The Sky Blog

2003-01-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

RIGHT OR WRONG? REGULAR OR IRREGULAR?

What are you?

In Tom Daschle's world, are you one of the "wrong" people to get a tax cut? In John Edward's world, are you an "irregular" person?

Apparently the Democrats can't help but be divisive.. who can blame them? They won many an election on the politics of divisiveness.

2003-01-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

TO ALL THE TAX-CUT HATERS...

Give this a read... Especially if you're one of those people always crying about what's faaaaaaaair and what's not.

2002-12-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

WHAT HAS FRIST SPONSORED?

Here's a comprehensive list.

2002-12-20T12:05:00.000-05:00

BUT... BUT... HE'S A REPUBLICAN!!!

Expect a whole lotta hate thrown at Frist despite his excellent humanitarian work and his very moderate leanings in certain issues:

Frist stayed out of politics before running for the Senate. He didn't vote until he was 36. He tries to keep up his medical skills by regularly traveling to Africa at his own expense to perform heart and lung transplants. On Wednesday he volunteered his services to check the hearts of monkeys at the National Zoo in Washington.

As the only doctor serving in the Senate, Frist attracted attention in 1998 when he was the first physician at the scene of a shooting in the Capitol that killed two Capitol police officers. Frist also came to Thurmond's aid last year when the elderly senator collapsed on the Senate floor, apparently from dehydration. Frist helped revive Thurmond, who had fainted.

Frist also gained national attention as one of the main voices of reassurance in the Senate in the aftermath of anthrax attacks on the offices of Sens. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., in autumn 2001. Frist worked with federal authorities to coordinate a response and held periodic news conferences to inform the public.

His image as a citizen-legislator - as opposed to a career politician - also could help him win support from lawmakers eager to put the Lott controversy behind them.

But Frist also has some liabilities in an institution known for hide-bound tradition. As a relative newcomer to the Senate, he has not built the kind of long-term ties that Lott has with some of the chamber's senior members. And though he has built a conservative voting record, some conservatives question his commitment to their cause.

Until he declared his Republican allegiance, many Tennessee political observers thought he was a Democrat. He supported President Clinton's nominees for surgeon general, despite concerns among conservatives about their records on abortion.

2002-12-20T11:05:00.000-05:00

MEET YOUR NEW SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

A fine (pro)choice, if you ask me.

2002-12-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

LOTT STEPS DOWN

Finally.

Here's more.

2002-12-19T11:52:00.000-05:00

SINCE I'M ON AN ANTI-PC KICK TODAY

Here's an article about 2002's most idiotic PC incidents on college campuses.

2002-12-19T11:24:00.000-05:00

SPEAKING OF PC CRAP...

What's with the banning of Christmas anyway?

Why is it that Christians are always the ones that are so offensive to the PC crowd? Are Christians out there declaring holy war on non-believers these day? Can someone explain to me why we have to be so very sensitive to every religion other than Christianity and Judaism?

Sheesh.

2002-12-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

THIS IS WHY LIBERALS PISS ME OFF...

I'm a pretty tolerant person. I certainly enjoy engaging in a debate with someone in a civil manner, and I can handle the rhetoric heating up without taking it personally. But dammit... sometimes this liberal PC crap just pisses me off.

"We believe that Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema's actions are in fact hate speech. The movie is intentionally being named The Two Towers in order to capitalize on the tragedy of September 11. Clearly, you cannot deny the fact that this falls under hate speech. We believe that if they will not willingly change the name, the government should step in to stop the movie's production or to force a name change."

Hate speech. Hate speech!

Arrrrrrrgh... I'm too irked to even really comment...

Stupid, stupid, stupid...

(P.S. It has occured to me that this could certainly be a hoax, but I looked all over the website and couldn't find any indication, or any "gotcha!" so, I'm assuming it's for real.)

UPDATE: Chris at Neptune World responds: C'mon Drew, while (assuming this isn't a joke) the people who did this are most likely liberals, surely you know that they don't speak for the vast majority of us... That's like pointing to Jerry Falwell and saying "See! This is why I hate conservatives!"

I guess he has a "tin ear" to how often that actually happens. I'm the farthest thing from a religious conservative but whenever a Falwell type spews some nonsense, without fail, someone's confronting me with it expecting me to defend it. I guess it comes with the territory - I'm a conservative so liberals assume I'm on board with the religious right. The PC nonsense is driven by lefties - hate crimes, hate speech, et al, and this is an extreme example of that, but it certainly exemplifies the ridiculousness that is prevalent in the liberal PC crowd. Forgive the generalization - I don't assume that every liberal thinks this is reasonable, but I do assume that the people behind this are bed wetting liberals.

2002-12-19T05:05:00.000-05:00

I CLAIM THIS ASS IN THE NAME OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!

James Carville got himself a prime piece of real estate...

Dear Mr. Republican Leader:

You have, on numerous occasions, asked the American people to forgive you for the statements you made at Senator Thurmond's birthday celebration. As a result of the ensuing controversy surrounding these remarks, you have acknowledged that your past actions, at times, displayed insensitivities with regard to African Americans and race relations in this country.

You have asked for forgiveness. This letter is to inform you that, on the heels of the statement offered by my dear friend Congressman John Lewis, a man I admire and respect as much as any living American, I do forgive you. As a result of that forgiveness, I will never criticize or attack any of your past actions or remarks concerning matters of race relations or civil rights.

Senator, you and I grew up around the same time, in neighboring states. From that common background, we chose different political parties and philosophies. However, we are both old enough and wise enough to recognize that neither Mississippi nor Louisiana has made anywhere near the progress one would hope for on race relations.

If, as you have claimed, your recent troubles have truly spurred you to seek redemption and find ways to improve race relations in this country, I applaud you.

As I told Congressman Lewis this morning, the church of tolerance is far too small to reject converts. We welcome you and hope you will prove an energetic member of our congregation, reaching out to all people.

Remember, Senator, we all make errors. Committing errors is not a tragedy, but failing to learn from them is a grave one.

You say you've learned. I believe you. That settles it.

Sincerely, James Carville

Does anyone else get the impression that some Democrats have come around to realizing they're better off politically if Lott stays as the leader? I know - it was obvious to everyone in the blogosphere already, but the rest of the world has seemed a few days behind on this story. But can't you see it brewing? Prominent Democrats come out, publicly forgiving Trent and declaring him redeemed for all past sins and transgressions... promising they won't talk about the embarassing incident anymore... we need to move on and "get on with the work of the American People"(tm)... and the first time Trent supports some GOP agenda item that isn't considered "racially correct," BOOM!

"I thought he'd learned from his past mistakes," James Carville will say.

"This shows that all those apologies were completely insincere," Paul Begala will chime in.

"Lott has once again shown his true colors," The Congressional Black Caucus will announce.

And so on and so forth.

So the Democrats are staking their claim, a little bit at a time. Trent must be redeemed - he must be saved - and the Democrats are there for him. For now. But he'll owe them.

Yet another reason the GOP needs a new leader in the Senate.

2002-12-18T15:04:00.000-05:00

SUPPORTING THE ARTS

Who says Republicans won't support art programs?

Congress narrowly avoided shutting down the agency in 1997. The NEA's annual budget was reduced to $99 million because of criticism over numerous grants for projects seen by some as offensive, pornographic or sacrilegious.

However, because of painstaking diplomacy by former NEA Chairman Bill Ivey, who joined the agency in 1998, the NEA's estimated 2003 budget is at $117 million.

"The NEA is expanding its funding, and with Republicans running everything, that's amazing."

Excuse me, but with everything that's going on, and the deficits we're running, why in the hell is the NEA getting more money? I'm all for supporting the arts and everything, but $117 million tax dollars is waaaaaaaay overboard.

Why shouldn't art be subject to the free market? If you're talented enough to put out a product that people will spend money to see, hear, or experience, then you're a working artist. Good for you. If you're not talented enough - why in the world should other people's money go to support your hobby?

I like doodling during meetings. I think I'm a pretty damn good doodler. How about sending me $50,000 so I can doodle some more? Really. I'll put out at least one doodle a day. I'll hang 'em up somewhere so people can look at my doodles. It'll be the best $50,000 the gov't ever spent. I'll be a doodling fool. You've never seen such doodling.

C'mon people - donate for doodles!

2002-12-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

WASTED ORGANS...

In California, a two-time felon received a heart transplant about a year ago. That sparked a heated debate over the propriety of organ transplants for convicted criminals - should a convict get an organ transplant before some innocent person?

This particular convict, who has yet to be named, ignored all the routines he needed to do to take care of himself, and died on Monday. With about 4,000 people currently on waiting lists for heart transplants, I find it appaling that this cretin wasted a perfectly good organ.

So, should convicts get equal treatment on organ transplant waiting lists? Typically, inmates do not take good care of themselves, so it's probably safe to assume that the rate of success will be lower if the recipient will not do what's required following a transplant. And really, is a convict equally deserving of a transplant when there are thousands of innocent people on waiting lists all over the country? Interesting moral question, if you ask me. I'd be curious to know what you think.

2002-12-18T14:43:00.000-05:00

RACIAL SLURS GALORE!

SF Gate has put together a handy compilation of politicians who have made some high profile racial slurs.

2002-12-18T12:55:00.000-05:00

NOMINEE FOR WORLD'S STUPIDEST EXCUSE

A New Zealand teen claimed that 512 cannabis seeds found in his possession were food for his racing pigeons.

The judge wasn't impressed.

"Anyone who tells me cannabis seeds enhance the performance of racing pigeons must believe judges were born yesterday," he said.

2002-12-18T11:33:00.000-05:00

HA AGAIN!

Boortz made a funny:

LET'S PRINT SOME DEEDS.

How about it? We'll print up some fake deeds to one square centimeter to Trent Lott's white butt. Well then issue those deeds to Rep. John Lewis and the rest of the members of the Black Legislative Caucus, various race warlords like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Joseph Lowery, and the last few square centimeters to the editors of The New York Times and the Washington Post. Makes sense to me. If Lott sticks tight in that leadership position these people are going to own his huge white posterior. They have him in their pockets, they might as well have a deed to put in their files.

2002-12-18T11:23:00.000-05:00

HA HA!

If you haven't checked out the humorous Right Wing News blog, Official Website of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy(tm), go there now.

They're compiling a list of 2002's Most Annoying American Lefties.

Go nominate someone! So many to choose from... so little time...

(found via The Daily Rant)

2002-12-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

QUOTE OF THE DAY

From Best Of The Web:

There are two basic positions on race in America today. The "liberal" position holds that remedying past discrimination requires race-conscious policies such as racial gerrymandering, laws treating "hate crimes" differently from ordinary crimes, and preferences in hiring, government contracting and university admission. The "conservative" position holds that such measures offend the principle of racial equality and exacerbate racial differences by treating black Americans as a separate class.

