Thursday, December 30, 2004

Will the Dems Evolve?

Victor Davis Hanson has an offered up his usual insightful opinion this week on how the Democrats must evolve or die. He has pin pointed a fatal flaw in institutional Liberalism.

Those on the Left felt that American democracy and global capitalism did not necessarily offer the rest of the world a much better alternative than either Soviet-sponsored Communism or third-world thuggery. Instead, in this view, American realism favored order, but not spreading liberty or social justice abroad and only managed to promote overseas more of the unfairness and racism that we supposedly suffered from at home.


Everything from Vietnam to Nicaragua was seen through this reductionist prism, assuming a haughty United States at odds with indigenous reformers the world over. But with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the rise of the capitalist juggernauts China and India, the globalization of the world economy, radical social and economic changes here at home, and the spread of Islamic fascism, none of those old views makes sense anymore.


Growing up in the `70s and coming to political awareness during the `80s, I was acutely aware of this political position since I was on the Left. I felt our actions in Central America bordered on criminal. Hell, I thought of them as War Crimes. The United State's track record in our own hemisphere has been questionable at best. Everything from Guatemala in the 1950s (leading to 36 years of bloodshed) to Chile in the 1970s. I won't even bring up Panama's creation with Theodore Roosvelt's vision of a canal.

Being in California and attending college during the early 1980's, I was very aware of our actions in ALL of Central America. I thought Reagan was the anti-Christ!!! It was so bad I took Russian in high school in anticipation of the inevitable.

So, I understand what VDH is saying and I agree with him 100%!!! The Old Democratic View is archaic and must be revised. After all what have the entrenched Old Left accomplished in this New World?

President Bush was criticized by many Democrats on both practical and political grounds for ostracizing Yasser Arafat, the past beneficiary of a rigged vote. Yet most are silent now about the news that local elections are now taking place for the first time in nearly a decade. Why voting all of a sudden now? Was the president right in seeing the removal of this so-called national liberationist as a key to democratic change on the West Bank?

Where is the Left? Are they still backing the UN, who are anti-Semitic and whose Under-Sec Brahimi recently attacked Israel, again? They remind me of little Pomeranians, big bark and a bigger id.

All this reminds me of Norman Podhoretz's article I thought I blogged about last fall but can't seem to find it... It's a rather lengthy article, but man is it good.

John Maynard Keynes once said that "Practical men who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influences, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist." Keynes was referring specifically to businessmen. But practical functionaries like bureaucrats and administrators are subject to the same rule, though they tend to be the slaves not of economists but of historians and sociologists and philosophers and novelists who are very much alive even when their ideas have, or should have, become defunct. Nor is it necessary for the "practical men" to have studied the works in question, or even ever to have heard of their authors. All they need do is read the New York Times, or switch on their television sets, or go to the movies and, drip by drip, a more easily assimilable form of the original material is absorbed into their heads and their nervous systems.

Wow, that pretty much says what's going on with our pseudo intellectuals. It's 'let's see what the NY Times says' before they use their own gray matter.

Where was the "petro-imperialism", we hear as a mantra from the Old Left, when freed the Kosovars and Afghans asks VDH:

Consider further: The United States runs staggering trade deficits with most of the world. Its dollar is at an all-time low. Its postwar international protocols from the World Trade Organization to the United Nations either favor the non-West or look unkindly toward the United States. The American military, at great risk and cost, alone in the world saved Kosovars, Afghans, and Iraqis from tyranny. For all the Vietnam-era rhetoric about American meddling, the elected Karzai and the provisional Allawi are a far cry from the Shah, Pinochet, or Somoza. We are doing things in the Middle East that make no sense in terms of traditional economic or political advantage and yet still bring out 1960s-era stegosauruses alleging imperialism and hegemony.

VDH sums it up with some suggestions:

1. Remember that multilateral inaction whether in the Balkans, Rwanda, or Darfur - is often calculated, selfish, and far more lethal to millions than risky interventions like removing the Taliban and Saddam.
2. Quit idolizing Europe. It was a far larger arms merchant to Saddam than was the United States; it supplied most of Dr. Khans nuclear laboratory; it financed much of the Oil-for-Food scandal; and it helped to create and tolerate the Balkans genocide. It has never freed any country or intervened to remove fascism and leave behind democracy silly American notions that are to be caricatured except when it is a matter of saving Europeans.
3. Stop seeing an all-powerful United States behind every global problem. China is on the move and far more likely to disrupt environmental protocols, cheat on trade accords, and bully neighbors. The newly expanded Europe has a larger population and aggregate economy, stronger currency, and far less in trade and budget debts than does the United States and is already using that economic clout for its own interests, not global freedom from dictators and autocrats.
4. Don't believe much of what the U.N. says anymore. Its secretary general is guilty of either malfeasance or incompetence, its soldiers are often hired thugs who terrorize those they are supposed to protect, and its resolutions are likely to be anti-democratic and anti-Semitic. Its members include dozens of nations whose odious representatives we would not let walk inside the doors of the U.S. Congress. The old idea of a United Nations was inspiring, the current reality chilling.
5. Stop seeing socialists and anti-Americans as Democrats. When a Michael Moore compares beheaders to our own Minutemen and laments that too many Democrats were in the World Trade Center, he deserves no platform alongside Wesley Clark or a seat next to Jimmy Carter or praise for his pseudo-dramas from high Democrats. Firebrands like Al Sharpton and Michael Moore are the current leftist equivalents of 1950s right-wing extremists like the John Birchers. They should suffer the same fate of ostracism, not bemused and tacit approval.
6. Ignore most grim international reports that show the United States as stingy, greedy, or uncaring based on some esoteric formula that makes a Sweden or Denmark out as the world's savior. Such "studies" always ignore aggregate dollars and look at per capita public giving, and yet somehow ignore things like over $100 billion to Afghanistan and Iraq or $15 billion pledged to fight AIDS in Africa. These academic white papers likewise forget private donations, because most of the American billionaires who give to global causes of various sorts do so as either individuals or through foundations. No mention is made of the hundred of millions that are handled by American Christian charities. And the idea of a stingy America never mentions about $200 billion of the Pentagon's budget, which does things like keeping the Persian Gulf open to world commerce; protecting Europe; ensuring that the Aegean is free of shooting and that the waters between China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan are relatively tranquil; and stopping nasty folk like the Taliban and Saddam from blowing up more Buddha monuments, desecrating Babylon, or ruining the ecology of the Tigris-Euphrates wetlands.

Wasn't it Churchill who said democracy was the worst form of government, but better than all the rest? That goes for capitalism as well. Sure you're going to find sleeze balls taking advantage of others, but where is most of the money coming from to help those in South Asia? From those of us who are free. We can only hope the entrenched Liberal Democrats can evolve into a viable party to off set the dinosaurs in the Republican party. After all, dinosaurs are every where!!!



Wednesday, December 29, 2004

WaPo Article on Bush "Insensitivity"

I couldn't believe what I read yesterday in the WaPo article Yahoo! News - Aid Grows Amid Remarks About President's Absence, but then after digesting it I found I was naive. After all, it was pointed out just how sensitive Clinton is/was and this implied just how callous Pres. Bush really is!!!

After all:

Skeptics said the initial aid sums -- as well as Bush's decision at first to remain cloistered on his Texas ranch for the Christmas holiday rather than speak in person about the tragedy -- showed scant appreciation for the magnitude of suffering and for the rescue and rebuilding work facing such nations as Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Indonesia.

[...]


Usually only about 10 percent of the final aid tally is given in the initial response to a natural disaster, with the bulk of aid provided after an assessment of long-term needs, according to the State Department. "We know the needs will be greater. This was a disaster of almost unimaginable dimension, and it's going to require massive support for some time," State Department spokesman J. Adam Ereli said.
And yet:

Gelb [Ed. - Thanks to Wizbang for noting Gelb was a senior member of Kerry's Foreign relations team] said what appears to be a grudging increase in effort sends the wrong message, at a time when dollar totals matter less than a clear statement about U.S. intentions. Noting that the disaster occurred at a time when large numbers of people in many nations -- especially Muslim ones such as Indonesia -- object to U.S. policies in Iraq, he said Bush was missing an opportunity to demonstrate American benevolence.
"People do watch and see what we do," he said. "Here's an opportunity to remind people of the good we do, and he [Bush] can do it without changing his policy on Iraq or terrorism."
My heart goes out to those in Southern Asia. I've seen the home vids and it truly is amazing. It's not like Hollywood. This not a 100 ft wall of water, but the devastation is from a 10 to 20 foot wave. Most people just don't realize the power of water. I've been in the Pacific trying to body surf in high waves and you just get pounded trying to get out. But the energy from the tsunami is an amazing force.

But to have the U.N. cry about the US 'stingy' offerings is pathetic. Not all of our donations are through the auspices of our govt. We give so much to the Red Cross and Catholic Relief as well as many other organizations. For them to complain that our per capita donations do not live up to their wants after their UN-for-Food scandal is beyond the pale...



