By the time I encountered Cory Bray, a towering senior from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, the beer was flowing freely. "The people opposed to the war aren't putting their asses on the line," Bray boomed from beside the bar. Then why isn't he putting his ass on the line? "I'm not putting my ass on the line because I had the opportunity to go to the number-one business school in the country," he declared, his voice rising in defensive anger, "and I wasn't going to pass that up."Yeah I suppose making an ass of yourself and supporting Dubya is shit.
And besides, being a College Republican is so much more fun than counterinsurgency warfare. Bray recounted the pride he and his buddies had felt walking through the center of campus last fall waving a giant American flag, wearing cowboy boots and hats with the letters B-U-S-H painted on their bare chests. "We're the big guys," he said. "We're the ones who stand up for what we believe in. The College Democrats just sit around talking about how much they hate Bush. We actually do shit."
6.30.2005
Asshat of the week
Cory Bray, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business
Is it just me or is this nuckin' futs?
The DeLand (FL) City Council voted against the use of touch screen Diebold vote stealing machines. Now they face lawsuits declaring the county in violation of the law. It stems from the fact that the only devices currently certified in Florida to meet the accessibility requirements of the disabled are touch screens Diebold vote stealing machines.
If the lawsuit is successful, it will be almost impossible for local governments to stop the invasion oftouch screens Diebold vote stealing machines. Well, there goes the Democracy.
Read more via The Orlando Sentinel
If the lawsuit is successful, it will be almost impossible for local governments to stop the invasion of
Read more via The Orlando Sentinel
Luckovich 06/30/2005
This is the first image hosted by my new wildsects.com domain. I haven't created an actual web site yet but I will eventually.
Sporadic blogging
I won't be posting very much over the next several days. I'm getting very busy at work and I'm helping to organize a family reunion. I'll try and keep abreast of current events and post when I can. It'll mostly just be passing on things of interest (so what's new, eh?).
The Vent from the AJC
Thursday
I told you America was influencing the Middle East. Now Iran has a religious bigot know-nothing for its president too.
I have something good to say about George Bush: He helped me to appreciate what a great country this was.
The Chinese bid to take over an American oil company is just the first chapter of the corporate sellout of our nation in the interest of profits.
This Fourth of July, I am going to celebrate freedom from an oppressive government and smoke a banned substance: a Cuban cigar.
Anybody else find it kind of strange that the same crowd that wants to display the Ten Commandments also wants to change to Constitution to elevate flag worship to the point of idolatry?
This liberal was a Marine during Vietnam. I'll vent about anything I like, chicken hawk!
Conservatives should not be allowed to vent about Vietnam. They should only mention college, where they fled.
Yippee! Now we can put a monument of the Quran in front of our courthouse!
I guess you have to be a raving lunatic to get a vent printed. OK, here goes: George W. Bush is America's greatest president.
So now that America is losing faith in the mission in Iraq, can we please have our money back?
I guess if you say it enough people will think it’s the truth,.i.e, Bush linking the current war in Iraq to the tragedy on September 11.
Will all the young Republicans who voted for the “war President” please go enlist?
I told you America was influencing the Middle East. Now Iran has a religious bigot know-nothing for its president too.
I have something good to say about George Bush: He helped me to appreciate what a great country this was.
The Chinese bid to take over an American oil company is just the first chapter of the corporate sellout of our nation in the interest of profits.
This Fourth of July, I am going to celebrate freedom from an oppressive government and smoke a banned substance: a Cuban cigar.
Anybody else find it kind of strange that the same crowd that wants to display the Ten Commandments also wants to change to Constitution to elevate flag worship to the point of idolatry?
This liberal was a Marine during Vietnam. I'll vent about anything I like, chicken hawk!
Conservatives should not be allowed to vent about Vietnam. They should only mention college, where they fled.
Yippee! Now we can put a monument of the Quran in front of our courthouse!
I guess you have to be a raving lunatic to get a vent printed. OK, here goes: George W. Bush is America's greatest president.
So now that America is losing faith in the mission in Iraq, can we please have our money back?
I guess if you say it enough people will think it’s the truth,.i.e, Bush linking the current war in Iraq to the tragedy on September 11.
Will all the young Republicans who voted for the “war President” please go enlist?
6.28.2005
REQUIRED READING
Guest Viewpoint: The party's over for betrayed Republican
By James Chaney
As of today, after 25 years, I am no longer a Republican.
I take this step with deep regret, and with a deep sense of betrayal.
I still believe in the vast power of markets to inspire ideas, motivate solutions and eliminate waste. I still believe in international vigilance and a strong defense, because this world will always be home to people who will avidly seek to take or destroy what we have built as a nation. I still believe in the protection of individuals and businesses from the influence and expense of an over-involved government. I still believe in the hand-in-hand concepts of separation of church and state and absolute freedom to worship, in the rights of the states to govern themselves without undo federal interference, and in the host of other things that defined me as a Republican.
My problem is this: I believe in principles and ideals which my party has systematically discarded in the last 10 years.
My Republican Party was the party of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Barry Goldwater, and George H.W. Bush. It was a party of honesty and accountability. It was a party of tolerance, and practicality and honor. It was a party that faced facts and dealt with reality, and that crafted common-sense solutions to problems based on the facts as they were, not as we wished them to be, or even worse, as we made them up. It was a party that told the truth, even when the truth came hard. And now, it is none of those things.
Fifty years from now, the Republican Party of this era will be judged by how we provided for the nation's future on three core issues: how we led the world on the environment, how we minded the business of running our country in such a way that we didn't go bankrupt, and whether we gracefully accepted our place on the world's stage as its only superpower. Sadly, we have built the foundation for dismal failure on all three counts. And we've done it in such a way that we shouldn't be surprised if neither the American people nor the world ever trusts us again.
My party has repeatedly ignored, discarded and even invented science to suit its needs, most spectacularly as to global warming. We have an opportunity and the responsibility to lead the world on this issue, but instead we've chosen greed, shortsightedness and deliberate ignorance.
We have mortgaged the country's fiscal future in a way that no Democratic Congress or administration ever did, and to justify the tax cuts that brought us here, we've simply changed the rules. I matured as a Republican believing that uncontrolled deficit spending is harmful and irresponsible; I still do. But the party has yet to explain to me why it's a good thing now, other than to say "... because we say so."
Our greatest failure, though, has been in our role as superpower. This world needs justice, democracy and compassion, and as the keystone of those things, it needs one thing above all else: truth.
Republican decisions made in 2002 and 2003 have killed almost 2,000 of the most capable patriots our country has to offer - volunteers, every one. Support for those decisions was gathered through what appeared at the time to be spin and marketing, but which now turns out to have been deliberate planning and falsehood. The Blair government's internal documentation only confirms what has been suspected for years: Americans are dying every day for Republican lies first crafted in 2002, expanded and embellished upon in 2003, and which continue to this day. This calculated deception is now burned into the legacy of the party, every bit as much as Reagan's triumph in the Cold War, or Nixon's disgrace over Watergate.
I could go on and on - about how we have compromised our international integrity by sanctioning torture, about how we are systematically dismantling the civil liberties that it took us two centuries to define and preserve, and about how we have substituted bullying, brinksmanship and "staying on message" for real political discourse - but those three issues are enough.
We're poisoning our planet through gluttony and ignorance.
We're teetering on the brink of self-inflicted insolvency.
We're selfishly and needlessly sacrificing the best of a generation.
And we're lying about it.
While it has compiled this record of failure and deception, the party which I'm leaving today has spent its time, energy and political capital trying to save Terri Schiavo, battling the threat of single-sex unions, fighting medical marijuana and physician-assisted suicide, manufacturing political crises over presidential nominees, and selling privatized Social Security to an America that isn't buying. We fiddle while Rome burns.
Enough is enough. I quit.
From The Register-Guard - Eugene, OR
By James Chaney
As of today, after 25 years, I am no longer a Republican.
I take this step with deep regret, and with a deep sense of betrayal.
I still believe in the vast power of markets to inspire ideas, motivate solutions and eliminate waste. I still believe in international vigilance and a strong defense, because this world will always be home to people who will avidly seek to take or destroy what we have built as a nation. I still believe in the protection of individuals and businesses from the influence and expense of an over-involved government. I still believe in the hand-in-hand concepts of separation of church and state and absolute freedom to worship, in the rights of the states to govern themselves without undo federal interference, and in the host of other things that defined me as a Republican.
My problem is this: I believe in principles and ideals which my party has systematically discarded in the last 10 years.
My Republican Party was the party of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Barry Goldwater, and George H.W. Bush. It was a party of honesty and accountability. It was a party of tolerance, and practicality and honor. It was a party that faced facts and dealt with reality, and that crafted common-sense solutions to problems based on the facts as they were, not as we wished them to be, or even worse, as we made them up. It was a party that told the truth, even when the truth came hard. And now, it is none of those things.
Fifty years from now, the Republican Party of this era will be judged by how we provided for the nation's future on three core issues: how we led the world on the environment, how we minded the business of running our country in such a way that we didn't go bankrupt, and whether we gracefully accepted our place on the world's stage as its only superpower. Sadly, we have built the foundation for dismal failure on all three counts. And we've done it in such a way that we shouldn't be surprised if neither the American people nor the world ever trusts us again.
My party has repeatedly ignored, discarded and even invented science to suit its needs, most spectacularly as to global warming. We have an opportunity and the responsibility to lead the world on this issue, but instead we've chosen greed, shortsightedness and deliberate ignorance.
We have mortgaged the country's fiscal future in a way that no Democratic Congress or administration ever did, and to justify the tax cuts that brought us here, we've simply changed the rules. I matured as a Republican believing that uncontrolled deficit spending is harmful and irresponsible; I still do. But the party has yet to explain to me why it's a good thing now, other than to say "... because we say so."
Our greatest failure, though, has been in our role as superpower. This world needs justice, democracy and compassion, and as the keystone of those things, it needs one thing above all else: truth.
Republican decisions made in 2002 and 2003 have killed almost 2,000 of the most capable patriots our country has to offer - volunteers, every one. Support for those decisions was gathered through what appeared at the time to be spin and marketing, but which now turns out to have been deliberate planning and falsehood. The Blair government's internal documentation only confirms what has been suspected for years: Americans are dying every day for Republican lies first crafted in 2002, expanded and embellished upon in 2003, and which continue to this day. This calculated deception is now burned into the legacy of the party, every bit as much as Reagan's triumph in the Cold War, or Nixon's disgrace over Watergate.
I could go on and on - about how we have compromised our international integrity by sanctioning torture, about how we are systematically dismantling the civil liberties that it took us two centuries to define and preserve, and about how we have substituted bullying, brinksmanship and "staying on message" for real political discourse - but those three issues are enough.
We're poisoning our planet through gluttony and ignorance.
We're teetering on the brink of self-inflicted insolvency.
We're selfishly and needlessly sacrificing the best of a generation.
And we're lying about it.
While it has compiled this record of failure and deception, the party which I'm leaving today has spent its time, energy and political capital trying to save Terri Schiavo, battling the threat of single-sex unions, fighting medical marijuana and physician-assisted suicide, manufacturing political crises over presidential nominees, and selling privatized Social Security to an America that isn't buying. We fiddle while Rome burns.
Enough is enough. I quit.
From The Register-Guard - Eugene, OR
Dubya sez... Part Deux
THEN: Concerning Kosovo.
"Victory means exit strategy, and it’s important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is.”
-George W. Bush, 4/9/99
“I think it’s also important for the president to lay out a timetable as to how long they will be involved and when they will be withdrawn.”
-George W. Bush, 6/3/99
NOW: Concerning Iraq.
“It doesn’t make any sense to have a timetable. You know, if you give a timetable, you’re — you’re conceding too much to the enemy.”
-George W. Bush, 6/24/05
Dubya sez...
"You see, not only did the attacks help accelerate a recession, the attacks reminded us that we are at war."
—George W. Bush, on the Sept. 11 attacks, Washington, D.C., June 8, 2005
Quote of the day
A quote that Howard Dean seems to be following very closely.
"You don't have to give the Republicans Hell. All You have to do is tell the truth, and they'll think that it's Hell."
-Harry Truman
"You don't have to give the Republicans Hell. All You have to do is tell the truth, and they'll think that it's Hell."
-Harry Truman
Rumsfeld once criticized the Johnson administration for not coming clean about Vietnam
Do his statements from the 60s sound familiar to you? They should. That's what most of us are saying now about Iraq.
Via Think Progress During Vietnam, Rumsfeld Criticized Administration For “Credibility Gap”
Via Think Progress During Vietnam, Rumsfeld Criticized Administration For “Credibility Gap”
U.S. headed for disaster when efforts in Iraq collapse
Red flags flapping sharply in the wind signal our country is on the verge of a major political - and economic - setback.
We may now be only weeks away from a complete collapse of the Iraqi army and the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq in the face of overwhelming public pressure on Tony Blair.
That is a realistic projection based on the reports of two Washington Post reporters, whose dispatches from inside Iraqi Army units and U.S. units assigned to train and work with the Iraqi military have just been published.
What the Post reporters found was massive disenchantment on both sides: American forces bitterly disappointed with the Iraqi government forces, and Iraqi troops harboring similar feelings toward their American counterparts. Only a small percentage of all Iraqi troops are now estimated to be adequately trained to take over the defense of their country. Desertions are widespread.
More than 1,700 American men and women sent to Iraq have returned home in body bags thus far, and more than 7,000 have been critically wounded. War dead in total exceeds 25,000, including "collateral casualties." And the price tag for our military operations tops $200 billion - and counting.
Read on...
We may now be only weeks away from a complete collapse of the Iraqi army and the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq in the face of overwhelming public pressure on Tony Blair.