That is a fair summation of both sides arguments, succinctly put as well. There are merits to both arguments, and they should be debated. UPDATE: Chris over at Neptune World writes to argue that it isn't quite as "fair" a "summation" as I stated, reason being that: "liberals support "race-conscious" policies (like affirmative action) ... because racism is alive and well TO THIS DAY! It's not just a means of "remedying past discrimination." Fair enough - it was a pretty broad statement, but the argument that the programs are necessary as a form of reparations is a very common one I've heard many, many times. Change the statement to: "The "liberal" position holds that remedying past **and present** discrimination requires..." and I think we'll all agree.

Of course, I'm on the conservative side of the fence, and I truly believe that the ideal of a colorblind society is hampered by programs that are designed specifically for a particular class or minority group. Discrimination complaints should be handled on an individual basis, litigously rather than legislatively. But many people who are subject to discrimination cannot afford lawyers! True, but I know there are organizations out there that will take discrimination cases pro bono, or just fight the case for the payoff - BUT, I think I have a better plan than that. Take the resources that governments are already expending for racial justice programs, and use them to fund local and state boards where greivances can be filed and investigated at no charge. Make the punishments for "guilty" verdicts hefty - enough to fund the boards, give the victim a fair payoff, and deter businesses from engaging in discriminatory hiring practices.

Would it be perfect? Probably not. I can imagine enough opportunistic people would file false claims in the hopes of a payoff and the board becoming another slow moving beauracratic mess... but at least it wouldn't send the message to minorities that they are indeed a special, victimized class that needs government programs and assistance or else they'll never get a fair shake in this world. If we're going to strive for ideals in this country, then we need to assume the best of people instead of legislating to attempt to prevent the worst.

2002-12-17T15:59:00.000-05:00

QUICK! SOMEBODY CALL SHABBA-DOO!

His career may be coming back!

(Bonus 80's geek points for anyone who gets the referance)

2002-12-17T15:54:00.000-05:00

DASCHLE URGED TO RECONSIDER CANDIDACY

When even your friends tell you not to run, you know you don't have a chance.

Although, I must say I'm becoming more and more disappointed - the most entertaining candidates keep dropping like flies.

2002-12-17T15:39:00.000-05:00

SMART GUNS?

New Jersey has just OK'd a law that, when the technology becomes available, will mandate user-identification technology to prevent handguns from being fired by anyone except an authorized user.

Mind you, the technology is still far away from being developed, and nobody's quite sure how it'll work, but let's not let that stop the politicians from mandating that every gun utilize it.

Wonder what the reaction will be the first time some woman is home alone, and tries to protect herself from some home invader rapist, but can't because only her husband is authorized to use the gun.

2002-12-17T15:26:00.000-05:00

WHY DID AL GORE DROP OUT?

Well, we all know why, really - polling data showed he would lose, and the DNC pulled him aside and told him to step aside...

But this is an interesting read, if you're into political conspiracy theories...

Funny how the lefty blogs never mention Al's big sell out to the airline industry....

2002-12-17T15:23:00.000-05:00

MUST READ...

Neal Boortz's daily Nealz Nuze is always worth reading. Whether or not you agree with him, you can't deny he's entertaining.

Today's is particularly good, especially this piece:

PLAYING THE RACE CARD …THEN BLAMING IT ON REPUBLICANS

If you were watching Paula Zahn on CNN this morning you saw Congressmen Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and J.C. Watts (R-OK) discussing (what else?) the Trent Lott situation. During the course of that conversation Meeks, the Democrat, was doing his level best to portray the Republicans as generally bigoted and racist.

During his rant Meeks told Zahn that he has actually seen campaign literature with the picture of a black family and the words “If they win, we lose.” Meeks presented this as an example of the racism that is a part of the Republican Party.

OK … now here’s the rest of the story.

That campaign literature was prepared and used in Georgia. Yes, it did have a picture of a black family; and yes, it did have the words “If they win, we lose.” What Meeks didn’t say this morning on CNN was that this campaign flyer also had a picture of a white person … a Republican candidate. In the flyer the “they” referred to the white guy, the “we” was referring to the black family.

Interesting, isn’t it? The Democrats create a bit of campaign literature designed to frighten blacks into voting Democrats by telling them that if “they” (the Republicans) win, “we” (black families) lose.

This has to be the first piece of “dual use” campaign literature I’ve seen. You use the flyer during the campaign to frighten blacks into voting for Democrats; then, after the election is over, you attribute the flyer to Republicans and use it to illustrate their racism.

Damn.

Yesterday's featured a nice, although frightening, look into the minds of the people who dwell on the Democratic Underground's message boards... Best not to read right after a large meal, though.

UPDATE: Just found this piece from Boortz on WorldNetDaily that talks about his brave ventures into the DU Message Boards.... {shudder}

2002-12-17T15:15:00.000-05:00

I WANT MY TWENTY DOLLARS!!

Hey! The record companies may owe you $20!

Click to collect!

2002-12-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

WHO'S THE BIGGER THREAT TO AMERICAN YOUTH?

Al Qaida or Jackass?

A teenager died while practicing what police say was a stunt he and a friend had seen in the movie "Jackass."

Stephen Paul Rauen, 15, was ejected from the top of a friend's car Monday after he'd jumped onto the hood, Albuquerque Police spokesman Jeff Arbogast said.

When the driver hit the brakes, Rauen hit the pavement, then was run over and dragged a short distance.

"We had reports the individuals had done it before," Arbogast said.

Well, there's something to be said for thinning out the gene pool....

2002-12-13T11:45:00.000-05:00

SOMEBODY IN SAN DIEGO IS PARTYING RIGHT NOW...

Same place as the story below, a few hours ealier.

Note to self: If I'm ever smuggling 2,000 pounds of marijuana, check all the lights to make sure they're working.

Kay.

2002-12-13T11:42:00.000-05:00

MARIJUANA? WHAT MARIJUANA?

Too funny. Border patrol agents "calmly followed" a Ford Explorer that was "comically" overloaded with 1,000 pounds of marijuana until it stopped for gas.

"He had to be alone in the vehicle," Leonard said. "There was no room for anyone else to sit. Every inch inside that car was packed with cellophane- wrapped bundles of marijuana."

The driver initially claimed the Explorer belonged to a friend, but then changed his story, stating he did not know the owner of the vehicle, Leonard said. He also denied knowing that the marijuana was packed all around him, he added.

I wonder where he was keeping the Little Debbie Snack Cakes?

2002-12-13T10:44:00.000-05:00

YOU GOT YOUR PEACE PRIZE, NOW GO AWAY, PLEASE.

Jimmy Carter is willing to mediate peace talks in the Middle East.

In other news, Bill Clinton is willing to counsel married couples with adultery issues.

Trent Lott is willing to talk to the youth about the dangers of racism.

Mike Tyson is available for anger management counseling.

Michael Jackson is giving parenting clinics.

And, Martha Stewart is hosting investment seminars.

Hey, Jimmy. Given your track record in negotiating peace agreements, I think we'll pass on that offer this time. But thanks.

2002-12-13T10:35:00.000-05:00

THE NUCLEAR CLUB

To borrow a headline from FARK, "The first rule of nuke club - Don't talk about nuke club."

Check out this interactive piece from CNN on world nuclear powers. Be sure to click on "nuclear tracking" at the bottom.

2002-12-13T07:21:00.000-05:00

RACISM ON THE LEFT??

I love when Democrats and various lefties paint themselves as the only true racially tolerant people in America. All us conservatives are really closet racists, proven by people like Trent Lott, and our lack of support for all those generous social programs.

Oh wait...

2002-12-13T07:11:00.000-05:00

TRENT LOTT UPDATE!

The pighead has more to say about the civil rights legacy of Mississippi.

2002-12-12T15:33:00.000-05:00

AND THESE ARE THE PEOPLE TELLING BUSH HOW TO HANDLE IRAQ?

You remember the 100 celebrities who wrote to Bush giving him their deep thoughts on how best to deal with a murderous dictator who kills his own people, right? I mean, these people who are so concerned with human rights and all think it's a pretty bad idea to liberate the Iraqi people from this barbarian, because, well, war is bad and all, right?

Jeneane Garafalo on CNN last night: "I believe that Saddam Hussein, yes, seems like a very bad guy."

I had a thought yesterday that, maybe, 100 legislators and administration officials might want to pen a letter to Hollywood celebrities, advising them that perhaps, instead of focusing their energies in an area where they're certainly not qualified, they could, maybe... STOP MAKING MOVIES, MUSIC, AND TV SHOWS THAT SUCK?? I mean, give me a budget of $100,000,000 and I promise you that I'll come up with 2 hours of material more entertaining than Men In Black II.

Maybe, if the Hollywood crowd wasn't spending so much time worrying over our foreign policy, and more time thinking of ways to entertain me, they would come up with an original idea or two... but alas, that's not the case, so what's hasn't been retread in some time? Yeah, that's right... Sylvester Stallone as.... ROCKY! Yep. These geniuses out in Hollywood are rolling out Rocky VI now, fully expecting you and I to shell out $8 a ticket and $4 for popcorn and $2 for a drink to sit and watch the sixth freaking installment in a series that should've ended after he beat Mr. T.

sheesh

2002-12-12T15:12:00.000-05:00

WHAT A BUNCH OF CHILDREN...

The Democrats, still not really believing that the American people rejected them on their platforms in November, are now threatening to prevent the Senate from organizing in January unless Republicans agree to near-equal committee funding in the 108th Congress.

Yes, they're going to cause a stalemate, a work stoppage if you will, unless those mean Republicans, who didn't really win control of the Senate in November... I mean, really, it was the big old lying conservative media's fault, or it was Bush's fault for daring to talk about national security, or something, anything other than the people just voting for the candidate they liked best... unless those mean Republicans agree to equal funding (even though history and precedent say that the majority party receive the majority of funding), they're going to take their ball and go home.

"If the Republicans don't play ball, they are going to have a real problem getting the Senate organized next year," vowed a top Democratic aide. "There is no way in hell we should allow these guys to get away with demands for a two-thirds/one-third split in funding."

I mean, they're Democrats after all! It's not faaaaaaair that they're not in the majority! It's not faaaaaaaair that they won't get equal funding!

What do you expect from a party that lets a spineless idiot like Tom Daschle be their leader...

2002-12-12T14:20:00.000-05:00

FINALLY...

Bush offered a strong rebuke to Lott's pigheaded comments, calling them "offensive and wrong":

"Recent comments by Sen. Lott do not reflect the spirit of our country," Bush said to loud applause. "He has apologized and rightly so. Every day that our nation was segregated was a day our nation was unfaithful to our founding ideals."

Now if they'll just get him to step down from his leadership post, this can finally be put to bed. I'm beginning to doubt that's going to happen, though. GOP legislators are coming to his defense, not for the comment, but saying that he shouldn't have to resign. Lott himself said he has no intentions of resigning the post. Lott, again, is an idiot. How anyone in the GOP thinks the party is being helped in any fashion by having him as the face of the Republican Senate is beyond me, as is the apparent inability to realize how damaging it could be in the 2004 elections.

Lott's got the racist tag now. End of story. Perception is reality (and in this case, I agree with the perception). Every single GOP Senator can trot themselves out on TV and tell us differently, and it won't matter. Take a bullet for your party, Trent. Step down. Don't make them ask you to resign, just step down. Newt took a bullet for the GOP over something not nearly as bad as longing for the days of lynching and segregation; put aside your pigheaded pride and just go away.