Monday, December 20, 2004

God Rolled His Eyes

Michael Totten pointed me to an excellent article, from which I copied the title, about what I just blogged the other day.

One side says that religion is under attack in America.

Another side says America is under attack from religion.

I say both sides are trivializing faith and the First Amendment. And
what would God say? I think He would roll His eyes.

There are too many places on this earth today where religion is most certainly under attack: start with China. There are many nations under attack from religion: start with Iran and Saudi Arabia. And, Lord knows, there are too many places where people are attacked because of their religion: try being a Jew or a Christian in the wrong place; try being the wrong flavor of Muslim in the other guy's turf.

Friday, December 17, 2004

Christmas Under Attack ?!?!?

OK, alrighty then . . . Let’s get back into it full force, eh?

What is all this uproar over Christmas this year??? Is it the Red State religious theocracy flexing its collective muscle? Or is it the Anti-Religious Blues using the courts to impose the views of the few onto the lives of the many???

I’ve seen and heard some funky rationale lately. On Dori Monson’s mid-day radio show on KIRO this week, I heard a physician in Bellevue, WA exclaim he was intimidated by the Christmas tree at Bellevue City Hall, even though it was officially called a Giving Tree so as not to offend non-Christians. I’m sorry, but offended by a tree? His argument was that symbols are powerful, so powerful he equated the Christmas tree with the Nazi swastika. I wanted to call in to see if he felt the image of a Christmas tree had the same effect as a real tree. If so, this poor boob should be spending the time from Halloween to post New Year in the corner rocking and sucking his thumb!!!

Then we have the Right. All the talking heads from Fox’s O’Reilly (whom I love, but is NOT an Independent no matter what he says!!) and Sean Hannity to MSNBC’s Pat Buchanan are spouting how Christmas is under attack and we are in the dark days of Activism Judges and the godless Blues. On Pat’s show (filling in for Joe Scarborough), he had the temerity to exclaim if school children were offended by “Christian” Christmas song, they should just go home… Hello!! Aren’t they required to be there!!! So in essence aren’t they ‘forced’ to sing these songs???

Now while I think this is a load of crap, can you imagine a school requiring children to sing Hindu, wicca or Islamic celebratory songs? Oh, wait now… I seem to remember something about schools expressing empathy with Muslims during the post 9/11 by requiring them to read Islamic literature.

Ya know what folks??? Get over yourselves!!! All you’re doing is polarizing the populace. This IS a Christian nation whether we like it or not, but that Christianity does not preclude our children from learning nor experiencing other cultures. Xenophobia is NOT appealing nor enlightening.

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Lack of Posting

I apologize to the 2 or 3 of you who grace my meager site for the lack of posts. I've been busy working on a couple of Hospital and 4 physician projects, so after I get home from the commute from hell, after homework, lunches and baths . . . I'm just not in the mood, honey.

Which is sad because I'd love to go off on the Washington gubernatorial fiasco. Oh, wait... what's this in the corner? Look, there's another 500 ballots!!

Friday, November 26, 2004

France - anti-warriors

I was not one to jump on the anti-French bandwagon with all the renaming of french fries or french kissing. I thought it was weak. However, I did question their commitment to pro-American interests. I've known for a while the French were overtly francophiles (surprise!!), but I didn't think they would actively try to sabotage American actions. It's one thing to be neutral, but quite another to support whomever opposes us.

No doubt France's actions were to buttress their weakening station in the world, but way too much credit has been given to France and their power. Ever since the outbreak in Ivory Coast, I've been pondering French power...

What is the legacy of France when it comes to warfare???

Pretty sad. . . Pretty sad when the highlight of their warfare history points back to Charlemagne in the 8th Century. Other than Charlemagne, their only sustained victory can be considered the Hundred Years War which decimated the population and served to kick the English out of France.

Other than these two occasions, all of France's endeavors have ended in defeat. They lost both the Italian Wars during the 16th Century and the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 as well as the colonial wars of Indochina (especially the humiliating defeat at Dien Bien Phu) and Algeria. It seems their only 'victories' occur when they ally themselves with others. Starting with the Thirty Years' War (in which they entered the war in year twenty of the thirty years!!), the French have need to rely upon others to succeed. There's no need to delve into their ineptness during both WWI and WWII. Yet their hubris holds no bounds...

Their inaction in Rwanda was due to francophone pride and not wanting to lose status. One can only imagine how their inaction (or is that 'action') in Ivory Coast will be played in the future.

If France wants to oppose us in our fight, so be it. Please, just don't call them our 'ally' anymore.
(thanks to Belmont Club)

Monday, November 22, 2004

Racism from the Tolerant - part deux

As from my previous rant, I found it the height of hypocrisy for some white dude from Wisconsin to call Condi Rice an 'Aunt Jemima' after all of her accomplishments. Now he's issued an apology....Well kinda (tip: Michael King):

I'm concerned that I have offended many African-Americans by using a crass term to describe an incompetent, dishonest political appointee of the Bush administration. I apologize. I know the term "Aunt Jemima" is not complimentary to African-American women who have worked so hard and yet receive so little from our great country.

I will not, however, apologize for pointing out that while Rice has clearly enjoyed the American dream, she has allowed herself to be used as a black trophy by an administration that is working hard to deny that dream to other African-American omen.

[...]

The Bush administration has created what I call the "illusion of inclusion." They've appointed Colin Powell and now Rice to prominent positions, but in Powell's case, they ignored his advice, stabbed him in the back and ran him out of town. Rice's situation is more complicated. She appears to be close to the president personally, but takes her marching orders from Rumsfeld and Cheney.


How insulting...Who is this chump? Does he really speak for the African American community in Wisconsin? If that's true, man are they lost.

At least he brings up the issue of Mark Belling's suspension:
Some compare my remarks to Milwaukee radio host Mark Belling's comments referring to Hispanics as "wetbacks." Nothing could be further from the truth. While I support Belling's right to say what he did, his remarks were meant to spread resentment against an entire group of people who happened to be Hispanics living on the south side of Milwaukee.

What? Isn't Sly's comments meant to sow resentment through the state (and beyond) of Wisconsin??? What CRAP!

Sport Brawls

Have you had enough with the NBA brawl from Friday? Well, David Stern showed once again why he's the best commish in all the land. While the NBA is my least fav of the majors, Stern has always been top notch. However, he had to come down hard on the players and boy did he!! The fans were obnoxious and should be charge with assault, but so should the players. Here's a sampling of sports writers around the league. It's good to see them place the blame where it belongs...on the players!!!

We also had some fun in the realm of South Carolina football. A hell of a brawl broke out between Univ of South Carolina and Clemson. The article does not do justice to the action. It was as nasty a fight as I've ever seen. Once again the powers-that-be saw fit to exact the right punishment!!! They will not be able to go bowing!! Right on!!

Enough of the thuggery!!

Friday, November 19, 2004

Clinton Pathos

Wow, did anyone see the preview of Peter Jennings interview of Bill Clinton? Talk about hubris!!! Such anger and falderal!!!

(Ok, Ok... stop me now!!! First pathos and hubris and then falderal ?!?!?! See what happens when you read, children!!!!)

I was not a fan of the Impeachment proceedings and thought it was a waste of my money and capital, but I also understood that Kenneth Starr was hung out to dry since his 'mandate' came from the Attorney General (remember the wonderful Janet Reno!!!!). The Prosecutor was not a self-driven position. In fact. I seem to remember he had to turn down a position at Pepperdine Univ. because he had to fulfill his mandate.

I thought Clinton was a rather good POTUS, but if he's going to be Nixonian about this...screw `em!!

Bill Cosby - Voice of Reason

Man, ya gotta love Bill Cosby!!! For the past year or so, he's been on a lecture tour chastising the African-American youth and their parents. I love it!! Where have Rev. Jackson, 'Rev'. Sharpton or ANYBODY else been!!!! I don't believe it's a racial issue, I believe it's a social one. But I do believe the ONLY people who can address it are the African-American leaders.

Here's an article addressing the unwed mothers issue:
Indeed, the birth rate among unmarried non-Hispanic whites (22.9 percent in 202, up from 22.5 percent the previous year) is higher than that 22 percent black rate of four decades ago. By way of contrast, the white birth rate among unmarried women was 16.9 percent in 1990, and 1.9 percent in 1956.

That's from an UPI (are they even still around?) article on Unwed Mothers. This is a clear example of this being a social issue rather than a racial one.

Being from a single parent home for much of my youth, I can relate to much of that environment. However, I did have a supporting cast which was there for me when I strayed. But today, most young unwed mothers either rely upon their mothers to help raise the children or they struggle to do it themselves. Either way it's tough.

As a parent, sometimes you have to be firm and tell the truth. This is one of those times.


Racism from the Tolerant

What to make of the ranting left and the gloating right? Not much really. I've lost my zeal for the full course meal. I just light quick and feel my blood pressure rise, then I'm off to the next site when something like this comes up... let's see what Sly said:
"I did call her the Aunt Jemima of the administration because I think not only have they used her race as a trophy, but I think her price of admission to the White House has been complete obedience to the white power structure in the White House," Sylvester said. "(And) I called (Powell) Uncle Tom. Frankly I think they bought his silence."

