Incessant Rant

"The Great Raid" coming to the big screen...

2005-05-10T21:44:00.000-04:00

Call me an optimist, but I don’t think Hollywood can screw this one up. After nearly a three year delay since shooting, Miramax is set to release “The Great Raid” in early December.

Benjamin Bratt (Law & Order fame) will star as Colonel Henry “Hank” Mucci. If you know the story of the Colonel and his band of Raiders, then you have had the same thoughts as I.

Regardless of the number times Hollywood gets it wrong or wanders off into their own ideological pile of excrement, they can’t screw this one up. In short, there is no way for Hollywood to dip the facts with sentimentalism, anti-war messages, or downright Anti-Americanism. The story, on its own, requires no “poetic license” in an effort to spruce up the chronicle. It stands on its own, because the actual facts are incredible.

The screenplay of “The Great Raid” comes out of the pages of William B. Brue’s novel, “The Great Raid on Cabanatuan: Rescuing the Doomed Ghosts of Bataan and Corregidor.” The word from insiders is that the screenplay is a nearly a carbon copy of Brue’s historical reference. There was no need to beef up the story with stereotypical heroic embellishments. The simple fact of the matter is that the real story is more amazing that anything a room full of guild writers could come up with.

Colonel Henry Mucci took a discouraged artillery unit and turned them into the incredible 6th Ranger Battalion of WWII. He did it all in five months. The 6th Rangers took the lead in McArthur’s return to the Philippines three full days prior to the invasion of Leyte. Their spearhead of the retaking of Dinagat, Homonhon, and Suluan was only their opening curtain call. In the process they destroyed all Japanese defenses and captured more than 1,000 Japanese.

Their accomplishments are highlighted by a daring raid 30 miles behind Japanese lines in January of 1945. Colonel Mucci planned, led, and executed a mission to liberate the survivors of the Bataan Death March held at Cabanatuan, Luzon. They removed the prisoners, safely, through 20 miles of Japanese held territory carrying many of them on their backs. Mucci’s Rangers lost only two men in the entire mission.

The Japaneses weren't as fortunate. The entire prison guard structure was taken out like clockwork, as were over 1,000 reserve troops.

It’s an incredible story that is well researched in Brue’s novel. Considering the emphasis on the raid being motivated by the Japanese military’s propensity to execute American prisoners when forced to retreat, it’s clear in this true event who the good guys and bad guys are. The men of the 6th Ranger Battalion were, at the time, the best of the best. And, considering the absolute, no doubt about it, success of those men, it will be difficult for Miramax to hang their “make love not war” label on the chronicles of heroes.

So, no…I don’t think Hollywood can screw this one up.

Addendum:
There’s a Memorial Plaque down at Fort Benning honoring the men and leaders of the 6th Rangers. It reads:

“In Honor of the Men of the 6th Ranger Battalion who liberated the 512 Prisoners of War at Cabanatuan, Philippine Islands, 30 January 1945. This list courtesy of John Cook (POW) who honored the 6th Rangers & Alamo Scouts at the dedication of a Memorial Plaque located at Fort Benning, GA 1999.”

Led by:

LTC Henry A. Mucci, Ranger Hall of Fame 1998
CPT James C. Fisher
CPT Robert W. Prince, Ranger Hall of Fame 1999

1LT John F Murphy
1LT William J O'Connell
1LT Melville R Schmidt
1LT Clifford K Smith
1SG Robert G Anderson
1SG Charles H Bosard
1SG Ned H Hedrick
TSGT Melvin H Gilbert
TSGT Daniel H Watson
TSGT Ralph C Franks
SSG Floyd L Anderson
SSG Lyle C Bishop
SSG Charles W Brown
SSG William R Butler
SSG Thomas H Frick
SSG Clifford B Gudmunsen
SSG Clifton R Harris
SSG David M Hey
SSG James V Millican
SSG Norton S Most
SSG Richard A Moore
SSG Cleatus C Norton
SSG Preston N Jensen
SSG Mike Koren Tec 5 Bernard L Haynes
Tec 5 Edward L Biggs
Tec 5 Patrick H Marquis
Tec 5 Francis R Schilli
Tec 5 William A Lawyer
Tec 5 Robert W White
Tec 5 Dalton H Garrett
Tec 5 Alymer C Jinkins
Pfc Vernon N Abbott
Pfc Donald A Adams
Pfc Warren M Bell
Pfc John D Blannett
Pfc James W Conley
Pfc William F Crumpton
Pfc Carlton O Dietzel
Pfc Virgil S Dixon
Pfc Waverty R Duke
Pfc Eugene H Dykes
Pfc Edwin G Enstrom
Pfc Howard R Fortenberry
Pfc Mariano Garde
Pfc William H Garrison
Pfc Thomas A Grace, Jr
Pfc Paul J Grimm Pfc Merrie K Purtell
Pfc George H Randall
Pfc James M Reynolds
Pfc John B Richardson
Pfc Alvie D Robbins
Pfc Edgar L Rubie
Pfc Roy D Sebeck
Pfc Melvin P Shearer
Pfc Charles Q Snyder
Pfc Conrad J Solf
Pfc Buford K Spicer
Pfc Frank R St John
Pfc Robert C Straube
Pfc Peter P Superak
Pfc Charles S Swain
Pfc Russell J Swank
Pfc Ronald R Thomas
Pfc Gerhard J Tiede
Pfc Alexander E Truskowski
Pfc Jasper T Westmoreland
Pfc Ray E Williams
Pfc Joseph O Youngblood
SSG Lester L Malone
SSG John W Nelson
SSG Theodore Richardson
SSG August T Stern Jr
SSG Manton P Stewart
SSG James O White
SGT Claude R Howell
SGT Harry C Killough
SGT Milo C Mortensen
SGT Albert F Outwater, Jr
SGT Vance R Shears
SGT James M Tucker
SGT Leo M Wentland
SGT Arthur T Williams
Tec 4 Homer E Britzius
Tec 4 Robert L Camp
Cpl Martin T Estesen
Cpl Waymon E Finley
Cpl James B Herribk
Cpl Marvin W Kinder
Cpl John G Palomares
Cpl Roy F Sweezy
Cpl Robert L Ramsey Pfc Howard J Guillory
Pfc Dale F Harris
Pfc Norman F Higgins
Pfc Clarence W Heezen
Pfc Andrew J Herman
Pfc Frank C Huboda
Pfc F J Hughes
Pfc Edward N Knowles
Pfc Eugene J Kocsis
Pfc Edward Littleton
Pfc Joseph Lombardo
Pfc Alfred A Martin
Pfc Billy McElroy
Pfc Alfred J McGinnis
Pfc Ralph C Melendez
Pfc Leroy B Myerhoff
Pfc John V Pearson
Pfc Joseph M Pospishil
Pfc William H Proudfit
Pfc Edward Paluck
Pfc Jack A Peters
Pfc Roy B Peters
Pfc Alva A Polzine
Pfc Leland A Provencher

Additional Members of the Liberation
547th US Air Force Pilots
The Night Fighter, P-61 of the US Air Force to distract the Japanese Guards so the Scouts and the Rangers could get into positions around Camp, for the Raids.

Photographers of Combat Photo Unit F, 852nd Signal Service Battalion
1LT John W Luebddeke, OIC
Tec 4 Frank J Goetzheimer
Pfc Robert C Lautman
Pfc Wilbur B Goen

Capt Kenneth R Schneber
LT Bonnie B Rucks

6th US Army Alamo Scouts: "The Alamo Scouts preceded the Raid as to the surrounding of the camp and the approximate number of Japanese personnel in and around the camp"

Pfc Alfred Alphonso
Pfc Sabas Asis
Pfc Thomas Siason
1LT Thomas Rounsaville
1LT William Nellist
1LT John E Dove Pfc Rufo Vaquilar
Pfc Gilbert Cox
Pfc Francis Laquier Pfc Wilber Wismer
Pfc Andy Smith
SGT Harold Hard
SGT Galen Kittleson
Pfc Franklin Fox

Philippine Guerillas - There were approximately 284 Philippine Guerillas whom helped with the Raid on Cabanatuan, without their help who knows what may have happened, that night, Liberating 512 Prisoners of War after 34 months in prison.

Major Robert Lapham
Capt Juan Padota, Leader
Capt Eduardo Joson, Leader

And now for the Simple-minded non-spook point-of-view…

2005-05-09T16:13:00.000-04:00

Government Executive Magazine has an interesting piece up today in the Daily Briefing. Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte has hit the ground running and is shaking up the hierarchy of reporting within the CIA. In short, the Station Chiefs abroad may have a wake up call coming.

The intelligence agencies (all of them) have been harmfully politicized. Senior officials (some of which have departed, not voluntarily, thanks to Porter Goss) had treated their senior level intelligence positions as a forum of ideology. George Tenet comes to mind in this regard. Just before he was shown the door….and he was shown the door. He decided to release a report on Iraq prepared by the National Intelligence Council. It was stated that the report reflected input from a number of different intelligence agencies inclusive of the CIA. According to the report, there would be civil war throughout Iraq by 2005. I would remind everyone that this release was timed just at the dawn of the 2004 Election Campaigns.

It was a parting shot by a Washington bureaucrat hold-over from the Clinton Administration. The only reason he remained in his role was to provide the illusion that the CIA was operating on all cylinders. It was not. It still isn't. And, unless an effort is made to make individual Station Managers responsible for the humint, technological intel, and analysis coming out of their respective ground level operations there would be little to no accountability.

More to the point, Negroponte wants (has ordered) direct communication from the street to his office. No whitewashing to protect hind ends inside the beltway is a good start in this simpleton's opinion. Who do you want telling you what's going on in downtown Jakarta? The Station Chief "glaring out his window on Bekasi Raya or some middle management hack in a Langley cubicle hoping the latest humint doesn't contradict a previous report. In simple words….it is what it is. Playing "pass it down the line" was a nice exercise at camp. It doesn't wash in today's intelligence community.

Here's another thought.

A consistent, accurate, and results oriented operation falls on the shoulders of the station manager. The safety net of spreading blame throughout a tied down bureaucracy (all the way back to Washington) is no longer an option. This appears to be an attempt to place accountability on the Station Chief. As a result, the CIA Station Chief will be more apt to cooperate with other agencies less something should be missed. Provided this same approach is applied to the other intelligence (and law enforcement) agencies under Negroponte's domain, we should expect a similar attitude.

A final thought…

Since the early to mid-90's certain high level congressmen (read: Senator Robert Torricelli- D) has lobbied to disallow the intelligence community from forging contact relationships with "shady" characters. As a result, a significant void was created in the field. No longer were the "feelers" out there scraping up something of potential significance. In other words, the exact type people you want out shaking the trees were no longer available as a tool in the intelligence network. The US had lost it's "Huggy Bear." However, added pressure on Station Chiefs to produce valued and timely intelligence in whatever form will easily outweigh the perception of having "clean hands." The policy, known by its critics as the "Torricelli principle," requires that a top CIA official -- not a field officer -- approve the hiring of such informants.

Now I'm just a simpleton…a babe in the proverbial woods…an amateur mind you. But, I don't want mid-level bureaucrats inside the beltway attending to the hiring practices of CIA representatives working in Hamâh, Syria. I'd like to see the guy whose marbles are on the chopping block deciding on the roster that is most effective and efficient.

What a Collective of Superficial, Patronizing Hogwash

2005-05-09T11:06:00.000-04:00

Responding to the 2003 Jayson Blair "color by numbers" reporting fiasco where he simply made things up as he went along, the New York Times formed an internal committee to study the matter. It was their intention to present recommendations on how to increase reader confidence.

Here's most of what they came up with:

--making reporters and editors more accessible through e-mail
--reducing errors
--increasing coverage of middle America
--increasing coverage of religion

Here's some of what's missing:

--Removal of OpEd approach to hard news items

--Removal of By Lines that attempt to shape opinion in hard news items by inaccurately reflecting the story

--Standing Paul Krugman on his head and giving him an enema while carefully warning neighbors to seek high ground.

--Understanding that a majority of their potential readership (majority of the Country) does not subscribe to their general ideology or Newspaper.

--Understanding that labeling a faction "Middle America" confirms that their staff is NOT within that over simplified generalization. Readers would be much less wary of a media outlet that just refers to this country as "America."

--Understanding that coverage of a topic or an ideology does not translate to trust, honesty and integrity. Only a non-biased reflection of facts can do that.

--Over simplification of their failings can rarely assist in correcting those errors if the errors are never defined

--Ceasing the spiking of news stories that don't reflect the publication's understood political ideology.

--Ceasing the burying of news stories that don't reflect the publication's understood political ideology.

--Ceasing the commonality of regurgitating Democratic Talking points, and assisting in the strategic efforts of that party (read: Tom Delay)

--Using cheap ink that comes off on my damn hands worse than the toner of a busted photocopy machine (personal issue)

--Ceasing the practice of including editorials that have no defined author.

--Hiring personal assistant for Maureen Dowd to make sure she takes her medication regularly

--Applying all of the above items to their international sister (International Herald Tribune) so as to cease efforts in molding foreign opinion counter to the United States.

Guess Again...

2005-05-06T14:17:00.000-04:00

As this post will, no doubt, imply...I'm back.

The cover to the left is from The Economist (March 2004). The implication is that leadership supporting the Iraq efforts would suffer repercussions of their electorate, lose their respective elections, and be sent on their way(s).

The Economist was wrong...times three (3).

Missing...

2005-03-25T18:19:00.000-05:00

For those of you who continue to check this page for updates, I appreciate your persistence. Your endeavors have been fruitless I’m afraid.

Unfortunately, the last few weeks have been a blur. I’ve been spending quite a bit of time “across the pond.” This has negated all “free time.” Sacrifices had to be made. While I miss blogging to an extent, I can’t say I’m not enjoying the challenges and the experience. Things should get back to normal in the not too distant future. Of course, that’s dependant upon the unforeseen.

Cheers,
The Incessant Rant

France & Yemen Sign Military Pact...

2005-03-04T11:08:00.000-05:00

Trying to repress my cynical nature is always arduous when the French are involved. However, France signing a military pact with Yemen just may be a positive act.

Yemen is not too far displaced from the mid-1800's of the United States. The "Wild West" demeanor and widespread poverty has led to tribal conflicts, and commonplace smuggling of illegal wares. Additionally, and most importantly, the inability of law enforcement to properly address the growing crime brought on by adverse living conditions has led to a hotbed of radical Islamic fundamentalism (terrorist harboring).

With the current resources available to the Yemen Govt. there were not going to be too many changes to that scenario regardless of the intentions of the country's leaders.

Enter the French.

Under the new agreement signed by France and Yemen:

1. Radar will be set up and improved to assist in the deterrent of smuggling ships and planes

2. Joint naval exercises between France and Yemen will work to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

3. Joint Special Forces training on Yemeni Mountain Forces will better prepare troops to address rural threats, smuggling, as well as terrorist camps.

4. Arming of six gunboats sold by France to Yemen previously to assist in combating arms trade and drug trade.

While all of the above could be the advantageous to the "War on Terrorists," I can't help hearing a little voice in the back of my pointy head saying "Come on, it's the French." Perhaps there is an ulterior motive, because there usually is. There are a number of schemes that come to mind.

Perhaps French involvement in one of the most backward communities of South East Asia is to deter the US from taking aggressive actions to remedy the situation. Although, Yemen really hasn't been on the Bush Administration's radar of late. Perhaps, there are economic considerations related to petroleum products, which wouldn't be too far outside of the realm of possibility.

Or, there is always the chance that France is considering large investments into the Yemeni Islands in an effort to develop a vacation Mecca of sorts. That might sound a bit far fetched. However, Yemen, is clearly advertising for investors into their string of Red Sea Islands.

They are attempting to create a resort community throughout their island tracts in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. The first step in luring investors is the perception of safety and stability.

Perhaps France is making a solid effort to assist Yemen in combating crime and terrorism. Or, perhaps they are just anticipating an economic opportunity with a perceived "new colony" flavor. After all, when it comes to the mentality of Old Europe, perception is "9/10's of the flaw."

U hebt reeds verloren.

2005-03-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

U hebt reeds verloren.

It’s a pretty simple Dutch sentiment meaning “You have already lost.” Unfortunately, these four little words sum up how the Dutch have met the challenge of radical Islamic Fundamentalism. They are statues of humanity creating the letter “N” with their submissive bodies. That is the formation created when one places one’s head firmly in the sand and one’s hands high in the air.

Some would argue that I am ignoring the current arrests of various radical Muslims who were apprehended after issuing death threats. They would tell me that the attempts to void Dutch Nationality of some of these offenders were a strong deterrent to the avocation of murderous behavior. They might even bring up the plans to expel three Muslim propagators of radical Muslim fundamentalism as proof positive that the Netherlands was serious about combating terrorism.

Tell that to Geert Wilders and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. As members of Dutch Parliament, they have been the recipients of death threats so numerous and legitimate that Wilders has resorted to sleeping in a local prison cell at night for his protection. He no longer answers his own telephone. The ability to perform the duties of democracy within his beloved Netherlands is compromised by the perceived threats to his life by radical Islamic fundamentalists. In short, the terrorists dictate his life while he consistently and continuously lives in fear. The terrorists have won.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s existence is not too much different. Her residence of choice these days is a naval base. However, her bodyguards sometimes deliver her to varying hotels. Again, the law abiding politician is on the run. She is terrified of the consequences of living a normal life because of the threats to her life by radical Islamic fundamentalists. It was her name in a letter attached to the corpse of Theo Van Gogh warning that her days were numbered. The terrorists have won in her case as well as she lives like a nomad in ongoing fear.

Now, consider the difference in mentality of our own country. With the exception of the "little girl", Mark Dayton (Dem-Minn) who ran home to Minnesota over some bogus terrorism threat in Washington D.C., it is pretty much business as usual. Sure, the safeguards have been raised, and vigilance is more of a religion than good advice. However, the only politician of record that seems to be sleeping in prison these days is James Traficant. And, he is on a well earned extended stay program.

The Netherlands have already lost, because they are not unwilling to confront the enemy within their midst. The mindset is that the “victim” need adjust to the threat. Their approach should be that the criminal/murderer/ conspirer of illegality be made to adjust their lifestyle so as to conform to civility. Failure to do so should be met with extreme and swift justice. Then perhaps the proper folks will be sleeping behind bars on a regular basis.

U oogst wat u zaait (You reap what you sow).

Iran Starting to Percolate

2005-03-01T14:06:00.000-05:00

My 2005 New Year's predictions included a paragraph on Iran. My guess was that Iran would be host to massive internal protest. Their inflation rates have been through the roof. The Govt. has held wages (in some cases) seven months in arrears. Medical providers are nearly defunct on a national level since the Govt. decided to privatize the industry. Some estimates place the number of bankrupt medical providers in Iran at over 75%.

All these facts, and more have suggested that Iran is a powder keg of discontent with the potential to weigh heavily of how the Clerics address pressure to discontinue their pursuit of Nuclear weapons. That discontent is starting to get revved up.

In the last week:

1. Various protests and strikes are breaking out countrywide

2. Sangroud Coal miners are marching on Tehran to demand their wages and the attention to safety shortfalls

3. 650 West Alborz Coal miners are into their fourth week of a strike for safer working conditions

4. 800 workers of the Chahar Mahal Bakhtiyari province Hydroelectric plant demonstrated right in front of the Shahr-Durd government building demanding back wages.

5. 100 teachers protested outside a government building demanding suitable permanent jobs promised by the Iranian Government.

6. 250 workers gathered in Rasht to protest the closing of a factory due to "bad weather" when the real reason was the failure of the Govt. to pay back wages.

Iran Focus provides a few more details on the above. Other Iranian protests in the last few months here & here...

UPDATE:
Heh...the State owned DP Iran (routed through Amsterdam) made a visit...via the Ministry of Information in beautiful downtown Tehran...Nice smile and a wave everyone...

Visitor Detail: 2 March 2005
HostName : 62.193.xx.xxx
IP : 62.193.xx.xxx
Last Visit : New
ISP: DP IRAN
Country: IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF
Region/State: TEHRAN
City: TEHRAN
Domain: Ministry of Information
Language: Farsi
Browser: MSIE [Win XP]
Screen Res: 800x600 4 Billion colors (32 bit)

Long Live Expedia...and Capt. Morgan's

2005-02-19T01:59:00.000-05:00

Well, here's the background. In the last year I have participated in somewhere in the realm of 50 Civil Trials, 4 Catastrophe event oversights, and 35+ audits/diligence evaluations. I've racked up more frequent flyer miles and rewards points than humans should be allowed to have. That's just the surface.

So, as CPAC started up this past week I was all set to take a couple days and attend once again. The thing is...I much rather hang in The Keys sipping rum laden concoctions and spending most of the day motivating myself to do a little diving. Expedia is, quite simply, one of our generation's greatest inventions. Booked and confirmed in less than 10 minutes...

CPAC came in a distant 2nd. So I wasted a couple bills on tickets and such. It's worth it. I'll be AWOL for the next week, and may return sometime next weekend provided I don't stumble across a low overhead highly profitable opportunity.

Incidentally, there's a pretty good chance you can catch me on webcam at the Hog's Breath at some point during the week. I'll be the tall guy slumped and slurring with a stupid grin and a satiated spirit.
Cheers,
IR

On Vacation without Computation...

2005-02-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

On vacation...hiatus...break...whatever...

Unless someone steals my passwords and decides to comment, this space on the net will be inactive for about a week.

Valentine to the Troops...and theirs...

2005-02-13T20:39:00.000-05:00

Here's a bit of a video Valentine to the Troops and those that they hold close. The theme is pretty simple. Distance can be overcome by one's mind and dreams.

This one is set to "Here Without You" by 3 Doors Down.

The reduced (lesser quality) video is available through this link. It comes in just over 4 megs.

The non-reduced version can be seen through this link. If you've got the goods, go for it. It's a volumious 23 megs.

"By God, that woman wears pants"

2005-02-12T00:11:00.000-05:00

Watching those card carrying members of the agenda driven media try to hang an albatross around the neck of Lt. General James N. Mattis is reminiscent of a departed great uncle of mine.

The Lt. General, you will recall was the Marine who let go of this little gem.

"Actually, it's a lot of fun to fight. You know, it's a hell of a hoot. It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up front with you, I like brawling."

Followed by a nice healthy helping of:

"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."

My great uncle was a coal miner his entire life. Much of his quality years were spent in less than ideal conditions, with less than perfect health consequences. It took a certain sort of determination and roughness to persevere. He was deaf as a door stop, and had a touch of black lung disease most of his 99 years. So, when he was in a public place that might not appreciate the full decibel brunt of his enhanced conversation he could have cared less. Great Uncle George used his “portable Walkman” voice out of necessity, not out of rudeness. Although, I believe his exact words in one flagrant conversation included the exclamation that “hearing aids were for old ladies and safe crackers.” I might have toned down his comments a tad. The man had a tendency to use expletives as adjectives.

He’d get some glances of disapproval when his voice carried across the parking lot, through the movie theater, or on the airliner. He saw the looks, and to be perfectly blunt in his own true essence, he didn’t give a good shit. He was plain spoken, loved a good joke, and didn’t mind reminding folks that life is a colorful experience that is best served sans earth tones.

He would have been on the phone to me the minute he read about the comments that came out of Lt. Gen. Mattis’ mouth. He would have been looking for some way to send the “jarhead” a case of the hometown brew from the Yuengling Brewery on Pottsville’s hillside. Nothing said “well done” like a case of Black and Tan in Great uncle George’s book. And, you had to do something he deemed worthy of recognition. That was no easy task.

My great uncle would have used one of his trademark lines had he been around to hear Lt. Gen. Mattis speak his mind.

“Now there’s a man who knows his God Damned job.”

Rough edges? Sure. But, Great Uncle George was one of the most decent men I’ve known. He didn’t have time for what he called “egg shell walkers.” He pulled me aside out of the blue one time at a relative’s birthday party and told me he had some advice for me. He’d had a couple beverages by that time, so I knew in advance that there wouldn’t be much of a buffer zone filtering out the crux. I’ll admit it now. I was his favorite nephew. So, by default, I was his well intentioned depository for aged wisdom.

Hand on my shoulder he looked me straight in the eye and gave it to me straight.

“If you say it…and you mean it…then damn it, make sure you sign your God Damned name to it.”

Great Uncle George would have liked the fact that Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis “signed” his God Damned name to it. Quite frankly, I think there are quite a few Marines who feel the same way.

That’s my take on the Lt. General’s comments. Kathleen Parker has her own take in the New Hampshire Union Leader. I like her view as well. Great uncle George might have offended her a bit in his take of her OpEd. However, she would have had to have known him to realize that his comments were a compliment and not a sexist attack. Great uncle George would have said, just a little louder than necessary…

“By God, that woman wears pants.”

Who done it?

2005-02-10T13:35:00.000-05:00

There's and interesting piece in the Moscow Times today that takes a look at the possible suspects in the poisoning of Viktor Yushchenko. Lot's of suspects, lots of theories…lots of boiled crayfish with a taste you can't quite place.

The focus seems to be around the security services of Ukraine and Russia. Also, there is a hint of a "mob" involvement, and , of course, business leaders with the most to lose financially.

The piece implies that Putin thinks that Yanukovych is directly involved.

Also, the poisoning was all over the news. However, less attention was paid to the attempted car bombing of Yushchenko. Apparently, on the eve of the runoff election the explosive laden vehicle was planted outside campaign headquarters.

" Two Russian citizens from the Moscow region were arrested in connection with the planned car bombing. Radio Liberty, citing police records, identified them as Mikhail Shugai, 35, and Marat Moskvitin, 33."

It's an astoundingly interesting read if cloak and dagger happens to be your bailiwick.

Probing the Plot to Poison Yushchenko
By Francesca Mereu
Staff Writer
Moscow Times
February 10, 2005

It was a clear September night when Yevhen Chervonenko left presidential hopeful Viktor Yushchenko healthy and in good spirits ahead of a secret meeting at a dacha near Kiev.

Chervonenko, at the time Yushchenko's head of security and now Ukraine's new transportation minister, said he usually went everywhere with Yushchenko and even tasted his food. But that night was an exception. Yushchenko was going to the dacha to dine with Ukrainian Security Service chief Ihor Smeshko and his deputy, Volodymyr Satsyuk.

"I was told that I was not required that night because the organizers wanted the meeting to be confidential," Chervonenko said in an interview.

Yushchenko's bodyguards also were not allowed to accompany him, he said. The only member of his team who went along was his campaign manager, David Zhvania. Yushchenko, who was already leading Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych in the polls, had requested the Sept. 5 meeting to discuss the election campaign and death threats he had begun receiving in July. The men sat down for a meal of boiled crayfish, a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and corn and beer, followed by cold meats washed down with vodka and cognac.

The next day, Yushchenko fell seriously ill and his body was racked with pain, Chervonenko said. Slowly, a mask of bumps and cysts crept across his once-handsome face -- symptoms that he had ingested a dose of pure TCDD, the most hazardous dioxin, Vienna doctors later determined.
(continued)

Fat Tuesday...Mardi Gras Mayhem

2005-02-08T13:48:00.000-05:00

MARDI GRAS IN THE BIG EASY...

The final day of Mardi Gras is revving up. Enjoy the screen captures…or grab your own. You can hook into the Bourbon Street Cam via RealPlayer (with audio). Or, you can hook into the live photo refresh.

