Maybe the Saddest Story Out of New Orleans?
Here's an article from Reuters that reports that New Orleans Correctional Officers abandoned their prison, leaving the prisoners locked inside without food, water or electricity.
This tragic disaster will cost us a lot more than money, I'm afraid.
More later...
Paul
Friday, September 23, 2005
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Your Government At Work: Leaping Before Looking Again
If this story doesn't disturb you, nothing will. John Byrne at Raw Story has found that the GOP intends to pass a $52 BILLION relief bill for New Orleans... without letting anyone in the House read it. The House leadership has also denied a measure allowing two hours of discussion of the bill, and they won't let any amendments be made to the bill.
This is democracy in action? I don't think so.
More later...
Paul
If this story doesn't disturb you, nothing will. John Byrne at Raw Story has found that the GOP intends to pass a $52 BILLION relief bill for New Orleans... without letting anyone in the House read it. The House leadership has also denied a measure allowing two hours of discussion of the bill, and they won't let any amendments be made to the bill.
This is democracy in action? I don't think so.
More later...
Paul
Thursday, September 01, 2005
And Now, The End of Civilization...
This story shocks me, and there are a lot of shocking things going on in New Orleans. I just read in another article that the people "sheltered" in the Superdome were actually barricaded in by authorities. They were being contained!
And now the National Guard have been given authorization to "shoot to kill". Is it possible that we will see, before this horrible ordeal is over, a mass killing of Americans by American soldiers on American soil?
More later...
Paul
This story shocks me, and there are a lot of shocking things going on in New Orleans. I just read in another article that the people "sheltered" in the Superdome were actually barricaded in by authorities. They were being contained!
And now the National Guard have been given authorization to "shoot to kill". Is it possible that we will see, before this horrible ordeal is over, a mass killing of Americans by American soldiers on American soil?
More later...
Paul
What Is Going On In New Orleans?
I just read this chilling dispatch from CNN reporter Jim Spellman, as he describes a situation of sheer hopelessness. Tens of thousands of people without food, water or even information and now some of them are beginning to die.
Something has gone terribly wrong, and it has nothing to do with the weather.
More later...
Paul
I just read this chilling dispatch from CNN reporter Jim Spellman, as he describes a situation of sheer hopelessness. Tens of thousands of people without food, water or even information and now some of them are beginning to die.
Something has gone terribly wrong, and it has nothing to do with the weather.
More later...
Paul
Monday, August 29, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
I Have A Big Problem With This
Hollywood is re-writing history (again): this article describes a new Hollywood film about 9/11 planned by Universal Studios, to be released sometime in 2006. This one will be about what supposedly happened on Flight 93, the one that crashed for some reason in Pennsylvania.
Somehow, despite the fact that many questions have remain unanswered about what happened that day, Universal Studios has greenlighted a script that "dramatizes" the whole thing.
They're burying the truth and killing any possible opposition to the official story, regardless of implausability.
More later...
Paul
Hollywood is re-writing history (again): this article describes a new Hollywood film about 9/11 planned by Universal Studios, to be released sometime in 2006. This one will be about what supposedly happened on Flight 93, the one that crashed for some reason in Pennsylvania.
Somehow, despite the fact that many questions have remain unanswered about what happened that day, Universal Studios has greenlighted a script that "dramatizes" the whole thing.
They're burying the truth and killing any possible opposition to the official story, regardless of implausability.
More later...
Paul
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
This Is Actually Good News
According to this story, our government is giving up the phrase "war on terror" for something that actually says something: Washington recasts terror war as 'struggle' - Americas - International Herald Tribune.
In the article it says General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the National Press Club on Monday that he had "objected to the use of the term 'war on terrorism' before, because if you call it a war, then you think of people in uniform as being the solution." How about that? They're actually listening to the Joint Chiefs of Staff!
Maybe there's hope for this criminal, treasonous administration after all?
According to this story, our government is giving up the phrase "war on terror" for something that actually says something: Washington recasts terror war as 'struggle' - Americas - International Herald Tribune.
In the article it says General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the National Press Club on Monday that he had "objected to the use of the term 'war on terrorism' before, because if you call it a war, then you think of people in uniform as being the solution." How about that? They're actually listening to the Joint Chiefs of Staff!
Maybe there's hope for this criminal, treasonous administration after all?
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Does This Time Fit This Crime?
In what appears to be a case of retributive sentencing, a jury unloaded on a pathological criminal in Texas yesterday: Felon Gets 99 Years for Stealing Phone - Yahoo! News.
Here's a guy who talks a lot of trash, and is clearly a robber and a thug. But does it make sense to spend so much money incarcerating him for 99 years, or would it make better sense to contain him in a mental facility and try to get to the bottom of his attitude problem? It's not like he's some criminal mastermind or psycho killer.
Of course, it was a Texas court, though.
More later...
Paul
In what appears to be a case of retributive sentencing, a jury unloaded on a pathological criminal in Texas yesterday: Felon Gets 99 Years for Stealing Phone - Yahoo! News.
Here's a guy who talks a lot of trash, and is clearly a robber and a thug. But does it make sense to spend so much money incarcerating him for 99 years, or would it make better sense to contain him in a mental facility and try to get to the bottom of his attitude problem? It's not like he's some criminal mastermind or psycho killer.
Of course, it was a Texas court, though.
More later...
Paul
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Is This Really Necessary?
In response to this morning's London bombing, here we go: U.S. Raises Alert to Orange for Transit - Yahoo! News.
Let's see now... are we going to "code Orange" because of specific threats received, or just because it happened elsewhere?
And isn't it interesting that now, with the President's approval rating at an all-time low, and with his key advisor Karl Rove under fire for possible treason, that the news media now has a man-made disaster to shift its attention to.
I almost can't wait to see what happens next... I just hope it doesn't involve the deaths of more innocent people.
More later...
Paul
In response to this morning's London bombing, here we go: U.S. Raises Alert to Orange for Transit - Yahoo! News.
Let's see now... are we going to "code Orange" because of specific threats received, or just because it happened elsewhere?
And isn't it interesting that now, with the President's approval rating at an all-time low, and with his key advisor Karl Rove under fire for possible treason, that the news media now has a man-made disaster to shift its attention to.
I almost can't wait to see what happens next... I just hope it doesn't involve the deaths of more innocent people.
More later...
Paul
Shocked But Not Surprised?
This horrific bombing in London, Attacks kill 33 in London, Blair breaks off summit - Yahoo! News, now being labeled a "terrorist act", has caused the G8 Summit in SCOTLAND to be brought to a premature close.
The quotes from the authorities bother me:
Brian Paddick, deputy assistant commissioner of London police: "We are clearly shocked but we are not surprised by what has happened" - what the heck does this mean?
President Bush: "the war on terror goes on" - very comforting, W. Thanks.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, from Singapore: "I'm deeply saddened that this should happen at the heart of an Olympic city. Unfortunately there is no safe haven. No one can say their city is safe." - very bright outlook, Jacques.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone, also in Singapore: "I wish to speak to you directly -- to those who came to London today to take lives. I know that you personally do not fear to give your own life in exchange for taking others, which is why you are so dangerous." - sounds like he almost admires them.
And finally, the blame was placed:
Alex Standish, editor of Jane's Intelligence Digest: "We would put al Qaeda at the top of the list of any suspects. They have the motives, the means and the opportunity. Here you have a massive headline event which involves the three world leaders that al Qaeda detests -- Bush, Blair and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."
And there you have it. The event has been completely explained. As you were, nothing to see here.
But what if it WASN'T perpetrated by al Quaeda? And what if it DIDN'T have anything to do with the G8 Summit? We'll never know now that everyone has made their minds up about it.
More later...
Paul
This horrific bombing in London, Attacks kill 33 in London, Blair breaks off summit - Yahoo! News, now being labeled a "terrorist act", has caused the G8 Summit in SCOTLAND to be brought to a premature close.
The quotes from the authorities bother me:
Brian Paddick, deputy assistant commissioner of London police: "We are clearly shocked but we are not surprised by what has happened" - what the heck does this mean?
President Bush: "the war on terror goes on" - very comforting, W. Thanks.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, from Singapore: "I'm deeply saddened that this should happen at the heart of an Olympic city. Unfortunately there is no safe haven. No one can say their city is safe." - very bright outlook, Jacques.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone, also in Singapore: "I wish to speak to you directly -- to those who came to London today to take lives. I know that you personally do not fear to give your own life in exchange for taking others, which is why you are so dangerous." - sounds like he almost admires them.
And finally, the blame was placed:
Alex Standish, editor of Jane's Intelligence Digest: "We would put al Qaeda at the top of the list of any suspects. They have the motives, the means and the opportunity. Here you have a massive headline event which involves the three world leaders that al Qaeda detests -- Bush, Blair and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."
And there you have it. The event has been completely explained. As you were, nothing to see here.
But what if it WASN'T perpetrated by al Quaeda? And what if it DIDN'T have anything to do with the G8 Summit? We'll never know now that everyone has made their minds up about it.
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Something About the Fourth
I was going to post an essay about the Fourth of July this year (and I may still put one up, although it will obviously be late), but I read this post by Trey Ellis over at the Huffington Post, and I wanted to share it with you.
Hope your Holiday was Happy.
More later...
Paul
I was going to post an essay about the Fourth of July this year (and I may still put one up, although it will obviously be late), but I read this post by Trey Ellis over at the Huffington Post, and I wanted to share it with you.
Hope your Holiday was Happy.
More later...
Paul
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Not Necessarily Good News
So, the U.S. has decided to put a scare in all other countries on this globe by indirectly threatening to become the dictator of electronic information: U.S. to Retain Oversight of Web Traffic - Yahoo! News.
The concept must frighten many. Sure, the control is here already, but with world events the way they are, and with the "you're with us or you're agin us" stance of the current Administration, we may be looking at a revolutionary change in what we now know as "the information superhighway".
Could an alternate route be in our future?
So, the U.S. has decided to put a scare in all other countries on this globe by indirectly threatening to become the dictator of electronic information: U.S. to Retain Oversight of Web Traffic - Yahoo! News.
The concept must frighten many. Sure, the control is here already, but with world events the way they are, and with the "you're with us or you're agin us" stance of the current Administration, we may be looking at a revolutionary change in what we now know as "the information superhighway".
Could an alternate route be in our future?
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Cash Payments In Iraq?
If I go to my local bank and try to deposit more than $10,000 cash, all sorts of questions will be asked of my by the bank officers. So how is it even possible that it's okay for the United States government to pay BILLIONS IN CASH to people in Iraq? This story: U.S. was big spender in days before Iraq handover - Yahoo! News boggles my mind.
What's the problem with good old-fashioned checks? Has Uncle Sam been bouncing checks again? Or what about wire transfers? Or is the problem simply that in war-torn countries, banks are rather unreliable, and most people only want cold, hard currency?
If so, that's fine. But are we tracking that cash properly? Because it seems like an awful lot of money was spent in an awfully short period of time. It sort of smells like payola...
More later...
Paul
If I go to my local bank and try to deposit more than $10,000 cash, all sorts of questions will be asked of my by the bank officers. So how is it even possible that it's okay for the United States government to pay BILLIONS IN CASH to people in Iraq? This story: U.S. was big spender in days before Iraq handover - Yahoo! News boggles my mind.
What's the problem with good old-fashioned checks? Has Uncle Sam been bouncing checks again? Or what about wire transfers? Or is the problem simply that in war-torn countries, banks are rather unreliable, and most people only want cold, hard currency?
If so, that's fine. But are we tracking that cash properly? Because it seems like an awful lot of money was spent in an awfully short period of time. It sort of smells like payola...
More later...
Paul
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Best Bush Quote Ever
I don't particularly care about democracy in Iran. I figure it's their country, let them govern themselves the way they see fit. So under normal circumstances, a story like this: Iran's presidential race ends with blast from Bush - Yahoo! Newswouldn't gain my attention. But the headline got me, and the quote from Bush absolutely cracked me up:
"Power is in the hands of an unelected few who have retained power through an electoral process that ignores the basic requirements of democracy," Bush said in a statement.