How much do you think the left would be ratcheting up the pressure if someone in the Right Media would have made such outlandish comments such as 'Aunt Jemima' or 'Uncle Tom'? Do you think it would be all over the MSM? Oh, that's right. It's already happened when that pompous windbag Rush made some comments about a NFL quarterback. Wasn't that something about how Rush felt the media was playing up or inflating McNabb's abilities or that the media was "very desirous that a black quarterback do well."? I also remember most sports fans just laughed at him realizing he didn't know jack about football...I believe it cost him his job!

And what did Sly's program manager say or do? Oh, that's right he IS the program manager!!!

What bullshit and hypocrisy!!!

Friday, November 12, 2004

Arafat - The Evil

Did anyone else feel the yuckiness of honoring our veterans the same day the 'world' honored such evil??? It just gave me the willies.

---------------

Alan Dershowitz pens an excellent column on Bin Laden's inspiration:

Yasser Arafat was the godfather of international terrorism who dashed his people's hope for statehood, stole billions of dollars intended for the relief of their suffering, and indoctrinated their children with so much hatred that they willingly turned themselves into human bombs.

He did manage to leapfrog the Palestinian cause over equally or more deserving causes – such as Tibetan freedom, Kurdish independence, and Basque statehood – by wielding three immoral weapons: first, international terrorism on a scale previously unknown to the world; second, an alliance with oil-rich states willing to extort support for his cause by energy blackmail; and third, exploitation of international anti-Semitism against the Jewish state.

And this truism:
Arafat was the inspiration for Osama bin Laden, because he proved to his eager student that terrorism works and that terrorists can be praised and rewarded by a craven world, as Arafat was by so many for so long.
It is just sickening when you hear of BBC talking heads weep openly for this evil man, but that is to be expected for a continent soon to be assimilated...BBC's Barbara Plett, who burst into tears on the day he was airlifted out of the West Bank. "When the helicopter carrying the frail old man rose above his ruined compound," Plett reported from Ramallah, "I started to cry." This quote was pulled from Jeff Jacoby's fine piece that called Arafat for what he was, a monster!

In a better world, the PLO chief would have met his end on a gallows, hanged for mass murder much as the Nazi chiefs were hanged at Nuremberg. In a better world, the French president would not have paid a visit to the bedside of such a monster. In a better world, George Bush would not have said, on hearing the first reports that Arafat had died, "God bless his soul."


God bless his soul? What a grotesque idea! Bless the soul of the man who brought modern terrorism to the world? Who sent his agents to slaughter athletes at the Olympics, blow airliners out of the sky, bomb schools and pizzerias, machine-gun passengers in airline terminals? Who lied, cheated, and stole without compunction? Who inculcated the vilest culture of Jew-hatred since the Third Reich? Human beings might stoop to bless a creature so evil -- as indeed Arafat was blessed, with money, deference, even a Nobel Prize -- but God, I am quite sure, will damn him for eternity.


I quite agree.



Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Arafat Dead

Finally . . . after two weeks, this man is dead. Thanks be to God!

I can only imagine the feast to be held in his 'honor' in Israel. This man was evil, pure evil. What else explains his action? He kept his 'people' in subjugation for personal gain. Kept them in 'camps' by encouraging neighboring countries to not accept the Palestinians, keeping them in 'refugee' status.

Arafat should not be buried in his Ramallah compound, but in his family plot in Gaza as fitting a man of his stature! (hat tip: LGF)

Monday, November 08, 2004

Arafat

As I've mentioned before, I'm all for Israel and have NO tolerance for the Palestinian 'cause' nor the PA and their bleeding dry the people they are said to serve. I feel Arafat is the embodiment of Evil. He has purposefully subjugated his 'people' for political and monetary reasons. He was also afraid of peace. He was afraid if he accepted ANY peace plan in which the Israelis were acknowledged, he would be assassinated. On top of all that, he stole, at best count, over a billion dollars marked for his 'people'!!!

Here's part of his 'legacy', how best to present Shahada to the youth of the West Bank:
Arafat explains that dead Palestinian children- Shahids - are “the greatest
message to the world”. [PA TV Jan. 15, 2002]

Or even better from Uri Dromi:

A few days after the signing ceremony of the Cairo Accords in May 1994 handing over Gaza andJericho to the Palestinians, Arafat gave a speech in Johannesburg at a local mosque. Believing he was among friends only, he talked about the agreement he had just signed: "This agreement, I am not considering it more than the agreement which had been signed between our prophet Muhammad and Qureish."


For those not versed in Islamic history, the agreement, also known as the al-Khudaibiya agreement, was a 10-year peace treaty between Mohammad and the tribe of Qureish. After two years, when Mohammad had improved his military position, he tore up the agreement and slaughtered the Qureishites. Now that Arafat seems to be on the way out, the big question is whether he has been the sole obstacle to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, or whether he simply has been representing a phenomenon common to all Palestinian leaders. Can we at last sit down with people who, instead of double-talking, will for once keep their word?

Personally, I'm not holding my breath.


And of course Suha Arafat is keeping him on life-support until she and others can find the loot:
Over the past 40 years, Mr Arafat's PLO has built up a global empire of investments, worth an estimated $4.2 billion to $6.5 billion. (£2.3-£3.5 billion). Meanwhile the Palestinian Authority, which administers the territories, is virtually bankrupt.

Let the power struggle begin!!!

It's a Wrap!!


Red v. Blue 2004

OK, this is about it. I've not been as diligent as a Blogger should be with the aftermath of the `04 election. There was so much to comprehend by the time I got a round to it, it was passe'. I'm not about to re-hash this yet again. I'll leave that to the MSM who are STILL having a hard time accepting the outcome even one week after . . . The NYTimes is a cut above as a platform for the moonbats; Dowd, Herbert et al are besides themselves!!!

It's in Bush's court now to solve Iraq. He has no one to blame and will be judged solely on Iraq and only slightly on WoT.

Saturday, November 06, 2004

Can't Say It Any Clearer!!

Man, I can not say it any clearer that Michael Totten!!! His column on Why Kerry Lost is spot on. It's not a diatribe of Right-wing drivel, since he is not a Republican.
And though I don’t think of myself as conservative (I did just vote for a Democratic Congress), my alienation from the liberal party is total. A political party that thinks crying Halliburton! is a grown-up response to anti-totalitarian war just isn’t serious.

As I, Michael voted for Bush strickly on Terror issues. I, too, have NEVER voted for a Republican President candidate. And depending on who the Dems throw out there next time, I'm not sure I can repeat the vote.

I'll wrap up the election real soon, then let's put it behind us and focus on the futrue.

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

WOW! ! ! !

That pretty much says it all, eh? Did anyone really think Bush was going to win by such a margin??? Certainly not me!! I thought it was an up hill battle all the way. I figured the Iraq war and the incumbent factor was going to be enough to topple Bush. Man, am I surprised!!!

Where to start . . .

Is there any doubt now the MSM had a vested interest in the Exit Polls? How can Zogby, who was a reputable pollster, be taken seriously anymore? I know Exit Polls serve a purpose in Third World countries to monitor Government controlled media, but this isn't Venezuela. The egg is everywhere!!! But it's truly telling when MSM tries to direct the masses. What was it, 3:00pm ET when the MSM began trumpeting Kerry? Shame . . .

Bush's margin of victory, 3,500,000, is impressive!!! Now, as all four of you out there know, I'm not a kool-aid drinker for Bush. In fact, I was more concerned with what Kerry was going to do in the future than what Bush has done in the past. But 3 1/2 million?!?!?! Plus, the most votes in by a candidate in history!! 58 million? Wow! BUT pls don't think this is a mandate to run amok. . .

Several weeks ago, I blogged my experience of finding Air America in Oregon. I'd wondered why I had not found it in the Puget Sound area. Well, I stumbled on it in Seattle. It's like listening to Savage-on-the-Left. I listen to it and am amazed. Today was an entire day of diatribes on how Republicans "stole" the election and how we are now a 'fascist' nation. It was no different than listening to Savage or Rush, just as ignorant.

Then there were the Bloggers who are now on tilt. DU was off the chart, Lean Left was amazing and off the chart ridiculous!! Josh Marshall was about the most introspective of the bunch, but there still was the incredulous belief system that is strickly one dimensional.

There are those of us who see this election for it's entire ugliness and not a one sided 'woe, is me, how could we be treated like this!!!' Both sides pushed the envelope of acceptability. But then again, we're now waiting for `06 and Hillary ! !

Monday, November 01, 2004

Vote!!!

OK, the time has come . . .

I've been avoiding blogging due to all the crap surrounding this year's election. I've been in tune with our wonderful political system since the `70s. And each year, we hear of the increase in acrimony and 'dirty' politics we, as the electorate, are disgusted with, yet each cycle brings us closer to the Hatfields and McCoys or Southsides v. Northsides or (and I like this one!!) Valleys v. Locals (get off my wave, punk . . . thanks to the Surf Punks of old!!)

