Ever since day one of the war with Iraq, the media has claimed that the war was becoming a quagmire. Well now it's official - Newsweek declares that the war actually is a quagmire against which we are helplessly struggling.
ANATOMY OF A QUAGMIRE.
This depsite the fact that Saddam is captured, town councils have been chosen in open elections including women, the majority of polled Iraqis say they're better off and we're killing enemy combatants in double digit multiples of our own casualties.
This is truly a disgusting dismissal by Newsweek of any claim to objectivity. Show it all, but has nothing gone right?
Friday, April 30, 2004
The dead Jews of France are still not safe.
French Jewish Graves Desecrated with Nazi Slogans
STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) - Vandals desecrated 127 graves with Nazi swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans in a Jewish cemetery close to the French border with Germany, officials said on Friday.
"Juden raus" -- "Jews out" in German -- was written above the entrance gate to the cemetery, and two German flags and the Nazi slogan "One Reich, One People, One Leader" in German were also found on the site.
French Jewish Graves Desecrated with Nazi Slogans
STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) - Vandals desecrated 127 graves with Nazi swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans in a Jewish cemetery close to the French border with Germany, officials said on Friday.
"Juden raus" -- "Jews out" in German -- was written above the entrance gate to the cemetery, and two German flags and the Nazi slogan "One Reich, One People, One Leader" in German were also found on the site.
Here's a relatively common story of an American Jew arriving at the Western Wall for the first time, but with an interesting twist.
Solemn visit to the Wall quiets cynicism, for a while
The tradition is that you write down prayers and tuck them into cracks in the Wall, so God has an easier time finding them. Several people gave me notes to put in, and I created my own note, a small triangle cut from paper from an envelope from one of the letters to my grandfather. I liked the idea of paper used by a doomed Jew in Bialystock ending its days stuck in the Western Wall, melting in the soft Jerusalem rain......
Perhaps Zalman Bramson, trapped in Poland, tried to rationalize his fate by telling himself that at least his brother escaped and that maybe, just maybe, one of his descendants will someday find himself in Jerusalem. He will overcome his skepticism. He will take a 70-year-old scrap of paper, write on it a prayer asking God to bless the memory of a family he has never met, and place it reverently into the Western Wall.
Solemn visit to the Wall quiets cynicism, for a while
The tradition is that you write down prayers and tuck them into cracks in the Wall, so God has an easier time finding them. Several people gave me notes to put in, and I created my own note, a small triangle cut from paper from an envelope from one of the letters to my grandfather. I liked the idea of paper used by a doomed Jew in Bialystock ending its days stuck in the Western Wall, melting in the soft Jerusalem rain......
Perhaps Zalman Bramson, trapped in Poland, tried to rationalize his fate by telling himself that at least his brother escaped and that maybe, just maybe, one of his descendants will someday find himself in Jerusalem. He will overcome his skepticism. He will take a 70-year-old scrap of paper, write on it a prayer asking God to bless the memory of a family he has never met, and place it reverently into the Western Wall.
Thursday, April 29, 2004
I guess I have to take this report with a grain of salt since it's issued by the Governement (The State Dept.), but if it's true - doesn't it mean we're winning the war on terrorism?
Patterns of Global Terrorism 2003
Worldwide:
There were 190 acts of international terrorism in 2003, a slight decrease from the 198 attacks that occurred in 2002, and a drop of 45 percent from the level in 2001 of 346 attacks. The figure in 2003 represents the lowest annual total of international terrorist attacks since 1969.
A total of 307 persons were killed in the attacks of 2003, far fewer than the 725 killed during 2002. A total of 1,593 persons were wounded in the attacks that occurred in 2003, down from 2,013 persons wounded the year before.
In Israel and the Territiories:
Terrorist attacks in 2003 killed almost 200 people (mostly Israelis, as well as a number of foreigners, including 16 US citizens), a decrease from the more than 350 people killed in 2002.
Did I mention that it's been 961 days since the last major terrorist attack on U.S. soil? **Knock** on wood.
Patterns of Global Terrorism 2003
Worldwide:
There were 190 acts of international terrorism in 2003, a slight decrease from the 198 attacks that occurred in 2002, and a drop of 45 percent from the level in 2001 of 346 attacks. The figure in 2003 represents the lowest annual total of international terrorist attacks since 1969.
A total of 307 persons were killed in the attacks of 2003, far fewer than the 725 killed during 2002. A total of 1,593 persons were wounded in the attacks that occurred in 2003, down from 2,013 persons wounded the year before.
In Israel and the Territiories:
Terrorist attacks in 2003 killed almost 200 people (mostly Israelis, as well as a number of foreigners, including 16 US citizens), a decrease from the more than 350 people killed in 2002.
Did I mention that it's been 961 days since the last major terrorist attack on U.S. soil? **Knock** on wood.
Somebody's not quite telling the truth...
The Times reported the following:
In keeping with the tone of informality that the White House sought to impose, Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney sat near the fireplace in the Oval Office and commission members gathered around them. The session began at 9:30 a.m., as scheduled, officials said. It lasted until shortly after noon.
The panel's vice chairman, former Representative Lee H. Hamilton of Indiana, and one of its members, former Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska, both Democrats, were seen leaving the White House around noon. The other panel members continued to meet with Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney for a few more minutes.
Drudge reports the following:
The stunning walk out -- after Democrats had complained that Bush was not alloting enough time for questions -- has ignited talk throughout official Washington.
In a written statement, Kerrey said he left an hour early to attend a previously scheduled meeting with Senator Pete Domenici on Capitol Hill.
Kerrey: "My office has received several calls asking why I left the White House prior to the conclusion of the session with the President and the Vice President. The reason is I had a previously scheduled meeting with Senator Pete Domenici on Capitol Hill."
Kerrey explained to reporters: "Yeah, it's a little awkward to leave early. But the president certainly understood what we were doing."
Hamilton left Bush/Cheney 70 minutes early to meet with the Canadian Prime Minister.
Shortly after noon vs. 12:40
A few minutes vs. 60-70 minutes
Hmmm............
The Times reported the following:
In keeping with the tone of informality that the White House sought to impose, Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney sat near the fireplace in the Oval Office and commission members gathered around them. The session began at 9:30 a.m., as scheduled, officials said. It lasted until shortly after noon.
The panel's vice chairman, former Representative Lee H. Hamilton of Indiana, and one of its members, former Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska, both Democrats, were seen leaving the White House around noon. The other panel members continued to meet with Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney for a few more minutes.
Drudge reports the following:
The stunning walk out -- after Democrats had complained that Bush was not alloting enough time for questions -- has ignited talk throughout official Washington.
In a written statement, Kerrey said he left an hour early to attend a previously scheduled meeting with Senator Pete Domenici on Capitol Hill.
Kerrey: "My office has received several calls asking why I left the White House prior to the conclusion of the session with the President and the Vice President. The reason is I had a previously scheduled meeting with Senator Pete Domenici on Capitol Hill."
Kerrey explained to reporters: "Yeah, it's a little awkward to leave early. But the president certainly understood what we were doing."
Hamilton left Bush/Cheney 70 minutes early to meet with the Canadian Prime Minister.
Shortly after noon vs. 12:40
A few minutes vs. 60-70 minutes
Hmmm............
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Sarcasm on.
Who is "The Jew" who has been "missioned" to draft the Iraqi consitution? The Tehran Times source isn't telling. I knew those Zionist swine were behind this war!
Sarcasm off.
Who is "The Jew" who has been "missioned" to draft the Iraqi consitution? The Tehran Times source isn't telling. I knew those Zionist swine were behind this war!
Sarcasm off.
IslamOnline.net has a page devoted to debunking the myth that Islam encourages wife-beating which we seem to hear about all too often in the press. My own beliefs have begun to lean towards the idea that certain cultures within Islamic countries may tolerate this, but that it is not a trait of Islam. So in many ways I agree with the website's position (although it does get watered down to the bad acts of individuals and does not criticize any particular culture).
That being said, I figured I'd go to their "Fatwa Bank" and see if there were any scholars that had an opinion given a particular situation involving marital discord. I did find a fatwa regarding A Wife Not Interested in Sex.
As far as Islam is concerned, a woman has to respond to the call of her husband regardless whether she has interest or not. She will be punished if she goes against the will of the husband in this matter. The husband will have to help to respond by choosing the right time and way. May Allah bless you both!”
Although there is no call to physical violence, why does the man have the option of punishing the wife? And what type of "punishment" between adults is even possible without some sort of psychological if not physical damage?
And I thought being Jewish was hard because I'm supposed to pray three times a day and eat kosher. I can't imagine being born into a faith where you have to punish your wife for not "giving it up" as often as you'd like.
That being said, I figured I'd go to their "Fatwa Bank" and see if there were any scholars that had an opinion given a particular situation involving marital discord. I did find a fatwa regarding A Wife Not Interested in Sex.
As far as Islam is concerned, a woman has to respond to the call of her husband regardless whether she has interest or not. She will be punished if she goes against the will of the husband in this matter. The husband will have to help to respond by choosing the right time and way. May Allah bless you both!”
Although there is no call to physical violence, why does the man have the option of punishing the wife? And what type of "punishment" between adults is even possible without some sort of psychological if not physical damage?
And I thought being Jewish was hard because I'm supposed to pray three times a day and eat kosher. I can't imagine being born into a faith where you have to punish your wife for not "giving it up" as often as you'd like.
Without getting into the detail of comparing differences between the persecution of Jews by Hitler based on who they were and partisans and priests based on what they thought, or the extent of Hitlers effectiveness in persecuting homosexuals and Gypsies, what exactly prompts an eighth-grader to write this column for the local newspaper? She doesn't claim to be part of, or related to, any of the persecuted populations. Is she just outraged that Jews get all the attention?
I won't fault her for the unfortunately worded headline.
Millions besides Jews were killed by Hitler's Nazis
"There were so many others besides the Jews."
I won't fault her for the unfortunately worded headline.
Millions besides Jews were killed by Hitler's Nazis
"There were so many others besides the Jews."
Here's one way to get to the top of the Google list - a few posts ago I made a comment about the "history of Dr. Ramtisi" instead of Rantisi. Because of the misspelling I have the only two links listed on Google when doing the "Ramtisi" search.
Hey it got at least one person to check out the blog :-)
Hey it got at least one person to check out the blog :-)
Rumsfeld tells it like it is. Source: Instapundit
There are two ways, I suppose, one could inform readers of the Geneva Convention stipulation against using places of worship to conduct military attacks. One might be to headline saying that Terrorists Attack Coalition Forces From Mosques. That would be one way to present the information.
Another might be to say: Mosques Targeted in Fallujah. That was the Los Angeles Times headline this morning.
Just like they say, there's two sides to every story. The question is what side is the Los Angeles Times on? Anti-War, Anti-American, Anti-Bush...?
Seriously, how the hell did we ever know what was going on in the world before there were blogs? Isn't it also amazing that with all this information being passed back and forth that there is no ultimate truth or universal agreement to be found?
There are two ways, I suppose, one could inform readers of the Geneva Convention stipulation against using places of worship to conduct military attacks. One might be to headline saying that Terrorists Attack Coalition Forces From Mosques. That would be one way to present the information.
Another might be to say: Mosques Targeted in Fallujah. That was the Los Angeles Times headline this morning.
Just like they say, there's two sides to every story. The question is what side is the Los Angeles Times on? Anti-War, Anti-American, Anti-Bush...?
Seriously, how the hell did we ever know what was going on in the world before there were blogs? Isn't it also amazing that with all this information being passed back and forth that there is no ultimate truth or universal agreement to be found?
Here's a note and some reviews on a new British movie called Wondrous Oblivion about an 11-year old Jewish boy in 1960's London who loves his cricket, although is neighbours aren't too keen about his family and the Jamaicans next door.