Isn't that a hoot? Is it possible that the irony is totally lost on this dense, clueless man?
More later...
Paul
I don't particularly care about democracy in Iran. I figure it's their country, let them govern themselves the way they see fit. So under normal circumstances, a story like this: Iran's presidential race ends with blast from Bush - Yahoo! Newswouldn't gain my attention. But the headline got me, and the quote from Bush absolutely cracked me up:
"Power is in the hands of an unelected few who have retained power through an electoral process that ignores the basic requirements of democracy," Bush said in a statement.
Isn't that a hoot? Is it possible that the irony is totally lost on this dense, clueless man?
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
The Truth Will Set You Free... If You Can See It
The truth of what happened on 9/11/01 will eventually become clear to America, but apparently it's going to take awhile. There's hope that it will happen in our lifetime, though, when former Bush administration officials step to the plate and contradict the official story. Morgan Reynolds, former chief economist for the Labor Department during Bush's first term, says the official story of the collapse of building 7 is probably bogus, and if it is, there is a case that the official story behind the entire attack may be suspect.
Gee, you think?
Anyway, it's nice to see that somebody is keeping hope alive... the hope that the truth will someday see the light of day in the American media.
More later...
Paul
The truth of what happened on 9/11/01 will eventually become clear to America, but apparently it's going to take awhile. There's hope that it will happen in our lifetime, though, when former Bush administration officials step to the plate and contradict the official story. Morgan Reynolds, former chief economist for the Labor Department during Bush's first term, says the official story of the collapse of building 7 is probably bogus, and if it is, there is a case that the official story behind the entire attack may be suspect.
Gee, you think?
Anyway, it's nice to see that somebody is keeping hope alive... the hope that the truth will someday see the light of day in the American media.
More later...
Paul
Thursday, June 09, 2005
If It's On TV, It Must Be Fiction?
Apparently a long-running (35 years!) German TV drama has recently aired an episode, seen by over 7 million German citizens that depicts 9/11 as a plot by the Bush Administration.
Gee, wonder where they came up with an idea like THAT?
The funniest part about this article, at least to me, is that all of the people quoted say the concept of the show is "ludicrous" and "pure fiction", yet the article also notes that about 30% of Germans under the age of 30 "think that there is a certain possibility that the U.S. government ordered the attacks of 9/11." Smart kids!
Me? I can't believe I linked to an article in the Washington Times!
More later...
Paul
Apparently a long-running (35 years!) German TV drama has recently aired an episode, seen by over 7 million German citizens that depicts 9/11 as a plot by the Bush Administration.
Gee, wonder where they came up with an idea like THAT?
The funniest part about this article, at least to me, is that all of the people quoted say the concept of the show is "ludicrous" and "pure fiction", yet the article also notes that about 30% of Germans under the age of 30 "think that there is a certain possibility that the U.S. government ordered the attacks of 9/11." Smart kids!
Me? I can't believe I linked to an article in the Washington Times!
More later...
Paul
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Our Government Is Out Of Control
Six years ago... SIX!... the government won a landmark anti-racketeering suit against Big Tobacco, and the penalty was set at an astounding $130 Billion. Yes, most people with half a brain reasoned that the fine would never be paid, but who would have guessed what happened today? Check out this story:Tobacco Escapes Huge Penalty.
Even the lawyers for the tobacco companies were surprised by the government's decision to ask for less than 10% of the original award. But that's better than what former Attorney General Ashcroft tried to do... back in 2001, he tried to shelve the entire case, according to the article.
The U.S. Government is apparently completely corrupt. What do we do now?
More later...
Paul
Six years ago... SIX!... the government won a landmark anti-racketeering suit against Big Tobacco, and the penalty was set at an astounding $130 Billion. Yes, most people with half a brain reasoned that the fine would never be paid, but who would have guessed what happened today? Check out this story:Tobacco Escapes Huge Penalty.
Even the lawyers for the tobacco companies were surprised by the government's decision to ask for less than 10% of the original award. But that's better than what former Attorney General Ashcroft tried to do... back in 2001, he tried to shelve the entire case, according to the article.
The U.S. Government is apparently completely corrupt. What do we do now?
More later...
Paul
Monday, June 06, 2005
An Apology For Murder? How Quaint!
My eyes actually couldn't believe this headline: Senate to Issue Anti-Lynching Apology - Yahoo! News. Then I read the story and I am STILL in a state of disbelief.
Is this the same Senate that spent days and millions investigating the tragedy (sarcasm intended) of steroid usage in professional baseball? The same group of millionaire lawmakers that propped up Terry Schiavo's lifeless body as an example of ... something? Now, nearly 100 years after the fact, they want to APOLOGIZE for not passing anti-lynching legislation.
Maybe they're worried that the next nooses were being prepared for THEM.
I wonder if tarring and feathering is still legal? Because I know of about 100 men and a couple of women that would make great candidates for such treatment.
More later...
Paul
My eyes actually couldn't believe this headline: Senate to Issue Anti-Lynching Apology - Yahoo! News. Then I read the story and I am STILL in a state of disbelief.
Is this the same Senate that spent days and millions investigating the tragedy (sarcasm intended) of steroid usage in professional baseball? The same group of millionaire lawmakers that propped up Terry Schiavo's lifeless body as an example of ... something? Now, nearly 100 years after the fact, they want to APOLOGIZE for not passing anti-lynching legislation.
Maybe they're worried that the next nooses were being prepared for THEM.
I wonder if tarring and feathering is still legal? Because I know of about 100 men and a couple of women that would make great candidates for such treatment.
More later...
Paul
Friday, June 03, 2005
Somebody Should Go To Prison For This Cover Up
Look at the headline for THIS crazy Washington Post story: FAA Managers Destroyed 9/11 Tape (washingtonpost.com)
You must read it... and then you still might not believe it. In a nutshell, FAA air traffic controllers were interviewed RIGHT AFTER THE 9/11 INCIDENT, on that very day. The interview was recorded... AND THE RECORDING WAS DESTROYED. Must I ask why?
From the article: "the second manager said he destroyed the tape between December 2001 and January 2002 by crushing the tape with his hand, cutting it into small pieces and depositing the pieces into trash cans around the building, the report said. " Now, does that sound like the action of a rational person? Crushing the tape with his hand? Then distributing the evidence in multiple trash cans? You don't even have to be a conspiracy theorist to get the chills over this story.
What were they hiding? Who gave the order to destroy the evidence? Don't hold your breath for the truth.
More later...
Paul
Look at the headline for THIS crazy Washington Post story: FAA Managers Destroyed 9/11 Tape (washingtonpost.com)
You must read it... and then you still might not believe it. In a nutshell, FAA air traffic controllers were interviewed RIGHT AFTER THE 9/11 INCIDENT, on that very day. The interview was recorded... AND THE RECORDING WAS DESTROYED. Must I ask why?
From the article: "the second manager said he destroyed the tape between December 2001 and January 2002 by crushing the tape with his hand, cutting it into small pieces and depositing the pieces into trash cans around the building, the report said. " Now, does that sound like the action of a rational person? Crushing the tape with his hand? Then distributing the evidence in multiple trash cans? You don't even have to be a conspiracy theorist to get the chills over this story.
What were they hiding? Who gave the order to destroy the evidence? Don't hold your breath for the truth.
More later...
Paul
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Constitutional Rights... Suspended!
So this is what it has come to: we're so afraid of a 9/11 repeat that we suspect breadknife-carrying old ladies are conspiring to hijack airplanes... with the help of 37 schoolchildren! This wacky story, found on Michael Moore's website, tells of a 57-year-old woman who inadvertently left a 5 1/2 inch sandwich knife in her carry-on cooler.
Yep, they confiscated the "weapon" and put her on the terrorist watch list. Like that makes any sense at all.
She was quoted: "And I said what about my constitutional rights? And they said 'not at this point ... you don't have any'."
More later...
Paul
So this is what it has come to: we're so afraid of a 9/11 repeat that we suspect breadknife-carrying old ladies are conspiring to hijack airplanes... with the help of 37 schoolchildren! This wacky story, found on Michael Moore's website, tells of a 57-year-old woman who inadvertently left a 5 1/2 inch sandwich knife in her carry-on cooler.
Yep, they confiscated the "weapon" and put her on the terrorist watch list. Like that makes any sense at all.
She was quoted: "And I said what about my constitutional rights? And they said 'not at this point ... you don't have any'."
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Satanism Rears It's Ugly Head... Again
It seems that wherever the President goes, someone is bound to throw a satanic gang signal. Check this photo at Wonkette, from the Naval Academy Graduation, of all things. The young lady is throwing the "horns" with her hand, and doing the tongue thing with her mouth.
Oh, you mean it's not a satanic symbol? It must be a culture of life thang, then.
It seems that wherever the President goes, someone is bound to throw a satanic gang signal. Check this photo at Wonkette, from the Naval Academy Graduation, of all things. The young lady is throwing the "horns" with her hand, and doing the tongue thing with her mouth.
Oh, you mean it's not a satanic symbol? It must be a culture of life thang, then.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Who Knew The Mark of the Beast Would Be "HP"?
Ladies and gentleman, here it is, the Apocalypse begineth, courtesy a joint venture between Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard: HP Announces New National Identity System Solution Built on Microsoft .NET Platform.
That sound you're hearing? The Bill of Rights going up in flames.
Do you think I'm being alarmist about this? "We already have passports issued by the Federal Government", you argue. Fine, I say. Don't be alarmed. Just check with me in about 20 years... your opinion will definitely be different then.
More later...
Paul
Ladies and gentleman, here it is, the Apocalypse begineth, courtesy a joint venture between Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard: HP Announces New National Identity System Solution Built on Microsoft .NET Platform.
That sound you're hearing? The Bill of Rights going up in flames.
Do you think I'm being alarmist about this? "We already have passports issued by the Federal Government", you argue. Fine, I say. Don't be alarmed. Just check with me in about 20 years... your opinion will definitely be different then.
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
How Did We Lose $8.8 Billion in Iraq?
First off, I'm not totally convinced Ariana Huffington's so-called "Hollywood Blog", The Huffington Post, is such a bad thing. I've checked it out twice now, and both times I've read some pretty good articles. Here's one by Al Franken, and he brings up such a good point, it's kind of frightening: he's trying to figure out why no one on Capital Hill seems to be aware that the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq has "misplaced" $8.8 Billion.
Yes, that's BILLION. Of your taxpayer dollars. Gone, without an apparent trace.
More later...
Paul
First off, I'm not totally convinced Ariana Huffington's so-called "Hollywood Blog", The Huffington Post, is such a bad thing. I've checked it out twice now, and both times I've read some pretty good articles. Here's one by Al Franken, and he brings up such a good point, it's kind of frightening: he's trying to figure out why no one on Capital Hill seems to be aware that the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq has "misplaced" $8.8 Billion.
Yes, that's BILLION. Of your taxpayer dollars. Gone, without an apparent trace.
More later...
Paul
Now THIS Guy Really Tells It Like It Is!
I've got to hand it to this guy,The Rude Pundit... he really knows how to tackle an issue and explain it in terms that anyone can understand, as long as one doesn't mind a bit of profanity.
His column yesterday was on torture, and he really brought the issue home by penning a vivid description of what it would be like if the funny guys in the old "Hogan's Heroes" TV sitcom were treated like we treat our prisoners in Gitmo and Abu Ghraib. Chilling.
I will be linking to him often.
More later...
Paul
I've got to hand it to this guy,The Rude Pundit... he really knows how to tackle an issue and explain it in terms that anyone can understand, as long as one doesn't mind a bit of profanity.
His column yesterday was on torture, and he really brought the issue home by penning a vivid description of what it would be like if the funny guys in the old "Hogan's Heroes" TV sitcom were treated like we treat our prisoners in Gitmo and Abu Ghraib. Chilling.
I will be linking to him often.
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Talk About Out Of Context
I don't know much about Mexican President Vincente Fox, but after read this brief story, I'm pretty sure he didn't mean his comment to be a slam on African Americans.