What's going to happen if Kerry wins ? ? ? Does our country cease to exist as we know it? Do we de-evolve into a society of pantywastes? I don't think so, but we'll probably trend towards the Wilsonian utopia envisioned for the League of Nations. But how do we contain Iran?

Until our next election! ! !

If Bush wins ? ? ? Do we subject the world to our military domination? What of Iran? Screw North Korea, did I mention I was concerned with the mullahs???

Either way, this will not be the Fall of the Roman Empire, but it may be a defining moment in US politics on what direction we as a nation will trend towards in the next 20 yrs.

So, my vote is for . . . . Bush (surprised???), but let's sit back and enjoy the show brought to us by all the lawyers and sore losers (on either side!!)

Friday, October 22, 2004

Saddam's History of Terrorism

Ya know, I was not a big proponent of the War on Iraq. I felt we needed to concentrate on Afghanistan until the 'mission' was completed. That said, I felt Saddam had run his course with the UN sanctions. Anyone have children? Well, after the fifth or sixth 'if you do that again!!', your children will blow you off if you make that mistake. Which is exactly what Saddam did. He did not fear ANY repercussions since NONE were coming. So for Annan to say the US broke the law removing Saddam, what do you call a thirteen time offender?

While I never felt nor knew for certain Saddam was in cahoots with al Qaeda, I did know of his fincancial support of the Palestinian terrorists. How can one support Terrorist, just a little? Bullshit!

Check out this detailed history of Saddam's Philosophy of Terror by Deroy Murdock. It compiles and documents (nice footnotes) supporting the argument.

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Lack of Posting

I apologize for not blogging lately, but I've been just slammed with family stuff especially on the weekends.

I'm also just sick and tired of this election. The dishonesty is appalling. What's happened?

Kerry has a plan for EVERYTHING and for EVERYONE while slamming EVERYTHING Bush has done!!!

The accusation that Bush is behind the Flu Shot shortage is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!!! I work in the Laboratory field and lab accidents or contamination occur more than it should, but it's not Bush's fault. This shows me Kerry has NO CLUE.

Kerry and Edwards using Mary Cheney's sexual orientation is a desperate ploy that my work against them. I thought it crossed the line since in the VP debates when Edwards brought up his daughter's orientation, Cheney politely answered the directed question and refused to take the bait. That should have been an indication to the dense Kerry that the topic was off limits. But no...

Could you imagine if Bush/Cheney brought up the topic of automobile safety on vehicles such as Jeep and then turned to Edwards and inquired if he felt safety was an issue with young drivers!!! The point would be germane since Edwards' son Wade died in a freak one car (Jeep) accident. But this would what we'd rightful get:
Pressed to talk about his son's death, Edwards struggles to find a polite -- and
not impolitic -- way to decline.

Hey, isn't that what Cheney did . . .

I'm just bored with it all. As I told my only old-time friend who cannot begin to understand why I'm voting Repub for the first time: I'm more afraid of what Kerry WILL do, than what Bush HAS done!

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Talk Radio

I had the pleasure of driving down to Eugene, Oregon on Sunday. It’s a 4 ½ hr drive ! ! ! On top of it, I had to listen to the Seahawks blow a massive second half lead. Wow, that was painful.

But on the drive back, I was able to listen to Air America. I’ve never had the opportunity since I don’t think there’s a station in the Seattle market, which is surprising since Seattle is such a liberal enclave. Well, I listened to the Randi Rhodes show for about an hour or so and came to the belief there is absolutely no differences between the wackos on the Left and Limbaugh wackos on the right!!!! There must have been 4 or 5 callers who said POTUS was mentally ill or psychotic. The shame is it truly was hard to tell which side I was listening to if I substituted Rush’s spin on Clinton v. Rhodes take on Bush.

I love listening to talk radio, but this was just sad. In the Seattle market, we are fortunate. In the AM drive post 9:00am we get Rush (boring), Tony Snow (new, yet good) and local Dave Ross (on sabbatical due to his run at House of Rep as a Dem). The noon time is Sean Hannity (too conservative), Michael Medvid ( not bad, but….) and my personal fav Dori Monson ( Libertarian, yet practical !!!).

And when all else fails there’s Sports Radio!!!

Saturday, October 09, 2004

NAQBA

I've seen the word Naqba in several posts recently. I was unfamiliar with so I Googled it and didn't come up with anything I could readily grasp. So I Yahooed it and came across something from Vancouver.indymedia.org that was wonderful!! I've often felt the biggest vilian in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict was not Israel but the Palestinian 'leaders'. I've also questioned the regional 'leader' in how they've treated the Palestinians. The Palestinians are kept in 'camp' to be used as pawns.

Palestine was not a vibrant country prior to the influx of Zionist. It was a sparsly populated outland of the Ottoman Empire. That's why it was so easy for the Zionist to BUY the land from so many poverty stricken 'Palestinians'.

Here's the article (go down a bit, all of it is interesting) which just re-inforced what I've read and heard. I've got to check out Mark Twain's writing now:

In 1867, Mark Twain visited the Holy Land and was dismayed at what he found, "a desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds -- a silent, mournful expanse. . . . A desolation is here that not even imagination can grace with the pomp of life and action. . . . We never saw a human being on the whole route. . . . There was hardly a tree or a shrub anywhere. Even the olive and the cactus, those fast friends of the worthless soil, had almost deserted the country." (From "The Innocents Abroad.")

The land to which Jews began to return in large numbers during the final two decades of the 19th century -- the land they transformed from desert to orange groves, cities and kibbutzim -- was largely empty, not the thriving "nation of Palestine," as the current myth has it. One thinks of this because today's news brings fresh reports of the pitiless persecution of the Palestinians -- not by Jews, but by their fellow Arabs -- which is the true story of Palestinian oppression. The Lebanese government, the New York Times reports, is considering revoking the citizenship it awarded to about 25,000 Palestinians in 1994, a move that will cost many of them their jobs, schools, homes and access to health care. "They are not welcomed," writes reporter Daniel J. Wakin, "by a government that declares its allegiance to the struggle for a Palestinian right to a homeland." Lebanon, like Israel's other Arab neighbors, refused to absorb Arab refugees in 1948, placing them in camps instead. (Israel, by contrast, absorbed and made citizens of the 500,000 Jews who fled Arab lands at the same time.) Twelve refugee camps remain housing most of the 400,000 Palestinians who live in Lebanon. Lebanese law declares them to be stateless, and as such, forbidden to own land outside the refugee camps. The camps are a disgrace -- far worse than anything in the Israeli-administered territories (and Israel surrendered the day-to-day running of civilian life to the Palestinian Authority after the Oslo Accords). "Waste water runs through a trough in the alleys," reports the Times. "Human waste is disposed of in pits beneath homes. Some of the alleys have grown so jumbled that waste-removal trucks cannot get through, and filled-up pits are becoming a problem . . .Residents say the Lebanese Army, which has a checkpoint at the camp's entrance, sometimes searches cars to make sure no unauthorized building materials enter, so the camp does not become more permanent."


Though the Palestinians are ethnically, culturally, religiously and linguistically indistinguishable from their neighbors in Lebanon, they are rejected and excluded from Lebanese society only to make a point about Lebanon's (read Syria's) total rejection of Israel's existence. Arab governments deny this and claim that the camps will be closed just as soon as the "right of return" is recognized. But they of course know that the "right of return" would mean that up to 4,500,000 Palestinians living all over the world would have the right to settle in Israel. Israel could never accept nearly 5,000,000 implacably hostile Arabs (Israel is already home to 1,000,000 Arab citizens who can vote and even serve in the Knesset). The Lebanese, or rather the Syrians, who invaded and control the country, certainly know that the Palestinians living in those camps will never "return" to Israel. So why keep them in such squalid conditions? As a breeding ground for terrorists, perhaps? Following the Gulf War in 1991, Kuwait simply clapped its hands and expelled up to 300,000 Palestinians. Why? Because Yasser Arafat had sided with Saddam Hussein in the war. The Palestinians had been integrated into Kuwaiti society, working at all kinds of jobs, from engineering to computer to menial work. Many had been born there. But the Kuwaiti royal family had no qualms about uprooting them. Ambassador Saud Nasir Sabah said, "They didn't represent a necessity to us." There was hardly a peep from the world community. Certainly there was no condemnation by the United Nations. There is very little sincere concern around the world for the "plight" of the Palestinians. If there were, their situation in Arab countries would draw more attention. As it is, Palestinians are only useful as a club with which to beat Israel. It is disgusting that the Arabs are willing to do this to their own cousins, and equally dismaying that world opinion endorses it.


I've lost most of my sympathy for the folks in the ME. They cling to the tribal beliefs and the will suffer the tribal beliefs. . .

Fortunately, this is hard for me to reconcile. At least it shows I'm closer to God than the Islamofascits who scream 'Allah Akbar' as they decapitate another.

Friday, October 08, 2004

Lack of Blogging

I'm sorry, but I've just lost the lust to blog in this political environment.

