Monday, March 31, 2003
You know you all want to speak the way we do in Philly. It truly is correct, King's (er..Queen's) English.
Domestic Watch...6pm Eastern, Monday
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's a bit late.
* * NASA Engineers email warning of an impending catastrophe apparently never got sent.
* * Apparently, a popular lakeside civil aviation airport in Chicago has been shut down. Why is this a big deal? Apparently, the city government did this without notice, ripping up sections of runway and stranding planes there. I'll look into it.
* *Dainel Patrick Moynihan is remembered.
A bit thin today, more tomorrow.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's a bit late.
* * NASA Engineers email warning of an impending catastrophe apparently never got sent.
* * Apparently, a popular lakeside civil aviation airport in Chicago has been shut down. Why is this a big deal? Apparently, the city government did this without notice, ripping up sections of runway and stranding planes there. I'll look into it.
* *Dainel Patrick Moynihan is remembered.
A bit thin today, more tomorrow.
Via Body and Soul, the LATimes has a fascinating article about Salam Pax of Where is Raed...the Baghdad Blogger whose silence since the 24th of March has me very concerned.
Sunday, March 30, 2003
Domestic Watch...6 PM Eastern, Sunday
* *Channel 7 News out of Denver is investigating the Air Force Academy Rape scandal, that has fallen by the wayside recently because of , well, you know..that War over there. Apparently the assaults have been going on for years. This is unacceptable.
There will be a Change in Leadership and policy, however.
* * Anti-Affirmative Action groups say that more than 30 schoolsnationwide violate civil rights. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the Michigan case Tuesday. There's a protest too, but I have a paper to write. I have to admit, I'm really worried about this.
* * Here's a right-wing argument on how the family will be destroyed if the Supreme Court overturns that really retarded and discrimantory Texas Law about sodomy. You know, I think the family will survive just fine. Morality really has no place being legislated. Here's an argument from a same-sex couple.
Of course, that hateful Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas had this nasty little thing to say. (From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.)
And this quote, from the Salt Lake Tribune, is ever so apt in this case.
* * Fort Collins, CO declared their city a civil liberties safe zone. Good for them.
Which is good, because CNN actually took a break from its busy Wargasm schedule to run a piece on the ACLU and your right to privacy.
That's all for now. Next Domestic Watch update will be at or around 6pm Eastern, Monday.
* *Channel 7 News out of Denver is investigating the Air Force Academy Rape scandal, that has fallen by the wayside recently because of , well, you know..that War over there. Apparently the assaults have been going on for years. This is unacceptable.
There will be a Change in Leadership and policy, however.
* * Anti-Affirmative Action groups say that more than 30 schoolsnationwide violate civil rights. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the Michigan case Tuesday. There's a protest too, but I have a paper to write. I have to admit, I'm really worried about this.
* * Here's a right-wing argument on how the family will be destroyed if the Supreme Court overturns that really retarded and discrimantory Texas Law about sodomy. You know, I think the family will survive just fine. Morality really has no place being legislated. Here's an argument from a same-sex couple.
Of course, that hateful Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas had this nasty little thing to say. (From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.)
Nothing like a sodomy law case to bring out the best in American civil discourse. Outside the U.S. Supreme Court this week, 10-year-old Grace Phelps of Topeka, Kan., held a sign reading, "Thank God for Sept. 11." The youngster explained her sign: "God says what the fags are doing is wrong. It is an abomination. God punished us on Sept. 11 because we were OK with that kind of stuff." Her smiling mother, Shirley, handed her a small American flag, which Grace dropped to the ground, spit on, then mushed under her foot. Abomination, obviously, is in the eye of the beholder.
And this quote, from the Salt Lake Tribune, is ever so apt in this case.
"Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy."
-- H.L. Mencken
* * Fort Collins, CO declared their city a civil liberties safe zone. Good for them.
Which is good, because CNN actually took a break from its busy Wargasm schedule to run a piece on the ACLU and your right to privacy.
That's all for now. Next Domestic Watch update will be at or around 6pm Eastern, Monday.
Hmmmm...human rights being violated. Iraq? No. Just the following nations due to the war, according to Amnesty International.
Belgium
Egypt
Jordan
Turkey
United Kingdom
USA
Germany
Greece
Spain
Sudan
Yemen
Unacceptable.
Belgium
Egypt
Jordan
Turkey
United Kingdom
USA
Germany
Greece
Spain
Sudan
Yemen
Unacceptable.
This is probably what Fox News prays before they go on the air, after the janitors clean up the mess caused by all the wargasms... Sorry, I couldn't resist....
9/11 Commission Watch
I need to do this, because noone else is.
Criminal Charges? Only if the panel sees fit.
Friday, Bush finally agreed to increase the panel's funding to $11 Million dollars. That's after significant arm twisting took place by Senators Lieberman, McCain, and 5 others, along with the 9/11 Families (who incidentally, from what I've read, aren't too pleased with going to war.)
However (and this is pretty old, I admit), there seems to be some airline bias. At least, that's what the Sierra Times reported on March 10.
Also, and this was also buried last week, the Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that members of the 9/11 Commission have connections to the very firms they are investigating. Conflict of interest? Here's a sample...you decide.
And lastly, Kissinger remains secretive about whatever caused him to resign last December.
I need to do this, because noone else is.
Criminal Charges? Only if the panel sees fit.
Friday, Bush finally agreed to increase the panel's funding to $11 Million dollars. That's after significant arm twisting took place by Senators Lieberman, McCain, and 5 others, along with the 9/11 Families (who incidentally, from what I've read, aren't too pleased with going to war.)
However (and this is pretty old, I admit), there seems to be some airline bias. At least, that's what the Sierra Times reported on March 10.
Also, and this was also buried last week, the Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that members of the 9/11 Commission have connections to the very firms they are investigating. Conflict of interest? Here's a sample...you decide.
Five commissioners -- Ben-Veniste, Fielding, former Illinois Gov. James R. Thompson, Democratic former Rep. Tim Roemer of Indiana and Republican former Sen. Slade Gorton of Washington -- work for law firms that, collectively, have represented clients including Boeing; New Orleans International Airport; and Delta, United, American, Evergreen International and Spirit airlines.
And lastly, Kissinger remains secretive about whatever caused him to resign last December.
Saturday, March 29, 2003
Sean-Paul has posted on SARS, and I think I'm going to post on it too. Not because he has, but because I know nothing about it. I have something to say about this disturbing rise in disease.
And yes, I have to give a certain form of "science" a well deserved swipe.
The government of Ontario has a major problem on its hands.
The CDC says beware if you travel overseas.
It's only a very short matter of time before it reaches the United States. I'm just 12 hours by car from the Ontario/New York border. A number of my friends are spending Spring Break in Toronto and other Canadian cities as well. This is a big concern to me. Who knows what they'll bring back when the dorms reopen on Sunday afternoon and the campus reopens for buisness Monday morning.
West Nile is pretty much entrenched in the New York area where it first broke out, then spread outward from there and I expect West Nile will be horrible this summer coming. The winter we just went through was wet. Very wet. West Nile is probably here to stay in the US, despite the fact that it shouldn't be. It's a tropical disease.
But of course, global warming isn't occuring at all. No, never.
TB is now resistant to our antibiotics because Americans douse themselves in anti-bacterial solutions without realizing that eventually, the bugs they seek to kill will evolve to resist.
Then again, Creationism is all the rage these days. There's no such thing as evolution. No, never.
It was a matter of time before evolution created yet another bug for us to worry about. First AIDS. Then West Nile. Now SARS.
Think it's time to rethink Creationism? I sure do.
And yes, I have to give a certain form of "science" a well deserved swipe.
The government of Ontario has a major problem on its hands.
The CDC says beware if you travel overseas.
It's only a very short matter of time before it reaches the United States. I'm just 12 hours by car from the Ontario/New York border. A number of my friends are spending Spring Break in Toronto and other Canadian cities as well. This is a big concern to me. Who knows what they'll bring back when the dorms reopen on Sunday afternoon and the campus reopens for buisness Monday morning.
West Nile is pretty much entrenched in the New York area where it first broke out, then spread outward from there and I expect West Nile will be horrible this summer coming. The winter we just went through was wet. Very wet. West Nile is probably here to stay in the US, despite the fact that it shouldn't be. It's a tropical disease.
But of course, global warming isn't occuring at all. No, never.
TB is now resistant to our antibiotics because Americans douse themselves in anti-bacterial solutions without realizing that eventually, the bugs they seek to kill will evolve to resist.
Then again, Creationism is all the rage these days. There's no such thing as evolution. No, never.
It was a matter of time before evolution created yet another bug for us to worry about. First AIDS. Then West Nile. Now SARS.
Think it's time to rethink Creationism? I sure do.
Was anyone else's college career this mind-numbingly tough?
Here's my challenge. I love a challenge.
In my Comm Theory Class, I have the following due this month.
March 31st- Draft Instruments and a Presentation
April 2nd, Exam #2
April 7th, Comparative Abstract
April 16th, Methods Section
April 21st Exam #3
April 30th, a Final Portfolio Review
May 2nd, Final Project Proposal.
No, I really haven't begun on any of those, but there's more.
In my Global Politics Class...
April 11th, Paper due: Topic Fascism.
Yes, I started it. Sort of.
There's more!
In my Western Intellectual Tradition (the class I have with that Reganite kid...he aggravates me to no end) I have ...
April 1st: Draft of Term Paper: Topic, Ayn Rand: A Left Libertarian Critique.
April 17th, Final paper due.
I sort of started this one. Ayn Rand scares me.
THERE'S MORE!
In my American Government Class..
The paper is due April 25th. I have not yet chosen a topic. They were assigned in class on a day that I was in DC, attending Crossfire.
There of course, is more.
In my International Organizations Class...we have a Briefing Paper due on April 29th. This is in preperation for our Model UN Security Council Simulation. Yes, the topic is Iraq.
I may be bald by the time this Semester ends. Ha!
This won't effect my posting, of course. School is just a minor setback to blogging.
