I didn't know the NY Times had started using humor to describe a film's rating. This is from today's reviews.
"The Day After Tomorrow" is rated Pg-13. Millions of people die, but nobody swears, copulates, undresses or takes drugs.
That's funny.
Here's another: "Saved!" is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It has some profanity, some sexuality and a lot of cigarette smoking.
I don't know - CAN smoking get you a PG-13 rating?
Friday, May 28, 2004
On my bro-in-law's blog to which I post, a contributor wrote the following, under the most polite of circumstances:
My basic problem with conservatives is not that I don't understand where they are coming from, 'tis just that I can't understand how they reached that position in the first place. ;)
That got me to thinking and I'm willing to post a theory that might possibly replace the Young Conservative Without a Heart, Old Liberal Without a Brain theory. Here it is:
Liberals grow up taught to believe that the world holds many wonders and that everyone is inherently good and nice. As long as they live their lives being good and helping others, the spirit world will protect them from harm. There is a small cabal of evil people who are trying to make the world a worse place for their own personal gain. Liberal leaders try to point out who the evil people are so that they may be shunned.
Conservatives grow up taught to believe that the world is a generally crappy and annoying place and every person needs to fight just to be left in peace. They know that the Nazis/Communists/Islamic Findamentalists are not going to spare their lives because they gave to Greenpeace and there's some people that just need killin'. Their leaders try to keep everyone who thinks differently as far away as possible, unless they think they can be converted.
I need to expand on this, but that's the basic idea and I've got work to do.
Discuss.
My basic problem with conservatives is not that I don't understand where they are coming from, 'tis just that I can't understand how they reached that position in the first place. ;)
That got me to thinking and I'm willing to post a theory that might possibly replace the Young Conservative Without a Heart, Old Liberal Without a Brain theory. Here it is:
Liberals grow up taught to believe that the world holds many wonders and that everyone is inherently good and nice. As long as they live their lives being good and helping others, the spirit world will protect them from harm. There is a small cabal of evil people who are trying to make the world a worse place for their own personal gain. Liberal leaders try to point out who the evil people are so that they may be shunned.
Conservatives grow up taught to believe that the world is a generally crappy and annoying place and every person needs to fight just to be left in peace. They know that the Nazis/Communists/Islamic Findamentalists are not going to spare their lives because they gave to Greenpeace and there's some people that just need killin'. Their leaders try to keep everyone who thinks differently as far away as possible, unless they think they can be converted.
I need to expand on this, but that's the basic idea and I've got work to do.
Discuss.
James Lileks goes on a tear about abuses committed by the foreign powers that John Kerry is so ready to suck up to due to their moral rectitude. I better go write another check to the Bush campaign - I'm getting scared.
You have to read the whole thing.
You have to read the whole thing.
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Let's see if I can't fisk some of John Kerry's speech today. This is not to say that I disagree with everything. I am all for lowering our dependence on imported oil and strengthening alliances. I wonder if this speech signals a "leaving behind" of the economy as the driving issue.
---------------------------------------------
There was a time, not so long ago, when the might of our alliances was a driving force in the survival and success of freedom – in two World Wars, in the long years of the Cold War – then from the Gulf War to Bosnia and Kosovo. America led instead of going it alone. We extended a hand, not a fist.
I guess we'll leave out the Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, Ronald Reagan's arms buildup, our support for Latin American dictatorships, etc. We were perfect world citizens and always everyone's friend until Bush came along.
More than a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt defined American leadership in foreign policy. He said America should walk softly and carry a big stick. Time and again, this Administration has violated the fundamental tenet of Roosevelt’s approach, as he described it: “If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble.”
Seems like Mr. Kerry left out the last part of that quote:
His "speak softly, carry a big stick" metaphor has been oft repeated, but what Roosevelt said was more complex: "If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble but neither will speaking softly avail, if back of the softness there does not lie strength, power."
They have gone it alone when they should have assembled a team.
Um, can you say the word "coalition". Isn't any number greater than one "not alone"?
They have hoped for the best when they should have prepared for the worst.
Can you not do both? See my post below about "Chicken Little" becoming the new Democrat symbol. Doom and gloom. Doom and gloom. Doom and gloom.
Today, there is still a powerful yearning around the world for an America that listens and leads again.
Really...the great hope of the world is to follow behind America?
I’m running for president because, abroad as well as at home, it’s time to let America be America again.
This is Kerry's comfort food slogan. Would we be wanting to be the slaveholding America, the Jim Crow America, the atomic-bomb-using America or the Vietnam America? Maybe he means Jimmy Carter's America? What the f*** does let America be America again mean? "Morning in America" I understand. I know he can do better.
Third, in addition to our military might, we must deploy all that is in America’s arsenal -- our diplomacy, our intelligence system, our economic power, and the appeal of our values and ideas.
Arsenal? What happened to "Walk softly...bluster...etc."
Osama bin Laden is still at large, because the Bush Administration didn’t finish him off at the battle of Tora Bora.
Walk soflty....walk softly...walk softly....
The first new imperative represents a return to the principle that guided us in peril and victory through the past century – alliances matter, and the United States must lead them.
And everyone will just fall in line behind us why?
Because al Qaeda is a network with many branches, we must take the fight to the enemy on every continent – and enlist other countries in that cause.
So we should expand the war on terror even though we don't already don't have enough troops? I think he meant additional countries.
America must always be the world’s paramount military power. But we can magnify our power through alliances.
All the more reason for allies to want to line up behind us - so that we can become even more powerful. You spilled the beans, John!
This commander-in-chief will ensure that you are the best-led, best-equipped and most respected fighting force in the world.
Despite his past record of voting against various increases in military budgets and receiving a Purple Heart for a splinter and committing atrocities in Vietnam.
Any potential adversary should know that we will defend ourselves against the possibility of attack by unconventional arms. If such a strike does occur, as commander-in-chief, I will respond with overwhelming and devastating force. If such an attack appears imminent, as commander-in-chief, I will do whatever is necessary to stop it. And, as commander-in-chief, I will never cede our security to anyone.
What incredible bullshit! Whatever is necessary! Bullshit! That's Malcom X talking, not Teddy Roosevelt. Respond to what with overwhelming force? The dead attackers? The terrorists hiding in schools, mosques and hospitals? Blow 'em up - woohoo! Sure sounds like "Shock and Awe" to me. Could the Bush administration have killed or captured more Al-Qaeda operatives and Sadaam loyalists without killing many more innocent civilians? How would he know when an unconventional strike is "imminent"? I prefer not to wait and to go on "grave and gathering" thank you. You will never cede our security to anyone unless someone says they don't want to help us in which case we're screwed because our alliance isn't big enough.
This initiative will include changes in international treaties, sharing of intelligence, and setting conditions for economic sanctions and the interdiction of illegal shipments. The key is for America to lead: to build an international consensus for early preventive action, so that states don’t even think of taking the nuclear road, and potential traffickers in nuclear and biological technology fear the consequences of getting caught.
Umm...isn't "early preventive" another way of saying "pre-emptive"? What do we do, show Iran a treaty signed by France and THEN bomb their nuclear reactor?
---------------------------------------------
There was a time, not so long ago, when the might of our alliances was a driving force in the survival and success of freedom – in two World Wars, in the long years of the Cold War – then from the Gulf War to Bosnia and Kosovo. America led instead of going it alone. We extended a hand, not a fist.
I guess we'll leave out the Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, Ronald Reagan's arms buildup, our support for Latin American dictatorships, etc. We were perfect world citizens and always everyone's friend until Bush came along.
More than a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt defined American leadership in foreign policy. He said America should walk softly and carry a big stick. Time and again, this Administration has violated the fundamental tenet of Roosevelt’s approach, as he described it: “If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble.”
Seems like Mr. Kerry left out the last part of that quote:
His "speak softly, carry a big stick" metaphor has been oft repeated, but what Roosevelt said was more complex: "If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble but neither will speaking softly avail, if back of the softness there does not lie strength, power."
They have gone it alone when they should have assembled a team.
Um, can you say the word "coalition". Isn't any number greater than one "not alone"?
They have hoped for the best when they should have prepared for the worst.
Can you not do both? See my post below about "Chicken Little" becoming the new Democrat symbol. Doom and gloom. Doom and gloom. Doom and gloom.
Today, there is still a powerful yearning around the world for an America that listens and leads again.
Really...the great hope of the world is to follow behind America?
I’m running for president because, abroad as well as at home, it’s time to let America be America again.
This is Kerry's comfort food slogan. Would we be wanting to be the slaveholding America, the Jim Crow America, the atomic-bomb-using America or the Vietnam America? Maybe he means Jimmy Carter's America? What the f*** does let America be America again mean? "Morning in America" I understand. I know he can do better.
Third, in addition to our military might, we must deploy all that is in America’s arsenal -- our diplomacy, our intelligence system, our economic power, and the appeal of our values and ideas.
Arsenal? What happened to "Walk softly...bluster...etc."
Osama bin Laden is still at large, because the Bush Administration didn’t finish him off at the battle of Tora Bora.
Walk soflty....walk softly...walk softly....
The first new imperative represents a return to the principle that guided us in peril and victory through the past century – alliances matter, and the United States must lead them.
And everyone will just fall in line behind us why?
Because al Qaeda is a network with many branches, we must take the fight to the enemy on every continent – and enlist other countries in that cause.
So we should expand the war on terror even though we don't already don't have enough troops? I think he meant additional countries.
America must always be the world’s paramount military power. But we can magnify our power through alliances.
All the more reason for allies to want to line up behind us - so that we can become even more powerful. You spilled the beans, John!
This commander-in-chief will ensure that you are the best-led, best-equipped and most respected fighting force in the world.
Despite his past record of voting against various increases in military budgets and receiving a Purple Heart for a splinter and committing atrocities in Vietnam.
Any potential adversary should know that we will defend ourselves against the possibility of attack by unconventional arms. If such a strike does occur, as commander-in-chief, I will respond with overwhelming and devastating force. If such an attack appears imminent, as commander-in-chief, I will do whatever is necessary to stop it. And, as commander-in-chief, I will never cede our security to anyone.
What incredible bullshit! Whatever is necessary! Bullshit! That's Malcom X talking, not Teddy Roosevelt. Respond to what with overwhelming force? The dead attackers? The terrorists hiding in schools, mosques and hospitals? Blow 'em up - woohoo! Sure sounds like "Shock and Awe" to me. Could the Bush administration have killed or captured more Al-Qaeda operatives and Sadaam loyalists without killing many more innocent civilians? How would he know when an unconventional strike is "imminent"? I prefer not to wait and to go on "grave and gathering" thank you. You will never cede our security to anyone unless someone says they don't want to help us in which case we're screwed because our alliance isn't big enough.
This initiative will include changes in international treaties, sharing of intelligence, and setting conditions for economic sanctions and the interdiction of illegal shipments. The key is for America to lead: to build an international consensus for early preventive action, so that states don’t even think of taking the nuclear road, and potential traffickers in nuclear and biological technology fear the consequences of getting caught.
Umm...isn't "early preventive" another way of saying "pre-emptive"? What do we do, show Iran a treaty signed by France and THEN bomb their nuclear reactor?
The NY Times, recently rededicated to accurate coverage of Iraq, has managed to make a victory look like a surrender.
U.S. Suspends Fighting in Najaf After Deal With Rebel Cleric
Leaders of the American-led occupation in Iraq agreed today to suspend offensive operations in the Shiite holy city of Najaf after local leaders struck a deal with a radical cleric who has led a two-month resistance to American-led coalition troops.
The developments represent a breakthrough in the unrelenting and bloody standoff...
Let's see..recent NYT articles report that American forces chasing al-Sadr out of Karabllah, "killing hundreds of Mahdi Army fighters" (with I believe zero US deaths) and killing dozens of militia men in Najaf in recent days.
This is a standoff?!? Sounds to me like al-Sadr is suing for peace. Where are the congratulations for those that planned and prosecuted these battles?
Here, the Associated Press uses the same language:
Coalition Suspends Operations in Najaf in Response to Offer by Shiite Radical to End Standoff
Thank G-d for the Shiite Radical for offering us a way out of this mini-quagmire!
U.S. Suspends Fighting in Najaf After Deal With Rebel Cleric
Leaders of the American-led occupation in Iraq agreed today to suspend offensive operations in the Shiite holy city of Najaf after local leaders struck a deal with a radical cleric who has led a two-month resistance to American-led coalition troops.
The developments represent a breakthrough in the unrelenting and bloody standoff...
Let's see..recent NYT articles report that American forces chasing al-Sadr out of Karabllah, "killing hundreds of Mahdi Army fighters" (with I believe zero US deaths) and killing dozens of militia men in Najaf in recent days.
This is a standoff?!? Sounds to me like al-Sadr is suing for peace. Where are the congratulations for those that planned and prosecuted these battles?
Here, the Associated Press uses the same language:
Coalition Suspends Operations in Najaf in Response to Offer by Shiite Radical to End Standoff
Thank G-d for the Shiite Radical for offering us a way out of this mini-quagmire!
For the umpteenth time, a local paper reports that a local citizen returns from a year in Iraq and shows that things are not as they seem if you were to get your news solely from the mainstream media:
Students get GI's view of war
Regarding "The Media":
"You see snippets of the war, but do you really see what's going on there?" asked Phil Tisi, who teaches participation in government and serves as the assistant to Town Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence.
"This is stuff you won't see on the news," Tisi said. "You don't see medics helping people and troops being thanked. This gives a soldier's viewpoint."
And from the returning GI:
"We let the Iraqi police do their job," Henriquez said. "We were there to make sure they do it right. The attitude of Iraqi people toward the U.S. was that they were happy that we took Saddam out. And happy that we are rebuilding."
Students get GI's view of war
Regarding "The Media":
"You see snippets of the war, but do you really see what's going on there?" asked Phil Tisi, who teaches participation in government and serves as the assistant to Town Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence.
"This is stuff you won't see on the news," Tisi said. "You don't see medics helping people and troops being thanked. This gives a soldier's viewpoint."
And from the returning GI:
"We let the Iraqi police do their job," Henriquez said. "We were there to make sure they do it right. The attitude of Iraqi people toward the U.S. was that they were happy that we took Saddam out. And happy that we are rebuilding."
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Al Gore is Pissed!
Al Gore calls for Rumsfeld, Rice to resign
What I think is funny is that this is listed under "Entertainment" by AFP.
Al Gore calls for Rumsfeld, Rice to resign
What I think is funny is that this is listed under "Entertainment" by AFP.
Just another one of those interesting letters to the editor at the NY Times that comes from someone just a little bit more left of center than your average Democrat.
To the Editor:
Michael Moore's documentary about the Bush administration's foreign policies, "Fahrenheit 9/11," won the top prize at Cannes (news article, May 23) mainly because it tells the truth, which is what a documentary is supposed to do.
I applaud Michael Moore for his constant determination and his fearless attitude. France, my home country, spoke with me against the war on Iraq. Now I am an American citizen, and Mr. Moore speaks with me against the Bush administration. May the Cannes Film Festival open the doors to a nationwide viewing in the United States.
MONIQUE FRUGIER
Ardmore, Pa., May 23, 2004
Ms Frugier was an active member of the Dean campaign, traveling across the country to assist during the primaries.