According to the article, last week Fox said Mexican immigrants do jobs "that not even blacks want to do there in the United States." Fox made the comment in a speech to visiting Texan business people on Friday, because he was frustrated at stalling by the U.S. Congress on immigration reforms that would help undocumented Mexicans in America.
The U.S. State Department then urged Fox to clarify the "very insensitive and inappropriate remarks."
Could this be the same State Department that is currently "urging" Congress to confirm the nomination of John Bolton, someone who people claim makes a lot of "very insensitive and inappropriate remarks" himself?
Fox may have betrayed his view of African Americans in his comment, but it's very clear to me that further denigrating us was not the intent of his words. It's just hilarious that the State Department's pot dares open it's mouth about Fox's kettle.
More later...
Paul
I don't know much about Mexican President Vincente Fox, but after read this brief story, I'm pretty sure he didn't mean his comment to be a slam on African Americans.
According to the article, last week Fox said Mexican immigrants do jobs "that not even blacks want to do there in the United States." Fox made the comment in a speech to visiting Texan business people on Friday, because he was frustrated at stalling by the U.S. Congress on immigration reforms that would help undocumented Mexicans in America.
The U.S. State Department then urged Fox to clarify the "very insensitive and inappropriate remarks."
Could this be the same State Department that is currently "urging" Congress to confirm the nomination of John Bolton, someone who people claim makes a lot of "very insensitive and inappropriate remarks" himself?
Fox may have betrayed his view of African Americans in his comment, but it's very clear to me that further denigrating us was not the intent of his words. It's just hilarious that the State Department's pot dares open it's mouth about Fox's kettle.
More later...
Paul
Thursday, May 12, 2005
The War On Drugs... Against Our Own Troops
Here's a heartwarming little tale about U.S. soldiers and law enforcement personnel gettng caught in an FBI sting operation for taking bribes from cocaine traffickers. One INS inspector even allowed a truck carrying 88 POUNDS of cocaine across the border without inspecting it... TWICE.
In case you may have forgotten, 88 pounds of blow can make a LOT of crack. A LOT of crack can undermine an entire community.
Rest in peace, Gary Webb.
More later...
Paul
Here's a heartwarming little tale about U.S. soldiers and law enforcement personnel gettng caught in an FBI sting operation for taking bribes from cocaine traffickers. One INS inspector even allowed a truck carrying 88 POUNDS of cocaine across the border without inspecting it... TWICE.
In case you may have forgotten, 88 pounds of blow can make a LOT of crack. A LOT of crack can undermine an entire community.
Rest in peace, Gary Webb.
More later...
Paul
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
The Bush Administration Faked Terror Alerts
Okay, that headline is slightly misleading, I'll admit. But it amounts to a hill of beans compared to what the Bush Administration was doing with regard to those color-coded terror "alerts". The USA Today is reporting that former Dept. of Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge is now claiming that the Bush Administration regularly put the country on higher alert status, even when he disagreed with the assessment.
Pretty damning stuff, if you ask me. But ultimately, what will we, as a nation, do about it? Impeach the president?
Hey, a guy can dream, can't I?
More later...
Paul
Okay, that headline is slightly misleading, I'll admit. But it amounts to a hill of beans compared to what the Bush Administration was doing with regard to those color-coded terror "alerts". The USA Today is reporting that former Dept. of Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge is now claiming that the Bush Administration regularly put the country on higher alert status, even when he disagreed with the assessment.
Pretty damning stuff, if you ask me. But ultimately, what will we, as a nation, do about it? Impeach the president?
Hey, a guy can dream, can't I?
More later...
Paul
If Only They Were This Good Back In '01...
Did you hear that the Capital and the White House were evacuated today, and jet fighters were scrambled into the skies over Washington, D.C. when an unidentified airplane entered restricted airspaceover the Nation's Capital?
My, how those staunch defenders must be proud of their bold, decisive action. My, how we needed them to be just half as effective back in September, 2001. Just think of how many lives they could have saved, had they acted then with the same efficiency that they did today.
Of course, today's threatening airplane was a small private plane, and not a commercial jetliner. But the point remains the same: today, we did good. Back in 2001, we were humiliatingly, fatally bad. And as of this writing, not a single one of the people in charge of our air defenses on 9/11 have been so much as reprimanded for their failure to do their jobs. But I bet they're handing out "attaboys" today.
More later...
Paul
Did you hear that the Capital and the White House were evacuated today, and jet fighters were scrambled into the skies over Washington, D.C. when an unidentified airplane entered restricted airspaceover the Nation's Capital?
My, how those staunch defenders must be proud of their bold, decisive action. My, how we needed them to be just half as effective back in September, 2001. Just think of how many lives they could have saved, had they acted then with the same efficiency that they did today.
Of course, today's threatening airplane was a small private plane, and not a commercial jetliner. But the point remains the same: today, we did good. Back in 2001, we were humiliatingly, fatally bad. And as of this writing, not a single one of the people in charge of our air defenses on 9/11 have been so much as reprimanded for their failure to do their jobs. But I bet they're handing out "attaboys" today.
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
So The State Relinquished It's Claim
The Florida Dept. of Children & Families said it will NOT appeal a court's ruling that allows that 13-year-old to have an abortion.
The story notes that the child, a ward of the state, became pregnant after she ran away from the state-licensed group home where she lived.
"The constitutional right belongs to the child, and it belongs to the child even if the parents object," said Mary Coombs, a family law professor at the University of Miami. "In this case, DCF didn't have any more right than the parents."
Would someone in the media please address the underlying issue: why did the poor kid run away in the first place?
More later...
Paul
The Florida Dept. of Children & Families said it will NOT appeal a court's ruling that allows that 13-year-old to have an abortion.
The story notes that the child, a ward of the state, became pregnant after she ran away from the state-licensed group home where she lived.
"The constitutional right belongs to the child, and it belongs to the child even if the parents object," said Mary Coombs, a family law professor at the University of Miami. "In this case, DCF didn't have any more right than the parents."
Would someone in the media please address the underlying issue: why did the poor kid run away in the first place?
More later...
Paul
Monday, May 02, 2005
The State Intervenes A Little Too Late?
What the heck is going on with personal rights in Florida? First Terry Schiavo, now this, a story about how a judge has prevented a 13-year-old girl from getting an abortion. And Florida is a state in which minors DO NOT need parental permission for abortions!
Let me make it clear: I am not in favor of abortions, but as a pro-choice advocate, I recognize them as legitimate options for pregnant women. The article reports that it was "Florida's department of children and families intervened and took the matter to court, arguing the teenager, who is under the care of the state, is too young and immature to make an informed medical decision." The judge, apparently, agreed.
The picture becomes a little clearer. The obvious question, how did the child become impregnated, is answered: she was under the care of the state. And what a great job they apparently did.
More later...
Paul
What the heck is going on with personal rights in Florida? First Terry Schiavo, now this, a story about how a judge has prevented a 13-year-old girl from getting an abortion. And Florida is a state in which minors DO NOT need parental permission for abortions!
Let me make it clear: I am not in favor of abortions, but as a pro-choice advocate, I recognize them as legitimate options for pregnant women. The article reports that it was "Florida's department of children and families intervened and took the matter to court, arguing the teenager, who is under the care of the state, is too young and immature to make an informed medical decision." The judge, apparently, agreed.
The picture becomes a little clearer. The obvious question, how did the child become impregnated, is answered: she was under the care of the state. And what a great job they apparently did.
More later...
Paul
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Too Late For Regrets
Good grief, NOW he regrets saying it? According to this CNN.com article, former CIA Director George Tenet told an audience in Kutztown, PA. (sure it's not "KLUTZtown?) that he regrets saying Iraq was a "slam dunk".
My heart goes out to all those who have loved ones that have perished during this mistaken war... including the Iraqis.
True to form, though, Tenet DOESN'T say WHY he felt so strongly confident about the issue back in 2002. C'mon! Didn't he just receive a Medal of Freedom?
More later...
Paul
Good grief, NOW he regrets saying it? According to this CNN.com article, former CIA Director George Tenet told an audience in Kutztown, PA. (sure it's not "KLUTZtown?) that he regrets saying Iraq was a "slam dunk".
My heart goes out to all those who have loved ones that have perished during this mistaken war... including the Iraqis.
True to form, though, Tenet DOESN'T say WHY he felt so strongly confident about the issue back in 2002. C'mon! Didn't he just receive a Medal of Freedom?
More later...
Paul
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Another 9/11 Related Farce
This is the trial that the media should be focused on; not Michael Jackson, not Scott Peterson, not Robert Blake. This One. The only person in the United States charged in connection with the 9/11 tragedy... a French national.
This story has it all. The defendant originally dismissed his court-appointed defense attorneys because he said they were incompetent. He wanted to represent himself, but the judge denied him that right in 2003 saying his legal filings "include contemptuous language that would never be tolerated from an attorney and will no longer be tolerated from this defendant."
What the hell?
Now the media reports that the defendant intends to plead guilty, but the judge has to determine if the defendant is mentally competent to make the plea.
Again, what the hell? And why isn't this news all over the front pages? Well, I'll tell you why: the press has abdicated its duties. Period.
More later...
Paul
This is the trial that the media should be focused on; not Michael Jackson, not Scott Peterson, not Robert Blake. This One. The only person in the United States charged in connection with the 9/11 tragedy... a French national.
This story has it all. The defendant originally dismissed his court-appointed defense attorneys because he said they were incompetent. He wanted to represent himself, but the judge denied him that right in 2003 saying his legal filings "include contemptuous language that would never be tolerated from an attorney and will no longer be tolerated from this defendant."
What the hell?
Now the media reports that the defendant intends to plead guilty, but the judge has to determine if the defendant is mentally competent to make the plea.
Again, what the hell? And why isn't this news all over the front pages? Well, I'll tell you why: the press has abdicated its duties. Period.
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Give This Man Some Credit
Of all of the news dinosaurs still breathing, I never thought it would be Sam "Really, it IS my hair" Donaldson finally admitting that Network News Is Dead. And yet, here he is, apologetic even, while confessing "The monster anchors are through."
Sam is about as inside as an insider can get. He's been through enough contract negotiations to see the writing on the wall. I suspect he's about to join the ranks of the former-broadcasters-turned-bloggers, but I won't believe it until I see it. In any case, kudos to him for telling it like it is.
Only question left: will the network news organizations go away quietly, or are they gonna put up a (losing) fight?
Here comes the kicking and screaming...
More later...
Paul
Of all of the news dinosaurs still breathing, I never thought it would be Sam "Really, it IS my hair" Donaldson finally admitting that Network News Is Dead. And yet, here he is, apologetic even, while confessing "The monster anchors are through."
Sam is about as inside as an insider can get. He's been through enough contract negotiations to see the writing on the wall. I suspect he's about to join the ranks of the former-broadcasters-turned-bloggers, but I won't believe it until I see it. In any case, kudos to him for telling it like it is.
Only question left: will the network news organizations go away quietly, or are they gonna put up a (losing) fight?
Here comes the kicking and screaming...
More later...
Paul
Why Should We Take This Man Seriously?
So, a German Cardinal has been elected Pope. He's friggin' 78 years old! I hope he's healthy, but is health something they considered in the so-called "conclave"?
In one of his very first public statements he shows how out of touch he his. He said, "The fact that the Lord can work and act even with insufficient means consoles me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers..." I mean, he almost sounds surprised that God can work with anything and anyone. In an attempt to come off as humble, instead he sounds to me to be manipulative at best.
The article labels the pope as the "Roman Catholic Church's leading hard-liner". That just doesn't sound right. But should I even be surprised that the Catholic Church would do something disappointing?
More later...
Paul
So, a German Cardinal has been elected Pope. He's friggin' 78 years old! I hope he's healthy, but is health something they considered in the so-called "conclave"?
In one of his very first public statements he shows how out of touch he his. He said, "The fact that the Lord can work and act even with insufficient means consoles me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers..." I mean, he almost sounds surprised that God can work with anything and anyone. In an attempt to come off as humble, instead he sounds to me to be manipulative at best.