Here's my challenge. I love a challenge.
In my Comm Theory Class, I have the following due this month.
March 31st- Draft Instruments and a Presentation
April 2nd, Exam #2
April 7th, Comparative Abstract
April 16th, Methods Section
April 21st Exam #3
April 30th, a Final Portfolio Review
May 2nd, Final Project Proposal.
No, I really haven't begun on any of those, but there's more.
In my Global Politics Class...
April 11th, Paper due: Topic Fascism.
Yes, I started it. Sort of.
There's more!
In my Western Intellectual Tradition (the class I have with that Reganite kid...he aggravates me to no end) I have ...
April 1st: Draft of Term Paper: Topic, Ayn Rand: A Left Libertarian Critique.
April 17th, Final paper due.
I sort of started this one. Ayn Rand scares me.
THERE'S MORE!
In my American Government Class..
The paper is due April 25th. I have not yet chosen a topic. They were assigned in class on a day that I was in DC, attending Crossfire.
There of course, is more.
In my International Organizations Class...we have a Briefing Paper due on April 29th. This is in preperation for our Model UN Security Council Simulation. Yes, the topic is Iraq.
I may be bald by the time this Semester ends. Ha!
This won't effect my posting, of course. School is just a minor setback to blogging.
My final bit of nonsense tonight is a question, or rather, a series of questions.
Why do Rush Limbaugh and his fans hate America so much?
Why do they think they are more American than those who disagree with them?
Has Rush ever read the Constitution?
Why does the Christian Right want to force its views on everyone?
Why are the Chrisitan Right such fascists?
Enjoy. I'm going to have a beer and go to bed.
Why do Rush Limbaugh and his fans hate America so much?
Why do they think they are more American than those who disagree with them?
Has Rush ever read the Constitution?
Why does the Christian Right want to force its views on everyone?
Why are the Chrisitan Right such fascists?
Enjoy. I'm going to have a beer and go to bed.
Oh my!
I nearly forgot. The High Court this week will be hearing arguments on that Michigan case this Tuesday.
There's going to be a 5-4 split, and Affirmative Action will be dead once they're done with it. That's my pessimistic prediction.
Fellow Negros, we've had a good ride trying to achieve the American Dream. Guess we'll never get there. Oh well. Damn, this sucks. I need a beer. Oh wait, fuck that.
We'll be back...
Oh wait, no we won't. Patriot Act II is on its way back. I thought I told you people to contact your congresspeople! What's that? You did? And they didn't listen? Then FIRE THEM!
Over my dead body will there be a Patriot Act II. In fact, I've decided that starting Monday, I'm going to start concentrating on domestic issues that effect the little guy, like me. And probably you. Because there is a story going on here at home that is not being reported because the focus of the entire world is on Iraq. And that story going on at home is dark, and looks darker, daily. So if my screaming makes me unpopular, or God forbid, a target, then so be it. Don't Tread On Me.
I nearly forgot. The High Court this week will be hearing arguments on that Michigan case this Tuesday.
There's going to be a 5-4 split, and Affirmative Action will be dead once they're done with it. That's my pessimistic prediction.
Fellow Negros, we've had a good ride trying to achieve the American Dream. Guess we'll never get there. Oh well. Damn, this sucks. I need a beer. Oh wait, fuck that.
We'll be back...
Oh wait, no we won't. Patriot Act II is on its way back. I thought I told you people to contact your congresspeople! What's that? You did? And they didn't listen? Then FIRE THEM!
Over my dead body will there be a Patriot Act II. In fact, I've decided that starting Monday, I'm going to start concentrating on domestic issues that effect the little guy, like me. And probably you. Because there is a story going on here at home that is not being reported because the focus of the entire world is on Iraq. And that story going on at home is dark, and looks darker, daily. So if my screaming makes me unpopular, or God forbid, a target, then so be it. Don't Tread On Me.
Kim Jong-Il is missing.
This wouldn't be worrisome if it weren't for this action taken by Japan.
**sigh**
Remember, a war there can explode in a matter of hours, not weeks according to the Defense Department's own plans. But we're busy. And we'll be busy for an unknown time to come.
**sigh**
South Korea and Japan, you guys obviously are on your own. Sorry guys.
This wouldn't be worrisome if it weren't for this action taken by Japan.
**sigh**
Remember, a war there can explode in a matter of hours, not weeks according to the Defense Department's own plans. But we're busy. And we'll be busy for an unknown time to come.
**sigh**
South Korea and Japan, you guys obviously are on your own. Sorry guys.
Friday, March 28, 2003
BLOGGING AROUND
Where is Raed has not posted since Monday. I am concerned.
This post about the case before the High Court right now is excellent. And, I have to offer my own commentary, because it pisses me the hell off as well. This attack is for all those little despicable nasty little conservatives out there.
Nasty little conservatives: If you can't tell me one good reason as to why you care about what two people who love each other are doing in the privacy of their own home without using Jesus, God, the Bible, or invoke those little kids, then you all are a bunch of fucking toads. My message to you is that you're a bunch of sexual fascists. And you should promptly go to hell. That's my piece.
Warblogging has a post about Richard Perle. He resigned from the Defense Policy Board. If you didn't know, he's generally a very nasty human being. I think I may have jumped for joy when that news broke. See, God does love us.
Get your war updates at The Agonist.
Hesiod alerts us that the Bush Administration yet again is trying its damnedest to block the 9/11 Commission from doing the work it needs to do. You can read the article here. I'm just way too tired by this Administration to be outraged anymore. I think my outrage meter is long broken. It's getting to the point that I just may have to leave if Bush is President in November 2004. This is how I see it: $50 Million for the Shuttle. $3 Million for the biggest and worst intelligence failure in American history that cost the lives of some 3,200 human beings. I'm just a tad confused. Why don't they care about a commission that is supposed to make conclusions on how to protect us!
Look. I want to know what happened. Why it happened. And lastly, what can we do to stop it from happening again. Jesus Fucking Christ, Just Fund The Damned Commission!!!
Apparently, dissent is bad. No dissent. You must follow the party line. Resistance is futile. Oh yeah? Well fuck that.
Here's some good dissent. Very nice, and you're very brave, Gen. Wallace.
And apparently Syria and Iran are up to no good. There will be more later on.
And does anyone else think that the janitors at the Fox News Headquarters are plenty busy cleaning all the cum off the floors when they break for commercials?
Where is Raed has not posted since Monday. I am concerned.
This post about the case before the High Court right now is excellent. And, I have to offer my own commentary, because it pisses me the hell off as well. This attack is for all those little despicable nasty little conservatives out there.
Nasty little conservatives: If you can't tell me one good reason as to why you care about what two people who love each other are doing in the privacy of their own home without using Jesus, God, the Bible, or invoke those little kids, then you all are a bunch of fucking toads. My message to you is that you're a bunch of sexual fascists. And you should promptly go to hell. That's my piece.
Warblogging has a post about Richard Perle. He resigned from the Defense Policy Board. If you didn't know, he's generally a very nasty human being. I think I may have jumped for joy when that news broke. See, God does love us.
Get your war updates at The Agonist.
Hesiod alerts us that the Bush Administration yet again is trying its damnedest to block the 9/11 Commission from doing the work it needs to do. You can read the article here. I'm just way too tired by this Administration to be outraged anymore. I think my outrage meter is long broken. It's getting to the point that I just may have to leave if Bush is President in November 2004. This is how I see it: $50 Million for the Shuttle. $3 Million for the biggest and worst intelligence failure in American history that cost the lives of some 3,200 human beings. I'm just a tad confused. Why don't they care about a commission that is supposed to make conclusions on how to protect us!
Look. I want to know what happened. Why it happened. And lastly, what can we do to stop it from happening again. Jesus Fucking Christ, Just Fund The Damned Commission!!!
Apparently, dissent is bad. No dissent. You must follow the party line. Resistance is futile. Oh yeah? Well fuck that.
Here's some good dissent. Very nice, and you're very brave, Gen. Wallace.
And apparently Syria and Iran are up to no good. There will be more later on.
And does anyone else think that the janitors at the Fox News Headquarters are plenty busy cleaning all the cum off the floors when they break for commercials?
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
I'm beyond pleased to see that the Agonist has made the NY Times...the Grey Lady herself.
Um...is there an Oscars for the Blog World, cause Sean-Paul totally has it.
Um...is there an Oscars for the Blog World, cause Sean-Paul totally has it.
Quirks (Mainly American)
There has been some really annoying whining coming from our part. I'm sorry to say it. Here are the big two:
#1: The Iraqi's keep resisting. Perhaps, and I say perhaps, they don't think we're liberating them. Perhaps they percieve us as invaders.
#2: The Iraqis keep violating the Geneva Convention because they show POWs on T.V. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a POW is a combatant captured during warfare, right? So technically, with our camp down in Gitmo, we've violated the Geneva Convention, and have been doing so for over a year. And I swear I saw shots, several shots at that, on CNN of Iraqi POWs. So the whiners really need to just shut up.
Let's be realistic, people. This is war. War is dirty. Noone plays fair. We come up with these conventions, laws, and agreements and never follow them when the rockets start flying. So those whining about what the Iraqis are doing "wrong" because we're supposed to be "liberating" them really need to take a look and reverse the situation. If a heavily-armed force invaded your town, say, from Canada (and DO not laugh), how would you react, their intentions notwithstanding. Would you...
a). roll over and let them invade. Maybe they'll bring bacon.
or
b). Resist them and fight the invaders as dirty as you possibly can.
Yeah, I thought so...
Stop whining, drink a cup of "shut the fuck up," and pray for a swift conclusion to the hostilities over in the Middle East. Whining about semantics does nothing.
There has been some really annoying whining coming from our part. I'm sorry to say it. Here are the big two:
#1: The Iraqi's keep resisting. Perhaps, and I say perhaps, they don't think we're liberating them. Perhaps they percieve us as invaders.