Shades of Bend it Like Beckham? Perhpas. But good reviews nonetheless. Thanks to Normblog.
Shades of Bend it Like Beckham? Perhpas. But good reviews nonetheless. Thanks to Normblog.
Ny Times owner blames its readers for the Jayson Blair scandal.
I don't think he actually meant it this way. He probably meant that it was disappointing that no one actually read the articles (which they thought were important enough to publish) and those that did read it were so few and far between that no one actually noticed the lies.
I don't think he actually meant it this way. He probably meant that it was disappointing that no one actually read the articles (which they thought were important enough to publish) and those that did read it were so few and far between that no one actually noticed the lies.
A refurbished official Anne Frank website offers rarely seen footage of Anne Frank, filmed on a balcony during a neighbor's wedding celebration. It is the only known film footage of the girl who died so tragically in the Holocaust.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Master and Commander indeed! No, in deed!
Russell Crowe Offers Aid to Montreal Jewish School
Tough guy actor Russell Crowe (news) was so upset by a fire-bombing at a Jewish elementary school in Montreal, he called the school to offer a donation to help rebuild its library, a school spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
Russell Crowe Offers Aid to Montreal Jewish School
Tough guy actor Russell Crowe (news) was so upset by a fire-bombing at a Jewish elementary school in Montreal, he called the school to offer a donation to help rebuild its library, a school spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
This is fascinating on a number of fronts. First, Mussolini's old mansion will be converted into a Holocaust museum. Second, the villa sits on top of Jewish catacombs from the 3rd and 4th century, some up to 6 miles long. Wow. (Found on Nextbook)
Mussolini's former home to be turned into a Roman Holocaust museum
The estate that was Benito Mussolini's favourite home during his decades as Italy's dictator will house a museum devoted to commemorating the Holocaust experienced by Rome's Jews....
Deep beneath the Villa Torlonia, where Mussolini lived, is an enormous network of Jewish catacombs, some six miles in length, dating back to the third and fourth centuries, which contain some of the best-preserved paintings and inscriptions of the community. After the start of the war, Mussolini used some of them to construct an air-raid shelter for himself and his family.
Interestingly for those that accuse the Catholic Church of not protecting Jews:
Of all countries touched by the Nazis' extermination programme, Italy's record is the least shameful. About 85 per cent of the country's 45,000 Jews survived, many thousands protected by Catholic priests and others in churches and monasteries around the country.
Mussolini's former home to be turned into a Roman Holocaust museum
The estate that was Benito Mussolini's favourite home during his decades as Italy's dictator will house a museum devoted to commemorating the Holocaust experienced by Rome's Jews....
Deep beneath the Villa Torlonia, where Mussolini lived, is an enormous network of Jewish catacombs, some six miles in length, dating back to the third and fourth centuries, which contain some of the best-preserved paintings and inscriptions of the community. After the start of the war, Mussolini used some of them to construct an air-raid shelter for himself and his family.
Interestingly for those that accuse the Catholic Church of not protecting Jews:
Of all countries touched by the Nazis' extermination programme, Italy's record is the least shameful. About 85 per cent of the country's 45,000 Jews survived, many thousands protected by Catholic priests and others in churches and monasteries around the country.
This is a little off topic, but please G-d, I hope there's a special place in Hell for kids who throw stuff from highway overpasses and kill people.
Family, friends mourn woman
The woman who died was a breast cancer survivor who regularly visited the area to visit her widowed mother.
Family, friends mourn woman
The woman who died was a breast cancer survivor who regularly visited the area to visit her widowed mother.
Monday, April 26, 2004
Lost: Biblical Ark
Last seen: On top of a mountain
Reward: Eternal fame
Expedition to search for Noah's Ark
The goal: to enter what they believe to be a mammoth structure some 45 feet high, 75 feet wide and up to 450 feet long that was exposed in part by last summer's heat wave in Europe.
"We are not excavating it. We are not taking any artifacts. We're going to photograph it and, God willing, you're all going to see it," McGivern said.
Last seen: On top of a mountain
Reward: Eternal fame
Expedition to search for Noah's Ark
The goal: to enter what they believe to be a mammoth structure some 45 feet high, 75 feet wide and up to 450 feet long that was exposed in part by last summer's heat wave in Europe.
"We are not excavating it. We are not taking any artifacts. We're going to photograph it and, God willing, you're all going to see it," McGivern said.
Someone has made a short documentary about the small torah scroll that survived the Holocaust and was brought aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia by Ilan Ramon, the Israeli astronaut.
The Tiny Torah (thanks to Instapundit
The Tiny Torah (thanks to Instapundit
Don't see accounts like this much.
Most Iraqis Still Welcome American's presence.
Maybe I need to get around to some of the left-wing blogs, but I've seen quite a few articles or posts like this from soldiers coming off duty. While I've heard about soldiers complaining that they didn't want to spend so much time away from their family, or that they disagreed with the decisions that sent them there, I haven't seen many reports saying that everyone over there hates us as you would think from watching the news every day.
Here's some more just from doing a quick Google search.
A long-waited return
"To me, the Iraqi people seemed happy..."
Chaplain Returns Home From Iraq
"Tony also believes most of the Iraqi people trust Americans and believe in their mission. "If you go to Iraq you can find somebody that doesn't want us there you can. But you can also find a lot of people, I think the majority, want us there. They want us to bring civil order."'
Marietta man gets warm welcome home from Iraq
"Hager believes most people of Iraq seek freedom and that current violence and terrorist tactics come from a 10 percent minority. Americans are often met with friendliness, he said.
"It snowed once, 1 1/2 inches, and the Iraqis who worked on base said, 'You Americans bring everything with you.' We had a snowball fight with the Iraqis. People over there are just like us, looking for a dream."
Coming home from Iraq, one soldier’s story
"Jessica found it hard to watch the news since returning home....You don’t see many newscasts showing the people who were so happy we were over there, Jessica added."
Most Iraqis Still Welcome American's presence.
Maybe I need to get around to some of the left-wing blogs, but I've seen quite a few articles or posts like this from soldiers coming off duty. While I've heard about soldiers complaining that they didn't want to spend so much time away from their family, or that they disagreed with the decisions that sent them there, I haven't seen many reports saying that everyone over there hates us as you would think from watching the news every day.
Here's some more just from doing a quick Google search.
A long-waited return
"To me, the Iraqi people seemed happy..."
Chaplain Returns Home From Iraq
"Tony also believes most of the Iraqi people trust Americans and believe in their mission. "If you go to Iraq you can find somebody that doesn't want us there you can. But you can also find a lot of people, I think the majority, want us there. They want us to bring civil order."'
Marietta man gets warm welcome home from Iraq
"Hager believes most people of Iraq seek freedom and that current violence and terrorist tactics come from a 10 percent minority. Americans are often met with friendliness, he said.
"It snowed once, 1 1/2 inches, and the Iraqis who worked on base said, 'You Americans bring everything with you.' We had a snowball fight with the Iraqis. People over there are just like us, looking for a dream."
Coming home from Iraq, one soldier’s story
"Jessica found it hard to watch the news since returning home....You don’t see many newscasts showing the people who were so happy we were over there, Jessica added."
No bias here at the Associated Press...please move along....
Cheney Criticizes Kerry on Security Issue
"The vice president dug up several quotes in which Kerry supported the removal of Saddam Hussein and praised the effort of the first Bush president. "
"Dug up"?!? If this isn't a sneer masquerading as reporting, what is? As if the quotes by Kerry were not publicly available and had not already been widely disseminated anyway.
I wonder if Bush's dental records during his National Guard service were "dug up". Oh, now I remeber - they were simply pried from the cold, hard grip of the Administration.
Cheney Criticizes Kerry on Security Issue
"The vice president dug up several quotes in which Kerry supported the removal of Saddam Hussein and praised the effort of the first Bush president. "
"Dug up"?!? If this isn't a sneer masquerading as reporting, what is? As if the quotes by Kerry were not publicly available and had not already been widely disseminated anyway.
I wonder if Bush's dental records during his National Guard service were "dug up". Oh, now I remeber - they were simply pried from the cold, hard grip of the Administration.
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Europe is screwed. If the NY Times is reporting on it, it must be too late to do anything. Glad I got to see London and Paris while they were still letting Jews in.
Militants in Europe Openly Call for Jihad and the Rule of Islam
The call to jihad is rising in the streets of Europe, and is being answered, counterterrorism officials say.
But then again, it could be way overblown - Luton's Muslims march for peace
In recent years the Bedfordshire town of Luton has come to be seen as a hotbed of Islamism, one of the country's chief breeding grounds for terrorists.
Yesterday the town's Muslim community tried to puncture the stereotype, using a religious parade to convey the message that the vast majority of its members abhor violence.
More than 500 members of local mosques, including boys and old men, and many teenagers - just the sort the extremists target - took part in the march.
Militants in Europe Openly Call for Jihad and the Rule of Islam
The call to jihad is rising in the streets of Europe, and is being answered, counterterrorism officials say.
But then again, it could be way overblown - Luton's Muslims march for peace
In recent years the Bedfordshire town of Luton has come to be seen as a hotbed of Islamism, one of the country's chief breeding grounds for terrorists.
Yesterday the town's Muslim community tried to puncture the stereotype, using a religious parade to convey the message that the vast majority of its members abhor violence.
More than 500 members of local mosques, including boys and old men, and many teenagers - just the sort the extremists target - took part in the march.
I've never seen anything that tells me that the work that MEMRI does is anything other than true and accurate. Here's the latest from Egypt's Al-Gumhouriyya. I really should be studying Arabic - you know, know thine enemy and stuff.
'The Zionist Jews are Behind All the Violent and Terror Operations that have Occurred Everywhere In the World'
I'm curious about the Torah's view on this. I think we're allowed to kill a false witness, but I wonder if it's sufficient that the person tries to bring others to want to kill. Those that might defend this person's right to an "opinion" have to realize that there is no freedom of opinion in Egypt. Therefore, it's not opinion, it's indoctrination. One day we are going to have to pay the bill (aside from the $2bn a year the U.S. gives to the publisher in foreign aid).
'The Zionist Jews are Behind All the Violent and Terror Operations that have Occurred Everywhere In the World'
I'm curious about the Torah's view on this. I think we're allowed to kill a false witness, but I wonder if it's sufficient that the person tries to bring others to want to kill. Those that might defend this person's right to an "opinion" have to realize that there is no freedom of opinion in Egypt. Therefore, it's not opinion, it's indoctrination. One day we are going to have to pay the bill (aside from the $2bn a year the U.S. gives to the publisher in foreign aid).
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Every once in a while Nicholas Kristof of the Times actually shows that underneath his liberal rhetoric he's actually a well-reasoned individual.
Hug an Evangelical
If liberals demand that the Christian right show more tolerance for gays and lesbians, then liberals need to be more respectful of conservative Christians....
It's encouraging that the right is less hostile to gays and lesbians than it used to be....
Granted, the Bible denounces male homosexuality, although it strikes me as inconsistent not to execute people who work on the Sabbath (Exodus 35:2) and not to crack down on those who get haircuts (Leviticus 19:27) or wear clothes with more than one kind of thread (Leviticus 19:19).
But there's no clear objection in the Bible to lesbianism at all. And since some fundamentalists have argued that AIDS is God's punishment for gay men, it's worth noting that lesbians are at less risk of AIDS than straight women. So if God is smiting gay men for their sin, is he rewarding lesbians for their holiness?
Those kinds of pointed questions are fair, but sneering is not.
I know there are many Jews who are deeply resentlful of the Evangelical push to convert them and the "you're all going to hell" thing. But who would you rather have standing next to you on a bus in Israel - an Evangelical telling you that you're going to hell, or the Muslim fundamentalist who wants to personally send you on your way?
Hug an Evangelical
If liberals demand that the Christian right show more tolerance for gays and lesbians, then liberals need to be more respectful of conservative Christians....