The article labels the pope as the "Roman Catholic Church's leading hard-liner". That just doesn't sound right. But should I even be surprised that the Catholic Church would do something disappointing?
More later...
Paul
Monday, April 18, 2005
The Coverup Is Officially Underway
Here we are in the middle of the so-called War On Terror... and wouldn't it be kind of nice to know how our side is doing so far? Well, based on the results of the last presidential election, one would think that we're winning. Unfortunately, the State Department's National Counterterrorism Center has recently reported that there were MORE terrorist attacks in 2004 than in any year since 1985! And the statistics DO NOT include terror attacks in Iraq. How did our government respond? They decided to stop publishing the report!
Secretary Rice, you should be ashamed of yourself.
More later...
Paul
Here we are in the middle of the so-called War On Terror... and wouldn't it be kind of nice to know how our side is doing so far? Well, based on the results of the last presidential election, one would think that we're winning. Unfortunately, the State Department's National Counterterrorism Center has recently reported that there were MORE terrorist attacks in 2004 than in any year since 1985! And the statistics DO NOT include terror attacks in Iraq. How did our government respond? They decided to stop publishing the report!
Secretary Rice, you should be ashamed of yourself.
More later...
Paul
Saturday, April 16, 2005
This Could Change Everything
Ever want to broadcast a television show of your own? Participatory Culture Foundation may have the answer. And it's FREE.
Have my dreams finally been answered? We'll see when they release their software in June.
More later...
Paul
Ever want to broadcast a television show of your own? Participatory Culture Foundation may have the answer. And it's FREE.
Have my dreams finally been answered? We'll see when they release their software in June.
More later...
Paul
Glad To See This
It's nice to see SOMEONE getting mad at those who voted for the bankruptcy bill. MoveOn.org has stepped up to the plate:The Raw Story | Moveon.org PAC to run ads targeting Democratic leader in House Steny Hoyer
What's news about this is that it is widely assumed that the MoveOn organization is pro-democrat. Turns out that they're just pro-American. Will wonders never cease?
More later...
Paul
It's nice to see SOMEONE getting mad at those who voted for the bankruptcy bill. MoveOn.org has stepped up to the plate:The Raw Story | Moveon.org PAC to run ads targeting Democratic leader in House Steny Hoyer
What's news about this is that it is widely assumed that the MoveOn organization is pro-democrat. Turns out that they're just pro-American. Will wonders never cease?
More later...
Paul
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Senator Scrooge? Congressman Curmudgeon? President Pennypincher?
Seen as part of the Republican's "legal reform" agenda, here it comes - the boot in the butt of the masses: Yahoo! News - Bush Will Sign Bankruptcy Bill
If it's the Republican's agenda, why did 73 House Democrats vote in favor of it? Who elects these people?
Let's take a look at some of the reaction from "the other side":
- Opponents say the bill is too harsh on ordinary Americans, arguing many of those filing for bankruptcy were driven into debt by unemployment, a medical crisis or divorce.
(Unemployment? Wouldn't it be nice if Congress tackled THAT little issue, instead of Steroids in pro sports and Terry Schiavo?)
- "This is the most special-interest-invested bill that I have ever dealt with in my career in Congress," said Rep. John Conyers, a Michigan Democrat first elected in 1964. "It massively tilts the playing field in favor of banks and credit card companies and against working people and their families."
- The AFL-CIO labor organization denounced the measure as "further proof that big business is steamrolling legislation through Congress."
NSS (that's "No Shit, Sherlock"). This current Congress is just BEGGING for a popular revolution.
More later...
Paul
Seen as part of the Republican's "legal reform" agenda, here it comes - the boot in the butt of the masses: Yahoo! News - Bush Will Sign Bankruptcy Bill
If it's the Republican's agenda, why did 73 House Democrats vote in favor of it? Who elects these people?
Let's take a look at some of the reaction from "the other side":
- Opponents say the bill is too harsh on ordinary Americans, arguing many of those filing for bankruptcy were driven into debt by unemployment, a medical crisis or divorce.
(Unemployment? Wouldn't it be nice if Congress tackled THAT little issue, instead of Steroids in pro sports and Terry Schiavo?)
- "This is the most special-interest-invested bill that I have ever dealt with in my career in Congress," said Rep. John Conyers, a Michigan Democrat first elected in 1964. "It massively tilts the playing field in favor of banks and credit card companies and against working people and their families."
- The AFL-CIO labor organization denounced the measure as "further proof that big business is steamrolling legislation through Congress."
NSS (that's "No Shit, Sherlock"). This current Congress is just BEGGING for a popular revolution.
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
Give ME Some Money, While You're At It...
This story upsets me. It's not the most upsetting thing I've read recently, but it still works my nerves:USATODAY.com - U.S. aims to spend money in Iran
According to the article, "Congress has appropriated $3 million, and the State Department is inviting proposals from 'educational institutions, humanitarian groups, non-governmental organizations and individuals inside Iran to support the advancement of democracy and human rights...' "
The article also notes that MY country, the U.S.A., is already spending $15 million per year to broadcast radio and television programs in Farsi into the country.
One of the things that bothers me is the amount of funds appropriated. To our government, $3 million is less than chump change. That's "walking around money" for some of the rich guys that represent us. It's clearly some type of payoff money that they're dressing up to look legit. In fact, I'm kind of confused about the amount of money they're spending on broadcasts. Somebody is getting paid bigtime in that scenario.
I wish we could let sovereign nations alone, but in this era of $3/gallon gasoline I know it's asking too much. This current administration is dead-set on taking over Iran, and this little bit of money is absolutely nothing compared to what it will cost when we start sending the troops in.
More later...
Paul
This story upsets me. It's not the most upsetting thing I've read recently, but it still works my nerves:USATODAY.com - U.S. aims to spend money in Iran
According to the article, "Congress has appropriated $3 million, and the State Department is inviting proposals from 'educational institutions, humanitarian groups, non-governmental organizations and individuals inside Iran to support the advancement of democracy and human rights...' "
The article also notes that MY country, the U.S.A., is already spending $15 million per year to broadcast radio and television programs in Farsi into the country.
One of the things that bothers me is the amount of funds appropriated. To our government, $3 million is less than chump change. That's "walking around money" for some of the rich guys that represent us. It's clearly some type of payoff money that they're dressing up to look legit. In fact, I'm kind of confused about the amount of money they're spending on broadcasts. Somebody is getting paid bigtime in that scenario.
I wish we could let sovereign nations alone, but in this era of $3/gallon gasoline I know it's asking too much. This current administration is dead-set on taking over Iran, and this little bit of money is absolutely nothing compared to what it will cost when we start sending the troops in.
More later...
Paul
A New Era Has Arrived
And there will be even MORE posts, now that the email
functionality has been established.
And it was good.
More later...
Paul
Friday, April 08, 2005
I'm Not Mourning For Him
The media says the whole world is mourning the Pope. But they didn't ask me. I feel pretty much the same way I felt when Reagan passed on.
"See Ya!"
Here's hoping the Catholic Church takes this opportunity to join the rest of us in the 21st Century. No, I won't hold my breath.
More later...
Paul
The media says the whole world is mourning the Pope. But they didn't ask me. I feel pretty much the same way I felt when Reagan passed on.
"See Ya!"
Here's hoping the Catholic Church takes this opportunity to join the rest of us in the 21st Century. No, I won't hold my breath.
More later...
Paul
Friday, April 01, 2005
Somebody Explain This To Me
So the Pope is near death. And the news media reports stuff like this:Yahoo! News - Catholics Pray as Pope Slides Towards Death
And I have to ask: why? Why pray for the Pope? Are they praying for God to spare his life and let him live? When I was raised Catholic, we were taught that the Pope was basically God on Earth, or at least God's top representative here. If that's the case, what difference will Bob's prayer make when the Pope has The Man's ear already?
Or are they praying that God will accept the Pope into heaven? A lot of people pray that for their dying loved ones, that God will have mercy on their eternal souls and allow them to enter the pearly gates. Good Grief (almost said God there), if ANYBODY is "saved" it's the Pope, right?
So maybe they're praying that the Pope is comfortable and not feeling any pain. I would think that the Vatican's health care benefits would take care of that. I'm sure the Pope is getting the best treatment money can buy... it's not like he's poor or something. He has been sick for a long time now; he probably should have retired a decade ago, but Pope's really don't do that.
My suspicion is that all of those praying Catholics are secretly praying for themselves. They SAY they're praying for the Pontiff, but they're really trying to curry favor with God... "See how selfless I am? I'm praying for a guy who doesn't even need my prayers!"
More later...
Paul
So the Pope is near death. And the news media reports stuff like this:Yahoo! News - Catholics Pray as Pope Slides Towards Death
And I have to ask: why? Why pray for the Pope? Are they praying for God to spare his life and let him live? When I was raised Catholic, we were taught that the Pope was basically God on Earth, or at least God's top representative here. If that's the case, what difference will Bob's prayer make when the Pope has The Man's ear already?
Or are they praying that God will accept the Pope into heaven? A lot of people pray that for their dying loved ones, that God will have mercy on their eternal souls and allow them to enter the pearly gates. Good Grief (almost said God there), if ANYBODY is "saved" it's the Pope, right?
So maybe they're praying that the Pope is comfortable and not feeling any pain. I would think that the Vatican's health care benefits would take care of that. I'm sure the Pope is getting the best treatment money can buy... it's not like he's poor or something. He has been sick for a long time now; he probably should have retired a decade ago, but Pope's really don't do that.
My suspicion is that all of those praying Catholics are secretly praying for themselves. They SAY they're praying for the Pontiff, but they're really trying to curry favor with God... "See how selfless I am? I'm praying for a guy who doesn't even need my prayers!"
More later...
Paul
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Et Tu, Mercedes?
A few months ago here, I commented on a story about General Motors recalling a massive number of cars. Well, now I have to take one of my favorite automakers to task for the same failing: Yahoo! News - DaimlerChrysler recalls 1.3 million cars to check for power problems
Actually, the "failing" is not the same; the Benzes are being recalled for electrical problems. On older models, this wouldn't be such a problem, but today's cars, particularly Mercedes, feature mission-critical electrical systems. An sudden electrical problem on the highway could result in a life-threatening loss of brakes, steering or other very important functions.
So while I'm glad DaimlerChrysler is fixing the problems, I have to give them the stink-eye for releasing these cars to the public in the first place. And the fact that they charge so damn much for the cars in the first place makes this error particularly egregious. If it's not build quality that you're paying top dollar for, what are you paying for?
More later...
Paul
A few months ago here, I commented on a story about General Motors recalling a massive number of cars. Well, now I have to take one of my favorite automakers to task for the same failing: Yahoo! News - DaimlerChrysler recalls 1.3 million cars to check for power problems
Actually, the "failing" is not the same; the Benzes are being recalled for electrical problems. On older models, this wouldn't be such a problem, but today's cars, particularly Mercedes, feature mission-critical electrical systems. An sudden electrical problem on the highway could result in a life-threatening loss of brakes, steering or other very important functions.
So while I'm glad DaimlerChrysler is fixing the problems, I have to give them the stink-eye for releasing these cars to the public in the first place. And the fact that they charge so damn much for the cars in the first place makes this error particularly egregious. If it's not build quality that you're paying top dollar for, what are you paying for?
More later...
Paul
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
More Wonders From the 'Star Wars' Folks...
As part of the so-called Missile Defense system, the brains behind the boondoggle have come up with the ultimate radar dish. It's so big that they have to post it in the middle of the ocean:U.S. to Float Giant Missile-Defense Radar to Alaska
This X-band radar array is supposed to help the Missile Defense system track incoming missiles and distinguish between decoys and the real mccoy. Well, if it works, that's all well and good. But it seems to me that a radar dish of this size would be rather vulnerable, particularly since it's sitting the in middle of the ocean! According to the article, it's the size of two football fields. That's a big target! Any country capable of launching an ICBM attack against us certainly has submarine's capable of stealthy attacks on this thing. But I'm sure the Pentagon has thought of that.