#2: The Iraqis keep violating the Geneva Convention because they show POWs on T.V. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a POW is a combatant captured during warfare, right? So technically, with our camp down in Gitmo, we've violated the Geneva Convention, and have been doing so for over a year. And I swear I saw shots, several shots at that, on CNN of Iraqi POWs. So the whiners really need to just shut up.
Let's be realistic, people. This is war. War is dirty. Noone plays fair. We come up with these conventions, laws, and agreements and never follow them when the rockets start flying. So those whining about what the Iraqis are doing "wrong" because we're supposed to be "liberating" them really need to take a look and reverse the situation. If a heavily-armed force invaded your town, say, from Canada (and DO not laugh), how would you react, their intentions notwithstanding. Would you...
a). roll over and let them invade. Maybe they'll bring bacon.
or
b). Resist them and fight the invaders as dirty as you possibly can.
Yeah, I thought so...
Stop whining, drink a cup of "shut the fuck up," and pray for a swift conclusion to the hostilities over in the Middle East. Whining about semantics does nothing.
Sunday, March 23, 2003
Should we or Shouldn't we?
This is a recap of the last few days since I began my Spring Break.
No one should have believed that this war would be totally easy and not without its quirks. For example, an article in the Washingon Post that both many-armed Sean-Paul and Hesiod are linking to says that the Russians (along with the French, but we don't need to pick the scab on that wound) have been aiding the Iraqi's and they sold them, among other things, anti-tank missiles and night vision goggles, in clear violation of the UN Sanctions.
I suspect, because the article indicated Russian surprise, that Putin is not as in control of his military as the world suspects.
This of course, has incited rage among people in the United States, among them, the Bush Administration. And rightly so, because I would be angry too, and as Hesiod speculates, this could be construed as an act of war.
Our buddy Dima over at Overspill, and I'm sure others (Den Beste, in probably another 15,000 word treatise) are too, believe that we should isolate Russia, and France (yes, let's pick at that scab again) from trading with the US, the Middle East's oil nozzle should be shut to them, and we should shut them out completly from the post-war construction of Iraq.
I could not disagree more.
I don't think that isolating France and Russia would help our current strained relations with those two countries...you never know what's coming 5, 10 years down the road and we may very well need them. As my momma always says: Short-term solutions do not solve long-term problems.
Let's also be realistic. Even though France is often the butt of jokes, the French military is the 6th largest military in the world. France is also well-known for its rampages through West Africa. France spends nearly 2.7% of its gross domestic product (compared with the US 3.1%) on its military force and France also has nuclear weapons. Russia, while probably considerably weaker than it was 12 years ago, still has a formidable military force. Russia still has enough nuclear weapons to vaporize North America in such a way that life would never evolve there again. They also have a problem with accounting for those bombs and they've had a habit of "losing" weapons. Ever heard that joke about the Russian Surplus Military Catalouge? What happens if it's real. Now, do we really want to piss these people off, and run the risk of starting another bipolar political system (in this case, it'd probably be tri-polar) that my parents and everyone their age suffered through during the Cold War?
The post-war aftermath is not going to be easy on all of us. I say, after this war is over, diplomatically sanction both Russia and France and move on, if you're still pissed off. But don't shut them out of the democratization of the Middle East, cause you never know what darkness lurks in the shadows. Don't isolate them from trade. And for the sake of all that's sane and holy, don't cut them off from oil! Unless of course, endless war is the goal.
We ought to focus at the task at hand: Finish with Iraq and make it a democracy. I sure hope that cooler heads prevail in the end.
This is a recap of the last few days since I began my Spring Break.
No one should have believed that this war would be totally easy and not without its quirks. For example, an article in the Washingon Post that both many-armed Sean-Paul and Hesiod are linking to says that the Russians (along with the French, but we don't need to pick the scab on that wound) have been aiding the Iraqi's and they sold them, among other things, anti-tank missiles and night vision goggles, in clear violation of the UN Sanctions.
I suspect, because the article indicated Russian surprise, that Putin is not as in control of his military as the world suspects.
This of course, has incited rage among people in the United States, among them, the Bush Administration. And rightly so, because I would be angry too, and as Hesiod speculates, this could be construed as an act of war.
Our buddy Dima over at Overspill, and I'm sure others (Den Beste, in probably another 15,000 word treatise) are too, believe that we should isolate Russia, and France (yes, let's pick at that scab again) from trading with the US, the Middle East's oil nozzle should be shut to them, and we should shut them out completly from the post-war construction of Iraq.
I could not disagree more.
I don't think that isolating France and Russia would help our current strained relations with those two countries...you never know what's coming 5, 10 years down the road and we may very well need them. As my momma always says: Short-term solutions do not solve long-term problems.
Let's also be realistic. Even though France is often the butt of jokes, the French military is the 6th largest military in the world. France is also well-known for its rampages through West Africa. France spends nearly 2.7% of its gross domestic product (compared with the US 3.1%) on its military force and France also has nuclear weapons. Russia, while probably considerably weaker than it was 12 years ago, still has a formidable military force. Russia still has enough nuclear weapons to vaporize North America in such a way that life would never evolve there again. They also have a problem with accounting for those bombs and they've had a habit of "losing" weapons. Ever heard that joke about the Russian Surplus Military Catalouge? What happens if it's real. Now, do we really want to piss these people off, and run the risk of starting another bipolar political system (in this case, it'd probably be tri-polar) that my parents and everyone their age suffered through during the Cold War?
The post-war aftermath is not going to be easy on all of us. I say, after this war is over, diplomatically sanction both Russia and France and move on, if you're still pissed off. But don't shut them out of the democratization of the Middle East, cause you never know what darkness lurks in the shadows. Don't isolate them from trade. And for the sake of all that's sane and holy, don't cut them off from oil! Unless of course, endless war is the goal.
We ought to focus at the task at hand: Finish with Iraq and make it a democracy. I sure hope that cooler heads prevail in the end.
Friday, March 21, 2003
This is my last post, before I go on break for a few days, but I have a question:
I've noticed that a lot of reporters are noting that Saddam might not be in control. I realize we're trying to prosecute a war here, but my question is: wouldn't you want there to be some control so a vacuum doesn't occur? Coalition forces do not control much of Iraq yet...they haven't captured a major city (just border towns and a few larger ports) yet.
Just curious, and think of this as an open thread.
I've noticed that a lot of reporters are noting that Saddam might not be in control. I realize we're trying to prosecute a war here, but my question is: wouldn't you want there to be some control so a vacuum doesn't occur? Coalition forces do not control much of Iraq yet...they haven't captured a major city (just border towns and a few larger ports) yet.
Just curious, and think of this as an open thread.
Baghdad is on fire.
I slept through the news coverage this afternoon, but the pictures are amazing, disturbing, and very sad.
Even so, the reports Sean-Paul are putting out lead me to believe the Iraqi's aren't that well organized, but I've warned against hubris before so I'll warn again. I do sincerely hope that the troops come home soon.
Recap tonight.
Sporadic updates over the next 7-10 days. Spring Break, although I really I don't feel like partying.
I slept through the news coverage this afternoon, but the pictures are amazing, disturbing, and very sad.
Even so, the reports Sean-Paul are putting out lead me to believe the Iraqi's aren't that well organized, but I've warned against hubris before so I'll warn again. I do sincerely hope that the troops come home soon.
Recap tonight.
Sporadic updates over the next 7-10 days. Spring Break, although I really I don't feel like partying.
I wonder if Sean-Paul has like 15 arms and monitors and mice or something. The task he's doing, which I tried to emulate (I suspect we were watching and surfing at a lot of the same time this afternoon), is beyond compare. Excellent, excellent job, man. I really cannot keep up, or even come close. And neither can anyone else, from what I've seen.
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Salam still online, as of the last all clear signal.
Iraqi TV is reporting that 72 missiles struck the Iraqi capital.
(corrected the name of our Iraqi blogger...iI've been calling him the wrong name all this time.)
330pmEST: Al Jazeera via MSNBC is reporting that air raid sirens are blaring in the Northern Iraq city of Mosul.
Some Commentary:
FOXNEWS sure is giving its base what it wants. Lots of purty explosions.
I'll keep the media criticism rare, but apt.
345pmEST: MSNBC now reporting that Turkish airspace will be open to US flyovers starting at 5pm Eastern.
Iraqi TV is reporting that 72 missiles struck the Iraqi capital.
(corrected the name of our Iraqi blogger...iI've been calling him the wrong name all this time.)
330pmEST: Al Jazeera via MSNBC is reporting that air raid sirens are blaring in the Northern Iraq city of Mosul.
Some Commentary:
FOXNEWS sure is giving its base what it wants. Lots of purty explosions.
I'll keep the media criticism rare, but apt.
345pmEST: MSNBC now reporting that Turkish airspace will be open to US flyovers starting at 5pm Eastern.
Ok...the prez is on now. Nothing new being stated.
It's occured to me that blogger is a really bad tool for "going live."
I'm going to stop now, with frequent posts throughout the afternoon and early evening. I do have a fundraiser to attend tonight at 6pm, so after 6pm, Eastern I won't be blogging. I defer to the Agonist, who has done a spectacular job. Drudge looks stale. Maybe Drudge is jealous?
Anyway, stay safe.
It's occured to me that blogger is a really bad tool for "going live."
I'm going to stop now, with frequent posts throughout the afternoon and early evening. I do have a fundraiser to attend tonight at 6pm, so after 6pm, Eastern I won't be blogging. I defer to the Agonist, who has done a spectacular job. Drudge looks stale. Maybe Drudge is jealous?
Anyway, stay safe.
Incidentially, this is one of the refugee campaigns I'm starting to spearhead at Millersville. This one is run by the Mennonite Central Committee, and they need your help. Refugees by the hundreds of thousands are expected.
The President is to speak at 2:45pm Eastern Time.
MSNBC: CentCom saying this is not Shock and Awe. At least, that's what the crawl said.
FOXNEWS 2pm, EST: Main offensive to begin tonight. Not sure if that's Eastern Time, UK time, or Iraq time.
Still nothing new from Raed. hope he's okay.