That is a realistic projection based on the reports of two Washington Post reporters, whose dispatches from inside Iraqi Army units and U.S. units assigned to train and work with the Iraqi military have just been published.
What the Post reporters found was massive disenchantment on both sides: American forces bitterly disappointed with the Iraqi government forces, and Iraqi troops harboring similar feelings toward their American counterparts. Only a small percentage of all Iraqi troops are now estimated to be adequately trained to take over the defense of their country. Desertions are widespread.
More than 1,700 American men and women sent to Iraq have returned home in body bags thus far, and more than 7,000 have been critically wounded. War dead in total exceeds 25,000, including "collateral casualties." And the price tag for our military operations tops $200 billion - and counting.
Read on...
Frist joins his buddy DeLay in Sleazeland
Yesterday, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and his 2000 Senate campaign committee, Frist 2000, Inc.
They allege that the Frist 2000, Inc. failed to disclose a $1.44 million loan taken out jointly by Frist 2000, Inc. and by Frist’s 1994 campaign committee, Bill Frist for Senate, Inc., making it appear that Frist 2000, Inc. had a lot more money that it actually had.
In June 2000, Frist took $1 million of the money that had been contributed to his 2000 Senate campaign and invested it in the stock market, where it promptly began losing money. Isn't he all for private accounts for our Social Security? But I digress. In November 2000, Frist tried to collect $1.2 million he had lent his 1994 Senate campaign committee. But as a result of the stock market losses, Frist 2000, Inc. did not have enough money to repay the loan. Frist solved this problem by having the 1994 and the 2000 campaign committees jointly take out a $1.44 million bank loan at a cost of $10,000 a month interest. Frist 2000, Inc. did not report this debt on its FEC disclosure forms.
I really hope this gets all the attention it deserves.
They allege that the Frist 2000, Inc. failed to disclose a $1.44 million loan taken out jointly by Frist 2000, Inc. and by Frist’s 1994 campaign committee, Bill Frist for Senate, Inc., making it appear that Frist 2000, Inc. had a lot more money that it actually had.
In June 2000, Frist took $1 million of the money that had been contributed to his 2000 Senate campaign and invested it in the stock market, where it promptly began losing money. Isn't he all for private accounts for our Social Security? But I digress. In November 2000, Frist tried to collect $1.2 million he had lent his 1994 Senate campaign committee. But as a result of the stock market losses, Frist 2000, Inc. did not have enough money to repay the loan. Frist solved this problem by having the 1994 and the 2000 campaign committees jointly take out a $1.44 million bank loan at a cost of $10,000 a month interest. Frist 2000, Inc. did not report this debt on its FEC disclosure forms.
I really hope this gets all the attention it deserves.
6.27.2005
We have a bunch of children running the country
I don't know how credible this is. I got it from Drudge. We all know of his painstaking efforts to verify each and every story before posting them. But doesn't this sound like a bunch of immature morons to you? Some Republicans are talking about retaliating against ALL of baseball because someone who makes them feel bad might buy himself a team. I can't wait until the Republicans start nominating adults for public office again.
Despite the Washington Nationals' successful start to the season, to some Capitol Hill Republicans there is a dark cloud on the Nats' horizon: the potential that their newly adopted home team could be purchased by billionaire financier George Soros!
Soros has joined an ownership bid being led by entrepreneur Jonathan Ledecky that is angling to take over the Nats, who are currently owned by Major League Baseball.
ROLL CALL reports: Soros pumped more than $20 million in the last cycle into groups seeking to unseat President Bush and elect Democrats and relates that the very prospect that Soros could have a stake in the team is enough to irritate Congressional Republicans.
"I think Major League Baseball understands the stakes," said Government Reform Chairman Tom Davis (R), who recently convened high-profile steroid hearings.
Davis said that if a Soros sale went through, "I don't think it's the Nats that get hurt. I think it's Major League Baseball that gets hurt.
They enjoy all sorts of exemptions' from anti-trust laws. Rep. John Sweeney (R-N.Y.), vice chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that covers the District of Columbia budget, said if Soros buys the team and seeks public funding for a new stadium or anything else, the GOP attitude would be, "Let him pay for it."
6.26.2005
6.25.2005
Homeland Security and Eminent Domain
"Freedom and property, one and inseparable, now and forever."
-Daniel Webster
I guess the forever part ended with the Bush administration.
-Daniel Webster
I guess the forever part ended with the Bush administration.
6.24.2005
Little things that bug me
It bugs me that computer keyboards don't have a cent sign. We have a dollar sign because it's used in code but why not a cent sign? Oh sure, you can get a cent sign with wingdings but that's a pain in the ass. Does anyone else think this is weird? Or am I weird for even bringing it up?
Kristen Breitweiser smacks Karl Rove around a little
"For the record Karl, does Iraq have any connection to the 9/11 attacks? Because, you and your friends with your collective “understanding of 9/11” seem to be contradicting yourselves about the Iraq-9/11 connection, too. First, we were told that we went to war with Iraq because it was linked to the 9/11 attacks. Then, your rationale was changed to "Iraq has WMD". Then you told us that we needed to invade Iraq because Saddam was a "bad man". And now it turns out that we are in Iraq to bring them "democracy."
"Karl, you say you “understand” 9/11. Then why did you and your friends so vehemently oppose the creation of a 9/11 Independent Commission? Once the commission was established, why did you refuse to properly fund the Commission by allotting it only a $3 million budget? Why did you refuse to allow access to documents and witnesses for the 9/11 Commissioners? Why did we have to fight so hard for an extension when the Commissioners told us that they needed more time due to your footdragging and stonewalling? Why didn't you want to cooperate so that all Americans could “understand” what happened on 9/11"
"It was only after your invasion of Iraq, that Bin Laden's goals were met. Because of your war in Iraq two things happened that helped Bin Laden and the terrorists: al Qaeda recruitment soared and the United States is now alienated from and hated by the rest of the world. In effect, what Bin Laden could not achieve by murdering my husband and 3,000 others on 9/11, you handed to him on a silver platter with your invasion of Iraq - a country that had nothing to do with 9/11."
"Karl, you say you “understand” 9/11. Then why did you and your friends so vehemently oppose the creation of a 9/11 Independent Commission? Once the commission was established, why did you refuse to properly fund the Commission by allotting it only a $3 million budget? Why did you refuse to allow access to documents and witnesses for the 9/11 Commissioners? Why did we have to fight so hard for an extension when the Commissioners told us that they needed more time due to your footdragging and stonewalling? Why didn't you want to cooperate so that all Americans could “understand” what happened on 9/11"
"It was only after your invasion of Iraq, that Bin Laden's goals were met. Because of your war in Iraq two things happened that helped Bin Laden and the terrorists: al Qaeda recruitment soared and the United States is now alienated from and hated by the rest of the world. In effect, what Bin Laden could not achieve by murdering my husband and 3,000 others on 9/11, you handed to him on a silver platter with your invasion of Iraq - a country that had nothing to do with 9/11."
Rove is right: there are differences
White House spokesman Scott McClellan says that Karl Rove just meant that Democrats and Republicans had "different philosophies" when it comes to their reactions following 9/11. We agree. Our philosophies couldn't be more different when it comes to fighting international terrorism. Let's compare:
Democrats
Believe capturing the person primarily responsible for the attack should be a top priority.
Republicans
It's been four years, and Osama bin Laden is still free, even though Bush's CIA chief says he knows where he is.
Democrats
Investigate the intelligence failures that led to 9/11.
Republicans
Do everything in their power to block the 9/11 Commission from doing its work.
Democrats
Propose creating the Department of Homeland Security.
Republicans
Push tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
Democrats
Believe we should have stayed the course in Afghanistan, not allowing the Taliban to resurge, the warlords to take power, and the opium trade to skyrocket.
Republicans
Ignore Afghanistan as the situation worsens.
Democrats
Believe that we should be honest with our troops about the reasons we go to war, give them everything they need to be safe, and make sure we go in with an exit plan.
Republicans
Manipulate intelligence to trump up reasons to go to war, don't give our troops the support they need, constantly mislead the public about the direction the war is going, and fail to make an exit plan. And turn Iraq into the ultimate terrorist training ground.
DNC: Kicking Ass
Democrats
Believe capturing the person primarily responsible for the attack should be a top priority.
Republicans
It's been four years, and Osama bin Laden is still free, even though Bush's CIA chief says he knows where he is.
Democrats
Investigate the intelligence failures that led to 9/11.
Republicans
Do everything in their power to block the 9/11 Commission from doing its work.
Democrats
Propose creating the Department of Homeland Security.
Republicans
Push tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
Democrats
Believe we should have stayed the course in Afghanistan, not allowing the Taliban to resurge, the warlords to take power, and the opium trade to skyrocket.
Republicans
Ignore Afghanistan as the situation worsens.
Democrats
Believe that we should be honest with our troops about the reasons we go to war, give them everything they need to be safe, and make sure we go in with an exit plan.
Republicans
Manipulate intelligence to trump up reasons to go to war, don't give our troops the support they need, constantly mislead the public about the direction the war is going, and fail to make an exit plan. And turn Iraq into the ultimate terrorist training ground.
DNC: Kicking Ass
Last throes?
The Pentagon estimates that the insurgency is about 25,000 strong. In November 2003 the Pentagon said the insurgency was about 5,000 strong. So is it normal for something that is in it's "last throes" to gain momentum? Just curious.
Do you remember this?
Burning the flag is a no-no but defacing one is still perfectly ok. Good to know.
6.23.2005
Welcome to Amerika
So now the Supreme Court has ruled that local governments can take your home or business for the use of private enterprise. They've always been able to invoke "eminent domain" to take your property for use in roads, schools, etc. but now a private company can claim your property to increase their profits.
That's what is happening right now in New London Connecticut. The local government seized people's homes to make way for an office, residential and retail complex supporting a new $300 million research facility of the Pfizer pharmaceutical company. They argued that the complex will increase employment, taxes, etc. which is all for "the public good".
This is disgusting! Some of these folks have lived in their homes for decades and certainly expected to remain there for the rest of their lives. I guess Dubya was right. Freedom is on the march. It's marching right out of Amerika.
Read more here via The Sun Myung Moon Post
That's what is happening right now in New London Connecticut. The local government seized people's homes to make way for an office, residential and retail complex supporting a new $300 million research facility of the Pfizer pharmaceutical company. They argued that the complex will increase employment, taxes, etc. which is all for "the public good".
This is disgusting! Some of these folks have lived in their homes for decades and certainly expected to remain there for the rest of their lives. I guess Dubya was right. Freedom is on the march. It's marching right out of Amerika.
Read more here via The Sun Myung Moon Post
My Living Will
Thanks to Suzy!
"My Living Will"
I, _________________________ (fill in the blank),
being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be
kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.
Under no circumstances should my fate be put in
the hands of peckerwood ethically challenged
politicians who couldn't pass ninth/tenth-grade
biology if their lives depended on it.
If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to
sit up and ask for a Captain Morgan's on the rocks, cold
beer, etc., it should be presumed that I won't ever
get better. When such a determination is reached,
I hereby instruct my spouse, children, and attending
physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes, and
call it a day. Under no circumstances shall the
hypercritical members of the Legislature (State or
Federal) enact a special law to keep me on life-
support machinery. It is my wish that these boneheads
mind their own damn business and pay attention
instead to the health, education, and future of the
millions of Americans who aren't in a permanent coma.
Under no circumstances shall any politicians butt into
this case. I don't care how many fundamentalist votes
they're trying to scrounge I couldn't care less if a
hundred religious zealots send e-mails to legislators
in which they pretend to care about me. I don't know
these people, and I certainly haven't authorized them
to preach and crusade on my behalf. They should
mind their own business, too.
If any of my family goes against my wishes and turns
my case into a political cause, I hereby promise to
come back from the grave and make his or her
existence a living hell.
_____________________ _____________________
Signature Witness
Date_________ Date ___________
"My Living Will"
I, _________________________ (fill in the blank),
being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be
kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.
Under no circumstances should my fate be put in
the hands of peckerwood ethically challenged
politicians who couldn't pass ninth/tenth-grade
biology if their lives depended on it.
If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to
sit up and ask for a Captain Morgan's on the rocks, cold
beer, etc., it should be presumed that I won't ever
get better. When such a determination is reached,
I hereby instruct my spouse, children, and attending
physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes, and
call it a day. Under no circumstances shall the
hypercritical members of the Legislature (State or
Federal) enact a special law to keep me on life-
support machinery. It is my wish that these boneheads
mind their own damn business and pay attention
instead to the health, education, and future of the
millions of Americans who aren't in a permanent coma.
Under no circumstances shall any politicians butt into
this case. I don't care how many fundamentalist votes
they're trying to scrounge I couldn't care less if a
hundred religious zealots send e-mails to legislators
in which they pretend to care about me. I don't know
these people, and I certainly haven't authorized them
to preach and crusade on my behalf. They should
mind their own business, too.
If any of my family goes against my wishes and turns
my case into a political cause, I hereby promise to
come back from the grave and make his or her
existence a living hell.
_____________________ _____________________
Signature Witness
Date_________ Date ___________
Quote of the day part II
The question becomes - do we as a society base our culture on sound principals, morals, and science, or do we base it on improvable doctrine that is thousands of years old, which has no real relevance to the world today?
Remember - only 2 of the 10 commandments are actual laws. Don't steal. Don't kill. Duh!
This is really important.
If the fundi's win this one.. here's what we should do.. find some fundi's, wait for them to eat a shrimp, then beat them to death with large stones. Then, at trial, argue that the Old Testament (where the story of the 10 commandments lives) specifically states that eating shell fish is an abomination, and those that partake must be beaten to death. That's God's law.
Then we can move onto everyone who has had a divorce.. Rush Limbaugh is first..
-Tom from Tom's Irrelevant Musings
I LOVE it!