They massacred our campaign, they did not want us to win, and stupid people who believed what the republicans said, that they would love to see Dean win because they will smash him so easily. People got scared and fell for this, wanting so much to get rid of Bush, they voted for the one who in their eyes -the American eyes- "looked presidential" Howard Dean was too good for them and they got scared. This what I believe.
She also supported and contributed in 2000 to at least one group (The Oral Majority)claiming that the 2000 Election was a fraud and that Governor Jeb and his Secretary of State Katherine Harris had the fix in long before Election Day.
When did she say she became an American citizen? The letter to the editor makes it seem like it was sometime between the beginning of the Iraq war and now. Hmmm.
To the Editor:
Michael Moore's documentary about the Bush administration's foreign policies, "Fahrenheit 9/11," won the top prize at Cannes (news article, May 23) mainly because it tells the truth, which is what a documentary is supposed to do.
I applaud Michael Moore for his constant determination and his fearless attitude. France, my home country, spoke with me against the war on Iraq. Now I am an American citizen, and Mr. Moore speaks with me against the Bush administration. May the Cannes Film Festival open the doors to a nationwide viewing in the United States.
MONIQUE FRUGIER
Ardmore, Pa., May 23, 2004
Ms Frugier was an active member of the Dean campaign, traveling across the country to assist during the primaries.
They massacred our campaign, they did not want us to win, and stupid people who believed what the republicans said, that they would love to see Dean win because they will smash him so easily. People got scared and fell for this, wanting so much to get rid of Bush, they voted for the one who in their eyes -the American eyes- "looked presidential" Howard Dean was too good for them and they got scared. This what I believe.
She also supported and contributed in 2000 to at least one group (The Oral Majority)claiming that the 2000 Election was a fraud and that Governor Jeb and his Secretary of State Katherine Harris had the fix in long before Election Day.
When did she say she became an American citizen? The letter to the editor makes it seem like it was sometime between the beginning of the Iraq war and now. Hmmm.
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Add this to a growing number of incidents in Canada where pro-Israel Jewsih speakers are heckled and prevented from speaking peacefully.
Author heckled during speaking engagement at Chapters
The unlikely series of events began last week as Rotberg, a lawyer and author of a pro-Israel novel, The Second Catastrophe, was addressing a small group at an in-store lecture. About 20 minutes into his address, two men who later identified themselves as a Palestinian and a Iraqi Kurd appeared and began to heckle him. They were asked to sit down and keep their comments for a question period at the end of the talk, but soon the lecture disintegrated as the hecklers disrupted the author’s talk with claims his book labels all Muslims as terrorists.
Rotberg denies his book does so, saying it was the hecklers who introduced the idea to the afternoon event.
“They wouldn’t let me speak,” Rotberg said. When one member of the audience told the heckler to let the author continue, the Iraqi heckler said, “He’s a fucking Jew.”
At that point, Rotberg raised his voice, and “I yelled back and said you can’t call me a fucking Jew. The manager said, ‘You can’t swear in a family store,’ and escorted me to a back room.”
Author heckled during speaking engagement at Chapters
The unlikely series of events began last week as Rotberg, a lawyer and author of a pro-Israel novel, The Second Catastrophe, was addressing a small group at an in-store lecture. About 20 minutes into his address, two men who later identified themselves as a Palestinian and a Iraqi Kurd appeared and began to heckle him. They were asked to sit down and keep their comments for a question period at the end of the talk, but soon the lecture disintegrated as the hecklers disrupted the author’s talk with claims his book labels all Muslims as terrorists.
Rotberg denies his book does so, saying it was the hecklers who introduced the idea to the afternoon event.
“They wouldn’t let me speak,” Rotberg said. When one member of the audience told the heckler to let the author continue, the Iraqi heckler said, “He’s a fucking Jew.”
At that point, Rotberg raised his voice, and “I yelled back and said you can’t call me a fucking Jew. The manager said, ‘You can’t swear in a family store,’ and escorted me to a back room.”
I can't believe that as a child I actually looked up to sports stars and other celebrities. Why didn't somebody stop me? Now granted there are a few that I still think of as the essence of purity and perfection (i.e., Tom Seaver and Olivia Newton-John).
That being said, why oh why would Lance Armstrong be dating Sheryl Crow? And why would Helen Hunt go ahead and name her child Makena'lei. I hope to G-d they're putting money away for the psychiatrist.
I can't believe I bought all that "Mad About You" most normal wife on Earth crap.
That being said, why oh why would Lance Armstrong be dating Sheryl Crow? And why would Helen Hunt go ahead and name her child Makena'lei. I hope to G-d they're putting money away for the psychiatrist.
I can't believe I bought all that "Mad About You" most normal wife on Earth crap.
Thanks to Instapundit - a link to disgustingly sloppy journalism (anti-military of course) across the spectrum from the NY Times to the Guardina to Reuters.
All Right You Bastards! I'm Calling You Out!
Don't believe every quote you read - go to the source material.
All Right You Bastards! I'm Calling You Out!
Don't believe every quote you read - go to the source material.
You have got to be kidding me. From CBS - home to the weekly anti-war newsmagazine 60 Minutes.
Stagflation makes a comeback
Stagflation was what happened back in the 70's when interest rates were in the high double digits and unemployment was closer to 10%. Today, unemployment is declining, the fed funds rate is around 1% and inflation is up maybe 1 percent over last year becuase of an unusual spike in oil prices that in reality cannot continue.
Doom and gloom, doom and gloom, doom and gloom.
Although this person doesn't hold himself out to be a Democrat, I think that nevertheless the Democratic party needs to change their symbol from the donkey to this kindly fellow:
Stagflation makes a comeback
Stagflation was what happened back in the 70's when interest rates were in the high double digits and unemployment was closer to 10%. Today, unemployment is declining, the fed funds rate is around 1% and inflation is up maybe 1 percent over last year becuase of an unusual spike in oil prices that in reality cannot continue.
Doom and gloom, doom and gloom, doom and gloom.
Although this person doesn't hold himself out to be a Democrat, I think that nevertheless the Democratic party needs to change their symbol from the donkey to this kindly fellow:
OK, let's send in the UN to Iraq because they are just soooooooo much less evil than we are.
UN troops buy sex from teenage refugees in Congo camp
Teenage rape victims fleeing war in the Democratic Republic of Congo are being sexually exploited by the United Nations peace-keeping troops sent to the stop their suffering.
The Independent has found that mothers as young as 13 - the victims of multiple rape by militiamen - can only secure enough food to survive in the sprawling refugee camp by routinely sleeping with UN peace-keepers.
Testimony from girls and aid workers in the Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp in Bunia, in the north-east corner of Congo, claims that every night teenage girls crawl through a wire fence to an adjoining UN compound to sell their bodies to Moroccan and Uruguayan soldiers.
UN troops buy sex from teenage refugees in Congo camp
Teenage rape victims fleeing war in the Democratic Republic of Congo are being sexually exploited by the United Nations peace-keeping troops sent to the stop their suffering.
The Independent has found that mothers as young as 13 - the victims of multiple rape by militiamen - can only secure enough food to survive in the sprawling refugee camp by routinely sleeping with UN peace-keepers.
Testimony from girls and aid workers in the Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp in Bunia, in the north-east corner of Congo, claims that every night teenage girls crawl through a wire fence to an adjoining UN compound to sell their bodies to Moroccan and Uruguayan soldiers.
I know that Republicans are just as prone as Democrats to say really obnoxious things - but I'll leave that for the mainstream media to publish.
Here's the latest from Senator Tim Johnson (D) of South Dakota in a speech supporting a Democratic candidate for the U.S House.
"When Stephanie Herseth fills this seat, we are going to have a rising star in the House of Representatives And how sweet it's going to be on June 2 when the Taliban wing of the Republican Party finds out what's happened in South Dakota," Johnson said.
This comes after Sen. Kennedy compares our military to Saddam's regime and Sen. Hollings blames our Iraq policy on sucking up to Jews.
UPDATE: Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson has apologized for remarks at a campaign rally in which he compared a segment of the Republican Party to the Taliban.
Here's the latest from Senator Tim Johnson (D) of South Dakota in a speech supporting a Democratic candidate for the U.S House.
"When Stephanie Herseth fills this seat, we are going to have a rising star in the House of Representatives And how sweet it's going to be on June 2 when the Taliban wing of the Republican Party finds out what's happened in South Dakota," Johnson said.
This comes after Sen. Kennedy compares our military to Saddam's regime and Sen. Hollings blames our Iraq policy on sucking up to Jews.
UPDATE: Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson has apologized for remarks at a campaign rally in which he compared a segment of the Republican Party to the Taliban.
UPDATE: Before you read this post, please relaize that I made a mistake in connecting a Palestinian-American woman with a German-Palestinian of the same name. I regret being so cynical and am posting the letter to the editor author's comment here in the main post. I am keeping the post below as an example of how one can make such a mistake without doing further research.
That person in the picture above is not me. It is actually a person with the same first and last name. She is German-Palestinian, 2 years older than me, and lives in the West Bank. I on the other hand, am Palestinian-American (if you'd like to check my passport), 2 years younger than the person in the picture, and lived in Gaza. I never chained myself to anything, nor did I spend any time in any jail. There is a difference. Check your facts.
-----------------------
Even though I have gotten a letter or two published in the NY Times, I wonder whether or not they check to see whether the letters they print are from people who are somewhat more active in the issue than your every-day reader.
For example, this letter comes from a Yasmin S. Khayal
To the Editor:
I am confused by David Brooks's ending his May 22 column with a "giddy" declaration that Israel's unilateral actions will "lead to less death."
Less death for whom? Certainly not the Palestinians, who have incurred debilitating losses in the last two weeks.
As an American witnessing the destruction in Rafah, I think it's extremely disturbing how out of touch we Americans are. Spend one night in Gaza, and see a house demolition or have your heart stop, as mine did, because of an attack that hit too close to home.
Unilateral actions that give security to one side and allow it to fill its nightclubs are not a solution, certainly not when you see Palestinian children go to school red-eyed and trembling because they fear that the next house to be hit will be theirs, with them still inside.
There is absolutely nothing to be giddy about.
YASMIN S. KHAYAL
Gaza City, May 22, 2004
Nothing wrong with the sentiment expressed, but most readers probably don't go and do this:
Above: Yasmin Khayal stands chained to olive trees in the path
of an Israeli military bulldozer at work expanding the Israeli settlement
of Yakir in violation of international law and cease-fire agreements.
Yasmin was part of a protest to stop the destruction of the orchard
belonging to the Palestinian village of Dir Istya in the occupied West
Bank. For her action, Yasmin spent time in Israeli women's prison.
In the text of the article she is described as both a "German-Palestinian" and "Palestinian". In her Letter to the Editor she calls herself "American". Hmmm.
And one more thing about unilateral actions causing "more death". According to B'Tselem, a well-known Israeli human rights organization the toll of deaths on both sides has gone down significantly in the last few years since Israel has "gotten tough" and moved unilaterally.
In 2002, 583 Palestinians died at the hands of Israeli soldiers between January and April. In 2003 the number was 256 and in 2004 it was 205. (Note: I don't believe this separates civilians from "militants"). Similarly, in those months during 2002, 88 Israelis were killed. In 2003 the number was down to 31 and in 2004, 29. In addition, although the numbers are small, in the last 12 months no Palestinians were killed by Israeli civilians. This is the first time there has been such a long period between these killings since at least 1999-2000 if not longer.
Separation works for both sides.
That person in the picture above is not me. It is actually a person with the same first and last name. She is German-Palestinian, 2 years older than me, and lives in the West Bank. I on the other hand, am Palestinian-American (if you'd like to check my passport), 2 years younger than the person in the picture, and lived in Gaza. I never chained myself to anything, nor did I spend any time in any jail. There is a difference. Check your facts.
-----------------------
Even though I have gotten a letter or two published in the NY Times, I wonder whether or not they check to see whether the letters they print are from people who are somewhat more active in the issue than your every-day reader.
For example, this letter comes from a Yasmin S. Khayal
To the Editor:
I am confused by David Brooks's ending his May 22 column with a "giddy" declaration that Israel's unilateral actions will "lead to less death."
Less death for whom? Certainly not the Palestinians, who have incurred debilitating losses in the last two weeks.
As an American witnessing the destruction in Rafah, I think it's extremely disturbing how out of touch we Americans are. Spend one night in Gaza, and see a house demolition or have your heart stop, as mine did, because of an attack that hit too close to home.
Unilateral actions that give security to one side and allow it to fill its nightclubs are not a solution, certainly not when you see Palestinian children go to school red-eyed and trembling because they fear that the next house to be hit will be theirs, with them still inside.
There is absolutely nothing to be giddy about.
YASMIN S. KHAYAL
Gaza City, May 22, 2004
Nothing wrong with the sentiment expressed, but most readers probably don't go and do this:
Above: Yasmin Khayal stands chained to olive trees in the path
of an Israeli military bulldozer at work expanding the Israeli settlement
of Yakir in violation of international law and cease-fire agreements.
Yasmin was part of a protest to stop the destruction of the orchard
belonging to the Palestinian village of Dir Istya in the occupied West
Bank. For her action, Yasmin spent time in Israeli women's prison.
In the text of the article she is described as both a "German-Palestinian" and "Palestinian". In her Letter to the Editor she calls herself "American". Hmmm.
And one more thing about unilateral actions causing "more death". According to B'Tselem, a well-known Israeli human rights organization the toll of deaths on both sides has gone down significantly in the last few years since Israel has "gotten tough" and moved unilaterally.
In 2002, 583 Palestinians died at the hands of Israeli soldiers between January and April. In 2003 the number was 256 and in 2004 it was 205. (Note: I don't believe this separates civilians from "militants"). Similarly, in those months during 2002, 88 Israelis were killed. In 2003 the number was down to 31 and in 2004, 29. In addition, although the numbers are small, in the last 12 months no Palestinians were killed by Israeli civilians. This is the first time there has been such a long period between these killings since at least 1999-2000 if not longer.
Separation works for both sides.
The NY times once again calls for President Bush to come clean and admit his mistakes.
It's regrettable that this president is never going to admit any shortcomings, much less failure. That's an aspect of Mr. Bush's character that we have to live with.
An acknowledgment of past mistakes would be nice.
Perhaps they missed this: Bush Apologizes for Abuse of Prisoners
It's just that they want Bush to be sorry for every soldier killed, every car bomb and the 9/11 attacks and global warming.
Perhaps he is waiting for the Times to apologize for it's failure to report on the good things that are coming out of Iraq regarding the reconstruction, recreation of the wetlands, freedom for minorities, election of local councils, etc.
It's regrettable that this president is never going to admit any shortcomings, much less failure. That's an aspect of Mr. Bush's character that we have to live with.
An acknowledgment of past mistakes would be nice.
Perhaps they missed this: Bush Apologizes for Abuse of Prisoners
It's just that they want Bush to be sorry for every soldier killed, every car bomb and the 9/11 attacks and global warming.
Perhaps he is waiting for the Times to apologize for it's failure to report on the good things that are coming out of Iraq regarding the reconstruction, recreation of the wetlands, freedom for minorities, election of local councils, etc.