Heh…Live RealPlayer video on KaraokeCam from Mardi Gras (Cats Meow Bar)

True rubberneck entertainment...you can't look away. Sobriety would not help these folks...

Davos Defeatists and the Democracy Dirge

2005-02-07T16:41:00.000-05:00

I'm not too submerged in the controversial comments attributed to Eason Jordan related to "targeted journalists."

If he was foolish enough to make allegations without the proverbial qualifiers at the World Economic Summit in Davos, his day will come. There are a significant number of "pit bulls" out there with a good enough grip.

Accompanying the "pit bulls" you have the usual "poodles" saturating the issue in an effort to acquire links and blogroll entries. I suppose they serve the purpose of escalating the dispersion. However, most are adding nothing of value or substance. Such is the idiosyncrasy of the blogosphere.

I'm more concerned about the shallow defeatist attitude that transgressed in the "media" focused forums. If you took the time to review the summation of the events relative to the media you'd realize that the issues they chose to debate/discuss are a microcosm of their failings.

Jordan's notorious comments emerged out of a forum entitled "Will Democracy Survive the Media?" The very topic suggests that the media may or may not have the ability to overturn a concept of government representative of the people. The topic implies that the media pulls the strings, and the viewers dance. And, in the summary provided by the World Economic Forum, the answer to the question suggested in the forum's title in as resounding "no"; Democracy cannot survive the media.

Guess again my elitist friends.

Moderator David Gergen started off the discussion by making the assertion that the public is trivializing the press and becoming disengaged. For some reason, he takes that "apple", and comes up with the "orange" that as a result, the public will be less inclined to vote. He, further, stated that corporate owned media has evolved into a selective news service that won't cover certain parts of the world due to cost.

Congressman Barney Frank supported this view and stated, "Essentially there's less news." He went onto say that, "Reporters used to come to the city hall and that is a thing of the past. The biggest change is in the corporate ownership. People used to put out newspapers because they wanted to be journalists. Nobody is doing that these days; they do it because they want to make money. Papers are in a circulation race."

What's fascinating about this shared view is the total ignorance to the reason for a disengaging audience. While the media and politically influential are willing to concede a loss of focus from the various targeted demographics, they are unwilling to understand the motivation. They are disinclined to, even, make it a part of the discussion.

They can't understand that the public's trivializing of the media is direct and concrete evidence that Democracy is, indeed, surviving the media. The public has collectively decided that the media can't be trusted to provide a non-biased point of view. A majority of such media outlets have so abused their forum that the public has resorted to seeking an alternative in an effort to sort out factual information from source opinion.

Will Democracy survive the media? Hell, it already has. The main stream media is still convinced that this is a question yet to be answered. The simple fact of the matter is that technology and a human thirst for truth has rendered the question irrelevant. The answer has been a resounding "yes." The media, on the other hand, has not survived intact.

The public is in a Renaissance of sorts. Disgusted with the continued abuse of the media's implied trust, the public has, not remarkably, moved beyond the obstacle of limited sources. At first, it was the increased focus turned toward alternative news outlets. The creation of these outlets provided the ability to compare and contrast "hard news." What became apparent was editorializing over reporting, or withholding details so as to promote an agenda. As the alternative news market grew, so did the distrust of the main stream media. As the public started to become disengaged from the CNN's and the CBS's, they're interest percolated with vigor for the FoxNews', and the Town Hall's. So, in all honesty, the public has not disengaged itself from the media. They have, wisely, sought out a basis from which to filter out the tripe and formulate informed opinions.

Eason Jordan, also, uses the "corporate owned" competitors as his excuse for a dwindling viewership. Quite frankly, it's astounding that someone in such a prestigious and important position can fail to understand his actual competitor(s). In a separate forum (We're News, They're Propaganda 22.01.2004) Jordan explained in a simple sentence why CNN's ratings continue to plummet. He said he finds "objectivity and impartiality to be outdated, tired terms."

A news outlet that finds objectivity and impartiality to be outdated and tired is not a "news outlet." They become an opinion editorial functionary. They end up serving as a proxy group for an ideological assembly. In a Democracy, there is usually more than one ideological position. As a result of the obvious transference within the "news" reported by CNN, and overseen by an executive who suggests objectivity to be outdated, it is no wonder that the public has chosen to disengage. What magnifies this truism is the fact that the chosen proxy ideology of CNN (Jordan's charge) is, in fact, a minority held position.

When Congressman Frank states that people don't want to be journalists, but want to make money, he misses a full medium in his conclusion. He is missing the layman reporter. He is ignoring those that he claims to represent. From that collective evolves the most complete, knowledgeable, and diverse reporting base available. He fails to recognize that the public is more genuine, scrutinizing, and accountable than any media outlet. He discounts the opinion and fact collecting abilities his own constituency. Congressman Frank, and the rest of the Davos debutantes fail to understand that the public is an entity onto itself with resources far exceeding anything found on your satellite dish.

When Senator Daschle challenged vote monitoring in the eleventh hour of the last election, the public was not forced to rely on the reporting of the left leaning Associated Press. Instead, they had the opportunity to view a real time update from inside the courtroom delivered by the Daschle v. Thune blog. Granted, this blog had ties to the Thune campaign. However, the Associated Press failed to identify the witnesses presented by Daschle as having ties to Howard Dean. And, even if both entities held solid ideological positions, the fact remains that there was an alternative opinion from which to contrast and compare. This new ability allowed for the thinking public to make an informed opinion, as opposed to a forced opinion of indifference force fed by a monopolizing reporting entity.

Prior to this past general election, President Bush made a campaign stop in West Allis, Wisconsin where he announced to the crowd that President Clinton had been hospitalized for heart ailments. The Associated Press made issue of an ill behaved, booing response from the rally participants. However, the AP journalist, Scott Lindlaw (who had been singled out previously for his "cheap shots" at Bush by the Columbia Journalism Review), had concocted the story. Attendees and local television viewers/radio listeners immediately set to clarifying that it did not take place. Within hours of the AP filing the story, a retraction was issued. The alternative media in this circumstance amounted to many single individuals who just happen to hold computer accounts, blogs, and screen names to forums. Once again, the monopolizing of the news, and the enticement to shape it towards an agenda was railroaded by a public not willing to allow the media to derail democracy and accuracy.

Rathergate, while important in magnitude, by no means tells the whole story of the new medium. It is but one example in myriad examples. The fact that the blogosphere takes the main stream media to task on something as miniscule as "booing" should hearten anyone wary of an overbearing and ideological agenda driven press. Rathergate ended with the CBS getting caught trying to steal a "watermelon." The blogosphere, and it's worldwide beat of experts in every vocation and locale has gotten to the point to where the main stream media would be hard pressed to steal a single "grape." Congressman Frank fails to understand that each individual contributing, and consuming from that perspective is a journalist of sorts. They don't do it for the money. They do it better than those who do it professionally.

In the Davos circle jerk, the most prophetic, and worthy comments emerged from Abdullah Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan. How ironic is that? The newest members of the free world seem to grasp the concept of a free press better than those who have had over 200 years to abuse it. Abdullah noted, " The right of expression is now ensured for our citizens. We have 160 newspapers with only about 5 or 6 publicly supported," he said. "During the election there were debates going on that nobody would have believed possible a few years ago."

I don't think the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan would be willing to concede that the media will kill Democracy. No, the only ones willing to make that concession are those who have perverted a trusted position with ideology and minority agenda.

Their vanity in such a conclusion is only out distanced by their ignorance to what has revolutionized around them in the blogosphere.

This Kid can Fly...

2005-02-07T01:26:00.000-05:00

Yup, there was that Super Bowl thing.

However, Sunday had some real sports history from the “Holy crap” department taking place across the Ocean. The gentleman sporting the red, white & blue while simultaneously ripping every other country on the planet hails from the “windy city.”

Chicago native, Shani Davis, brought home the gold at the World All-around Speed Skating Championships in Moscow, Russia. Fellow American and last year’s World Champion, Chad Hedrick, pulled a close second, less than two tenths of a point off the pace. Incidentally, the US swept the top four spots in the 1,500 meter event. No country has accomplished that since the Soviet Union pulled it off in 1956.

Shani Davis is a name that might not be common place today. However, he’s got “Wheaties Box” written all over him.

Cathy Breitenbucher did a special for the Chicago Tribune back in January on Davis. As she put it:

No American man has participated in more than four Olympic speedskating events since Eric Heiden's historic five-gold Games in 1980.

No one has tried to skate both long-track and short-track events since short-track joined the Olympic schedule in 1988.

No African American has competed in an Olympic long-track event.

Davis has all the potential to bring home the gold in great capacity at the 2006 Turin Olympic Games. Sunday, he showed just what an amazing talent he is. When asked to explain why he subjects himself to such a punishing sport with an added bit of pain of competing in both long and short-track his answer is simple and to the point.

"I'm doing this because I've been doing it since I was 6 years old, and I'm good at it.”

Damn right he’s good at it. Today, his accomplishments and victory for the USA were in the shadow of the Super Bowl. Something tells me that isn’t going to be the norm in the future. This kid can fly.

Religious & Moral Connecticut?

2005-02-06T01:33:00.002-05:00

I keep hearing about the “Religious Right” and how those southern, red-neck, yahoo, Bible thumpers hi-jacked this past Presidential election.

Bullocks!! Connecticut, comparatively, is one of the most religious states in the Republic. Take the Super Bowl as an example.

While most of the rest of the country runs out late morning to grab their beer and varying adult libations for the game, Nutmeggers have to run out the night before. That’s right; we still have Blue laws on our books. There are no alcohol sales (with a few minor exceptions) on Sundays in Connecticut. During the week, we actually close down retail alcohol sales at 8PM. How’s that for religious intrusiveness?

Southern states such as Georgia and Virginia used to follow these archaic, yet divine, laws from above. However, those red-neck southern boys realized that this is the 21st century and have reached a higher plateau of sophistication. They erased them from the books. Connecticut, on the other hand, not only honors these religious binders, we invented them.

“Blue Law” originates from an anonymous pamphlet published back in 1762 titled “The Real Advantages Which Ministers and People May Enjoy, Especially in the Colonies, by Conforming to the Church of England.” The laws were, eventually, listed in another publication of 1782 titled “A General History of Connecticut.” The original version of these laws was to regulate public morality. They were, further, embellished by Anglican Samuel Peters who was ticked off because he got exiled from Connecticut for showing such allegiance to the British Crown.

As a result he exploited the Blue Laws in his writings from London to the extent of claiming regulated hair length, relationships, no running on the Sabbath, no walking in the garden on the Sabbath, and so on. Punishments for breaking these laws included excommunication, confiscation of property, fines, banishment, whipping, cutting off of the ears, burning of the tongue, or death.

Really? Not really.

Peters, as noted above, enjoyed showing Connecticut in a negative light. Also, he was a budding writer who wanted to be noticed. As they say in the main stream media these days, “if it bleeds it leads.” Little has changed. This becomes clearer when you add some of Peters’ other claims to the mix. According to the good Reverend, the Connecticut River flowed so fast in places that it could carry a crowbar downstream. He also described a procession of frogs, four miles in length that once descended upon the town of Windham. Not likely.

No one knows for sure why these religion dripping laws are called “Blue.” There are many assumptions. However, nothing concrete has come to light. The origin of the concept, however, has been nailed down. They are the work of the Connecticut based Puritans. Their simple, plain, and strict religious approach to life took root in the 1700’s and some of those original restrictions still hold water. At least, they still hold water in Connecticut, one of the most religious and morals forcing states in the country.

It’d be nice to be down south where they don’t let the church run your life and screw up your Super Bowl plans.

Grin & 'Bear' it...

2005-02-05T14:01:00.000-05:00

The Vermon Teddy Bear Company recently agreed to remove the “Crazy for You” bear off their shelves. Apparently, it was just a bit too offensive for the Vermont chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and three other groups of similar focus.

The bear was the usual VTBC’s play on words and was produced as a standard teddy bear wearing a straight jacket. It was set for the Valentine’s Day rush when the politically correct brigade jumped into the fray. Such is life I suppose. The VTBC needs to keep a positive image to maximize sales. So, now it’s gone.

However, as Valentine’s Day approaches, might I suggest a expedited effort by the VTBC to produce the following?

The “Teddy Bear Kennedy" comes from our new ‘drunks and dullards’ collection. Our limited edition release has a computer chip that allows ‘Teddy’ to talk to you. But, listen carefully. He slurs, and keep him away from the bathtub…

Uh oh, it’s the “Barbara Boxer Bear." Also, in limited edition, BBB (as we call her) has a computer chip as well. She spouts and pouts, but not for long. Watch the metamorphosis into a victim when the elephant enters the room (sold separately). BBB debuts the new ‘Unconscionable Idiot’ collection.

For the serious collector we have the “Arafat Bear.” Yassie, as we like to call him doesn’t talk, but boy, does he smell. As a new entry into our classic ‘Digg’n in the Dirt’ collection , we honor Yassie’s new endeavor to feed the hungry. After all, worms and maggots build up a voluminous appetite.

Hot Dog!!! It’s our new release, the “Kerry Bear,” and he’s reporting for duty. This limited edition comes with a pair of flip flops and our state of the art computer chip. He’ll talk, but we have no idea what he’ll say. Neither does he. This one comes from our ‘Career Dissipation’ collection. Grab one now, he won’t be around next year.

Talk about a furry mass of folds and flab. Here’s our new entry into the ‘I sit on my brain’ collection. The “Michael Moore Bear” is a wad of stuffing and a marvel in fluffing. This limited edition holds a computer chip and an unbelievable appetite for junk food and fallacies. So, don’t tell any lies to your new found friend. He’ll use them in his next movie.

“Bear Clinton” is one of our new best sellers. Featuring removable pants and an uncontrollable libido, this little rascal fills out our ‘Gutter trash’ collection. We don’t recommend the big “Bear” for anyone under 18…and keep him away from the dolls.

"One step closer...and the rabbit gets it"

2005-02-04T13:36:00.000-05:00

Hunger strikes are amusing.

Maybe that's a callous statement to some folks. To me, they're entertaining. I am reminded of an old Bugs Bunny cartoon where the pugnacious hare is about to be overcome by his adversary. At the last second, Bugs pulls out a gun, holds it to his own head, and exclaims in desperation:

"One step closer and the rabbit gets it."

Five (5) Connecticut Death Row inmates are, currently, on a hunger strike in an attempt to bring attention to the belief that "isolation of living on death row is endangering their mental health."

Forgive me if I'm not overly enthusiastic about picking up their cause. In fact, someone who has committed such an egregious murder or capital offense that would lead to "Death Row" isn't 100% in possession of their marbles in the first place. Apparently, this "death row syndrome" is a theory that "solitary isolation can cause mental health problems and suicidal tendencies."

It breaks my heart to know that cold-blooded murderers are "suffering." Well, not really. In fact, I think the absolute best thing that could happen is that a murderer come full circle, recognize his/her failings, show true remorse for his/her actions, and convince everyone without doubt that they are truly rehabilitated. Then, I'd like to see them meet "Old Sparky" anyway. The more aware they are of the absolute value of life when theirs is snuffed out the better. The more regret they feel as the needle sinks in, the better. The moment they realize second chances are for carnival games, and high school dating, the better. Call me a sadist. Call me a heathen. Not a problem, I wear the badge with pride and prejudice.

Last week, Death Row inmate Michael Ross played the Appellate Court like a virtuoso when his number appeared to be coming up. He's had his date with the devil postponed more than a "Gun N Roses" concert of late. One of the allegations used to promote the Stay on the execution of Ross was, indeed, "death row syndrome." The premise was that "continued solitary confinement and living conditions contributed to Ross's decision to accept his death penalty."

However, follow me on the logic bus just for a sec. Five (5) of the seven (7) inmates on death row in Connecticut are concerned about their mental health as a result of solitary confinement. In order to address this health concern head on, they decide to stop accepting meals. Therefore, in order to protest a institutional decline in perceived mental health they are willing to apply a self-inflicted decline of their own physical health. Incidentally, two (2) of the inmates have declined to participate because they are diabetic. They did not want to "risk their lives" but support the effort.

Ironic, moronic, and sardonic redundancy if you ask me. Then again, I'm all for providing drinking water to cold-blooded murderers only if it rains the night before.

Sunny Reaganite message greets a freed people

2005-02-04T01:14:00.000-05:00

Well, Janet Albrechtsen has done it again. In her weekly installment for The Australian, she conjured up the “Gipper” and has me wishing that The New York Times would consider filling the William Safire void with a savvy Australian who wields an enlightened, yet deadly, pen.

I first stumbled across one of her columns just over two months ago. It was a great piece that I wish had filtered out of my pointy little head, for it reflected my very thoughts on outdated and exploited international law.

This latest column by Dr. Albrechtsen points out that it is not the focus of the coalition leaders to study the “flea.” They are more correctly interested in the “well being of the dog.” The journalists are enthralled by the moment, while a successful leader judges success by the bigger, more enduring picture. Dr. Albreshtsen is not graced with the countenance of various Democrat whiners of the United States on a regular basis. However, Australia has her own naysayer contingencies. In my opinion, many of these adversaries to the big picture, grab onto the “minutiae” provided it supports an emotional or tactical opposition, not to a substantive issue, but to a dislike of the other side of the aisle.

You’d be remiss to not take in this whole article; and Ronald Reagan’s theory of the Cold War. They’re both gems.

Sunny Reaganite message greets a freed people
02feb05

LAST year Peter Robinson, a former speechwriter to Ronald Reagan, recounted a conversation in 1977 between Reagan and Richard Allen, who would become Reagan's first national security adviser. Reagan asked if Allen would like to hear his theory of the Cold War.

"Some people think I'm simplistic," Reagan said, "but there's a difference between being simplistic and being simple. My theory of the Cold War is that we win and they lose. What do you think about that?"
(continued)

Welcome Home !!!

2005-02-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

Known by the company you keep...

2005-02-03T21:53:00.000-05:00

Rice Says U.S. Involvement Not Needed in EU-Iran Drive
Thu. 3 Feb 2005
Reuters

LONDON - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Thursday there was no need for U.S. involvement in European attempts to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear program.

Her comments were likely to disappoint Europeans who would like the United States to throw greater weight behind its efforts to persuade Iran to give up nuclear activities in return for political and economic incentives.

"The Iranians know what they need to do. It's not the absence of anybody's involvement that is keeping the Iranians from knowing what they need to do," Rice told reporters en route to London for her first foreign trip as secretary of state.

"They need to live up to their obligations, they need to agree to verification inspection, they need to stop trying to hide activities under cover of civilian nuclear power."
(continued)

Beautiful (and I mean that with all sincerity).

The European Union is a lame duck in these “alleged negotiations.” Their inability to master the art of carrying Teddy Roosevelt’s “big stick” has rendered the EU impotent in any substantive efforts. The thought that discourse with Iran would lead to rational decision making for the “greater good” is naïve. More specifically, the EU has convinced itself that they are the voice of cerebral righteousness. They can’t understand when others don’t just abandon their own positions in favor of theirs. As a result, they never have a contingency in the event that words and letters just don’t get it done.

Any consideration by the United States to add their name to a list of Europe’s cabal would, immediately, render the US flaccid. Rather, it would appear as if President Bush is more content to give the appearance of “loose cannon” so that Iran is forced to fight back with the only ability they possess; strongly worded, over the top, boasts in their own State controlled media.

Just this week, the foreign branches of Halliburton and General Electric announced that they will take on no new contracts in Iran. These are two of the larger employers in that country. This will, further, destroy an, already, dismal domestic economy that hinges on 14+ inflation rates, 30% increases in basic commodities, and an almost, non-existent medical service industry. As the conditions worsen (and they will), those in desperate need will be emboldened. They will organize.

Additionally, the US has increased the rhetoric in support of the Iranian people taking matters into their own hands. Perhaps “rhetoric” is not the proper term. So far, the current administration has thrown few empty promises that weren’t backed up with actions. And, that is one of the primary differences between the US and the EU.

We carry a gargantuan stick. It’s parked just south of Iran’s border. However, there are 70 Million smaller sticks in country that are likely to carry a much more potent wallop.

RSVP

2005-02-02T23:06:00.000-05:00

"And to the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you."

How to Snare a Rabbit...

2005-02-02T22:42:00.000-05:00

Tonight's State of the Union address was instructional. I learned how to snare a rabbit.

First you throw out a little bait. For example, if your prey is known to hold certain proclivities that are obvious and transparent, you want to use that as an advantage. It makes your fare more predictable, and hence, easier to snare.

So, throw them a little bait. Such as:

“The system (Social Security), however, on its current path, is headed toward bankruptcy. And so we must join together to strengthen and save Social Security. “

Ah yes, the “rabbit” responds just like you expected. The nose rises up, the ears shoot back, and a dramatic sense of agitation is portrayed. It’s not just body language. No, this “rabbit” verbally reacts with overt disdain. This is working better than expected.

We got’em now. They’ll never see it coming. They’re way too upset and focused on the bait. By God that rabbit looks like it wants to rip the cover off that bait. It’s instinctual. The rabbit is getting wound up, and any second now it’s going to pounce.

But wait. What’s all this then? The bait is…is…This can’t be! The damn bait is another damn rabbit.

“Some have suggested limiting benefits for wealthy retirees. Former Congressman Tim Penny has raised the possibility of indexing benefits to prices rather than wages.

During the 1990s, my predecessor, President Clinton, spoke of increasing the retirement age. Former Senator John Breaux suggested discouraging early collection of Social Security benefits. The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan recommended changing the way benefits are calculated.

All these ideas are on the table. I know that none of these reforms would be easy. But we have to move ahead with courage and honesty, because our children's retirement security is more important than partisan politics. I will work with members of Congress to find the most effective combination of reforms.

I will listen to anyone who has a good idea to offer. We must, however, be guided by some basic principles. We must make Social Security permanently sound, not leave that task for another day. We must not jeopardize our economic strength by increasing payroll taxes.”

Tim Penny, Bill Clinton, John Breaux, and Patrick Moynihan are/were all Democrats. President Bush took the wind out of the sails of the most charged issue within his State of the Union Address by throwing the Democrats a “lettuce hand grenade.” Each of these politicians dwell on the other side of the aisle. Each of these politicians has suggested the very same warnings of the future of Social Security that President Bush made when he stated that SS is “headed towards bankruptcy.” This was a buzz word for the Democratic Party to make some noise of negativity…in the middle of a State of the Union address.

It took ten paragraphs and a tennis match of partisan displays of being before President Bush showed the hypocrisy of those Democrats determined to take their political leanings to a hallowed venue. When he used Democrats (alive and dead, respected and partisan in their own right) as his examples…his only examples of varying ideas on a problem that requires attention, he snared his rabbit.

They sat patiently, and patently through the remainder of the speech wishing they had stayed buried in their nice warm hole.

And it wasn’t over yet. Once you have snared your rabbit, there is the unpleasant task of skinning the critter. President Bush had a very sharp and dutiful knife for just such an occasion. Want to see it?

"Personal retirement accounts should be familiar to federal employees, because you already have something similar, called the Thrift Savings Plan, which lets workers deposit a portion of their paychecks into any of five different broadly based investment funds.

It is time to extend the same security, and choice, and ownership to young Americans. Our second great responsibility to our children and grandchildren is to honor and to pass along the values that sustain a free society. So many of my generation, after a long journey, have come home to family and faith, and are determined to bring up responsible, moral children. Government is not the source of these values, but government should never undermine them."

Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy your Hasenpfeffer. It was caught, prepared, and served by a master this evening. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. There’s plenty.

A Perfect World Policeman

2005-02-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

I still have to chuckle to myself when I recall the out and out adversarial flare between the Eastern bloc and the United States back in the 70's and 80's. I don't recall the same atmosphere in the 60's only because of my focus back then was Freeze Pops, and cartoons.

So, when I see a piece like the one excerpted below printed in prominence by an independent defense analyst based in Moscow I gain that sly grin again. Seeing it as a feature in the Moscow Times seems surreal.

Pavel Felgenhauer takes a stab at world events in this OpEd that, in my opinion, finds the target. He makes reference to "A Perfect World Policeman" which doubles as the byline to his thoughts. As I started to read, it was my assumption that he was referring the United States in whole.

He wasn't.

Instead, Felgenhauer pays homage to the real "policeman;" the United States Military. He totes the flexibility, the might, the leadership, the training, and the morale. And, most importantly, he regards their endeavors with admiration to the extent that he states:

"The U.S. military is the only hope left today that nuclear weapons united with ballistic missiles will not eventually fall into the hands of the likes of Hussein."

How can that not bring a smile to the face of any American Serviceman/Servicewoman? How can that not invoke the least bit of pride in those at home who support their undertakings? Our most prevalent antagonist over a period of 40 some years spent that entire time being force-fed the opinion of the State. Their efforts demonized the United States in the minds of their audience.

It's 16 years later and, now, the most widely read newspaper in the center of the ex-Communist bastion of propaganda has a free opinion piece looking to the United States military to bring'r home.

I just have to chuckle. Upstairs, Ronald Wilson Reagan is probably chuckling too. Then again, when was he not?

Tuesday, February 01, 2005
A Perfect World Policeman
By Pavel Felgenhauer
Moscow Times

Millions of Iraqis lined up to vote in the country's first multiparty elections this Sunday. The American-led invasion in 2003, which was opposed by Russia and several European countries, in less than two years has been followed by the first genuine step towards democracy in Iraq.

If the antiwar protests and the antiwar coalition in the United Nations had managed to stop the invasion, Saddam Hussein would still be in power today. UN bureaucrats and government officials from the antiwar nations would have continued to collect hefty bribes under the oil-for-food program.

However, the will and determination of U.S. President George W. Bush prevailed, and today we live in a very different world. Neither Bush nor his advisers contemplated fully the consequences of going into Iraq. Military might and firm political will was combined with inadequate intelligence, yet the combination produced a decision that has nevertheless positively affected the lives of millions of people.
(continued

FAMS Director Thomas Quinn on his way out?

2005-01-31T19:30:00.000-05:00

Back in December, and a couple times since, Michelle Malkin (THE "KILL-ME-FIRST DRESS CODE" DECEMBER 15, 2004 08:54 AM) has lobbed a couple “grenades” at the perceived incompetence of the Federal Air Marshal Service Director Thomas Quinn.

One such form of idiocy is a dress code of on-board marshals that, basically, says…”Hi, I’ll be your Air Marshal for today’s flight, feel free to take me out first…”

Rather than argue the legitimacy of the accusations, or the merit/detriment associated with dress codes, internal morale, and questionable policies, I’ll just point out that there appear to be steps taken recently that show an implied “no confidence.”

A special advisory board is being created to sort out the matter "immediately." Incidentally, Thomas Quinn, regardless of whether he is right or wrong has, totally, lost control of his employees. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau is stepping in to regain control, and investigate the criticism offered by the field workers.

In other words, I'd guess that ICE is dotting the “I’s” and crossing the “T’s” before sending Quinn on this way. The FAMS is not a place that you can afford poor morale and (possibly justified) indignation. Update your resume Mr. Quinn, and I’d suggest leaving El Al off the list.

ICE tightens oversight of air marshals
By Chris Strohm
cstrohm@govexec.com

A special advisory board is being created for the Federal Air Marshal Service with orders to "immediately address" ongoing disputes and problems, particularly relating to hiring policies and dress codes, Government Executive has learned.