Even after watching the 2nd debate!! It was a better showing for the Pres, by far. Kerry was Kerry, what else can be said?

That being said, I was busy with the children and everything I came back to the TV, I couldn't ever tell what the question was because they were all over the board with their answers. Especially Kerry!!!! Right out of the box he touched on five issues with one question!

I'm about done . . . Here in Washington, we have the ability to vote early. I'm going to do so just so I can tune this shit out . . . I love politics, but how the MSM has begun to sound to me is almost Oligarichical. Make them stop!!!!

Friday, October 01, 2004

Yawn. . . Debate? But . . .

I'll give this 'debate' to Kerry. He was the better political speciman. In fact, I was embarrassed by Bush's lack of 'performance'. While he tried to stay 'on message', he sounded whiney. Kerry, on the other hand, looked like a Hollywood celeb and sounded like he would promise anybody anything. He sounded like he was begging for the job, while Bush was more like 'I'm doing the best I can, can't you see that?'

Taranto at OpinionJournal provides an excellent example of Kerry 'but...' speak:

John Kerry made some strong and sensible statements during the debate last night, but did you notice what the next word usually was? Here are some Kerry quotes:

"I'll never give a veto to any country over our security. But . . ."

"I believe in being strong and resolute and determined. And I will hunt down and kill the terrorists, wherever they are. But . . ."

"We have to be steadfast and resolved, and I am. And I will succeed for those troops, now that we're there. We have to succeed. We can't leave a failed Iraq. But . . ."

"I believe that we have to win this. The president and I have always agreed on that. And from the beginning, I did vote to give the authority, because I thought Saddam Hussein was a threat, and I did accept that intelligence. But . . ."

"I have nothing but respect for the British, Tony Blair, and for what they've been willing to do. But . . ."

"What I want to do is change the dynamics on the ground. And you have to do that by beginning to not back off of the Fallujahs and other places, and send the wrong message to the terrorists. You have to close the borders. You've got to show you're serious in that regard. But . . ."

"I couldn't agree more that the Iraqis want to be free and that they could be free. But . . ."

"No president, through all of American history, has ever ceded, and nor would I, the right to pre-empt in any way necessary to protect the United States of America. But . . ."

"I've never wavered in my life. I know exactly what we need to do in Iraq, and my position has been consistent: Saddam Hussein is a threat. He needed to be disarmed. We needed to go to the U.N. The president needed the authority to use force in order to be able to get him to do something, because he never did it without the threat of force. But . . ."

Maybe Kerry misunderstood when someone told him he needed to have the "qualifications" to be president. But it'd inspire a lot more confidence if he had followed any of these remarks with a "therefore" clause instead of a "but" one.


I was always taught when someone says 'but. . . ', it negates all they said previously. If this litmus test is applied, I have no idea what Kerry really stands for now.

(hat tip: LGF)




Tuesday, September 28, 2004

Things You’d Love to Say at Work, but Can’t

Ok, I lifted this straight from QandO, but it was just too good to pass up!!! Let's see, I like numbers 6, 10, 11, 14, 21, 22, 23, 28 and 37. Almost like a Chinese dinner! ! !

1. I can see your point, but I still think you’re full of sh*t.
2. I don’t know what your problem is, but I’ll bet it’s hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you’ve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I’m really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. I’ll try being nicer if you’ll try being smarter.
7. I’m out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message....
8. I don’t work here. I’m a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can’t understand a word you’re saying.
10. Ahhh... I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again....
11. I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust in strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don’t give a damn.
14. I’m already visualizing a duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We’re all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn’t mean you’re an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?
20. I’m not being rude. You’re just insignificant.
21. It’s a thankless job, but I’ve got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes. I’m an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. An your crybaby whiny-butt opinion would be...?
24. Do I look like a people person?
25. This isn’t an office. It’s Hell with florescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I’m trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this mob for what’s behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paychecks

The Man on the Street - Saudi Arabia Style

It's nice to see such tolerance in practice amongst the 'common' folk in Saudi Arabia. My favorite is this:
Interviewer: "Would you refuse to shake hands with a Jew?"
Respondent 4: "Of course, so I wouldn't have to consider amputating my hand afterwards."


I also like this one.

They are the filthiest people on the face of this earth because they care only about themselves - not the Christians, not the Muslims, nor any other religion.

Although for the life of me, I can't seem remember an example of the type of compassion implied, oh wait here it is and here, too. So much for compassion for pagans, eh?

(hat tip: Allah)

Setting up for a Fall

Seems like the Dems are already playing down the Pres debates!!! Josh Marshall is quoting the shrill Krugman on how the 90 min debate will not be the true measure of opionion but the post-debate debate!!
If 2000 was any indication -- and there's every reason to think it is -- the winner of the debate won't be determined during the 90 minute encounter itself but during the spin war that will follow it. And with the advantage the Republicans have on the cable nets, talk radio and chat TV shows, the odds are stacked in their favor.
(As Krugman alludes to, the initial public reactions to the first Bush/Gore debate had the then-veep coming out on top, if narrowly. It was only after several days of pundit churn that Bush became the winner. The Bush team won the post-debate debate.)

Nothing like lowering the expectations, eh? I thought the Rad Dems thought Bush was an idiot! It'll be tough to explain how their candiate got beat . . .

Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Iraqi Optimism

We continually hear of the 'doom and gloom' and 'downward spiral' that is Iraq from the MSM. It's refreshing to read that the people who are benefiting are grateful and encouraged:

"When I come here and watch TV, I think this is the end of Iraq. It's over," al-Suwaij said. In Iraq, however, she sees a country "taking baby steps" toward democracy. She says the economy is booming. Schools are improving. Women fill 25 percent of elected positions, a milestone not seen even in the United States.

"Yes, security is a problem and sometimes there is no electricity and no water," al-Suwaij said, "but at the end of the day when we put our head on the pillow, Saddam is gone and that alone brings us great satisfaction. That allows us hope."

I know the MSM spin this war for ratings, but there comes a time when an IED exploding loses it weight when it's never offset by schools and hospitals opening. How about telling us of the elections in 85% of Iraq where locals tasted freedom. Sunni and foreign fighters are driving the media and when we respond it's always how many women and children we killed in 'indiscriminate' violence.

Friday, September 17, 2004

UN Oil for Food Problems

Did any one else think it was odd for Kofi to come out in the BBC yesterday to say he felt the Iraq War is 'illegal'? There's a timing thing here. First, Bush is scheduled to speak before the UN on Tuesday. Nothing like seeding the water, eh? Second, a report has come out on the possible links btwn Al-Qaeda and the UN's Oil-for-Food program. There have always been known issues with this skimmin' machine. Kofi's son was set in place to help placate the French, Russians and Chinese. Let's see what transpires.

Five Years Wasted

Are we really to believe Mary Mapes spent five years working on the Bush National Guard issue? Once receiving the 'memos', she never thought to check with the one person who's name appeared IN the 'memo'???

What hacks . . .

Thursday, September 16, 2004

What Does He Mean? ? ?

Right Thinking Girl has an excellent title to an entry which I would have loved to rip off, but just couldn't convince myself to do. Kerry invents the Flip Flop Flip is wonderful. Read this from Imus and see if you can tell what he really means with all this blather:

IMUS: Do you think there are any circumstances we should have gone to war in Iraq, any?
KERRY: “Not under the current circumstances, no. There are none that I see. I voted based on weapons of mass destruction. The President distorted that, and I’ve said that. I mean, look, I can't be clearer. But I think it was the right vote based on what Saddam Hussein had done, and I think it was the right thing to do to hold him accountable. I've said a hundred times, there was a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. The president chose the wrong way. Can't be more direct than that.


Does this man stand for anything? I think not.

But Wait There's More . . .

Ok, so I lied. . .

One more thing, where in the Hell does Rather get his logic? I mean, the documents are acknowledged as false, yet Rather has the audacity to say it's the 'content' that's most important!

Mr Rather, you are a murderer. Oh, wait that's not true, but please tell us where's the body?

There was no story without the documents since this has been rehashed for 10 years and several elections.

Rather-gate

I'd love to contribute to the whirlwind surrounding the sinking of Rather and CBS, but I'd be guilty of 'jumping the shark'. I've followed it closely, but have been unable to blog real time. Therefore, I'd just be regurgiating the wonderful work that has been done to reveal how far Rather would go to discredit Bush.

I did watch 60 Minutes last night and just shook my head at how he led the secretary down the path. They never once mentioned the son and wife who vehemently disagreed.

Everyone has the right to make mistakes, but they are abusing that right.

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Slow Play

Sorry for not contributing lately, but I've been the family man. We did the Western Washington Fair yesterday, all day.

I've tried to keep up with Rathergate and am still aghast at the blatant partisanship on both sides. I'm more amazed at Rather's 'prove me wrong' journalism. This is such arrogance.

Friday, September 10, 2004

CBS's FUBAR - part deux

Ok, so I lied . . .