Monday, May 24, 2004
Jewish graves are desecrated in Kiev. No wonder my great-grandparents left there 90 years ago. SSDD.
50 graves vandalized in Kiev
"Headstones were broken, heavy old stones were thrown about – all that testifies to the fact that the crime was committed by a large group," he said. "It was an awful picture." Eduard Doks, spokesman for the Sokhnut Jewish community in Kiev, also described it an anti-Semitic act.
Interior Ministry spokesman Viktor Korchinsky, however, denied any acts of vandalism, saying the graves were destroyed "all by themselves, because they were too old."...
In 2002, the central synagogue in Kiev was attacked and dozens of Jewish gravestones were vandalized. Jewish leaders were angered by the Ukrainian government's lack of an official statement condemning the actions.
50 graves vandalized in Kiev
"Headstones were broken, heavy old stones were thrown about – all that testifies to the fact that the crime was committed by a large group," he said. "It was an awful picture." Eduard Doks, spokesman for the Sokhnut Jewish community in Kiev, also described it an anti-Semitic act.
Interior Ministry spokesman Viktor Korchinsky, however, denied any acts of vandalism, saying the graves were destroyed "all by themselves, because they were too old."...
In 2002, the central synagogue in Kiev was attacked and dozens of Jewish gravestones were vandalized. Jewish leaders were angered by the Ukrainian government's lack of an official statement condemning the actions.
Is Modern Orthodoxy going to disappear as more and more young people are educated by Haredim? Samuel Heilman certainly thinks so. I tend to disagree as his argument seems to be that the modern Orthodox can't survive the assimilationist trend by having one foot in the world of modern culture. While it seems logical, one would also think using the same logic that Conservative Judaism would have already started breaking up into Reform and Orhtodox factions, preaching egalitarianism while teaching halacha, but the movement continues to grow.
Frum and frummer
Frum and frummer
Sunday, May 23, 2004
It doesn't surprise me that a poll might find the media skewing liberal. What surprises me is that the media is polling as more liberal now than 10 years ago.
Pew Survey Finds Moderates, Liberals Dominate News Outlets
This particular item strikes me as interesting given that I'm pretty religious myself:
According to Pew, about 60% of the general public believes it is necessary to believe in God to be a truly moral person. The new survey finds that less than 15% of those who work at news outlets believe that.
Pew Survey Finds Moderates, Liberals Dominate News Outlets
This particular item strikes me as interesting given that I'm pretty religious myself:
According to Pew, about 60% of the general public believes it is necessary to believe in God to be a truly moral person. The new survey finds that less than 15% of those who work at news outlets believe that.
Detailed essay on anti-Israeli, anti-Semitic feelings at UC Berkeley here. It's almost funny how some people still think of the right-wing of this country as anti-Semitic as if it was filled with neo-Nazis. I fear the mainstream institutions of the left much, much more.
Hat Tip to Instapundit.
Hat Tip to Instapundit.
The true believers speak at IslamOnline.net
The article is about an attempt to distance Muslims from a petition drawn up by CAIR imploring non-Muslims not to believe that killing of innocents by Muslims is part of the religion.
The petition was drawn up in response to the release of a video of the alleged beheading of an American Jew, Nick Berg. I say alleged because that is what it is up to now — alleged.
Everything from the anthrax attacks to the Oklahoma City bombing was falsely blamed on Muslims. Even if the wars on Afghanistan and Iraq were handled in a properly conventional manner, without prisoner abuse and the like, they’re still daily attacks and violence.
How do we explain to a pacifist that the Qur’an states “…Say: ‘Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of God to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members.’ Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter,” (2:217)?
About the author - Samir Jerez is Executive Director and certified Islamic Chaplain of the 5-Pillar Foundation, Inc. of South Florida, as well as Vice President of Operations for the National Islamic Chaplains Organization in Portland, Oregon.
The article is about an attempt to distance Muslims from a petition drawn up by CAIR imploring non-Muslims not to believe that killing of innocents by Muslims is part of the religion.
The petition was drawn up in response to the release of a video of the alleged beheading of an American Jew, Nick Berg. I say alleged because that is what it is up to now — alleged.
Everything from the anthrax attacks to the Oklahoma City bombing was falsely blamed on Muslims. Even if the wars on Afghanistan and Iraq were handled in a properly conventional manner, without prisoner abuse and the like, they’re still daily attacks and violence.
How do we explain to a pacifist that the Qur’an states “…Say: ‘Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of God to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members.’ Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter,” (2:217)?
About the author - Samir Jerez is Executive Director and certified Islamic Chaplain of the 5-Pillar Foundation, Inc. of South Florida, as well as Vice President of Operations for the National Islamic Chaplains Organization in Portland, Oregon.
60 Minutes will have another report tonight against the war and blaming the whole thing on the "neocons" who just were looking to protect Israel and presented false evidence against Iraq to push for the case.
Zinni blames the poor planning on the civilian policymakers in the administration, known as neo-conservatives, who saw the invasion as a way to stabilize the region and support Israel. He believes these people, who include Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Douglas Feith, the undersecretary of defense, have hijacked U.S. foreign policy.
"They promoted it and pushed [the war]... even to the point of creating their own intelligence to match their needs. Then they should bear the responsibility," Zinni tells Kroft.
Just how long before the Protocols of the Elders of Zion becomes a New York Times bestseller?
Zinni blames the poor planning on the civilian policymakers in the administration, known as neo-conservatives, who saw the invasion as a way to stabilize the region and support Israel. He believes these people, who include Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Douglas Feith, the undersecretary of defense, have hijacked U.S. foreign policy.
"They promoted it and pushed [the war]... even to the point of creating their own intelligence to match their needs. Then they should bear the responsibility," Zinni tells Kroft.
Just how long before the Protocols of the Elders of Zion becomes a New York Times bestseller?
Saturday, May 22, 2004
The New York Times blames President Bush for the death of countless illegal immigrants.
Border Desert Proves Deadly for Mexicans
At the bottleneck of human smuggling here in the Sonoran Desert, illegal immigrants are dying in record numbers as they try to cross from Mexico into the United States in the wake of a new Bush administration amnesty proposal that is being perceived by some migrants as a magnet to cross.
Border Desert Proves Deadly for Mexicans
At the bottleneck of human smuggling here in the Sonoran Desert, illegal immigrants are dying in record numbers as they try to cross from Mexico into the United States in the wake of a new Bush administration amnesty proposal that is being perceived by some migrants as a magnet to cross.
Add one more item to the list of incorrect predictions of failure and quagmire from the Left.
U.S. Military Says Shiite Rebels Seem to Have Ceded Karbala
From Elanor Clift to cite an example:
The Iraqi police are fleeing and militias loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr are tightening their grip in cities that are the center of the country’s religious life. Umm...not any more.
Just two days ago, the Times was suggesting that U.S forces were forced to retreat from Karbala due to Iraqi anger at the prison abuse problems and the supposed bombing of a wedding party.
The decision to withdraw from downtown Karbala might have been influenced by the intense scrutiny given to the American military in recent days. On Wednesday, in a closely watched trial in Baghdad, a soldier pleaded guilty to charges related to the abuse of prisoners in Abu Ghraib. The same day, some Iraqis accused the American military of killing more than 40 people in an airstrike on a wedding party near the Syrian border, though military officials have said the aircraft were attacking suspected insurgent safehouses.
U.S. Military Says Shiite Rebels Seem to Have Ceded Karbala
From Elanor Clift to cite an example:
The Iraqi police are fleeing and militias loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr are tightening their grip in cities that are the center of the country’s religious life. Umm...not any more.
Just two days ago, the Times was suggesting that U.S forces were forced to retreat from Karbala due to Iraqi anger at the prison abuse problems and the supposed bombing of a wedding party.
The decision to withdraw from downtown Karbala might have been influenced by the intense scrutiny given to the American military in recent days. On Wednesday, in a closely watched trial in Baghdad, a soldier pleaded guilty to charges related to the abuse of prisoners in Abu Ghraib. The same day, some Iraqis accused the American military of killing more than 40 people in an airstrike on a wedding party near the Syrian border, though military officials have said the aircraft were attacking suspected insurgent safehouses.
I guess the French have found their Jerry Lewis for the 21st century.
'Fahrenheit 9/11' Is Awarded Prize as Best Film at Cannes
"What have you done?" Mr. Moore said, after receiving a standing ovation. Indeed.
While "Fahrenheit 9/11" was well-received by Cannes audiences, many critics considered it inferior to Bowling for Columbine," the documentary that earned Mr. Moore a special prize at Cannes in 2002.
Some critics had speculated that if "Fahrenheit 9/11" won the top prize, it would be more for the film's politics than its cinematic value.
'Fahrenheit 9/11' Is Awarded Prize as Best Film at Cannes
"What have you done?" Mr. Moore said, after receiving a standing ovation. Indeed.
While "Fahrenheit 9/11" was well-received by Cannes audiences, many critics considered it inferior to Bowling for Columbine," the documentary that earned Mr. Moore a special prize at Cannes in 2002.
Some critics had speculated that if "Fahrenheit 9/11" won the top prize, it would be more for the film's politics than its cinematic value.
Friday, May 21, 2004
In the same way that the Left in general claims that they would not be so stupid as to have believed there were WMDs in Iraq, the NY Times refuses to acknowledge that they themselves were duped.
Raid on Chalabi Puts 'NYT' Even More on the Spot
Describing Chalabi, Sanger wrote today: "He became a master of the art of the leak, giving new currency to the suspicions about Mr. Hussein's weapons." Leaks? Who was his favored drop? Miller of the Times, although there were many others.
Raid on Chalabi Puts 'NYT' Even More on the Spot
Describing Chalabi, Sanger wrote today: "He became a master of the art of the leak, giving new currency to the suspicions about Mr. Hussein's weapons." Leaks? Who was his favored drop? Miller of the Times, although there were many others.
Nick Berg's father's 15 minutes were up. Since I can't bring myself to feel good about criticizing someone who's grieving, I will condemn The Guardian for allowing him to make a fool of himself in the press.
George Bush never looked into Nick's eyes
People ask me why I focus on putting the blame for my son's tragic and atrocious end on the Bush administration. They ask: "Don't you blame the five men who killed him?" I have answered that I blame them no more or less than the Bush administration, but I am wrong: I am sure, knowing my son, that somewhere during their association with him these men became aware of what an extraordinary man my son was. I take comfort that when they did the awful thing they did, they weren't quite as in to it as they might have been. I am sure that they came to admire him.
I am sure that the one who wielded the knife felt Nick's breath on his hand and knew that he had a real human being there. I am sure that the others looked into my son's eyes and got at least a glimmer of what the rest of the world sees. And I am sure that these murderers, for just a brief moment, did not like what they were doing.
Good grief. Yeah, just a brief moment...then they said "F**k it, off with his head...Allahu Akbar!"
George Bush never looked into Nick's eyes
People ask me why I focus on putting the blame for my son's tragic and atrocious end on the Bush administration. They ask: "Don't you blame the five men who killed him?" I have answered that I blame them no more or less than the Bush administration, but I am wrong: I am sure, knowing my son, that somewhere during their association with him these men became aware of what an extraordinary man my son was. I take comfort that when they did the awful thing they did, they weren't quite as in to it as they might have been. I am sure that they came to admire him.
I am sure that the one who wielded the knife felt Nick's breath on his hand and knew that he had a real human being there. I am sure that the others looked into my son's eyes and got at least a glimmer of what the rest of the world sees. And I am sure that these murderers, for just a brief moment, did not like what they were doing.
Good grief. Yeah, just a brief moment...then they said "F**k it, off with his head...Allahu Akbar!"
Excellent essay by William Bennett. It must be read in it's entirety, but here's a good piece quoting Daniel Patrick Moynahan.
Remembering Why We Fight
"Am I ashamed to speak on behalf of a less than perfect country? Find me a better one. Do I suppose there are societies which are free of sin? No, I don't. Do I think ours is, on balance, incomparably the most hopeful set of human relations the world has? Yes, I do. Have we done obscene things? Yes, we have. How did our people learn about them? They learned about them on television and in the newspapers." And we put our criminals—whether in uniform or not—on trial.
Remembering Why We Fight
"Am I ashamed to speak on behalf of a less than perfect country? Find me a better one. Do I suppose there are societies which are free of sin? No, I don't. Do I think ours is, on balance, incomparably the most hopeful set of human relations the world has? Yes, I do. Have we done obscene things? Yes, we have. How did our people learn about them? They learned about them on television and in the newspapers." And we put our criminals—whether in uniform or not—on trial.
Just thought it was funny that when I did the Blogger spellcheck for my previous post, "Jewishness" came up as wrong and the first suggested correct spelling was "juiciness". Perhaps this is a tribute to the Jewcy website?
I just wanted to mention a new movie coming out today which combines two of my great interests - Argentina and Jewishness - both of which I can attribute to the lovely Mrs. Multiply. Truth be told, the only Jewishness may relate to the main characters mother who does not necessarily appear in the film, but the boy is Jewish after all.
VALENTIN / *** (PG-13)
I linked to the Ebert review because I always agree with him. Here is the Rotten Tomatoes link. Seems like people either loved it or hated it. It seems like the romantics (driven by the emotion of the story) loved it and the technocrats (driven my filmmaking originality and technique) hated it.
VALENTIN / *** (PG-13)
I linked to the Ebert review because I always agree with him. Here is the Rotten Tomatoes link. Seems like people either loved it or hated it. It seems like the romantics (driven by the emotion of the story) loved it and the technocrats (driven my filmmaking originality and technique) hated it.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Honesty is the best policy - JEW ASKS OFF 'TERROR' TRIAL
May 20, 2004 -- An Orthodox Jew was dismissed from the jury pool in the Lynne Stewart case yesterday after he told a judge he couldn't be fair and impartial to the radical lawyer.
"I don't think I can do it," the Yeshiva teacher told Manhattan federal Judge John Koeltl, who yesterday began the painfully slow process of cutting down an initial pool of 500 potential jurors to an eventual panel of 12.
"Put me on another case," said the teacher.
Stewart represented blind Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, imprisoned in 1995 for urging followers to blow up U.S. landmarks. She was charged in 2002 with illegally helping him communicate with his followers from prison while she was supposed to be on official attorney-client business.
May 20, 2004 -- An Orthodox Jew was dismissed from the jury pool in the Lynne Stewart case yesterday after he told a judge he couldn't be fair and impartial to the radical lawyer.
"I don't think I can do it," the Yeshiva teacher told Manhattan federal Judge John Koeltl, who yesterday began the painfully slow process of cutting down an initial pool of 500 potential jurors to an eventual panel of 12.
"Put me on another case," said the teacher.
Stewart represented blind Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, imprisoned in 1995 for urging followers to blow up U.S. landmarks. She was charged in 2002 with illegally helping him communicate with his followers from prison while she was supposed to be on official attorney-client business.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Just looking through the 2000 Republican Party Platform for fun (really) and caught a prescient glimpse of the naming of the "axis of evil".
In this context, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is another anachronism of obsolete strategic thinking. This treaty is not verifiable, not enforceable, and would not enable the United States to ensure the reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. It also does not deal with the real dangers of nuclear proliferation, which are rogue regimes — such as Iran, Iraq, and North Korea — that seek to hide their dangerous weapons programs behind weak international treaties. We can fight the spread of nuclear weapons, but we cannot wish them away with unwise agreements.