-John in Atlanta
Remember - only 2 of the 10 commandments are actual laws. Don't steal. Don't kill. Duh!
This is really important.
If the fundi's win this one.. here's what we should do.. find some fundi's, wait for them to eat a shrimp, then beat them to death with large stones. Then, at trial, argue that the Old Testament (where the story of the 10 commandments lives) specifically states that eating shell fish is an abomination, and those that partake must be beaten to death. That's God's law.
Then we can move onto everyone who has had a divorce.. Rush Limbaugh is first..
-Tom from Tom's Irrelevant Musings
I LOVE it!
-John in Atlanta
Quote of the day
"Nothing is more important in the face of a war than cutting taxes."
- House Majority Leader Tom DeLay
That makes about as much sense as saying "Nothing is more important in the face of going on a shopping spree that seeking a lower paying job."
- House Majority Leader Tom DeLay
That makes about as much sense as saying "Nothing is more important in the face of going on a shopping spree that seeking a lower paying job."
Missionary Positions
An article in the Bangkok Post this week detailed the expansion plans of an international school that is operating in Thailand. This one, Trinity International School, is 40% owned by a local bank, but the school is a member of the Association of Seventh-Day Adventist Schools and Colleges. According to Viroj Siriwattanakamol, the CEO of Trinity Education Co. Ltd., the school offers lower tuition fees than other Thailand-based international schools (of which there are dozens) because the “teachers are Seventh-day Adventists and willing to accept low salaries while carrying out their missionary work, which focuses on helping students achieve mental and physical balance.”
Frankly, I find the presence of such missionaries in Thailand to be more than a bit creepy. Their need – or mission - to convert the “heathens” in foreign countries such as Thailand strikes me as very perverted. Thailand is a lovely country with a peaceful vibe. Much of that serenity I attribute to the widespread practice of Buddhism among the populace. Why do so many Christian organizations feel like it’s their duty to set up operations in foreign countries in the attempt to convert others to Christianity? They seem to believe that they have some sort of monopoly on faith, charity, forgiveness and morality. I don’t think so!
The other disturbing aspect of this sort of missionary work is that it usually comes with stipulations. If Christians come over here to help underprivileged people out of the kindness of their heart, that is wonderful. But when they build schools for communities or provide food and medicine to the poor under the condition that the recipients must accept Christ as their savior (and repent from their previous “immoral” lifestyle), well, that’s when I think these seemingly sincere acts of generosity have suspect motivation.
Frankly, I find the presence of such missionaries in Thailand to be more than a bit creepy. Their need – or mission - to convert the “heathens” in foreign countries such as Thailand strikes me as very perverted. Thailand is a lovely country with a peaceful vibe. Much of that serenity I attribute to the widespread practice of Buddhism among the populace. Why do so many Christian organizations feel like it’s their duty to set up operations in foreign countries in the attempt to convert others to Christianity? They seem to believe that they have some sort of monopoly on faith, charity, forgiveness and morality. I don’t think so!
The other disturbing aspect of this sort of missionary work is that it usually comes with stipulations. If Christians come over here to help underprivileged people out of the kindness of their heart, that is wonderful. But when they build schools for communities or provide food and medicine to the poor under the condition that the recipients must accept Christ as their savior (and repent from their previous “immoral” lifestyle), well, that’s when I think these seemingly sincere acts of generosity have suspect motivation.
6.22.2005
Nutjob Randall Terry to run for Senate seat in Florida
Sen. Jim King, a Jacksonville political landmark since 1986, will face a re-election fight from conservative activist Randall Terry.I'm about as liberal as the day is long, but even I don't agree that nominating a terrorist would "better represents Republican principles."
Terry, a nationally known abortion opponent and spokesman for Terri Schiavo's parents this year, is scheduled to announce today he will run to unseat King next year. He had previously announced he was considering a run.
The contest is already centering itself as a core fight over Republicanism. King is a social moderate and fiscal conservative who has sometimes clashed with the right-wing elements of the party. Terry says the district has no room for moderation and that he can better represent Republican principles.
Randall Terry is a psychopath with ties to convicted murderers. He's trying to sell himself as a "Nationally known abortion opponent." He funds and enables domestic terrorists like people who kill doctors who perform legal abortions. The man shouldn't even be allowed to run for office because he should currently be living in Raiford State Prison.
I think we should all hold the GOP accountable if they choose to sidestep this and say nothing about a terrorist lunatic trying to run for office under the GOP. They had plenty of time to call Richard Durbin a traitor for imagined statements so they should have no problem with condemning Randall Terry.
Speaking of racist and murderer Edgar Killen...
"The arc of history is long, but it bends towards justice."
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I hope he at least got a big plate of Noodles Jefferson
This is why Dick Durbin should not have apologized. They do act like nazis.
Via This Modern World
Via This Modern World
You might remember a horrific story that came out last year: Sean Baker, an MP at Guantánamo, was ordered -- or volunteered, according to some reports -- to pose as an uncooperative prisoner in a training exercise. The trainees did not know he was an American soldier, and treated him the way they'd treat any other prisoner who didn't do exactly as he was told. They beat him. Badly:Objects in that mirror may be closer than they appear. We'll see when the Abu Ghraib videos come out."My face was down. And of course, they’re pushing it down against the steel floor, you know, my right temple, pushing it down against the floor," recalls Baker. "And someone’s holding me by the throat, using a pressure point on me and holding my throat. And I used the word, ‘red.’ At that point I, you know, I became afraid."He suffered a brain injury, and sometimes had as many as a dozen seizures a day.
Apparently, no one heard the code word ‘red’ because Baker says he continued to be manhandled, especially by an MP named Scott Sinclair who was holding onto his head.
"And when I said the word ‘Red,’ he forced my head down against the steel floor and was sort of just grinding it into the floor. The individual then, when I picked up my head and said, ‘Red,’ slammed my head down against the floor," says Baker. "I was so afraid, I groaned out, ‘I’m a U.S. soldier.' And when I said that, he slammed my head again, one more time against the floor. And I groaned out one more time, I said, ‘I’m a U.S. soldier.’ And I heard them say, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa,' you know, like he wanted to, he was telling the other guy to stop."
The Army, of course, dealt with the matter immediately -- in its own way. First, the tape of what happened -- the drills are routinely videotaped -- conveniently disappeared. A military spokesperson said there probably was no tape, although two of the MPs involved in the drill told investigators that it was filmed.
Then there was another lie: The Army insisted that Specialist Baker's discharge was unrelated to his injuries, (They later backed down.)
No one has ever been punished for the assault. An internal investigation in 2003 concluded that no one was liable because the injuries were a "foreseeable consequence" of the drill.
My rough translation: This is no more than what anyone would expect in the treatment of an "uncooperative detainee." Moving right along.....
The story was back in the news this weekend because Sean Baker is suing the Pentagon for $15 million for violating his rights. To his enormous credit, Mr. Baker demonstrated early on that he understands that the scandal here is not that an American soldier was treated so horribly, but that anyone is treated this way. He understands that it would have been far worse if he had not finally been able to make it clear that he was American:What does he think would have happened if he had been a real detainee? "I think they would have busted him up," says Baker. "I've seen detainees come outta there with blood on 'em. …If there wasn't someone to say, 'I'm a U.S. soldier,' if you were speaking Arabic or Pashto or Urdu or some other language in the camp, we may never know what would have happened to that individual."His case reveals how routine such treatment is at Guantánamo, and elsewhere. Baker didn't have to do anything other than be labeled uncooperative to be beaten up. The Army saw no need for an inquiry because the MPs were simply doing what they were trained to do. By the end of this month, we're going to be seeing some visual documentation of how routine this treatment is. (Pause for black humor: The government's lawyer argued against releasing video and more photos from Abu Ghraib on the grounds that it would subject detainees to "additional humiliation.")
This is one story I really wish more Americans knew about, because it would slice right through the blankets of denial most people are wrapped in. And if it weren't for that denial, there's no way we would be talking about the time being ripe for promoting Ricardo Sanchez, something that seemed politically awkward only recently, but fine now, the Pentagon believes, because concern about torturing prisoners is "receding in the rear-view mirror of public opinion."
Have you ever seen 1,724 dead American soldiers?
This site doesn't actually show our dead soldiers but instead shows them in a context that makes it easier to visualize than just seeing a number. If you MOUSE OVER any flag, the name, age, and date of death will be displayed. Very sad but very sobering.
I just read this morning that Dubya will be taking a trip to Vietnam. Truly amazing. When we were at war there he did everything in his father's power to get out of going. He supported the war from afar. Sort of like most of the folks who support the war in Iraq. They support it from afar with other people's kids doing the fighting and dying.
I just read this morning that Dubya will be taking a trip to Vietnam. Truly amazing. When we were at war there he did everything in his father's power to get out of going. He supported the war from afar. Sort of like most of the folks who support the war in Iraq. They support it from afar with other people's kids doing the fighting and dying.
Dick Durbin caves
Just when I thought I had found a new hero he bowed to conservative pressure and apologized for remarks that needed no apology. I wrote to Sen. Durbin yesterday and encouraged him to let his statement stand. That he had nothing to apologize for. After I saw that he had caved I wrote again this morning to express my utter disappointment in him. I also told Sen. Durbin that my hopes of Democrats finally growing a spine had been dashed. Maybe one day they'll get it but right now I don't feel very hopeful.
GOD DAMN IT! We can't get Republicans to apologize for lies! Why do Democrats feel the need to apologize for the truth?
Write to Senator Durbin and let him know how disappointed you are in him.
GOD DAMN IT! We can't get Republicans to apologize for lies! Why do Democrats feel the need to apologize for the truth?
Write to Senator Durbin and let him know how disappointed you are in him.
6.21.2005
The Art of Wasting Time
Boy do I have a treat for you! Bangkok Bertha turned me on to a band called Lost Weekend. They reside right here in Atlanta. Kinda strange that I had to hear about it from someone halfway around the world.
Scott Roberts (vocals, guitars, bass, mandolin, harmonica, aborted Jaymar, ubiquitous tambourine and writer of most all the songs) just happens to be the younger brother of a high school (and after) chum of mine from Orlando. It's a small world after all. I remember once way back in the olden days when Scott's brother Jeff heard me playing the grooves off of my new XTC English Settlement album. He remarked that his little brother thought that it was one of the best albums ever recorded. I must say that at the time I agreed. Never having met Scott I thought we would probably get along very well. He had great taste in music.
Fast forward almost 25 years and here I am listening to, and REALLY enjoying, Scott's own CD The Art of Wasting Time. He still has great taste in music. I read a couple of reviews that did it much more justice than I'm capable of. Those other reviews mention that the CD has an early R.E.M. feel to it. That immediately got my attention because I'm a huge fan of R.E.M. There are moments that are very reminiscent of that little old band from Athens.
The thing that stands out the most to me is the excellent guitar work. I can't stress enough how much I enjoy Scott's guitar on this CD. It blows me away! I am amazed that the guitars, and other strings, manage to have such a unique mood and feel on every song. I found myself going back again and again to hear certain guitar parts.
Mike Joswick, the drummer, lays down one of the strongest beats I think I've ever heard and he co-wrote Stapleton. The last song on the CD. Scott's wife, Sheri, provides one of the most angelic vocals I've ever heard on a song called Endless Summer. They even cover a Beatle song. Any band that attempts this opens themselves up for greater scrutiny in my book. Scott pulls it off with great care and finesse. He nails all the guitar parts which is rare. You can tell he's a true Beatles fan. Takes one to know one I suppose.
The other musicians include Steve Butler on bass, Kevin Glenn on banjo and Shannon Glenn on piano. The core seems to be Scott and Mike. Sort of like Steely Dan's Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.
If I had to find any fault with this CD it would be the recording quality. It doesn't seem to have the presence that this talent commands. I can't wait to hear these guys when they get into a bigger studio.
I thoroughly enjoy this CD and hope some of you will lay down a 10 spot and get a copy of your own. You can get it from IndepenDisc Music Club (and read a better review) or you can email Scott and get it directly (I hope you don't mind, Scott).
I've included a couple of MP3s for your listening pleasure. Please comment and let me know what you think.
Endless Summer (Scott Roberts) 4.3mb
I'll Be Back (Lennon/McCartney) 2.7mb
Andrew Sullivan gets it right
In the past I've criticized Andrew for being just another right wing parrot but lately he's been all over the Bushies for being, well, fucked up. Mr. Sullivan weighed in on the Republican outrage of Sen. Dick Durbin and got it exactly right.
DURBIN SAID NOTHING WRONG: I've now read and re-read Senator Dick Durbin's comments on interrogation techniques at Guantanamo Bay. They are completely, perfectly respectable. ... I'm just amazed that some can view what has happened and their first instinct is to attack those who have criticized it, rather than those who have perpetrated it. It is this administration that has brought indelible shame on America, and it's people like Dick Durbin who prove that some can actually stand up against this stain on American honor and call it what it is. Good for him. Thank God for him.UPDATE: Go tell Senator Durbin that you agree with him and that he has NOTHING to apologize for.
Cartoon by Leonardo Aragao, from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Jurors in international contests love wordless cartoons about generals, flowers in gun barrels and people who suffer. Prisoners and victims of torture are always very popular.
The cartoon below won the comic book category at the recent cartoon competition in Recife. Entrants in this category were limited to three pages. This winner fits with international taste --a wordless cartoon depicting stark suffering and ridiculing the ruling elites.
We Americans prefer cute puppies in our cartoons.
(Click image for larger view)
The cartoon below won the comic book category at the recent cartoon competition in Recife. Entrants in this category were limited to three pages. This winner fits with international taste --a wordless cartoon depicting stark suffering and ridiculing the ruling elites.
We Americans prefer cute puppies in our cartoons.