This has taken on such a tsunami, I just can't help myself:m Q and O

but wait, after I began this blog, Q and O had yet another piece: More discrepancies noted in CBS Story

I think I'll just sit back and observe this wacky-ness unfold.

CBS's FUBAR

Man, can you believe the fall out from Dan Rather's 60 Mins II biz on Bush's Texas Air National Guard (TANG). Talk about the blogsphere taking control and driving the topic. Powerline and LGF have taken this and ran with it. I've not permalinked their articles since they both have numerous entries. But they are convincing.

I've checked out both liberal and conservative sites and this has become such a major issue. The Left is saying "'nevermind the man behind the screen', trust us when we say he was AOL" while the Right is saying 'this issue has been vetted since 1992'.

I just don't care what either boy did 30 yrs ago. Although I do have an issue with Kerry playing the War Hero card when he thoroughly dissed ALL vets upon his return. My father-in-law (RIP) would have had a stroke after hearing Kerry's DNC speech. He did two tours and was in his third when he 'had' to return. He did 10 yrs as a Marine and then signed up for 10 yrs in the Army.

I enjoyed his company while he was alive. . . Hard living and bad genetics could not offset a keen mind.

Anyway, I digress. . .

Dan is screwed. . . All credibility is lost for CBS.

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Muslim Reaction

I took a while and some hunting, but there are finally some responses from the Arab community found in MEMRI:

An editorial in the Egyptian government daily Al-Ahram said: "The events in the city of Beslan are an ugly crime against humanity. It is impossible that those who carried out the operation had a [legitimate] problem or that they [acted out of] religious belief. This is a group of criminal murderers, and everyone responsible for this crime must be hunted down and brought to trial in an international court. The time has come for everyone to accept as a first principle the sanctity of life and [the obligation] to avoid harming civilians…"

This is pretty good:
Bater Wardam, a columnist for the Jordanian daily Al-Dustour, wrote: "It is always easy to flee to illusions and to place responsibility for the crimes of Arabic and Muslim terrorist organizations on the Mossad, the Zionists, and on American intelligence, but we all know that this is not the case and that those who murder innocent civilians in Iraq after having kidnapped them, those who turned civilian airplanes into destructive bombs, those who exploded trains crowded with innocent civilians and those who fired on children in a school in Ossetia – they came from our midst. They are Arabs and Muslims who pray, fast, grow beards, demand the wearing of veils, and call for the defense of Islamic causes. Therefore we all must raise our voices, disown them and oppose all of these crimes… Whoever remains silent when faced with the murder of children, he is an accomplice to the crime. Even worse, we are employing the same moral double standard regarding people's lives that the West uses."

But then let's blame the Russians:
Columnist Fawwaz Al-Ajami wrote in the Qatari daily Al-Sharq: "It is impossible to correct a mistake with another mistake and it is impossible to treat terrorism with terrorism. There are many ways and methods with which it would have been possible to save these innocent children's lives. The barbaric Russian storming of this school was no less ugly and no less terrorist than the terrorism of these child-abductors. In this way state terrorism becomes the equivalent of individual terrorism with the victim being innocent civilians…"

Oh, let's not forget the Jews:

In the Jordanian government daily Al-Dustour, columnist George Haddad wrote: "More than one Russian commentator and a number of journalists on the satellite channels pointed out that Russian intelligence had information concerning 'contributions' that some of the Chechen factions received from Jewish oligarchs from the fields of finance, communications, and oil… [These are] the owners of the corporations and billions which were stolen from the Russian people, that after Putin's rise to power and the establishment of his rule became wanted on charges of deceit, fraud, and tax evasion … "

The most important goal of the wanted Jewish gang was to distort Putin's [public] image and to present him as someone who is not in charge of the situation, [and who is incapable] of reining in the anarchy, and who is leading the country and its residents back to the days of repression, dictatorship, and state control."






Saturday, September 04, 2004


I was tempted to just link this, but I can't. It's just too powerful. These people are just plain evil.

Quote of the Day

Ok, here's a blatant form of plagiarism which is all too common in the `sphere, but it's worth it. So, a shout out to Michael Totten, who is a reasoned voice in the blog world, for this Quote of the Day by Natalie Solent:
The Jews are the canary, as always. Once it became acceptable to a broad section of Islam (and to Western apologists for terrorism) to select Jewish children as targets it was only a matter of time before non-Jewish children would also be selected. Children are the most convenient terrorist target as they are physically easy to control or kill, and because people will concede more to save them. The only thing that stops a Beslan happening every week is the shreds of morality that remain even in the minds of terrorists. Once the taboo was breached for Israeli victims it was breached for everyone.

I couldn't agree more. Once again, the human nature of bullying the weak raises it ugly head. I've read the history of Israel from it formation to its current plight. And while Israel has not always maintained the utmost in civility, i.e. the Irgun, there is no moral equivalence in what is played upon them.

Good and Evil

I've been waiting for the outrage from the Islamic world over the massacre of children in Beslan, Russia. How naive can I be?

I checked the Al-Jazeera site, but they quickly removed any reference to the atrocity. They've linked the pictures for the curious, but otherwise there's only an article on Putin vowing reforms.

Silence on Al Bawaba, while Ummah News has something on Chechnya, it's about a bus blowing up.

I even checked the propaganda site, Jihad Unspun. They say nothing . . . Are you surprised?

I was already pretty unsympathetic to the Palestinian plight since the true oppressors are their leaders. But the actions in Beslan has washed away, in blood, any remaining sympathy with anything concerning Islam. They have turned the corner.

I don't want to hear any bullshit about how a religion of Peace was hijacked by a few nut-jobs. "Mainstream" Muslims have had several years to rise up and take back their religion. They have chosen to remain silent. This universal silence implies agreement. What else can one infer? The American Muslims are even holding their national meeting this week-end and while they talk about gaining political influence in America, they are silent in their condemnation of the Islamofascists. There's even this little nugget which I read as 'poor, poor us':

"We are proud that in this society, in spite of the fact there were tremendous provocations ... the dominant spirit has been the spirit of understanding," said Syeed.

As I said, what is one to infer?

If they are scared, then their faith is false. How can they remotely believe their g_d would allow this to happen in the name of Islam?

I know the West apologists say Christians have an example of such evil with the Northern Ireland 'troubles'. I also know that all clergy, except those participating in such evil, loudly condemned the actions of BOTH sides.

What other Christian ethnic violence has been instigated by Christians. I know of the Serbian outrages, but what else? The violence in Nigeria, Sudan, Indonesia and the Philippines have all been started by Islamists. Am I wrong?

Ralph Peters of the NY Post has an excellent article on what has recently happened.

THE mass murder of children revolts the human psyche. Herod sending his henchmen to massacre the infants of Bethlehem haunts the Gospels. Nothing in our time was crueler than what the Germans did to children during the Holocaust. Slaughtering the innocents violates a universal human taboo.

Or a nearly universal one. Those Muslims who preach Jihad against the West decided years ago that killing Jewish or Christian children is not only acceptable, but pleasing to their god when done by "martyrs."

And this:

If Muslim religious leaders around the world will not publicly condemn the taking of children as hostages and their subsequent slaughter, if those "men of faith" will not issue a condemnation without reservations or caveats, then no one need pretend any longer that all religions are equally sound and moral.

I was once a man of tolerance and moral equivalence. After all, who was I to judge others? Well, that's all changed. These folks are just plain evil and deserve no quarter and no pity.

Guilty by Association

Well, like Michael King, I ,too, (too many commas ? ? ? Never can tell) had never heard of The London News Review before their article on Zell Miller. Looks like it is a satirical site akin to The Onion.

So, I'm guilty by association of being duped. It would have been more obvious if it was not so close to what the Left has been saying about Zell's speech. Such is life.

Friday, September 03, 2004





Sorry but I had to delete this awful photo since the title was Russian Girls... and it was picked up by the spiders for sex...

Russian Tragedy

I just can't express the outrage I've felt over this tragedy. This was an absolutely no win situation. The Islamofacists were not going to settle for their 'terms'. It was a ruse.

The amazing site of Logic & Sanity has kept a finger on entire event. Stan and Olka have kept a running translation of the Russian media. Stan translated a hostage's encounter.

It seems to be agreed by most that the Russian Special Forces did not storm the school until the bastards began shooting some of the children in the back. Apparently there was an agreement for an ambulance to drive up and pick up about 20 corpses already victims of this slaughter. Once the ambulance drove up, several bombs were detonated. This caused a chaotic scene in which hundreds of hostages ran from the school.

But wait. . . Once this began, the Islamofacists began gunning down the fleeing captives, shooting the children in the back.

******

Here are quotes from the Islamic world:

Lebanese President Emile Lahud in a cable to Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the "tragic events".

"Lebanon denounces all forms of terror, especially that which threatens the lives of children and innocents," Lahud
said.


And this:

Kuwait's Prime Minister Sabah al-Ahmad Al Sabah expressed his "great regret for the victims of this terrorist operation," which he said "goes against all human values and threatens the lives of innocent civilians".