Thanks.

2002-12-12T13:29:00.000-05:00

AL QAIDA/IRAQ CONNECTION

I agree with Chris over at Neptune World that today's story about Iraq supplying Al Qaida with VX Nerve Gas is a little shaky.

But check out this story from David Rose at the Evening Standard in London:

As I reveal in Vanity Fair, earlier this year the Pentagon established a special intelligence unit to re-examine evidence of an Iraq-al Qaeda relationship. After initially fighting the proposal, the CIA agreed to supply this unit with copies of its own reports going back 10 years. I have spoken to three senior officials who have seen its conclusions, which are striking.

Read the whole thing. If this guy's legit, it's a chilling article that leaves little room for doubt. Could our intelligence agencies be hiding the evidence of an Al Qaida connection to cover up their own failures leading up to 9/11, the earlier WTC bombing, and perhaps even the alleged Iraqi links to the Oklahoma City bombing?

I understand a person's reluctance to believe there's a connection without verifiable proof in their hands, and I certainly understand a person's unwillingness to trust what the government says (especially when that government is run by a party you disagree with, sometimes vehemently). That being said, there is more logic behind Iraq and Al Qaida working together than there is in them being opposed to one another. They both consider America their bitter enemy, they both have major vendettas against us, and they're both led, and governed by, brutal murderers who have their own demented world vision and desire for power. Al Qaida has the global network to carry out acts of terrorism against Western targets, Iraq has the national soveriegnty to legitimately (in some eyes) acquire materials to build weapons. Why wouldn't they develop a mutually beneficial relationship?

Personally, I don't buy the argument that focusing on Iraq is failing to focus on the War on Terror - they're one and the same as far as I'm concerned. Say what you will about Bush, but 9/11 defined his presidency, and I believe he's going to do everything he can to prevent another attack like that. Do I agree with everything he's done? Absolutely not. The Homeland Security Department was a good idea that got politicized into a crappy bill. Bush allowed it to happen. Total Information Awareness? Hideous, if you ask me. The lack of attention to our borders? Inexcusable. Still treating the Saudis like they're our allies? I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume there's a good strategic reason for it, but it's beyond me. My point is, while I don't agree with or understand all the actions taken since 9/11, I don't think that Bush's focus on Saddam is a detraction from preventing future terrorism. Just the opposite.

(link via Instapundit)

2002-12-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

LOTT'S TOAST

I know, I know, that's pretty obvious these days, but now that the RNC is reportedly meeting with Al Sharpton over the comment, I think we can expect an official denunciation from the Republican Party.

Good.

For too long, conservatives as a whole have been unfairly labeled as racists because of old Southern blood like Lott and Thurmond, and for too long, the Republican party has given the racist segment of their supporters the ol' wink and nod treatment. The Reps absolutely have to use this opportunity, especially given that they've got 2 years to advance their agenda, to distance themselves from the racists.

Next, if they can get the fundamentalist anti-abortion crowd marginalized within the party, they stand a good chance of winning more of the swing voters next time around.

2002-12-11T12:37:00.000-05:00

A LOSS FOR THE BLOGOSPHERE...

Indepundit is moving on to bigger and better things...

2002-12-11T12:21:00.000-05:00

JUST TO GET CAUGHT UP...

Trent Lott is a racist and needs to go...

Iraq's 12,000 pages of lies and deceit are nothing more than another effort to buy time...
(and I agree with Instapundit's take on Saddam's appreciation for domestic anti-war efforts - whether you like it or not, you're helping the Butcher of Baghdad)

Yemen is not our friend. We know there are hotbeds of Al Qaida in Yemen - what in the hell is a ship full of SCUD missles doing on it's way there when they say they haven't ordered any?

Celebrities are useless, unless they're entertaining me. Why don't all the legislators come together and sign a letter urging them to stop making movies and music that suck? I mean, give me a $30,000,000 budget and I guarantee you I'll come up with something better than Men In Black II.

And, Neal Boortz is still the man, no matter how much Neptune World dislikes him... hehe

{ahem}

That should get me caught up for a bit.

2002-12-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

WHEW!

I didn't think I'd ever get back to blogging... Work hasn't gotten any better, but I'm finding myself with some free time here and there. So, here we go, I guess.

2002-11-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

DAMMIT MAN... 8 DAYS???

I just realized I haven't posted in 8 days... sheesh...

I've been slammed at work - lost some people, so I'm now coming in at 4am, and trying to get all my shiat done so I can leave by 1 or 2pm - but more often than not, I'm still here at 3pm... 4pm... 5pm... it sucks!

Anyhow - I'll try to post at least once a day while this is going on, but hopefully, I'll be fully staffed again soon and I'll be able to come to work and blog more frequently! (Jesus... that sounds terrible... oh well, one of the benefits of being a manager is that you can delegate, right? As long as everything's getting done and running smoothly, I'm doing my job, eh?)

I've gotten some great e-mails from some readers in the last week, though - please continue, I enjoy the discussions (as you can see by checking out the comments to this post.)

So stay in touch, people, and I'll get back to frequent blogging ASAP.

2002-11-06T10:48:00.000-05:00

CHEST POUNDING? NOT AT ALL.

I've been accused of punding my chest over the GOP victory in the previous post.

Take another read, and read earlier posts from yesterday. Yeah, I'm glad that some conservative agendas will get passed now that there is a GOP majority, but I'm certainly aware of the dangers of one party controlling the entire government - especially when that party is more concerned with appeasing special interests and staying in power above and beyond anything else.

What I guess bothered Neptune is my observation that the prevailing attitude I've seen so far today amongst liberals and lefty websites is defeatist. "We lost and everything's going to go to hell in a handbasket... Oh well."

What a load of crap. If anything, yesterday's elections should be a call to action for the left. Get your shit in order. Find some new blood - strong leaders who will stand up for your agendas. Use this opportunity to point out everything you think is wrong with the conservative agenda - but don't just point out your disagreements, offer alternatives and stand up for them.

Anyone with a lick of sense knows that the GOP is going to use this majority to reward their special interests. The American people need to see every example of the majority party serving special interests over the good of the country. And, sorry, but "the rich" don't qualify as a "special interest." Who's "the rich?" If you read between the lines of most Democratic rhetoric, you realize that when they refer to "the rich," they're referring to the majority of Americans - doctors, lawyers, small business owners, managers, someone who came across a good investment, your next door neighbor who has been smart with his or her money and has a decent nest egg saved up. That shit don't fly anymore. That type of attitude has been rejected.

It's time for the left to refocuse and regroup. Stop trotting out the same old politicians we've seen since the 80's. Stop using scare tactics and empty rhetoric without offering viable alternatives to conservative agendas. You've got 2 years.

2002-11-06T09:57:00.000-05:00

IT'S A GOP SWEEP...

House, Senate, White House, Governorships... the American people have made their choice.

Now what? Will they take this mandate and this power and lead the nation in a positive direction?

Or will they just get political and tell the special interests to line up at the pork trough?

Two good things that I foresee in the immediate future:

-- Making the tax cuts permanent, and hopefully accelerating them.
-- Passing of a Homeland Security Bill that doesn't put government unions ahead of national security.

After that, it's anyone's guess. I'm remaining optimistic until I'm given a reason not to be.

I'll tell you one thing, though. It's 10am - I've been up for about 4 hours - and I'm already about tired of hearing all the gloom and doom nonsense. Democratic scare tactics have been very effective on some people. First thing I heard when I got to work is "It's a black day." Get online, and more of the same...

What kind of attitude is that? Defeatist and whiny. And completely unproductive. Is that what the left has come to?

It's no wonder they got their asses handed to them last night, then.

2002-11-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

CALL ME CRAZY, BUT THIS ISN'T BAD NEWS

The IRS is steadily losing the war against tax cheats, according to the Commish, especially "the wealthiest and most sophisticated among them."

Well, duh, Commish. If you're not "wealthy," you don't pay taxes... When the tax code is structured as to punish you progressively as you obtain more wealth, you're encouraging them to find any way possible to decrease the tax burden. "But they're just being greeeeedy!" says the token Liberal. No, they're sick and tired of having anywhere from 30 to 60 percent of their wealth confiscated and redistributed to people who have failed to get enough education and/or job skills to make enough money to become "wealthy."

When you've got a punitive tax code, as we do, you are simply encouraging the people who bear the highest burden to find any way to decrease what they pay.

The Republicrats have abused the tax code to the point where it is nothing more than a tool to reward and punish supporters or opponents. Nobody - not even the people whose job it is to enforce it - understands the tax code completely. Do you hear any politician who you may vote for today say anything about simplifying it - making it fair to everyone, even the "wealthy?"

Probably not. Libertarians don't get much air time.

UPDATE: Well I knew it wouldn't take long for my sparring partner to notice I was back and begin throwing some barbs... but I really expected better than this...

Chris says: So... You think it's okay for people to use our roads and benefit from our military without having to pay for it? I'm sorry, I just don't agree with that.

hehe... OK, Chris... I guess you don't agree with anyone making less than say... $27,000 a year benefitting from those amenities? You're surely not suggesting that, are you?

And you're surely not suggesting that someone who may cheat on their income tax returns isn't paying property taxes, sales taxes, gasoline taxes, local "impact fees" (taxes), capital gains taxes, and the myriad of other ways the government has found to confiscate wealth, are you?

I mean, if it's your opinion that anyone who doesn't pay federal income tax shouldn't use our roads, libraries, and receive protection from our law enforcement and military, I guess you're entitled to it. But it's not terribly consistent with your liberal leanings... Think of all those poor people who will suffer!

UPDATE II: Neptune Boy is now saying that people who make about 27K a year pay about 27% in federal income taxes. Really? Even if you have a couple of kids? Qualify for "earned income tax credits?" Have a small business that lost money? I mean, your point was: So... You think it's okay for people to use our roads and benefit from our military without having to pay for it? I'm sorry, I just don't agree with that, right? Do you hold that opinion across the board?

I didn't think so...

2002-11-05T08:38:00.000-05:00

IT'S ELECTION DAY....

Go out and VOTE!

Every chance you get, please, vote for a third party candidate that runs on a platform you agree with. You don't always have to pick the "lesser of two evils," and voting third party is most certainly not "wasting your vote."

Neither of the two parties is interested in anything other then getting and maintaining political power. Political power that allows them to reward and punish industries and groups. Campaign finance reform? Meaningless and impossible as long as the politicians are able to weild influence over industries in the form of regulations and tax codes. Social Security reform? Don't expect either party to do anything that might cost them a block of votes, regardless of whether it'd be true reform or not. The economy? Most people realize there is nothing politicians can really do to affect the economy (besides letting you keep more of your money) - it's the actions of the people that make or break and economy - wouldn't it be nice to see politicians start being honest with you about it, instead of making bold promises that they know they either have no intentions of keeping, or that they know will have little or no impact on anything? Homeland security? Cosmetic cover-ups while our borders are still wide open... do you really think either party is going to make some wholesale reforms to the CIAINSFBI? Not if it may cost them a vote somewhere...