In this context, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is another anachronism of obsolete strategic thinking. This treaty is not verifiable, not enforceable, and would not enable the United States to ensure the reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. It also does not deal with the real dangers of nuclear proliferation, which are rogue regimes — such as Iran, Iraq, and North Korea — that seek to hide their dangerous weapons programs behind weak international treaties. We can fight the spread of nuclear weapons, but we cannot wish them away with unwise agreements.
Wow. I can't believe this was written by a United States Senator - Ernest Hollings (D)! The Jews, the Jews! They are the reason so many Amricans are coming home dead and wounded from Iraq!
Wow.
Does he actually believe that Bush put hundreds of thousands of troops in harms way and spent tens of billions of dollars to get more of the Jewish vote, egged on by his Jewish advisors?
I've been registered Independent until now becasue I was still disgusted by the harsh, hypocritical Republican attacks against Bill Clinton. My disgust has totally changed focus. (Do I have to comment on Ted Kennedy's recent remarks that Saddam's record of torture is being continued under U.S. management). Once I figure out the easiest way to register Republican I'm probably going to do it.
And the ADL was worried about slander in "The Passion".
Wow.
Why we’re in Iraq
Of course there were no weapons of mass destruction. Israel’s intelligence, Mossad, knows what’s going on in Iraq. It is the best. It has to know; Israel’s survival depends on knowing. Israel long since would have taken us to the weapons of mass destruction if there were any, or if they had been removed. With Iraq no threat, why invade a sovereign country? The answer: President Bush’s policy to secure Israel.
Led by Richard Perle, Paul Wolfowitz and Charles Krauthammer, for years there has been a domino school of thought that the way to guarantee Israel’s security is to spread democracy in the area.....
He came to office imbued with one thought — re-election. Bush felt tax cuts would hold his crowd together and spreading democracy in the Mideast to secure Israel would take the Jewish vote from the Democrats.
You don’t come to town and announce your Israel policy is to invade Iraq. But George W. Bush, as stated by former Secretary Paul O’Neill and others, started laying the groundwork to invade Iraq days after inauguration......
In the Mideast, terrorism is a separate problem to be defeated by diplomacy and negotiation, not militarily.
Wow.
Does he actually believe that Bush put hundreds of thousands of troops in harms way and spent tens of billions of dollars to get more of the Jewish vote, egged on by his Jewish advisors?
I've been registered Independent until now becasue I was still disgusted by the harsh, hypocritical Republican attacks against Bill Clinton. My disgust has totally changed focus. (Do I have to comment on Ted Kennedy's recent remarks that Saddam's record of torture is being continued under U.S. management). Once I figure out the easiest way to register Republican I'm probably going to do it.
And the ADL was worried about slander in "The Passion".
Wow.
Why we’re in Iraq
Of course there were no weapons of mass destruction. Israel’s intelligence, Mossad, knows what’s going on in Iraq. It is the best. It has to know; Israel’s survival depends on knowing. Israel long since would have taken us to the weapons of mass destruction if there were any, or if they had been removed. With Iraq no threat, why invade a sovereign country? The answer: President Bush’s policy to secure Israel.
Led by Richard Perle, Paul Wolfowitz and Charles Krauthammer, for years there has been a domino school of thought that the way to guarantee Israel’s security is to spread democracy in the area.....
He came to office imbued with one thought — re-election. Bush felt tax cuts would hold his crowd together and spreading democracy in the Mideast to secure Israel would take the Jewish vote from the Democrats.
You don’t come to town and announce your Israel policy is to invade Iraq. But George W. Bush, as stated by former Secretary Paul O’Neill and others, started laying the groundwork to invade Iraq days after inauguration......
In the Mideast, terrorism is a separate problem to be defeated by diplomacy and negotiation, not militarily.
Here's tons of links of the good news from Iraq (and there's plenty) if you're sick of loiking at the same pictures of naked Iraqi men over and over again.
Good news from Iraq - bet you didn't know there was any?
Good news from Iraq - bet you didn't know there was any?
The NY Times finds, at least for one day, that John Kerry is embarrassing himself. I guess it's better to be silly than a "liar", but when it comes time to pick a President I'm not so sure which one I'd choose.
Gasoline Hysteria
And even if Washington wanted to alleviate rising fuel costs, the reserve is not a very effective instrument for doing so, as President Bill Clinton learned in the fall of 2000. Experts estimate that at most, turning on the spigot now would knock only a few cents off a gallon.
Senator John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, knows this, of course, and he demeans the seriousness of his own candidacy when he suggests that President Bush could single-handedly bring down fuel costs. Senator Kerry has urged the administration to stop buying oil for the reserve, as if that would make a difference.
Gasoline Hysteria
And even if Washington wanted to alleviate rising fuel costs, the reserve is not a very effective instrument for doing so, as President Bill Clinton learned in the fall of 2000. Experts estimate that at most, turning on the spigot now would knock only a few cents off a gallon.
Senator John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, knows this, of course, and he demeans the seriousness of his own candidacy when he suggests that President Bush could single-handedly bring down fuel costs. Senator Kerry has urged the administration to stop buying oil for the reserve, as if that would make a difference.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Excellent commentary on how the Media affects the perception of the results of wars.
News Coverage as a Weapon
You really have to read the whole thing, but here are a few quotes:
Viewed in this context, the American "defeat" in Iraq projected by the press must be understood as being something wholly different from anything that has gone before. The 800 odd US military deaths suffered since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom a year ago are less than the number who died in the Slapton Sands D-Day training exercise in 1944. The campaign in Iraq has hardly scratched American strength, which has in fact grown more potent in operational terms over the intervening period. Nor has it materially affected the US manpower pool or slowed the American economy, which is actually growing several times faster than France, which is not militarily engaged.
The emergence of the press and media as decisive implements of warfare arose from changes in the nature of late twentieth century war itself. If battlefield reality was paramount in earlier wars it was because literally everyone was there. During the Civil War 15 percent of the total white population took the field, a staggering 75% of military age white males. During the Great War the major combatants put even higher proportions of their men on the line. Even after World War 2 it was still natural for children to ask, 'Daddy what did you do in the War?' and expect an answer. Reality affected everybody. But beginning with the Vietnam War and continuing into the current Iraqi campaign, the numbers of those actually engaged on the battlefield as a proportion of the population became increasingly small. Just how small is illustrated by comparing a major battle in the Civil War, Gettysburg, which inflicted over 50,000 casualties on a nation of 31.5 million to a "major" battle in Iraq, Fallujah, in which 10 Marines died in the fighting itself, on a population of 300 million. A war in which the watchers vastly outnumbered the fighters was bound to be different from when the reverse was true. A reality experienced by the few could be overridden by a fantasy sold to the many. This exchange of proportions ensured that the political and media dimensions of the late twentieth century American wars dwarfed their military aspects.
Yet the extension of warfare into the area of media coverage is fraught with great danger, in no small part because it subtly alters the definition of where the battlefield lies and who an enemy combatant is. One of the enduring strengths of Western democracy and of the US Constitution in particular is the delineation between legitimate dissent and enemy activity, a boundary which enables a democracy to continue functioning, albeit in an impaired state, even in wartime. But the changing balance between the political and military aspects of war means that this line will begin to blur as military activities cross over into the political. Already, the Pentagon is beginning to offer direct news from Iraq. It has also reorganized its command structure in Iraq to explicitly recognize the role of political warfare.
News Coverage as a Weapon
You really have to read the whole thing, but here are a few quotes:
Viewed in this context, the American "defeat" in Iraq projected by the press must be understood as being something wholly different from anything that has gone before. The 800 odd US military deaths suffered since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom a year ago are less than the number who died in the Slapton Sands D-Day training exercise in 1944. The campaign in Iraq has hardly scratched American strength, which has in fact grown more potent in operational terms over the intervening period. Nor has it materially affected the US manpower pool or slowed the American economy, which is actually growing several times faster than France, which is not militarily engaged.
The emergence of the press and media as decisive implements of warfare arose from changes in the nature of late twentieth century war itself. If battlefield reality was paramount in earlier wars it was because literally everyone was there. During the Civil War 15 percent of the total white population took the field, a staggering 75% of military age white males. During the Great War the major combatants put even higher proportions of their men on the line. Even after World War 2 it was still natural for children to ask, 'Daddy what did you do in the War?' and expect an answer. Reality affected everybody. But beginning with the Vietnam War and continuing into the current Iraqi campaign, the numbers of those actually engaged on the battlefield as a proportion of the population became increasingly small. Just how small is illustrated by comparing a major battle in the Civil War, Gettysburg, which inflicted over 50,000 casualties on a nation of 31.5 million to a "major" battle in Iraq, Fallujah, in which 10 Marines died in the fighting itself, on a population of 300 million. A war in which the watchers vastly outnumbered the fighters was bound to be different from when the reverse was true. A reality experienced by the few could be overridden by a fantasy sold to the many. This exchange of proportions ensured that the political and media dimensions of the late twentieth century American wars dwarfed their military aspects.
Yet the extension of warfare into the area of media coverage is fraught with great danger, in no small part because it subtly alters the definition of where the battlefield lies and who an enemy combatant is. One of the enduring strengths of Western democracy and of the US Constitution in particular is the delineation between legitimate dissent and enemy activity, a boundary which enables a democracy to continue functioning, albeit in an impaired state, even in wartime. But the changing balance between the political and military aspects of war means that this line will begin to blur as military activities cross over into the political. Already, the Pentagon is beginning to offer direct news from Iraq. It has also reorganized its command structure in Iraq to explicitly recognize the role of political warfare.
Monday, May 17, 2004
I am hoping that further investigation turns this into an "I told you so" discovery.
Sarin Detected in Roadside Bomb in Iraq
Two former weapons inspectors, Hans Blix and David Kay, said the shell was probably a stray weapon that had been scavenged by insurgents and did not necessarily mean that Iraq has large stockpiles of chemical arms, the Associated Press reported.
"It is hard to know if this is one that just was overlooked . . . or if this was one that came from a hidden stockpile," Kay said. "I rather doubt that because it appears the insurgents didn't even know they had a chemical round." The AP quoted Kay as adding that while the discovery of the sarin shows that Hussein did not fully comply with U.N. resolutions, "it doesn't strike me as a big deal."
In other words, we knew he didn't comply and that he had WMDs. I would find it hard to believe that Saddam had just one of these produced for fun, or that just one happened to be found in the street somewhere by an insurgent.
I haven't read any descriptions of what might have happened had the bomb gone off as planned, or if it would have been given to a terrorist organization to detonate in a subway.
Sarin Detected in Roadside Bomb in Iraq
Two former weapons inspectors, Hans Blix and David Kay, said the shell was probably a stray weapon that had been scavenged by insurgents and did not necessarily mean that Iraq has large stockpiles of chemical arms, the Associated Press reported.
"It is hard to know if this is one that just was overlooked . . . or if this was one that came from a hidden stockpile," Kay said. "I rather doubt that because it appears the insurgents didn't even know they had a chemical round." The AP quoted Kay as adding that while the discovery of the sarin shows that Hussein did not fully comply with U.N. resolutions, "it doesn't strike me as a big deal."
In other words, we knew he didn't comply and that he had WMDs. I would find it hard to believe that Saddam had just one of these produced for fun, or that just one happened to be found in the street somewhere by an insurgent.
I haven't read any descriptions of what might have happened had the bomb gone off as planned, or if it would have been given to a terrorist organization to detonate in a subway.
Is it possible that the "apartheid fence" is actually enhancing the peace...on the Palestinian side? Thanks to Kesher Talk for the link. Speaking about Jenin....
Life is returning to normal here in the city once known as the suicide-bombing capital of the West Bank. The economy is picking up, services are being restored and local leaders describe a new optimism.
The reason, Israeli military officials say, is the nearly completed security fence separating this sector of the West Bank from Israel. A 50-mile stretch — from the Jordan River to just north of Netanya — is three months from completion. Already the barrier has virtually eliminated terrorist incidents, as well as car thefts and illegal infiltration, inside nearby parts of Israel. In response, the army has sharply curtailed the hated roadblocks and closures that had disrupted life for local Palestinians. Workers can now reach their jobs. Farmers can bring their crops to market, reviving Jenin's business district.
Life is returning to normal here in the city once known as the suicide-bombing capital of the West Bank. The economy is picking up, services are being restored and local leaders describe a new optimism.
The reason, Israeli military officials say, is the nearly completed security fence separating this sector of the West Bank from Israel. A 50-mile stretch — from the Jordan River to just north of Netanya — is three months from completion. Already the barrier has virtually eliminated terrorist incidents, as well as car thefts and illegal infiltration, inside nearby parts of Israel. In response, the army has sharply curtailed the hated roadblocks and closures that had disrupted life for local Palestinians. Workers can now reach their jobs. Farmers can bring their crops to market, reviving Jenin's business district.
I guess if I paid more attention to the Hollywood scene and movies in general, I would know this, but Gwyneth Paltrow comes from a long line of important rabbis (through her father's side.
While it only took two generations of assimilation to produce a child named Apple, she does claim that Judaism has had a significant impact on her life.
While it only took two generations of assimilation to produce a child named Apple, she does claim that Judaism has had a significant impact on her life.
I guess if I paid more attention to the Hollywood scene and movies in general, I would know this, but Gwyneth Paltrow comes from a long line of important rabbis (through her father's side.
While it only took two generations of assimilation to produce a child named Apple, she does claim that Judaism has had a significant impact on her life.
While it only took two generations of assimilation to produce a child named Apple, she does claim that Judaism has had a significant impact on her life.
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Here is what I consider one of the best articles I've ever read regarding the influence (or assumed influence) of AIPAC and the Pro-Israel lobby on American politics.
How powerful is America's Jewish lobby?
There's a couple of things I could argue with, but overall very fair. What I find amusing is that if 85 percent of Jews are Democrats and they are so powerful, how come Democrat influence has been declining over the last 30 years? Also if I remember correctly, if it weren't for some poor misguided elderly Jews in Florida that voted for Buchanan by mistake, Gore would be President today. I guess they weren't part of the program. Oops.
How powerful is America's Jewish lobby?
There's a couple of things I could argue with, but overall very fair. What I find amusing is that if 85 percent of Jews are Democrats and they are so powerful, how come Democrat influence has been declining over the last 30 years? Also if I remember correctly, if it weren't for some poor misguided elderly Jews in Florida that voted for Buchanan by mistake, Gore would be President today. I guess they weren't part of the program. Oops.
Isn't it funny how in the current hand-wringing over Abu Ghraib the talk is how this country has gone terribly wrong and our culture promotes violence and our President is like Hitler only worse becuase he's hiding his true nature from the American people?
Well, if you think we're violent now, here's some words from one of our great military leaders over 60 YEARS AGO. Colin Powell are you listening?
From the speeches of General George Patton. (I've even linked to an anti-war site for fun.)