And:

In Amman, government spokeswoman Asma Khader said Jordan "condemns such acts, especially the kidnapping of civilians and to scare them in such a heinous way, even more, when most are children".

"Any cause cannot be achieved by such criminal means."

But the best is the last:

Joining the chorus of condemnation was Iran, which described the siege as "grossly inhuman".


The hypocrisy is stunning . . . Hezbollah, Hamas and the Islamofacists in Iraq must be going through a crisis of conscious right now.

**********

Above are some photos from the Russian Media.

Thursday, September 02, 2004

Zell to 'Burn in Hell'

A huge shout out to Michael King for his entry on the London News Review's bash of Zell Miller's speeh.

If there is a hell, and most likely Zell Miller believes in such a thing, then Democratic Senator Zell Miller is going to burn in it. Spin hotly on a giant griddle. For something close to eternity.

Oh yes, siree. He is going to burn in hell.

And the chances of hell existing have just skyrocketed, because if God exists then he's no kind of God unless he quickly fashions a hell for Democrat Senator Zell Miller to burn in. And even if the universe exists without a God, as many would contend, it is far from beyond the inarticulate power of this vast mass of galaxies, nebulae and planets to create - within itself - a dark and steaming corner where Mr. Zell Miller can dwell, for eternity, in unspeakable pain. We can call it hell or we can call it Georgia. Just so long as Senator Zell Miller suffers in it.

So - yes - Senator Zell Miller is a very bad person.


What crap!

If George Bush Jnr
wins this election it will be because the great American public applauds him for
being staunch and unthinking - and if that's the case, well, we might as well
all take off our clothes and wade out into the ocean and start gulping down the
brine.

Well, hope the water's warm. . .

Wednesday, September 01, 2004

Russia's Hell

If the Islamofacists follow through with their abomination, they will reap the hell they deserve. As a student of Russia from years past, I can guarantee you the wrath the Chechen's felt before will be nothing like what will fall upon them if they follow through with the slaughter . . .

Does anyone really think they are going to surrender if their demands are met? There will be no good end to this sad situation. . .

Zell Bitch-Slaps Chris Matthews

Wow!!! Zell Miller just Bitch-Slapped the HELL out of Chris Matthews! ! ! He refused to be brow beaten by the loud mouth, even to the point of wishing he could challenge Matthews to a duel.

Update: here's the MSNBC's site, go down the right side and check it out

Monday, August 30, 2004

RNC

Wow, I just watched both John and Rudy speak at the convention. Now, I'll admit I was leaning more towards Bush than Kerry. But I haven't voted for a Repub or a Demo in, I don't know, about EVER! ! !

But McCain's speech, the Three Ladies of 9/11 and Rudy's speech all floored me. . .

McCain's was subdued to me, yet still powerful. . . loved the line - 'disingenuous film maker' . .
.

One of the wives who lost her husband and who's son is going off to Iraq . . .

Rudy's quip about Edward's 'two Americas' for Kerry to have 'one to vote for something and another to vote against' . . .

I watched every day of the DNC and was not this moved. I enjoyed some of the speeches. Bill is always an excellent orator as Obama was refreshing. But for the most part it was just vapid.

So, after just ONE day of the RNC, I'm hooked. I may not believe in a lot of the Repubs party line, but I for damn sure believe in their resolve for the fight on Islamofascists.

Friday, August 27, 2004

Israel's First Gold -Rejoice

I know I blogged on this earlier, but I can't help but rejoice further. The unabashed joy of a nation is such a wonder. I still wish I would have been able to hear/see the anthem.

Fridman talked of a Turkish friend he called "my Muslim brother," a friend who in turn called Fridman "my Jewish brother." The windsurfer whose first name means "wave" in Hebrew couldn't understand the decision by Iran's world judo champ, Arash Miresmaeili, to refuse to compete against Israel's Ehud Vaks. Fridman couldn't understand how Iranian president Mohammad Khatami could say Mesmaeili's forfeit should go down "in the history of Iranian glories."

"Only (Miresmaeili) is losing," Fridman said.


The first Olympics I remember as a youth was the horrific ones of Munich. I couldn't understand as one so young why this happened.

Moshe Weinberg was an Israeli wrestling coach. He was 33 years old and had just been married. On Sept. 5, 1972, at the Munich Olympics, terrorists from a group called “Black September” knocked on his door. He shouted for others to run and was shot in the cheek. A few moments later, he jumped on the back of a terrorist who was shooting at wrestler Gad Tsabari. Weinberg was then shot and killed. His body was dumped out on the sidewalk as proof that Black September meant business.

Who said the victors write history?

Thursday, August 26, 2004

Journalism at It's Finest - Well Maybe Not

After reading the NY Times hachet job on the SwiftVets . . . Must. . . Not . . . Write . . .

Ok, I'm better.

No, wait. . . where was the Old Gray Lady when Moveon.org was calling Bush Hitler? ? ? Oh, that's right. . . that is considered 'free speech' . . . funny, eh?

This political season has shown just how pitiful journalism has become. Just check out this excellent piece of journalism by Lewis Lapham who reviews the Republican convention for the October release of Harper's!!!

This is more like something Maureen Dowd would come up with

Israel's First Gold

I missed the Canadian broadcast of Israel's first Gold Medal. I would have loved to hear their National Anthem especially after the shame of Iranian's Judo pseudo-champion being too afraid of losing face.

Pain

Must . . . not . . . blog . . . on . . . Hypocrisy . . . of . . . both . . . parties. . . oh, the pain . . .

Monday, August 23, 2004

Blogging

I'm sorry for not blogging lately, but as a political junkie this is getting to be much too much for me. I'm now officially tired of the bullshit.

I don't give a rat's ass about Kerry's swift boat time. He did it and should be proud. I may not care for his politics, but I can't ( and won't) argue this point. The only question I have with his Vietnam service is the BS about Cambodia. Too many people have contested it, yet it's getting the min. amount of play. Christmas in Cambodia, records? Nah, but who's looking.

I'm just tired of the talking heads on both sides . . . Everyone is doing the "yeah, but what about. . . ." Once again, no one answers the question poised. Just deflect, deflect, deflect because we're all just sheep to them . . .

G_d help us all . . .

Thursday, August 19, 2004

Michelle Hardballed

Whoa, I just witnessed Chris Mathews just roll over Michelle Malkin and it was not pretty. In fact, it was plain rude. It was what the LLL describe of Bill O'Reilly, only worse!

I'll grant Bill sometimes goes over the top to either make his point or ensure an answer from a guest. I will also grant Chris is an excellent watch. He is not CNN. . . He ususally is quite good.

But make no mistake, he has an agenda. And man, did it raise it's ugly face tonight . . .

I am not a Kerry basher. I may point out the discrepancies, but I do not dismiss without merit. What I saw from Chris was an unabashed defense of Kerry's record w/o any room for decent.

And where was the Cambodia shit?? Didn't see it. . . .

Monday, August 16, 2004

Kick Iran out of the Olympics

There is absolutely no place in the Olympics for the bigotry exhibited by the Iranian Judo champion. If he doesn't want to compete against someone from Israel, then go home. But when Iran backs him up, then they should all go! ! !

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

The Kerry Drama

I haven't paid much attention to this "Cambodian" issue with J. Kerry. I figured it's much ado about nothing. His service is an excellent feather in his cap. All this squabbling just bored me.

I'm more concerned with his tenure in the Senate and with his plan for the Islamofacists. Both of these will cause me to question his qualifications. Granted, when one is in either arm of the legislature, one must compromise. Wasn't there an old "school house rock" song on that? Or was that just "I'm a Bill"? Anyway, the patterns are discernible and J. Kerry's is just a wee bit too far to the left for my taste.

Back to this "Cambodian" thing. . . The problem now with me is not that he embellished, well . . . It does bother me. But as one of Instapundit's contributors put it:

WHAT IF... Porter Goss had lied about going into Cambodia during the Vietnam War repeatedly, over a few decades, in different media, and on the floor of the House?
Would we want him as DCI? Would he get confirmed? NO WAY!

We should not hold Kerry - who is running for CIC - to a lower standard?


That pretty much says it, doesn't it?

I'm in no way a Clinton basher. I think he did a pretty good job. There were somethings I liked and some I didn't. But ya know what? That's life!! I was more against Reagan during his reign than I was against Clinton. However, I do think he truly lowered the bar of the POTUS office. And here's his legacy . . . Will we now accept someone who doesn't tell the truth as the most power leader in the world. And don't tell me Bush lied to take us to war with Iraq when every nation and intel group all said Saddam had WMDs.

Here's another reader's excellent observations:

Reader John Frederick observes:
It's interesting to note that when the Bush was AWOL/deserter/liar story was in full play a few months back, the press went so far as to interview a dentist that had signed an exam record to question whether his signature had been forged. I guess the point was to try and establish that the record was altered to help Bush. Now we have the Swift Vets' charges and the press can't even be bothered to look critically at what they say actually happened. And there's 250+ of them! I've always felt there is media bias but even I am astonished by the utter lack of analysis of anything Kerry has ever done in Vietnam or public life.