No more ranting - neither party exhibits true leadership for this country. They're nothing more than giant PR departments to make it look like pandering to special interests is somehow going to benefit the average American. Don't waste your vote on them.

2002-11-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

HOW TO BE A LIBERAL...

Stephan over at Punditree has got your primer.

2002-11-04T09:34:00.000-05:00

AND ON THAT NOTE...

The thought of the GOP controlling both the executive and legislative branches troubles me - for reasons stated below.

But just imagine if the Democrats got the sweep. They'd get so many people off the tax rolls that they'd virtually guarantee themselves victory in the future.

I lifted this from Boortz:

DEMOCRATS MOST SUITED TO HANDLE ECONOMY?

That’s what the latest Zogby poll says. More people think that the Democrats are suited to handle our economy than Republicans.

Let’s try to noodle this one out. Easy enough, we just compare the Republican and the Democratic economic plans.

First the Democrats. Here’s what they want to do.

Send huge amounts of federal money to the states to create more government jobs at the local level. Government jobs. Government union jobs.
Write checks to “taxpayers” who don’t actually pay income taxes.
Increase the minimum wage. This has the effect of automatically increasing wages for many unions members who’s wages are indexed to the minimum wage.
Extend unemployment benefits, thus making it easier for unemployed workers to delay going back to work.
Give wrinkled citizens free prescription drugs.
No permanent tax cut for upper income taxpayers.
Eliminate any future tax cuts for upper income taxpayers.

Now, the Republican economic plan.

Increase the contribution limits for 401K retirement plans.
Increase the contribution limits for IRA accounts.
Increase the tax deduction for capital losses.
Make tax cuts permanent for all income levels, including the high-achievers who actually create and provide jobs.
Cut capital gains taxes, allowing people to keep more of the money they earn by investing.
Eliminate double taxation of corporate profits. First the corporation pays taxes on the profit. Then the shareholders pay taxes on the profits distributed to them as dividends. The US is the only country that does this.
Even though many of you went to government schools … perhaps you can see the essential differences between these two plans. If not, read them again and take a few moments to do some serious pondering.

It’s just this easy: The Democrats economic plan is to take as much money as they can from the top 30% of taxpayers and transfer that money to the bottom 70% of taxpayers through straight income redistribution, free drugs, raises for people who have not earned them and about 13 more unemployment checks for those who would like to delay going back to work for a few more months. Also .. the Democrats will stroke the envy of the great unwashed by bashing the evil, greedy rich with more confiscatory taxes.

The Republican plan? Let people invest more of THEIR money in THEIR retirement plans. Let people deduct a reasonable amount on their tax returns for capital losses. Encourage investments in businesses and jobs by actually allowing those who do risk their own funds in the investment market to keep more of the money they earn. Basically, it boils down to this. Leave some more money in the hands of the people who will actually use that money to expand commerce and create jobs, rather than buy cigarettes and beer.

It’s all a numbers game. The Democrat plan puts more money in the pockets of a majority of Americans .. money they didn’t earn … money that is taken from someone else – more specifically, the evil rich. In return, this same majority of Americans who are the beneficiaries of plunder tell the pollsters that they think the Democratic plans for the economy are really pretty swell. No wonder the polls show majority support for the Democratic Plan for Plunder.

Income redistribution. So many of the Democratic "plans" for the economy amount to little more than income redistribution. Take money from this group of people and give it to this other group.

2002-11-04T09:29:00.000-05:00

DOWN TO THE WIRE...

And while nobody's making any bold predictions, and many races are too close to call, seems like the polling is favoring the GOP in the House and Senate races.

Will we have a GOP sweep for the next two years? What will truly get accomplished if we do? Even though I'm a conservative, I can't say I'm too thrilled at the prospect of the GOP controlling the legislative and executive branches. While they'll push through many things I support, like more judicial nominees that respect the constitutional limits of the federal government, and tax cuts, it'll be to the feeding trough for those "special interests" that the GOP relies on for cash and voting blocks.

When both major parties are little more than lackies to special interests, a little gridlock goes a long way.

2002-11-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE FINDING THIRD PARTIES...

... which is great, great news.

A report by the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate finds that Democratic voter registration continues to decline, while more people are registering for third parties or as independents.

But, this may not be such good news:

The report also predicts a low voter turnout for tomorrow's midterm elections and finds that although Americans feel unease about the economy, they do not have the anger or fear that has driven voters to the polls in the past.

Low voter turnout is always a problem - most people simply don't care about "politics," or feel so disconnected from what politicians do, that they feel their vote doesn't matter. And in a lot of instances, unfortunately, they're right - most politicians don't care about the people that put them in office with their votes, they care about the people that put them into office with their money. And that's who they serve.

Blame the major mainstream news media. If they covered the electoral process and campaigns like they're supposed to, people wouldn't be getting all their information from 30 second TV ads, and the person who could afford the most ads wouldn't win so often. The solution to campaign finance reform is not to make it easier and cheaper for politicians to advertise - a forum where they can spout unchallenged lies - the solution is a more informed electorate. Plain and simple. More TV ads do nothing to create a more informed voter.

2002-11-04T08:46:00.000-05:00

ALRIGHT... BACK TO "WORK"

Got back from vacation and just had too much of a workload to spend any time blogging.

Time for that to end... Can't promise heavy blogging, but I'll be around.

First things first, The Heritage Foundation has put together a very interesting website that provides more details than you can shake a stick at regarding the federal budget. Only two major federal programs have seen a decrease in spending since 1998.

2002-10-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

GOING OUT OF TOWN...

I'll be in Austin, TX for a few days at a conference. I don't think I'll have access to blog, nor the time, but I'll post when I can.

Otherwise, I'll be back on Monday!

Check out all the links to the left in the meantime, though.

2002-10-23T09:28:00.000-04:00

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY? NEVER HEARD OF IT...

What would you do if you burned through your life savings at a casino?

Blame the casino, of course!

And sue to get it all back.

2002-10-23T09:02:00.000-04:00

MORE DEMOCRATIC VOTE FRAUD...

Won't hear about this on certain websites....

Arkansas Democrats are trying to steal the Senate election by registering dead people and businesses to vote, illegally allowing early voting on weekends and not requiring identification to vote, Republicans said yesterday.

At least six dead people tried to register to vote, including one helped by a person also listed on campaign-spending reports as having received $100 by the state Democratic party, said Marty Ryall, Republican Party chairman.

"I can understand why they needed assistance," Mr. Ryall said.

Which party is trying to steal the Senate again?

2002-10-23T08:53:00.000-04:00

A RUSSIAN COUP IN IRAQ?

I'm sure you've heard that Russia and France have consistently objected to U.S. proposed U.N. Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. And I'm sure you've heard that the reason they oppose U.S. measures is because of Dubya's rampant cowboy mentality, or something to that effect.

As I said earlier, though, in Russia and France, it's really all about oil.

The specter of a U.S. attack on Iraq has Russian officials concerned about the nation's oil contracts with Saddam Hussein, causing talk that a Russian-led coup may be the only way to protect Moscow's interests, reports Pravda online.

According to the Pravda report, an opposition leader in Iraq has said that in the event of the overthrow of Saddam by U.S. forces, Iraq's oil contracts with the United States will take priority over those of Russia, France and other countries.

As a result, Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised that he will stand up for the interests of Russian oil producers in Iraq. Also, Russian officials at the U.N. yesterday rejected the latest U.S.-proposed Iraq resolution.

Hey, I'm not here to cast aspursions on Russia and France. Well, maybe France. Russia clearly needs to protect it's interests, as it's made great strides towards a more open, free, democratic and capitalistic society. We obviously need to find some common ground with Russia here.

But if Putin wants to form his own coup and get rid of Saddam Hussein, you'll hear no objections from me. Go Pooty-Poot!

2002-10-22T13:16:00.000-04:00

PRINT THIS OUT AND CIRCULATE TO YOUR LIBERAL FRIENDS...

The Bill Of No Rights.

Hey Oregon, check out Article V:

You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

Let me just add that there's no such thing as "free" health care. Somebody's paying for it. One of the problems with the current state of health care is that there is frankly too much coverage. Simple office visits for the sniffles have no business being insured.

Insurance is for catastrophes. I'm not sure when we got away from that, but getting a cold or the flu certainly doesn't qualify as a catastrophe.

Oh yeah... and vote libertarian!

2002-10-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

MWO LIES.... AGAIN

MWO is at it again - incessently whining and lying about anything and everything involving a Bush.

Here's their latest lie, this one about Jeb:

Phony Mass Mailing to Seniors: In a further attempt to fool senior citizens, among the most vulnerable of Florida’s voters, the Bush campaign sent out a mass mailing implying that Bush also has the endorsement of the American Association of Retired Persons, which he most emphatically does not. The AARP has raised protests, but the Bush campaign has simply ignored them.

The mailing they're referring to is a brochure that had a photo of Bush at a public event, and there was an AARP banner in the photo. Very simple. No attempt to "fool" the "most vulnerable" of Florida's voters. Does MWO not have enough confidence in senior citizens to be able to tell the difference between a photo and an endorsement? Democrats typically treat voters, especially older ones, as if they were stupid little children... why should we expect anything different from MWO.

The Bush campaign did receive permission from the AARP to use the photo. Why would the AARP grant permission and then "raise protests?" Answer: they didn't "raise protests," it's just another MWO lie.

Meanwhile, while MWO is spreading lies about Jeb, they're outright ignoring a Democrat who did claim she had an endorsement from AARP, which turned out to be a complete lie. Which the AARP actually did "raise protests" to. Way to close your eyes to the truth, MWO.

UPDATE: (even though Chris's blind faith defense of MWO isn't really worthy of being addressed) Seems like, in some people's minds, MWO doesn't have a burden of proof when declaring a Republican a liar, or evil, or whatever their insult du jour is. They can simply spew their BS with no substantiation and they'll eat it up like good little lemmings.

The issue seems to be that I haven't proven that the AARP did not "raise protests" against the use of the photos in the brochure. The fact that the AARP approved the use the photos ahead of time apparently doesn't mean that they didn't protest the use of the photos afterward.

Since nobody would really write a news story about a group not protesting something, I'm not sure exactly what Chris is looking for here. But, nonetheless, I did several Google searches with several different variations of the following terms:

"Jeb Bush AARP protests endorsement photo brochure"

Nothing. The AARP issued a clarification to their members that they are endorsing no candidate. Nothing more, nothing less. Nothing remotely resembling "raising a protest."

But, MWO said they did... so, in Chris's warped little world... it must be true.

Even if they can't prove it.

2002-10-22T08:53:00.000-04:00

PANICKING DEMOCRATS!!!

Gotta love this article...

Could the Democratic candidate for governor in New York finish third, after the Independance Party?

That's apparantly what Ex-Rated President Clinton was told...

Good stuff.. good stuff..

2002-10-22T08:41:00.000-04:00

SORTING FACTS FROM FICTION

A must-read op-ed piece regarding common liberal myths about the economy, and the facts behind them.

Polls suggest the economy is the biggest issue on most people's minds this election cycle - how nice would it be if the electorate was actually informed about economic issues rather than just constantly repeating the liberal mantra?