(Click image for larger view)
The Vent from the AJC
Monday
Yeah, but America was built on the back of immigrants who followed the law and entered the country legally.
Terri Schiavo's brain had shrunk? No wonder Congress wanted to keep her alive. She's one of them!
What if Earth is the insane asylum for the universe?
My husband votes Republican. Our child swallowed a coin and he deducted it from his allowance.
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
Hey, AJC, I hear from other sources that the "Downing Street Memos" are newsworthy. You might want to check it out.
Atlanta has a crumbling sewer system, our children go to school in trailers, but—-never you mind—-Atlanta is building an aquarium!
What’s the difference between a Republican and a hillbilly? NOTHING!
Tuesday
"Iraq" is Arabic for "Vietnam."
With the war on terrorism, the Patriot Act and the war on drugs, we have nothing to celebrate this Independence Day.
Have you noticed that when politicians want the rules changed in their favor, they call it "reform"?
Georgia's unemployment rate is higher than the national average. But it's OK, because we're all Republicans now.
The world must be coming to an end. Friday night at 8 p.m., the Varsity was out of french fries and onion rings!
Yeah, but America was built on the back of immigrants who followed the law and entered the country legally.
Terri Schiavo's brain had shrunk? No wonder Congress wanted to keep her alive. She's one of them!
What if Earth is the insane asylum for the universe?
My husband votes Republican. Our child swallowed a coin and he deducted it from his allowance.
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
Hey, AJC, I hear from other sources that the "Downing Street Memos" are newsworthy. You might want to check it out.
Atlanta has a crumbling sewer system, our children go to school in trailers, but—-never you mind—-Atlanta is building an aquarium!
What’s the difference between a Republican and a hillbilly? NOTHING!
Tuesday
"Iraq" is Arabic for "Vietnam."
With the war on terrorism, the Patriot Act and the war on drugs, we have nothing to celebrate this Independence Day.
Have you noticed that when politicians want the rules changed in their favor, they call it "reform"?
Georgia's unemployment rate is higher than the national average. But it's OK, because we're all Republicans now.
The world must be coming to an end. Friday night at 8 p.m., the Varsity was out of french fries and onion rings!
6.20.2005
The Identity Theft Double Whammy
The New York Times reports that MasterCard admitted that "more than 40 million credit card accounts of all brands might have been exposed to fraud through a computer security breach at a payment processing company." If you are worried about this, you should be. Mastercard and other credit card companies will be able to legally profit off this error because of Congress.
Why? Because back in March, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) offered legislation to prevent credit card companies from taking advantage of people if their financial troubles are caused by identity theft. The measure was voted down, thanks to credit card industry-bought politicians. That means MasterCard can lose your information, and be responsible for your identity being stolen and finances ruined. And then they can legally seize on the situation by charging you excessively high interest rates because your credit has been ruined by their negligence.
Thank you Republican legislators!
Thanks to David Sirota
Why? Because back in March, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) offered legislation to prevent credit card companies from taking advantage of people if their financial troubles are caused by identity theft. The measure was voted down, thanks to credit card industry-bought politicians. That means MasterCard can lose your information, and be responsible for your identity being stolen and finances ruined. And then they can legally seize on the situation by charging you excessively high interest rates because your credit has been ruined by their negligence.
Thank you Republican legislators!
Thanks to David Sirota
6.19.2005
Happy Father's Day!
Another Father's Day. I'm fortunate that my kids still live with me so I can inconvenience them first hand :-)
My wife made me the most amazing plate of French toast and scrambled eggs. My daughter presented my gifts to me. The first one I opened was America (The Book) A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart and The Daily Show. I'm only up to The Philosophical Roots of American Democracy but it's a real hoot so far. The second one was two Beatles t-shirts. One bearing the cover of Revolver and the other bearing the cover of Let It Be. The cards were wonderful too.
As for my 16 year old son. He's still asleep. He missed breakfast and the spectacle of dad fawning over his wonderful gifts. I hope he's awake when we leave for the movies. Hmmm, what shall it be? Batman or Star Wars?
My wife made me the most amazing plate of French toast and scrambled eggs. My daughter presented my gifts to me. The first one I opened was America (The Book) A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart and The Daily Show. I'm only up to The Philosophical Roots of American Democracy but it's a real hoot so far. The second one was two Beatles t-shirts. One bearing the cover of Revolver and the other bearing the cover of Let It Be. The cards were wonderful too.
As for my 16 year old son. He's still asleep. He missed breakfast and the spectacle of dad fawning over his wonderful gifts. I hope he's awake when we leave for the movies. Hmmm, what shall it be? Batman or Star Wars?
Purple Hazing
I used to be under the naïve assumption that when I relocated to Thailand from the USA that I had left behind a culture of cruelty, violence, and juvenile pranks. No more racist rednecks and narrow-minded Republicans to put up with; only blissful Buddhists and spicy rice dishes. But recent reports of widespread university hazing here in Thailand have dispelled my illusion of Buddhist peace, love and understanding.
The suicide of a male student who had recently enrolled at a university (the new school term started here this month) was attributed to depression after the teenager was forced to participate in “excessive” Freshman initiation activities during his first week on campus. In the wake of that tragedy, numerous other cases of hazing gone awry have surfaced around Thailand. One young man recounted his unwilling role in a “penis tug-of-war” and having his pubic hair burned. His injuries, and those suffered by others in the same “game,” required hospital attention. Additional students claim they were forced to drink large quantities of alcohol, smoke cigarettes, use drugs, eat dog meat (that's right; not dog food but the real thing!), simulate masturbation (and oral sex), and even have sex with prostitutes. Almost sounds like the shenanigans that the Bush administration allowed at the Abu Ghraib prison, doesn’t it?
These incidents prompted the Thai government’s Commission on Higher Education to issue a ban on all university initiation ceremonies for the remainder of the current semester. Most schools have grudgingly accepted the order, but some have balked at obeying the directive. The rector of Maha Sarakham University, Abul Wiriyavejakul, said that people were overreacting and “turning a trivial problem into a big issue.” He further declared: “If you stop the kids from singing and dancing, what would they enter university for?”
Yes, idiots like that guy are in charge of schools in Thailand! Like-minded morons claim that hazing is a harmless tradition that helps freshman adapt to university life. The hazing ritual, they insist, “has merits.” But critics maintain that the intimidation, brutality and degradation that many young students are forced to endure goes well beyond the bounds of acceptability. In a country, where “No Problem” is almost a mantra, the hazing issue is clearly a problem that needs to be rectified.
The suicide of a male student who had recently enrolled at a university (the new school term started here this month) was attributed to depression after the teenager was forced to participate in “excessive” Freshman initiation activities during his first week on campus. In the wake of that tragedy, numerous other cases of hazing gone awry have surfaced around Thailand. One young man recounted his unwilling role in a “penis tug-of-war” and having his pubic hair burned. His injuries, and those suffered by others in the same “game,” required hospital attention. Additional students claim they were forced to drink large quantities of alcohol, smoke cigarettes, use drugs, eat dog meat (that's right; not dog food but the real thing!), simulate masturbation (and oral sex), and even have sex with prostitutes. Almost sounds like the shenanigans that the Bush administration allowed at the Abu Ghraib prison, doesn’t it?
These incidents prompted the Thai government’s Commission on Higher Education to issue a ban on all university initiation ceremonies for the remainder of the current semester. Most schools have grudgingly accepted the order, but some have balked at obeying the directive. The rector of Maha Sarakham University, Abul Wiriyavejakul, said that people were overreacting and “turning a trivial problem into a big issue.” He further declared: “If you stop the kids from singing and dancing, what would they enter university for?”
Yes, idiots like that guy are in charge of schools in Thailand! Like-minded morons claim that hazing is a harmless tradition that helps freshman adapt to university life. The hazing ritual, they insist, “has merits.” But critics maintain that the intimidation, brutality and degradation that many young students are forced to endure goes well beyond the bounds of acceptability. In a country, where “No Problem” is almost a mantra, the hazing issue is clearly a problem that needs to be rectified.
6.18.2005
Getting Serious About Illegal Labor
Greg Saunders has an excellent take on illegal immigration via This Modern World
Neocon Hall of Shame
In light of Terri's autopsy report, I'm wondering where the shitstorm is over the conduct of her "protectors." They got it 100% wrong and I've not heard a peep from the MSM. In case you've forgotten, here are the Hall of Shame inductees:
- Sen. Bill Frist, a doctor, who examined a patient by videotape and determined she could be rehabilitated.
- U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, who threatened judges over a nearly brain-dead woman.
- Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who wanted state police to storm her hospice and plug her back in.
- And finally, Dubya, who had no business interjecting the White House into a private legal matter.
- Sen. Bill Frist, a doctor, who examined a patient by videotape and determined she could be rehabilitated.
- U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, who threatened judges over a nearly brain-dead woman.
- Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who wanted state police to storm her hospice and plug her back in.
- And finally, Dubya, who had no business interjecting the White House into a private legal matter.
6.17.2005
Paging Dr. Frist
Frist on Senate Floor, 3/17/05:
"I have looked at the video footage. Based on the footage provided to me, which was part of the facts of the case, she does respond. She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli."
Frist on the Today Show, 6/17/05:
LAUER: But when you stood on the floor and you said, She does respond, are you at all worried that you led some senators…
FRIST: I never said, She responded. I said I reviewed the court videotapes – the same ones the other doctors reviewed – and I questioned, Is her diagnosis correct?
"I have looked at the video footage. Based on the footage provided to me, which was part of the facts of the case, she does respond. She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli."
Frist on the Today Show, 6/17/05:
LAUER: But when you stood on the floor and you said, She does respond, are you at all worried that you led some senators…
FRIST: I never said, She responded. I said I reviewed the court videotapes – the same ones the other doctors reviewed – and I questioned, Is her diagnosis correct?
The Vent from the AJC
FRIDAY
Everybody say it together now: Aruban. Not Arubian. That includes you, Katie Couric.
I don't know who these people are wearing the Braves uniforms, but someone tell them they are not allowed to play this bad until October.
The U.S. withdrew from Vietnam before Nixon was shamed into quitting. Buy a history book.
If Howard Dean put on 200 pounds, divorced a couple of wives, abused pain pills, and substituted the word "liberal" for "Republican" in his speeches, you conservatives would listen to him on the radio.
I guess Sen. Frist may have been just a little bit wrong when he diagnosed that Terri Schiavo responded to visual stimuli, with her being blind and all.
Everybody say it together now: Aruban. Not Arubian. That includes you, Katie Couric.
I don't know who these people are wearing the Braves uniforms, but someone tell them they are not allowed to play this bad until October.
The U.S. withdrew from Vietnam before Nixon was shamed into quitting. Buy a history book.
If Howard Dean put on 200 pounds, divorced a couple of wives, abused pain pills, and substituted the word "liberal" for "Republican" in his speeches, you conservatives would listen to him on the radio.
I guess Sen. Frist may have been just a little bit wrong when he diagnosed that Terri Schiavo responded to visual stimuli, with her being blind and all.
Republicans Re-write Psalm 23
The Holy Libel
1 The President is my shepherd; I shall not dissent. 2 He maketh me to lie down in treeless forests: he leadeth me beside the polluted waters. ...
1 The President is my shepherd; I shall not dissent. 2 He maketh me to lie down in treeless forests: he leadeth me beside the polluted waters. ...
6.16.2005
Quote of the day - Guess who?
"I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me?"
My Michael Memories
After all the Michael Jackson hoopla this week, I started to wonder if maybe he should escape to Thailand for some much needed R & R. He can rest assured that the welcome mat will always be open. After all, Thai people are a tolerant, kind-hearted bunch, and wouldn't think his sleeping with boys in the least bit perverted. Actually, MJ has already visited Bangkok on two other occasions, but I'm not privy as to whether or not any slumber parties were held during his stays. If there were any sleepovers, I certainly wasn't invited!
Back in August of 1993 I came in Bangkok for about two months in order to take a Thai language course. That same month Michael Jackson scheduled two concert dates in Bangkok. A Thai friend invited me to go to the first show and I eagerly accepted the offer. I wasn't much of a Michael fan - I didn't even own any of his albums - but the thought of seeing the "King of Pop" in Thailand appealed to my sense of the absurd.
There was no opening act that night, only Beatles music playing over the sound system. The show was your typical stadium extravaganza with all sorts of sound and light tomfoolery. Huge video screens were erected at strategic points around the venue. Which was a good thing: our seats were so far back that if weren't for the video we wouldn't have seen much of any detail. Not that it really mattered. The sound mix was muddy and the performance fairly uninspired. The only songs that lifted the show above mediocrity were "Billie Jean" and the moving "Heal the World." I had hoped that Michael would have learned a few words in Thai - just a simple greeting would have been nice - to bond with the audience, but that didn't happen. Instead we were bombarded with banality such as "How ya doing" and "I love you!" Nevertheless, the crowd loved him, their screams reverberating through the stadium. The next night's show was postponed, Michael pleading exhaustion and dehydration. The day after that cancellation, a full-page ad appeared in local newspapers that said: Feeling Dehydrated? Drink Coca-Cola! It was not lost on most everyone that Pepsi was a major sponsor of the Michael Jackson tour!
But was it really dehydration? Coincidentally - or maybe not - the day after that initial Bangkok show, the first of the young boy sex accusations broke in the media. Michael ended up performing the second Bangkok show a few days later, but it signaled the start of the new MJ era, one in which he would continuously be looked upon - with raised eyebrows - not as the King of Pop, but as a possible pedophile.