210pm,EST: (shrill)FOXNEWS reporting Iraqi leadership breaking down from within. Maybe this war will be over in a week?
Tony Blair is headed into the snake pit of Europe. I've gotta admit. I admire the guy. He certainly does have some cajones despite all the opposition his government put up against him.
Matthew is doing the Shorter Steven Den Beste. Hysterical. Thanks, I really needed a laugh.
BBC going live. Thanks to the Agonist for the link.
214pmEST: CNN I hear air raid sirens. It's the all-clear siren. Also, there's moonlight too.
MSNBC: CentCom saying this is not Shock and Awe. At least, that's what the crawl said.
FOXNEWS 2pm, EST: Main offensive to begin tonight. Not sure if that's Eastern Time, UK time, or Iraq time.
Still nothing new from Raed. hope he's okay.
210pm,EST: (shrill)FOXNEWS reporting Iraqi leadership breaking down from within. Maybe this war will be over in a week?
Tony Blair is headed into the snake pit of Europe. I've gotta admit. I admire the guy. He certainly does have some cajones despite all the opposition his government put up against him.
Matthew is doing the Shorter Steven Den Beste. Hysterical. Thanks, I really needed a laugh.
BBC going live. Thanks to the Agonist for the link.
214pmEST: CNN I hear air raid sirens. It's the all-clear siren. Also, there's moonlight too.
138pmEST: Dow slightly up.
Gator's Bits muses about the nonchalant attitude he sees in the live feed from Baghdad. Perhaps they've grown used to war?
DOMESTIC FRONT
Concern for liberties. Scalia says your rights could be scaled back.
Gator's Bits muses about the nonchalant attitude he sees in the live feed from Baghdad. Perhaps they've grown used to war?
DOMESTIC FRONT
Concern for liberties. Scalia says your rights could be scaled back.
Terror target in Arizona.
135pmEST Seems to be quiet now. The dumb emergency broadcast screen just scared the living shit out of me.
135pmEST Seems to be quiet now. The dumb emergency broadcast screen just scared the living shit out of me.
I'll be blogging live this afternoon. I'm taking the rest of the day off. However, my spring break starts Friday. I'll do daily recaps once a day starting Thursday (I'll be in Pittsburgh at the beginning of next week) and Monday, March 31st, I'll be back to blogging, although the recaps will continue. I do have to go to class, you know.
133 EST CNN showing burning government building.
133 EST CNN showing burning government building.
CNN reporting the 1st Expeditionary Marine Force is on the move.
CNN showing pictures of heavy damage to government buildings in Central Baghdad, but the lights remain on.
Raed survived the night and is giving us an inside view. I don't expect more from him after today.
I defer the rest to my collegue down in Texas. Sean-Paul is doing a beyond excellent job out-Drudging Drudge.
CNN showing pictures of heavy damage to government buildings in Central Baghdad, but the lights remain on.
Raed survived the night and is giving us an inside view. I don't expect more from him after today.
I defer the rest to my collegue down in Texas. Sean-Paul is doing a beyond excellent job out-Drudging Drudge.
The Agonist has done a spectacular job on the second-by-second. He out-Drudged Drudge.
Raed proves he's really in Baghdad. Godspeed to you, man.
Body and Soul has some good pieces up.
Overspill has moved! Go visit Dima and welcome him to Movable Type and also, say hello!
Tatiana (aka Mrs. Sean-Paul of the Agonist) has a very important question she would like you to answer. Scroll down a tad. I was totally honest in mine, I swear.
Hesiod reports on the jumpy times the world is entering. My mother, the sage that she is, thinks there will be some major lessons learned this year. The woman knows stuff...she's the reason I didn't do the Army Reserves, even if she was cryptic when I considered it in 1999.
Raed proves he's really in Baghdad. Godspeed to you, man.
Body and Soul has some good pieces up.
Overspill has moved! Go visit Dima and welcome him to Movable Type and also, say hello!
Tatiana (aka Mrs. Sean-Paul of the Agonist) has a very important question she would like you to answer. Scroll down a tad. I was totally honest in mine, I swear.
Hesiod reports on the jumpy times the world is entering. My mother, the sage that she is, thinks there will be some major lessons learned this year. The woman knows stuff...she's the reason I didn't do the Army Reserves, even if she was cryptic when I considered it in 1999.
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
Okay, here it goes:
#1. I support my troops, our troops, your troops and America's troops. My uncle is doing secret stuff for the Navy down at the Pentagon; my cousin Luis (his family came back to the states from Bahrain this week) will be providing air support for my other cousins who are on the ground. So noone can say "Terry Pinder does not support his troops." That's a bold faced lie.
#2: I do not wish for a bad outcome. I want a perfect, or near perfect outcome, for this war, with minimal casulties and no backlash.
#3: I reserve the right to be critical of the President if I don't agree with his domestic agenda, which more or less I don't. Domestic Agenda does not equal war. On war issues (which are the realm of our very capable military commanders and forces anyway), I'll try to leave him alone.
#4: If North Korea takes advantage of this situation, I will scream bloody murder.
#1. I support my troops, our troops, your troops and America's troops. My uncle is doing secret stuff for the Navy down at the Pentagon; my cousin Luis (his family came back to the states from Bahrain this week) will be providing air support for my other cousins who are on the ground. So noone can say "Terry Pinder does not support his troops." That's a bold faced lie.
#2: I do not wish for a bad outcome. I want a perfect, or near perfect outcome, for this war, with minimal casulties and no backlash.
#3: I reserve the right to be critical of the President if I don't agree with his domestic agenda, which more or less I don't. Domestic Agenda does not equal war. On war issues (which are the realm of our very capable military commanders and forces anyway), I'll try to leave him alone.
#4: If North Korea takes advantage of this situation, I will scream bloody murder.
Monday, March 17, 2003
Dear Raed,
I am deeply sorry for what my government is about to do to your country. I pray that you are safe, and that you live through this coming ordeal. Godspeed to you, and your family.
It is a shame that in a few days, our governments, and by extention me and you, will be bitter enemies. I (even though I have no guarentee that you're reading this) hope that you don't feel this way, as I do not.
Stay safe.
I am deeply sorry for what my government is about to do to your country. I pray that you are safe, and that you live through this coming ordeal. Godspeed to you, and your family.
It is a shame that in a few days, our governments, and by extention me and you, will be bitter enemies. I (even though I have no guarentee that you're reading this) hope that you don't feel this way, as I do not.
Stay safe.
I'm taking a brief break from my few hours of peace to say I'm heartened by Colin Powell's statement that the UN will survive. And it will. It does so much more than just security stuff, so it has to. And think about it, the UN was not involved in the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, the American-British-French-Australian action in Vietnam, or the attack on Panama. And it lived through it.
We will survive this crisis. We have to. I have to believe that, and noone can take that belief away.
Even so, Godspeed to the troops. God help us all. And...God Bless America.
Back on Hiatus. The news is just overwhelming...it's like 9/11...breaking news every 5 seconds.
We will survive this crisis. We have to. I have to believe that, and noone can take that belief away.
Even so, Godspeed to the troops. God help us all. And...God Bless America.
Back on Hiatus. The news is just overwhelming...it's like 9/11...breaking news every 5 seconds.
I'm not going to post until Wednesday, at least. Tomorrow, it's going to be in the low 60s here...the first sign of spring after a rather ardous mid-Atlantic winter. The robins are back. Flowers are poking above the few remaining patches of snow from the President's Day Blizzard.
I'm going to enjoy the last few hours of peace on Earth, cause come Tuesday, it'll be different.
God help us all.
Enjoy Monday. Take the day off. Enjoy the sunshine. Read a book. Do some bills. Open the windows and let the sunshine in. And say a little prayer for peace.
Tuesday will be different.
I'm going to enjoy the last few hours of peace on Earth, cause come Tuesday, it'll be different.
God help us all.
Enjoy Monday. Take the day off. Enjoy the sunshine. Read a book. Do some bills. Open the windows and let the sunshine in. And say a little prayer for peace.
Tuesday will be different.
Sunday, March 16, 2003
Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Maybe He's listening....worth a shot.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy;
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life
Maybe He's listening....worth a shot.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy;
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life
Monday... or it's over.
The end is near folks, interpret that as you will (and I've already heard about the talking fish).
The end is near folks, interpret that as you will (and I've already heard about the talking fish).
Saturday, March 15, 2003
I'm doing something very brave today. I'm going to watch MSNBC's The Savage Nation. Hopefully, I won't puke.
Prediction: I won't even last 10 mintues.
Geeeezzz...2 Mintues in and he's already slamming the Elizabeth Smart Case.
Oh. My. God. He called the Germans Neo-Nazis.
Well, I lasted till the first commercial break. It should be noted that he can speak rather well. Unfortunatly, everything that comes out of his mouth is absolute putrid horseshit.
I won't be watching MSNBC anymore. They've gotten too shrill in their news coverage anyway. I liked them during the Afghan War, but now, they just suck.
Prediction: I won't even last 10 mintues.
Geeeezzz...2 Mintues in and he's already slamming the Elizabeth Smart Case.
Oh. My. God. He called the Germans Neo-Nazis.
Well, I lasted till the first commercial break. It should be noted that he can speak rather well. Unfortunatly, everything that comes out of his mouth is absolute putrid horseshit.
I won't be watching MSNBC anymore. They've gotten too shrill in their news coverage anyway. I liked them during the Afghan War, but now, they just suck.
Friday, March 14, 2003
Youse guys know someone was bound to do it. That's right, you can bet on when the war begins. The winner wins free gasoline.
So, the State Department is finally confirming what we have been saying all along. War won't support democracy.
Take it from there...
Take it from there...
Thursday, March 13, 2003
Stories like this one make me hate people.
This stupidity has gone on long enough. I have half a mind to fly down to Florida and give this woman several pieces of my mind. GET OVER IT, CHRIST JESUS! and I don't know...RUN THE FUCKING COUNTRY!