It's encouraging that the right is less hostile to gays and lesbians than it used to be....
Granted, the Bible denounces male homosexuality, although it strikes me as inconsistent not to execute people who work on the Sabbath (Exodus 35:2) and not to crack down on those who get haircuts (Leviticus 19:27) or wear clothes with more than one kind of thread (Leviticus 19:19).
But there's no clear objection in the Bible to lesbianism at all. And since some fundamentalists have argued that AIDS is God's punishment for gay men, it's worth noting that lesbians are at less risk of AIDS than straight women. So if God is smiting gay men for their sin, is he rewarding lesbians for their holiness?
Those kinds of pointed questions are fair, but sneering is not.
I know there are many Jews who are deeply resentlful of the Evangelical push to convert them and the "you're all going to hell" thing. But who would you rather have standing next to you on a bus in Israel - an Evangelical telling you that you're going to hell, or the Muslim fundamentalist who wants to personally send you on your way?
Pro-Israel, this cartoonist is not. This is from Don Wright of the Palm Beach Post, which printed the original on Tuesday. My local paper in Dallas publsihed it today. You can't really call this anti-Semitic or anti-Israel in that the butt of the joke is President Bush's not being too stupid to realize what's going on ih his own house. However, I'm never comfortable with something like this which even suggests that Israel (read: the Jews) want to be, or are, in control of the White House.
Friday, April 23, 2004
Here's proof positive that being Jewish doesn't make you smart.
Rutgers' president wants apology for Holocaust cartoon
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- The student editors of an alternative Rutgers campus newspaper should immediately apologize for publishing a cartoon that mocked the Holocaust, the university's president said.
Richard L. McCormick said the full-page drawing on the cover of Wednesday's issue of the Medium, a student-funded weekly publication, was "outrageous in its cruelty." It shows a man throwing a ball at another man sitting on an oven at the campus' spring fair. The text reads, "Knock a Jew in the oven! Three throws for one dollar! Really! No, REALLY!"
Ned Berke, 19, the editor who selected the cartoon, said he made a last-minute decision to use it as a substitute for another cover that was not working.
"I appreciated that (the cartoon) was clever. It took a serious situation and made it ridiculous," Berke, who is Jewish, told The Star-Ledger of Newark.
Responding to critics who have called on the school to shut down the publication, Berke said he had relatives who died in the Holocaust.
"Humor is a way of honoring them and trying to get over it and to laugh," the sophomore journalism major said. "The Holocaust has been taboo for years."
This guy must be friends with the Jewish member of PETA that came up with the Holocaust on Your Plate campaign.
Rutgers' president wants apology for Holocaust cartoon
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- The student editors of an alternative Rutgers campus newspaper should immediately apologize for publishing a cartoon that mocked the Holocaust, the university's president said.
Richard L. McCormick said the full-page drawing on the cover of Wednesday's issue of the Medium, a student-funded weekly publication, was "outrageous in its cruelty." It shows a man throwing a ball at another man sitting on an oven at the campus' spring fair. The text reads, "Knock a Jew in the oven! Three throws for one dollar! Really! No, REALLY!"
Ned Berke, 19, the editor who selected the cartoon, said he made a last-minute decision to use it as a substitute for another cover that was not working.
"I appreciated that (the cartoon) was clever. It took a serious situation and made it ridiculous," Berke, who is Jewish, told The Star-Ledger of Newark.
Responding to critics who have called on the school to shut down the publication, Berke said he had relatives who died in the Holocaust.
"Humor is a way of honoring them and trying to get over it and to laugh," the sophomore journalism major said. "The Holocaust has been taboo for years."
This guy must be friends with the Jewish member of PETA that came up with the Holocaust on Your Plate campaign.
Thursday, April 22, 2004
I already can't wait to see this. Spielberg to direct Munich Olympics film
LOS ANGELES - Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who won his first Oscar for the Holocaust drama ”Schindler’s List,” has taken on another tragic moment in modern Jewish history as his next project -- the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Spielberg plans to start production in June and is eyeing actor Ben Kingsley for a role in the upcoming drama, which will chronicle the Summer Games marred by the kidnapping and slaying of Israeli athletes by Palestinian militants, a DreamWorks studio spokeswoman said Wednesday.
In all, 11 Israelis lost their lives in the bloody 1972 tragedy, including nine hostages killed in a botched rescue attempt at a military air base outside Munich, all while Olympics officials carried on with the competition. Five of the gunmen and a German policeman also died. Three of the militants were captured alive.
I sure hope that one day he makes a movie where the Jews don't wind up dead in the end. Then again, aside from Entebbe, do such stories exist?
LOS ANGELES - Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who won his first Oscar for the Holocaust drama ”Schindler’s List,” has taken on another tragic moment in modern Jewish history as his next project -- the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Spielberg plans to start production in June and is eyeing actor Ben Kingsley for a role in the upcoming drama, which will chronicle the Summer Games marred by the kidnapping and slaying of Israeli athletes by Palestinian militants, a DreamWorks studio spokeswoman said Wednesday.
In all, 11 Israelis lost their lives in the bloody 1972 tragedy, including nine hostages killed in a botched rescue attempt at a military air base outside Munich, all while Olympics officials carried on with the competition. Five of the gunmen and a German policeman also died. Three of the militants were captured alive.
I sure hope that one day he makes a movie where the Jews don't wind up dead in the end. Then again, aside from Entebbe, do such stories exist?
I hope that Pakistanis are getting this message in their own language as well. (Hat Tip to LGF).
THINKING ALOUD: Image mirrors reality
Take the most recent example of the image problem, although I doubt that Muslims would have seen it in this light: armed Iraqis holding daggers and knives to the throats of three abducted Japanese civilians, including a woman who went there to help Baghdad’s homeless children, and threatening to slit their throats amid cries of “Allah-o-Akbar.” It was no figment of the “infidel” West’s imagination, the film having been made by the abductors themselves and proudly passed on by its producers to the Arab Al-Jazeera television to be shown to the world. Ten thousand speeches about peace and tolerance in Islam will not be able to undo the damage done by this odious sight projected worldwide as wished by its Muslim producers.
Read it all.
From what I've been reading lately, it seems that a strong anti-Jihad force is starting rise up in various Middle Eastern nations, contradicting Mubarak's recent speech about Arabs hating the West more than ever. Maybe I just want it to be true, but I'm hopeful.
And see, LGF does (on occasion) print the message of moderate Islam.
THINKING ALOUD: Image mirrors reality
Take the most recent example of the image problem, although I doubt that Muslims would have seen it in this light: armed Iraqis holding daggers and knives to the throats of three abducted Japanese civilians, including a woman who went there to help Baghdad’s homeless children, and threatening to slit their throats amid cries of “Allah-o-Akbar.” It was no figment of the “infidel” West’s imagination, the film having been made by the abductors themselves and proudly passed on by its producers to the Arab Al-Jazeera television to be shown to the world. Ten thousand speeches about peace and tolerance in Islam will not be able to undo the damage done by this odious sight projected worldwide as wished by its Muslim producers.
Read it all.
From what I've been reading lately, it seems that a strong anti-Jihad force is starting rise up in various Middle Eastern nations, contradicting Mubarak's recent speech about Arabs hating the West more than ever. Maybe I just want it to be true, but I'm hopeful.
And see, LGF does (on occasion) print the message of moderate Islam.
One can certainly say that there's a bit of a culture difference between Western societies and those of Arab countries, but we've got plenty of differences with Asia too, and Japan in particluar. This article shocked me so much, I almost find it hard to believe it's true.
For Japanese Hostages, Release Only Adds to Stress
TOKYO, April 22 — The young Japanese taken hostage in Iraq returned home this week, not to the warmth of a yellow ribbon embrace but to a disapproving nation's cold stare.
The first three hostages, including a woman who helped street children on the streets of Baghdad, first appeared on television two weeks ago as their knife-brandishing kidnappers threatened to slit their throats. A few days after their release, they landed here on Sunday, in the eye of a peculiarly Japanese storm.
"You got what you deserve!" one Japanese held up a hand-written sign at the airport where they landed. "You are Japan's shame," another wrote on the Web site of one of the hostages. They had "caused trouble" for everybody. The government, not to be outdone, announced it would bill them $6,000 for airfare.
Treated like criminals, the three have gone into hiding, effectively becoming prisoners inside their own homes. The kidnapped woman was last seen arriving at her parents' house, looking defeated and dazed from taking tranquilizers, flanked by relatives who helped her walk and bow deeply before the media, as a final apology to the nation.
For Japanese Hostages, Release Only Adds to Stress
TOKYO, April 22 — The young Japanese taken hostage in Iraq returned home this week, not to the warmth of a yellow ribbon embrace but to a disapproving nation's cold stare.
The first three hostages, including a woman who helped street children on the streets of Baghdad, first appeared on television two weeks ago as their knife-brandishing kidnappers threatened to slit their throats. A few days after their release, they landed here on Sunday, in the eye of a peculiarly Japanese storm.
"You got what you deserve!" one Japanese held up a hand-written sign at the airport where they landed. "You are Japan's shame," another wrote on the Web site of one of the hostages. They had "caused trouble" for everybody. The government, not to be outdone, announced it would bill them $6,000 for airfare.
Treated like criminals, the three have gone into hiding, effectively becoming prisoners inside their own homes. The kidnapped woman was last seen arriving at her parents' house, looking defeated and dazed from taking tranquilizers, flanked by relatives who helped her walk and bow deeply before the media, as a final apology to the nation.
There's a great commentary by Honest Reporting on "Arab Rage" and how it affects media reporting and our policy making in the Middle East. it's so good, I have to post it all.
Dear HonestReporting Subscriber,
What do President Bush's endorsement of the Sharon Plan and ongoing Israeli strikes against Hamas leaders mean for Palestinians? The answer is complex, but media outlets are focusing overwhelmingly on one factor alone ― raw Arab rage. This week, accompanying pictures of angry Palestinians, were ubiquitous headlines such as:
- Reuters: 'Furious Palestinians Reject Bush Pledges'
- The Scotsman: 'Hamas Vows Bloody Revenge'
- Arizona Daily Star: 'Arab World Seething over U.S.'
- BBC: '...Wounded, Humiliated, Threatened'
The subtext in these reports is that Palestinian/Arab emotions are of utmost significance, and that this Arab fury will likely result in a backlash of terrorism.
Sometimes this is explicitly stated ― the Washington Post rationalized a Palestinian rocket attack against Israeli civilians on Wednesday (Apr. 21) as motivated by 'Palestinian rage against Israel and the United States [that] has escalated since the assassination of Rantisi and President Bush's endorsement three days earlier of an Israeli plan.' The Toronto Star editorialized that by killing terror leaders, Sharon is 'more likely to radicalize people, set Arabs against America and Israel, and cost Israel more lives.'
But while the media are obsessed with Arab emotion, an entirely rational process has been taking place on the Arab street:
● The IDF anti-terror policy is working: Israel's stepped-up campaign against terrorist leaders since early 2003 has resulted in a 50-percent decrease in the number of Israeli terror victims. Palestinian deaths have likewise decreased significantly.
● Terror groups are in disarray, their leaders in hiding: Senior Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh told a reporter this week, 'Hamas might have a crisis on its hands after losing its leaders.' Another terror leader said people are 'unaware of the limitations and amount of pressure imposed against the Palestinian combatants.' And as opposed to Rantisi's bravado ("I prefer to die by Apache"), Hamas' new leader is afraid to reveal his identity or location.
● Palestinian leaders are getting the message: Yassir Arafat today expelled 21 Fatah fugitives from safe haven in his compound. And after the Yassin strike, 60 Palestinian leaders urged restraint in a prominent newspaper ad, arguing that the suicide bombings have backfired and calling for 'a peaceful, wise intifada.'