I hope.
More later...
Paul
As part of the so-called Missile Defense system, the brains behind the boondoggle have come up with the ultimate radar dish. It's so big that they have to post it in the middle of the ocean:U.S. to Float Giant Missile-Defense Radar to Alaska
This X-band radar array is supposed to help the Missile Defense system track incoming missiles and distinguish between decoys and the real mccoy. Well, if it works, that's all well and good. But it seems to me that a radar dish of this size would be rather vulnerable, particularly since it's sitting the in middle of the ocean! According to the article, it's the size of two football fields. That's a big target! Any country capable of launching an ICBM attack against us certainly has submarine's capable of stealthy attacks on this thing. But I'm sure the Pentagon has thought of that.
I hope.
More later...
Paul
Friday, March 25, 2005
Another Failed Presidential Candidate Tilts At Windmills...
What's going on today? Now Al Sharpton is calling for governmental interference... but at least it's not involving Terri Schiavo: Yahoo! News - Sharpton Complains to FCC About Rap Music
Of course, AP's headline is misleading... what else is new?... and I actually applaud the Reverend for taking on this issue. But he's not complaining about the music. He's taking the stand that rap artists involved in violent acts should be denied airplay on "radio and television for 90 days."
And I have to admit I like this next statement: He also urged the agency to fine and review the licenses of radio stations "that encourage a pattern of this, including allowing employees to do on-the-air inciting of violence."
Of course, he's referring to the shooting that occurred outside a New York radio station involving two talent-less rappers that I refuse to mention by name.
My problem with Sharpton's approach is that I feel he's appealing to the wrong authority. He should be taking his grievances to the Justice Department. I do believe it's illegal to shoot someone; forget losing airplay, they should be losing their freedom! To jail, I say!
And jailtime should be mandatory for those on-air miscreants that are fueling these fires of stupidity. If we don't already have laws against this insipid behavior, maybe Congress can spend tonight drafting some? They seem to work better late at night.
More later...
Paul
What's going on today? Now Al Sharpton is calling for governmental interference... but at least it's not involving Terri Schiavo: Yahoo! News - Sharpton Complains to FCC About Rap Music
Of course, AP's headline is misleading... what else is new?... and I actually applaud the Reverend for taking on this issue. But he's not complaining about the music. He's taking the stand that rap artists involved in violent acts should be denied airplay on "radio and television for 90 days."
And I have to admit I like this next statement: He also urged the agency to fine and review the licenses of radio stations "that encourage a pattern of this, including allowing employees to do on-the-air inciting of violence."
Of course, he's referring to the shooting that occurred outside a New York radio station involving two talent-less rappers that I refuse to mention by name.
My problem with Sharpton's approach is that I feel he's appealing to the wrong authority. He should be taking his grievances to the Justice Department. I do believe it's illegal to shoot someone; forget losing airplay, they should be losing their freedom! To jail, I say!
And jailtime should be mandatory for those on-air miscreants that are fueling these fires of stupidity. If we don't already have laws against this insipid behavior, maybe Congress can spend tonight drafting some? They seem to work better late at night.
More later...
Paul
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Urgent Message to Congress: Get Back to Work!
Your tax dollars at work: Yahoo! News - Congress Suggests National Steroid Law
Not to put to light a spin on this, but WHO FREAKING CARES what "professional athletes" do to their bodies? And really, if a so-called "student athlete" wants to use dangerous performance-enhancing drugs, who are we to stop them? Isn't that the job of the parents? And if the kid AND their parents are so hung up on using steroids, despite the attendant risks, shouldn't we let them? After all, there's no law against a minor getting a boob job is there (with parental consent, of course)?
WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE? AND WHY IS CONGRESS WASTING OUR MONEY PURSUING IT? Aren't there more important issues facing us, like our record-breaking trade deficit?
And this IS the same Congress that approved drilling for oil in the Artic, right? They should all be kicked out on their keisters.
More later...
Paul
Your tax dollars at work: Yahoo! News - Congress Suggests National Steroid Law
Not to put to light a spin on this, but WHO FREAKING CARES what "professional athletes" do to their bodies? And really, if a so-called "student athlete" wants to use dangerous performance-enhancing drugs, who are we to stop them? Isn't that the job of the parents? And if the kid AND their parents are so hung up on using steroids, despite the attendant risks, shouldn't we let them? After all, there's no law against a minor getting a boob job is there (with parental consent, of course)?
WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE? AND WHY IS CONGRESS WASTING OUR MONEY PURSUING IT? Aren't there more important issues facing us, like our record-breaking trade deficit?
And this IS the same Congress that approved drilling for oil in the Artic, right? They should all be kicked out on their keisters.
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Go Wizards!
This one even I can't believe:Yahoo! Sports - NBA - Wizards 95, Lakers 81
As the article says, Washington has SWEPT the Lakers for the first time...ever!
I think the Wizards will go all the way! Yes, I'm crazy... I'm also picking my alma mater George Washington to go all the way in the NCAA tourney!
More later...
Paul
This one even I can't believe:Yahoo! Sports - NBA - Wizards 95, Lakers 81
As the article says, Washington has SWEPT the Lakers for the first time...ever!
I think the Wizards will go all the way! Yes, I'm crazy... I'm also picking my alma mater George Washington to go all the way in the NCAA tourney!
More later...
Paul
Is There Such a Thing as Criminal OverCharging?
This story, at first glance, simply boggles the mind: HoustonChronicle.com - KBR spent millions to deliver $82,100 of fuel to Iraq
KBR, a subsidiary of Halliburton, charged America more than $27 million to ship $82,000 worth of liquified petroleum gas to Iraq.
But let's keep in mind that fact that shipping ANYTHING to Iraq is dangerous indeed, particularly that "last mile" segment, where truck convoys are routinely ambushed. According to the article, KBR has had at least 61 employees KILLED in Iraq and Kuwait, "many while delivering fuel." So the $27 million supposedly reflects the free market cost of doing business in a warzone, right?
If so, why are so many people being silent on the issue?
More later...
Paul
This story, at first glance, simply boggles the mind: HoustonChronicle.com - KBR spent millions to deliver $82,100 of fuel to Iraq
KBR, a subsidiary of Halliburton, charged America more than $27 million to ship $82,000 worth of liquified petroleum gas to Iraq.
But let's keep in mind that fact that shipping ANYTHING to Iraq is dangerous indeed, particularly that "last mile" segment, where truck convoys are routinely ambushed. According to the article, KBR has had at least 61 employees KILLED in Iraq and Kuwait, "many while delivering fuel." So the $27 million supposedly reflects the free market cost of doing business in a warzone, right?
If so, why are so many people being silent on the issue?
More later...
Paul
Friday, March 11, 2005
Truly Disturbing News
When I saw this article, I was nearly at a loss for words:Reuters AlertNet - Health care disparities kill 80,000 blacks-US study
Then I read this sentence: "In 2002, the Institute of Medicine, an independent group, reported that members of racial and ethnic minorities are given lower quality health care than whites even when they make as much money and carry the same insurance."
And it made me wonder, how can this be? Is this not the 21st Century? Is this not America, the greatest country in the world?
And am I myself getting lower quality health care, even though I am solidly middle class and have full health benefits? How does it happen? Does my doctor look at me and decide that he's not going to provide the same level of care that he does to his white patients?
I am finding all of this hard to believe. Then I read this: "Sociologist David Williams of the University of Michigan and colleagues reported in the same issue of Health Affairs that blacks had 30 percent higher death rates from cancer and heart disease than whites did in 2000. In 1950, blacks and whites were equally likely to die from heart disease and blacks had lower death rates from cancer."
This implies the disparity has GROWN WORSE since the '50's! I thought things were supposed to be "getting better"!
Something has to change. NOW.
More later...
Paul
When I saw this article, I was nearly at a loss for words:Reuters AlertNet - Health care disparities kill 80,000 blacks-US study
Then I read this sentence: "In 2002, the Institute of Medicine, an independent group, reported that members of racial and ethnic minorities are given lower quality health care than whites even when they make as much money and carry the same insurance."
And it made me wonder, how can this be? Is this not the 21st Century? Is this not America, the greatest country in the world?
And am I myself getting lower quality health care, even though I am solidly middle class and have full health benefits? How does it happen? Does my doctor look at me and decide that he's not going to provide the same level of care that he does to his white patients?
I am finding all of this hard to believe. Then I read this: "Sociologist David Williams of the University of Michigan and colleagues reported in the same issue of Health Affairs that blacks had 30 percent higher death rates from cancer and heart disease than whites did in 2000. In 1950, blacks and whites were equally likely to die from heart disease and blacks had lower death rates from cancer."
This implies the disparity has GROWN WORSE since the '50's! I thought things were supposed to be "getting better"!
Something has to change. NOW.
More later...
Paul
Land of the Free... Free to Torture, That Is
Is it legal to use a Taser to force a criminal SUSPECT to submit to a urine test? WFTV.com - News - Police Accused Of Tasering Suspect To Get Urine Sample
What is this country coming to? This kid was only 18. He refused to give a urine sample (is this not a legal right?), and the staff tried to forcibly insert a catheter into his penis. When he refused to hold still, a police officer Taser'd him with 50,000 volts.
Who is the criminal in this scenario?
More later...
Paul
Is it legal to use a Taser to force a criminal SUSPECT to submit to a urine test? WFTV.com - News - Police Accused Of Tasering Suspect To Get Urine Sample
What is this country coming to? This kid was only 18. He refused to give a urine sample (is this not a legal right?), and the staff tried to forcibly insert a catheter into his penis. When he refused to hold still, a police officer Taser'd him with 50,000 volts.
Who is the criminal in this scenario?
More later...
Paul
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
More Proof that America Hates Its Own Soldiers
I have a friend who has a brother in the Marines. She once told me that her family had to come out of pocket to purchase fatigues for him to wear in Iraq, because the Marine Corp was unable to supply him with more than a couple pair. Needless to say, I was shocked. It turns out that this is now standard operating procedure in today's armed forces. According to the attached article, "Soldiers serving in Iraq and their families have reported buying everything from higher-quality protective gear to armor for their Humvees, medical supplies and even global positioning devices."
After being pressured by Congress, the Defense Department agreed to reimburse the soldiers... but as the article notes, DoD has missed the deadline: Yahoo! News - U.S. Misses Soldier Reimbursement Deadline
My question is simply this: when are we going to get rid of the Keystone Kops that are (badly) running things at the Pentagon?
More later...
Paul
I have a friend who has a brother in the Marines. She once told me that her family had to come out of pocket to purchase fatigues for him to wear in Iraq, because the Marine Corp was unable to supply him with more than a couple pair. Needless to say, I was shocked. It turns out that this is now standard operating procedure in today's armed forces. According to the attached article, "Soldiers serving in Iraq and their families have reported buying everything from higher-quality protective gear to armor for their Humvees, medical supplies and even global positioning devices."
After being pressured by Congress, the Defense Department agreed to reimburse the soldiers... but as the article notes, DoD has missed the deadline: Yahoo! News - U.S. Misses Soldier Reimbursement Deadline
My question is simply this: when are we going to get rid of the Keystone Kops that are (badly) running things at the Pentagon?
More later...
Paul
Why Isn't This Big News?
Remember the day Saddam Hussein was captured? The media and the government made a big deal about it. You couldn't turn on the TV without hearing about the "spider hole" they found the man in (notwithstanding the fact that no one ever defined the term "spider hole").
Well, it turns out that the story may not be true at all:Ex-Marine Says Public Version of Saddam Capture Fiction
I'm sure the White House will deny this story, IF they even choose to address it. They'll probably say the soldier is "disgruntled" or something like that. Which begs another question: why are our soldiers so "disgruntled" that they'll make up stories like this?
In any case, where is Hussein now? When will he ever get his day in court? Does it even matter?
More later...
Paul
Remember the day Saddam Hussein was captured? The media and the government made a big deal about it. You couldn't turn on the TV without hearing about the "spider hole" they found the man in (notwithstanding the fact that no one ever defined the term "spider hole").