This is why noone will want to play with us in the future. And if one more of these idiots who think its cool to knock the French invokes the name of MY God while doing it, I might get the temptation to get my 2x4 and start knockin' skulls. Ugh, I'm so pissed off by the idiocy and lunacy. And I'm beyond embarrased.
*This post was edited. The original language was very, very harsh.
This stupidity has gone on long enough. I have half a mind to fly down to Florida and give this woman several pieces of my mind. GET OVER IT, CHRIST JESUS! and I don't know...RUN THE FUCKING COUNTRY!
This is why noone will want to play with us in the future. And if one more of these idiots who think its cool to knock the French invokes the name of MY God while doing it, I might get the temptation to get my 2x4 and start knockin' skulls. Ugh, I'm so pissed off by the idiocy and lunacy. And I'm beyond embarrased.
*This post was edited. The original language was very, very harsh.
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Good Things
ET? Are you OUT there?
and
Elizabeth Smart is alive.
in a sea of negativity and uncertainty, it's good to have things to smile about.
ET? Are you OUT there?
and
Elizabeth Smart is alive.
in a sea of negativity and uncertainty, it's good to have things to smile about.
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Gator's Bits is a really excellent blog, and this post is representitive of it. Send him a warm email...the man is screwing him like it screws all of us working class and middle class folk.
Morons.
UPDATE:
Oh nevermind, the word MORONS stands all by itself. MORONS. STUPID, STUPID, MORONS!
I wonder when we're going to ship back the Statue of Liberty?
The adults are in charge, folks. Welcome to 21st Century America.
God, this makes me mad for the sheer stupidity of it. DON'T YOU FUCKS HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO? LIKE...I don't know...RUN THE BLOODY COUNTRY? Christ Jesus!
UPDATE:
Oh nevermind, the word MORONS stands all by itself. MORONS. STUPID, STUPID, MORONS!
I wonder when we're going to ship back the Statue of Liberty?
The adults are in charge, folks. Welcome to 21st Century America.
God, this makes me mad for the sheer stupidity of it. DON'T YOU FUCKS HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO? LIKE...I don't know...RUN THE BLOODY COUNTRY? Christ Jesus!
Monday, March 10, 2003
Sparse posting till Wednesday. I have a number of big assignments due over the next couple days.
Here's to procrastination and no sleep till Wednesday night. Woo hoo, I love college!
(The project is a literature review on a research proposal that I may or may not persue when I decide to get my ass in gear and start my undergraduate thesis...it's about African-American political perception. Actually, my tentative undergrad thesis is going to be on the semiotics of war and terrorism so it covers both my Communication major and my soon-to-be-official political science major...with a plug for the geography department to make them happy since apparently I'm still one of their minors. Heh.)*
Long story short: visit the blogs to the left. I'm taking an academic break until Wednesday. Or Thursday, whenever I recover.
*tangent
Here's to procrastination and no sleep till Wednesday night. Woo hoo, I love college!
(The project is a literature review on a research proposal that I may or may not persue when I decide to get my ass in gear and start my undergraduate thesis...it's about African-American political perception. Actually, my tentative undergrad thesis is going to be on the semiotics of war and terrorism so it covers both my Communication major and my soon-to-be-official political science major...with a plug for the geography department to make them happy since apparently I'm still one of their minors. Heh.)*
Long story short: visit the blogs to the left. I'm taking an academic break until Wednesday. Or Thursday, whenever I recover.
*tangent
Sean-Paul Kelley's research grant has been cut. He was supposed to spend this summer doing research in Central Asia.
Go to his site, and donate some funds. Help Sean-Paul do his research in Central Asia!
Do this now.
(as soon as I come into some money, I'll donate a bit.)
UPDATE:
Sean-Paul says donations of $35 get you an autographed copy of his book. This is a deal. And you are supporting some awesome liberal research. Go to his site, get out that credit card, and donate some cash (which I will do as soon as certain checks clear.)
Go to his site, and donate some funds. Help Sean-Paul do his research in Central Asia!
Do this now.
(as soon as I come into some money, I'll donate a bit.)
UPDATE:
Sean-Paul says donations of $35 get you an autographed copy of his book. This is a deal. And you are supporting some awesome liberal research. Go to his site, get out that credit card, and donate some cash (which I will do as soon as certain checks clear.)
Sunday, March 9, 2003
Sean-Paul is talking about hubris tonight.
Last night, the ex and I (yeah...on again, off again...permanently off this time...but it's okay we're friends, anyway: that's another story) went to see Antigone. It was excellent.
To those who need to learn some hubris...here's the text.
Last night, the ex and I (yeah...on again, off again...permanently off this time...but it's okay we're friends, anyway: that's another story) went to see Antigone. It was excellent.
To those who need to learn some hubris...here's the text.
UPDATE...4PM Sunday
I stand opposed today. During my morning meditation, some force compelled me to read the Book of Revelations in its entirety. I believe that force is compelling me not to be pro-war.
While Bush may believe that this war is just and that nothing but good will come out of it, I see nothing but evil that will take the world decades to recover. I hope and pray that Bush and his camp are right in their adventure, and that all my fears are unwarrented. If he is right, I will eat my words.
I cannot support this war.
Godspeed to the troops.
I stand opposed today. During my morning meditation, some force compelled me to read the Book of Revelations in its entirety. I believe that force is compelling me not to be pro-war.
While Bush may believe that this war is just and that nothing but good will come out of it, I see nothing but evil that will take the world decades to recover. I hope and pray that Bush and his camp are right in their adventure, and that all my fears are unwarrented. If he is right, I will eat my words.
I cannot support this war.
Godspeed to the troops.
Saturday, March 8, 2003
I've noticed that Sean-Paul, Kevin Drum, and (at least I think he did) Josh Marshall have all switched to the opposition.
Now, I've been been waffling back and forth on this for months. I started firmly on the side against war. In October, it looked to me that this war was merely a war for oil. It wasn't until September and October that we even heard about Iraq. It seemed to me from my perspective that Iraq was bottled up inbetween two no-fly zones and they couldn't do a damn thing without our eyes in the sky watching them.
Then, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International laid out the claims of human rights abuses in Iraq. This doesn't sit well with me. It was in December and January that I switched sides and decided that the realistic thing to do would be to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Not to gain control over their oil, but for humanitiarian reasons.
Then, January and February have bought with it cynicism. And because of that cynicism I am deeply concerned, and suspicious, of the Bush Administration and this war. I don't like the comparisons to the 1991 War. The circumstances, no matter how you look at it, are much, much different. How much is this war going to cost? The American taxpayer is a very stingy creature. How many deaths, civillian and military, can we expect? Will Saddam use the weapons on our troops? Will the war spread? What are the guarentees that the Iraqis will welcome us with open arms when the evidence suggests otherwise? Will this war spark more terror? What is our exit strategy?
In addition, I don't like having my patriotism attacked, which has occured whenever I make a criticism of this war. That too, should not occur.
However, my friends and family are over there, right now, awaiting the President's order to begin the fight. And I have to support them, despite the fact that I feel that their boss is leading them to ruin and peril.
I don't know folks. While Saddam constitutes a threat to Israel and perhaps Kuwait and the United States, I don't see his government lashing out. Even so, he could have weapons that could be sold to terrorists. At the same time, I have yet to hear a real reason that I can wrap my brain around for going to war from the Bush Administration. All I've heard is "He's evil. He's Hitler Incarnate. You are all appeasers for questioning." However, my friends and members of my family are on the front lines, ready to go.
Because of all this, I have no real choice. I can't pick a side without feeling guilty about that choice. I am afraid to say that at this late stage in the game, I remain on the fence. I just don't know what to do.
Now, I've been been waffling back and forth on this for months. I started firmly on the side against war. In October, it looked to me that this war was merely a war for oil. It wasn't until September and October that we even heard about Iraq. It seemed to me from my perspective that Iraq was bottled up inbetween two no-fly zones and they couldn't do a damn thing without our eyes in the sky watching them.
Then, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International laid out the claims of human rights abuses in Iraq. This doesn't sit well with me. It was in December and January that I switched sides and decided that the realistic thing to do would be to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Not to gain control over their oil, but for humanitiarian reasons.
Then, January and February have bought with it cynicism. And because of that cynicism I am deeply concerned, and suspicious, of the Bush Administration and this war. I don't like the comparisons to the 1991 War. The circumstances, no matter how you look at it, are much, much different. How much is this war going to cost? The American taxpayer is a very stingy creature. How many deaths, civillian and military, can we expect? Will Saddam use the weapons on our troops? Will the war spread? What are the guarentees that the Iraqis will welcome us with open arms when the evidence suggests otherwise? Will this war spark more terror? What is our exit strategy?
In addition, I don't like having my patriotism attacked, which has occured whenever I make a criticism of this war. That too, should not occur.
However, my friends and family are over there, right now, awaiting the President's order to begin the fight. And I have to support them, despite the fact that I feel that their boss is leading them to ruin and peril.
I don't know folks. While Saddam constitutes a threat to Israel and perhaps Kuwait and the United States, I don't see his government lashing out. Even so, he could have weapons that could be sold to terrorists. At the same time, I have yet to hear a real reason that I can wrap my brain around for going to war from the Bush Administration. All I've heard is "He's evil. He's Hitler Incarnate. You are all appeasers for questioning." However, my friends and members of my family are on the front lines, ready to go.
Because of all this, I have no real choice. I can't pick a side without feeling guilty about that choice. I am afraid to say that at this late stage in the game, I remain on the fence. I just don't know what to do.
Friday, March 7, 2003
Oh yeah...
Worst Press Conference EVER!
Even for him. C'mon now. He appeared tired (understandable) but he did not answer any questions, nor did he put my mind at ease. I still remain on the fence with this one.
(link added thanks to Dima's eagle eyes! Thanks!)
Worst Press Conference EVER!
Even for him. C'mon now. He appeared tired (understandable) but he did not answer any questions, nor did he put my mind at ease. I still remain on the fence with this one.
(link added thanks to Dima's eagle eyes! Thanks!)