Supporters say the board is critically needed because FAMS Director Thomas Quinn has not been able to internally resolve policy disputes that have strained relations between management and rank-and-file marshals. The Air Marshal Service places undercover agents on planes and became part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau in the Homeland Security Department almost two years ago.
(continued)

Desert Rose

2005-01-30T22:18:00.000-05:00

Here's a collective of the day's events in Iraq all wrapped up in a nice buffet of a video set to "Desert Rose." The reduced version comes in at 5 Megs, and despite the lesser quality due to the compaction...I still think it's worth a look.

The non-reduced version is here. But, I'll warn you now that it comes in at 26 Megs. If you have the machinery...go for it...you'll love it.
Cheers,
IR

UPDATE: I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by all the interest in the above video. I happened to mention in one of the emails I responded to that I had done another video on the plane from Logan to STL so I could ignore my neighbor in the adjoining seat without coming across as an anti-social moron (which I am). They asked me to link to it…so here it is…Check it out “don’t cost nuttin…

The audio on this one is Creed's "stand here with me."

The compacted version (again, of lesser quality) is about 5 Megs and can be downloaded HERE.

The none compacted version is HERE.

Independence Day

2005-01-30T08:21:00.000-05:00

January 30th, 2005
Independence Day

Proposed House Bill 5996

2005-01-29T22:45:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a Duck is a Duck, other times it takes an Act of Congress to turn it into a Frog.

Here’s a little story that further clarifies the overzealous legislation that passes for sanity in Connecticut. Covenant Soup Kitchen is a Episcopal Church sponsored community program in Windham, Connecticut. Their operation is a good one, and their mission statement reads much the way you might think:

Mission Statement:
Realizing that people can be impoverished physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and culturally, as well as just from lack of money,the Isaiah 58 Ministry's mission is to address these needs by providing not only food, but an environment of care, love, support, and safety to those who come through our doors. This ministry also relies on its faith in a loving and caring God to help us carry out this mission.

Every year they hold fund-raisers in an effort to increase the resources from which to distribute their care. One such event is what is referred to as a “Frog Race.” It’s your typical fund-raiser whereby anyone interested in sponsoring a plastic frog can donate money to the cause. The sponsored frog is then released down the Willimantic River with the rest of the sponsored frogs. The individual sponsoring the first frog to cross the finish line down the river a bit wins donated prizes. It’s nothing more than a simple, innovative, and a good wholesome attempt at raising funds for those in need.

But there was a problem.

It seems that the State Statutes of the State of Connecticut are restricting when it comes to racing plastic animals down a natural water way. Specifically:

(g) (1) Any sponsoring organization qualified to conduct a bazaar or raffle under the provisions of section 7-172 may operate a duck-race raffle once each calendar year. Such raffles shall conform to the provisions of sections 7-170 to 7-186, inclusive, and shall be subject to regulation by the executive director. For the purpose of this subsection, "duck-race raffle" means a raffle in which artificial ducks, numbered consecutively to correspond with the number of tickets sold for such raffle, are placed in a naturally moving stream of water at a designated starting point and in which the ticket corresponding to the number of the first duck to pass a designated finishing point is the winning ticket. (2) The executive director of the Division of Special Revenue, with the advice and consent of the Gaming Policy Board, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, that establish procedures for the operation of duck-race raffles.

The problem is that The Covenant Soup Kitchen had all these plastic frogs. The State of Connecticut is rather particular in their Statutes since they only allow this type “raffle” if the contestants are ducks. But, the purpose of the legislation is to assure that bogus organizations don’t take advantage of the caring public. So no one would care whether the molded plastic animals were ducks, frogs, or emus..right? No big deal right? Plastic frogs…plastic ducks, who cares…right?

Wrong.

Last week, State Rep. Walter Pawelkiewicz, D-Windham had to submit a proposed Bill to the Connecticut House. We live in a world that requires an Act of State Congress to allow a church group feeding the poor to race plastic frogs down a river instead of plastic ducks.

General Assembly
Proposed Bill No. 5996
January Session, 2005
LCO No. 2579

Referred to Committee on Public Safety and Security

Introduced by:

REP. PAWELKIEWICZ, 49th Dist.

AN ACT ALLOWING THE CONDUCT OF A FROG RACE RAFFLE IN THE TOWN OF WINDHAM.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

That section 7-185a of the general statutes be amended to allow any sponsoring organization qualified to conduct a bazaar or raffle to operate a frog race raffle once each calendar year in the town of Windham.

Statement of Purpose:

To allow the conduct of a frog race raffle once each year in the town of Windham, the frog capitol of Connecticut.

What ever happened to common sense? What happened to the time when you didn’t require intervention on behalf of the Executive Director of the Division of Special Revenue in order to raise a couple bucks for the hungry? What ever happened to the time when distinguishing between a molded duck and a molded frog only mattered to a three-year-old in the bathtub?

Apparently, those times are gone. We are constantly reminded by the idiocy of over-legislation. Most recently, Connecticut received national attention when State Representative Andrew Fleischmann (D-West Hartford) proposed a law that requires movie theaters to post the actual start time of the feature movie so that moviegoers can avoid the plethora of preceding previews and advertisements. Most municipalities in Connecticut, and other states for that matter, will ticket you if you leave your keys in a running an unattended car. Also, there are a number of towns in Connecticut that give you a whopping 30 minutes to remove the snow from your sidewalk after the flakes stop falling. Failure to do so is a violation of ordinance and, also, provides some ammunition to plaintiff attorneys representing those who fall on your walkway after that unreasonable time frame.

The plastic frog/duck deal isn’t really all that Earth shattering. And, most importantly, the issue is being resolved so that the Covenant Soup Kitchen can do their good work. But, did it really require and Act of Congress to set things straight? Of course not.

Perhaps someone can figure out how to legislate some common sense. It’s a pretty good bet that it would not pass the Connecticut House and the Senate unanimously. It might not pass at all.

The Smiles on their Faces Part I

2005-01-29T11:55:00.000-05:00

No sources today. Not a link in the mix.

No, today is about speaking from the heart and from the mind. Today is about romancing a new-found Democracy in a country of which I’ve never visited in person. I know the "ground," however. I know it better than most, because I have had the sobering opportunity to witness the difference in stark contrast. It is no fluke that I remember that encounter more clearly than I remember Friday’s lunch. What’s remarkable is that the experiences of which I speak occurred in the closing of 1989. Nearly sixteen years ago I watched it unfold to a glorious crescendo.

You don’t forget something like that. You don’t want to fail to remember.

Iraq, the country, is but a media generated land, selectively dished out under the guise of agenda; sometimes indignation. Regardless of the source, I know what’s missing in those reports. I’ve seen it elsewhere. I’ve touched it. I’ve shared in its celebration and cautiousness.

In September and November of 1989 I was in Germany, and Austria, and Italy (despite the rail strike) on what was supposed to be your typical European vacation culminating with a week long testing of Bavaria’s finest at Oktoberfest. The Lockerbie Scotland terrorist attack of Pan Am 103 was less than a year in the past, but that didn’t lessen the presence of armed military toting automatic weapons in Frankfurt International Airport. It was an eye-opener at the time. But, it is not what I remember in clarity. I remember something more imperative.

The vacation was, actually, a visit of sorts. My college room mate, and best friend, was a Lt. in the 11th Armored Cavalry stationed in the Fulda Gap. The “Blackhorse Regiment”, literally, sat on the edge of freedom and liberty with the mission of holding back a Russian presence more than 10 times its size. It was their job to provide other divisions time to react should the Russians ever attempt to push the boundary. It was our intention to pal around the region testing the libations and taking in the culture for a couple weeks. We had no schedule of consequence. We had no ambition beyond relaxation. We had no idea just how monumental a change was about to take place.

Arriving at 9AM on a brisk German morning did little to quell my goal of testing out the domestic brew at my earliest convenience. I’ve always enjoyed a good beer. Having the opportunity to test out some of the world’s best was supposed to be a highlight of my trip, second only to catching up with the Lt. He and I had always done our best in college to assure that no US beer manufacturer felt slighted. It was our goal to perpetrate that philosophy internationally. I can say with all honesty that we jumped right into that game plan, and it wasn’t long before we were riding the rail back to Fulda “biers” in hand rehashing the usual embarrassing stories that always seemed to start with a bottle opener.

Arriving in Fulda was uneventful until we reached the Lt’s apartment. Waiting patiently on the walk along the narrow street were some of the Lt’s friends from the Regiment. They had all the makings of an ad hoc party inclusive of cases of Bud Var (simply the best bier on the planet hailing from Czechoslovakia no less), various meats, cheeses, and accoutrements. The smiles of these young soldiers upon our uneventful arrival were not so curious. They weren’t there to see me. I was a sideshow of sorts.

What I failed to mention previously is that I didn’t travel from the States alone. I had talked nine (9) female friends (consequently, all from the same college Sorority) into traveling with me. The Lt. and I realized that college was a place to develop socially as well as academically. Getting to know these young ladies was a welcome by-product of that attitude. Not surprisingly, the word of their arrival had gotten out and had we taken a vote among the 11th we would have confirmed that there were some things about the States that they missed more than others.

So it began.

The next morning was a Sunday. Back then, Sunday mornings on the Autobahn was, by far, the most exciting. Germans with high performance machines would take their Mercedes, their Beamers and their Porches out on the roadway and matter-of-factly proceed to remove the carbon build up out of their high bred machines. It wasn’t unusual, I found, to be traveling 100 mph, and have your left doors blown off by someone taking their pride and joy to a new level. A number of the members of our little band had had their own American cars shipped over to their base so that they could open them up on the Autobahn. The Lt. had a Mustang convertible for just such an occasion. While I had never gone faster in a car before that morning, there were times that felt like we were standing still. There was, also, a growing danger that had just started to occur.

A couple months previously in the growing discontent of residents, the government of Hungary had reluctantly opened its borders to Austria in an effort to appease the unrest. As a result, the German Autobahn had started to establish a growing presence of East German and Russian cars that had some real performance issues. These “Trabbies” and “Wartburgs” with their chipmunk engines had no power. Their constant laboring to maintain 45 mph and their boxy appearance set them out among those cars common to the region. Horrific auto accidents were becoming commonplace. The usual “hair on fire” normalcy of a Sunday morning race track had started to become a slalom course in avoidance of the sub par cars of Communism. It was a menace.

Ironically, it was, also, a wonderful harbinger of things to come.

(to be continued)

THE SMILES ON THEIR FACES (PART II)

First a side story before we get to the meat.

I can tell this story now because there is little chance of getting anyone in trouble. It didn’t take long to make some long lasting friendships with those young men from the 11th Reg. Our little caravan of American made Thunderbirds, Mustangs, and pick-ups made our way up to a little town on the happy side of the East/West line. Fortified with a couple of bottles of Jaeger Meister purchased in a small general store on the outskirts of Rasdorf we made our way up to the very edge of the divider between freedom and fiefdom.

The border, at the time, was not just a fence like you would assume. Instead there was a large area between the actual boundary that included flare trip lines, land mines, and a flat area ominously overseen by East German towers that provided a clear field of fire. Each tower, noticeably visible from our side was manned by what appeared to be two guards. It was, clearly, a sobering experience despite our best efforts.

It was my understanding that our trek to the border was to show me, the new guy of the group, something new. I thought that was the highlight of that early afternoon visit. However, when they opened the trunk of one of our transports and pulled out an old black and white television that had seen better days I started to get the impression that hi-jinks were afoot. I was right.

Two of our band carried the television up to a cluster of trees just beyond the border and proceeded to set it down on the side not immediately visible to either of the East German towers. They then proceeded to launch into some of the worst over the top acting that I have ever bared witness. Acting as if in an intense purposeful focus they started pointing animatedly at the border area. Then, they vigorously started turning the dials and moving the antenna continuously, all the while acting like they were on some curious mission. I was confused and amused all at the same time. It wasn’t until the Lt. let out a bit of a smile that I knew I was being put on. Up until that point I was just as perplexed as the East Germans watching every move and gesture. I was then let in on the scam.

It wasn’t, exactly, explained to me at the time. However, when a huge Mi-8 Soviet Helicopter popped up behind one of the towers a few minutes later I got the message. In unison my new found friends proceeded to do an about face in order to deliver a message to their counterparts on the other side of the fence. Belts unhooked, pants hit the ankles, and the 11th Reg. mooned on command. It was clearly one of the funniest things that I had ever witnessed. The entertainment escalated when we could, visibly, see the guards in the closest tower throw their heads back in laughter. What an afternoon. I’ve never laughed so hard. Never have I since.

(to be continued later this evening)

THE SMILES ON THEIR FACES (PART III)
The next week was a roller coaster of events and activities. All the time, seemingly small occurrences were foreshadowing the amazing measures that were on the immediate horizon. I recall nursing a rather wicked hang over one particular morning while glancing through the daily newspaper. Remarkably, Gorbachev was in East Berlin and made a public address the day before. For the first time the press was reporting about overt heckling coming from the crowd. There was an escalation of unconcealed discontent that was not being downplayed by the East’s press. It struck me as unusual and unique. But, that’s all. I didn’t think more of it. Instead, we began our trek south to partake in the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich.

Oktoberfest is an annual celebration that holds the distinction as the largest public festival in the world. It stems from the wedding celebration of King Ludwig I and has grown into a theme park of sorts. However, the major draw has always been the bier “tents.” Each of the major brewers has their own designated tent complete with long communal tables and a centered oompah band. All day, everyday of the festival, the tents are packed with travelers from all over the world enjoying the brew of choice in liter glasses while tempting sobriety with the occasional half-chicken, pork sausage, or ridiculously large pretzel.

I’ve attended Oktoberfest three times in my life. I’ve found some consistencies concerning the attendees in all three visits. First, the Italians; they are, absolutely, positively, without question insane. There is no way around it. That nationality knows how to enjoy life. They are, also, rather loose with their marriage proposals after a couple sips. There is a tradition among them that they perform every Oktoberfest. If someone in their group over indulges and proceeds to decide on a little nap at the table, there is a price to be paid. Out come shaving cream, scissors, and the razors. When the unfortunate individual regains consciousness, he (or she) is balder than 90 year-old monk. My friends and I were careful to moderate our intake based solely on the potential that the Italians that we befriended would go to work on one of us. The guys from the 11th had less to worry about due to their, already, dwindling locks. The rather prudish sorority crew was more concerned. Incidentally, in an effort to get them to loosen up, the Lt. and I had made a quick stop at the "sex" shop below our hotel to purchase a rather large "Washington Monument" shaped item which, miraculously found its way into selective suitcases each time we crossed a border Customs search.

A close second is, not surprisingly, the Australians. They sing; they stand on the chairs and dance; they slap you on the back and call you their mate at every slurred opportunity. However, it is my opinion, that Australians are some of the best natured folks on the planet. I’ve had the splendid opportunity to earn a number of Australian friends through my Oktoberfest experiences.

No matter the brewers’ tent that you attend (Löwenbräu-Festhalle, Augustiner-Festhalle, Spatenbräu-Festhalle (Ochsenbraterei), Hofbräu-Festzelt etc) the clientele are nothing short of a worldwide collective from all over the blue marble. And, quite frankly, I have never met a single individual in that setting who showed any animosity to another based on nationality. Even the French were fun to be around. However, on this particular visit in 1989 there was a new group of participants who just lit up the room. East Germans, having traveled over the border in Hungary, were meeting up at Oktoberfest to celebrate their good fortune.

The atmosphere during Oktoberfest in any given year was electric. We were all together enjoying the company and the suds. Cares outside the tent dissolved quite easily. Conversations flowed almost as effortlessly as the continuous flow of bier. Language barriers were overcome by simple nods, handshakes, and smiles. Oh brother there were smiles. However, this particular year the smiles of the East Germans were perpetual. They didn’t stop. They didn’t waver. I don’t think they could control them.

It was contagious.

(to be continued)

Talking to the People(before talking to Congress)

2005-01-28T11:40:00.000-05:00

Congress not in loop on administration's reform plans

By Paul Singer, CongressDailyPM
January 27, 2005

White House officials are planning a major overhaul of the way Congress oversees federal agencies, but they seem to have briefed the press before they briefed lawmakers.

Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director Clay Johnson briefed a handful of reporters Wednesday afternoon on a series of proposals that will be included in the president's fiscal 2006 budget, including legislation to create two new commissions to oversee the shutdown or overhaul of government programs that have outlived their usefulness.

Under one proposal, federal programs would be presumed to expire after 10 years unless a commission voted to extend them.

Under the other plan, a commission would propose major overhauls of federal programs on a particular subject, and Congress would be bound to fast-track consideration of the proposals.
( continued )

Let's see, political hack Henry Waxman, D-Calif is already against a program that has, yet, to be introduced or detailed to his office. However, he can, somehow, conjure up enough elements to state that it would " be a field day for corporate lobbyists and put our most important health and safety programs in jeopardy."

I admire the psychic abilities of the anti-Bush politicians. They are truly a marvel.

The program in question is an initiative charged to the Office of Management & Budget by the President to throw out the "deadwood" government entitlement programs. You heard that correctly, the President has been on a tear of late in what could be perceived as the return of a "fiscal Conservative" to the White House. There wasn't a lot of that in the first term of President Bush. However, the second term got an early "fiscal Conservative" boost when the OMB sent a warning letter to the Congress stating in no uncertain terms that a failure to push the President's Outsourcing and privatization of government contracts initiative would result in a veto.

The result was Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. watching the rest of the Congress drop the issue, and their charges, the Labor Unions taking it on the chin. A veto was not necessary, as the majority party (Republicans) jumped right in line with the privatization initiative. Incidentally, that tends to be the strategy used by the White House to get things done. If you have the majority party, by all means, use that advantage. As a result, those detractors, who have gone from far left liberal, belly up to the entitlement feeding trough, are forced to resort to a disingenuous position that "George Bush never met a Bill he didn't like." Perhaps someone ought to look closer and see just who's sending those bill initiatives into Congress in the first place. Democrat Rep. Charles Rangel is the only politician I've ever seen vote against his own Bill.

George Will was uncanny in his pre-election piece indicating the "anxiety and fury" held by Democrats at the time. Will went down a laundry list of items that he anticipated the Bush Administration chasing in the second term and why that played horribly to the existence of the Democratic Party. Included was the application of Tort Reform, Privatization of Government work and positions, School Choice, Welfare Reform, Defined private investment on Social Security. Within the last three months there have been rumblings concerning the upcoming focus on Tort Reform. However, the application of privatization within the Fed. has already hit it's stride. As indicated previously on this blog (here and over here ) privatization is being installed under the media radar, more than likely, because it has shown success to the current administration over the last two years. In 2003 and 2004, open source bidding has saved in excess of $2.4 Billion in taxpayer funds.

Getting back to Rep. Waxman and his criticism of the latest endeavor of the President, of which the Congressman has yet to be briefed; there's something very telling in how the general information on the new initiative made its way out of the darkness.

The Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director Clay Johnson briefed a handful of reporters Wednesday afternoon on a series of proposals that will be included in the president's fiscal 2006 budget, including legislation to create two new commissions to oversee the shutdown or overhaul of government programs that have outlived their usefulness.
( link )

Did you get that?

The OMB briefed the press (in effect, the people) before they briefed the Congress. This reflects the President's off the cuff remark to the press yesterday when a snide reporter asked how he was going to find common ground with the likes of Teddy Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. He simply stated that he would "talk to the American people."

And so he does.

Linked to the Traffic Jam at OTB

Something's Fishy

2005-01-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

January 27, 2005
Nicaraguan fisherman chokes on live fish while joking with friends

MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) - A man who joked to friends that he would eat a fish live choked to death when the creature squirmed and lodged in his throat, police and coroner's officials said Thursday.

Police said the incident occurred when Jose Angel Torres Padilla, 22, was fishing with friends on Monday in the municipality of Dario, about 70 kilometres north of the capital.

Police said the man's friends told them he had put the fish in his mouth, joking that he was going to eat it live. But the fish squirmed and slipped down his throat.

Benito Lindo, coroner for the provincial capital of Matagalpa, told The Associated Press by telephone that doctors conducting an autopsy had found a fish in the man's throat.

1. I’ve never thought sushi was a good idea
2. Elton John could have handled it
3. Probably one of the most ironic forms of Darwinism ever
4. Survival of the fittest is inclusive of intellectual prowess
5. Last words…. “Watch this.”
6. Last words of friends he was trying to impress… “Beer me.”
7. Also recovered during the autopsy, 4 army men, 3 marbles, and a GI Joe action figure.
8. Deceased’s most famous college prank attempt…trying to fit 12 students into a shoebox (failed)
9. Wasn’t cured
10. Too bad one of his friends wasn’t a sturgeon.

I figure on going to Hell due to this post...which shouldn't be all too bad since I will know a lot of people there. Most of my friends are lawyers...

Department of Homeland Security getting smarterFederal Unions..not so much

2005-01-27T14:46:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has read this blog with any regularity has noticed that I take a dim view on the validity of Unions. Also, I have made the assertion that over the next four years, significant changes will take place on the Federal level that will privatize bids and lower costs as a result due to a more competitive nature on projects and positions.

Money was the primary focus of previous posts. Safety is the focal point of this post.

The Department of Homeland Security made what is perceived to be a "bold" move yesterday. The problem is, it shouldn't be considered a "bold" move. Instead, it should be considered a common sense change that will assist in making the Agency more efficient, effective, and valid.

The new personnel system for the entity will circumvent union bargaining to a great degree. Additionally, poor performers will not be able to hide in the skirt hem of the Unions when discipline or termination is warranted. And here's the big one….the DHS will have more liberty in their application of salary based on merit as opposed to negotiated board room discussions between the employer (The American people) and the representing union officials.

Ok says you. Excellent says I. No way, we're suing, says the John Gage, President of the American Federation of Government Employees. Fat chance we're suing too, says National Treasury Employees Union Officials

The Unions' representatives are whining about limited collective bargaining and employee's rights issues. The DHS, on the other hand, is content that the new system will attract more valuable employees who can be rewarded with quicker and bigger raises based solely on performance and employee value. Managers will, also, be able to act more quickly and efficiently with more flexibility on issues that, previously, required bargaining, and input from the Unions' representatives.

Federal Employee Unions just aligned themselves with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They had failed to recognize the detriment that they contributed to compromising our pocketbooks. Now they fail to recognize the disadvantage they create in trying to shore up the safety of the American Citizen.

Oh, and there is a lesson to be learned in here, isn't there? What did the 911 Commission sanction in order to improve the performance, quality, longevity, and results driven success of the DHS? That's right…merit based performance evaluation protocol that takes the very nature of a Union's bailiwick right out of the equation. That's an interesting lesson to the American public that watches great gobs of Union generated campaign contributions hit the Democratic coffers every election season.

DHS personnel system unveiled
By Shawn Zeller
January 27, 2005

The Homeland Security Department will limit the scope of union bargaining, make it easier for managers to discipline poor performers and, over the next four years, dismantle the General Schedule pay system, under new regulations to be published soon in the Federal Register.

In a press briefing Wednesday morning, Homeland Secretary Tom Ridge and Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James announced the completion of the regulations after nearly two years of focus group sessions, town hall meetings and deliberations with skeptical employee unions.

Ridge said that the system aims to help the department "both attract and maintain a quality workforce" by allowing top performers to win quicker and bigger raises than are permitted under the decades-old General Schedule. In addition, he said that the system will provide managers with the flexibility they need to act quickly to protect the homeland. On "many occasions where we have to move people around quickly, we don't have latitude to sit down and discuss it or bargain," he said.
(continued

Blog Condescension from USA TODAY (Kevin Maney)

2005-01-26T15:56:00.000-05:00

Senior technology writer and columnist for USA TODAY Kevin Maney takes a stab at the concept of blogging in his designated space today. While I don't think he intended to do a hit piece on the blogosphere, I do sense a healthy dose of condescension in his article. Perhaps I got that impression from the teaser of the piece:

"Hey, bloggers- you're not all that"

Maybe the feeling manifested itself in the title:

"Chill, blogophiles; you're not the first to do what you're doing."

Or maybe, this comment buried in the piece rubbed me the wrong way.

"Take a pill, all you blogomaniacs. Blogs are fun. Blogs add a fascinating new element to public discourse. But blogs are another turn of history's wheel, not a radical departure."

I disagree with the fact that "blogs are another turn of history's wheel, not a radical departure." I disagree with that premise because the basis used by Maney to set it up is all wrong.

Maney states, without equivocation, that bloggers have existed in one form or another since the beginning of history. He uses such examples as Thomas Paine, Martin Luther, George Orwell, and a more contemporary Brian Lamb, originator of C-Span. However, these examples, totally, miss the most beneficial concept of blogging not yet realized. Somehow, Maney, compares Thomas Paine with "George the Plumber" and Martin Luther with "Laura the seamstress."

Thomas Paine was not an individual "outside the mainstream media" as Maney implies. In fact, Thomas Paine received a letter of introduction from none other than Benjamin Franklin just before emigrating to the Colonies. At the time of his first published work in the new world (African Slavery in America-1775), Paine was, already, the co-editor of Pennsylvania Magazine. In fact, Thomas Paine was not "outside the mainstream media." He was the "mainstream media"; more so than Dan Rather, or Kevin Maney for that matter. Had there been bloggers back in the Revolutionary era, they would have been posting Mr. Paine's rather rambunctious piece and dissecting it as only "common folk" can. They would have been addressing how such a concept such as "no slavery" would effect their personal business. Or, perhaps, the bloggers of 1775 would be commenting on the reference to the Jews in that work. Trust me, African Slavery in America has lots in it to discuss, especially in the mindset of the 1700's. The point is that Thomas Paine was not a blogger. He was mainstream media without question.

Martin Luther, would not be classified in the same category as a blogger either. His legacy was more of a "disgruntled employee/ protestor." Martin Luther had, already, been ordained by 1507 and took on the role of teacher at a university soon followed by the position of Doctor of the Holy Scriptures. It was when, as an insider, he traveled to Rome and witnessed the extravagant lifestyles employed that he took on the role of "whistle blower" that his career into reform took place. In fact, Martin Luther had already had a number of audiences with Leo X or his representatives before publishing "Christian Nobles of Germany" one of his most famous addresses.

Essentially, Martin Luther was an insider. He was a disgruntled representative of that which he wished to reform. His countenance is more comparative to that of Coleen Rowley, Cynthia Cooper, and Sherron Watkins (Time Magazine's Person's of the Year--FBI, WorldCom, & Enron whistleblowers respectively), than Power Line, Little Green Footballs, or even myself. The nametag of blogger, just does not fit the magnitude of Martin Luther's efforts, and focus; nor his status.

The same can be said for George Orwell. His prominence evolved from the publishing of his satires into the mainstream. He became a published author in the 30's. That was the first anyone ever heard of him, mostly because he was raised in India. In fact, Orwell served in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma until he decided to pursue a career as a writer, and only a writer. Orwell was, indeed, mainstream in that regard.

Bloggers can be mainstream. In fact, some blogs gain more attention based solely on that fact. However, the real basis of a blog is that the "common man" has a forum to critique, pontificate, evaluate, accumulate, vent, teach, learn, and infer. What is overlooked by Maney is that the 6 million some blogs out there are a data bank of experts that did not have the ability to interact so completely before. For every issue presented by the mainstream press there are hundreds of experts in any individual specific field that know the idiosyncrasies 100 times better than that journalist. There are hundreds of bloggers out there closer to the story than a professional writer whether in proximity, knowledge, or relationships.