It seems that the stereotype of Arabs as 'rash' and 'emotional' ― as opposed to 'calculating' and 'rational' Westerners ― is coloring media coverage of this conflict. This is a variation on the 'soft bigotry of low expectations' that excuses the lack of Palestinian democracy by presuming Palestinians are incapable of reform.
In fact, there are plenty of indications that Palestinians and their leaders are thinking with their heads, not only their hearts. Daniel Pipes notes:
Mr. Sharon's tough policies have established that terrorism damages Palestinian interests even more than it does Israeli ones. This has led some analysts deeply hostile to Israel to recognize that the "second intifada" was a grievous error. Violence "just went haywire," says Sari Nusseibeh, president of Al-Quds University. An "unmitigated disaster," journalist Graham Usher calls it. A "crime against the Palestinian people," adds an Arab diplomat.
Ordinary Palestinians, too, are drawing the salutary conclusion that murdering Israelis brings them no benefits. "We wasted three years for nothing, this uprising didn't accomplish anything," says Mahar Tarhir, 25, an aluminum-store owner.
Moreover, the over-emphasis on Arab anger deters essential anti-terror efforts. An analysis by Craig Weiss in the Arizona Republic states:
The accepted worldview is that when fighting terror, one must avoid actions that are liable to enrage the Arab world, however effective and justified those actions might otherwise be. Under this principle, however, Muslim extremists have veto power over any effective counterterrorism policy.
To summarize, while it is accurate for news outlets to report on Palestinian anger, other concurrent trends are integral to this story, yet rarely covered ― Israel's effectiveness in disabling terrorist groups and the growing Palestinian realization that three and half years of terror has been futile. HonestReporting encourages subscribers to contact local editors, requesting they include all aspects of this important issue.
Dear HonestReporting Subscriber,
What do President Bush's endorsement of the Sharon Plan and ongoing Israeli strikes against Hamas leaders mean for Palestinians? The answer is complex, but media outlets are focusing overwhelmingly on one factor alone ― raw Arab rage. This week, accompanying pictures of angry Palestinians, were ubiquitous headlines such as:
- Reuters: 'Furious Palestinians Reject Bush Pledges'
- The Scotsman: 'Hamas Vows Bloody Revenge'
- Arizona Daily Star: 'Arab World Seething over U.S.'
- BBC: '...Wounded, Humiliated, Threatened'
The subtext in these reports is that Palestinian/Arab emotions are of utmost significance, and that this Arab fury will likely result in a backlash of terrorism.
Sometimes this is explicitly stated ― the Washington Post rationalized a Palestinian rocket attack against Israeli civilians on Wednesday (Apr. 21) as motivated by 'Palestinian rage against Israel and the United States [that] has escalated since the assassination of Rantisi and President Bush's endorsement three days earlier of an Israeli plan.' The Toronto Star editorialized that by killing terror leaders, Sharon is 'more likely to radicalize people, set Arabs against America and Israel, and cost Israel more lives.'
But while the media are obsessed with Arab emotion, an entirely rational process has been taking place on the Arab street:
● The IDF anti-terror policy is working: Israel's stepped-up campaign against terrorist leaders since early 2003 has resulted in a 50-percent decrease in the number of Israeli terror victims. Palestinian deaths have likewise decreased significantly.
● Terror groups are in disarray, their leaders in hiding: Senior Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh told a reporter this week, 'Hamas might have a crisis on its hands after losing its leaders.' Another terror leader said people are 'unaware of the limitations and amount of pressure imposed against the Palestinian combatants.' And as opposed to Rantisi's bravado ("I prefer to die by Apache"), Hamas' new leader is afraid to reveal his identity or location.
● Palestinian leaders are getting the message: Yassir Arafat today expelled 21 Fatah fugitives from safe haven in his compound. And after the Yassin strike, 60 Palestinian leaders urged restraint in a prominent newspaper ad, arguing that the suicide bombings have backfired and calling for 'a peaceful, wise intifada.'
It seems that the stereotype of Arabs as 'rash' and 'emotional' ― as opposed to 'calculating' and 'rational' Westerners ― is coloring media coverage of this conflict. This is a variation on the 'soft bigotry of low expectations' that excuses the lack of Palestinian democracy by presuming Palestinians are incapable of reform.
In fact, there are plenty of indications that Palestinians and their leaders are thinking with their heads, not only their hearts. Daniel Pipes notes:
Mr. Sharon's tough policies have established that terrorism damages Palestinian interests even more than it does Israeli ones. This has led some analysts deeply hostile to Israel to recognize that the "second intifada" was a grievous error. Violence "just went haywire," says Sari Nusseibeh, president of Al-Quds University. An "unmitigated disaster," journalist Graham Usher calls it. A "crime against the Palestinian people," adds an Arab diplomat.
Ordinary Palestinians, too, are drawing the salutary conclusion that murdering Israelis brings them no benefits. "We wasted three years for nothing, this uprising didn't accomplish anything," says Mahar Tarhir, 25, an aluminum-store owner.
Moreover, the over-emphasis on Arab anger deters essential anti-terror efforts. An analysis by Craig Weiss in the Arizona Republic states:
The accepted worldview is that when fighting terror, one must avoid actions that are liable to enrage the Arab world, however effective and justified those actions might otherwise be. Under this principle, however, Muslim extremists have veto power over any effective counterterrorism policy.
To summarize, while it is accurate for news outlets to report on Palestinian anger, other concurrent trends are integral to this story, yet rarely covered ― Israel's effectiveness in disabling terrorist groups and the growing Palestinian realization that three and half years of terror has been futile. HonestReporting encourages subscribers to contact local editors, requesting they include all aspects of this important issue.
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Staten Island - Not Safe for Jews (found on Protocols)
4 held in anti-Semitic outburst
Four Staten Islanders have been charged with a bias crime for allegedly yelling anti-Semitic slurs at Jewish students in West Brighton, and students said it is just the latest in a spate of anti-Semitic incidents to occur near their school.
The suspects are accused of getting into a dispute with Jewish students near Yeshiva Tiferes Torah on Delafield Avenue at 11:45 a.m. on Monday. Identified by police as Middle-Eastern, the defendants were charged with yelling ethnic slurs at the victims, who were wearing yarmulkes.
4 held in anti-Semitic outburst
Four Staten Islanders have been charged with a bias crime for allegedly yelling anti-Semitic slurs at Jewish students in West Brighton, and students said it is just the latest in a spate of anti-Semitic incidents to occur near their school.
The suspects are accused of getting into a dispute with Jewish students near Yeshiva Tiferes Torah on Delafield Avenue at 11:45 a.m. on Monday. Identified by police as Middle-Eastern, the defendants were charged with yelling ethnic slurs at the victims, who were wearing yarmulkes.
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
I have to give John Kerry credit for his political smarts today. While I usually don't like the fact that Democrats tend to try to link the Bush Administration to rumors instead of facts to prove their case, I am torn between enjoying Kerry's dig at the Saudis and his use of said rumors. I mean, he can't lose. If gas prices come down from their all-time highs which they would probably do naturally, he can claim he was correct about the Bush-Saudi conspiracy. If gas prices stay high, he can complain about that too. Nevertheless, it is a little dangerous for a candidate for President to accuse the sitting president of making secret pacts with foreign countries. Even if he uses the word "if".
It seems like Saudi Arabia and their friends won't be part of any coalition that Kerry needs for Iraq or anything else should he get into office.
Kerry attacks alleged Bush oil deal
Saudi prince's alleged promise to cut prices 'outrageous'
"If, as (Washington Post journalist) Bob Woodward reports, it is true, that gas supplies and prices in America are tied to the American election, then tied to a secret White House deal, that is outrageous and unacceptable," Kerry said at a campaign speech in Florida.
Woodward, in a book released Monday, alleges that Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who serves as his nation's ambassador to the United States, promised Bush that his country would increase oil production, thus lowering prices, in the months leading up to Nov. 2.
"It is my prayer that Americans are not being held hostage to a secret deal between the White House and a Saudi prince, but unlike George Bush and his friends at the big oil companies, I'm going to work for a real energy policy for this country that decreases America's dependence on foreign oil," Kerry said.
It seems like Saudi Arabia and their friends won't be part of any coalition that Kerry needs for Iraq or anything else should he get into office.
Kerry attacks alleged Bush oil deal
Saudi prince's alleged promise to cut prices 'outrageous'
"If, as (Washington Post journalist) Bob Woodward reports, it is true, that gas supplies and prices in America are tied to the American election, then tied to a secret White House deal, that is outrageous and unacceptable," Kerry said at a campaign speech in Florida.
Woodward, in a book released Monday, alleges that Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who serves as his nation's ambassador to the United States, promised Bush that his country would increase oil production, thus lowering prices, in the months leading up to Nov. 2.
"It is my prayer that Americans are not being held hostage to a secret deal between the White House and a Saudi prince, but unlike George Bush and his friends at the big oil companies, I'm going to work for a real energy policy for this country that decreases America's dependence on foreign oil," Kerry said.
Monday, April 19, 2004
Now we don't know yet who did this, but if it is Muslim radicals, it goes to show that you're not safe, even after they've killed you already and you're dead and buried.
Madrid policeman's body burned
The body of a Spanish police officer who was killed in a raid on suspected Islamic terrorists was removed from its tomb Sunday night, dragged across a cemetery, doused with gasoline and burned, a Spanish police official told CNN.
Police do not know who committed the crime, and an investigation is under way.
Francisco Javier Torronteras, a special operations police officer, died April 3 during a police raid in a Madrid suburb where police believed suspects behind the March 11 Madrid train bombings were hiding.
"Suspected Islamic terrorists"? Are they trying to say that these people were innocent people who just happen to keep powerful bombs in their subrban homes?
Madrid policeman's body burned
The body of a Spanish police officer who was killed in a raid on suspected Islamic terrorists was removed from its tomb Sunday night, dragged across a cemetery, doused with gasoline and burned, a Spanish police official told CNN.
Police do not know who committed the crime, and an investigation is under way.
Francisco Javier Torronteras, a special operations police officer, died April 3 during a police raid in a Madrid suburb where police believed suspects behind the March 11 Madrid train bombings were hiding.
"Suspected Islamic terrorists"? Are they trying to say that these people were innocent people who just happen to keep powerful bombs in their subrban homes?
I don't know if President Bush agrees with the means, but he certainly agrees with the end.
Administration says it wants Hamas "put out of business"
WASHINGTON (AP) — Responding to Israel's slaying of a Hamas leader, the Bush administration denounced the Palestinian group on Monday as a terrorist organization that should be "put out of business."
Administration says it wants Hamas "put out of business"
WASHINGTON (AP) — Responding to Israel's slaying of a Hamas leader, the Bush administration denounced the Palestinian group on Monday as a terrorist organization that should be "put out of business."
This is just a sad story - Diego Maradona was without question the greatest soccer player in the world. Now he's grossly overweight and has constant health and drug problems.
Maradona improving in intensive care
Maradona improving in intensive care
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Just a little round up of some Jewish/Israeli themed movies I've seen recently.
Today is my last full day in Buenos Aires visiting my in-laws. I went with my brother-in-law to see El Abrazo Partido (The Lost Embrace) about a 30-something single Jewish man in Buenos Aires whose father abandoned the family around the time of his birth to go fight in the Yom Kippur War. So many years later, the father returns and a host of secrets unfold until the real truth of his disappearance is discovered. While this wasn't a great film, I did enjoy it's twists and turns and the manner in which it showed how days passed in the typical "galerias" or shopping corridors that one finds everywhere here. El Abrazo Partido actually won the Grand Jury, Silver Bear prize for best Film at the Berlin Film Festival recently. I have no idea when this might be available in English or shown in the U.S.
Another movie that I purchased and saw is the Israeli made Yana's Friends. This is a romantic-comedy about a Russian immigrant and her neighbors and making do in their new home. I thought the performances by the lead characters were excellent and the comic subplots refreshing. Part of the film takes place during the first Gulf War when Scud missiles were falling around Israel and it makes you remember how horribly frightening it must have been. I would definitely recommend this movie.