Is anyone else's outrage center simply overloaded? I've just been informed of a possible 15% tuition hike for the 2003-2004 school year because Governor Rendell decreased the state's allocations to the State System of Higher Education by 4.5%.
Bastard. Thanks for dry-raping me out of my money.
I've already written. I'm going to write again. I'm always writing or calling these people (politicians) and nothing seems to get done. Which makes me even angrier.
You know what? Eventually, I'm just going to go catatonic. I go to bed pissed off by something I read and wake up angry still. The headlines don't help. I joke that the headlines are my morning coffee....well, being pissed off at the world can do that.
Blehblahblahblehblehblbhalebhlblah
When did reality start to suck so goddamn much! Or has it always been this way?
(this must be that outrage overload everyone is talking about. Seems about time for another hiatus. and a beer. a lot of beer.)
UPDATE: No, I'm not going on hiatus.
Bastard. Thanks for dry-raping me out of my money.
I've already written. I'm going to write again. I'm always writing or calling these people (politicians) and nothing seems to get done. Which makes me even angrier.
You know what? Eventually, I'm just going to go catatonic. I go to bed pissed off by something I read and wake up angry still. The headlines don't help. I joke that the headlines are my morning coffee....well, being pissed off at the world can do that.
Blehblahblahblehblehblbhalebhlblah
When did reality start to suck so goddamn much! Or has it always been this way?
(this must be that outrage overload everyone is talking about. Seems about time for another hiatus. and a beer. a lot of beer.)
UPDATE: No, I'm not going on hiatus.
Alright, I'll get on the bandwagon....
Jim Capozolla for Senate! Show Spector the Door!
(However, knowing the often odd state that the Democratic Party of Pennsylvania is in, he may be a little bit liberal...remember, we elect pro-life Democrats in Pennsylvania.)
UPDATE: I found a fairly apt Political State report on the Spector Race for Re-Election that youse guys should read.
Jim Capozolla for Senate! Show Spector the Door!
(However, knowing the often odd state that the Democratic Party of Pennsylvania is in, he may be a little bit liberal...remember, we elect pro-life Democrats in Pennsylvania.)
UPDATE: I found a fairly apt Political State report on the Spector Race for Re-Election that youse guys should read.
Thursday, March 6, 2003
I've been doing some work researching Slavery in Sudan. Sean-Paul pointed out that slavery is present in Mali and Mauritania, two very war-torn, impoverished, and famine-ridden Sub-Saharan African nations.
My research first took me here.
Human Rights Watch is one of the few NGOs out there that actually is trying to document this practice in Africa, which is centuries-old. It didn't end when the US finally ended Slavery. I am curious as to why there really is no outrage on this. The silence is disturbing.
Apparently, the government of Sudan states that what HRW and others call slavery is merely the capture of people by rival tribes. Because they claim this doesn't involve them, they have no reason to try to stop it. They changed their policy in 2000, by stating that anyone trafficking in human beings would be prosecuted. No one was bought to justice.
The United States currently has minimal relations with Sudan. Bush did sign a tough resoulution back in October to prod the Sudanese into action. Other than that, silence. It remains on our list of "states of concern." A recent report (one that left out Saudi Arabia) still has Sudan repressing its people in a horrific and bloody 30 year civil war that has left millions dead.
________________________________________
As I sat, googling and surfing the web for information, I became agitated and horrified by what I found. Sudan is not the only nation-state with a problem of slavery. Amnesty International reports that Mauritania has slavery. It's existed for 800 years. Here's a quote:
Christ Jesus.
I-Abolish reports that Afghan children were sold as slaves in Pakistan,post-Afghan war.
Women in DEVELOPED NATIONS such as the UNITED STATES live as sex slaves and worse. The CIA estimates that 100,000 in the United States alone are living in some form of enslavement, usually sexual, demeaning, and evil.
I am outraged.
In the 21st Century, you would think we would have evolved, having seen the horror of African slavery in the Americas, the genocide of the Holocaust (yes, even they were used as slaves till the Nazis murdered them). I cannot believe that the international community, US included (oh, no, we don't get a reprieve), would allow this to continue to occur. This is wrong and it is evil. I dare the leaders of the world to put a stop to this horror, because their silence makes them complicit.
27,000,000 people worldwide live in slavery...more than there ever was in history, yet no state is pro-slavery. Why is this?
There are ways to help. Call your congressperson. They all may be spineless tools and lackies no matter what party they are, but I think we can get through to them. Chrisitan Solidarity International is helping in Sudan. I-Abolish,a website I used in this research, has a wealth of information on how you (and I'm getting my chapter of the College Democrats and our friends the College Republicans involved) can get started. We need to end this. No one deserves to live a life as a slave, and as a descendant of slaves British and American, I cannot tell you how horrified I am to learn that this exists in forms more insidious and evil then history has ever seen.
Seems to me this "committment to human rights" is shallow and false. God, I'm angry.
My research first took me here.
Human Rights Watch is one of the few NGOs out there that actually is trying to document this practice in Africa, which is centuries-old. It didn't end when the US finally ended Slavery. I am curious as to why there really is no outrage on this. The silence is disturbing.
Apparently, the government of Sudan states that what HRW and others call slavery is merely the capture of people by rival tribes. Because they claim this doesn't involve them, they have no reason to try to stop it. They changed their policy in 2000, by stating that anyone trafficking in human beings would be prosecuted. No one was bought to justice.
The United States currently has minimal relations with Sudan. Bush did sign a tough resoulution back in October to prod the Sudanese into action. Other than that, silence. It remains on our list of "states of concern." A recent report (one that left out Saudi Arabia) still has Sudan repressing its people in a horrific and bloody 30 year civil war that has left millions dead.
________________________________________
As I sat, googling and surfing the web for information, I became agitated and horrified by what I found. Sudan is not the only nation-state with a problem of slavery. Amnesty International reports that Mauritania has slavery. It's existed for 800 years. Here's a quote:
A Victim's Story
Bilal wakes before dawn each day. He eats the leftover food scraps from the plate of his master, barely enough nourishment for his 20 year-old frame. By the time the sun is up, he is driving a donkey cart to the local well. He fills two 60-liter containers and begins watering rounds that will not end until sundown. Bilal is allowed no break. Working through the desert's afternoon heat, he makes up to ten trips each day, traveling many miles to deliver water to those who can afford it. He is paid at each stop. The money, however, is passed on to his master. At night, Bilal continues work, cleaning and serving his master. He is finally permitted to rest at midnight. Each day is like this; all days are the same. Bilal was born a slave. Will he die a slave?
Christ Jesus.
I-Abolish reports that Afghan children were sold as slaves in Pakistan,post-Afghan war.
Women in DEVELOPED NATIONS such as the UNITED STATES live as sex slaves and worse. The CIA estimates that 100,000 in the United States alone are living in some form of enslavement, usually sexual, demeaning, and evil.
I am outraged.
In the 21st Century, you would think we would have evolved, having seen the horror of African slavery in the Americas, the genocide of the Holocaust (yes, even they were used as slaves till the Nazis murdered them). I cannot believe that the international community, US included (oh, no, we don't get a reprieve), would allow this to continue to occur. This is wrong and it is evil. I dare the leaders of the world to put a stop to this horror, because their silence makes them complicit.
27,000,000 people worldwide live in slavery...more than there ever was in history, yet no state is pro-slavery. Why is this?
There are ways to help. Call your congressperson. They all may be spineless tools and lackies no matter what party they are, but I think we can get through to them. Chrisitan Solidarity International is helping in Sudan. I-Abolish,a website I used in this research, has a wealth of information on how you (and I'm getting my chapter of the College Democrats and our friends the College Republicans involved) can get started. We need to end this. No one deserves to live a life as a slave, and as a descendant of slaves British and American, I cannot tell you how horrified I am to learn that this exists in forms more insidious and evil then history has ever seen.
Seems to me this "committment to human rights" is shallow and false. God, I'm angry.
I take back every bad thing I've ever said about my home state of Pennsylvania. Ohio takes the cake in having trouble ratifying the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution.
First, they're a bit late.
Second, what total morons.
(at least the nation is laughing at them, and not us in PA.)
Laugh at this anyway...cause it's funny.
First, they're a bit late.
Second, what total morons.
(at least the nation is laughing at them, and not us in PA.)
Laugh at this anyway...cause it's funny.
Family Pride
JECOR...anyone know what it is?
My dad bascially designed their computerized accounting system. I had no idea. I knew he did something when he would spend weeks over in Saudi Arabia, but I had no real idea until I asked.
I'm beaming. This is the coolest thing ever.
The moral is talk to your parents. They're awesome people.
JECOR...anyone know what it is?
My dad bascially designed their computerized accounting system. I had no idea. I knew he did something when he would spend weeks over in Saudi Arabia, but I had no real idea until I asked.
I'm beaming. This is the coolest thing ever.
The moral is talk to your parents. They're awesome people.
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
I've noted this meme of slavery and the Sudan. Bascially, it calls the anti-war protestors idiotic for not protesting slavery in the Sudan. I'm going to do some research on this, but I believe our government has said stuff to Sudan and Sudan hasn't done anything. Expect a full post by the end of the week.
Students nationwide walked out of class in protest of the coming war.
Not at Millersville. We decided to do something much better. We felt that there was no real dialouge, just a lot of nasty things being bandied back and forth. So we're having an open mic night. Everyone can get a chance to say their piece...pro or anti. I'm actually scared, because there have been rumors of violence, but I think in the end we'll have a good discussion.
Incidentially, my College Democrats passed an anti-war resolution at this time. However, it must be said that the group was very disjointed in its discussion...some are antiwar, some are prowar, and some simply don't know.
UPDATE: It was a great discussion. I didn't speak...I just took it all in.
Not at Millersville. We decided to do something much better. We felt that there was no real dialouge, just a lot of nasty things being bandied back and forth. So we're having an open mic night. Everyone can get a chance to say their piece...pro or anti. I'm actually scared, because there have been rumors of violence, but I think in the end we'll have a good discussion.