In Maney's favor is his acknowledgement that the mainstream media will be forced to change, and adapt to their new found suitors. This, in a sense, contradicts his opinion that blogs are "the latest revolution--e.g., it's not."

Maney needs to take a closer look and grasp that blogs are about opinion and evaluation more than they are about hard news. They are about keeping the originator honest, and addressing their credibility when they are not. Reputation is based on integrity and consistency. Perceived fact is contingent on the source. The bar is being raised for all journalists in that regard, based on the blogosphere. That sounds like a clear revolution to me. The fact that mainstream media will be forced to adjust to this new horizon implies a Renaissance of sorts. That Renaissance will not be confined to the focus of journalism and mainstream media. The audience of the blogosphere is intermingled with the contributors. That translates to application in business and sorting out demographics. The growth over the last five years has been so astronomical that the whole concept is stealing audience from other established forums (television, music stores, cinema, print etc.).

In short, a successful business will adapt with the trends. If they want to reach the most potential customers possible while applying the most efficient application of advertising funds, they are going to follow the general interest of their targets. That translates to the untapped market of blogs.

Blogs are, indeed, "all that" and more. Blogs are a radical departure in that while there have, certainly, been town criers in our past that would do all the things that blogs do today, there have never been 6 million (and growing) of them on the steps of the Hartford courthouse lawn. A voice of dissent in the wilderness is of little interest to a politician sitting in Washington. 6 million voices of dissent can place said politician in the wilderness…or a news anchor out to pasture so to speak.

(Linked to the Beltway Traffic Jam at OTB)

Connecticut Republican Congressman in the 'Sandbox' for the Iraqi Elections

2005-01-26T11:58:00.000-05:00

On this coming Sunday, as the Iraqis citizens make their way to the polls, there will be a couple US congressmen right there encouraging them forward. Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Freshman Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) will be in the "sandbox" at the direct invitation of the ambassador.

According to the Associated Press, a larger contingency of congressmen had expressed interest in attending. However, all but Shays and Poe have backed out.

Also, according to the Associated Press, some Defense Department Officials were not overly enthusiastic about his being there. Obviously, that sentiment would be related to increased security woes taking up manpower better spent. However, Rep. Shays has a point in addressing that concern.

He also acknowledged that some Defense Department officials were not happy that he was going, but he said he pointed out that the military was escorting members of the media there and "the worst thing I could do is get all my information from the press."

I can't disagree with that. That last thing we want to do concerning one of the most important events of 2005, is trust that the press will reflect, fairly, the election in a country that contrasts their continued efforts to show the current policy in a negative light. Additionally, while it might not be admitted prominently, I think our soldiers appreciate the attention and appreciation from elected officials provided those officials have their best interest in mind. Shays and Poe aren't using this as a photo op. Both have just been re-elected. Shays has been to Iraq seven times in the past, and continues to show unwavering interest in the facts as demonstrated in his involvement in sorting out the "Oil for Food" scandal. He was the first US Congressman to visit Iraq following the initial armed conflict. And, he has traveled throughout Iraq in previous visits without the benefit of a military escort.

The US has a vested interest in the success of the Iraqi elections. It's only right that Congressional representatives attend the event to solidify that point.

Connecticut Lawmaker Headed To Iraq For Elections
January 26, 2005
Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- A Connecticut lawmaker will be one of two members of Congress in Iraq Sunday to witness the historic Iraqi elections.

Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., said he plans to visit polling places and doesn't feel he's taking an unreasonable risk by being in the volatile country on election day.

"I'm grateful I have the opportunity to see it," Shays said in a phone call from Geneva Tuesday. "I realize I'm in a violent part of the world, but we have American troops there who have had to be there for a year. I'm going to be there a few days."

Shays, who is making his seventh trip to Iraq since the war began, said members of Congress have a responsibility to monitor the conditions there. He will join freshman Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, on the trip.
(continued...free subscription

Dueling Banjos on Iran

2005-01-25T22:11:00.000-05:00

I can honestly say that I don't trust either of these news sources. In one corner, we have the Associated Press pushing a confidential report which they probably have no right to be viewing (if in fact they truly are). They've proven time and again that their accuracy is less than stellar.

In the other corner we have the Mullah's Mouthpiece of propaganda (Tehran Times) right from the belly of the proverbial beast in Iran.

The news from each is diametrically opposed. Heads or Tails?

This one?

EU Makes No Headway on Iran Nuke Program
By GEORGE JAHN
Associated Press Writer
January 25, 2005, 9:31 PM EST

DAVOS, Switzerland -- A confidential summary of talks between key European powers and Iran made available to The Associated Press on Tuesday shows there has been no progress in getting Iran to scrap nuclear enrichment -- even though Tehran acknowledged it does not need nuclear energy.
(continued)

Or this one?

Solana: EU ready to deepen ties with Iran
Tehran Times
January 26, 2005

BRUSSELS (IRNA) -- EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana praised Iran's decision to suspend uranium enrichment as a "positive step" and underlined the European bloc's desire to boost relations with the Islamic Republic.
(continued)

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen…and your Kevlar vest

2005-01-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

The Yemeni Government has proudly proclaimed from the roof top of the highest armory:

“2005 is the Year of Tourism in Yemen”

No kidding.

Yemen, vipers nest for terrorism bred in tribal conflict of destitute squalor. Yemen, port where terrorists blew a hole in the side of the USS Cole, land where 650 pounds of plastic explosives were recovered in the warehouse of Sanaa the capital, location from which the bombing of a French Oil Tanker off the Yemeni coast was planned, and the murders of three American missionaries took place with little fanfare.

Yemen, where over 100 al-Qaeda sympathizers and members were voluntarily released by the Yemeni Government as long as they promised to stay out of trouble. Yemen, a troubled country with 20 million in total population that hold over 60 million firearms. Yemen, where it is not uncommon to travel into the hills and see 10 year-olds with AK-47’s guarding the primary agricultural product of the region, a narcotic called Qat.

But, overlook that just for a second because. 2005 is the year of Tourism in Yemen.

And, in all fairness, Yemen is not the single parcel of land that you might assume.

They hold a plethora of rather beautiful islands that could, indeed, be a vacation “mecca” of sorts. The current plan is to acquire investors to develop vacation resorts in a series of 183 islands throughout the Red and Arabian Seas and in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

In a move to emphasize Yemen’s commitment to make the year 2005 the year for a booming tourism sector, the government had offered 183 islands in the Red and Arabian Seas and in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean to investors willing to use the fascinating natural beauty and strategic location to establish tourist projects.
( continued )

Of course, they gave this a shot back in 1998 as well. However, it didn’t work out so well.

A United Kingdom company had taken the Yemeni Government up on a similar resort development in the Zuqar and Hunaish islands. It might be thriving today if it weren’t for that little issue with the Eritrean Government. Whacked-out dictator, Issayas Afeworki decided to invade the Hanish islands in the Red Sea to call his own.

He left eventually, but I can’t say I blame the Brits for pulling up stakes. Beach volleyball is usually more fun sans land mines and “bottle rockets.”

The Great Satan is a Softee

2005-01-25T02:28:00.000-05:00

With the selflessness displayed by some of the guys in the 76th Infantry Brigade of the Indiana National Guard in Afghanistan and their civilian contacts back home, we are going to have a hard time holding onto that “Great Satan” label.

They have arranged for 1-year-old Qudrat Ullah to receive life saving heart surgery at Riley’s Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. The doctors on staff have agreed to do the surgery on the house. And, in addition to setting up the logistics and overcoming the red tape, the 76th hooked up with the Greenfield, Indiana Rotary club to cover expenses over the thirty day stay.

Also, soldiers at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan, are working to send a five-year-old Afghan boy to the States for a surgery to repair burns received in a house fire. Our guys at Camp Phoenix have, already, pitched in to purchase the travel visas for the injured boy and his father.

They continue to make us damn proud...

U.S. medics go the extra mile to help sick children in Afghanistan
By Kevin Dougherty, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, January 24, 2005

KABUL, Afghanistan — A man cradling a sickly child in his arms and walking for a couple of hours to get help makes for a powerful image.

Perhaps just as inspiring is the willingness of people half a world away to step forward and save the little guy with a bad heart from certain death.

The outpouring of support “has been just amazing,” said Capt. Mike Roscoe, a physician assistant with the 76th Infantry Brigade, Indiana National Guard.
(continued)

"The Blue State Conservatives"

2005-01-24T22:05:00.000-05:00

I meant to put this up previously. However, as muttered by high school couples everywhere, in the weeks following the prom, “better late than never.”

A couple days ago, I added “The Blue State Conservatives (TBSC) ” to the blogroll. The name of the joint is self-explanatory.

However, in the event that you wandered in here, quite accidentally, from Berkley, Wellesley, or some other established re-education camp I’ll spell it out.
TBSC is, simply, Conservative blogging from the “Blue States” (States won by Kerry during the 2004 General Election). Let’s face it, the “Blue States” are a target rich environment for Conservatives. So, there is never a shortage of good material. While the site is, basically, in its infancy, the good stuff is already flowing. In addition, if you are graced with residence within a “Blue State” and would like to enlighten the masses on anything (political or cultural) pertaining to your domicile…take advantage of Blue Monday…and take on the role of ad hoc contributor to the site. I’m sure they would appreciate the visit.

Either way, check out the site. Conservatives will love it. Liberals will cringe. Independents will be forcibly incarcerated until they agree to vote Red next time around.

The Dirty Dozen & The War on Terror

2005-01-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

There’s something inherently good about this Associated Press filler. I can’t help recalling a scene from the original “Dirty Dozen” film (1967) starring Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, and a host other known actors.

The plot of that film involved the recruitment of condemned US soldiers during WWII to go on a hairy mission to assassinate Nazi high command figures at one of their R&R retreats. Initially, no one was really interested in trading one hopeless life for another. However, eventually, the evolving leaders of the band of misfits started to believe in the mission. That rubbed off on the other members. Lee Marvin, the grizzled Major who initiated the recruitment, could only present the opportunity. It wasn’t until influential prisoners grasped the necessity that the mission became a reality.

Lee Marvin (The US Coalition) recruits some prisoners (Countries on the eve of liberation) who assist in the recruitment of other more skeptical prisoners (Countries merely considering the option of liberation) in an effort to build the “Dirty Dozen” (and ongoing effort to promote and secure Democracy throughout the world).”

Charles Bronson (Karzai) just encouraged Jim Brown, Clint Walker, and Trini Lopez (Iraq) to sign on for the mission this January 30th. Coming from someone who shares their position, his endorsement carried more weight and credibility. His enthusiasm for the mission is contagious.

Over simplified? Sure. Poor analogy? Maybe. Pandering to my personal favor of the movie and the current events of 2005? Hell yes.

Afghan President Urges Iraqis to Vote
By Associated Press
January 24, 2005, 12:25 PM EST

KABUL, Afghanistan -- President Hamid Karzai urged Iraqis on Monday to follow the example of Afghans and turn out for this weekend's landmark elections despite the threats of violence, saying their votes would help their country toward prosperity.

The U.S.-backed Afghan leader won Afghanistan's first-ever direct vote for president Oct. 9, almost three years after American forces ousted the Taliban for harboring Osama bin Laden. Remnants of the hardline militia failed to deliver on threats of major violence during the polls.

"The Iraqi people must not fear terrorists. Instead, they should make their elections a success with bravery and courage ... they must endeavor to ensure the rule of democracy and the right to elect their leader," Karzai said in a statement.
( Continued )

Damn that Privitization

2005-01-23T20:54:00.000-05:00

Damn that privatization. How dare there be legitimate competition for positions and contracts between Federal workers and the private sect. Why that’s just plain …just plain…ummm…that’s just plain fiscally intelligent isn’t it?

Reality based bids, focused sector candidates geared towards the project or position, and the inability to inflate costs hatches more efficiency and lower bids. So, I guess it should be no surprise that the Office of Management and Budget announced Friday that the Agencies saved, a projected, $1.4 billion of taxpayer money in 2004. You can add an additional $1.1 billion of taxpayer money to that total from 2003.

Also, the $300 million improvement in 2004 comes off of 5,000 less positions thrown up for competition. That shows an advance in bid costs as well as better efficiency in the process.

Damn that privatization.

OMB reports job competitions saved $1.4 billion last year
By Kimberly Palmer
Govertment Executive Magazine

Agencies saved $1.4 billion in fiscal 2004 by holding job competitions between federal employees and the private sector, according to the Office of Management and Budget. That figure, up $300 million from 2003, represents the projected savings over the next three to five years.

The announcement was included in remarks by Clay Johnson, OMB's deputy director for management, about the latest President's Management Agenda score card. The agency will soon release a more detailed report about competitive sourcing, including a breakdown of competitions and the savings they have generated by agency.
(continued)

January 23rd is a momentous day

2005-01-23T03:44:00.000-05:00

• 1974 Tiffani-Amber Thiessen (actress)
• 1957 Princess Caroline
• 1947 Dr. Laura Schlessinger (author, Talk show programme)
• 1944 Rutger Hauer (actor)
• 1943 Gil Gerard (actor)
• 1933 Chita Rivera (performer)
• 1925 Marty Paich (pianist, composer and arranger)
• 1920 Ray Abrams (jazz musician)
• 1919 Ernie Kovacs (comedian)
• 1903 Randolph Scott (actor)
• 1832 Edouard Manet (artist)
• 1737 John Hancock (signed the declaration of independence)

Oh yeah, and me. The exact year slips my mind, however. I just know it is somewhere between Tiffani-Amber Thiessen and Princess Caroline...which isn't all that bad of a place to be as I think about it...

The United Nations' Continued Futility

2005-01-23T01:42:00.000-05:00

If you dwell in the enduring delusion that someday the shroud of unearned substance will be torn from the grasping mitts of the United Nations like a larcenist working a subway car filled with a catatonic elderly bridge club, you and I are of the same ilk.

Diplomad and New Sisyphus haven’t exactly done much to convince us that our position is ill-founded. In fact, they have done quite the opposite. Their insight, though frustrating, has been invaluable. Quite frankly, it’s astounding how beneficial blogs have been when it comes to transference of speculation to anecdotal proof, or conjectural rhetoric to plain fact. The worthiness, value, and “purpose” of blogs have focused, quite correctly, on how they affect the behavior of the media.

It’s bigger than that.

The attitude towards bureaucratic cesspools such as the United Nations has always been bogged down in innuendo and assumption. As a result, criticism existed, primarily, as a “blunt stick.” With insight from those inside the loop, the supposition sharpens that stick. Provided the blogs in the know keep a credible reputation with their readers, the once disparagement of the United Nations based on reading between the lines takes on a much more clear process of reading the lines. The United Nations can’t compete with that. The press that triumphs the United Nations can’t continue on that path lest they lose their own credibility to a greater degree. And, the politicians within the US Congress who run interference for the United Nations end up focusing on something more dear to them than the United Nations…their own posterior.

That was my train of thought when I went digging around in the United Nations press releases today in procrastination of a snow covered sidewalk.

I stumbled on a January 19th press release covering the Secretary-General’s remarks at a press conference on special session of the General Assembly to commemorate the liberation of Nazi Concentration Camps. This is the first time the United Nations has done so. That’s quite remarkable considering that the chief motivation of the United Nations in the shadow of World War II was in response to the atrocities of the Holocaust. In fact, one of the reporters even asked why this remembrance was taking place on the 60th anniversary as opposed to the 50th or the 10th. Ambassador Dan Gillerman of Israel (also, present of course) was candid in his response when he said:

“Well, I don't know why it has not happened before. But all I can say is that we are very, very happy that it is happening, if “happy” is a word one could use for such a solemn occasion. I think that maybe we are at a point in history where the changes in the world are reflected also at the United Nations…”

He added a diplomatic addendum to that comment. However, his contempt was unmistakable in the above three sentences.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan preceded the press conference with some comments setting up the questioning. In his comments he used the cliché, yet powerful, statement that “we must make sure that those horrible atrocities never ever happen again anywhere in the world.” These sentiments were reiterated by General Assembly President Jean Ping in his comments as well.

When the press conference was opened up for questions from attending reporters, the following stuck out like a sore thumb. It’s extraordinary that it was asked, even if it could have been more comprehensive and inclusive of mass graves in Iraq, and the ten re-education camps presently in North Korea. However, check out the question below, and the absolute tripe of an answer that followed:

Reporter: Mr. Secretary-General, it is certainly admirable to say “never again”, but just at this moment you yourself have a commission in Sudan investigating whether there is a genocide. What more can be done? This certainly will put a spotlight on the issue, but in practical terms, what more can be done?

Secretary General Kofi Annan: What more can be done in Sudan or to prevent genocide and gross violations of human rights? I think this is one of the issues also that the High Level Panel's report has taken up, raising the issue of responsibility to protect, and arguing that where governments are either unwilling or unable to, the international community does have a responsibility, and the [Security] Council will have to assume responsibility. Will that happen? That is a question that we are all grappling with now. And the issue of Sudan is also before the Council, but I hope that with the work of the Panel, and the discussions going on in the Council, and the commemoration of the 60th anniversary, we will become increasingly aware of the need to act or to do something to prevent such atrocities from happening or occurring. Of course we are grappling with the situation in Sudan and the Council has considered all sorts of options, and is fully seized of it, and in fact we are still searching for other actions that the Council may take.

I need not dissect the response from Kofi Annan on the inaction in Sudan. It hangs out there like a pair of sneakers tied together and hanging from the high tension wire. It serves no purpose and is uncomfortable to look at. As Diplomad and New Sisyphus have confirmed for us time and again, the United Nations is light years ahead of everyone in “considering options,” “grappling with the situation,” and “assuming responsibility.”

Unfortunately, (if I may quote from The Princess Bride) I don’t think that word means what you think it means Mr. Secretary-General. “Assuming responsibility” entails some sort of substantive action. Writing letters, forming committees, and holding press conferences displays little responsibility or demonstrability. It does, however, display the United Nations in their true frame...thanks to those in the loop who have hung the picture for us here in the blogosphere.

Connecticut Shoots for #1

2005-01-22T16:22:00.000-05:00

Which wonderful state of the fifty (50) wonderful states is the most taxed? The Constitution State, of course.

According to The Tax Foundation ( a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has monitored fiscal policy at the federal, state and local levels since 1937) Connecticut leads the pack.

Interestingly, the top seven states on the list are all as blue as Paul Bunyan’s pet ox. Perhaps we should include “masochism” as one of the inclusive diversifications of the Left. Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and Washington lead the list of the most taxed states.

Connecticut is a “blue” state through and through. We’re the State that sends second graders down to New York City to protest international investments affecting the rain forest. A simple trip to Wal-Mart usually includes a serpentine route around some card table disseminating the cause or complaint of the day, and if it feels good, provides a service, or employs workers, it’s usually taxed beyond recognition. Connecticut is the bluest of the blue. And, we’re headed for a darker shade.

This past general election, the democratic leadership solidified their hold on the General Assembly with, even, more vigor. As a result, the Liberals of the nutmeg state set the priorities in the budget. Guess what’s on the table in the immediate future.

You guessed it, more taxes.

Specifically, the Democratic Leadership of Connecticut, again, is eyeing an increase on gasoline taxes. According to the American Petroleum Institute Connecticut comes in a “pitiful” seventh place by only having 48.1% of every dollar paid for gasoline going to the state and federal coffers. Of course, the excise tax (Connecticut’s cut) is merely second to Wisconsin. Why be the runner-up when you can sit on top of the heap? And, for the record, of the top ten gasoline taxing states, the blues hold seven (7) of them despite being located on the coast and having the easiest port access.

Democratic House Speaker James Amann and Democratic President Pro Tem Donald Williams stated recently that “increases are possible in virtually every major state tax” so that Connecticut can accommodate a predicted $1.3 billion deficit. And, while the General Assembly Republicans have taken a position of not raising taxes, they are significantly outnumbered. Democrats, on the other hand, have not suggested cutting one program or grant to address the deficit. Instead, they are pushing to increase the HUSKY health insurance program for children, the ConnPACE prescription drug subsidy program for senior citizens, nursing homes, early childhood education, and financial aid for college students.

Up here in Connecticut we are a civil and caring folk, even if we aren’t too good at simple math. And we’re consistent as well. In 2002 and 2003 we bumped up taxes more than $925 million. Give us a little more time, and we’ll lead the country in every tax category there is.

Incidentally, we do have a "Republican" Governor you know. Of course, she's calling for $20 million in taxpayer funds to do stem cell research.

The Audience

2005-01-20T23:23:00.000-05:00

The difference between the 2001 Inaugural Address and 2005’s was striking. The ideas, the allegory, and the attitude did not alter to any large degree. Those in the presence of the ceremony were similar in appearance and stature. The emotions of those for and against the coronation, again, dwelled in their respective internal motivations. But, still, the disparity was stunning.

Four years ago, our President spoke to us. He concentrated on the perceived necessity of healing from within our own borders. The theme was one of conquering adversarial relationships, curative actions upon our ailing economy, and cooperation between those in search of common domestic goals. The President challenged us to work towards the bettering of our Nation.

Today, our President challenged us to work towards the bettering of our world. And, while his message held immense significance to every American, the intended audience does not live here. They reside as one of 50,000 held in a North Korean re-education camp with the label of “redeemable” or “expendable.” They stand with the 45 helpless in Mashda, Iran that watched as State Security Forces removed "illegal satellite dishes" from their homes in an effort to stifle news of the world beyond their borders lest they compare it to their own. They rot in the prisons of deep Cuba for merely asking if there isn’t a better way to represent the interests of that island’s people.

These subjugated did not hear the President this afternoon. However, it will get to them somehow for they were the intended audience. Foreign workers will carry the “virus.” Underground movements will deliver the “memorandum.” Those who dare to dream will risk their mere existence in the present to assure their neighbors of an actual life in the future. The oppressed are sheltered from the immediacy of the message, but the oppressors heard every word, every syllable, and every pause. Those who breed tyranny cannot ignore that the President is endeavoring to steal their captive audience. If they discount the offering, they ignore their fate.

One man can be ignored as an annoyance. Scores of men in determined common interest with a passion for their freedom are more convincing. As numbers grow, so does the fire of today’s real audience.

“By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well - a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world.”
---President George W. Bush January 20, 2005

Loopy Loser Legislator Legislates Life

2005-01-19T20:19:00.000-05:00

You have to love Connecticut politicians.

When they aren’t molesting minors (Philip Giordano), getting arrested in adult video stores (Stuart Denton), or pushing the ethical boundaries of financial favors (Gov. John G. Rowland), they’re usually suggesting absent minded and unnecessary legislation. Such is the case with Connecticut State Representative Andrew Fleischmann (D-West Hartford).

Rep. Fleischmann said last week that he wants a law that requires movie theaters to post the actual start time of the feature movie so that moviegoers can avoid the plethora of preceding previews and advertisements. Sure, they’re annoying. And, yes, they seem to be escalating in length.

But, is a law necessary? Of course not.

Keep in mind that every time the Legislative Branch gets creative and intrusive, the Executive Branch has to enforce the insanity. How, exactly, are you going to justify making a criminal out of a Theatre owner for not starting the movie at the exact chime of 735pm? More importantly, what gives a State Legislature the right to dictate a privately owned company’s perceived customer service platform? The reasonable answer is that nothing gives Rep. Fleischmann or any other law crazy politician the right to intrude on what the free market system can solve on its own.

The free market system dictates behavior. Provided a theater owner wants to make money and keep the seats filled, he isn’t going to make his customers uncomfortable and irritated. However, there is no obligation to remove the tedious prerequisite showings. In fact, the revenue received from the advertising and previews is an income for the theater owner. When the loss of business due to disgruntled customers overcomes the income paid to do so, the theater owner will make an informed decision on his next move. Rep. Fleischmann has no say in that regard. In addition, a focus on the issue will have the same capitalistic effect that it always does. Some theater franchises will use the issue to market “ad free” showings in an effort to increase their market share.

How long until we see something like this:

Samuel T. Norrison was charged with a first degree misdemeanor Tuesday under the new Movie Trailer Time Standardization Act. Witnesses stated that Norrison was lead away in handcuffs and appeared distraught, reportedly singing the “Let’s all go to the Lobby” song over and over.

Asked about the arrest, police chief, Bernard Scott stated, “I feel bad for the guy. This is his third arrest this week.”

A review of the Bristol, CT police log for this week revealed three separate arrests for Norrison beginning Sunday. Apparently, on Sunday night a citizen filed charges against Norrison after “standing an exorbitant amount of time in line for his Good N Plenty’s.” Norrison was charged under the “Subservience & Response Act” which went into effect last month.

Another arrest of Norrison was made on Tuesday morning after getting caught in traffic and not being able to open up the Movie Theatre for the hired cleaning staff at 9am. He was charged in that offense under the new “Labor Law Consideration and Courtesy Act.”

Civil cases are expected to be filed in all three matters.

Of course, up here in Connecticut the concept(s) of capitalism and free market takes a back seat to taxation and legislation. After all, it’s important for State Representatives to get their names in the newspaper on a regular basis. It’s part of the job. Perhaps there ought to be a law or something.

People in Glass Houses...

2005-01-19T20:10:00.000-05:00

In the post immediately preceding this one I pointed out the misguided and amusing efforts of Democratic state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte to include a student's body fat readings on report cards. Interestingly, to the left of these comments you will see a rather recent photo of the good senator. I guess one ought to concentrate on what they know. Senator Van de Putte has, certainly, done extensive research in the application of fat calories on one's appearance.

She's posing here at a Chili Cook Off in Texas.

Your Kid's a Fat A**

2005-01-19T01:28:00.000-05:00

English---A
Math---B+
Science---B
Chemistry---A-
Biology---C
Body Fat---“Little” Jimmy uses a pie as a clock.

Simply put, report cards are to reflect performance at school in the assigned curriculum. Perhaps a student’s weight is a valid side topic for Parent/Teacher conferences since self-esteem is, sometimes, a contributing dynamic of scholastic performance. However, Senator Van de Putte’s plan to include body fat readings on report cards is ridiculous.

I wonder how long this idea would be entertained by Van de Putte if another Senator floated body fat readings as a condition of securing teaching tenure. After all, teachers are there to set an example as well as teach. I can recall a good percentage of my educators that would be out on the curb.

Texas Lawmaker Unveils Child Obesity Bill
By Associated Press
January 18, 2005, 10:04 PM EST

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas school districts would be required to include the body mass index of students as part of their regular report cards under a bill introduced Tuesday by a lawmaker seeking to link healthy minds with healthy bodies.

When the measurement, which calculates body fat based on height and weight, indicates a student is overweight, the school would provide parents with information about links between increased body fat and health problems, said Democratic state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte.

"We should be just as concerned with students' physical health and performance as we are with their academic performance," she said.

More than a third of school-age children in Texas are overweight or obese, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Arkansas implemented a similar law during the 2003-2004 school year, although the information is sent to parents separately from report cards.

Eric Allen, a spokesman for the Association for Texas Professional Educators, said most parents don't need to be told their child is overweight.

"It doesn't have a place on a report card," he said.
Copyright © 2005, The Associated Press

The Coming Storm...

2005-01-18T15:59:00.000-05:00

To date, I don't think I've seen a better example than this as to why Iran cannot afford a Democracy in their backyard. I don't doubt that the interim Iraqi Government suggested and/or encouraged this little get together of Iraqi lawyers. Their message was clear.