Well, it turns out that the story may not be true at all:Ex-Marine Says Public Version of Saddam Capture Fiction
I'm sure the White House will deny this story, IF they even choose to address it. They'll probably say the soldier is "disgruntled" or something like that. Which begs another question: why are our soldiers so "disgruntled" that they'll make up stories like this?
In any case, where is Hussein now? When will he ever get his day in court? Does it even matter?
More later...
Paul
Taking Technology to a New Low
Unless you've been living in the woods the past year or so, you have no doubt become familiar with the new trend of "ring tones", the practice of programming one's cellular telephone to ring with a customized sound. Currently, the most popular ring tones are snippets of popular songs. Now this from an adult film company: Sexy Moans for Mobile Phones
Can you imagine if one of these went off in a church?
Now that the pornography industry is involved, I am sure that it will be only a short time before ring tones are banned entirely. Who wants to make a bet?
More later...
Paul
Unless you've been living in the woods the past year or so, you have no doubt become familiar with the new trend of "ring tones", the practice of programming one's cellular telephone to ring with a customized sound. Currently, the most popular ring tones are snippets of popular songs. Now this from an adult film company: Sexy Moans for Mobile Phones
Can you imagine if one of these went off in a church?
Now that the pornography industry is involved, I am sure that it will be only a short time before ring tones are banned entirely. Who wants to make a bet?
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
American POWs Being Abused... by America!
This story makes very little sense, and makes the Bush Administration appear about as cold-hearted as Saddam Hussein: Los Angeles Times: White House Turns Tables on Former American POWs
The gist: American soldiers that were captured and tortured by Iraq during Desert Storm now CANNOT sue Iraq, because "we've freed Iraq".
"It seems so strange to have our own country fighting us on this," said retired Air Force Col. David W. Eberly, the senior officer among the former POWs. I am sure he uses stronger language when he's among friends.
"No amount of money can truly compensate these brave men and women for the suffering that they went through at the hands of this very brutal regime and at the hands of Saddam Hussein," White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters when asked about the case in November 2003. So I guess Bush is taking that statement literally, and making sure our soldiers receive "no amount of money".
How can they sleep at night?
More later...
Paul
This story makes very little sense, and makes the Bush Administration appear about as cold-hearted as Saddam Hussein: Los Angeles Times: White House Turns Tables on Former American POWs
The gist: American soldiers that were captured and tortured by Iraq during Desert Storm now CANNOT sue Iraq, because "we've freed Iraq".
"It seems so strange to have our own country fighting us on this," said retired Air Force Col. David W. Eberly, the senior officer among the former POWs. I am sure he uses stronger language when he's among friends.
"No amount of money can truly compensate these brave men and women for the suffering that they went through at the hands of this very brutal regime and at the hands of Saddam Hussein," White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters when asked about the case in November 2003. So I guess Bush is taking that statement literally, and making sure our soldiers receive "no amount of money".
How can they sleep at night?
More later...
Paul
Thursday, February 10, 2005
This Is A Shame
The cost of motor vehicles has never been higher, and yet, according to this article, the vehicles made by General Motors are released to the market before all of the defects have been addressed:GM Recalling Over 193,000 Vehicles
The article goes on to say that in 2004, GM recalled more than 10 million vehicles! That is a remarkably sorry figure. But did you hear anything about it in the news? I read both Car and Driver and Road & Track magazines on a regular basis, and I don't recall ever hearing about such an astounding fact about America's largest automaker. 10 million defective vehicles in one year alone? How do they stay in business?
The defects described in the article are not minor ones. Pickup trucks, vans and SUVs may develop leaks in the braking systems! Top of the line Cadillacs have problems with the accelerator pedals! Some top end SUVs have the windshields installed improperly. It just doesn't make sense that a company can get away with marketing products that are severely defective.
And it makes one wonder: what defects are they NOT reporting?
More later...
Paul
The cost of motor vehicles has never been higher, and yet, according to this article, the vehicles made by General Motors are released to the market before all of the defects have been addressed:GM Recalling Over 193,000 Vehicles
The article goes on to say that in 2004, GM recalled more than 10 million vehicles! That is a remarkably sorry figure. But did you hear anything about it in the news? I read both Car and Driver and Road & Track magazines on a regular basis, and I don't recall ever hearing about such an astounding fact about America's largest automaker. 10 million defective vehicles in one year alone? How do they stay in business?
The defects described in the article are not minor ones. Pickup trucks, vans and SUVs may develop leaks in the braking systems! Top of the line Cadillacs have problems with the accelerator pedals! Some top end SUVs have the windshields installed improperly. It just doesn't make sense that a company can get away with marketing products that are severely defective.
And it makes one wonder: what defects are they NOT reporting?
More later...
Paul
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
The History of Black History Month
Here we are again, another February, another Black History Month, another few moments spent wondering if I’m going to see the same old stories and advertisements trotted out by the media “in honor of Black History Month”. Here we go again.
This time, though, I started to think about the whole deal. Who is Black History month for, anyway? Who benefits? I used to think the idea was to recognize the contributions that certain high-achieving Black people made to our great country, in an effort to neutralize the lingering effects of racial prejudice. The concept that maybe if people are exposed to the stories of folks like George Washington Carver and his numerous peanut-related inventions, then those same people will not think so badly of black people, or at least not lump them all in the gangsta-rap, ho’s and bitches stereotype.
Whether this has worked or not is certainly up for discussion.
Then there are those that believe that Black History month is for the benefit of Black people, Black Americans in particular. They say this is a time to celebrate our “blackness” and revel in the stories of folks like Granville Woods, who invented a telegraph that allowed moving trains to communicate with other trains. Some say we should use these stories to motivate our children, and remind them that they, too, can do great things. Part of this argument also includes the accusation that the nation’s schools give short shrift to Black History during the course of the normal school year, so Black History Month is a way of forcing the curriculum to include these stories.
Well, instead of my continuing to make up stuff off the top of my head, I turned to Google, which returned this History of Black History by Elissa Haney. I was quite surprised to find that this tradition started not in the turbulent era of Civil Rights, but way back in 1926! Back then, it was called Negro History Week, and it was set in February because the month marks the birthdays “of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.”
The truth of the matter is this: there are a large number of Americans that have accomplished great things, and we would all do well to learn more about them. In this way, perhaps, we can learn more about ourselves. But American History has historically (sorry) ignored the achievements, accomplishments and contributions of its people of color, and Black History Month has, in its own small way, worked to bring light to some of them. I just wish the people who REALLY need the lessons… those folks in the so-called flyover states, those people who live in non-diverse regions… it is my fervent hope that they benefit from the lessons of Black History Month.
Call me an optimist.
More later...
Paul
Here we are again, another February, another Black History Month, another few moments spent wondering if I’m going to see the same old stories and advertisements trotted out by the media “in honor of Black History Month”. Here we go again.
This time, though, I started to think about the whole deal. Who is Black History month for, anyway? Who benefits? I used to think the idea was to recognize the contributions that certain high-achieving Black people made to our great country, in an effort to neutralize the lingering effects of racial prejudice. The concept that maybe if people are exposed to the stories of folks like George Washington Carver and his numerous peanut-related inventions, then those same people will not think so badly of black people, or at least not lump them all in the gangsta-rap, ho’s and bitches stereotype.
Whether this has worked or not is certainly up for discussion.
Then there are those that believe that Black History month is for the benefit of Black people, Black Americans in particular. They say this is a time to celebrate our “blackness” and revel in the stories of folks like Granville Woods, who invented a telegraph that allowed moving trains to communicate with other trains. Some say we should use these stories to motivate our children, and remind them that they, too, can do great things. Part of this argument also includes the accusation that the nation’s schools give short shrift to Black History during the course of the normal school year, so Black History Month is a way of forcing the curriculum to include these stories.
Well, instead of my continuing to make up stuff off the top of my head, I turned to Google, which returned this History of Black History by Elissa Haney. I was quite surprised to find that this tradition started not in the turbulent era of Civil Rights, but way back in 1926! Back then, it was called Negro History Week, and it was set in February because the month marks the birthdays “of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.”
The truth of the matter is this: there are a large number of Americans that have accomplished great things, and we would all do well to learn more about them. In this way, perhaps, we can learn more about ourselves. But American History has historically (sorry) ignored the achievements, accomplishments and contributions of its people of color, and Black History Month has, in its own small way, worked to bring light to some of them. I just wish the people who REALLY need the lessons… those folks in the so-called flyover states, those people who live in non-diverse regions… it is my fervent hope that they benefit from the lessons of Black History Month.
Call me an optimist.
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Voodoo Economics, Pt. 2
So, the Presidents submitted his budget request and INTENTIONALLY LEFT OUT the anticipated expenses for the War in Iraq and Afghanistan AND his projected costs for privatizing Social Security: Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Key expenses are omitted, analysts say
Talk about hiding a rabbit up your sleeve.
"Daddy, can I have some money?"
"What do you need it for, son?"
"Well, I wanna see a movie and buy some ice cream and maybe get a present for Mommy."
"Okay, how much do you need?"
"Um, $2.7 trillion oughta cover it."
"*cough* Er, are you sure that's enough?"
"Yeah, that'll do it."
Three months later, in a televised address to the country...
"In order to keep the terrorists from killing Daddy and raping Mommy, I will ask Daddy for an additional $81 billion..."
Yeah, THAT won't have any effect on the deficit. And they call the DEMOCRATS tax-and-spend...
More later...
Paul
So, the Presidents submitted his budget request and INTENTIONALLY LEFT OUT the anticipated expenses for the War in Iraq and Afghanistan AND his projected costs for privatizing Social Security: Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Key expenses are omitted, analysts say
Talk about hiding a rabbit up your sleeve.
"Daddy, can I have some money?"
"What do you need it for, son?"
"Well, I wanna see a movie and buy some ice cream and maybe get a present for Mommy."
"Okay, how much do you need?"
"Um, $2.7 trillion oughta cover it."
"*cough* Er, are you sure that's enough?"
"Yeah, that'll do it."
Three months later, in a televised address to the country...
"In order to keep the terrorists from killing Daddy and raping Mommy, I will ask Daddy for an additional $81 billion..."
Yeah, THAT won't have any effect on the deficit. And they call the DEMOCRATS tax-and-spend...
More later...
Paul
Monday, February 07, 2005
Our Modern Roman Empire
Yesterday was Sunday, February 6th, 2005. An unremarkable date for most, except for the fact that it was Superbowl Sunday, a date important mainly to Americans. Or to be more precise, American football fans. Like many of my fellow citizens, I settled down in front of my television to watch this sporting spectacle, to join in on alarmingly large “television audience”, and to share the “experience” of collectively consuming whatever the Fox network, the National Football League and the best of Madison avenue deigned to throw at us.
I turned on my tv set just before game time, just in time to catch the playing of the National Anthem. I have recently begun to wonder when and why it has become an American tradition to play and/or sing the “Star Spangled Banner” prior to the start of any major sporting event. I admit that I haven’t begun to do any research on the matter; my curiosity is still at the nascent, “just wondering” stage. But it seems to me that if the song is so important to our national identity, why don’t we perform it prior to undertaking more serious matters than entertainment? For example, Congress should sing it everyday before beginning their work. Judges should lead the courtroom in song before the start of every trial. Certainly the military should begin each day with each soldier standing at attention while someone belts out our proud anthem.
Why sporting events?
And why “honor” the military before the beginning of the Superbowl? What is that all about? To me, the parallels are clear. The professional football athlete is indeed the modern day equivalent of the Roman gladiator, sent to do battle in a large coliseum, solely for the amusement of his owners and those who pay to see him sacrifice his body for “sport”. Why not recognize those professional soldiers who do the same thing, but in a different type of arena, the theater of War? At yesterday’s pre-game show, the Fox network made a big deal about presenting images of past and current soldiers… and the National Anthem was sung not by a current music superstar, but by the combined “choruses” of the armed forces, backed up by an Army band.