2002-10-21T15:27:00.000-04:00

JUST ONE QUESTION...

Spinsanity has declared that the Democratic Socialists of America's advertisement for "sending students to Minnesota" to vote for the Democratic candidate (discussed earlier) has no implication of fraud.

Which, of course, has certain people jumping for joy proclaiming every conservative who suggested otherwise a liar.

Spinsanity, though, really offers nothing to refute the suggestion that the DSA wanted (or wants) to send people from out of state to Minnesota to take advantage of their same day registration and vote for Wellstone, which the copy of the original ad strongly implied:

Send A Student To Minnesota!

Together with YDS, DSA’s Youth Section, we are mobilizing to bring young people to Minnesota. Minnesota is one of the few states that allow same day voter registration.

Spinsanity concedes that the wording is confusing, but then goes on to say that there is no implication of anything fradulant... My question is, how do they have any idea?

They continue to tell us that the DSA changed the wording of the ad after all the exposure. If there was no intention of committing any voter fraud, why change the ad?

Make your own decision - and peruse their website (www.dsausa.org) a little bit. Read their propoganda. I did - and I have no problem believing that these are people that would use fradulant means to acheive their goals.

2002-10-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

SPEAKING OF LEFT-WING HYPOCRISY...

Liberals hate Ann Coulter. Can't stand her. They think she's beyond the pale of civic discourse. And, to be fair, I think she goes overboard in a lot of her rhetoric. I think there are much better, more thoughtful columnists out there that do a fantastic job of presenting conservative arguments and positions without the inflammatory rhetoric.

But, part of being a syndicated columnist is to be entertaining, and inflammatory rhetoric certainly does entertain people.

The left has their Ann Coulters as well... Just read this column by Maureen Dowd.

But, you'll never hear a lefty say anything disparaging about Dowd. They'll celebrate every time Ann Coulter's column gets dropped from the tiniest of newspapers, declaring it some kind of victory, but they'll hold Dowd up as a true intellectual...

Dowd and Coulter use the same tactics in their writings - neither of them ever present a coherent argument to support their side of the debate, neither of them offer solutions to the problems they whine and kvetch about, the sum total of their columns usually amount to "The other side is so wrong!"

But which one is on the editorial page of the NY Times?

2002-10-21T10:31:00.000-04:00

FREE SPEECH? ONLY IF YOU'RE A DEMOCRAT...

Boy, Democrats sure can't tolerate dissenting points of view...

DemocraticUnderground.com has apparently decided that there will be no free speech on it's message boards, because it's just too important that Democrats win the upcoming elections, and the best way for them to insure that is to simply squash any voices that may not completely agree with them.

In case you haven't heard, there is a very important election occurring in less than three weeks. The stakes in this election are as high as they have ever been. You are being given a clear choice: Hand over complete control of all three branches of government to the forces of evil - or don't.

The forces of evil? I can see you're very open-minded and tolerant of opposing points of view...

There is no viable third option. Choosing not to vote (or to vote for a third party) is a morally bankrupt decision during this time of crisis when the potential harm to our country is so great. You may claim you are standing on principle, but simply calling it "principled" does not make it so. Your stand on principle will have dire consequences, and you will share the blame when the Republicans in the House, Senate, White House, and Federal Courts undo a half century of progress.

As the administrator of this message board, I have the opportunity to have an impact on the outcome of this election. As an American, I have a moral obligation to do what I can to stop the conservative juggernaut. For the next three weeks, that is my greatest concern.

And then, they have the gall to say:

We still allow all points of view, but we have our limits.

Yeah - limits decided by the administrators of the board, and limits whose criteria is set by whether or not you support Democrats. So, we'll allow all points of view that fall under the umbrella of "Vote for Democrats!"

Think I'm exaggerating? Here's the criteria:

It is forbidden to use the DU message board in an effort to make our members withhold their precious votes from the Democratic Party, which is the only organization capable of stopping the Republican onslaught.

It is forbidden to use the DU message board to organize protests or other actions against members of the Democratic Party.

If the administrators of DU decide that the rhetoric of your posts would be more appropriate on Free Republic than on DU, then you are going to get banned.

There is no freedom of speech at DemocraticUnderground.com. Just there is no freedom of speech on many college campuses. Why is it that those who fall left of center always want to suppress opposing points of view? Why is it that they resort to calling conservative opinions "hate speech" and attempt to have it banned? Where's the "diversity" in opinion there?

I know what side I am on. If you are rooting against the Democratic Party in this election, then just let me know by posting in this thread and I will shut off your account myself.

You're obviously not on the side of the first amendment.

(gotten, surprisingly, via MWO, who apparently think this suppression of free speech is A-OK)

2002-10-18T12:08:00.000-04:00

WILL IT WORK AGAIN?

from ABC News:

A longtime and profitable tactic of the regime has been to do something that will cause an uproar, then negotiate to stop it in return for money or other payment.

"Past experience is that they do that, they get rewarded," Ikle said. "It has worked well for them."

Several analysts said they suspect this was part of the reason North Korea acknowledged the nuclear program this month to use as a bargaining chip to negotiate new aid.

Bush had better take a hard stand against North Korea on this. Diplomacy is fine, but allowing the U.S. to be blackmailed is another story altogether.

We tried that already.

UPDATE: Mona Charen re-iterates.

2002-10-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

WHAT THEY SAID THEN....

John McCain, after the 1994 nuclear accord with North Korea:

On at least eight previous occasions, North Korea has lied to the Clinton Administration. With this agreement, Administration officials have willingly acquiesced in Pyongyang's almost certain further deception. Yet again, the Administration has mistaken resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis with merely postponing its apogee. ...I suspect that the Administration's willlingness to delay the resolution of this crisis is premised on their presumption that the bankrupt North Korean economy will force the regime's collapse before they violate the agreement. Unfortunately, their economy may be salvaged during the interim period by the hallf a billion tons of oil they will receive annually, the opening of trade relations with the U.S., and greater trade with its Asian neighbors, which the agreement [provides for]. Thus, the Administration has accomplished the remarkable feat of allowing the North Koreans to have their carrot cake and eat it too.

Sounds pretty apropos to the situation with Iraq, doesn't it?

And what's John McCain saying about Iraq these days?

(via Andrew Sullivan)

2002-10-18T08:53:00.000-04:00

MORE ON CLINTON/NORTH KOREA

The Wall Street Journal has reprinted a 1993 editorial called "Carry a Big Carrot - The high cost of Clintonian fecklessness toward North Korea."

For eight months the North has rejected American coaxing and diplomatic carrots. Yet instead of getting tougher, Mr. Clinton's "new" policy is to beat the North with an even bigger carrot.

U.S. officials are saying that if only the North will budge on inspections, the U.S. and its allies will start treating it like any other country. Investment would flow and the U.S. would recognize the government of Kim Il Sung, which is the same regime that began the Korean War 40 years ago by invading the South. Mr. Clinton's big carrot even includes an offer to stop "Team Spirit," the joint U.S.-South Korean military exercise.

The North Koreans must be pleased. If they'd merely lived by their 1991 commitment, they'd still be an isolated regime beset by economic woes. But having stiffed the world and threatened U.S. allies, they may be rewarded with trade, aid and the global respect they've coveted for decades. For breaking all of the rules against proliferating weapons, Kim Il Sung gets treated as a statesman we can do business with. Saddam Hussein must be thinking that if only he'd had a nuclear weapon, he might still be in Kuwait. And we can all guess the lessons that Iran's mullahs are drawing from this.

Read the whole thing.

There's not much more to say that hasn't already been said.

2002-10-17T13:52:00.000-04:00

PC UPDATE:

Professional snipers are cringing at the constant referrals to the D.C. killer(s) as a "sniper."

To them, the word "sniper" is a badge of honor and a hallmark of skill. And to them, whoever has been terrorizing the Washington area for the last two weeks is not worthy of the name.

"I definitely know they're not snipers, because snipers don't take innocent life," said Neil Morris, who spent nearly two decades as a Marine sniper and has trained countless military and police sharpshooters from around the world. "It's the most sane, hardworking, dedicated group of people you'd ever meet in your life. And without us, there'd be a whole lot more harm in this world than there already is."

Ummm... get over it. "Sniper" is an adjective - meaning:

1) A skilled military shooter detailed to spot and pick off enemy soldiers from a concealed place.
2) One who shoots at other people from a concealed place.

The 2nd definition seems to be pretty much what the killer(s) in D.C. are doing, doesn't it?

Words are words - they have no more or less power over you than you decide to let them. Being called a sniper means nothing more than you possess the skills necessary to fit one of the above definitions. It does not have any implications on your character, morals, or anything else. It's an adjective, nothing more.

I'm sorry if the good people who have accomplished good things with their sniper training are offended. But don't start saying that the word "sniper" carries with it some code of honor and ethics with it. It doesn't. Anybody can obtain the abilities to be a sniper - evil people and good people. Aren't the events in D.C. proof of that?

The United States of the Offended. That's what we've become.

2002-10-17T09:07:00.000-04:00

SO NORTH KOREA HAS NUKES...

Anybody want to guess which American president shared our nuclear technology with North Korea, as long as they promised not to use it to make weapons?

I wonder if he made them pinky promise.

UPDATE: This 1995 article is more proof that appeasement and negotiations just don't work when you're dealing with gov'ts that have no respect for human rights and are intent on arming themselves to the teeth.

Under the 1994 accord reached in Geneva, Pyongyang agreed to halt operations involving its graphite reactor in exchange for two 1,000-watt light-water reactors whose nuclear waste is less easily converted for weapons purposes.

North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Ho Jong, who signed today's agreement, noted that it "is the product of a political solution . . . of the nuclear issue," and he warned that failure to complete all aspects of the reactor deal would lead Pyongyang to "automatically" resume its own nuclear program.

The dispute began in 1992 when North Korea abruptly withdrew from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, triggering fears in the international community that it had extracted sufficient plutonium to make a nuclear device. Pyongyang consistently has denied it is engaging in nuclear weapons development.

After long negotiations with the United States, Pyongyang retracted its decision to quit the treaty. But further talks on building the reactors stretched from the six months called for in Geneva to 14 months because North Korea made additional demands that included a power grid and a fuel-fabricating plant. In the end, the North Koreans dropped these conditions in exchange for the consortium's agreement to build a port, access roads and a nuclear simulator for training purposes.

Although pleased by the completion of the deal, senior U.S. officials remain highly skeptical that its terms will be fulfilled. "Five years from now, North Korea is not going to be there," a senior Defense Department official said last week, referring to a U.S. intelligence assessment that North Korea's economic troubles could topple its leadership and force unification with South Korea.

Other senior U.S. officials have privately expressed skepticism that -- even if the current North Korean leaders remain in power -- the country will fulfill its obligations under the accord.

These include exporting spent nuclear fuel that contains plutonium and agreeing to inspections of suspected nuclear waste sites.

So, let's see if I understand this... North Korea pulled out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty... then, blackmailed us (well, KEDO) into supplying them with nuclear energy capabilities that are just "less likely" to be converted into weapons grade material... we didn't really think they'd live up to their end of the bargain, but went along with it anyway.