1. Iraq no longer views the PMOI as a terrorist organization (opposing the Theocratic and oppressive Iranian Government of record does not constitute such). This decision is based on a legal standing, and not just public opinion.

2. Iran's continued efforts (directly or indirectly) to alter the Iraqi Elections has repercussions. Perhaps the act of unanimous approval of the 2004 Paris Declaration by Iraq's legal community seems arbitrary in stature. However, when your next door neighbor makes an undeviating effort to call your most threatening domestic adversary legitimate. And, when that next door neighbor, by their very struggle for freedom, emboldens your own household to start questioning your role, you have start questioning your own longevity.

My personal opinion is that this act by the Iraqi lawyers seems small on the surface….But, it's big…REAL BIG.

3,230 Iraqi law experts release statement on Iran opposition
Monday, 17th January 2005
Iran Focus

Baghdad, Jan. 17 – At a conference in Baghdad today, some 3,230 eminent Iraqi law experts and lawyers released a statement on the legal status of the main Iranian opposition group, the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran, calling it a legitimate movement.

The conference in the Babylon Hotel was attended by more than 1,000 Iraqi law experts and political and social figures in support of the Iranian opposition, and by over 50 different media organisations.

The 3,230 Iraqi legal experts all signed a statement approving the November 2004 Paris Declaration which said that the PMOI was a legitimate resistance group and that the terror-tag placed upon it was not based on facts and had to be removed.

They accused the Iranian regime of meddling in the internal affairs of Iraq attempting to destabilize the country in the hope of influencing the January 30 elections.
( continued )

That didn't take long...

2005-01-17T18:58:00.000-05:00

Color me a cynic. I am under the impression that the media will make every effort to declare the January 30th Iraqi elections a failure.

There will calls of manipulation, accusations of “disenfranchising” one religious group or another, and the belittling of a result that neglects the full participation of troubled Iraqi venues. However, I’m willing to bet that the skeptics (read: media influenced by their obvious indifference to the Bush Administration) will put most of their eggs into the “participation basket.”

It appears as if that’s already started.

The Iraqi Out of Country Voting program got rolling today (January 17th). New York Times reporter, Alan Cowell was in London observing the registration process. It took him until the third sentence before he stated “The numbers seemed low compared with the estimated 250,000 exiled Iraqis living in Britain.” No numbers to back that up. It just “seemed low.” He went on to make the same comments about registration in the Netherlands getting “off to a slow start in the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Zwolle.” Once again, he provided no numbers or sources to back up the statement.

I find it interesting that access to the Iraq Out of Country website was an absolute bitch all day. It refreshed at an agonizingly slow rate. I tend to think that’s a traffic issue. I should say that I’m optimistic that it is. In addition, all Out of Country registration centers are open for the entire week.

I believe that there will be a remarkable participation by enthusiastic Iraqis. Regardless of the results, and the number of voters, it’s a good bet that this won’t happen again. That, in itself, is a vast success.

Iraqis take first steps toward democracy as overseas registration begins
By Alan Cowell
The New York Times
Tuesday, January 18, 2005

LONDON The dawning of Iraq's democracy arrived unhurriedly on Monday - in north London at least.
.
Under the soaring arch of a new national sports stadium still under construction, in an exhibition hall the size of a large aircraft hangar, several hundred Iraqis living outside their country drifted in to the Wembley Conference and Exhibition Center, registering to cast an overseas ballot in the Jan. 30 election back home.
.
The numbers seemed low compared with the estimated 250,000 exiled Iraqis living in Britain. About 150,000 of them are eligible to vote, part of an overseas Iraqi electorate of at least one million spread mainly across 14 countries, including the United States. The exiles could have a big say in the election's outcome, potentially swinging the vote toward the southern Shiite majority.

(full article)

Come on Hugh...Don't feed the Zoo Monkeys

2005-01-16T18:45:00.000-05:00

Hugh Hewitt brought light on an experiment of the Los Angeles Times called “Outside the Tent,” which debuted with a piece by Mickey Kaus entitled “Gossip Would Do L.A. and the Times Good.”

“Outside the Tent” is said to be "An experimental column in which the Los Angeles Times invites outside critics to take their best shot at Southern California's heaviest newspaper."

I tend to think that it is an obvious attempt by the LA Times to improve their failing circulation figures without having to compromise their basic misguided leftist principles. By compartmentalizing the critiques to a guest writer status they have the ability to hold onto their Liberal base of steady subscribers and pass out the implied philosophy of “consider the source” to those who might not agree. Even the name of the feature (Outside the Tent) makes this apparent.

Hugh has agreed to contribute to this venture in a couple weeks. Patterico has, also. Personally, I don’t think they should. Why feed the monkeys anything other than their usual diet?

In my opinion, let’s let capitalism and the free market teach the LA Times about their future. They are receiving a remedial course at the present. According to Editor & Publisher, they have, steadily, been taking a shellacking in the purse. Just last quarter, The Tribune Company (parent company to the LA Times) announced that daily circulation for the six-month period ending September 2004 stood at 902,164 and that Sunday circ was 1,292,274, or roughly "a range of" 6% drop. The Tribune reported daily circulation of 591,504 and a Sunday circ of 963,926, or a 2.5% and 4% decline, respectively. Jack Fuller, President of the Publishing Division for the parent company received an early retirement, arguably, based on those figures. The LA Times continues to pour their ideology out in mass without significant consideration for content. Until they address their content discretion head on, their circulation will continue to drop. A half hearted feature experiment without real ownership such as “Outside the Tent” is derisory. Let them flounder Hugh…let them ignore the gangrene in the arm while setting the finger.

This is not an isolated occurrence. Leftist leaning media outlets across the country are taking a thumping. It’s the same old story. The liberal bias stems from the superiority complex held by leftist journalists who think they know better. They continue to refuse to recognize the values and ideology of their subscribers as a valid. They are out to teach and convince. As they continue down this fateful path the CNN’s get slapped by the Fox News’. The Salons get kneecapped by the National Review Onlines’. The columnists and stable writers of just about every major media outlet have their lunches handed to them by the vast array of Blogs in what is becoming a usual occurrence. The effectiveness of alternative news sources can only remain effectual if they hold the status of “alternative.” They will, only, become mainstream if there is no kowtowing in arbitrary gimmick contributory exercises like “Outside the Tent.”

Don’t feed the monkeys Hugh. Let them starve. Let them watch you from behind the bars while you tear at the "read meat."

Many of the largest media publications are presently being taught an arduous lesson by the Security & Exchange Commission. The conventional wisdom behind the SEC investigation of the “Times Co.; The Washington Post Co.; Gannett Co., publishers of USA Today and 100 other papers; Dow Jones & Co., publisher of the Wall Street Journal and Barron's; and Knight Ridder, publisher of the Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and 29 other papers,” is that they have been inflating their circulation figures so that they can bump up the advertisement revenue. Obviously, these entities have not grasped the concept that it is integrity and content that sells papers. They are still trying to grade the rest of the class rather than just presenting their own “book report.” They are going to learn an expensive lesson as a result. Even if they slide beyond this massive investigation, they will not have solved their revenue short fall, and the future decline of subscribers. Blogs and major media, like or not, hold a symbiotic relationship. The only way to take the wind out of the growing sails of the blogs is to present content that provides less of a critique opportunity and more of a supporting emphasis. Simply put, folks like saying “you suck” more than they enjoy saying “nice job.” It’s more interesting and more complimentary to a blogger’s worth.

Interestingly, the major media is even in denial in reference to bloggers. Instead of considering their own content, they are flirting with an effort to discredit their critics while contemplating the possibilities of regulating opinion. You know there will be attempts to muzzle the computer “town criers.” I would expect attempts at legislation when the atmosphere presents itself.

Cathy Seipp filed a good piece in National Review (Times Never Changes The Los Angeles Times, still biased) back in April of 2004 that pointed out that the installation of John Carroll to Editor-in-Chief of the LA Times did move the overall content a little more towards the center. However, she was able to point out a significant number of examples of their failure to line up with the populace. They continued their efforts to teach and indoctrinate rather than report and describe. It’s an impious balance that they are racing. The balance is not ideology. Rather, it is time. They are reaching a crossroads where content is intersecting with subscriber totals (relating to advertising rates). The acquisition of Carroll was, merely, a speed bump in their failed fiscal destiny. The same is true with “Outside the Tent.” In my opinion, Conservatives should not contribute to slowing down their negative financial trends. Instead, we should let them rot in their own squalor and force their board of directors to consider a format change much like the standard formality of the radio industry. Let them continue with their “elevator music,” while the public goes looking for “R & B. “

Hugh, I’ll go buy another copy of your book if you congenially decline to assist the LA Times in improving their circulation. I’ll buy two more books if you tell them to stuff it. Perhaps I’m not a stellar example of promoting tact. However, I’m usually pretty effective at sorting through the crap. Trust me Hugh, there’s no diamond hidden down there…just fool’s gold. They want Patterico, and folks like you to help slow down the leak. Go write something for their biggest competitor (fiscally and ideologically) and assist with the deluge instead.

Coloring Politics with the goal of Achieving Colorless Politics..

2005-01-15T19:46:00.000-05:00

Norman Kelley penned the OpEd below for the New York News Day. His premise is that “Black Politics” are suffering from an inability to affect policy and advancement of a race. I can’t argue with his position that the “Black Leadership” is “bankrupt.”

I would use the Al Sharptons, Jesse Jacksons, and myriad “Vote or Die” type entertainment figures as a basis for that position. I would throw in the Cornel Wests, and the Sheila Jackon Lees in support. In fact, his entire posture of discontent seems to hold the goal of singling out, segregating and defining boundaries. So, if Norman Kelley, a film maker, could be considered part of a “black leadership,” I would include him as a propagator of the “void.”

People are people. That’s always been my philosophy. Singling out a race and judging statistical successes via quota, or who wins an election, or whatever, in my opinion, is just as racist as those who would use skin color in any decision making process.

Kelley says that there is a “resurgent phenomenon of white nationalism” as a result of the “black leadership” bankruptcy. White nationalism? Spoken like a true compartmentalizing, segregation promoting, treat me like everyone else while I work my ass off to highlight skin color jackass. Ponder that while I point out the primary truism that Kelley uses to emphasize the perceived woes. He points to the re-election of George W. Bush as proof positive of this “resurgence.”

However, he fails to mention a couple of other folks in his OpEd. Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Rodney Paige, Margaret Spellings. But, more important than the skin shades of the previously mentioned individuals is something more telling and resolute. When President Clinton took office he, virtually, issued a press release that stated that his cabinet was going to “look more like America.” Then he set off to pick his cabinet thusly. For blatantly promoting his process of choosing high level officials based on how they look he was given the honorary label of the "first black president." President Bush made no such announcement. He just hired the folks that could best perform the position. That sure doesn’t sound like a “resurgent of white nationalism.” It sounds like a “resurgent of just plain nationalism.”

BLACK POLITICS ARE IN A BLACK HOLE
A leadership void since Martin Luther King Jr.’s death has allowed the loss of civil rights gains

BY NORMAN KELLEY
Norman Kelley is currently producing a documentary film based on his book, "The Head Negro in Charge Syndrome: The Dead End of Black Politics."

January 14, 2005

If the black political agenda of the post-civil rights era has been to influence the machinery of the federal government to black advantage, going from protest to politics, the re-election of George W. Bush has shown that agenda has failed.

A greater failure, however, is black leadership's inability and unwillingness to confront this as a problem and devise something new; this underscores how utterly bankrupt the leadership is.

Perhaps that should not be too surprising. As Robert C. Smith wrote in "We Have No Leaders," "Black leaders are integrated but their core community is segregated, impoverished and increasingly in the post-civil rights era marginalized, denigrated and criminalized." Put another way, black leaders' "core community" exists in virtual segregation, while the black middle class enjoys virtual equality and the black elite, which includes most black leaders, are truly integrated.
( continued )

Stacking the Deck

2005-01-14T01:45:00.000-05:00

In Brooklyn, today, 300 potential jurors showed up for the usual pre-selection questionnaire. Mohammed al-Hasan al-Moayad and Mohammed Mohsen Zahya Zayed are accused of having given financial and material support to al-Qaida and Hamas.

The defense they have developed is to show that they were entrapped.

On the other side of the world, in Yemen, four witnesses for al-Moayad and Zayed were to board a plane and show up in Brooklyn, NY to testify on their behalf. However, the US consular office has revoked their Visas on “national security grounds.” To make a long story short, it would appear that the Defense is “SOL” in reference to these witnesses since the trial will not be continued.

Personally, I’m conservative. I fully support taking the war to the terrorists rather than an apathetic position of “wait and see what happens next.” I support GITMO. I, even, support various forms of creative and aggressive persuasion in securing information from captive terrorists. However, this move is “crap.” Al-Moayad and Zayed are being tried in an American Court. They are welcome to provide a defense, no matter how contrived and creative. Pulling Visas from their prospective witnesses in order to weaken the defense is disgraceful. If the prosecution has a valid case, there is no reason to block witnesses with this sophomoric action. The DOJ in collaboration with the State Department overstepped the line on this one.

Witnesses in terror case denied visas
By Anthony M. Destefano

U.S. consular officials in Yemen canceled on “national security grounds” visas that had been issued to four people needed as defense witnesses in a Brooklyn terrorism case, attorneys for the defendants said Monday.

Defense attorneys for Mohammed Al Hasan Al-Moayad and Mohammed Mohsen Yahya Zayed disclosed the revocation of the visas just as preliminary jury selection was getting under way yesterday in Brooklyn federal court.

Al-Moayad, 56, a cleric from Yemen, and his assistant Zayed, 31, are scheduled to go on trial on charges they conspired to give support to the terrorist groups al-Qaida and Hamas. Al-Moayad is also charged with giving material support to those groups.

Attorney Jonathan Marks, who is representing Zayed, told Judge Sterling Johnson in court that the visas had been canceled.
( continued )

First Amendment Sanctuary an uphill Battle (how ya like dem Apple(s)?)

2005-01-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

Wizbang put up a post that addresses the application of the First Amendment relative to bloggers being forced to divulge the names of anonymous sources, and how the blogosphere fits into the definition of "journalism."

Kevin Aylward gives an overview of the Apple Mac Summons & Complaint on one particular application of the issue. Glenn Reynolds gives an example of "aggressive negotiations" when someone disregards an "embargo" on the release of information that a company (GM) might not want public.

Incidentally, neither party should be looking to the Department of Justice to recognize blogs as "journalists." The DOJ has proven where their loyalties lie in that regard on the Leggett case (although in a bit of a different context). Vanessa Leggett spent five (5) months in jail for failing to identify her sources on a crime novel she claimed to be writing. In failing to turn over her research to prosecutors she was found in contempt by a federal grand jury. It might seem like a stretch to connect this case to the issues raised by Wizbang and Instapundit. However, simply put, if the DOJ does not recognize a blog as journalism a grand jury would, more than likely, be obligated to find you in contempt as well.

"Federal prosecutors contend Leggett was not a journalist and did not fall under the First Amendment's protection of the press. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld her incarceration, noting that neither she nor any other journalist has a qualified privilege protecting confidential sources. "

On a side note, I am aware of Daimler Chrysler, actually, firing two of their Brampton, Ontario employees who released a bit too much information on the, now, common Chrysler 300C to a Forum designated to promoting the Chrysler line (and discussing good and bad). Both, employees were , eventually, reinstated, and members of that forum, have since received preferential treatment inclusive of a tour of the Brampton plant. However, the fact remains that it is continuously more difficult to remain a "John Doe," and the 1st Amendment is not a saving grace in most regards.

The European Union(not much of a Poker player)

2005-01-12T11:58:00.000-05:00

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU:

Threaten to create a nuclear arsenal.

Defy requests for full inspections of suspected covert weapons plants.

Provide safe harbor for a significant number of terrorist organizations and fugitives.

Provide direct support countering the infancy of democracy in neighboring Iraq.

Commit some of the most atrocious human rights abuses on the planet inclusive of ordering 5 years imprisonment and 60 lashes to an individual who had the audacity to protest human rights abuses in front of the United Nations building in Iran.

The European Union sees this as an opportunity to reward (read: placate, appease, patronize, roll over) Iran with an indirect invitation to the table of the World Trade Organization. Extortion does, indeed, pay it would appear. These same "trade talks" had been suspended back in 2003 when Iran refused to provide "snap" inspections of potential nuclear facilities. What has the EU gained since 2003 that would encourage them to restart these trade talks? Absolutely nothing…unless you count Iran's Supreme National Security Council member Hassan Rowhani stating, today, "Iran will start enriching uranium in the near future."

Meanwhile, back in the bat cave, International Atomic Energy Agency chief, Mohamed ElBaradei hasn't formed an opinion as to whether Iran is serious about acquiring nuclear weapons and delivery capabilities. Perhaps he should latch onto some of the rhetorical quotes popping up in most of the world's media outlets as delivered by ruling class and government of that country. Their intentions appear to be clear.

If this were a traditional "Good Cop/ Bad Cop" scenario, the US would be the "bad cop" as the EU took on the role of "Good cop" in an effort to gain Iran's cooperation. Unfortunately, by defying the US' position on rewarding Iran in the wake of UN sanctions still in place without anything to show for the change in policy, one could only come to the conclusion that the EU is, more likely, a "dirty cop". It seems patently clear that they continue to be more interested in personal economic gain over regional or world security.

EU resumes trade talks with Iran
January 11, 2005
ABC News

The European Union has resumed talks on a trade accord with Iran, 18 months after they were suspended due to concerns about Tehran's nuclear plans, the European Commission said.

The negotiations on a trade and cooperation agreement were restarted after the Islamic state agreed to suspend uranium enrichment in an accord thrashed out following intense pressure, notably from the United States.

But the resumption was clouded by a reported announcement from Tehran that Iran plans to resume uranium enrichment soon.

"Suspension of enrichment is for a limited period to win the confidence of the international community," Tehran's top nuclear negotiator Hasan Rowhani was quoted as saying by the student news agency ISNA.
( continued )

Weak...

2005-01-10T15:28:00.000-05:00

My focus of interest on the Forged "National Guard" papers and CBS News (Sixty Minutes II) centered around the "political agenda." In other words, why would Mary Mapes be contacting the Kerry campaign concerning Lt. Colonel Burkett? The summation provided within today's released report is weak…oh so weak.

Under section A. 4. (Page 214 of the report)

Kerry Campaign Connections

The Panel report elsewhere about Mapes' contacts with the Kerry campaign. Mapes informed the Panel that she did not think that her request to have someone from the Kerry campaign call Lieutenant Colonel Burkett would result in anything that would assist the Kerry campaign. Mapes also told the Panel that she was seeking to use the Kerry campaign, and specifically her opening the door to Lockhart, as a means of persuading Lieutenant Colonel Burkett to provide additional documents in support of the September 8 Segment. As stated elsewhere in this Report, the Panel finds that such use of the campaign was entirely improper. The Panel also concludes, however, that these contacts were motivated by Mapes' pursuit of the story and not by any political agenda.

Moreover, the Segment includes an interview with Ben Barnes, a supporter and large fundraiser for Senator Kerry's presidential campaign. The Segment discloses Barnes' affiliation with the Kerry campaign. In addition, a number of media organizations had been pursuing for many years and interview with Barnes about his efforts to get President Bush an appointment. Thus, a televised interview of Barnes was seen as a newsworthy event.

I'm sitting down to type this, since, apparently, I've injured myself falling off that damn turnip truck. I need to process this analysis so I can, at least, attempt to swallow it.

Mary Mapes contacted Joe Lockhart directly and suggested that Lockhart contact Lieutenant Colonel Burkett. No providing of an email address to proceed at arms length, no mention of a purpose for this contact. Just, hey call this guy in Texas (wink, wink). Lockhart, who at the time would be, presumably, busy with the Kerry campaign, drops everything to call a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Texas Army National Guard without being given a clue by Mary Mapes why to do so. Then, in another part of the Report, it states that the conversation with Lockhart did not even touch on the fake memos. Instead, it was supposed to have been a conversation about the Swift Vet's efforts. Huh?

Mapes implies that she provided Burkett's contact information to Lockhart with a suggestion to call, because she thought the Kerry Campaign would be more successful in digging out the original source of the fake memos. In other words, she was not motivated by her obvious political leanings. Instead, she was motivated by the possibility of furthering the authentication of the memos based on Burkett being more candid with the Kerry campaign. DOES ANYONE….AND I MEAN ANYONE TRULY BELIEVE THIS ????

Here is the telling sentence in the above...

"Mapes informed the Panel that she did not think that her request to have someone from the Kerry campaign call Lieutenant Colonel Burkett would result in anything that would assist the Kerry campaign."

Good grief...the "Act" and this "comment" are directly contradictory. The only way this comment can hold truth is if Mary Mapes believed the story was positive for President Bush...and that authenticating the memo(s) would, also, ring positive for President Bush. Of course, that's not the case. There is no grey area...none.

"United States' Evil Plans.."

2005-01-10T11:57:00.001-05:00

Every once in a while you stumble across a, truly, entertaining OpEd that is so flagrantly partisan that you can conjure up a vision of its author drooling and foaming with each stroke of the keys. Such is the case with Hassan Hanizadeh who writes a piece on Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem al-Shaalan. You can catch it in the Tehran Times here.

The Iraqi Defense Minister has been a bulldog of late in exposing the connection between the Insurgency (otherwise known as murderous, terrorist, bastard cretins) and Iranian Intelligence. The latest revelation was a video of captured Moayad Ahmed Yasseen, the leader of Jaish Muhammad, Arabic for Muhammad's Army, that was played on Iraqi television last week. He admitted meeting with Iranian intelligence officials back in May or June. He, also, admitted that Iranian officials provided money and weapons as a result of the visit.

The pressure applied to Iran by the Defense Minister, and acting Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, has Iran resorting to damage control. Just look at the title of the piece. My favorite passage is this one:

"…Shaalan was imposed on the Iraqi nation as the defense minister to put the United States' evil plans into practice….." (insert evil laugh here)

Shaalan, Shadow of Saddam
Tehran Times
By Hassan Hanizadeh
January 10, 2005

Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem al-Shaalan has once again accused Iran of interfering in his country’s internal affairs and making efforts to increase insecurity in Iraq.

Al-Shaalan’s allegations against the Islamic Republic are so baseless that the Iraqi people call him the new Said al-Sahaf (Comical Ali), “the big liar” who served as information minister in the toppled Baathist regime.

No doubt, the defense minister, who is still influenced by the defunct Baath Party, is doing his best to introduce himself to the Arab media as a nationalist. But in fact, he is toadying to the United States to extend his portfolio.
(continued)

Run !!...Here comes the Judge..

2005-01-09T16:20:00.000-05:00

When attending a conference on domestic and sexual violence, it’s probably a sound idea to avoid groping women while you’re there. It’s, especially, a good idea not to proceed down that path if you are a sitting Judge. District Court Judge Franklin Jones did just that. He pleaded no lo contrendre in all five (5) cases.

He had been accused of groping the breasts and buttocks of five victim advocates that worked in his courtroom. Not surprisingly, the Judge was drunk at the time.

Now the octopus wants his job back.

New Hampshire’s Judicial Conduct Committee is reviewing the matter to see if the Judge should remain suspended. Jones admits violating the state's code of conduct for judges, but his lawyers are arguing he has been punished enough.

Let's review:

1. He’s a District Court Judge
2. He makes rulings on Civil law and Criminal Law reflective of sexual assault
3. He pleaded no contest to committing five (count’em) five such offenses (albeit knocked down to misdemeanors)
4. He was/is an admitted drunk who required at least an entire month of facility rehabilitation
5. The victims of his crime(s) were employed in his own courtroom
6. He wants his job back

Why is this a difficult decision?

It should take all of 30 seconds to form a negative ruling…followed by an unmistakable exclamation point of a pointy boot to the south side of his sitting tool. That seems fair to me. In fact, it seems to me that Judge Franklin Jones had received better than he deserved in his wrist slap plea deal and sentencing. Amazingly, the Judge has supporters in the form of other women, a state senator, police officers and prosecutors.

Outrage at judge's bid to return
By ERIK STETSON
The Associated Press

CONCORD — A judge's bid to be reinstated after he was convicted of groping five women while drunk at a conference is sparking outrage among sexual assault victim advocates.

"This guy's asking not to pay any price for having criminally assaulted five different women," Grace Mattern, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said yesterday.

Rochester District Court Judge Franklin Jones grabbed the women's breasts and buttocks in May after hours during a conference on domestic and sexual violence. Jones, who has said he was drunk, knew the women because they worked as victim advocates in his courtroom. All but one of them has since left the court to work elsewhere.

(continued)

Peoples' Choice Awards said to be reinforcing Stage Joists...

2005-01-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

In the endless parade of self-flagellation, the Peoples’ Choice Awards graces the Tube this weekend. It’s amazing to observe the flexibility of the entertainment industry. How else could you explain their ability to perform self-imposed fellatio on what seems like alternating weekends? I know. I’m usually the perfect example of decorum on this site. But, it had to be said.

It had to be said, because the buzz suggests that Michael Moore will receive the “Best Picture” award. Continuity in that announcement suggests that vulgarity in my post would create a sense of symbiotic connection.

Goldderby.com (an online racetrack where expert pundits from Associated Press, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide, People, Us Weekly, In Touch, Soap Opera Weekly, Soap Opera Digest, The New York Post, Newsday, Backstage and Soapnet.com. and amateur fans gather to track who's going to win the top showbiz awards) is reporting that Moore will get the nod, and have the award delivered by Martin Sheen (make believe President in the Leftist fantasy camp NBC show “West Wing”). Moore was originally, scheduled to attend the New York Film Critics Circle event on the same night to receive, yet, another circle jerk award for the year’s best documentary. However, he cancelled his appearance. Goldderby.com is implying that Moore has, already, been tipped off to his “Peoples’ Choice” victory.

Gosh, let’s take a look at this scenario from a few feet back. Moore consistently exhibits a persona representing misguided bloviation wrapped in a dishonest twisting, manipulation, and exploitation of, already, compromised “facts.” The public (that would be the people that, supposedly, decide on the Peoples’ Choice Awards) have conclusively subjugated Moore to his rightful role as buffoon. Yet, a “major” awards show seems to be ignoring those facts to honor such behavior.

Hollywood must be sharing a publicist with Verizon …”Can you hear me now?” ….”No”….”Can you hear me now?”…”No”…..”Can you hear me now?”….”No."

( DISCLAIMER: Should this prediction from Goldderby.com be inaccurate…I will simply delete it later. It should be noted that tipsters to the Incessant Rant suggest that Moore has been offered the opportunity to stand on stage for the entire evening’s event provided he wears a white shirt. The current closed circuit system would not accommodate nominee clips in widescreen format.)

Is Iran going to try and Steal the Iraqi Election?

2005-01-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

The January 30th Iraqi elections are going to occur. However, "in what capacity?" seems to be a valid question. Yesterday, the Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem Shaalan insisted that Iran has deluged Iraq with over 1 Million Iranian Shiites posing as Iraqis so as to skew the election results to a representation more beneficial to Iran.

Iraq’s DM: Over a million Shiites entered Iraq from Iran Thu. 6 Jan 2005
January 6, 2005
Iran Focus

Baghdad, Jan. 06 - Iraq’s Defence Minister Hazem Shaalan scolded Iran on the eve of the meeting by the Foreign Ministers of Iraq’s neighbouring countries in Amman and said that over a million Iranians had entered the country to pose as Iraqis in the upcoming January 30th elections.