Tuesday, August 10, 2004

Michelle's Internment

Having been born and raised on the West Coast (with a major stop in Texas), I have a certain affinity towards a couple of people. I think I've touched on both of these but for the life of me I couldn't find my references. So, let's start anew. . .

My first awareness of true evil came when I was about 8 yrs old. My single mother befriended a young dentist who was a first generation Armenian. While sitting in his dental office for many hours (my family has REAL soft teeth, not gums just teeth), I came to befriend many folk from his extended family. At one time there were almost as many Armenians in SoCal, than in Armenia proper. These old ladies would sit and spend time with this young lad. I came to hear their story and it was frightening. . .

Later in life, my step-father employed a fellow who was Issei, first generation Japanese. Once again, I spent many quality hours with Imai-san. He is a wonderful man and thoughful man. I came to learn his story which was related first hand. For anyone in SoCal who takes a moment to listen, they can hear the stories. Imai-san's was not the only one retold to me. Everytime it never failed to affect me. . .

Now, living in the Puget Sound, the stories are just as forceful. I live and work in areas where the Nisei (second generation) and Sansei (third generation) lost EVERYTHING. Families who farmed the Puyallup and Kent valleys for generations where forced from their homes with no compensation. Upon returned, their property was confiscated for back taxes . . . rich, eh? You are sent to camps, but the locals say "Sorry, you didn't pay property taxes. So, we'll sell your farm land to compensate us?"

So, that bring us to today . . .Michelle Malkin's latest book has an excerpt that, related to today's environment, caused me to truly pause in my daily life. How does our life today equate to the environment currently surrounding us? ? ? Even after 9/11, I never really heard the call to 'round up the Muslims', so I don't take the implied title of Ms. Malkin's book, In Defense of Internment: The Case for Racial Profiling in World War II and the War on Terror, to heart. I just can't after hearing the stories of both Amenians and Japanese. However, her documentation tries to validate the actions of the Roosevelt administration. It is one event . . . compare this to the thousands of American citizens placed in camps just for race/ethnicity! ! !

I may agree with some of Michelle's opinions on illegal aliens; I just can't fathom what we did to Americans during WWII, while even entertaining the possibilities of doing this to Muslims. I may not be satisfied with the support of Moderate Muslims, but I can not condone locking up one ethnic/religious group out of fear. . . I'd rather kick some pre-emptive ass than lock up families and confiscate property.

Saturday, August 07, 2004


How cruel am I to post this? What can I say, I want to document this. . . She's a dancin' machine! ! ! They used to laugh at me when I danced with my arms above my head, but i guess it's OK with a groovy chick!!

Friday, August 06, 2004


Our newest addition, Shadow

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Your Husband is the Blood of a Dog

This is supposedly from a wife of an Islamofacsit killed in Saudi Arabia:

'The Blood of Your Husband is the Blood of a Dog because He is an Idolatrous Infidel'


"I have heard that you appeared on television feigning innocence and wondering haughtily what was your husband's sin and what was his crime. I believe you are not ignorant of the fact that he was one of the greatest criminals indeed, although he is not considered that according to your standards, you infidels. For you call the criminal innocent and the innocent one, defending his rights – criminal. "
and this:


"I don't know whether you know that we hate you, infidels, and we loathe you to the bone. How could we not, while you are given preference over us even in our own country? For a long time did one of our airplanes hover to search for your husband while he was held hostage? There was much talk – even by people who pretend to be Muslim clerics – about negotiating with the Mujahideen, in order to persuade them to set your husband free. But my husband, they prevented us from praying over him, even after his death, and they did not give us his pure body [for burial]. We rely only on Allah to [punish] those who wronged us for the purpose of pleasing your husband and his likes. None has uttered a word about my husband even though everybody knew my husband and attested to his righteousness. That was because of fear of their goddess, America. "

I'm sorry, but when these folks are willingly to slit throats to make a point, they lose all credibility.

New Addition to the Family

I'm sincerely sorry to the handful of you who graciouly peruse my humble site for not diligently blogging , but we have a new addition to the MacBoar household and have been consumed with him. . .

I'd like to announce the addition of Shadow; a black lab with a touch of German Shepard! ! ! He's 10 weeks old and just a love.

For the last 10 months to a year, Mamma-san and her humble eunuch have promised the brood their first puppy. True to our word, we procrastinated as long as possible; yet also true to our word, we also came through.

So, once again I find myself up at 3:oo or 4:00am. This time it's to take Shadow out for potty training. So far so good. I've had no 'accidents', but the Wife has two on her watch. . . but who's counting, eh? snarf. . .

Now comes the life lessons all parents come to grips with throughout the Parenting experience. . . The Children are not as enamored with Shadow now that he's a member of our humble household! Oh, don't get me wrong, they'll play with him . . . for about ten minutes. It says a lot about our Children when they get more enjoyment from a Gameboy or the like, than rompin' around the yard with someone who give such unconditional love . . .

Well, the Wife and I are now the owners of such a wonderful love machine. We are the ones who romp back to our childhood days, while our own look on with a jaded eye.

Such irony . . .

Friday, July 30, 2004

Kerry's Chance

Ok, I was impressed with Kerry's speech last night. It's the best one I've seen him give. The montage preceding was even better. I almost was ready to go out and stump for him . . . alright, that's pushing it. In fact, even though I liked the speech, I still had many more questions than he had answers.

Even though N. Korea is the brooding malcontent in the corner, it's in the corner. It's market of munitions has shrunk do to the high security around the world.

So, what's Warrior John going to do about Iran? Since he "will not lead us into a war of choice not only into a war on necessity" (paraphrased), at what point will Iran's acknowledged nuclear enrichment (weapons) program be addressed. Some Dems still hang on to the old argument "why attack Iraq when N. Korea is a more imminent threat?". Well, look at where N. Korea is geographically and geopolitically. Even though they were/are able to export some fissile material, they've been treated the same way during the Clinton and Bush admins.

Now, look at Iran. . . They are located smack-dab in the middle of a volatile region. The biggest threat is the brand of Islam the mullas are enforcing. The Shia brand is highly anti-idolatarian. Just check out what the Shia's have done to the Buddhas in Afghanistan and to sacred sites in Mecca. If the fanatics have nuclear WMDs, they would barely hesitate to nuke Jerusalem.

Do we wait on Israel to act? At what point will Kerry feel is time to act? Is it before or after the mullas have aquired nukes?

John Kerry, it's your call . . .

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Dems Convention

I was watching the Demo Convention like the geek I am. I bounce back and forth between MSNBC and FNC. Tim Russert brought up an excellent observation. The Dems will be parading the hardcore liberal faces before the masses (Kennedy, Dean, Sharpton, Carter), while the Repubs are expected to show off their more 'human' persona (pro choicer Arnie, Rudy, Paki, Bloomberg).

What do you make of that?

Hummm, let's see. . . The Dems want/need to energize the liberal base, while the Repubs want/need embrace the fiscal conservatives/social moderates.

Wow, ain't I insightful . . .

I did like Obama. He'll be an up and comer. However, Bill still rocks! Whatever your political persuasion, ya gotta give it to him. He's in Ronnie's realm. Granted, some of his facts were dubious, but who cares when you've got goose-bumps? Only afterwards do you start to question what he was saying.

Ms. H-K? Who decided to give her the prime spot after Obama? I'd lay odds it was Ms. H-K herself . . . but man, that really sucked. Since I surround myself with strong-willed, intelligent women, I just never knew how oppressed women really were. I'm sorry, but I've heard their voices all my live. Oh, and don't tell the Afghan women that we haven't done anything to help them . . .

Let's see what Edwards says. Let's see him electrify the crowd!! He's good.

 
More later . . .

Saturday, July 24, 2004

Birthday Girl



Man, do I have something to worry about in about seven years! ! !

My Princess turned 6 today and the Wife just called some friends to make reservations at a Filipino Convent School . . .

I blame my mother! ! ! They are cut from the same cloth; in fact, those are the Matriarch's boots!!!

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Tuesday's Choices

Sick, but I love it. Here's Tuesday's Choices . . .

Would you rather:

1. Run a mile with a cracked shinbone OR do 50 situps with a cracked tailbone?
Well, since I cracked my tailbone EXACTLY 14 years, 265 days, 5 hrs and 16 mins ago (but who's counting . . .)  while bareback riding, I think I'll run a mile thank you! ! !

2. Be stuck beside somebody with horrible body odor on a crowded subway car for 10 stops OR against someone with an obvious erection on a long elevator ride?
I've been stuck with the BO so bad you'd confuse them for a skunk, but it's passable. The boner would probably cause me to get one too. Now that would be embarrassing. BO please!!!

3. Feed your children by regurgitation OR have to lick them to bathe them?
As dirty as my two get? Please!! Open wide kiddies, daddy's home!!!

4. While still living, get a glimpse of heaven OR hell?
Since I don't believe in hell and just being in the presence of my wife and children is heaven, let say hell. Then I'd know if I was wrong and change my wicked, evil ways PDQ! ! !