Four years later, I was living in Bangkok and MJ was back in town for another concert on his 1997 World Tour. This time, I skipped the show - but Michael found me. I was managing a branch of Tower Records in Bangkok and MJ's manager had contacted us, wanting to arrange a special shopping spree for Michael. My boss agreed (and even gave in to their request for a discount!) and Michael and entourage showed up one afternoon at my store in Siam Center. Before they entered the building, however, we had to close the store and kick out the regular customers. Michael wanted his privacy, obviously, and judging from the surgical mask that he was wearing, he didn't want anyone giving him any infectious diseases either.
Once inside the store, MJ walked around silently, intently perusing the bins. When he saw a CD that he coveted, he would point to the disc, whereupon an assistant would pluck the album from the bins. Michael never touched anything. And yes, he wore gloves the whole time. He chose nearly a hundred CDs, a half-dozen of them Sarah Vaughan titles. I just stood around, like all the other employees, and watched the spectacle. I would have loved to chat with the guy, but his manager had forbidden any such interaction. The only people Michael talked to were a few token children that had been brought in for the occasion. He left the building flanked by his bodyguards, waving robotically, as delighted fans screamed their adoration.
Sadly, it'll never be the same again. Even before the recent trial, the magical Michael appeal had evaporated beyond repair. HIStory indeed.
Back in August of 1993 I came in Bangkok for about two months in order to take a Thai language course. That same month Michael Jackson scheduled two concert dates in Bangkok. A Thai friend invited me to go to the first show and I eagerly accepted the offer. I wasn't much of a Michael fan - I didn't even own any of his albums - but the thought of seeing the "King of Pop" in Thailand appealed to my sense of the absurd.
There was no opening act that night, only Beatles music playing over the sound system. The show was your typical stadium extravaganza with all sorts of sound and light tomfoolery. Huge video screens were erected at strategic points around the venue. Which was a good thing: our seats were so far back that if weren't for the video we wouldn't have seen much of any detail. Not that it really mattered. The sound mix was muddy and the performance fairly uninspired. The only songs that lifted the show above mediocrity were "Billie Jean" and the moving "Heal the World." I had hoped that Michael would have learned a few words in Thai - just a simple greeting would have been nice - to bond with the audience, but that didn't happen. Instead we were bombarded with banality such as "How ya doing" and "I love you!" Nevertheless, the crowd loved him, their screams reverberating through the stadium. The next night's show was postponed, Michael pleading exhaustion and dehydration. The day after that cancellation, a full-page ad appeared in local newspapers that said: Feeling Dehydrated? Drink Coca-Cola! It was not lost on most everyone that Pepsi was a major sponsor of the Michael Jackson tour!
But was it really dehydration? Coincidentally - or maybe not - the day after that initial Bangkok show, the first of the young boy sex accusations broke in the media. Michael ended up performing the second Bangkok show a few days later, but it signaled the start of the new MJ era, one in which he would continuously be looked upon - with raised eyebrows - not as the King of Pop, but as a possible pedophile.
Four years later, I was living in Bangkok and MJ was back in town for another concert on his 1997 World Tour. This time, I skipped the show - but Michael found me. I was managing a branch of Tower Records in Bangkok and MJ's manager had contacted us, wanting to arrange a special shopping spree for Michael. My boss agreed (and even gave in to their request for a discount!) and Michael and entourage showed up one afternoon at my store in Siam Center. Before they entered the building, however, we had to close the store and kick out the regular customers. Michael wanted his privacy, obviously, and judging from the surgical mask that he was wearing, he didn't want anyone giving him any infectious diseases either.
Once inside the store, MJ walked around silently, intently perusing the bins. When he saw a CD that he coveted, he would point to the disc, whereupon an assistant would pluck the album from the bins. Michael never touched anything. And yes, he wore gloves the whole time. He chose nearly a hundred CDs, a half-dozen of them Sarah Vaughan titles. I just stood around, like all the other employees, and watched the spectacle. I would have loved to chat with the guy, but his manager had forbidden any such interaction. The only people Michael talked to were a few token children that had been brought in for the occasion. He left the building flanked by his bodyguards, waving robotically, as delighted fans screamed their adoration.
Sadly, it'll never be the same again. Even before the recent trial, the magical Michael appeal had evaporated beyond repair. HIStory indeed.
The Vent from the AJC
WEDNESDAY
I just heard Saddam Hussein is trying to move his trial to California.
I could have told you Bush is smarter than Kerry. Bush figured out a way to drink beer in Texas while Kerry was earning his Purple Hearts in Vietnam.
If I throw a quarter into the shark tank at the new aquarium, how many Republicans will dive in after it?
I remember when Jim Wooten (a conservative columnist in the AJC-JFA) thought one-party rule was a bad thing.
Had Mark Felt not been the rat he was, Nixon would not have resigned, and we would have won the war in Vietnam. (winner of the stupid vent award-JFA)
THURSDAY
Earth to God: You need not trouble yourself with locusts, plagues, floods or fires. We have developers.
Immigrants get health care here because most Americans have trouble letting a fellow human being die in the gutter.
Citizens are not customers of the police department, they are employers.
A state trooper gassed up beside me at a service station. I asked him why there were no "yield" signs on interstate entrance ramps and he said, "Because Georgia is a backward state."
Mark Felt lost the Vietnam War? Everytime I think I've heard the stupidest thing ever said, some conservative speaks up.What a ridiculous vent.
I just heard Saddam Hussein is trying to move his trial to California.
I could have told you Bush is smarter than Kerry. Bush figured out a way to drink beer in Texas while Kerry was earning his Purple Hearts in Vietnam.
If I throw a quarter into the shark tank at the new aquarium, how many Republicans will dive in after it?
I remember when Jim Wooten (a conservative columnist in the AJC-JFA) thought one-party rule was a bad thing.
Had Mark Felt not been the rat he was, Nixon would not have resigned, and we would have won the war in Vietnam. (winner of the stupid vent award-JFA)
THURSDAY
Earth to God: You need not trouble yourself with locusts, plagues, floods or fires. We have developers.
Immigrants get health care here because most Americans have trouble letting a fellow human being die in the gutter.
Citizens are not customers of the police department, they are employers.
A state trooper gassed up beside me at a service station. I asked him why there were no "yield" signs on interstate entrance ramps and he said, "Because Georgia is a backward state."
Mark Felt lost the Vietnam War? Everytime I think I've heard the stupidest thing ever said, some conservative speaks up.What a ridiculous vent.
6.15.2005
Bill O'Leilly: ''We Do Not Speculate Here''
On June 9, Bill O'Leilly said, "As you may know, we do not speculate here on 'The Factor.' We have no idea what happened to Natalee or why she left the bar with some Aruban men. I've heard some irresponsible media speculate about that, and it makes me angry."
If you saw any of O'Leilly's coverage of the case, this must be a bit puzzling. If not "speculation," what would O'Leilly call the following statements he's made about Natalee's case?
If you saw any of O'Leilly's coverage of the case, this must be a bit puzzling. If not "speculation," what would O'Leilly call the following statements he's made about Natalee's case?
"Looks like she's dead because the five people, two arrested, three interviewed, are all shady characters."And then, when he interacted with his guests...
(6/6/05)
"I think this was a straight abduction scene. OK? Was she probably -- she went to a Boyz II Men concert before she went to the bar, where she danced and partied. All right? Then she indeed and everybody saw her leave with a couple of guys. Now after that is when I-- obviously, she got into trouble."
(6/6/05)
"But to me, I mean, a woman like this, 18 years old, we know her background, doesn't have sex with three guys she doesn't know. I mean, that doesn't happen."
(6/6/05)
"I think one of these sleazy thugs will flip. And we'll probably have this solved at the end of the week -- by the end of the week."
(6/6/05)
O'LEILLY: And that, unfortunately, leaves me to believe that this poor woman, the chances of her being alive right now are not strong.So you see, speculation is nothing new to O'Leilly. When the story of "runaway bride" Jennifer Wilbanks became a nonstop story on cable news, O'Leilly announced:
CANDICE DeLONG (Retired FBI agent): Correct. Even if they weren't drug dealers, I am with you in your assessment of what her situation may be now because if these are the five people that are most likely to have been with her, and they're in custody or being looked at, where is she?
O'LEILLY: She's at the bottom of the ocean.
DeLONG: That's what's got me worried.
O'LEILLY: She's at the bottom of the ocean.
DeLONG: It's not looking good.
(6/6/05)
***
O'LEILLY: You have a long history investigating murder. A girl gone this long?
PATRICK J. BROSNAN (Former New York City homicide detective): It smells very bad. 240 hours. Where is she? It's a small island.
O'LEILLY: It's either she's held captive someplace, because there is that sex trade in the Caribbean. So there is a possibility that they didn't do that [murder]. But if you don't have a body, if they threw the body in the ocean, and there are a lot of sharks, you know.
(6/8/05)
"It's got to be a crime. A woman like that with a long history of responsibility. She had a steady job.... She just wouldn't bolt and not tell anybody."As it turned out, of course, that's just what Wilbanks did. And O'Leilly has "speculated" about far more important matters as well. Shortly after the September 11 attacks, he said:
"Saddam Hussein... I believe is involved with this World Trade Center and Pentagon bombing. I believe that you're going to find out that money from Iraq flowed in and helped this happen." (9/14/01)No evidence to back up this speculation has ever come to light. And before we invaded Iraq, O'Leilly repeatedly speculated about how long military operations would take.
"I will bet you the best dinner in the gaslight district of San Diego that military action will not last more than a week," (1/29/03).On another show, O'Leilly said:
"Our military machine will crush Iraq in a matter of days and there's no question that it will."When his guest responded that the war was "going to go on for months," O'Leilly retorted:
"There's no way. There's absolutely no way. They may bomb for a matter of weeks, try to soften them up as they did in Afghanistan. But once the United States and Britain unleash, it's maybe hours. They're going to fold like that" (2/10/03).Sweet Jesus, I Hate Bill O'Reilly, Intl.
NOTHING could have been done for Terri Schiavo
But then those of us with a brain already knew that.
Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner Jon Thogmartin said:
She would not have been able to eat or drink if she had been given food by mouth as her parents' requested.
"Removal of her feeding tube would have resulted in her death whether she was fed or hydrated by mouth or not," Thogmartin told reporters.
Schiavo's brain was about half of its expected size when she died March 31 in a Pinellas Park hospice, 13 days after her feeding tube was removed.
"The brain weighed 615 grams, roughly half of the expected weight of a human brain. ... This damage was irreversible, and no amount of therapy or treatment would have regenerated the massive loss of neurons."
Schiavio's brain was "profoundly atrophied" and that the damage was "irreversible." He also said the vision centers of her brain were dead" – meaning she was blind.
Then there was Dr. Frist and Dr. DeLay's diagnoses. I wonder when Frist will fully implement his "diagnosis by video" technique.
Schiavo autopsy finds no sign of trauma
Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner Jon Thogmartin said:
She would not have been able to eat or drink if she had been given food by mouth as her parents' requested.
"Removal of her feeding tube would have resulted in her death whether she was fed or hydrated by mouth or not," Thogmartin told reporters.
Schiavo's brain was about half of its expected size when she died March 31 in a Pinellas Park hospice, 13 days after her feeding tube was removed.
"The brain weighed 615 grams, roughly half of the expected weight of a human brain. ... This damage was irreversible, and no amount of therapy or treatment would have regenerated the massive loss of neurons."
Schiavio's brain was "profoundly atrophied" and that the damage was "irreversible." He also said the vision centers of her brain were dead" – meaning she was blind.
Then there was Dr. Frist and Dr. DeLay's diagnoses. I wonder when Frist will fully implement his "diagnosis by video" technique.
Schiavo autopsy finds no sign of trauma
6.14.2005
Drowning in HFCS
We've known for years the questionable nutrition value of high fructose corn syrup. You can't hardly find a nutrition panel on an American food label that doesn't include the stuff. The problem with it is that the body processes the fructose in hfcs differently than it does old-fashioned cane or beet sugar, which in turn alters the way metabolic-regulating hormones function. It also forces the liver to kick more fat out into the bloodstream. And we wonder why we are the fattest nation on earth.
As I was reading the letters to the editor of The Orlando Sentinel, I came across this bit of propaganda:
As I was reading the letters to the editor of The Orlando Sentinel, I came across this bit of propaganda:
Corn syrup's valueHeres's the REAL Story.
A comment by a fifth-grader in the June 6 article "Kids' tastes, brand names spice up cafeteria cuisine" mischaracterizes high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a natural, home-grown sweetener from U.S. corn fields. HFCS is made from corn, a natural grain product, and many of the processes used to manufacture HFCS are used in the production of other foods and ingredients that are commonly considered natural. Although the FDA has not established a formal definition of "natural" for food ingredients, it is accepted that products derived from natural materials obtained by minimal processing are considered natural. HFCS production is consistent within this definition.
As a natural sweetener, HFCS also promotes freshness in several ways. HFCS actually inhibits microbial spoilage by reducing water activity and extends shelf life through superior moisture control. Foods also taste fresher because HFCS protects the firm texture of canned fruits and reduces freezer burn in frozen fruits.
Finally, HFCS contains approximately equal ratios of fructose and glucose similar to table sugar. The human body cannot discern a difference between HFCS, table sugar (sucrose) and honey because they are all nearly compositionally equivalent. And in 1983, the Food and Drug Administration listed HFCS as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (known as GRAS status) for use in food, and the FDA reaffirmed that ruling in 1996.
For more information about HFCS, please visit www.HFCSfacts.com.
Audrae Erickson
President, Corn Refiners Association
Washington, D.C.
Save NPR and PBS
This time, it's for real: Save NPR and PBS
You know that email petition that keeps circulating about how Congress is slashing funding for NPR and PBS? Well, now it's actually true.
Sign the petition telling Congress to save NPR and PBS:
http://www.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/
A House panel has voted to eliminate all funding for NPR and PBS, starting with "Sesame Street," "Reading Rainbow," and other commercial-free children's shows. If approved, this would be the most severe cut in the history of public broadcasting, threatening to pull the plug on Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch.