“We are a warrior nation, and we are proud of our soldiers and our propensity for battle”, that was the message sent loud and clear to the television audience. This message reminds me of a quote by Albert Einstein: “You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.” If it was not clear before, it is crystal clear now: America is in no way trying to prevent war.
We are currently in the Season for Nonviolence, which runs from January 30th to April 4th every year. Of course, there was no mention of this during the Superbowl broadcast. Everything about football is violent; the game itself is a metaphor for empirical warfare. The object is to advance upon your opponent and take his land; to plant your flag in his “end zone.” After the appropriately-named New England Patriots won the game, news reports from Boston seemed genuinely surprised that there were no riots in the streets. The violence, thankfully, remained on the tv screen and did not spill out into the city. For now.
Our values are askew. We need to set another course before we find our Empire burning.
More later…
Paul
Yesterday was Sunday, February 6th, 2005. An unremarkable date for most, except for the fact that it was Superbowl Sunday, a date important mainly to Americans. Or to be more precise, American football fans. Like many of my fellow citizens, I settled down in front of my television to watch this sporting spectacle, to join in on alarmingly large “television audience”, and to share the “experience” of collectively consuming whatever the Fox network, the National Football League and the best of Madison avenue deigned to throw at us.
I turned on my tv set just before game time, just in time to catch the playing of the National Anthem. I have recently begun to wonder when and why it has become an American tradition to play and/or sing the “Star Spangled Banner” prior to the start of any major sporting event. I admit that I haven’t begun to do any research on the matter; my curiosity is still at the nascent, “just wondering” stage. But it seems to me that if the song is so important to our national identity, why don’t we perform it prior to undertaking more serious matters than entertainment? For example, Congress should sing it everyday before beginning their work. Judges should lead the courtroom in song before the start of every trial. Certainly the military should begin each day with each soldier standing at attention while someone belts out our proud anthem.
Why sporting events?
And why “honor” the military before the beginning of the Superbowl? What is that all about? To me, the parallels are clear. The professional football athlete is indeed the modern day equivalent of the Roman gladiator, sent to do battle in a large coliseum, solely for the amusement of his owners and those who pay to see him sacrifice his body for “sport”. Why not recognize those professional soldiers who do the same thing, but in a different type of arena, the theater of War? At yesterday’s pre-game show, the Fox network made a big deal about presenting images of past and current soldiers… and the National Anthem was sung not by a current music superstar, but by the combined “choruses” of the armed forces, backed up by an Army band.
“We are a warrior nation, and we are proud of our soldiers and our propensity for battle”, that was the message sent loud and clear to the television audience. This message reminds me of a quote by Albert Einstein: “You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.” If it was not clear before, it is crystal clear now: America is in no way trying to prevent war.
We are currently in the Season for Nonviolence, which runs from January 30th to April 4th every year. Of course, there was no mention of this during the Superbowl broadcast. Everything about football is violent; the game itself is a metaphor for empirical warfare. The object is to advance upon your opponent and take his land; to plant your flag in his “end zone.” After the appropriately-named New England Patriots won the game, news reports from Boston seemed genuinely surprised that there were no riots in the streets. The violence, thankfully, remained on the tv screen and did not spill out into the city. For now.
Our values are askew. We need to set another course before we find our Empire burning.
More later…
Paul
Friday, February 04, 2005
Rest In Peace, Ossie
A great actor, Ossie Davis, died today: Actor Ossie Davis dies
Ossie, I never met you so I can't claim to know you, other than through your work, but let me take this opportunity to publicly thank you for your memorable performances.
I especially want to thank you for your moving performance in Spike Lee's "Jungle Fever", when you played a father dealing with the tragedy of a son addicted to drugs. That unsung role was one of your best, in my opinion.
Thank you also for having the guts and sense of humor to play the role of JFK in "Bubba Hotep". That was one of the funniest movies I've seen!
I hope your transition was peaceful and I look forward to seeing you again.
Peace.
A great actor, Ossie Davis, died today: Actor Ossie Davis dies
Ossie, I never met you so I can't claim to know you, other than through your work, but let me take this opportunity to publicly thank you for your memorable performances.
I especially want to thank you for your moving performance in Spike Lee's "Jungle Fever", when you played a father dealing with the tragedy of a son addicted to drugs. That unsung role was one of your best, in my opinion.
Thank you also for having the guts and sense of humor to play the role of JFK in "Bubba Hotep". That was one of the funniest movies I've seen!
I hope your transition was peaceful and I look forward to seeing you again.
Peace.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Is He Really Sick, Or Just Sick Of Kobe?
So the new coach of the L.A. Lakers has just quit the job, less than 7 months after taking over for Phil Jackson: Sports News Article | Reuters.com
According to the article, the coach said stress had reduced his resistance to infections.
Stress? Whatever could he be talking about?
Here's hoping the poor guy rebounds quickly (no pun intended).
More later...
Paul
So the new coach of the L.A. Lakers has just quit the job, less than 7 months after taking over for Phil Jackson: Sports News Article | Reuters.com
According to the article, the coach said stress had reduced his resistance to infections.
Stress? Whatever could he be talking about?
Here's hoping the poor guy rebounds quickly (no pun intended).
More later...
Paul
Monday, January 31, 2005
Not Feeling Well, Senator?
I don't mean to be harsh, but what's up with Senator Hillary Clinton? Yahoo! News - Sen. Clinton Collapses During Appearance
Seems to me that if you're not feeling well, you don't make public appearances. But that's not very newsworthy, is it? Yes, I know it's extremely cynical of me to suggest that the Senator faked her illness so she would get some network news time, but hey... she confirmed Rice, so she deserves no sympathy.
More later,
Paul
I don't mean to be harsh, but what's up with Senator Hillary Clinton? Yahoo! News - Sen. Clinton Collapses During Appearance
Seems to me that if you're not feeling well, you don't make public appearances. But that's not very newsworthy, is it? Yes, I know it's extremely cynical of me to suggest that the Senator faked her illness so she would get some network news time, but hey... she confirmed Rice, so she deserves no sympathy.
More later,
Paul
Friday, January 28, 2005
Classic Example of Backspin
The following article is a classic example of media backspin, which is used to simultaneously refute a controversial position and call into question the sanity/integrity of the person/people taking the position: Dr. Koop - AIDS Conspiracy Theory Belief Linked to Less Condom Use
A survey was conducted by the Rand Corporation (not surprising) and Oregon State University. It was a telephone survey of 500 "black Americans" aged 15 to 44, and it took place from 2002 to 2003. Apparently, researcher found that some of the participants believed that AIDS is a virus created by the U.S. government to control the black population. Some even felt the disease is a form of genocide waged against black Americans.
That's rather startling, but note that those beliefs were held by a minority of the respondents. Still, that's news. So why does the article above link such beliefs with low rates of condom use? The author, Randy Dotinga says in his/her opening paragraph that "the men most likely to believe such a conspiracy theory are the least likely to use condoms."
An implied qualifier, "least likely to use condoms". There is no further enlightenment on WHY they are least likely to use condoms. Perhaps they are married and monogamous? Perhaps they are celibate? Perhaps they are elderly? None of this information is provided in the article, so since the context is missing, how is the information useful?
It is useful because it call into question the intelligence of those men. It takes focus off of the disturbing discovery that there are those who believe their own government is trying to kill them, by indirectly questioning the decision-making skill of those same people. Classic backspin. And this is how the story will be played by the networks, should they choose to run it.
Our media has failed us.
More later...
Paul
The following article is a classic example of media backspin, which is used to simultaneously refute a controversial position and call into question the sanity/integrity of the person/people taking the position: Dr. Koop - AIDS Conspiracy Theory Belief Linked to Less Condom Use
A survey was conducted by the Rand Corporation (not surprising) and Oregon State University. It was a telephone survey of 500 "black Americans" aged 15 to 44, and it took place from 2002 to 2003. Apparently, researcher found that some of the participants believed that AIDS is a virus created by the U.S. government to control the black population. Some even felt the disease is a form of genocide waged against black Americans.
That's rather startling, but note that those beliefs were held by a minority of the respondents. Still, that's news. So why does the article above link such beliefs with low rates of condom use? The author, Randy Dotinga says in his/her opening paragraph that "the men most likely to believe such a conspiracy theory are the least likely to use condoms."
An implied qualifier, "least likely to use condoms". There is no further enlightenment on WHY they are least likely to use condoms. Perhaps they are married and monogamous? Perhaps they are celibate? Perhaps they are elderly? None of this information is provided in the article, so since the context is missing, how is the information useful?
It is useful because it call into question the intelligence of those men. It takes focus off of the disturbing discovery that there are those who believe their own government is trying to kill them, by indirectly questioning the decision-making skill of those same people. Classic backspin. And this is how the story will be played by the networks, should they choose to run it.
Our media has failed us.
More later...
Paul
It's Official: Hate Groups Heart Roads
First it was the KKK; now it's the American Nazi Party that has "adopted" a road, this time in Oregon: News - StatesmanJournal.com
County officials listed "constitutional right to free speech" as the reason they allowed the group to give them money, er, join the program.
Is this a new trend in America? Hate groups adopting roads as a means of self-promotion? The article says it has been going on since the '90's. If this is true, and it's continuing, then either it's working for the groups, or they don't care about the effectiveness of the program.
Either way, it's gotta be disturbing to drive down a lonely country road and coming across a sign for the Nazis. It would make me think twice about stopping for gas, that's for sure.
More later...
Paul
First it was the KKK; now it's the American Nazi Party that has "adopted" a road, this time in Oregon: News - StatesmanJournal.com
County officials listed "constitutional right to free speech" as the reason they allowed the group to give them money, er, join the program.
Is this a new trend in America? Hate groups adopting roads as a means of self-promotion? The article says it has been going on since the '90's. If this is true, and it's continuing, then either it's working for the groups, or they don't care about the effectiveness of the program.
Either way, it's gotta be disturbing to drive down a lonely country road and coming across a sign for the Nazis. It would make me think twice about stopping for gas, that's for sure.
More later...
Paul
Friday, January 21, 2005
Backdoor Reparations?
Holy Toledo. A major U.S. Bank is not only admitting it's role in the U.S. Slave trade, but APOLOGIZING for said role AND starting a $5million dollar scholarship fund in Lousiana, the state where the events took place: BBC NEWS | Business | JP Morgan admits US slavery links
This, not surprisingly, comes on the heels of news of a $60 BILLION merger agreement that JP Morgan has signed with Bank One, which if approved, will form the second largest bank in the land.
So was it a grand jesture on their part to correct a wrong from the past, or just good business sense? Guess they're doing their due diligence and cleaning a few skeletons from their closet.
$60 billion. $5 million. I wonder how they came up with the $5 million dollar figure? I suspect it's the amount of pocket change the board members had lying around when they made their decision.
More later...
Paul
Holy Toledo. A major U.S. Bank is not only admitting it's role in the U.S. Slave trade, but APOLOGIZING for said role AND starting a $5million dollar scholarship fund in Lousiana, the state where the events took place: BBC NEWS | Business | JP Morgan admits US slavery links
This, not surprisingly, comes on the heels of news of a $60 BILLION merger agreement that JP Morgan has signed with Bank One, which if approved, will form the second largest bank in the land.
So was it a grand jesture on their part to correct a wrong from the past, or just good business sense? Guess they're doing their due diligence and cleaning a few skeletons from their closet.
$60 billion. $5 million. I wonder how they came up with the $5 million dollar figure? I suspect it's the amount of pocket change the board members had lying around when they made their decision.
More later...
Paul
The Norwegians Know What's Going On
Here's my only stab at covering the damn Inauguration, a story from AP that Bush was throwing satanic gang signs: Yahoo! News - Norwegians Confused by Bush Salute
"Hook 'em, 'horns". Sure, whatever you say. I say the entire University of Texas is satanic for allowing such a symbol to be continually used... ;)
More later...