Finally, Late Marriage, another Israeli film got very good reviews and is notable for a prolonged sex scene that critics raved about as being particularly realistic. The story centers around a 31 year old, single philosophy student and how he deals with his traditional family's pressure to marry the right girl and dump the divorcee he currently loves. The films pace is a little slow at times and for me the sex scene would have been more interesting, honestly, if the woman didn't have such small breasts. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this movie, but it does show a unique view of Georgian immigrants to Israel and the culture that they bring from the former Soviet Union.
Today is my last full day in Buenos Aires visiting my in-laws. I went with my brother-in-law to see El Abrazo Partido (The Lost Embrace) about a 30-something single Jewish man in Buenos Aires whose father abandoned the family around the time of his birth to go fight in the Yom Kippur War. So many years later, the father returns and a host of secrets unfold until the real truth of his disappearance is discovered. While this wasn't a great film, I did enjoy it's twists and turns and the manner in which it showed how days passed in the typical "galerias" or shopping corridors that one finds everywhere here. El Abrazo Partido actually won the Grand Jury, Silver Bear prize for best Film at the Berlin Film Festival recently. I have no idea when this might be available in English or shown in the U.S.
Another movie that I purchased and saw is the Israeli made Yana's Friends. This is a romantic-comedy about a Russian immigrant and her neighbors and making do in their new home. I thought the performances by the lead characters were excellent and the comic subplots refreshing. Part of the film takes place during the first Gulf War when Scud missiles were falling around Israel and it makes you remember how horribly frightening it must have been. I would definitely recommend this movie.
Finally, Late Marriage, another Israeli film got very good reviews and is notable for a prolonged sex scene that critics raved about as being particularly realistic. The story centers around a 31 year old, single philosophy student and how he deals with his traditional family's pressure to marry the right girl and dump the divorcee he currently loves. The films pace is a little slow at times and for me the sex scene would have been more interesting, honestly, if the woman didn't have such small breasts. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this movie, but it does show a unique view of Georgian immigrants to Israel and the culture that they bring from the former Soviet Union.
Another one bites the dust. The new Hamas #1 gets a missle up the ass. Who's on deck?
An Israeli helicopter strike on Saturday night killed the Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Abdel Aziz Rantisi, hospital officials in Gaza City said. Dr. Rantisi assumed the post just last month after a similar attack killed the group's founder, Sheik Ahmed Yassin.
The Israeli attack on Dr. Rantisi's car, which was traveling on a main street in Gaza City, came less than five hours after a Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up, killing one Israeli security worker and wounding three others in an industrial park near the crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the Israeli military said.
While all the world condemns the Israeli action, I have seen no such condemnation about the Hamas attack earlier in the same day. Somehow in this screwed up world, it must still be OK (or expected?) for Arabs/Palestinians to kill innocent people, but not OK for Israel to kill acknowledged terrorist leaders. This is buried at the end of page 2 of the NY Times article on Ramtisi:
But on Saturday afternoon, a Palestinian attacker detonated his bomb in a special industrial zone where several thousand Palestinians work in factories, most of them owned by Israelis. The factories are at the northern edge of Gaza, near the Erez crossing point, an area that has been the scene of multiple Palestinian attacks in recent months.
The bomber was inside the industrial park and set off the bomb next to Israeli security force members as he was leaving the area around 4 p.m., when many workers head home. Four members of the security forces were wounded, one of them a border policeman who later died, the Israeli military said.
Hamas and Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades claimed joint responsibility and identified the bomber as Fadi al-Amoudi, 22.
An Israeli helicopter strike on Saturday night killed the Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Abdel Aziz Rantisi, hospital officials in Gaza City said. Dr. Rantisi assumed the post just last month after a similar attack killed the group's founder, Sheik Ahmed Yassin.
The Israeli attack on Dr. Rantisi's car, which was traveling on a main street in Gaza City, came less than five hours after a Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up, killing one Israeli security worker and wounding three others in an industrial park near the crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the Israeli military said.
While all the world condemns the Israeli action, I have seen no such condemnation about the Hamas attack earlier in the same day. Somehow in this screwed up world, it must still be OK (or expected?) for Arabs/Palestinians to kill innocent people, but not OK for Israel to kill acknowledged terrorist leaders. This is buried at the end of page 2 of the NY Times article on Ramtisi:
But on Saturday afternoon, a Palestinian attacker detonated his bomb in a special industrial zone where several thousand Palestinians work in factories, most of them owned by Israelis. The factories are at the northern edge of Gaza, near the Erez crossing point, an area that has been the scene of multiple Palestinian attacks in recent months.
The bomber was inside the industrial park and set off the bomb next to Israeli security force members as he was leaving the area around 4 p.m., when many workers head home. Four members of the security forces were wounded, one of them a border policeman who later died, the Israeli military said.
Hamas and Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades claimed joint responsibility and identified the bomber as Fadi al-Amoudi, 22.
In today's Dallas News, a beautiful story about an adopted girl from Romania and an adopted Toah scroll from her home country and how they came together for her Bat-Mitzvah in Texas.
Girl and 'her' Torah are both survivors from Romania
There aren't many examples where I personally feel that a more spiritual and meaningful experience can come from breaking traditional rules of observance, but this is one of them.
On a side note, the Dallas Holocaust Museum is looking to move from the basment of the local JCC to downtown. According to the article, 98 percent of the current visitors are not Jewish.
Girl and 'her' Torah are both survivors from Romania
There aren't many examples where I personally feel that a more spiritual and meaningful experience can come from breaking traditional rules of observance, but this is one of them.
On a side note, the Dallas Holocaust Museum is looking to move from the basment of the local JCC to downtown. According to the article, 98 percent of the current visitors are not Jewish.
I love finding out about Jewish books, films and other artwork that I might not have otherwise heard about. In the UK's Guardian their is a review of a post World War II novel by Edward Lewis Wallant called "The Tenants of Moonbloom". How could this not be interesting?
I've never heard of the author before, but apparently he only wrote 4 novels, one of which was "The Pawnbroker" which was made into a movie with Rod Stieger. I'd heard of the movie, although I've never seen the whole thing.
I've never heard of the author before, but apparently he only wrote 4 novels, one of which was "The Pawnbroker" which was made into a movie with Rod Stieger. I'd heard of the movie, although I've never seen the whole thing.
Here's a typical article on the new Jewish "hipsters". It's always about the same handful of people who probably get attention because of the aspiring journalists/bloggers who are their friends (see Jewschool and Protocols). But did they have to publish it on Shabbos?
Young, Jewish and . . . Cool
Young, Jewish and . . . Cool
Friday, April 16, 2004
Iraqi Mulsims confuse Syrian-Canadian Christian of being some type of Jew. Luckily, they let him go.
Martin confirms Canadian hostage freed in Iraq
"At first they beat me, then they kept moving me to different locations every few hours," he was quoted as saying. "...They accused me of being a Jew."
Martin confirms Canadian hostage freed in Iraq
"At first they beat me, then they kept moving me to different locations every few hours," he was quoted as saying. "...They accused me of being a Jew."
Normally, I wouldn't link to anything Paul Krugman writes, but I have to say he's going outside the box by claiming that Iraq is not only similar to Vietnam, but in many ways WORSE!
Of course in order to do that he has to cherry pick some of the best and worst actions of the Johnson and Nixon administrations (conveniently forgetting the drug abuse, My Lai, domestic rioting, etc). But the most ridiculous argument is this one:
It's true that the current American force in Iraq is much smaller than the Army we sent to Vietnam. But the U.S. military as a whole, and the Army in particular, is also much smaller than it was in 1968. Measured by the share of our military strength it ties down, Iraq is a Vietnam-size conflict.
What the hell does this have to do with anything? I would think that the fact that the number of troops being used is a much smaller fraction of our overall population is the more important statistic. If anything, there is constant talk about how little we are being asked to sacrifice as a nation in a time of war. Besides, I think we can afford a greater percentage of our troops involved in a single conflict since the Cold War isn't on anymore.
He then goes on to claim that, "the stress Iraq places on our military is, if anything, worse. In Vietnam, American forces consisted mainly of short-term draftees, who returned to civilian life after their tours of duty. Our Iraq force consists of long-term volunteers, including reservists who never expected to be called up for extended missions overseas."
Is this a joke? Post-Stress Disorder was practically invented during Vietnam! Krugman makes it sound like Vietnam Vets simply shipped off to a jungle on the other side of the world as if the were going on some kind of spring break. Somehow it was more fair to send 18 year-old draftees (the ones who couldn't escape or get a deferral) to war as opposed to the average soldier now who volunteered for military service?
Surely there must be more serious commentators on the Left that the Times can hire.
Of course in order to do that he has to cherry pick some of the best and worst actions of the Johnson and Nixon administrations (conveniently forgetting the drug abuse, My Lai, domestic rioting, etc). But the most ridiculous argument is this one:
It's true that the current American force in Iraq is much smaller than the Army we sent to Vietnam. But the U.S. military as a whole, and the Army in particular, is also much smaller than it was in 1968. Measured by the share of our military strength it ties down, Iraq is a Vietnam-size conflict.
What the hell does this have to do with anything? I would think that the fact that the number of troops being used is a much smaller fraction of our overall population is the more important statistic. If anything, there is constant talk about how little we are being asked to sacrifice as a nation in a time of war. Besides, I think we can afford a greater percentage of our troops involved in a single conflict since the Cold War isn't on anymore.
He then goes on to claim that, "the stress Iraq places on our military is, if anything, worse. In Vietnam, American forces consisted mainly of short-term draftees, who returned to civilian life after their tours of duty. Our Iraq force consists of long-term volunteers, including reservists who never expected to be called up for extended missions overseas."
Is this a joke? Post-Stress Disorder was practically invented during Vietnam! Krugman makes it sound like Vietnam Vets simply shipped off to a jungle on the other side of the world as if the were going on some kind of spring break. Somehow it was more fair to send 18 year-old draftees (the ones who couldn't escape or get a deferral) to war as opposed to the average soldier now who volunteered for military service?
Surely there must be more serious commentators on the Left that the Times can hire.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Bush Agrees to U.N. Proposal on New Iraqi Government (actually "U.S. Open to a Proposal That Supplants Council in Iraq")
I guess the Times wouldn't want to say in bold letters that Bush is working well with the U.N., even though it states exactly that in the first paragraph of the story.
The Bush administration accepted on Thursday the outlines of a United Nations proposal to dissolve the Iraqi Governing Council installed last year by the United States and replace it with a caretaker government when Iraqi sovereignty is restored on July 1.
I guess the Times wouldn't want to say in bold letters that Bush is working well with the U.N., even though it states exactly that in the first paragraph of the story.
The Bush administration accepted on Thursday the outlines of a United Nations proposal to dissolve the Iraqi Governing Council installed last year by the United States and replace it with a caretaker government when Iraqi sovereignty is restored on July 1.
Kerry talking about Bush:
"Everything he did in Iraq he's going to try to persuade people has to do with terror even though everybody here knows it had nothing whatsoever to do with al Qaeda and everything to do with an agenda that they had preset," he told the breakfast crowd at New York's "21" restaurant.
Uh oh, there's that secret agenda again, sort of like the Protocols of The Elders of Zion for the left wing. It's hard for the Republicans to deny something that doesn't exist. "Everybody here" knows that Bush's agenda consists of killing thousands of innocents and ripping hundreds of thousands away from their families for exyended periods so that his family, Halliburton and the other Yankee dogs can expand their imperialist power and steal all the oil in the Middle East. Bwahaha!
"Everything he did in Iraq he's going to try to persuade people has to do with terror even though everybody here knows it had nothing whatsoever to do with al Qaeda and everything to do with an agenda that they had preset," he told the breakfast crowd at New York's "21" restaurant.