Now they're "belligerently" telling us that they have had a secret nuclear weapons program this whole time. Well, duh!

And somehow, people are going to find a way to blame this on Bush....

UPDATE II: And here's an article from April of this year that indicates that Bush, despite massive criticism from the doves, was correct to not ship off 500,000 tons of heavy fuel to North Korea, because they werent living up to their end of the bargain.

No wonder they're pissed.

UPDATE III: So this is how the Clinton administration decided to handle North Korea pulling out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty... sending them 500,000 tons of heavy fuel per year, asking them to admit inspectors, and giving them nuclear capability that is just "less likely" to be converted into weapons grade material, with plenty of skepticism that North Korea wouldn't live up to their end of the bargain...

Since 1994, the United States and other KEDO partners have met their annual heavy-fuel-oil obligations under the Agreed Framework. The United States provides the largest financial contribution for these shipments, and despite some congressional criticism of the Agreed Framework, heavy-fuel-oil funding has continued.

And what happened? Most likely, we've been assisting and enabling them to develop their nuclear weapons programs.

Seems to me that the world sure became a much more dangerous place in the 8 years that Clinton was president. Iraq, Bin Laden/Al Qaida, China, and now North Korea... what a mess he left us.

UPDATE IV: Some people think it's ridiculous to imply that Clinton deserves some blame for North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Once again, the Clinton supporters want to ignore the fact that Clinton's policies were an utter failure in acheiving their desired goals, and just want to say, "Well, he tried! You can't blame him!" Clinton appeased an evil government when it became evident that they had a nuclear weapons program, and allowed the U.S. to essentially be blackmailed into allowing them to continue working on their weapons in secret. "But... but... but... he tried! And we didn't go to war!"

Well, now what, Clintonistas? Now we've got to deal with a hostile government that has nuclear capabilities, and, in their words, "much worse."

Is this where they'd prefer to see Iraq in a few years?

What did Bush say? (paraphrasing) "We cannot allow the world's worst leaders to acquire the world's worst weapons"? Clinton did. And what do all the lefty doves suggest we do now?

FINAL UPDATE: (unless Chris actually addresses the issue) - Chris over at Neptune World thinks he's proved something with the final update to this post.

Once again, though, the Clinton supporters are completely avoiding the real issue. So, let's see if he'll answer this simple question:

Were Clinton's policies successful in hindering North Korea's ability to develop nuclear weapons? Because, after all, that was the intent, wasn't it? Or, were they a failure?

Or, worse yet, did they actually enable North Korea to work in secrecy, while inspectors were getting the run-around, and we were sending them supplies that actually helped them?

Oh wait - I'm getting carried away - I'll be lucky to get him to admit that the policies failed... he'll never go so far as to say that Clinton's actions actually helped North Korea develop weapons... (even if they did).

That's the issue. Not "but it was uranium not plutonium!!"

2002-10-17T09:02:00.000-04:00

THE WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS

Neal Boortz has obtained a letter from the White House responding to the criticism of detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Here it is:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC

Dear Concerned Citizen

Thank you for your recent letter roundly criticizing our treatment of the Taliban and Al Qaeda detainees currently being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. My administration takes these matters seriously, and your opinion was heard and heeded here in Washington.

You will be please to learn that, thanks to the concerns of citizens like you, I will be announcing today the creation of a new division of the Terrorist Retraining Program, to be called “Liberals Accept Responsibility for Killers,” or LARK.

In accordance with the guidelines of this new program, we have decided to place one Al Qaeda terrorist under your personal care. Your very own personal terrorist detainee has already been selected and will be arriving at your home under heavy armed guard next Monday. His name is Ali Mohammed Ahmed bin Mahmud, but you can just call him Ahmed. He is to be cared for pursuant to the standards you personally demanded in your letter of admonishment to my office.

It will likely be necessary for you to hire some assistant caretakers. We will conduct weekly inspections to ensure that your standards of care for Ahmed are commensurate with those standards you so strongly recommended in your letter.

Ahmed’s meal requirements are simple, but we strongly suggest serving meals that do not require utensils, particularly knives and forks. Also, these should be “one-handed” foods; Ahmed will not eat with his left hand since he uses that hand to wipe himself after purging his bowels (which he will do in your yard). But look on the bright side .. no increased toilet paper expenses.

Ahmed generally bathes quarterly with the change of seasons, assuming that it rains, and he washes his clothes simultaneously. This should help with your water bill. Also, your own personal detainee has a terribly bad case of body lice that we have been unable to completely remedy.

Please heed the large orange notice attached to your detainee’s portable cage: “Does not play well with others.” Although Ahmed is a sociopath and extremely violent, we hope that your liberal sensitivity to what you described as his “attitudinal problem” will help him overcome these antisocial character flaws. Perhaps you are correct in describing these problems as mere cultural differences.

Ahmed will, given a chance, bite you. We have included a copy of his latest rabies test, which showed negative results.

We understand that you plan to offer counseling and home schooling. Your adopted terrorist is extremely proficient in hand-to-hand combat and can extinguish a human life with simple household items such as a pencil or nail clippers. We suggest that you refrain from asking him to demonstrate these skills for your morning coffee klatch.

Ahmed is also expert at making a wide variety of explosive devices from common household products, so you may wish to keep those items locked up, unless (in your opinion) this might offend him.

Ahmed will not wish to interact with your wife or daughters (except sexually) since he views females as a subhuman form of property. However, he will be eager to assist with the education of your sons. To facilitate this education you may wish to have several copies of the Q’uran available for his use.

Oh – and rest assured that Ahmed absolutely loves animals, especially cats and dogs. Roasted will be fine, but dog-kabob works perfectly well.

Thanks again for your letter. We truly appreciate it when folks like you, who know so much, keep us informed of the proper way to do our job. We think that watching over each other’s shoulder is such a good way for people to interact. So, we will be sending a team of federal officials with expertise in your line of work to your place of business in the next few days, just to help you do your job better.

Please, don’t be concerned that our federal observation team has the power to close your business, seize your property and arrest you for any violation of 4,850,750 laws, codes, regulations and rules that apply to your profession. They are really there to help and to make sure you do everything in the proper way.

Thanks again for this opportunity to interact with such a valued and compassionate member of the American family. You take good hear of Ahmed, you hear? And let us know when you think he is ready to be released into American society.

Very truly yours,

George W. Bush.

2002-10-17T08:35:00.000-04:00

FOR THOSE OF YOU CONCERNED ABOUT CIVIL LIBERTIES...

You should give this and this a close read.

And then go here.

2002-10-17T08:04:00.000-04:00

LIGHT BLOGGING TODAY...

Watching my boy watch Playhouse Disney today, plus at home with a slow dial-up, so I don't expect there'll be much blogging going on...

In the meantime, be sure and check out Punditree's take on another ridiculous pop-up ad that's obviously a part of Saudi Arabia's woefully inadequate PR efforts.

2002-10-16T15:19:00.000-04:00

TELL ME, IS THIS FRAUD?

I'm going to go ahead and copy the entire ad. If you go to www.dsausa.org, (Democratic Socialists of America) this ad will pop-up. For those that have some sort of pop-up killer, here's the text. Emphasis added:

Send A Student To Minnesota!

DSA’s national electoral project this year is the Minnesota Senate Election.Together with YDS, DSA’s Youth Section, we are mobilizing to bring young people to Minnesota. Minnesota is one of the few states that allow same day voter registration. We will therefore focus our energy on registering young Minnesotans. Wellstone will need a high percentage of young people to register and vote for him if he is to stave off the campaign that Bush, the Republicans and the Greens are waging against him. He is the Right’s Number One electoral target.

Because we are focusing on issue-based voter registration, this electoral work can be supported by tax-deductible contributions. The DSA FUND is soliciting tax-deductible contributions to support this project. Contributions are needed to underwrite the costs of transportation as well as providing a stipend for expenses; housing is being donated. You can contribute online with a Master Card or VISA. To contribute, simply choose from one of the amounts listed below. Click on the red dot and you will be taken to a secure server to input your credit card information. Our online order system does not allow us to let you fill in an amount, so if the choices we offer are less than what you want to contribute simply make more than one transaction until you reach the total you want to contribute.

OK.

Think about this.

Democrats continuously oppose any legislation that requires some picture ID to vote, and also support "same day voter registration." Why do you think that is?

Read the above, and you'll see why. They want to ship young people around, register 'em and get 'em to vote for them. Out of state? No problem - the poll workers don't need to know. Already voted? Hey, no problem there either.

This is blatantly fraudulant. Unbelievable.

Democratic Socialists of America. Read up on these people.

2002-10-16T15:04:00.000-04:00

ARE YOU A GOOD EYEWITNESS?

Interesting piece on how to be a good eye witness.

"Do not allow another witness or media to contaminate your memory."

2002-10-16T14:59:00.000-04:00

HOMELAND INSECURITY

Ever seen one of those fire-fighting planes that drops over a ton of chemicals on a wildfire?

Think a terrorist has seen one?

Apparently, they're fairly susceptable to theft... Aren't we all glad to know that?

If Al-Qaida didn't know about it before, they sure do now...

2002-10-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

NOT ONLY CAN THEY NOT HANDLE AN ELECTION...

But apparently Democrats get confused by phone lines...

On Monday, 10/14, the AP reported:

Campaign officials for Democratic congressional candidate Dave Thomas told state investigators that a listening device was discovered on one of Thomas' phone lines.

Prompting many lefties to scream in outrage.

Now, we find out:

The FBI, Logan City Police and Qwest Communications confirmed Friday that problems with the phone lines at the Logan office of the Cache Democrats were ... just that, problems with the phone lines.

Reid Pearce, president of the Cache Democrats, said two FBI agents, two police officers and four technicians from Qwest met at the office Friday evening to take another look at the phone line where Pearce thought he had found a recording device attached to the line.

Democrats screaming to the media about those mean Republicans tapping their phone lines...

Like Neptune World said, wish I could say it surprised me...

2002-10-15T16:57:00.000-04:00

NOW I'M CONVINCED

The sniper attacks are being done by someone, or some group, that law enforcement considers a terrorist(s).

I've gone back and forth on this, for various reasons, but this is why I'm convinced now.

"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- At the request of federal law enforcement, the Pentagon is looking at what types of military reconnaissance and surveillance equipment might be used in the investigation of the Washington-area sniper attacks, CNN has learned."

Perhaps I'm jumping the gun - no official decision has been made yet, and all they're saying is that there has been a request for military equipment to assist in finding the sniper - but I just have a feeling that, in these days of "turf wars," law enforcement would not bother contacting the Pentagon if they didn't feel like the Pentagon "needed to know" some details about the case. And what would the Pentagon "need to know?" That there is the presence of international terrorism involved.

Which, of course begs the question, if this is being done by Al-Qaida, would they tell the media? Should they tell the media? Does it matter to the average citizen?

I can think of several reasons why they wouldn't go public with that knowledge - they don't want to incite any more panic than there already is, they don't want to "empower" Al-Qaida (because a terrorist attack loses a lot of value when the terrorists can't take credit for it), and/or they don't want to tip off the perpetrators to any more info than they have to.