In an interview with the Kuwaiti daily Al-Qabas yesterday, Shaalan repeated his previous assertions and accused the Iranian regime of, “interfering (in Iraq) with money, guns, and intelligence”.

The defence chief warned of the threat posed by a future Iranian-backed Iraqi government.

“It is estimated that the minimum that Iran wants is to dominate southern Iraq”, Shaalan said in response to a question on the extent of Iranian infiltration.

“If we go to Basra, we will not hear an Arabic accent, rather we will hear a Farsi accent, and this is also true of Najaf and Al-Kut provinces … This is a sign of significant meddling since it shows how open Iran’s borders are”, he said.
( continued )

Additionally, today, Iranian officials stated that they have 500,000 more individuals in their country that are eligible to vote in the upcoming Iraqi elections. In order to assist these "Iraqi Nationals" Iran informed that they would be setting up voting booths in Tehran, Qom, West-Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, Khuzistan, and Khorassan provinces. Seems to me that Iran has resigned themselves to the fact that the elections will take place. Now, they are attempting to install a Shiite dominated government sympathetic to their causes.

What a wonderful opportunity to send Jimmy Carter to Iran to oversee the polls. I'm sure they would offer a warm welcome.

Over half a million Iraqi voters in Iran: Official
Fri. 7 Jan 2005
Iran Focus

Tehran, Jan. 07 - Iran announced there are at least half a million Iraqis presently in the country eligible to vote in the upcoming January 30th election in Iraq.

“More than 500,000 Iraqis residing in Iran can take part in (Iraq’s) January elections”, Ahmad Hosseini, the head of Foreign Citizens Office of the Interior Ministry, said on Wednesday.

Hosseini said that following an agreement with International Immigration Organisation, his organisation would oversee the vote.

Voting booths will be setup in Tehran, Qom, West-Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, Khuzistan, and Khorassan provinces, he added.

Any Iraqi born before December 31, 1986, with a valid identity card at registration offices will be able to vote in the booths according to Hosseini. He added that Iraqis, living abroad and not currently in possession of a valid identity card, were also eligible to vote provided that they could prove their status.

Many international experts have expressed anxiety over possible electoral fraud in the clerical state, cautioning that the Iranian regime was hoping to install a pro-Iran Shiite government through election rigging.
( continued )

Behold, King of the Squeamish…

2005-01-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

Viewer Sues NBC Over 'Fear Factor' Rat-Eating Episode
Joe Milicia
The Associated Press
01-07-2005

A viewer is suing NBC for $2.5 million, contending that he threw up because of a "Fear Factor" episode in which contestants ate rats mixed in a blender.

Austin Aitken told The Associated Press he watches "Fear Factor" often and had no problem with past installments where the reality show's participants ate worms and insects in pursuit of a $50,000 prize -- but eating rats went "too far."

"It's barbaric, some of the things they ask these individuals to do," Aitken said Thursday.

Aitken's handwritten lawsuit contends the rat-eating made his blood pressure rise, resulting in being dizzy and lightheaded -- and vomiting. Because he was disoriented he ran into a doorway, "causing suffering, injury and great pain."

Asked why he didn't shut off his television before the rat-eating segment, Aitken said he couldn't do it quick enough.

( Full Article )

This AP article was posted over at Law.com. There are a few blanks that need to be filled in so you can appreciate the entire picture.

Sure, this claim will probably get zipped on Summary Judgement. In other words, it will be dismissed before getting to a jury. However, costs will be acquired before that can take place.

I'm assuming that the suit was filed in New York. That venue requires a significant amount of Discovery before the Court will rule on the Declaratory Action. Therefore, the mere fact that the suit is preposterous does not relinquish the truth that there will be Loss Adjusted Expenses (LAE) acquired by NBC to have the case removed.

The costs (either paid directly by NBC if they have a significant Self Insured Retention status, or paid by their insurance carrier) end up on the balance sheet. If NBC pays those costs itself, it’s a direct loss. If an insurance company pays under the policy, the loss frequency and incurred figures will be keynote in determining the policy premium costs to NBC in the new policy year. Therefore, the expense would, indirectly, be passed onto NBC.

The costs associated with this case get transferred into the category of expenses for NBC eventually. NBC, in order to operate effectively as a business, will have to adjust their income through advertising revenue to accommodate expenses. That translates to higher costs to advertise on the network. The advertisers, in order to cover the increased cost to advertise will take the added expense, and transfer it to the cost of their product or service. That cost increase, my friends, gets passed onto you, the consumer.

I'm sorry to inform you that the consumer has no one to pass the added cost to. You are the bottom of the barrel. Maybe one or two outlandish lawsuits like this won't make a dent in the operating expenses of the Defendant (NBC). However, don't be naïve. There are many, many such cases that hit the Courts. You're paying for them.

Mr. Austin "I can't find my remote" Aitken just cost you some money in the quest of righteous indignation. He doesn't get it, and neither does most of America.

They never turn it off...Good Job Marines !

2005-01-07T01:16:00.000-05:00

RECRUITING STATION ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 4, 2005) -- Pulling a man from his burning tractor-trailer cab, New York Marines helped save a man’s life Monday.

Pfc. William Patnode, Pfc. Charles Meskunas, Pvt. James Stewart and Pfc. Gregory Lafountain were driving south on Interstate 87 to check in for their Permissive Recruiters Assistance Program class here shortly after they graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Training in Parris Island, S.C.

Minutes after passing Exit 31, the group spotted flames through the fog on the North Country road. As the accident grew closer, the Marines were able to fully view the wreckage.

A nearly empty fuel tanker had rammed into the back end of a tractor-trailer truck in the southbound lane of the highway.

The Marines pulled their vehicle to the side of the road, and all four Marines instinctively leapt into action to help.
( Full article here )
Stumbled across this at the always diligent and supporting Marine Corps Moms

Iranian Bloggers face Unimaginable Difficulties...

2005-01-06T18:32:00.000-05:00

From Iran Focus comes an interesting story touching on imprisoned “bloggers” and journalists within Iran.

“Reporters Without Borders” is attempting to bring attention to the efforts by the Iranian government to silence those who would criticize their tyranny. Currently, there are a number of such Iranian bloggers imprisoned in Iran.

According to Reporters Without Borders' sources, the “seven journalists imprisoned between October and December 2004 have been beaten, humiliated and sometimes threatened with rape by their jailers.”

Overlooking copyright issues, I’ve chosen to post the entire article below. The source of the article ( Iran Focus) is a non-profit news service provider that focuses on events in Iran, Iraq and the Middle East. Most of their issues address the discontent, and abuses found within Iran. This article portrays an effort to inform the public of the muzzling of some of Iran’s truth tellers. Perhaps we can help give them a voice…

Reporters Without Border condemns mistreatment of cyberjournalists and webloggers

Thu. 6 Jan 2005

Reporters Without Borders has condemned the mistreatment in prison of cyberdissidents and webloggers after an Iranian committee report concluded that public confessions of two of them, Omid Memarian (photo right) and Rozbeh Mir Ebrahimi (photo left), were obtained under duress.

"We fear that the authorities are succeeding in purging the web of all critical content through brutality, intimidation and censorship," the worldwide press freedom organisation said. "In a country in which weblogs and news sites have flourished in the past few years such a setback would be a catastrophe for freedom of expression."

Confirmation that Memarian and Mir Ebrahimi were mistreated after their arrests in November 2004, along with a group of other online journalist, was given on 4 January 2005 in a report from the committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the Constitution, on which both conservatives and reformists sit.

Reporters Without Borders is particularly concerned about police threats against Omid Memarian, Rozbeh Mir Ebrahimi and Shahram Rafihzadeh, and pointed out that weblogger Mojtaba Saminejad, along with online journalist, Javad Gholam Tamayomi, are still in prison.

Reformist leader Ali Abtahi, a former vice-president of Iran, said that the monitoring committee, of which he is a member, had carried out an investigation into mistreatment in prison of journalists in the 'Internet cases'.

"We took evidence from these journalists who have told us that they have suffered torture in prison", he said. The report was handed over to President Mohammad Khatami. The monitoring committee is a consultative body that has no legal authority.

Ali Abtahi said on his weblog (http://www.webneveshteha.com) that the testimony of Omid Memarian and Rozbeh Mir Ebrahimi "made committee members weep".

According to Reporters Without Borders' sources, the seven journalist imprisoned between October and December 2004 have been beaten, humiliated and sometimes threatened with rape by their jailers. Most of them have been accused of moral crimes, that is having sexual relations outside of marriage, a pretext often used in Iran to attack political dissidents.

Since leaving prison, police have summoned them several times a week. They also receive daily threats by phone. One police officer suggested to one of the journalists that he "watch out for cars, because a lot of
pedestrians get run over in this country".

Javad Gholam Tamayomi, Omid Memarian, Shahram Rafihzadeh, Hanif Mazroi, Rozbeh Mir Ebrahimi, Mahboubeh Abbasgholizadeh and Fereshteh Ghazi were all arrested, between October and November 2004 as part of a crackdown against the online press. All of them, apart from Javad Gholam Tamayomi, were released at the beginning of December.

In an open letter and then at a 14 December press conference, Memarian and Mir Ebrahimi both said they had not been mistreated in detention. Reporters Without Borders dismissed their confessions as "phoney" since they had been made under pressure from the authorities ("Cyber-journalists forced to give false evidence..." ).

Five webloggers were imprisoned during the same period ("Blogger Farid Modaressi released..."). Only Mojtaba Saminejad who was arrested at the beginning of November for condemning the arrests of colleagues in his blog (http://man-namanam.blogspot.com) is still being held.

Just a thought...

2005-01-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

"We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them."

Abigail Adams, letter to John Adams, 1774
wife of John Adams(1744 - 1818)

United Nations undersecretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief (UNHAER)

International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)

United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDACT)

The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

executive director of Sustainable Development and Healthy Environments for the WHO (SDHE-WHO)

UN Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC)

Inter-agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction (UNITFDR)

And my personal favorite:

United Nations Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Secretary-General's Special Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance in Tsunami-afected countries (UNDERCSGSCHAT)

New proposed organizational office:

We'd Gain More Results by Urinating on an Electric Fence (WGMRUEF)

Doh !!!

2005-01-05T18:03:00.000-05:00

Read this article and keep a straight face and I owe you a dollar. Find no irony and I owe you my life’s savings.

The US Embassy in Yemen issued a warning to their employees and representatives suggesting that they steer clear of The Aden Hotel on New Year’s Eve.

As a result, guests and employees of the hotel decided that maybe they rather not be there that night either. Now the hotel is suing the US Embassy.

I think the Hotel Aden needs to consider the circumstances; consider such things as Yemen’s historical harboring of Fundamentalist Jihadist warriors (otherwise known as terrorist scum). The USS Cole comes to mind, as does the eight Yemeni terrorists involved in the plot to blow up the US embassy in Sanaa, as does the accidental explosion that killed two al-Qaeda operatives and led to the seizure of 650 pounds of plastic explosives from a Sanaa warehouse, as does the Kuwaiti citizen arrested for plotting the bombing of a French Oil tanker off the Yemeni coast, as do the murders of three American missionaries in a Yemeni village.

I recollect that over 100 al-Qaeda sympathizers and members were released from Yemeni prisons just last month due to their “reprogramming” and promise not to do it again. I, also, recall the Yemeni Government admitting to over 60 Million firearms in a country signicantly made up of violent prone tribal factions. The US State Department has had a travel warning for the entire damn country listed at "high" for longer than I can remember.

What a hoot.

(Incidentally, if you can't find the irony in this article I'm not worried about my life's savings. You wouldn't be able to find me either...)

Aden Hotel files suit against US Embassy
Ridhwan Al-Saqqaf
January 5, 2005

The Aden hotel administration has filed a suit against the Embassy of the United States of America over its warning of not spending New Year’s Eve at the hotel because of alleged security factors.

In a statement to the Yemen Times, Fadhl al-Hilali, General Manager at Aden Hotel said the warnings of the American Embassy sparked fear among clients and made them leave the hotel. A number of workers also left the hotel fearing the warnings from the embassy.

Al-Hilali pointed out that the rumors resulted in heavy losses for the hotel and negatively affected the hotel’s reputation. It also led numerous companies to cancel their bookings at the hotel.

He mentioned that the hotel’s administration had already prepared several ceremonial programs to celebrate the occasion as other hotels all over Yemen do and that the celebration was to be sponsored by many trade companies.

“The warning period ended and nothing bad occurred, so this indicates that such rumors have no place of truth,” Al-Hilali said. “According to the filed suit, we claim a compensation worth $ US500,000.”

Rasputin Incarnate...

2005-01-04T23:07:00.000-05:00

If you know your Russian history, then you have recollection of Grigory Rasputin. The story of Rasputin’s death is rather astonishing.

In 1916, he had gained too much prestige and influence in the opinion of Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich. Rasputin was lured to Yusupovsky Palace where he was fed cakes and wine laced with poison. They had no effect on him. Prince Felix Yusupovsky, then, shot Rasputin at point blank range causing him to collapse on the floor.

Yusupovsky returned upstairs to pass on the news of Rasputin’s untimely, yet timely, demise. Upon returning to the body to confirm that it was, indeed, done, Rasputin regained consciousness and proceeded to beat the crap out of the young Prince.

Yusupovsky escaped to the upstairs portion of the palace screaming for assistance. However, when his party and he returned, Rasputin was nowhere to be found. A search of the grounds found him crawling towards the gate. Yusupovsky and his cohorts proceeded to shoot Rasputin several more times between merciless beatings. Rasputin was bound and tossed into the river. When Rasputin’s body was later recovered they found the bindings broken, and water in his lungs.

Rasputin’s resilience and robust challenge to his death are legend.

Switch forward about 94 years and meet his incarnate…sort of.

A 67 year old Bulgarian man was hospitalized on December 20th after getting hit by a car. The man was coherent and talkative just after the incident according to Col. Angel Rangelov, head of the police in the town of Plovdiv. Despite getting walloped by the car, the man seemed just a bit out of it you can assume.

Therefore, police on the scene gave him a breath test. Apparently, the reading was skewed; the officers relied on the medical facility to take a more accurate reading through a blood test. In fact, the first few readings raised a few eyebrows, so they ended up doing five (5) separate blood tests.

This 67 year old man who had been hit pretty hard by a car was talking to authorities at the scene, and in the hospital. He was doing so with a 0.914 Blood/Alcohol reading. 0.55 is usually fatal.

The man was admitted to the hospital and is in stable condition.

Watchers of Weasels...

2005-01-03T18:42:00.000-05:00

As you may or may not already be aware, members of the Watcher's Council hold a vote every week on what they consider to be the most link-worthy pieces of writing around...

per the Watcher's instructions, I am submitting one of my own posts for consideration in the upcoming nominations process.

Here is the most recent winning council post, here is the most recent winning non-council post, here is the list of results for the latest vote, and here is the initial posting of all the nominees that were voted on.

I chose to send in the post just below, because everyone enjoys an good bashing of the French.

Then there is that Jerry Lewis thing...

2005-01-03T15:03:00.000-05:00

Here’s a lesson on how to defeat your argument in your own byline. Antoine Audouard penned the linked OpEd for the New York Times entitled “America’s ridiculous hatred of the French.” The International Herald Tribune (New York Times' European outlet distributed out of Paris, France) couldn't pass on this tripe.

Absolutely delicious. Here we have a French citizen and author trying to make the point that there is no need for an adversarial attitude towards the French, and he offends his intended readership even before he starts. We’re “ridiculous” for holding the opinion dear Antoine? Let me assist you in diplomacy just this one time. Try this byline:

“Romance Writer had an Opinion, and the New York Times had Some Space”

Mr. Audouard is amazed by the “French-bashing in the media.” Personally, I’m of the opposite ilk. I’m amazed by the patronizing embellishment of the French contribution of civilized homogeny. Sure, there are the stereotypical, knee jerk jabs at the French psyche and military history. There are the consequential references to dairy products and linen white battle flags. There are the anecdotal references to body odor and insolence upon visiting the “City of Lights.” And, yes, there are mimes.

However, those of us with access to the newspapers, or the internet have, somewhat, more of an arsenal when it comes evaluating our “alleged” ally. We have factual references. We have quotes from your President. We have personal experiences from visiting your nation.

Let me respond by quoting your designated and elected leader, President Jacque Chirac as he addressed the European Union Summit in Brussels on November 5th, 2004.

"It is evident that Europe, now more than ever, must strengthen its unity and dynamism when faced with this great world power," Chirac said. "More than ever, we must reinforce Europe politically and economically."

Of note should be that President Chirac was elected to the high office with 82% support of citizenship. I would ask Mr. Audouard if that sounds like the words of an ally, or as someone diametrically opposed to the United States’ current status. There is no mention of support. There is only rhetoric in the direct hindrance of American policy and economics. But, that’s too undemanding of a response. We know how the French enjoy the complication in foreign policy and continental relationships.

The United States is a sovereign and capitalistic republic. With the exception of some misguided left-over hippies, and European transplants, we view Socialism as an obstacle to advancement, success, and achieving valid goals. France, on the other hand, coddles and deifies Socialism in their press, and in their government. In March 2004, the Socialist Party, solidly, advanced their candidates in the French Government. That doesn’t translate well with the average American. In fact, it is significantly counter opposed to the very foundation of our Country. That’s not “ridiculous” Mr. Audouard.

We accept that France, under the direction of your elected government, vehemently, opposed US intervention in Iraq. However, was it necessary for your President to refer to supporting European nations as “infantile” and “reckless?” Was if necessary for your, overwhelmingly elected, President to make the statement that those not in line with the conventional “wisdom” of France “missed a good opportunity to keep quiet.” Was it necessary for France to state through the United Nations Security council that they would not support the war in Iraq “"under any circumstances". Even if France was against the Iraq War, that very statement emboldened Iraq to consider the ramifications of continuing to defy the UN Resolutions. In that one statement, France, sabotaged any peaceful regime change. Such scorched Earth politics with 25 Million lives in the balance is nothing short of an international temper tantrum.

Do you see the trend here Mr. Audouard? We don’t hate the French any more than we hate our Mothers’-In-Law. We hate the constant opposition, and the juvenile rationalization. We hate the ideology of collective thinking that stunts innovation, creativity, and advancement. We hate the concept of “we’ve always done it that way so why change.” We, fervidly, have voluminous disdain for those who placate in the sacrifice of what is right, what is admirable, and what is necessary.

I’m not so sure we, even, hate the French. More likely, we empathize with the common Frenchman being led astray by your media and collective toting government. We are more specific in our animosity. We hate folks like you who veil the truly valid argument in placating generalizations on a known liberal leaning sounding board.

It is understandable how your government and your citizens dislike that the United States as the solitary “super power” on the big blue marble. We understand this trepidation only because we understand your line of philosophy. You put yourself in our place, and realize that, historically, France could not handle the post. Therefore, how could any other country, successfully, fulfill the duty? We understand your necessity to encourage the European Union to advance relationships with China in an effort to (what?) even out the balance. That is the prerogative of your nation. We understand this viewpoint even if we don’t agree with it. Therefore, when an entity acts in such a reckless fashion of self-interest we are apt to consider the value of holding such an alliance politically, economically, and, yes, emotionally.

Malaysia’s acting Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, in October 2003 addressed a conference of Islamic leaders. He stated the following:

“Jews rule the world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them. 1.3 Billion Muslims cannot be defeated by a few million Jews, therefore Muslims must unite against the Jews for a “final victory.”

Here in “hateful” America it takes all of two seconds to contemplate the necessary response to such bigotry and ignorance. There would be no political cow towing on the matter. We have no qualms about calling Mahathir Mohamad an ass. With such comments and ideology, he has earned the label.

However, your nation was represented thusly. President Chirac, strongly, argued that the European Union should not disparage Mahathir for his asinine and inflammatory comments. Initially, Chirac fought hard for that position. Eventually, he caved when it became apparent that he held a strong personal friendship with the troglodyte. It was the same type personal friendship that Chirac held with Saddam Hussein for thirty years. Do we hate France for such misguided camaraderie? No. We hate what you stand for and fail to take a stand for.

We hate that your nation openly supported terrorists such as Yasser Arafat. We hate that your patronizing of his endeavors gave him gravitas. We hate that your President was the only non-Arab world leader to attend, Hafez Assad’s funeral and make comments such as this:

"A statesman who was attached to the grandeur of his country and the destiny of the Arab world, President Assad has marked history for three decades," Chirac said.

President Assad was a terrorist supporting, anti-semitic peckerhead Mr. Audouard. Most of the free world acknowledged that. France did not.

We hate that you don’t understand what we hate about you. Whether it be wrapped in a false superiority, a self-imposed enlightenment, or a syndicated re-run of “Father Knows Best,” it truly doesn’t matter. The very fabric of the United States plays directly opposite to the mentality that we take direction and demands from a subordinate. France has yet to acknowledge that accolades are earned, as is respect. France will never understand that they do not exceed the United States in strength, economy, integrity, or intellectualism. While the US is willing to avoid the obvious mismatched comparisons, France continues to try and bring those comparisons to the forefront. It doesn't matter if we can run faster than you Mr. Audouard. Just don't think that we'll listen to you when you ask us to slow down for your own benefit.

I invite Mr. Audouard to explore the following references of “indignation.” Some embrace the usual “soup du jour” accusations that don’t hold Bordeaux. Others, well, looking in the mirror, Mr. Audouard, can sometimes reveal a disappointing countenance. The trick is to study the man in the mirror, and not the clothes. Anyone can wear Pierre Garroudi. Some make it look good. Others are just covering up what’s underneath.

--Saddam paid off French leaders By Bill Gertz THE WASHINGTON TIMES

--The socialists and their allies won 50% of the second-round votes--BBC

--France's gutless wonder December 13th, 2004

--Iraq may be on the edge but France has hit rock bottom abyss By Mark Steyn (Filed: 23/08/2003)

--France motivated by its own oil argument January 23, 2003

--THE CANARY IN EUROPE'S MINE By Jeff Jacoby, Globe Columnist Copyright 2002, The Boston Globe

Linked to the (OTB Traffic Jam)

Addendum: Looking closer at the publication of Antoine Audouard's piece I happened upon something that further compromises the position of the author...or more aptly, the media outlet. Consider that Mr. Audouard's piece in the International Herald Tribune ran under the byline "America’s ridiculous hatred of the French.” However, the same piece, exactly, ran in the New York Times under the byline "Behind Enemy Lines." Think about that for a second. In the US (New York Times) the connotation is one of sarcasm in the reference to the US as the enemy.

Yet, in the European release of the very same piece, the title comes right out and describes Americans as "ridiculous." There is nothing of sarcasm in that lead.

Consider that the premise of Audouard's OpEd is to point out that Americans have no basis for the animosity towards the French. Then why, exactly, does the piece hold two very different titles determined purely by the reader. I would suggest that the animosity is valid...and the New York Times (and International Herald Tribune) just showed us a good example as to why.

Idiot Croissant

2005-01-03T03:24:00.000-05:00

Added to the blogroll is something a little off the beaten track. It's non-political and a worthy break from the usual ideological dregs.

Just some humor-wrapped entertaining writing that does nothing more than give you that timely pick-me-up when needed.

The first installment is called "Clump." Great fun...

Same old 'Tire'd Story?

2005-01-02T13:27:00.000-05:00

I did a cursory Technorati search to see if anyone picked up on a buried blurb found in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel back on December 11th. However, amongst the Technorati crowd, it would appear as if the “burying” was successful. I found no blog references on these guys fresher than 42 days ago:

Michael J. Pratt
Sowande Ajumoke Omokunde
Opel E. Simmons III
Lewis Gibson Caldwell III
Lavelle Mohammad
Justin J. Howell

On Tuesday morning of the election, 27 tires on 20 cars and vans rented by the Republican Party to carry voters to the polls were slashed. The vehicles were parked in the 7100 block of W. Capitol Drive in Milwaukee. At least some of the men listed above were arrested and released in connection with the crimes. Michael J. Pratt, you will recall, is the son of former acting Mayor Marvin Pratt. Sowande Omokunde is the son of newly elected US Rep. Gwen Moore (Dem/WI).

The blurb pointed out that Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney David Feiss has hit a snag in the case. Who’s surprised? Apparently, it will take an unspecified period of time to hunt down and interview potential witnesses in the case because they are out of state. And, not surprisingly, the Assistant District Attorney could not give a projected time frame for the filing of charges. He could give no approximations on the time frame for witness interviews one month prior to this “revelation” either.

However, the fact that witnesses in the matter are, predominantly available outside the state, could indicate potential involvement of those lovely 527’s and the voter registration millhouses that inundated the state. Again, who’s surprised?

Will this case get the attention it deserves? Will the prosecutor make the case a priority? Or, will it slowly fade away until four years from now, someone with a good memory asks, “Say, what ever happened with those guys that sliced the van tires up there in Wisconsin last election?”

One more question…the involvement of out of state witnesses, and the alleged participation of, at least, one out-of-state Democratic activist (Opel E. Simmons III) suggests violations of Federal Statutes. Why isn’t the FBI working the witness interviews? Wouldn’t that speed up the perceived delays?

You can take in the “Blurb” from December 11th right here:

Tire-slashing inquiry slowed, prosecutor says
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Dec. 11, 2004

Here we go...

2005-01-02T01:49:00.000-05:00

Iraq’s Prime Minister suggested we keep an eye on the television in two days. Apparently, irrefutable proof is going to be offered that confirms that Iraqi insurgents (otherwise known as murderous, terrorist, bastard cretins) have been bankrolled and otherwise supported by the current government of Iran.

In fact, there is to be proof offered that some of these insurgents (otherwise known as murderous, terrorist, bastard cretins) are under direct orders of Iranian Intelligence.

The Iraqi interim-Prime Minister, Ayad Allawi mirrored the comments of Defense Minister, Hazem Shaalan and commented that they would offer up taped confessions from agents who, acting on foreign orders, were disrupting Iraq’s security.”

In other words, Iraq is about to up the ante. For the last two weeks, Allawi has been warning Syria and Iran about their support for Ba'ath party members calling the insurgency shots from their countries. This is important on two levels:

1. Iraqis have no love for their Iranian neighbors. This is well documented throughout warfare history between the two countries. Establishing a sense of Iraqi nationalism in the midst of Iraq’s current political uncertainty is a necessity to the upcoming elections. Voting is one thing. Accepting the results by the various religious based parties is quite another. Nothing unites adversaries faster than a common enemy.

2. On January 6th there will be a conference in Amman to discuss Iraq’s security. Attending will be the surrounding border countries to Iraq. That includes Iran and Syria. As Defense Minister Shaalan puts it, the goal of this conference is “to put pressure on Iran and Syria to stop supporting insurgents.” And, if Iraq gets their documentation on the airwaves to their constituents in advance they can invoke a degree is disdain to be applied appropriately.

Read about it here:

Iran attempting Shiite coup, evidence to air in two days: Iraqi DM
Sat. 1 Jan 2005
Iran Focus

Baghdad, Jan. 01 – Iraq’s Defence Minister, Hazem Shaalan, accused Iran today of attempting to “create a Safavian-style Shiite Crescent stretching from Iran all the way to Syria and Lebanon, engulfing Iraq and bringing about corruption in the country”.