-------------------------------------------------------
"We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and by showing the Germans that we've got more guts than they have; or ever will have. We're not going to just shoot the sons-of-b*tches, we're going to rip out their living Godd*mned guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun c*cksuckers by the bushel-f*cking-basket. War is a bloody, killing business. You've got to spill their blood, or they will spill yours. Rip them up the belly. Shoot them in the guts. When shells are hitting all around you and you wipe the dirt off your face and realize that instead of dirt it's the blood and guts of what once was your best friend beside you, you'll know what to do!" -- George S. Patton
"Men, you are the first Negro tankers ever to fight in the American army. I would never have asked for you if you weren't good. I have nothing but the best in my army. I don't care what color you are, so long as you go up there and kill those Kraut sonsab*tches!" -- George S. Patton
Well, if you think we're violent now, here's some words from one of our great military leaders over 60 YEARS AGO. Colin Powell are you listening?
From the speeches of General George Patton. (I've even linked to an anti-war site for fun.)
-------------------------------------------------------
"We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and by showing the Germans that we've got more guts than they have; or ever will have. We're not going to just shoot the sons-of-b*tches, we're going to rip out their living Godd*mned guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun c*cksuckers by the bushel-f*cking-basket. War is a bloody, killing business. You've got to spill their blood, or they will spill yours. Rip them up the belly. Shoot them in the guts. When shells are hitting all around you and you wipe the dirt off your face and realize that instead of dirt it's the blood and guts of what once was your best friend beside you, you'll know what to do!" -- George S. Patton
"Men, you are the first Negro tankers ever to fight in the American army. I would never have asked for you if you weren't good. I have nothing but the best in my army. I don't care what color you are, so long as you go up there and kill those Kraut sonsab*tches!" -- George S. Patton
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Yasser Arafat, Muqtada al-Sadr.....no difference.
Arafat urges Palestinians to 'terrorize' enemy
RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat urged his people Saturday to "terrorize your enemy," as he bitterly marked the 56-year anniversary of the establishment of Israel.
Sadr Urges Followers To "Terrorize Enemy"
KUFA, Iraq, April 4 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - After U.S.-led occupation forces killed 20 of his supporters in An-Najaf and two others during a raid on his office in Baghdad, Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr urged his followers to "terrorize the enemy" because protests have become useless.
Arafat urges Palestinians to 'terrorize' enemy
RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat urged his people Saturday to "terrorize your enemy," as he bitterly marked the 56-year anniversary of the establishment of Israel.
Sadr Urges Followers To "Terrorize Enemy"
KUFA, Iraq, April 4 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - After U.S.-led occupation forces killed 20 of his supporters in An-Najaf and two others during a raid on his office in Baghdad, Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr urged his followers to "terrorize the enemy" because protests have become useless.
Friday, May 14, 2004
As right-wing as I tend to be, I hereby pledge my vote for President to Joe Lieberman should the Democrats come to their senses and not nominate Kerry.
'Let Us Have Faith'
First, we must aggressively and thoroughly investigate what was happening at Abu Ghraib prison and at every other American military prison. We must hold accountable anyone who was responsible for wrongdoing, which requires that we undertake the most independent and unfettered investigation possible. I have high hopes for the special investigative group composed of former Secretaries Schlesinger and Brown, Congresswoman Fowler, and General Horner, which seems to have been given appropriately broad and independent authority, and the capacity to hire its own staff.
This investigation, and the justice it produces, should make clear to ourselves and the world that we Americans will not tolerate such inhumanity, even in the treatment of those who are themselves wantonly inhumane to us. The beheading of Nick Berg just because he was an American made painfully clear how little our enemies value life. Prison abuse must not blur the enormous moral differences between us and those we fight in Iraq, and in the world-wide war on terrorism.
And that leads to my second conclusion. We cannot allow the prison scandal in Iraq to diminish our own American sense of national honor and purpose, or further erode support for our just and necessary cause in Iraq. American opponents of the war may try to do the latter, while foreign critics and enemies of the United States will try to do the former. The misdeeds of a few do not alter the character of our nation or the honor of the many who serve in our defense -- and the world's -- every day. Winning the war we are now fighting in Iraq against Saddam loyalists and jihadist terrorists remains critical to the security of the American people, the freedom of the Iraqi people, and the hopes of all the Middle East for stability and peace.
'Let Us Have Faith'
First, we must aggressively and thoroughly investigate what was happening at Abu Ghraib prison and at every other American military prison. We must hold accountable anyone who was responsible for wrongdoing, which requires that we undertake the most independent and unfettered investigation possible. I have high hopes for the special investigative group composed of former Secretaries Schlesinger and Brown, Congresswoman Fowler, and General Horner, which seems to have been given appropriately broad and independent authority, and the capacity to hire its own staff.
This investigation, and the justice it produces, should make clear to ourselves and the world that we Americans will not tolerate such inhumanity, even in the treatment of those who are themselves wantonly inhumane to us. The beheading of Nick Berg just because he was an American made painfully clear how little our enemies value life. Prison abuse must not blur the enormous moral differences between us and those we fight in Iraq, and in the world-wide war on terrorism.
And that leads to my second conclusion. We cannot allow the prison scandal in Iraq to diminish our own American sense of national honor and purpose, or further erode support for our just and necessary cause in Iraq. American opponents of the war may try to do the latter, while foreign critics and enemies of the United States will try to do the former. The misdeeds of a few do not alter the character of our nation or the honor of the many who serve in our defense -- and the world's -- every day. Winning the war we are now fighting in Iraq against Saddam loyalists and jihadist terrorists remains critical to the security of the American people, the freedom of the Iraqi people, and the hopes of all the Middle East for stability and peace.
Are wigs from India trayf? Two Jews, three opinions.
In Israel, a Ban on Indian Wigs; In Brooklyn, a Rush to Comply
The issue had come up several years ago, said Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, a leading authority on Jewish law for the Orthodox Union in the United States, but was resolved without a ban. He said it appeared that practices in the Hindu temples where the hair of Indian women is cut might have changed, prompting the new ruling.
I always thought of myself as pretty up on all things Jewish, but I swear I never realized that these things were called snoods. I mean it's a funny enough word, I surely would have remembered it if I had heard it before.
In Israel, a Ban on Indian Wigs; In Brooklyn, a Rush to Comply
The issue had come up several years ago, said Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, a leading authority on Jewish law for the Orthodox Union in the United States, but was resolved without a ban. He said it appeared that practices in the Hindu temples where the hair of Indian women is cut might have changed, prompting the new ruling.
I always thought of myself as pretty up on all things Jewish, but I swear I never realized that these things were called snoods. I mean it's a funny enough word, I surely would have remembered it if I had heard it before.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Alan King - R.I.P.
And if he wanted to, he could do the "did you hear the one about ..." with precision. Like, "Did you hear the one about the elderly Jew on his deathbed who sent for a priest, after declaring to his astonished relatives that 'I want to convert.' Asked why he would become a Catholic, after living all his life as a Jew, he answered: 'Better one of them should die than one of us.'"
And if he wanted to, he could do the "did you hear the one about ..." with precision. Like, "Did you hear the one about the elderly Jew on his deathbed who sent for a priest, after declaring to his astonished relatives that 'I want to convert.' Asked why he would become a Catholic, after living all his life as a Jew, he answered: 'Better one of them should die than one of us.'"
My family and I are planning a roadtrip through the heartland of America - from Dallas to Minnesota via Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa and returning via Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri. I know I'm paranoid, but I have this terrible feeling that people are going to stare at us and ask where the hell did you come from....are you people Hebrews?
As it turns out, right on our route (between the Field of Dreams and the Mayo Clinic) is the small town of Postville, Iowa, home of the most important Kosher meat processing plant in the country. Apparently a dozen or so Lubavitch families bought an abandoned meat processing plant and brought in immigrant labor from all over the world to work it. I won't have the courage to take pictures of the people, like this one below, but I'm hoping to get some unusual snaps nonetheless.
Apparently the town is also the subject of a PBS documentary and a Hallmark special that will be aired on May 23.
Thanks to Protocols for making me aware of the town.
UPDATE: Here's an odd news story I just found while searching for Agriprocessors, Inc. the company formed by the Hassidim that owns the plant. It just happened a few days ago.
100,000 chickens lost, building razed in fire
It was the largest Gold'n Plump barn in the Arcadia area. The birds were destined for Agriprocessors, Inc. in Iowa. Gold'n Plump has eight barns solely dedicated to Agriprocessors. The Schultz farm is basically two of the eight.
I wonder if the price of my chicken dinners are going up.
More UPDATE via Protocols. Apparently, while all of this lovey-dovey stuff is being broadcast, the author of the book above actually believes that the chasidim brought terrible problems to the town.
"I am deeply disappointed in Hadassah Magazine. The story, Torah Amid Corn (April), is a woefully one-sided portrait of an crucial and confounding issue facing American Jewry today. In the news business, we call Jennie Rothenberg's account of Postville, Iowa, a "valentine." Nowhere was there any mention of the appalling surge of crime, substandard living conditions, alcoholism, drug abuse, or ground-water pollution in Postville - all spurred on by the operation of the kosher slaughterhouse.
As it turns out, right on our route (between the Field of Dreams and the Mayo Clinic) is the small town of Postville, Iowa, home of the most important Kosher meat processing plant in the country. Apparently a dozen or so Lubavitch families bought an abandoned meat processing plant and brought in immigrant labor from all over the world to work it. I won't have the courage to take pictures of the people, like this one below, but I'm hoping to get some unusual snaps nonetheless.
Apparently the town is also the subject of a PBS documentary and a Hallmark special that will be aired on May 23.
Thanks to Protocols for making me aware of the town.
UPDATE: Here's an odd news story I just found while searching for Agriprocessors, Inc. the company formed by the Hassidim that owns the plant. It just happened a few days ago.
100,000 chickens lost, building razed in fire
It was the largest Gold'n Plump barn in the Arcadia area. The birds were destined for Agriprocessors, Inc. in Iowa. Gold'n Plump has eight barns solely dedicated to Agriprocessors. The Schultz farm is basically two of the eight.
I wonder if the price of my chicken dinners are going up.
More UPDATE via Protocols. Apparently, while all of this lovey-dovey stuff is being broadcast, the author of the book above actually believes that the chasidim brought terrible problems to the town.
"I am deeply disappointed in Hadassah Magazine. The story, Torah Amid Corn (April), is a woefully one-sided portrait of an crucial and confounding issue facing American Jewry today. In the news business, we call Jennie Rothenberg's account of Postville, Iowa, a "valentine." Nowhere was there any mention of the appalling surge of crime, substandard living conditions, alcoholism, drug abuse, or ground-water pollution in Postville - all spurred on by the operation of the kosher slaughterhouse.
While our major media didgs to deep to find individual cases of U.S. soldiers not being comfortable with the war in Iraq, the Boston Globe reports that the Spanish troops are not happy with Zapatero's decision to bring them home. And these were the poeple on the front line!
Spanish troops find return bittersweet
While all of the soldiers interviewed said they were relieved to be home and out of the harrowing dangers of serving in Iraq, most of them -- even some originally opposed to the war -- also expressed regret over Zapatero's decision. They said they were forced to abandon what they felt was a useful humanitarian mission.
"America's reason for going to war was cynical," he said. "But when you are there on the ground, you see the poverty and people living in mud houses next to Saddam's palaces, [and] the work we were doing seems justified. It had valor."
Meanwhile, opponents still deny reality and show their contempt for the intelligence of the returning soldiers:
Jesus Nunez, director of the Institute of Studies on Conflicts and Humanitarian Action, which is in Madrid, said: "This was a military mission camouflaged as a humanitarian mission. Sure, they were working in the schools, and in infrastructure projects, but let us understand that was just a tag-on.
Spanish troops find return bittersweet
While all of the soldiers interviewed said they were relieved to be home and out of the harrowing dangers of serving in Iraq, most of them -- even some originally opposed to the war -- also expressed regret over Zapatero's decision. They said they were forced to abandon what they felt was a useful humanitarian mission.
"America's reason for going to war was cynical," he said. "But when you are there on the ground, you see the poverty and people living in mud houses next to Saddam's palaces, [and] the work we were doing seems justified. It had valor."
Meanwhile, opponents still deny reality and show their contempt for the intelligence of the returning soldiers:
Jesus Nunez, director of the Institute of Studies on Conflicts and Humanitarian Action, which is in Madrid, said: "This was a military mission camouflaged as a humanitarian mission. Sure, they were working in the schools, and in infrastructure projects, but let us understand that was just a tag-on.
The Wall Street Journal prints a pro-war piece by Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta.
War and Peace
Most of his points have been made before - this time it's the source that's interesting.
I think we should nominate Ronald Reagan and Mikael Gorbachev for the Nobel Peace Prize. Can you even imagine what this world would be like today if 9/11 happened and the cold war was still on?
War and Peace
Most of his points have been made before - this time it's the source that's interesting.
I think we should nominate Ronald Reagan and Mikael Gorbachev for the Nobel Peace Prize. Can you even imagine what this world would be like today if 9/11 happened and the cold war was still on?
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Even Hizbollah is condemning the beheading of Nick Berg in Iraq:
"Hizbollah condemns this horrible act that has done very great harm to Islam and Muslims by this group that claims affiliation to the religion of mercy, compassion and humane principles," the Shi'ite Muslim group said in a statement.
Pardon me if I think this is as sincere as Yassir Arafat's denunciations of suicide bombings. I think the following statement shows the real reason behind the qualms that Hizbollah has:
"The timing of this act that overshadowed the scandal over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in occupation forces prisons is suspect timing that aims to serve the American administration and occupation forces in Iraq and present excuses and pretexts for their inhumane practices against Iraqi detainees."
"Hizbollah condemns this horrible act that has done very great harm to Islam and Muslims by this group that claims affiliation to the religion of mercy, compassion and humane principles," the Shi'ite Muslim group said in a statement.
Pardon me if I think this is as sincere as Yassir Arafat's denunciations of suicide bombings. I think the following statement shows the real reason behind the qualms that Hizbollah has:
"The timing of this act that overshadowed the scandal over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in occupation forces prisons is suspect timing that aims to serve the American administration and occupation forces in Iraq and present excuses and pretexts for their inhumane practices against Iraqi detainees."
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Now there can be no doubt that CBS is trying to use psych warfare tactics against the U.S. civilian population in order to end the war.
CBS to Air Soldier Video Diary on Prison
The CBS newsmagazine (8 p.m. EDT Wednesday) obtained the video diary of a soldier, whose name was withheld, talking about conditions at Camp Bucca and Abu Ghraib in Iraq (news - web sites), where Iraqi prisoners were held.
It was "60 Minutes II" that first aired pictures two weeks ago of prisoners allegedly being abused at Abu Ghraib, igniting a political tempest.
"We've already had two prisoners die ... but who cares?" the soldier says on the tape. "That's two less for me to worry about."
CBS to Air Soldier Video Diary on Prison
The CBS newsmagazine (8 p.m. EDT Wednesday) obtained the video diary of a soldier, whose name was withheld, talking about conditions at Camp Bucca and Abu Ghraib in Iraq (news - web sites), where Iraqi prisoners were held.
It was "60 Minutes II" that first aired pictures two weeks ago of prisoners allegedly being abused at Abu Ghraib, igniting a political tempest.
"We've already had two prisoners die ... but who cares?" the soldier says on the tape. "That's two less for me to worry about."