The cuts would slash 25% of the federal funding this year—$100 million—and end funding altogether within two years. The loss could kill beloved children's shows like "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Arthur," and "Postcards from Buster." Rural stations and those serving low-income communities might not survive. Other stations would have to increase corporate sponsorships.
If we can reach 250,000 signatures by the end of the week, we'll put Congress on notice.
http://www.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/
Thanks!
P.S. Read the Washington Post report on the threat to NPR and PBS at:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=745
You know that email petition that keeps circulating about how Congress is slashing funding for NPR and PBS? Well, now it's actually true.
Sign the petition telling Congress to save NPR and PBS:
http://www.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/
A House panel has voted to eliminate all funding for NPR and PBS, starting with "Sesame Street," "Reading Rainbow," and other commercial-free children's shows. If approved, this would be the most severe cut in the history of public broadcasting, threatening to pull the plug on Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch.
The cuts would slash 25% of the federal funding this year—$100 million—and end funding altogether within two years. The loss could kill beloved children's shows like "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Arthur," and "Postcards from Buster." Rural stations and those serving low-income communities might not survive. Other stations would have to increase corporate sponsorships.
If we can reach 250,000 signatures by the end of the week, we'll put Congress on notice.
http://www.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/
Thanks!
P.S. Read the Washington Post report on the threat to NPR and PBS at:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=745
Rummy does Bangkok
Halloween came early to Bangkok this week. Contrary to rumor, the spooks seen weren't any of the participants in the recent Miss Universe pageant that was held in Thailand. No, the truly scary demon came in the person of American defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld who dropped in for a series of meetings with Thai military personnel, as well as a chat with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Local newspapers all published photos of Rumsfeld traipsing about some of Bangkok's magnificent temples. Visiting holy Buddhist sites, however, was probably not the sole reason for Rummy's visit. So what was the old warmonger doing in Thailand? The American Forces Press Service offered this quote from Rumsfeld:
"The military-to-military relationship with Thailand is an important one for the United States," Rumsfeld said. "I appreciate the cooperation that exists between our two militaries. My trip to Thailand was an opportunity to express that appreciation directly to officials in the Thai government, to discuss many matters important to both our countries, and to experience some of the richness of the Thai culture and history."
According to an article in the Bangkok Post, Rumsfeld urged Thailand to "hook up with Malaysia's Anti-Terrorism Centre to battle the growing terrorist threat to countries in the region." What that article didn't mention was that one of the "matters" discussed was the sale of American F-16 warplanes (capable of firing Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles) to Thailand. Ironically, Rumsfeld's sales pitch came only two days after he criticized China for upgrading its own military.
And then, hot on the heels of Rumsfeld's appearance, recently retired secretary of state Colin Powell popped into town. Powell was in Bangkok ostensibly to speak at a seminar organized by Business Week magazine and the Thailand Elite company. But he also managed to squeeze in a talk - and the obligatory photo session - with the Thai Prime Minister before leaving town. Thaksin assured Powell that the ongoing violence and unrest in Thailand's deep south, was a "domestic problem" and not linked to a broader regional terrorist network.
After these surprise appearances many burning questions remain. What sort of "suggestions" did Rumsfeld give Thaksin? Was Powell really "relieved" when Thaksin assured him that Thailand's southern turmoil was not linked to a bigger evil? Which go-go bars did the distinguished politicians patronize while in town? (Hey, remember the song "One Night in Bangkok"? I'm sure Colin can hum a few lines if you asked him!). And who will be the next VIP American Republican to visit the Big Mango? Whoever it is, I hope they don't miss the Ping Pong Show in Patpong (if you saw Priscilla, Queen of the Desert you'll know what I'm talking about!).
Local newspapers all published photos of Rumsfeld traipsing about some of Bangkok's magnificent temples. Visiting holy Buddhist sites, however, was probably not the sole reason for Rummy's visit. So what was the old warmonger doing in Thailand? The American Forces Press Service offered this quote from Rumsfeld:
"The military-to-military relationship with Thailand is an important one for the United States," Rumsfeld said. "I appreciate the cooperation that exists between our two militaries. My trip to Thailand was an opportunity to express that appreciation directly to officials in the Thai government, to discuss many matters important to both our countries, and to experience some of the richness of the Thai culture and history."
According to an article in the Bangkok Post, Rumsfeld urged Thailand to "hook up with Malaysia's Anti-Terrorism Centre to battle the growing terrorist threat to countries in the region." What that article didn't mention was that one of the "matters" discussed was the sale of American F-16 warplanes (capable of firing Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles) to Thailand. Ironically, Rumsfeld's sales pitch came only two days after he criticized China for upgrading its own military.
And then, hot on the heels of Rumsfeld's appearance, recently retired secretary of state Colin Powell popped into town. Powell was in Bangkok ostensibly to speak at a seminar organized by Business Week magazine and the Thailand Elite company. But he also managed to squeeze in a talk - and the obligatory photo session - with the Thai Prime Minister before leaving town. Thaksin assured Powell that the ongoing violence and unrest in Thailand's deep south, was a "domestic problem" and not linked to a broader regional terrorist network.
After these surprise appearances many burning questions remain. What sort of "suggestions" did Rumsfeld give Thaksin? Was Powell really "relieved" when Thaksin assured him that Thailand's southern turmoil was not linked to a bigger evil? Which go-go bars did the distinguished politicians patronize while in town? (Hey, remember the song "One Night in Bangkok"? I'm sure Colin can hum a few lines if you asked him!). And who will be the next VIP American Republican to visit the Big Mango? Whoever it is, I hope they don't miss the Ping Pong Show in Patpong (if you saw Priscilla, Queen of the Desert you'll know what I'm talking about!).
Clueless Big Dick
“I’ve never been able to understand his appeal. Maybe his mother loved him, but I’ve never met anybody who does. He’s never won anything, as best I can tell,”
-Cheney, on “Hannity & Colmes.”
For the record, Howard Dean became Governor of Vermont in 1991 after Gov. Richard A. Snelling died of a heart attack while cleaning his pool. In 1992, Howard Dean was elected Governor of Vermont in his own right, and proceeded to win re-election 5 times between 1992 and 2000 before deciding not to seek re-election in 2002 in order to run for President.
Before serving as Governor of Vermont, Howard Dean served as Vermont's Lt. Governor. He was first elected Lt. Governor in 1986.
And lastly, before serving as Vermont's Lt. Governor, Howard Dean served as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. He was first elected to the Vermont State House in 1982.
Looks like Big Dick needs a lesson on winning, as best I can tell.
-Cheney, on “Hannity & Colmes.”
For the record, Howard Dean became Governor of Vermont in 1991 after Gov. Richard A. Snelling died of a heart attack while cleaning his pool. In 1992, Howard Dean was elected Governor of Vermont in his own right, and proceeded to win re-election 5 times between 1992 and 2000 before deciding not to seek re-election in 2002 in order to run for President.
Before serving as Governor of Vermont, Howard Dean served as Vermont's Lt. Governor. He was first elected Lt. Governor in 1986.
And lastly, before serving as Vermont's Lt. Governor, Howard Dean served as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. He was first elected to the Vermont State House in 1982.
Looks like Big Dick needs a lesson on winning, as best I can tell.
The Vent from the AJC
Note: Light blogging for a couple of days. Rather busy. In the meantime go visit The Bangkok Digest for a good read. It's the Dasa Book Cafe link on your right.
Tuesday
The reason immigrants get all the benefits is because both parties see them as potential voters.
Just think: In 2008, another Clinton will have to bail us out of another Bush mess.
Only in America can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.
Hurricane season should really be called "Florida in-law season."
A penny saved is a government oversight.
Tell your teenage son he can continue to feel secure in his ignorance for life if he becomes a Republican.
Tuesday
The reason immigrants get all the benefits is because both parties see them as potential voters.
Just think: In 2008, another Clinton will have to bail us out of another Bush mess.
Only in America can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.
Hurricane season should really be called "Florida in-law season."
A penny saved is a government oversight.
Tell your teenage son he can continue to feel secure in his ignorance for life if he becomes a Republican.
6.13.2005
Another tale of sleazy recruiting practices
As far as I'm concerned, this is kidnapping.
When Marine recruiters go way beyond the call
Thanks to Benjie for the link
When Marine recruiters go way beyond the call
Thanks to Benjie for the link
The Vent from the AJC
Monday
Airline pension plans in trouble due to a drop in the stock market? Tell me again what Bush wants to do with Social Security.
Enough about Mark Felt being a traitor. If we had more conscientious whistle-blowers like him, maybe we wouldn't have such a corrupt government.
The last thing Moses said after bringing those "pesky commandments" down was, "OK people, I got Him down to 10, but adultery is still in there!"
Dumb Driver 103: The moron in the left turn lane with his right turn signal on… AND a W sticker. Yes he turned left.
The only reason Ralph Reed moved to Georgia is because he knows our voters are morons. Can you say "flag?"
If they're living, let them smoke whatever they want.
Airline pension plans in trouble due to a drop in the stock market? Tell me again what Bush wants to do with Social Security.
Enough about Mark Felt being a traitor. If we had more conscientious whistle-blowers like him, maybe we wouldn't have such a corrupt government.
The last thing Moses said after bringing those "pesky commandments" down was, "OK people, I got Him down to 10, but adultery is still in there!"
Dumb Driver 103: The moron in the left turn lane with his right turn signal on… AND a W sticker. Yes he turned left.
The only reason Ralph Reed moved to Georgia is because he knows our voters are morons. Can you say "flag?"
If they're living, let them smoke whatever they want.
6.10.2005
Quote of the day
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportionate to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
-George Washington
Thanks to skippy
Dubya sez...
"Border relations between Canada and Mexico have never been better."
-Dubya
I could be wrong but isn't there another whole country between Canada and Mexico?
Thanks to RANTZILLA
The Vent from the AJC
Friday
Fulton DA Paul Howard prosecutes dead people because he likes to win a case every so often.
Making my neighbor mad because we play basketball on our driveway at 2 in the afternoon: Great fun. Listening to a Forsyth deputy chew him out for calling 911: Priceless.
Would someone explain to me why a disabled veteran wounded in the war has to pay for prescription drugs while an illegal immigrant can go to Grady Memorial Hospital, have her baby for free and they give her food stamps?
Fulton DA Paul Howard prosecutes dead people because he likes to win a case every so often.
Making my neighbor mad because we play basketball on our driveway at 2 in the afternoon: Great fun. Listening to a Forsyth deputy chew him out for calling 911: Priceless.
Would someone explain to me why a disabled veteran wounded in the war has to pay for prescription drugs while an illegal immigrant can go to Grady Memorial Hospital, have her baby for free and they give her food stamps?
Awesome pic
(Click image for larger view)
Not quite sure what it is but it's spectacular. Reminds me of a bat. It looks military related but is it a helicopter or a plane? Any experts out there who can identify it?
6.09.2005
Hilarious exchange about religion
Teaser:
I love the conceit of these superstitious morons. Do you really believe this 13.7-billion-year-old universe of billions of galaxies of billions of stars was created just so some pond scum on a rather average planet could feel superior in a pathetic little cult?Via Drudge Retort
Do as I say, not as I do Department
Yesterday's Quote of the Day was from DNC leader Howard Dean. It seems that the right wing media and their minions have gotten their feelings hurt. I thought I'd revisit some gems from their side.
"To angry Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy, terrorists and militia aren't responsible for the deaths of U.S. soldiers, their commander-in-chief is. And our servicemen and women, in putting torture chambers 'under U.S. management,' are no different than a regime that systematically tortured, raped and killed its own people. The San Francisco/Boston Democrats led by John Kerry have now adopted Blame America First as their official policy."As far as I'm concerned, Dean is on the right track. Democrats have been too cpmplacent for too long. It's time to kick ass and take names.
-RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie
We cannot allow presidential candidates or their surrogates to become mouthpieces for terrorists. Blaming freedom-loving people for these attacks is not the way to defeat the scourge of global terror.
"Howard Dean said a number of untrue and irresponsible things during the course of his candidacy, including accusing the President of knowing about the 9-11 attacks before they happened. Those who seek the highest office in the land and those who speak on their behalf have a responsibility not to repeat the threats made by the terrorists we are working to defeat or by replacing the facts with rumors and fiction."
-RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie
"With the 2004 Democrat presidential primary underway, Al Gore reminded voters today of two very important things. First, that Democrats won't rule out raising taxes to spend more of people's hard earned money and second that he is still willing to say or do anything to get elected."
-RNC Deputy Chairman Jack Oliver
Democrats appear to be setting the stage to use the new provisional balloting rules to convert registration fraud into vote fraud, with the possibility of Kerry supporters voting in multiple jurisdictions or under multiple names.
-RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie
Bush administration doctors gov't global warming reports
A White House official who once led the oil industry's fight against limits on greenhouse gases has repeatedly edited government climate reports in ways that play down links between such emissions and global warming, according to internal documents.
In handwritten notes on drafts of several reports issued in 2002 and 2003, the official, Philip A. Cooney, removed or adjusted descriptions of climate research that government scientists and their supervisors, including some senior Bush administration officials, had already approved. In many cases, the changes appeared in the final reports.
The dozens of changes, while sometimes as subtle as the insertion of the phrase "significant and fundamental" before the word "uncertainties," tend to produce an air of doubt about findings that most climate experts say are robust.
Liberal or Conservative?
Mixter wins. I think the reason Tom thought she looked familiar is because she's Pat Buchanan's sister. Angela ‘Bay’ Buchanan is President of The American Cause, an educational foundation dedicated to advancing traditional conservative issues. Bay served as the campaign chairman for all three of her brother's presidential campaigns.