Uh oh, there's that secret agenda again, sort of like the Protocols of The Elders of Zion for the left wing. It's hard for the Republicans to deny something that doesn't exist. "Everybody here" knows that Bush's agenda consists of killing thousands of innocents and ripping hundreds of thousands away from their families for exyended periods so that his family, Halliburton and the other Yankee dogs can expand their imperialist power and steal all the oil in the Middle East. Bwahaha!
If only Muslim leaders would speak as clearly and forcefully as these gentlemen:
We are Muslim professionals who live and work in the UK, and write on behalf of more than 20 other professional colleagues.
We feel deeply ashamed of the international campaign of wanton violence and terrorism carried out in the name of Islam. We express our utter abhorrence at the murder of thousands of innocent civilians in New York, Madrid, Istanbul, Riyadh and other places around the world. We also utterly condemn the barbaric acts of the so-called Iraqi resistance that is targeting Iraqi and foreign civilians who are trying to rebuild the infrastructure of that shattered country.
We specifically call upon Muslim imams and Muslim ulama (senior figures), both Sunnis and Shia, in the UK to issue a joint and unequivocal condemnation of all acts of violence against civilians in any country that are carried out in the name of Islam. Muslims all over the world must dissociate themselves from these criminals whose aim is to destroy freedom and civilisation. The proper place for these terrorists is behind bars.
From the U.K. Times via Normblog.
We are Muslim professionals who live and work in the UK, and write on behalf of more than 20 other professional colleagues.
We feel deeply ashamed of the international campaign of wanton violence and terrorism carried out in the name of Islam. We express our utter abhorrence at the murder of thousands of innocent civilians in New York, Madrid, Istanbul, Riyadh and other places around the world. We also utterly condemn the barbaric acts of the so-called Iraqi resistance that is targeting Iraqi and foreign civilians who are trying to rebuild the infrastructure of that shattered country.
We specifically call upon Muslim imams and Muslim ulama (senior figures), both Sunnis and Shia, in the UK to issue a joint and unequivocal condemnation of all acts of violence against civilians in any country that are carried out in the name of Islam. Muslims all over the world must dissociate themselves from these criminals whose aim is to destroy freedom and civilisation. The proper place for these terrorists is behind bars.
From the U.K. Times via Normblog.
The NY Times throws in a pretty disgusting attack on Ariel Sharon in it's news analysis on yesterday's Bush-Sharon announcement. From Sharon Coup: U.S. Go-Ahead:
Further, Mr. Sharon viewed settlements as deepening Israelis' attachment to the land and giving them incentive to hold it. "Yes, I want to put the children before the tanks," he told The New York Times more than 25 years ago.
Needless to say this is taken somewhat out of context, and the words he used were actually suggested to him by the interviewer as something his accusers had said. See below from the NYT of June 1, 2003 where David Shipler writes about a conversation he had with Sharon in 1979:
By placing civilians in those isolated outposts, scattered among Palestinian towns, he was accused of putting children in front of tanks. But this was a criticism he accepted.
"Security is not only guns and aircraft and tanks," he told me in 1979. "Security first of all is motivation — motivation to defend a place. If people live in a place, they have the motivation to defend themselves, and the nation has the motivation to defend them. The fact that you are present, that you know every hill, every mountain, every valley, every spring, every cave; the curiosity to know what is on the other side of the hill — that's security. If you have all the guns and tanks in the world, you cannot do anything if you aren't motivated, if you don't know the area, if you don't feel that it is yours. Yes, I want to put the children before the tanks."
The current analysis ends with the following:
Mr. Bush insisted that Mr. Sharon's approach would fit with his own road map and "open the door to progress toward a peaceful, democratic, viable Palestinian state." But Mr. Sharon, arguing that the Palestinians have proven themselves unworthy as peace partners for now, has said his approach closes the door to substantive negotiations and a Palestinian state for years. "It will bring their dreams to an end," he told the Israeli newspaper Maariv recently.
I'm having trouble finding the exact quote, but here is what he really said in his recent Passover interview with Maariv - a state was not going to be formed from this current disengagement plan, but that the road map was still valid.
A state could only be established within the framework of [President Bush’s] road map to peace. I have agreed to establish a demilitarized Palestinian state in borders which would be determined at a later date. But there will be no Palestinian state as part of the disengagement plan. That will not happen.
OR where he is actually describing how the settlements themselves were destroying Palestinian dreams:
Maariv: These people, whom you plan to evacuate from their homes, saw you as a father figure.
Sharon: Not every decision of a father seems right to his sons. There is no choice. That is my decision, and I believe it is the correct one. I believe it will contribute to our security and will open the way for a future peace process. When you fence off entire regions and settlements, you terminate many Palestinian dreams.
Further, Mr. Sharon viewed settlements as deepening Israelis' attachment to the land and giving them incentive to hold it. "Yes, I want to put the children before the tanks," he told The New York Times more than 25 years ago.
Needless to say this is taken somewhat out of context, and the words he used were actually suggested to him by the interviewer as something his accusers had said. See below from the NYT of June 1, 2003 where David Shipler writes about a conversation he had with Sharon in 1979:
By placing civilians in those isolated outposts, scattered among Palestinian towns, he was accused of putting children in front of tanks. But this was a criticism he accepted.
"Security is not only guns and aircraft and tanks," he told me in 1979. "Security first of all is motivation — motivation to defend a place. If people live in a place, they have the motivation to defend themselves, and the nation has the motivation to defend them. The fact that you are present, that you know every hill, every mountain, every valley, every spring, every cave; the curiosity to know what is on the other side of the hill — that's security. If you have all the guns and tanks in the world, you cannot do anything if you aren't motivated, if you don't know the area, if you don't feel that it is yours. Yes, I want to put the children before the tanks."
The current analysis ends with the following:
Mr. Bush insisted that Mr. Sharon's approach would fit with his own road map and "open the door to progress toward a peaceful, democratic, viable Palestinian state." But Mr. Sharon, arguing that the Palestinians have proven themselves unworthy as peace partners for now, has said his approach closes the door to substantive negotiations and a Palestinian state for years. "It will bring their dreams to an end," he told the Israeli newspaper Maariv recently.
I'm having trouble finding the exact quote, but here is what he really said in his recent Passover interview with Maariv - a state was not going to be formed from this current disengagement plan, but that the road map was still valid.
A state could only be established within the framework of [President Bush’s] road map to peace. I have agreed to establish a demilitarized Palestinian state in borders which would be determined at a later date. But there will be no Palestinian state as part of the disengagement plan. That will not happen.
OR where he is actually describing how the settlements themselves were destroying Palestinian dreams:
Maariv: These people, whom you plan to evacuate from their homes, saw you as a father figure.
Sharon: Not every decision of a father seems right to his sons. There is no choice. That is my decision, and I believe it is the correct one. I believe it will contribute to our security and will open the way for a future peace process. When you fence off entire regions and settlements, you terminate many Palestinian dreams.
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Hooray for our side! Bush Supports Sharon's Plan to Withdraw From the Gaza Strip
And...the United States would not object if Israel retained some West Bank settlements under a future peace accord, which I don't think is any different from what Clinton/Barak offered back in 2000. It doesn't rule out a land swap.
And...Palestinian refugees should immigrate to a new Palestinian state, not to Israeli lands.
By the way, I haven't seen many significant terror attacks in Israel since Sheik Yassin got what was coming to him. That was almost a month ago. There was a time not too long ago when it seemed like there were suicide bombers exploding daily. Something must be working right.
And...the United States would not object if Israel retained some West Bank settlements under a future peace accord, which I don't think is any different from what Clinton/Barak offered back in 2000. It doesn't rule out a land swap.
And...Palestinian refugees should immigrate to a new Palestinian state, not to Israeli lands.
By the way, I haven't seen many significant terror attacks in Israel since Sheik Yassin got what was coming to him. That was almost a month ago. There was a time not too long ago when it seemed like there were suicide bombers exploding daily. Something must be working right.
Just another headline rewrite on behalf of the NY Times - Strong Economy Eliminates Threat of Deflation (Actually "Consumer Prices Rise, Heightening Concern on Inflation")
After falling sharply yesterday, by late morning all three major stock market indexes were higher on the day.
A rise in inflation measures unsettles bond traders, but economists said firmer prices are good news.
"You have to look at this as opportunistic pricing by companies," said Robert di Climente, chief United States economist at Smith Barney.
Concern about deflation, or falling prices, has been a worry at the Fed for months. And Mr. Resler said it has inhibited businesses as well.
"The threat of deflation not only influenced the Fed, but also businesses, who were afraid of not producing more goods than they could sell and were reluctant to hire more workers than they needed," he said.
"That threat has been eliminated."
After falling sharply yesterday, by late morning all three major stock market indexes were higher on the day.
A rise in inflation measures unsettles bond traders, but economists said firmer prices are good news.
"You have to look at this as opportunistic pricing by companies," said Robert di Climente, chief United States economist at Smith Barney.
Concern about deflation, or falling prices, has been a worry at the Fed for months. And Mr. Resler said it has inhibited businesses as well.
"The threat of deflation not only influenced the Fed, but also businesses, who were afraid of not producing more goods than they could sell and were reluctant to hire more workers than they needed," he said.
"That threat has been eliminated."
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
"Arab nationals" planned to assassinate Israeli President Katsav and simultaneously destroy the Hungarian Holocaust Museum to be inaugurated today. From the Jerusalem Post.
Note: It's now been about 1 hour and 15 minutes since this crossed the AP wire and the NY Times does not have it on it's website yet. Clarin of Buenos Aires already has it at the top of their page. Strange.
UPDATE: I must give the Times their props (proper respect) for holding off on this story. It seems that the attempt to bomb the Hungarian Holocaust Museum was perhaps not connected to the President's visit, and only a coincidence. Not that he would be any less dead.
Note: It's now been about 1 hour and 15 minutes since this crossed the AP wire and the NY Times does not have it on it's website yet. Clarin of Buenos Aires already has it at the top of their page. Strange.
UPDATE: I must give the Times their props (proper respect) for holding off on this story. It seems that the attempt to bomb the Hungarian Holocaust Museum was perhaps not connected to the President's visit, and only a coincidence. Not that he would be any less dead.
It really takes a lot for me to become embarrassed as a Jew - can this idea really come from the people who gave the world monotheism and the Sabbath?
Bark Mitzvahs
Thanks to Normblog, who I normally read for his enlightened, scholarly commentary on the issues, for letting the facts speak for themselves.
Bark Mitzvahs
Thanks to Normblog, who I normally read for his enlightened, scholarly commentary on the issues, for letting the facts speak for themselves.
Tony Blair, our more eloquent counterpart in Europe sums up our goals in Iraq quite nicely. Thanks go to Zarq at LiveJournal, otherwise known as the Brother-in-Law.
Why we must never abandon this historic struggle in Iraq
If we succeed - if Iraq becomes a sovereign state, governed democratically by the Iraqi people; the wealth of that potentially rich country, their wealth; the oil, their oil; the police state replaced by the rule of law and respect for human rights - imagine the blow dealt to the poisonous propaganda of the extremists. Imagine the propulsion toward change it would inaugurate all over the Middle East.
Why we must never abandon this historic struggle in Iraq
If we succeed - if Iraq becomes a sovereign state, governed democratically by the Iraqi people; the wealth of that potentially rich country, their wealth; the oil, their oil; the police state replaced by the rule of law and respect for human rights - imagine the blow dealt to the poisonous propaganda of the extremists. Imagine the propulsion toward change it would inaugurate all over the Middle East.
Monday, April 12, 2004
From the NY Times 3 More Moroccan Muslims Arrested in Madrid Train Bombings (3 More Moroccans Arrested in Madrid Train Bombings). I'm not really sure what their living at one point in Morocco has anything to do with these people's actions, but for the Times it is what most defines them. Maybe it's to show how widespread is the community of Islamic terrorists....but I don't think so.