In comments made to the Jordanian daily, Al-Qadr (Tomorrow), the defence chief also promised to release in the next two days footage of “taped-confessions from agents who, acting on foreign orders, were disrupting Iraq’s security”.

Mirroring previous comments Shaalan also called Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Al-Qaeda’s strongman in Iraq and Iraq’s most wanted man, an “Iranian puppet, whose goal is to destabilise security and welfare in Iraq”.
(continued)

These are my Wonderful Neighbors...

2005-01-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

I don’t care how the assistance gets there. I don’t care who takes credit, for we will all know who the players are. I don’t care who is honored for the endeavor; just as long as aid to Southeast Asia is effective, efficient, and makes a difference.

These are folks that I am proud to call my neighbors…

America Finds Creative Ways to Aid Victims

--- A Kentucky widow, moved by the cries of grief she heard in reports about the tsunami disaster in south Asia, invited her entire town to a New Year's Eve bash to raise money for the victims.

--- In California, a college offered free basketball tickets, with a gift for relief efforts the only price of admission.

--- A group of children in a Seattle suburb stood out in the rain offering "Hot Chocolate for Tidal Wave Relief!" and raised $255.

--- Three brothers ages 3 to 7 each dropped off sandwich bags containing a few dollars at the Mile High chapter of the Red Cross in Denver, according to spokesman Robert Thompson. The same chapter also accepted a $50,000 donation from a man who requested anonymity.

--- A group of children in Sammamish, Wash., a suburb of Seattle, stood in steady rain Wednesday selling hot chocolate to fight the chill.

--- In New York City, six children ages 12 to 18 worked late Thursday and early Friday to make dozens of cookies, brownies and cupcakes for a door-to-door bake sale organized by Do Something, a youth service group.

--- Jeffrey Arias, a Boy Scout from Newbury, Mass., attends Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H., with several students from areas hit hard by the giant waves. He and 15 friends stood outside banks and convenience stores Thursday and Friday with donation cans for the American Red Cross

--- After hearing the victims' cries on news reports, Claire Neal, decided to throw a New Year's Eve fund-raiser at her house in Owensboro, Ky., a city of 54,000 on the Ohio River. A local business donated gourmet candy for the $50-per-ticket event.

--- The University of California at Santa Barbara athletic department offered free admission to the Gauchos' basketball game Thursday to anyone who brought a donation of canned food, bottled water or a piece of clothing.

--- For the next month, Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market will collect donations in a 4-foot bronze pig that stands in the center of the farmers' market.

--- In Elizabeth City, N.C., Jacklyn Phillips, plans to collect 1,000 used bicycles and, with the help of local prison inmates, refurbish them and ship them to Indonesia so people can get around on damaged roads.

--- Sri Lankan native Preethi Burkholder is charging $15 for a benefit slide show of her homeland Monday in Aspen, Colo

--- In Hawaii, North Shore Catamaran Charters plans to donate all proceeds from a special sunset whale watch cruise on Jan. 14 to tsunami victims.

--- New Delhi native Naveen Sachar hopes to net $10,000 from a Jan. 7 fund-raiser he arranged at a Chicago bar.

You can take in the entire AP entry right here

By JAY LINDSAY
Associated Press Writer
America Finds Creative Ways to Aid Victims
January 1, 2005, 12:55 PM EST

Profile This...

2005-01-01T13:05:00.000-05:00

JAY TEA over at Wizbang pontificated on the importance of profiling as it applies to domestic security and dipped into the semantics of the term “profiling” a bit. I agree wholeheartedly with his take. “Profiling” has taken on more meaning that it deserves. It is, immediately, given a negative (racially biased) connotation when in fact that’s not what it means at all.

Jay Tea puts it this way:

(From his Post)
Let's also be reasonable about just what "profiling" involves. We're not talking about thought crimes here, a la "Minority Report." We're not talking about mass roundups of those who look funny, a la "The Siege." Hollywood is NOT reality, despite what certain people (with names like Sheen, Streisand, or Moore) would have you believe.

Profiling is nothing more than good police work. It's been used for a long time, and it works.

Allow me the opportunity to make an attempt to assist him on this summation as I did here back in November.

In November of 2004 the ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging behavioral profiling in airports. Not race. Not gender. Not age. No, the ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging BEHAVIORAL PROFILING. So, what makes up behavior profiling?

As an example, suppose it is the middle of summer and a passenger getting on a plane is dressed in bulky winter clothes that would allow him/her to hide some sort of weapon or explosive device. The behavior of the individual (what he’s wearing) presents an opportunity to complicate safety.

How about this one? The airport security firm notices an individual(s) canvassing the terminal taking photographs of all, in-place, security measures. Kind of odd, right?

Or, suppose a group of men traveling alone without luggage show up at the gate after purchasing their tickets individually in cash. Prior to boarding the group interacted exclusively, and when they boarded the plane they acted if they didn’t know each other. And, to top it off, suppose they carried no luggage and had purchased one way tickets. Add all those “behavioral” idiosyncrasies together, and an on the ball security personnel should take a closer look.

The lawsuit that the ACLU filed last November challenges the security personnel and police on singling out these “strangely” acting individuals for questioning. The ACLU claims the technique "effectively condones and encourages racial and ethnic profiling."

One more thing. The lawsuit filed by the ACLU was venued in Boston, MA. Their motivation was established by evaluating the security techniques mentioned above at Logan International. That’s where two of the 9/11 flights originated.

I’ll stand with Jay Tea on this topic. Not only do I support behavioral profiling. I’ll be the first one on the flight to initiate it…without consideration for someone else’s “feelings.” I, certainly, support an individual’s opportunity to exercise their non-conformity provided it doesn’t interfere with my own opportunity to be secure and safe. When that line is crossed, there are repercussions. Answering a few questions at the airport is one of those repercussions. I'm not contrite on this issue in any fashion, so DEAL WITH IT...

Good one Jay Tea...

I am Nostradamus, with a brain injury...

2004-12-31T17:07:00.000-05:00

I'M pretty poor in the prediction department. So, as I stetch out here relaxing with a glass of Laphroaig and branch water complimented by a Punch Maduro, I thought I'd prove it to you. So, for the rest of the early evening, in anticipation of some rubber chicken cash bar event later on tonight, I'll be adding my list of 2005 prophecies. They'll be coming a couple at a time, so check back later if you feel like pointing your finger and laughing at my Naïveté...

HERE GOES:

Science--- Nanotechnology became a term of familiarity this year. In 2005 you will see why. By the end of 2005 it will be a household word related to everything from medicine to stain free pants. Higher curriculum will put plans on the budgeting table to consider focusing degrees in this specific discipline.

Products will be made cleaner, stronger, lighter, and more precise. Computer hardware will take another large leap to “who knows where.” 2004 introduced nanotechnology to the layman. 2005 will provide nanotechnology a home.

Medicine---There will be the dabbling in cloning as in the last three years. But, that won’t be 2005’s calling card. 2005 will begin a trend in medicine that has been long overdue. The incessant management of common illness has, too long, been treated with the application of myriad antibiotics (from toddler on up). As a result, a whole generation has weakened their natural defenses within their own body to be able to combat disease without medical intervention. With the recent events in South East Asia, focus will turn to the ineffectiveness of once useful medicines. Before the end of the year, American doctors will be on the firing line for their excessive prescribing of Drug Company pushed products.

Politics---Government Workers Union(s) members may want to update their resumes. “Privatization” will be the word that invokes chuckles from Republicans and thinly veiled disdain by their counterparts. You know that union employee that mows the lawn between the reflecting pool and the Smithsonian? Well, come about June, see if there isn’t a beat up red pick-up truck with a “Bob’s Landscaping” sign plastered on the side. There are, literally, 100’s of thousands of unionized jobs that are going up for grabs before we bid adieu to 2005. Democrats will put up a fuss because this is a meal ticket contribution cow for them. Who will be pulling the switch…?(get this) Grover Norquist.

Tort reform? I hope not. We aren’t ready yet. Something else has to occur first (more on that later…before the end of the long weekend). Did I mention that I have 20 years in the insurance industry and I’m totally against tort reform at the very present? I’ll let you know why shortly.

Arts & Literature (contemporary)---Besides my favorite author (Jack DuBrul) coming out with a new Philip Mercer thriller you might want to keep an eye out for a brand new murder mystery author (wink, wink) popping up on the scene sometime late in the year. Here’s the abridged version (New York City, little known history, maniacal antagonist, eccentric protagonist, big ass Great Dane, and a chip off the ol’ block…plus Virgil’s BarBQue).

Also, Linda Fairstein will break out “Entombed” the 4th of January. However, the real signatures of 2005 will arrive on the big screen.

The final installation of Star Wars will, absolutely, murder any previous box office records…and George Lucas will go out on a high note by delivering the best of the 6. Spielberg will roll out “War of the Worlds” starring Tom Cruise. That will be a moneymaker. My sleeper pick is “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Don’t ask me why. I just have a hunch. 2005 will close with a bang thanks to the newest in the Harry Potter series, Goblet of Fire; The Lion, the Witch the Wardrobe; and Peter Jackson’s latest adventure, King Kong. But, I’m telling you, keep an eye out for “Hitchhiker.”

War on Terror---

IRAQ---If you are a terrorist in Iraq and you’ve managed to keep your posterior in one piece to date, it’s been nice knowing you. Once the elections are out of the way, there will be a significant effort to instill ownership on the newly trained Iraqi Special Forces, and law enforcement. Right now, whether the US likes it or not, we have been walking on egg shells of a sort. Any exploitable incident is the proverbial horse bit that can rain a political hot plate of backlash which would threaten the elections. However, once they’re in the can so are the attached political ramifications.

In addition, pressure against Iran and Syria by the US, and the new Iraqi government will not just be rhetoric. The result will be both countries being pressured into physically policing their borders (in and out). In short, a true no holds barred hunting season on foreign Jihadists opens February 1st, and there is no limit.

As 2006 sneaks in, US Military presence in Iraq will start decreasing

IRAN---Protest Warrior better book their seats now. Iran is going to become the premier “Mecca of protest” and discourse this coming year. The Mullahs are going to attempt to control the growing discontent by taking away from the already oppressed. Big mistake. Workers will be protesting for lack of paid wages. Hospitals (which were privatized under recent government edict) will continue to decay as a majority have already filed for bankruptcy. Pro-democracy advocates will gain an unprecedented degree of support from the common Iranian as Iraq leads by example. Playing off the restlessness caused by corruption, poverty, and tyranny, students, then business owners, then (reinvigorated “reformists”) will demand changes.

Iran’s nuclear weapon endeavors will be the foremost bargaining issue of 2005. It won’t be too far into the year before the US pushes the EU out of the way and takes the lead on the issue. Simultaneously, operatives will be active within deep Iran stirring up the mix a bit. Don’t plan an Iranian vacation this year. They’re going to be busy.

CHINA---China has problems. Sure, their economy continues to grow (so they say). But, internally, they have a “Jimmy Hoffa” dilemma. There have been an unprecedented number of riots and protests within the Mainland. The interesting thing about these events is that they are, no longer, confined to specialized and individual, one issue groups. Multiple issue events are taking place motivated by the continued corruption, class differences, and demands for more favorable working conditions. China’s ability to out bid the rest of the planet on cost is about to be challenged from within. Child labor, sub-par wages, and government abuses will give way to massive protest. China is entering the Hoffa Age as the US did 5 decades ago. It’s going to cost them. That, by default, doesn’t bode well for the growing relationships with Iran, the EU, and Russia. As a result, all three of those entities will have to tone down the rhetoric with the US.

Oh hell, that's enough...running late...
Happy New Year !!

Boris Yeltsin: Hell on Wheels?

2004-12-31T13:57:00.000-05:00

Boris Yeltsin has always been fodder, here in the West, for the occasional reference to overindulgence in adult beverages. However, if his long time body guard is to be believed, it was no joking matter.

Alexander Korzhakov, gave an interview to the Moscow Times that provides some of the disturbing details. Most prominent is the insistence that “After becoming president, an intoxicated Boris Yeltsin struck and killed a man in a driving accident…”

Holy Smokes!

Korzhakov is now promoting his memoirs (Boris Yeltsin: From Dawn to Dusk). This latest revelation is added in a special reprint edition. Apparently, at the time of the accident, which is described in the attached article, Gorbachev was trying to exploit any issue, regardless of size, to have Yeltsin removed from power. Korzhakov covered it up on Yeltsin’s behalf and never reported the accident to authorities.

I don’t know if the account is believable, since Korzhakov fell out of favor with Yeltsin in 1996 when he was fired during the election campaign. However, prior to that, you certainly can’t argue with Korzhakov’s unequaled access. The former KGB officer probably has some interesting stories to tell.

Friday, December 31, 2004
Korzhakov Drinks to an Era
By Francesca Mereu
Staff Writer

(excerpt)
"Gorbachev, who at the time was dreaming of finding the smallest cause to remove the separatist Yeltsin from politics, would have rewarded anyone who had told him about the event," Korzhakov writes.

Korzhakov writes that he averted a potential crisis by repairing the Zhiguli. "It was turned into a new car ... [and] the owner did not report the accident to the police."

As for the injured man, "we bought medicines and changed doctors and hospitals. But after six months he died. We buried him as well, since he did not have any close relatives."

Asked when and where the event took place, Korzhakov said cryptically that it had happened in the early 1990s "in a certain small village."

(The rest of the article is here)

Incidentally, as a bonus…do you know which US President was arrested (that’s right, arrested) for Hit & Run while in office…and then failed to show up for a Washington DC Court Appearance?

Tales from the Tail…

2004-12-30T20:54:00.000-05:00

There’s this guy with a blog, a radio show, a law degree, his own personal pleasure cruise, and, oh yeah, a book…

I had the good fortune to pick up Hugh Hewitt’s latest endeavor last night on the way back from a meeting. I was fortunate on two levels. First, (and Hugh will like this) it was the last copy in stock at this particular Connecticut Barnes & Noble Bookseller. Of course, this is Connecticut, so it is entirely possible they mistakenly lost a crate of them behind the endless piles of Gus Hall biographies and vegan cookbooks.

Secondly, it was a quick and informative read that gets you nodding in agreement while simultaneously thinking that there’s a lot more to discuss on the topic. Working on the follow-up yet Hugh? I thought so.

It’s an excellent introductory work to the Blogosphere; almost an invitation to jump on board. His enthusiasm for the “new” medium translates throughout. Average books are based on knowledge. Good books are based on knowledge and passion. Excellent books share that passion with the reader. Hugh…mission accomplished.

The most impressionable chapter to me deals with the various reasons that people “blog.” He does a little categorizing based on some of the more prominent ones out there on the digital plain. But, I’d venture to guess he had the desired result in my case, because I took a few minutes to contemplate my own involvement. I came to the disheartening conclusion that I like to hear myself talk, and the disturbing supposition that I don’t always know what I’m going to say. I guess that’s something.

Quite frankly I don’t get a lot of traffic on this site. Although, I’m surprised by the number of visitors that do show up (and come back). David Sifry (founder of Technorati.com) would refer to me as part of the “tail” as pointed out by Hewitt in “Blog.” I, kind of, like it that way. It’s easier to develop camaraderie and shared interest. Those of us in the “tail” tend to rely less on links and more on “thinks” to a degree. In my opinion, some of the most cerebral, entertaining, and analytical opinions are right out there on the sites that are off the main interstate a couple miles. Nothing in blogland is better than finding an elusive backwoods restaurant with the delicious homemade fare that leaves you wanting more, not yet discovered by the "city folk."

Hugh Hewitt hits all the key notes and works the scales a bit on the future of the medium. But, the lasting impression present cover to cover was the overt delight he has in what blogs have done, what blogs are doing, and what blogs will do…He loves this stuff and it shows. So do I…
Cheers
IR

Bull in the ‘China’ Shop…

2004-12-30T18:35:00.000-05:00

As China forges ahead with relationships to Iran, the European Union, and even Russia the underlying thought is whether they can progress to a position that would challenge the “solitary superpower” label attached to the United States. Internationally, they have continued to develop into an established economical behemoth. However, domestically, there are some serious downplayed problems.
The New York Times via the International Herald Tribune chronicles just a few of the more obvious…

--- Police statistics show the number of public protests reached nearly 60,000 in 2003, an average of 160 per day

--- the Wanzhou uprising, which occurred on Oct. 18, is one of nearly a dozen major incidents of spontaneous social unrest in the past three months, many sparked by government corruption, police abuse and the unequal riches accruing to the powerful and well-connected.
.
--- That marks an increase of nearly 15 percent over 2002 and was eight times as high as the number recorded a decade ago. Martial law and paramilitary troops are commonly needed to restore order when the police lose control.

---protests of the past have concentrated on single localized issues that seldom gathered support from other down trodden groups. However, that is changing exponentially. A solidarity of multiple protest causes has been generating as of late.

--- China is having more trouble than at any time since the Tiananmen Square democracy movement in 1989 maintaining social order.

--- In November, up to 100,000 farmers in Sichuan Province, frustrated by months of fruitless appeals against a dam project that claimed their land, seized Hanyuan County government offices and barred work on the dam site for days. It took 10,000 paramilitary troops to quell the unrest.

--- A week ago, a village filled with migrant workers in Guangdong erupted into a frenzy of violence after the police caught a 15-year-old migrant stealing a bicycle and beat him to death. Up to 50,000 migrants rioted there, Hong Kong newspapers reported.

--- Luo Gan, the Politburo Standing Committee member in charge of law and order, issued new national guidelines warning that "sudden mass incidents" were increasing during China's economic transition and calling for tighter police measures to prevent unrest.

China has been dependent on cheap labor as well as complete government control in order to present favorable international market conditions. As their citizens wake up to the oppression they have been subjected to by, simply, comparing their stagnant life style and hardships to those of privilege within their own borders, the unrest will escalate. That can’t bode well for the status quo. As workers look for more representation, and by default, more favorable working conditions, the ability to exploit cheap labor is going to dwindle. The United States faced these same issues over five (5) decades ago. While basic workers’ rights were an ethical necessity, the cost to American manufacturing was high. China is starting to learn that lesson one protest at a time.

Some would say that the current escalation of common worker unrest in China is a direct result of their increase in foreign business exposure internally. With those foreign workers came foreign ideas, and fortunes to the privileged Chinese. Some would, also, say that the class differences promote a motivation for those oppressed to challenge the current state of affairs in China. Some would be right about that line of thinking.

For China masses, an increasingly short fuse
By Joseph Kahn The New York Times
12/31/04

WANZHOU, China The encounter, at first, seemed purely pedestrian. A man carrying a bag passed a husband and wife on a sidewalk. The man's bag brushed the woman's pant leg, leaving a trace of mud. Words were exchanged. A scuffle ensued.
.
Easily forgettable, except that one of the men, Yu Jikui, was a lowly porter. The other, Hu Quanzong, boasted that he was a ranking government official. Hu beat Yu using the porter's own carrying stick, then threatened to have him killed.
.
For this Yangtze River port city, the script was incendiary. Onlookers spread word that a senior official had abused a helpless porter. By nightfall, tens of thousands of people had swarmed Wanzhou's central square, where they toppled official vehicles, pummeled police officers and torched City Hall.
.
Minor street quarrel provokes mass riot. China's Communist Party, obsessed with enforcing social stability, has few worse fears. Yet the Wanzhou uprising, which occurred on Oct. 18, is one of nearly a dozen major incidents of spontaneous social unrest in the past three months, many sparked by government corruption, police abuse and the unequal riches accruing to the powerful and well-connected.
.
"People can see how corrupt the government is while they barely have enough to eat," said Yu, reflecting on the uprising that made him an instant proletarian hero and later forced him into seclusion. "Our society has a short fuse, just waiting for a spark."

(Continued)

Makeup Ruling on the Money...

2004-12-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

9th Circuit: Employer Can Force Women to Wear Makeup

Justin M. Norton
The Recorder
12-30-2004

In an opinion likely to raise the ire of civil rights and feminist groups, a divided 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled Tuesday that a woman who was fired from her job as a casino bartender for refusing to wear makeup cannot sue for sex discrimination.

The 2-1 decision rejected bartender Darlene Jespersen's argument that Harrah's Operating Co. violated her rights when it implemented "Personal Best" image standards requiring women to wear makeup and men to trim their fingernails and keep their hair short.

"Even if we were to take judicial notice of the fact that the application of makeup requires some expenditure of time and money, Jespersen would still have the burden of producing some evidence that the burdens associated with the makeup requirement are greater than the burdens the 'Personal Best' policy imposes on male bartenders," Senior Judge A. Wallace Tashima wrote for the majority.

Judge Barry Silverman concurred.

Judge Sidney Thomas dissented, saying that a jury easily could have found that the makeup requirement illegally requires female employees to conform to sex stereotypes, or that it places more of a burden on women than Harrah's male grooming standards.

"Sex-differentiated appearance standards stemming from stereotypes that women are unfit for work, fulfill a different role in the workplace, or are incapable of exercising professional judgment systematically impose a burden on women, converting such stereotypes into stubborn reality," Thomas wrote.
(Continued at Law.com)

I took a little skip around the blogosphere to see if anyone had an opinion on this case. I should have known better. It seems that anyone who stumbled across the decision had an opinion. Various and the indifferent can be seen here, here, here, there, everywhere...

Most seem to think that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blew another one. They didn't. In fact the only stupidity here is that something like this requires a Court decision in the first place. Simply put, a private company initiated a company policy (across the board) that reflected on their business, and ultimately, their bottom line. There is little difference from requiring make-up, or requiring that the McDonalds Employees wear those polyester uniforms with the golden arches patch.

Here's a little secret. Jespersen could have won this case before it even got to the lower Court. Harrah's Operating Company would have rolled over without a fight. All Jespersen had to do was get a quick note from a dermatologist that confirmed that continued use of foundation/concealer and/or face powder caused discomfort, and resulted in occasional acne, as well as other skin irritations. Then, she could inform her employer that the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act required her employer to make reasonable accommodation. End of story. Instead, she chose to challenge the company policy head on.

And, she did so poorly. The 9th Circuit points out that there was nothing in the record that documented that she would end up spending 100's of dollars on make-up a year, and invest much time in application. She failed to document, and therefore, make her case.

But, it's more than that. Suppose I worked for a major corporation (which I do). Suppose that major corporation required that all males have to wear a suit and tie to work every day (which they do). Suppose women in a similar position are only required to wear a suit (which they do). It seems to me that I end up spending, nearly, $1,000 in ties over the year (that’s about 30 good silk neckties). Based on the line of thinking of the plaintiff in the underlying case, I am being forced to present a stereotype of a "stuffed shirt businessman," and that effort requires me to spend significantly more money than a female in a similar position. Is there no justice? None needed…

She had no case since this was a private company with an (across the board) imposed dress code. The 9th Circuit made the right choice.

I’m With ‘Crash’ Davis, Ms. Sontag

2004-12-29T15:53:00.000-05:00

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I've usually taken the high road when someone passes to the great beyond. However, in the recent years I've grown much more cynical. And, some folks just rub me the wrong way.

Below you will find a little essay that leaked out of my pointy little head just over three years ago. As it turns out, someone needs to counter all the posthumous adoration (Example: Los Angeles Times columnist Tim Rutten's piece as pointed to by Hugh Hewitt) with a version of the truth.

I was never a fan of Susan Sontag in life. I am just as indifferent to her "importance" in death. But, now that she has assumed room temperature, I gather that I could be categorized as "mean." I accept that…gladly and without reservation.

(Linked to the OTB Traffic Jam)

I’m With ‘Crash’ Davis, Ms. Sontag
November 13, 2001

One often wonders who is there to assist Susan Sontag in the event of a thunderstorm. There is always that risk in the undertaking of self-righteous nose raising that she may drown in the downpour. Be comforted in the realization that drowning requires the depletion of oxygen on the intake. Sontag has long been accustomed to existing without adequate oxygen reaching the brain.

Thomas Wolfe has her pegged as “just another scribbler who spent her life signing up for protest meetings and lumbering to the podium encumbered by her prose style, which had a handicapped parking sticker valid at Partisan Review.” That’s why Wolfe makes the big bucks.

At the risk of portraying a valid point wrapped up in the fictitious Durham Bull soliloquy of “Crash” Davis, “I believe…in the soul ... the small of a woman's back, the hangin' curveball, high fiber, good Scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap...” So, in the interest of comparison, what is it, exactly, that Sontag believes? She believes in herself. That is a meritorious endeavor. However, despite that very act being the goal of any caring parent to instill upon their child, there are serious repercussions to placing one’s confidence in an irrelevant claptrap.

Face it, she is amusing. No matter the issue. No matter the importance. Sontag is the moral equivalent of Benny Hill in a nunnery. She ensconces her percipience, and in the fashion of a drunk baker twists, kneads, and manipulates her message into a preexisting expectation of where her lapdog gnomes of the cultural garden expect her to be. That is all well and good except for the fact that the very foundation of her pedestal is a bunch of hooey. The Sisters of St. Augustine would, certainly, experience trepidation in the acts of Benny Hill. A thinking populace is no more swayed by Sontag.

In fact, I invite Sontag to speak at length, on any topic and at every occasion. It’s not because she says things I want to hear, or encourages a healthy discourse. I don’t and she doesn’t. However, the very nature of her ludicrous points of view is damaging to the credibility of anyone who, somehow, mirrors that high school lesson of “guilt by association.”

When she was interviewed by the New Yorker in the days after the September 11th terrorist attack she did not disappoint. The piece’s title “Observations by Susan Sontag” would have been enough. Where most would use that encumbrance as the header in their personal diary entry. Sontag, somehow, perceives her view as something to be showered upon the great unwashed. I always wondered what entitled her to that luxury. Surely, it wasn’t something that she regurgitated in the past. I have read a number of her “works.” The most impressionable on me was not her intended message I fear.

Early in her career she wrote a number of essays dealing with art. She expounded on Antonin Artaud, proclaiming him a failure. Sontag deduced that Artaud was unable to complete a thought and that his numerous varied works “amount to a broken, self-mutilated corpus, a vast collection of fragments.“ It never occurred to Sontag to look at Artaud’s endeavors as a means to a goal. Despite his own admission of his difficulties in grasp and concentration, perhaps he enjoyed what he did. Perhaps he enjoyed the challenge that accompanied the profession. Perhaps it was the striving for improvement that drove Artaud to cover the gambit of art, cinema, poems, prose, painting, music et al. Instead, Sontag could only see her picture of another artist’s work. There lies the cornerstone of her failings. And there lies the basis of her warped assessment of the events of September 11th. Her audacity to categorize Artaud as a failure in her definition of the word shows the epitome of hypocrisy when you digest, quite forcefully, one of her most well known pieces.

In Against Interpretation and Other Essays (1966) the intuitive response, as she would call it, was the concept of avoiding the intellectual and analytical evaluation of a piece. “The 'meaning' of art lies in the experiencing both style and content together without analysis. “ That’s an interesting revelation coming from someone who, quite solidly, categorized Artaud as a failure based on the inability to stay focussed on a specific idea. I suppose, sometimes one has to twist, knead, and manipulate until the soft pretzel resembles what the public would recognize and consume.

Regardless, in the New Yorker Sontag queried, “Where is the acknowledgment that this was not a "cowardly" attack on "civilization" or "liberty" or "humanity" or "the free world" but an attack on the world's self-proclaimed superpower, undertaken as a consequence of specific American alliances and actions?”