Incidentially, my College Democrats passed an anti-war resolution at this time. However, it must be said that the group was very disjointed in its discussion...some are antiwar, some are prowar, and some simply don't know.
UPDATE: It was a great discussion. I didn't speak...I just took it all in.
No wonder I'm sad today.
Let it be known that in the past, I've had trouble feeling for either side. But this is just plain wrong.
Let it be known that in the past, I've had trouble feeling for either side. But this is just plain wrong.
Coming to a State Near You . . .
::Scene, Anchorage, Alaska...in the not too distant future.::
Alaskan Kid: Daddy, what's that thing flying in the sky?
Alaskan Dad: Oh, that's just a North Korean ICBM. The President says not to worry about it, and our president is always right. He's truly God's Messenger on Earth.
Alaskan Kid: Okay Daddy. God Bless our President. Can I have some Hot Chocolate?
[They get vaporized, with the rest of Anchorage.]
link via Pandagon.
::Scene, Anchorage, Alaska...in the not too distant future.::
Alaskan Kid: Daddy, what's that thing flying in the sky?
Alaskan Dad: Oh, that's just a North Korean ICBM. The President says not to worry about it, and our president is always right. He's truly God's Messenger on Earth.
Alaskan Kid: Okay Daddy. God Bless our President. Can I have some Hot Chocolate?
[They get vaporized, with the rest of Anchorage.]
link via Pandagon.
Tuesday, March 4, 2003
So today in Western Intellectual Tradition, this kid whined that he was oppressed. He whined that his views were being stifled by the rest of society because he was different. I suppose you're wondering why I really have no symphathy for him. Here's why:
And I quote.
"I'm an oppressed Republican!"
I literally LAUGHED in his face. My resounding "HA!" could be heard up and down the hall. Now, if I went to school in New York City, then maybe I'd have pity on him. But this is LANG-kist-er County, PA. We've had one-party Republican rule for decades. Democrats do not get elected in Lancaster County. There are days that I think that the next time a Democrat gets elected to any major office in Lancaster, Halley's Comet will be in the skies. (The comet returns in 2061.)
I now can't take any of his arguments seriously (mainly because he never argues points in class, just inane talking points and dogma...just that he's right and the liberals are unpatriotic freaks who will ruin the greatest nation on earth and it isn't fair that he has to pay taxes blah blah blah...I'm surprised at my restraint. But in the real world, I'll have to deal with all types of people, including those who cannot argue their way out of a paper bag with a giant hole in the bottom and therefore think they are "oppressed").
I just thought I'd share that story.
And I quote.
"I'm an oppressed Republican!"
I literally LAUGHED in his face. My resounding "HA!" could be heard up and down the hall. Now, if I went to school in New York City, then maybe I'd have pity on him. But this is LANG-kist-er County, PA. We've had one-party Republican rule for decades. Democrats do not get elected in Lancaster County. There are days that I think that the next time a Democrat gets elected to any major office in Lancaster, Halley's Comet will be in the skies. (The comet returns in 2061.)
I now can't take any of his arguments seriously (mainly because he never argues points in class, just inane talking points and dogma...just that he's right and the liberals are unpatriotic freaks who will ruin the greatest nation on earth and it isn't fair that he has to pay taxes blah blah blah...I'm surprised at my restraint. But in the real world, I'll have to deal with all types of people, including those who cannot argue their way out of a paper bag with a giant hole in the bottom and therefore think they are "oppressed").
I just thought I'd share that story.
In Pennsylvania, a panel has asked the state to place a moratorium on the death penalty so racial bias can be adequately researched.
I'm not sure this will go anywhere.
Unlike states that gleefully execute their prisoners (Florida, Texas), I think the Pennsylvania system is different. The appeals process is fair, although long. The governor personally reviews all cases, and our new current Governor has said he'd look into cases for new evidence, but he wouldn't throw out the death penalty, as he was a former Philadelphia prosecutor and mayor. (Incidentally, I am anti-death penalty. I don't believe in eye-for-an-eye.) Executions in Pennsylvania are very rare, unlike other states, and the state has only executed 3 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
Now in Pennsylvania, there are 245 people on death row, and 61 of them are black. The state panel sees bias in this (and nationwide, for whatever reason, there is a bias). 10% of Pennsylvania's total population is black, by the way.
I'm not sure this will go anywhere.
Unlike states that gleefully execute their prisoners (Florida, Texas), I think the Pennsylvania system is different. The appeals process is fair, although long. The governor personally reviews all cases, and our new current Governor has said he'd look into cases for new evidence, but he wouldn't throw out the death penalty, as he was a former Philadelphia prosecutor and mayor. (Incidentally, I am anti-death penalty. I don't believe in eye-for-an-eye.) Executions in Pennsylvania are very rare, unlike other states, and the state has only executed 3 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
Now in Pennsylvania, there are 245 people on death row, and 61 of them are black. The state panel sees bias in this (and nationwide, for whatever reason, there is a bias). 10% of Pennsylvania's total population is black, by the way.
If you do nothing today, read the comments exchange over at this post at The Agonist. I'm staying out of it, for my own reasons, but I sure did learn a lot. It's really an excellent dialouge and debate, despite the occasional straw man and ad hominem attack.
I'm not gonna say who I think the winner or loser is...I think it was equally divided. You can make your own judgement.
I'm not gonna say who I think the winner or loser is...I think it was equally divided. You can make your own judgement.
I'm sure everyone has wondered this, but I have two questions:
Why is Michelle Malkin such a bitch?
and two: Who does she think she is? Ann Coulter? (no link...that'd be inviting Satan Herself into my website. I have to read her column in my LANG-kis-ter paper every morning. Shudder.)
Why is Michelle Malkin such a bitch?
and two: Who does she think she is? Ann Coulter? (no link...that'd be inviting Satan Herself into my website. I have to read her column in my LANG-kis-ter paper every morning. Shudder.)
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
(you need real player, by the way.)
Unless you're Protestant, and from Pennsylvania, then enjoy eating some yummy, yummy lard (in Lancaster (pronounced LANG-kis-ter) Pennsylvania, we fry them in PIG LARD) fried fastnachts. MMMM MMMM GOOD!
(you need real player, by the way.)
Unless you're Protestant, and from Pennsylvania, then enjoy eating some yummy, yummy lard (in Lancaster (pronounced LANG-kis-ter) Pennsylvania, we fry them in PIG LARD) fried fastnachts. MMMM MMMM GOOD!
I've noted a really irksome debating technique (known as the strawman) that people seem to use. It brings up points that are totally irrelavant. You can see evidence of it here at Talk Left in the comments section of a really good post about the rules for asylum being changed for women, and not in a good way. Of course, someone changed the subject to Iraq, and the entire topic was moot.
Some strawmen are particuarly hard to burn down as they should be. Even so, they annoy me. GRRrrrrrrr.
Carry your lighters, folks.
Some strawmen are particuarly hard to burn down as they should be. Even so, they annoy me. GRRrrrrrrr.
Carry your lighters, folks.
Monday, March 3, 2003
Here's a small sample of what's in my library, and why Amazon.com is evil for making me want more. Seriously, I have three or four bookshelves full of books, and that's just at my parent's house.
Because I like you guys so much, you get to read my column unedited before it gets published in the Snapper.
Without further ado: The World According To Pinder
The Snapper doesn't have all of my commentaries (mainly because I used to be webmaster, then the semester September 11 occured severely burned me out, and they have trouble keeping webmasters as well). When I get a free moment, I'll type them up and post them up here.
Without further ado: The World According To Pinder
The Snapper doesn't have all of my commentaries (mainly because I used to be webmaster, then the semester September 11 occured severely burned me out, and they have trouble keeping webmasters as well). When I get a free moment, I'll type them up and post them up here.
Get Your War On really isn't helping my mood. I'm sad all over again. A fitting tribute to Mr. Roger's, though.
I think I can finally say my childhood is over. Sigh.
I think I can finally say my childhood is over. Sigh.
A break from my pissy mood: Please welcome Gator's Bits to the blogroll.
He's using the best template out there too.
He's using the best template out there too.
Um, yeah. Of course it's still not a crisis.
Cover your ears kids, I'm gonna yell.
WHEN THE FUCK DOES IT BECOME A CRISIS, DAMNIT? WHEN THEY TURN SEOUL INTO A SEA OF FIRE? WHEN THEY VAPORIZE TOKYO? WHEN THEY ATTACK ANCHORAGE? WHAT THE HELL!!! YOU HAVE MISMANAGED THIS, BUSH, JUST LIKE YOU'VE MISMANAGED NEARLY EVERY FUCKING THING SINCE YOU WERE ELECTED. GO THE FUCK TO HELL.
Can ya tell I'm just a tad miffed?
Cover your ears kids, I'm gonna yell.
WHEN THE FUCK DOES IT BECOME A CRISIS, DAMNIT? WHEN THEY TURN SEOUL INTO A SEA OF FIRE? WHEN THEY VAPORIZE TOKYO? WHEN THEY ATTACK ANCHORAGE? WHAT THE HELL!!! YOU HAVE MISMANAGED THIS, BUSH, JUST LIKE YOU'VE MISMANAGED NEARLY EVERY FUCKING THING SINCE YOU WERE ELECTED. GO THE FUCK TO HELL.
Can ya tell I'm just a tad miffed?
The Observer has a story from the past, a story of such horror I felt chills run up and down my spine.
I think this story is apt, because I sense there are awful things coming for the world in the months ahead.
I think this story is apt, because I sense there are awful things coming for the world in the months ahead.
I think I need to comment on this Just War concept.
I think my bloodthirsty tendancies is testing my faith as a Quaker, and I need to write about it. Later today, I have class now.
I think my bloodthirsty tendancies is testing my faith as a Quaker, and I need to write about it. Later today, I have class now.
Sunday, March 2, 2003
So Al Qaeda still thinksthe arrest wasn't that big a deal.
Whateva'.
All I know is that once he's in Gitmo, he'll be spilling locations. Finally, US Intelligence will be doing something right. And I smile again.