I've been trying to think of a new gimmick in order to make my blog semi-unique among those that tend to report on political events, and I think I've found it. Every time I link to an article where I think the headline is misleading or biased, I'll link with my own and include the original. You can then tell me if you agree or disagree with my interpretation.
For example:
"Seven U.S. Civilian Contract Workers Missing in Iraq" becomes "Seven Halliburton Employees' Lives at Risk"
How many times has the name "Halliburton" appeared in the NY Times in headlines that criticize the company, and by extension, it's employees or ex-employees of corruption, thievery, etc. Here we have an example of their workers in danger and all of a sudden we're in Harry Potter land - he who must not be named.
With the new headline, I even managed to maintain the appropriate level of sensationalism required by today's media.
For example:
"Seven U.S. Civilian Contract Workers Missing in Iraq" becomes "Seven Halliburton Employees' Lives at Risk"
How many times has the name "Halliburton" appeared in the NY Times in headlines that criticize the company, and by extension, it's employees or ex-employees of corruption, thievery, etc. Here we have an example of their workers in danger and all of a sudden we're in Harry Potter land - he who must not be named.
With the new headline, I even managed to maintain the appropriate level of sensationalism required by today's media.
Maybe you didn't like calling Iran one of the "Axis of Evil". Perhaps a better definition would be enemy - and I won't even go back to the Hostage Crisis of the Carter Era. Just remember - the friend of my enemy is my enemy. It tried to include links to a varitey of editorial viewpoints below.
From the NY Post - IRAN, HEZBOLLAH AID CRAZED CLERIC
Iran's Revolutionary Guards and the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah are secretly providing outlawed Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr with money, training and logistical support for his violent campaign against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, The Post has learned.
From World Net Daily - Iran declares war on U.S.
From the Int'l Herald Tribune - Iran lauds role of Sadr militia
From Time Magazine - Is Iran Provoking the Unrest?
By the way, I am still feel "humilliated" about that hostage crisis thing which made a great impression on me when I was 13 years old. If I understand my "international law", that was considered an attack on, and occupation of, American soil. Sorry, Khomeini fans - payback's gonna be a bitch.
From the NY Post - IRAN, HEZBOLLAH AID CRAZED CLERIC
Iran's Revolutionary Guards and the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah are secretly providing outlawed Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr with money, training and logistical support for his violent campaign against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, The Post has learned.
From World Net Daily - Iran declares war on U.S.
From the Int'l Herald Tribune - Iran lauds role of Sadr militia
From Time Magazine - Is Iran Provoking the Unrest?
By the way, I am still feel "humilliated" about that hostage crisis thing which made a great impression on me when I was 13 years old. If I understand my "international law", that was considered an attack on, and occupation of, American soil. Sorry, Khomeini fans - payback's gonna be a bitch.
Sunday, April 11, 2004
It may be hard to believe if you read this space regularly, but I HATED the Republicans of the '90s for exploiting Clinton's dalliance with Monica and thought there were no bigger hypocrites on the face of the Earth. I even rooted for Al Gore to come out victorious in the Florida mess and still believe that more people either voted for, or intended to vote for him in that state than they did for Bush.
That being said, I now have a total disrespect (not quite hate) for the Democrats and others on the left for their ridiculous bashing of Bush regarding his administrations actions prior to 9/11. Their feelings are aptly summarized in this rant in today's Newsday: Pre-9/11 doings are coming to light
The left has spent the better part of the last year criticizing Bush from relying on, or even twisting intelligence data in order to justify the invasion of Iraq. And yet, one memo comes to light saying that there is uncorroborated information that was 3 years old about one possible hijacking and this should have been taken as gospel in order to start killing and jailing (until then) innocent Muslim men all over the world. As if this alone wouldn't have created some kind of world uproar.
Talking about facts in the memo, not rumors, it mentions that there were 70 full field investigations in place already by the FBI. Sounds like it was being taken care of, doesn't it? As usual, the criticism leveled as Bush is that he knew it was going to happen and that he knew what had to be done and he didn't. Yet no specific action is suggested, just that he should have furrowed his brow a little more and maybe yelled at a few people to keep moving faster.
And we still don't know what other threats were around at the time - it's not like the President could just ignore China, Russia or G-d knows what else was happening in the world at the time for the possibility of something that had never happened before.
Anyway, I'm just sick of it. As sick of it as when the Republican leadership kept resigning in the 90's when their secret extra-marital affairs were brought to light.
See this too if you think that Bush was uniquely lax on the terrorist threat.
That being said, I now have a total disrespect (not quite hate) for the Democrats and others on the left for their ridiculous bashing of Bush regarding his administrations actions prior to 9/11. Their feelings are aptly summarized in this rant in today's Newsday: Pre-9/11 doings are coming to light
The left has spent the better part of the last year criticizing Bush from relying on, or even twisting intelligence data in order to justify the invasion of Iraq. And yet, one memo comes to light saying that there is uncorroborated information that was 3 years old about one possible hijacking and this should have been taken as gospel in order to start killing and jailing (until then) innocent Muslim men all over the world. As if this alone wouldn't have created some kind of world uproar.
Talking about facts in the memo, not rumors, it mentions that there were 70 full field investigations in place already by the FBI. Sounds like it was being taken care of, doesn't it? As usual, the criticism leveled as Bush is that he knew it was going to happen and that he knew what had to be done and he didn't. Yet no specific action is suggested, just that he should have furrowed his brow a little more and maybe yelled at a few people to keep moving faster.
And we still don't know what other threats were around at the time - it's not like the President could just ignore China, Russia or G-d knows what else was happening in the world at the time for the possibility of something that had never happened before.
Anyway, I'm just sick of it. As sick of it as when the Republican leadership kept resigning in the 90's when their secret extra-marital affairs were brought to light.
See this too if you think that Bush was uniquely lax on the terrorist threat.
Friday, April 09, 2004
The many faces of Jesus according to Chris Suellentrop on Slate.com.
The lines that caused me to laugh out loud:
In The Passion, Gibson creates still another manly Jesus. By merging the suffering, human Jesus of the Stations of the Cross with a more macho conception of Christ, he's given birth to Rocky Jesus.
Rocky Jesus displays his manliness by enduring unimaginable pain. After taking a fist in the eye early in the film, James Caviezel spends the next two hours looking very much like the Italian Stallion at the end of his bruising matches with Apollo Creed. (Rocky Jesus differs markedly from another boxing Jesus, the unblemished champion Jesus of the painting Undefeated.) Later, after being brutally lashed during the scourging, Gibson's Jesus gathers his strength, pulls himself off the floor, and stands, defiant. He's quickly thrashed into submission again, but the message is clear: Jesus is beaten but not broken. He went the distance. Yo, Mary, I did it.
The lines that caused me to laugh out loud:
In The Passion, Gibson creates still another manly Jesus. By merging the suffering, human Jesus of the Stations of the Cross with a more macho conception of Christ, he's given birth to Rocky Jesus.
Rocky Jesus displays his manliness by enduring unimaginable pain. After taking a fist in the eye early in the film, James Caviezel spends the next two hours looking very much like the Italian Stallion at the end of his bruising matches with Apollo Creed. (Rocky Jesus differs markedly from another boxing Jesus, the unblemished champion Jesus of the painting Undefeated.) Later, after being brutally lashed during the scourging, Gibson's Jesus gathers his strength, pulls himself off the floor, and stands, defiant. He's quickly thrashed into submission again, but the message is clear: Jesus is beaten but not broken. He went the distance. Yo, Mary, I did it.
About a month ago, I attended a business conference where P.J. O'Rourke was invited to speak. I actually got a chance to speak to him, we swapped stories about our personal experiences on September 11, it was really interesting. I did however miss part of a story he was telling other people at our table about an experience he had had with John F. Kerry a while back which really left a sour taste in his mouth. At the time I wished I had heard the whole thing, but didn't want to ask him to repeat himself.
As it turns out (thanks to LGF) he has told the story to others and you can the link to it here.
As it turns out (thanks to LGF) he has told the story to others and you can the link to it here.
Defenders of radical Islam here at home.
Muslims in U.S. Voice Concern About Iraq
Muslims on Long Island signed a petition saying ``we must not bomb mosques'' in Iraq...
Khankan's petition, which also condemned Israel's treatment of the Palestinians...no surprise here.
... there is no justification for attacking mosques. ... We have to respect the Muslim community.'' Bullshit. There is a justification for attacking mosques when they preach hate and death. This is as stupid as saying we shouldn't lock up child abusing priests or rabbis who steal out of respect for the Catholic and Jewish communities.
All of this is supported by CAIR who want to pass themeselves off as a peaceful association defending Muslims when in fact they are supporters of radical Islam.
Anyone who defends murderers and fascists just because they hide inside a mosque is preaching on the side of the enemy.
Muslims in U.S. Voice Concern About Iraq
Muslims on Long Island signed a petition saying ``we must not bomb mosques'' in Iraq...
Khankan's petition, which also condemned Israel's treatment of the Palestinians...no surprise here.
... there is no justification for attacking mosques. ... We have to respect the Muslim community.'' Bullshit. There is a justification for attacking mosques when they preach hate and death. This is as stupid as saying we shouldn't lock up child abusing priests or rabbis who steal out of respect for the Catholic and Jewish communities.
All of this is supported by CAIR who want to pass themeselves off as a peaceful association defending Muslims when in fact they are supporters of radical Islam.
Anyone who defends murderers and fascists just because they hide inside a mosque is preaching on the side of the enemy.
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey goes kosher for Chol Hamoed Peasch for the first time in it's history.
With Cotton Candy and Potato Kugel, Circus Goes Kosher
Here's how to make the circus kosher for Passover:
Sell hot dogs without rolls and buy two brand-new cotton candy machines — uncontaminated by any leavened products — so thousands of observant Jewish children can have this circus treat.
Insist there be no female performers, including the Lycra-clad star aerialist and horse trainer Sylvia Zerbini, a k a the Circus Siren, since the most rigorously observant Jews require modest dress of women.
With Cotton Candy and Potato Kugel, Circus Goes Kosher
Here's how to make the circus kosher for Passover:
Sell hot dogs without rolls and buy two brand-new cotton candy machines — uncontaminated by any leavened products — so thousands of observant Jewish children can have this circus treat.
Insist there be no female performers, including the Lycra-clad star aerialist and horse trainer Sylvia Zerbini, a k a the Circus Siren, since the most rigorously observant Jews require modest dress of women.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
The time to end this crap is now - I don't believe these people represent the Iraqi majority and the more of them we kill, the more of a majority the normal people become.
An Incendiary Cleric Braces His Militia for an Invasion
Soon he will be joining his father, who ironically was killed by Saddam's henchmen, in Paradise.
An Incendiary Cleric Braces His Militia for an Invasion
Soon he will be joining his father, who ironically was killed by Saddam's henchmen, in Paradise.
Monday, April 05, 2004
Here's another whopper from the "Bush Lied" crowd - actually it's from the Kerry campaign itself. And remember this is from a non-partisan organization.
Kerry ad puts words in Bush's mouth that Bush never uttered.
A Kerry ad has Bush saying that sending jobs overseas "makes sense." But Bush didn't say that.
The quote is actually from Bush's Council of Economic Advisers. The Kerry campaign claims Bush signed the report containing those words, but that's wrong, too.
Kerry's ad would have been closer to the mark had it said "The Bush administration says sending jobs overseas 'makes sense' for America." That would merely be taking words out of context and oversimplifying a complex economic argument. But falsely putting words in Bush's mouth is deception.
i.e., lying.
Kerry ad puts words in Bush's mouth that Bush never uttered.
A Kerry ad has Bush saying that sending jobs overseas "makes sense." But Bush didn't say that.