In her “intuitive response” Sontag failed to acknowledge the minor analytical detail that she is an American Citizen, and that the acts of the terrorists were defined by the actors to be murderous, callous acts in cold blood against all American citizens. No. Instead, we ‘intellectuals’ should ponder the all encompassing innate observations and deliberate the feelings of the rat bastards who butchered 4,537 human beings in the name of their “God.” To Sontag, that would be the reasonable response.

Sontag doesn’t think America plays fairly. “How many citizens are aware of the ongoing American bombing of Iraq? And if the word "cowardly" is to be used, it might be more aptly applied to those who kill from beyond the range of retaliation, high in the sky, than to those willing to die themselves in order to kill others.

What a wonderful argument for the necessity to initiate an immediate program to provide “certificates of participation” to all parties of conflict (no matter the purpose) so as not to have to go through the uncomfortable foible of having to declare a winner or recognize right from wrong, sane from insane, smart from dumb. I am reminded of the profound words of chronic law abuser Rodney King and my heart just runs with endearing warmth. “Can’t we all just get along?” The answer is “no,” and there are very valid analytical (sometimes intellectual) reasons for that disclosure. Life is not an exercise in participation. Life is not something to be pondered. It is more than that I hope. Maybe it is an ongoing mission in personal accomplishment and achievement. Life could be an effort to better yourself in all capacities. It is not an application in holding back your own potential so as to allow others achievement at your expense. The whole concept of freedom affords the opportunity to accomplish goals as an individual and as a nation. Making the battlefield one of equality is the “intuitive response” of inept logic. Show me a boxer with short arms, and I’ll show you a throw rug.

“Let's by all means grieve together. But let's not be stupid together. A few shreds of historical awareness might help us understand what has just happened, and what may continue to happen. "Our country is strong," we are told again and again. I for one don't find this entirely consoling. Who doubts that America is strong? But that's not all America has to be.”

By all means we grieve together. And, by all means, we shall not be stupid together. Instead, I leave that to Susan Sontag alone. Historical awareness is a conscious motivation to act in a capacity that would guarantee a desired outcome and future deterrent. History holds the souls of Beirut in 1983, Kenya in 1998, Tanzania in 1998, Somalia in 1993, Yemen in 2000, Saudi Arabia in 1996, New York in 1993, and New York, again, in 2001. We are finished with the history lesson Ms. Sontag. The class is entirely too loud. Our country is strong. We are strong in character and pride. I find that extremely consoling, because I realize that character and pride are not given, but earned. They are earned, sometimes, at the expense of those who would try to tarnish those innate qualities within us. A strength-of-purpose lives within the knowledge that our Republic has the ability to control our own destiny so that those cherished freedoms are not on loan from others.

Susan Sontag would say I didn’t understand her point. But, in the very color of her position I understood the whole encompassing view of her work. It initiated an intuitive response. I didn’t take away a single, one-sided, analytical perception as to what she was trying to express in each sentence or phrase. It was pure, unadulterated discord; all of it.

A lesson in reverse to Susan Sontag, never teach the unwashed how to juggle knives, lest they learn to throw them.

The Thinner Blue Line...

2004-12-29T13:43:00.000-05:00

THERE are others who serve this country outside of the military.

Law enforcement is not a "9 to 5'er" when done properly, and with dedication. Each year, about this time, we start seeing tabulations and statistics from the year ending. This, in my opinion, is one of the most important. The men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line & personal plans on hold when necessary. They are the ones that hold off traffic while you change a tire on the freeway. They are the ones that show up in the middle of the night because you thought you heard a noise downstairs. They are, even, the ones who make it a point to go to your child's school to teach them a little about personal responsibility and repercussions of misbehavior.

They face knives, guns, baseball bats, and bombs. They deal with thieves, pedophiles, forgers and murderers. They are our domestic front to the war on terror.

Sometimes they give you a ticket for pushing a little too hard on the accelerator. Sometimes they just give you sound advice in that regard. There are times when they take more than their share of abuse from citizens and the press alike. There are times when they deserve it, and they make solid efforts to address those problems.

154 Law enforcement officers died in the line of duty this year. That is just under one every other day. Unfortunately, statistics say that the tally might not yet be finished for 2004. Regardless of the cause or the means in which they perished, each man or woman leaves a void in our community. They deserve to be honored for their service…

Group: 154 officers died in line of duty in 2004

WASHINGTON (AP) — Law enforcement organizations reported Tuesday that 154 officers died in the line of duty in 2004, nearly half of them in traffic-related accidents.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors said the statistics for 2004 were compiled from reports through Dec. 24.

Seventy-two local, state and federal officers died from traffic-related accidents while 57, about one-third, died from shootings, the organizations said. A variety of causes led to the other deaths.(Continued here)

Hard to Fathom...

2004-12-29T02:01:00.000-05:00

This earthquake generated a huge tsunami wave, hitting the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and even Somalia. Clicking the graphic will take you to a gif animation that shows how the wave moved towards the surrounding coasts. Pay attention to the time lapse above the map to get an idea just how fast the initial wave was moving.

The animation was put together by Kenji Satake, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan.

"Don't Thank Me...Thank My Recruiter"

2004-12-28T22:10:00.000-05:00

What happens when the general public (inclusive of our mainstream media) purposely or inadvertently misrepresents the facts concerning Iraq (and other military issues)? Well, the "military" loads for bear, checks their packs, and comes out firing.

Added to the blog roll is a brand new (meaning that it fired up today) blog called "Don't thank me...thank my recruiter." Behind the keyboard(s) are 13 Veterans aching to educate the public.

This should set it up rather clearly...

WHAT WE HAVE HERE...

Alright people, what we have here is 1 Blog, 13 Veterans reporting for duty, and millions upon millions of soft, fluffy, Civilian brains THAT WANT TO BE EDUCATED IN THE WAYS OF THEIR PROTECTORS!

READ IT, LEARN IT, REMEMBER IT… ALL OF IT!!

NASTYDAWG…OUT!

Canine Crash...

2004-12-28T18:57:00.000-05:00

No one saw the cat running for his life and scurrying under the dumpster...

Dog Drives Truck Into Auto Parts Store
By Associated Press

December 28, 2004, 5:33 PM EST

SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- Michael Henson left the auto parts store with more problems than when he arrived. For that, he can thank his dog.

Henson, whose truck had a sticking throttle, brought his dog along for company when he drove to O'Reilly Auto Parts store in Springdale on Sunday.

"He'd left the truck running -- I guess to show the people at O'Reilly's -- and the dog jumped over and knocked the truck into gear," Springdale police Sgt. Billy Turnbough said.

The truck raced into the building, stunning Henson and clerk Josh Hopper.

"The guy said he was standing there, looked up, and saw his dog driving his truck through the building," Turnbough said.

Hopper said he heard the crash and looked up from the transaction.

"His truck was in the window," Hopper said. "I thought, 'Oh no.' Everybody was fine. His front left tire just made it onto the brick wall."

No one was hurt and no humans or animals were cited, police said.
Copyright © 2004, The Associated Press

Next time Fluffy…don’t get too comfortable…
This short AP blurb reminded me of a Jerry Seinfeld show I saw years back.

He used to do a great bit that dealt with animals (pets mostly). Part of the routine (shown below) dealt with dogs. He’d set up the routine by talking about how your dog always jumped into the driver’s seat as soon as you exited the car…Professing that dogs really wanted to be people…or actually thought that they already were…There’s a definite truth as shown above…

ON DOGS

...A dog will stay stupid. That's why we love them so much. The entire time we know them, they're idiots. Think of your dog. Everytime you come home , he thinks it's amazing. He has no idea how you accomplish this every day. You walk in the door, the joy of this experience overwhelms him. He looks at you, HE'S BACK, IT'S THAT GUY, THAT SAME GUY. He can't believe it. Everything is amazing to your dog. ANOTHER CAN OF FOOD? I DON'T BELIEVE IT.

Dogs want to be people. That's what their lives are about. They don't like being a dog. They're with people all the time, they want to graduate. My dog would sit there all day, he would watch me walk by, he would think to himself, I COULD DO THAT! HE'S NOT THAT GOOD.

That's why the greatest, most exciting moment in the life of a dog is the front seat of your car. You and him in the front seat. It's the only place where your head and his are on the exact same level. He sits up there, he thinks, THIS IS MORE LIKE IT. YOU AND ME TOGETHER, THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. He looks out the front. What's he looking at? He's a dog. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE - A RIGHT OR A LEFT? I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE I AM.

They have a hard time. They stand up, they sit down, they can't handle the turn either way. No matter which way you turn, he's not ready. They don't know what to do. And then comes the great moment of frustration. You stop someplace and get something to eat. This kills him. You get a hamburger, this blows his mind. INSTANT FOOD WHENEVER YOU WANT IT? You know what this means to him? You ever see the look on his face? He looks over at you. HOW'D YOU GET THAT? ARE THEY GIVING IT TO EVERYBODY NOW? YOU THINK I COULD GET ONE? They can't get anything.

Dogs have no money. Isn't that amazing? They're broke their entire lives. But they get through. You know why dogs have no money?---Jerry Seinfeld

Sponge Bob Square Pants for Mayor...

2004-12-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

DEMOCRAT NH State Representative Susan Almy must be considering a run for Student Council President. She wants to give towns and cities the option of providing voting rights to juveniles age 14 and up. She’s working on a State Bill to do just that. Of course, she wants 14 & 15 year olds to get ¼ votes in local elections only. 16 & 17 year olds would get ½ votes.

"I thought that it might be interesting to see if we could get a couple of towns to try doing this as an experiment to see how it would go," Almy said.

"It seems to me that it would be extremely interesting to allow younger youths who were starting to think about civic affairs to be able to start voting in school."
(Article here)

Oh, wonderful. A captive environment with an admitted Leftist bias serving as a polling "palace" for a juvenile electorate.

Forgive me if I don’t think this is a good idea. Courting the “young vote” is an admirable cause. Creating the “younger still vote” isn’t. Her rationalization is that it would raise interest among America’s youth in civic affairs. Is this just another attempt at indoctrination? Probably.

I won’t insult all of America’s youth and conclusively state that 14 year olds are not prepared to make such binding decisions. I’ve met some that instilled a greater sense of confidence in me than a significant number of adults who voted in the 2004 General Election. I, will, however, state that kids need the opportunity to be kids first.

Why stop with 14 year olds? Let’s move it down to 10 years old and start a PAC for Sponge Bob Square Pants. I hear he is a fiscal Conservative capitalist…

Something to Watch in Iran...

2004-12-28T02:15:00.000-05:00

THE conventional wisdom on Iran is that any regime change will be initiated internally. The simple fact of the matter is that, if Iran is to be denied nuclear capability, Mohammad Khatami and the Cleric purists cannot be allowed to continue driving the boat. The talk on the street these days is that Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has the ear of a number of the reformist groups for the late Spring Presidential elections . But, don’t be deceived by the term “reformist.” They have “devolved” such that “reformist” holds the same misnomer as would the term “democrat” in our country.

What should be interesting, however, is the reaction of the Iranian government in the very near future. Apparently, Mohammad Q. Public is getting a bit rambunctious these days. Later this month the Iranian Nurses Union is going to do an overt protest march. What’s unusual is that they are blatantly advertising that fact. Mohammad Sharafi Moghadam has gone so far as to state on record that if the Iranian government continues to ignore their requests, the Union will be forced to act outside the law.

Then, consider that more than 200 workers from Iran Pars Garment plan to hold a rally over back pay in Tehran this week. This is another overt protest right out in front of the rest of the world. They plan on marching from a town in the Northern province to Tehran in an attempt to gain the attention of the Iranian government in reference to 7 months back pay. This one is a 350km walk. You know, there are a lot of towns and villages to stop in on the way to their destination. You have to wonder whether they will pick up some moral support along the way.

The natives are getting restless.

These aren’t pro-Democracy rallies. But, you can’t deny the fact that these are the laymen challenging the highest of the high right out in broad daylight.

Now a few more underlying facts that have been made public recently; The inflation rate since the 8th month of the year in Iran is a whopping 14.8%. That can’t be good, especially when the government has been sitting on wages for the last 7 months. In addition, “the average price of fresh fruits set 33.9% growth last week compared with the first week of last month. Vegetables were also offered at 24.7% higher prices. The CBI report also noted 7.5% and 2.4% increase in the prices of eggs and cooking oil, respectively. Meanwhile, the price of white meat (chicken) set 1.3% increase in the said period while sugar was sold at 0.9% higher price.“

Simply put, an unhappy working class not receiving their wages, but seeing significant cost increases in the most basic of necessities doesn’t make for a jocular disposition. Add to that the public displays of displeasure are growing more daring against a government that exists on control through intimidation and absolute rule. You can almost smell the cordite fuse.

Then there is that other thing. Light Crude is, conveniently, falling faster than Michael Moore at the Victoria Falls Bungi Jump Classic. That can’t be good.

How the Iranian government treats these upcoming demonstrations should be interesting and telling to an extent. Handling them the wrong way could embolden other more costly demonstrations and protests. Certainly, a poorly performing economy combined with a significant number of disconcerted workers is not a recipe for bliss and decorum. It’s almost an invitation to test the bounds of permissibility.

It kind of makes you wonder if there aren’t some guests in Iran stirring the mix a bit. Perhaps someone decided to break out the old Cold War field operative manuals after all.

Devastating...

2004-12-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

UPDATE #2: Six minutes of amazing raw video footage from Sri Lanka Reuters Television via the World Channel via NSB.
(Hat tip to BigJim.org)

Click Photo for slide show available at the IHT (warning graphic)...

Thousands still missing as mass burials begin
(The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse)

Epicenter of quake was devastating wave-maker
(By Andrew C. Revkin The New York Times)

Tour firms cancel trips after tsunami
(Bloomberg News)

Kathy Kinsley of "On the Third Hand" is following this closely having spent time in the region, and understandably, is concerned for friends still there. She has posts
Here-12/26/04
Here-12/26/04
& Here-12/27/04

UPDATED with relief agencies:

International relief organizations are mobilizing to help the earthquake and tsunami victims. Contact information for some groups that are accepting donations:

American Red Cross
800-HELP-NOW (800-435-7669)
www.redcross.org

Mercy Corps
800-852-2100
www.mercycorps.org

Doctors Without Borders
888-392-0392
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Action by Churches Together (ACT International )
www.act-intl.org ACT International

Or send internationally valid check specifying its designation to the earthquake/tsunami victims to:

ACT International
Ecumenical Centre
Route de Ferney 150
P.O. Box 2100
CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland

Catholic Relief Services
www.catholicrelief.org

Direct Relief International
805-964-4767
www.directrelief.org

International Medical Corps
www.imcworldwide.org

International Orthodox
Christian Charities
Middle East Crisis Response
877-803-4622
www.iocc.org

Operation USA
800-678-7255
www.opusa.org

(As listed in USA TODAY-12/27/04)

Capitalism is Cool...

2004-12-26T21:57:00.000-05:00

Who are Peter Cordani and Rudolph Gunnerman?

Odds are that you never will know. But, then again, there is always the chance that they will become household names someday. Both have the potential to create a name for themselves that might eclipse the celebrity of Bill Gates, Henry Ford, and George Washington Carver combined. Such is the norm in the “land of opportunity.” You never know where the next advancement in technology, medicine or convenience will pop up.

The recipe, however, is usually the same. A problem or dilemma exists. A problem solver decides to take a stab at it. Potential for financial gains wait at the end of the rainbow should the problem solver find the solution. Sometimes the impetus is something other than money. But, even those ideological individuals who claim to be searching for the big find in order to “better the world” end up comfortably well off in the end.

ENTER Peter Cordani.

Peter Cordani is a big thinker. Back in 2001 he started doing some research on how to (get this) slow down, or just plain stop a hurricane.

Apparently, Cordani was working on the yard one day and the Soil Moist he was using sent off one of those All American “light bulbs.” Soil Moist is one of those chemical mixtures you put around the roots of the plant so that the water doesn’t pool and cause rot. The moisture, instead, gets absorbed into the polypropylene concoction. Cordani, the thinker, tinkered with the polymers and created a white powder substance. The spoonful of powder, when mixed with a glass of water, immediately turns to, well, goop. It, also, lowers the base temperature of the “goop” to something close to ice.

It’s been a couple years since he invented the product. Cordani even negotiated with Evergreen Aviation in McMinnville, Ore to rent a Boeing 747 Tanker this past hurricane season, while the coasts of the southeast were getting pounded with four strong storms. Astronauts Edgar Mitchell and Scott MacLeod are on the team as well. Cordani considered flying a load out to one of the four storms and giving it a Dyn-O-Gel enema. The goal was to drop in tons of the powder that can absorb 3,000 to 4,000 times its weight, shear the storm, and knock down the temperature about 15 degrees. That, in turn, would lower the Hurricane scale about two categories. That’s the theory as Cordani sees it.

Recently, Cordani and his team have been meeting with representatives of China, Japan, and Taiwan who have showed a curiosity. He’s looking for a substantial investment so that further testing can take place. The US, in general, has taken a skeptical approach to this Floridian’s endeavor.

Government meteorologists and scientists say he hasn’t got a chance of making a difference…But, I know something that they don’t know. Cordani has a previous invention that could endear him to every single female on the planet. It seems that in his Long Island teenage years Cordani invented the heated toilet seat. He’s also, invented straws that change colors based on a chemical reading to prevent against the unknowing use of the date rape drug Rohypnol. Simply put, Cordani identifies a problem, produces a potential solution, and tries to get the two to meet. And, he’s relentless by all accounts.

"We're just going to work on an isolated section in the southern quadrant of the storm and it's going to use its own energy to work against itself. That's the key to this. We're not dropping 300 nautical miles of powder. We're working on a small isolated section," says Cordani.

It sounds far fetched. Perhaps he hasn’t got a chance of pulling it off. Maybe I’m not wrapped too tight to think that he’s on the right track in guarding against one of nature’s greatest furies. But, then again, what would Ben Franklin say about the Space Shuttle?

Oh yeah, one more thing.

In 2001, “Cordani's team chartered a Canberra jet to drop $40,000 worth of his Dyno-O-Gel (also called Dyn-O-Storm) into a dark cloud off West Palm Beach. The event was covered by local TV, which reported that the cloud immediately dissipated. Not only that, a video of the airport radar screen showed that the cloud vanished. “
(you can see a video demonstration right here…)

AND then, there was Rudolph Gunnerman.

Gunnerman is CEO of Sulphco, Inc. and his bailiwick is a new fuel for the combustion engine that is cleaner burning, cheaper to produce, and doesn’t compromise the power produced from a 100% gasoline burning engine. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the teeth to the Saudis?

By all accounts, he’s already done it. In fact, he’s been in a partnership with Catipillar Company since 1994 developing this little dream of his.

Gunnerman’s invention is a substance called “Aqueous fuel for the 21st century” (A21). Essentially, Gunnerman has developed a fuel that is comprised of up to 55% tap water, and 45% Naptha.

What’s Naptha?

It’s an early by-product of the refining process used to produce gasoline. Whoa. Did you get that? One of the most costly factors in the production of gasoline usable in your motor vehicle is the refining process. This is due, not only, to the necessity of creating an efficient burning fuel, but, also, the plethora of regulations placed on the refineries so that environmentalists don’t cry in their Cornflakes. However, the use of Naptha in the formula would require less refining, because the byproduct of the process would be a significant part of the new fuel. That seems like a win/win situation so far doesn’t it? Lower refining costs and lower necessity of imported crude oil would be golden. However, there are other benefits as well. Simply put, have you ever tried to light a substance on fire that is comprised, mostly, of tap water? That would be safety factor #1. Actually, tap water and Naptha would separate naturally, sort of like oil and vinegar. However, the simple addition of a chemical agent to prevent the naptha and water from separating causes the fuel's vapor pressure to drop to one-fifth that of ordinary gasoline. This renders the new fuel inflammable and negates the necessity for a standard engine to have vapor-recovery systems on fuel pumps. Bingo that may be a small cost in auto production, but suppose you produce hundreds of thousands of motor vehicles annually. That a nice savings.

Now the real question. Everyone knows that a new fuel concept won’t be easy to push on the American people if there is a significant loss of power. Ed Begley jr. is, certainly, entitled to a glorified putt-putt golf cart, but that wouldn’t fit the bill for those guys in the Hemi commercial. The water molecules separate into hydrogen and oxygen atoms, which increases the fuel's combustibility. And, listen to this:

Don Patterson, a truck engine account manager with Tenco, the
Caterpillar dealership for 10 counties surrounding Sacramento, has used
A-21 to fuel a three-axle, 300 horsepower tractor truck, and he's
impressed.

"It felt exactly like diesel, good acceleration, no smoke," he says.
"You could not tell you were driving an alternative fuel truck. The other alternative fuels, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, you do get a horsepower and torque loss. Not with this. I've been a journeyman mechanic for 25 years, and I've never seen anything like it."

That was an interview from back in 1996. So where is it? Beats me. You’re lucky to find any information on this potentially revolutionary alternative hybrid fuel source after 1998.

Testing on the new fuel was done all over the country. The Minnesota Transportation Department challenged Gunnerman to convince them, so he flew up and, promptly, convinced them. "it had the cleanest exhaust I've even seen coming out of a diesel. If this really does what it seems, this is big!"---MTD chief operations engineer.

Then there are the comments from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection from 1996:

"It's probably close to half again cleaner than regular gasoline, at
least," says Ed Glick, a planner in charge of the mobile sources section of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, which has studied A-21. "It'll meet the 2005 standards -- the gasoline that we're all using now wouldn't."

So, where is this stuff? Why isn’t all over the market giving Sheiks and Shysters stomach problems? Beats me.

In 1996, A21 won federal approval to be become the first "primary fuel" on the market since the invention of gasoline and diesel more than a century ago. And, apparently, in the City of Reno (home base for Sulphco)A-21 has been successfully used in boilers receiving 250 kilowatts of electricity a day from an A-21-fueled generator stationed on the Gunnerman's property. A-21 can be used in any diesel powered or spark-ignition motor to drive cars, trucks, aircraft, even locomotives. In fact, Reno's city bus N. 405 started using Gunnerman’s initial prototype of A21 back in 1993. On February 22, 1996, after 11,292 miles of city use -- the engine was shipped to Caterpillar for inspection. Reno's Regional Transportation Commission maintenance supervisor Bruce Anderson reported a 29% increase in mpg for the bus.

I’m not an environmentally conscious individual. But, I do support a common sense approach when the concept ties into an economical and strategic advantage. So far, only minor adjustments costing less than $500 would have to be done to existing vehicles so that A21 could be used. However, the cost of the fuel would be about ½ of today’s prices and that cost would be made up rather expeditiously. Gunnerman knows the math. Like all good capitalists he realized that in order to make money, you have to spend money. As of 1996 he had sunk $7 Million of his own money in the development of A21.

So, where is it? Well, the company has focused on alternatives to diesel engines in heavy-trucks and equipment first. Perhaps that’s why we aren’t seeing an A21 pump at the local Sunoco. Then again, I can’t find any recent news on this new fuel. Perhaps there was a flaw of some sort. After all, water has a tendency to freeze in cold climates. However, that problem was solved by an ethanol additive. Who knows?

That’s not the point is it? The truth is, these two remarkable innovators both grabbed onto a problem begging for a solution. Both projects are works in progress. Both of the treasure hunters are relentless in their pursuit. And, our “land of opportunity” provided the freedom that encourages creativity, originality, and innovation.

Incidentally, our society provides that flowerbed for these ideas and the motivation to grow them into a fruit bearing concept. That society is a nice heaping helping of capitalism.

Wishful Drinking...

2004-12-25T23:35:00.000-05:00

Getting stranded between flights can have its advantages.

Midway International had Harry Carey’s Bar and Grill and just enough Vodka Gibsons to get me thinking. I got this curious idea of what type speech I would like to see Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi make to the Iraqi people immediately following the elections at the end of January. So, I wrote one...

Had there been any attractive women in the bar, this might have made a pretty good ice breaker.

"What cha typin'?"

"A speech for Prime Minister Iyad Allawi."

NOW is the time...

Now is the time for my Iraqi brothers and sisters to come together as one to achieve all of our aspirations. You have freedom and justice in your sights and for your part, you must grasp it. Take hold with a passion of which you thought you could never know. It is here for you, and you must seize it for your own.

There is violence in this wondrous country of ours. There are those who would take your new found freedom and pervert it to the days of yesterday. They would return to the beatings, the torture, the privileges to the few and the suffering of the many. To them we must say “no.” We must decisively, conclusively, and unfalteringly state that we will not go back. Iraq has a future of hope; a future of decency; prospect of righteousness. You, my friends, are on the eve of this dream. And, you must grasp it with all your strength.

Now is the time…

We cannot sit and wait for the Americans, or the British, and others to do this for us. We cannot expect freedom and liberty to magically appear within our presence without price. We must earn it for ourselves. We must make our own justice. For we have a vested interest in the future of this country. Our children have that same bound necessity. Our children’s children will someday know that it is because of you, my brothers and sisters, that they live a life of freedom, and boundless opportunity. There is no greater gift that you could provide. None. There is no greater bequest that could be received. Such an opportunity is here, today. Covet it, for it is yours to know at its birth. It is yours to shape, to nurture and to grow. Iraq is yours and she needs you.

Now is the time to move beyond our recent past and learn from our ancestors of old. The Code of Hammurabi basks in the concern of the ruler for the weak, the widow, and the orphan. In a democracy the ruler is each and every one of you. With that representation derives a responsibility to your neighbors. We were once the envy of the world as one of the first civilizations to honor our citizens with Mesopotamian legal theory. That sense of justice must be returned in full so that the world can, again, look upon our great land to see the honor and pride that Iraqis take in their fairness to their fellow man. These are not tasks that can take place tomorrow. People of Iraq; now is the time.

Now is the time to put away our petty differences that pale in comparison to this task at hand. Dwell not upon your weariness, your strength shall be according to the measure of your desire. There is an old Iraqi proverb that says “Two cats can strangle one dog.” Think of that my friends as you face the hardships created by the miscreants fighting our efforts to move beyond Saddam Hussein’s tyranny. We are all Iraqi. We are a proud people entitled to a more equal representation. And, we are, also, 25 Million cats under siege by a handful of unruly dogs. Now is the time, my friends, to end their lawlessness. Now is the time to remove these foreign weeds from our garden so that it can grow in peace and prosperity. NOW IS THE TIME.

Some have accused the Americans of invading our sovereign soil in their own self-interest. They have been accused of being more interested in what dwells under our soil rather than the remarkable people who dwell on top of it. I do not believe this to be true. I have seen the schools they have rebuilt. I have watched them return our water works and our electrical facilities to working order. I have witnessed, first hand, the absolute respect and dignity that they instill in my fellow citizens. They are not invaders. They are liberators. I recognize the opportunity that they have placed in front of us. Regardless of what you believe to be their motives, my fellow Iraqis, the simple fact of the matter is that the Americans have given you a tremendous opportunity. We cannot let it pass us by. We will not.

I will leave you with another Iraqi proverb that, without a doubt exists in many different cultures throughout the world. “A journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step.” Now is the time to take that step. Do not fear those who would stand in your way. You have the strength and the brotherhood of free Iraq at your side. You, also, have the support of many beyond our shores who are looking to Iraq to set an example of peace and prosperity throughout our corner of the world. It is up to us to show them the real potency of our resolve.

Now is the time…

And to all...

2004-12-24T22:26:00.000-05:00