I saw her on C-Span2 giving a speech about how illegal immigration is costing us much more than what we see on the surface. I still find it hard to believe that I agree with conservatives on this one issue. Especially since she was kind of scary.
What does this poster remind you of?
Sort of falls in line with the video from the previous post doesn't it? The only thing missing is the word comrade.
These posters are being displayed by MARC, the metro rail between Baltimore and DC.
These posters are being displayed by MARC, the metro rail between Baltimore and DC.
The Vent from the AJC
Thursday
Stem cells and embryos don't have heartbeats, either.
If a man makes a statement and no woman is present, is he still wrong?
For a government to deny a dying person anything that can ease their pain is evil.
Somebody needs to tell Bush if he legalizes marijuana he can use the tax money to bomb anyone he wants.
Nixon ended the draft. I think that was a very good thing.
Howard Dean is hitting Republicans right where it hurts -- their vanity.
Paying for Viagra with Medicaid is no worse than paying $58 million for health care for illegal aliens, which we did last year.
If it's fixed, call the DOT and they'll break it for you.
Osama bin Laden will never be caught, but I feel much safer knowing that cancer patients who smoke pot will be busted.
Nixon gave China a big ol' hug! Then they immediately began figuring ways to crush us with cheap exports.
Stem cells and embryos don't have heartbeats, either.
If a man makes a statement and no woman is present, is he still wrong?
For a government to deny a dying person anything that can ease their pain is evil.
Somebody needs to tell Bush if he legalizes marijuana he can use the tax money to bomb anyone he wants.
Nixon ended the draft. I think that was a very good thing.
Howard Dean is hitting Republicans right where it hurts -- their vanity.
Paying for Viagra with Medicaid is no worse than paying $58 million for health care for illegal aliens, which we did last year.
If it's fixed, call the DOT and they'll break it for you.
Osama bin Laden will never be caught, but I feel much safer knowing that cancer patients who smoke pot will be busted.
Nixon gave China a big ol' hug! Then they immediately began figuring ways to crush us with cheap exports.
6.08.2005
Quote of the day
"Republicans are a pretty monolithic party. They all behave the same. They all look the same. It's pretty much a white Christian party."
-Howard Dean
-Howard Dean
Letter to the Editor - AJC
Former president true to his faith
President Carter's noble efforts to free imprisoned Christians and others around the world won't impress most American Christians, and certainly not their leaders ("Many praise Carter as their rescuer," News, June 6).
They don't see Carter as one of them. Too busy fighting culture wars and Democrats, they say God's priorities are made clear in the Bible. True enough. Helping the poor is mentioned in the Bible 347 times. Homosexuality? Twice. Democrats? Zip.
I long for the day that the broad Christian mission returns to embracing the poor, expanding peace, feeding the hungry and reversing injustice around the world. God bless Carter, a true Christian.
TOM ELLICOTT
Elicott, of Atlanta, is executive director of Unity North Atlanta Church in Marietta.
President Carter's noble efforts to free imprisoned Christians and others around the world won't impress most American Christians, and certainly not their leaders ("Many praise Carter as their rescuer," News, June 6).
They don't see Carter as one of them. Too busy fighting culture wars and Democrats, they say God's priorities are made clear in the Bible. True enough. Helping the poor is mentioned in the Bible 347 times. Homosexuality? Twice. Democrats? Zip.
I long for the day that the broad Christian mission returns to embracing the poor, expanding peace, feeding the hungry and reversing injustice around the world. God bless Carter, a true Christian.
TOM ELLICOTT
Elicott, of Atlanta, is executive director of Unity North Atlanta Church in Marietta.
6.07.2005
Incredible Comet Photos
"Comet Hale-Bopp passing Heaven's Gate"
Taken 4/06/97 at 8 PM with 135mm lens at f2.8 mounted "piggyback" on 2.4 inch Tasco telescope used to track the comet during this 5 minute exposure on Kodak 400 Pro film. Nearby columnar rocks were lit up using a flashlight during the exposure.
See more Comet Photos.
Fulton county attempts to indict a dead man
Another fine example of Fulton County's incompetence.
"When you start indicting dead people, it would indicate to me the power is not being used prudently. That certainly indicates there's been a lack of attention to the people. It's out of control."
-Mike Mears, director of the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council
A really cold case: Fulton tries to prosecute dead man
"When you start indicting dead people, it would indicate to me the power is not being used prudently. That certainly indicates there's been a lack of attention to the people. It's out of control."
-Mike Mears, director of the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council
A really cold case: Fulton tries to prosecute dead man
Carpe Diem Democrats
A clear majority of Americans say President Bush is ignoring the public's concerns and instead has become distracted by issues that most people say they care little about, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
The survey found that 58 percent of those interviewed said Bush is mainly concentrating in his second term on problems and partisan squabbles that these respondents said were unimportant to them. Four in 10--41 percent--said the president was focused on important problems--a double-digit drop from three years ago.
Continue via The Sun Myung Moon Post
The survey found that 58 percent of those interviewed said Bush is mainly concentrating in his second term on problems and partisan squabbles that these respondents said were unimportant to them. Four in 10--41 percent--said the president was focused on important problems--a double-digit drop from three years ago.
Continue via The Sun Myung Moon Post
New element discovered
Governmentium
A major research institution has recently announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named "Governmentium." Governmentium has one neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 11 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, as it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Governmentium causes one reaction to take over four days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second. GOVERNMENTIUM has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron-promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as "Critical Morass."
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium - an element which radiates just as much energy, since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
Thanks to JimBob
A major research institution has recently announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named "Governmentium." Governmentium has one neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 11 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, as it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Governmentium causes one reaction to take over four days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second. GOVERNMENTIUM has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron-promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as "Critical Morass."
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium - an element which radiates just as much energy, since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
Thanks to JimBob
Yes master...
I wonder who Chris Cox will be loyal to? You get 2 guesses.
Bush S.E.C. Pick Is Seen as Friend to Corporations
If you guessed Dubya and Corporate America you would be correct.
Bush S.E.C. Pick Is Seen as Friend to Corporations
If you guessed Dubya and Corporate America you would be correct.
Dubya's war is a drain on domestic needs
Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana has asked Dubya's administration to return Montana's National Guard troops from Iraq to help with the upcoming fire season which they expect to be a bad one due to it being unusually dry . This illustrates how the Iraq War is draining resources from domestic problems. Unfortunately, the Bushies have responded with arrogant attacks.
The Pentagon has rejected Schweitzer's request, and the GOP has unleashed its local minions to attack Schweitzer. What are they accusing him of?
Read more
Username:wildsects@gmail.com
Password: 123456
The Pentagon has rejected Schweitzer's request, and the GOP has unleashed its local minions to attack Schweitzer. What are they accusing him of?
Read more
Username:wildsects@gmail.com
Password: 123456
Quote of the day
"I mean, c'mon, toughen up, guys, it's only our Constitution and country at stake. Let's get some spine."
-Sen. Hillary Clinton
-Sen. Hillary Clinton
Dubya sez...
"It seemed like to me they based some of their decisions on the word of — and the allegations — by people who were held in detention, people who hate America, people that had been trained in some instances to disassemble — that means not tell the truth."
—George W. Bush, on an Amnesty International report on prisoner abuse at Guantanamo Bay, Washington, D.C., May 31, 2005
Hey Georgie! Thanks for the vocabulary lesson but I think I'll stick with the traditional definition.
dis·as·sem·ble 1. To come apart. 2. To break up in random fashion.
Letter to the Editor - The Orlando Sentinel
Image damage
It's ironic that George W. Bush and his administration want Newsweek to go further than its apology for a story that is still questionable about the Quran being desecrated by American interrogators. Bush officials stated that America's image abroad suffered irreparable damage from the Newsweek story. Yet Bush stated that the newly released photos of Saddam Hussein in undergarments is not damaging to America's image.
Yes, the Newsweek story sadly did result in the deaths of at least 14 people. But what about Bush's immoral and illegal war in Iraq that was based totally on falsehoods and has resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,700 Americans?
Bush attacked Iraq because he said it possessed weapons of mass destruction and had strong ties to al-Qaeda. Both allegations proved false. However, Bush did not apologize for the war. Bush did not apologize for killing thousands of innocent Iraqi women and children. Finally, Bush did not apologize for American human-rights violations and Geneva Convention violations in the Abu Ghraib prison abuses.
Plus, the newly released photos of Saddam Hussein are a violation of the Geneva Convention and very insulting to Muslims around the world, reminding them of the abuses at Guantánamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. These new photos, contrary to Bush's opinion, will re-inflame resentment against Americans.
Newsweek has apologized; the world is still waiting for Bush's apology.
Christian Gatsby
Orlando
It's ironic that George W. Bush and his administration want Newsweek to go further than its apology for a story that is still questionable about the Quran being desecrated by American interrogators. Bush officials stated that America's image abroad suffered irreparable damage from the Newsweek story. Yet Bush stated that the newly released photos of Saddam Hussein in undergarments is not damaging to America's image.
Yes, the Newsweek story sadly did result in the deaths of at least 14 people. But what about Bush's immoral and illegal war in Iraq that was based totally on falsehoods and has resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,700 Americans?
Bush attacked Iraq because he said it possessed weapons of mass destruction and had strong ties to al-Qaeda. Both allegations proved false. However, Bush did not apologize for the war. Bush did not apologize for killing thousands of innocent Iraqi women and children. Finally, Bush did not apologize for American human-rights violations and Geneva Convention violations in the Abu Ghraib prison abuses.
Plus, the newly released photos of Saddam Hussein are a violation of the Geneva Convention and very insulting to Muslims around the world, reminding them of the abuses at Guantánamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. These new photos, contrary to Bush's opinion, will re-inflame resentment against Americans.
Newsweek has apologized; the world is still waiting for Bush's apology.
Christian Gatsby
Orlando
The Vent from the AJC
Weekend Vent - only one worth posting:
An acorn is not a tree, and an embryo is not a child.
UPDATE: Response in today's Vent.
Acorns don't have heartbeats.
An acorn is not a tree, and an embryo is not a child.
UPDATE: Response in today's Vent.
Acorns don't have heartbeats.
6.05.2005
Inability to Foresee the Consequences
Among the many truly weird incidents in Bangkok this week - at least the ones that made the newspapers - one truly stood out, if only for the classic quote (or maybe it was more of a case of creative translation by the reporter) from a Thai mother.
A story in The Nation reported that a third grade Bangkapi (a Bangkok suburb) student had fallen from his third-floor classroom to a second-floor balcony while "trying to pick up the lid of a milk bucket that was dropped onto the balcony" (Note: just so you don't think we're a bunch of country farmers here in Thailand: I have no idea what this "milk bucket" is supposed to be. I'm assuming the reporter is talking about a plastic milk carton and not an actual bucket used for milking cows). The schoolboy was hospitalized with facial wounds and cracked ribs but is expected to make a full recovery.
Now here's the real kicker. His distraught mother, to her credit, didn't blame the school or threaten to sue anybody, as so many lawsuit-happy folks would be inclined to do back in the states. Instead, the boy's mother, Jitra Nathkitseth, told the newspaper that she believed the accident was due to her son's "inability to foresee the consequences of his actions."
What a great comment! Sorta reminds me of the Bush administration and their lack of foresight before engaging in overseas military maneuvers. "Damn, Rummy, I guess we just didn't accurately foresee the horrible consequences of this invasion!"
But unlike the Thai mother, I can't imagine Dubya and company actually accepting responsibility for the mistakes they've made.
A story in The Nation reported that a third grade Bangkapi (a Bangkok suburb) student had fallen from his third-floor classroom to a second-floor balcony while "trying to pick up the lid of a milk bucket that was dropped onto the balcony" (Note: just so you don't think we're a bunch of country farmers here in Thailand: I have no idea what this "milk bucket" is supposed to be. I'm assuming the reporter is talking about a plastic milk carton and not an actual bucket used for milking cows). The schoolboy was hospitalized with facial wounds and cracked ribs but is expected to make a full recovery.
Now here's the real kicker. His distraught mother, to her credit, didn't blame the school or threaten to sue anybody, as so many lawsuit-happy folks would be inclined to do back in the states. Instead, the boy's mother, Jitra Nathkitseth, told the newspaper that she believed the accident was due to her son's "inability to foresee the consequences of his actions."
What a great comment! Sorta reminds me of the Bush administration and their lack of foresight before engaging in overseas military maneuvers. "Damn, Rummy, I guess we just didn't accurately foresee the horrible consequences of this invasion!"
But unlike the Thai mother, I can't imagine Dubya and company actually accepting responsibility for the mistakes they've made.
What if?
U.S. military officials say no guard at the Guantanamo Bay prison for terror suspects flushed a detainee's
On March 25, a detainee complained to guards that "urine came through an air vent" and splashed on him and his
In another confirmed incident, water balloons thrown by prison guards caused an unspecified number of
The findings, released after normal business hours Friday evening and after the major TV networks had aired their evening news programs, are among the results of an investigation last month by Brig. Gen. Jay Hood, the commander of the detention center in Cuba. A Newsweek magazine report - later retracted - that a U.S. soldier had flushed one Guantanamo Bay detainee's
6.03.2005
A Blacker Forest
According to an article in Bangkok's The Nation newspaper this week, a Thai Airways plane flying from Zurich to Bangkok experienced a "technical problem with its air pressure data system" shortly after takeoff, forcing the pilot to return to the Zurich Airport. Before doing so, however, the Thai pilot - acting on advice from officials at Zurich Airport - dumped 45 tons of fuel over the Black Forest in Southwest Germany. The newspaper article claimed that "the fuel dumping presented no danger to people or the environment."