And, I gotta say, if that turns out to be the case, it really doesn't bother me. I know it's going to piss a lot of people off if it turns out that Al Qaida is behind this and law enforcement knew about it but didn't release that info. But think about it - do you have a right to know everything involved in an ongoing criminal investigation, especially when civilians are still at risk? Of course you don't. You may really really want to, and think you deserve to, but you don't. If it will protect citizens, and help catch the person(s) responsible for these killings, I don't care what they tell us and what they don't, in all honesty.

And, if all these hypothetical rantings end up being true, expect the media to fuel people's anger. For they must constantly justify their existence and importance, and will be full of righteous indignation that law enforcement had the unmitigated gall not letting them "scoop" someone else on that information...

UPDATE: WorldNetDaily is reporting that some authorities are considering international terrorism connections, but don't want to create any undue "panic."

"That angle is actually being looked at, and the FBI has the lead on it," said the official, who is working with the sniper-murders task force based in Maryland's Montgomery County, where the first five shootings took place.

"None of this has been overlooked. There's an awful lot that they're not allowing out," he said. "But the issue really is, as it was with the nuclear (terrorism) stuff, that they do not want public panic."

Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose, who is leading the multi-jurisdictional investigation, Tuesday said the task force has at least a "partial" description of suspects who he suggested are minorities.

But he elected not to release the information, explaining it might "paint some group."

Wouldn't want to offend anybody, now would we?

2002-10-15T16:43:00.000-04:00

THE SILENCE WILL BE DEAFENING...

Don't expect the lefty blogs to mention this story...

Quick to blame the administration, but you'll never hear them credit it.

2002-10-15T15:10:00.000-04:00

WHAT A WARMONGERER!!

Great post.

Nicely done.

2002-10-15T14:49:00.000-04:00

BIG LABOR $$$$$

It's a known fact that the Democrats are absolutely beholden to labor unions, and receive millions and millions of soft money contributions from them - but what about the members of the unions? They're compelled, in many cases, to become members of the union, then often have little or no say where that money goes.

Doesn't it seem almost criminal to take money from a worker in the form of union dues and then use that money to support a political party that the worker may not agree with?

"To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors," Thomas Jefferson argued, "is sinful and tyrannical."

But that doesn't stop Terry McAuliffe and the Democrats, does it?

2002-10-15T09:24:00.000-04:00

JIHAD CYNTHIA!

The outspoken, absolutely insane Cynthia McKinney only has a few months left in Congress, thanks to the Georgia voters who got tired of being embarassed by thier "representative" who didn't really represent them.

You may remember much gnashing of teeth over the "Republican crossover votes" that many liberals proclaimed was the reason for her loss. Those mean, nasty Republicans allegedly registered as Democrats so they could get rid of McKinney.

Well, the rumors of the "crossover vote" were extremely exagerrated.

"Of the 68,612 voters who cast ballots for Democratic challenger Denise Majette, no more than 3,118 of them were voters who can be clearly identified as Republicans, based on their voting histories in state primaries. Majette's margin of victory, in winning 58 percent of the votes cast in the primary, was six times that amount."

McKinney and her equally loony father have blamed everyone for her defeat - from Republicans crossing over, to the much-publicized "J-E-W-S" comment... everybody but herself and her policies and her statements were to blame for her defeat.

The bottom line is, she was an embarrasment. She spent more time in Congress working for Arab causes than the causes of her own constituents. She got more donations from out-of-state Arabs than she did from her own constituents. Maybe if she realized it was the residents of Georgia that put her in office, and that was who she was there to represent, she'd still be there. But that would almost be taking responsibility for her defeat, and that's apparently out of the question.

2002-10-15T08:59:00.000-04:00

BIG BROTHER?

There's been a lot of debate over traffic spy cameras lately... Are they an invasion of your privacy? Or are they a legitimate law enforcement tool to help make the streets safer?

What will your opinion be if they help catch the D.C. sniper?

UPDATE: Some people are saying that I'm ducking my blogging responsibilities by not giving my opinion on this one...

Alright... I've never been a big fan of traffic cameras. My thoughts on traffic violations has always been, if you want to ticket me for something, you damn well better catch me doing it yourself, not by some security camera with some geek watching a bunch of monitors. Unfair advantage, y'know? Additionally, I don't like "face-recognition" technology to seek out wanted criminals in crowds - too much room for error there. Relying on technology, cameras, and computers to keep society safe is a path I don't want to see America go down. The whole security vs liberty thing - where do you draw the line?

Now, that being said, when I read the article about the cameras possibly helping catch the sniper, I admit, I was glad to hear it. I don't think it would change my opinion on the practice of using cameras and technology to keep the streets safe as a whole, but it's certainly got me thinking about my opinion on it.

I guess good things can come from bad ideas, but they don't necessarily justify the bad idea.

2002-10-15T08:17:00.000-04:00

IS THIS REALLY NEWS?

When a dictator holds an election, does anyone really wonder what the outcome will be?

"BAGHDAD, Iraq — Although President Saddam Hussein faces no challenger in Tuesday's presidential referendum, the government is pushing for the highest percentage of ``yes'' votes to paint Saddam as a popular leader in a rebuke to the United States."

"In the last referendum, on October 15, 1995, Saddam received 99.96 percent of the vote. This time, authorities are looking for a greater percentage."

So they're holding a one-candidate "election" in a country run by a dictator where criticizing him can get you punished, even killed.

And there are journalists out there actually treating the "election" with a grain of seriousness. As if this will be a true barometer of So-Damn-Insane's "popularity." The AP article is chock full of references that I assume are intended to show that Saddam has the support of the Iraqi people:

"In Iraq, where it's unheard of to publicly criticize Saddam, it's not hard to find average people speaking bitter words about the United States and its allies along with flowery praise for the Iraqi president."

Unheard of? A more accurate report would have said something like: "In Iraq, where it's dangerous to publicly criticize Saddam," or "In Iraq, where you could die if you publicly criticize Saddam."

"Sitting at the door of his house in Kerbala, 75 miles south of Baghdad, Ali Ahmed Abdul Munaim waited for the school across the road to open so he could vote ``and get it over with,'' as he put it.

``I am voting not for Saddam, because my vote for Saddam was determined long ago, but I am voting against America and Britain,'' Abdul Munaim told The Associated Press Tuesday morning."

Ummm... Ali? America and Britain aren't on the ballot. If I were in your position, I'd want to "get it over with" too. I hope that machine gun poking you in the back on the way to the "polling station" doesn't bother you too much, pal.

What a joke. Too bad the press isn't treating it as such.

UPDATE: Best of The Web points out another example of the press treating these "elections" as if they were actually legit:

"Here's a promo for CNN's "American Morning With Paula Zahn": "Will Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's future be determined at the ballot box rather than the battlefield? Iraqi citizens are preparing to go to the polls to decide whether Hussein stays in office. We bring you the story in part one of our week-long series, 'Iraq, You Decide.' "

2002-10-14T14:29:00.000-04:00

SAW ONE OF THE SCARIEST THINGS IN MY LIFE TODAY

So I'm leaving the gas station this morning, with my 2 year old son sleeping in the backseat...

Looking to the right, to see if there's any oncoming traffic, I witness a blue dump truck turning into the gas station, while a woman on a bicycle was crossing the sidewalk at the entry. The truck clipped the bike with it's back, passenger side, tire, and the woman got caught under the tire. The truck continued to pull in, going about another 10 or 15 feet, dragging the woman and the bike along with it. I jumped out of the car and started to run over there, but at that point the woman was absolutely crushed - split into 3 or 4 pieces. Horrific.

I called 911, but a sheriff was there before I even got off the phone. I was pretty shaken up, and was very thankful that my boy was asleep the whole time. I just keep thinking about that woman - riding along her bicycle one minute, dead the next. Crazy.

I've never seen anything like that before... that gruesome... I don't want to think about what paramedics, cops, etc, have to see on an almost daily basis. I can't imagine getting hardened to something like that, but I imagine, to some extent, most people never do.

Well, my thoughts and prayers are going to that womans family and loved ones... what a strange, senseless way for a life to end...

2002-10-14T09:39:00.000-04:00

WHERE NEXT?

Seems that Al-Qaida has regrouped and is pretty active these days.

Over 180 dead in Bali, Indonesia. Mostly Australian tourists. Why Indonesia? I don't know.

Now we're hearing that Bin Laden is alive and is planning a fall replacement special or something... Of course the source of that information only says that he has communicated with Bin Laden over the internet, at one message a day... Chances are it's some 14 year old computer geek in Fresno, but I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Anyhow, we're already hearing the whole "it's Americans fault, it's Bush's fault" crowd loud and clear regarding all this current activity, and it will soon be followed by the whole "Bush's war on terror is a failure" crowd. Expect this to get some traction in some circles...

Listen, nobody, not Bush or anyone in his administration, ever claimed this "war on terror" was going to be quick, easy, or without further attacks from Al Qaida. In fact, they stated just the opposite. Al Qaida is spread out all over the world. We did major damage to their infrastructure with our campaign in Afghanistan, and it's been documented that several attacks have been thwarted by US law enforcement. Anyone who is going to use this latest activity as evidence that Bush has failed, it can safely be said, is doing nothing more than going after him for partisan reasons. Also, expect people to argue that we should ignore Iraq because, obviously, Al Qaida is still capable of attacks. Which is ridiculous, as well. We should ignore a dictator who is actively working to make bigger and badder WMD's, because some Islamic radicals are still capable of wiring up a car bomb.

I just want to know, what is the goal of these Islamic jihadists in Al Qaida? And how would bombing tourists in Bali, Indonesia and attacking French oil tankers get them any closer to it? You hear all kinds of motivations for their terrorism - America's support of Israel, America's "imperialist" attitude and presence in Muslim "holy lands," I dunno. I can't make sense of this weekend's attack. Other than Al Qaida still showing that they're capable of creating carnage, which I don't think anyone ever doubted.

2002-10-14T09:02:00.000-04:00

THE NOBEL APPEASEMENT PRIZE

Is it possible for the Nobel Prize to have less credibility?

Quiz:

1. Back in 1991 who wrote a letter to the members of the United Nations Security Council asking the members to stop George Bush (The Elder) from using American force to remove Saddam Hussein from Kuwait?

2. Who called Yugoslavian Communist Dictator Marshall Tito "a man who believes in human rights"? Bear in mind, now, that Tito built a prison exclusively to house his political prisoners.

3. Who said that Marshall Tito, once the Secretary General of the Yugoslavian Communist Party, "led his people and protected their freedom almost for the last 40 years.”? That's right, praise for a Communist dictator protecting the freedom of the people.

4. Discussing Nicolae Ceausescu, the Communist dictator of Romania from 1965 to 1989, who said "Our goals are the same. . . . We believe in enhancing human rights. We believe that we should enhance, as independent nations, the freedom of our own people."?

5. Who told Haitian dictator Lt. Gen Raoul Cedras that he was "ashamed of what my country has done to your country."

Click the above link for the answers.