Update: I don't support tourture, incidentially, but I will pray for that man's soul.
Update Part Two: The talk of torture is sickening. Don't people realize we will have stooped to the level of the evil that attacked us on 9.11? I have a lot more souls to pray for tonight, jeeze.
Whateva'.
All I know is that once he's in Gitmo, he'll be spilling locations. Finally, US Intelligence will be doing something right. And I smile again.
Update: I don't support tourture, incidentially, but I will pray for that man's soul.
Update Part Two: The talk of torture is sickening. Don't people realize we will have stooped to the level of the evil that attacked us on 9.11? I have a lot more souls to pray for tonight, jeeze.
Left Blogtopia has been up in arms over this "liberal" hawk meme.
I think I'm a liberal hawk. But I'm not sure. Frankly, I think everyone has been just a tad shrill lately, me included.
Dima at Overspill has an excellent article up on this very subject.
I think I'm a liberal hawk. But I'm not sure. Frankly, I think everyone has been just a tad shrill lately, me included.
Dima at Overspill has an excellent article up on this very subject.
I'm starting to build the tension over at 25th Century.
Expect several major plot twists as the story progresses. I'm thinking 24-style plot twists...the kind that will make you wonder what devious thing I'm smoking that I can put poor Ian through all of that.
Expect several major plot twists as the story progresses. I'm thinking 24-style plot twists...the kind that will make you wonder what devious thing I'm smoking that I can put poor Ian through all of that.
Freepers have invaded Millersville.
Just scroll down, you'll see what I'm talking about.
(I'm terstorm131, incidentally.)
Just scroll down, you'll see what I'm talking about.
(I'm terstorm131, incidentally.)
This is what to do when someone calls you Anti-American.
Now, you all know what I wanted to do when this occured to me. I really, really did want to send the kid on his way with a mouth full of broken teeth. Thank God the exchange was over AIM.
This guy says you should say this: "Thanks for understanding. Seeking better solutions is one way I serve the country I love."
Not as fun as knockin' skulls, but a lot more noble.
UPDATE: I'm not as bloodthirsty as everyone thinks. . . err. . . wait. . . I'll get back to youze.
Now, you all know what I wanted to do when this occured to me. I really, really did want to send the kid on his way with a mouth full of broken teeth. Thank God the exchange was over AIM.
This guy says you should say this: "Thanks for understanding. Seeking better solutions is one way I serve the country I love."
Not as fun as knockin' skulls, but a lot more noble.
UPDATE: I'm not as bloodthirsty as everyone thinks. . . err. . . wait. . . I'll get back to youze.
Conservative Hardliners sweep Iranian polls.
Hmmm...I'm posting this not because I worry about Iran or anything, but because it seems to support a hypothesis I've had for awhile. Low turnout (in this case, as low as 10%) seems to favor Conservatives. This is global. Wow.
Hmmm...I'm posting this not because I worry about Iran or anything, but because it seems to support a hypothesis I've had for awhile. Low turnout (in this case, as low as 10%) seems to favor Conservatives. This is global. Wow.
There will be no vote in the forseeable future.
I'm going to wait and see how this one plays out, but I really will enjoy the idiocy of some of the freepers when they start calling for boycotts of anything Turkish.
I suppose Turkey (the bird) will be called "Freedom Bird", which you can eat with your "Freedom Fries," and your "Freedom Waffles and Toast."
Turkey, the neo-con freaks in my nation are really gonna hate you for having the temerity to be democratic.
I just want to say: "You've Got A Friend in Pennsylvania."
UPDATE: It occured to me that the very thing we're trying to create in Iraq is thwarting us in Turkey. Irony. She teeters on the brink, but this is proof that She still lives.
I'm going to wait and see how this one plays out, but I really will enjoy the idiocy of some of the freepers when they start calling for boycotts of anything Turkish.
I suppose Turkey (the bird) will be called "Freedom Bird", which you can eat with your "Freedom Fries," and your "Freedom Waffles and Toast."
Turkey, the neo-con freaks in my nation are really gonna hate you for having the temerity to be democratic.
I just want to say: "You've Got A Friend in Pennsylvania."
UPDATE: It occured to me that the very thing we're trying to create in Iraq is thwarting us in Turkey. Irony. She teeters on the brink, but this is proof that She still lives.
UPDATE part TWO to the MEMO post.
It's looking likely that the memo is false. And if it is real, then it's just the NSA doing their job. Honestly, I thought about this for awhile last night and realized that people seem to have this idealized view that diplomacy is supposed to be this polite, genteel thing. Obviously, it's not. It's supposed to get nasty, mean and ugly when it can. If it provides the desired end, then so be it. The pre-World War I diplomacy in Europe was designed to specifically isolate France. Diplomacy in the League of Nations was handicapped because the League Council required a unanomous vote. In the Cold War era, Soviets spied on the American Embassy and Americans spied on the Soviet Embassy. It happens. Calm down people. It's still annoying and makes you go "What the fuck!" but it probably happens all the time.
Update:
Read George Paine. He is a genius.
It's looking likely that the memo is false. And if it is real, then it's just the NSA doing their job. Honestly, I thought about this for awhile last night and realized that people seem to have this idealized view that diplomacy is supposed to be this polite, genteel thing. Obviously, it's not. It's supposed to get nasty, mean and ugly when it can. If it provides the desired end, then so be it. The pre-World War I diplomacy in Europe was designed to specifically isolate France. Diplomacy in the League of Nations was handicapped because the League Council required a unanomous vote. In the Cold War era, Soviets spied on the American Embassy and Americans spied on the Soviet Embassy. It happens. Calm down people. It's still annoying and makes you go "What the fuck!" but it probably happens all the time.
Update:
Read George Paine. He is a genius.
Saturday, March 1, 2003
US using dirty-tricks spying on security council members.
What.The.Fuck???!!?!?!?!!???
Update:
Hesiod has some interesting speculations. Actually, Hesiod always has interesting speculations. Y'all need to read him. Unless you already do, then I'm just preaching to the choir.
What.The.Fuck???!!?!?!?!!???
Update:
Hesiod has some interesting speculations. Actually, Hesiod always has interesting speculations. Y'all need to read him. Unless you already do, then I'm just preaching to the choir.
Apparently Jordan is denying overfly rights.
Research is required, so I'm going to look for more. I have plenty of time, since my friends ditched me tonight.
Research is required, so I'm going to look for more. I have plenty of time, since my friends ditched me tonight.
I've been getting some weird emails lately.
Here's the text of one of them:
Now, I get weird spam all the time. But I think this was deliberate. Why? Because Senator Arlen Spector, Mayor John Street, The Lighter Side of the Rittenhouse Review, and a couple other blogs (one of which I believe is Atrios) also recieved it.
Hey Fundie people. Stop emailing me your vile extremist Chrisitan Spam. You haven't the right.
Don't do it again.
I hate stuff like this.
Here's the text of one of them:
Dear terstorm12@hotmail.com
JESUS WILL GIVE YOU A MANSION, SATAN WILL GIVE YOU A CAGE...........PICK YOUR ETERNAL HOME WISELY.....GOD-SPEED
THE SIMPLE PLAN OF SALVATION!!!
Look up and rejoice because the Lord Jesus is coming back soon! So soon that I personally believe it will happen in our lifetime.
That raises an interesting problem. Are you ready to stand before God?
Are you saved and on your way to heaven? Or are you lost and on your way to an eternity burning in the lake of fire?
The purpose of this page is to tell you about the Lord Jesus Christ that you may receive Him as your Lord and Saviour and be saved.
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36
The Bible clearly says there are ONLY two types of people on earth.
THE SAVED... and ....
THE LOST
Which are you???? Are you saved or are you lost? Do you have everlasting life? or will you not see life and the wrath of God abides upon you?
Those who are lost will spend their eternity in hell. Click here to read about
....HELL!!!!
On the other hand, those who are saved and washed in the blood of the Lamb (the Lord Jesus Christ) will spend their eternity in heaven! Click here to read about
....HEAVEN!!!!
THE CHOICE IS ENTIRELY UP TO YOU WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY....!
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18
God gives you a choice. You may stay Lost and on your way to an eternal lake of fire (hell) or you may choose the Lord Jesus as your Saviour and accept His free love gift of salvation and eternal life. So now the pressure is off God and on YOU. God will not send anyone to hell.... they go there by CHOICE. What will your choice be? An eternity in the lake of fire paying for your sins or do you accept full forgiveness through the Lord Jesus Christ?
Right now as you read this you are either SAVED or LOST!
ALL HAVE SINNED
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
SIN HAS A PENALTY
For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
THE LORD JESUS PAID THE PENALTY FOR SIN
But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
YOU MUST RECEIVE THE LORD JESUS (to be saved)
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: John 1:12
The Lord Jesus is the Only way to be saved...there are NO other ways to heaven except by the Lord Jesus Christ: See the following Scriptures
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
That is the simple plan of salvation. Just repent of your sins (admit your sin with a willingness to turn away) and receive the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. Going to church, praying to statues, doing silly rituals will never save you. ONLY the Lord Jesus Christ and HIM ALONE can save from sin.
If you truly want to be saved and have a home in heaven then say the following prayer and MEAN it with all your heart. Don't worry as God sees you right now and can HEAR every word you speak! When your finished, click on the free links at the bottom....
SINNERS PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and so must die. I ask You to come into my life to forgive and save me. I now receive You as my Saviour (trusting in You ALONE) to save me and my Lord (making You my Master and committing my life to you). Come into my heart, cleanse me with the blood you shed on the cross in payment for my sin. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Note: Below are websites just for references. The websites below are not involved in sending you this email. To be removed, use the link below
Now, I get weird spam all the time. But I think this was deliberate. Why? Because Senator Arlen Spector, Mayor John Street, The Lighter Side of the Rittenhouse Review, and a couple other blogs (one of which I believe is Atrios) also recieved it.
Hey Fundie people. Stop emailing me your vile extremist Chrisitan Spam. You haven't the right.
Don't do it again.
I hate stuff like this.
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