Right here is the difference between "blue" state and "red" state. Or, why I think raising children in NYC is child abuse:
New Swatch Ad Features Rabbits In Sexual Positions
Tourists visiting New York's Times Square are blushing over a new Swatch watch billboard that features six pairs of rabbits in various sexual positions, according to a Local 6 News report.
New Swatch Ad Features Rabbits In Sexual Positions
Tourists visiting New York's Times Square are blushing over a new Swatch watch billboard that features six pairs of rabbits in various sexual positions, according to a Local 6 News report.
Daniel Pearl II
Video Seems to Show Beheading of American
The video showed five men wearing headscarves and black ski masks, standing over a bound man in an orange jumpsuit -- similar to a prisoner's uniform -- who identified himself as Nick Berg, a U.S. contractor whose body was found on a highway overpass in Baghdad on Saturday.
``My name is Nick Berg, my father's name is Michael, my mother's name is Susan,'' the man said on the video. ``I have a brother and sister, David and Sarah. I live in ... Philadelphia.''
No mention of whether he was Jewish, although it seems from his family info that he probably is. I would be shocked if this did not play some part in his death.
UPDATE: In their grief and Bush-hatred, the family blames the government for their son's decapitation.
Michael Berg lashed out at the U.S. military and Bush administration, saying his son might still be alive had he not been detained by U.S. officials in Iraq without being charged and without access to a lawyer.
Michael Berg described himself as fervently anti-war...
Video Seems to Show Beheading of American
The video showed five men wearing headscarves and black ski masks, standing over a bound man in an orange jumpsuit -- similar to a prisoner's uniform -- who identified himself as Nick Berg, a U.S. contractor whose body was found on a highway overpass in Baghdad on Saturday.
``My name is Nick Berg, my father's name is Michael, my mother's name is Susan,'' the man said on the video. ``I have a brother and sister, David and Sarah. I live in ... Philadelphia.''
No mention of whether he was Jewish, although it seems from his family info that he probably is. I would be shocked if this did not play some part in his death.
UPDATE: In their grief and Bush-hatred, the family blames the government for their son's decapitation.
Michael Berg lashed out at the U.S. military and Bush administration, saying his son might still be alive had he not been detained by U.S. officials in Iraq without being charged and without access to a lawyer.
Michael Berg described himself as fervently anti-war...
I guess the military didn't completely ignore the Red Cross' complaints on prison abuse in Iraq.
Red Cross Faces Pressure in Abuse Scandal
The Red Cross report, published in the Wall Street Journal, was a summary of its various attempts in person and in writing from March to November 2003 to get U.S. officials to stop abuses.
Those earlier interventions by the Red Cross far preceded the Pentagon's decision to investigate after a low-ranking U.S. soldier stepped forward in January.
The Red Cross said it wanted to keep the report confidential because it saw U.S. officials making progress in responding to their complaints.
Again, I'm not saying it didn't happen, but there's no reason to believe that people weren't being punished or that the situation wasn't going to be resolved.
Red Cross Faces Pressure in Abuse Scandal
The Red Cross report, published in the Wall Street Journal, was a summary of its various attempts in person and in writing from March to November 2003 to get U.S. officials to stop abuses.
Those earlier interventions by the Red Cross far preceded the Pentagon's decision to investigate after a low-ranking U.S. soldier stepped forward in January.
The Red Cross said it wanted to keep the report confidential because it saw U.S. officials making progress in responding to their complaints.
Again, I'm not saying it didn't happen, but there's no reason to believe that people weren't being punished or that the situation wasn't going to be resolved.
Monday, May 10, 2004
Some perpsective please. A quote from the conservative Senator from Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy.
"On March 19, 2004, President Bush asked, 'Who would prefer that Saddam's torture chambers still be open?'" said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. "Shamefully, we now learn that Saddam's torture chambers reopened under new management: U.S. management."
Political hyperbole defined. Aren't we at war here? Do we have to give the enemy propaganda? I think I prefer "sorry, it's un-American, it won't happen again" to "you're right, we're just as evil as Saddam was, please kill more of us before we hurt any more of you so we can order our troops home".
"On March 19, 2004, President Bush asked, 'Who would prefer that Saddam's torture chambers still be open?'" said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. "Shamefully, we now learn that Saddam's torture chambers reopened under new management: U.S. management."
Political hyperbole defined. Aren't we at war here? Do we have to give the enemy propaganda? I think I prefer "sorry, it's un-American, it won't happen again" to "you're right, we're just as evil as Saddam was, please kill more of us before we hurt any more of you so we can order our troops home".
Here's where all this prisoner abuse stuff is heading...Saddam Hussein himself has rights and feelings too and should be released...maybe even compensated for his suffering...did you see how we humiliated him in front of the world?....Bush 43 is going to be seen as going farther than Bush 41 in taking over the country, but not having the balls to do the ultimate deed and put Saddam to death without trial.
Saddam Lawyer Says Access to Client Denied
I mean after all, it seems like the ICRC's reports have to do with those who ran Saddam's regime:
The report did not specify who the detainees were, but an official who has discussed the document with ICRC officials told The Associated Press that they include many from the Pentagon's 55 most-wanted suspects in a ``deck of cards'' the U.S. military released during the war that ousted Saddam last year.
``Since June 2003 over a hundred 'high-value detainees' have been held for nearly 23 hours a day in strict solitary confinement in small concrete cells devoid of daylight,'' said the report, which was given to coalition forces in February.
Even Donald Rumsfeld was pushed into suggesting that these abused prisoners should be compensated. Why not Saddam as well?
This is a war...anyone on the opposing side who either picks up a gun or commands people to pick up a gun is automatically guilty and the death penalty is the only sentence.
Here's another interesting statement about the ICRC report:
It said some coalition military intelligence officers estimated that ``between 70 percent and 90 percent of the persons deprived of their liberty in Iraq had been arrested by mistake.
Can you imagine these officers admitting this to the ICRC? Are these the same officers that are trying to cover-up the abuse? This seems fishy.
Saddam Lawyer Says Access to Client Denied
I mean after all, it seems like the ICRC's reports have to do with those who ran Saddam's regime:
The report did not specify who the detainees were, but an official who has discussed the document with ICRC officials told The Associated Press that they include many from the Pentagon's 55 most-wanted suspects in a ``deck of cards'' the U.S. military released during the war that ousted Saddam last year.
``Since June 2003 over a hundred 'high-value detainees' have been held for nearly 23 hours a day in strict solitary confinement in small concrete cells devoid of daylight,'' said the report, which was given to coalition forces in February.
Even Donald Rumsfeld was pushed into suggesting that these abused prisoners should be compensated. Why not Saddam as well?
This is a war...anyone on the opposing side who either picks up a gun or commands people to pick up a gun is automatically guilty and the death penalty is the only sentence.
Here's another interesting statement about the ICRC report:
It said some coalition military intelligence officers estimated that ``between 70 percent and 90 percent of the persons deprived of their liberty in Iraq had been arrested by mistake.
Can you imagine these officers admitting this to the ICRC? Are these the same officers that are trying to cover-up the abuse? This seems fishy.
Like at least one other well-known blogger, I too have the photo bug. One day after I win the lottery I will dedicate my life to traveling the distant corners of the Earth (or at least where they let Jews in) and living off my photography.
I recently signed up for Shutterpoint, an on-line service that provides photographers a marketplace for their art. If you have any interest in purchasing the piece below for a modest fee, you can click the new link in the Photogrpahy section, below, right.
I've already had 9 page views and a very generous rating of 10 given to me on this one, which I call "Not Forgotten".
Flowers are left at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Mother's Day - May 9, 2004. Each chair represents one of the 168 individuals who died in the 1995 attack. The smaller chairs represent children.
I recently signed up for Shutterpoint, an on-line service that provides photographers a marketplace for their art. If you have any interest in purchasing the piece below for a modest fee, you can click the new link in the Photogrpahy section, below, right.
I've already had 9 page views and a very generous rating of 10 given to me on this one, which I call "Not Forgotten".
Flowers are left at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Mother's Day - May 9, 2004. Each chair represents one of the 168 individuals who died in the 1995 attack. The smaller chairs represent children.
Part of me wants to say this is wonderful, but my evil twin says that this person has a severe psychological disorder that needs to be treated right away.
Inviting the Public's Embrace, One by One
Jayson Littman is not especially lonely, or religious, or in need of cash - things that strangers might assume upon meeting him.
He is a financial analyst who happens to think that New Yorkers could use a hug. So it was, a month ago, that Mr. Littman began distributing hugs - free - from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village.
Inviting the Public's Embrace, One by One
Jayson Littman is not especially lonely, or religious, or in need of cash - things that strangers might assume upon meeting him.
He is a financial analyst who happens to think that New Yorkers could use a hug. So it was, a month ago, that Mr. Littman began distributing hugs - free - from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village.
Humorist Andy Borowitz perhaps throws a little wishful thinking into today's column.
U.S. TO HAND OVER BLAME ON JUNE 30 (Link goes to main page)
In a nationally televised address, President George W. Bush revealed that the blame for the Iraqi prison abuse scandal would be transferred from the U.S. to the new Iraqi government on June 30.
“Accepting blame for the prison abuse scandal is an important step in Iraq’s evolution towards democracy,” Mr. Bush said, adding that accountability for the scandal must go to the highest levels of Iraq’s yet-to-be-appointed government.....
Prior to the president’s announcement, Mr. Rumsfeld had been bracing himself for the release of the Abu Ghraib Golden Edition DVD, including never-before-seen footage and special tormenters’ narration.
“This DVD is full of extremely radioactive stuff,” Mr. Rumsfeld. “Come June 30, the new government of Iraq will have a lot to answer for.”
U.S. TO HAND OVER BLAME ON JUNE 30 (Link goes to main page)
In a nationally televised address, President George W. Bush revealed that the blame for the Iraqi prison abuse scandal would be transferred from the U.S. to the new Iraqi government on June 30.
“Accepting blame for the prison abuse scandal is an important step in Iraq’s evolution towards democracy,” Mr. Bush said, adding that accountability for the scandal must go to the highest levels of Iraq’s yet-to-be-appointed government.....
Prior to the president’s announcement, Mr. Rumsfeld had been bracing himself for the release of the Abu Ghraib Golden Edition DVD, including never-before-seen footage and special tormenters’ narration.
“This DVD is full of extremely radioactive stuff,” Mr. Rumsfeld. “Come June 30, the new government of Iraq will have a lot to answer for.”
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Dershowitz makes the Case for Israel again in Australia. He's coming to Dallas in june and I hope I get to hear him speak.
Comments will be light as I'm just getting back from a weekend in OKC with the family. Lots to do considering that it's a "small" city.
Anyway, looks like the Sopranosteins are coming to a Las Vegas casino near you.
Anyway, looks like the Sopranosteins are coming to a Las Vegas casino near you.
Friday, May 07, 2004
Is it really possible that every Iraqi-American hates us as much as these people do? Don't let the headline fool you into thinking there's anything but the harshest criticism of non-Arab Americans.
Iraqi-Americans, Split on Prospects, See Little Progress
"The only way this feeling is going to be calmed is when I see Bush, Cheney and Wolfowitz naked with bags on their heads," she said. "You might think this is really harsh, but they deserve it. To treat the Iraqi people as totally subhuman, that's not right....
...the Americans would have been well received if they had provided water, power and fuel instead of bullets and tank shells....
...the United States had failed to promote representational government in Iraq..
..."One year passed, and there's no concrete development on the ground," he said. "People are not that patient. They expected immediate relief."...
...Ms. al-Wardi, president of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq reflected the same hostility to Arabs and Muslims that Americans of Arab descent have felt since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"This is exactly how we felt when we were being detained and strip-searched and called terrorists," she said. "It's so rampant right now, the feeling that all Arabs are terrorists and so it's justified to torture and humiliate them."
Where do these people get their news from? Have we not poured billions into reconstruction, not just to restore Iraq to Saddam levels, but better it? Have we not helped form town and regional councils all over the country? Is torture and humilitation of Arab-Americans rampant in this country? As Steve Martin used to say....well, excuuuuuuuuse us for not waving our magic f***ing wand and creating a Garden of Eden by the Euphrates.
Besides these poeple are just plain wrong. It's a valid opinion that Bush screwed up but not if it's based on unrealistic expectations, and thinking that we're just over there killing and torturing Arabs for fun until we can fill up enough oil tankers to supply Theresa Heinz Kerry's 3 SUVs. Oops did I just do that :-)
Remember the original estimates before the war - tens of thousands dead, hundreds of thousands or millions of refugees, a humanitarian crisis waiting to happen? We avoided all that...not good enough?
I choose to believe that which I hear from the soldiers returning after a year in Iraq. The Iraqis are generally friendly, they know that life sucks but it's been worse, and I know that a free Iraq will complement a free Afghanistan and free Iran one day and the world will be a safer place for my children. And I believed the same for Russia and Eastern Europe when Reagan was planting nuclear missiles like petunias all over Europe and millions took to the streets against that.
Iraqi-Americans, Split on Prospects, See Little Progress
"The only way this feeling is going to be calmed is when I see Bush, Cheney and Wolfowitz naked with bags on their heads," she said. "You might think this is really harsh, but they deserve it. To treat the Iraqi people as totally subhuman, that's not right....
...the Americans would have been well received if they had provided water, power and fuel instead of bullets and tank shells....
...the United States had failed to promote representational government in Iraq..
..."One year passed, and there's no concrete development on the ground," he said. "People are not that patient. They expected immediate relief."...
...Ms. al-Wardi, president of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq reflected the same hostility to Arabs and Muslims that Americans of Arab descent have felt since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"This is exactly how we felt when we were being detained and strip-searched and called terrorists," she said. "It's so rampant right now, the feeling that all Arabs are terrorists and so it's justified to torture and humiliate them."
Where do these people get their news from? Have we not poured billions into reconstruction, not just to restore Iraq to Saddam levels, but better it? Have we not helped form town and regional councils all over the country? Is torture and humilitation of Arab-Americans rampant in this country? As Steve Martin used to say....well, excuuuuuuuuse us for not waving our magic f***ing wand and creating a Garden of Eden by the Euphrates.
Besides these poeple are just plain wrong. It's a valid opinion that Bush screwed up but not if it's based on unrealistic expectations, and thinking that we're just over there killing and torturing Arabs for fun until we can fill up enough oil tankers to supply Theresa Heinz Kerry's 3 SUVs. Oops did I just do that :-)
Remember the original estimates before the war - tens of thousands dead, hundreds of thousands or millions of refugees, a humanitarian crisis waiting to happen? We avoided all that...not good enough?
I choose to believe that which I hear from the soldiers returning after a year in Iraq. The Iraqis are generally friendly, they know that life sucks but it's been worse, and I know that a free Iraq will complement a free Afghanistan and free Iran one day and the world will be a safer place for my children. And I believed the same for Russia and Eastern Europe when Reagan was planting nuclear missiles like petunias all over Europe and millions took to the streets against that.
I am not sure that Donald Rumsfeld needs to resign, but I think his opening statement today sums everything up about as well as can be done.
Rumsfeld Remarks Before Testimony
You really do have to read it all - quotes won't suffice here.
Rumsfeld Remarks Before Testimony
You really do have to read it all - quotes won't suffice here.