Paul
Here's my only stab at covering the damn Inauguration, a story from AP that Bush was throwing satanic gang signs: Yahoo! News - Norwegians Confused by Bush Salute
"Hook 'em, 'horns". Sure, whatever you say. I say the entire University of Texas is satanic for allowing such a symbol to be continually used... ;)
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
This is Truly Fantastic
We have landed a probe on another planet's moon! And we got pictures of it! RedNova News - Huygens Landed with a 'Splat'
When I watched the flash animation of the still photos shot during the landing sequence, a smile lit up my face. Titan, Saturn's largest moon, has long been considered one of the few planets in the solar system that might have conditions that MIGHT support life as we know it... or a reasonable facsimile. It was fascinating to watch the terrain of Titan in the photos; you could see coastlines! It looked a lot like Earth!
I gotta hand it to the scientists involved on this project: Good Job!
More later...
Paul
We have landed a probe on another planet's moon! And we got pictures of it! RedNova News - Huygens Landed with a 'Splat'
When I watched the flash animation of the still photos shot during the landing sequence, a smile lit up my face. Titan, Saturn's largest moon, has long been considered one of the few planets in the solar system that might have conditions that MIGHT support life as we know it... or a reasonable facsimile. It was fascinating to watch the terrain of Titan in the photos; you could see coastlines! It looked a lot like Earth!
I gotta hand it to the scientists involved on this project: Good Job!
More later...
Paul
Monday, January 17, 2005
Did Hell Freeze Over Too?
What kind of world is it when the Washington Wizards have a better record than the L.A. Lakers AND they beat the best team in the NBA? Yahoo! Sports
I think it's a fluke. But if Washington makes the NBA Finals this year, I'll apologize right here.
More later...
Paul
What kind of world is it when the Washington Wizards have a better record than the L.A. Lakers AND they beat the best team in the NBA? Yahoo! Sports
I think it's a fluke. But if Washington makes the NBA Finals this year, I'll apologize right here.
More later...
Paul
Another Story for the "WTF?" File...
While our wonderful Military Industry has come up with some very wonderful ways of killing people who we deem to be enemies, our government has also decided to pursue what are kalled "less-than-lethal" weapons. One of the strangest I have ever heard of is briefly described in the following story:Yahoo! News - Pentagon Spurned Plan to Initiate Enemy Homosexuality
I had to check the date... it's not April yet.
Some at Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio wanted $7.5 million to research developing a chemical weapon that is actuality a "strong aphrodisiac" that could cause homosexual behavior. The idea being that such behavior would have an adverse effect on enemy troop morale.
Either that or make them all lovers.
Whoever dreamed that one up and had the nerve to actually request government funds must have some really brassy balls. Send 'em to Gitmo, I say...
More later...
Paul
While our wonderful Military Industry has come up with some very wonderful ways of killing people who we deem to be enemies, our government has also decided to pursue what are kalled "less-than-lethal" weapons. One of the strangest I have ever heard of is briefly described in the following story:Yahoo! News - Pentagon Spurned Plan to Initiate Enemy Homosexuality
I had to check the date... it's not April yet.
Some at Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio wanted $7.5 million to research developing a chemical weapon that is actuality a "strong aphrodisiac" that could cause homosexual behavior. The idea being that such behavior would have an adverse effect on enemy troop morale.
Either that or make them all lovers.
Whoever dreamed that one up and had the nerve to actually request government funds must have some really brassy balls. Send 'em to Gitmo, I say...
More later...
Paul
Monday, January 10, 2005
U.S. Supreme Court: Klan Sympathizers?
So what does THIS mean? High Court Sides with Klan in Adopted Highway Program
It's okay for the Ku Klux Klan to clean Missouri's highways? It's okay for the Ku Klux Klan to advertise? That Missouri is pro-Klan? That the U.S. Supreme Court is pro-Klan? What does this mean?
And what will it mean to the millions of out-of-state motorists traveling down the highways in Missouri, when they see a sign that reads "thanks to the Ku Klux Klan, this highway is Klean" (or words to that effect)?
More proof that something is seriously wrong with the values of certain folks in this great Nation.
More later...
Paul
So what does THIS mean? High Court Sides with Klan in Adopted Highway Program
It's okay for the Ku Klux Klan to clean Missouri's highways? It's okay for the Ku Klux Klan to advertise? That Missouri is pro-Klan? That the U.S. Supreme Court is pro-Klan? What does this mean?
And what will it mean to the millions of out-of-state motorists traveling down the highways in Missouri, when they see a sign that reads "thanks to the Ku Klux Klan, this highway is Klean" (or words to that effect)?
More proof that something is seriously wrong with the values of certain folks in this great Nation.
More later...
Paul
Will It Be a Pretend Fine?
So the NFL is considering fining Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss for his antics after scoring a touchdown last Sunday. What was his damnable offense? He pretended to moon the Green Bay fans: Yahoo! Sports
So since he may be penalized for something he "pretended" to do, will it be okay with the NFL if he "pretends" to pay the fine as well?
Here we are, the world still coming to grips with the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, war still well underway in the Middle East... and the American sporting world is up in arms because a football player pantomined the act of showing his ass to the crowd. This ranks right up there with the misplaced indignation that occurred after Janet Jackson flashed the Superbowl viewing audience. Our European allies must take great delight in our national silliness.
Earth to NFL and U.S. sports journalists: stop reporting non-news. It makes you all seem so, well, childish.
More later...
Paul
So the NFL is considering fining Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss for his antics after scoring a touchdown last Sunday. What was his damnable offense? He pretended to moon the Green Bay fans: Yahoo! Sports
So since he may be penalized for something he "pretended" to do, will it be okay with the NFL if he "pretends" to pay the fine as well?
Here we are, the world still coming to grips with the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, war still well underway in the Middle East... and the American sporting world is up in arms because a football player pantomined the act of showing his ass to the crowd. This ranks right up there with the misplaced indignation that occurred after Janet Jackson flashed the Superbowl viewing audience. Our European allies must take great delight in our national silliness.
Earth to NFL and U.S. sports journalists: stop reporting non-news. It makes you all seem so, well, childish.
More later...
Paul
Thursday, January 06, 2005
I Guess Used Armor is Better Than No Armor
A month after the infamous Rumsfeld encounter with the troops in Iraq, where the Defense Secretary was questioned about the lack of armor for troop vehicles, it appears the State of New Jersey will be donating their "used" body armor to the Military: Used Body Armor Is Sought for U.S. Vehicles in Iraq
Several questions come to mind on this news:
1) What do they mean by "used" body armor? Does Kevlar have a freshness date? Does it go "bad"? Or do they mean that the armor has been shot at and penetrated? Mitchell Sklar, executive director of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police maintains that even as the vests reach the end of their useful life for people(my emphasis), they can still help reinforce vehicles. He said, "There are hundreds and hundreds of vests that we have no use for and, rather than dumping them, we feel that we are doing our bit."
What the heck does that mean?
2) If the vests are donated, does that mean New Jersey gets a tax write-off?
3) If the New Jersey police no longer want them, why would our soldiers want them?
4) Is there more to this story than we're being told?
5) And finally, of the hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars we've committed to spending in Iraq, are we ABSOLUTELY SURE we can't add armor to the budget? Who's minding the store?
More later...
Paul
A month after the infamous Rumsfeld encounter with the troops in Iraq, where the Defense Secretary was questioned about the lack of armor for troop vehicles, it appears the State of New Jersey will be donating their "used" body armor to the Military: Used Body Armor Is Sought for U.S. Vehicles in Iraq
Several questions come to mind on this news:
1) What do they mean by "used" body armor? Does Kevlar have a freshness date? Does it go "bad"? Or do they mean that the armor has been shot at and penetrated? Mitchell Sklar, executive director of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police maintains that even as the vests reach the end of their useful life for people(my emphasis), they can still help reinforce vehicles. He said, "There are hundreds and hundreds of vests that we have no use for and, rather than dumping them, we feel that we are doing our bit."
What the heck does that mean?
2) If the vests are donated, does that mean New Jersey gets a tax write-off?
3) If the New Jersey police no longer want them, why would our soldiers want them?
4) Is there more to this story than we're being told?
5) And finally, of the hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars we've committed to spending in Iraq, are we ABSOLUTELY SURE we can't add armor to the budget? Who's minding the store?
More later...
Paul
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Sending A Rather Harsh Message
This guy might get 25 years in prison for pointing a laser pointer at an airplane: My Way News
According to the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act, "interfering with the operator of a mass transit vehicle" is a federal offense. Hmmm. The guy says he was using a $100 green laser pointer to point out stars to his daughter. He also admitted to shining it on a helicopter and an airplane. The "mass transit vehicle" in question was a corporate jet, a Cessna Citation carrying six people.
I wonder how the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act defines "mass transit vehicle"? It seems that private jets wouldn't qualify, since they normally carry less than 20 passengers.
But in any case, does this man deserve to be raped in jail for 25 years for this "crime"? Does his daughter deserve to grow up only seeing her father during jailhouse visits because they aimed a laser pointer into the nighttime sky? Have we totally lost our moral compass?
More later...
Paul
This guy might get 25 years in prison for pointing a laser pointer at an airplane: My Way News
According to the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act, "interfering with the operator of a mass transit vehicle" is a federal offense. Hmmm. The guy says he was using a $100 green laser pointer to point out stars to his daughter. He also admitted to shining it on a helicopter and an airplane. The "mass transit vehicle" in question was a corporate jet, a Cessna Citation carrying six people.
I wonder how the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act defines "mass transit vehicle"? It seems that private jets wouldn't qualify, since they normally carry less than 20 passengers.
But in any case, does this man deserve to be raped in jail for 25 years for this "crime"? Does his daughter deserve to grow up only seeing her father during jailhouse visits because they aimed a laser pointer into the nighttime sky? Have we totally lost our moral compass?
More later...
Paul
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
These Guys Are Asking For A Lot
After more than a week of horrifying imagery, and over a hundred thousand dead, some of the countries that suffered the most due to the massive underwater earthquake and resulting tidal wave are now asking... for the tourist to return: Yahoo! News - Tsunami-Hit Region Reaches Out to Tourists
You know, I really feel for them, but I don't know if I'll be using my frequent flier miles to head to a discount trip to Thailand anytime soon. Something about the thought of being in a country were they have yet to bury thousands of decomposed corpses sort of gives me the willies. Call me inconsiderate, or a scaredy-cat, whatever... it's going to take some time before I feel comfortable about visiting that area.
They say the weather is good there this time of year. Yeah, I remember those sunny-day videos when the sea reached out and destroyed the land. None for me, thanks.
More later...
Paul
After more than a week of horrifying imagery, and over a hundred thousand dead, some of the countries that suffered the most due to the massive underwater earthquake and resulting tidal wave are now asking... for the tourist to return: Yahoo! News - Tsunami-Hit Region Reaches Out to Tourists
You know, I really feel for them, but I don't know if I'll be using my frequent flier miles to head to a discount trip to Thailand anytime soon. Something about the thought of being in a country were they have yet to bury thousands of decomposed corpses sort of gives me the willies. Call me inconsiderate, or a scaredy-cat, whatever... it's going to take some time before I feel comfortable about visiting that area.
They say the weather is good there this time of year. Yeah, I remember those sunny-day videos when the sea reached out and destroyed the land. None for me, thanks.
More later...
Paul
Monday, January 03, 2005
Good Lord
So...after hearing about a supposed "Man of the Cloth" thanking God for the Tsunami in the Indian Ocean because it killed over 2,000 Swedish tourists because some of them may have been gay, I followed the story's link to this website (warning - righteous hate ahead):Manifesto of Westboro Baptist Church
I know there's much worse to be found on the Web, but I am still shocked at the level of pure hate found on just one page of this crazy website. How people can equate God with hate I'll never know...
More later...
Paul
So...after hearing about a supposed "Man of the Cloth" thanking God for the Tsunami in the Indian Ocean because it killed over 2,000 Swedish tourists because some of them may have been gay, I followed the story's link to this website (warning - righteous hate ahead):Manifesto of Westboro Baptist Church
I know there's much worse to be found on the Web, but I am still shocked at the level of pure hate found on just one page of this crazy website. How people can equate God with hate I'll never know...
More later...
Paul
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