The quote is actually from Bush's Council of Economic Advisers. The Kerry campaign claims Bush signed the report containing those words, but that's wrong, too.
Kerry's ad would have been closer to the mark had it said "The Bush administration says sending jobs overseas 'makes sense' for America." That would merely be taking words out of context and oversimplifying a complex economic argument. But falsely putting words in Bush's mouth is deception.
i.e., lying.
Great story about the growing Jewish community in Las Vegas. (Hat Tip to Jewschool)
Oy Vegas! Sin City gets kosher
An estimated 80,000 Jews live in the Las Vegas area, comprising about 5 percent of the overall population of 1.5 million people and double the number from a decade ago, according to a population study by Bodoff's federation.
A decade ago, only a few synagogues existed in the area and finding a kosher chicken at a local market was not easy. Now, there are 18 synagogues, a kosher supermarket, and a robust Jewish Federation that expects more than 5,000 people to attend an Israeli Independence Day celebration in May.
Oy Vegas! Sin City gets kosher
An estimated 80,000 Jews live in the Las Vegas area, comprising about 5 percent of the overall population of 1.5 million people and double the number from a decade ago, according to a population study by Bodoff's federation.
A decade ago, only a few synagogues existed in the area and finding a kosher chicken at a local market was not easy. Now, there are 18 synagogues, a kosher supermarket, and a robust Jewish Federation that expects more than 5,000 people to attend an Israeli Independence Day celebration in May.
Passover In Iraq
In a country where fewer than 100 citizens identify themselves as Jewish -- remnants of an ancient and vital community that numbered 90,000 almost 60 years ago -- the U.S. occupation has greatly, if temporarily, increased the Jewish population.
At least 1,000 Jews are among the more than 100,000 U.S. military and civilian personnel in Iraq, estimated Ackerson, 46, a reservist who at home is Jewish chaplain to two Baltimore hospitals.
In a country where fewer than 100 citizens identify themselves as Jewish -- remnants of an ancient and vital community that numbered 90,000 almost 60 years ago -- the U.S. occupation has greatly, if temporarily, increased the Jewish population.
At least 1,000 Jews are among the more than 100,000 U.S. military and civilian personnel in Iraq, estimated Ackerson, 46, a reservist who at home is Jewish chaplain to two Baltimore hospitals.
Before Christmas, one is reminded of the smell of "chestnuts roasting on an open fire". Before Passover, one is reminded of the smell of...toast.
Five Are Burned in Pre-Passover Fire Ritual in Brooklyn
Yesterday, as the first evening of Passover was beginning, it was unusually blustery, and in the city's heavily Jewish neighborhoods, sidewalks were ablaze with small fires that were difficult to control. In Borough Park, the air smelled of toast.
Five Are Burned in Pre-Passover Fire Ritual in Brooklyn
Yesterday, as the first evening of Passover was beginning, it was unusually blustery, and in the city's heavily Jewish neighborhoods, sidewalks were ablaze with small fires that were difficult to control. In Borough Park, the air smelled of toast.
Here's the Pesach I dream about - Sitting at home on the sofa, watching the Mets on Opening Day, and downing some Kosher L'Pesach brewskis. Brewed right in the New York town where by daughter was born.
SUFFERN — While wine might be the beverage of choice for Passover, Egon Linzenberg would like Jews to consider another option: kosher beer made locally and exclusively for the holiday.
For the past two years, Linzenberg and Dan Scott, co-owners of Ramapo Valley Brewery, have brewed a "Passover Honey Lager" that contains no wheat or grain and is prepared according to strict sanitary and religious standards.
SUFFERN — While wine might be the beverage of choice for Passover, Egon Linzenberg would like Jews to consider another option: kosher beer made locally and exclusively for the holiday.
For the past two years, Linzenberg and Dan Scott, co-owners of Ramapo Valley Brewery, have brewed a "Passover Honey Lager" that contains no wheat or grain and is prepared according to strict sanitary and religious standards.
HAPPY PESACH 5764!
Due to the holidays and a little time off, the blogging here may be light over the next few weeks. Here's wishing everyone good health and safe journeys.
Due to the holidays and a little time off, the blogging here may be light over the next few weeks. Here's wishing everyone good health and safe journeys.
Canada is going through a wave of anti-Semitic attacks.
Martin condemns fire attack at Jewish school
At least the majority of the people and politicians there are speaking out against it.
Martin condemns fire attack at Jewish school
At least the majority of the people and politicians there are speaking out against it.
Saturday, April 03, 2004
David Brooks has the cover story on America's suburbs in this Sunday's NYT Magazine and I have never read a more perfect description of Plano, Texas (at least the past where I live). I have to copy it all out. The man he describes as the typical exurban dweller is not me, but it is who I aspire to be...
You drive farther out, and suddenly you're lost in the shapeless, mostly middle-class expanse of exurbia. (The inner-ring suburbs tend to have tremendous income inequality.) Those who live out here are very likely living in the cultural shadow of golf. It's not so much the game of golf that influences manners and morals; it's the Zenlike golf ideal. The perfect human being, defined by golf, is competitive and success-oriented, yet calm and neat while casually dressed. Everything he owns looks as if it is made of titanium, from his driver to his BlackBerry to his wife's Wonderbra. He has achieved mastery over the great dragons: hurry, anxiety and disorder.
His DVD collection is organized, as is his walk-in closet. His car is clean and vacuumed. His frequently dialed numbers are programmed into his phone, and his rate plan is well tailored to his needs. His casual slacks are well pressed, and he is so calm and together that next to him, Dick Cheney looks bipolar. The new suburbs appeal to him because everything is fresh and neat. The philosopher George Santayana once suggested that Americans don't solve problems; we just leave them behind. The exurbanite has left behind that exorbitant mortgage, that long commute, all those weird people who watch ''My Daughter Is a Slut'' on daytime TV talk shows. He has come to be surrounded by regular, friendly people who do not scoff at his daughter's competitive cheerleading obsession and whose wardrobes are as Lands' End-dependent as his is.
Exurban places have one ideal that soars above all others: ample parking. You can drive diagonally across acres of empty parking spaces on your way from Bed, Bath & Beyond to Linens 'n Things. These parking lots are so big that you could recreate the Battle of Gettysburg in the middle and nobody would notice at the stores on either end. Off on one side, partly obscured by the curvature of the earth, you will see a sneaker warehouse big enough to qualify for membership in the United Nations, and then at the other end there will be a Home Depot. Still, shoppers measure their suburban manliness by how close they can park to the Best Buy. So if a normal healthy American sees a family about to pull out of one of those treasured close-in spots just next to the maternity ones, he will put on his blinker and wait for the departing family to load up its minivan and apparently read a few chapters of ''Ulysses'' before it finally pulls out and lets him slide in.
You drive farther out, and suddenly you're lost in the shapeless, mostly middle-class expanse of exurbia. (The inner-ring suburbs tend to have tremendous income inequality.) Those who live out here are very likely living in the cultural shadow of golf. It's not so much the game of golf that influences manners and morals; it's the Zenlike golf ideal. The perfect human being, defined by golf, is competitive and success-oriented, yet calm and neat while casually dressed. Everything he owns looks as if it is made of titanium, from his driver to his BlackBerry to his wife's Wonderbra. He has achieved mastery over the great dragons: hurry, anxiety and disorder.
His DVD collection is organized, as is his walk-in closet. His car is clean and vacuumed. His frequently dialed numbers are programmed into his phone, and his rate plan is well tailored to his needs. His casual slacks are well pressed, and he is so calm and together that next to him, Dick Cheney looks bipolar. The new suburbs appeal to him because everything is fresh and neat. The philosopher George Santayana once suggested that Americans don't solve problems; we just leave them behind. The exurbanite has left behind that exorbitant mortgage, that long commute, all those weird people who watch ''My Daughter Is a Slut'' on daytime TV talk shows. He has come to be surrounded by regular, friendly people who do not scoff at his daughter's competitive cheerleading obsession and whose wardrobes are as Lands' End-dependent as his is.
Exurban places have one ideal that soars above all others: ample parking. You can drive diagonally across acres of empty parking spaces on your way from Bed, Bath & Beyond to Linens 'n Things. These parking lots are so big that you could recreate the Battle of Gettysburg in the middle and nobody would notice at the stores on either end. Off on one side, partly obscured by the curvature of the earth, you will see a sneaker warehouse big enough to qualify for membership in the United Nations, and then at the other end there will be a Home Depot. Still, shoppers measure their suburban manliness by how close they can park to the Best Buy. So if a normal healthy American sees a family about to pull out of one of those treasured close-in spots just next to the maternity ones, he will put on his blinker and wait for the departing family to load up its minivan and apparently read a few chapters of ''Ulysses'' before it finally pulls out and lets him slide in.
Friday, April 02, 2004
I have decided that I am going to vote for John Kerry. Not only will he make a great president, but he'll be a great magician too!
"Thats why I've proposed a strategy that revitalizes our manufacturing sector and puts us on track to create 10 million new jobs in the next four years."
Amazing - especially considering there are only 8.35 million people out of work! We'll have NEGATIVE unemployment!
"Thats why I've proposed a strategy that revitalizes our manufacturing sector and puts us on track to create 10 million new jobs in the next four years."
Amazing - especially considering there are only 8.35 million people out of work! We'll have NEGATIVE unemployment!
It's a good thing that the incoming Socialist government in Spain has decided to remove their soldiers from Iraq - at least that way they won't be subject to any more terrorism.
Spain Deploys Army After Bomb Found on Rail Link
Spain dispatched army troops to guard its railways Friday after finding a bomb on a high-speed track that may contain the same explosives used in last month's Madrid train bombings.
Nice try.
Days since major attack on U.S. soil - 934
Spain Deploys Army After Bomb Found on Rail Link
Spain dispatched army troops to guard its railways Friday after finding a bomb on a high-speed track that may contain the same explosives used in last month's Madrid train bombings.
Nice try.
Days since major attack on U.S. soil - 934
Some more of the usual - Police Storm Disputed Jerusalem Holy Site
I refuse to believe this is true:
Initially, several Palestinian youngsters threw stones at police deployed nearby. In response, hundreds of officers with helmets and plastic shields burst into the walled compound, shooting tear gas, stun grenades and plastic bullets, witnesses said.
Seems like overkill doesn't it? A couple of kids throwing rocks leads to an attack by hundreds of police officers? And this is afirst hand report mind you - not a "Palestinian sources said" or anything like that. Something's not right.
I refuse to believe this is true:
Initially, several Palestinian youngsters threw stones at police deployed nearby. In response, hundreds of officers with helmets and plastic shields burst into the walled compound, shooting tear gas, stun grenades and plastic bullets, witnesses said.
Seems like overkill doesn't it? A couple of kids throwing rocks leads to an attack by hundreds of police officers? And this is afirst hand report mind you - not a "Palestinian sources said" or anything like that. Something's not right.
A little free air time for the Kerry campaign - or shoud I say the "Anybody But Bush" campaign.
TV Shows Take On Bush, and Pull Few Punches
On the NBC show "Whoopi," the hotelier played by Whoopi Goldberg delivered an anti-Bush screed when the president, played by a lookalike, appeared at her establishment to use the facilities. "I can't believe he's in there doing to my bathroom what he's done to the economy!" she said.
Asked if she would be pleased if her show could contribute to the defeat of Mr. Bush, she said, "I would like that,"...
By the way Whoopi - US March Job Growth Surprises with Strength
TV Shows Take On Bush, and Pull Few Punches
On the NBC show "Whoopi," the hotelier played by Whoopi Goldberg delivered an anti-Bush screed when the president, played by a lookalike, appeared at her establishment to use the facilities. "I can't believe he's in there doing to my bathroom what he's done to the economy!" she said.
Asked if she would be pleased if her show could contribute to the defeat of Mr. Bush, she said, "I would like that,"...
By the way Whoopi - US March Job Growth Surprises with Strength
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