The Times has this interesting headline - U.S. Lawyer Is Arrested in Madrid Bombing Inquiry Evidence aside, I think the main news about him being arrested is that he is a U.S. Muslim, not that he's a lawyer. I guess we don't want to anger the Muslim street here at home.
Perhaps the CIA and FBI, working together with the Portland police, flew to Spain right after the Madrid bombings to plant a bag with Mr. Mayfield's fingerprints in order to arrest him for daring to defend an accused Muslim terrorist back home in a paternity case. It could have happened - couldn't it? Oliver Stone, where are you?
Perhaps the CIA and FBI, working together with the Portland police, flew to Spain right after the Madrid bombings to plant a bag with Mr. Mayfield's fingerprints in order to arrest him for daring to defend an accused Muslim terrorist back home in a paternity case. It could have happened - couldn't it? Oliver Stone, where are you?
I like the opening to this report from ABC News on their interview with Teresa Heinz Kerry.
Teresa Heinz Kerry is in a category all on her own among political wives. She's a woman who seems comfortable with contradiction. She's an environmental activist, but she owns three SUVs.
Her husband, Sen. John Kerry, is the presumed Democratic presidential candidate, but Heinz Kerry was a registered Republican until just last year.
Comfortable with contradiction is for someone who's Italian and likes Chinese food. Or for an older woman who like hip-hop. What they are describing above is a HYPOCRITE.
Teresa Heinz Kerry is in a category all on her own among political wives. She's a woman who seems comfortable with contradiction. She's an environmental activist, but she owns three SUVs.
Her husband, Sen. John Kerry, is the presumed Democratic presidential candidate, but Heinz Kerry was a registered Republican until just last year.
Comfortable with contradiction is for someone who's Italian and likes Chinese food. Or for an older woman who like hip-hop. What they are describing above is a HYPOCRITE.
I think the NY Times set a record today for the most amount of reader letters published for the sole purpose of confirming their view of the world. 18 letters on 2 topics.
The Abuse Debacle: A Storm in Washington (14 Letters)
So Who's Afraid of Michael Moore? (4 Letters)
Could they not find ONE literate submission on either topic that doesn't espouse the party line? I spent all day listening to conservative talk radio with millions of listeners and dozens of callers who had different viewpoints on these issues. I guess they've all just given up as far as the print media goes.
What makes it even funnier is that just above this torrent of liberal smugness is a teeny tiny correction about the number of children of congresspersons who are in the military.
An Op-Ed article on Tuesday referred incorrectly to the number of members of Congress with children serving in the military in Iraq or Afghanistan. There are at least three members, not one.
At least three? Do they not want to take the time to find the right number? And besides that whole screed was trying to say we should have the draft again so that children of congressmen go to war in the appropriate numbers. Since the average age of representatives is 54 and senators 59, most would not have eligible children in the war zone anyway.
The Abuse Debacle: A Storm in Washington (14 Letters)
So Who's Afraid of Michael Moore? (4 Letters)
Could they not find ONE literate submission on either topic that doesn't espouse the party line? I spent all day listening to conservative talk radio with millions of listeners and dozens of callers who had different viewpoints on these issues. I guess they've all just given up as far as the print media goes.
What makes it even funnier is that just above this torrent of liberal smugness is a teeny tiny correction about the number of children of congresspersons who are in the military.
An Op-Ed article on Tuesday referred incorrectly to the number of members of Congress with children serving in the military in Iraq or Afghanistan. There are at least three members, not one.
At least three? Do they not want to take the time to find the right number? And besides that whole screed was trying to say we should have the draft again so that children of congressmen go to war in the appropriate numbers. Since the average age of representatives is 54 and senators 59, most would not have eligible children in the war zone anyway.
Note to John Kerry: It's the Economy, Stupid!
Jobs Surge in April
U.S. job growth continued at a rapid pace in April, as 288,000 new jobs were created and the unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent, the Labor Department estimated Friday.
The report was much stronger than expected.
Economists surveyed by CBS MarketWatch expected 172,000 new jobs and a jobless rate of 5.7 percent. See Economic Calendar.
The bond market sold off, driving the yield on the 10-year note to 4.76 percent, the highest since the summer of 2002. Stock futures were undecided about the figures, welcoming the strong growth, but fearing higher interest rates. See Indications.
March's payroll gains were revised higher from 308,000 to 337,000. Job growth, up eight months in a row, has averaged 217,000 a month so far in 2004. Since August, payrolls are up 1.1 million.
The Times of course is a little less enthusistic: Growth of Jobs Reinforces Hopes of Sustained Turnaround
Of course the focus is on the unpredictable future that we can only hope gets better, as opposed to looking at the statistics of eight straight months of job growth and two years of GDP growth.
But just in case you thought George Bush was handling the economy well, they chime in (via AP) with this irrelevant statistic:
Bush is on track to be the first president since the Great Depression to have lost jobs under his watch. But the spate of hiring gains in recent months have shrank those losses to about 1.5 million.
Since "his watch" loosely defined includes the first year of his term under Clinton's budget and 9/11, I'm not sure how this is relevant. But even so notice how they use the term "Great Depression" instead of mentioning the President of the time or the year. Does that mean we're in bad a shape now as during the Great Depression? Sorry, I hadn't noticed.
Jobs Surge in April
U.S. job growth continued at a rapid pace in April, as 288,000 new jobs were created and the unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent, the Labor Department estimated Friday.
The report was much stronger than expected.
Economists surveyed by CBS MarketWatch expected 172,000 new jobs and a jobless rate of 5.7 percent. See Economic Calendar.
The bond market sold off, driving the yield on the 10-year note to 4.76 percent, the highest since the summer of 2002. Stock futures were undecided about the figures, welcoming the strong growth, but fearing higher interest rates. See Indications.
March's payroll gains were revised higher from 308,000 to 337,000. Job growth, up eight months in a row, has averaged 217,000 a month so far in 2004. Since August, payrolls are up 1.1 million.
The Times of course is a little less enthusistic: Growth of Jobs Reinforces Hopes of Sustained Turnaround
Of course the focus is on the unpredictable future that we can only hope gets better, as opposed to looking at the statistics of eight straight months of job growth and two years of GDP growth.
But just in case you thought George Bush was handling the economy well, they chime in (via AP) with this irrelevant statistic:
Bush is on track to be the first president since the Great Depression to have lost jobs under his watch. But the spate of hiring gains in recent months have shrank those losses to about 1.5 million.
Since "his watch" loosely defined includes the first year of his term under Clinton's budget and 9/11, I'm not sure how this is relevant. But even so notice how they use the term "Great Depression" instead of mentioning the President of the time or the year. Does that mean we're in bad a shape now as during the Great Depression? Sorry, I hadn't noticed.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Vandals Smash Vans At Islamic School
Police are collecting evidence and information after vandals smashed windows and tail lights on vans owned by the Islamic School of Irving. While it's impossible to say who did it, Metroplex Muslims fear it's a hate-crime directed at them out of malice toward their religion.
The vandals should absolutley be caught and punsihed, the same as if this happened to a Jewish school. There is no excuse for this.
Police are collecting evidence and information after vandals smashed windows and tail lights on vans owned by the Islamic School of Irving. While it's impossible to say who did it, Metroplex Muslims fear it's a hate-crime directed at them out of malice toward their religion.
The vandals should absolutley be caught and punsihed, the same as if this happened to a Jewish school. There is no excuse for this.
41 to zero. Sounds good to me. I bet these guys didn't get a lawyer either.
BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 6 — American troops moved into the southern city of Najaf and recaptured the governor's office, posing the most aggressive challenge yet to a radical Shiite cleric who has led a monthlong resistance. The action came as the top American administrator, L. Paul Bremer III, appointed an Iraqi governor to Najaf and promised a restoration of American-backed security to the city.
In a separate action, American troops killed 41 members of a militia loyal to the Shiite cleric, Moktada al-Sadr, in a clash in Kufa, to the east of Najaf. There were no American casualties in that firefight, the American military official said.
And then there was this the other day:
BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 4 — Representatives of Iraq's most influential Shiite leaders met here on Tuesday and demanded that Moktada al-Sadr, a rebel Shiite cleric, withdraw militia units from the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, stop turning the mosques there into weapons arsenals and return power to Iraqi police and civil defense units that operate under American control......
Several Shiite leaders acknowledged that they had delayed issuing their statement until there were clear signs that public opinion among Shiites had moved strongly against Mr. Sadr. Reports in the past two weeks have spoken of a shadowy death squad calling itself the Thulfiqar Army shooting dead at least seven of Mr. Sadr's militiamen in Najaf, and several thousand people attended an anti-Sadr protest meeting outside the Imam Ali shrine in the city on Friday, according to several of the meeting's participants.
What happened to the media howling over our failures in Najaf and how all Iraqis and all Shiites and all Arabs are rallying around our enemies? I guess they have a new tragedy of the week to focus on.
BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 6 — American troops moved into the southern city of Najaf and recaptured the governor's office, posing the most aggressive challenge yet to a radical Shiite cleric who has led a monthlong resistance. The action came as the top American administrator, L. Paul Bremer III, appointed an Iraqi governor to Najaf and promised a restoration of American-backed security to the city.
In a separate action, American troops killed 41 members of a militia loyal to the Shiite cleric, Moktada al-Sadr, in a clash in Kufa, to the east of Najaf. There were no American casualties in that firefight, the American military official said.
And then there was this the other day:
BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 4 — Representatives of Iraq's most influential Shiite leaders met here on Tuesday and demanded that Moktada al-Sadr, a rebel Shiite cleric, withdraw militia units from the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, stop turning the mosques there into weapons arsenals and return power to Iraqi police and civil defense units that operate under American control......
Several Shiite leaders acknowledged that they had delayed issuing their statement until there were clear signs that public opinion among Shiites had moved strongly against Mr. Sadr. Reports in the past two weeks have spoken of a shadowy death squad calling itself the Thulfiqar Army shooting dead at least seven of Mr. Sadr's militiamen in Najaf, and several thousand people attended an anti-Sadr protest meeting outside the Imam Ali shrine in the city on Friday, according to several of the meeting's participants.
What happened to the media howling over our failures in Najaf and how all Iraqis and all Shiites and all Arabs are rallying around our enemies? I guess they have a new tragedy of the week to focus on.
Iraqi Prisoner Shamed by Experience
So I'm supposed to feel sorry for a man who is a former member of Saddam's military who recently ganged up on and beat up a fellow Iraqi. Perhaps he should be ashamed of that. I'm not buying it.
So I'm supposed to feel sorry for a man who is a former member of Saddam's military who recently ganged up on and beat up a fellow Iraqi. Perhaps he should be ashamed of that. I'm not buying it.
I don't care what the cynics say - I choose to believe that this is my President, not the Nazi portrayed by some.
Bush pauses to comfort teen
"This girl lost her mom in the World Trade Center on 9-11."
Bush stopped and turned back.
"He changed from being the leader of the free world to being a father, a husband and a man," Faulkner said. "He looked right at her and said, 'How are you doing?' He reached out with his hand and pulled her into his chest."
Faulkner snapped one frame with his camera.
"I could hear her say, 'I'm OK,' " he said. "That's more emotion than she has shown in 21/2 years. Then he said, 'I can see you have a father who loves you very much.' "
Bush pauses to comfort teen
"This girl lost her mom in the World Trade Center on 9-11."
Bush stopped and turned back.
"He changed from being the leader of the free world to being a father, a husband and a man," Faulkner said. "He looked right at her and said, 'How are you doing?' He reached out with his hand and pulled her into his chest."
Faulkner snapped one frame with his camera.
"I could hear her say, 'I'm OK,' " he said. "That's more emotion than she has shown in 21/2 years. Then he said, 'I can see you have a father who loves you very much.' "
One more on the New York Times - they've got me boiling today:
Disney's Craven Behavior
Apparently the Times doesn't like the fact that Disney doesn't want to distribute Michael Moore's new documentary. They did finance it in the first place, so give them some credit. And besides, what right does the Times have to tell Disney to sacrifice themselves and their business results on the alter of Michael Moore's ego?
It would cost them a lot less money to put aside their partisanship on the arts and actually review Bill O'Reilly's book that was number one on their best seller list, instead of doing book reviews and cover stories on Al Franken only.
Finally, calling Moore's films documentaries is like calling reality TV shows documentaries. Just becuase something "real" is filmed does not mean that it's not manipulated or slanted to affect the emotions of the viewer. To me a documentary is non-partisan journalism or history (see Ken Burn's films).
Update: The Times allows Michael Eisner to respond.
Disney and Michael Moore
Disney's Craven Behavior
Apparently the Times doesn't like the fact that Disney doesn't want to distribute Michael Moore's new documentary. They did finance it in the first place, so give them some credit. And besides, what right does the Times have to tell Disney to sacrifice themselves and their business results on the alter of Michael Moore's ego?
It would cost them a lot less money to put aside their partisanship on the arts and actually review Bill O'Reilly's book that was number one on their best seller list, instead of doing book reviews and cover stories on Al Franken only.
Finally, calling Moore's films documentaries is like calling reality TV shows documentaries. Just becuase something "real" is filmed does not mean that it's not manipulated or slanted to affect the emotions of the viewer. To me a documentary is non-partisan journalism or history (see Ken Burn's films).
Update: The Times allows Michael Eisner to respond.
Disney and Michael Moore
The NY times praises John Kerry for his ideas on Iraq.
This feature of the Kerry proposal draws on the pattern of international oversight in Bosnia. While far from perfect, Bosnia's transition has worked out a lot better than Iraq's and elicited far wider international cooperation.
The funny thing is that if you look at the list of countries participating in Bosnia's reconstruction, it's a shorter list than the number of countires in the Iraq coalition. I guess the Times just doesn't like our current list of friends.
And about those "torture" pictures:
The Bush administration, meanwhile, clings to the unworkable notion of an American-controlled transition, an idea that grows ever more out of touch with reality as the news of the revolting abuses at Abu Ghraib prison overwhelms any remaining Iraqi faith in Washington's good intentions.
What interests me here is that it is indeed "the news of" the abuses in Iraqi prisons that is causing the problem, not the actions themselves becuase we don't really know what really happened yet. While we don't know how or why the various news organizations came to obtain these photos, it is certainly worth asking about the decision to publish them. Journalist egos aside, if you knew that publishing these photos (wrong as some of the actions were) would undermine the war effort psychologically, reflect badly on the country as a whole and perhaps put our troops in harms way, what reason do you have to publish them? To get to the truth about these isolated incidents? Tell that to the Iraqis after they lose their only chance at freedom and revert to anarchy.
And honestly, if these Iraqis are guilty (informally speaking) of taking up arms in support of radical Islam or want to go back to the good ol' Saddam days, putting women's underwear on their heads and taking pictures of them naked is the least they deserve. In the olden days of war, they would have just been killed. The nicer we are, the more we open ourselves up to criticism on things like detentions or that we're not giving out enough humanitarian aid.
Another funny thing is that for those who complain about how much money the war effort costs, it's precisely because we are trying to operate morally. If we just carpet bombed the holdout cities until everyone surrendered, we'd be done in a few days and everyone could go home. Instead we spend money on detention facilities, door-to-door urban fighting technologies and building schools. I agree with doing things this way, but let's not be hypocrites. It costs money and American blood to fight nicely.