After reading that statement I was incredulous. Spreading 45 tons of fuel over a forest presents no danger to the environment? Are readers supposed to blindly accept such declarations (like believing what your government tells you?) and turn the page? Are these people graduates from the George W. Bush School of Destructive Environmental Studies or what? How can they be certain that dumping such an insanely large quantity of jet fuel over a forest is not going to harm animals, trees, the water supply, or perhaps even someone camping in the area? Regardless of the need to lessen the plane's weight before landing, such a callous disregard for the environment is very disturbing.
After reading that statement I was incredulous. Spreading 45 tons of fuel over a forest presents no danger to the environment? Are readers supposed to blindly accept such declarations (like believing what your government tells you?) and turn the page? Are these people graduates from the George W. Bush School of Destructive Environmental Studies or what? How can they be certain that dumping such an insanely large quantity of jet fuel over a forest is not going to harm animals, trees, the water supply, or perhaps even someone camping in the area? Regardless of the need to lessen the plane's weight before landing, such a callous disregard for the environment is very disturbing.
6.02.2005
You tell 'em
"You have given us the minimum required attention and education that is needed to master any station at any McDonald's anywhere."
-Abraham Stoklasa, Eagleville School valedictorian
Story
-Abraham Stoklasa, Eagleville School valedictorian
Story
Kansas politician doesn't think women should be allowed to vote...
...and she's running for Secretary of State (which oversees elections). This is further proof that most GOP politicians are a few fries short of a happy meal.
State Sen. Kay O'Connor had this to say about the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1920, which gave women the right to vote: "I think the 19th Amendment, while it's not an evil in and of itself, is a symptom of something I don't approve of. The 19th Amendment is around because men weren't doing their jobs, and I think that's sad. I believe the man should be the head of the family. The woman should be the heart of the family."
WTF? Is she serious? And she wants to hold public office?
Read all about it.
State Sen. Kay O'Connor had this to say about the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1920, which gave women the right to vote: "I think the 19th Amendment, while it's not an evil in and of itself, is a symptom of something I don't approve of. The 19th Amendment is around because men weren't doing their jobs, and I think that's sad. I believe the man should be the head of the family. The woman should be the heart of the family."
WTF? Is she serious? And she wants to hold public office?
Read all about it.
I'll admit it when I'm wrong
I lived in Florida the first time Jeb Bush ran for governor there. Considering the Bush family's background I, along with most Floridians, were certain that if he were elected we would start seeing oil rigs from the beaches. Nobody wanted that so he lost handily. Four years later I was living in Atlanta and Jeb ran a second time and won. Again I was certain that those oil rigs were going to start popping up at any moment.
This morning, much to my relief, I read this article about the agreement that ends Coastal Petroleum Co.'s oil-drilling rights along 425 miles of Florida coast dating back to 1947. Bush, the latest in a long line of Florida governors who have battled the company, said he hopes the deal will echo in Washington, where Dubya's administration and Congress have been threatening to expand oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
It looks like I was wrong about Jeb on that issue but then he knows if he had gone the other way he could kiss his political career, in Florida at least, goodbye forever. He wants the presidency far too much to let that happen.
This morning, much to my relief, I read this article about the agreement that ends Coastal Petroleum Co.'s oil-drilling rights along 425 miles of Florida coast dating back to 1947. Bush, the latest in a long line of Florida governors who have battled the company, said he hopes the deal will echo in Washington, where Dubya's administration and Congress have been threatening to expand oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
It looks like I was wrong about Jeb on that issue but then he knows if he had gone the other way he could kiss his political career, in Florida at least, goodbye forever. He wants the presidency far too much to let that happen.
Letters to the Editor - AJC
Rule of law should come before loyalty
Republican defense of presidential crimes hasn't changed in 30 years.
Charles Colson, Pat Buchanan et al. are more interested in W. Mark Felt's "loyalty" than in upholding the rule of law. Felt exposed Nixon's crimes. The others helped cover up illegal wiretaps, blackmail, obstruction of justice and abuse of the FBI, CIA and IRS. President Bush et al. are no different --- they lied about weapons of mass destruction in order to defend a pre-emptive war of aggression, slandered those who told the truth and trampled on due process to hide torture and murder.
Where are the righteous Republican prosecutors of Whitewater, Travelgate and sexual perjury when the real crimes are committed?
FRANK RUECHEL, Kennesaw
Nation needs an informant against Bush
Charles Colson's saying that W. Mark Felt betrayed the trust of America's leaders is remarkable. The Watergate scandal was the biggest betrayal of the trust of the American people to date.
We can only hope that a new "Deep Throat" will come forward with the truth about President Bush's campaign to get us into the war with Iraq. The recently leaked British memo makes it clear that we have been betrayed again.
JOHN M. NARDO, Jasper
Reed's explanations impossible to believe
Ralph Reed's ever-changing explanations of his role in "Casinogate" defy the most generous definitions of logic ("Anti-gaming funds tribe gave Reed hard to trail," Page One, May 31).
He has gone from, "I did not know the money came from the Choctaws" to "I knew it came from the Choctaws but I did not know they operated casinos" to "I knew they operated casinos but the money did not come from their casino profits." This is like saying, "I knew the money came from the mob, and I know they make a lot of money on gambling, drugs and prostitution, but I was assured the money came from their olive oil business."
"Casino Ralph" has been exposed for what he is: a Washington lobbyist who, for the almighty dollar, cynically exploits his control over Christian conservatives. If Reed believes this description is unfair, there is a way for him to prove me wrong: Give the money back.
KIRK DORNBUSH, Atlanta
(Ralph Reed is running for Lt. Governor in Georgia - god help us--JFA)
Bush should probe allegations of abuse
To respond to allegations of abuse at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp by simply calling them "absurd" is not the stand I want my government to take ("Bush 'optimistic' he'll secure agenda," Page One, June 1).
Amnesty International, the Red Cross and the media have reported repeatedly about U.S. human rights violations that are counter to everything our justice system stands for. Merely removing prisoners from U.S. soil shouldn't exempt them from the rights --- or freedom from abuse --- that our country believes in.
If there's nothing to hide, then pledge to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. Don't "disassemble" the facts --- give them to us in their entirety.
SARA REAMS, Fayetteville
Republican defense of presidential crimes hasn't changed in 30 years.
Charles Colson, Pat Buchanan et al. are more interested in W. Mark Felt's "loyalty" than in upholding the rule of law. Felt exposed Nixon's crimes. The others helped cover up illegal wiretaps, blackmail, obstruction of justice and abuse of the FBI, CIA and IRS. President Bush et al. are no different --- they lied about weapons of mass destruction in order to defend a pre-emptive war of aggression, slandered those who told the truth and trampled on due process to hide torture and murder.
Where are the righteous Republican prosecutors of Whitewater, Travelgate and sexual perjury when the real crimes are committed?
FRANK RUECHEL, Kennesaw
Nation needs an informant against Bush
Charles Colson's saying that W. Mark Felt betrayed the trust of America's leaders is remarkable. The Watergate scandal was the biggest betrayal of the trust of the American people to date.
We can only hope that a new "Deep Throat" will come forward with the truth about President Bush's campaign to get us into the war with Iraq. The recently leaked British memo makes it clear that we have been betrayed again.
JOHN M. NARDO, Jasper
Reed's explanations impossible to believe
Ralph Reed's ever-changing explanations of his role in "Casinogate" defy the most generous definitions of logic ("Anti-gaming funds tribe gave Reed hard to trail," Page One, May 31).
He has gone from, "I did not know the money came from the Choctaws" to "I knew it came from the Choctaws but I did not know they operated casinos" to "I knew they operated casinos but the money did not come from their casino profits." This is like saying, "I knew the money came from the mob, and I know they make a lot of money on gambling, drugs and prostitution, but I was assured the money came from their olive oil business."
"Casino Ralph" has been exposed for what he is: a Washington lobbyist who, for the almighty dollar, cynically exploits his control over Christian conservatives. If Reed believes this description is unfair, there is a way for him to prove me wrong: Give the money back.
KIRK DORNBUSH, Atlanta
(Ralph Reed is running for Lt. Governor in Georgia - god help us--JFA)
Bush should probe allegations of abuse
To respond to allegations of abuse at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp by simply calling them "absurd" is not the stand I want my government to take ("Bush 'optimistic' he'll secure agenda," Page One, June 1).
Amnesty International, the Red Cross and the media have reported repeatedly about U.S. human rights violations that are counter to everything our justice system stands for. Merely removing prisoners from U.S. soil shouldn't exempt them from the rights --- or freedom from abuse --- that our country believes in.
If there's nothing to hide, then pledge to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. Don't "disassemble" the facts --- give them to us in their entirety.
SARA REAMS, Fayetteville
The Vent from the AJC
Thursday edition:
If there were no sheep, there would be no wool sweaters or Republican Party.
I was wondering the other day why a Frisbee keeps getting bigger and bigger the closer it gets to you, and then it hit me.
The United States is falling behind the rest of the world in education and scientific research, but we are gaining in religious fanaticism.
It is always entertaining to see Chicken Hawks, like Saxby Chambliss (who didn't serve) making political hay by giving Memorial Day speeches.
W. Mark Felt is an imposter. Deep Throat is Linda Lovelace.
If there were no sheep, there would be no wool sweaters or Republican Party.
I was wondering the other day why a Frisbee keeps getting bigger and bigger the closer it gets to you, and then it hit me.
The United States is falling behind the rest of the world in education and scientific research, but we are gaining in religious fanaticism.
It is always entertaining to see Chicken Hawks, like Saxby Chambliss (who didn't serve) making political hay by giving Memorial Day speeches.
W. Mark Felt is an imposter. Deep Throat is Linda Lovelace.
Deep Throat: Hero or villain?
That was the headline that greeted me this morning in the AJC Online. Jon Stewart even had a segment on the Daily Show with clips of Pat Buchanan, G. Gordon Liddy and Bob Novack vilifying W. Mark Felt and basically calling him a traitor. For god's sake! The man helped expose corruption and brought down a criminal president. What the hell is wrong with that? It never occurred to me that there was any other way to regard him except as a hero. It seems to me that he would be applauded. Not demonized. I know that he is one of my new heroes and I'll buy his book.
6.01.2005
Twin Peaks
I used to love that show. I watched every episode. "Damn fine cuppa joe. And, while you're at it, give me a slice of that cherry pie."
Now you can get a daily weather report from David Lynch.
I Googled myself
Tom over at Tom's Irrelevant Musings inspired me to Google myself and to my amazement Wild Sects is the first result. I looked around at some of the other results and found an interesting paragraph from Arthur Conan Doyle - The History of Spiritualism Vol I
Such developments as Harris and others were only excrescences on the main Spiritualistic movement, which generally speaking was sane and progressive. The freaks stood in the way of its acceptance, however, as the communistic or free love sentiments of some of these wild sects were unscrupulously exploited by the opposition as being typical of the whole.Tom's results were much cooler. He was mentioned in Slate Magazine. You go Tom!
Dubya learns a new word
Via Wonkette, "dissemble," the word that Bush nearly nailed on his first try during yesterday's presser, was Dictionary.com's "Word of the Day" on Monday. Tuesday's "Word of the Day" was "recreant," which means "cowardly; craven" and "unfaithful;disloyal." Expected deployment: "If I could just wave a magic wand and get rid of recreants like Kim Jong-Il or George Voinovich, trust me, I would." Little does Dubya realize, "recreant" describes him to a tee.
Quote of the day Part 2
"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure."
-Abraham Lincoln
-Abraham Lincoln
Lies, lies and more lies
Outrage over Clinton's lies about sex...
"There has to be a functional trust by reporters of the person they're covering. Clinton lies knowing that you know he's lying. It's brutal and it subjugates the person who's being lied to. I resent deeply being constantly lied to." – Hardball's Chris Matthews
"The deep and searing violation took place when he not only lied to the country, but co-opted his friends and lied to them." – Reagan/Clinton adviser David Gergen
"What is troubling is the deceit, the failure to own up to it. Before this is over the truth must be told." – Sen. Joe Lieberman (who hasn't owned up to his own pre-war role pushing Bush administration lies about Iraq)
"The judgment is harsher in Washington. We don't like being lied to." - Washington Post columnist David Broder
"When you lie to the country, you are using your authority to undermine the presidency." – Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin (who, by the way, had no problem subsequently plagiarizing work and then lying about it).
Outrage over Bush's lies about the need to go to war...
Sorry, I couldn't find any.
"There has to be a functional trust by reporters of the person they're covering. Clinton lies knowing that you know he's lying. It's brutal and it subjugates the person who's being lied to. I resent deeply being constantly lied to." – Hardball's Chris Matthews
"The deep and searing violation took place when he not only lied to the country, but co-opted his friends and lied to them." – Reagan/Clinton adviser David Gergen
"What is troubling is the deceit, the failure to own up to it. Before this is over the truth must be told." – Sen. Joe Lieberman (who hasn't owned up to his own pre-war role pushing Bush administration lies about Iraq)
"The judgment is harsher in Washington. We don't like being lied to." - Washington Post columnist David Broder
"When you lie to the country, you are using your authority to undermine the presidency." – Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin (who, by the way, had no problem subsequently plagiarizing work and then lying about it).
Outrage over Bush's lies about the need to go to war...
Sorry, I couldn't find any.
Quote of the day
"Even we at Fox News manage to get some lefties on the air occasionally, and often let them finish their sentences before we club them to death and feed the scraps to Karl Rove and Bill O'Reilly."
-Scott Norvell, Fox's London bureau chief
Of course they're fair and balanced. We all knew that, right?
-Scott Norvell, Fox's London bureau chief
Of course they're fair and balanced. We all knew that, right?
Remind us...
This presentation was released before the election but remains relevant. Nothing has changed except for the ever increasing number of dead American soldiers and Iraqis.
Peace Candy
Peace Candy
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