the next time.
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