This feature of the Kerry proposal draws on the pattern of international oversight in Bosnia. While far from perfect, Bosnia's transition has worked out a lot better than Iraq's and elicited far wider international cooperation.
The funny thing is that if you look at the list of countries participating in Bosnia's reconstruction, it's a shorter list than the number of countires in the Iraq coalition. I guess the Times just doesn't like our current list of friends.
And about those "torture" pictures:
The Bush administration, meanwhile, clings to the unworkable notion of an American-controlled transition, an idea that grows ever more out of touch with reality as the news of the revolting abuses at Abu Ghraib prison overwhelms any remaining Iraqi faith in Washington's good intentions.
What interests me here is that it is indeed "the news of" the abuses in Iraqi prisons that is causing the problem, not the actions themselves becuase we don't really know what really happened yet. While we don't know how or why the various news organizations came to obtain these photos, it is certainly worth asking about the decision to publish them. Journalist egos aside, if you knew that publishing these photos (wrong as some of the actions were) would undermine the war effort psychologically, reflect badly on the country as a whole and perhaps put our troops in harms way, what reason do you have to publish them? To get to the truth about these isolated incidents? Tell that to the Iraqis after they lose their only chance at freedom and revert to anarchy.
And honestly, if these Iraqis are guilty (informally speaking) of taking up arms in support of radical Islam or want to go back to the good ol' Saddam days, putting women's underwear on their heads and taking pictures of them naked is the least they deserve. In the olden days of war, they would have just been killed. The nicer we are, the more we open ourselves up to criticism on things like detentions or that we're not giving out enough humanitarian aid.
Another funny thing is that for those who complain about how much money the war effort costs, it's precisely because we are trying to operate morally. If we just carpet bombed the holdout cities until everyone surrendered, we'd be done in a few days and everyone could go home. Instead we spend money on detention facilities, door-to-door urban fighting technologies and building schools. I agree with doing things this way, but let's not be hypocrites. It costs money and American blood to fight nicely.
I have the post this very witty comment by Thomas Friedman of the Times. Put aside whether you agree with him or not, it's just plain funny.
I have never known a time in my life when America and its president were more hated around the world than today. I was just in Japan, and even young Japanese dislike us. It's no wonder that so many Americans are obsessed with the finale of the sitcom "Friends" right now. They're the only friends we have, and even they're leaving.
I have never known a time in my life when America and its president were more hated around the world than today. I was just in Japan, and even young Japanese dislike us. It's no wonder that so many Americans are obsessed with the finale of the sitcom "Friends" right now. They're the only friends we have, and even they're leaving.
It's hard for those of us outside the Islamic community to determine if this type of conflict is truly a microcosm of our "war between civilizations" or something akin to reform versus orthodox in Judaism. However, since Orthodox Jews tend not to go about trying to take over the world or kill people at random, I'll go with "war between civilizations" just to be safe.
Hate at the Local Mosque
Not long ago in my little mosque around the corner from a McDonald's, a student from the university here delivered a sermon. To love the Prophet Muhammad, he said, "is to hate those who hate him." He railed against man-made doctrines that replace Islamic law, and excoriated the "enemies of Islam" who deny strict adherence to Sunnah, or the ways of Muhammad. While he wasn't espousing violence, his words echoed the extremist vocabulary of Wahhabism, used by some followers to breed militant attitudes.....
These men rally around strict interpretation of the Koran and Sunnah, which last week entailed a sermon that criticized women working outside the home and called women who have lost their chastity worthless. The group has packed the mosque's bookcases with fundamentalist publications....
The goings-on in my small mosque may seem inconsequential, but we are a microcosm of the challenges moderate Islam faces throughout the world. If tolerant and inclusive Islam can't express itself in small corners like Morgantown, where on this earth can the real beauty of Islam flourish?
Hate at the Local Mosque
Not long ago in my little mosque around the corner from a McDonald's, a student from the university here delivered a sermon. To love the Prophet Muhammad, he said, "is to hate those who hate him." He railed against man-made doctrines that replace Islamic law, and excoriated the "enemies of Islam" who deny strict adherence to Sunnah, or the ways of Muhammad. While he wasn't espousing violence, his words echoed the extremist vocabulary of Wahhabism, used by some followers to breed militant attitudes.....
These men rally around strict interpretation of the Koran and Sunnah, which last week entailed a sermon that criticized women working outside the home and called women who have lost their chastity worthless. The group has packed the mosque's bookcases with fundamentalist publications....
The goings-on in my small mosque may seem inconsequential, but we are a microcosm of the challenges moderate Islam faces throughout the world. If tolerant and inclusive Islam can't express itself in small corners like Morgantown, where on this earth can the real beauty of Islam flourish?
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Cool. Construction on New Trade Center Tower to Begin on July 4
Construction of Freedom Tower, the office high rise at the site of the World Trade Center that its developers say will be the world's tallest building, will break ground on July 4, Gov. George E. Pataki said today.
The governor's announcement, at a speech in lower Manhattan, was a broad signal that efforts to rebuild at the World Trade Center would not be slowed down by a major court loss suffered on Monday by the developer of the site.
"On July 4th, as we celebrate the birth of our democracy, we will also celebrate the rebirth of our city," the governor said. "We will begin to reclaim our skyline with a permanent symbol of our freedom.
"On July 4th, 2004, we will break ground on the Freedom Tower," he said.
Construction of Freedom Tower, the office high rise at the site of the World Trade Center that its developers say will be the world's tallest building, will break ground on July 4, Gov. George E. Pataki said today.
The governor's announcement, at a speech in lower Manhattan, was a broad signal that efforts to rebuild at the World Trade Center would not be slowed down by a major court loss suffered on Monday by the developer of the site.
"On July 4th, as we celebrate the birth of our democracy, we will also celebrate the rebirth of our city," the governor said. "We will begin to reclaim our skyline with a permanent symbol of our freedom.
"On July 4th, 2004, we will break ground on the Freedom Tower," he said.
I guess it's OK to slander American troops now that the floodgates have opened.
U.S. Troops Said to Mistreat Elder Iraqi
LONDON - U.S. soldiers who detained an elderly Iraqi woman last year placed a harness on her, made her crawl on all fours and rode her like a donkey, Prime Minister Tony Blair (news - web sites)'s personal human rights envoy to Iraq (news - web sites) said Wednesday.
The envoy, legislator Ann Clwyd, said she had investigated the claims of the woman in her 70s and believed they were true.
But then....
Asked for details, Clwyd said during a telephone interview with The Associated Press that she "didn't want to harp on the case because as far as I'm concerned it's been resolved."
Why the hell did she bring it up in the first place?!?
Sounds like John Kerry-itis. I know that thousands of my fellow soldiers tortured and killed innocent people..even I took part in atrocities...just kidding, is this mike on?
U.S. Troops Said to Mistreat Elder Iraqi
LONDON - U.S. soldiers who detained an elderly Iraqi woman last year placed a harness on her, made her crawl on all fours and rode her like a donkey, Prime Minister Tony Blair (news - web sites)'s personal human rights envoy to Iraq (news - web sites) said Wednesday.
The envoy, legislator Ann Clwyd, said she had investigated the claims of the woman in her 70s and believed they were true.
But then....
Asked for details, Clwyd said during a telephone interview with The Associated Press that she "didn't want to harp on the case because as far as I'm concerned it's been resolved."
Why the hell did she bring it up in the first place?!?
Sounds like John Kerry-itis. I know that thousands of my fellow soldiers tortured and killed innocent people..even I took part in atrocities...just kidding, is this mike on?
Looks like the ass-kicking has begun.
U.S. Begins First Major Assault on Iraqi Militia Led by Cleric
KARBALA, Iraq, May 5 — The American military launched its first major assault against insurgents led by Moktada al-Sadr, a rebel Shiite cleric, striking early this morning at militia enclaves in this holy Shiite city and in another city in southern Iraq in an effort to retake control of those areas.
About 450 soldiers in dozens of armored vehicles, including M-1 Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles, rumbled beneath a full moon through a neighborhood here controlled by armed supporters of Mr. Sadr.
The firepower on display was extraordinary. Polish and Bulgarian soldiers, Special Forces snipers, an Apache attack helicopter and an AC-130 Spectre gunship backed up the main strike force.
U.S. Begins First Major Assault on Iraqi Militia Led by Cleric
KARBALA, Iraq, May 5 — The American military launched its first major assault against insurgents led by Moktada al-Sadr, a rebel Shiite cleric, striking early this morning at militia enclaves in this holy Shiite city and in another city in southern Iraq in an effort to retake control of those areas.
About 450 soldiers in dozens of armored vehicles, including M-1 Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles, rumbled beneath a full moon through a neighborhood here controlled by armed supporters of Mr. Sadr.
The firepower on display was extraordinary. Polish and Bulgarian soldiers, Special Forces snipers, an Apache attack helicopter and an AC-130 Spectre gunship backed up the main strike force.
Never use the word "never" again with Amnesty International.
Amnesty issues unexpected condemnation
The human rights group Amnesty International issued a statement on Wednesday, strongly condemning the terror attack in which Tali Hatuel and her four daughters were murdered earlier this week when Palestinians opened fire at their car on the Kissufim road in the Gaza Strip.
The group, which usually condemns Israel for violating the human rights of the Palestinians, termed the attack “a crime against humanity”, and added it was a deliberate policy aimed at killing civilian population.
Amnesty issues unexpected condemnation
The human rights group Amnesty International issued a statement on Wednesday, strongly condemning the terror attack in which Tali Hatuel and her four daughters were murdered earlier this week when Palestinians opened fire at their car on the Kissufim road in the Gaza Strip.
The group, which usually condemns Israel for violating the human rights of the Palestinians, termed the attack “a crime against humanity”, and added it was a deliberate policy aimed at killing civilian population.
Call to Prayer in Michigan Causes Tension
This has been happening in several places around the country. I am conflicted on where I stand on this issue. My gut feeling is that this is OK and that it falls under the same type of annoyances as signs in foreign languages, the local dry cleaners changing to a taco stand, or any other change that makes you sad that your community is changing.
The comparison to church bells does seem somewhat appropriate although even as a Jew I tend to find them pleasing and they sometimes tell me the time.
Of course that's me talking as someone who's never home. If I was a 70 year old shut in and had to hear the muezzin 5 times a day, I might get annoyed.
This has been happening in several places around the country. I am conflicted on where I stand on this issue. My gut feeling is that this is OK and that it falls under the same type of annoyances as signs in foreign languages, the local dry cleaners changing to a taco stand, or any other change that makes you sad that your community is changing.
The comparison to church bells does seem somewhat appropriate although even as a Jew I tend to find them pleasing and they sometimes tell me the time.
Of course that's me talking as someone who's never home. If I was a 70 year old shut in and had to hear the muezzin 5 times a day, I might get annoyed.
This is just so, so wrong. But then again, I still can't get used to the designated hitter thing after 30 years.
Spider-Man 2 Swings Into Ballparks
During Spider-Man(R) 2 Weekend, which has been scheduled during a segment
of the 2004 Major League Baseball Interleague Play schedule, ballparks will
feature in-park and on-field Spider-Man(R) signage
What happens when they want to do "Passion" weekend - will they put a big cross on the infield? Or maybe if there's a war movie to pitch, they can paint the baseballs to look like grenades and have humvees bring in the relief pitchers from the bullpen.
I wonder what George Will has to say about this. Thanks to Drudge for the links.
UPDATE: Looks like someone came to their senses.
Spider-Man Web of Ads Unravels
Columbia, which is releasing the "Spider-Man 2" movie on June 30, had monitored polls on AOL and ESPN.com yesterday showing that fans were overwhelmingly against the idea of commercial endorsements on bases during the games, Geoffrey Ammer, president of worldwide marketing for the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, said.
"Fans were saying, 'Whoa!' " he said.
Spider-Man 2 Swings Into Ballparks
During Spider-Man(R) 2 Weekend, which has been scheduled during a segment
of the 2004 Major League Baseball Interleague Play schedule, ballparks will
feature in-park and on-field Spider-Man(R) signage
What happens when they want to do "Passion" weekend - will they put a big cross on the infield? Or maybe if there's a war movie to pitch, they can paint the baseballs to look like grenades and have humvees bring in the relief pitchers from the bullpen.
I wonder what George Will has to say about this. Thanks to Drudge for the links.
UPDATE: Looks like someone came to their senses.
Spider-Man Web of Ads Unravels
Columbia, which is releasing the "Spider-Man 2" movie on June 30, had monitored polls on AOL and ESPN.com yesterday showing that fans were overwhelmingly against the idea of commercial endorsements on bases during the games, Geoffrey Ammer, president of worldwide marketing for the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, said.
"Fans were saying, 'Whoa!' " he said.
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Looks like back in Vietnam, all you needed for a Purple Heart was a splinter wound and a bandaid. I'll try not to let this incident color my perception of those veterans driving around with Purple Heart logos on their license plates.
Kerry Purple Heart Doc Speaks Out
What I saw was a small piece of metal sticking very superficially in the skin of Kerry's arm. The metal fragment measured about 1 cm. in length and was about 2 or 3 mm in diameter. It certainly did not look like a round from a rifle.
I simply removed the piece of metal by lifting it out of the skin with forceps. I doubt that it penetrated more than 3 or 4 mm. It did not require probing to find it, did not require any anesthesia to remove it, and did not require any sutures to close the wound.
The wound was covered with a bandaid.
I will give equal space to a rebuttal other than "those Republicans are just dredging up the past", becuase that's what Kerry is running on - that he is braver and therefore more honorable than Bush.
Kerry Purple Heart Doc Speaks Out
What I saw was a small piece of metal sticking very superficially in the skin of Kerry's arm. The metal fragment measured about 1 cm. in length and was about 2 or 3 mm in diameter. It certainly did not look like a round from a rifle.
I simply removed the piece of metal by lifting it out of the skin with forceps. I doubt that it penetrated more than 3 or 4 mm. It did not require probing to find it, did not require any anesthesia to remove it, and did not require any sutures to close the wound.
The wound was covered with a bandaid.
I will give equal space to a rebuttal other than "those Republicans are just dredging up the past", becuase that's what Kerry is running on - that he is braver and therefore more honorable than Bush.
Typical Al-Jazeerah garbage from a regular contributor.
Being an Arab or Muslim these days is chillingly similar to being a Jew in 1939. The only difference I can see is that instead of Prescott financing genocide, we now have his grandson George.
No one spoke out to protect the Jews in 1939. But dag nab it, I'm not going to let that happen again. And, hopefully, it's not going to kill me to do it.
What is wrong with those census takers that show an exploding Palestinian population? Don't they know there are mass graves and concentration camps everywhere? Yeesh.
Being an Arab or Muslim these days is chillingly similar to being a Jew in 1939. The only difference I can see is that instead of Prescott financing genocide, we now have his grandson George.
No one spoke out to protect the Jews in 1939. But dag nab it, I'm not going to let that happen again. And, hopefully, it's not going to kill me to do it.
What is wrong with those census takers that show an exploding Palestinian population? Don't they know there are mass graves and concentration camps everywhere? Yeesh.
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