(credit to Boortz for the questions)

2002-10-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

CAPTAIN OBVIOUS RETURNS!

In the form of David Broder, from the Washington Post...

Here's the sub-headline for this story on the front page:

"Close Senate, House and other races hinge on turnout of blacks and whites.
– David S. Broder"

2002-10-13T12:10:00.000-04:00

JUST WONDERING...

What if there's more than one sniper?

2002-10-11T16:40:00.000-04:00

GOOD FOR THE MAYOR!

Sometimes this PC nonsense goes way too far - like when the organizors of NYC's Columbus Day parade decided to ban the cast members of "The Sopranos" from appearing in the parade - because the show is "little more than a negative caricature of Italian-American life." (Ummm... I don't ever recall the show claiming it was representative of "Italian-American life." Last time I checked, it was about this one family who's in the mafia... Idiots.)

What a great idea - tell the cast members of the most popular show in the nation not to appear in your parade.

Well kudos to Mayor Bloomberg:

"[M]ayor Michael Bloomberg said Friday that if the organizers of the Columbus Day parade don't want cast members of the Sopranos to march, then he won't march either.

Meanwhile, the organizers, the Columbus Citizens Foundation, were in federal court Friday trying to block the actors' participation in the parade."

Federal court. Federal freakin' court.

What a bunch of pantywastes.

Somebody oughta sic Paulie Walnuts on 'em.

2002-10-11T16:26:00.000-04:00

RANDOM LIFTING FROM THE ONION

Defense Department Typo Results In U.S. Attack On Ira

ARLINGTON, VA—The U.S. Defense Department apologized to Skokie, IL, dentist Ira Nussbaum Tuesday following a bombing campaign aimed at removing the 37-year-old from power. "Apparently, the intelligence source who drafted the attack plan against Iraq failed to strike the 'Q' key hard enough," Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said. "The 'Q' was always a little stubborn on that keyboard. Sorry." This marks the first military action taken against Nussbaum since a malfunctioning shift key prompted Ulster Unionists to detonate his Ford Taurus in 1998.

2002-10-11T13:06:00.000-04:00

MWO CONTRADICTS ITSELF

But that shouldn't surprise anyone with a lick of common sense...

Now they're trying to link the sniper attacks to the G.O.P. while simultaneously lambasting Reps for attempting to use the killings for partisan gain. Of course, that's a contradiction within itself, but it gets better...

First, MWO says:

"Specifically, Republican Senate candidate Doug Forrester of New Jersey, fearful of almost certain defeat, is attacking his opponent, Frank Lautenberg, on the grounds that no gun safety law could have prevented the current killing spree that had traumatized the nation's capital ... In fact, of course, Forrester knows absolutely nothing about the circumstances of the horror that has gripped the Washington area. Nobody does. except for forensic experts who are on the case -- and they're not talking, least of all to Doug Forrester."

And later, asks:

" ... [W]ill they condone the exploitation of this unspeakable tragedy to buck up the NRA which has spent millions upon millions to get the gun-nut Republicans back into power? The NRA which has aided countless killers through its advocacy of dementedly anti-regulation positions -- including the DC sniper, who is now benefiting from gun nuts' opposition to measures that would not have infringed on anyone's right to own a gun for protection, but could have helped investigators"

So, first "nobody" knows enough about the circumstances of the case to comment on whether stricter, or more relaxed, gun laws would have had an impact...

Then, the NRA has "aided" the killer by it's support of anti-regulation positions...

Which is it, MWO?

2002-10-11T12:59:00.000-04:00

NEVER ONES TO SHY AWAY FROM POLITICIZING ANYTHING

Gotta love those Democrats...

2002-10-11T12:20:00.000-04:00

WHY?

Everybody's wondering why this sniper is going on a killing spree... what's the purpose? Are the victims random or not? Is it the work of a "terrorist cell" or is it some lone kook with a God complex?

Send me your thoughts, or links to your thoughts... I'll be sure to get 'em posted.

One theory is that it's the work of a member of cell designed to distract law enforcement while another major terrorist attack is planned. I could see some plausibility in that, mainly because it's happening in and around the capitol, and could free up a "cell" to organize an attack on a major site in the capitol.

My first instinct was terrorism. Then, when the tarot card was found, I began to rethink that. The whole "I am God" statement didn't strike me as something that a radical, fundamental Islamist would do. But, of course, it could've been intended to throw off profilers. I just don't know...

No doubt, this is terrorizing. Attempting to find a motive to killings as senseless as these is nothing more than guess work for laypeople like us. But naturally, we're all going to wonder about it and try to make some sense of it. Your thoughts?

2002-10-11T11:41:00.000-04:00

INTERESTING...

from MSNBC:

"SUSPICIOUS VAN STOPPED
Knight said that one white van was stopped nearby as it “was bumping cars trying to leave the area.” He said officers were questioning the occupant of the vehicle."

2002-10-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

ANOTHER SNIPER DEATH IN VIRGINIA

A man was shot while pumping gas at an Exxon earlier this morning, and has died.

They've shut down 1-95 and are searching every white van & truck.

Good luck, guys.

Here's some links, since there's nothing to say that hasn't already been said:

CNN
FOX
MSNBC
WTOP (local D.C. radio station)

Feel free to send some comments, I'll post 'em up.

2002-10-11T11:12:00.000-04:00

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

Everyone, regardless of political affiliation, should read Breakdown by Bill Gertz. I've heard the book referred to as "right-wing claptrap," and, granted, I'm only a chapter or so into it, but I can't see where that would apply. It's a damning indictment of our intelligence agencies, that's for sure. If that's "right-wing" then I'm afraid for the "left-wing." So far, it paints a pretty favorable picture of Clinton's efforts to counter terrorism, but at the same time fairly accounts the many, many shortcomings. But the blame for those shortcomings don't fall on Clinton's shoulders, as they are the fault of the whole culture of our government.

Give it a read. If you've read it already, lemme know your thoughts on it (alee973@hotmail.com).

Here's something that is exemplary of the massive failures that are so prevalent in our intelligence and counter-terrorism measures. It's not just the CIA and FBI... it's the State Department as well. But you'll never hear a gov't spokesperson admit that their particular agency is a joke... they've got to continue to justify their existence.

"[T]he cover story in National Review's October 28th issue (out Friday) details how at least 15 of the 19 September 11 hijackers should have been denied visas — an assessment based on expert analyses of 15 of the terrorists' visa-application forms, obtained exclusively by NR.

In the year after 9/11, the hand-wringing mostly centered on the FBI and CIA's failure to "connect the dots." But that would not have been a fatal blow if the "dots" had not been here in the first place. If the U.S. State Department had followed the law, at least 15 of the 19 "dots" should have been denied visas — and they likely wouldn't have been in the United States on September 11, 2001."

Read the whole thing - it's scary how bad these applications were, and they still got rubber stamped on through.

I do wonder if the people responsible for this are still on the job - or are they protected by their unions?

2002-10-11T10:37:00.000-04:00

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but rather we have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."

- -- Aristotle

2002-10-11T08:59:00.000-04:00

LIBERTARIANS IN GEORGIA

This is good, good news.

Do you think it's a coincedence that one of the nations most well-known, popular libertarians broadcasts his #1 radio show out of Atlanta, Georgia?

2002-10-11T08:43:00.000-04:00

FRANCE IS GETTING ON BOARD REGARDING IRAQ

Thanks, but I think the Iraqis will be able to surrender without any help.

(I know... too easy)

2002-10-11T08:41:00.000-04:00

YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR INCOME TAX

A story of some excellent parenting, lifted from Boortz:

I received a letter from a very worthy parent. Why worthy? Because this particular parent makes his teenaged children sit down and prepare the family income tax return with him. He shows them how much he earned, and how much was taken from his earnings for the payment of state and federal income taxes. He shows them the total amount paid in Social Security taxes, and explains that the real Social Security tax is really twice that figure.

Armed with these figures he then shows his children just how much money he has to earn in order to purchase a $100 item, or to give them a $100 bill. With the payroll taxes, the income taxes, sales taxes and the rest, he has to earn a bit over $175.00 to have $100 to give to one of his children.

Then he takes it a step further. He compares the income earned by the children’s mother to the amount of taxes the family is paying. These figures allow him to illustrate to his kids that if the tax rates were not so high it is quite likely that their mother would have been able to stay at home with them during their school years --- not only that, but the family would have had more disposable income.

Too bad more parents don’t do this. This is a harsh lesson the children are going to learn sooner or later --- no time like sooner.

2002-10-11T08:36:00.000-04:00

WHY IS IT THAT YOU ONLY HEAR WHEN THE NEWS IS BAD?

Certain liberal bloggers and e-zines seem to enjoy posting a little too much when the Dow has a bad day...

Strangely, though, they're so quiet when this happens.

You'd almost think they don't really want the Dow to do too well... then they'd have one less thing to blame Republicans for.

2002-10-11T08:26:00.000-04:00

HERE WE GO AGAIN...

Y'know, it gets tiring seeing Democrats use these kinds of tactics, when they're always the ones whining about their patriotism/character/personal lives being questioned...

See the ad. Judge for yourself.

UPDATE: For many links, letters, and analysis, go to the always-worth-reading Instapundit.

2002-10-11T08:20:00.000-04:00

THE RESOLUTION HAS PASSED

It's a go.

77-23 in the Senate, 296-133 in the House. Here's the text.

This is, of course, a good thing. Not because it means war is imminent. Not because Bush won.

Because it allows us to move forward on the ultimate goal of regime change. Because it sends a message to Saddam Hussein that we're serious - let the inspectors in, no games, and disarm, or everything you've heard will happen will happen. Because it's precisely what the U.N. has failed to do - put some consequences, some teeth, into the security resolutions.

Maybe I'm naive, but I still think there's a chance this will be accomplished without an "invasion." This resolution is yet another tactic in some serious Cold War maneuvering, in my opinion. Not that I think Bush will hesitate to call for the military - but I just don't think that's the first and only option. The goal is a regime change and disarmament. That can still be accomplished without military action, but there is no way Saddam would cooperate without an imminent threat. Now there's a threat, and the next move is Saddam's.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

2002-10-10T14:48:00.000-04:00

WHO'S REALLY BEING UNILATERALIST?

via Instapundit

While the Bush administration is being slammed for the possiblity that military action against Iraq might be unilateral - as if that's the horror of all horrors, that the United States does something without that tacit approval of the U.N. and all our allies - our allies in Russia are basically bribing us for their support.

In Russia, it really is all about oil.

"A senior Kremlin official indicated yesterday that Russia would demand a high price for its support in the campaign against Iraq but that it would not ultimately stand in America's way.

With Tony Blair due in Moscow this afternoon, the Kremlin's senior spokesman said Russia would adopt a "pragmatic" position over Iraq, shorthand for a demand that it must receive substantial financial compensation."

Succesful campaign in Iraq = dropping oil prices = less $$$ for the Kremlin. Big problem, especially considering Iraq has 10 billion dollars in unpaid debts to Russia...

2002-10-10T13:19:00.000-04:00

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

This one's for Neptune.

Oh yeah, one more.